Books to Love

 

 

Recently, I was very honored to be asked by a fellow blogger and author,
 Stacy Demoran Allbritton
http://stacyallbritton.com/
 to read and review her wonderful book,
 "The Diary of Marie Landry -Acadian Exile".
 

 

At the same time, I had just recently read a great book by one of my fellow 'Reader Columnists' at 'The Tacoma News Tribune',
 Glenda Cooper,
gcooper8612@comcast.net
 who wrote "The Road to Lost and Found".

 

Previous to that, I had read another fellow blogger,
 Christine Laennec's
http://christinelaennec.co.uk/
 touching published diaries of her Great-Great Grandmother, 'May'.

"No Place Of My Own":
The 1920's California Diaries of May Ripley Diddy Maylone 

 

All of these treasured books have one thread in common - they are diaries or reminisces of family history. 

 

 

The first two are fictional accounts of actual events based on the Author's family history.

 

The third one is an actual account.

 

 

 

"The Diary of Marie Landry - Acadian Exile", by Stacy Demoran Allbritton
begins in 1765 with the gift of a journal to 14 year old, Marie Landry.

 

Here we are brought back to a little-known piece of American History, the resettlement of the estimated 14,000 Acadian's of French descent that had settled in what is now known as Novia Scotia, Canada throughout the 1600's and 1700's, through the reminisces of Marie in her diary.

 

The Acadian's were primarily farmer's who intermarried with the friendly local native tribe, the Micmac.

 

But during this time, the British fought the French for this land. Acadian resistance leader, Joseph Beausoleil Broussard eventually admitted defeat to the British and the new Governor of the newly named Novia Scotia called for the expulsion of all 14,000 Acadians.

 

This led to a great exodus to various lands, including the Eastern Seaboard of the early American Colonies where the story begins with 14 year old, Marie.

 

Eventually, many of the Acadian exiles migrated to Louisiana, led by Acadian leader Joseph Beausoleil Broussard.

Many families were broken apart during this exodus, never to be reunited again. This begins Marie's story.

 

Marie remains strong and hopeful throughout her harrowing ordeal with her remaining family. As unwanted exiles, considered second class citizens - to the sufferings of death and disease on board vessels on the eventual journey to Louisiana, Marie's youthful and resilient voice shines through.

 

This is an excellent book to read if you are interested in History and Early American life and makes a great gift for all ages.
 

I do love reading about how our country was formed and the people and places that shaped our history. This is a part of our Early American History that I knew little about, told in the charming and ever resilient voice of young Marie Landry.

 

 

The next book in the trilogy is
"The Road to Lost and Found", by Glenda Cooper.
 Glenda is a Reader Columnist at the 'News Tribune', http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/columnists/glenda_cooper/
 and her book reads like a family saga that takes place primarily during the lifetime of the family Matriarch, who now lives in an Assisted Living Home with Alzheimer's Disease.

 

The main character, Cat, struggles with her past and the mysteries surrounding her birth Father's absence from her life. Her Mother's Alzheimer's Disease prevents her from knowing her past, but when her Dear Uncle comes to town to visit his sister in the Assisted Living Home, his presence sparks memories for not only Cat, but for her Mother and Uncle, also. Weaving memories past and present, Cat goes on a journey of family history that will keep you turning the page, wanting to know more.

 

This book takes place in the Pacific Northwest, with historical references to real times and events. From the family ranch in Montana, to a cottage in Washington State, you learn some interesting historical facts along with the day to day lives of the characters involved.

 

If you are interested in Family history and the many ways it connects us to the present, sometimes in ways we never expected, this book is for you. You are always seeing things through the eyes of 'Cat' the modern day Wife and Mother struggling to understand her Mother's life and therefore her past.

 

This story touched me as I have just lost my own Father to Alzheimer's Disease and I know what a treasure family history is.

 

A good book for long winter nights!

