Vintage Romantic Author
Before socialists, communists, anarchists, labor activitists and leftists took May 1 to commemorate their struggles, it was widely celebrated by the masses. In some regions, it was considered a public holiday that included dancing, singing and yum—cake. In an attempt to bring back the traditional May Day, if only on a small scale, I gathered …
Long before Dr. Spock’s attempt to document the “correct” way to raise psychologically healthy children, many authors published medical science of the day for use by housewives. Knowing I was interested in times past, my mom brought me Wife and Mother or Information for Every Woman from my aunt’s yard sale. Published in 1886, the …
Have you kept a New Year’s resolution? I don’t believe I ever have. That’s probably a good reason to avoid them. Yet, there’s something undeniably hopeful about New Year’s. In the dead of winter, it’s a moment of renewal. A time to pause and reflect. A time to contemplate the future. History often shocks me. …
I decided to wander through the internet in an attempt to understand current secular Easter traditions. I’ve always wondered how bunnies and eggs became part of that day. Wow, what controversy! I discovered Eostre (pronounced E-O-ster), the Germanic Goddess of Spring. In theory, her name evolved into the Christian festival of Easter even though Easter …
Despite all that’s going on in the world, Easter is just around the corner. Family celebrations might be digital this year. In an effort to be as “normal” as possible, I’ll be decorating as I always do. I am nuts about holidays. Ask anybody. From October through April, my house is decorated for one holiday …
Those are two words I never thought I’d write in a blog. How are you coping? I’ve listened to a lot of sermons in my life. Frankly, few are memorable, but one from my youth seems appropriate. The pastor reminisced about an old friend, a fellow-pastor from Great Britain. During the Second World War, he …
How do you feel about photographs? Do they fascinate you? Are you drawn to them? Most importantly, do you throw them away? I’m only asking because I cannot trash a picture. Recently, I read about an author who researched letters of men who traveled to the gold fields via wagon train. These men seemed completely …
I’ve decided I like old news better than new news. Let me explain. A few years ago, I needed some background information on a vintage story and stumbled across a website containing historic California newspapers. This quickly became one of my favorite sites. It wasn’t only historical information, it was the day-to-day commonplace details that …
I find myself frequently riding along the 126 Freeway. It’s a charming road, a taste of rural living on the outskirts of a megalopolis. I’m even considering writing a little travel book about it. Despite signs of progress—mostly in Fillmore—tourist sites are remarkably unsophisticated. I don’t know of another place to taste honey. Yes, there …
Our second day in San Diego proved a memorable experience. We hopped on the Ghosts and Gravestones bus and headed for old town. The late Wyatt Earp was our tour guide. Why Wyatt Earp you might ask? After fame and fortune found Mr. Earp in Tombstone, Arizona, he settled in the burgeoning city of San …