Pursley's Briarwood: December 2010

Sunday, December 5, 2010

* State Auto Nativity ~ An Advent/Christmas Tradition

From the time I was a wee girl, the life sized nativity scene at State Auto in Columbus has been a highlight. Every year the insurance company adds to the collection or replaces broken pieces. The familiar story never gets old and each year I feel like I am seeing it again anew. Indeed, I am seeing it anew for the story of God intervening in the world is never old. I can sing with the hymn writer, "such love, such wondrous love".

I confess I miss downtown Columbus during the holiday season. Remember Lazarus? The display windows around the front and side of the store were a child's delight. I could stand there for what seemed like hours watching the little animated world within. It was a delight to each generation. I recall my children standing in front of the windows on the little bridge the store constructed for little ones watching the scenes. Then, we would follow the red foot prints which led to the specially decorated elevator to the magical 6th floor. We always ate at one of the Lazarus eateries and then walked to the Ohio Theater for a performance of Nutcracker or Christmas Carole. Remember those days?

This evening we enjoyed vespers at Holy Cross Orthodox Church celebrating St. Nicholas Day. Then we made our annual pilgrimage to the Nativity display, which I share with you, but especially with Margaret and Helen.

THE END

Saturday, December 4, 2010

* A St.Nicholas Tale for Margaret & Helen

Celebrating St. Nicholas Day was special for me. Teaching my children that "Santa Clause" was an exaggeration and commercialization of the true St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra. For more information about the REAL St. Nicholas, go to the St. Nicholas Center web site.

Be sure to put your shoes beside your bed before you retire December 5 and enjoy his gift to you on December 6. Above all, spread his generosity in your your life to all around you.

This story is especially for Margaret and Helen, but you are welcomed to listen too.

This story is for Margaret and Helen

The Baker's Dozen

A Saint Nicholas Tale

HOW DID WE GET THE NAME "BRIARWOOD"?

I have been asked that several times. I suppose the answer to that question begins with a little girl's dream. Ashley, our daughter, has always loved horses. So, on her 10th birthday, she got her first horse, Locksley. Living in town, we needed a place to board Locksley. We found a place, but the barn manager did not operate to the standards we thought appropriate. About this time the movie, "Black Beauty", was released. All of us were in tears and determined to find a better place to keep Locksley.

A fellow teacher offered us the use of her barn and pasture. It was an answer to prayer. We were able to purchase some adjacent land. To call this land a briarwood is giving it considerations it probably does not deserve. It was full of thorn trees --- big, nasty thorn trees with clay instead of soil. However, it was our land and we were thrilled with it. Thus, the name BRIARWOOD.

Locksley was joined by Little Princess and Rumbling Thunder (lovingly called Squirt) as well as various goats, turkeys, chickens, rabbits.

Eventually, we cleared enough land for a pasture and barn of our own. Several years later we built our log home. Slowly, but surely, the land is developed and tamed. However, in our woods you will still find quite a few of those big, nasty thorn trees and briars ~ be careful when you walk!

Does "briarwood" still describe the land? YOU BET!