Rebecca Moll's Blog, page 20
November 14, 2017
Free e-book Offer
In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, I am offering a Free (5) Day e-book Promotion on all three Titles:
The Beauty of Digging Deep
North/South, A Short Story Collection
For the Love of Charlie
From Wednesday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 26th
https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Moll/e...
Use on your phone, tablet, iPad, PC, or MAC...
Download your free book.Tell your friends. Feel free to share.🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!📚🦃
Rebecca
The Beauty of Digging Deep
North/South, A Short Story Collection
For the Love of Charlie
From Wednesday, Nov. 22nd to Sunday, Nov. 26th
https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Moll/e...
Use on your phone, tablet, iPad, PC, or MAC...
Download your free book.Tell your friends. Feel free to share.🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!📚🦃
Rebecca
November 8, 2017
Praise for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
It is a habit of mine, when nearing the end of a wonderful book, that I slow down, savor the ending.
It speaks for itself, that less than halfway through The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I am already pausing, holding back.
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, I love this story.
Oh, such a way with words 📚✒️
It speaks for itself, that less than halfway through The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I am already pausing, holding back.
Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, I love this story.
Oh, such a way with words 📚✒️
A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin...Thoughts upon Reading
Then and Now, thoughts on the past, present, future...
Barely knee-deep into this multi-fathom novel, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, I am struck over and over by the stark differences between then and now, specifically, the difficulty of travel and the laborious and harsh economic process of writing, printing, communicating during the mid-1800s as compared to today.
And yet, considering such a great difference in speed and ease between then and now, I question how far we have really come.
In his quest for the 1860 Republican nomination, Abraham Lincoln delivered nearly two dozen speeches in Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Kansas, in 4 months! And consider the following:
In these states, train was limited, horse power the only viable option, many of the roads extremely difficult, a journey of almost 1500 miles!
After each event, the speech was reworked, rewritten, reprinted. Hundreds of reprints of each speech were delivered.
One tile at a time, layed upon the printing table, hundreds to make a multitude of words, speeches that lasted hours in the telling.
Many of Lincoln's supporters were won by personal persuasion, by Lincoln himself devoting time to visit, to listen, to advocate. Hundreds of visits, thousands of hours, many, many miles apart.
Lincoln's accomplishments, the support he garnered, the hurdles he cleared, and ultimately, the nomination he obtained, despite barely a viable candidate at the onset, are note-worthy, even by today's standards.
There are many ingredients to success, but none the more than faith, tenacity, and perseverance. Esop knew. Moses believed. Lincoln proved.
He wasn't the only one.
He can't be the only one.
Who's next?
Hmm...🤔
Barely knee-deep into this multi-fathom novel, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, I am struck over and over by the stark differences between then and now, specifically, the difficulty of travel and the laborious and harsh economic process of writing, printing, communicating during the mid-1800s as compared to today.
And yet, considering such a great difference in speed and ease between then and now, I question how far we have really come.
In his quest for the 1860 Republican nomination, Abraham Lincoln delivered nearly two dozen speeches in Iowa, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Kansas, in 4 months! And consider the following:
In these states, train was limited, horse power the only viable option, many of the roads extremely difficult, a journey of almost 1500 miles!
After each event, the speech was reworked, rewritten, reprinted. Hundreds of reprints of each speech were delivered.
One tile at a time, layed upon the printing table, hundreds to make a multitude of words, speeches that lasted hours in the telling.
Many of Lincoln's supporters were won by personal persuasion, by Lincoln himself devoting time to visit, to listen, to advocate. Hundreds of visits, thousands of hours, many, many miles apart.
Lincoln's accomplishments, the support he garnered, the hurdles he cleared, and ultimately, the nomination he obtained, despite barely a viable candidate at the onset, are note-worthy, even by today's standards.
There are many ingredients to success, but none the more than faith, tenacity, and perseverance. Esop knew. Moses believed. Lincoln proved.
He wasn't the only one.
He can't be the only one.
Who's next?
Hmm...🤔
November 2, 2017
Rain’s Domain, by Rebecca Moll
There’s something about a rainy day,
That stills my heart,
Puts worries at bay.
It’s more than just a cozy fire,
The lure of a book,
His lazy smile.
A day of rain gives me cause,
A reason to stop,
To think, to pause.
For safe within my shelter, I
Look out upon the rainy skies,
And know I have the luxury to hide.
Awash with the waters,
Awash with the rain,
Graceful, spiritual,
Peaceful, domain.
Rebecca Moll 2.28.17
That stills my heart,
Puts worries at bay.
It’s more than just a cozy fire,
The lure of a book,
His lazy smile.
A day of rain gives me cause,
A reason to stop,
To think, to pause.
For safe within my shelter, I
Look out upon the rainy skies,
And know I have the luxury to hide.
Awash with the waters,
Awash with the rain,
Graceful, spiritual,
Peaceful, domain.
Rebecca Moll 2.28.17
October 26, 2017
Daily Overture by Rebecca Moll
Fields of Frost
Paints of ice
Dawn of light
Crystalline, precise
Morning heist.
