Eva Pasco's Blog, page 20
February 16, 2022
Eva’s Byte #355 – A Grain of Salt
From my perspective, skepticism, or taking things with a grain of salt, is a necessary self-defense mechanism to ward one against the myriad forms of evil.
Fortunate to live in an apartment complex with good neighbors, one whom I converse with on occasion, informed me that a resident on the first floor had passed away. Not having seen nor heard from the gal for a few weeks prior to the news flash, I thought it was due to the new ordinance banning smoking on the grounds.
I simply couldn’t accept the death knell for this gregarious individual. During my morning and evening walks in the courtyard, I still expected her to pop up in my line of vision.
A few more weeks had passed. During Saturday’s unprecedented warm day in February at 63 degrees, I approached my office window to open it. What to my wondering eyes should appear walking along the path? The hitherto dearly departed—missing in action, but not gone—as in crossed over. Living proof! A vision of loveliness made my day.
While I take many things with a grain of salt, the report of someone’s death hadn’t been one of them.
In my capacity of a writer who strives for realism, it is imperative for readers to “believe” the machinations of my story as it unfolds. Therefore, my harsh inner critic sets the bar high. At this point in time, I finished drafting Chapter 7 (1228 words) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us fortify ourselves with a grain of skepticism in the face of doubt.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Fortunate to live in an apartment complex with good neighbors, one whom I converse with on occasion, informed me that a resident on the first floor had passed away. Not having seen nor heard from the gal for a few weeks prior to the news flash, I thought it was due to the new ordinance banning smoking on the grounds.
I simply couldn’t accept the death knell for this gregarious individual. During my morning and evening walks in the courtyard, I still expected her to pop up in my line of vision.
A few more weeks had passed. During Saturday’s unprecedented warm day in February at 63 degrees, I approached my office window to open it. What to my wondering eyes should appear walking along the path? The hitherto dearly departed—missing in action, but not gone—as in crossed over. Living proof! A vision of loveliness made my day.
While I take many things with a grain of salt, the report of someone’s death hadn’t been one of them.
In my capacity of a writer who strives for realism, it is imperative for readers to “believe” the machinations of my story as it unfolds. Therefore, my harsh inner critic sets the bar high. At this point in time, I finished drafting Chapter 7 (1228 words) of my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us fortify ourselves with a grain of skepticism in the face of doubt.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
February 9, 2022
Eva’s Byte #354 – Olympian Feats
I’ll preface this blog by stating I have much respect and admiration for all of the athletes participating in the XXIV Winter Olympic Games a.k.a. “Beijing 2022”. For sure, an honorable undertaking which encompasses pressure, anxiety, self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and rigorous training.
When you come right down to it, most ordinary/extraordinary people are unsung heroes who perform Olympian feats on a daily basis:
On your mark, get set, go!
How many of us hit the ground running as soon as our feet touch the floor in the morning? Whatever our responsibilities or daily goals might be, we’re more than likely multi-tasking for hours on end. A juggling act at that!
Then, when life hurls lemons at us, it’s a balancing act to stay upright treading on thin ice.
Finding the time and mental fortitude to engage in one’s self-gratifying, creative endeavors often becomes a feat in itself.
At the pace of a turtle slog, my Contemporary work in progress has advanced from the Prologue to Chapter 7 where I’m entrenched. The daily grind of finding the right words to set the scene is a challenge. The accomplishment for meeting my own stringent requirements—an Olympian feat.
*May each of us celebrate the victory of each unheralded feat.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
When you come right down to it, most ordinary/extraordinary people are unsung heroes who perform Olympian feats on a daily basis:
On your mark, get set, go!
How many of us hit the ground running as soon as our feet touch the floor in the morning? Whatever our responsibilities or daily goals might be, we’re more than likely multi-tasking for hours on end. A juggling act at that!
Then, when life hurls lemons at us, it’s a balancing act to stay upright treading on thin ice.
Finding the time and mental fortitude to engage in one’s self-gratifying, creative endeavors often becomes a feat in itself.
At the pace of a turtle slog, my Contemporary work in progress has advanced from the Prologue to Chapter 7 where I’m entrenched. The daily grind of finding the right words to set the scene is a challenge. The accomplishment for meeting my own stringent requirements—an Olympian feat.
