About half past life’s more trying moments, as the minute hand ticks round and round and the hour hand stands still, we hold our breath in worry over what comes next then something fine sometimes happens. In these in between moments, we can feel lonely, sad, perhaps defeated, then, an invitation arrives, a date is set, a gathering is planned and those trying moments are held in blissful abeyance. We plan ahead and mark the days for when new memories are made.
So it is during this rather stormy summer season that some bits and pieces of joy have been tied together into a lovely bouquet of life which has filled me up with gratitude.
As I attempted to put two special happenings together into one post, I realized that I simply could not. Each deserves its own space – and you, dear reader, do not need a thousand words to read.
So . . . this is a mere preface to two blog posts I am fussing with and hope to have written soon.
In-the-meantime, a brief book review.
I recently read “A Star for Mrs. Blake” by April Smith. This is a historical novel about the Gold Star mothers from across America who were transported by ship in 1929 by the US government. By boat and rail and other conveyances, these pilgrims, as they were referred to, travelled to France to see the graves and battle sites of their sons; mostly young men who died in battle or from wounds during WWI. This is a touching story of the mothers’ journey and it is enlightening about the circumstances of that war. Among the many issues explored, one that was new to me, was the unintended consequences caused by the material used in face masks that were made for men who were disfigured after being attacked by gas. These men survived their injuries but later lost their lives to lead poisoning from the masks.
“A Star for Mrs. Blake” is an interesting read with several characters, Mrs. Blake being the primary one, and it is a glimpse into a lesser known chapter in the years after WWI. It deserves a more comprehensive post, but. . . there are those two other l posts percolating right now.
Thank you, Dee Ready, for this recommendation.
Have you read anything interesting lately?
Lifeonthecutoff's Blog 
What a beautiful introductory paragraph, Penny. You seem to have read my thoughts as i weather our blustery winter. I just posted my first blog/newsletter in a month, right as you were also posting. How nice to be in sync across the world and across the seasons.
LikeLike
Thank you, Juliet. I just saw that you have posted. It always warms my heart and soul when you and I have these moments across that great divide. I’ll be by to visit your post in just a bit. I savor your posts and wisdom.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am slowly, carefully reading Juliet Nicolson’s The Perfect Summer, and it is a perfect book.
LikeLike
I have this on my TBR list, Nan. Perhaps I’ll push it up toward the top.
LikeLike
What a beautiful post and oh so true. Memories are made and old friends gather to reminisce about past times. We are reading “News of the World” from Paulette Jiles. I enjoyed the historic aspect of this book.
LikeLike
Thank you, Gerlinde. You gather those same seeds each time you return to you family home, which I truly enjoy reading about. I just did a quick google check of “News of the World” and had added it to my list. I enjoy books with historic aspects. Thank you for sharing this one.
LikeLike
This sounds like a very interesting book. I hope you have more and more bits of joy to balance the storms Penny.
LikeLike
You might enjoy it, Janet. It is a quick, interesting read and I found myself looking all sorts of things pertinent to that time in history. Thank you, Janet.
LikeLike
I’m happy to read a little joy is slipping into your life, Penny. Lovely review!
LikeLike
Thank you, Jill. We take these little bits of joy and hold onto them – especially with family. 🙂
LikeLike
I have been recently reading some mysteries by Laura Childs. They are kind of a grown up version of Nancy Drew. A fun series but not too challenging.
The next book in my library to read is Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. It was on a stand in the library begging Mr to take it home. It is about a New York socialite and two other women who become involved in WW II. That’s all I know, I haven’t started reading this.
LikeLike
I’m pretty sure I’ve read some of Laura Childs and should pick up a few of her books for some light summertime reads.
I have had those encounters at the library stand where a book is waiting just for me. 🙂 Lilac Girls sounds like something I might like. Enjoy. Oh dear . . . now you’ve given me even more books to add to my list. 🙂
Thank you, Janet. Happy reading.
LikeLike
Dear Penny, I’m so pleased that you enjoyed that book. I’m reading right now a nonfiction book on the Battle of the Somme during World War I. The battle was horrific, but I want to know more about this war that began the 20th century.
