BLOOM Magazine Winter 2021 - Issue 7 GLOW

N0.7 - WINTER 2021 THE GLOW ISSUE

GROW

FEATURED

Light of My World & You Glow, Girl

SONG FOR YOU How a South African Musician Bloomed During the Pandemic

welcome to

Bloom is a passion project that came to life in the Fall of 2020. Our magazine is created by women to empower women to be who God created them to be.

We are so excited to release our second digital and print issue. All of our contributors volunteer their time and creativity to design a digital space where women can find refuge for their good days, their hard days, and everything in between. Our goal is to make our magazine a practical resource that helps women to unapologetically BLOOM where they are planted.

WILLOW (NICHOLII) EUCALYPTUS

FEATHER EUCALYPTUS

SILVER DOLLAR EUCALYPTUS

GUNNII EUCALYPTUS

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 1

This Christmas, may you experience the warm glow love can bring. only

divine

THOUGHT OF THE SEASON

2

BLOOM WITH US

every season SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

subscribe today at

myBLOOMmag.com BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 3

CONTENTS

30 GROW | L i g ht

o f m y w o rl d

57 FEATURED | H o w

A fri c a n

this

40 FEAST | G ra n d ma E d ith ' s

S o u th

m u si c ia n b l o o me d d u ri n g

b u tter c l u sters

the p a n d emi c

5

Letter

f r o m t h e e d i to r

SPACES 8 Make

the season glow

Shine

bright winter light

64

CELEBRATE 18 Advent -

awaiting the light

GROW 29 You

glow, girl

FEAST 37

South African

malva pudding

45

bl ack-eyed pea soup

FEATURED 24 Jenni's

37 A

b u t to n s

g n o m e f o r e v e ry s e a s o n

BET TER EVERYDAY 50 Why I

love money

STRONGER 71 Navigate

60 FEATURED THIS TL E F A R M S

L o v e H eals

BOND 84 W i ll

yo u r w ay t h r o u g h t h e h o l i days

you be my valentine?

p ea n u t

letter from the editor have to transform your home into a glowing Christmas wonderland. Find creative ways to rethink your Advent and create a new tradition your kids will love. Try a South African dessert or bake our favorite cookie recipes to share with family and friends.

Download our Christmas playlist while you wrap gifts and set a festive table.

We love to celebrate the holidays, but Christmas will always be the highlight of our year. Every family has its unique holiday traditions, and for our family, Christmas has been quite an adventure through the decades. We have celebrated Christmas around a pool in sunny South Africa. We’ve had Christmas on the beach in California. Sometimes we were blessed with family and a candle-lit dinner, other times a Christmas Eve feast with close friends. We’ve had snowy Christmases, rainy Christmases, and everything in-between. Some Christmases brought the hustle and bustle, but come 2020 and the pandemic, we found just the six of us around our dinner table. Christmas celebrations may take many shapes and forms throughout the years, but one thing remains: Christmas is a holiday like no other. It is the season that continues to shine brightly no matter where you are in the world.

As your Christmas celebrations come to an end, find inspiration as you transition into the new year.

Set realistic goals you can accomplish, read new books, play a few love songs, and celebrate the ones you love most.

Every season we feature inspiring women as we showcase their talents. This season, we feature our first musician and two talented crafters from the Snoqualmie Valley. See how these inspiring women have made the most with what they have during seasons of change. We feel honored to highlight Thistle Farms, a non-profit organization that brings healing to women survivors. Read how love heals in Nashville, Tennessee.

I hope this winter brings a warm glow, renewed optimism, and a hopeful spirit for all that is to come.

Much love,

This season, we hope to inspire you to glow and shine light into your home, neighborhood, and community. Find easy, inexpensive ways to use what you BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 5

SPACES The Christmas Season is a golden opportunity to create beautiful spaces and treasured memories with those you love most.

make the

SEASON

glow

story by | Hes-Marié Human

This season I wanted to keep our table setting simple and playful. For the centerpiece, I chose a lush arrangement made with seeded eucalyptus, berries and proteas. Experiment with what you have available in your area. Evergreen greenery can be a lovely alternative to flowers and this centerpiece could be made with any greenery that lasts without water for a few hours. For the table setting, I added a collection of green, grey and white gnome ornaments I found on Amazon. These darling little ornaments also make for a lovely party favor your guests can take home at the end of the evening. I used large white linen napkins and folded each into a house shape. Inside of a mason jar, I added a few eucalyptus seeds for texture and a LED votive to continue the glow theme. Tuck a twig of greenery to the side of the napkin and add an ornament to complete the picture.

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SPACES

1

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Fold the white linen napkin into a square. Fold each layer back to form a triangle and to create a fan effect. Add a twig of seeded eucalyptus and a gnome ornament.

Create a small wreath the size of a large napkin ring with fresh eucalyptus. Fold two of the corners back to form a cone shape. Fold the sharp end of the napkin under and add the eucalyptus wreath.

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Fold the napkin in a small square and use the eucalyptus wreath as a little nest for one of the gnomes.

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For an elegant eucalyptus table setting, use a wooden napkin ring and add a twig of silver dollar eucalyptus. Use a small mason jar, eucalyptus seeds, and a LED votive to add a soft glow.

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Any large oval platter can serve as a base for your centerpiece. Cut all the greenery the same length – about the length of your hand.

Start building a layer around the rim of the oval platter.

Continue by placing the proteas (Leucadendron) around the rim of the platter, on top of the seeded eucalyptus. Use the stems from the proteas to form a base for the houses in the middle of the platter.

I used three sets of fairy lights to add a soft glow throughout the arrangement. Add the fairy light battery packs in a row in the middle of the platter. Weave the strands through the greenery. Try to conceal the wires. Follow with a layer of berries (St. John’s Wort). If you have multiple colors of berries, repeat each color in two to three places around the platter.

Place LED votives (I used three) inside the light houses (I found these ceramic houses at Crate & Barrel) and place the houses on top of the battery packs. Fill in any open spaces with more seeded eucalyptus and berries. You can create this centerpiece the night before your guests arrive and add the berries the day of the get-together to keep the leaves from wilting.

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SPACES

the TREE story by | Hes-Marié Human My husband Stephan and I bought our first tree as an immigrant couple in Southern California. It was our first Christmas in America, all alone with no family and not much money to spare. To celebrate the season, we opted for a medium-sized live tree from the local grocery store. We could only afford a few ornaments that were on sale from Cost Plus World Market. It was the first time all the gifts were for just the two of us, and it was special – in a bittersweet kind of way. There we were, a young couple in a new country on an adventure, spending our first Christmas in our rented apartment, far away from everything we had known.

Fast forward a couple of decades and here we are, a lively family of six, with a pre-lit artificial tree and enough ornaments to decorate three trees. Our twin boys will be off to college next year, and our two younger boys will be in middle school. This year, as Stephan and I decorate our twenty-first tree together, it will bring back many treasured family memories.

Through the years of raising a family, I've had my fair share of epic failures and great successes when decorating our tree. Here are a few tips that I have discovered over the years:

keeping it real Every family has a typical tree tradition, but sometimes it’s fun to mix it up and find what else works for you. We have tried live trees, small trees, artificial trees, and tall trees. We've experimented with incandescent lights, LED lights, and pre-lit trees.

I love the smell, look, feel, and sentiment of searching for the perfect live tree, but one year our tree died before Santa came. It was a lovely golden brown on Christmas Day.

On the other hand, many artificial trees are not pretty, and dealing with stringed lights and failing lightbulbs is not fun on a cold winter's day. We finally settled on a seven-foot, pre-lit LED Christmas tree from Costco as our forever tree. It does take up a lot of space in the garage between seasons, but our tree looks like the real deal, and setting it up only takes a few minutes, making it a clear winner for our family.

to ornament or not to ornament We have raised four toddlers and two Christmas puppies and wiping up broken ornaments and partially eaten gifts is not ideal. Instead of caging your beautiful tree with an unsightly gate, choose to buy plastic or plush ornaments and hang them towards

the bottom of the tree where little hands and puppy paws roam. Keep the gifts on the buffet, mantle (we have a large one), or packed away until Christmas Eve.

perfect imperfection I love a beautifully decorated tree where all the ornaments hang evenly spaced and perfect. When we had the twins, I made the mistake of trying to maintain my pre-baby standards. I would try my hardest to be patient as they hung my most delicate glass ornaments, and after each stressful tree decorating session, I found myself redecorating the tree to make it look perfect. The truth is, you will have many years of perfectly decorated trees when they get

older. You only have a few years of sticky hands and skewed ornaments all hanging on the same side. I felt liberated the year I gave all the decorations to boys and said: "Decorate away. I cannot wait to see what you come up with!" We all have areas we need to grow, and I have learned to embrace imperfection. I now see life with my littles for what it is, a beautiful fleeting season.

when on a budget Consider buying your Christmas ornaments and decorations towards the end of the season. Many stores have significant discounts on their decorations even a couple of weeks before Christmas. Also, consider

building your collection over time. Every year brings the gift of new ornaments and decorations. It is always fun to go down memory lane and remember the year you bought a specific ornament.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 13

the MANTLE For the mantle, I continued with dusty green hues. I used a sage green garland I found at Hobby Lobby. Because our mantle is so large, I opted for paper houses instead of ceramic houses. You can buy a pattern for your Cricket cutter and create the houses as a craft with your kids. Lay the garland a few inches back

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on top of the mantle. Layer two or three garlands depending on how lush they are. Space the houses out in front of the garland. Create groups of ones, twos and threes. Use LED votives to light up your houses when guests come over.

the powder ROOM Add a little glow to your powder room with a few smaller light houses spread throughout.

I found these in the dollar section at Target.

