Tales of the French Revolution

A book from 1823, Bloody Buoy, talks of the "multitude of acts of HORRID BARBARITY, such as the eye never witnessed, the tongue never expressed or the imagination conceived, until the Commencement of The French Revolution."

Here is one short story: "In the same town, and on the same day, the ax was suspended on over the head of Mr. Teron, when the revolutionist bethought them that he had a son. This son was about ten years of age and in order to enjoy the father's torments and the child's tears both a a time, he was brought to the place of execution. His tears and cries gave a relish to the ferocious banquet. After tiring themselves with the spectacle, they put the father to death before the eyes of the child, whom they besmeared with his blood."

And another: "Two women, who had persisted in asking the life of their husbands, were tied, during six hours, to the posts of the guillotine. Their own husbands were executed before their eyes, and their blood sprinkled over them."

I had never considered writing a story set in this time period until recently, when I had the idea of a three-generation series, starting during the revolution.

Vive la France.

David Gandy - Antique Style

A lovely new post from model David Gandy about his love of antiques. His great style sense is reflected in his decorating. Great pieces. What do you think?

My love of antiques extends only to books, but I can appreciate the value of period pieces, especially those of London Regency.

http://www.vogue.co.uk/blogs/david-gandy/

Leap Year Ramblings

Sadly, I am only posting today because I want a blog post dated February 29th.  I wanted to start a leap day/leap year tradition but I couldn't think of anything clever. And I might not remember my tradition in four years.
From Wiki:

February 29, known as a leap day in the Gregorian calendar, is a date that occurs in most years that are evenly divisible by 4, such as 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Years that are evenly divisible by 100 but not by 400 do not contain a leap day; thus 1900 did not contain a leap day while 2000 did. Years containing a leap day are called leap years. February 29 is the 60th day of the Gregorian calendar in such a year, with 306 days remaining until the end of that year.

And what better way to acknowledge LEAP YEAR than to take a look at Chitzen Itza in the Yucatan. Don't you think it is fitting that the Mayan calender also ends in a leap year? That made me shiver.

Raindrops on roses...

Bacon - Fresh-cut hay - Greece - Romance - Traveling - A spring rain - Stargate Atlantis marathon - David Gandy - Sisters - Black, curly hair - Manicures - Doing nothing - Church - Swimming - Baked potatoes with sour cream - Avon book covers - A boy named Darrell - The Wolf and the Dove - Castle - Castleford - Red Lobster - Chocolate milk - Bedtime - Old books - Sensual pictures - Alias - Letter writing - Miniatures - Crying - Bath and Body Works Sandlewood Rose - Compliments - Analogies - Pride and Prejudice soundtrack - Pride and Prejudice - Team Pattinson - Water - Matching bra and panties - Smiles and white teeth - Touchers - Trust - Benjamin Franklin - Regency England - Smallville - Men's feet - First class - Naps - Dolce and Gabanna sunglasses - Fixing something on my own - Happily ever after

What favorite things make you happy?

Around The World

Does anyone like traveling as much as I do? I think when I retire from my EDJ, I'm going to buy an around the world airline ticket and go where the wind blows me. I'll need an Internet connection though because I'll still plan on writing. I'd bet money my blog posts will be a lot more interesting as I disclose the interesting places and people I'll meet.

You already know of my affinity for Greece. What you don't know is that I am enthralled with the Terracotta Army in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China. I first saw it in a movie - can't remember which one - but I thought, at the time, it was amazing, thinking it was a movie prop. I didn't realize the scope or magnificence until I started reading up on it.

Here's a little Wiki blurb about it:
"The Terracotta Army or the "Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses", is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BC and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife."

Take a look at these pics and these are nothing compared to the real thing:

Best Served Cold Release Date

No news on the release date for Best Served Cold. Sorry for the delay. Publishing is full of unknowns and this is one of those events that is subject to so many variables. As soon as I know something, I'll post the release date. I've got my fingers crossed for this month. I know, I know...you've been hearing that for two months.

Winter is a great time to release a book set in Greece. You'll enjoy the great history of Athens along with the super-hot protagonists who love besting each other!

Etiquette For Gentlemen

One of my favorite books, Etiquette for Gentlemen, has some excellent tips for the polite American Gentlemen.

When a man marries, all acquaintance with his former companions ceases; and unless it is renewed by sending them the cards of the new-married couple, they are no longer on visiting terms. Reasons of economy may render an extensive connexion imprudent, and sound discretion will immediately suggest that many of the bachelor's most agreeable companions would be very improper connexions for a benedict, and by no means prudent associates of the domestic hearth. Custom has established this rubicon, and has dictated that no offence shall be taken by those who not the passport.

If you wish to dance with a lady at a public ball, the master of ceremonies will introduce you , if there be no difference in station and the lady has no objection.

If there be another chair in the room, do no offer a lady that from which you have just risen.

Gentility is neither in birth, manner, nor fashion, but in the mind. A high sense of honor - a determination never to take mean advantage of another - an adherence to truth, delicacy and politeness towards those  with whom you may have dealings - are the essential and distinguishing characteristics of a gentleman.