tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20781188592569176032024-03-12T23:58:37.175-04:00The World of Quarter SessionsStories Behind the Story for the Novel Up, Back, and Away.
Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-31930478885419553132019-04-05T07:45:00.000-04:002019-04-05T07:51:47.920-04:00Brenda Blethyn's "Mixed Fancies" - A Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW7ZdLCa-p0/XKc_IhtR_CI/AAAAAAAAFdM/QQwddY2WvmsJeNHWRF88YAvTK5h81fqSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Brenda_Blethyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hW7ZdLCa-p0/XKc_IhtR_CI/AAAAAAAAFdM/QQwddY2WvmsJeNHWRF88YAvTK5h81fqSgCEwYBhgL/s320/Brenda_Blethyn.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenda by Petr Novák, Wikipedia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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If you’re lucky
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limited means, ask them about whether anything dangerous happened to them as
kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indiana Jones will look like a
lightweight by comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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From my own
family, where my father was the eldest of 12, there was the time time my
seven-year-old Aunt Judy fell out of the hay mow and broke her other arm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The first one was already broken by an
encounter with a cow as I recall). Or when Margie burned her back sitting on
the stove, or Tommy got his fingertip chopped off in the fan blade, or Maryanne
almost died of whooping cough. As a variation, you can ask your sources about
the temperature of their house in winter (Freezing!) or the foods they regarded
as treats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Fat drippings will play a
part).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And
so on to our subject for today, Brenda Blethyn’s 2006 memoir <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mixed Fancies</i>. I pulled it out of my mailbox
when I got home from work last Friday. By midnight I had just about finished
it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Brenda (I feel on
a first name basis with her now), as you surely must know, is a celebrated
British actress. She was born “Brenda Bottle” to her 42-year-old mother in
1946, the tail ender in a family of nine children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her early years the Bottle family lived in
rented accommodations in Ramsgate, a seaside community in Kent in southern
England. Their home was of a sort that would now be commonplace only in the
third world: one cold water tap, outhouse in the garden <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– with no door on it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– three rooms badly heated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The poverty of post-war Britain never fails
to shock me – it wasn’t that long ago and the Bottle story is hardly unique).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Brenda presents
the perils and privations of her childhood with honesty but without any sense
of grievance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t know enough
about sex at eight years old to understand what the pedophile she encountered
in the alley was doing. The “clouts” that her mother administered were part of
the picture, as was Mum’s alcoholism. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brenda seems to have accepted these things
like so much bad weather, and no more to be lamented than bad weather. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t remember the time she fell into
the fire as a toddler, though she was told that she had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does remember the time she and her
brother, having been left home alone, almost burned the place down trying to
make it cozy for their parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
There were offsets
to the hard times: treats of movies (where her mother had the bright idea of
bringing the wet laundry in the winter so it could be dried on the radiators in
the dark theater), and boxes of “mixed fancies.” That is, little cakes, 12 to a
two-shilling box . (Brenda didn’t care for the one with the coconut, but the
cream horn was coveted by all the children). And yes, meat drippings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
It wasn’t til
Brenda was 14 that the family achieved indoor plumbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around that same time her teachers,
recognizing her intelligence, recommended further academic education. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her parents deemed a secretarial course more
practical, however, and so a secretary she became.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She married Alan Blethyn and soon divorced
him, but no hard feelings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was during
that short marriage that she was recruited as a reluctant substitute for a play
being put on by her work-place drama troop…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The stories are told
in rapid succession and in episodic fashion, which is why I had such trouble
putting the book down. It’s clear that the genetic combination of Mum and Dad
was a happy one. The children were good looking and sturdy despite their toothbrush
free existence<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– lots of family photos
are included. And in the end, they loved one another and love and gratitude are
the dominant themes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brenda is currently famous as the star of the
British TV detective series <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vera</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is because of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vera</i> that you are reading this review.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s where I became a Brenda fan, watching
every episode at least three times, then chasing down her film appearances (she’s
excellent in everything), and now reading her memoir. Because it was published
back in darkest 2006, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mixed Fancies</i>
omits the great success of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vera,</i>
which debuted in 2011, but you just got the highlights on that here, so
probably not to worry – or maybe she’ll decide to write a sequel. It would be
worth reading, especially as it’s not every actress who gets a career-defining
part in her 60s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The thing that
makes any story compelling is the arc of the characters. When a likeable
character makes a big swing upwards, as it did in Brenda’s case, it’s a lot of fun
to go along for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mixed Fancies</i> never going to be taught
alongside <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hamlet</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Middlemarch</i> but that wasn’t the point.
If you want to know how Brenda Blethyn got the way she is, here you go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you’re not so curious about that, the
book is so full event and charm and good humor that you’d have to be the kind
of person who doesn’t like ice cream, or maybe cream horns, not to enjoy
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-38444208682496319332019-01-31T07:46:00.000-05:002019-01-31T07:46:46.847-05:00Thanks!Hello to any and all stopping by after picking up the e-book during that recent price promotion. I hope you will like it and tell your friends. If you don't it you can keep that to yourself. (Kidding! [sort of]). <br />
<br />
I'm vowing (again) to get back to work on my work-in-progress, another story for children (sort of - advanced, unusual children). What's that old quip? "I love deadlines, especially the sound they make as they fly past." I had hoped to have revisions made before Christmas and yet... Anyway, there's more to come and if you haven't read my Barbara Pym fan fiction it's right down there in the preceding post. More to come.<br />
<br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-38817387611115939792019-01-16T08:22:00.000-05:002019-01-16T08:22:13.628-05:00Welcome Barbara Pym Fans!If you're asking "who's Barbara Pym?" you might want to move on, or read on.<br />
<br />
She was an English writer, emphasis on "English" who lived between 1913 and 1980. Her career flourished during the 1950s but withered utterly in the 1960s and '70s. Her publisher had decided that her style of writing and her subjects; single, unmarried women, living small, intelligent lives, were old fashioned. She had a notable second act in the late 1970s after her friend, the poet Philip Larkin, told the Times Literary Supplement that she was "the most underrated writer of the 20th century."<br />
<br />
She went on after this to write a book, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartet_in_Autumn" target="_blank">Quartet in Autumn</a>, which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. She found new admirers then and those that persist are a special lot. There is a <a href="https://barbara-pym.org/" target="_blank">Barbara Pym Society</a> that meets twice a year. The BPS describes her this way on their website:<br />
<br />
<i>[A] shrewd observer of a certain kind of middle-class Englishwoman, no longer young and not quite beautiful, whom society finds it easy to overlook. She is just as shrewd an observer of the people that these women, vigilant and perceptive, themselves observe.<br /><br />The spinster heroine of <u>Excellent Women</u>, Pym’s most famous novel, says, “I suppose an unmarried woman just over 30, who lives alone and has no apparent ties, must expect to find herself involved or interested in other people’s business, and if she is a clergyman’s daughter then one might really say that there is no hope for her.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
The Pym Society will hold its North American meeting in Boston in March 2019. In conjunction with that meeting, it sponsored a Barbara Pym short story contest. The assignment: write a story featuring any Pym character in any setting or time. The only limitation was a 2000 word limit and a deadline of December 3, 2018.<br />
<br />
Reader, I entered.<br />
<br />
And yes, I planned to win.<br />
<br />
I was advised in a polite email in early January that I didn't win. I didn't place. I didn't show.<br />
<br />
I decided after a few hours reflection on this entirely foreseeable result that it was actually very Pymian to lose a Barbara Pym writing contest. And, as further consolation, I enjoyed working on the story (which isn't true for everything to which I put my hand). Also, I have the story. And here it is for you too.<br />
<br />
By way of background, I have read and enjoyed a few Pym books, including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excellent_Women" target="_blank">Excellent Women</a>. It features Mildred Lathbury, who has to be the archetypal Pym character. Miss Lathbury is intelligent, observant, very well brought up, and self-aware to a fault. In middle age she is a never-married clergyman's daughter. She remains one of the props and stays of her local church. She lives in beleagured post-war London in a flat with a shared bathroom. Her social circle is primarily a group of aging celibates (a school friend, the priest and his sister) and her days are occupied partly with work for a society that aids distressed gentlewomen and for her church. The social circle is broken open by the arrival of a young couple that moves into the flat that shares her bathroom - the husband is ex-military and glamourous, the wife is interesting. Around the same time, her friend the priest meets a tempting widow. These are unsettling events. Her spinster's equilibrium is disturbed.<br />
<br />
I kept thinking as I read the book how many of the male characters would today be instantly assumed to be homosexual. There is nothing so frank in EW - although another one of her books (one that I haven't read) <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Glass_of_Blessings" target="_blank">A Glass of Blessings</a>, features a female protagonist who develops an interest a gay man, not quite understanding the situation, at least not right away. I wondered how Mildred, with her longings for love just under the surface, would cope with the offer of a union with a man who might make a good mate - in some ways, at least. So, here, at last, for your consideration is the story which didn't take a prize.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Best Laid Plans<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We have left undone those things we ought to
have done…”</i> I intoned with the congregation, thinking of poor Mr. Arundel, whom
I had left all alone with the Wiggins file. Mr. Wiggins must acquire a corner
of east London for his new adhesives factory <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tomorrow</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several deeds
remained to be prepared. These weighed on my conscience and had made my
attendance at Evensong, of all things, feel a guilty indulgence. I popped up
from my pew at the first note of the organ voluntary, keen to get back to the
office. I was halfway down the aisle, wondering if I should buy some sausage
rolls for Mr. Arundel, when an elderly lady blocked my progress.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Excuse me, it’s
Miss Lathbury, isn’t? Is it, still, ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss</i>’
Lathbury?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She was tidy and smelled
of gardenias. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes… I’m sorry, do
I know you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“You
did once, a little. I appeared before your committee six years ago. I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so</i> pleased to see you. I went back to
the Society to thank you, but it was closed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I had a revelatory
moment. “Oh yes! You’re Mrs. Brudenell!” She’d been thinner and paler when I’d
last seen her. “You’re looking very well.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I am well. Thanks
in large part to you! I don’t suppose you remember the bus ride we took
together after that dreadful interview?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I remembered it too
well. Our chairwoman had informed Mrs. Brudenell -- as all applicants were in informed
in that unhappy interval -- that the Society for Distressed Gentlewomen was
winding down. By 1960 we’d become an anachronism. Letters to the editor had appeared.
