A Christmas post

Hi everyone I'm back!
Exams are all over and done and now I'm looking forward to Christmas and relaxing... yeah this is going to be a kind of Christmasy post, only because I thought I'd share with you this speech I did on Christmas characters. It's more of a an expose, but I really enjoyed researching it so I hope you enjoy it as well! (Note: I am not implying that you should stop doing Christmas or anything, this is just purely for interest)

Christmas Characters

When you think of Christmas what comes to mind?...
Santa Claus or Father Christmas is what we might think of but for children and adults across the centuries, many other Christmas characters come to mind...
In this post I'm going to cover a few characters from different countries and ages. For each one we're going to look at their Christmas legend, their origins and also how they compare to Santa Claus.

The first character is Odin. Odin was a old Norse god, often depicted as having a long beard, a broad floppy hat and a dark cloak. He carries a spear and has only one eye (as the other was lost in some battle)

(Wikipedia)

Odin's link to Christmas is that every year during the Winter Solstice (21st of December) he would lead a ghostly procession of the dead across the sky, on his eight legged horse Sleipnir. During this time children would leave hay and carrots in their boots by the chimney, as food for Sleipnir and in return Odin would leave a present by their boots. 

Apart from this Odin is known as someone who searches for and gives wisdom, yet has no regard for 

laws or justice. He is a complex character, both a 'war god' and a 'poetry god', and generally is a bit sinister.

Similarly to Santa he leaves presents in footwear and rides an animal through the night sky. An interesting thing to note is that Odin's stead has eight legs and Santa has eight reindeer. But other than that Odin seems and interesting choice for a children's hero.

La Befana

La Befana is the Italian gift giver who holds a place equal to Santa for many Italians. She is a good witch who is seen flying on her broomstick on Epiphany eve (January 5th) with her sack full of presents and candy for good children, and she also carries lumps of coal for the bad ones.

(Historyandwomen.com)

As popular legend has it Befana was visited by the three wise men on their way to see baby Jesus. She invited them to stay the night at her house as she was the only housekeeper in the village. In return the Magi invited her to come with them on their journey, but Befana declined saying she had too much cleaning to do and so the wise men left. Later on Befana changed her mind and after gathering some presents she went after them, but the star disappeared and she got lost. And ever since then, she has been giving present to children in the hopes of getting baby Jesus.

But, however, the origins of Befana seem much older than Christianity...Many believe she is based on the Roman goddess Strina who gave gifts at New Year. Befana may also be the older state of the Celtic mother nature who's figure used to be burnt on a bonfire at the end of each year. Interestingly enough a figure of Befana is still sometimes burnt on a bonfire. 

Befana is similar to Santa in the way that she flies through the air and carries gifts in a sack. Befana is also known to slip down the chimney to deliver her gifts. However she said to be poorer than Santa and so Italian children ask Santa for the expensive presents and Befana for the lighter, more inexpensive presents that Santa didn't bring.

Julenisse

The Julenisse, as you can see here, looks a lot like Santa. He is about the size of a child and is rather slim. He wear a red cap and traditional Scandinavian farmers clothes.

On Christmas eve the Julenisse travels around Scandinavia with his sack full of presents, knocking on doors and asking if there are "any good children inside."

(Johannasdeckarhorna)

The Julenisse is a blend of several characters, but he is mostly based on the Nisse, a figure from Scandinavian folklore. The Nisse were solitary, temperamental barn sprites that loved playing practical jokes. They were only found on farms, where they would help the farm prosper by doing farm work and taking care of the animals. In return all they asked for was respect and Christmas porridge with butter on top on Christmas eve. There is one story about a Nisse flying into a rage and killing a cow because the farmer had accidentally put the butter on the bottom of the porridge instead of the top. When the Nisse came back and ate the porridge he realized what a terrible mistake he'd made and so to patch things up, he went an stole a cow from another farm.

The Nisse however have origins in ancestor worship as the present farmer would try and appease the spirit of the original farmer (the Nisse) to gain his favor.

The modern Julenisse (Julenisse = Christmas Nisse) unlike Santa lives in a nearby country or forest. He doesn't slide down the chimney, instead he walks right up to the door. However he has now been more 'santafied' as he now rides in a sleigh drawn by reindeer, although these reindeer can't fly.

Santa

Most of us know that Santa came from St Nicholas, and was popularized by the Coca Cola ad in 1930. What is not so well known is that Santa was heavily influenced by the Holly King.

