Monthly Archives: December 2012

When Books Call Your Name

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

When I was younger, I spent a lot of time at the Lisbon Falls Community Library.  They always had free bookmarks at the check-out desk; one summer, I got a bookmark that said “There is no frigate like a book … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Ghosts and Spirits of the Season

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

During the most wonderful time of the year, people pull out the symbols of the season.  There are Christmas trees, menorahs, angels, Kris Kringles, and Advent wreaths.  Then there are bells, stars, candy canes, and mangers.  I would be remiss … Continue reading →

Posted in Weather and Seasons | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Journey of 1320 Steps

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

When I was 12, I remember seeing Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  It was exciting (“Gonna Fly Now”).  I don’t know if the 1976 movie started a stair climbing … Continue reading →

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Hiding in Sunday

Posted on December 16, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Sometimes, people need to hide and disconnect.  It’s certainly not a new thing to be weary of the world.  William Wordsworth wrote a sonnet on such a theme 210 years ago, “The World is Too Much With Us.” I hid … Continue reading →

Posted in Today We Rest | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Funniest People I Know

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

If I had a nickel for every time someone said “You’re so funny” I’d be…Kyle Bass! When I hear this, I can’t help but smile a little bit to myself; then I say “Look, I have to be honest, I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Just Writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Not in My Coop

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Maybe I was tired or maybe I was homesick; when I heard Nat King Cole singing “The Christmas Song” at a weekend antique show and I looked at this ugly decoration, tears welled up in my eyes.  Then one slid … Continue reading →

Posted in Minimalist | Tagged , | 3 Comments

My Five Cents Worth

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

2008 was a watershed year for me.  One hot summer day, I walked out of my office with my old Nokia cell phone and called one of the smartest people I know.  I asked why the stock market was dropping … Continue reading →

Posted in Back to School | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Dear Talbots

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

Dear Talbots, I’ve been an on-again, off-again customer at your stores since I first started working in Big Corporations in 1988.  Although fashion no longer defines me, humans are still wearing clothing when they venture out into the world and … Continue reading →

Posted in Experiments and Challenges | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

George Washington Walked Here

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

What is it about “the most wonderful time of the year?”  It makes normally food-sensible people eat like ravenous beasts for weeks on end.  We throw caution to the wind and then take the Scarlett O’Hara approach of “I’ll think … Continue reading →

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A Hick from Maine

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Julie-Ann Baumer

In the early 1990’s, there was a self-help comedy sketch on late night Tee Vee.  The fictional character gave humorous and non-professional advice.  A litany of “affirmations” were provided, but since they were spoken by a fictional late night Tee … Continue reading →

Posted in Today We Rest | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment