15 February 2013

Island Life, Computer Room & Kitchen Duties...

Sunny today and 49 F/9.4 C on the island! Weather predictions for next week: cold and colder! 
We just knew this good weather was not going to last. The meteorologist did not mention the word 'rain' though...
As they say: 'As long as there is hope, there is life!'

So now, for island life...

First in the computer room...

 RAF flyboy enjoying down time...
  Today's plane choice....
 Glasgow control tower in contact for landing...

Whilst in the Kitchen...
Dinner is being prepared...




Bye for now! Going outside to play Frisbee with the Corgi...

Note: Devonshire cream is irresistible for flyboy who gladly takes his dessert in the 'cockpit' so I made sure there is plenty!





14 February 2013

A Sweet Time It Is...Happy Valentine's Day!


Here is a Valentine's Day message for YOU...

 ~The greatest science in the world, in heaven and on earth, is LOVE.~
(Mother Theresa)

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL! 



12 February 2013

The Captain's Wife by Douglas Kelley, Book review


Publisher: Dutton 1St Edition edition
ISBN-13: 978-0525946199

Synopsis:

Mary's story begins in July 1856 in the heyday of the great clipper ships. Her husband, Captain Joshua Patten, is hired to navigate Neptune's Car on a treacherous voyage from New York to San Francisco-in record time.

The trip is marked by dark signs early on. The first mate shows traces of treason that soon erupt into a plot of mutiny. Upon reaching the equator, the captain falls ill. With no other choice, Mary takes command of the ship. Her command reigns throughout not only the most treacherous passage, Cape Horn, but during the most devastating weather in years. 

Having learned to navigate on a previous voyage with her husband, she now must utilize all her skills as she demands respect from an unstable crew, nurses her husband day and night, keeps the mutinous first mate at bay, and finds as she becomes a captain, she will also become a mother. 


Doug Kelley has crafted a brilliant novel that uses the little-known facts about Mary Patten's life to tell a gripping tale of deception, danger, and treachery on the high seas. In a world of discovery, when adventurous sea captains ruled the seas, Mary Patten became much more than a captain's wife.


My thoughts:

Tall ships have always fascinated the world and our household is not immune to their graceful sails upon the seas!  I am certain many of you have enjoyed the heroic prowess of fictional 'Horatio Hornblower' or 'Master and Commander' for the sheer pleasure of getting a feel for the life at sea (safely ensconced in your armchair just as I did!).

Both my father and husband recounted their individual experiences on the full rigged ship Christian Radich with awe and I know ex-RAF flyboy's greatest wish has always been to sail around the Horn.
It is with this in mind I acquired a copy of the story behind an intriguing and most courageous lady, Mary Patten, 'The Captain's Wife' written by Douglas Kelley.

In the heyday of clipper ships, and following her husband's grievous illness, this remarkable woman took over command of the vessel Neptune's Car and sailed it safely around one of the most dangerous straits, that of Cape Horn to San Francisco.


In these present days, women still encounter difficulties in accessing the corporate ladder so imagine one lone woman's asserting herself aboard a ship manned by rough sailors, a newly married teen in fact, assuming all Captain's duties! 

Neptune's car, was a fast clipper heading towards San Francisco via Cap Horn in 1856. Mary Patten, the Captain's wife, learned navigation along her husband' side using a sextant soon proving herself proficient in plotting a course with charts and the almanac's star tables.


As the voyage progresses it becomes obvious the ship's First Mate is not to be trusted, a drunken liar who leaves the deck unattended for hours at a time during his watch.

During an altercation the Captain is seriously injured, has the man arrested and throws him in irons. What follows is an amazing story of survival and courage of a crew heading into some of the most dangerous waters in the world.
With the help of a twenty two years old second mate and the support of the crew, Mary and Neptune's car survives storm after storm, mishap after mishap, making their way around the Horn and up the coast of the South American continent.

This is the story of one astonishing woman and the outstanding crew who manned their ship, bringing it safely to harbour!
Douglas Kelley excels in his narrative of the unassuming young woman's journey that changed her life and theirs forever whilst earning their respect!

If you like the ocean and a good seafaring story, one unlike any other I might add, this is the one for you! 

5 Stars!


 For those interested in Mary Patten and Neptune's Car behind the fictional recount:

This extreme clipper ship was built in 1853 by Page Allen, Portsmouth, VA. Dimensions 216'×40'×23'6" and tonnage 1,616 (of cargo carrying volume—old measurement). 
Launched April 16, 1853 for Foster & Nickerson, New York. Left New York for San Francisco October 15, 1853, arrived February 9, making the run in 117 days under command of Captain Forbes. In 1854, she sailed from San Francisco to Singapore, then from Calcutta to New York in 109 days.  
Between 1854 and 1856, she was under command of Captain Joshua Patten and during two of his trips, his 20-year-old bride sailed with him. 

During their 1855 journey from San Francisco to New York around the Horn, Captain Patten fell gravely ill just before reaching Cape Horn, his First Mate was in irons, his Second Mate was but 20. 
His wife, pregnant with their first child, had learned navigation during the long hours at sea.  She, along with the young Second Mate, steered the ship safely through the treacherous waters and storms of Cape Horn to San Francisco. 

Note: This review reflects my opinion only and was not requested by author or publisher!



11 February 2013

Love Finds You In Victory Heights, WA by Tricia Goyer, Book review

Publisher: Summerside Press
ISBN-13: 978-1609360009

Synopsis:

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiance from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy.
A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter.
Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

My thoughts:

WW2, Pacific North West coast's Home front history and a romantic entanglement was the enticement of this novel published a while back by two strong Christian authors, Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss. 

Most of us are familiar with WW2 posters of Rosie the Riverter but there it ended, at least for me. I had no idea of the factual story behind the strong woman depicted in the image. This fictional rendering brings readers an excellent idea of the many women who sacrificed everything to hasten the end of WW2 !
It is estimated that more than 310,000 US women worked in the Aircraft industry or roughly 65% of the workforce versus 1% during the pre war years. Staggering figures (and a job well done Ladies!)


'As illustrated by the U.S. government's "Rosie the Riveter" propaganda's campaign, based in small part on a real-life munitions worker, but primarily a fictitious character, the strong, bandanna-clad Rosie became one of the most successful recruitment tools in American history, and the most iconic image of working women in the World War II era.'

With this in mind, Tricia Goyer and co-author Ocienna Fleiss tells us of Rosalie and the local reporter whose story of the riveter you will read in Love Finds You in Victory Heights, WA! 

Rosalie's heart is heavy: she lost her fiancee to the War, her father, also a reporter, taught her never to trust the media and Kenny is after a story, her story. 
You will discover an amazing amount of historical facts in this novel whilst enjoying a good heartfelt love story. Both authors also should be commanded in their judicious inserts of Scriptures through a series of events with the purpose of showing you God is by your side always, you are dear to him and always forgiven. 

That said, I felt little sparks betwixt both main protagonists and the amount of slang expressions (including the 'Doll' repetitions, reminiscent of Clark Gable and other Hollywood icons?) appearing in the fourth installment of the book left me cold. 
Factory workers might have spoken this way but let's face it both Rosalie and Kenny were College educated and seemingly more eloquent than portrayed further into the novel!
There are however some marvelous secondary characters such as Kenny's father, Pastor Andrew Davenport and a long time family friend, Miss Tilly to name only a few! 

Additionally I cannot say enough of the myriad of details portraying the Home front life in Seattle and Tacoma, WA from the magnificent Flying Fortresses assembled by Rosie and her friends at the Boeing plant, the rationing and subsequent collection drives, even the reluctance of the US government in recognizing the dedication of ambulances drivers and others who first joined the war effort in Europe before Pearl Harbor! Startling!

Finally this reviewer's heart felt heavy when reading of staples such as hamburgers, fries, Coca Colas and Dr. Pepper available to our heroes whilst remembering the WW2 families overseas who lived thirty days on split peas or traded a fur coat for 50 eggs (after traveling for hours for such purchase from a 'caring' farmer only to discover each and every egg was rotten...

God's reminder I have much to learn yet still?


4 stars!

About the Authors:

Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-six books including Beside Still Waters, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005.

In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions.

Visit her website (HERE)



Ocieanna Fleiss's passion for writing grew out of two seeds. The first was when her third grade teacher instructed her to read a story she wrote in front of class. As the characters lost their pants, revealing all sorts of goofy underwear, the kids howled with laughter. (What greater comedic height is there for a third grader?) Ocieanna craved more.

The second seed was planted when, as an adult, Ocieanna read The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. This book actually challenged her to grow as a person and Christian. Other books have made similar impact, and Ocieanna decided to try her hand at harnessing the power of story to share the healing and life-giving power of the gospel--faith alone, grace alone, Christ alone.

Visit her website (HERE)

Note to Readers: This review was not requested by either authors or Publishers and therefore reflects only my opinion!



10 February 2013

Time Capsule...


By definition a Time Capsule is a container holding historical records or objects representative of the present culture, deposited  most likely in a cornerstone for preservation until discovery by some future generation.
A project adopted by many individuals, schools and organizations across the world to ascertain others will be introduced to our society, technology and dreams is how I like to think of it!

Society has evolved in such a selfish direction I am not sure I would want personally to introduce it to anyone, be it alien form or future generations! 
To be sure, little has been learned from past mistakes...Sad, but there it is!

Technology is yet another thing! It is said technology has developed by leaps and bounds, to satisfy our constant need to obtain more and more, and always at the snap of our fingers! (Needless to say, we often forget without energy, none of this will be of much use to us!)
I, like others have appreciated heat at the touch of a button (instead of the endless hand carried coal scuttles!) and Internet service (without which I could not write this post!)

When asked what he would most want to put in a Time Capsule in the early 1950's a ten year old boy answered: a copy of his favourite Comic, a handful of marbles, a package of gum and a letter of introduction.
Nice! 

Then we have the young 1960's starlet who had a hard time to decide which shade of nail polish to include with her copy on 'How to Remain Young' (not the exact title Folks to spare the 'innocent') and a glossy of her favourite male (a signed copy I understand, truly a magnanimous gesture!)

A 21st Century Sales Manager came up with three items: a microwave, a computer and a VCR. ( I hope he did not forget to include the direction pamphlets as so far, no Manufacturer has yet agreed on one universal set of instructions!). 
At any rate, that would require a rather large Time Capsule! 
No letter of introduction? Sad!

None of these truly inspired me (albeit the ten year old won!) but today my daughter introduced me to a Time Capsule like no other...
Paris, seventy years ago...
It's like a dream to be sure...
Imagine just for a moment what might have happened then...


(Photo source below)


It seems the owner left her Parisian apartment in a hurry as Europe was engulfed in the horrors of WW2 and abandoned it all. Then 70 years later she passed away some and the door was opened...

For those of you who like to dream (welcome!) and have yet to hear about this incredible find, I am including the link so that you might indulge in discovering a real Time Capsule!

http://www.messynessychic.com/2012/05/09/the-paris-time-capsule-apartment/




08 February 2013

A New Home For Lily, The Adventures Of Lily Lapp, Book Two, review

Publisher: Revell
ISBN-13: 978-0800721336

Synopsis:


For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. 
As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily’s life is always full of adventure.

The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish–and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. 

With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.



My thoughts:

'The Adventures of Lily Lapp' series started with a resounding success as seen in 'Life With Lily' (see review here) so I was not surprised to see 'A New Home For Lily', Book two, my own 5 stars rating shared by many readers! 

Betwixt Suzanne Woods Fisher and Mary Ann Kinsinger there is a perfect chemistry to bring the Amish genre a young appeal! Let's hope those two talented authors will continue to treat us!


One look at the lovely six years old featured on their book covers is enough to tantalize us in discovering what else the smiling little girl has come up with since the first book! 
Albeit geared to the 8 to 12 years old audience, Lily introduces readers of all ages to a whole new way to see the Amish community! Her spontaneity is so refreshing, I can think of nothing else than to suggest you pick up your own copy! 

Through Lily's eyes we see what happens to her family as they move to another state to be nearer their closest relatives. 
Lily no longer has her own bedroom, her bed now tucked in a corner in the hallway. Her new house has a sad olive green hue, the barn sorely needs repairs, her school mates includes a bully and her new community has a completely different set of rules! 
Lily has to get used to her new life and does not like it much. 

On the other end, there is so much to explore and have fun with, including Grand Pa's lumber mill with its big sawdust pile to play in!  
Her Dad acquires four goats to add to Jenny, Mum's lovely Swiss cow, her new teacher is very nice and Lily's new baby brother Paul is so cute...

It is the countless little details the two authors have included in their stories which gives it additional appeal such as when poor Lily hits her thumb with a hammer and Mum dissolves aspirin in water for her to soak her sore finger to relieve the pain or when Mum must sew a whole new set of clothes for everyone in the family as the new community has different rules than the previous one.

What better way to introduce youngsters to the Amish way of life (and share some quality family time)!

'A New Home For Lily' is sure to delight everyone, young and old! Ladies, we are looking forward to the next story!

5 Stars!


“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”


About the Authors:

If you are familiar with the Amish genre you probably already know Suzanne Woods Fisher (Visit her website here).

'In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, host of Amish Wisdom (a weekly radio show), raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.

Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.
After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try.'

The rest is as they say, history!

Just a quick word about this special cause of Suzanne (because I can not ever resist a dog's love!)

"For one brief hour on a sunny June afternoon, my life intersected with a 19-year- old young man’s. He walked away from that hour with his life changed forever. I walked away with an empty leash and a full heart..."

Take a moment to read 'the rest of the story' (HERE) and meet the person behind the writer!


Mary Ann Kisinger (Seen here with co-author Suzanne Woods Fisher)



Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised Old Order Amish in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. She met and married her husband, whom she knew from school days, and started a family. 

After they chose to leave the Amish church, Mary Ann began a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture her warm memories of her childhood for her own children. From the start, this blog found a ready audience and even captured the attention of key media players, such as the influential blog AmishAmerica and the New York Times.

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.  



07 February 2013

Beautiful World...





"If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent Him.
But all Nature cries aloud that He does exist."

(Francois Marie Arouet or Voltaire)