relationships – Page 2 – Signora Sheila

The Religious Climate in Christ’s Time

Four Orthodox Jewish men in black robes and traditional hats converse beside a staff in a grand stone-columned interior, creating a solemn mood.

The rabbis of Christ’s day proudly regarded Judea, with its traditional learning and religious academies, as superior to the northern regions of Israel. A sentiment that they expressed with the following saying. “If anyone wants to be rich, let him go north (to Galilee); if he wants to be wise, let him come south (toContinueContinue reading “The Religious Climate in Christ’s Time”

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Silhouetted cat sits before an oval mirror, gazing at its shadowy reflection which appears as a lion; a simple blue scene evokes confidence and self-reflection.

Doctors sometimes ask their patients, especially older patients, to take cognitive tests. Or a patient who is concerned about his or her own memory, may even ask to take the test. An inability to remember facts or solve problems could indicate memory loss or dementia. When things are not as they seem This was theContinueContinue reading “Things Are Not Always What They Seem”

Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!

Cleaning tools arranged together: a white yarn mop, colorful green-and-pink broom, wooden handles, and a yellow dustpan on a gray background.

Our current house is half the size of the previous place we had up north, and at first I struggled to fit everything in. So I began to see the need to declutter. Life here in our peaceful valley is also slow and simple. It has helped me to rethink my values and priorities. It’sContinueContinue reading “Spring Cleaning? Time to Declutter!”

Through the Eyes of a Child

Child in a pink knit hat and striped shirt looks toward a small backyard playhouse and swing at sunset, creating a warm, peaceful mood.

One day, while watching an old Andy Griffith episode my 6-year-old grandson piped up with a question. “Why don’t they want that man to sing, Nonna? He sings real good!” That man was Rafe Hollister who, with his golden singing voice, had entered, and won, the singing contest held by the local Ladies’ Society. ButContinueContinue reading “Through the Eyes of a Child”

Breaking Bread and Standing Together

Hands wrapped in blue cloth hold a large, rustic round loaf of artisan bread over a wooden table, conveying warmth and care.

From England’s Sally Lunn to Germany’s pretzels, France’s baguette, Mexico’s tortillas, Russia’s kulich, Greece’s Kouloras and the Hebrew challah, bread is a staple food in many cultures. This is why breaking bread symbolises friendship, unity and hospitality. We can experience this friendship and unity whether we are breaking bread at a family meal or diningContinueContinue reading “Breaking Bread and Standing Together”

A Royal Welcome for House Guests

Overhead view of hands lettering “Welcome” on a brown paper card at a creative desk, surrounded by stationery, greenery, glasses, and ink.

We’ve had fun and adventure, traveled the world, learned new skills and experienced other cultures! And we did all on a shoestring budget, right from our home! “How is this possible?” you ask. Through our guests who shared the love they have for their homeland, or their passion for things like painting, making balsamic vinegar,ContinueContinue reading “A Royal Welcome for House Guests”