Winter has made the Archipelago a barren landscape of ice and snow. Gone is the smell of summer rain, the microbial magic in the dew covered soil of the garden and the floor of the woods. The carefree bird song and warm summer breezes no longer play like music in the leafy crowns of theContinue reading “The Lessons of the Seasons”
Author Archives: xyonkerschef
Winter Celebration in Stamps
Notes on Separation
Most often, we don’t know what we really have until it is gone. I was reminded of that when my adoring wife left the Archipelago to visit her mom; who was recovering from dental surgery. We enjoy each other’s company and spend a lot of time together. If someone’s absence is going to leave anContinue reading “Notes on Separation”
Thoughts on Creating
In the past, when I wrote something that received compliments, that for me was a rare and beautiful creation, I felt really good about it. But that joy was mixed with feelings of anxiety too. Now that I had set the bar on a higher peg than usual, by working and achieving what I setContinue reading “Thoughts on Creating”
A New Day
There was a glorious sunrise over the Archipelago on the seventh day of Christmas. Vibrant shades of crimson colored the sky behind the branches of the leafless trees and the angles of the rooftops still filled with night and silence, the dreams of sleepers in their beds. When I opened one of the small windowsContinue reading “A New Day”
Tirami Su
There are many desserts that embody the refinement and sophistication found in the culinary traditions of Italy. But to me, Tirami Su exemplifies that sophistication like no other. The balance between opposing flavors of sweet and bitter is amazing. It is lite yet filling at the same time. It leaves you with the magical touchContinue reading “Tirami Su”
Thoughts On Christmas Day
Two thousand and twenty years ago Christ was born during the era of the Roman Empire. Even in the best of times, life for most was difficult beneath the crushing weight of tyrannical rulers who were to be revered as gods. The state was the center of a citizen’s life and war was the waysContinue reading “Thoughts On Christmas Day”
A Blessed Christmas To You and Your Family
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Thoughts On The Shortest Day Of The Year
Since the longest day in summer, night has been reaching further and further into day as it makes itself longer and longer. Until yesterday. Now on the longest night of winter, day has it’s turn to reach further and further into night, making itself longer and longer. Every year the same dance between day andContinue reading “Thoughts On The Shortest Day Of The Year”