From the Hollow

The Poseidea is a relatively obscure festival from the ancient Attic calendar, held in honour of Poseidon, god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. It took place in the lunar month called Poseideon (roughly late December into January). Although details are limited, the festival provides an intriguing insight into how the Athenians and other Greeks recognized the power of the sea and its perils — especially in winter. Date & Calendar Context The Attic month Poseideon is identi

The Feast of Hathor & Sekhmet is a remarkable example of how ancient Egyptian religion could combine celebration, myth, and communal catharsis. Celebrated in honour of the goddesses Hathor (goddess of joy, music, fertility) and Sekhmet (lioness goddess of war, healing and the “Eye of Ra”), the festival marks the transformation of destructive power into benevolent protection, and invites the community into ritual renewal via celebration, intoxication, and symbolic release. Myt

As the Attic calendar turned toward the close of autumn, the people of Athens observed Plerosia (Πληρωσία), a festival whose very name means “fullness”  or “abundance.”  Falling within the month of Maimakterion (roughly late November to early December), Plerosia was a time to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest and to honor the gods who sustained life through the coming winter. A Festival of Gratitude and Completion While few direct references to Plerosia survive, schol

These bars are the best use for leftover cranberry sauce — sweet, tart, buttery, and entirely gluten-free. Bake them ahead for a grab-and-go treat for visiting family or a cozy breakfast on Black Friday morning. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups gluten-free rolled oats 1 cup almond flour ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar ½ cup melted butter or coconut oil 1 cup cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade) Zest of 1 orange Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with par

Warm, hearty, and nostalgic — this creamy chicken and wild rice soup tastes like a hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for a pre-Thanksgiving week dinner, gluten-free comfort at its best. Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup wild rice (uncooked) 6 cups chicken broth 1 cup coconut milk (or cream for non-dairy-free) 1 tsp thyme ½ tsp rosemary Salt and pepper

Empty Boxes  by Robin Acton delivers a tightly paced mystery rooted in the grit and shadows of Pittsburgh’s underbelly. When crime reporter Rita Locke begins investigating the murder of a funeral director, she doesn’t expect to find empty coffins—or uncover a far-reaching conspiracy that stretches far beyond western Pennsylvania. What starts as a local crime quickly expands into an international web of danger, deception, and medical intrigue that leads her all the way to a Ca

Starting a new artistic journey can feel overwhelming. However, with the right guidance, anyone can develop their skills and enjoy the creative process. I have found that beginner art tutorials online provide a structured and accessible way to learn. In this post, I will share insights into how these tutorials can help, what to look for, and practical tips to get the most out of your learning experience. Why Choose Beginner Art Tutorials On YouTube? The internet offers a vast

Kathy Reichs returns with another sharp, unsettling thriller in Evil Bones , bringing forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan into one of her darkest investigations yet. What begins with a series of bizarrely mutilated small animals around Charlotte quickly spirals into something far more sinister. When the cruelty escalates to a family pet—and then to a human victim—Tempe realizes she’s dealing with a perpetrator whose fascination with violence is evolving in deeply distu

As the days grow shorter and the crisp November air nudges us closer to winter, there’s a special kind of magic in slowing down, gathering, and letting ourselves bask in the glow of creativity and connection. Whether it’s around a cozy table, a flickering candle, or the glow of a computer screen as you write your next story, this is the season to celebrate the things that light up our hearts—and our homes. Gather Around Your Passions Gathering doesn’t always mean a crowded ro

Hekate is among the more fascinating deities in the Greek pantheon — a goddess of magic, boundaries, crossroads, the night, and the underworld. While her worship in classical antiquity had specific ritual forms, modern practitioners have also adopted particular dates in November for her honour. This article explores the “night(s) of Hekate,” how they are observed today, what their roots may be, and how you might choose to mark them yourself. The Ancient Practice: Deipnon, Nou

When exploring the world of horror, anthology series offer a unique and captivating way to experience a variety of chilling tales. These collections bring together different stories, often with distinct themes, settings, and characters, providing a fresh experience with each episode or season. For those who appreciate art, literature, and creative storytelling, these thrilling horror collections present an excellent opportunity to dive into diverse narratives that stimulate t

This salad tastes like Thanksgiving in a bowl — tart apples, dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a sweet-tangy maple Dijon dressing. It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and makes an ideal side or light lunch. Ingredients: 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix) 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), thinly sliced ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional) Dressing: 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp pure mapl

Nash Falls  introduces readers to Nash — a man who seemingly has it all. Intelligent, disciplined, and successful, he’s climbed to the top of Sybaritic Investments through sheer determination. With a wife, daughter, and a stable, comfortable life, Nash appears to be living the dream. But that illusion shatters after his estranged father’s funeral, when the FBI shows up in the middle of the night with an impossible request: infiltrate his own company to expose a massive money-

Gratitude has been a trend for years—mantras, journals, daily social media reminders. But for me, it’s never quite stuck. Not because I’m ungrateful—far from it. It’s just that the idea of performing gratitude like a ritual feels…off. There’s a subtle, almost invisible pressure that comes with the “practice of gratitude.” If you’re not sharing it every day, somehow it suggests you don’t appreciate what you have. It’s an unspoken layer of guilt. And I’ve realized that guilt is

Art has long been a window into the soul of its creator. Each brushstroke, color choice, and composition reflects a deeper intention, a story waiting to be told. As I explore the creative world, I find myself drawn to the core of what drives an artist - the essence of their vision. This vision is not merely about aesthetics; it is a profound expression of identity, emotion, and perspective. Understanding this essence enriches the experience of art, transforming it from a simp

As the chill of November rolls in, there’s something magical about curling up with a steaming bowl of something cozy. This Harvest Pumpkin & Sweet Potato Soup is smooth, earthy, and rich in fall flavor — with a touch of spice and sweetness that warms you from the inside out. Simple, naturally gluten-free, and beautifully autumnal. Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (canned or

The Haunting of Emily Grace  marks Elena Taylor’s foray into eerie suspense with a story that blends grief, isolation, and a touch of the supernatural. Emily Grace, the protagonist, is grappling with immense loss—her home, career, and social connections gone—when she takes a job at a remote mansion on a secluded island. The mansion’s owner is eccentric, the locals whisper about a curse, and the environment is as unforgiving as it is mysterious. Taylor crafts a story with a so

November has always felt like a deep exhale. After the rush of Inktober sketches and the thrill (and exhaustion) of the 31 Days of Horror challenge, there’s finally… silence. The studio is calmer. The tea cup lingers a little longer in my hands. The to-do lists start to shrink—if only for a moment. This is the quiet between. Between autumn’s chaos and winter’s calm. Between finishing and beginning. And in that quiet, I always find myself asking: What now? That lull between pr

Art has always been a reflection of human experience, evolving alongside culture and technology. In the modern era, the way artists express themselves has become increasingly complex and varied. Understanding how to define artist perspective in this context is essential for appreciating contemporary works and the intentions behind them. This exploration offers insight into the creative process and the factors that shape an artist’s unique outlook. Defining Artist Perspective:

The Pompaia is an obscure yet fascinating festival from the ancient Athenian (Attic) calendar, celebrated during the month of Maimakterion (roughly mid-November to mid-December). Though few records of it survive, scholars and modern Hellenic practitioners have pieced together its likely purpose: a ritual of purification and protection held at the onset of winter’s storms. The name Pompaia  derives from pompe  (πομπή), meaning “procession,” suggesting a ceremonial parade of sa