Catherine RW
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polyhymnia.bsky.social
Catherine RW
@polyhymnia.bsky.social
580 followers 520 following 6.7K posts
Soprano, scientist, sewist, servant to cats, photographer. She/her

Episcopalian. Safe space for LGBTQIA+ people.
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polyhymnia.bsky.social
Some ink that isn't sparkly blue! "Carousel", a proper scarlet from this year's calendar.
A Rhodia pad, showing some writing in Carousel (a proper teacher's marking scarlet), together with a filled TWSBI Mini piston filler pen.
December 23, 2025 at 11:22 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
Hope this will make you smile... spotted in Sainsbury's yesterday!

I'm still in bed, under the cat.
A bottle of Bathtub Gin (the brand), wrapped in brown Kraft paper, with pictures of animals and stars on it. "TART" limited edition, which made me smile. Absolutely made me think of Miss Hannigan (in Annie), and I'd love to see what La Voix will make of her performance!
December 23, 2025 at 7:24 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 16th, today we have the crib.
A crib scene, with a snow-covered stable, Mary (in blue with a white veil), Joseph (in brown), a baby in the crib, with lots of white cloths, a donkey, a sheep, and a hornèd ox, plus a couple of angels. "Setting up the crib" means the figurative re-enactment of the entire nativity stable scene, with Mary, Joseph, the ox, donkey, shepherds, angels, and the the wise men. By now this is a famous tradition for Christmas.
December 16, 2025 at 6:04 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 15th. Today we visit France on our tour of Europe.
Advent calendar picture showing an open fire in a brick fireplace, with an arched surround. Accompanying text, in both German and English. Only giving the English this time, as they're isn't much disparity between the two. In religious families in France they serve seven dishes and 13 desserts on Christmas Eve in honour of Christ and the twelve Apostles. Many families make a cake that looks like a tree stem. It symbolises the warmth of a fire place with which they welcome Baby Jesus.
December 15, 2025 at 6:03 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 14th.
Advent calendar picture showing a snowy fir tree, bedecked with lit candles. Descriptive text accompanying the picture, in both German and English. Der geschmückte Tannenbaum geht auf heidnische Braüche zurück. Mit grünen Zweigen holte man sich Lebenskraft und Gesundheit ins Haus oder wehrte böse Geister ab. Im Laufe der Zeit wurde daraus ein christlicher Weihnachtsbruch. Anfangs nur an öffentlichen Plätzen aufgestellt, zog der Tannenbaum im 19. Jh. ins Wohnzimmer ein. Schnell verbreitete sich der Weihnachtsbaum von Deutschland aus in der ganzen Welt. The decorated Christmas tree is a pagan custom. Green branches bring vitality and health, fending off evil spirits. Over the years, it because a Christian Christmas tradition. The custom soon spread from Germany all over the world.
December 14, 2025 at 9:16 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 13th, St Lucia's day.
Advent calendar picture of a pine wreath/Advent crown, with pine-cones hanging from it. It has blue ribbons wrapped around it, and is dangling from another three blue ribbons tied together in a bow at the top. There are six lit white candles distributed evenly around the wreath. Descriptive text. Just giving the English because they are close. Sweden. The 13th of December is the Saint's day of Holy Lucia. The young Sicilian hid persecuted Christians. She wrote a wreath with candles on her head, lighting the way to the hiding place, and keeping her hands free to carry food. In Sweden, the oldest daughter of the family commemorates this by bringing breakfast to bed for her family, wearing a white robe, with a candle wreath on the head.
December 13, 2025 at 4:49 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for 12th December.
A small child dressed up as an angel, with white wings, holding a red book of music. Text in English and German describing a tradition of carol-singing in protestant Germany. Both languages given, as they are quite different. Das Quempas-Singen war in protestantischen Gegenden ein beliebter Brauch. Sein Name leitet sich von dem Lied "Quem pastores laudavere" ab. Beim Quempas-Singen in der Christmette wurden lateinische und ab dem 16. Jh. auch deutsche Gesänge von Schülern vorgetragen. Dabei standen die Sänger in den vier Ecken der Kirche. Heute findet das Quempas-Singen in der späten Adventszeit in Kirchen oder unter freiem Himmel statt. Quempas singing is a popular tradition in Protestant areas. Its name derives from the song "Quem pastores laudavere".
December 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 11th. Today in the tour of Europe the window is in central France, although the reference is to "various countries".
