Beyond Words

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! We are all a wee bit Irish today and I’m guessing you are wearing green as you read this as we all honor the land of leprechauns, fabulous golf, U2, step dancing, Guinness, shamrocks, green beer, Irish coffee, and St. Patrick. But who was the saint named Patrick and why do we celebrate him in such a big way?

Forever tied to Ireland, Patrick wasn’t born on the Emerald Isle but in Britain. When he was 16 young Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders who took him to Ireland and sold him as a salve. He spent many years there herding sheep and turning to God in prayer. He escaped when he was 22 and made his way back to England where he spent 12 years in a monastery. Legend has it that he had a dream in which the people of Ireland were calling him back. The dream is said to have been the voice of God encouraging him to spread Christianity across Ireland and convert the pagans. Patrick returned to Ireland and began preaching the gospel, building churches, and converting many. Born of wealth, Patrick lived in poverty and suffered greatly until he died on March 17, 461. He is said to be buried in Down Cathedral in the County of Down in Ireland and ironically, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the day he died, not on his birthday.

My favorite part of the St. Patrick story is that he used the shamrock as a way to teach the Holy Trinity. The simple green plant grows abundantly in Ireland so he cleverly used it to explain the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. His idea was so convincing that even pagan rulers converted to Christianity and to this day the sprout is often called the Catholic rose.

The shamrock has three leaves and is considered a clover plant but what is the difference between it and the four-leaf clover? The latter is the result of a mutation in the clover plant that causes it to sprout four leaves instead of the normal three. These four-leaf wonders are very rare and is why they are considered a universal symbol of good luck.

Patrick loved incorporating other traditional rituals in his lessons for both simplicity and proof. Because fire was sacred to the Irish, Patrick superimposed a sun onto a Christian cross. Today this cross, called a Celtic cross, is one of Christianity’s most popular.

Another cross, St. Patrick’s Cross of Ireland, also makes up part of the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom. When you look at the flag, you can see it is actually made up of three different crosses:  St. George’s red Cross of England, St. Andrew’s white Cross of Scotland, and St. Patrick’s red one. And to be clear, the UK is considered all of Great Britain – England, Scotland, and Wales – with the addition of Northern Ireland. Ireland is considered its own republic.

Funny thing is, as much as a celebration and party St. Patrick’s Day is today, from 1903-1970 it was considered a religious holiday according to Irish law, which required pubs remain closed for the day. Squeal! The law was reclassified as a national holiday in 1970, paving the way for the opening of drinking establishment doors and green beer. In the Diocese of Ireland however, it is still considered a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning Catholics are obligated to attend mass and receive the Blessed Sacrament.

Stateside, it all started as a political holiday when American Irish immigrants organized themselves and commemorated St. Patrick with annual parades and festivities to demonstrate their political and social might. Ironically, there are more Irish in the U.S. than in Ireland! There are an estimated 34 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry but the population of Ireland is only 4.2 million.

St. Patrick today, along with St. Nicholas and St. Valentine, is one of Christianity’s most widely known figures and his prayers can be found among all walks of life. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and the Fifth Avenue Neo-Gothic icon ranks right up there with the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. And, in case you’re wondering, St. Patrick isn’t only revered by Catholics. He is honored with a feast day in the Episcopal Church and is also venerated by the Orthodox Church.

Parades and festivals will happen in many places today, but perhaps the ones in New York, Boston, and Chicago rank highest. Surprisingly, St. Patrick’s Day is also a big event in Dallas. As with everything in Texas, it is done in a very big way in Big D! In Chicago, the Chicago River is colored green and green beer and whiskey flow abundantly throughout the city. And it’s WHISKEY, not WHISKY. Irish spell the scotch with an added “e,” while their Scottish neighbors omit the extra vowel. American-made whiskeys also add the “e.”

Lastly, the color green. It’ll be everywhere you look today and be ready to get pinched if you’re not wearing it. It’s definitely tied to St. Patrick’s Day and all things Irish, but it’s also tied to jealousy. “Green with envy” is a common saying but my lads, it’s nothing to celebrate. Today and every day, let’s take a cue from St. Patrick and be giving not envious. It’s a trait that will make all eyes smile, not just those Irish ones.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and the luck of the Irish to you!

My husband loves pretzels. He eats them almost every day and every time I go grocery shopping; I grab a bag for him. Me? Not so much. Unless it’s one of those decadent Auntie Anne’s in an airport, I pretty much could live without pretzels. Okay, the Dot’s Pretzels are pretty good too! Funny thing about my hubby is that he prefers the twists to the rods or the sticks. And just plain ole pretzels, nothing fancy or flavored. Those twists, come to find out, have an interesting history and what a perfect day to share it being the first Sunday of Lent.

Their origin is said to date back to the 600s when Catholic monks began making them by taking a long strip of dough and arranging it in the shape of arms folded over the heart. The three holes left by creating this shape represented the Holy Trinity and legend has it that these treats of twisted baked dough were given to students as they learned their prayers. At the time, crossing one’s arms was the traditional posture for prayer. In today’s Catholic churches, anyone who has not made their First Holy Communion crosses their arms in this manner as they make their way up the Communion line to receive a blessing.

But what about the name?

The monks called their little breads “bracellae,” which is Latin for “little arms” and from which we got the German word “bretzel.” And, interestingly enough, the Latin word for “little reward” is “pretiola,” which is pronounced “pret-zi-oh-la” and sounds a lot like “pretzel!”

This is all very timely for another reason. In a word, Lent. You see, back when pretzels were first concocted, the rules of abstinence and fasting during Lent were much stricter than today. Catholics were forbidden from consuming dairy, eggs, or meat. Pretzels, made using only flour, water, and salt, were the perfect answer to a perfect fast.

Their symbolism doesn’t end there.

Back in the early 1600s, they were are a symbol of union in Switzerland. Weddings of royal couples often featured pretzels to represent the bond of matrimony and, according to legend, this may be where we got the phrase “tying the knot.” Lastly, the intertwined shape of a pretzel also symbolizes love in many parts of the world as at first glance, their shape resembles a heart.

In addition, pretzels are also easy to make, affordable, and most aren’t fried or full of chemicals and additives. They can be found everywhere from carnivals, charcuterie boards, kids’ lunches, and yes, airports! Today they come chocolate and yogurt coated and sometimes with sprinkles. They come in flavors ranging from cinnamon sugar to honey mustard to spicey. Pretzels are so prevalent that they have their own National Pretzel Day on April 26 and October is celebrated as National Pretzel Month.

That’s probably a pretty popular day and month in Pennsylvania, as Pennsylvanians eat more pretzels per capita than any other state. The state also produces 80 percent of the country’s pretzels and in 1993, the state opened the Pretzel Museum. Julius Sturgis would be so proud, as he opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in Lititz, Pennsylvania back in 1861. It was about that time that Swiss and German immigrants introduced the pretzel to North America. They too would be proud as the U.S. pretzel industry boasts an annual worth of $550 million and the average American consumes an average of 1.5 pounds of pretzels a year. Pretty sure my husband raises the average on that one but we won’t go there.

Shockingly, pretzels almost didn’t make it. In the early 20th century, they were considered German fare and anti-German sentiment during World War I resulted in a distaste for their taste. They did survive the war, but then came Prohibition, which presented another challenge. Bars had been one of the pretzel industry’s largest buyers up to that point, and without them manufacturers feared they wouldn’t be able to stay afloat. But surprisingly enough, pretzel makers actually flourished under the 18th amendment.

Coming full circle here, it’s fun learning about pretzels and their association with fasting and Lent…all with a twist! But why do we fast? Partly because we’re sinful but hopeful and partyly because we hunger for God. As Bishop Robert Barron wrote, every spiritual master recognizes the danger that if we allow the superficial hunger of our lives to dominate, we never reach the deepest hunger. Fasting is a way of discipling the hunger for food and drink all while prompting us to focus on what really feeds us. Unless we fast, we may never realize how hungry we are for God. And, as beloved Father Jared Cooke said many moons ago in a sermon, “If you’re not hungry for God, maybe you’re just full of yourself.”

Here’s a simple little recipe for pretzels I used to love sharing with my preschool parents when I taught my students the Lenten pretzel story. If you’re more ambitious, I’m also including the Food Network’s recipe. Enjoy!

Easy Pretzels

Dissolve one cake of yeast or 2 ¼ teaspoon of yeast into 1 ½ cups warm water.

Add 1 t salt and 1 T sugar

Blend in four cups of flour and knead the dough until smooth.

Cut dough into small pieces, roll the pieces into “ropes and then twist the ropes into shape.

Place pretzels on lightly greased cookie sheet and brush with one beaten egg (unless fasting on eggs)

Sprinkles with coarse salt and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

Food Network

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm (110 to 115 degrees F) water

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 package active dry yeast

22 ounces all-purpose flour, approximately 4 1/2 cups

2 ounces unsalted butter, melted

Vegetable oil, for pan

10 cups water

2/3 cup baking soda

1 large egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Pretzel salt

Directions

1. Combine water, sugar, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast on top. Allow to sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture begins to foam. Add the flour and butter and, using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until well combined. Change to medium speed and knead until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the side of the bowl, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the dough from the bowl, clean the bowl and then oil it well with vegetable oil. Return the dough to the bowl, cover with plastic wrap and sit in a warm place for approximately 50 to 55 minutes or until the dough has doubled in size.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line 2 half-sheet pans with parchment paper and lightly brush with the vegetable oil. Set aside.
3. Bring the 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in an 8-quart saucepan or roasting pan.
4. In the meantime, turn the dough out onto a slightly oiled work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a 24-inch rope. Make a U-shape with the rope, holding the ends of the rope, cross them over each other and press onto the bottom of the U in order to form the shape of a pretzel. Place onto the parchment-lined half sheet pan.
5. Place the pretzels into the boiling water, 1 by 1, for 30 seconds. Remove them from the water using a large flat spatula. Return to the half sheet pan, brush the top of each pretzel with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture and sprinkle with the pretzel salt. Bake until dark golden brown in color, approximately 12 to 14 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! Are you wearing purple, gold, and green; donning beads and boas; marching in or watching a parade; and eating King Cake?  If you’re in or from Louisiana probably so, as today is a very festive day, especially in New Orleans. Fingers are crossed that the weather holds out!

But all partying aside, Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are religious in origin as is the infamous King Cake. Let’s find out how and why.

Fat Out Special

Mardi Gras is really just today and despite its party reputation, it has a religious origin. Also known as Fat Tuesday, it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Many people (me included) confuse Mardi Gras with Carnival, which is the celebratory season that stretches from Epiphany to Fat Tuesday. Rewind here a bit.

The Christian Feast of the Epiphany is also the 12^th day of Christmas and marks the day when the Three Wise Men/Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. For those in places like New Orleans, it also marks the official end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Carnival season.

