tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6186628354581057572024-03-12T23:58:00.167-07:00Victorian ScribblesOn this blog, some scribbles include the Gilded Age in America and Belle Époque in Europe, as they overlapped with the Victorian Era in England. Posts and photos on this site are copyrighted, except for icons or pictures that are in the public domain. Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-13493002881257447012023-01-15T02:06:00.002-08:002023-02-20T02:23:00.822-08:00 Elizabeth Varadan's Fourth Wish Has moved - and Corrected the Link. "HERE" should take you there, now.<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Please come visit me on my blog, <a href="https://elizabethvaradan.wordpress.com/">HERE </a></p><p>I'll be blogging about travel, art, writing, at my new location and would love to see you at the new site.</p><p><br /></p><p>Meanwhile, <i>Victorian Scribbles </i>will still continue, so if you are interested in the Victorian Era or The Gilded Age, please visit that site as before. </p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-31176599359826957402023-01-07T03:59:00.002-08:002023-01-07T03:59:40.510-08:00 THE BACK AND FORTH OF LIFE<p>I hope you all had a good New Year's Eve. We did here in Braga, but a very quiet one, as the storms kept us indoors. </p><p>Yes, as I posted on my Fourth Wish Blog, we did it again! We decided to move back to Braga, and we are glad we did. Much as it was great to visit family and friends in California, we found we missed Braga more than we had California. We've been "home" two months and a day, arriving November 6th, and we put the Azevedo house up for sale. Happily, in these difficult times, our real estate agent found a buyer. Selling homes internationally is a complicated procedure, involving notarized signatures and even one apostilled document. But it's finally done. </p><p>The good news is that we kept our flat in Braga after all. We had put it up for sale, but then cancelled the sale, once we knew we wanted to come back. And we can <i>almost </i>relax. Almost, because our shipping won't arrive until next month. Oh, will we ever love to see it!</p><p>I'll sign off for now, but when we get our books again, and our desks, I'll start doing more book reviews and more posts about Sherlock Holmes, the Victorian Era, etc. I'd also like to explore a bit of history about Braga during the Victorian Era. </p><p>For now, I'll wish you Happy New Year. May 2023 be a year of piece and happiness for you all. </p><p><br /></p><p>PS: For those of you having trouble commenting on my Fourth Wish blog, I am, too! I may have to change to another site if I can't fix the problem. As it stands now, I can post, but I can't reply to comments. </p><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-43115005920019870182022-06-04T13:18:00.003-07:002023-01-07T03:44:25.856-08:00 Moving Is . . ..<p>
Been busy! But I'll be posting again soon. Here is my advice, though: Don't
move three times in two years.
</p>
<p>
We do like our new house, it's great to see old friends and neighbors in
Sacramento<i>, and </i>we are savoring our last weeks in Portugal — all with
friends we love in both places. So I can't complain.
</p>
<p>
Meanwhile, I'm working on a new book and submitting earlier stuff. Now .
. . if you're a writer, I'd definitely advise doing that while moving three
times in two years. It sure beats house work!
</p>
<p>
See you soon with updates. Maybe even pictures! We are in the midst of a
festival that begs to be photographed.
</p>
<p>Please update me with your news. I hope all is going well. </p>
Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-63555340190136727552022-05-05T08:33:00.002-07:002022-05-05T08:37:07.228-07:00 ELEVEN QUESTIONS FOR HEATHER EDWARDS <p><span style="font-family: times;">Here is the interview with Heather Edwards I promised in my last post with. Heather is the author of the early reader I found so charming: <i>Sherlock Cat and the Missing Mousie. </i>And here she is with her own cat named Sherlock, who is not the Siamese cat in the story, but who has that crafty detective look, in my opnion. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zxm8EDCbyv2LRxrNvAZwcYer1SiEG9xgAT47YP9kGw7NPZPYtSeB0B_DddGTs3s6MzyP3C4EG9Yq13ADnrA_mHPAf7Uj-e9RSE9MdiB8pj5qSvwbtHmNDBNbZ2O7RoblCTUfuU-THQGka7PhTGGSSYQTtUFYe-4ciQEqw_dvSzU8EKU6w5pmRG5CXA/s2531/IMG_5003.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="1988" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zxm8EDCbyv2LRxrNvAZwcYer1SiEG9xgAT47YP9kGw7NPZPYtSeB0B_DddGTs3s6MzyP3C4EG9Yq13ADnrA_mHPAf7Uj-e9RSE9MdiB8pj5qSvwbtHmNDBNbZ2O7RoblCTUfuU-THQGka7PhTGGSSYQTtUFYe-4ciQEqw_dvSzU8EKU6w5pmRG5CXA/w251-h320/IMG_5003.jpg" width="251" /><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: times; text-align: left;"> </span></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8ig4ocDMtsufPSacoauGbIwaGrtfwBifX08LVbcPOFIPK5GZSloEI6S8_dwGP4gyDq1jRLoThTulXcKuPuQj7iraxY0CB-XGeIGJ1cc7pDDYTg4wMGSG5US3s9L9LPiWe2CNv7H66A7qHHybYuLVdsNSUFHdR7-LhBRrS8L_c7PGGSSit_bD2Cli1g/s320/41xvh-0dj6L.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8ig4ocDMtsufPSacoauGbIwaGrtfwBifX08LVbcPOFIPK5GZSloEI6S8_dwGP4gyDq1jRLoThTulXcKuPuQj7iraxY0CB-XGeIGJ1cc7pDDYTg4wMGSG5US3s9L9LPiWe2CNv7H66A7qHHybYuLVdsNSUFHdR7-LhBRrS8L_c7PGGSSit_bD2Cli1g/s1600/41xvh-0dj6L.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: times; margin: 0in;"> </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;">1. The two cats in your book, Fluffy and Spot, have distinct cat personalities: Are you a “cat person” when it comes to pets? You seem to have nailed their traits.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Aw, thanks! I like to think I’m an “equal opportunity” pets person, as I love all animals. But having said that, I have five cats, and only one dog.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">2. What inspired you to write this mystery? Did you idly observe a couple of cats and decide to make them sleuth wannabes? Or was it just a case of thinking, “Someone should write a story where a cat wants to be Sherlock . . . what if . . .?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I’ve always enjoyed kids: reading to them, being with them, sharing adventures with them. I’ve tried writing adult novels in the past, but I realized a few years ago that I wanted to write for the people I enjoy most: the kids. And, because I know a lot about Sherlock Holmes, along with its many “inside jokes” among the fandom, I thought it would be fun to write a kids book that would make the adult Sherlockians chuckle as well. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">And I think most of us would agree that if Sherlock Holmes was an animal, he’d be a Siamese cat.</span></span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">3. How long did the story take from start to finish?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I started it a few years ago during “Nanowrimo.” Then I put it aside; I wasn’t sure I wanted to write books for children. I told myself I’d get back to it when I was less busy. Of course, for so many of us, the “less busy” days came during the Covid lockdown of 2020. I picked it up again then, and finished it in the early months of 2021. </span><span>It's interesting to read of a published book that's the actual result of NaNoWriMo! Well done!