31 December – Time Out for a Penalty Flag
BY LAWRENCE HALL Change does not lie in calendars or dates But in the seasonal turnings of the year And in the ordered ways of God with us Compassing us truly in spite of ourselves Years are but our usages and measurings Tools lent us for a time for learning Creation For balancing the better …...
Fear and Joy: Confronting the Human Condition through Christmas Carols
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI Some say that the unfortunately popular song Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan song “Fairytale of New York” is meant to be some sort of antidote to the onslaught of candy-cane jingles in shopping malls and on the radio. It is a commentary on our post-modern slump that this relates to so many …...
Behold!
BY LAWRENCE HALL “His name is John” A story requires an occasional “Behold!” Merely to see the magic is not enough The children do not merely see Aslan Nor does Uncle Andrew merely see the witch Behold! A story requires an occasional “Behold!” Merely to see the Truth is not enough The Magi do not …...
Historical Fiction Author Interview: Anthony Aquilino
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. A: I was born in Newark, N.J. I married my beautiful wife, who I met in high school. I left the city when I married, but my heart is still there. There is an old saying, “You can take the boy …...
A Carrier of Bodies
BY LAWRENCE HALL “My stretcher is one scarlet stain” – Robert W. Service, “The Stretcher Bearer” In illo tempore: I don’t know that anyone shouted, “Corpsman up!” Like in the movies; I was already up There, where smoking metal scraps stopped in some kid’s flesh Red fragments of flesh screaming in the sun Later: Carrying...
Author Interview: Janet Uhlar
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I am a nurse by profession who has had a passion for the American Revolution since childhood. I am the mother of five and grandmother of one. As a child I was introduced to the American Revolution through Esther Forbes’ acclaimed novel Johnny Tremain. What …...
Author Interview: Elizabeth Agnes
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What first inspired you to start writing? I am the youngest of seven. One of my earliest memories was when my dad would lead all seven of us across a five-lane highway—canoe and all—to the river on the other side. Of course …...
Historical Fiction Author Interview: Megan Soja
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I grew up in western New York where I still live with my husband and our two daughters. I have been making up stories since I was a little girl, but I also love science and chose to focus on that in …...
The Scheme to Rescue Fallen Man: Nathan Hale, John Andre, and the Strange Season of “Hangemtide”
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI As I have increased research and work on my American Revolution trilogy All Ye That Pass By, I have noticed a trend towards making this particular season between the anniversary of Nathan Hale’s hanging (September 22, 1776) and John Andre’s hanging (October 2, 1780) into a strange sort of macabre festival...
Author Interview: Angelina Salvaggio
BY AVELLINA BALESTRI Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. I’m a Catholic wife, mom, chronic illness fighter, and have been writing for most of my life. I’m a self-proclaimed nerd who loves history, movies, reading, and going to Comic Cons. I also love Adoration, Mass, chasing sunsets, traveling, and chocolate....
