Historical Setting, 626 C.E. Walking by the creek near the cottages His mother tells Brandell he has to eat soup now, so he dutifully sips from the bowl as though eating is a weighty chore he has to do. There is no sign on his face of that infectious smile that can drink up theContinue reading “#52.8, Weds., Jan. 17, 2024”
Category Archives: Early Medieval
#52.7, Tues., Jan. 16, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges I ask Brandell, “Why would you think I would be angry with you?” “The Church authority said my little silly rhyme is against the Doctrine of the Church because it speaks favorably of Jews. And right now, there is a King’s ban on Jews.Continue reading “#52.7, Tues., Jan. 16, 2024”
#52.6, Thurs., Jan. 11, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges Ana is telling me of the criticism Brandell heard from the Church. “It isn’t the Pagan root the Church authority was concerned about.” She tells me. “It was the Jewish root. They told Brandell his creative whims are the devil’s work because his newest songContinue reading “#52.6, Thurs., Jan. 11, 2024”
#52.5, Weds., Jan. 10, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The cottage of Ana and Laz Brandell’s newest song is raising the ire of the Church over issues of doctrine and of course politics. Brandell asked Gabe if this was a serious charge. Gabe said to go immediately to the authority on Church Doctrine. Now Brandell’s returned smothered in aContinue reading “#52.5, Weds., Jan. 10, 2024”
#52.4, Tues., Jan. 9, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. A creek valley in the Vosges Now it’s our youngest son, Brandell, who is first in my prayers. Thank you God, for this beautiful youth, strong and creative, always gentle. He loves the arts – anything with brightness and beauty takes his attention – and especially, he lovesContinue reading “#52.4, Tues., Jan. 9, 2024”
#52.3, Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. A creek valley in the Vosges Haberd is very definitely the head of the household. He and his wife have taken on the major tasks of the family farm with the others of us helping out as farm hands when needed. A larger table is needed now up at theContinue reading “#52.3, Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024”
#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges It was just a little gift that Greg and Gaillard brought with them from their last journey to Constantinople. They came leading a caravan with horses and some mercenaries as guards and also with pack animals laden with all varieties of riches. The treasuresContinue reading “#52.2, Weds. Jan. 3, 2024”
#52.1, Tues., Jan. 2, 2024
Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges My prayers throughout this decade and six years have mostly been gratitude. We’ve had no more eulogies for our children, only bits of grieving for the passages of youth. I was last keeping this journal in December of 610. These years have brought subtle transitions.Continue reading “#52.1, Tues., Jan. 2, 2024”
#51.12, Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023
Historical Setting, 610 C.E. The cottage in the Vosges It is the season for epiphanies. How will we see all things new in the new light rising? What will become of all that we’ve nurtured and things we still cherish? How will we set our sight on new hopes for the goodness, always walkingContinue reading “#51.12, Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023”
#51.11, Weds., Dec. 27, 2023
Historical Setting, 610 C.E. The cottage in the Vosges Safe at home calls for the great exhale — the unwinding of the wandering and the dare — the hugs and soft kisses — the beverage — the toast — the prayers of thanks — the counting of each person safe. We are all hereContinue reading “#51.11, Weds., Dec. 27, 2023”
Lazarus Ink 