A small band of socialists had even protested outside our offices. “You must
seek government assistance with all possible despatch,” our chairwoman had pronounced,
in that games-mistress way of hers. “Your situation seems quite desperate, Mrs.
Brudenell, and the authorities do not always act with alacrity.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes,” I said. “I remember… a difficult time
for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Her eyes
fluttered. “I was at my lowest ebb since the death of my husband. Stones into
pockets and into the Thames like Virginia Woolf -- that was my plan, God forgive
me. It was your suggestion that saved me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Did I make a
suggestion?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Indeed! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You asked whether I had any family or friends
who might help. I told you I just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">couldn’t</i>
ask my son. He was in America and struggling himself in those days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my sister, who’d been such a prop and
stay, had just been widowed herself. Her situation was as bad as mine.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes, I remember
now. Your brother-in-law had been in the diplomatic service, in the Caribbean?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That’s right! And in Egypt before that. You suggested
that Whitehall might help my sister, under the circumstances.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Did I?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I should never
have thought of that myself. I followed your advice and, what do you know, “
she put her hand on my arm, “before long <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the
Queen</i> herself interceded.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
My thoughts of
sausage rolls and Mr. Wiggins’ flew away like the notes of the Bach toccata
that was playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Really</i>?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Truly!
My sister’s plea resulted in a warrant from the Lord Chamberlain for a Grace
and Favour apartment at Hampton Court Palace! We’ve lived there with my sister’s
old housekeeper for five years now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, that’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wonderful</i>.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I hadn’t been to
Hampton Court since school days, and I’d never seen the Grace and Favour
apartments, but they were famous. I knew they were doled out by the monarch,
rent-free and mostly to widows, as a reward for service to the crown. I also knew
they had a reputation as the grandest, and dottiest, poor house in England. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Our apartment is just
off the gallery haunted Catherine Howard,” she continued. “It’s not so large as
some of them but quite comfortable for us.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m delighted!” I
said. “Not about the ghost, of course, but for you. Thank you for telling me, but
I’m afraid I must fly back to work.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh wait please! We’re
planning a little party. We don’t entertain often, but we thought it right to
host a kind of thanksgiving. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do</i> say
you can come. It’s this Saturday.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“That’s very kind
of you but…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Please,” she looked
momentarily panicked. “Did you know there are more than 1300 rooms in the Palace?
From the roof you get a splendid view of the chimneys, and the Thames, and the
gardens.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m afraid I’m
expected to work Saturday mornings...”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“But we aren’t
gathering until teatime. Oh, and Lady Baden-Powell will be there!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The</i> Lady Baden-Powell? Of the Girl Guides?”
I had been a guide once myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“The very one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s a neighbor. Let me give you directions.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Despite the
directions I found myself the following Saturday afternoon hunting around the vast
Tudor portion of the palace for her apartment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A helpful guard eventually directed me to the
Chapel Courtyard. Once there, I heard a young voice calling my name. I looked
up and saw two girls of about 18, one blond, one brunette, leaning out of a
second story window. A few moments later I was trailing them up a broad
staircase with shallow treads and iron railings. “I’m Sarah Butler,” the
brunette said as we climbed. “I’m from Nottingham. Lady Baden-Powell invited me
down for the weekend.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Sarah’s won the
Queen’s Guide Award,” the blond put in. “I’m just a granddaughter, I’m Sylvie.”
I was surprised at Sylvie’s tight sweater, given her pedigree. As I thought
this, my eye caught on a paper sign reminding residents to switch off lights in
the stairways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m pleased to
meet you both. Are you having tea too?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes. We’re just
waiting for you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Am I late?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh, no. We came
early.” The girls giggled, though I had no idea why this was funny.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
At the top of the
stairs Sylvie barged into the apartment, shouting my arrival. Sarah took my
coat and hat and quickly disappeared after her friend. Mrs. Brudenell and her
sister, it could be no other, advanced on me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Miss Lathbury</i>!” Mrs. Brudenell exclaimed,
shaking my hand in both of hers, “We’re <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">delighted</i>
to see you. This is my sister, Mrs. Davies.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“We owe you such a
debt of gratitude,” Mrs. Davies said, taking my hand in her turn. “Do come
through.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I protested their gratitude
as I followed them down a long, tall corridor where my new heels rang like gunshots
on the parquet. I was still protesting when we reached the salon at the end of
the hall. The two girls were by then settled either side of a fabulously
handsome man. He stood as I entered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“This is my son,
Peniston, from New York.” Mrs. Brudenell was glowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And this is Lady Baden-Powell.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Lady Baden-Powell shook
my hand from her chair and murmured a few words of thanks to my compliments on
girl guiding. I turned then to Peniston, who was smiling down upon me like the Caribbean
sun. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Pleased to meet
you.” His offered hand was warm and strong. He spoke with an American accent.
“I understand you’re the lucky charm that helped my good ladies find this
home.” Peniston’s teeth were beautifully white and even. His hair was fair with
a touch of grey. He had crow’s feet by his blue eyes, but his waist was trim
and his shoulders broad. I wondered about his age and thought of George Eliot’s
observation, ‘some men are like lions, you can’t tell how old they are except
that they are fully grown.’ <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh hardly,” I
began protesting again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Mrs. Brudenell gestured
for me to sit next to her son, displacing Sylvie. “I hope the train wasn’t
crowded,” she said. I caught a look from Sylvie but as it was a case of being
rude to her or our hostess, I sat. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“It was fine,
thanks, and of course it’s not far.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
At that moment a
voice, surely Jamaican, came from a swinging door behind us. “Are you all ready
now?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes, thank you
Caroline,” Mrs. Davies said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The housekeeper came
through with a silver tray laden with China tea things. Thin as she was, Caroline’s
brown forearms bulged with ropy muscles. She set the tray down gingerly then gave
the whole party a long, appraising from behind her black-rimmed glasses. She
exited without another word. “She’s a gem, is Caroline,” Mrs. Davies said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The sandwiches
were tolerable. The conversation was bright. It moved quickly from the Hampton
Court neighbours to Peniston. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Brudenell family, it emerged, had lived in Toronto for years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After completing school there, Peniston had made
his way to New York, where he eventually opened an art gallery featuring the
work of abstract expressionists. It’d been hard going in the ‘50s but it was
finally taking off. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“He’s opening another
in London this year,” Mrs. Brudenell said. “I’ve no feeling at all for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">art</i> he sells, if that’s what you can
call it, but at least it will bring him home.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Twice yearly
anyway,” Peniston added. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh, I do wish you
were moving here for good. Then we could show you around London!” Sylvie said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sarah nodded. They both gazed up at him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Lady Baden-Powell
scowled over her teacup. “Stop fawning girls! He’s far too old for you!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
After an
uncomfortable moment’s silence, Peniston and the girls burst out laughing. “Oh
Grandma. You’re one to talk! Grandpa was 30 years older than you!” Sylvie said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Thirty-two,
actually,” Lady Baden-Powell replied, as she bit into a potted meat sandwich. “My
parents objected, appropriately, as I now understand. But your grandfather and
I were singular.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I assure you, Ma’am,
you need have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no fear</i> of me,”
Peniston laughed. “I’m a confirmed old bachelor.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I meant no
offense, sir. It’s just that I hate to see girls making themselves ridiculous
over men,” Lady Baden-Powell said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Certainly, there’s
much to be said for common interests and shared history for binding a couple
together,” Mrs. Brudenell chanced. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t
you agree Miss Lathbury?” “What are your interests? Do you like art?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Every face turned
to me. “Yes…. Though I’m no connoisseur. I’m terribly dull, really. I work for
a solicitor and I seem to manifest every cliché of a clergyman’s daughter. I do
like history, though. I was hoping to see some of the Palace. It’s a marvelous
view you have.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
This had the
desired effect of turning the faces to the tall windows, and of precipitating
the tour that Mrs. Brudenell had promised at Evensong. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>*<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The subsequent
ramble round the premises was marvelous, though the tea party was, given the
unusual company, increasingly putting me in mind of the one in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alice in Wonderland</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we returned to the apartment, Lady
Baden-Powell promptly announced her departure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Help Caroline tidy up, girls,” she commanded. Not wanting to appear to
shirk, I took some teacups and followed the girls into the kitchen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He’s just like Rock Hudson</i>,” Sarah breathed.