They have built-in LED lights. Add a couple of eucalyptus stems to a simple bud vase and your

powder room is all set for the holidays. If the eucalyptus is fresh, it can last for a couple of weeks when put in water. Replace the eucalyptus once or twice as needed throughout the holiday season.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 15

it is the season to

C E L E B R AT E

light

ADVENT awaiting the

story by | Catherine McNiel If you live in the US, you've probably noticed that before Thanksgiving dinner has been cleared from the table, most retailers have declared Christmas to be in full swing. But this fabulous Christian holiday doesn’t begin for another month. The last Sunday of November (sometimes the first Sunday of December) does ring in a holiday season, but not Christmas. Not yet. Four Sundays before Christmas Day begins a season not of celebration and festivities, but of contemplation and waiting: the beautiful season of Advent.

The word “Advent” is Latin for “coming,” and the significance is in the anticipation. Instead of jumping 18

straight into the celebration of Christmas lights and sounds, Advent encourages us to begin with reflection. Even though the reality of history is that God has come, and therefore God is here now and always, in the spiritual practice of Advent, God is coming and therefore we are waiting. This practice of delayed gratification bears fruit in our souls that we desperately need. In the waiting, Advent becomes a profound expression of hope.

We are waiting for Christ, for Emmanuel, for GodWith-Us. During these weeks there is a tangible sense of entering, of expecting. There are mysterious and majestic things to ponder and the message must sink

CELEBRATE down deep into our hearts, spirits, wills, intellects, choices, eyes, hands, feet, songs, and dreams. This is a waiting we long to see and touch.

cumulates as the weeks go by. We save the very best for last, reading our favorite version of the Christmas story by the tree on Christmas Eve.

And so, on the first Sunday of Advent we gather together around a wreath of four candles, lighting only one. The feast is not yet served, but we have caught the faintest whiff. The choir has not yet filled the hall with music, but if you listen closely, a deep sound has begun to reverberate in the air. The journey towards Jesus’ birth has begun.

Advent Calendar: Advent Calendars are one tradition you may recognize. Consider making or investing in one that you can use year after year (see page 84 for ideas).

For centuries—and in some traditions still today— Christmas was held at bay during these waiting weeks. Families did not put up their Christmas trees until Christmas Eve. Churches sang only stark Advent carols such as “O Come O Come Emmanuel” until it was finally time to burst into Christmas songs and colors on Christmas Day. Then, after such a long wait, the feasting and gift-giving would last for twelve days—the 12 days of Christmas—beginning December 25 and ending January 5.

Unfortunately, consumerism and shopping have so entirely taken over the birth of Jesus that observing either Advent or Christmas requires a great deal of counter-cultural effort. How can Christians wait with expectant reflection while Christmas carols, movies, parties, and cookies fill every moment of December? Even if we somehow manage a quiet and reflective December, how do we begin our celebration on the 25th when everyone around us is packing their trees and lights up for the New Year, when even most churches have set aside Christmas songs and stories?

I'll confess, as Advent begins this year my tree is already up, and my favorite Christmas carols are airing throughout the house. My daughter has already started baking cookies. But I do treasure this time, this season, of waiting. Our Christmas joy is more satisfying because of it.

If you’re new to the practice of Advent and want to give it a try, here are some fun and easy ideas:

Stillness: There’s just no getting away from the crazy in December. Everyone is hosting a party or a program, and there is no end of cookie plates and gifts that need baking and wrapping. But, ironically enough, these weeks were set aside for stillness and quiet reflection. We cannot entirely opt out (plus, we have so much fun while we’re at it!), but look for a few minutes a day in which you or your family can intentionally observe quietness and stillness.

In all of these ideas, don’t let the “perfect” get in the way of the “good enough!” Keep in mind, traditions and spiritual practices don’t need to be done perfectly and daily to make an impact. Do what you can do with joy, and let the rest go.

Advent is a solemn time, but one pregnant with joy and hope. It begins in the darkness of early winter, with only one small light burning. Each Sunday, we add one more light: first for hope, second for peace, third for joy, and fourth for love. We begin in darkness and end with the Light of the World in our midst.

Now, that’s worth waiting for.

JOHN 1:9 The true light that gives light to everyone [is] coming into the world.

Cathrine McNiel Chicago, ILLINOIS

Candles: How better to await the Light of the World than by filling your home with candles and tea lights? Each night when the sun sinks (so early!) I play an Advent song on our speakers as we walk through the house lighting candles. The result is an ambiance that evokes the reflective, sacred, and celebratory aspects of these weeks all at once. Consider making or buying an Advent wreath and light a candle each Sunday.

She is the author of Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for

Countdown with Books: A fun tradition to do with kids is to hold back all the Christmas books and set out one each day of Advent. My kids are thrilled at the memories each book evokes, and the stack ac-

jobs, and one enormous garden.

Catherine McNiel writes about the creative and redemptive work of God in our real, ordinary lives.

Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies; Long Days of Small Things: Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline; and All Shall Be Well: Awakening to God's Presence in His Messy, Abundant World. Catherine

studies theology while caring for three kids, two

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 19

green

CELEBRATE WITH GIFTS OF

from our GNOME TO YOURS One of the things I appreciate about my husband is his beautifully wrapped gifts. Growing up, his mom owned a gift shop in the small town of Hoedspruit, South Africa. From a young age, he learned how to wrap gifts and helped during the holidays when the store got busy. When I met him in my teens, I was always impressed by his gift-wrapping skills. He had an eye for beautiful wrapping paper, and every gift he has ever bought me comes beautifully wrapped with thought and care. It is the little things like these that make me feel loved and appreciated.

Like him, I love to gift our friends and family with thoughtfully wrapped gifts. It adds that extra touch that makes an ordinary gift feel special. This season I wanted to continue the eucalyptus theme to match my holiday decor. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you celebrate the season with gifts of green:

the color scheme When choosing a color scheme for your Christmas gifts, keep the tree and seasonal décor in your home in mind. Also, choose prints, patterns and accessories that will be suitable for men, women and 22

story by | Hes-Marié Human

children. This season I continued with the pale greens to match our eucalyptus theme.

the paper I love colorful wrapping paper, but have found that regular brown paper is more durable and is a neutral background for any gift (plus, it's also recyclable). I bought a big roll of plain brown paper from Amazon. I then added a few coordinating rolls of printed brown paper as an accent. I love the Ruspepa brand.

the accessories A few wooden beads here and there can add some texture to your gifts. You can add beads to tassels (3) or as embelishment at the end of a string (2). You can string a few beads on twine (5) or string it on the stem of the eucalyptus. Use a toothpick to make the holes in the wooden beads larger, if needed.

I like to add accessories that can be reused by my friends and family. I bought burlap tassels (3) in bulk and added two wooden beads to each tassel. They

can be hung around a bottle, or on a doorknob, or be reused on another gift.

You can buy ornaments as accessories for your gifts. I used the same gnomes from our table setting (page 10 & 11) to add as an accessory to the gifts (1, 5).

Ribbon and twine in different widths can be used in many ways when gift wrapping. The wide, colored burlap ribbon (1) and a bit of greenery make for a lovely gift. I used Scotch tape to keep the ends of the burlap ribbon from fraying and to attach the ends to the back of the gift.

I buy gift tags (1, 3) that can work for many occasions in white and natural.

You can buy them in bulk on Amazon.

My favorite places to shop for accessories are Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Target, and Amazon.

a fresh element This season I used eucalyptus, but I often use greenery from my garden to make my gifts stand out. It will save you time and money, and it is always available when you need it.

Evergreen shrubs and trees smell heavenly, and the stems last for weeks without water. If they dry out, they keep their color, allowing you to wrap them days, even weeks in advance.

bring it all together With all the essentials ready, gift -wrapping can happen at a moment's notice. Surprise your family and friends with beautifully wrapped gifts with a touch of fresh greenery.

BRIGHT IDEA

Allocate a drawer, box or cabinet in your home to keep all your gift-wrapping supplies.

With a little bit of planning ahead, gift-wrapping can be done on short notice, in just a couple of minutes.

cute as a JENNI BUTTON story by | Hes-Marié Human

Jenni is my hair stylist that I have been going to for years. She is mom to the cutest little boy and married to her best friend. When I visited her for my cut this season, I learned something new about her. In her free time, she enjoys creating buttons for all occasions and purposes.

In BLOOM Magazine, we love to feature and highlight women from all walks of life, and promote their ventures, no matter the size. We are thrilled to feature Jenni's buttons this season.

These adorable buttons can become paperclips, pins, fridge magnets, and bottle openers in a variety of sizes. They make treasured gifts for grandparents or are a fun gift topper for a kid’s birthday.

Friends and family love it when Jenni takes one of their drawings and creates a personalized button. Imagine your child seeing their artwork on your fridge or pinned to their backpack in this creative way.

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We collaborated with Jenni and designed a collection of Christmas buttons for BLOOM Magazine. Contact Jenni at thecraftycornerbyjennik@gmail.com to order your BLOOM buttons or choose one of her cute designs for your next occasion.

bright ideas with JENNI’S BUTTONS • • • • • •

Stocking stuffer Gift embellishment Mason jar topper Teacher’s gift Party favor Backpack pin

We hope to not only inspire, but to also give you practical tools to fight your daily battles and help you find balance.

GROW

you glow, girl story by | Hes-Marié Human As I reflected on GLOW this season, my search for light sent me down a rabbit hole through multiple Google pages. I finally landed on an article called, “What Causes Hot Things to Glow” on Let’s Talk Science. (Sidenote: This is a great site to share with your science-loving kids!) The traditional Edison bulb is the perfect example to illustrate glowing. Let’s take a quick trip down our childhood memory lanes to remind us how the lightbulb glows. Inside the glass

bulb of an Edison bulb is a small filament (a piece of metal made from tungsten). When switching on the light, electrical current runs through the filament.

Because the filament acts as a resistor, the electrical current creates a tremendous amount of heat, over 2000ºC/3630ºF. The transferred heat causes the atoms within the tungsten to go into an “excited state.” The movement or vibrations of the atoms is what causes the lightbulb to glow.

It is time to glow.