As to writers I’m reading–do you know Elizabeth Strout? She’s written several books. Her first book I read was “Olive Kitteridge.” Now I’m reading her latest one. A fine writer. Peace.
LikeLike
I did enjoy it, Dee, and am now interested in learning more about this program.
I do, indeed, know Elizabeth Strout. My book group read “Olive Kitteridge” and I recently read “My Name is Lucy Barton”. She has such an interesting and engaging writing style. Peace to you as well, Dee.
LikeLike
I remember knowing a Gold Star mother from my childhood…a Mrs Provost who owned the local flower shop,…she had a plaque on the wall and I remember my mother explaining it to me (that her son had died in the War) …but surely they must have continued that honor up through WWII (because I am old, but not THAT old). The book sounds good, and I look forward to the posts you are working on.
LikeLike
Sallie, the Gold Star honor to mothers of fallen men and women continues to this day and I believe there is an actual Gold Star Mother organization.
I think you might appreciate this book, especially with that childhood memory as a reminder. Thank you, Sallie – working on them. 🙂
LikeLike
Now I’m back writing blogs, its also good to be reading them ( not on facebook) and responding properly ! I will certainly seek this book out, and look forward to more posts… any more Monarchs? jx
LikeLike
I am so glad that you are writing again, Janice, and always appreciate hearing from you. There seemed to be a long spell where all my favorite bloggers, like you, weren’t blogging. I haven’t written as much lately, either, but . . . the blogging world seems to be reviving. Yeah! You might enjoy reading this book.
There have, indeed, been more monarchs and I discovered a caterpillar last night at dusk on the smallest milkweed plant in the garden. 🙂
LikeLike
You express yourself so beautifully, Penny, even when you’re yet holding back. I will be ready and eager to read what you’re hoping to yet share. And another book review! Truth be told this hasn’t been a season where I’ve been able to read as much as I would like, but I did just finish a really good book, “Do Not Become Alarmed,” by Maile Meloy. I couldn’t put it down. It very cleverly tells a tale speaking to how we try to control our lives (especially our children) to avoid danger, and the must confront those limits. I read it quickly–I wanted to know how it would end. “A Star for Mrs. Blake” interests me, too, as I have an interest in that era. Since I’m catching up tonight I’ve received two book reviews from you. What a treat, my friend. 🙂
LikeLike
I appreciate your words and insight, Debra. Thank you.
I think I’ve finally gotten my “reading groove” back as I had been in a pretty dry reading season myself lately. You might enjoy “A Star fro Mrs. Blake”. There were a few characters that I thought could have been developed a bit more, but, in the end, it didn’t matter all that much for the book gave me new insights into the era.
I will definitely put “Do Not Become Alarmed” on my list. I do, eventually, read recommendations from friends, especially friends like you. 🙂 Thanks for including the Cutoff on your catch-up, Debra.
LikeLike
Wow. I’ll bet that journey is poignant and beautiful. My father would love this book. He loves books about history. I’m glad this book and the event you mentioned in the post I just read (I’m doing some blog catch-up today) brought you joy. 😀
I’m reading a middle grade fantasy book–NEVERMOOR: THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROW. I have an advanced reader copy. The book debuts in October. I believe this is a worthy successor to Harry Potter.
LikeLike
Thank you. I had not heard of this “pilgrimage” to France before. A blogging friend recommended the book some time ago. When I saw it at the library I snatched it up and couldn’t put it down. The story of the mothers’ journey is amazing. Their sons came from all walks of life and they all bear the pain of loss. That long journey at sea, being in Paris for the first time, seeing the graves, Verdun . . . Your father might love this book.
I enjoy hearing about the books you read, L. Marie, and Nevermoor . . . sounds quite interesting. We need a successor to Harry Potter. 🙂 I’ll be on the lookout come October, and your review of it.
LikeLike
[…] World War I, I am reminded of a book of fiction I read over a year ago and wrote briefly about here. “A Star for Mrs. Blake” by April Smith, is a fictional account of a real act of […]
LikeLike