Renae was stricken with an illness early Christmas Day and is only now beginning to feel better. Once she recovers more, we will be meeting to organize our notes and brainstorm for the fourth and last volume of Through Roses and Thorns. Your kind prayers for her full and speedy recovery, D.V., would be most appreciated! The above image is the beautifully designed poster that Renae made and gifted me this Christmas. Thank you, Renae! I like it so much that I have added it to the top of each of the four-volume story’s web pages. ;o)
I would also like to share some good news: Before Christmas, my dear Editor finished the first phase of editing for Other Once Upon a Time Stories (a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and Sleeping Beauty) and is currently working on Other Once Upon a Time Stories, pt. 2. Also, she has expressed an interest in taking a momentary break from the Catholic Once Upon a Time Series to edit another one of my unpublished standalone novels. How exciting!
A most blessed feast of the Epiphany! May the remainder of your Christmas Season be happy and holy! . . .
Meek Madonna of the Crèche!
Mother, mute with awe!
In the Crib, the Word made Flesh
Lies upon the straw.
Thou hast dreamed of that sweet Face,
Hour after hour,
Now, it blooms in thine embrace,
Like a fresh blown Flower.
Now, the tiny dimpled form,
Pink as any rose,
Thou dost gently strive to warm
With Its swaddling-clothes.
Joseph kneels where, left and right,
Bow the wond’ring beasts.
Angels bright on wings of light,
Hail the Feast of feasts!
Come the Shepherds and their sheep
Down to Bethlehem.—
Dearest Lady of the Crib!
Soon shall follow them
Royal Wise Men from the East,
Mystic myrrh to bring,
Frankincense for Christ the Priest,
Gold for Christ the King.
Let us, too, without demur,
Babe! (so long foretold,)
Bring Thee now our mystic myrrh,
Frankincense and gold.
Let us, too, O Word made Flesh!
Greet Thy Birthday dear,
Sweet Madonna of the Crèche,
Bless our bright New Year!
—By Eleanor C. Donnelly