The French come into heavy play here as “mardi” means Tuesday in French and “gras” means fat. Many believe the first documented Mardi Gras celebration in America was in March of 1699 when French explorers traveled to America and docked near what is now New Orleans. They named their docking location “Point du Mardi Gras” and as other French immigrants arrived, Mardi Gras celebrations became increasingly popular. Until, that is, the Spanish took control of the Crescent City in 1762 and outlawed Mardi Gras celebrations. But, when Louisiana became a state in 1812, Mardi Gras celebrations returned and really never left. No one does a parade like New Orleans and in fact, and since the first NOLA Mardi Gras parade in 1827, there’s been a parade in the city every year.

Mardi Gras and accompanying Carnival are celebrated all over the world, including well-known festivities in Brazil and Venice but rest assured New Orleans ranks right up there. Fat Tuesday may be all about indulging in everything festive, fun, and frivolous but there’s a reason for that too.

It’s the day before Ash Wednesday, which is when Lent starts. Traditionally Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting and giving up bad and questionable habits as well as focusing on doing good. Today’s the day to get it all out of your system for the next 40 days!

Take the Cake

A big part of Mardi Gras is the famous King Cake, which, behind maybe birthday and wedding cakes, is considered the king of all cakes. So, what is it with those colorful confections and is there really a baby inside each one? The answer is traditionally yes, and they too have a religious significance. Remember, all this Carnival and Mardi Gras celebration relates back to Epiphany, when the Three Kings traveled to see the newly born baby Jesus. This, my friends, is why the dessert is called a “King Cake” and why there’s a tiny baby hidden inside each one.

Francophiles will also be glad to hear that the beloved King Cake is said to have been brought to America from France in the 1870s and their traditional oval-shape some say represents the unity of faiths while others say represents a king’s crown. Cakes in New Orleans are decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold…the same colors you’ll find those famous beads in. The colors represent, in order, justice, faith, and power.

Funny thing is, many a King Cake is not actually a cake. Some are more bread-like while others resemble a pastry. Whatever they’re made of, they are always colorful and festive. The standard Louisiana version is a brioche-like dough swirled with cinnamon and cream cheese then braided and baked in a circle or oval shape and finished with icing and sprinkles. In France, a “galette des rois” or “cake of kings,” is more of a puffed pastry with a sweet almond filling and garnished with “jewels” like sprinkles and icing. Those in Spain and Latin America enjoy orange-flavored bread wreaths topped with dried fruit, which they call “roscas de reyes” or “cakes of kings.”

Okay, but what about that baby. As I said, it traditionally symbolizes Jesus although some cakes will have money or a trinket inside. Whoever finds one in their slice is crowned “King for the Day” and vows to provide the next king cake and host the next party…whoever hosts a Mardi Gras party buys or makes the King Cake for it. It’s also considered good luck to find it and this “you’re next” tradition ensures celebrations continue in true New Orleans style.

So there you have it and now you know all about Mardi Gras and King Cake. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! Are you wearing purple, gold, and green; donning beads and boas; marching in or watching a parade; and eating King Cake?  If you’re in or from Louisiana probably so, as today is a very festive day, especially in New Orleans. Fingers are crossed that the weather holds out!

But all partying aside, Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday are religious in origin as is the infamous King Cake. Let’s find out how and why.

Fat Out Special

Mardi Gras is really just today and despite its party reputation, it has a religious origin. Also known as Fat Tuesday, it is always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Many people (me included) confuse Mardi Gras with Carnival, which is the celebratory season that stretches from Epiphany to Fat Tuesday. Rewind here a bit.

The Christian Feast of the Epiphany is also the 12^th day of Christmas and marks the day when the Three Wise Men/Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. For those in places like New Orleans, it also marks the official end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Carnival season.

The French come into heavy play here as “mardi” means Tuesday in French and “gras” means fat. Many believe the first documented Mardi Gras celebration in America was in March of 1699 when French explorers traveled to America and docked near what is now New Orleans. They named their docking location “Point du Mardi Gras” and as other French immigrants arrived, Mardi Gras celebrations became increasingly popular. Until, that is, the Spanish took control of the Crescent City in 1762 and outlawed Mardi Gras celebrations. But, when Louisiana became a state in 1812, Mardi Gras celebrations returned and really never left. No one does a parade like New Orleans and in fact, and since the first NOLA Mardi Gras parade in 1827, there’s been a parade in the city every year.

Mardi Gras and accompanying Carnival are celebrated all over the world, including well-known festivities in Brazil and Venice but rest assured New Orleans ranks right up there. Fat Tuesday may be all about indulging in everything festive, fun, and frivolous but there’s a reason for that too.

It’s the day before Ash Wednesday, which is when Lent starts. Traditionally Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting and giving up bad and questionable habits as well as focusing on doing good. Today’s the day to get it all out of your system for the next 40 days!

Take the Cake

A big part of Mardi Gras is the famous King Cake, which, behind maybe birthday and wedding cakes, is considered the king of all cakes. So, what is it with those colorful confections and is there really a baby inside each one? The answer is traditionally yes, and they too have a religious significance. Remember, all this Carnival and Mardi Gras celebration relates back to Epiphany, when the Three Kings traveled to see the newly born baby Jesus. This, my friends, is why the dessert is called a “King Cake” and why there’s a tiny baby hidden inside each one.

Francophiles will also be glad to hear that the beloved King Cake is said to have been brought to America from France in the 1870s and their traditional oval-shape some say represents the unity of faiths while others say represents a king’s crown. Cakes in New Orleans are decorated in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold…the same colors you’ll find those famous beads in. The colors represent, in order, justice, faith, and power.

