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All posts by Author Emma Palova
Easter Monday traditions in Czech Republic
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Easter Monday is one of the biggest holiday traditions of the year in the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The signature trademark of “schmigrust” is the whipping custom of women and girls in exchange for colored eggs, ribbons, and shots of Slivovitz. Men braid the whips from willow branches and decorate them with ribbons. In Slovakia, the custom takes a different flavor of pouring cold water on women.
Come celebrate “schmigrust” with Moravian Sons Distillery and their spirits during our regular tastings at your favorite liquor store in Michigan.
Go to the distillery website for more info at
Pictured below: a giant rattle to scare away bad spirits, the folk art of making Vizovicke pecivo, the whips, and the cookies.
Adhering to the custom, Josephine ties a ribbon to an Easter whip.
Camp NaNoWriMo starts today April 1
I will need all the angels by my side as I finish the draft of my new book.
Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Happy Easter 2024
Wishing you a blessed Easter as we move into spring . 
For the first time in years, the only Easter tradition I kept was the Easter Triduum at St. Pat’s Church in Parnell. The strict three day ritual wraps up the Holy Week for Catholics with Easter Sunday.
I skipped the coloring of eggs and baking. I couldn’t resist buying Cadbury chocolate eggs, and peeled the colorful wrap off thinking about the past Lenten season and the near future.
It will be day by day, as it should be anyway as my parents age. I was happy we could get together for Easter. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for them to travel. We enjoyed a delicious meal together: a crown of pork, sauerkraut and dumplings. Al-Bos Cafe provided desserts since no one had the energy to bake anything.
One Czech tradition we kept was making canopy sandwiches aka “chlebicky.” These creations originate in Czech buffets or delis, and they can get pretty elaborate; just ask any Czech. I dusted off the Easter willow whips with ribbons, a tradition that continues to fascinate the Americans.
According to the old customs in villages, teams of boys and young men head out on Easter Monday morning with whips made from willow branches. When the lady of the house opens the door, she gets whipped in
exchange for eggs and shots of brandy.
To be continued on Easter Monday.
Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
Happy St. Joe
Happy St. Pat’s
It’s a day of celebration when everyone is Irish in the USA. It has a different format in Ireland where the country suffers from the same thing that happened in the Middle East, according to my Irish friends, Mary & Frank.
It’s a solemn saint’s holiday. You can flip it around any way you want. You will get the same result.
So, beware of the Leprechaun.
On the trail
I met my dinner this morning, a crawfish crossed the trail to the pond. Now, this was a first. I’ve ran into deer and fox, and who knows what else, but never a delicatessen creature of the waters belonging mostly to Louisiana.
At first I thought, OMG someone let their lobster loose. My first instinct was to pick it up and throw it in the water. But, after yesterday’s close encounter, I changed my mind. The rest of the walk was peaceful.
I have regained my balance mainly thanks to two sessions of Yoga and Lenten meditation.
Follow me during this special Lenten time. It’s the fourth week of Lenten, and I am learning about the difference between flogging and scourging.
I am still attempting to record the podcast with retired history professor Albert Bell about “You’ve Got Blackmail.”
Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Palova.
Service Club Beach in Venice
This is where I go to the beach when I am in Venice. I hope they free the stranded whale. My recent pics from Service Club where I worked on my new novel with a draft titled The Jewel.
My Journal
Happy International Women’s Day
Honoring all the women around the globe on March 8. The featured photo is from the past celebrations of IWD known as MDZ in former Czechoslovakia.
Copyright (c) 2024. Emma Blogs, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Old Theater presents comedians Chelsea Hood, Billy Reno on March 9
Chelsea Hood is a stand-up comedian living in Chicago, IL by way of the comedy scenes in both Dallas, TX, and Brooklyn, NY. You may have seen her on WGN, The CW Network’s Eye Opener, or CW33’s Nightcap. She was also featured on Stand Up Records’ “Texas Mess” album recorded at SXSW.
She was most frequently a featured performer at the Limestone Comedy Festival, one of eight chosen as the Best of the Midwest at Gilda’s LaughFest, and a Comic to Watch at RIOT LA. Some of the clubs and venues she’s had the privilege of performing at include The Comedy Store, Caroline’s on Broadway, The House of Blues, The Improv, Zanies, Thalia Hall Chicago, and Upright Citizen’s Brigade NY.
Billy Reno Since starting a journey as a Comedian, Billy quickly became a club favorite and has performed at such notable clubs as Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, The Comedy Store, and The Holly Hotel. He has traveled the Country using his affable charm and quick wit to delight audiences young and old. As well as being a talented voiceover he has performed at Laughfest and the Border City Comedy Festival along with clubs and bars all over the Country. Billy Reno is sure to become one of your favorites because after seeing him you’ll feel better about yourself and your thought process.
The Usual Fine Print… There is no bar service, but you are welcome to responsibly bring your own adult beverages to the comedy shows, even open drinks from area bars and restaurants. We are in the Social District and honor that. We will provide concessions service with popcorn, soft drinks, and other snacks & treats. Our only rule is no talking during the performance and have fun!
The show is on March 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 in advance then $20 on show day
Get tickets by clicking on the link below.
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