*May each of us celebrate the victory of each unheralded feat.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
February 2, 2022
Eva’s Byte #353 – A Sigh of Relief!
I’m one of nearly 11 million along the East Coast who battened down the hatches on January 29th during a blizzard which dumped up to 25 inches of snow in the throes of powerful wind gusts.
While anxiety-ridden for most of the 24-hour period, I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn’t lose power during temperatures plummeting from 25 to 8 degrees by the following morning. That morning, I breathed another sigh of relief when I discovered there was hardly any snow to remove from my vehicle. The wind gusts had worked favorably in blowing the light, fluffy snow elsewhere. Yet another sigh of relief escaped me when I didn’t have to grapple with frozen door locks.
Sighs of relief, for whatever reason, remind me of a literary denouement: a resolution to a dramatic complication. Speaking for myself—my overactive imagination often creates my own dilemmas.
In the capacity of a writer, my runaway imagination is an asset, often running ahead of me as I draft my Contemporary work in progress. I completed Chapter 6 (1571 words) which is fraught with dramatic complications. Far from resolving anything just yet, I did breathe a sigh of relief for having satisfied my inner critic who will hound me throughout Chapter 7.
*May our sighs of relief accompany a feeling of comfort in the wake of real or self-induced anxiety.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
While anxiety-ridden for most of the 24-hour period, I breathed a sigh of relief that I didn’t lose power during temperatures plummeting from 25 to 8 degrees by the following morning. That morning, I breathed another sigh of relief when I discovered there was hardly any snow to remove from my vehicle. The wind gusts had worked favorably in blowing the light, fluffy snow elsewhere. Yet another sigh of relief escaped me when I didn’t have to grapple with frozen door locks.
Sighs of relief, for whatever reason, remind me of a literary denouement: a resolution to a dramatic complication. Speaking for myself—my overactive imagination often creates my own dilemmas.
In the capacity of a writer, my runaway imagination is an asset, often running ahead of me as I draft my Contemporary work in progress. I completed Chapter 6 (1571 words) which is fraught with dramatic complications. Far from resolving anything just yet, I did breathe a sigh of relief for having satisfied my inner critic who will hound me throughout Chapter 7.
*May our sighs of relief accompany a feeling of comfort in the wake of real or self-induced anxiety.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
January 25, 2022
Eva’s Byte #352 – Cost-Prohibitive
From a writer and crafter’s perspective, the cost of producing a product may be too high to create a demand for it—or, earn a profit.
I’m experiencing this firsthand with my apple pomander enterprise. Mind you, I’m not even factoring in the tedious task of clove poking, or the time involved in covering the entire surface area of each apple.
Materials:
Apple @ $1.69 - $.199 per lb.
16 oz. Bag of Cloves - $17.03
2.5 oz. Jar Ground Cinnamon - $1.18
.5 oz. Apple Cinnamon Essential Oil - $6.95
36 sq. ft. Cheesecloth for Wrapping - $11.95
1 Skein of Jute Twine for Tying - $5.99
5-Bar Metal Towel Rack for Apple Curing - $39.95
1 Spool Red Ribbon - $1.97
1 Pkg. 10 Pine Cone Red Berry Picks - $19.99
Pkg. of 10 Shipping Boxes - $9.99
Truly a labor of love for gifting each pomander to a worthy recipient, doing the math for this cost-prohibitive factor doesn’t enter the picture. It’s the joy of spreading goodwill.
Turning the Page:
Generally speaking, a writer/self-published author pays for a book cover design, editing, and formatting. The trending retail price for an Indie eBook is between $.99 and $4.99.
Taking into consideration, the likelihood of irregular sales, one might very well construe our literary endeavor as cost-prohibitive.
From my perspective, monetary gain isn’t the reason behind my motivation to write. For me, each book sale represents reader interest. Even more intrinsically rewarding, is the time a reader takes to write an honest review.
At this juncture, I’m approaching the finish line for Chapter 6 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*May each of us continue to enjoy our creative endeavors for the immeasurable joy and satisfaction they bring.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
I’m experiencing this firsthand with my apple pomander enterprise. Mind you, I’m not even factoring in the tedious task of clove poking, or the time involved in covering the entire surface area of each apple.
