This book is based on intensive research and travel-the notes alone account for at least 1/4" of the thickness. It's divided into chapters in a historic order, but by types of cloth, oddly, denim, which is typically cotton, appears in the Wool section, chapter 12, with no mention in the Table of Contents. The horrible… Continue reading WORN: A People’s History of Clothing by Sofi Thanhauser
Category: Kindness
My Rosalyn Carter Story
The State of Georgia, perhaps the entire country, has been in mourning for the lovely First Lady from Plains. Everyone knows of the many good things that the Carters did after leaving the White House: Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Force, championing equal rights for all races and genders, her work with education, infant immunization, Girl… Continue reading My Rosalyn Carter Story
Which Gift? A review of THE DRESSMAKER’S GIFT, by Fiona Valpy
This book is full of intrigue...it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me want to ride a bicycle again. It's full of close friendships, family relationships, unexpected gifts and the importance of love and being kind to each other. You will enjoy this book even if you aren't a seamstress. There are… Continue reading Which Gift? A review of THE DRESSMAKER’S GIFT, by Fiona Valpy
A look back to Princess Elizabeth becoming Queen
The full title of this book, The Gown, A Novel of the Royal Wedding, by Jennifer Robson, includes a dressmaker's view of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding, including the duties in the bride's and bridesmaids' dressing rooms and viewing the wedding itself. This book is primarily about common people, dressmakers and embroiders, who sewed Princess Elizabeth's gown… Continue reading A look back to Princess Elizabeth becoming Queen
Missing My Sister, My Heart Hurts
As a few of my readers know, my older sister passed away last month, due to COVID. She and her husband were immunized, so when she first got sick, she thought it was the flu. When they tested positive, they were told to go home and quarantine, which they did. When she called her physician… Continue reading Missing My Sister, My Heart Hurts
It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon This is a delightful book about growing up and being a younger adult in the southern United States. It leans a little bit towards the silver-spoon side (for instance, my family's road trips were in… Continue reading It’s Time for Parties on the Porch! a book review
Changing Times: A Look Back through a Favorite Book
Looking at a novel of the 1960's helps with the problems of today.
Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
In this season of thankfulness, a book I would recommend is the New York Times Bestseller, Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline, a novel that jumps from a girl in foster care (early 2011) who wears goth clothing like a hard turtle shell, to the historical events of the orphan trains (1929), and the 91-year… Continue reading Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline
Changing of the Colors
Transition times are hard, but with kindness we can reach the new bright spots in our lives
Touring Bangkok by Tuk-Tuk with “Lucky”
Evening Tour of Bangkok by Tuk-Tuk
Magazines, Diaries, Dreams & Memories…
Reading a memoir reminded this blogger of the power of pen and paper.
The Piano Tuner and the Missing Ring
Even when one is many years past high school graduation, a class ring is a special thing. Even though I might only wear it to reunion parties, it holds a lot of memories. Terry the Piano Tuner came to my house this week, tuned my piano, listened, knew where to look, and found my class… Continue reading The Piano Tuner and the Missing Ring
The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
In these two books, we meet three prominent women of the 1860’s, two of them very well-known in Washington, D. C. society, another highly respected as a tradesperson during a time when fashions were complicated, custom-fitted, and sewn by hand. Ms. Lincoln, a character in both books, is regarded most kindly in the Dressmaker, but… Continue reading The Power of A Hand-Written Note: reviews of Jennifer Chiaverini’s Historical Novels, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker and Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival
Love that Multiplies!
A Review of Patricia Johns' Her Twins' Cowboy Dad... This was a very enjoyable book, especially the twins, Micha and Suzie, just as cute as in the picture on the cover, whose antics will have you laughing every time they're on the page! The girls and their mother, Jane Marshall, have been summoned to the… Continue reading Love that Multiplies!
So, what do you do with a kohlrabi?
What I made with the kohlrabi in my CSA box, includes recipe.
Freedom, Faith and Community
Recently I was asked to be an early reader for this book, receiving an advanced copy from Kensingington books in a GoodReads give-away, but these opinions are all my own. On GoodReads, I did a regular book review, but if you're a regular reader, you know I usually tell a personal story here! I thoroughly… Continue reading Freedom, Faith and Community
Just a friend…Or…
A Review of Falling for the Cowboy Dad, a novel by Patricia Johns... "Heartwarming" is an excellent description of this book! I'm sure many readers can relate to Grace, the young teacher who thinks she isn't slim enough, pretty enough or vivacious enough to attract the attention of Billy, her best friend since they were… Continue reading Just a friend…Or…
Being Good Neighbors
Biographies are not my favorite books to read, but as soon as Maxwell King's biography of Mr. Rogers came out, I knew I would be reading it soon! Watching Mr. Rogers was a special part of my day as a child, and as an adult with my children. His segments on how things are made… Continue reading Being Good Neighbors
A Thoughtful Book…
I recently read Debbie Macomber’s new novel, Cottage by the Sea. I reserved this book at the library as soon as I saw it on the new book list. I had to wait a bit to get it, but it was worth the wait. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite writers, and this book… Continue reading A Thoughtful Book…
We are all alike, but all different… and all the variety makes a beautiful whole!
Just as it took many scraps of yarn, with varied colors and textures to make this colorful shawl, we all come together to make a beautiful world. All Children Are Beautiful.
Hibbard House (full of Basil, Books & Labradors) 