An Advent Calendar window showing mistletoe, a green leafy plant with white berries. Accompanying text, in German and English. Both are given, as there are some major differences! Die immergrüne Mistel war schon bei den Germanen under Kelten ein Symbol des Lebens und der Friedens. In ihrem Zeichen versöhnten sich Feinde und gaben sich den Friedenskuss. Darauf beruhen noch heute praktizierte Bräuche. In England hängt in der Weihnachtzeit ein Mistelzweig über der Tür, unter den man sich küssen darf. In Frankreich und der Schweiz gilt die Mistel also Fruchbarkeitssymbol. The mistletoe is always green and was known among Teutons and Celts as a symbol of love and peace. In its honour, enemies reconciled and have reach other a kiss of peace. Since then the custom of kissing underneath the mistletoe in countries like England and the USA was born.
December 11, 2025 at 4:43 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 10th, now to Italy on our tour of Europe.
A traditional besom (broom made of a large stick, with multiple twigs bound into a brush end). Descriptive text in German and English. Befana is a witch from Italy. According to a legend, after hearing the good news of Jesus' birth. Began missed the star pointing to the nativity scene. Since then, she wanders around the world, searching for Baby Jesus. In the Mediterranean area, Christmas is celebrated on January 6th. The night before, Befana flies from chimney to chimney, bringing gifts to the children.
December 10, 2025 at 10:15 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
It gave me much joy to find that the neighbours who feed my cats have a wall of books in their living-room (they have two young girls)... including more complete Terry Pratchett than I do!

And shelfies for your delectation.

There is a Bible, but I can't tell you when I last opened it.
A wall-mounted bookshelf containing assorted books (over 1000). Three Ikea CD racks, full of classical CDs. A wall-mounted bookshelf on a half-landing containing hundreds of paperbacks.
December 10, 2025 at 6:12 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 9th. From somewhere in the Atlantic!
A red and white striped candy cane Accompanying text, in German and English (including the German as much more detail). Amerika/England "X-mas" ist due Abkürzung für "Christmas". Die Wortshöpfung ist keine Erfindung der Werbeimdustrie, sondern eine theologische Abkürzung: "X" ist der Anfangbuchstabe des grieschischen Wortes für Christus. Wohl wegen der lässigen Anmutung und des schnelleren Schreibflusses ist diese Schreinweise populär geworden - verständlich, denn Engländer und Amerikaner sind Meister der Weihnachtspost! X-mas is the short form of Christmas. But it is not created by advertising industry, it is a theological short firm. X is the first letter of the Greek word and stands for Christ. It became populär as a casual abbreviation.
December 9, 2025 at 10:21 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 8th, today's stop on the tour of Europe is Greece.
A military style drum, with blue sides, and a pair of drumsticks. Descriptive text in German and English. The English text reads: On the 24th of December in Greece, children nice with drums and bells through the streets, singing songs. They are rewarded for it with treats like figs, raisins and pastries.
December 8, 2025 at 1:12 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
Comes via the image upload option i think (on Android anyway).
December 7, 2025 at 8:06 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for 7th December. Today's country on our tour of European Advent traditions is the Netherlands.
Image of a proudly high-stepping grey horse, with red bridle and stripy saddle-cloth. Ridden by a man in red robes with a long white beard, blue full breeches and leather boots. Descriptive text in German and English. The English text reads: In the Netherlands Santa Claus is called Sinterklaas. His festive time starts earlier - 3 weeks before December 6th. Sinterklaas riders on a white horse, and brings presents for the children during the night. (There's much more detail in the German text, so is below). In den Niederlanden heißt der Nikolaus *Sinterklaas* und seine Festzeit beginnt bereits drei Wochen vor dem 6. Dezember. Der Nikolaus kommt mit einem großen Gefolge und reitet auf einem Schimmel, am abend des 5. Dezember (teilweise auch am 6.) werden die geschenke verteilt. Die Kinder stellen dem Pferd Heu, Brot und Möhren hin.
December 7, 2025 at 8:27 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for 6th December. St Nicholas.
A red boot, with white top, full of toys. Text in German and English, for December 6th. Transcription of English text below. Turkey. The historic Santa Claus lived around 340 AD, as a bishop in Myra, Turkey. He shared all his wealth with the poor ones. The legend says that he threw gold pieces down the chimney of a poor man who needed it for the dowry of his three daughters. The golf feel into their stockings hung by the chimney to try (dry?). This is how the cushion of putting shoes outside the door for Santa Claud was born.
December 6, 2025 at 3:23 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 5th. Today's featured country is Austria.