Revisiting the workings of the old-fashioned incandescent bulb reminded me of God’s transformative love for us. It is like an electrical current running through our veins, creating energy. In the last few years, I have enjoyed studying God’s word. As a result, my relationship with God grew stronger, and my faith deepened. During this new season, I became

more and more aware of His love for me. When I was younger, the thought of God loving me completely, just the way I am, was hard for me to grasp. But now I know that His love is different from any other kind of love. Like the light bulb, it stirs something inside of us that creates movement. It sends us into an “excited state” and makes us glow.

1 JOHN 4:19 NIV We love because He first loved us.

How will you use your glow?

Some of us are called to be incandescent lights radiating a warm glow. Others are modern-day LED lights, highlighting the beauty in others. Perhaps you are a spotlight shining brightly into someone’s dark night, or a multicolored Christmas light that brings joy during a specific season. Maybe you are a vapor lamp lighting up a whole stadium, or perhaps you are a nightlight keeping watch over a tiny human. God intended for each of us to glow in our own unique way. Not all of us are called to be the same kind of light, but all of us are called to glow. Maybe you are an incandescent light feeling insecure because you are not the life of the party. But remember that

God created you with a purpose; the incandescent light is created to radiate a unique warm glow that the disco ball cannot be. Perhaps you are an overwhelmed nightlight wishing you could be an office light, but know that God has the power to transform us into a new kind of light when the time is right.

This Christmas, I hope you experience the warm glow only divine love can bring. As you celebrate the season, may the love and wonder of Jesus create a renewed excitement in your heart. May it remind you of the One who loves you like no other, and may it give you the courage to go out there, to be your authentic self, and to glow, girl.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 29

light OF MY WORLD story by | Lyndsey Watson When I was a kid, I was afraid of the dark – the outside dark. I could totally handle the darkness in my bedroom, but if my mom asked me to take the trash out and it was dark? That was a solid nope. Even when I got older, and I was coming home at curfew, I would turn off the car and run, or rather LEAP, up the porch steps as quickly as I could. I knew that the only thing lurking under the stairs were some spiders – but I was certain something would grab my legs and pull me under. (Perhaps this is one reason I don’t watch super scary movies with my kids.)

to this season. This season might feel dark because of loneliness, depression, or the loss of our loved ones. Christmas can bring with it a lot of emotions, not always happy ones.

But when the porch light was on? All of a sudden, it took away the fear. Why? Because when the light is on, the darkness leaves and everything becomes clear. Yes, there is an edge to the light, but we can see where we’re going. We can find what we are looking for, and we can confirm that the things we’re afraid of are no match for the light. This is the way it is when we have a relationship with Jesus.

But because it’s a season of literal darkness, it’s also a reminder that we are waiting for the light. This is what the season of Advent is (the season leading up to Christmas Day). While we tend to skip ahead to Christmas carols, bells and lights, and celebration, if we’re honest, our lives aren’t always bright and cheery. Life can be hard. And it can be dark.

Because this world we live in? It’s dark, too. There is a whole lot of hurt. There is already a whole lot of waiting for hope.

Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, and He’s invited us to do the same.

For those of us living in the upper part of the northern hemisphere, it gets dark extremely early. Here in the Pacific Northwest, my kids get off the school bus around 4:00pm and they often come up the driveway in the dark. It’s crazy! For this half the world, it's wintertime. And winter equals darkness. But the weather is not the only thing that can bring darkness 30

But it’s also a season where followers of Jesus can find hope. We can find hope even in the darkness because Jesus is our hope, and He is the light of the world. Jesus is our light in the darkness. And where there is light, darkness cannot exist, because the light always penetrates the dark.

So, even as we wait, we remember that we are living in an in-between time. The light of the world came down into darkness that first Christmas morning and He will come again, down into the darkness that still exists in our world.

Although we must wait for this broken world to be made new, we don’t have to wait for or invite Jesus…

GROW He is already here. When we turn towards Jesus, we are not only promised light in our own lives, but we can be used by God to shine light in the lives of our neighbors, friends, and family. We can be light for a world that doesn’t seem to know what it’s like to live in the light.

JOHN 1:4-5 In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

JOHN 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

When Jesus came to earth, He was the light of the world. He promises that if we follow Him, we will have the light. And when we respond to Him, we receive the light of life. It’s a gift. It’s what makes all this darkness possible to live through. We know this is not the end of the story.

But His light is not just for us to keep. When we receive the light of life, there is an expectation that we respond to it. We must actively live out our faith and follow in the example of Christ. We should become like a city situated on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5). Our very presence can bring hope and light and a chance for others to see goodness and notice love—a love they may be longing for but haven’t yet been able to see.

Darkness is the absence of light. Trying to go after it directly is like chasing a shadow. We can’t bag it up and throw it away. Only light is powerful enough to make the darkness disappear. Jesus made it clear that He is the light of the world and whoever follows Him will have the light of life. We are called to shine.

The light we share is not of our own making. God is literally the source of light. He spoke light into being.

“Let there be light.” Four simple words. A lightbulb cannot shine on its own. A candle cannot shine on its own. Light needs a source. God is the source.

As we go into what is often a dark world, we can remember that we are reflecting light from an eternal source. Trying to shine our own light can be exhausting. Can I get an amen? This is especially true when life isn’t roses and candy canes. This is another reason it is so important to be connected to Jesus.

When we are, HIS light pours through us in powerful, brilliant ways that change the world. The ways we shine might not make the news, but they make even more of a difference than we can see. The love of

Christ shines through us into the darkness and into the world.

So? What can we do? Receive light and be light.

Advent is a time to lament the darkness, the sadness, the hurts, the wrongs. We can stand in the gap for those who are falling and fight for those who cannot fight. We can encourage one another and challenge one another to keep our eyes on Jesus. We can love even when we’re treated unfairly. We can be kind and generous in situations of favoritism and injustice. We can show hospitality to those who are new to our community or passing through. We can be patient and practice self-control in the midst of irritation and inefficiency.

The WAY our light shines ultimately shows the world how much Jesus loves. That is what the Good News does. It heals. It liberates. It frees. It comforts. It provides. It gives beauty. And hope. And light.

While there are many ways you can shine His light into the darkness of this season, love is first on the list. Who in your life needs a little extra love? Who in your life needs a note, or a call, a text, or a grocery card, a gas card, or free babysitting. God can open our eyes and make the needs of others personal to us, and we can respond with His love.

How can we better love the world around us?

In this season, if you are in a place where your light has faded, may this be a season of renewal and restoration, healing and hope, connection and belonging. Even in the dark times, God can use you to shine His light. Lean into Him. Bring what you have and trust God. God will move in ways beyond what you could ever imagine. We can face the darkness around us, because we have the light!

As I grow closer to God, He becomes my light. He is the light of my world and he can be the light of yours, too. Let your light shine!

Lyndsey Watson

North Bend, WASHINGTON

Pastor Lyndsey is our co-editor and serves as the Ministry Specialist for Covenant Kids Congo, a partnership of the Evangelical Covenant Church and World Vision. She and her husband, Tom, have two children and live in North Bend, Washington. She loves to garden and take adventures with her family.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 31

Countdown to Christmas

25 story by | Lyndsey Watson

The countdown to Christmas is one of my very favorite times of year.

Although it can be a stressful season with lots on our to do lists, it’s also a season where intentional time with family means so much. Every year, our family counts the days towards Christmas using an Advent Calendar.

The tradition dates back to the mid-19th century, when German Christians would make chalk marks on doors or light candles to count the days leading up to Christmas. Whether you want to count 25 days, 10 days, or maybe just the last week, we would encourage you to participate in this tradition in some way this year.

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BOND

buy Many Advent Calendars include paper doors that open to reveal an image, Bible verse or piece of chocolate – if this is all you have time for, head to the supermarket and pick one up.

Nowadays, there are any number of storebought Advent Calendars to choose from – lego sets, socks, wine or beer from around the world, chocolate and more. Find one that you will look forward to opening and buy it!

add a verse If you purchase your calendar from a store, consider supplementing the tasty treat or gift with a Bible verse. There are any number of printables available online or you can read a chapter a day from the Gospel of Luke.

create

MAKE THE SEASON GLOW fair trade products that bring healing, hope & freedom for women survivors

If you have time and energy to be creative, consider creating your own Advent Calendar each year. You can start from scratch and do something different every year, or invest in one you can use year to year. We’ve used tins, paper houses and burlap bags hanging from a string. This is often the easiest and most cost efficient for larger families. Drop a piece of candy per person into the container, add a verse and start your countdown.

add activities For a little something extra, take a look at your December calendar and consider traditions you typically participate in. Considering your own schedule, add these activities to your calendar – and put a prompt or note in that container of the countdown. These could be big activities like going to the theater, but they can also be simple ones like eating candy canes or making cocoa. Other ideas include: baking, decorating gingerbread houses, sledding, making gifts for neighbors, addressing Christmas cards, watching a favorite Christmas movie or reading a favorite Christmas book.

If you have children in your house, no matter their age, Advent Calendars are just one more way to interact with them throughout the whole month of December. These calendars, no matter how complicated or simple they are, are a wonderful way to bond with your children and make memories they will remember forever.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 33

PL AY LIST

This season, we have not one, but two, playlists to brighten your cold winter days. We compiled a Christmas playlist with our favorite holiday tunes and a winter playlist to take you through the New Year to Valentine’s Day. We hope this holiday season brings sweet memories and the gift of togetherness. CHRISTMAS 2021 34

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CA L L I N G A L L C O O K S Next year is Heritage Year and we want to feature your favorite family recipes. Please share them with us at info@myBLOOMmag.com

for a chance to be featured.

FEAST

FEAST

In South Africa, Malva Pudding is served on Sundays after church or during the holidays.

The buttery sweetness of this moist cakelike dessert will make guests come back for more. Tradionally, it is baked in a rectangular dish. Individual portions in mason jars can be made a few days ahead and refrigerated until your get-together. Warm it up in the microwave or oven and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

SOUTH AFRICAN MALVA PUDDING ingredients

recipe by | Hes-Marié Human

2 cups all purpose flour 4 tsp baking powder pinch of salt 1 cup sugar 1 tbsp apricot preserves 2 eggs 2 cups milk 2 tsp baking soda 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar

sauce 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter 2 cups boiling water 2 cups sugar 1 can evaporated milk

put it together 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a seperate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the sugar with the apricot jam and eggs.

