Another lovely edition of Bracken & Wrack Imogen. Thank you. I'll definitely try the Dahl recipe, sounds perfect for these cold winter days. I was interested to hear about the chalk markings above the cottage door invoking the good intentions of the Three Magi. A few years ago I remember leaving our house - just a very boring late Victorian terraced house - nothing special or magical like your lovely cottage. ;) However, the word 'Love' was chalked on the brickwork next to the front door. There had been some travellers camped in a little clearing approx half a mile or so from where we live, and I had the feeling it was something to do with them. Can't confirm that of course. But I do frequently put my own good intentions over our house as a protection spell of sorts; to attract benevolent energies and repel anything not so, and I just wondered if it was them and someone had picked up on this. Who knows? Anyway, many blessings to you for the New Year. Looking forward to many more wise words and musings from you here and on You Tube. xxx
Thank you so much Pauline - both for your kind words and for that fascinating story. Who knows if the travellers had picked up on the fortunate ‘glamour’ you had cast on your home? Which by the way I am sure is far from boring; I love Victorian terraces! Going back to the word ‘love’ - what a glow it must have given you to discover this. Looking forward to your company this shiny new year x
Thank you, Sarah. It means a lot to me, not only that you take the time to read Bracken & Wrack but that in some way keeping these bits and pieces alive perhaps awakens something ancient and comforting within us. I hope so, anyway! X
You’ve inspired me to try & make some wise men for next Christmas! Like these ones you describe. What happened to those of your childhood? Lost like my tree top Angel I suppose 🥹
It would be brilliant if you made your own set of Wise Men, Robyn! Let me know how it goes, if you do. I won’t be doing that myself, as I’d rather just have the memory of those childhood Kings. I don’t know what became of them, sadly, though my brother might possibly have them. In a way I quite like that, though - I mean, just having them in memory.
I chalk my door! It’s a lovely little tradition. Once I went to mass and the priest gave out chalk & blessed it. That doesn’t happen very often, it depends on the priest.
And a recipe!! 💫 always excited when you give a recipe xxx
Oh that’s interesting Robyn - I hadn’t realised the tradition was so widespread! I was thinking of you, of course, when I thought to include a recipe this time! x
Both the video and the rest of this Bracken and Wrack gave me a warm feeling inside and put a smile on my face!
Thank you Martin; that’s lovely to hear! I hope you’re both well?
Always such a treat to hear from you Imogen. Fab post. Blessed Happy New Year to you and yours.
Ahhh thank you Jean! Always a real pleasure to know you’re there with me. Wishing you good health, fortune and every happiness for 2026 x
Another lovely edition of Bracken & Wrack Imogen. Thank you. I'll definitely try the Dahl recipe, sounds perfect for these cold winter days. I was interested to hear about the chalk markings above the cottage door invoking the good intentions of the Three Magi. A few years ago I remember leaving our house - just a very boring late Victorian terraced house - nothing special or magical like your lovely cottage. ;) However, the word 'Love' was chalked on the brickwork next to the front door. There had been some travellers camped in a little clearing approx half a mile or so from where we live, and I had the feeling it was something to do with them. Can't confirm that of course. But I do frequently put my own good intentions over our house as a protection spell of sorts; to attract benevolent energies and repel anything not so, and I just wondered if it was them and someone had picked up on this. Who knows? Anyway, many blessings to you for the New Year. Looking forward to many more wise words and musings from you here and on You Tube. xxx
Thank you so much Pauline - both for your kind words and for that fascinating story. Who knows if the travellers had picked up on the fortunate ‘glamour’ you had cast on your home? Which by the way I am sure is far from boring; I love Victorian terraces! Going back to the word ‘love’ - what a glow it must have given you to discover this. Looking forward to your company this shiny new year x
Thank you once again Imogen, such a blessing in these times. X
Thank you, Sarah. It means a lot to me, not only that you take the time to read Bracken & Wrack but that in some way keeping these bits and pieces alive perhaps awakens something ancient and comforting within us. I hope so, anyway! X
Such a diverse and interesting selection of thoughts for the season Imogen, thank you. The Dahl sounds like a good choice for supper next week!
Thank you Sally-Ann! Do please let me know if you enjoy the Dahl - I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of these chilly evenings! x
I’d say in the poppy head urn there would be myrrh. The lantern held the frankincense & the casket the gold (well that’s my thinking ☺️)
Ahhh it makes me a little reflective that there’s now no way of checking … but your interpretation definitely makes sense! x
You’ve inspired me to try & make some wise men for next Christmas! Like these ones you describe. What happened to those of your childhood? Lost like my tree top Angel I suppose 🥹
It would be brilliant if you made your own set of Wise Men, Robyn! Let me know how it goes, if you do. I won’t be doing that myself, as I’d rather just have the memory of those childhood Kings. I don’t know what became of them, sadly, though my brother might possibly have them. In a way I quite like that, though - I mean, just having them in memory.
I think I’ll make it a Christmas craft with my granddaughter ☺️
I chalk my door! It’s a lovely little tradition. Once I went to mass and the priest gave out chalk & blessed it. That doesn’t happen very often, it depends on the priest.
And a recipe!! 💫 always excited when you give a recipe xxx
Oh that’s interesting Robyn - I hadn’t realised the tradition was so widespread! I was thinking of you, of course, when I thought to include a recipe this time! x
I think that tradition came with the early English settlers. I am glad it did. It gives me some kind of connection x
A wonderful read, as always. I love the sound of the Magi with their doily wings. And I'm definitely making the dhal. Sounds delicious. Thank you. x
Thank you Pam - and oh, do let me know what you think if you try the dhal! Happy (continuing) Epiphany-tide! x
Wordsmithery at its best. Love reading your words my friend, thank you x🤍🙏🏻
Thank you Janey, so lovely of you! x
Always interesting to read your words, Imogen, thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Thea x