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Did you know that it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day?
I’ve followed this tradition almost every year since childhood and I’m heading to my brother’s to have it later today. I knew the meal was supposed to bring good luck for the coming year, but not why or how it started. So yesterday when this article, Pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day: Why the PA Dutch believe it’s your luckiest meal of the year, popped up in my news feed naturally I was curious. You can read the article for the details but, in a nutshell, it comes down to this: pigs root forward—symbolizing looking ahead– while chickens and turkey’s scratch backwards. The sauerkraut’s original green color symbolizes money.…
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Making Dragon’s Blood Candles
Ever wonder what goes into making the candles in Tressa’s Treasure Shop? I took some photos as I went through the process, so let me walk you through it. I started with the Dragon’s Blood fragrance because the name fits in so well with the Celtic mythology/fantasy theme that I wanted to carry through to the store. With the first batch of candles I worked in our kitchen. I soon learned that wasn’t the best idea! The first picture shows with everything laid out: a scale to weigh the wax, a double boiler to melt it, scent, color blocks, glass jars and wicks. Waiting for the wax to melt is…
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The King’s Jewel World – Marywood University
My husband and I made an impromptu trip to Marywood University this past week-end. This Catholic liberal arts university, located in Scranton, PA, is mentioned in The King’s Jewel series as the place where Alexander works. There is even a scene set on the campus in the third book ‘Deaglan’s Deception’. The campus is picturesque, with lush landscaping and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. I took a few photos so you can see for yourself! Click on the picture below to see all of the photos:
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My New Writing Space
Thanks to my wonderful husband who gave up his desk for me, I now have a new place to do my writing. I used to sit in my recliner in the family room with a collapsible table for my laptop. Max liked to lay beside me or on my lap and every once in a while, he’d reach out and hit the keyboard with his paw, giving me his two cents on what I was writing. It was very cozy and comfortable, and that was part of the problem. When writing after work or on weekends after a stressful week and then relax in a soft chair,…