Mix the baking soda and vinegar in a cup and add it to the milk.

Mix the ingredients above (step 1 to 4) to form a runny batter. Do not over whisk.

Spray the small mason jars with cooking spray and fill 1/3 of the way with the batter. Place all the mason jars on a large baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 25- 30 minutes or until medium golden brown.

7. While the cake mix bakes in the oven, prepare the sauce. Add the butter, water, sugar and evaporated milk to a microwave safe dish and heat until boiling. About 5 minutes.

8. Pour a bit of hot liquid over each individual cake once it is removed from the oven. The cake will absorb a little liquid at a time. Keep circling back to each cake, adding more sauce, until each cake is well saturated and glossy.

9. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 37

CHRISTMAS COOKIES THE TASTY KIND YOU WANT TO BAKE WITH YOUR KIDS

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FEAST

Chocolate chip cookies are a fan favorite no matter the time of year, but they are not traditionally considered a Christmas cookie. These are a favorite in our home for this reason! They taste delicious on the first day and a few days later (if they make it that long) which makes them the perfect neighbor gift or treat for Santa.

CHRISTMAS CHIPPERS ingredients 1 cup butter, softened ¾ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup packed light brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon almond flavoring 1 tablespoon vanilla flavoring 1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

recipe by | Lyndsey Watson

BRIGHT IDEA Two minutes before baking is complete, sprinkle a few chocolate chips on the top of the cookies for a more festive look.

put it together 1. Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C. Leave ungreased or line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine butter, sugars, eggs, almond flavoring, and vanilla flavoring in large bowl. Beat on medium to high speed until light and fluffy, scraping the sides as necessary.

4. Switching to low speed, slowly add in flour mixture and blend until dough is smooth and stiff.

5. Add chocolate chips and pecans. Mix until combined.

6. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until just firm in center. Edges will be lightly browned. Do not overbake.

7. Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

pro-tip A teaspoon of this dough will spread to about 2 inches. It may look small on the baking sheet, but it’s the correct size.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 39

I received this recipe as part of a wedding gift – a cookbook full of recipes from my extended family. The women in my family compiled this gift using many of their favorite recipes, most of which are cookies and treats! Although Grandma Edith is not my grandma, her legacy is living on through this recipe for my family – it’s one of Ellie’s favorites and an annual Christmas cookie in our household. It’s also incredibly simple which makes it PERFECT for baking and bonding with your child.

GRANDMA EDITH’S PEANUT BUTTER CLUSTERS

recipe by | Lyndsey Watson

ingredients 1 package almond bark (aka vanilla candy coating) 1 cup peanut butter (any variety, but smooth is best) 7-8 cups Rice Krispies cereal 1-2 cups cocktail peanuts (lightly salted)

put it together 1. Break apart almond bark and place in microwavable bowl. Add peanut butter.

2. Microwave for three minutes. Carefully remove bowl and stir. Use caution as the bowl may be hot.

Continue to melt in 1-minute intervals, stirring regularly, until completely melted. Scrape sides of the bowl to ensure it is completely mixed.

3. Stir in Rice Krispies cereal until completely coated.

4. Stir in peanuts.

5. Place spoonfuls of the mixture on parchment paper and allow time to set. For best results, cookies should be between 1-2 inches in diameter.

Makes approximately 40 cookies

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FEAST

IRISH COFFEE FOUR WAYS recipe by | Hes-Marié Human

I have fond childhood memories of my parents drinking Irish coffee from those old-fashioned, gold-rimmed glasses. I grew up in South Africa, but I remember my dad always talking about his Irish heritage. Although our Irish lineage goes back several generations, my very "Afrikaans" dad to this day loves to boast: "I'm an Irishman!" A couple of years ago, we finally had our DNA tested, and to Dad's delight, it confirmed that my family indeed comes from a small Irish town called Cork. Every time we drink an Irish coffee, I miss Mom and Dad and wish they were here to celebrate our South African Irishness.

I never developed a taste for whisky, but lately, we have enjoyed an Irish coffee instead of dessert after a special dinner. The secret to an excellent Irish coffee lies in the whipping of the slightly sweetened cream. We like to serve our Irish coffee in smaller glasses. We experimented with different flavors for the holiday season. Here are a few flavor combinations you can try with your family and friends.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 41

THE CLASSIC ingredients 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar 1 tot (shot) of whiskey 1/2 cup coffee 1 tsp turbinado sugar

put it together 1. Whip the cream and the powdered sugar until slightly thickened. It should still be runny.

2. Add the whiskey, turbinado sugar and about 1/2 cup of the hot coffee to the glass depending on the size of your glass. Mix well until the sugar is desolved.

3. Pour the sweetened whipped cream slowly and fill the glass to the top. You can hold the back of the teaspoon over the glass and pour the cream onto the teaspoon to gently let the cream settle on top of the coffee.

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FEAST

strawberries and cream Mix 1 1/2 tbsp of Baileys Strawberries and Cream with a 1/4 cup of the whipped cream mixture. After topping the coffee/whiskey/brown sugar mixture, grate freezedried strawberries (we picked a few freeze-dried strawberries out of our kid’s strawberry cereal) over the cream and serve.

chocolate Kahlúa Mix 1 1/2 tbsp of Kahlúa with a 1/4 cup of the whipped cream mixture. After topping the coffee/whiskey/brown sugar mixture, grate dark chocolate over the cream and serve.

chocolate peppermint Mix only 1/2 tbsp of J Brandt Creme De Menthe liqueur with a 1/4 cup of the whipped cream mixture. After topping the coffee/whiskey/brown sugar mixture, grate any mint chocolate (we used Dove Dark Chocolate & Mint Swirl) over the cream and serve.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 43

FEAST

In the Southern United States, eating blackeyed peas on New Year’s Day is said to bring prosperity and luck into the new year. My husband is from Arkansas, and I first learned of this tradition from his mother. In fact, the first time I ever ate a black-eyed peas was in her home. Since then, we have adopted this dish into our New Year’s traditions – but this soup is too delicious for just once a year. The minute summer slips away and on through the spring, this soup finds its way onto our table and into our bellies.

BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP

recipe by | Lyndsey Watson

ingredients 4 cups black eyed peas 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups onion, chopped 2 cups celery, chopped 3 cups carrots, peeled and chopped 3 cups ham, cubed 4 cups chicken broth olive oil

put it together 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Soak the beans, if necessary. This usually takes 6-8 hours, so place them in water before work or before bed, depending on when you plan to serve. Be sure to drain and rinse the beans after soaking and remove any discolored beans. If using canned beans, be sure to rinse and drain.

Heat oil on medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.

Add onions and celery. Cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Add carrots. Cook for approximately 5 minutes. Carrots should still be firm.

Add cubed ham. Cook for approximately 3 minutes.

Add broth and beans. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes.

To complete the meal, serve with bread and salad.

Looking for substitutions? For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and substitute the chicken broth for veggie broth. Salt to taste.

Change it up! Add spinach or kale prior to serving. Diced tomatoes (without the Italian spices) are also a fun addition.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 45

A CHRISTMAS TREAT FOR MILO AND CHARLIE I love baking in the winter and sharing my creations with family and friends. But my puppies are the most excited of all when I make these simple dog treats. It saves money, and my dogs can’t stop wagging when I pull them out of the oven! recipe by | Abi Wall

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FEAST

DOG TREATS ingredients 2/3 cup pumpkin puree 1/4 cup peanut butter 2 large eggs 2 1/2 - 3 cups whole wheat flour

put it together 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fit with the paddle attachment, beat the pumpkin puree, peanut butter and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating until just incorporated. Add an additional 1/4 cup flour at a time just until the dough is no longer sticky.

Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.

Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shape and place onto the prepared baking sheet.

Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Let cool completely.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 47

world

We will work hard to make this a little better each day.

BLOOM

better EVERYDAY

WHY I LOVE

money

My name is Susan and I love money. I like to talk about money and spend time thinking about how to earn, save and spend it. I used to feel weird about saying this out loud as it gets a variety of crazy looks from others. However, I have learned over the years that money is a powerful topic that can cause all sorts of stress, shame, conflict and pain. My hope is that by sharing my love of money, with tips and tricks for managing it, you can experience peace, joy and contentment when thinking about your finances.

Many will say that money is the root of all evil, but money itself is an inanimate object. It therefore cannot be evil or good; it’s just a thing. The Bible actually says it is the love of money that is the root of evil. (Flash back to my opening statement, and apparently, I have just shared my evil tendencies with all of you!) Destruction occurs when you believe that money will buy happiness, represent success or lead to contentment. Money is simply a tool and you get 50

story by | Susan Gillespie to decide how you use it... and if you want to make a difference in this world, how you manage your money is a great way to achieve that, too!

A great way to build a healthy relationship with money is to focus on your ABC’s: Attitude, Budgeting and Career Planning.

ATTITUDE If money is stressful and causing anxiety or fear in your life, you are not alone, and you are NOT a failure. Choices you have made in the past, experiences life has dealt you, and current circumstances are real, but they do not have to define your future with money. You can ask for help and when you are ready, decide to take steps that can lead to confidence, contentment and thankfulness.

BETTER EVERYDAY BUDGETING A budget is by far the best thing you can do when it comes to your money. “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of you wondering where it went” (Dave Ramsey). The beauty of a budget is that it does not matter how much money you make or have; it is a tool that everyone can use.

1.

Start by making a zero-based monthly budget.

This means that you take the total amount you bring home each month and then assign every dollar into a budget category. There are some traditional budget categories you can start with and then adjust based on your needs.

2. If you are single, set your targets and then track your spending. If you are in a relationship or married, work with your partner to agree on your budget categories (example to the right), amounts, and track where your money is going in a supportive and encouraging manner. You can track on paper, in Excel or in an online tool or app. Not everything will go perfectly each month - budgeting is like horseshoes and hand grenades; close is good enough! The goal is to focus on spending only what you have, limiting the hold of debt in your life, and to plan for the future.

