The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

If you are looking for a Christmas story that is a little different, I recommend L.Frank Baum's "history" of Santa Claus.  I remember reading the entire Oz series when I was about 11 and I loved the fantasy aspects along with the vintage feel of the writing style. Although I never read this as a child, it did not disappoint as an adult.

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Christmas Stories by LM Montgomery

I'm not trying to rush the season but I'm excited about the Christmas offerings from Figgy Tree Press this year. Whether you are planning on enjoying the all new  Anne of Green Gables on PBS or sticking to the classic version, you will want to have LM Montgomery's Christmas Stories on hand to satisfy your longings for Green Gables and Avonlea.

We pulled ten of Montgomery's short stories, all Christmas themed,  into a single volume. You will find Anne and Matthew in here along with many brand new characters.

This would be a perfect stocking stuffer or to read with younger readers as Christmas approaches.

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New Beginnings

For many people, the New Year is a time to start projects. Begin a journaling practice, start exercising, develop new habits. I have always used my birthday for this even though it comes between Thanksgiving and Christmas which can be a time of all sorts of stress.
This week, Figgy Tree Publishers presents a journal specifically for people who are starting something new: a new year, a new phase of your life, a fresh mindset.

This is a larger journal (8"x10") with a new prompt each day for two months. I love the larger size for playing with different formats for responding to the prompts. Feel free to add pictures and other collage elements ad make the journal exactly what you want it to be. With prompts that ask you about your goals and what holds you back, this is the perfect book to use when you are beginning a new adventure.


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The Tao Te Ching- An Early Inspiration

When I was in High School, I had the opportunity to take a great class in Non-Western Civilizations. It opened my eyes to the breadth of religious and spiritual life around the World. Around that same time, I had my first encounter with the DaodeJing (aka, Tao Te Ching). At the age of 15, I was very drawn to the text. My first copy of this classic work was a large paperback with a lot of white space. I always wanted to use is as a journal rather than a text. Sadly, that copy is long gone (probably "loaned" to an ex who thought he would impress me by showing an interest in it).

For that reason, this design is almost a gift to myself. Each short chapter is paired with a blank page for recording your thoughts about the text (or anything else).

use this for deep study of the material or as a regular journal.

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An Advent Journal

It's just the first week of November and, here in Maryland, the sun is shining and fall colors are making their appearance. But the stores and television ads are reminding us that Christmas isn't too far off.
I was talking to a friend of mine, a pastor, about designing journals and what it means to me to keep records of my own meditations and reflections. She suggested a journal for Advent with inspiring quotes and reminders about what the season is really about.

From that discussion, the first Advent Journal was born. The quotes I have selected range from Thomas Merton to Dr. Seuss. Each spoke to me about the importance of slowing down and appreciating the time of anticipation..

It's early to wish you a very Special Christmas but I can wish you a special season of expectation.

This journal is listed at $5.00 Proceeds from this Journal will go to sending care packages to members of the military stationed oversees and to supporting a Christmas dinner for the homeless here in Baltimore.

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or Order from Amazon

Journaling for Children

I think I started writing in what could be considered a journal when I was about 7 or 8. I mostly wrote poems and short stories. I liked writing but I don't think it ever occurred to me to write about myself or my life.

This week, Figgy Tree Publishers is happy to present a journal challenge specifically for children. it's a 31 day challenge in a 8x10 booklet with a new prompt for each day of the month. Prompts encourage kids to write a poem or about their real experiences at the doctor's or school.

This challenge is suitable for ages 8-12 and would be a great project for a scout troop, classroom (or home schooling), or any child who is interested in writing or needs some encouragement to improve writing skills.


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31 Day Journal Challenge for Kids