The author recounts a near-accident at a mall while daydreaming. A speeding car executed a sharp turn, narrowly missing a collision. Despite the close call, no damage occurred. Grateful for the driver’s lucky maneuver, the author continued with their day, reflecting on the unexpected moments where fortune favors those who remain still.
The author reflects on blogging in 2026, embracing a flexible writing lifestyle from various cozy locations despite the harsh winter. They find inspiration in everyday experiences and changes within themselves, incorporating practices like Qigong to enhance creativity and mindfulness. The blog evolves alongside the writer’s journey, emphasizing connection and anticipation for warmer, joyful times.
Have you ever had one of those moments when technology makes you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe? That was me this week — fighting a losing battle with my weather apps. For days, I couldn’t understand why the weather readings on my phone and smartwatch were so wildly different. They did not…
Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car). Inka, my covid-purchase mini doxie.
Scholars, translators, transcribers and writers have always needed to have multiple books and other resources within easy reach. Illustrated manuscripts give us a good look at how medieval scribes stored and arranged their often large and hefty books. In the image above, Saint Jerome, identified by the halo, red galero and the lion with a…
At the Day of Judgment we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how devoutly we have lived.”— Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ Hey there, everyone! Welcome to the 6th episode of Jehanne’s 15th-century life in Bruges. Today, we’re diving…
I don’t know about you, but I love history. It inspires, humbles, and fascinates me. Part of that is learning the etymology of some common words and idioms, many of which are Medieval or even older. I list here some of the most fun ones I’ve come across and hope you enjoy learning about them…
“Bruges, in thee we find all that is fair: A city rich in goods and graced by air. Thy towers rise, like stories told in stone, Of grandeur, of beauty, and of a name well-known.” George Chastellain (c. 1405–1475) Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the first installment of my series, “Life and Art in 15th-Century…
Did you ever wonder what winter was like for people olden times? Shakespeare gives you a clear look at what it was like for him.
Lessons my illness and broken bone taught me about staying home during a pandemic.
Diagram from the German Arundel 501 f. 26v to determine feast days and the moon’s age. Tonight there is a full moon. But if you, as your persona, lived after 1100 you probably considered the moon to be a planet. If you thought about its movements at all you thought it revolved around the Earth in a perfect circle. Just like Mercury,…
I detest winter. Not just the cold, but also the dark. I live like a mole until March. But with 24-hour supermarkets and drive through fast-food I survive until the sun returns. Do you have the same aversion? With all the modern conveniences it’s easy to forget the once great effort it took to survive winter. Preserving…