Laurel A. Rockefeller's Blog, page 19

December: The Season of Kindness

December has returned and with it the flurry of activity that is the holiday season. Depending on your culture and part of the world up to about 30 or 40 holidays are celebrated between December 1st and January 31st. Candles are lit, greenery comes into our homes, decorations are everywhere, as is food.

In the United States and across “Christendom” (to use the medieval term), nativity scenes, menorahs, and Santa Claus especially appears everywhere. “Jesus is the Reason for the Seas...

Who were the Ancient Heroines?

The Legendary Women of World History covers (to date) thirteen fascinating and historically influential women from antiquity through the turn of the 17th century (this will expand about 100 years in 2025 or 2026). These women represent the three main eras in European/Asian history: antiquity, European middle ages, and the Renaissance.

To date, four boxed sets group the first twelve books together. The only book not in one of these sets: book thirteen, “Eleanor of Aquitaine.”

The fi...

Vetting the avian vet: questions to ask your next veterinarian for your bird

Aragorn at the vet in New York City.

The bond between humans and birds is one of the most special and magical of any relationship I have ever seen or experienced. There is something truly wonderful about winning the trust of such a strong yet fragile creature. In nature few lifeforms equal the beauty and majesty of birds. Since childhood it has been my honor to share nearly every single day with budgerigars, zebra finches, and finally cockatiel cockatoos. Along the way I’ve experi...

Saint Bernard’s Reply. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

As Hildegard’s visions persisted she was encouraged to write down what she saw, aided by Brother Volmar, her confessor...

Review: Eat’n Park is the place for garden salad

If you live in Pennsylvania, you probably have heard of a regional American restaurant chain called “Eat’n Park.” It’s your typical chain restaurant for American food. Akin to a Denny’s or Cracker Barrel restaurant.

For me, the prices on nearly everything are a bit high, even though they are similar to their competitors. For example, expect to pay at least $10 for a cheeseburger and fries meal – plus the tip to your server.

The famous Eat’n Park salad bar costs you $13 if you get it as y...

Writing to Abbot Bernard. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

As Hildegard’s visions persisted she was encouraged to write down what she saw, aided by Brother Volmar, her confessor...

Who were the Holy Women?

The Legendary Women of World History covers (to date) thirteen fascinating and historically influential women from antiquity through the turn of the 17th century (this will expand about 100 years in 2025 or 2026). These women represent the three main eras in European/Asian history: antiquity, European middle ages, and the Renaissance.

To date, four boxed sets group the first twelve books together. The only book not in one of these sets: book thirteen, “Eleanor of Aquitaine.”

The fo...

A New Abbess. Excerpt from Hildegard von Bingen: a Play in Three Acts

Hildegard von Bingen was one of the most influential women of the European middle ages. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Born the tenth child of a German knight, she was plagued with both intense migraines and visions attributed to God. By the end of her long life she was famously touring the German Empire as a preacher – one of only a handful of women so permitted.

In this scene from the play, Hildegard attends her mentor Jutta von Sponheim at her deathbed.

Act II, ...

Betrothal of a Princess. Excerpt from Empress Matilda of England: a Play in Five Acts

Empress Matilda of England was one of the most influential of the Angevins in medieval England. Yet few Americans have heard of her. Sent from London to live in the Kaiser’s court in Germany, she grew up in Mainz and fell in love with her intended, Kaiser Heinrich V.

In this scene from the play, Matilda learns her fate.

ACT I, SCENE II

1110 8th of April. The White Tower.  Throne room. KING HENRY sit on his throne which is placed on a low dais center stage. Heraldic banner...

Anne Rochefeuille sings a Lutheran hymn. Excerpt from “His Red Eminence.”

Anne Rochefeuille was my kinswoman. Born in Lyon to a large Huguenot (French Protestant) family she fell in love with and became the life-long romantic companion to Armand-Jean du Plessis. They met when he was in seminary in Paris and remained close throughout his decades-long career, beginning with his elevation to Bishop of Luçon, through his service to Marie de’ Medici, and finally through his elevation to cardinal and appointment as First Minister of France.

As protestants, La Famille R...