David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 17
April 13, 2017
Writing - Libraries still needed
My eye was caught this morning, by a headline which claimed that a study showed more young people were using libraries. As a writer this seemed like good news until I read on.
[image error]
The number of young people in the UK using libraries has increased over the last five years, according to new research.A comprehensive study by the Carnegie UK Trust looked at the habits of 10,000 people across the country.
People aged 15-24 in England were the most likely age group to use libraries.
But the data didn't show what they were using them for - so it could be for the computers and free internet.
So there I was thinking the kids were getting back into books until that last phrase which causes me to ask what was the purpose of the research.
Were they trying to gauge age only in use of libraries?
It would seem that the results weren't in connection with reading, although they could have been about research. This is just one of my bugbears regarding research. We are often hit with 'statistics from studies' without having any inkling of what the original quest of the research. Then when you delve into the question it is often the case that it has little or no bearing to what the statistics has been applied. Frustrating.
Of course the fact is students will always require libraries and the young still seem to like books.
On top of that you have research flung at you which is deliberately taken out of context or blown out of all proportion. eg global warming. Did you know that only 50% of the increase in the earth's temperature is down to human actions? No so called expert ever says that.
Remember 'expert' = old drip under pressure
Moving on I also saw a piece today about actors who die during the production of movies. Now that seems to be more of a problem these days than fifty years ago. The explosion of the movie franchise demands a degree of longevity that some actors have been unable to fulfil. Carrie Fisher is the obvious one but they have circumvented her death with the use of previously shot footage. In the case of Oliver Reed and Gladiator they used body doubles and sometimes they either write out a character or just change the actor.
When we write books they are both finite and infinite. They are finite in that once written they will not grow any further but infinite because they will last forever.
Here is an example.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
[image error]
The number of young people in the UK using libraries has increased over the last five years, according to new research.A comprehensive study by the Carnegie UK Trust looked at the habits of 10,000 people across the country.
People aged 15-24 in England were the most likely age group to use libraries.
But the data didn't show what they were using them for - so it could be for the computers and free internet.
So there I was thinking the kids were getting back into books until that last phrase which causes me to ask what was the purpose of the research.
Were they trying to gauge age only in use of libraries?
It would seem that the results weren't in connection with reading, although they could have been about research. This is just one of my bugbears regarding research. We are often hit with 'statistics from studies' without having any inkling of what the original quest of the research. Then when you delve into the question it is often the case that it has little or no bearing to what the statistics has been applied. Frustrating.
Of course the fact is students will always require libraries and the young still seem to like books.
On top of that you have research flung at you which is deliberately taken out of context or blown out of all proportion. eg global warming. Did you know that only 50% of the increase in the earth's temperature is down to human actions? No so called expert ever says that.
Remember 'expert' = old drip under pressure
Moving on I also saw a piece today about actors who die during the production of movies. Now that seems to be more of a problem these days than fifty years ago. The explosion of the movie franchise demands a degree of longevity that some actors have been unable to fulfil. Carrie Fisher is the obvious one but they have circumvented her death with the use of previously shot footage. In the case of Oliver Reed and Gladiator they used body doubles and sometimes they either write out a character or just change the actor.
When we write books they are both finite and infinite. They are finite in that once written they will not grow any further but infinite because they will last forever.
Here is an example.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
April 12, 2017
Poetry Thursday 259 - Delights
As Easter is approaching I thought a light-hearted look at a couple of substances that may come in for some stick this holiday weekend.
[image error]
Chocolate
Two shades of brown and one of white,the source of Christmas and Easter delight,melting smooth when the weather is warm,guaranteed to encourage children to swarm.
Any shape on Earth can be created,from shoes, rabbits or eggs you state it,there is universal acceptance of the taste,and is never known to go to waste.
There are stories and even films made,of this foodstuff from the dairy maid,its goodness is not just superficial,but deep within and that’s official.
So don’t think imbibing is detrimental,there is no danger except perhaps dental,buy your eggs before it’s too late,Jesus must have thought up chocolate.©David L Atkinson April 2017
[image error]
Landlord
Just anticipating the first droplet makes the quality of life seem better.
The cool, velvety smoothness makes plain water just seem wetter.
As the brown flavours dance across your expectant taste buds the mind is transported.