“Oh no,” Sylvie clucked. “Rock is dark, and Peniston is fair, like Tab Hunter.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“He certainly is
attractive,” I added lamely, rinsing the cups out of force of habit. The girls gave
me a polite, pitying look and returned to the salon. Caroline came up behind me
then. She’d moved so quietly, I was startled when she spoke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Miss,
can I talk to you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Certainly…”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Miss, I’ve known
these ladies here more than 45 years...”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“They told me. They
rely on you tremendously.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Too true. They
do. And for more than they know. They’re good, but they’re not worldly wise. I
think you ought to know, Mrs. Brudenell, she’s got designs on you, for Mr. Penisiton.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I couldn’t
suppress a laugh. “He’s hardly for the likes of me!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“He’s not for any
woman, if you take my meaning.” She looked at me knowingly over the top of her
glasses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I understood,
though I was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shocked</i> by her
suggestion. “Really, I don’t think…” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Caroline held up her
hand. “Mrs. Brudenell been goin’ round churches all over London lookin’ for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i> these last few years. She’s settled
on you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh, I’m sorry.” (I
didn’t have the presence of mind to consider the implications of this statement.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Mr. Peniston is a
good man, but he might make a choice to please<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> her</i> ...”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I must’ve looked
confused. Caroline sighed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Miss, I see you’re
an excellent woman, but you got that whiff of the vicarage about you. You might
put your heart right under his feet, not understanding how things are.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I appreciate your
concern, but I’m <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sure</i> it’s
misplaced.” I wiped my hands on my skirt, forgetting I wasn’t wearing an apron.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Well that’s a
relief to me Miss. Thank you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I nodded and stepped
back into the salon. The others had decamped to the vestibule. I joined them
there. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’ll be back in
London in January, Miss Lathbury,” Peniston said as he helped me with my coat.
“Perhaps we could meet again?” He smiled, and I felt something in me lurch in
his direction. Mrs. Brudenell beamed. The girls were stone faced.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Caroline leaned
out from the swinging door and caught my eye. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
What I thought was,
‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lead us not into temptation</i>.’ What I
said was, “Nothing would please me more.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br /></div>
Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-66291066394789161052018-11-03T18:49:00.001-04:002018-11-03T19:12:13.304-04:00Still Here and Top Tips<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOoB1_tpHaA/W94pPmarELI/AAAAAAAAFbA/oO6lqZpKBJgjDJTqPfHeOk98KlHoOYn5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOoB1_tpHaA/W94pPmarELI/AAAAAAAAFbA/oO6lqZpKBJgjDJTqPfHeOk98KlHoOYn5ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0437.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"That time of year, thou may'st in me behold..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yes, here I am. Sorry. I have no good excuses... Well, a few: work, age, the usual. As I say, not good excuses but there you have it.<br />
<br />
In writing news, I got the edits back on that work in progress I've been mentioning for a year and let me tell you, going through edits is a painful process.<br />
<br />
As I said over on Twitter:<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
Something there is that doesn't like a writer to sit down and write. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amwriting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#amwriting</a> Oh wait. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amtweeting?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#amtweeting</a></div>
— Kim Velk (@woolfoot) <a href="https://twitter.com/woolfoot/status/1051181103430729728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
Fall has been beautiful and inspiring here in Vermont and making me feel like I should write more. When I get home from work these days, however, I pretty much settle into re-watching episodes of Vera (which you should all watch, BTW, Brenda Blethyn is a marvel) and listening to BBC Radio on my iPlayer app (which you should all get right now if you don't already have it).<br />
<br />
So that's two top tips, just for stopping by. Here's one more that I will serve up to you with a link and everything.<br />
<br />
BBC Radio 4 provides many audio books each week. They are abridged usually, but FREE to all the world and first-class productions too. This week the Book of the Week is Colm Toibin reading his lovely, thoughtful, <a href="http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Mad-Bad-Dangerous-to-Know/Colm-Toibin/9781476785172" target="_blank">Mad, Bad, Dangerous to Know</a>. Colm is Irish, so of course it's wonderful to listen to him. The book explores the lives of the fathers of three of Ireland's greatest writers: Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, and James Joyce. Toibin is a wonderful writer and these biographies offer great insights on the famous men and on history.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000xws" target="_blank">Here's a link to the the Book of the Week.</a> <br />
<br />
There's also "Book at Bedtime" and that's a winner right now too. <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0000t00" target="_blank">Sarah Perry's <i>Melmoth.</i></a><br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by. Best wishes for a happy stick season to you all.<br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-49858713827306121292018-03-24T17:45:00.002-04:002018-03-24T17:45:29.651-04:00He's Worse than a Smoky HouseI'm doing research on corvids (like magpies and crows) for my work in progress and found myself today looking at Shakespeare's references to ravens. I came across this speech in Henry IV, Part I - Hotspur is speaking about a problem companion - one who is longwinded and who doesn't know when to leave the party. <br />
<br />
You might want to read this over a couple of times. I did and thought, whoa, Shakespeare is as good as they say. Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned...<br />
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<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><td align="left" valign="top" width="55%"><div class="playtextsmall" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.7em;">
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />I cannot choose: sometime he angers me<br />With telling me of the mouldwarp and the ant,<br />Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies,<br />And of a dragon and a finless fish,<br />A clip-wing'd griffin and a moulten <span class="keyword1" style="background-color: #ffa6a6; border: 1px dashed; font-weight: bold;">raven</span>,<br />A couching lion and a ramping cat,<br />And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff<br />As puts me from my faith. I tell you what;<br />He held me last night at least nine hours<br />In reckoning up the several devils' names<br />That were his lackeys: I cried 'hum,' and 'well, go to,'<br />But mark'd him not a word. O, he is as tedious<br />As a tired horse, a railing wife;<br />Worse than a smoky house: I had rather live<br />With cheese and garlic in a windmill, far,<br />Than feed on cates and have him talk to me<br />In any summer-house in Christendom.</div>
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-314075308297092602018-03-04T11:24:00.002-05:002018-03-04T11:24:47.240-05:00For Your Listening PleasureHi All -<br />
<br />
I've had a lot of nice correspondence and interest from those of you in the UK who downloaded the e-book during AmazonUK's recent half term promotion. I hope, if you're stopping by here, you've finished the book and liked it.<br />
<br />
You'll know there's a key scene near the end where Miles plays some music on his iPod for a certain someone. The music has a tremendous effect on the listener. You might like to hear it yourself, so there's a link below to a particularly beautiful rendition. You might like to get your earbuds or headphones out for this.<br />
<br />
I've become more and more grateful in the passing years for musicians and those who make it possible for them to share their gifts with us all. I say this as one with no musical talent whatsoever.<br />
<br />
I hope you are having a restorative Sunday and that you will have few minutes to let <a href="https://youtu.be/lDQuWlz37iw" target="_blank">Mr. Tchaikovsky and these players work their magic on you.</a><br />
<br />Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-31270091422339113832018-01-09T21:44:00.000-05:002018-01-09T21:50:18.746-05:00Today's Top Tip - Matt Haig's "How to Stop Time"I got to know about Matt Haig first on Twitter. I gathered he was famous (mostly) for a book called <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-to-Stay-Alive/dp/B01GW69THA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1515551178&sr=8-4&keywords=how+to+stay+alive" target="_blank">Reasons to Stay Alive</a>. It gets praised all over the place and seems to have helped a lot of people. He talks a lot on Twitter about his own fragile mental health and I've found him to be witty, humane, and tough. I'll admit I hadn't read <i>Reasons to Stay Alive</i> - yet - despite the usual intentions.<br />
<br />
His tweets recently included a lot of book launch stuff on his new release, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Stop-Time/dp/B078PLFCVV/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1515551274&sr=8-2&keywords=how+to+stop+time" target="_blank">How to Stop Time.</a> </i> I knew that it was a Big Book, getting lots of attention and again I planned to check it out. Then, <i>mirabile dictu</i>, it came to me and it can come to you too.<br />
<br />
If you have been here before you know I lurk around BBC Radio as much as possible. I was very pleased to find last week that <i>How to Stop Time</i> been serialized for the Radio 4 series, <i>Book at Bedtime</i>. <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09kqr5m" target="_blank">Here's a link </a>to the web page where you can find it, at least for the next little while.<br />