</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">4. Are there other adventures for this duo in the works?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">There is! “Sherlock Cat and the Thwarted Thespian” is the working title for the second one. In that book, one of the boys (sorry, I can’t tell you which one!) will accidentally become part of a community theatre production! <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">5. What is your usual writing process?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">I know that a lot of writers need absolute quiet when they write. Weirdly, having other people near me (but not necessarily talking to me) makes me more productive. Working in coffee shops or restaurants is the perfect scenario for me; I like the background noise, and the energy of the people around me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">6. You did a good job of blending cat traits with personality traits of Holmes and Watson. Was that difficult to do?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sometimes it was tricky! Often I had to remind myself, “cats don’t have opposable thumbs” or “cats don’t really know how to giggle.” At times I pushed that boundary a little, but I think the readers will forgive me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">7. Are you a Sherlock Holmes fan?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">I am! I know that most people of …*ahem*… a certain age were introduced to Holmes through the work of the amazing Jeremy Brett. But I was late to the party, apparently, because Benedict Cumberbatch was my first “Sherlock.” I’ve read the original books and many pastiches, and have watched many Holmes screen adaptations as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">8. The illustrations for this book are just marvelous. Did you know Amanda Downs before the book came out? Or was this a case of the publisher connecting you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">I love telling this story! Amanda and I are both members of our local Sherlock Holmes society, the Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota. Before this, we had met a few times through the society, and I had been a longtime fan of her art. When I had originally started the book a few years ago, I had asked Amanda if she would want to illustrate it. She wasn’t interested at that time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">When my manuscript was complete, I asked Amanda if she’d read it over, just to make sure it sounded all right. She agreed and a few days later, she sent me this incredible sketch of Holmes and Watson as cats. I couldn’t believe it! It was absolutely how I’d envisioned them! <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;">After my manuscript was accepted by MX Publishing, my publisher asked if I knew someone who might be willing to illustrate the book. This time, Amanda agreed, even though it meant she’d have to crank out all these illustrations in less than six months (while juggling her full-time job and a young family as well). But she did it, and I will be forever grateful to her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;">We got together a couple of months ago to sign some Kickstarter copies of our book, and it struck me that we hadn’t actually seen each other for several years, and that we had gone from casual acquaintances to partners during that time.</span></span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">9. Have you always wanted to write children’s books?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">My mom- who is 80 now- has literally been telling me to write children’s books for 30 years, but I never seriously considered doing it until the pandemic hit in 2020. When we were locked down in our homes, I started reading children’s books aloud and live-streaming the readings through Facebook, and I was surprised at how many kids would tune in every night to listen. I was so inspired by the authors I was reading (especially Barbara Park, who wrote the Junie B. Jones series), and I realized I would love for children to be reading my book as well. So I dusted off the Sherlock Cat story I’d started a few years before, and finally finished it. </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">10. Do you have a website? How can readers contact you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US">I don’t have a Web site, but I just opened an Instagram account: </span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sherlockcatwashere/"><b><i>https://www.instagram.com/sherlockcatwashere/</i></b></a><b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times;">11. Any advice for unpublished writers?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: times;">“… Write like you’re running out of time.” I know this is a well-known line from Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton,” but when I first saw this production, that lyric really hit home for me. <span style="font-size: 11pt;">We aren’t given an infinite amount of time on this earth. If you want to write, then do it right now. </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Great advice for any writer or artist, for sure. Thank you Heather, for taking time for this interview. Best of luck with the continued success of this book and I'll look forward to the next!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"> (For those who wish to order the book click <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Missing-Mousie-Heather-Edwards/dp/1787058506/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">HERE</a>)</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: times;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;">Readers, is there any activity you can apply that advice to? ( "……. like you're running out of time.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times;">Are you a pet person? If so, cat? Dog? Something more unusual? Do you take part in NaNoWriMo?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-76322541397607425742022-04-22T11:03:00.001-07:002022-04-24T09:03:08.892-07:00 It Was a Dark and Stormy Night. Really. <p>I would like to take credit for the above line, but it comes from a charming book for early readers by Heather Edwards, the author of <i>Sherlock Cat and the Missing Mousie</i>, illustrated by Amanda Downs. One look at the cover tells you you are in for a good ride.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBcPc1nqTuxcDEi1u41XjaQNKAPQacGcVv4i0Pi5HouRJx7Jpr5ul3pX3YjEIBuwlDtz0lPLvbT_IRZeImOmyULjnwmCsUsmlExkZ0yG3qWAxEr5jy5tUATyBR9hx-y_LawFkd6WiRFKz3ypmNfd9JOgmGNk_LJkr8iO2Cpo1C5HzMvY6p5rklW1nYQ/s500/41xvh-0dj6L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBcPc1nqTuxcDEi1u41XjaQNKAPQacGcVv4i0Pi5HouRJx7Jpr5ul3pX3YjEIBuwlDtz0lPLvbT_IRZeImOmyULjnwmCsUsmlExkZ0yG3qWAxEr5jy5tUATyBR9hx-y_LawFkd6WiRFKz3ypmNfd9JOgmGNk_LJkr8iO2Cpo1C5HzMvY6p5rklW1nYQ/s320/41xvh-0dj6L.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Spot, a Siamese cat named by his owner, Mary, when she was only three, and Fluffy, the family’s orange cat, lead normal cat lives until one night the electricity goes out. When the father decides to read</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">aloud to his family by candle light, it only takes one or two adventures to inspire Spot to plan a new life: He will become Sherlock Holmes. Fluffy will be the new Dr. Watson and record their adventures.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> <br /></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> So begins this thoroughly delightful tale. </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> When you’re a detective, everything looks suspicious. Soon Spot, uh, Sherlock, is at the window, pondering happenings next door: Why haven’t the Petersons been seen for days? Why is their dog, Toby, digging holes in the yard at night? What did he drop in the hole? Who is the unknown stranger fiercely commanding him to get indoors? Enigmas multiply until, worst of all, Sherlock’s favorite mousie goes missing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Eventually these mysteries and others are solved, but not before the two sleuths get into a series of adventures that had me laughing even the third time I read this charming book.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Heather Edward has managed to weave together familiar Holmes and Watson traits with thoroughly believable cat behavior. The plot twists are clever. The humor is both subtle one moment, zany the next. And Amanda Downs’ adorable illustrations come to life all through the story. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Kid will love this book. And, as an added bonus, it’s an excellent introduction for young people to learn a little bit about Sherlock Holmes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">It's for sale at Amazon in both Kindle and Paperback, and you can buy it <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Missing-Mousie-Heather-Edwards/dp/1787058506/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=">HERE</a>. I am hoping to get an interview with the author and illustrator in the future. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">How about you? Have you read any books lately that had you laughing? Have you read any that you just had to read again? Please share. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-79243725760837504272022-03-21T04:57:00.037-07:002022-03-21T05:08:21.516-07:00 Spring, Chopin, Ukraine, and Queen Victoria<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkVyUP7WM0P9KggjGs_0f-sqam4QisNdKICHSPrjKQjI-a-3ZKJ5lDYLnaN9D_7vvDCl_lTs9OhSompd_RtZHVTa64ohtju1HOCTvrb3_UHAFnsgN9Pf5As6IhL61kIisJNfiA7FXMDNaS9wVPmPsbZwPX7qMxg6IPKZeBy6dRVWJYaxG1hxWFLyzWg=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHkVyUP7WM0P9KggjGs_0f-sqam4QisNdKICHSPrjKQjI-a-3ZKJ5lDYLnaN9D_7vvDCl_lTs9OhSompd_RtZHVTa64ohtju1HOCTvrb3_UHAFnsgN9Pf5As6IhL61kIisJNfiA7FXMDNaS9wVPmPsbZwPX7qMxg6IPKZeBy6dRVWJYaxG1hxWFLyzWg=w240-h320" width="240" /><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; text-align: left;"> </span></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL57kL0gm6MGODyE1eBA3ichXUPDdAABs3ribtl36BxVu48-PbRf56qHpB0GvQNAzYoqH9G1JYX_5AFTYPCliMHFuZ-A40jk1MjwgGJreM64miY5VQ5W7jXbenNyvrb8ekztw6l4nZBcuKXSgmOSAhZcwQ1dqKZwNO76I-Gj_GtbbUwlUk9TfAY0Jw2A=s640" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL57kL0gm6MGODyE1eBA3ichXUPDdAABs3ribtl36BxVu48-PbRf56qHpB0GvQNAzYoqH9G1JYX_5AFTYPCliMHFuZ-A40jk1MjwgGJreM64miY5VQ5W7jXbenNyvrb8ekztw6l4nZBcuKXSgmOSAhZcwQ1dqKZwNO76I-Gj_GtbbUwlUk9TfAY0Jw2A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Yesterday was the first day of spring, and I was motivated to finally snap photos of one of the succulent plants on our enclosed balcony, because it has burst into wonderous bloom. </p><p>On another note, I have always been a lover of Chopin's music, although I can't really name compositions by number or by type (whether etude, nocturn, or whatever else). But when I hear Chopin played, I almost go into a dream state. His music always affects me that way.</p><p>So what has Chopin to do with Queen Victoria? Or a flowering plant? </p><p>Chopin lived in France in his later years, and he is known as a "romantic" composer, not a Victorian composer. And the year Victoria came to the throne — 1837 — was the year he ran off with his lover,<span style="font-family: times;"> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(77, 81, 86);">Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin</span>he, best known as</span></span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> George Sand. The relationship lasted a mere two years. (There were women before and a</span>fter Ms. Sand, but not as famous.) And poor Chopin, who always had bad health, died in 1849, 10 years after they parted. </p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Of course, Victoria had nothing to do with the start of their famous relationship. 1837 was mere coincidence. But he did meet the queen in 1848, the year of the French Revolution, when he went to London. He played for <span style="font-family: Lora, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16px;">Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at Stafford House, and apparently the couple came up to him afterward and spoke to him, which was a rare occurence for them. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Lora, Times New Roman, serif;">What started me thinking about Chopin and the when and whereabouts of his latter days? A simple video I saw on a Facebook friend's post. I have been watching and reading news about Ukraine daily, both in English, and in Portuguese (Google Translate at hand), to the point of obsession. Portugal has taken in more than 10,000 refugees from Ukraine, according to the count three days ago. Quite a large number have come to Braga, and an organization here that was sending supplies to Ukraine is now dispersing them to the refugees in the city. My heart breaks daily for that land, once full of beautiful cities now being reduced to rubble. I so admire the bravery of those who are fighting for their lives and for their land.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; font-family: Lora, Times New Roman, serif;">For me this video — the one that started me thinking about Chopin and his place in a historical timeline — captures what it means for the life you love to be bombarded daily — a pianist playing Chopin amidst the wreckage of her home. I hope you will take the time to watch and listen. It's short.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">You can listen to her beautiful playing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDUdK5SYa7w" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></p><p>Meanwhile, here is a picture I took of one area of the gardens along Avenida da Liberdad: A single pink tulip rising out of a bed of white cabbage. In troubled time, scenes of beauty can remind one to hope. May this little flower do the same for you. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPB4zOt16zaNiSmMeSXlyd_qjNGESa-I2VCV_Mea75qqYlwV9KUm9Dyk7TzaGmlJv4r4mPHAc5jXNFK7fowclm8ssSfIUkG-VYCWY0ww0YQgmsFGgr-JpG0pLyegzkd74F8odBWXvayaG0zEb86b8ZiPEDNnf6AL7YT5fpDUNzMB2dIihzkEmjeF312Q=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPB4zOt16zaNiSmMeSXlyd_qjNGESa-I2VCV_Mea75qqYlwV9KUm9Dyk7TzaGmlJv4r4mPHAc5jXNFK7fowclm8ssSfIUkG-VYCWY0ww0YQgmsFGgr-JpG0pLyegzkd74F8odBWXvayaG0zEb86b8ZiPEDNnf6AL7YT5fpDUNzMB2dIihzkEmjeF312Q=w301-h400" width="301" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-22640832511624134202022-01-26T09:26:00.002-08:002022-01-26T09:26:33.784-08:00 The Juxtaposition of History<p> <span> <span> </span></span>This blog is named <i>Victorian Scribbles </i>and the original idea was to write about all things Victorian—which normally we associate with England. You know: cobblestone streets, London fog, Victoria and Albert, Tennyson and all the famous Victorian poets, and, of course, Sherlock Holmes. What is strange to realize is that just short of the midpoint of Victoria's reign, the Civil War was raging in the U.S., and the following aftermath built up in southern states to what later became Jim Crow.</p><p> <span> <span> Just recently I read </span></span>Vicki Lane's new book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crows-Took-Their-Eyes-ebook/dp/B0849TY75H">And the Crow Took Their Eyes,</a> in </i>my opinion, a masterpiece. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc89yGhluY585Q3vw5LtKuty0svBjqNJZ-orgtT5zEm4lBEFsjY7h-cKJ_JaezYZTgTArZZFPH_MyjF1q1OJ-G626rinWRyb_bSkzO4L1Pu5dOeGHvuv_yVzyaD3wmM4_rryZYX9X33ZQc_OwMADq2hM43XatwhXm4f1eVc-pKCAoPqMgz30keYRMDHg=s500" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc89yGhluY585Q3vw5LtKuty0svBjqNJZ-orgtT5zEm4lBEFsjY7h-cKJ_JaezYZTgTArZZFPH_MyjF1q1OJ-G626rinWRyb_bSkzO4L1Pu5dOeGHvuv_yVzyaD3wmM4_rryZYX9X33ZQc_OwMADq2hM43XatwhXm4f1eVc-pKCAoPqMgz30keYRMDHg=s320" width="212" /></a></div><p><span>When I think of the Civil War, in the past I've always imagined a unified Confederacy. But that wasn't the case. Slave owners fought to preserve their way of life, but a large proportion of of villagers in small out of the way places didn't have any desire for war. They had no desire for slaves, didn't want to be dragged into any fighting. They just wanted to be left alone and get by. If they did join the Conferate army, often it was at gunpoint. More often, they just vanished into the woods and hills until the recruiters left.</span></p><p>One such place was Shelton Laurel in North Carolina, where thirteen men who wouldn't fight were suspected of being Union sympathizers and were massacred. Apparently the history is factual, the massacre famous, but the story Lane tells is through the eyes of five fictionalized characters, all with different voices. And, fiction being a powerful tool for truth, the story unfolds, voice by voice, showing the ravages of war that alter communities and don't end when the shooting stops. It's a heartbreaking read, but a valuable one, and the writer's mastery of language and culture of the area make the community and the individual characters come alive for the reader. This is one of the best books I've ever read. </p><p>If you click on the title above, you'll be taken to the book itself. Go there, please.</p><p><br /></p><p>What books have you been reading? Please share.</p><p><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-81661512913964707192022-01-14T09:12:00.005-08:002022-01-14T09:12:56.741-08:00 Back from the Holidays <p> </p><div style="text-align: left;">This year marked our very first Christmas and New Year's Eve/Day in Portugal. We had lovely holidays, sharing Christmas Eve with our "Portuguese family" and Christmas week with a series of Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp get togethers with family and friends so far away. Thank goodness for the Internet. It does help close the distance so wonderfully.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is Christmas Eve with our "Portuguese family." What delicious food we had - a traditional Xmas Eve Portuguese meal! And wonderful company as always. Our hostess took the picture, so, alas you can't see her. The woman to your right is her mother. The young woman is her daughter. And across the table from the daughte ris her husband. They are such terrific friends. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-3dnmRcKyhTphAuNh5TZ9JbYU9lxEe6aNIe4juCo8d8QSJxGTKZWSkKaMK018eiP1YlBPvkNUp-vGZ1w66mCOAl2kcPeStuj278AA34jHa6rUfU3hoBn39M0i1SWZ77DJUBqIQJYs1Euc-SSp7qS13XTcgVOWlMA4C9N--r9trRUb73bL6GHMBD1_NQ=s1275" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1275" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-3dnmRcKyhTphAuNh5TZ9JbYU9lxEe6aNIe4juCo8d8QSJxGTKZWSkKaMK018eiP1YlBPvkNUp-vGZ1w66mCOAl2kcPeStuj278AA34jHa6rUfU3hoBn39M0i1SWZ77DJUBqIQJYs1Euc-SSp7qS13XTcgVOWlMA4C9N--r9trRUb73bL6GHMBD1_NQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also indulged in binge reading, since Covid kept us more indoors than out ("outdoors" being reserved for our daily walks.) As a result, for a while I will be sharing reviews of some of the books we read - most of them mysteries, and many on this blog related to Sherlock Holmes since his major era was the Victorian Era.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But first I have to share with you a charming children's book that you can back in a Kickstarter Project:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sherlock Cat and the Missing Mousie. </i>I had the opportunity ro read an advance copy, and it's just delightful! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxqcYIvls5dWXjhlRBlH2-q8WCL7vAEJjB2w1iIKGaUofhgf69670ne5lMet7NBvkhdB4qGyGcF7KWTjblWUlH5ANarNfOqlmmcf9QvRnHQSdRgcxdYg4RMFvkqUef4X1dayxyWu_BdLxaViYDJPpmcrhhG_z92DkQEeUm8QRZn8mqsoCX89cKPYH_tw=s499" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxqcYIvls5dWXjhlRBlH2-q8WCL7vAEJjB2w1iIKGaUofhgf69670ne5lMet7NBvkhdB4qGyGcF7KWTjblWUlH5ANarNfOqlmmcf9QvRnHQSdRgcxdYg4RMFvkqUef4X1dayxyWu_BdLxaViYDJPpmcrhhG_z92DkQEeUm8QRZn8mqsoCX89cKPYH_tw=w260-h400" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The book is already up on Amazon and you can pre-order if you wish, but it won't be released until March. Once it does come out, I'll review it here as well as on Amazon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And here is the link to the Kickstarter project if you are interested. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/haestingas/sherlock-cat-and-the-missing-mousie?ref=project_facebook&fbclid=IwAR3DfOKPSriV9E58xatChK3lRD6Pu7j-wVcKgY7cD8BaO3sFW-upAIWUVTo" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/haestingas/sherlock-cat-and-the-missing-mousie?ref=project_facebook&fbclid=IwAR3DfOKPSriV9E58xatChK3lRD6Pu7j-wVcKgY7cD8BaO3sFW-upAIWUVTo</a><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A more serious review of a "thriller" type book (i.e. dead bodies and the hunt for a killer) will be on my Fourth Wish blog tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. I will look forward to reading your posts and catching up on your news. Any good reads you discovered, please share. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Take care and stay well. </div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-59016306683011985182021-12-23T04:21:00.004-08:002021-12-23T04:21:58.983-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM BRAGA, PORTUGAL<p> WISHING YOU & YOUR LOVED ONES A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR</p><p> "FELIZ NATAL E UM PROSPERO ANO NOVO"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrfpWGfg3y91hDDdwjNB1cXrAjX_BGSVRx7FVUs9VhO95QHKo6jrZlZu1TG2bLR5cQVDziXpFm-dLVAlKDRQ6BV3C5OjzRZ_ds17XvoOo0W8SWA9hLtOzsGYSF7N0BRY8Gfa0ssCRbiED05QWTD4l_dHI9qfH8AAQRSColeI3G_FOlDnofZoCOh6FTsQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjrfpWGfg3y91hDDdwjNB1cXrAjX_BGSVRx7FVUs9VhO95QHKo6jrZlZu1TG2bLR5cQVDziXpFm-dLVAlKDRQ6BV3C5OjzRZ_ds17XvoOo0W8SWA9hLtOzsGYSF7N0BRY8Gfa0ssCRbiED05QWTD4l_dHI9qfH8AAQRSColeI3G_FOlDnofZoCOh6FTsQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid3Sxgu7oXFG9bfYebtIkZ5RG065LORHo8nUIuVKiYt5N5D6TpKpljBsCKbtN4XLgEAsHp-RCh-1HoWJTuYrKmmtI2GRfP_oGUFAXNZdS4LwjbUc8ebtVuzTibtCShwO8pIA9GA23qUfjcsa94I4w78mOS85nWtvDlhdkw6__jMdGpVd1wIKpEB8hiJg=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid3Sxgu7oXFG9bfYebtIkZ5RG065LORHo8nUIuVKiYt5N5D6TpKpljBsCKbtN4XLgEAsHp-RCh-1HoWJTuYrKmmtI2GRfP_oGUFAXNZdS4LwjbUc8ebtVuzTibtCShwO8pIA9GA23qUfjcsa94I4w78mOS85nWtvDlhdkw6__jMdGpVd1wIKpEB8hiJg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgijxlZ0TzS9ESbf7-dp4nN0mryIi505gpW4VTMnvgIUtApRfGyhpAYZdjZCraq_ooW9xjplADeKsWUtJu0xtRDkItnGpWgyTaiN9k1qj8UMS7YxLF1mthsRyTantF8Stn7bHtw7qKUUU-CdCe6I1laT3icnknkZEQkUOPNIqB6N_635pnYR_iSvX8FYw=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgijxlZ0TzS9ESbf7-dp4nN0mryIi505gpW4VTMnvgIUtApRfGyhpAYZdjZCraq_ooW9xjplADeKsWUtJu0xtRDkItnGpWgyTaiN9k1qj8UMS7YxLF1mthsRyTantF8Stn7bHtw7qKUUU-CdCe6I1laT3icnknkZEQkUOPNIqB6N_635pnYR_iSvX8FYw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVix--YD16WLYz19EZT83_YR8qfWW-waeDq7uO1l1q8pKqNHGtbv3gMk2ABu5bpeH4BsB4tU7I2GPsUWnUrEXU74BKeSk_G05LEwUNq9tIdBSZyhjwnWqnIehIxK3bo0ot-byeRmdSSiC61S9JOykuWpXHpWu0soxQB19dIwvVfa-SBSRAZeNrSZZFOA=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVix--YD16WLYz19EZT83_YR8qfWW-waeDq7uO1l1q8pKqNHGtbv3gMk2ABu5bpeH4BsB4tU7I2GPsUWnUrEXU74BKeSk_G05LEwUNq9tIdBSZyhjwnWqnIehIxK3bo0ot-byeRmdSSiC61S9JOykuWpXHpWu0soxQB19dIwvVfa-SBSRAZeNrSZZFOA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixsVb0pC0ta1EbCMHVTY9Afz3GEHq6xJHwkUcqePY61bwc3AUWSnVRDSnc3ALQLcVsjCV5tSt3odvgOeOE3so5pTvR2BY2TVEppcYGS2kAbowmRv3RAS39yYxMFf855KSz3lapz5Q4MXm-DczcEmR0ZSRDWyurqbpnzCe5M_hULYRtZHBG3V_3nq2ALg=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixsVb0pC0ta1EbCMHVTY9Afz3GEHq6xJHwkUcqePY61bwc3AUWSnVRDSnc3ALQLcVsjCV5tSt3odvgOeOE3so5pTvR2BY2TVEppcYGS2kAbowmRv3RAS39yYxMFf855KSz3lapz5Q4MXm-DczcEmR0ZSRDWyurqbpnzCe5M_hULYRtZHBG3V_3nq2ALg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>SEE YOU NEXT YEAR WITH SOME GOOD NEWS. 😊</p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-57845750297909580072021-11-12T01:13:00.002-08:002021-11-12T01:13:14.372-08:00It's Friday Again, and Time for THIF (Thank Holmes It's Friday)Good morning fellow Victorian Era/Sherlock lovers. It's Friday again, with some incredible new offers <b><a href="https://mxpublishing.com/blogs/news/thif-thank-holmes-its-friday-offers-week-43">HERE</a> . Check them out</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>:</b><img alt="#THIF - Thank Holmes It's Friday Offers Week 43" class="js article__image lazyautosizes lazyloaded" data-aspectratio="1.776685393258427" data-sizes="auto" data-srcset="//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_180x.jpg?v=1636618215 180w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_360x.jpg?v=1636618215 360w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_540x.jpg?v=1636618215 540w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_720x.jpg?v=1636618215 720w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_900x.jpg?v=1636618215 900w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1080x.jpg?v=1636618215 1080w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1296x.jpg?v=1636618215 1296w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1512x.jpg?v=1636618215 1512w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1728x.jpg?v=1636618215 1728w, //cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_2048x.jpg?v=1636618215 2048w" data-widths="[180, 360, 540, 720, 900, 1080, 1296, 1512, 1728, 2048]" sizes="615px" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_300x.jpg?v=1636618215" srcset="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_180x.jpg?v=1636618215 180w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_360x.jpg?v=1636618215 360w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_540x.jpg?v=1636618215 540w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_720x.jpg?v=1636618215 720w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_900x.jpg?v=1636618215 900w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1080x.jpg?v=1636618215 1080w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1296x.jpg?v=1636618215 1296w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1512x.jpg?v=1636618215 1512w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_1728x.jpg?v=1636618215 1728w, https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1251/0001/articles/THIF_25aa186c-c88d-42e8-bada-25748a4c8b85_2048x.jpg?v=1636618215 2048w" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Are you a Sherlock Holmes addict as I am? A mystery lover? Every week MX Publishing offers new riches. </div>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-19414899153647748812021-10-11T02:33:00.003-07:002021-10-11T02:33:40.755-07:00 AM ON THE LAST CHAPTER<p> OH MY GOSH, THE END IS IN SIGHT!</p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-20338592380788099942021-09-27T09:20:00.000-07:002021-09-27T09:20:14.926-07:00 THERE ARE WRITERLY REASONS FOR MY NOT BLOGGING<p> I'm posting this on both blogs, but when I finish my book, I will go back to having different posts.</p><p>BUT - I AM WRITING, which is why I haven't been posting. And I have all these pictures of Portugal I want to share!</p><p>My muse says otherwise, though. "Thou must write, and get to it right now, okay?"</p><p>The good news is that I'M ALMOST FINISHED WITH MY BOOK. I expect to finish this draft next week and send it to my beta readers. Oh Happy Day.</p><p>News about the arm? Ultra sound seems to confirm tendon damage. I see my orthopedic surgeon Wednesday, but at last meeting, when he order the ultra sound, he seemed to feel physical therapy can suffice. Thank goodness. </p><p>Hope all is going well with all of you, and I look forward to when I can be back and interactive. But now I must hie to the keyboard for other reasons.</p><p>Everyone take care and stay well.</p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-7422669808171806212021-09-05T04:00:00.004-07:002021-09-05T04:02:48.257-07:00 New Developments<p> One of these days I'll be able to write a post again where I am not reporting bad news. Recently we had another death in the famiy (one of my husband's brothers — so we've been on "WhatsApp" a lot with scattered family), and I also learned that the fall had done more damage to my shoulder than I had thought. I posted this on Facebook, but realized this morning I should do so here as well to expain why I'm not posting much lately. I'm also posting this on both blogs. </p><p>I have an appointment with an orthopedic specialist this Friday about my shoulder — last week had more Xrays taken. I should learn more Friday about whethr surgery or physical therapy is the future.