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Sunday, October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Marie's Magic Eggs (picture book)
Have you ever seen Pysanky eggs? If you haven't look for them on the Internet. They really put typical American Easter eggs to shame with their ornate designs and rich history. Then look in your local library for Sandra Neil Wallace's Marie's Magic Eggs. If they do not have it and you can afford to do so it would be a most timely Easter gift.
Marie grew up in Ukraine in the early 20th century. Each spring she loved creating Pysanky eggs, decorating them in rich, traditional designs. Sadly, driven by famine and fighting, she and her brothers left for the United States, leaving the rest of their family behind. She was only thirteen. She settled in Minneapolis where she found community.
"But by the river where Marie lived with her cousin, the streets swelled with Ukrainian sounds.
The savory scent of Ukrainian foods floated through Marie's boarding house as her neighbors cooked.
Mechanics and mill workers.
Builders and bakers.
All born in Ukraine like Marie."
Marie found ways to create Pysanky eggs and bring the tradition to life in her adopted country...
...which was a good thing because following World War I Russia invaded Ukraine. Pysanky eggs and books about them were destroyed.
Wallace is the child of immigrants and refugees from Ukraine and Yugoslavia. She learned many Ukrainian traditions from her Grandmother. She learned about Marie when in 2022 Russia again invaded Ukraine. "As Russia's war on the country of my ancestors continued into Easter, I found hope in people gathering around the world to learn how to make pysanky in solidarity with Ukraine."
According to legend, as long as pysanky are decorated there will be good in the world.
Evan Turk who created the book's vibrant illustrations, dedicated his contribution to "the artists who create meaning and beauty in perilous times."
For those who want to learn more there is an extensive bibliography.
On a purrrsonal note, I had a fabulous Thursday. The highlight was the Mending Club's meeting which featured making 🐈 😻 🐈⬛️ 😺 and 🐕 toys for animals in local shelters waiting to be adopted. When I arrived a few minutes late I couldn't believe my eyes. The place was packed with enthusiastically engaged students. It was a really fun and productive session. Our next meeting in two weeks should be really fun and popular. Black Bear Exchange has dozens of Halloween costumes just waiting to be customized.
A great big shout out goes out to all who participated, especially Lisa and Emma who created the opportunity.
Happy No Kings Day. Bailey and I plan to observe it by going door to door for Troy Jackson. BTW if you aren't registered to vote now is the time. If you're a woman or a person of color it's a way to honor the sacrifices of the people who fought for this right. If you're an age eligible human this is your chance to help shape our future. Just don't abstain and then complain, OK.
Jules Hathaway
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Friday, October 16, 2026
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