Advent calendar open window showing a goat standing proud on its four feet. Mainly brown, with some white patches. Heraldic position (if a lion), statant guardant. Herbivore version is "at gaze"... Text describing a Christmas tradition from Austria, in English and German. Transcription of English text below. In Austria, Santa Claud and Krampus are bringing little gifts to the children, but usually this tradition is neglected. Night of Krampus is on the 5th of December.
December 5, 2025 at 10:07 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
More video from #BotanicsXmas
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
Starting a series of photos/videos from last night, #BotanicsXmas
December 4, 2025 at 3:22 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 4th.
Advent Calendar image for December 4th. A black ink-well, with a long fluffy goose-feather pen standing in it. This window is on the UK portion of the map, and a red sedan-chair being carried by two bearers, in 18th century dress, is the chosen image indicating England. There is a modern Union Jack flying from the top of the sedan chair. The text accompanying the image for December 4th, in German and English. English text below. (In 1843) salesman Henrik (Henry?) Cole was tired of writing Christmas greetings to business partners. Instead, he had an artist design a card which he printed and mailed. The rest of the cards he sold for one shilling each, and so invented the first Christmas greeting cards.
December 4, 2025 at 10:08 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 3rd
An opened advent calendar window, showing a small bunch of holly, stalks upwards, with a green ribbon around the stalks. There are red berries on it, and the picture is on a white background. The text on the back of the calendar corresponding to the window for December 3rd, in English and German. The English text reads: Various Countries There is a legend about ilex. A young shepherd was followed to the crib by a lamb he had cared for. Holy Marie saw how he cuddled and loved the lamb. She was so touched by the scene that she promised her son will also care for helpless beings. To remember, the ilex carries bright red berries in winter. Note: Ilex = holly (the plant).
December 3, 2025 at 9:22 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
#AdventCalendar for December 2nd.
An Advent calendar window, showing a golden five-pointed star on a white ground. Associated text for December 2nd. The English reads "Advent is an important time of the year in Poland. People walk through the city singing carols. The Holy Night is called 'Wigilia', and the festive dinner doesn't start until the first star rises that night". The text in German is equivalent.
December 2, 2025 at 7:53 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
See below...
The rules for #HarkHunter, as defined by QuireMemes Rule 1. The game starts as soon as you hear "Hark the Herald" for the first time in the season. Rule 2. One point every time you hear (or sing) HtH Rule 3. (For singing). Only official rehersals/services/concerts/events count (no singing in the shower for extra points) Rule 4. (For listening). Only where it occurs naturally, in a service/concert/carol singers etc. (No playing on repeat). Rule 5. Post with the #HarkHunter tag with your ongoing score. Rule 6. Take care when saying the title out loud.
December 1, 2025 at 9:37 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
Let's see how long I can keep going with #AdventCalendar this year! I got myself a traditional German calendar.
The open window for Dec 1st, showing a brown sack filled with presents, against a white background. This window is in Germany on the map. The text on the back of the calendar corresponding to day 1, in German and English. The English text reads "In Germany the advent calendar is a long running Christmas tradition. It started with chalk marks on walls, which children erased daily. Another tradition was to put pieces of straw into the nativity crib each day. Later, people started crafting calendars with colourful pictures and sweets". The German text has a bit more detail, mostly with dates, but my German isn't good enough to translate it. A large traditional Advent calendar with a stylised map of Europe , with pictures of various traditions across the different countries. Across the top left of the calendar St Nicholas is flying in his sled, but it has only got two reindeer pulling it.
December 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
My big black cat has decided that my part-assembled big black wool/cashmere coat is the perfect place for him to lounge!
A large black cat lounging on some black cloth, draped over an ironing board. The iron (OFF) is away to his right. He is looking at the camera, black toe-beans are visible. Nearest heraldic position match is Chat Couchant.
November 24, 2025 at 7:14 PM
polyhymnia.bsky.social
The alt-text thing has the potential to be easy... you can set Bluesky so it won't let you post an image without it! (With random image). OK it takes a minute's extra work to be fully descriptive...
An empty half-bottle of cheap vodka "Glen's Vodka" brand sitting on a square bollard in the street the other night. The lighting is purple-tinged, because there is a row of LED's set into the pavement, which the phone camera translated as purple. The bottle is clear, and is a flattish rectangle in shape. The screw cap is red. The label has white text on red banners at the top and bottom, imitating the style of Smirnoff brand vodka, with a stylised red letter G in the middle, on a shield-shaped background, with red dragons rampant as supporters.
November 22, 2025 at 9:37 AM