CAREER PLANNING There are plenty of career choices, especially for women. What sometimes makes it even more challenging for women is that we often experience pressure and shame for every decision we make, which makes choosing a direction even more challenging.

It’s like we just cannot win. However, the reality is, we are empowered to make career decisions based on what is best for us and our families, and we can support each other unconditionally.

While I am a firm believer that “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,” (Marc Anthony), the choices you make can be an important factor in your financial planning. It is important to remember you can be financially stable at any level (seriously), so you don’t need to make choices based solely on how much money you make. The key is setting your budget and long-term financial plan based on what you have and what you will earn.

With a well-organized resume, a willingness to work hard, the courage to ask for new challenges and the tenacity to ALWAYS negotiate on job offers, you can achieve goals higher than expected.

NATIONAL AVERAGE

SUSAN RECOMMENDS

housing

20-35%

30%

food

15-30%

20%

transportation

6-20%

10%

utilities

4-7%

5%

clothing

3-10%

3%

other

1-4%

3%

savings

5-9%

10%

tithe/giving

2-10%

10%

personal items

2-4%

3%

healthcare

2-8%

3%

insurance

4-6%

3%

10-20%

0%*

CATEGORY

debt pay off

*Paying off debt is a focus of starting on this path, but the goal is eventually to get to 0%

If money is a topic that causes you stress, shame, conflict or pain, I hope you know that there are real ways to move towards peace, joy and contentment.

I have never met anyone, including myself, who did everything right, had all the answers or made perfect decisions. By taking small steps in Attitude, Budgeting and Career Planning, your confidence will grow, and you too may come to love what you can do with money in your life.

Susan Gillespie

Snoqualmie, WASHINGTON

Susan is a wife, mom and business professional with a passion for playing softball, providing housing solutions and helping people build a positive relationship with money and find new careers. Susan enjoys all sorts of adventurous activities and global travel, as well as cleaning and re-organizing every space in her house (and cars).

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 51

KOALAS AND EUCALYPTUS story by | Abi Wall This season, we featured eucalyptus in many of our designs. In the process, we remembered the connection between koalas and this unique plant. Here are some interesting facts about koalas and their relationship with this Australian native plant.

LET’S TALK ABOUT THAT NOSE. Koala’s have a distinctive nose. They rely on smell to find which eucalyptus tree they will climb up. They also rely on taste to make sure the leaf will agree with them. Sometimes koalas rub their noses with other koalas as a greeting and have been known to do the same with humans when raised in captivity.

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WHAT DO YOU MEAN I’M NOT A BEAR? I HAVE ALL THE KOALAFICATIONS! Koalas are marsupials — not bears. They have a lifespan of about 20 years in the wild, weigh about 20 pounds, and have six opposable thumbs.

KOALAS LIKE TO SLEEP. Eucalyptus is not super nutritional, but it’s all koalas eat. They can eat about a pound a day, and then their bodies must process all the toxins from the eucalyptus. This is why they don’t have tons of competition for their food source: eucalyptus is poisonous to

BETTER EVERYDAY most other animals. Processing these toxins takes time, which means koalas sleep/rest between 18 and 22 hours a day.

BEING A KOALA CAN BE STRESSFUL. Just like humans, when koalas are experiencing stressful situations (deforestation, drought, a dog or dingo attack) their immune systems take a hit, and they can get sick. They’re especially vulnerable to chlamydia which can cause blindness, infertility, and sometimes death. (This one is a bummer, I’m sorry.)

KOALA’S ARE PICKY EATERS. There are over 700 different types of eucalyptus, and koalas will only eat around 50 of them.

AUSTRALIA IS COVERED IN EUCALYPTUS! The eucalyptus forests make up 77% of Australia’s native forests. They cover 101 million hectares (close to 400,000 square miles).

GIV E A W AY HELP US GROW Follow us this season on social media @mybloommagazine for a chance to win a set of Jenni's Buttons.

The

winner will be announced in our

Spring Issue.

EUCALYPTUS CAN BE USED FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES. Eucalyptus contains eucalyptol which is toxic in high doses, but small amounts of eucalyptus oil are used in teas. Eucalyptol makes for a great antiseptic. Eucalyptus is a natural decongestant and can help with respiratory illness. It can be used as an antiseptic when treating burns, cuts, and bites.

Eucalyptus oil can also be used to relieve muscle and joint pain.

Abi Wall

Snoqualmie, WASHINGTON

Abi is our junior editor and has a passion for and degree in creative writing. One day she hopes to publish young adult fiction novels. She has lived in the Pacific Northwest all her life and enjoys traveling, hiking and the beach... when she's not reading or writing!

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 53

featured This season we are proud to feature our first musician. She and her sister wrote us a song, and we are excited to hear more from this talented artist throughout the next seasons of BLOOM.

Music is life itself.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG

FEATURED

FAITH, FAMILY, AND

SHARING

THE LOVE OF MUSIC story by | Hes-Marié Human

Our interview took place in my car between meetings. A friendly voice greeted me on the other side of the world. Hearing Jaqueline speak in Afrikaans transported me back to South Africa, and I instantly felt I was home. Through the phone, I could hear the cooing sounds of her newborn baby, and in the background, children were playing.

This talented musician gracefully embraces motherhood with her blended family of five. Her infectious positivity and deep faith were uplifting. You would never guess that she had a preemie baby a few weeks shy of our meeting. She shared how she dreamed of her baby as a toddler a week before she was born.

"When I went into labor 11 weeks early, I had no fear because God showed me my little girl in a dream." Baby Hepzibah was born at 29 weeks without any complications and was able to go home soon after. It truly is a miracle even the doctors cannot explain.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 57

Jacqueline's career as a singersongwriter took off when she became a finalist on The Voice South Africa in 2017. She met her husband at an art festival, a week before the show's first taping. She says, "When I saw him singing on stage, I knew he was the man I wanted to marry." Together, they started the Jack & June duo and fell madly in love. In 2019, they tied the knot and have not looked back. "Raising my family and music are my life. God blessed me with the gift of music, and I want to share it with others."

During the pandemic, like so many other musicians, their career as a country duo suffered. But out of this challenging time came the gift of a new baby, new music, and a new business idea. By partnering with other musicians in the industry, SONG for YOU became a reality. "I love to tell someone's story in a song," Jaqueline says.

Since the start of the business, they have created custom songs and videos for many occasions.

Whether you are a non-profit organization, a bride, or a new mom, SONG for YOU writes songs that tell your story. And they did it for us! SONG for YOU wrote "I BLOOM in You" for BLOOM Magazine. We are so excited to share this talented couple with you. Listen to Jack & June's latest songs on our Winter Playlist and listen to our custom song by SONG for YOU by scanning the code below.

Faith, family, and music are what keep this couple going strong through life's many seasons.

Sharing it with others is what brings them joy.

Scan

this code

to listen to

Jack & June

Scan

this code

to listen to our custom song

"I Bloom 58

in

You"

Jaqualine and her sister Adelé wrote "I Bloom in You" for BLOOM Magazine.

LOVE HEALS On the corner of Charlotte Pike and 52nd Avenue in Nashville, a match is struck in the early morning to light a candle every day. The candle is a symbol of hope, a reminder, a prayer - for the woman still suffering out on the street and searching for a way home.

stories of pain and loss, and the injustice and inequities we were facing collectively over this season, the story of that candle and the work of Thistle Farms became a symbol of hope for me as well. A reminder of the good and healing work being done in the world by ordinary people.

Our family moved to Nashville at the height of the pandemic in 2020. In the midst of endless news

What began 25 years ago as a place of healing for just five women in the basement of a church,

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FEATURED with beds for 28 survivors. The two-year program provides housing, case management, healthcare, counseling, education and employment opportunities, all free of charge, and bears truth to the Thistle Farm’s mantra – Love Heals. Five years after graduation from the program, 75% of the graduates are living healthy, financially independent lives.

If you’re ever in Music City, you must make time between your concerts and honky tonks to stop into The Café at Thistle Farms and their beautiful store.

At The Café you can enjoy breakfast and lunch, or their daily tea service. A beautiful teacup chandelier will greet you as you enter the door, each teacup a gift from someone connected to the Thistle Farms community. The Shop hosts amazing home and body products that are crafted by the women survivors and beautiful global artisan gifts created by women around the world. Their Guava Honey scented candle is my current favorite and I’ve got my fingers crossed that someday they will bring back their Tobacco Cedar scent! They have 21 global partners doing similar work in supporting women survivors in their local communities and all products being sold through The Shop are based on a Shared Trade model.

Thistles, often regarded as a weed, are some of the toughest plants around. Known to grow in unlikely places and in less-than-ideal circumstances, this purple flower grows deep roots and is able to survive in harsh conditions and drought. The namesake of this amazing organization points back to the resiliency and audacity of the women survivors who are doing the hard work of healing, despite long seasons of harsh conditions. Every department of Thistle Farms - from the warehouse where women make candles and body products, to The Café, to accounting, marketing, sales, and management employs women survivors.

Thistles grow in abundance here in Tennessee, and every time I see one, I am reminded of the stories of these women, and I am witness to the truth of the Thistle Farms mantra – that love is the strongest force for change in the world.

story by | Jenny Hoskins Thistle Farms has grown into a nonprofit social enterprise helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. In providing a safe place for women to live, meaningful work, and a lifelong community of sisterhood, Thistle Farms is transforming our community and the world.

The residential program started with one home and has now grown to five houses here in Nashville

As I sit down to write, I feel the struggle of trying to communicate the layers of complex beauty that is the full story of Thistle Farms. This is an organization with such a simple message – Love Heals – but they are spreading that love in many different ways, while also continuing to grow and evolve and search out new opportunities to spread that message. There are endless stats that point to the valuable work being done, and story after story from survivors that bear witness to the transformation and the truth of their message. This is the part of the beauty of their work that is difficult to sum up with stories and stats and programs. I think it’s a part of the beauty that BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 61

must be felt. There is an energy walking into The Café on a chilly morning, bright Tennessee sun streaming through the windows. It truly feels like a holy space. It is a space that is changing lives, valuing the full dignity of women – whatever their story – and inviting the entire community to play a part. And I believe this experience is available to us all, even if you never find yourself in Nashville. It can be felt through the simple act of lighting a candle and saying a prayer for the next woman who will find her way off the streets.

