TRAVELS OF THE SOUL ‘Tis the season for giving. Let’s face it – there’s something very satisfying in being able to give to those who are less fortunate than us. And it’s good to give to the underprivileged, the poor, the needy. But do we ever see ourselves as the ones who are empty-handed, hungry, …
Category: Holidays
The Good News 2020
GREETINGS FROM COLORADO Of all the journeys I’ve been on in my life, this year was an adventure of epic proportions. We found out what the new normal looks like when the pandemic hit and brought the entire globe to its knees. Then an unprecedented and long overdue awareness of Black Lives Matter swept through …
My Big Fat Greek Book Tour
My book, Uniquely Crete, has arrived on the island with us in its wake. We literally hit the ground running beginning my book tour in jolly ol' England (more on that later), and finishing off in Crete. Each day has been filled with the joys and trials so typical of this Greek island. All in …
Lots of Cats, but no Easter Bunny on Crete
As we wrap up our Easter celebrations here in the States, Greeks all over the world are in the thick of Holy Week that climaxes on April 28 - Orthodox Easter simply known as Pascha (Passover) - the most sacred event for all of Greece. The typical Greek Orthodox family holds tradition very closely, and Holy Week …
The “Perfect” Christmas
As the New Year knocks at the door of this world, I'm contemplating about the past holiday season. Unless you've been living in a Norman Rockwell painting, there is no “perfect Christmas.” Most of us have holiday stories from the hilarious to the harrowing, and every year, more than often, the expectations we have for …
Wander, Linger Savor Christmas
I’ll come right out and say it…this is the hardest time of year to write a blog post about slowing down. I’ve already failed miserably at not “shoulding” on myself. I should send out Christmas cards. I should bake all those cookies. I should have my shopping done. I should have the tree decorated by …
Savor Autumn
I walked into our local Home Depot yesterday and was immediately accosted by a forest of pre-lit Christmas trees and animated Santa figures. For a fleeting moment I panicked thinking , "Wow! I haven't finished (or even started ) my Christmas shopping." I felt strangely off balance, like I'd been whisked ahead into December. For …
Merry Christmas: Peace on Earth
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet, Their words repeat, Of peace on earth, good-will towards men.” Dear friends and family, This Christmas we are acutely aware of the need for “Peace on Earth.” As Americans, we are no longer insular to the tragedy …
The Gift of Time
It’s a snowy, magical Colorado Christmas around our house this year and we are filled with gratitude for the blessings of family and friends both near and far that enrich our lives. The tree is lit, the cookies baked, and the shopping is done – well, not exactly. As I try to follow my own …
Melanie A Crane 