<br />
While we're on the subject, <i>Book at Bedtime</i> is just one chest of BBC riches that US listeners can now plunder, for free. There is <b>sooo much more</b>. If you get the BBC iPlayer app for your smartphone, they will all be laid out there before you and you need never be bored again.<br />
<br />
But back to the book. This BBC version is abridged so you'll probably still want to buy a kindle version or a hard copy, but its a fine production of a wonderful story. I won't spoil the fun, but our hero is a man with a rare condition that has him aging at about one tenth the speed of the rest of us. The premise of the book is that these rare people have always been among us but hidden for their own protection.<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I came across a writer that pleased me so well. I think David Mitchell of <i>Cloud Atlas</i> fame was the last discovery that had me chattering away like this. So, you're welcome. Happy New Year. Thanks for stopping by.Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-58184568321683318022017-12-20T07:37:00.001-05:002017-12-20T07:37:31.346-05:00Christmas Sale!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIfkRkzBnSg/WjpYMZO--EI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/4e2bJb9NkNE0Zx3ERFPIwI4_nQBtJ-tQwCLcBGAs/s1600/tandembaum_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIfkRkzBnSg/WjpYMZO--EI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/4e2bJb9NkNE0Zx3ERFPIwI4_nQBtJ-tQwCLcBGAs/s640/tandembaum_bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tandenbaum" by Juan Wijngaard (cover artist of<i> Up, Back, and Awa</i>y)</td></tr>
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Yes - it's true. Between now and Christmas day <i>Up, Back, and Away</i> is on sale on both sides of the Pond. You can get the<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513773254&sr=8-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank"> e-book for 99 cents at Amazon.com </a>or<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513773311&sr=8-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank"> 99 p from Amazon UK.</a><div>
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Wishing you all some leisure time for old fashioned e-reading this season, because uou can't spell "kind" without "kindle."</div>
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-708663303341763752017-12-10T17:07:00.000-05:002017-12-10T17:07:02.720-05:00The Second Season of the Crown: Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvCyego4ZQQ/Wi0yEZi94rI/AAAAAAAAFTA/ip4y7GrsHJ4hf_k0mb1fiUPNZ_4m4h-oACLcBGAs/s1600/Adobe%2BSpark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TvCyego4ZQQ/Wi0yEZi94rI/AAAAAAAAFTA/ip4y7GrsHJ4hf_k0mb1fiUPNZ_4m4h-oACLcBGAs/s400/Adobe%2BSpark.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we had a little viewing party at my house on Friday night...</td></tr>
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If you were a fan of the first season of the Netflix drama "The Crown" as I was (no surprises there) I can guess how you spent much of your weekend, or at least you can guess how I spent mine.<br />
<br />
The second season dropped on Friday, December 8 here in the US and, this being Sunday, December 10, I have managed to get nine of the 10 episodes under my belt. I was working on number 10, from a spot on my carpet last night (having gotten a backache from so much couch sitting), when sleep overtook me. I succumbed as the Profumo Affair was raging. I'll be back before the end of the day to find out how it all ended.<br />
<br />
If you don't know about "The Crown" you're in for a treat. If you have Netflix and haven't made it there yet, go! If you don't have Netflix, "The Crown" makes it worth subscribing.<br />
<br />
It was reportedly the most expensive television production in English history and every penny shows up on the screen. The acting is brilliant - and not just from the stars. Claire Foy as Elizabeth 2nd is, well, words fail. She's brilliant, as is the rest of cast (I have a soft spot for Eileen Atkins as the Queen's Grandma, Mary). But not a footman or a sailor or man-in-crowd-12 is out of place. The production values are as stellar as the actors.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
This TV series is so seductive that we come away feeling we know the Queen intimately. We don't, of course, but I can't help feeling that the producers and writers have captured something essential about her accurately, whatever artistic license may have been brought to bear.<br />
<br />
I'll say that I don't think this second series has quite the interest of the first which is something to do with a falling off in world and personal events for the family in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the series is set, and something to do with choices made by the writers and producers.<br />
<br />
The first three episodes, a full 30 percent of the series, focus on a five-month trip by Prince Philip to the far corners of the Commonwealth: a protracted sea-going stag party that tested the royal marriage to its limits, as per the producers. There are <i>longueurs</i> here that the first series never presented. The same is true of the Princess Margaret's dangerous liaison with the photographer Tony Armstrong-Jones, who became her husband and Lord Snowden. (A disaster in the making as we see at its making). But these are my only cavils. The best episode is number 6 - which brings back some erstwhile hidden history of World War II and so Winston Churchill and the old King George and the tragic King Edward, of abdication-for-love fame. (Alex Jennings as the reduced former king, dressing for costume parties, taking birthday photos of his dog, playing bridge in exile, is brilliant). The failed king is revealed to be not just self-regarding twit but an actual villain and the story gives Foy and Jennings and the writers a chance to present inner and outer turmoil beautifully.<br />
<br />
Episode six also dares to tread into Queen Elizabeth's religious faith. She was, if the series is to be believed, quite taken by the American evangelist Billy Graham who visited England at the time of her uncle's visit. I have long had the sense that the Queen has survived and managed and coped all these years because she is at her core a sincere religious believer. (Not much of an insight, I'll grant you but no one ever seems to come out and say this). There's a brilliant scene where the Queen is listening to the Rev. Graham preaching in the private chapel of the family. She is rapt. Philip and the Queen Mother look on, partly bemused, partly concerned.<br />
<br />
If you want to read a proper review, <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/12/yas-queen-the-brilliance-of-the-crown/547874/" target="_blank">The Atlantic</a> has a good one. As for me, I'm off to church this Sunday morning... and then to find out just how the Profumo Affair ended.<br />
<br />
<b>IN OTHER NEWS</b><br />
<br />
Since Christmas is coming, another e-book promotion is on the way for the US and the UK. Watch this space.<br />
<br />
I have also had some kind inquiries recently about a sequel to <i>Up, Back, and Away</i>. The Muse dragged me off that broad highway months ago and into a strange corner where I have been writing a children's book inspired by images from the digital images collection of the New York Public Library. Once that is out of my system, I'm hoping to get back to the sequel.<br />
<br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-23284749027800228692017-09-06T07:18:00.002-04:002017-09-06T07:18:45.135-04:00Thanks If you bought a copy of the e-book during the sale last week. It's always fun to watch the book climb the charts. I hope you'll like it. It's been great to hear from those who want a sequel. I want one too. I have a little project going that has morphed into a larger one and then, I hope, back to work on the sequel. (I have the usual excuses - mostly it's down to having to go to a day job every day). In the meantime the paperback giveaway is still happening on Goodreads for another week or so. If you want to get in with a chance have a click. Thanks again.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw04kWHbdKg/Wa_Y7jg4vHI/AAAAAAAAFR4/RgIQxLbXtRoFIbtfut1r0oaqatqj-zK8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw04kWHbdKg/Wa_Y7jg4vHI/AAAAAAAAFR4/RgIQxLbXtRoFIbtfut1r0oaqatqj-zK8ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0019.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What lies beyond? I went through this gate once and found a lovely place. A metaphor for life itself?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-24584872621709927842017-08-29T07:06:00.006-04:002017-08-29T07:07:24.422-04:00Summer Sale Time!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBfXuJm9EWo/WaVKJhjPERI/AAAAAAAAFRo/sCKKblSviXwhkboQ52qM2Upy1yNqiHNeQCLcBGAs/s1600/cows%2Bat%2Bpond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBfXuJm9EWo/WaVKJhjPERI/AAAAAAAAFRo/sCKKblSviXwhkboQ52qM2Upy1yNqiHNeQCLcBGAs/s640/cows%2Bat%2Bpond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's still summertime, and the living remains easy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The kids are back in school around here but Labor Day weekend is still ahead. So, I thought, why not discount the old e-book for this last week of summer?<br />
<br />
In the UK if you can find 99 pence somewhere in your budget, you can have a<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504004244&sr=8-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank"> lovely new Kindle book to read in your leisure hours.</a><br />
<br />
In the US the deal is slightly better at 99 cents. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504004350&sr=8-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank">Just a click</a> - and parting with less than the price of a bag of snack size chips which wouldn't be good for you anyway. <br />
<br />
The deal is counting down and ends Sept. 4, along with summer.<br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-42701062682744182892017-08-22T09:04:00.000-04:002017-08-26T18:54:38.109-04:00Sneak Peek...A reader's attention has become a precious and rare thing - I know mine is hard to get. If you have some to give now, thank you. Here's a work in progress for your consideration: Chapter One of the new story I've been working on for some months (and which will require months more). I'm at the point where I'd like some idea how it strikes others. If you have comments, please share. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Book One<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">When Fox Was Five<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jean-Renard
De la Tour started life with two big problems, possibly three depending on how
you count his Grand’Mere. The first was the time in which he was born: 1873.