Funny thing is, many a King Cake is not actually a cake. Some are more bread-like while others resemble a pastry. Whatever they’re made of, they are always colorful and festive. The standard Louisiana version is a brioche-like dough swirled with cinnamon and cream cheese then braided and baked in a circle or oval shape and finished with icing and sprinkles. In France, a “galette des rois” or “cake of kings,” is more of a puffed pastry with a sweet almond filling and garnished with “jewels” like sprinkles and icing. Those in Spain and Latin America enjoy orange-flavored bread wreaths topped with dried fruit, which they call “roscas de reyes” or “cakes of kings.”

Okay, but what about that baby. As I said, it traditionally symbolizes Jesus although some cakes will have money or a trinket inside. Whoever finds one in their slice is crowned “King for the Day” and vows to provide the next king cake and host the next party…whoever hosts a Mardi Gras party buys or makes the King Cake for it. It’s also considered good luck to find it and this “you’re next” tradition ensures celebrations continue in true New Orleans style.

So there you have it and now you know all about Mardi Gras and King Cake. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Have you heard about the woman who has written in her diary for nearly 90 years? I was fascinated by the story that’s been making the news rounds thanks in part to an article in the “Washington Post.” The piece features 100-year-old Evie Riski from North Dakota who has been journaling every day since 1936. Every day! What an accomplishment! What a masterpiece!

As a writer, I’ve journaled here and there in the past and have many journals in my nightstand and in my grandma’s hope chest but it’s been a hot minute since I’ve written in one. I can however, remember like yesterday getting one of those lockable diaries when I was young and a “Letters to my unborn child” book when I was pregnant. Both were treasured and well-worn. Sadly today’s kids and moms-to-be probably won’t have the same written down memories and sadly I don’t journal per se today. We are still only in February though, so maybe it could be added to my “25 goals in 2025” list. I’ve vowed to read 25 minutes a day in 2025 so maybe I could add writing 25 words in a diary everyday in 2025. Doubtful, but you could say I document a lot!

In our technological world of photos and posts, I consider my photos a sort of “journal.” I have them on my phone, my computers, in plastic bins, and in old-school albums. I also in a way think of my social media posts and even this blog as a pseudo-journaling of my life and the life around me. I know I know, it’s not the same as what Riski has done and continues to do, but it works for me.

Riski’s journals courtesy Michelle Locken

As for Riski, she started journaling when her father gave her a diary when she was 11. At the time, there was no TV, no radio, and even no electricity, so she found comfort in writing. She’s done it ever since and has filled up stacks of notebooks that she saves in a cedar chest.

To date, she has almost 33,000 entries and continues to enter daily diary diatribes even now while living in a retirement home. I love all of this and what I especially love is that after each day’s entry, she flips back to her entry exactly one year ago to reflect on and she writes only in cursive. What a concept! Our forefathers would be proud!

Riski journal entry courtesy Michelle Locken

She has documented everything…childbirth, wars, weddings, family visits, farm chores, historic milestones, and even the death of her beloved husband Donald in 2010. When she was once hospitalized, she wrote down her thoughts on a pieces of paper and later entered them in her diary. Her commitment to writing has never wavered and in some circles, it could be influential in what’s kept her going and sharp even at 100-years-old.

According to Keven Bennett Ph.D. and psychologytoday.com, journaling can help improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Whether you call it a journal, a diary, or a simple notebook, writing in one can be very healthy. In today’s world, you can even do so online or on your devices. Here are just some of the benefits of journaling according to Bennett:

Stress and Anxiety. According to research research on mental distress and journaling, writing about your feelings and experiences can be therapeutic and help relieve stress and anxiety. Keep in mind that the benefits depend on how frequently you write and how honest you are with yourself when you do.

Enhanced Creativity. Writing in a diary can help stimulate your imagination and creativity. Brilliant insights and novel solutions are often the result of simply taking the time to write about a problem.

Improved Memory. Keeping a diary can help improve your memory, as you can reflect on past experiences and recall details that may otherwise be forgotten.

Boost Self-Awareness. Writing in a diary allows you to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, helping you understand yourself better. This increased self-awareness can lead to personal growth and development.

Good Mental Health. Keeping a diary can be an effective way to manage symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions. Writing about your feelings can help you process them and find ways to cope with them and it’s also a healthy way to release pent-up emotions before they influence your interpersonal behavior in negative ways.

Motivation. Writing down your goal and plans can help keep you motivated and focused.

Sense of Accomplishment. Finishing a diary entry can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction as you see what you’ve achieved. This can help you see how you’ve grown and changed as a person.

Strengthen Relationships. Writing about your experiences and emotions can help you better understand and communicate with others. Keeping a diary can also be a good way to express your gratitude and appreciate the people in your life. We’ve all heard about “Gratitude Journals,” something I’ve always thought are cool but now I know they’re also beneficial in so many ways.

Greater Productivity. Writing in a diary can help you prioritize tasks and make a plan for the day, which can lead to increased productivity.  I’m a big list maker and have always heard that doing so can help relieve stress as you don’t have to worry about what needs to be done; it’s all written right in front of you.

Legacy. Keeping a diary can be a great way to leave a lasting legacy for future generations and serve as a valuable source of information for future generations.

Just ask Riski’s daughter Michelle Locken about that last one. She told thedailyacorn.com that her mom’s dedication to daily entries has left a memorable and indelible mark on her family and inspired her to begin her own journal journey 20 some years.

Riski’s journal jot downs have been her steadfast companions but doing so is considered somewhat of a lost art. What’s the take-away here? I’d say “Be like Evie!” So, do you journal? I’m not certain I’m going to start but I am going to look at it differently. I do know I’m going to take Riski’s advice to “Live your life and have some fun first!” Write on Evie. Right on.

