Trendy Or Shabby Design?

I seem to recall hearing that statement in Art school! I am not sure I believe it now anymore than I did than!

Reading blog posts tend to make one think and I admit freely I love to find out what others sees, discovers, reads (!), crafts etc...And since curiosity has led me to visit blogs worldwide... Goodness, I have discovered all sorts of things I might have missed otherwise! 

By the by, I am still struggling with this updated version of 'Blogger' but come what may, I am learning to navigate throughout (painfully at times).

That said, I decided to visit only one or two blogs a day and rotates betwixt everyone I love to follow. This way, I keep abreast of all the goodies posted without spending the best part of the day on the Net. 

No Facebook or other media venues for me as these consume too much time!

I would hate to be like the East coast gal who resort to hiding  her laptop under a pile of clothing buried under the bed so as not to be tempted...Last I heard, it worked for 3 weeks...

So Trendy or Shabby Design? The post Mademoiselle Poirot wrote for her readers today reflected my thoughts (see here). 

Media, periodicals and ads of all sorts tend to influence the public by their displays of what is 'trendy' designs. Maxi, mini, classic, vintage, retro, colonial, shabby (chic?) and so on...

Each year we are led to believe this or that designer choice is the newest trend: style, colours, a certain period etc...These influences are clearly marketing ideas to help relieve some of that hard earned income from your pockets.

It is always nice to see what is 'new' but I cannot fathom renovating my entire house because Martha Stewart aims this month for the new retro look (even if I will admit to liking her colours choices...what can I say? Aqua, turquoise or Azure and occasionally periwinkle happens to be my favourite shades).

And like Mademoiselle Poirot I am often frustrated at the Shabby Chic 'style' (I thought it was one or the other) and its price tags are simply ludicrous! Never mind the fact I hardly think this is my style...

I like to blend the old and the new and prefer the pieces which speaks of memories be it furniture, linen or nick knacks!

But the piece of furniture featured above looks to be only good for the chicken coop! Yet its price tag is probably staggering and I would wager there were many calls for it! 

I love to move furniture and displays around and inclined towards one colour or another depending on the season. Why leave everything in the same boring way when you can switch things around and give it a new look with just a cover or a few flowers? 

But I will admit I would stop at the look below! I am sure ex-RAF hubby would have a few things to say at this arrangement (or the price tag to be sure!)

I admit I am a dreamer, I hate to feel bored and strive to learn something  new or different all the time. 

And on the subject of trends, present or passe, I just like to follow a thumb rule: comfortable, affordable and whatever I fancy on that day!

La vie en roses...Just a few here and there...

I like to follow Mademoiselle Poirot and see her photos and perky comments.The little nook and crannies she uncovers during her regular jaunts through shoppes, galleries and expos are then enjoyed from the coziness of my favourite armchair!

Dare I say I just like her style?
Au revoir,

Synopsis:

The year is 993 BC. After years of bloody civil war, Eleazar son of Dodai, one of King David's most elite warriors, wants nothing more than to finally live peacefully in the land. But on the plains near the Great Sea, a terrifying army of Philistines has mobilized to crush the Hebrew tribes once and for all. In the sun-drenched valleys and dark forests of the hill country, Eleazar and his warriors make their stand against Israel's deadliest enemy. The fate of an entire nation rests on the courage of a small band of heroes known as the Mighty Men. In a land torn by conflict, depleted by drought and threatened by treachery, the horrors and heroism of the ancient battlefields come to life. Covenant of War is the second book in the Lion of War series---the intense, gritty, and stylistic portrayal of the Mighty Men of Israel, a rag-tag band of warriors who came to King David in his most desperate hour and fought with him while he claimed the throne he was destined to fill. Their legendary deeds are recorded in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.

My thoughts:

The Mighty Men of Israel were a ragtag band of warriors who came to King David' help to gain his rightful throne and I will admit I knew nothing else about them. I have always admitted to being more of a New Testament student than the Old one and thus have much to learn. 

Cliff Graham clearly sees the legendary deeds of these Mighty Men not only from a Veteran point of view but of course as a man. Yet whilst I am certain this is not a book most women will reach out for, it has much to recommend it as it gives us an interesting portrayal of these warriors. As a student of History, I found myself often leaning towards such novels as Covenant of War, second book of the 'Lion of War Series'.

However I must say this was more intense than I wished and after a while I suggested to ex-RAF hubby to try it. I just wanted to be sure I was doing it justice and did not simply fail to understand the story being a woman. He admitted the many conflicts described in the Old Testament do not appeal to him and after reading the first 3 chapters declined to finish it! 

So back to my thoughts: Intense this book is and fictionalized of course, since we must speculate about this particular period. 

To be sure this book is to be read as entertainment!

But after all this is said, let's remember first and foremost these deeds are indeed recorded as part of Israel's tumultuous history and never doubt for a moment the courage of these desperate men in the face of adversity! 

I highly recommend keeping your Bible nearby for reference less you feel overwhelmed as I did!

I understand the Lion of war Series is soon to be a major picture franchise and very well received by the majority of male readers. I'll bow to their opinions: a good book just not for everyone!

For my taste, it is 3 Stars material!

'These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil...'

About the author:

Cliff Graham is an Army Veteran and the author of the Lion of War Series. For more on this Christian author please visit his website (here)

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A Faithful Little Robin...

The English Robin Redbreast is one of the many iconic reminders of Fair England and I am often drawn to items which features this lovely little bird (along with Corgi items of course!).

There is even a small garden flag in our bird sanctuary (bird feeders and baths hide behind a large holly bush to hide songbirds from preying eagles) with the words 'Be Glad', Mat. 5:12. 

