Love, Laughter, and Life

Adventures With a Book Lover


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The Birth of Christ, The Bethlehem Candle: Advent 2

On this, the 2nd day of advent, we celebrate the birth of Christ. Many of us are familiar with the biblical story of the birth of Jesus, but I always love to read it and refresh the details in my mind. Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 2:1-7 tell that Joseph and Mary, who was with child at the time, traveled to Bethlehem the town of David, because Joseph was of the house and line of David.

While they were there, the time came for her firstborn son to be born. Because of the census and the crowds, there was no room for them in an inn, so Baby Jesus, God’s one and only Son, was wrapped in swaddling cloths and placed in a manger.

The Son of God, come to earth as a helpless babe.

Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus.


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A Monoku for Veterans

for your sacrifice we pause, remember, and give thanks

monoku for veterans

by Angie Quantrell

Thank you, all veterans.

What is a monoku? Read more from Danna Smith here.

Photo: Our veteran son and his family.


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Sunday Joy

Cowiche Canyon

Central Washington


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Haiku Moment: moss carpet

winter sun highlights

creeping verdant moss carpet

plush launchpad to spring

moss carpet by Angie Quantrell

Yakima Valley


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Haiku Moment: green snow

green snow, you look weird

better than yellow, but what???

slushy algae ice

green snow by Angie Quantrell

Yakima Valley


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Haiku Moment: snow clothes

winter! there you are,

dancing in, fancy free . . . wood

is wearing snow clothes

snow clothes by Angie Quantrell

Winter, Yakima Valley

Sunday Joy

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Haiku Moment: winter’s grasp

deep freeze encrusted

window seat blocked, but sun! blue

escapes winter’s grasp

winter’s grasp by Angie Quantrell

Yakima Valley, 2024


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Sunday Joy

Little Naches River area, WA state


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Book Review: Silent Night, The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol by Brigitte Weninger and Julie Wintz-Litty

Silent Night, The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol

Written by Brigitte Weninger

Illustrated by Julie Wintz-Litty

NorthSouth Books, 2018 English translation

I adore Christmas music. And Christmas books. When I recently replied to an email from NorthSouth Books, sharing which book I would love to read (from a generous list of choices), I won a copy of Silent Night, The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol. Merry Christmas to me!

Gorgeously illustrated, this lovely picture book has a longer text, but it easily engaged my attention as I read about the history of the beloved song. Seasonal yes, but I’ve been known to listen to Christmas music nearly any time of the year. Music and history lovers will enjoy reading how the song was born. Enchanting, beautiful, and perfect.

Thank you, NorthSouth Books!