</p><p>Other updates: The cataract surgery went very well and Friday I'll have one last check before my opthomologist writes a new prescription. (Here in Braga, the same doctor is both opthamologist and optometrist, which I kinda like.)</p><p>Despite all of the above, I've been writing on my book, and I have about 6 chapters left to the end before I rewrite it and send it to my beta readers.</p><p>I hope all who stop by are having a good week filled with good activities and good news.</p><p>Take care and stay well.</p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-43091719415887060832021-08-20T02:33:00.003-07:002021-08-20T02:33:37.269-07:00 Cataract Surgery <div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dear friends, </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">sorry I've been silent again. On Tuesday I had cataract surgery and had to stay off the computer for three days. Even now, I'm keeping that eye closed just for good measure. Tomorrow I can do all things in my normal life again, but for three days I couldn't read, or use the computer. (So I listened to music and my Portuguese CDs. But really, I love being online and hated missing all the news. And no reading? Aaarrrrgh!)</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">But the surgery went very well. My surgeon checked the eye (left) yesterday and is quite satisfied. After my three week period of eyedrops is over, I have another appointment to get a prescription for glasses. Interestingly, the opthamologist does all the optometry testing/prescription as well. I have to say, I like the idea of one person keeping track of my eyes instead of two departments. It's a different system. And I do like my opthamologist, although I had a super one in Sacramento. She was great, too.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Rajan has an appointment next Tuesday, as it's time for him to get a new prescription.</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Meanwhile, today I get to go out walking again! (I've missed that, too!)</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I'll sign off for now but will be back soon. Everyone have a great day.</div></div>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-86895524846573145382021-08-13T04:38:00.001-07:002021-08-13T04:38:06.955-07:00 And Then More Happened - Oops!<div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Last Thursday night, close to midnight, I was waiting to take my last set of eyedrops for my glaucoma, and I fell asleep. It was unusually late for the drops and I was soooo sleepy. Next thing I knew I had fallen on the floor, hitting my head and banging my shoulder really hard. I took the drops with Rajan's help, then went to sleep (in bed); but Friday morning my shoulder and arm were so painful, we went to emergency. </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Long story short, we were wonderfully taken care of. We have insurance through the hospital, which reduced the expense incredibly: They took X-rays of my shoulder and did a Cat Scan, given that I had a goose-egg on my head. Good news: no broken bones and Cat Scan was fine. They did give me a pain-killer shot and a prescription for pain pills, and I was told not to go on one of my 3-4-mile walks for a few days and to keep my arm in a sling.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I am so grateful no damage was done! Just momentary discomfort, so I used the following days reading and studying Portuguese. Luckily, the doctor and nurse who attended me spoke English.</div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Already my shoulder feels better, but it's not quite back to normal yet. Still, I'm back to walking (have walked 2-3 miles for the last three days). </div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"> Meanwhile, My very kind friend, Carla Pereira came by Monday morning with a delicious dessert treat to make me feel better. Also, knowing how I like Pessoa, the Portuguese poet, she brought a deck of Pessoa playing cards. The backs all have a picture of him looking mournful in a trenchcoat and his tell-tale hat. But on the playing side, each card has a different short quote from one of his writings. The usual sets are there (hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs, and Ace through King in each set), but individually each has a different (and short) quote — ideal for learning my Portuguese. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVbBfWwfne2DOOeKTEx1Njlk2fSQFUeBWjcfmlPE-Csrpc1OK5MHSa11xm8lHJHng3HZOWyiSUU0yE0PoMH3pL3XoTRds3B1U9X4k1HskvEoAS2cd-rZb5QOmc5lJjPqfC5TJV3SI1Gd_/s640/IMG_3412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVbBfWwfne2DOOeKTEx1Njlk2fSQFUeBWjcfmlPE-Csrpc1OK5MHSa11xm8lHJHng3HZOWyiSUU0yE0PoMH3pL3XoTRds3B1U9X4k1HskvEoAS2cd-rZb5QOmc5lJjPqfC5TJV3SI1Gd_/s320/IMG_3412.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Also, at the Amazon site for <i>Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls,</i> there is a little snippet teaser you can listen to on Audible <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Imogene-Case-Missing-Pearls/dp/B09BGTQLPX?fbclid=IwAR1CtBbeYuwn98MEPpv6nIk-2mdtBYrxj8KBnd61lEexw9PlKVHLKe6hF4I" style="font-weight: bold;">HERE</a><b> . </b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZB2Je0BrZluLX6P5R3i9KotXI3siFyxhMzzxI_rCJQ3-Z5cEc_46LJVPg4Kch1tawiLK_hw28tEA0x4htCVhvQ40_xexYLa1cVFFVu9e0R-eRVJF0kKl2hkg0VqlSUwAlsRwoZaMWl5O/s240/10952131_843468529042575_163981257852340314_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="151" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZB2Je0BrZluLX6P5R3i9KotXI3siFyxhMzzxI_rCJQ3-Z5cEc_46LJVPg4Kch1tawiLK_hw28tEA0x4htCVhvQ40_xexYLa1cVFFVu9e0R-eRVJF0kKl2hkg0VqlSUwAlsRwoZaMWl5O/s0/10952131_843468529042575_163981257852340314_n.jpeg" width="151" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this finds those of you stopping by enjoying your lives and busy with good things (and not falling off chairs.) Take care and stay well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><br /></b></div>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-26042374335095610712021-08-01T03:07:00.002-07:002021-08-02T06:20:33.384-07:00 TOO MUCH HAS BEEN HAPPENING (GOOD STUFF, THOUGH)<p> I haven't had time to post because 1. I'm working on my new book, the next mystery in my Braga series. I have about one-fourth to go. and 2. My husband and I are trying to learn Portuguese - a beautiful-but-not-easy language for people who didn't grow up hearing it. </p><p>But I have GOOD NEWS: <i>Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls</i> is now an AUDIO BOOK. The narrator, the wonderful Beverly Matthews, is British, and it really makes my heart flip-flop to hear all my characters speaking with bonafide English accents. </p><p>I will be posting more about this, around the above two challenges, but here is a link if you want to listen to it for free (temporary opportunity). It's going to also be highlighted on THIF this coming Friday, and I can tell you more about it then. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Imogene-Case-Missing-Pearls/dp/B09BGTQLPX/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="">HERE IS THE LINK</a></p><p>Don't give up on me; I am not abandoning blogging. I will also be reviewing some great Sherlock Holmes pastiches here as I progress to the end of my book. </p><p>I do apologize for not having any pictures to share. Braga is popping out in springtime blooms and I, alas, have my nose to the grindstone and my camera in the drawer. </p><p>I hope everyone is well and safe from the endless challenges of the ever-evolving Covid. I will try to get around to your blogs this week, because I miss my blogging friends!</p><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-1002626462198688662021-05-27T16:05:00.000-07:002021-05-27T16:05:03.630-07:00 It's THIF Time Again With New Discounts<p> I know I post a lot about THIF, but I'm Sherlock Holmes lover, and also, I've been reading some great pastiches that I'm hoping to review shortly. (What's been holding me up? I'M WRITING. The Muse has struck again and I mustn't ignore, or, if I do, it's at writing peril . . ..)</p><p>Meanwhile, yes, it's Thank Holmes It's Friday again, week 19, with great new discounts on Sherlock-related literature. Good mysteries abound! One day only! Check it out<a href="https://mxpublishing.com/blogs/news/thif-thank-holmes-its-friday-week-19?utm_campaign=emailmarketing_115979485299&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email" target="_blank"> HERE</a>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3h6U15NVdsPxY9FxV3wrWoY4OyE6sFaybLMpY-H7aLWpmwEeFom_rSg3pc7IPxPHf3ee66PNOETzufwczOZ3NLRaGo4YSM_o34aPg94-Ez4P_62_R1yDlC4rSdTE8xBLI6YE9iauvZk/s480/THIF_480x480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3h6U15NVdsPxY9FxV3wrWoY4OyE6sFaybLMpY-H7aLWpmwEeFom_rSg3pc7IPxPHf3ee66PNOETzufwczOZ3NLRaGo4YSM_o34aPg94-Ez4P_62_R1yDlC4rSdTE8xBLI6YE9iauvZk/w400-h225/THIF_480x480.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p>QUESTION 1: Do you like the original Sherlock Holmes stories?</p><p><br /></p><p>QUESTION 2: Do you like Sherlock Holmes pastiches?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-32006480366744207672021-04-16T02:19:00.004-07:002021-04-16T02:21:37.001-07:00I T'S FRIDAY AGAIN, AND SHERLOCK LOVERS KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS . . ..<p> It's Friday again, and you know what that means: Thank Holmes It's Friday, the opportunity for Sherlock Holmes Lovers to get free audio books, discount books, and more — just one click away for one day only: Click <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> <a href="https://mxpublishing.com/blogs/news/thif-thank-holmes-its-friday-week-12?fbclid=IwAR3JW0sWsHaSgrAa0kTgfBe_R8PgA-hUmuRvH3rCrSFbynprY_E3o1ysSqg">HERE</a></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3h6U15NVdsPxY9FxV3wrWoY4OyE6sFaybLMpY-H7aLWpmwEeFom_rSg3pc7IPxPHf3ee66PNOETzufwczOZ3NLRaGo4YSM_o34aPg94-Ez4P_62_R1yDlC4rSdTE8xBLI6YE9iauvZk/s480/THIF_480x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixu3h6U15NVdsPxY9FxV3wrWoY4OyE6sFaybLMpY-H7aLWpmwEeFom_rSg3pc7IPxPHf3ee66PNOETzufwczOZ3NLRaGo4YSM_o34aPg94-Ez4P_62_R1yDlC4rSdTE8xBLI6YE9iauvZk/w400-h225/THIF_480x480.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-16337488726431037042021-01-28T17:32:00.008-08:002021-01-29T10:09:26.972-08:00 THIF - THANK HOLMES IT'S FRIDAY<p> If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, here is a plethora of offerings to enjoy for next to nothing — a dollar and a code. <b>Thank Holmes It's Friday </b>is weekly from MX publishing and features Sherlock-related novels. Today is the launc<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">h</span><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span>.</span><span> </span></span><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Go to the site and take advantage of these fantastic offers — terrific books for just a dollar and a code . . .. These offers are valid from 9pm Thursday UK time (that's 1pm today PST, 4pm today EST) to to 9am Saturday UK time. (Americans need to either stay up late Friday night or get up early Saturday — Better: hie to the site immediately before they run out . . ..</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">I've been readiing some good Sherlock Holmes mysteries in my spare time as we get ready to move to Portugal. Two in particular I want to review here, but first I wanted to post the THIF news.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile, I posted at greater length about the move to Portugal on my other blog (<b><a href="http://elizabethvaradansfourthwish.blogspot.com/2021/01/about-these-long-silences.html">Elizabeth Varadan's Fourth Wish </a> ) </b>On February 21st we leave for Braga, Portugal. More details are in the post. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">My apologies for no pictures today. My life as been a "to do" list lately with no time for photos.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope this finds readers safe and well and getting through all the restrictions with fortitude, finding enjoyable indoor activities. And I hope you are not dealing with losses due to this terrible "plague". </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #050505; font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">"This, too will pass," even though it feels like forever. Takce care and stay well.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-52693994550662056322020-12-21T11:35:00.003-08:002020-12-22T13:03:19.789-08:00 Not Forgetting Adèle, a Cozy Read for Those Who Liked Jane Eyre<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>I had planned to review the Sherlock Holmes mystery, but time whizzed by with the election, Thanksgiving, my birthday, and a new exciting project coming up that I'll post about later. Now my husband has that book, and I'll have to wait for him to finish before I can re-read it and review it. <p></p><p>But wait: In the meantime, I read <i>another</i> book that I think most readers of this blog would enjoy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ1wbSdsvE_ufXpkZI9bKWRkJjwBou0m-53W1ys2DP62ZyhGLsp8x853QfHlw2ScQ88DYnBorcRZNHi3qsSFuLQIkH88he0Cj-5J7R3JcSBYH8d2KHkZ-Y5zzoMtJy3OooGSfGTVKS2XT/s1500/71ZZfMHnwnL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ1wbSdsvE_ufXpkZI9bKWRkJjwBou0m-53W1ys2DP62ZyhGLsp8x853QfHlw2ScQ88DYnBorcRZNHi3qsSFuLQIkH88he0Cj-5J7R3JcSBYH8d2KHkZ-Y5zzoMtJy3OooGSfGTVKS2XT/s320/71ZZfMHnwnL.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Forgetting-Adele-Sequel-Charlotte/dp/B08PKLXZMG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=not+forgetting+adele&qid=1608244000&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Not Forgetting Ad</a></i><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Forgetting-Adele-Sequel-Charlotte/dp/B08PKLXZMG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=not+forgetting+adele&qid=1608244000&sr=8-1" target="_blank">èle</a> </i>takes place in the <span style="font-family: times;">V</span>ictorian Era, during the time of Jane Eyre. I am a<span style="font-family: times;"> Brontë fan and have been ever since I was a teenager</span>, and I always wondered about the young girl in Jane's care when Jane was the governess in <i>Jane Eyre</i>. Here is my review: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>Julia Harbour’s gothic mystery, </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Not Forgetting Adèle, </i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">is a sequel to </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Jane Eyre.