One of my favorite spots in all of England is a little stone cottage in the “Lake District” that was once owned by Beatrix Potter. It’s a charming 300 year old cottage, with attached barn, slate roof, and low beamed ceilings that require a reverent nod of the head as … Continue Reading
In certain American Indian cultures, a young girl was given was given a simple test when her elders felt she might be ready to take her place in adult society. She was given a basket and instructed to pick the best ears of corn in a given row. There was … Continue Reading
Advent is a joyful season, not a penitential one. In the immediate past, Advent did have a certain penitential flavor about it. That emphasis surfaced in the last century when the second coming of Christ was usually described in terms of a severe judgment. The idea being that the best … Continue Reading
In the 18th century, books were rare and valuable. Most families owned only a Bible, and perhaps two or three other books, and even wealthy gentry might have no more than a few dozen. Today we have the wisdom of the ages at our finger tips, with … Continue Reading
