Last week I went to my first professional conference: the Arts in Our Communities conference in Charleston. This two-day conference was free to attend, and open to […]
Tag: Aldona Bird
Mon Valley Mushrooms brings fresh fungi to the table
After eating a particularly pungent shiitake mushroom a couple years ago, my daughter decided then and there that she didn’t like any mushrooms. Recently, she begged for […]
Board games a fun way to go offline
For a few days around Christmas, when my family was all together, we decided to stay off our phones. I turned on my “do not disturb” setting […]
Jar family grows in fridge
BY ALDONA BIRD Many jars have long-term residences in my fridge. Some of them come and then depart at excruciatingly slow rates (with just a little of […]
Sure, it’s less slippery, but salted roads have risks
Salt of the earth is a compliment, but salting the earth is bad. However, this time of year we salt roads to melt ice and that salt […]
Winterberries offer a welcome pop of color
I’ve been trying to form a new healthy habit. It isn’t so much a new year resolution, but more a strategy of desperation. In December my family […]
Recent art project has unexpected consequences
Just when I especially needed to stay healthy during the busy holiday season, a bad rash afflicted me. Ugly, raised, itchy persistent spots appeared by my right […]
Mastering ancient art of kintsugi on mug collection
For many years I’ve wandered through artisan markets, seeking out potters and picking up mugs in an attempt to find a perfect mug for my mother. Over […]
Fun learning what’s behind Christmas carols
This year I’ve had the words of a few traditional Christmas carols brought to my attention. “Now, bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it out here,” […]
Cloth gift bags beat out paper
A few years ago, one of my sisters awed the family on Christmas morning with some beautiful cloth gift bags she had made. She only got around […]