Materials:
Apple @ $1.69 - $.199 per lb.
16 oz. Bag of Cloves - $17.03
2.5 oz. Jar Ground Cinnamon - $1.18
.5 oz. Apple Cinnamon Essential Oil - $6.95
36 sq. ft. Cheesecloth for Wrapping - $11.95
1 Skein of Jute Twine for Tying - $5.99
5-Bar Metal Towel Rack for Apple Curing - $39.95
1 Spool Red Ribbon - $1.97
1 Pkg. 10 Pine Cone Red Berry Picks - $19.99
Pkg. of 10 Shipping Boxes - $9.99
Truly a labor of love for gifting each pomander to a worthy recipient, doing the math for this cost-prohibitive factor doesn’t enter the picture. It’s the joy of spreading goodwill.
Turning the Page:
Generally speaking, a writer/self-published author pays for a book cover design, editing, and formatting. The trending retail price for an Indie eBook is between $.99 and $4.99.
Taking into consideration, the likelihood of irregular sales, one might very well construe our literary endeavor as cost-prohibitive.
From my perspective, monetary gain isn’t the reason behind my motivation to write. For me, each book sale represents reader interest. Even more intrinsically rewarding, is the time a reader takes to write an honest review.
At this juncture, I’m approaching the finish line for Chapter 6 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*May each of us continue to enjoy our creative endeavors for the immeasurable joy and satisfaction they bring.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
January 19, 2022
Eva’s Byte #351 – Drawing the Line
Where does one draw the line for determining what stops being reasonable and starts to become unacceptable?
Not one to stir up the pot with sensitive social issues—drawing a line right there—I’m sticking strictly to one imaginary line I’d drawn immediately after retiring from a teaching career in elementary education:
Barring an emergency situation, I no longer drive when it’s snowing.
I did that plenty of times over the course of 29 years during a 50-mile commute each way. For approximately three snowstorms, the teacher phone-call chain failed, prompting me to make the trip to school and turn around when I heard the cancellation on the radio.
So, it’s never been a question of not being able to handle slick road conditions. I simply have drawn the line for what has become unacceptable to me ever since it has not been imperative to report for work at 8:00 a.m.
Point of fact, I rescheduled a routine, vehicle service appointment due to a forecast of snow during tomorrow’s morning commute, the time I would have been on the road for a long haul.
In my capacity of a writer, no different than most, I’m blurring the lines for casting blame on characters caught in a crossfire. After all, if art imitates life, it’s never easy to draw the line between guilt and innocence. At this point in time, I’m drawing nearer to the finish line for Chapter 6 of my Contemporary WIP.
*For our own well-being, may each of us have the courage and fortitude to draw the line when necessary.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Not one to stir up the pot with sensitive social issues—drawing a line right there—I’m sticking strictly to one imaginary line I’d drawn immediately after retiring from a teaching career in elementary education:
Barring an emergency situation, I no longer drive when it’s snowing.
I did that plenty of times over the course of 29 years during a 50-mile commute each way. For approximately three snowstorms, the teacher phone-call chain failed, prompting me to make the trip to school and turn around when I heard the cancellation on the radio.
So, it’s never been a question of not being able to handle slick road conditions. I simply have drawn the line for what has become unacceptable to me ever since it has not been imperative to report for work at 8:00 a.m.
Point of fact, I rescheduled a routine, vehicle service appointment due to a forecast of snow during tomorrow’s morning commute, the time I would have been on the road for a long haul.
In my capacity of a writer, no different than most, I’m blurring the lines for casting blame on characters caught in a crossfire. After all, if art imitates life, it’s never easy to draw the line between guilt and innocence. At this point in time, I’m drawing nearer to the finish line for Chapter 6 of my Contemporary WIP.
*For our own well-being, may each of us have the courage and fortitude to draw the line when necessary.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
January 12, 2022
Eva’s Byte #350 – Something About January
According to holidays-and-observances.com, one of several observances which occurs in January on the 22nd is “Celebration of Life Day”. Besides a day for honoring the children and grandchildren who bring joy into our lives, I view the entire month as a time to celebrate oneself through practicing self-indulgence.