The tranquil sojourn sweeps the arid cells of your body unescorted.
Level falls in your glass.
Interaction is lubricated by its’ luminous glory.
Patience and calmness exudes in the assembled company.
The body topped by an intelligent, creamy head
that knows to cling on until the body’s almost dead.
Level falls in your glass.
Unfettered bonhomie encourages a repeated impletion.
The company argues gently to own blessed restoration.
The process begins again with anticipation no less keen,
as the servitor refills liquid heaven into receptacles pristine.
Levels replenished.
©David L Atkinson June 2014
Enjoy the holiday.
God Bless
[image error]
Chocolate
Two shades of brown and one of white,the source of Christmas and Easter delight,melting smooth when the weather is warm,guaranteed to encourage children to swarm.
Any shape on Earth can be created,from shoes, rabbits or eggs you state it,there is universal acceptance of the taste,and is never known to go to waste.
There are stories and even films made,of this foodstuff from the dairy maid,its goodness is not just superficial,but deep within and that’s official.
So don’t think imbibing is detrimental,there is no danger except perhaps dental,buy your eggs before it’s too late,Jesus must have thought up chocolate.©David L Atkinson April 2017
[image error]
Landlord
Just anticipating the first droplet makes the quality of life seem better.
The cool, velvety smoothness makes plain water just seem wetter.
As the brown flavours dance across your expectant taste buds the mind is transported.
The tranquil sojourn sweeps the arid cells of your body unescorted.
Level falls in your glass.
Interaction is lubricated by its’ luminous glory.
Patience and calmness exudes in the assembled company.
The body topped by an intelligent, creamy head
that knows to cling on until the body’s almost dead.
Level falls in your glass.
Unfettered bonhomie encourages a repeated impletion.
The company argues gently to own blessed restoration.
The process begins again with anticipation no less keen,
as the servitor refills liquid heaven into receptacles pristine.
Levels replenished.
©David L Atkinson June 2014
Enjoy the holiday.
God Bless
April 11, 2017
Writing - Lies, damn lies etc
My eye was caught this morning, by a headline which claimed that a study showed more young people were using libraries. As a writer this seemed like good news until I read on.
[image error]
The number of young people in the UK using libraries has increased over the last five years, according to new research.A comprehensive study by the Carnegie UK Trust looked at the habits of 10,000 people across the country.
People aged 15-24 in England were the most likely age group to use libraries.
But the data didn't show what they were using them for - so it could be for the computers and free internet.
So there I was thinking the kids were getting back into books until that last phrase which causes me to ask what was the purpose of the research.
Were they trying to gauge age only in use of libraries?
It would seem that the results weren't in connection with reading, although they could have been about research. This is just one of my bugbears regarding research. We are often hit with 'statistics from studies' without having any inkling of what the original quest of the research. Then when you delve into the question it is often the case that it has little or no bearing to what the statistics has been applied. Frustrating.
On top of that you have research flung at you which is deliberately taken out of context or blown out of all proportion. eg global warming. Did you know that only 50% of the increase in the earth's temperature is down to human actions? No so called expert ever says that.
Remember 'expert' = old drip under pressure
Moving on I also saw a piece today about actors who die during the production of movies. Now that seems to be more of a problem these days than fifty years ago. The explosion of the movie franchise demands a degree of longevity that some actors have been unable to fulfil. Carrie Fisher is the obvious one but they have circumvented her death with the use of previously shot footage. In the case of Oliver Reed and Gladiator they used body doubles and sometimes they either write out a character or just change the actor.
When we write books they are both finite and infinite. They are finite in that once written they will not grow any further but infinite because they will last forever.
Here is an example.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
[image error]
The number of young people in the UK using libraries has increased over the last five years, according to new research.A comprehensive study by the Carnegie UK Trust looked at the habits of 10,000 people across the country.
People aged 15-24 in England were the most likely age group to use libraries.
But the data didn't show what they were using them for - so it could be for the computers and free internet.
So there I was thinking the kids were getting back into books until that last phrase which causes me to ask what was the purpose of the research.
Were they trying to gauge age only in use of libraries?