On a recent trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, my girlfriends and I went on a backroad tour of the Grand Tetons. Our tour guide and driver Callie was both fun and informative. While talking about the wildlife in the park, she told us all about the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone back in 1995 and the impact it had on the ecosystem of the world’s first national park. (Fun fact: Jackoson Hole’s airport is the only one you fly into that’s in a national park!)

 A few of my friends had seen a documentary on it and said it’s a must see. I was fascinated by the whole topic and vowed to read more about it and watch the doc, National Geographic’s “Wolves: A Legend Returns to Yellowstone.” In a word; it was as good as advertised and I highly recommend it.

Now, at the risk of getting all Kevin Costnery on you, I of course have dived deep into the effects of the return of Yellowstone’s top dog.

In short, before the 1900s, Yellowstone predators such as grizzly and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions thrived alongside robust populations of American bison, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep. But a coordinated campaign by the federal government exterminated almost all of them along with bison and the last known Yellowstone wolf pack was killed in 1926 under the belief that “the only good wolf is a dead one.” Boy were they dead wrong.

Yellowstone became wolf-free for more then 60 years but with them gone and with bears and lions greatly diminished, elk populations skyrocketed and a nature imbalance resulted. The massive number of elk pushed the limits of Yellowstone’s capacity as they didn’t need to move around much due to the absence of North America’s premier predator and with their population under much weaker predatory pressure, their population flourished but put excessive pressure on plants, especially willow.

Beavers also suffered as they need willows to survive winters. These little “nature’s engineers” as they’re often called, make a big difference. The little rodents actually build huge damns, which provide essential season runoff or containment and water for fish. Bringing wolves back to Yellowstone also made a big difference and boy did they stage a big comeback.

In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone and with that, grizzly bears and mountain lions, which prey on elk, increased in number resulting and the elk population dropped. As sad as this might sound, it helped immensely. Today, willows and other plants are robust and essential beaver damns provide essential season runoff and water for fish.

Getty Images

The effects of reintroduction of wolves continues to astonish biologists but the results speak for themselves as the ecosystem of Yellowstone is back to its primeval state. Just as God made it.

I also learned from the documentary, which provides amazing photography of nature at work, is that wolves aren’t random killers but rather very selective ones and are actually very shy and don’t like people so seeing one is rare. We didn’t see any on our tour but we did see a coyote!

Doug Smith

I also loved learned that while the “alpha male” wolf is often in charge of the pack, which is very territorial BTW even with other wolf packs, the “alpha female” is equally in charge. They love their pups and male wolves take an active role in caring for them. Winter is their favorite season to prey as their webbed paws allow more stability in the deep powdered snow than those of their prey. (Wish I’d had those paws when I tweaked my knee walking in deep powder!)

Being the dog lover that I am, I also loved seeing on the documentary the differences between wolves, coyotes, and foxes. I also loved learning that they wag their tails when they’re happy and often find their way “home” to their original packs.

A quick sidenote on this topic is that upon returning from my trip and returning to my Bible Study, I was both shocked and amazed when the presenter began talking about this very subject of wolves returning to Yellowstone. Goosebumps to say the least. He reminded us that Jesus is not just important; He changes every single thing. Kinda like the wolf did. One thing changed everything. I’ll be dog gone. Chills, right?

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big list maker. To do lists. Grocery lists. Gift lists. Any list.

What better time to make a list then now, at the start of a new year? My girl Gretchen Rubin of “The Happiness Project” book and blog and the “Happier” podcast offered a “25 for 2025” fill in the blank list of 25 of your resolutions, goals, and intentions for 2025. Bingo. I was all over it.

I’ve gotten to 16 and number one on the list? Print, publish, finish…whatever the case…a children’s book I wrote many years ago. This is the year I will see it bound and distributed, whether by me or someone else, but done nonetheless. It actually really excites me and warms my heart. More on it as it comes to fruition.

Gretchen Rubin

In the meantime, I can’t hesitate and I have to believe in myself and in my dreams. My BIG dream is to own a cozy bookstore that has a coffee bar and that hosts book clubs and book signings. My local Town Square is the perfect location for it but sadly, Luna Books as I would name it, is probably out of reach barring winning the lottery or my book becoming a bestseller. It would be Luna Books’ first book signing!

Dreams and being creative with them are important. I recently read an article about Erin and Jonathan Carpenter who, after marrying, rented an RV and travelled the country. They saw and experienced a lot, and one surprising thing that stood out among the national parks and fabulous restaurants were laundromats. Yep, we all know them and most of us have all used one. The Carpenters had to as their RV didn’t have a washer and dryer and during their countless hours spent in countless laundromats, they also discovered that the quality and atmospheres of them varied immensely. It got them thinking.

And dreaming.

And doing.

They ultimately settled in Charleston, SC and once there, bought a run-down local laundromat and turned it into not only a place where locals wash and dry their clothes, but where they gather and happily mingle. Yes, they have washers, dryers, and tables for folding, but they also have a small honor system library, comfortable seating, and a kids play area. They have also hosted free laundry days and provide food, live music, and hygiene products to those who need them. So popular is the place, that others have reached out to sponsor everything from the free laundry days to free detergent to a canned goods drive. They proudly proclaim that their state-of-the-art machines, customer-friendly practices, and welcoming, inviting environment set them apart. And while the number of operating laundromats has declined in the last decade, they still play an essential role in communities. There’s actually one right down the street from where I’d love to open Luna Books!