</i> The novel’s protagonist is the young girl Jane taught when she was a governess at Thornfield Hall. Edward Rochester had rescued Adèle after her mother, his former mistress, abandoned her in a Paris hotel and made him Adèle’s<i> </i>guardian. As the story opens,<i> </i>the grown Adèle has joined the Rochesters in their new home at Southfield after two years at a finishing school in Geneva, Switzerland. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> At this point in her life, Adèle is haunted by two questions: She would like to know why her mother abandoned her, and she would like to have her secret conviction confirmed that Rochester is her true father. While in Switzerland, she learned of her mother’s new marriage to an Italian count. and wrote a letter to the newspaper that posted the news. She is hoping the letter will be forwarded and inspire a reply. It is this letter that sets the tale in motion, a tale with subplots and twists and turns all deftly handled by this author as she weaves them into a satisfying conclusion. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> Harbour knows her Victorian England and give us scenes that ring true. Her characters are well-rounded—and full of surprises. (More than one person is not who he or she claims to be.) Adèle is an appealing protagonist, spunky, a bit insecure from her difficult start in life, but determined, adventurous, caring. The chemistry that grows between Adèle and the mysterious Jack Whitaker (not of her class) keeps good tension throughout. Jane, now a mother of two and expecting a third, provides a serene foil to the stormy Edward and the conflicted Adèle. And familiar characters from the original <i>Jane Eyre</i>, including Jane’s cousins, show up in new roles. <i>Not Forgetting Adèle</i> is a pleasurable read on all counts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>You can get a copy of <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Not Forgetting Adèle </i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Not-Forgetting-Adele-Sequel-Charlotte/dp/B08PKLXZMG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=not+forgetting+adele&qid=1608244000&sr=8-1">HERE</a> .</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">On another note, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and Hannukah and Kwanzaa, or any other holiday you celebrate at this time. It is heartening to read of the two vaccines that have come out and will eventually be available to everyone. Till then, stay safe and well </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">during this Covid-19 crisis. Please do follow all the precautions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(43, 0, 254);">How will you be spending the holidays? Normally, my husband and I spend Christmas Day with our god-family in Martinez and stay overnight to avoid night holiday driving. This year we will stay home and do some phoning and Skyping. And reading, of course! </span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b></b></span></p>Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-13974000402888698982019-11-22T10:09:00.002-08:002019-11-22T10:09:55.696-08:00Sherlock Holmes Mystery I'm Engrossed InRight now I am reading two books — both mysteries, but different kinds of mysteries. One is contemporary, and one involves Sherlock Holmes. Not only that, but Sherlock Holmes falling in love!<br />
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The Sherlock Holmes mystery will get reviewed here soon. Stay tuned . . ..<br />
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Meanwhile, I am scrabbling through poets and overdue posts re: our Spain trips in 2019 to be posted on my Fourth Wish blog. Again, stay tuned . . ..<br />
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Everyone have a great Thanksgiving if I don't get back before then!<br />
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<br />Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-80876782118359339582019-10-03T01:38:00.003-07:002019-10-03T01:38:44.915-07:00Please Go Next Door to Read About Our TravelsRight now I'm we're traveling in Spain and Portugal, and I'm posting on my Fourth Wish Blog <a href="http://elizabethvaradansfourthwish.blogspot.com/">HERE:</a> Hope to see you for a little visit to Braga, Portugal.Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-56619627408528026662019-06-27T11:17:00.003-07:002019-06-27T11:17:36.326-07:00Very Busy Due to Good NewsNo pictures, just information: 1. I've been busy with some paperwork for the poetry chapbook (mailing list, bio, blurbs, photos, etc.) that will be coming out soon, and 2. I may have a publisher for my mystery set in Braga, so am doing one more read through for typos and the like.<br />
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But don't go away. I'm almost done and I'll be back and posting again, soon. <br />
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Meanwhile, hope each and all of you are having a good summer.Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-19411912502207228462019-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:002019-06-09T17:43:06.789-07:00Still Writing — This time a Mailing ListWonderful news that I came home to from our recent trip to Spain and Portugal: My chapbook, <i>Saudade, Thirty Poems of Longing</i>, was accepted by a publisher.<br />
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I have tons of pictures from our trip still not yet downloaded, along with brochures for a wonderful day we spent in Madrid. But I haven't had time for any of that, because there is lots to do to get ready for the publication of my chapbook, including compiling a mailing list, among other things.</div>
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Also, tomorrow I will be reading from my story collection, <i>Carnival of the Animals,</i> at the Folsom City Zoo. 10:30 a.m. I'll be signing books, too. If you are in the area, please come.</div>
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So everything is on hold for a few more days. Thank you for your patience! Please hang in there and don't go way. Eventually, I will be back to regular posting.</div>
Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-618662835458105757.post-53873765686839146232019-04-27T05:49:00.002-07:002019-04-27T05:49:22.230-07:00Writing Again, With No Time to PostI do feel a little guilty about this. But I'd feel even guiltier if I stopped writing to post.<br />
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Soon, though. I'm getting to a good place for a break. Meanwhile, I have a post about Galicia next door on my Fourth Wish blog.<br />
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Happy May Day coming up, everyone. Hope your April has been lovely.Elizabeth Varadan, Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01708206753256682635noreply@blogger.com4