Robin songs are like no other and to hear it has made countless hearts beat faster for centuries!

This morning was no different and like the hymn 'Jerusalem' it uplifted my spirits yet came from another source all together, another blog! 

Kindred Spirit at A Trail Of Flowers posted only today about the Breton Legend of the Robin Redbreasted. See for yourself (here).

I decided I had to look for more of this beautiful legend and found the following:

“On fair Britania's isle, bright bird, A legend strange is told of thee,-- 'Tis said thy blithesome song was hushed While Christ toiled up Mount Calvary, Bowed 'neath the sins of all mankind; And humbled to the very dust By the vile cross, while viler men Mocked with a crown of thorns the Just. Pierced by our sorrows, and weighed down By our transgressions,--faint and weak, Crushed by an angry Judge's frown, And agonies no word can speak,-- 'Twas then, dear bird, the legend says That thou, from out His crown, didst tear The thorns, to lighten the distress And ease the pain that he must bear, While pendant from thy tiny beak The gory points thy bosom pressed, And crimsoned with thy Saviour's blood The sober brownness of thy breast! Since which proud hour for thee and thine. As an especial sign of grace God pours like sacramental wine Red signs of favor o'er thy race!”

(From  'To The Robin Redbreast')

I just had to share!

“Now when the primrose makes a splendid show, And lilies face the March-winds in full blow, And humbler growths as moved with one desire Put on, to welcome spring, their best attire, Poor Robin is yet flowerless; but how gay With his red stalks upon this sunny day!” 


(W. Wordsworth)

Let's make the most of our Spring Season!

Breaking News: We Have No Winner...

I was surprised and a little sad to note no comment was given on 'The 5 Love Languages of Children' (see review here). A wonderful insight on relating positively to children!

So we have no winner to announce...

I recommend you pick up a copy either at your favourite shoppe or local library! Gary Chapman and co- author Dr. Ross Campbell  have done a wonderful job at helping parents and teachers/counselors to identify and better understand this love language.

Sincerest thanks to PROPELLER for making this giveaway a possibility!

500 Posts?!

I will admit I never thought how many posts I have written so far, many of them book reviews! 500 posts? Really?

To be sure it is always a pleasure to share personal thoughts on various recently (and not so recently) published tomes with other bloggers but the best part I believe of blogging is 'meeting' others around the globe!

Thank goodness my family treated me to this little gadget (yes, mine is a mini!)

I am looking forward to the next 500 posts so keep tuned! Tomorrow is altogether another day and who knows what might develop...

I would certainly miss blogging!

The only thing I am absolutely sure of is that the alternative is definitively not my favourite pastime!

Have a nice Sunday!

The Discovery: A Novel by Dan Walsh, Book review

Synopsis:

Gerard Warner was not only a literary giant whose suspense novels sold in the millions, he was also a man devoted to his family, especially his wife of nearly 60 years. When he dies he leaves his Charleston estate to his grandson, Michael, an aspiring writer himself. Michael settles in to write his own first novel and discovers an unpublished manuscript his grandfather had written, something he'd kept hidden from everyone but clearly intended Michael to find. Michael begins to read an exciting tale about Nazi spies and sabotage, but something about this story is different from all of Gerard Warner's other books. It's actually a love story.

As Michael delves deeper into the story he discovers something that has the power to change not only his future but his past as well.

My personal thoughts:

Dan Walsh never disappoints! His writing style and subjects are always different and grabs you from the very first page. And it gets better as you delve in the next chapter and the next...I am sure you get the drift! I enjoy his books and have come to expect a good story anytime I see his name. I have also had the pleasure in reviewing 'Remembering Christmas', another of his titles before (read here).

Ever notice when an author describes a fellow author, a successful author at that, they tend to describe hopefully themselves and fail dismally? Not so for this writer!

In this latest novel  he tells us of two different authors, moving his subjects back and forth betwixt WWII and present time. Taking readers into the world of U Boats and the little known area of enemy spies and saboteurs on home ground,  Dan Walsh delivers love stories, family lives spanning the past and the present and good old fashioned values in wartime USA.

In 'The Discovery' readers aficionado will uncover the intriguing story behind finding a best seller manuscript, and finding oneself whilst uncovering true family history.

Dan Walsh is giving us his very best once again and yes, this is a page turner! Don't plan on anything else, you will want to read this until the last word!

Finally, as the plot unfolds for our protagonists, we learn of true patriotism, honour, loyalty and duty whilst experiencing also trials and errors in US security.

An excellent story worth every one of its 5 stars of course! 

Dan Walsh' creative skills should be praised once again for its family and Christian values. Priceless in these trouble times!

Read it! You will truly enjoy 'The Discovery'!

About the author:

A retired Pastor, Dan Walsh now writes full time. To find out  more about him, visit his website (here)

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Quintessential Englishman And His Faithful Four Legged Friend...

We have seen our share of storms around the coast as you can judge from the flotsam...The island beaches are covered with them! Excellent firewood of course...

Still our little garden is shaping up and we hope to harvest kiwis (and even gooseberries) as well this year!

As you can see the Englishman was out at the first ray of sun to work the garden...

(and no, the post in the background is not ours...a tad crooked I daresay!)

The last thing I said was: 'Watch the Corgi...Spring is in the air and you never know what he might do...'

This caption should read: Oh yeah!!

The caption for this one should read: 'Young man, if you roll in something you shouldn't, we are both going to be in trouble!' (Notice MacIntosh's ears!)

Life is good!