There’s something about January that’s conducive to self-indulgence without the discipline of self-imposed sanctions, mandates, or deadlines.
This notion hit me yesterday, on Tuesday, the coldest day of the season, thus far, in Rhode Island: a high of 18 with a wind chill causing it to feel like it’s below -8 degrees.
Other than taking out the trash wearing a parka, I battened down the hatches to undertake intellectual pursuits.
When you think about it, January cuts down on self-guilt to tackle yard work or any other outdoor project, barring the occasional snow shoveling. I’m not as fastidious about taking my vehicle through the car wash. I don’t feel I need as varied a wardrobe to make a public appearance when only my pant legs are showing.
And, there’s certainly plenty of time ahead for any one of us in the Northeast corridor to contemplate Spring cleaning.
While January doles out the harsh elements of winter, it replenishes time on our hands to celebrate ourselves whether we seek to reflect, reinvent, refocus, rejuvenate—or, hibernate.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting Chapter 5 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ll be setting the scene for the next chapter which takes place on an Indian summer day in October of 1971.
*May the month of January be a celebration of life to foster self-indulgence.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
There’s something about January that’s conducive to self-indulgence without the discipline of self-imposed sanctions, mandates, or deadlines.
This notion hit me yesterday, on Tuesday, the coldest day of the season, thus far, in Rhode Island: a high of 18 with a wind chill causing it to feel like it’s below -8 degrees.
Other than taking out the trash wearing a parka, I battened down the hatches to undertake intellectual pursuits.
When you think about it, January cuts down on self-guilt to tackle yard work or any other outdoor project, barring the occasional snow shoveling. I’m not as fastidious about taking my vehicle through the car wash. I don’t feel I need as varied a wardrobe to make a public appearance when only my pant legs are showing.
And, there’s certainly plenty of time ahead for any one of us in the Northeast corridor to contemplate Spring cleaning.
While January doles out the harsh elements of winter, it replenishes time on our hands to celebrate ourselves whether we seek to reflect, reinvent, refocus, rejuvenate—or, hibernate.
In the capacity of a writer, I finished drafting Chapter 5 of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ll be setting the scene for the next chapter which takes place on an Indian summer day in October of 1971.
*May the month of January be a celebration of life to foster self-indulgence.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
January 5, 2022
Eva’s Byte #349 – Home Sweet Home
“Home is where your story begins.” Annie Danielson
On the home front:
As the number of COVID cases continues to ramp up on a daily basis at an alarming rate, and as I’ve gotten a taste of how bitterly cold January can be, home is where it’s at for me. It’s a given my days of foraging for sea glass are behind me—unless a gift horse of low tide on a sunny morning/midday of at least 50 degrees occurs.
In the meantime, I’ve taken up crafting apple pomanders which I’d written about at length in Eva’s Bye #346. Thus far, a half-dozen are in the curing stage prior to decorating and gifting. Winter is the perfect season to undertake a project of this nature. Because I find it necessary to keep busy at all hours of the day, this endeavor has taken on a life of its own as a gesture for extending goodwill.
On the story front:
Home is the primary setting for my Contemporary work in progress—a guesthouse in the seaside community Charlestown, Rhode Island. I’m currently wending my way through Chapter 5. A story which sprouted from a few scatterbrained seeds has grown untamed, thanks to characters who are leading me on a wild-goose chase.
*May your home be a safe haven where love, laughter, harmony and creativity abound within its confines.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
On the home front:
As the number of COVID cases continues to ramp up on a daily basis at an alarming rate, and as I’ve gotten a taste of how bitterly cold January can be, home is where it’s at for me. It’s a given my days of foraging for sea glass are behind me—unless a gift horse of low tide on a sunny morning/midday of at least 50 degrees occurs.
In the meantime, I’ve taken up crafting apple pomanders which I’d written about at length in Eva’s Bye #346. Thus far, a half-dozen are in the curing stage prior to decorating and gifting. Winter is the perfect season to undertake a project of this nature. Because I find it necessary to keep busy at all hours of the day, this endeavor has taken on a life of its own as a gesture for extending goodwill.
