O holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth. from "O Holy Night", words by poet Placide Cappeau, music by Adolphe Adam It's true! I can attest to it. … Continue reading …And the soul felt its worth
Author Edward Payson Roe
One of E.P. Roe's most popular novels is Barriers Burned Away. In my last post I shared my thoughts on the novel, and how a visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 inspired him to write it. This fascinating book was actually his first attempt at writing a novel! … Continue reading Author Edward Payson Roe
Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
Rest in Peace, dear Queen
I feel sad to realize that for the first time in my life, this gracious, dignified, warm woman is not on this earth with us. I have so respected her, and felt comforted by her leadership, constancy and dignified reign. I am thankful for the memorials I've witnessed recently, from a British flag at half-mast … Continue reading Rest in Peace, dear Queen
Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
More Holiday Inspiration
There's just something about a holiday, and the ocean, that inspires beautiful thoughts and emotions. For me that means trying to "capture" the images, and put the experience into words... The Living Ocean Lilting lightly laughing waves tossing grains of loose sand, ageless stones. Air lifted long by windy currents lingers on the land playing … Continue reading More Holiday Inspiration
Telling Stories without the Written Word
We love stories, and I would guess that most of the time we are reading stories, or watching them unfold visually in a movie. But yesterday I experienced something new and surprisingly enjoyable, a storytelling performance! The Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall in Jonesborough, Tennessee - storytelling.net Storytelling, according to one definition, is the social … Continue reading Telling Stories without the Written Word
Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg
I can't say enough about the riches found in Project Gutenberg! I have found, downloaded and happily read loads of their books in Kindle format, online, or in pdf form--ALL for FREE. Here I want to whet your appetite by pointing you to some lists of books. But before you delve into the lists below, … Continue reading Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg
Calgary Book Sales May 2022
Two worthy organizations, Calgary READS and RESET Society of Calgary, are holding their fantastic book sales again! Both are now looking for volunteers and donations. Calgary READS The curling rink transforms into the Calgary READS sale! (You'll find me at the far, far bottom left part of the photo in the special VINTAGE BOOKS section!) … Continue reading Calgary Book Sales May 2022
Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
As I was enjoying a short story by Louisa May Alcott, I found spirited conversations among the characters about reading and writing. I seriously doubt that it was the author’s intention to pass along writing tips in her story, but I got a kick out of the subtle wisdom and commentaries on the writing life … Continue reading Writing advice from some of Alcott’s characters
Happily Writing 