Holiday Traditions & Saint Zoe

Since childhood I’ve preferred to make Christmas gifts instead of purchasing ready made items. I’ve made many things over the years – knitted booties, beaded earrings, cookies, cakes, beeswax candles and quilts. This season I tried something new. I created a pickled medley of herbs, spices, veggies and eggs. To make it more visually appealing I chose different color ingredients and two sizes of eggs – chicken eggs and the much smaller quail eggs. What homemade gifts do you love to make? I’d love to hear about your favorites. 

Here are a few of my favorite quilt designs from years past.

This year I read Stories of the Saints, by Carey Wallace. A beautifully illustrated book filled with wonderful stories. I loved learning more about Saint Nicholas and how he got woven into the Christmas season. I found out there is a Saint. Zoe. Who knew?  So here is the weird thing. For the last 7 years I have had a ceramic tile, with the word FAITH on it, hanging in my bedroom. I found it at a secondhand shop for a few dollars.  When I read about Saint Zoe, it said she is the saint of FAITH.  It gave me chicken skin, as we say here in Hawaii. Do you have a favorite Saint? I ask Saint Anthony to help me find things, and I’ve always admired Saint Francis for his connection to nature and animals. My favorite Saint is Hildegard von Bingen. She has written much about spiritual life, health and composed some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Treat yourself, listen to the Voices of Angels – perfect with a cup of tea and a bath – you will feel heavenly. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loneliness happens, especially during the holidays. Sometimes a simple text can cheer someone up. It feels good to be remembered, to be included and loved. How many simple holiday cheer texts can you send out this season? 

Wishing you and yours a life of peace, health, joy, family and friendships. Cheers to living a sacred life, Zoe