It would seem that the results weren't in connection with reading, although they could have been about research. This is just one of my bugbears regarding research. We are often hit with 'statistics from studies' without having any inkling of what the original quest of the research. Then when you delve into the question it is often the case that it has little or no bearing to what the statistics has been applied. Frustrating.
On top of that you have research flung at you which is deliberately taken out of context or blown out of all proportion. eg global warming. Did you know that only 50% of the increase in the earth's temperature is down to human actions? No so called expert ever says that.
Remember 'expert' = old drip under pressure
Moving on I also saw a piece today about actors who die during the production of movies. Now that seems to be more of a problem these days than fifty years ago. The explosion of the movie franchise demands a degree of longevity that some actors have been unable to fulfil. Carrie Fisher is the obvious one but they have circumvented her death with the use of previously shot footage. In the case of Oliver Reed and Gladiator they used body doubles and sometimes they either write out a character or just change the actor.
When we write books they are both finite and infinite. They are finite in that once written they will not grow any further but infinite because they will last forever.
Here is an example.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
April 10, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - Soup
The word soup covers a multitude of dishes. As a young child the hair used to stand up on the back my neck when I asked mam what was for lunch and she answered 'Soup!'
[image error]
It wasn't just vegetable but usually had some rough cut of meat that did tenderise after a lengthy cook, but it also contained pearl barley. I am still not keen. But the creation of soup led to my first successful negotiation as a child with parents. Eventually, I was allowed a ham sandwich instead. Nowadays I am happy with soup and have created my own on more than one occasion.
[image error]Potato and Leek soup
Ingredients
2 leeks, sliced8oz new potatoes, cubed1 onion, choppedbutter2 pts vegetable stocksalt and pepper
Method
I have a large stock pot that I use for making my soups. Melt the butter and fry off the onions until clear then add the potatoes, leeks and vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for half an hour or longer. Using a hand blender, blend the soup until smooth. Sieve into a clean pan and reheat, serving with a swirl of double cream or creme fraiche.Serve with crusty bread.
I made this one a couple of weeks ago and added the tops of some sprout plants which produced a darker bowl and a slightly more tangy flavour.
This soup recipe is totally flexible and you could use whichever vegetables or meat that you prefer. A couple of ingredients you will never see in my soups - pearl barley or celery!
God Bless
[image error]
It wasn't just vegetable but usually had some rough cut of meat that did tenderise after a lengthy cook, but it also contained pearl barley. I am still not keen. But the creation of soup led to my first successful negotiation as a child with parents. Eventually, I was allowed a ham sandwich instead. Nowadays I am happy with soup and have created my own on more than one occasion.
[image error]Potato and Leek soup
Ingredients
2 leeks, sliced8oz new potatoes, cubed1 onion, choppedbutter2 pts vegetable stocksalt and pepper
Method
I have a large stock pot that I use for making my soups. Melt the butter and fry off the onions until clear then add the potatoes, leeks and vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for half an hour or longer. Using a hand blender, blend the soup until smooth. Sieve into a clean pan and reheat, serving with a swirl of double cream or creme fraiche.Serve with crusty bread.
I made this one a couple of weeks ago and added the tops of some sprout plants which produced a darker bowl and a slightly more tangy flavour.
This soup recipe is totally flexible and you could use whichever vegetables or meat that you prefer. A couple of ingredients you will never see in my soups - pearl barley or celery!
God Bless
April 9, 2017
Writing - Use of today's issues
I was recently recommended books by Peter May, no not the cricketer but the Scottish author.
[image error]Peter May
Peter May (born 20 December 1951) is a Scottish television screenwriter, novelist, and crime writer. He is the recipient of writing awards in Europe and America.
I have read two of his books, The Blackhouse and Coffin Road, which I would recommend if you like crime thrillers. The reason I mention them is because he has provided me with modern day evidence of including current matters in his stories.
[image error]
In the above story, no spoiler alert needed, the controversial topic of the life of bees arises. In slightly more detail the insecticides of the group neonic pesticides and the things they do to our little furry buddies. Its current, real and often referred to by groups such as 38 Degrees.
I am not advising that you must include such items but they can provide enrichment and, if you are really brave, a whole story round a given subject.
In the Steele novels I have tackled child abduction, 9/11 and Flight MH370 - it is very much a case of the matter that triggers the imagination.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
[image error]Peter May
Peter May (born 20 December 1951) is a Scottish television screenwriter, novelist, and crime writer. He is the recipient of writing awards in Europe and America.