 

 

 

The third book in the trilogy is
"No Place Of My Own": The 1920's California Diaries of May Ripley Diddy Maylone,
by Christine Laennec 

 

May's diaries recount her life in Northern California in the 1920's as she followed her husband George from one venture to another - homesteading, mining and piloting a river boat. Despite all of her hardships, May kept up hope that they would one day be able to establish a home. Written on the pages of ledgers and sometimes in the margins, May recounts a difficult life, but with a lovely sense of humor and gratitude for the simplest of life's gifts,  as her voice jumps out at us from the pages of this wonderful book.

 

We are brought up to date on the family history, from pre-Revolutionary America, through the Civil War, and May's early life at the beginning of the book. This leads us on to the actual diaries in May's own voice, giving us vivid recollections of the hopes and dreams and hardships she faces.

Beautiful vintage photographs accompany the pages of May's diary, giving us a clear picture of the lives of May and her family.  

Written by May's great-great-granddaughter, Christine Laennec, we feel a true kinship with the family as we retrace the steps of family history through the voices of two very special members, May and Christine.

 

And as we read, we are reminded of the sacrifices and hardships that our ancestor's faced to pave the way for us.

 

http://stacyallbritton.com/about-me/the-diary-of-marie-landry-acadian-exile/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/The-Road-to-Lost-and-Found---Glenda-Cooper?keyword=The+Road+to+Lost+and+Found+-+Glenda+Cooper&store=book


http://christinelaennec.co.uk/mays-diaries/
 

 If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please refer to the links above.

They would make wonderful gifts for the reader's on your list, or a special treat for yourself.



xx



Light a Candle

Inspired by a Dear blogger Friend, Mariette, on her blog 'Mariette's Back to Basics' -

 

I did light a candle.

 

http://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2012/12/16th-world-wide-candle-lighting.html

 

In reverence.

 

This time of year can be difficult for so many who have lost loved ones, especially children.

 

 

 

 

Memories come to mind of Christmas past, however long ago.

 

This special time of year brings to focus the loved ones that made this season special.

 

My Dear Father loved Christmas.

 

 

 

 

When I was a child

He dressed in Santa Suits,

He made us believe there were really reindeer on the roof,

 with the sound of sleigh bells and 'footprints' in the snow.

 

We left carrots for them, alongside the home baked cookies we left for Santa.

 

Years later I asked him how he made the footprints.

 

'Carved Potatoes', he said.

 

He decorated all the shrubs around the house with those large old fashioned bulbs.

 

Always red.

 

He took us on expeditions in the forest to gather greens for beautiful wreaths that he made

 

for my Mother, My Grandmother's, and Friends.

 

 

 

 

 

As the years went by and he became a Grandfather, he hand crafted rocking horses, wooden pull toys, fairy tale table and chair sets, doll houses.

 

My Dear Mother did all the painting.

 

One year he helped my own Dear Husband make wooden blocks.

 

With every shape imaginable.

 

Hand sanded and dyed with Kool-aid to be safe.

 

A huge crate full.

 

My children played with them for years, building forts and dollhouses and castles.

 

Oh, those simple things mean the most, don't they?  

 

 

 

 

He made us believe in magic.

 

Always a child at heart.

 

No matter how difficult his life was.

 

He always looked on the bright side with a twinkle in his eye.

 

 

 

 

I like to think that Dad is looking down on us as we celebrate his favorite time of year.

 

And I hope his eyes are Twinkling.

 

"One Hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove.

 

But the world may be different, because I was important in the life of a child." - Forest Witcraft

 

xx

 



Christmas Shopping

 

 

 

 

Yesterday, I met up with my youngest daughter, Jennie to do a little small town Christmas Shopping in Sumner, WA.

 

 

 

 

We met in the parking lot of our favorite shop.

 

It was a cold day and we were bundled up to do some serious walking.

 

This small town has many little shops and restaurants for a fun day of shopping .

 

 

 

 

First stop was the 'Garden Market'.

