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Sweet Remembrances

12/9/2020

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The last time I  saw  Susan she was  three  years  old. 

She lived in my hometown and was Julia,  my  best friend’s, little sister. I was thirteen  years old when my  dad died and we left the town where he taught at the  local college. Mother  got a  job out of state and I lost touch  with both sisters. Years  later, Julia and I reconnected, followed  by my reconnecting  with Susan. We became Facebook friends and were in touch almost daily.  Her creativity, compassion for others, and  energy, were a breath  of fresh air. 
On October 9 this year, Susan passed unexpectedly. When I  saw  her  daughter’s  post on Facebook, announcing her Mom’s death, I  was heart sick. Even now, thinking  of it gives me  a lump  in my throat. 
A few days ago, I found  the Christmas card  Susan sent me last year.  
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This is so much more  than  a Christmas card to  me. It is a reminder to take the time to let  people know  how you  feel. Susan’s card will inspire me to send physical  reminders to  let others know  they  matter to me, and why.
Years ago,  I  read  that sincere compliments are so rare, we remember them  for a lifetime. At my age, a physical  reminder is helpful. In the age of everything quick,  reactionary  and electronic, a personal note is especially treasured. This year may be the perfect time to send a hand written note to  loved ones to  let them know you  care.  
Stay safe and share your love and light. No day is  promised. 
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Creating Collages

12/7/2020

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Sage - Sold
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Saffron - Sold
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Pears

12/5/2020

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The pear is rich with symbolism. In China, it is thought to represent immortality. Biblical references include the promise of salvation and an eternal life. Another context is the Virgin with child. The shape of this herb of Venus is associated with the female form, suggesting fertility and femininity. 
Other associations are good health, abundance, longevity, happiness and comfort. I wish my Facebook friends all of these.
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Sold
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A Happy Customer!

12/5/2020

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From a Facebook post - 
"What is on my mind? This beautiful tile I just received from Mikell Worley's collection. Thank you,
Mikell Worley! It is exquisite! 
Alice
And in response to a comment on the post -
"The layers of material she uses are not as visible in the picture as they are on the tile. They are certainly not as apparent on any print as they are on her original. But, the end result is still so full of dimension, sophistication and a sort of whimsical attachment to what is real. I love it!"
​alice
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St. Barbara's Day

12/4/2020

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The Feast of Saint Barbara

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December 4th is the day we honor St. Barbara. Barbara was born in Nikomedia, now Turkey, in the third century. She was the daughter of Dioscuros, a very wealthy pagan who imprisoned her in a tower to keep her isolated and protected from the evils of the world. 

She secretly became a Christian, baptized by a priest disguised as a physician. The tower had only two windows, but while her father was away on a journey, she had a third window added to represent the Holy Trinity. 

When Dioscuros returned, he asked her about the third window and she told him that she had become a Christian and would no longer practice pagan rituals. The authorities ordered her execution. She escaped from the tower but was caught, tortured and then killed by her own father. Her father was immediately struck to death by lightning.

Barbara protects against fire, storms, lightning, sudden death and is the patron saint of stone masons, firemen, artillerymen, and those working with fireworks.
 



Herbs Associated with Saint Barbara's Day

Cherry

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Barbara kept cherry branches in the tower and on the day she died, they burst into bloom. December 4th is the day to bring a cherry branch inside and begin the process of forcing the blooms.

Maria von Trapp of the Trapp Family Singers from the Sound of Music wrote in "Around the Year with the Trapp Family" (Pantheon Books, 1955) that the Austrian legend states that if a person's branch blossoms on Christmas Day, he or she will be married in the following year.



Wheat and Roses

Wheat and roses are both beautiful additions to the Feast of Saint Barbara for decorations and for your meal. Freshly baked bread with rose petal jelly is sublime!
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Wheat and roses are also associated with St. Barbara. 

"Barbara, the Saint, was elected of God,
She gave her bread to the poor,
Her miserly father rebuked her
And threatened her with his sword.
When he caught her with bread in her lap
She cried unto God in her fear,
God turned the sword in his hand
Into a crochet needle.
When here father demanded to see
What she concealed in her lap,
She cried unto God for help
And the bread in her lap turned to roses."

~ Translation from The Syrian
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Half of Eight is Zero

12/4/2020

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One of my most powerful lessons on creative thinking was my aha! when I realized that half of eight was O!

I was in an arithmetic class in elementary school and as I looked at the number 8, I realized that "half of eight equals 4" wasn't the only right answer! This discovery thrilled me and I immediately raised my hand to share this with my teacher and the rest of the class. The teacher was neither impressed nor pleased. She was visibly annoyed.

By the time I got home, my dad, a calculus professor at an engineering school, had received a call. He sat me down at the dining room table to have a conversation. His face was expressionless (my dad had made a considerable amount of money in the Korean War playing Black Jack and unlike me, had an enviable poker face).

He told me that my teacher had called and given her perspective, quite negative, on my discovery, and he asked me to explain mine. 

"Well, I just realized that half of eight can be zero," I said quietly, my head down. 

"Can you prove it?" he asked, and I saw a grin cross his face. He knew I could!

So I drew an eight, and covered the top. 0!

My dad was not angry. He was pleased! And as I looked at the 8 I realize it could be an E or a 3! And if I turned it on its side, it could be an m or a w! 

It was then that I realized being creative in school might not be well received. Over the years, many teachers wanted me to memorize and regurgitate. Thankfully my dad, a Calculus professor, wanted me to think.

My life would have been very different if he has scolded or reprimanded me as my teacher had. I have often wondered over the years as I've worked with young people, how many times their creative ideas and potential contributions have been squelched. Seeing things in new and different ways adds such joy to life. 


Just this morning my daughter Mycala came up with an idea that i could see changing everything in her life, and have a humorous and joyful impact on others!  I've been smiling since and thinking of how blessed I was to have support in my life for looking for more than one right answer!
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Crab Apples and Rowan Leaves

12/3/2020

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    "My mission is 
    to help others see and cherish the beauty, 
    romance and treasures within and around them 
    that are often dismissed or completely overlooked."
    



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    Mikell is a writer, artist and professional treasure hunter, finding the greatest treasures in the wonderful people who enter her life!

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