So how do you start? Where do you start? As James Clear wrote in one of his many inspirational posts, “A critical quality to develop in life is the willingness to try. You simply must find enough confidence to give it a go. The human mind is fabulous at learning. You will get better at whatever you practice but before you can develop the skill to succeed, you must find the courage to attempt.” And believe you can do it. This interesting take on it all is called The Bannister Effect.

Roger Bannister is an historic figure. On May 6, 1954 he became the first human to run a four-minute mile. Amazingly, Bannister was not the picture-perfect hyper-focused athlete intent on breaking records. He didn’t train like a maniac and instead trained for just an hour a day. Most of his time was actually spent devoted to being a medical student and he later became a neurologist. What separated him from the rest was not so much his body, but his brain. He focused just as much time conditioning his mind as he did on conditioning his body and believed he could do it and believed the impossible was possible. This mental approach is key because the strength and power of the mind can make one’s dreams limitless. It’s called “The Bannister Effect.”

Two Wharton School professors analyzed this all and in in their book, “The Power of Impossible Thinking,” Yoram Wind and Colin Crook examined Bannister’s feat and his mindset behind it rather than his physical achievement. They also studied the surprising fact that so many runners broke the four-minute barrier soon after Bannister did. It’s as though Bannister not only smashed the record but the negative thinking of doing so. Others saw in him that they too could do something that was previously thought impossible. Just 46 days after Bannister’s feat, an Australian runner bested Bannister’s record by a full second and before the year was over, three more runners broke the four-minute mark…in the same race!

“When you think you are too old to do something new,

remember you will never be younger than you are right now.”

James Clear

It’s no secret that positive vibes beget positivity. Now we’ve also learned by simply believing and trying, you just may accomplish what you thought was out-of-reach. And yes, it’s never too late to start!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to accomplish? Is your ambition on par with your dreams? What is the four-minute mile is in your life? Are you ready to run for it or sit in the stands watching all the Bannisters get it done?

It’s a cold and rainy day today with a wintry mix predicted and across the country a cold front is blowing in and bringing winter to places coast-to-coast. What better day to talk about Pantone’s Color of the Year then a day like this considering the choice is a snuggly, cuddly one.

Welcome to 2025 Pantone Mocha Mousse, described as a color of sophisticated, earthy elegance that can stand alone or serve as a versatile foundation. I’m not normally a big brown person but I’m on board with this yummy hue as it reminds me of the adobe tint of my hometown Santa Fe and is also a rich, desert-like tone. On a day like today I can envision sinking into a comfy mocha-tinged chair, drinking a warm mocha-infused drink, and reading a book wrapped in a mocha-colored blanket or wrap.

Each year Pantone selects a color that captures the global zeitgeist and expresses a global mood and attitude. Not sure where brown fits in there other than it’s “earthy,” but I’m going with it.

Described as imbued with a sensorial richness, the color is said to curate experiences that boost personal comfort and wellness whether its a mocha latte, sweet treats, nature walks, or mani-pedis. Mocha Mousse is indeed a versatile shade infused with inherent sophistication and earthly refinement and is so incredibly doable and versatile.

What I also love about it, is that it’s a traditional color and basically a neutral that can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe, makeup, and home. No craziness here or pop of color; just a beautiful deliciously chic tone. It’s downright cozy, warm and rich, and adds timeless and subtle elegance to any room or outfit.

In choosing it, Pantone encourages us to revel in our own personal luxury and create moments of luxury that bring out the color’s thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort, and feelings of contentment. Pretty serious stuff for one little color, right?! No worries, it all makes sense when explained by those in the know.

“Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” says Pantone Color Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman. “Sophisticated and lush yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.”

Bingo!

I get it!

Let’s go…

Let’s start with the home. If you want to jump right in, you can be bold and paint a room or wall with Mocha Mousse. If you’re not so bold but loving the color, an accent wall might be the way to go and I really see it in a cozy powder room. Paint remains one of the most accessible ways to introduce color into a space and this paint won’t scream “I painted a room!” but rather add some warmth and texture to that room. And as all designers and realtors say, “it’s just paint” and can be easily changed.

Soho Interior Design

If you’re looking to just add a pop of Mocha Mousse to your interior, it’s simple as everything from sofas to wallpaper to window treatments to art come in the yummy color. Keep in mind however, that all of those items are more permanent than paint so be sure you want the color around for a good, long while.

Crate and Barrel

Elements of Style

Fancywalls

Mark D. Sikes

The Findery

Wardrobe-wise, I’m not a big color girl so Mocha Mousse is right up my runway alley and my closet proves it. Yeah, it has some pops of color here and there but my standard patterns are checks and stripes and when I travel, you can be my suitcase is full of black, white, and camel. Camel! If it’s good enough for Princess Kate, I’m down!

Burberry

The Luxe Co.

Lillusory

Lands End

Even more subtle are accessories and makeup. So easy to do, easily so inexpensive, and is a great match for most skin tones.

Quince

Tods

Motorola

Maybelline

I hope today’s blog adds some snuggly to your day and gives you inspiration to go out there and try some Mocha Mousse! Even if it’s in a bowl!

It feels like yesterday the world was celebrating a new millennium in 2000 so it’s hard to believe that was 25 years ago. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS! That’s a looooong time! Crazy, right?

Even though we may not be starting a new millennium on Wednesday, we are starting a new year. For me, this means jumping in Barton Springs Pool for the annual Polar Plunge, choosing a word of the year, picking something new to learn in 2025, and a host of other resolutions and intentions.

New Year’s resolutions are something many do but many also fail at. Including me. In fact, a British study estimates most of us will have ditched our New Year’s resolutions by January 10. That’s crazy too! We don’t even last a month? Ballyhoo!