 

Everything in this darling shop is swoon worthy.

 

There is a large courtyard and greenhouse out back with statuary and urns and pots and the loveliest of arrangements, with all the plants to make your own.

 

 

 

 

 The urns are especially wonderful.

 

 

 

Inside the shop are trees and decorations and table arrangements and lovely little things you can't live without.

 

 

 

Next door is an Italian Bistro where we had a wonderful lunch of pasta. I ordered Butternut Squash Ravioli's. Oh my - so delicious!

 

We sat by the window and caught up on our busy lives.

 

Every moment I get to spend with my children is precious!

 

 

 

 

Next we browsed the many antique and gift shops, looking for treasures.

 

 

 

 

We had so much fun laughing at the curiosities.

 

 

 

 

Notice the frightened look!

 

 

 

 

I don't think this little Santa will be coming home with us.  

 

 

 

 

We did have a great time!  

 

 

 

 

I spotted these vintage hanging lamps and wanted to take them all home. But we were there to shop for Christmas....sigh!

 

We had a wonderful day together, and it ended too soon.

 

 

 

 

But on the way to our vehicles, we had one last laugh!  What the ?????

 

Hey, it's all in the Christmas Spirit!

 

I hope you are having a little fun in the Spirit of Christmas!

 

xx



Sunshine in December

 

 

It was a beautiful, sunny morning and quite unexpected.

 

We have had misty, rainy days of perpetual darkness.

 

 

 

So when the sun came streaming in, as if to say, 'Ta-Da!', I knew I had to take advantage of it.

 

I had to hang my garland on the deck rails.

 

There would be no other chance for a pleasant day.

 

We are expecting more days of rain and possibly snow in the 'higher hills'.

 

And with that, cooler temperatures.

 

 

 

 

But first, I had to take care of a few necessary chores.

 

And if you could see the dust that was highlighted in that sunshine, you would be scurrying around with the duster and the vacuum, too!

 

Can you see little Miss Ling Ling? She is stalking the Hummingbird. We have a female 'Anna's Hummingbird" that is wintering here.

 

She is iridescently green

 

like a tiny fairy, flitting around in the sunlight.

 

Chubby, pampered Ling Ling doesn't stand a chance of catching her.

 

No need to worry!

 

 

 

I just bought 'Anna' a new feeder that I put in my potted plant on the railing.

 

 The plant has red berries that attract her to stop and investigate.

 

I hope it encourages her to take a sip. 

 

Oops! I am not supposed to show you my garland yet.

 

  I am getting ahead of myself.

 

 

 

 

So, back to the sun streaming in while I am cleaning and dusting.

 

 But the bright sunshine has my pet Cockatiel calling.

 

So, up the stairs I go.

 

 

 

 

This is the  happy little singer.

 

 His name is Birdy Boy and every morning he sings to the wild birds outside his window.

 

 

 

 

So while I do a little housecleaning for him, he sits in the window and serenades the lady birds.  

 

 

 

 

The sunbeams are low this time of year, streaming in and leaving patterns on the walls as I hurry with my tasks.  

 

 

 

 

Gazing out the window, I am anxious to go outside and enjoy this beautiful day.

 

 

 

 

 

It takes all afternoon, but I finish hanging the garland before sundown.

 

I'm starting to get in the Christmas Spirit.

 

 

 

 

And I have my Abominable Snow Dog to prove it!

 

 

 

xx



Sewing Room Musings

Tonight I am upstairs in my sewing room. This is one of my favorite places in the whole wide world. In fact, it is like my own little world tucked under the eaves and away from the cares and troubles of life.

 

This is a room that has always been for 'girls'. It was built and created for my two daughters and they lived out their childhood inside these four walls.

 

We decorated this room together. We read stories here and curled hair, and pinned up hems.

 

Secrets were told here of childhood romances, girlhood friendships; there was homework, sleepovers, getting ready for prom.

