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Lunar Datebook

Maine-based short fiction, essays, and interviews. Hosted by Jennifer Ellsworth.
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Now displaying: Category: Christmas Story

Welcome to Lunar Datebook...

Dec 29, 2016

Episode 78—December 29, 2016

Today marks the start of the lunar calendar year. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores how this Wolf Moon can help us connect with our family after a busy holiday season. She also offers some Lunar Datebook updates and corrections so as to start the year with a clean slate, and concludes the short story "Special Delivery, Christmas Eve." 

"...The house on the address label of the grey envelope tucked under the Deliveryman’s arm was a seasick two-story just off Front Street. It leaned toward its neighbor on wobbly knees, but so far had not accepted the hand of progress that surrounded it..."

Moon Astrology: New Wolf Moon in Capricorn: Get the job done.

People packs, broken heart death, and a bowl of cherries. 

Dec 13, 2016

Episode 77—December 13, 2016

In the season of gift swaps, sometimes showing up is our best present. Host Jennifer Ellsworth shares a first person account from a Dakota Access Pipeline protester, and shares her dreamy experience of missing a plane. She also reads part two of this year's Christmas story, "Special Delivery, Christmas Eve."

"...The Concord Trailways bus was on time, arriving at the Shell Station at 9:15 from South Station. Jessica’s ride was not. She’d received a text: “Ten minutes!!” Double exclamation point, followed by a sad face emogi. Jessica’s mom...."

Moon Astrology: Full Moon of Long Nights in Gemini: Change your mind.

"All actions here are prayer", assured recognition, and a good smoke. 

Nov 29, 2016

Episode 76—November 29, 2016

The darkest portion of the year corresponds with family-intensive holiday celebrations. Host Jennifer Ellsworth recaps her Thanksgiving. She also shares a story from Stella Tirone about a family hike to the Jordan Pond House on Mount Desert Island that went awry, and reads part one of this year's Christmas Story. It's called "Special Delivery, Christmas Eve."

“...'Merry Christmas. Ho Ho Ho. Merry Christmas.'

Criminey it was cold. Too-cold-to-die-here cold. Thank-God-for-nostril-hair cold. Gary called Merry Christmas and HoHoHo out to shoppers because talking reminded his body it was alive..."

Moon Astrology: New Moon of Long Nights in Sagittarius: Resilience in us all.

Winter mode menu, not a bear, and ringing bells on beaches. 

Dec 25, 2015

Episode 53- December 25, 2015

We all know Christmas marks Jesus' birthday, but that is not the only reason to celebrate.  Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains how Christ came to be a Capricorn and remarks about Christmas' other famous fellow- the one in the red suit.  She also reads a short story about a recovering thief who is determined not to be a Grinch despite being broke.  It's called, "The Full Tree."

"...Everyone had said that backwoods landlords didn’t worry about First, Last and a Deposit, but the one with the one bedroom “cottage” in Jackson had. He had not asked Mary and Lawrence a single question. He’d just unlocked the front door and let them have a look...."

Moon Astrology:  Full Moon of Long Nights in Cancer:  Family

Writers gave us Christmas, Santa is an Indian and cranes upon a Christmas tree.  

Dec 11, 2015

Episode 52- December 11, 2015

Year's end approaches.  Yet for many ancient people, the end was the beginning.  Host Jennifer Ellsworth explores how the winter solstice celebrates new life and an unbroken circle.  She also tells a true story about a Charlie Brown induced breakdown, and reads a short story about an unusual Christmas figure called, "The Christmas Buddha of Jackson."

"...When Lesley pulled into Sid’s driveway Christmas Eve, her teeth clacked up and down up and down a half dozen times, like she were trying to loosen up a stick of Wrigley’s gum, an absent-minded habit she picked up when she finally quit smoking two years ago..."

Moon Astrology: New Moon of Long Nights in Sagittarius: Take the long view.  

Yule Variations, a moment in the spotlight, and the Christmas Joint.  

Dec 28, 2014

December 28, 2014- Episode 26

This week host Jennifer Ellsworth reads a short story about a recent widower who rediscovers his faith at Hollywood Casino in Bangor, Maine.  

"Cancer sucks.  That was Betty's lesson for us this past year.  In February we'd gone ice fishing just as always.  Despite good sun, she caught a chill and before we'd had even one flag..."

Moon Astrology:  Waxing Half Moon in Aries.  Wrap things up for New Year.  

A seasonal love story.  Crab rangoons.  Peace be with you.  

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