Since moving to Nashville, I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with Becca Stevens, the founder of Thistle Farms, a couple of times. A survivor herself, Becca is an author, speaker, priest, social entrepreneur, and the president of Thistle Farms. On multiple occasions, I’ve heard Becca say that she only wishes she had started dreaming bigger, sooner. Her words struck a nerve, and I find myself mulling them over often.

It may be that the realities of a pandemic-world have worn me thin, or because our family has had a difficult season of transition, but I am finding it hard to dream these days. Perhaps you are too? It’s been a strange season for us all. As I work through what it means for me to find my way back to dreaming again, I find myself so grateful for communities like Thistle Farms, because they help reorient me. Through a candle, a thistle spotted along the highway, or a cup of tea – they are a reminder that love truly is the strongest force for change in the world.

The Café at Thistle Farms in Nashville is a beautiful space serving breakfast and lunch, or a daily tea service.

Women survivors handcraft beautiful home products, candles and body products to sell in the shop.

Jenny Hoskins

Nashville, TENNESSEE

Jenny and her family recently relocated to Nashville, TN after about a decade of living and serving in Ecuador. She is a mother to two, wife to one and still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. She is happiest when she can spend time outdoors or when she is gathered around a table with good friends and rich conversation.

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The residential program started with one home and has grown to five homes in Nashville. Here are some of the staff from the residential program.

Through a candle, a thistle spotted along the highway, or a cup of tea – they are a reminder that truly is the strongest force for change in the world.

love

JENNY HOSKINS

SHINE BRIGHT

WINTER light Although nearly 150 years old, Barton House had never been a home to a family. For most of its life it was a rectory, then a fellowship hall for the Ascension Chapel, and later became the seasonal residence for the region’s Bishop – the first being Bishop Barton.

The first time I walked into the house, it felt dark. I was days away from accepting a new job, which would mean the house would become home for my family. The windows were shuttered, and each room had just one simple overhead light. Doors separated the spaces that could have easily opened to one another, and the walls, trim, and shutters were painted dark hues or covered in busy wallpaper.

I grew up in a house of windows - my mom loves natural light. I knew when I walked into Barton House that first day, I had to bring this love of light with me.

If I were to live there, something needed to change, and it was my honor to become the steward of what would quickly become a home and not just a house.

Bringing light into a space is one of the most elevating and simple home design strategies. In Barton House, I began by stripping the windows of shutters, painting every wall and all the trim. The solution is different in every home.

When my family unpacked, it was early spring and boy, was it BRIGHT outside. I moved from west of the mountains and if you are at all familiar with the 64

story by | Amy Jayne

Pacific Northwest, the sky changes dramatically when you head east. Add to that my own struggle with seasonal depression, the increased light exposure was good for my soul. PSA: Take your Vitamin D! Today, winter is upon us! The days are shorter and the weather less cooperative. While the massive changes to walls and windows certainly increased the light exposure in my home, I am hungering for a softer glow. I have some simple and affordable tips and tricks to help you transform your spaces in the winter months, make your spaces a refuge, and create an invitation to snuggle up!

Amy Jayne

Cove, OREGON

Pastor Amy serves as Executive Director of Ascension School Camp and Conference Center and is passionate about stewarding resources to advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and revitalization in her community. She and her family live in Eastern Oregon in their historic home, the Barton House Rectory.

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MOVE IT OVER

SHED THE SHADES

When light floods the floor, the space opens up! Temporarily removing window obstructions will brighten a space tremendously.

Milk Glass is so beautiful and it fits my eclectic, vintage style. I use it everywhere in my home, including my light fixtures! You might have a modern, mid-century, or traditional style. Head to your local thrift shop or favorite home décor store and hunt for the perfect sconce to flood your space with light. No space for a sconce? Find a new lamp and shed the shade or swap it for a lighter tone.

This will help brighten your space.

SPACES

ADJUST YOUR PRIVACY TACTICS

REFLECT THE GLOW

While essential at certain times of the day, curtains can be a hindrance in our quest for light. Lengthen your rod so that the fabric sits entirely outside the window frame. If your curtains are a needed source of privacy during daylight, try adding a large plant to obstruct the view to the inside or double up on your curtain rods and panels - one light blocking and one light filtering for daytime use.

Adding a mirror to a room will instantly double the light. Whether you place it directly across from a window or perhaps a lamp, you’ll see your space brighten a notch. Mirrors come in every shape, size, and style.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 67

HER S TO RY B O O K New year, new you! Or maybe leaving-room-to-grow you. This season's story sends us into the new year with a fresh perspective.

HER STORYBOOK

NEW YEAR

better YOU

story by | Jenn Schneider I love the idea of a fresh start, don’t you? A clean slate, a blank canvas, best foot forward and all that.

I used to start each year wide-eyed and hopeful with the best of intentions: Let the countdown to my better self begin! In 10 seconds, I start my “New Year!

New Me!” campaign. Do better, BE better! I’d start off so strong and dedicated. Sugar? Who needs sugar?! Not me, I’m going to give up ALL sugar and treat my body like a temple! (Why, yes, I do imagine a tiny Drill Sergeant shouting in my brain, doesn’t everyone?) I can do this cold turkey, no sugar, nada… zip… okay maybe just this one donut, I’ve been doing so well! I deserve a small reward for all my sacrifices these last couple months and then I’ll go right back to no sugar. Yes, one slip is okay. No need for me to beat myself up over one little donut. (You pipe down, Drill Sergeant!). But then I'd have a bad day. A really bad day. I would be angry and I would't care about my resolution to do better, BE better. BAH! I am going to eat these cookies; I am a grown woman and if I decide I want these cookies then, by golly, I will HAVE these cookies! Great, now I feel guilty because I ate the cookies.

Here’s where the re-negotiation comes in. I’m pretty sure this is how “cheat days” were invented. Probably some poor woman was so stressed about how to stick to her diet, genius that she is, she figured out how to have her cake and eat it, too! (BadumpCH! See what I did there?) I work too much; I need to spend more time with my family. I weigh too much; I need to exercise more. I smoke too much; I need to quit. I (insert bad habit here) too much… I need to, yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah.

This year, I resolve to make more attainable resolutions!

Yes, we all have ways we could improve. We are all a work in progress and should always strive to be the best version of ourselves. There are smarter ways to go about it, though. Don’t set yourself up for failure with an unrealistic goal. If I have an insatiable sweet tooth and say no more sugar, chances are pretty high that I’m not going to succeed. I’ll feel like a complete failure and then what do you think I’m going to do? You guessed it! Pity party, baby, with

all the sweets I can eat! Instead, I could set a goal to cut back on sweets by only putting half my usual measurement of sugar in my coffee for the next month. If you want to exercise more, set the goal of walking a specific distance per week instead of per day. This way if you miss a day, you haven’t failed.

You still have time to make your goal.

Set yourself up for success by setting a reasonable timeframe to achieve your goal. If you need accountability, share your goal with a friend or family member. Just having them ask you how things are going can motivate you.

And mark your progress. Sometimes when we are so focused on the end result, we forget to look back at the progress we’ve made. All that sugar I’m not putting in my coffee? I could put it in a bowl, watch it accumulate, maybe measure it out at the end of the month. (And bake a cake with it! Haha, just kidding, Drill Sergeant.) All those steps you’re walking? Draw the distance out on a map to see how far you’ve gone. The more you reflect on the progress you've already made, the better you feel. To truly believe in yourself is a powerful thing. The confidence it brings into your life can give you the courage to pursue dreams you’ve held on the back burner. You’ll never know unless you give yourself permission to try.

When you have the glorious moment of crossing that achievement off your list, push your limits and set a new challenge for yourself! You’ll go into it with a charged sense of purpose. Knowing you CAN do better will help you to BE better!

Jenn Schneider Phoenix, ARIZONA

Jenn is a former-stay-at-home, almost-empty-nester mom of three. She enjoys glamping and has a passion for photography. She is currently an elementary school librarian and lives with her husband and two dogs in Phoenix, Arizona.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 69

S T R O N G E R

STRONGER SEE IT, DRINK IT (WATER, THAT IS!) Fill 2-3 water bottles in the morning, place them where you will see them throughout the day. When you see one, take a drink.

You will be surprised just how that simple step will increase your water intake and decrease your cravings for other things.

PICK YOUR NON-NEGOTIABLES When you picture the holidays, what are the things that make them special? Baking homemade cookies with your kids?

Grandma’s pumpkin pie? Your favorite Christmas family recipe? Give yourself grace to enjoy your absolute favorites that make the holidays special and go light on the rest.

MOVEMENT Get out as a family and try something NEW. Maybe it’s a Thanksgiving Day hike instead of the parade, a Christmas Eve walk with glow sticks, snowshoeing and hot chocolate at a picnic. Ice skating, cross country skiing or walking to see Christmas lights. Pencil in some time for movement as a family!

LIGHTEN UP SWAPS When it comes to cooking traditional recipes, don’t be afraid to lighten them up a bit. I adapted my favorite green bean casserole recipe when a family member couldn’t have dairy with sautéed mushrooms in wine and garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cashew cream. I still topped it with crispy onions, and it has become a new family favorite!

Here are some other simple swaps to try. When baking, substitute coconut oil for butter. You will often find it enhances the flavor even more! For a savory swap, try oven roasted sweet potatoes instead of loaded mashed potatoes. Pick your non-negotiables and don’t be afraid to try a little something new!

NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH

THE HOLIDAYS story by | Kelly Enfield

You don’t have to wait until the New Year to kick off your health goals. You can enjoy the holidays with the right tools and set yourself up to welcome in a healthy New Year. The holidays are a great time to relax, enjoy and give yourself grace for the season you are in and the crazy year we’ve all had. Here are a few practical steps that can help you navigate the holidays without sabotaging your health.