The second was the place: a blighted little backwater village in France called
Val des Mines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Of
course to be born in Val des Mines was a handicap even for its most fortunate
sons (which were not many), but Fox’s circumstances were particularly grim. Regarding
Grand’Mere, more in a minute. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRycYqf-XGQ/WZwrdq0IZcI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/nlh7V_bwCrsJ0cjE-ojBLOcSnBSH2yjeACLcBGAs/s1600/young%2Bhero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mRycYqf-XGQ/WZwrdq0IZcI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/nlh7V_bwCrsJ0cjE-ojBLOcSnBSH2yjeACLcBGAs/s200/young%2Bhero.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox at Five</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Fox,”
by the way, is what everyone called him because that’s what “Renard” means in
French. No one in Val des Mines would have called him “Jean-Renard De la Tour”
even if they knew that’s how his name had been recorded in the civil register. His
full name was far too grand for such an inconsequential speck, and then there
was the other problem, regarding his parentage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Those
Val des Minians who bothered to speculate about Fox’s father said that Coco De
la Tour was surely the guilty party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, since Coco was the youngest son of the Royal Prosecutor in the
district they didn’t say this too loudly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally, the De la Tour family had not dignified
these rumors with any acknowledgement. Neither had they bothered with a denial.
There really wasn’t any need as everybody in Val des Mines quite properly (as
they thought), blamed the situation entirely on Jeanne, Fox’s young mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In
any case, even if Coco had been willing to admit his part in producing little Fox,
even if he claimed him outright, the boy would <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i> be recognized as a true De la Tour. This is because Jeanne
and Coco had never been married. The very idea of such a union was ridiculous. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeanne was a barefoot girl who sold geese and
things that could be made of geese in the market. Coco was a De la Tour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It’s
almost impossible to imagine today what a calamity this husbandless status was for
Jeanne and this fatherless status was for Fox. Grand’Mere said frequently - and
loudly - that both would have been better off dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people of Val des Mines did not like Grand’Mere,
but they generally agreed with her on this point. Like every other rural
village the world over, then and since, there were many mouths in Val des Mines
to talk, and very few heads to think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">You
might be thinking, however, that at least poor Fox had Jeanne and vice versa –
and you’d be right - but also wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">When
Fox was five, Jeanne stepped on a wooden board that had been dislodged from
above the doorframe of the stable of their little farm. The board had a nail in
it that had been hammered into place in the year 1528.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeanne was barefoot. She had spent her whole
life, short as it was, trailing along barefoot after the geese. This had made
her feet hard as leather, but that rusty iron nail - with its load of bacteria
from more than three hundred and fifty years of farmyard existence - punctured
soft spot on the arch of her right foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It poisoned her blood. It locked her jaw. In three weeks she was dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">So,
having started life as a despised, illegitimate child, poor little Fox managed
to drop another rung down the ladder of misfortune to being an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">orphaned,</i> despised, illegitimate child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Worse, he was then left in the sole care of
Grand’Mere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Fox
had no real notion of what he had lost by not having a father, never having
laid eyes on Coco himself. (Coco had married a wealthy Italian widow a few
weeks before Fox’s arrival and had promptly moved to her home in Venice). The
boy understood, however, or at least he felt, the full, crushing disaster of
his mother’s death. Fox spent the first days after Jeanne’s bewildering
disappearance hiding in her bed – seeking her lost warmth, breathing the smell
of her on the pillows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">You
will not be surprised to hear that Fox soon became ill himself, deathly ill.
There are germs that know how to exploit bewilderment, that can creep in via a
broken heart. On the third night of his illness his fever was so high it seemed
to Grand’Mere that the bedclothes might burst into flame. On that night she was
afraid. Not so much for Fox, but for herself. There might be trouble, she
thought, if she didn’t fetch a doctor and the boy, you know, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">died</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">She
held her nerve, however. The thought of the Doctors high fees put some starch
in her spine. Also, she thought, truth be told, it would be a blessing for her and,
really, for Fox as well, if he were to exit the scene at this point. So many
problems would be solved! A plan she had been hatching for years, many years,
was coming close to execution and Fox was wrinkle in that plan. It would be
fair, given the disappointments she’d known and the fate she had suffered, to
be given a clean slate. She could do what she wanted with what sliver of life
remained to her now, without a brat in tow, bleeding her dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And
then, leaving herself aside, she would be doing him a favor to let him slip
away. What future was there for such a one? She would be blameless - nature
taking its course and all. She could tell the doctor his illness had been
sudden, which was not altogether untrue... She got back to sleep that night by
mentally rehearsing the story she would tell the doctor the next day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">When
the next morning broke Grand’Mere rose quietly and crept across the room of
their cottage. Was he breathing? She pulled the tangled covers back from his
little body with a trembling hand. She nearly jumped out of her skin when he
rolled over. He sat up. He blinked at her, wordlessly. It was as though a bony
finger had tapped her heart and turned it to stone. She gasped. She stared at
him. He stared back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">She
saw that he was changed. He had a new, peculiar beauty in his baby face. She
could not read his expression and this unsettled her. His continued existence
was going to be a problem, an expensive one, no doubt. This made her angry.
Anger brought the pulse back to her temples. She shouted at him to get up and
fetch the water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">He
did not stir. It was as though he had not heard. He only stared at her some
more, blinking. She grabbed the bucket from the table and shoved the rope
handle into his little hand. He tried to grasp it but he couldn’t get his
swollen fingers to close. His hands looked just like two balloons. She clouted
the side of his head. He opened his mouth as if to say something. Only a
strangled grunt emerged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Grand’Mere
shouted at him again to fetch the water, but he did not react. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stepped back and considered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">He
had gone deaf with the fever, she reasoned. He had gone mute. She had heard of
such things. At five years of age, it seemed Fox’s catalog of misfortune was
complete. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Grand’Mere
picked up the bucket again and forcibly closed Fox’s stiff fingers around the
handle. He managed, only just, to keep hold of it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She mimed pumping. Fox understood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water fetching had been his job since his
mother’s death. Barefoot and in his nightshirt he took the bucket to the pump
in front of the stable from which the fatal board had dropped. He set it down
beneath the spigot and pumped the handle. When the water started flowing he
marveled at its soundless fall into the wooden bucket. He pumped and pumped
until the bucket overflowed and pooled around his feet. He ran the cold water
over his swollen hands, which seemed to deflate a little with the exercise and
cold water. He might have gone on like this all day but as the water neared his
ankles he heard a raspy voice say, “You’re getting your feet wet. That can’t be
good for you, in your condition.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Fox
looked up. There was no one near. He scanned the farmyard. Nothing. He was
about to return to pumping, when he caught a movement at the edge of his
vision. There, in an old oak tree on the far side of the cottage, on long leafless
branch, low down on the tree, stood a large crow. It was not unusual to see
crows in that oak. They were always there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the “crow oak” had given the cottage
an evil reputation in the neighborhood. This Crow, however, was very odd. It
was quite large for one thing, and unusually ragged. It was also paying close
attention to Fox. The boy and the bird locked eyes. The crow flapped its wings.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“So
it has transpired. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mon Dieu</i>,” the
bird said, though there was no motion of its beak. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Fox
rubbed his eyes and looked again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes.
It’s me!” the bird said in the same mysterious fashion. It spoke in the voice
of an old man with a strange accent. It’s unreadable, birdy expression did not
change. Fox tried to say, “But you’re a bird. Birds don’t speak.” He opened his
mouth, but again no intelligible sound came out. Nevertheless, the bird answered
him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Of
course we speak! It’s true we don’t usually speak to people, but you, little
Fox, are a special case. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mon Dieu,</i> it has come to pass. I suppose
we must begin. Where to begin. Why don’t you step out of that puddle, Fox.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Fox
tried to say, “But crows don’t speak words – you just say, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Crôa Crôa Crôa</i>” (which is French for,
‘caw caw caw’). Just as he formed this thought, one to which he found he could
not give voice, the bird swooped down off the branch and landed on the ground
at Fox’s feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Just because that’s all you’ve ever heard
crows say doesn’t mean that’s all we c<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">an</i>
say.” The bird shook his black head. “Humans. Always going wrong in the same
way.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Pardon
me, Monsieur Crow,” Fox tried to say, more politely this time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Never
mind that,” the bird said. “It’s of no consequence. Just try to remember. You
don’t need to bother with that kind of vulgar throat talking now. I can hear
your thoughts, at least when they are directed at me. If you go around mumming
like that people will avoid you more than they already do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Yes,
Monsieur Crow,” Fox thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Very
good” said the Crow. “Now, let me say that I am pleased to meet you and allow
me introduce myself. I am Doctor Davies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Pleased
to meet you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Monsieur le Docteur</i>.” Fox
said, remembering not to try to say it aloud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Excellent.
