by MarianBeaman | Jul 10, 2019 | blog, book review, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, meditation, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Nostalgia
Among the relics of my sewing days, I found just one blue spool of thread. Otherwise, I have the basics for mending: black, white, and beige. Once an avid sewer, never a full-fledged seamstress, I made dresses, little boy suits, pinch-pleated drapes – even my...
by MarianBeaman | May 29, 2019 | blog, book review, Family / Nostalgia, neighborhood, Neighborhood / Environment, Tips, Uncategorized
Forest Bathing: Taking in the natural world through one’s senses How to: Forest-Bathe Savor sights, sounds, follow your nose as you head into the forest or park. Listen to the tap-tap-tap of a beak on wood or the two-tone note of a birdcall. Walk...
by MarianBeaman | May 22, 2019 | blog, book review, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Memory, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Nostalgia, Uncategorized
Rachel Held Evans died on May 4, 2019 at age 37. She left behind a grieving husband Dan, two small children, and a host of admirers including me. She was the author of four books; I read her first one. Her untimely death ignited a public outcry. The Washington Post...
by MarianBeaman | May 15, 2019 | blog, book review, Gratitude, Literature, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Nostalgia, Recipes, Tips
My Grandma liked to cook and she liked to eat. She has a starring role in my memoir, spotlighted in two chapters: Grandma’s Bountiful Table and Easter & Politics. Everyone had a seat at her table. I treasure time I spent preparing meals with her and having her...
by MarianBeaman | May 1, 2019 | blog, book review, Lists, Quotations, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized
What to Do When You are Sick of Writing (or any other brain-sucking activity) Just ask Caroline Carlson, who wrote The Door at the End of the World, a book I won (by the luck of the draw) for commenting on L. Marie’s website. Woo Hoo! Here is...
by MarianBeaman | Mar 6, 2019 | blog, book review, Lists, meditation, Quotations, Tips, Uncategorized
“Nana, let’s go for a walk!” Ian was tired of being penned up inside while his older brother worked in our yard. “Of course!” I tell him. Squirrels scamper, cardinals cheer. Even though the sky is misty gray, the earth looks and sounds alive. ...