Category: Books & Articles

In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn by Morris & Grueninger

I have been fascinated by the story of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, who was tragically beheaded at the Tower of London on 19 May 1536.  The Tudor period is on top of my list of the most intriguing eras of English history.  When reading a book about this period, I am always enthralled by Henry VIII’s evil scheme to get rid of his wife to achieve his goal to produce an heir; the conspiracy among his circle of trusted courtiers; and all the other fascinating events usually inspire me to read up more about the Tudors. Continue reading “In the Footsteps of Anne Boleyn by Morris & Grueninger” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles

Sunset and Special Childhood Memories

The sunset is beautiful in and of itself.  Whether we attempt to capture it or not, it captivates us, stirs us and inspires us.  But, if we attempt to capture the sunset, what are we attempting to capture?  A photographer could take a perfect picture, but would that capture what is stirred within us?  A photographer can’t take a picture of the stirring in our heart, and that stirring, so flagrant in youth and, all too often, so withered in the old, is what poetry is all about.  A poem or a song attempts to express in words that which already exists — what a photograph fails to convey. Continue reading “Sunset and Special Childhood Memories” →

by Elna Categories: Up Close and Personal

Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)

The award winning ITV television mini-series Downton Abbey, piqued my interest about the  social history of the Edwardian Period.  I have only watched the first series (on youtube) simply because I am not fond of soap operas, and I must say that Downton Abbey is a posh soap opera.  Rather than watch the whole series I decided to read books on social history of the era, which is so much more profitable and enjoyable.

Continue reading “Life Below Stairs, Allison Maloney (A Review)” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles

The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)

The author Jessica Fellowes, niece of the creator and writer of Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, was not only privy to the inside scoop of the production of the series but she is also an author and journalist and well qualified to write the book. Equally important is the photographer Nick Briggs, who captured awe inspiring images of the production that would transport Downton fans back into memorable scenes. Creator Julian Fellowes rightfully opens the book with a brief introduction, offering us insights. Continue reading “The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes (Book Review)” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles

Just A Normal Day in London

London might not be renowned for good weather but every once in a while, the sun is shining, the birds are singing and the grass are green, and we go out and enjoy the day! 🙂 The days are getting longer; it doesn’t get dark until after eight o’clock in the evening and it enables me to do more outdoor activities even late at night.  Continue reading “Just A Normal Day in London” →

by Elna Categories: Health & Fitness, Up Close and Personal

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill

There is a great difference between surviving and succeeding. Those who work to live, and those who live to work. Many people are satisfied to survive on the scraps of earnings yet they have goals that extend beyond their workplace and see their occupation as only “a means to an end.” Others are more focused on their profession and are goal-oriented people and who give their life to their end purpose. Continue reading ““We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” – Sir Winston Churchill” →

by Elna Categories: Up Close and Personal

Hero or Villain?

With the upcoming elections in the Philippines, the USA, and here in the UK, every time I open my device it is flooded with astonishing election related pundits. It seems like there is some type of ‘social-media-war’ going on. Every statement by an avid supporter is filled with anguish and hatred; a lot of times the contents of their commentaries are created out of sheer ignorance that makes me burst into laughter. Continue reading “Hero or Villain?” →

by Elna Categories: Up Close and Personal

The Strangest Family by Janice Hadlow (Book Review)

I love history. I like stories and I am interested in people, and the two seem to perfectly come together when reading history. Although I’ve read a lot of books about the Tudor, Stuart and Victorian era, the Georgian period hasn’t really caught my attention until recently. The play/movie ‘The Madness of King George’ has sparked my interest in the 18th century social history — the story of the people of Jane Austen’s novels, who watched as revolutions raged on the continent and who lived through enormous political, industrial, economic and social change. Continue reading “The Strangest Family by Janice Hadlow (Book Review)” →

by Elna Categories: Books & Articles