You catch on quickly. That will be helpful. We have work to do and not so much
time to do it.” The Crow hopped a little closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We are going to help you, Fox. We are going
to help you turn things around. At least that is our plan. Well, strictly
speaking it is my plan but the others will come along.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If you don’t mind me asking,” Fox said,
looking around, “who are you talking about? There is only me and Grand’Mere
here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-20837164230980177152017-08-06T18:06:00.000-04:002017-08-06T18:11:26.670-04:00Today's Top Tip - The Yale Center for British Art!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhjOmvISyJo/WYeI3KIyhMI/AAAAAAAAFO8/EgYepbS7-K0VH6WSec5o6ymodXs_EGbOgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fhjOmvISyJo/WYeI3KIyhMI/AAAAAAAAFO8/EgYepbS7-K0VH6WSec5o6ymodXs_EGbOgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some might say "chocolate box" but I say "beauty."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Gentle readers - hello!<br />
<br />
Sorry I've been away. I have been working and writing and will have more to say about that soon (I just stopped myself from writing "anon" instead of "soon" - you're welcome). <br />
<br />
I've been meaning to stop by here for weeks to tell you about a must-visit place that I finally visited this summer: <a href="http://britishart.yale.edu/" target="_blank">The Yale Center for British Art. </a><br />
<br />
I bought a poster at auction years ago of a grave rubbing of a medieval knight. This poster, which came from the museum and so has "YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART" emblazoned along the bottom, has been hanging in my dining room for years. After staring at "YALE CENTER FOR BRITISH ART"over uncounted plates of spaghetti, tacos, etc. for five years I finally Googled it last year. I have wanted to go ever since.<br />
<br />
Wel, I went last month, at last and, friends, it is gorgeous.<br />
<br />
Well, after a fashion. The building is a modernist icon by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn. This is code for "it's an ugly cube." <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eafsOSw0MoQ/WYeIsEEItaI/AAAAAAAAFOc/63WD58_PhFs7Fdu7e3Xpb5nM7iggANVvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eafsOSw0MoQ/WYeIsEEItaI/AAAAAAAAFOc/63WD58_PhFs7Fdu7e3Xpb5nM7iggANVvwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a seat! I did. Note Turners in the background...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJHq4Ig0I88/WYeIbSFGFdI/AAAAAAAAFOM/6GVpnQz8qfAdFvS9Oe0nYrc80ArBWHitQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJHq4Ig0I88/WYeIbSFGFdI/AAAAAAAAFOM/6GVpnQz8qfAdFvS9Oe0nYrc80ArBWHitQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there a deeper meaning to this particular grouping? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2K7mUScz-QI/WYeIqrgcAzI/AAAAAAAAFOU/HbKfJAab04USeoD7FeKjcApnpTutqtZlQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2K7mUScz-QI/WYeIqrgcAzI/AAAAAAAAFOU/HbKfJAab04USeoD7FeKjcApnpTutqtZlQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0009.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English people love dogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(Sorry Louis, but from the street the museum does not look particularly promising). Like so many books, however, you can't judge the building or its contents by its exterior. I have never been in a museum where the art was more beautifully displayed, or better lit, or that offers a more serene atmosphere. The place is a joy. I even loved the restrooms in the basement. I'm not making that up.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFi2pdqQzls/WYeIu8jhGBI/AAAAAAAAFOg/7cH-eHh83XEJiKgkRqaThTd7esB1juQLgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFi2pdqQzls/WYeIu8jhGBI/AAAAAAAAFOg/7cH-eHh83XEJiKgkRqaThTd7esB1juQLgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a>The floors are (mostly) carpeted, which much improved my stamina. What is it that makes museums so exhausting? I've decided hard floors have something to do with it.<br />
<br />
And what a collection! Here's the logline from the website:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #787878;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #787878;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Yale Center for British Art houses the largest collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. Presented to the university by Paul Mellon (Yale College, Class of 1929), the collection reflects the development of British art and culture from the Elizabethan period onward.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #787878;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CuGcs2SO3s/WYeIqyMbCEI/AAAAAAAAFOY/hM_k_AqInPMo-7AiXvQ6Gn3W_eocTzpxQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CuGcs2SO3s/WYeIqyMbCEI/AAAAAAAAFOY/hM_k_AqInPMo-7AiXvQ6Gn3W_eocTzpxQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I say!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgSPAb6hrTI/WYeIvHr4pxI/AAAAAAAAFOk/YZAnrHz2IIs2g_tswpa-x2YaUxCCFIYKwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgSPAb6hrTI/WYeIvHr4pxI/AAAAAAAAFOk/YZAnrHz2IIs2g_tswpa-x2YaUxCCFIYKwCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0013.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of dogs, if you look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mr. Mellon was not your average son and heir of a banking fortune. He was a philanthropist with taste. He was good to Yale, and Yale has been pretty good to us. Admission is FREE. The Turners, the Constables, the Freuds - all await.<br />
<br />
I live nearly five hours from New Haven. I couldn't find one friend or family member who was up for the trip. I went by myself. About three hours in, as the Connecticut traffic mayhem surrounded me, I thought I had made a mistake.<br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTRlzHuGf7k/WYeIw1kk7pI/AAAAAAAAFOo/gZYfdkCYE7IIM0utVCQIdsVxpyw-bXVhACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTRlzHuGf7k/WYeIw1kk7pI/AAAAAAAAFOo/gZYfdkCYE7IIM0utVCQIdsVxpyw-bXVhACLcBGAs/s200/IMG_0014.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbAHbWGa9M4/WYeI00BhUHI/AAAAAAAAFO0/7LA4CNjrHd8MIVY8FQUXMu8dFvTRNFfewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbAHbWGa9M4/WYeI00BhUHI/AAAAAAAAFO0/7LA4CNjrHd8MIVY8FQUXMu8dFvTRNFfewCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another! Did I mention horses? Lots of those too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2OxaRPcis/WYeI0gIJY-I/AAAAAAAAFOs/ZMSQKtBVPio4UqROQuX--iSHJc1aSJB4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0u2OxaRPcis/WYeI0gIJY-I/AAAAAAAAFOs/ZMSQKtBVPio4UqROQuX--iSHJc1aSJB4QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For example...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It was well worth the trip - even worth the $100 I had to pay to get my cell phone returned to me by the hotel where I had dropped it (more than the room rental itself).<br />
<br />
The writing that has taken my energy lately is a story inspired by other art made available to the public by the New York Public Library. Watch this space! In the meantime, I hope some of you will head to New Haven and let me know what you think of this beautiful temple to the best things in life. Ta for now.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #787878;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-73950208433702974842017-03-26T13:12:00.003-04:002017-03-26T13:12:31.698-04:00Books on the Fly... Also, She Speaks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3-AOjAF1-4/WNf1UqqjrEI/AAAAAAAAFM4/khnN4MiAeWgfIilShcyb00lEiNIaDle1QCLcB/s1600/duck%2Bwith%2Bbook%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M3-AOjAF1-4/WNf1UqqjrEI/AAAAAAAAFM4/khnN4MiAeWgfIilShcyb00lEiNIaDle1QCLcB/s400/duck%2Bwith%2Bbook%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
Hello, Dear Reading Public.<br />
<br />
I'm just stopping by the old blog to direct your attention to ManyBooks.net where they have put together <a href="http://manybooks.net/featured-authors/kim-velk-inspired-by-bicycles-typewriters-and-1920s-music" target="_blank">a nice interview with yours truly</a> as author of the day today (3/26). The interviews get archived so if you miss it today, you can circle back around when it suits.<br />
<br />
The interview is in connection with a temporary price drop on the ebook: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490547901&sr=8-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank">99 cents in the US</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1490547951&sr=8-1" target="_blank">99 pence in the UK</a> for the rest of the week. <br />
<br />
I'll have more to say about this charming duck and his book in a new story. Stay tuned. In the meantime thanks for your time and interest.Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-3101889731014185032017-03-04T22:07:00.002-05:002017-03-04T22:17:31.550-05:00Some Twitter Gold For You, Dear Reader<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As long as we're posting signs.... <a href="https://t.co/gM0cHYJFkV">pic.twitter.com/gM0cHYJFkV</a></p>— Tweddit (@Tweddit) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tweddit/status/826099502113255424">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
Good one.
