From the Hollow

New Year’s Eve Edition – The Hollow Ring in the new year with something both celebratory and delicious. This Gluten-Free Sparkling Berry Tart is festive, light, and elegant — the perfect finale to your New Year’s Eve dinner or a show-stopping treat for your midnight celebration. A buttery gluten-free crust, creamy filling, and a sparkling topping of fresh berries create a dessert that’s both stunning and approachable. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free, so everyone at the par

By J.S. — Traditional Fine Art Portraiture Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–c. 1656) is a name that resonates deeply with art lovers who value both technical mastery and emotional intensity. Though often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, Gentileschi’s work is a testament to resilience, brilliance, and the raw power of narrative in Baroque painting. For collectors, artists, and enthusiasts of traditional fine art portraiture , her story and art offer a compelling example of

Art exhibitions hold a unique place in the world of creativity and culture. They offer a space where artists and audiences come together to experience, appreciate, and reflect on artistic expressions. Over the years, I have found that attending these events is not only inspiring but also deeply enriching. The magnetic appeal of art exhibitions lies in their ability to connect people with art in a tangible and immersive way. This connection fosters a greater understanding of t

December is a month full of lights, feasts, and folklore — but few traditions are as delightfully unusual as  Mari Lwyd , the Grey Mare of South Wales. Equal parts pageant, ritual, and seasonal mischief, this centuries-old custom blends music, masked processions, and symbolic negotiation — all performed right around Christmas. While Mari Lwyd is its own unique tradition, it shares themes with other  ancient winter rituals , like  Saturnalia ’s revelry and  Yule ’s evergreen c

Christmas Morning Edition – The Hollow There’s something magical about waking up on Christmas morning to the warm scent of ginger, cinnamon, and sweetness drifting through the house. These Gluten-Free Gingerbread Pancakes capture every bit of that holiday nostalgia in a stack of soft, fluffy, warmly spiced pancakes that taste like Christmas in every bite. Perfect for slow mornings, family gatherings, or a quiet cozy breakfast before the festivities begin — this recipe brings

On the longest night of the year, the world pauses. The sun stands still. And across cultures and centuries, people gather to honor a moment that feels older than memory: the Winter Solstice. December 21st is a cosmic hinge — a night where ancient festivals overlap, mythologies speak to one another, and the boundary between old year and new year thins. From  Yule’s sacred fires to the stillness of the Solstice  to the shadowed reverence of Hekate’s Deipnon , this date has al

Creating art is a journey that often unfolds over hours, days, or even weeks. Capturing this process in a condensed, visually engaging format has become increasingly popular through the use of time-lapse videos. These videos reveal the transformation of a blank canvas into a finished masterpiece, offering viewers a unique perspective on the artist’s technique and creative flow. Understanding Time Lapse Art Techniques Time lapse art techniques involve recording a series of ima

By J.S. — Traditional Fine Art Portraiture Have you ever looked at a painting and felt an almost eerie presence, as if the subject’s eyes were following you, or the shadows whispered secrets from another time? Some art feels “haunted,” not in a literal sense, but in the way it resonates emotionally and psychologically . This experience, rooted in centuries of artistic tradition, has fascinated collectors, viewers, and artists alike. The Power of Symbolism Art has always been

Holiday Edition – Wednesday Recipe Share at The Hollow Nothing says “holiday baking” like the magical pairing of chocolate and peppermint. These Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Brownies are rich, fudgy, festive, and irresistibly easy to make. With crackly tops, a decadent chocolate center, and just the right amount of cool peppermint, they’re perfect for winter gatherings, gift boxes, or cozy nights beside the tree. And yes—they’re fully gluten-free , but no one will ever k

Every December, when the nights stretch long and the world leans into the glow of candles, feasts, and celebration, I love looking back at the winter traditions that came long before us. One of the most vibrant — and honestly, the most chaotic in the best possible way — is Saturnalia, Ancient Rome’s week-long festival for Saturn, the god of agriculture, liberation, and golden-age abundance. If you’ve ever wondered why winter is so full of feasting, gift-giving, and joyful re

By J.S. — Traditional Fine Art Portraiture Owning original fine art is more than a purchase—it’s a relationship. Each painting, sketch, or portrait carries the artist’s vision, energy, and craftsmanship. Proper care ensures that these works retain their beauty, vibrancy, and value for generations to come. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this mini guide provides essential tips for preserving your artwork. Care for Original Fine Art 1. Handl

Secrets You Can’t Keep  is my second time reading Debra Webb and the third book in the Vera Boyett series , and once again she proves she knows exactly how to pull readers into a tightly woven mystery without leaving anyone behind. One of the things I appreciate most about Webb’s writing is her commitment to accessibility. You don’t need to have read the earlier books in the series to follow this one. The story stands firmly on its own, yet the subtle breadcrumbs about Vera’s

Wednesday Recipe Share – The Hollow Exclusive Winter calls for dishes that feel like a warm hug—and this week’s recipe absolutely delivers. Our Winter Vegetable Gluten-Free Pot Pie is hearty, comforting, aromatic, and packed with seasonal produce. Whether you're snowed in, craving something cozy, or just need a nourishing midweek meal, this pot pie is the kind that makes the kitchen smell like home. Rich but not heavy, rustic but still elegant enough to serve to guests, this

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

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