#America · #friends · Antiques · Books · Family History · Fashion · Kindness · Sewing

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

#America · #friends · Family History · Fashion · Kindness · Sewing

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

#America · Books · Coffee and Tea · Family History · Fashion · Gardening · Kindness · Recipes

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

Books · Kindness · Thankful

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

Family History · Kindness · Music

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

Books · Kindness

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

Books · Family History · Kindness

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!

Books · Family History · Kindness

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

Books · Family History · Kindness

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…

Books · Family History · Kindness

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

Books · Family History · Kindness

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…

Crafts · Kindness

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.