Kelly Enfield

Spokane, WASHINGTON

Kelly is an athletic trainer turned homeschool boy-mom. her

high

school

Married

sweetheart,

to

both

Washington born and raised, she spends her spare time among the trees camping, hiking, and exploring with her boys.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 71

book the NEW YEAR story by | Abi Wall New Year’s Day is the first holiday of the year, but also the last, depending on how you look at it. And like all holidays, we interpret a celebration of the new year in different ways. Are we celebrating the past year as gone and done? (In 2020, we sure were!) Or are we looking towards the future? Excited for second chances? First chances?

We are living history when we celebrate New Year’s, following in the footsteps of those who came before us, and we leave our mark in the ways we choose to celebrate.

Historically, January 1 has not always been considered the first day of the new year. In fact, January was not even a month until Julius Caesar changed 72

the Roman calendar in order to realign it with the sun—adding 90 days to the year. Ancient Babylon marked the start of the new year on the vernal equinox (when the sun crosses directly over Earth’s equator), around mid-March. The first recorded celebrations of the new year by Babylonians lasted eleven days and was called Akitu, a religious festival that combined mythology and the monarchy to reassert the king’s power as divine.

Chinese New Year began in the Shang Dynasty, about 3,000 years ago, and is one of the oldest traditions still celebrated today. Chinese New Year follows the Lunar calendar, and begins on the new moon that appears between January 21 and February 21. The festivities last about 15 days.

Those of us who celebrate the New Year on January 1 only get one day, so we go big!

We sprawl out on beach chairs and watch fireworks light up the sky. Privately or as part of party games, we list out our resolutions. We make big purchases, big plans, and dream big for the new year. We buy treadmills and gym memberships. We search the container store for plastic tubs that will help us get organized. We buy that musical instrument, comb through our finances and cut out the unnecessary, make plans for weekly family dinners and healthier habits.

But, we also get to choose what New Year’s Day means to us. For me, it’s not about dieting and healthier habits. My “resolutions” are made, changed, and worked on throughout the year, so New Year's doesn’t really feel like a clean slate, or a new beginning. In chilly Washington State, it confirms the holidays are now over, and the coldest part of winter is ahead. Even fireworks are more exciting to watch in July, when the weather is going easy on us.

So, instead of some of the more "traditional” ways to spend the holiday, I’ve figured out how to celebrate in my own little way... I’m a reader, and a writer, so for the past five years, I’ve kept a list of every book and audiobook I read during that year. I include the author, my rating, and bold the title if I suspect it will be one of my favorite books of the year. On New Year's Day, my reading for the year is complete, and

I spend the day making lists.

I love data, which means I know that in 2020, I read more books than 2017-2019. And 2018 still holds the record for most audiobooks I’ve listened to. I like to make up new categories every year to reflect the sort of reading year I had. I list averages for each month, my favorite and least favorite books of the year, and write a bit about the authors that surprised me the most. Last year I added the category: Who Made You Cry? I used to calculate my average rating, but this year, I’ve been playing around with how I rate books. I’m considering deleting ratings all together and focusing on a different way to remember how much I enjoyed a book.

New Year's Day is the day I get to focus on my year of reading. I get to remember the highlights, the lowlights, the reading slumps and the months that a bunch of books I’d been looking forward to were released back-to-back. New Year’s Day is a chance to remind myself that life moves in phases, and is constantly changing.

It’s a hopeful reflection. If I didn’t read as much during the year, I can ponder the reason(s). Was it vacation? Sickness? Disinterest? And if I read more than ever before, what inspired me?

How do you choose to ring in the new year? How do you make it your own?

TELL US YOUR STORY! We would love to hear from our readers. Every family has a story to tell or a memory to share.

Our theme for 2022 is Heritage and we want to include your family’s story in next year's Christmas Edition.

What is your favorite Christmas memory?

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR STORY TO INFO@MYBLOOMMAG.COM

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 73

notable reads EVY'S WINTER LIST

From our newest Notable Reads contributor, we have a wonderful mix of books from a variety of genres, for a variety of ages. Whether you're reading to your little ones, cooking in the kitchen, or curling up for a cozy evening, there's a book for you!

The Dutch House

by Ann Patchett 2019 “Our childhood was a fire. There had been four children in the house and only two of them had gotten out.”

An epic story spanning five decades of the Conroy family as narrated through the eyes of their son, Danny. After WWII, self-made man Cyril Conroy buys the Dutch House, a mansion in an elite suburb of Philadelphia. All seems to be idyllic, but as time and events unfold, Danny and his devoted older sister, Maeve, are kicked out of the house by their stepmother. Thrust into poverty and living on their own, Danny and Maeve must rely on each other as they navigate a future, while confronting a past that will not let them go.

74

A Gentleman in Moscow

by Amor Towles 2016 “Alexander Rostov was neither scientist nor sage; but at the age of sixty-four he was wise enough to know that life does not proceed by leaps and bounds. It unfolds.”

It is early 1920s and a Bolshevik tribunal has sentenced Russian aristocrat Count Alexander Rostov to house arrest for life at the Hotel Metropol, a luxury hotel in the center of Moscow. Living in a small attic room and never being able to leave the hotel, stories unfold with charm and humor as a charismatic Rostov begins a time of self-reflection and new friendships with staff, residents, and customers, all the while Russia is going through its own transformative time in history.

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

World of Wonders

by Aimee Nezhukumatathil 2020 “What the peacock can do is remind you of a home you will run away from and run back to all your life.”

In a collection of essays that begin in the national world, Nezhukumatathil teaches us about a variety of plants and animals, like an axolotl, the corpse flower, peacocks and many others. Nezhukumatahtil then transports us into her world with stories of growing up, getting married, and starting a family, as she weaves together these unique and extraordinary gifts from each creature or plant with those moments in her life.

Illustrated with hand-drawn images, this is a quiet and thoughtful book— one that will stay with you awhile.

NOTABLE READS

The Heart

by Maylis de Kerangal 2016 “My heart is full.”

Returning home from a morning of surfing, a car accident leaves 19-year-old Simon Limbres brain dead. After a difficult decision made by his parents about organ donation, the events and details of a heart transplant unfold over the next twenty-four hours. Told from the point of view of Simon’s parents, individuals from the medical team, and the recipient of the heart transplant, this is an emotional and moving journey that confronts the sudden death of a loved one and the sacrificial gift of love to a stranger.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman 2017 “If someone asks you how you are, you are meant to say FINE. You are not meant to say that you cried yourself to sleep last night because you hadn't spoken to another person for two consecutive days. FINE is what you say.”

An uplifting novel about Eleanor Oliphant, a young woman who lives a solitary life in Glasgow, Scotland.

Eleanor does not socialize with anyone, and her weekends are filled with frozen pizza, vodka, and phone calls to her mother. But life takes an unexpected turn when Eleanor meets Raymond, an IT guy from her office.

As Eleanor opens herself to this new friendship, her life transforms from one of isolation and loneliness to hope and new beginnings.

Echo Mountain

by Lauren Wolk 2020

“If I’d learned anything from the mountain—and from my father—it was that I felt stronger and happier if I was able to do a hard thing and do it well.”

During an economic depression, twelve-year-old Ellie and her family must leave their home and start over on Echo Mountain in rural Maine. As Ellie adjusts to her new surroundings, an accident leaves her father in a coma. With hope and determination, Ellie tries anything to waken her father - even befriending a woman (who is called “the hag” by those on the mountain) for any healing help. For young readers and adults who enjoy historical fiction, this is a story of resilience during difficult times and finding one’s path on the journey.

One by One

by Ruth Ware 2020

“It’s not just the snow; it’s a hundredweight of unwelcome memories bearing down on me.”

Who wouldn’t want to go on a corporate retreat to a ski resort in the French Alps? But with this group of co-workers it can turn deadly.

Ruth Ware returns with a mystery suspense novel that will have you curled up in front of a fire, reading late into the night, sipping on hot cocoa—or something a little stronger.

The story follows Liz, a shareholder of a small London tech startup company, Snoop, as she and her former colleagues arrive at a ski chalet high up in a remote area of the mountain, and Erin, the staff member in charge of their stay. After a morning excursion on the slopes, the weather turns and so do the fates of these guests as an avalanche leaves them stranded and disappearing faster than help can arrive.

Crying in H Mart

by Michelle Zauner 2021

“In fact, she was both my first and second words: Umma, then Mom. I called to her in two languages. Even then I must have known that no one would ever love me as much as she would.”

A compelling memoir told through stories of a young musician growing up Korean American in Eugene, Oregon, her mother’s declining health with cancer, and the bond over Korean food that connects them both. Crying in H Mart explores the acceptance, love, and loss in this mother-daughter relationship and the strength it takes to persevere in one’s identity.

Evy Lennard

Chicago, ILLINOIS

Evy lives in Chicago and enjoys exploring her city with its many splendors and imperfections. She loves the diversity of God’s people, places, and cultures and traveling to see them. You will often find her outside in nature either walking, exploring, gardening, or reading a good book.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 75

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NOTABLE READS

Tired of the same old Christmas stories?

Looking for a romantic evening with some fictional characters this Valentine’s?

These reads will hit the spot this winter.

notable reads ABI'S WINTER LIST

Shadow and Bone

by Leigh Bardugo YA Fantasy

“There is something more powerful than any army. Something strong enough to topple kings, and even Darklings. Do you know what that thing is?”

I shook my head, inching away from him.

“Faith,” he breathed, his black eyes wild.

“Faith.”

Alina Starkov is an orphan, and a cartographer in the First Army for the nation of Ravka. When her best friend from the orphanage, Mal Oretzev, is enlisted to cross the Shadow Fold—a sea of darkness and monsters separating Ravka in two—Alina follows. In the Shadow Fold, she summons sunlight, and is revealed to be the only Grisha who can destroy the darkness of the Shadow Fold. Whisked away from Mal and from everything she’s ever known, Alina begins to train at the Little Palace with the Second Army of Grisha. Can she be a powerful Grisha, or is she just a lost orphan from Keremzin? Can she be the Sun Saint her people have been waiting for?