I have read two of his books, The Blackhouse and Coffin Road, which I would recommend if you like crime thrillers. The reason I mention them is because he has provided me with modern day evidence of including current matters in his stories.
[image error]
In the above story, no spoiler alert needed, the controversial topic of the life of bees arises. In slightly more detail the insecticides of the group neonic pesticides and the things they do to our little furry buddies. Its current, real and often referred to by groups such as 38 Degrees.
I am not advising that you must include such items but they can provide enrichment and, if you are really brave, a whole story round a given subject.
In the Steele novels I have tackled child abduction, 9/11 and Flight MH370 - it is very much a case of the matter that triggers the imagination.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
April 8, 2017
Writing - 10 current affairs items
There is an other worldly feel about this week s selection and also more than a nod to the past.
[image error]
1. Everything you know about your memory might be wrong
It changes weekly!
--------------------------------
[image error]
2. Medieval villagers chopped up the dead to stop them coming back as zombies
Before the time of Boris Karloff
--------------------------------
[image error]
3. Bob Dylan has finally accepted his Nobel Prize
Old news!
--------------------------------
[image error]
4. It's illegal in Russia to share an image of Vladimir Putin as a "potentially gay clown"
Can't blame him.
--------------------------------
[image error]
5. Brexit actually happened 450,000 years ago (geologically speaking)
It was right half a million years ago and it is still right.
--------------------------------
[image error]
6. Most of Mars' air was "lost to space"
Careless - hope it doesn't happen here!
--------------------------------
[image error]
7. Harrison Ford will keep his pilot's licence despite being a "schmuck"
Scary!
--------------------------------
[image error]
8. If you are a night owl, it might be down to a genetic mutation
Might be down to coffee!
--------------------------------
[image error]
9. Tony Blackburn "was once in a folk band"
And your point is?
--------------------------------
[image error]
10. An atmosphere has been found around an Earth-like planet called GJ 1132b
It will just take a millennium to get there.
--------------------------------
God Bless
[image error]
1. Everything you know about your memory might be wrong
It changes weekly!
--------------------------------
[image error]
2. Medieval villagers chopped up the dead to stop them coming back as zombies
Before the time of Boris Karloff
--------------------------------
[image error]
3. Bob Dylan has finally accepted his Nobel Prize
Old news!
--------------------------------
[image error]
4. It's illegal in Russia to share an image of Vladimir Putin as a "potentially gay clown"
Can't blame him.
--------------------------------
[image error]
5. Brexit actually happened 450,000 years ago (geologically speaking)
It was right half a million years ago and it is still right.
--------------------------------
[image error]
6. Most of Mars' air was "lost to space"
Careless - hope it doesn't happen here!
--------------------------------
[image error]
7. Harrison Ford will keep his pilot's licence despite being a "schmuck"
Scary!
--------------------------------
[image error]
8. If you are a night owl, it might be down to a genetic mutation
Might be down to coffee!
--------------------------------
[image error]
9. Tony Blackburn "was once in a folk band"
And your point is?
--------------------------------
[image error]
10. An atmosphere has been found around an Earth-like planet called GJ 1132b
It will just take a millennium to get there.
--------------------------------
God Bless
April 6, 2017
Writing - Evidence of value
I was recently recommended books by Peter May, no not the cricketer but the Scottish author.
[image error]Peter May
Peter May (born 20 December 1951) is a Scottish television screenwriter, novelist, and crime writer. He is the recipient of writing awards in Europe and America.
I have read two of his books, The Blackhouse and Coffin Road, which I would recommend if you like crime thrillers. The reason I mention them is because he has provided me with modern day evidence of including current matters in his stories.
[image error]
In the above story, no spoiler alert needed, the controversial topic of the life of bees arises. In slightly more detail the insecticides of the group neonic pesticides and the things they do to our little furry buddies. Its current, real and often referred to by groups such as 38 Degrees.
I am not advising that you must include such items but they can provide enrichment and, if you are really brave, a whole story round a given subject.
In the Steele novels I have tackled child abduction, 9/11 and Flight MH370 - it is very much a case of the matter that triggers the imagination.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
[image error]Peter May
Peter May (born 20 December 1951) is a Scottish television screenwriter, novelist, and crime writer. He is the recipient of writing awards in Europe and America.
