My high school European History teacher, Mr. Frein, divided our Senior class into groups and had us write papers arguing which country bore the blame for starting World War I—the Germans, the Brits, the Russians, or the Austro-Hungarians. It was … Continue reading →
When I wrote my historical novella Rosalyn’s Ring I thought I knew a great deal about Regency-era customs and history from years spent reading other writers’ novels–from Jane Austen through Tessa Dare. I still needed to do research, and I still … Continue reading →
In last week’s post I mentioned the huge gambling losses of Charles James Fox. Fox was a well-loved, over-indulged, we would say “spoiled” child, who grew up to be a gambler, a womanizer and a formidable politician whose goals clashed with the king’s … Continue reading →
It’s not often I stumble across a topic that indulges both my interest in the Regency era and in the American West. Today, I’m talking about gambling and the game of faro. Last week, my blogaholism brought me an interesting article … Continue reading →
“Good morning, sir,” said one child, on being introduced to the Duke of Sutherland at one Coronation. “No, boy!” hissed his embarrassed father, “Say ‘Your Grace.’” “Beg pardon, father,” rejoined the child, and looking the Duke full in the … Continue reading →
Hold onto your wallet, your checkbook, your bank account password–April 15th, Tax Day, has arrived. Though taxes have been around since the first caveman gave his chief a chunk of his kill, in the U.S. income taxes weren’t imposed until the Civil War. They were … Continue reading →
A Southern California January once had this displaced Midwesterner believing that there was no such thing as four seasons in the OC. And then I bought a house and decided to plant a garden. After a few failed attempts I threw out the … Continue reading →
Last weekend we visited the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona. The lobby piano was a lovely McPhail Square Grand Piano. This beautiful square grand piano is much like the pianofortes our Regency heroines played to demonstrate their accomplishments. The McPhail of course is not English. It hails … Continue reading →
Yippee! Today I signed a contract with Soul Mate Publishing for Bella’s Band, the sequel to my Regency set novella, Rosalyn’s Ring. Bella’s Band tells the story of Rosalyn’s colleague, Miss Harris, and yes, there is a coach ride involved! … Continue reading →
I spent another day goofing off instead of writing. This morning I toured the Rotunda and the Throne Room at Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. Two young spelunkers discovered the caverns in 1974 on private land. The state of Arizona has done … Continue reading →