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DISHING  UP  A  STORY  FOR  VALENTINES  DAY

DISHING UP A STORY FOR VALENTINES DAY

by MarianBeaman | Feb 11, 2026 | blog, book review, Conflict, Family / Nostalgia, Literature, meditation, Novel writing, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”     So says cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. Advertisers use Valentine’s Day to promote cards, chocolates, candlelight and roses–even expensive jewelry. Today, Valentine’s Day is...
How My Dad’s Knife Sharpening Lessons Became a Tool in my Life Kit

How My Dad’s Knife Sharpening Lessons Became a Tool in my Life Kit

by MarianBeaman | Jan 14, 2026 | blog, Cliff Beaman artist, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Memory, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Nostalgia, Uncategorized

Looking back Seven years ago, in 2019, I wrote my first memoir. One of my goals was to discover the source of my father’s anger, often directed to me. I had a mostly happy childhood because of close ties with my extended family. Yet, over a dozen pages in Mennonite...
My Can of Soup Goes Missing–How Did That Happen?

My Can of Soup Goes Missing–How Did That Happen?

by MarianBeaman | Oct 29, 2025 | blog, Education, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Nostalgia, popular culture, Recipes, Tips, Uncategorized

HOW I  BEGAN     Along with the recipe, I set the can of lentil soup can on the counter. It was certainly visible! I’d be sure to see it and use it as a starter for making a quick batch of stomach-warming soup as the weather turned cooler in October. Right?...
What Are Your Favorite Smells from Childhood?

What Are Your Favorite Smells from Childhood?

by MarianBeaman | Aug 20, 2025 | blog, British History, Easter, Family / Nostalgia, meditation, Memory, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Uncategorized

10 Scents from My Young Life 1. Saffron in Grandma’s pot pie   Grandma used burnt-orange threads of saffron from a white packet. Mine comes in a tiny glass jar from Homegoods, more expensive, of course.     2. Tomatoes on vine in our Bainbridge, Pennsylvania...
Our Sago Palm Saga: Thank Goodness for Change

Our Sago Palm Saga: Thank Goodness for Change

by MarianBeaman | Apr 30, 2025 | Family / Nostalgia, Gratitude, meditation, Mennonite History, Mennonite Lore, Tips, Tree surgery, Uncategorized

The story of our sexy sago palm created a lot of buzz. This showy palm, a native of Japan, stretched forth its fruitful fronds for years on our patio. Then, it up and died. Well, almost! What happened: Late last year, I was hoping to report to you the second flowering...
Sarah and Isaac, mother and son: Wordless Wednesday

Sarah and Isaac, mother and son: Wordless Wednesday

by MarianBeaman | Apr 2, 2025 | blog, meditation, Quotations, Uncategorized

  A Miracle!     Time for me to refresh. . . see you soon!
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