Category: Symbolism

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The History of Christmas Trees in 9 Merry Short Stories

A fir sprig adorned ancient Rome or Dacian blouses; candles on fir trees recalled Christ's star; behind closed doors Christmas traditions endured Communist times.

Explore the history of Christmas trees through nine short stories and let’s be merry time traveling from ancient Rome and Dacia to the Druids and Saint Boniface, through medieval Germany and the Baltic Renaissance. Follow the journey under the glow of Martin Luther’s candles, which also adorned royal Christmas trees, and even hear whispers of those hidden under Romania’s Communist regime. Let us celebrate light and birth on one of the longest and most magical nights of the year.

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Top 5 Reasons Why Romania Is More Than a Setting, It’s a Character in my Books

Bucegi mountains near Bran Pass

Can you imagine that Romania is not merely a setting, but a vital character that breathes life into my published stories included in Transylvania’s History A to Z and Dreamland: Banat, Crisana, Maramures, Transylvania, 100-word Stories, Folklore and History, but also into my upcoming historical fiction book series? Romania’s mountains and villages, ancient legends and resilient history do more than provide a backdrop—they shape each tale, lending mystery, depth and a sense of timeless resilience.

In the same way a compelling character grows and transforms, Romania’s past and landscape infuse my books with a personality as vivid as any protagonist.

Before I dive into the top five reasons, let’s first unravel what it takes to craft an unforgettable character—and how I did it, how Romania, with all its vibrant spirit and beauty, steps effortlessly into this role.

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Kindred Threads in Embroidery, Old Turkish Attire and Calligraphy

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery, Romanian blouse IA and a red and black Greek needlework

Recently I discovered kindred threads between Greek and Romanian embroidery and marveled at old Turkish attire and Arabic calligraphy. My daughter invited me to attend the Threads of Tradition: Turks, Turbans and Artistic Innovation exhibition curated by Professor Raita Steyn from the University of Pretoria, with a live calligraphy demonstration by Master Refik Carikci.

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Birds from a South African Garden and Their Beautiful Legends

Thrush Bird checking expecting an answer

Birdwatching is a serene escape into the natural world, offering wonder through observing avian plumage, songs, and behaviors, not to mention discovering unique legends. Birdwatching fosters patience and mindfulness, reminding us of nature’s beauty in the Anthropocene era.

Discover the following garden birds making their nests in our back yard in Gauteng, South Africa: Cape Sparrow or Mossie, Southern Masked Weaver, Cape Glossy Starling, Cape-Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, Karoo Thrush Bird, Tiptol Bird or Dark-Capped Bulbul, Crested Barbet, and Red-Head Barbet today.

Coming soon: Dark-capped bulbul, Grey Go-Away Bird (Lourie), Southern Boubou, Common Myna (Indian Myna), Hadeda Ibis, African Hoopoe, Red Billed Wood Hoopoe, Cape White-Eye, Thick-Billed Weaver, and more, as soon as they visit our garden.

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