On the story front:
Home is the primary setting for my Contemporary work in progress—a guesthouse in the seaside community Charlestown, Rhode Island. I’m currently wending my way through Chapter 5. A story which sprouted from a few scatterbrained seeds has grown untamed, thanks to characters who are leading me on a wild-goose chase.
*May your home be a safe haven where love, laughter, harmony and creativity abound within its confines.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 29, 2021
Eva’s Byte #348 – Bridges
Whether traversing a bridge over troubled waters, or burning it behind us—we still have to get to the other side of 2021 onto the uncharted territory of 2022, hoping for the best. One of the best who crossed a bridge before Christmas into the parallel realm of Heaven, is my dear friend, Renee.
Renee Gauthier was a mentor to those in the Indie author community on Facebook. One of the co-founders of The Indie Writers’ Cooperative, she and Joanne Van Leerdam spearheaded a group “dedicated to the encouragement and support of our fellow Indie Authors.”
I’d first met Renee and the others who would form the Indie Fabs (Aliya DalRae, Jeannie JB Richards, Aryl Shanti, and Joanne Van Leerdam) in 2016. Newly published after a ten-year hiatus, and out of the social media loop, it was with fear and trepidation that I signed up for a holiday author event held at the Cooperative. I recall Renee privately messaging each author to cue us in and to offer words of encouragement at a time when such events were just coming into their own on social media.
The Indie Writers’ Cooperative was just one venture where Renee excelled for dispensing her vast knowledge of the industry on behalf of Indies.
Due to her creative endeavors and enterprises, she leaves behind an impressive legacy on this side through her amazing cover designs. She designed covers for my Nonfiction Memoir and Novella.
And, her memorable books. I have a special place in my heart for Renee’s Christmas Miracle series which evolved from her love of Christmas. She had so many more projects in the works.
R.M. Gauthier: https://www.amazon.com/R-M-Gauthier/e...?
Sebastian Winters: https://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Wint...?
Most importantly, Renee has made inroads in my heart and has left indelible impressions in my mind for her endearing friendship, encouraging words, sense of humor, and unwavering support.
Crossing the bridge into the New Year, I’m traveling light from my resolve to leave unwanted baggage behind. Coming with me in 2022, are the cherished memories retained of loved ones on earth and in the heavenly realm where Renee’s dreams now have wings to fly.
Best wishes to all for renewing faith and hope along the journey of 2022.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Renee Gauthier was a mentor to those in the Indie author community on Facebook. One of the co-founders of The Indie Writers’ Cooperative, she and Joanne Van Leerdam spearheaded a group “dedicated to the encouragement and support of our fellow Indie Authors.”
I’d first met Renee and the others who would form the Indie Fabs (Aliya DalRae, Jeannie JB Richards, Aryl Shanti, and Joanne Van Leerdam) in 2016. Newly published after a ten-year hiatus, and out of the social media loop, it was with fear and trepidation that I signed up for a holiday author event held at the Cooperative. I recall Renee privately messaging each author to cue us in and to offer words of encouragement at a time when such events were just coming into their own on social media.
The Indie Writers’ Cooperative was just one venture where Renee excelled for dispensing her vast knowledge of the industry on behalf of Indies.
Due to her creative endeavors and enterprises, she leaves behind an impressive legacy on this side through her amazing cover designs. She designed covers for my Nonfiction Memoir and Novella.
And, her memorable books. I have a special place in my heart for Renee’s Christmas Miracle series which evolved from her love of Christmas. She had so many more projects in the works.
R.M. Gauthier: https://www.amazon.com/R-M-Gauthier/e...?
Sebastian Winters: https://www.amazon.com/Sebastian-Wint...?
Most importantly, Renee has made inroads in my heart and has left indelible impressions in my mind for her endearing friendship, encouraging words, sense of humor, and unwavering support.
Crossing the bridge into the New Year, I’m traveling light from my resolve to leave unwanted baggage behind. Coming with me in 2022, are the cherished memories retained of loved ones on earth and in the heavenly realm where Renee’s dreams now have wings to fly.
Best wishes to all for renewing faith and hope along the journey of 2022.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 22, 2021
Eva’s Byte #347 – Humbugs Aside
We all have ‘em—one or two, a few or more. Just because Christmas is around the corner doesn’t mean our humbugs go away. However, one either succumbs or casts them aside in the spirit of renewing our grip on life. That’s what I’ve had to do, or else the incongruities of situations could get the better of me.