(ashsilverlock.com)

The Holly King was the Celtic winter god who would battle with the Oak King (the summer god) during the winter and summer solstices to figure out who would reign. And funnily enough the Holly King won every winter solstice (21st of December). The Holly King is documented to have worn red, and ridden in a sleigh pulled by eight deer. Interestingly Santa nowadays has a sprig of holly in his hat.

Santa is also linked to Odin as before mentioned, with his night-riding and gift giving. 

His jolly character, flying vehicle and red clothes may also come from the Norse god Thor (yes that's the god of thunder and lightning)

(http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com)

Others trace aspects of his legend to Freyr (lord of the elves) La Befana and the Nisse.

So when it comes to Christmas who are we really celebrating?

Love is here

This is a short poem, bit of writing that I wrote years ago for the Jewels of Jesus magazine. I thought I might share it with you all, I hope you find it encouraging :)

Here.
Right Now. Love is here.
The Love that wept is here. Love is here.
Storms are swallowed here.
Here, all in One Who names Himself, I AM. Sickness lies at His feet in its twisted forms, hugging the ground in terror.
Life is here; the remains of death mark His hands. Loneliness is imprisoned in His shadow, the moans of defeated darkness faintly try to pierce the peace...

Evil lies in tattered ribbons on His back, faint scars, reminders of what it once was. Passion is here, wrapped about Him like a cloak. Power ripples through the air, strength is radiated from Him, mingled with spasms of light.
Love is here, wild and forever true. Tenderness resonates from eyes shot with wisdom and blended with grace. Justice marks the sword that hangs at His waist. Mercy sharpens it’s keen edge.
Love is here—it hums it the very air; waves of freedom collide with oceans of joy.

But yet He is there. Behind you. He is there in the corner of the room; outside the door, unnoticed by many. To many, He is not dressed in robes of scarlet, but rags. To many His body is withered and voice weak. By thousands He is left behind. —and yet His voice calls, “Here I stand at the door and knock…” Love is here, it has so much to offer, will you chose to follow It?
To take the paths riddled with danger and hardship? Will you choose to take it with the One Who loves you?
I leave that for you to tell Him… 

Inspiration

(pinterest)

A random quote that I'm loving at the moment, sometimes 

it helps to be reminded <3

The introverted

The silent, the wall flowers, the shy.
Those who keep their mouths shut,
Those who fumble for a the right answer
Those who are dying to make you feel at ease,
to make you amused, to show you that they're not dull
but all of a sudden those words run dry...

Dear world, this affliction is an affliction, you can't make me
just 'say something', you can't make me not over think something. I can't just spit something
out, there's nothing there except my thoughts, and do you really want my thoughts?

Do I wish I could change? Yes in a blink of eye! Nobody wants to be a prisoner in themselves, nobody wants to be trapped in their thoughts. We want to show you our passions and dreams, we want to show you a different world. We don't want to be passed over. We don't want to be bound by this selfish fear. But it's still there, it still has to be fought, so please extroverted world...give us a thought.

Cheese Scones

Hi everybody, I just thought I would share the world's best scone recipe with you...yup you heard that right! These scones are seriously the best!

Cheese Scones

2 cups of flour
1/2 tsp salt
50g butter
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup of cheese
1 cup of milk

Heat the oven to 220c degrees.
Sift flour and salt in a bowl, then rub in butter until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Stir through the baking powder and then 1/2 cup of cheese (or all of it if you don't fancy cheese on top of the scones)
Make a well in the centre and add milk, mixing quickly with a knife to form a soft dough.
Tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll it into a rectangle. Cut into shapes and sprinkle with remaining cheese (if you were putting some on top)
Place on a baking tray and cook for 12 minutes or until golden.

The key to good scones is to mix them quickly, don't over mix. Make sure the oven is hot and get them straight into the oven.


So there we go, that's how you make them...
oh and when they're cooked, be sure to grab a piece when it's hot and smear it with butter... Delicious!!

A peep into my life

this morning is a pretty dull winterish day in New Zealand, there are clouds everywhere outside and the air is a mild 12 degrees.

I'm sitting here typing with the half sewn facing of my bodice on my lap and an empty coffee cup beside me. My hair isn't brushed and it's 12:30pm, I haven't been up for long but it's the weekend and there's nearly no one in the house.
I've been exploring the wondrous invention of instagram... yes I got it yesterday, I'm a little behind on these social media things, I've still haven't got twitter but oh well.
This week has been pretty interesting I've started back again with my studying, the eleven human body systems and the basic structure of an atom being the main topics to remember.
I've also been slowly sewing my 1860s bodice and it's nearly done, however handsewing can take a long time.

Everything's been pretty slow lately but I know that it won't last for long, but it's nice while it lasts.

