The Human Puzzle

Many moms will agree, watching your child grow up and move on to the next stage of life isn't always easy. Lucky for me I don't have to deal with the monster step yet, however, sixth-grade graduation is set to take place in a few short days. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't in awe. Time has a way of flying and if you're not careful you'll find yourself saying you have no idea where it went. That said, I don't regret any of it for even a moment. Unlike many mothers, I've been allowed to enjoy every step of the process and surprising as it is, my son has yet to get sick of me. Let's just say I'm grateful, considering we are complete polar opposites. For those of you who have experienced similar circumstances, you will understand how huge this factor can be. Ever wonder what category you fall into? Try this link on for size:
https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Apparently, I fall under the "Campaigner" category. Not entirely surprising having read the synopsis. This definitely coincides with my Gemini zodiac sign! I'd love to hear from any of you on what results you receive. As with most facets of writing, human nature never fails to fascinate me. It is amazing how a single trait, which can seem so small in the broader spectrum, can so strongly affect a relationship or even an entire string of events when writing. Are you soft-hearted, a perfectionist, stubborn? Perhaps you enjoy picking flowers? What if it just so happened that spending time flower-picking lead to a meeting with your ideal mate? In a book and in real life this is not so uncommon. That said, I hope you enjoy this quiz as much as I did.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Adrienne

Which side of the tracks?

As a mother and a writer, it is not uncommon that I find myself alone. Whether writing or simply working on day to day tasks around the house and yard, I never want for something to do. Even when I am physically engaged, however, I frequently find my mind off on another plane, wondering over random possibilities and considerations while I do my tasks. Only yesterday, while wasting away the afternoon attempting to cut off the crop of weeds that seems so endless this year, that psychological journey temporarily lead me backward in time. What began as a passing thought to the circumstances that allow me to be so easily self-sufficient soon transformed into deeper contemplation of the life of those women who lived decades before me.

It goes without saying life in the roaring twenties and the elegant Regency was far more colorful, it was far more difficult as well. Given the option what path would you have taken No matter how hard I personally focused on the notion I never could quite decide. The flappers, the nobles, the courtesans, the mothers- each path had its highs and lows. Girls of noble birth, for instance, were raised from babyhood to a life of luxury and wealth. This pampering, however, came at the cost of their emotional intellectual freedom. They were required to cater to their husband's demands and bend quietly to his will. Much the opposite, courtesans and their more modern counterpart- the flapper- never wanted for freedom and opulence. They were allowed knowledge and even admired for it, but only because they were willing to sacrifice their body for these luxuries. The more flamboyant their style the more they were sought after often the wealthier they grew.

It goes without saying these women, whatever their path, were fascinating and admirable people, each with their particular talents and trials who have never ceased to leave a lasting mark on the decades.

Fiction in Color

  For most people, fictional novels are a welcome escape from reality- a journey that is at once peaceful and enthralling. These books are not usually a method to further grind our brains. That can be accomplished on a regular basis simply by stepping outside the front door. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the first thought to cross our minds during one of these heavenly respites is not usually the accuracy of the horticulture encompassing the setting, or the length of the hero's coattails, or the underlying symbolism behind the hue of the lady's gown. How many authors really stop to consider this factor as they meticulously weave together the threads of a scene? It's hard to say for sure. Even if this factor was not intentional or even taken into consideration by these talented writers doesn't stop us from considering the correlation ourselves.

As far back as ancient Egypt the concept of color psychology has played a role in culture and evolution. For centuries the color purple has been revered as a symbol of royalty. White is still today identified as a beacon of peace. Therefore is it really a far stretch to consider a character's personality in correlation with their setting or their attire? Perhaps that red gown a particularly feisty heroine is draped in is a nod to her strength of heart. Maybe that blue overcoat a handsome lord decided on for the evening hints at his reliability. Though much time has passed since the original discovery of this theory the study of color has only grown in popularity. As with many similar beliefs, it has yet to be agreed upon how much truth the study holds. Below I have placed a link with further information on this unique science.