If you’re bound and determined to stick to your resolutions for the new year, here are a few tips to make them last:

Be specific. Don’t just say you want to find more joy or calmness but instead identify what gives you joy or makes you calm and then resolve to do those things. “Read more good books” or “Surround myself with people who are fun and encouraging are way more likely to be accomplished than simply “Be happier.” “Sign up for tennis lessons” is more active (excuse the pun!) and is more proactive then “Learn to play tennis.”

Dump the doom and gloom. Sometimes it seems like our resolutions are often grim or a grind. The more pleasant something sounds, the more likely you’ll do it and feel a sense of accomplishment. “Have lunch once-a-month with friends” will probably get checked off the list long before “learn to do my taxes” will.

Think small. Experts suggest setting smaller goals and ones you truly want to accomplish. Rather than saying “I’m going to lose weight this year,” instead say “I’m going to work on losing 10 pounds between now and March.” Some also recommend setting monthly goals rather than or in addition to year-long ones.

Set intentions rather than resolutions. It could be a tumaytoes tohmahtoes thing, but the word “intentions” just sounds more user-friendly and practical. We often say “I intend to” but who ever says “I resolve to?”

When it comes to starting a new year, it’s also fun to start it off in a positive and productive way. Here are a few samplings of how to do so:

Keep growing. Learn something new. Go somewhere new. Do something differently. Take risks. Look at challenging situation as opportunities for growth not pockets of struggles. I’m not a big risk taker so this is definitely somewhere I can keep growing.

Filter the noise in your life. Don’t just listen to the loudest voices; listen instead to the truest and supportive ones. Get rid of the Negative Nancys and Neds in your life.

Evade perfection. Don’t dwell so much on that hypothetical “perfect” future that you forget your one beautiful life today. Find ways to be satisfied rather than constantly striving for bigger, better, and more. Realize that “having it all” is not possible.

Discard. This could be from eliminating things in your home but it can also mean discarding spending energy worrying about things and on people who drain you. Discard a lack of gratitude as well. You’ll be surprised how much a grateful heart and mind can improve your life. Discard fear. This is a big one for me as I tend to wait for the rug to be pulled out from under me but it’s time to face the future with confidence. Who’s with me on this?

Be happy. Yes, for your life and your blessings, but also for others. Envy makes us blind to the goodness of God and results in sorrow, anger, resentment, and bitterness. Get rid of it in your life.

Replace “yes” with “I get to.” So many things we complain about are things we take for granted and are things others are praying for. Realize this. “Having” to take a shower or go grocery shopping are things millions around the world would love to “have” to do. I like to remind people in our neighborhood that “If you’re complaining about your country club, your life is ok.”

On the flip side, we often make resolutions to do things, but how about resolving to not do things? Don’t give in, don’t overthink (talking to self right now!), don’t settle, and don’t ake everything so seriously just to name a few. Learn to say “no” and mean it. Set your boundaries and respect them. If you do, so will others.

So where do you start? I for one am starting with Happiness guru Gretchen Rubin’s “25 for 2025” List. On it you to list (something I love to do!) 25 things you hope to do. I’m already up to 10 things, one of which is Rubin’s challenge to read 25 minutes every day in 2025. I’m down! Rubin also suggests choosing a word of the year, which I also love doing. I’ve previously chosen “breathe,” “move,” and “pause” and for 2025 I’m picking a quad of words I recently heard in a daily devotional: Hope, Trust, Patience, Faith. In that order. Other suggestions can be healing, acceptance, discipline, rest, finish, calm, gratitude, and humility just for some ideas.

I’m also going to start with learning something new like I’ve done in the past. In past years I’ve taken classes in everything from Italian to ice skating, cooking to firearm training, bridge to yoga. I love my yoga class and its bridge pose but hated bridge. Too quiet, too serious, and too much math! I’ve also learned to cross-stitch, which I love, and dabbled in pickle ball, which I’ve opted out of after hearing about so many injuries and reading it’s orthopedic surgeons’ favorite sport! My husband and I once took dance lessons, which he hated, and I continue to improve my golf game with playing and lessons, which he loves. But I’ve learned I’m a dabbler. I love to learn about something, give it a shot, and move on. Except for golf, cross-stitch, and yoga. I’ve recently discovered Pilates and am thinking it’s a keeper.

As I mentioned before, I’m not a risk taker so learning to rock climb is not on my 2025 list. I don’t mind difficult or challenging, but risky or uncertain will certainly get a “no thank you” from me. I am proud of the fact that I’ve ziplined in the rain forest, hiked (at my level) in Arches and Canyonlands National Park, boogey-boarded in the Pacific, and rode a dog sled in Alaska. I gotta admit, that was one of this dog lovers most favorite experiences ever.

Every new year I also vow to grow spiritually and I like the idea of choosing a Catholic word of the year similar to my other word of the year. I think I’m going with “Surrender.” Not in a submissive way, but in a stop trying to control things and let His will be done. I also love the Surrender Prayer. As for other areas of growth, the following is suggested and I’ve put my goals in parenthesis:

One virtue I’d like to grown in (Temperance)

One Gift of the Holy Spirit I’d like to grow in (Wisdom)

One Fruit of the Holy Spirit I’d like to grow in (Temperance)

On sin I’d like to eliminate (Envy)

One book of scripture I’d like to read through (Proverbs or Psalms)

One spiritual book I’d like to read (“Mere Christianity” using the Hallow app)

One prayer I’d like to learn (Prayer after Hail Holy Queen with the rosary)

One way to improve my sacrament life (Go to Reconciliation more often)

One saint I’d like to get to know better (Blessed Carlos Acutis)

I’ll close here with the book “The Midnight Library.” In brief, it’s about Nora Seed and the regrets that have piled up in her life. Some are legit; some are just in her head. But, when she finds herself in the fictional Midnight Library, she’s given a chance to make things right and do things differently through its many books. Needless to say, this guilt-ridden Catholic and library/book lover loved this whole premise.