I've been reading Triumph by Carolyn Jessop, it's a memoir of the raids on a polygamous Mormon cult in the US, it's pretty eye opening and sad, as most cults tend to be, but there is a lot of interesting truths to be learnt from it about human nature.

So there's a little peep into my life...

(P.S my hair is now brushed, I'm not a total ragga-muffin ;) )

Making tea

A little adventure to making awesome tea...

So for the last couple of days I've been craving chai tea (no I'm not pregnant :P) just the smell, of its warm cinnamony spices reminds me of cozy fires and warmth, the perfect stuff for a freezing winter.
 Unfortunately I'm a bit of a coffee drinker and I always seemed to reach for the coffee jar as it seems a much more practical drink (seeing as I'm in the habit of being a night owl, I've not caught that love of sleep that most adults have) I've also heard too many stories about drinking loads of caffeine, so I've kind of put my craving off.
Not that that works for long... so this morning I decided to forgo my usual ritual and make a cup of nice warm chai tea, so I put the tea bag in and left it, and left it. five minutes past, ten minutes past but the colour in the cup hadn't really changed. I was a bit disappointed as I really like a good strong brew, but decided to put the milk in anyway as it might taste alright after all. However it was not so, the colour became a horrid milky white and when I took a sip, I was disgusted. There was no flavour, no taste, and it wasn't even warm anymore. So much for nice hot chai.
However I was still determined to have some chai tea so I went on pinterest and looked up a few recipes, and then I came on this one. It didn't look impossible and we didn't have any cardamon but I was desperate... so in went the spices and water (I put a little more spice in, just in case).. and the whole recipe was easy, just boil and steep for ten minutes, so not much watching either. One batch gives you enough for four drinks and you can refrigerate the liquid which is really handy. But what topped that was the taste, it was nice and warm and spicy, and if you fluffed up the milk it tasted *amazing* -waaay better than the brought stuff!
So if you're feeling like a flippin' amazing tea, just pop over to Live Simply and treat yourself :)

Making old new...

Quite awhile ago I had this idea for getting round the 'I have no clothes to wear' problem and I thought it was pretty inspiring so I thought I'd share it with you. It's quite a lot of fun as well!

Ok so for starters you're going to want take all of the clothes out of your drawer and lie them neatly on a flat surface (like a bed) Put them into four-five categories; tops, pants, skirts, sweat shirts etc.  You can get real fancy with this and put them in colours groups, length, style groups whatever.

Then grab one item of clothing (say a top) and move it over your the pants group, and try and find something that goes with it.

You might be surprised with some of the combinations. And once you've got something write it down (or take a photo) then try again, see if the top will go with anything else -does it look better with these jeans? or is there too much solid colour?

This is also a good way of seeing any colours that you have too much of (read black) and opens you up to different ways of dressing. It also helps you cull some stuff, because if it doesn't go with anything you might as well chuck it!

The next step is to accessorize, scarves are especially good as you they add pattern -something all stylists recommend.

Don't be afraid to try something new! Clothing looks very different on the wearer, and now that you've written it down it's only going to take a second to try it on. And if you don't like it that's fine, you now have plenty more options!

one of my favourite combinations

building an outfit

from the other night

finished result

and here's my littlest sister with her creation

So as you can see it's really easy and fun to do... you can even do it in little bits at a time! 

My dress addiction

 Seww... I've hinted a few times on here, that I have a bit of a sewing craze. But it's only really be hinted and I've never said why I sew, probably because I didn't think I could explain it without confusing/boring you all. Well anyway here goes...

I love historical sewing. Why? I don't really know, I just want to create something fabulous, mending bores me and it's kinda hard to find the inspiration to make normal clothes -it just sounds too easy and plain. Victorian clothing is may favourite 'genre' of sewing and for some reason I just keep wanting to make a new dress.

How did this all start?
When I was younger and we had just started homeschooling I found out that a lot of Mum's friends had older daughters who would make amazing dresses. And these dresses were amazing, I was pretty sure one of them owned Cinderella's dress. Anyway these 'older daughters' would go down to Oamaru heritage week every year and go to balls and dress up in these beautiful gowns for a week. Me and my friend looked up to these girls and dreamed of having pretty gowns (we loved dress ups) and going around places in them. We couldn't wait till we were old enough to go Oamaru.
When we were about seven we started taking sewing lessons with one of the older daughters. My first project was a red tartan t-shirt and skirt, it was hardly princess material and I didn't wear it much but it was a start. After that I went on to make curtains, bags, skirt, a hoop skirt and other really basic stuff, but I just couldn't wait to start a 'real dress'. Naomi, my teacher was very patient and not hugely fussy which encouraged me to do better, and to take on bigger stuff, which eventually came.