Choosing to focus on my many blessings, there are a couple of ways in which I plan on retaining the meaning of Christmas all year long. The same ways I always have. More than likely, pivoting from the same principles a lot of people do:
Being mindful of others.
While I don’t have the means to carry out full-blown philanthropy, giving someone the benefit of a doubt goes a long way in promoting good will toward folks of all creeds and color. Reserving judgement by looking at all the angles is no different than what writers do to tell their story.
Believing in one’s own potential.
The world may not be a perfect place, but there is nothing stopping one’s imagination to foster creativity. In my capacity of a writer, I just completed the draft for Chapter 3 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*As we round the bend toward Christmas, may each of us cast our humbugs aside for the betterment of life.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Choosing to focus on my many blessings, there are a couple of ways in which I plan on retaining the meaning of Christmas all year long. The same ways I always have. More than likely, pivoting from the same principles a lot of people do:
Being mindful of others.
While I don’t have the means to carry out full-blown philanthropy, giving someone the benefit of a doubt goes a long way in promoting good will toward folks of all creeds and color. Reserving judgement by looking at all the angles is no different than what writers do to tell their story.
Believing in one’s own potential.
The world may not be a perfect place, but there is nothing stopping one’s imagination to foster creativity. In my capacity of a writer, I just completed the draft for Chapter 3 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*As we round the bend toward Christmas, may each of us cast our humbugs aside for the betterment of life.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
December 15, 2021
Eva’s Byte #346 – Apple Pomanders
During my bygone teaching days in the third-grade trenches, approximately 20 prospective apple pomanders were individually wrapped inside a handkerchief, tied with twine, and suspended from hooks on a drying rack in the classroom. The scent of cinnamon and cloves perfumed the air we breathed. Heavenly!
Curing in place since our return from Thanksgiving break, they’d be just about ready to prep with a red bow and placed in a brown bag for their holiday homecoming.
One of our major social studies units was that of the Pilgrims. Since Colonial women made pomander balls which they placed in a basket or cupboard to hide cooking odors, we revived the craft in our classroom. It was a joy to see the patience each student devoted to their ornament.
A pushover for the warm, seasonal scent of cinnamon and cloves, I’m contemplating making an apple pomander to add to my display on top of my antique chest in the foyer.
If you or your children/grandchildren are game, these are the materials you’ll need:
An unblemished apple
At least two tins of cloves because you want to pack ‘em in tightly
Cinnamon (optional)
Cheesecloth or handkerchief
Ribbon
Directions:
Press cloves into apple, packing them tightly for aesthetics and to preserve the life of your pomander. This would be the time to roll the apple in cinnamon if you choose this option.
Wrap the apple in cheesecloth or a handkerchief. Hang in a dry place to cure for 2 - 3 weeks.
Embellish your pomander with ribbon. I intend to use straight pins to secure the ribbon and bow.
Voila!
*May peace, joy, and love embellish your holiday.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Curing in place since our return from Thanksgiving break, they’d be just about ready to prep with a red bow and placed in a brown bag for their holiday homecoming.
One of our major social studies units was that of the Pilgrims. Since Colonial women made pomander balls which they placed in a basket or cupboard to hide cooking odors, we revived the craft in our classroom. It was a joy to see the patience each student devoted to their ornament.
A pushover for the warm, seasonal scent of cinnamon and cloves, I’m contemplating making an apple pomander to add to my display on top of my antique chest in the foyer.
If you or your children/grandchildren are game, these are the materials you’ll need:
An unblemished apple
At least two tins of cloves because you want to pack ‘em in tightly
Cinnamon (optional)
Cheesecloth or handkerchief
Ribbon
Directions:
Press cloves into apple, packing them tightly for aesthetics and to preserve the life of your pomander. This would be the time to roll the apple in cinnamon if you choose this option.
Wrap the apple in cheesecloth or a handkerchief. Hang in a dry place to cure for 2 - 3 weeks.
Embellish your pomander with ribbon. I intend to use straight pins to secure the ribbon and bow.
Voila!
*May peace, joy, and love embellish your holiday.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