We all have regrets and probably would have made different and better choices, but living with regret is not healthy. Move on and perhaps vow to make 2025 filled with more wisdom and grace but also accept that you aren’t the same person you were back then or even last year. Remind yourself of your successes, stop wasting time and energy on things and people who drain your brain, slow down, show gratitude, and face the year energetically and with confidence. I’m confident you can do it!

In just 10 days we will all be celebrating a new year. But before then, many of us will be celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah and, in a rare occurrence, we’ll celebrate them on the same day. Yep, Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights begins at sundown on Christmas Day. It’s the first time this has happened in almost two decades and I for one am feeling it must be significant in some way.

Come to find out this is happening because the Christian and Jewish faiths follow different calendars and the two systems don’t always line up. One is based on the sun’s travels while the other also incorporates cycles of the moon.

The Hebrew calendar is founded on a combination of lunar and solar cycles with each month being either 29 or 30 days and beginning around the time of a new moon while the Christian Gregorian calendar, established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, defines one year as the time it takes for earth to travel around the sun. It’s all literally up to the heavens.

As we know, Christmas is celebrated on the same day every year, December 25, but as Deena Yellin of NorthJersey.com writes, the Jewish calendar is very intricate and has lots of rules, hence Hanukkah’s dates varying. It’s often called a Jewish Leap Year.

The Gregorian calendar is the western world’s primary system, so to ensure Jewish holidays align with their traditional seasons on it, an additional “leap month” is added to the Hebrew calendar every two or three years. It can all get confusing. For example, if the first day of Hannukah is on December 25 this year, next year it will be on December 14 and then on December 4 in 2026.

As I mentioned above, there are lots of other rules with the Jewish calendar, which was established in the fourth century. It also requires that Passover take place during springtime so that occasional added month also prevents that holiday from coming during the wrong season.

This year’s sharing of Christmas Day and the first day of Hanukah is only the fourth time it has happened in many years. It last fell on Christmas Day in 2005 and before that it was in 1959 and 1921. It won’t happen again until 2035 and then not until 2054.

Amazingly, Hanukkah can start anytime between November and December and as late as January 4. This year the holiday’s last night will be January 2, just a few days before the Christian Epiphany, commonly known as Three Kings’ Day in the United States, which falls on January 6. It celebrates the Three Wise Men’s visit to Baby Jesus and also remembers His baptism. Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November but due to the changing calendar, Hanukkah also changes. The rare occurrence of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah sharing the same date can even happen, as it did in 2013. That won’t happen again until 2070!

We all know that Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays of the year and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, but what does Hanukkah commemorate? Unlike Christmas, which is prophesized all over the Bible, Hanukkah is not found in scripture or the Torah. The Hebrew word Hanukkah means “dedication” and commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple.

In the second century BC, the Holy Land was ruled by Syrian-Greeks who tried to force the people of Israel to accept their culture and beliefs. But, much like what is still happening today, against all odds a small band of faithful but poorly armed Jews led by Judah the Maccabee defeated on of the earth’s mightiest army. They drove the Greeks from the land and reclaimed their faith and the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The Menorah’s history is equally interesting.

When the triumphant Jews tried to light the Temple’s Menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum, they found only a single container of olive oil that had escaped contamination by the Greeks. Miraculously, they lit the Menorah and the one-day supply lasted eight days. This tradition is still played out today.

The word “Christmas” also has an interesting background. The term originates from the Old English “Christ’s Mass” and was first recorded around 1038. The events of Christmas can be found in the Bible hundreds of years before they happened, ultimately fulfilling sacred biblical predictions.

For Christians, the true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe God sent His only sone to atone four our sins and so that we will never be separated from Him. Jesus came into the world as an infant to save us all.

The two faiths do have much in common and agree on many things. The Torah is the compilation of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Christians accept and believe the Old Testament and all its teachings and both faiths believe in the perfect creation of the world by an infinite God. They both also believe that Satan introduced sin into the world, that God judges sin, and that sins must be atoned for. Judaism is the oldest of the worlds’ three great monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. All three serve only one God with Judaism is considered the parent of both Christianity and Islam.

Finally, two last things. First, is it “Hanukkah” or “Chanukah?” The Hebrew word has many English spelling variations with traditionalists preferring Chanukah as it comes closest to its proper pronunciation of the Hebrew word and Hebrew letters. As for “Xmas,” which I’ve traditionally disliked as it removes the real reason for the season, I’m happy to report there’s a somewhat acceptable explanation for it.

Apparently, the X in Xmas doesn’t replace “Christ” from the word with the English letter X, but rather with the Greek letter “chi,” which looks like the English letter X. Chi is the first letter in the Greek word that we translate as “Christmas” and ancient Christians would abbreviate it by using only the first letter. They meant no offense and coincidentally, the letter also resembles a cross. Whew!

Considering the fact that Jesus was Jewish and that Christian and Jewish roots go way back and intertwine in so many ways, both biblically and geographically, the convergence of Christmas and Hanukkah this year is reason to celebrate. So, as Christians open presents and light Advent candles and as our Jewish brothers and sisters light a menorah and join us in eating holiday treats, let’s all vow to light the way for others and be the gifts we were intended to be.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!