I have read two of his books, The Blackhouse and Coffin Road, which I would recommend if you like crime thrillers. The reason I mention them is because he has provided me with modern day evidence of including current matters in his stories.
[image error]
In the above story, no spoiler alert needed, the controversial topic of the life of bees arises. In slightly more detail the insecticides of the group neonic pesticides and the things they do to our little furry buddies. Its current, real and often referred to by groups such as 38 Degrees.
I am not advising that you must include such items but they can provide enrichment and, if you are really brave, a whole story round a given subject.
In the Steele novels I have tackled child abduction, 9/11 and Flight MH370 - it is very much a case of the matter that triggers the imagination.
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
April 5, 2017
Poetry Thursday 258 - Competitions and church
I was inspired to write a piece this morning based upon an Ogden Nash poem which kicked in a psychological smile. Well the weather was good!
I went to church
I decided to go to church today,
I hoped the Lord understood my dilemma.
The sun was shining, presaging good weather,
The birds singing in the trees,the buzzing of recently awakened bees.
He knows how long my stay on earth,
how fleeting this spell of summer weather,
He knows when I am said and done
we'll likely have plenty of time together.©David L Atkinson April 2017
Then I received an email advertising poetry competitions.
[image error]
Competition
Writing another set of versesfor others to judge and meaning to unravel,but really the purpose is to stretch the mind,not to satisfy the critic-kind,who have their own set of criteriaand no way into my personal hysteria.
How can they judge if they are not me,when I write of summer or sounds or sea,when the muse takes its twists and turns,according to my own moods and yearns?When peaceful times illicit memoriesof those of the past of broken families.
Are others really the best to judge,when sometimes if I explain I fudge,the pictures and people that I try to describe,with the personal distortions already ascribed,from my subconsciously laboured state of mind,as with pen I write during the daily grind.
Please read my lines with open heart,and if some trigger your brain in part,then privately store the literary experience,for times when it is a useful reference,and journey back once more,my scribing’s to explore. ©David L Atkinson April 2017
God Bless
I went to church
I decided to go to church today,
I hoped the Lord understood my dilemma.
The sun was shining, presaging good weather,
The birds singing in the trees,the buzzing of recently awakened bees.
He knows how long my stay on earth,
how fleeting this spell of summer weather,
He knows when I am said and done
we'll likely have plenty of time together.©David L Atkinson April 2017
Then I received an email advertising poetry competitions.
[image error]
Competition
Writing another set of versesfor others to judge and meaning to unravel,but really the purpose is to stretch the mind,not to satisfy the critic-kind,who have their own set of criteriaand no way into my personal hysteria.
How can they judge if they are not me,when I write of summer or sounds or sea,when the muse takes its twists and turns,according to my own moods and yearns?When peaceful times illicit memoriesof those of the past of broken families.
Are others really the best to judge,when sometimes if I explain I fudge,the pictures and people that I try to describe,with the personal distortions already ascribed,from my subconsciously laboured state of mind,as with pen I write during the daily grind.
Please read my lines with open heart,and if some trigger your brain in part,then privately store the literary experience,for times when it is a useful reference,and journey back once more,my scribing’s to explore. ©David L Atkinson April 2017
God Bless
April 4, 2017
Writing - Treasures in manuscripts
No this is not a food blog or a history blog, it's somewhere in between.
Margery Kempe
When Margery Kempe became an anchoress she began dictating her conversations with God and is believed to have produced the first ever autobiography. It is remarkable enough in 1395 that she was female but also the first written in English. The Revelations of Divine Love was discovered around eighty years ago and now has been digitised.
In Christianity, an anchoress is a woman who chooses to withdraw from the world to live a solitary life of prayer and mortification. Julian of Norwich (Margery Kempe) was an anchoress whose writings tell of her life and spiritual journey. The word anchoress comes from the Greek “anachoreo” meaning to withdraw. By the Middle Ages, the anchoress was enclosed within the confines of her cell. Most often the cell was attached to the parish church. This means the anchoress was not cut off from the world. Instead, she was anchored in it.
