Set the Stars Alight is Amanda Dykes‘s second novel. After reading her first, Whose Waves These Are, especially since it was one of my favorite reads of 2019, I couldn’t wait to read this one. And it did not disappoint!
Light
Make it Monday | Santa Lucia
Activity, Bible, Chronic Illness, Culture, Foods, Gender, General, Holidays, Make it Monday, Personal Thoughts, Recipes, Seasons, Self-careWhenever I say, ‘Santa Lucia,’ I can’t help picturing – and, frankly, hearing – Don Knots attempting to sing the traditional Italian song as Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show. So many other, better singers have recorded it, but for some reason, Knots’ is the version that sticks in my head.
However, that was not my first interaction with the celebration known as the Feast Day of St. Lucy. I first learned about the primarily Swedish holiday from Kristen’s Surprise, one of the books in Kristen’s American Girl series. Being part Swede and part Italian myself, Santa Lucia Day has become a holiday that fascinates me.
The Light of Christmas
Bible, Culture, Family, God's Character, Holidays, Personal Thoughts, Writing SpotChristmas, that most wonderful time of the year. It can be also be challenging: winter storms muddle travel, parties over-fill our calendar, family can have its own dynamics. Nevertheless, it has always been my favorite holiday.
Christmastime
Holidays, Personal ThoughtsChristmas is my favorite time of year. It is a time of light and warmth and family. For some, it is a challenging time of year, whether because of the loss of loved ones or because they are unable to make it home for the holidays. Perhaps this depth of realization of the things that really matter in life is what makes me love this holiday even more.