And here are some lovely pictures of Blighty from the Sheffield Lady:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over Owler Tor Sunset... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Derbyshire?src=hash">#Derbyshire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Peakdistrict?src=hash">#Peakdistrict</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Q7GRWg0gg">pic.twitter.com/1Q7GRWg0gg</a></p>— The Sheffield Lady (@sheffieldladyuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/sheffieldladyuk/status/838211719109435392">March 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thwaite And Beyond - Swaledale... <a href="https://t.co/cBFsXaCtKn">pic.twitter.com/cBFsXaCtKn</a></p>— The Sheffield Lady (@sheffieldladyuk) <a href="https://twitter.com/sheffieldladyuk/status/836052691906400256">February 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And a funny:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Names Bond, James Bond. And you are..? <a href="https://t.co/anJRrdzgEN">pic.twitter.com/anJRrdzgEN</a></p>— You Had One Job (@_youhadonejob1) <a href="https://twitter.com/_youhadonejob1/status/833339823163375616">February 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-24030083846040696332017-01-19T20:43:00.002-05:002017-01-19T20:43:19.113-05:00Malcolm Gladwell Talking Sense Yes, I'm in the camp that feels like my fellow Americans have, somehow, chosen to be led by the anti christ. OK - he's not as charismatic or smart as the AC is likely to be and so there's some hope in that, but - any way, to my point.<br />
<br />
In the midst of all the baying I found respite and hope <a href="http://the%20roaring%20commentary%20and%20the%20roiling%20emotions%20of%20this%20particular%20moment%20in%20american%20history%20are%20exhausting./" target="_blank">in this short interview of Malcolm Gladwell</a>. The interviewer, one of a species of lefty British types who specialize in dudgeon, is outclassed by Gladwell, who is obviously thinking for himself and not regurgitating the script the interviewer seems to have written for him. <br />
<br />
Of course I found this over on BBC Radio 4 - which is a wonderful place. An interview with the writer Lionel Shriver is included as part of the same series and I recommend that one to you too. <br />
<br />
Buckle on your helmets, America. Here we go. As Gladwell notes, if Trump had more substance we might need to be more concerned. I've decided to look at this next four years as a period of illness that will make us appreciate and safeguard our health much more diligently post-Trump. Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-8258948624049145982017-01-06T17:18:00.000-05:002017-01-06T17:18:02.275-05:00Thanks - The Books are in the Mail Thanks to all who entered the recent Goodreads Giveaway, The books have been despatched, as some people used to say. I still have a few of the first editions up for grabs (see previous post) if you're looking for a group-read.<br />
<br />
Just for stopping in today I have a little thank you gift for you - a book recommendation. If you liked <i>Up, Back, and Away</i> I think you will love <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1069471.Corduroy" target="_blank">the trilogy of books </a>written by Adrian Bell about how he became a farmer in Suffolk back in the 1920s. <br />
<br />
I read that Bell's books went to war with English soldiers during World War II. They carried his books in their packs and he carried them home to their countryside. He's a wonderful writer and you won't be sorry if you give him some of your time.<br />
<br />
<br />Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-38320713859124908092016-12-10T17:02:00.000-05:002016-12-12T07:38:26.322-05:00Somewhere There's A Book Club Where We Belong... Win Some Paperbacks!Under my desk, there is a box. It is about half full of early printings of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481404925&sr=1-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank">Up, Back, and Away</a> - Version 1.0, before I made a few corrections and <a href="http://www.juanwijngaard.com/work/" target="_blank">commissioned a genius</a> to illustrate the cover. These early paperbacks look like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCuS1KTKrNM/WExx2XnTj2I/AAAAAAAAFJU/dgnLynl8pOo1tRByGgtYSci2Ica5vZ5iQCLcB/s1600/woolfoot01%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NCuS1KTKrNM/WExx2XnTj2I/AAAAAAAAFJU/dgnLynl8pOo1tRByGgtYSci2Ica5vZ5iQCLcB/s320/woolfoot01%2B2.png" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way we were...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite being put in the shade by Juan's brilliant cover illustration, these books still have a little piece of my heart. I hate to think of them languishing lik<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessie_(Toy_Story)" target="_blank">e Jessie in Toy Story</a> in a dark box. So, in this holiday season, what I would like to do is send them to you and your bookclub.<br />
<br />
I will send up to ten copies to the club/club(s) representatives making a request. If more than one group writes in (leave a comment here with some form of contact information or email me at holdforkim@gmail.com), I will put names in a hat and draw them out. I will sign all the books so you'll want to hold onto your copy for that day when Sotheby's comes calling. I think there are about fifteen in the box... Say how many you would like, give me an address in the U.S. (sorry, too expensive to ship over borders - but see note below re: ebook), and hey presto. First come, first served.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>If your group gets around to actually reading the book and you want me to come via Skype to the meeting when you chat about it - just come back here and say so.</b> Or send me an email at the aforementioned holdforkim@gmail.com. I'd be honored.<br />
<br />
For those of you who have moved on from paper or who are in England, starting Dec. 16, 2016, you can get the e-version (with lovely cover and corrections) for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U" target="_blank">99 cents in the US</a> and<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk-ebook/dp/B00CHCP95U/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1481406777&sr=1-1&keywords=up+back+and+away" target="_blank"> 99p across the pond</a> on Amazon for one week. <br />
<br />
But don't let that stop you asking for these copies. I live to serve and to send paperbacks.<br />
<br />
Leave a comment. Email me. Tell your friends. Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-47863936885685092292016-12-01T17:34:00.000-05:002016-12-01T17:34:02.112-05:00Ready, Steady, WRAP!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NQ0N3uxENk/WEChHimh4MI/AAAAAAAAFIk/tVIvFClNXjQwPV3B4zerNjvSR_h_jdjdwCLcB/s1600/tandembaum_bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NQ0N3uxENk/WEChHimh4MI/AAAAAAAAFIk/tVIvFClNXjQwPV3B4zerNjvSR_h_jdjdwCLcB/s640/tandembaum_bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tandembaum" by Juan Wijngaard, brilliant artist and cover illustrator of <i>Up, Back, and Away</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You-Know-What is coming. I'm no where near ready - but, friends, I am making plans. I'll have a little something for everybody - and that means YOU too - later this month.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, just to say Happy Hols and thanks for stopping by, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b083qpdf" target="_blank">here's a link</a> to one of my new favorite BBC Radio programmes: Choral Evensong on Radio 3. This is, "A Service for Advent with Carols" recently recorded live at the Chapel of St. John's Cathedral in Cambridge. <br />
<br />
If you have been around here before you know that since I discovered the iPlayer app (q.v.- the app works brilliantly to dial up the whole universe of BBC radio - and it is a vast universe). British public radio puts ours in the shade. Choral Evensong is one of many long-running programmes (I always mentally pronounce the "e" there, being American) that I have come to love. The only down-side is that all that fabulous radio has cut down on my reading. If you have a tip for a book I should check out, leave it here or over on Goodreads. <br />
<br />
More later. Best wishes for a bright season.<br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-42636490170249966672016-10-02T10:10:00.001-04:002016-10-02T10:15:45.334-04:00Origin Story<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBUAglPOrCU/V_ETuvuDzUI/AAAAAAAAFGE/j9jr56Ue2UsURtOXt3IbL5-STf8EFe_wACEw/s1600/kim087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBUAglPOrCU/V_ETuvuDzUI/AAAAAAAAFGE/j9jr56Ue2UsURtOXt3IbL5-STf8EFe_wACEw/s320/kim087.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the cover was a work in progress,,, by Juan Wijngaard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was asked not long ago by a bookseller to contribute an essay about what inspired me to write Up, Back, and Away. Here's the answer, if you're also curious.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How'd You Get the
Idea In the First Place?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it happens, I can tell you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was listening to my iPod, Adele’s first album,one spring
morning in 2007 as I was walking along the Stowe, Vermont Recreation Path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a beautiful path that follows a rocky stream through
woods and fields with the Green Mountains in the long view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had recently left full time work for a
half-time job (I’m a government lawyer by day) and I had two kids in
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This meant I had a little mental
space and time with which to work for the first time in years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been a writer before law school, for
local newspapers and in a college PR office, and I had continued writing (for
fun) on a blog that I have kept since 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I mention this because I was in the writing habit, which helped, I
think, to keep ideas coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walking
part is important too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk every day
if I can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to thinking that day as
I listened to Adele sing about how important it was for gifted people to arrive
at the right place and time if their gifts are to be realized.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When this thought flitted across my mind, I immediately thought
of Thomas Gray’s famous, ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It contemplates, among other things, those
whose talents never stood a chance: circumstances were arrayed against them
from birth. For most in that churchyard, it was the time and place in which
they were deposited that was fatal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wondered what if some exceptional people weren't constrained by the circumstances
of their birth?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if the Universe had
a way of, very occasionally, correcting these mistakes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of shifting people born in the wrong time and
place to the place in time where they and their talents could flourish?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What about, a time travel story? One with a cosseted but
basically good American rich kid at its center?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFqMAzofEXM/V_EU52M6_1I/AAAAAAAAFGU/kvxKG8hAdmsBQS4_VIcOp9RdcVpdFyaVACLcB/s1600/castle%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFqMAzofEXM/V_EU52M6_1I/AAAAAAAAFGU/kvxKG8hAdmsBQS4_VIcOp9RdcVpdFyaVACLcB/s320/castle%2Bdoor.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's on the other side? I didn't know. I went through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sending<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my young hero
to England in the 1920s would give me a chance to write about many of my
favorite things: : English language and literature, social history, the differences between English and American culture, as well
as their similarities, and about how we all must meet the challenges that life
throws at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could also write about
fun stuff (for me) Staffordshire pottery, London in the twenties, the English
countryside and English country living at its last gasp between the wars. I
could include three-speed bicycles and manual typewriters and dogs and old
buildings and old songs and new music and stranger-in-a-strange land and all of
that! The revolution in the place in the world of the western woman is the great
story of the last 100 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With time
travel I could explore this, as well as the timeless story of the struggle to
find courage and to come of age. How about a rescue mission – where our hero
has to find a girl born out of her time and a secret not meant to be and then
get home with them both so that she has a chance to fulfill her artistic
destiny?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkgnjSULgCo/V_EUTuWOmQI/AAAAAAAAFGI/x6sjVyYirXIHP7s2WZ7GTPNG-Bd32Mr_wCLcB/s1600/cinemascope%2Bb%2526w%2Bshift%2Bkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkgnjSULgCo/V_EUTuWOmQI/AAAAAAAAFGI/x6sjVyYirXIHP7s2WZ7GTPNG-Bd32Mr_wCLcB/s320/cinemascope%2Bb%2526w%2Bshift%2Bkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was my own small “J.K. Rowling moment” – <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the one we’ve all heard about, when Ms. Rowling
was riding on a train and suddenly had an idea for a story about a school for
young wizards? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’m no J.K.
