A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 11: Perfection

| December 31, 2014

To speak of the Warrior Path is to conjure images of life and death. Of strife and struggle. Of blades and guns and martial skill directed toward a goal of death and destruction. But as the Warrior walks the Path, it will soon become clear that if his reason for being there is to subjugate […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 10: A Parable

| December 30, 2014

  The past calendar year has been a cacophonous clamour overshadowed by ominous storm clouds. It spawned this. A Parable By LFM The Horsemen four we’re taught to fear, The “quiet ones” we’re told to ward, But hearken not the storm crow’s cry, That seeks to blunt both wits and sword. The children of Apocalypse […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 9: Revisionist Lobster

| December 29, 2014

The season of Yule, wherever and however it may be observed, is one festooned with traditions, not least of which are those affecting food. My own heritage comes from German and English influences, and since my blessed induction into the Polish fold, the flood gates have truly opened! Celebrations and observances surrounding the Winter Solstice […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 8: The Maker. Life is What You Make It.

| December 28, 2014

The Maker is an award winning stop motion animated film in which, as its producers describe it “A strange creature races against time to make the most important and beautiful creation of his life.”

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 7: Cool Vintage Gift Ideas

| December 27, 2014

Here’s my poem of the day to set the tone. In case I wasn’t clear enough, and to save you from any concern that your mind went there because you’re a pervert, it is about masturbation. Nocturnal Emissions By LFM Winter sun, horizon meets, Bitter winds drive snows and sleets, Dying fire no longer heats, Drives […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 6: The Woodsman’s Song

| December 26, 2014

2014 is coming to its conclusion in a whirlwind of blood and hate that shows every likelihood of staining much of the world for some time to come. Of course, this doesn’t make 2014 particularly unique because there has never been a time in recorded history during which you couldn’t find, at any given moment, […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 5: Rememberings

| December 25, 2014

For me, being 3 years old, I remember receiving the one thing I truly wanted. And I remember my favorite chocolate cake in the middle of a table covered with a poinsettia tablecloth. And I remember my handsome father finally being home with us. I think of this brown pony Christmas, and it was perfect. […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 4: The Origins of Father Christmas

| December 24, 2014

Since 1739, Rare Exports Inc. of Finland has been delivering impeccable, well mannered, and extremely rare, original Finnish Father Christmases to over 150 countries every Yule season without fail. On this Christmas Eve we offer a rare insight into their methods; heretofore shrouded in secrecy.

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 3: Perspectives on Acquisition

| December 23, 2014

“I figure that we are hard-wired to be hunter and gatherers, and somewhere, that whole shopaholic thing expresses some kind of visceral need to acquire and store items. Once upon a time, we might have been out finding acorns and tucking them away or putting a turnip away for winter. Now, we are buying an […]

A Long Winter’s Night 2014 – Day 2: Escape

| December 22, 2014

Alone on a long Winter’s night, a man’s Dog helps him find the solution. I’m paraphrasing the introductory passage used by its creators to describe this beautiful animated short film, originally produced in 2005 by the Digital Kick and Lehrner Whyte companies as a holiday card for private distribution to their clients, family, and friends. […]