My first Victorian dress, was a pale cream colour made out of old sheets and calico, and was made without a pattern. It was alright but not as good as I expected, the shoulders sat a bit funny but it was a start. I wore it to my first Oamaru back in 2010 (my friend and I had an amazing time) And I've worn it several times since, although I have adapted it a bit. It's not my favourite dress but I like it.

My second dress was a Regency dress (1800-1820) it was navy blue with a lace overlay, it was made for a friend's ball. Unfortunately I made the hem at the front too long (read tripping over half the time) and for some reason the dress didn't fit at the front. I've been meaning to fix it but it'll be a lot of work, maybe one day. But having said that I do like how it falls at the back.

The next year I made a blouse and skirt for Oamaru, the skirt being part of my third sewing expedition. This one was a lot more difficult than the last two, as I was undertaking it by myself without Naomi to guide me. It was two years in the making and I have posted a few pictures on here before, it is definitely my favourite, it still needs decorating, but I'm really happy with it (1870-1880)

And since then I've made lots of little sewing projects, and done a lot of research. Until these holidays when  I started on my next project, it is a late 1850s day dress in a dark burgundy colour, it might be a mourning dress, it might not. I'm hoping to get the bodice (top) done before the next semester.

And the most addicting thing about this is the piecing together, seeing the dress take shape not the sewing so much. Although I must admit I do geek-out a bit at the prettiness of the seams (yes, I know, I know my family doesn't understand me either) And the awkward thing is I just noticed that I make more often than I wear them, but I'm trying to change that.

In the meantime (lol) I also have a fifth dress in the making, it will be a mourning bustle dress (1870-1880) and it's inspired by this painting by Anders Zorn

pinterest

I know it's just a picture of a face, but that's just another start. It might be done in time for next years Oamaru -it might not. And for some reason I don't think this'll be my last dress cause yeah...dress addiction.

Classics

So right now seeing that I'm on holidays I have more of a chance to read, and I've kinda been taking it but I've been sewing mostly, yes I'm still a little overawed at how addicted I am to making dresses. Anyways the other day I borrowed a book from a friend called  Brave New World. Apparently it's a classic that was written in 1930 by Aldous Huxley. And being a classic it really makes you think, like really because it's about a corrupted society in which everyone is controlled by their leaders (like even to the point where some babies are given less oxygen so they are less smart than their peers.) But the creepiest thing is that some of the stuff he's written about is affecting our society today which wasn't happening nearly as much in 1930, like the addiction to pleasure and how anyone can sleep with anyone. I haven't finished it yet but I'd definitely recommend it.


I've also had the chance to listen to Pride and Prejudice, which is now on Spotify soo handy, as I can listen and sew at the same time. I'd forgotten how good it was! If you haven't read it you should, sure
it's in Regency English so it's a little hard to understand, but it's worth it.
 In fact part of the beauty of it is that every time you hear/read it it gets better, the insults get better and the personalities stronger. It just keeps revealing something new which I guess is what makes classic so special.
So this has inspired me to try reading some other classics even if they seem a little hard to read at first. I guess I learnt that history's best authors still have something to offer us, and a lot of wealth could be stored between those dry, dusty pages.


So what books make you think? what books do you like?

(After writing this I found a post on writer's alley that explains this way better)




photos from pinterest

Changes

Hi everyone

In case you haven't noticed I haven't really been in the blogging world lately. Unfortunately life picks up and I don't really get time to sit down and write. I am currently doing a pre-health course and working as a cook (catering at a camp) as well as being a kitchen hand on the weekends. But now that it's end of semester and winter over here in New Zealand I'm going to try and post some more.
So that brings me to the next thing... what do you guys want me to write about? I realize that I have done a whole heap of inspirational/rants here in the past and I can't really keep writing them without repeating myself, which is a good thing I guess. So I was thinking of doing mostly sewing/writing/food posts as those are the ones I know the most but if there was anything else you can think of I'm open to suggestions.

Travel

Somebody said to me that 'kiwis have the travel bug, and they've got it bad'.
And I'd have to agree, I mean isn't it a little disturbing that hearing stories of other countries can make you feel deliriously happy? or that you go on blog loving for the first time in forever *stops to sing frozen, then resumes writing* just to look up travel blogs?
Well I am guilty of both.
I've never left New Zealand, true I've done my share of travelling around both islands, but I've never been over seas, I've never even been to Australia (where most kiwis visit, even though they say that they hate the Aussies) and anywhere else requires lots of money and lots of flight hours.So maybe that's why kiwis travel because they just can't cross the border into Germany, Canada or Zambia. But then there's people in water locked countries who barely even leave their birth place, anyway I don't understand them.
I want to go to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. I want to see why people rave about french bread, or dutch cheese so much. I want to visit a real castle and drive on the right side of the road (yeah, apparently the left side of the road is the wrong side)  But until then I guess I'll just have to read travel blogs, and listen to amazing stories and dream that some day that'll be me.