Rowling, but I think I experienced something of the same thrill. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The book unfolded itself right there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then
had to spend the next five years working it all out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t all joy, working on the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it did a great deal for me
personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the research,
writing the characters into being, and working out the plot lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly I was trying to write the book I
wished was out there for me to read when I was growing up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-51600118892606828082016-08-01T12:02:00.000-04:002016-08-01T12:16:31.170-04:00My Not So Illicit Affair with Staffordshire Wares<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7qzhT1bojA/V59p2rTgPgI/AAAAAAAAFCs/RbetJfGOW3YLkhi478yuO5ycz0ow1_ChwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7qzhT1bojA/V59p2rTgPgI/AAAAAAAAFCs/RbetJfGOW3YLkhi478yuO5ycz0ow1_ChwCLcB/s400/IMG_1989.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transferware in the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, Vermont</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Certain near relations give me a hard time about the number of plates I have hanging on my walls. (You know who you are). My collection of Staffordshire transferware is modest compared to those serious collectors and scholars whom I encounter in the Internet - but my love for it is real and enduring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love to think of <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">the people who worked so hard to make these things out of the earth around Staffordshire (which is a county in the English midlands): the skill, the effort, the quest to make things as pretty as possible. The wares were designed to appeal to the sweet tooth of the common man: they were shown off on dressers and cherished as family treasures in modest homes around England, the empire, and the USA. (Those of you who have read Laura Ingalls Wilder must recall the China Shepherdess that accompanied the Ingalls family on their travels). The actual creation of these pretty things was, however, a gritty, industrial business. The towns of the potteries are not and never have been elegant vacation spots, which endears them to me - a native of the similarly-regarded Schenectady, New York.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">The output of the potteries in the 19th century was colossal, and much of it destined for the American market. I often wonder that the whole county of Staffordshire wasn't swallowed by an enormous pot hole. (That phrase, BTW, comes from the practice of digging good clay out of any old place in Staffordshire).<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3TxlZcwn9c/V59s0Flgi7I/AAAAAAAAFC4/KQsoHoIy8IsGFLPDKUsId-1newvkWuusQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3TxlZcwn9c/V59s0Flgi7I/AAAAAAAAFC4/KQsoHoIy8IsGFLPDKUsId-1newvkWuusQCLcB/s400/IMG_1992.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No China Shepherdess in this collection but you get the idea - Shelburne Museum</td></tr>
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In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Up-Back-Away-K-Velk/dp/1481873474/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1470066212&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Up, Back, and Away</a> I cast Lady Fisher in the role of a Potteries Heiress. Her industrial-based fortune made her and her brother, who redoubled the family fortune, into earthenware aristocrats - not so good as the old-time gentry but whose money bought grudging entry to the upper class. There were many self-made men with a genius for pottery production - Josiah Wedgwood being the most famous example.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Whenever I'm out in an antique store, or even a modern kitchen goods store (they are still making pottery in Staffordshire, thank goodness) my eye always goes to the transfer-printed wares. I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">f you have any interest in the history of the English Potteries, </span><a href="http://www.thepotteries.org/index.html" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19.32px;" target="_blank">here is a can't miss web site</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">. I'll venture a suggestion: next time you find yourself presented with a pretty old plate or cup, flip it over and have a look at the mark. You might then enter that information at that website, or just plain old Google, and find there is story to that pattern and to the history of the manufacturer waiting for you. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enourmous Staffordshire jugs - also at Shelburne Museum. </td></tr>
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-49350511893345411292016-07-11T10:35:00.000-04:002016-07-11T10:40:36.683-04:00 Brilliant Animation Brings 1931 Back to LifeI'm hoping to convince this genius, who's doing WONDERFUL things with his computer in Russia, to do a book trailer for me. (I think he's actually famous and in demand so don't hold your breath). In the meantime, you can marvel with me at what he has already accomplished.<br />
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Click and enjoy. Be sure to switch to full screen.<br />
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<i>Alexey Zakharov animation - YouTube</i>Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-58805679253492687092016-07-02T07:55:00.001-04:002016-07-02T07:55:54.171-04:00Remembering the Somme - 100 Years Since...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToxYbg61hds/V3erXKVR19I/AAAAAAAAFCM/J7o-u7cEXwsI2f_QvOKrDJSCeZCylRn6gCLcB/s1600/The_Battle_of_the_Somme_film_image1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToxYbg61hds/V3erXKVR19I/AAAAAAAAFCM/J7o-u7cEXwsI2f_QvOKrDJSCeZCylRn6gCLcB/s400/The_Battle_of_the_Somme_film_image1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">The precipitating event, or one of them in <i>Up, Back, and Away </i>was the Battle of the Somme. I studied it for quite awhile before writing the Somme scenes. Just reading about WW 1, especially the personal stories of the soldiers (I recommend Robert Graves' memoir </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Good-bye to All That</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;"> and Siegfied Sasoon's fictionalized life story, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;"> ) was very moving, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-36683549?error_code=4201&#38;error_message=User+canceled+the+Dialog+flow" target="_blank">but this commemoration is the most brilliant memorial I've seen</a> - making the loss tangible and for reminding the rest of us of what their sacrifice (among so many others) made possible. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.32px;">Something to keep in mind over here during our Independence Day celebrations this weekend.</span><br />
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Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-47742240122323573682016-06-19T20:11:00.002-04:002016-06-19T20:12:43.433-04:00Midsummer Eve<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ynxaxuuov0/V2czfMBfpEI/AAAAAAAAFBI/4HJoHpMmOHgni_cUxNqhath-kVdk169NgCLcB/s1600/study%2Bof%2Bclouds.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ynxaxuuov0/V2czfMBfpEI/AAAAAAAAFBI/4HJoHpMmOHgni_cUxNqhath-kVdk169NgCLcB/s320/study%2Bof%2Bclouds.jpg" /></a>
Hello Gentle Reader.
Welcome to summmer. Officially it begins tomorrow, which means we are right on the cusp of that magic moment - for those of us in the northern hemisphere - the longest day - the shortest night.
I researched a lot of the traditions around midsummer's eve for the book. Daphne's advice to Dr. Slade to wet his face in the dew caught in flowers on the morning after is real. I mean that people used to recommend that.
I'm a little ashamed of the druidical kink in my thoughts. I am one of those people who toss salt over my (left) shoulder when I've gone and spilled some. I don't even like to look at the number 13 (true confession - I turn away from my microwave as it gets to the last seconds to avoid spotting it). I once drove around the block when a black cat crossed in front of my car to avoid path crossing. I mean, why take a chance, right?
This is the silly, low-end thinking that is part of something grander I think: mysteries of nature that baffle and terrify and also awe us. Here's hoping your summer is magic and not scary. Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2078118859256917603.post-68008573424835584112016-06-19T11:03:00.001-04:002016-06-19T11:03:23.223-04:00London's Famous Clubs And Cabarets No. 3 (1926)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tuZ-oqOXP6U" width="459"></iframe>Kim Velkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06729808121762572706noreply@blogger.com0