LINK:
https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/color-theory-for-designers-part-1-the-meaning-of-color/

Whether out of a hunger for more information or simply a sense of fascination, perhaps this article will offer a little light reading.

Enjoy,

Adrienne

Threads of Time- The Evolution of Clothing Through the Ages

Often when reading a historical romance or watching a movie set in the 19th century, one of the first things we notice is the beautiful attire worn by the characters. Far less common is the pondering of how these extravagant pieces were created. In their heyday, these artistic novelties were not mass-produced in large factories or across seas but rather woven by hand one careful stitch at a time.

Dress-makers and Milliners were greatly underpaid for their unique services. Many even went out of business due to the amassing of large debts incurred from their wealthy patrons. Seamstresses spent long hours working-oftentimes all night- in order to fulfill deadlines. It was not uncommon for dressmakers to take an apprentice under their wing in an effort to lighten their workload. Not until the latter part of the 19th century did their tasks become substantially easier. 

 

As a result of their contributions, we now have fascinating evidence of the trends that enriched the fashionable world long before any of us were alive to experience them for ourselves. It's fascinated to consider that without their efforts the thousands of painting that exemplify a glittering era with dazzling women in the latest attire would never have existed. In honor of these hard-working fashionistas and artists I have pasted a link below that further expands of their everyday lives:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/victorian/stitching-the-fashions-of-the-19th-century/

I hope you enjoy it this as much as I did!

Old or New- which do you prefer?

Some people call me crazy for my addiction to antiques- especially the part about restoring them. The idea of spending six months on your hands and knees off and on, refinishing a hutch probably sounds like the poetry of an insane person. I can now honestly say it has served me well! Having recently installed new wood flooring we were convinced the job was done, but low and behold the protective finish didn't take. As a result, I have spent the better part of the last two weeks using those same skills I garnered refinishing furniture to revive the "new" look of our floor. The best part about it is the finished product. Similar to the joy I feel when I have finished a book, I smile when I look at the glossy finish. Not to say it won't be a relief to have the project done with. I'll take the vision of a handsome hero any day of the week to the vision of a successful home renovation! Which look do you go for modern or historic?

A Recipe For Holiday Fun

Though it may sound just a little cliche', Christmas really is my favorite time of the year. It seems like everything around me tends to go on hold when December 1st comes around, but I don't mind. All the catching up afterward never fails to be worth the fun! One of my favorite traditions is the cookies and candy- hence the early start. Actually, for quite a few years no one would have rightfully trusted me with a cooking spoon and I don't blame them for a moment. The year my grandmother passed away however all of that changed. Everyone else was too dejected at her passing to want to cook. Though I wasn't sure I could do the job, I knew she wouldn't want the Christmas spirit to fade so I took the risk. Ever since that year, I have continued to cook many of the same recipes she did and many others. For anyone interested, I am listing a few links to some of my favorite holiday goodies. I'd love to hear what you think!

Almond Roca:

https://www.recipegirl.com/almond-roca/

Irish Cream Fudge:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/baileys-irish-cream-fudge-520507

Bounty Balls:

https://www.mouthsofmums.com.au/recipe/bounty-balls-2/

Sugar Cookies:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15295/soft-sugar-cookies-iv/

Merry Christmas everyone!

All In Perspective

At one point 10,000 words seemed like a lot! Now, looking back on that, it's amazing how much has changed. Near the end of last week, I finally hit that mark with my current work. I will admit I was thrilled, but that is more because I now see this as a solid starting point rather than a finish line.

In that time so much has changed and been rearranged within the plotline itself. The process of keeping up with the flow of the story is an adventure in itself!

My biggest goal, to add a few extra layers to the story, appears to be nicely materializing. This, of course, makes the process a little more complex, but it's been worth every second! As soon as I draw closer to the finish line I will be sure to share a glimpse.

For now, happy reading,

Adrienne Davenport