In 1894, a publisher held a writing competition to obtain the best manuscript that would inspire a child’s Christian faith. Florence Kingsley submitted her manuscript for Titus: A Comrade of the Cross and won the $1,000 award. In six weeks, 200,000 copies had been printed to meet demand. The story is about a young boy … Continue reading Titus: A Comrade of the Cross – a classic novel for Easter
Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley
Most Valentine's Days, I've reviewed a favorite romance. As far as I am concerned, Jane Austen, Rosamunde Pilcher and Georgette Heyer are by far the most reliable authors for a quality, wholesome romance novel. But I have discovered a new author of great talent, Christina Dudley! I still haven't figured out how I even ran … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Romance – The Naturalist by Christina Dudley
The New Year by Pearl S. Buck
Imagine a happily married couple--no, a blissfully married couple--sharing and supporting each other through many years' of challenges and joys. Now freeze that frame. A shocking revelation blindsides the man, a fallout from a difficult decision he made during his youth while under the severe pressures of combat duty. He knows how much his wife … Continue reading The New Year by Pearl S. Buck
A German Christmas
Today my post is by a guest author, sharing first-hand memories of what Christmas was like for the children of Germany two generations ago. * * * * * * * One of us always wanted to be the first to pull the 30th of November off the calendar, because Dec. 1 marked the beginning … Continue reading A German Christmas
An easy way to marvel at the night sky
... or the early morning sky, in my case. For almost a week I have noticed a extra-bright light in the still-dark southeast sky before I go to work. At first I thought it was an airplane; it's not uncommon for me to stand out on my balcony and see a brilliant light in the … Continue reading An easy way to marvel at the night sky
Banff Bison – Sustainability in Canada’s Ecosystems
Ever since I learned about Canada's ecosystems while researching my book Respect Our World-Sustainability, I have had the topic on my radar. I am very thrilled about Parks Canada's announcement that after 140 years of absence, bison have been reintroduced to Banff National Park! Right in my backyard! This is not only an ecological triumph, it is also … Continue reading Banff Bison – Sustainability in Canada’s Ecosystems
Making it Merry Again
The simple act of receiving a Christmas card means someone remembered you, that you are cared for, and that you are not invisible. When my friend Barb initiated a wonderful tradition in sharing the joy of Christmas cards with homeless individuals, the initial goal was to collect 80 cards. As it turned out, 80 was … Continue reading Making it Merry Again
Culture, geography, history and inspiration – Chinese Immigrants in Canada
From as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated by other cultures and eager to know about countries around the world. This fascination has led to traveling, learning about global holidays, attending pow-wows... ...writing to overseas pen pals, learning Scottish Highland dancing, volunteering at a First Nations wilderness camp... ...AND writing about other … Continue reading Culture, geography, history and inspiration – Chinese Immigrants in Canada
Lonely Lily: a vintage children’s book by Mary L. Code
Lonely Lily or The Shepherd’s Call, a tiny thin book published in the U.K. in 1893, gently tells a sweet but powerful story of faith. It is written for children, but nevertheless fascinated me with its suspenseful telling of the inner journey of hearts, from despair to comfort. I am struck by how much more serious … Continue reading Lonely Lily: a vintage children’s book by Mary L. Code
Stumbling upon Don Quixote in a German Palace
When I posted my thoughts about the classic novel, Don Quixote, I never dreamed that within one week I would see 17th and 18th century artistic renderings of the story on the walls of a palace! On our summer trip to Germany, my friend and I decided to go to the Charlottenberg Palace in Berlin. This … Continue reading Stumbling upon Don Quixote in a German Palace
Happily Writing 