grace & gratitude

A great people traveled from the north and west. For many, many years they moved across the land, leaving settlements in rich river valleys as others moved on. Reaching the eastern edge of the country, some of these people settled on the river later renamed the Delaware. 

Others moved north and settled in the valley of a river where the waters, like those in their original homeland, were never still. They named this river Mahicannituck and called themselves the muh-he-con-neok, the people of the waters that are never still…

Henrik Hudson Entering New York Harbor by Edward Moran

Chronicled by late-1700s Mohican historian Hendrick Aupaumut, tells the story of the people who truly discovered America, including the river valley in which we now live. 

The names of the river and valley were usurped by a man named Hudson, whose people came from the east and nearly obliterated a history that stretches back perhaps 13,000 years.

the long golden afternoon of the year

Happy Thanksgiving! Many of us are saving our revels for the weekend, but it's always the right time to appreciate the season of Thanksgiving - the third Thursday of November, as the leaves fall and darkness covers the Northern Hemisphere.

moon feast

When it comes to Mid-Autumn Festival, Asians celebrate the mystical animal - the Jade Rabbit, also called the Moon Rabbit - a character in oriental folklore that lives on the moon with Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. 

the myth of the Moon Goddess & the Jade Rabbit

Also known as the Moon or Mooncake Festival, it is the second most important Asian festival, next to the Lunar New Year. It is mainly celebrated in China, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines - though many Asian communities around the world have grown to enjoy its festivities too. 

a traditional mid-autumn festival spread

On the day of the festival, the moon is said to be the brightest, roundest and most beautiful. Folks are encouraged to gather and celebrate together in families and communities. 

diversify & decolonize Thanksgiving

2020 is a special year - in spite and despite all that has come our way - we still have much to offer up thanks for. In the midst of so much death, loss and sorrow our mournful hearts continue to hope and strive. 

A diverse & decolonized Thanksgiving to all!

This year spreading the corona virus rather than preparing the traditional Thanksgiving spread is of greater concern. Under quarantine and in isolation we are encouraged to stay home and keep it simple.

National Day of Morning [image credit: Kisha James]

In this more contemplative atmosphere we no longer are clear cut for or against the celebration of the conquest and genocide of local natives by invading colonists.

festive feasts

The holidays are officially here. Occasion for wonder | wander | women to eat out and celebrate more. As you can see from our past few blog posts, we are applying ourselves to the task!

Entrance of Ventanas at the Modern, Fort Lee NJ

Patio of Ventanas at the Modern

While our UK half was pining for more Thanksgiving celebrations, Mahala is lucky to be working at a place where they do celebrate with a special spread to celebrate the day.

NYC holiday season

New York! New York! Holiday season is here again. The Big Apple is dressed to her nines. All showy and sparkly in everything she's got to offer us all.

There’s so much to see and so much to do, it seems there is never a definite answer as to where exactly your time should be spent in this massive urban jungle of eye candy overload.

Thanksgiving : truth & consequence

Last year's Thanksgiving post by wonder | wander | women seems so very far away and removed from the world we live in today.

So much has happened in the intervening year, much of which has left us astonished and astounded, bemused and bewildered, righteous and raging. A world where much has dimmed and dulled.

Happy Thanksgiving

Each year on the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, football and family.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

As strangers and loved ones gather around for Thanksgiving, we recall all the wonderful times spent and shared together. 

Counting our blessings for the gift of love and companionship. Sharing happy thoughts, optimistic plans, and developing dreams with our loved ones.