(picture from pinterest)                                                        

Avoir du Style

Avoir du Style:  to have style

There's something I've been thinking out for a while; I haven't ever written about one of the loves of my life- Style and fashion. I've written about Modesty and Sewing, which are kind of related but I guess every time I thought what can I say, but then I guess I can just share a love rather than give advice. So here goes...

The art of wearing clothes is something that's always intrigued me…

Colour, pattern, texture, shape, all swirled into a mix, that can completely change a person’s mood, ‘age’ and how other people will respond and judge them.

Its like music, it’s so individual, to each person, the blending of material to express a unique soul, a flavour and taste that is so beautiful. I guess this is why I have so much of a problem with ‘fashion’, it doesn’t say anything about the person, it doesn’t speak; whereas a woman in a feminine dress with a cardigan and loads of tats does. And that’s not something I’d ever do but it doesn’t mean it’s still not beautiful.

                                                                  (pinterest)

And the pursuit of this beauty is something that intrigues me; working with the body, with its unique colourings, not against them. And sure the style world has lots of tricks on how to make your hips look bigger or smaller or whatever -there isn’t essentially anything wrong with that.

This is why I guess I’m so into modesty too, and against it at the same time. Because you learn of all the motivations for dressing, the fact that dressing sexy isn’t fishnets and corsets (wow did I just say that) some men find girls in oversize jackets hot. But men and clothes is a whole nuther topic.

So here is a little introduction to style. It was actually pretty hard to write because it’s such a diverse controversial topic. But how about you? What do you think about clothing and style?

Interesting Articles

 So I’m obviously not really in the blog world that much at the moment. But I thought I’d share with you some very thought provoking posts.

Myth vs Fact: 6 common myths about prostitution and the law

This is very sad and pretty graphic so proceed with caution, but definitely something that needs to be shared.

You Don’t Need To Plan A Book: Here’s What Works Better

The unorthodox way to write books, and if you don’t like planning (like me) it’s almost too good to believe.

Yes, Lily James, you shall go to the ball

How they made Cinderella’s dress in the new film Cinderella. I got to see it the other day and it’s really good. This article’s for all you crazy costumers out there.

Prior Attire

This is one of my all-time favorite sewing blogs, perfect inspiration to get you motivated, even if you don’t plan on making kokoshniks

A strange life

Christianity

How are we meant to live with a name so mangled? This religion that has a history so marked?

We are so human…

Atheism vs Christianity google an article on either and you’ll see ragged back lashing from either side. Except the Christians claim to love them, Christians say it, but don’t seem to show it.

Where is Jesus?

I am a 17 year old girl living in rural New Zealand.  A backwater compared to the rest of the world I’m sure. I spend most of my time studying and working, realizing that this what is expected of a middle class woman and that I’ll probably be doing one or the other for the rest of my life.

How does this all relate? I’m not sure; maybe it’s a young person who’s trying to point out what is wrong in the world, what’s wrong with her religion, and what’s mixed up in the fact that in the academic world my opinion is nothing. That my life must somehow be the same because I don’t have enough money for a P.H.D. the only thing that lets you have an opinion.

That because I am a ‘good Christian girl” nobody is ever going to want my advice, my help, or my words.  That because I've never been raped, tortured, attempted suicide or been beaten I can’t legitimately help in things I believe need it the most. That no prostitute is ever going to listen to me because I know nothing. And maybe things are meant to be that way. Maybe I’ll live my life, get a job, get a house, get married have kids and die in a rest home.   

Or maybe there is a God out there who is bigger than my circumstances, who say it doesn't have to be that way. That it could be a lot more adventurous, a lot more giving and a whole lot harder.

Or maybe I’m meant to wait in a pew until I get my calling thrust upon me.

I’m pretty sure the guy who said give yourself as living sacrifice didn't have passive waiting in mind. Not that waiting is a bad thing. But for me it’s never really worked.

I guess what I am saying to myself and every Christian out there is we have to do something real. Regardless of the fact that someday the world will end. Regardless of the fact that goodness and heaven are somehow linked.  We have to find it in ourselves to reach out for the good of ourselves and the good of the world.

Rant over