 

It is a happy pink room with morning sunlight and a view of whoever comes to the front door.

 

Important when you are expecting a date!

 

 

 

 

Happy, memories.

 

 I don't come up here as often as I should. I am slowly finding my creativity again.

 

Sometimes you lose things along the way, but sometimes you can get them back if you stay focused on the journey.

 

So, my sewing room is a little dusty and cluttered , but I am ready to move back in once more.

 

 

 

 

This is a favorite room of my kitties, too.

Maggie and Ling Ling love to snooze away a quiet afternoon up here.

 No dogs allowed!

 

Of course they insist I have their favorite collectibles up here!

 These two kitties were once my Dear Mother's. One is cast iron, the other ceramic. They are both door stops.

But now they stand guard in front of the hat boxes.

 

 

 

 

I am here to sew together a sweet little gift for a dear little baby.

 But I don't want to give the surprise away until after it is sent, so this is all I can show you.

 

I have been busy crocheting in front of the fire on quiet evenings and now it is ready for the final touches.

 

It is so soft.

 

 

 

 

I have my 'vintage' television to keep me company while I work.

 A gift to my daughters one Christmas when it was 'new'. That was in the early 90's! But why replace something that is still useful?

 

Here I am watching Christmas movies on 'Lifetime'. I am a hopeless romantic.

 

You can see a big swatch of burlap that I bought a while ago for a table runner. But that will have to wait, as Christmas has taken over!

 

 

 

 

Once all the rock posters came down when my daughter's left the nest, I moved my collection of Victorian artwork in here.

 

All famous Victorian paintings of children with pets.

 

My life for so many years!

 

 

 

 

There were dogs and cats and guinea pigs and birds, and even two chubby little ponies, all very much loved.

 

These beloved works of art remind me of those wonderful days gone by.

 

 

 

 

Here is my chair, with yes, an electric heating pad for my shoulder.

It is an old injury that I always forget and I do foolish things like pick up 40 lb bags of sunflower seeds for the birds that I find on sale and load myself.

 

I can't pass up a bargain.

 

 

 

 

Behind me are a few of my sewing and crafting books on a temporary shelf,

 that keep me inspired.

 

I am looking for just the right wooden bookshelf. Tall and narrow. And white. Or pink?

 

 

 

 

The rest of my books reside inside this little cupboard that was once my children's. My vintage television sits on top.

 Kitty Kat needlework share black painted frames alongside, all thrift shop finds.

 

My ironing board is wooden from the 1930's.

 

I have two of these (one in my laundry room) and one miniature child's one with a tiny electric iron that plugs in and gets 'warm'.

 

I have used them as buffet tables, minus their coverings, whenever I have a large crowd.

 

 

 

 

I have a metal wardrobe rack with baskets of fabric waiting for creative inspiration. Most are vintage 'shabby chic' style sheets and thrift store fabrics collected over time.

 

I can't show you the whole rack.

 

It is messy.

 

It badly needs to be organized. (After the Holidays)

 

I do want to sew some pretty summer curtains and cushions with my finds.

 

 

 

 

I love using vintage containers to store my supplies.

 

Here I have enamel and glass refrigerator dishes to store buttons and odds and ends.

 

 

 

 

 I can have my 'girliest' treasures, here.

 

For many years I had no room of my own.

 

Not even a bedroom!

 

While building this house when our children were young, we slept on a pull out couch waiting for the day when we would have our very own bedroom.

 

Can you believe 8 years?

 

I did all of my sewing on a treadle sewing machine that also served as a table behind my sofa.

 

My crafting was done late at night on the kitchen table.

 

But now, I have my very own bedroom shared with my Dear Husband (although not quite done) and I have inherited this sewing room from my precious girls.

 

 

 

 

My little 'Cottage Style' refuge.

 

I can still hear the echos of my little girl's laughter.

 

Filling the room with memories and love.

 

 

xx

 

What are you creating today?