#52.11, Weds., Jan. 24, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges          I can understand Brandell’s frustration with that Church authority at Luxeuil. For all these centuries the ancient Roman’s rumors of poison hate against Jews have been lingering in the shadows, seemingly harmless. Rome is long gone. But now, suddenly, one emperor, far away in theContinue reading “#52.11, Weds., Jan. 24, 2024”

#52.10, Tues., Jan. 23, 2024

Art Notes: This gouache painting is this artist’s interpretation of a detail of the relief from the Arch of Titus (in ruin) showing the Roman looting of the Temple in Jerusalem. Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges          Brandell asks me, “So Did Rome ever conquer the Jews?”          “Rome is goneContinue reading “#52.10, Tues., Jan. 23, 2024”

#52.9, Thurs., Jan. 18, 2024

Historical Setting, 626 C.E. The farm in the Vosges          “Beware!” I tell Brandell, “When a voice of authority says, ‘Since you can’t read,’ or ‘because this is voluminous and technical let me tell you what it really says’ then you can expect misinformation, lies and untruths which are easily doled out to the illiterateContinue reading “#52.9, Thurs., Jan. 18, 2024”

#52.8, Weds., Jan. 17, 2024

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”

#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”