Call this Christmas Eve tradition what you will, the purpose of the path-lined faralitos/luminarias is to light the way for the Holy Family. The faralitos that lined our driveway, lit the way for guests to come inside from the 21 degree chill outside.
Author: Charmaine Coimbra
Reporter, journalist and author who has owned and operated a bookstore, a pool and spa full service business, an apple farm, and is now committed to environmental issues. She has written four books: The Gathering Basket, Connection with 48 Natural Contemplations, Seek Beauty, Find Joy: a Companion Journal to Natural Contemplations; and children's book, Isu Learns to Swim.
Winter Solstice and the Hawk
Winter solstice. I celebrated this day when the light returns to its long path. It reminded me that when I fall into a dark hole where the light cannot penetrate, the winter solstice proves me wrong. The light never disappears. As the sun faded, I lit white candles in celebration of light’s return, with the gifted feather next to the flickering candles.
Rachel Finds Her Spirituality at Bandelier National Monument
Rachel took a swig from the bottled water we each carried, wiped her lips, took a deep breath as she stared into the ancient kiva, and confessed, “I’m having a hard time finding faith that I can believe in.”
A “Preemie’s” Parallel: Mullein, the Plant
Like the mullein, I was seeded in difficult soils (womb). I was a post war lover’s Whoops! In other words, my parents married incognito in Yuma, Az, conveniently three months after my conception. Until I found my parents marriage license on the internet, in my adulthood, I thought I was a preemie. At least that’s what all the grown-ups told me, ignoring the fact that I weighed 8.5 pounds at birth, with a full head of dark brown hair. I was one heck of a preemie!
A Ghostly Tale in Sepia
It was late October when, like fingernails across a chalkboard, the creaking of the unstable and rotting wood walkway below my feet, shot chills that rippled up… Read more “A Ghostly Tale in Sepia”
Carry On, Love is Coming
Friends have asked how I manage to keep a strong attitude in my fight against uterine carcinosarcoma, a fight that’s been going on since 2017 when the… Read more “Carry On, Love is Coming”
October’s Return
“I’m back,” shouts October’s return,urging summer’s dancing hummers,to kiss goodbye the sugar-water feeders,and sweet pollen-laced floral beakers.“Move on to warmer places,”October’s chilled words command. It saddens me… Read more “October’s Return”
August Morning Light
August morning light, like the ancient bird of myth, resurrects from the black ashes of night, Immortal wings spread steadfast, illuminating, exposing, daring, laced seeds of grass,… Read more “August Morning Light”
Celebrating Our Connection to Nature
Silence is one of the many gifts that comes with a 4 a.m. wake-up call. I unwrapped this gift for about a year or so. No alarm… Read more “Celebrating Our Connection to Nature”
Magic, Surprise, & Healing
Besides mullein’s unique look, soft leaves and medicinal value, in truth, what really attracts me to mullein is its history and hints of its ability to ward off evil. Blame it on my Catholic upbringing. If holy water could defer the wicked from my soul, why not a plant?
The Muse Pallet 