A breathtaking world that emotionally resembles our own, a hilarious female Chosen One, and filled with more detail than you could ever dream up—this trilogy is pure magic. *Netflix Series*

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

Let it Snow

by John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle YA Contemporary “Christmas is never over, unless you want it to be... Christmas is a state of mind.”

Plans change for the teenagers in Gracetown this Christmas Eve after a snowstorm hits. A stalled train, the Waffle House, teacup pigs, friendships and first loves. Christmas is the time to take chances, be with the ones you love, and tell the truth. But will the truth change everything?

Told in three perspectives from three best-selling authors, this Christmas romance makes you feel warm and cozy inside even if it’s storming out your window. *Netflix Movie*

Opposite of Always

by Justin A. Reynolds YA Sci-Fi Romance

“Don’t be afraid. Take chances. And when those don’t work out, take more.”

What if you fell in love in a time loop?

Jack Ellison King is in love with his best friend, Jillian. But Franny and Jillian, Jack’s two best friends, are in a relationship. Picture Harry pining after Hermione while Ron is two steps away. Which means, Jack is stuck.

But then he meets Kate at a party, and everything changes. He falls for Kate fast, but then Kate dies, and he finds himself back at that party where he first met her. Jack has to find a way through this time loop and hopefully, he can save Kate’s life along the way.

From debut author Justin Reynolds, this book is about second and third and tenth chances, making mistakes, and is full of humor and wit.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 77

NOTABLE READS Wintertime is the most wonderful time of year... to snuggle up with a good book.

Grab a candy cane, a cozy blanket and your favorite pillow as you settle in to read.

notable reads ELLE'S WINTER LIST

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers love their house so much it feels like family. When the mysterious Beiderman, their landlord, says he isn’t going to renew their lease… the Vanderbeeker kids might just have to do something about it!

Wild Bird

by Wendelin Van Draanen

One for the Murphys

by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Carly is a girl who learns to be kind and open up from her kind and loving foster mom. This book is for someone who likes stories that are kind of sad.

THIS WAS A GREAT BOOK!!! I loved it. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. A story of a drug addict trying to find herself, the book follows Wren as she makes friends and finds the real Wren, not the one that other people want her to be.

SCAN HERE TO SEE MORE

the words of a

love song

story by | Hes-Marié Human

Every season I look for thoughtful quotes to complement our theme. In my search for a love quote for Valentine's Day, I stumbled upon this one: "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew."

The Snoqualmie Gnome Maker

Gnome

MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS A

CHRISTMAS

With every quote, I always make sure to check the source and double check the author. While many people believe it was a quote from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the quote isn’t actually found in the play. The website quoteinvestigator.com found the author after an extensive search through Shakespeare's plays and a couple of tweets. The words are not Shakespearean! They are from the opera Falstaff.

Falstaff is a comic opera in three acts by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. The libretto was adapted by Arrogo Boito from Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor and scenes from Henry IV. The following quote appears in Act 2, Part 2 of the opera: "Come ti vidi M’innamorai, E tu sorridi Perchè lo sai" The quote "When I saw you I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew," is a modern day translation of the Italian quote from the opera.

According to Quote Investigator, the quote should be credited to Arrigo Bioto.

This story reminds me that our words matter and have the power to touch others for centuries to come. Here I am in 2021, swooning over a romantic quote from an 1893 opera. You might think the stories or the songs you write are of no importance, but this quote transported me back to my fourteen-year-old self when my eyes met those of the man I love.

We create gnomes for all occasions and ship worldwide. To shop or place your custom order please contact us through our Facebook page @snoqualmiegnomes

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 81

WILL YOU BE MY

82

Valentine?

BOND

story by | Lyndsey Watson If you have elementary-aged children, Valentine’s Day can sometimes bring a sense of worry and stress in preparation for your child’s valentine exchange.

Add in the restrictions on sugar that many schools have and it’s sometimes too much to handle. Since my children were in preschool, I have always tried to make our Valentine’s Day cards for their classmates and friends. There have been years when my creative juices (and spare time) flowed, and we crafted handmade, personalized cards for friends. Other years, a big bag of candy from the store paired with a box of store-bought valentines was just going to have to work. The best years are those when my kids and I make time to sit down and create the valentines together.

There seem to be three main choices when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts:

Store Bought Can I see a show of hands for the mamas who barely pull together store bought cards with juice boxes or a piece of candy? We see you! Take one step further this year and invite your kiddo to choose the box of cards and the snack! Make a special outing for just this purpose. Your child will be so excited to be part of the process, start to finish.

your child be part of the process start to finish – I'm always amazed at how different the printables my son chooses are from my daughter. But that’s part of the fun and uniqueness of each child.

Don’t have children or maybe your kids are “too old” for valentines? As kids move to secondary school, there are no longer Valentine’s Day parties where you are expected to provide an exact number of identical notes to classmates. But gifting valentines isn’t only for small children. It's a tradition for all, regardless of age!

Is there a friend or neighbor you would like to give a gift to? Depending on how many, you can splurge on a few more meaningful gifts (like their favorite fullsized candy bar or a pocketknife, tool for their toolbox or bouquet of flowers) or you can make a batch of cookies to package and share. We make valentines for a local juvenile detention center that our church partners with, and in the past, we’ve made and delivered them to a transitional living facility for older adults and the local senior center.

Regardless of your age or the age of your children, use this holiday to make moments together and make them more meaningful by focusing on loving your neighbors!

Homemade Way to be amazing! Keep making memories with your kiddos and creating beautiful valentines. When I’m retired and have loads of grandbabies, I fully intend to be this person. Until then, my Pinterest board is full! This year, add a few names to your list and deliver these special treats to your neighbors. Take a walk with your child during the week leading up to Valentine’s Day and deliver the notes with a smile and wave. Parents, consider spending some time looking at ideas with your kids and buying the supplies. Upper elementary kiddos might be especially drawn to this. Let your child get creative and bless others with their creativity!

Printables I love Etsy printables. Although I can probably Google and find printables for free, I try my best to start on Esty and support creative people trying to make a few dollars. Printables are generally cheaper than you will spend on store-bought valentines and less likely to be the same as Johnny or Janie in your child’s class. We love these Gnome Valentines created by HSGDesignShop. Buy, print, cut, sign and add a piece of candy, juice box or bag of cookies. Let BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 83

A GNOME FOR

every SEASON story by | Hes-Marié Human I met Marian for the first time on a Friday afternoon in the fall. She entered my home with a friendly smile and a crate full of colorful gnomes. We took a seat at the dining room table, and as she started to reveal each character from her crate, I could tell that her gnomes were unlike any gnomes I had seen in stores. As I admired the treasure trove before me, Marian jokingly said: "I have no idea how to dress myself, but I know how to dress a gnome." Fanciful hats give each character a unique personality, and beautiful craftsmanship is evident in her attention to detail. She explained how she likes to repurpose fabrics from sweaters and coats when she makes her gnomes. I could not help but fall in love with her adorable creations and began to imagine them on display in my home. They are simply beautiful.

It started in 2016 when she had to decorate a table for a Christmas event. She chose a Scandinavian theme and decided to make a few gnomes for the centerpiece. She posted it on Facebook, and it immediately sparked interest from her family and friends. Orders started to pour in, and everyone seemed to want more and more of her charm84

ing gnomes. As word got out about her creations, Facebook orders led to craft markets, and she now finds herself flooded with orders, which brought big dreams to take her craft from part-time to a fulltime family business. She currently ships all over the United States, but who knows where her gnomes might find a home!

Although she enjoys crafting gnomes for every season, her favorite part is creating custom characters for her clients. She has multiple fabrics and decorations you can choose from and loves to bring her client's vision to life. You also have the option to send her material from a baby blanket or a favorite sweater to create a one-of-a-kind personalized gnome. She tries to use as much as she can from the items she receives. Buttons and trim become embellishments, and you can tell from each magical character she creates that to Marian, gnome-making is more than business; it is a gift from her heart.

Contact Marian on Facebook @snoqualmiegnomes for more information.

BRIGHT

idea

Make our South African Malva Pudding in a heart ramekin for your Valentine. See the recipe on page 37.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 85

PL AY LIST

Our winter playlist features songs of hope, love, and new beginnings. We hope it inspires you to step into the New Year with confidence and a renewed determination to make this year the best one yet. WINTER 2021/2022 86

SC

LI S

AN

COD

E

TE N N O W

COMING SOON S PR I N G H A S S P R U N G

Order today at myBLOOMmag.com to get your SPRING Issue.

Hes-Marié Human

Lyndsey Watson

Abi Wall

EDITOR IN CHIEF

CO-EDITOR

JUNIOR EDITOR

make you feel my love

Just the way you are

love story

Jenn Schneider

by ADELE

by BRUNO MARS

by TAYLOR SWIFT

Amy Jayne

Elle Watson

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

Because You Love ME

Fishing in the Dark

My Boy

by JODEE MESSINA

by NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

by ELVIE SHANE

Catherine McNiel

Kelly Enfield

Evy Lennard

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

i have loved you wrong

Lost in This Moment

Don't Know Much

by THE SWELL SEASON

by BIG & RICH

Susan Gillespie

Jenny Hoskins

CONTRIBUTOR

CONTRIBUTOR

make you feel my love

Come Away with Me

by GARTH BROOKS

by NORAH JONES

by LINDA RONSTADT & AARON NEVILLE

SCAN HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTORS.

BLOOM Magazine - WINTER 2021 | 89

BLOOM Magazine™ (ISSN 2770-6265) WINTER 2021, Issue 7 - GLOW BLOOM Magazine™ is published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter by hesmarieH® LLC 7026 Strouf Ave SE Snoqualmie, WA, 98065 info@myBLOOMmag.com myBLOOMmag.com

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