Grybai

Here it is... the long awaited Grybai, a Lithuanian mushroom cookie! My father's mother's side of the family immigrated from there just a few generations ago. Apparently, Lithuanian's prior to World War II were an agricultural society who truly enjoyed their veggies and thus would 'honor' them by re-creating them in their pastries! Mushrooms were and are a delicacy in this part of the world.

You'd be surprised to note that actual fungus is not included in the list of ingredients... but lots of unusual spices and peels are. Like cloves, nutmeg, cardamon, cinnamon, ginger, orange peel, and lemon peel. Even honey makes the list.

I don't make these every year... and when I do it becomes a labor of love for my father (he always gets the most cookies to eat).

I tell folks who receive a cookie, "You don't have to like it. But I will be insulted if you do not try it." The taste is very unusual and less sugary sweet than most American cookies.

So to my Lithuanian family... all those Zanewicz's and Kallock's, Merry Christmas!

Advent Dreaming

I am a dreamer. There is no doubt that I stand in the lineage of Joseph (of Genesis). Since my grandmother's death my curiosity has been peaked to discover if and when I might dream of my dear Gram. Many different folks from pyschologists to theologians have noted that after a loved one dies often the family and friends have vivid dreams of their beloved.

What a treasure that I dreamed of my dear grandmother last night... here in the midst of Advent (expectation, waiting, hope, longing, etc.). The dream was simple, but has left me with great joy and blessing this morning!

In my dream, Gram and I were together and we were laughing. You know the kind of deep belly laugh that exhausts you and exhilarates you at the same time?! Well, that was us. Laughing.

Thank you Holy Spirit, for such a gift as this!

Christmas preparations...

Over the weekend I discovered that we do not have enough gift tags for the remaining wrapping. That and we have a few remaining gifts to 'go and fetch'. Santa better get moving and put together a few toys (and wrap them too)!

Otherwise the shopping/wrapping are done; cards are mailed; and my baking is half started. As depicted in the photo to our left... my daughter assisted me in baking 146 cookies last Saturday afternoon while the Duke Blue Devils played basketball with really a bad free throw percentage. Our baking attempt only represents three different kinds: the chocolate varieties of chocolate chunk, peanut butter blossoms with dark chocolate Hersey's Kisses, and triple chocolate chunk.

Tonight and tomorrow, we have two more cookies varieties to bake. That includes the traditional sugar cookies in all the Christmas cookie cutter shapes and my family tradition (from my father's side) of Grybai or Lithuanian mushroom cookies. These are very high maintainence and very unusual in their flavor and texture, but a real treat to share and they bring a big smile to my Dad. I'll take a close up photo of one for you!

So, happy baking!

Holy Conversation

Normally, I did not share my private conversation with my Spiritual Director with anyone, but I was asked a poignant question today that invites sharing.

As we discussed and shared my journey of faith, I spoke of how much more meaningful Advent becomes each year as I age. My summarized sharing on Advent I posted on Facebook. That went like this: "The older I get the more and more I relish what Advent is all about! Bring it on- Baby Jesus- because you arrived in human form once we can trust the promise that you will come again and that time you will indeed: FIX everything, judge us with equity, and put an end to war, disease, hunger, lonliness, pain, suffering, ALS, cancer, brain tumors, mental illness, etc. etc...! Just thinking about it gets me all excited! Hallelujah!"

My director asked the thought-provoking question, "So what part of Advent has the greatest meaning for you?" It was a simple question really, but brought me directly into the stare of the newborn Christ child.

Here it is, my one sentence answer... (and I wonder what yours is)... "hope in darkness". Hope in darkness is the gift of the advent of God which brings me the greatest meaning and purpose in my life.

New Book!

Just in time for Christmas... you can now order our book! Happy shopping and reading!


He Said, She SaidBiblical Stories from a Male and Female PerspectivePrint ISBN 9780827214866 List Price $14.99 Print Price: $11.99by Michelle Kallock Knight, Todd OutcaltAvailable December

http://www.chalicepress.com/He-Said-She-Said-P920C15.aspx

He Said , She Said: Biblical Stories From a Male and Female Perspective, explores a host of Biblical narratives from both a male and female perspective, offering readers a unique blend of thought and commentary on relationships, marriage, parenting, work, and aging—written, of course, from the vantage point of a male and female. This book is sure to strike a chord with pastors, study groups, and classes who are looking for a unique and engaging vantage point from which to explore the Bible.

Devoted to Writing

Finally, after a busy autumn and early winter (we can say it is winter because we've had two snows, can't we?!) I finally accomplished a goal of mine. I wrote and submitted two different devotions to our Upper Room publishing house for the Upper Room Magazine. Now, I can expect not to hear back on anything for two years and three and a half days.

I have one or two more ideas perculating... so I may send those in before midnight on December 31st. If so, I will have overachieved at least one 2011 goal.... don't ask about my other goals I have not only fallen off the wagon, so to speak, but completely dismantled the wagon to remain in 'park'.

Now, I need to get my rear in gear on a few other projects...anyone know how to put a wagon back together? Where is Laura Ingalls Wilder when you need her?

Christmas Memories

Harken back to the days of ol'... and I cannot remember any significant Christmases past. Weird?! Maybe I need to take more vitamin supplements to boost my brain and memory power.

I can recall Christmases with my Gram when I was young. She never used tags or labels on her wrapped gifts. Somewhere on the yards and yards of paper she had handwritten your name and you had to find it! Made the unwrapping experience even slower! :) Actually it is a clever idea.

I recall worship at High Street UMC the Christmas that the boiler exploded and we had a simple service in the side chapel amongst the soot and darkness. Kinda creepy, but in a good way.

My senior year of High School I remember doing a Live Nativity at Calvary with my grandparents and other friends. Singing in the cold on a street corner with people honking at you made the hot chocolate worth it!

My first semester at UE my Grandpa Grant drove down to Evansville to pick me up at Christmas break (along with 4 other girls and our stuff). We sang all the way home to Amy Grant's Christmas album on tape! What a hoot! Grandpa did not seem to mind being surrounded by young women.

Then... other favorite Christmases in recent years include Eric and I's first Christmas together... the year of Diana's birth when we were the Holy Family at church and our Christmas while I was on Renewal Leave was special for it's quietness and simplicity.

What is amazing to consider that each of these Christmas seasons (and many others) has had it's own joy and wonder... just think of all the good stuff waiting to happen in the future!

Gee... maybe I don't need vitamins after all.