So we have this devout Christian woman is walled up in her cell considering God and has her thoughts, ideas and experiences recorded. These experiences resembled seizures or fits and towards the end of the book they believe there is a cure for those fits in the text.
Previous scholars could discern the terms 'sugar' and 'cinnamon' bit it is believed that there is a recipe for 'dragges ' which were medicines intended to settle the stomach and to end bouts of dysentery called 'flux'.The recipe contains fennel seeds, nutmeg, cinnamon, aniseed and ginger which were mixed with sugar heated and then dried. This was picked up in the digitisation process.
Such information was not part of the story but a solution to a factor of life. When we write our stories we include such factors in an almost ad hoc way and these are subjects that make our work important over time. Hopefully it wont take 700 years to come to prominence!
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
Margery Kempe
When Margery Kempe became an anchoress she began dictating her conversations with God and is believed to have produced the first ever autobiography. It is remarkable enough in 1395 that she was female but also the first written in English. The Revelations of Divine Love was discovered around eighty years ago and now has been digitised.
In Christianity, an anchoress is a woman who chooses to withdraw from the world to live a solitary life of prayer and mortification. Julian of Norwich (Margery Kempe) was an anchoress whose writings tell of her life and spiritual journey. The word anchoress comes from the Greek “anachoreo” meaning to withdraw. By the Middle Ages, the anchoress was enclosed within the confines of her cell. Most often the cell was attached to the parish church. This means the anchoress was not cut off from the world. Instead, she was anchored in it.
So we have this devout Christian woman is walled up in her cell considering God and has her thoughts, ideas and experiences recorded. These experiences resembled seizures or fits and towards the end of the book they believe there is a cure for those fits in the text.
Previous scholars could discern the terms 'sugar' and 'cinnamon' bit it is believed that there is a recipe for 'dragges ' which were medicines intended to settle the stomach and to end bouts of dysentery called 'flux'.The recipe contains fennel seeds, nutmeg, cinnamon, aniseed and ginger which were mixed with sugar heated and then dried. This was picked up in the digitisation process.
Such information was not part of the story but a solution to a factor of life. When we write our stories we include such factors in an almost ad hoc way and these are subjects that make our work important over time. Hopefully it wont take 700 years to come to prominence!
Synopsis
In this the 5th Steele novel Patrick tackles the person who has been surreptitiously dogging his footsteps over a number of his adventures. This is not without risk and the focus of his love, Naomi Kobayashi, disappears which seriously affects his ability to function as well as he can. We also find out more about the man himself.The adventure takes him to Eire, France, the USA before he returns to resolve the issue in the UK.Will Patrick finally rid himself of a deadly enemy?Can our hero rescue his love or is it already too late?Another Patrick Steele adventure filled with tension and action as well as the support provided by the team he has developed over the years.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Ince...
God Bless
April 3, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - Putenesca spaghetti
It isn't really putenesca (tart's!) spaghetti, it has elements from that dish, but it does have comfort food features.
Ingredients
3 Italian sausages, skinned chopped and fried500g beef mince14oz can chopped tomatoes2 cloves garlic1pt of beef stock2 tbsp oregano3tbsp tomato puree1 onion, chopped1 tsp chilli flakesolive oil for cookingA handful of pitted black olives cut in half1tbsp capers
Method
Brown the onions and add the garlic. Brown the minced beef and add oregano, chilli flakes, tomato puree and season. Pour in the chopped tomatoes stir well then add the beef stock. Finally, add the olives, capers and sausage and simmer for 30 minutes.
So from the comfort food aspect it has heat from the chilli, sausage and a bolognese feel to the sauce.
God Bless
Ingredients
3 Italian sausages, skinned chopped and fried500g beef mince14oz can chopped tomatoes2 cloves garlic1pt of beef stock2 tbsp oregano3tbsp tomato puree1 onion, chopped1 tsp chilli flakesolive oil for cookingA handful of pitted black olives cut in half1tbsp capers
Method
Brown the onions and add the garlic. Brown the minced beef and add oregano, chilli flakes, tomato puree and season. Pour in the chopped tomatoes stir well then add the beef stock. Finally, add the olives, capers and sausage and simmer for 30 minutes.
So from the comfort food aspect it has heat from the chilli, sausage and a bolognese feel to the sauce.
God Bless
