From the Hollow

April continues to unfold gently—longer days, lighter air, and meals that begin to shift with the season. After the comfort of winter dishes, this is the time of year when I start reaching for recipes that feel a little fresher, a little brighter, and a bit more effortless. These simple chicken salad lettuce wraps are exactly that. Light but satisfying, crisp and creamy all at once, and perfect for those in-between days when you want something nourishing without turning on th

Among the many religious observances that shaped the ritual calendar of ancient Rome, the festival of Pandia remains one of the most obscure. Overshadowed by grander celebrations such as Saturnalia or the Megalesia , Pandia survives in the historical record only in fragments—brief mentions in literary and antiquarian sources that hint at a once-recognized, if modest, place within the civic and religious life of the Roman state. Yet it is precisely this obscurity that makes Pa

The festival of Megalesia (more formally known as the Megalensia) was one of the most distinctive and symbolically rich religious celebrations in ancient Rome. Held each year in early April, typically from the 4th to the 10th, the festival honored the Great Mother goddess Cybele, whose cult had been formally introduced to Rome during a time of crisis in the late 3rd century BCE. To understand Megalesia is to understand not only Roman religion, but also Rome’s willingness to a

On the first day of April, as Rome stood on the threshold of spring, attention turned to Venus—not simply as a goddess of love, but as a force shaping desire, fortune, and feminine power in all its complexity. The festival of Veneralia honored Venus Verticordia, “the changer of hearts,” alongside Venus Felix, a bringer of good fortune. To modern readers, this may sound like a celebration of romance or beauty. But Veneralia reveals something far more layered: a ritual moment w

In the early days of spring when travel resumed and the seas opened, ancient Athens came alive with one of its most important festivals: the Dionysia ta Astika, or City Dionysia. Held in honor of Dionysus, this was not just a religious celebration. It was a cultural, political, and artistic centerpiece of Athenian life—where myth met performance, and the city presented itself to the world. A Festival for the City and the World The City Dionysia took place in the month of Elap

April always arrives with a kind of quiet shift—light a little longer, mornings a little brighter, and the sense that the world is slowly waking back up. It feels like the right time for something simple, comforting, and just sweet enough to start the month. These gluten-free banana oat pancakes are exactly that kind of recipe. They’re made from pantry staples, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for slow mornings when you want something warm without much effort. No complicate

From the Shelves of The Hollow our story continues with The Descent, the next chapter in this ongoing horror series - The Scourge… “Ah… you’ve returned. How are you enjoying your stay in The Hollow.” The Librarian runs her fingers along the worn spine of a book. “You must want to continue our tale if you are here at this hour.” She pulls on the edge of the tome, yet the shelves seem reluctant to let it go. “Granton wastes little time with hesitation. Men who make their living

I began writing Eleanor’s Garden during a time when Amazon was piloting a new serial novel platform called Kindle Vella. If you have been following me for awhile, you will be familiar with the time I spent writing there. The platform called for episodic fiction. Other novels that were created during that time were The Witching and The Island . I was experimenting with length of episodes (i.e. chapters) and kept this story short per word count while publishing weekly. This a

There’s something timeless about a pasta bake. It’s warm, filling, and made for sharing. It’s one of those meals that feels like home no matter where you are. As March continues to shift toward spring, this dish strikes a balance between comfort and freshness: hearty enough for a cool evening, but simple and adaptable as the season changes. For those living gluten-free, pasta dishes can sometimes feel like they require a bit more intention. Finding pasta that holds its textur

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, nerve-wracking thriller that grabs you early and doesn’t let go, The Survivor  by Andrew Reid is a strong pick. The premise wastes no time throwing you into chaos: Ben Cross, already having the worst first day imaginable after being fired from his new job, boards a New York City train—only to have his situation spiral into something far more sinister. Anonymous texts from a killer turn his commute into a high-stakes game of control and surv

There’s this unspoken belief that collecting art is reserved for experts, insiders, or those with deep pockets. Walk into certain galleries or scroll through high-end auction results, and it’s easy to feel like you need a degree in art history, or a trust fund, just to begin. The truth is much simpler: art collecting is for anyone willing to trust their own taste. You Don’t Need to Be an Expert One of the biggest barriers people face when starting an art collection is that th

It might come as a surprise, but A Nightmare on Nightmare Street  was my first time reading anything by R. L. Stine. His Fear Street series wasn’t released until the year I graduated high school. But his popularity with middle grade began in my days as a bookseller so I am certainly familiar with his name and body of work. And now I completely understand why he’s such a staple in middle grade horror. This story leans fully into classic spooky vibes: a new house filled with un

March always feels like a month of transition. Winter still lingers in the air, but the light lasts a little longer each evening, and the kitchen starts to lean toward brighter flavors. Lemon and herbs are perfect for this moment—fresh, simple, and just enough to remind us that spring is coming. This week’s recipe (a little late in posting) is a new lucky find. The recipe calls for chicken thighs, but I am not a fan and will always substitute with chicken tenders or chicken b

A Place to Die For  is a psychological suspense novel that blends eerie apartment-building horror with a slow-burning mystery. The story follows Jordan and her fiancé Sam, who move into the historic Glendale co-op in Boston after a devastating personal loss. At first the building feels like a stroke of luck—beautiful, prestigious, and full of old-world charm. But the longer Jordan spends alone in the apartment, the more unsettling things become. The building itself is easily

A man seeking refuge in a cheap apartment begins hearing whispers and seeing a woman who should not exist. But Room 6 has a dark history—and some tenants never truly leave.

As the days start to hint at spring, it’s time for something bright, nourishing, and easy on the weeknight hustle. This creamy tomato and spinach chickpea dish is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, all without the fuss of long cooking. Serve it over rice for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for meatless nights. This recipe is ideal for busy evenings or for those times you want a little warmth with minimal cleanup. Plus, it pairs beautifu

Each spring, the ancient town of Eleusis, just outside Athens, prepared for a series of ceremonies known as the Lesser Mysteries ( Mikra Mysteria ). Held during the month roughly corresponding to our March, these rites were a precursor to the more famous Greater Mysteries later in the year. While the Lesser Mysteries were less well-known, they were an essential part of the spiritual calendar for initiates of the Eleusinian Mysteries, offering a glimpse into a world of myth, r

Embarking on the path of beginner art collecting can be both exciting and overwhelming. The world of art is vast, filled with diverse styles, mediums, and histories. As someone who has navigated this journey, I understand the importance of starting with a clear mindset and practical knowledge. This post aims to guide you through the essential steps, helping you build a meaningful collection that reflects your taste and values. Understanding Beginner Art Collecting: Where to S

There is something deeply comforting about a meal that roasts slowly while the wind still bites outside. March is that in-between month—winter reluctant to leave, spring not quite brave enough to arrive. This sheet pan sausage, peppers, and potatoes is the kind of rustic, no-fuss dinner that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes the whole house feel alive again. After a quiet February (thank you all for your patience while I recovered ❤️), I wanted to start March with somet

Channelle Desamours’ They Call Her Regret  is a darkly enchanting YA horror novel that blends spine-tingling suspense with the emotional weight of past trauma. The story follows Simone Washington, a high school senior whose love of Halloween parties and horror is both a passion and a coping mechanism for the secrets she hides. When her invitation-only eighteenth birthday bash at Doll’s Head Lake goes horribly wrong with the death of her best friend Kira, Simone is forced to c