Without pause
Blankets of fog
Roll in prologue
Obliterating gauze
No faux pas.
A battle of nature
A daily overture
Obscure vs exposure?
Before the sun
Can win the war
I snap a photo
Capture the score
Fleeting moments
Forevermore.
Rebecca Moll
10-25-17
Paints of ice
Dawn of light
Crystalline, precise
Morning heist.
Without pause
Blankets of fog
Roll in prologue
Obliterating gauze
No faux pas.
A battle of nature
A daily overture
Obscure vs exposure?
Before the sun
Can win the war
I snap a photo
Capture the score
Fleeting moments
Forevermore.
Rebecca Moll
10-25-17
October 20, 2017
A book review by Rebecca Moll: The Beepkeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King (Mary Russel #1)
Ever hear the old question, "Why reinvent the wheel?"
If you want the answer, read: Laurie R. King's, The Beekeeper's Apprentice.
A new twist on the much loved Sherlock Holmes, The 🐝 keeper's apprentice pairs an aging and retired Holmes with a young, headstrong girl, Mary Russell. And, there is definitely something about Mary.
A pair of opposites on the surface, the two collide at times, yet, deep within they compliment, encourage, and enhance the story line.
Add a sense of danger, the thrill of the unknown, a menacing adversary, a duo of masterminds and the plot thickens, the pages fly.
My first reading of a Sherlock Holmes novel and I am hooked. I will definitely add Sherlock to my bookshelf. Although, without Miss Russell, a certain element will be lost.
Watson, I am sure, would concur, Mary, Mary, quite contrary, there is definitely something about Mary.
Holmes, no doubt, would have less to say:
"Elementary, my Dear Watson, elementary."
A great read for all, from young to old and all those in between.
If you want the answer, read: Laurie R. King's, The Beekeeper's Apprentice.
A new twist on the much loved Sherlock Holmes, The 🐝 keeper's apprentice pairs an aging and retired Holmes with a young, headstrong girl, Mary Russell. And, there is definitely something about Mary.
A pair of opposites on the surface, the two collide at times, yet, deep within they compliment, encourage, and enhance the story line.
Add a sense of danger, the thrill of the unknown, a menacing adversary, a duo of masterminds and the plot thickens, the pages fly.
My first reading of a Sherlock Holmes novel and I am hooked. I will definitely add Sherlock to my bookshelf. Although, without Miss Russell, a certain element will be lost.
Watson, I am sure, would concur, Mary, Mary, quite contrary, there is definitely something about Mary.
Holmes, no doubt, would have less to say:
"Elementary, my Dear Watson, elementary."
A great read for all, from young to old and all those in between.
September 13, 2017
Goldenrod by Rebecca Moll
Goldenrod, you prodigal one,
Late to the party,
Last to the fun.
Yet, surely not least,
You herald the fields,
Your golden glory,
A nectar quarry.
Known as many,
The world around,
Your names rebound,
A rhythm of three:
Aaron's rod, Solidago, Blue mountain tea,
Goldruthe, Vergd'Or, Gonea tea,
Wound weed, Woundwort, Bohea tea.
No fool,
No folly,
You know your place,
Summer's last painting,
No time to waste.
Hues of you,
From yellow to brown,
Bleed through the meadows,
Your fiery crowns.
Goldenrod, you prodigal one,
You've come, at last,
Faithful, fragrant,
Stoic, steadfast.
Of all summer's beauty,
Floral banquet, grand repast,
Mother Nature knows,
Always,
Save the best for last.
Late to the party,
Last to the fun.
Yet, surely not least,
You herald the fields,
Your golden glory,
A nectar quarry.
Known as many,
The world around,
Your names rebound,
A rhythm of three:
Aaron's rod, Solidago, Blue mountain tea,
Goldruthe, Vergd'Or, Gonea tea,
Wound weed, Woundwort, Bohea tea.
No fool,
No folly,
You know your place,
Summer's last painting,
No time to waste.
Hues of you,
From yellow to brown,
Bleed through the meadows,
Your fiery crowns.
Goldenrod, you prodigal one,
You've come, at last,
Faithful, fragrant,
Stoic, steadfast.
Of all summer's beauty,
Floral banquet, grand repast,
Mother Nature knows,
Always,
Save the best for last.
September 9, 2017
Then & Now... Thoughts upon reading, by Rebecca Moll, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
It is interesting that in our great nation's history, one of the most pivotal events that has shaped what and who we are today, as Americans, can be traced back to failure.
On March 4th, 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was before the Senate. Rising out of settlers in Kansas and Nebraska, calling upon Congress to grant them territorial status, it once again awakened the sleeping dragon, the issue of slavery. Stephen Douglas, a Democrat, argued for self-governing, as proposed in the Kansas-Nebraska act, voiding the established Missouri Compromise, forbidding slavery in this vast, new territory. It also, wiggled the thorn-in-the-side issue of fugitive slaves and the act that required/legalized returning them to their rightful owner. To many, to prize was preventing a division of north and south, even if doing so, continued the institution of slavery.
Progress is painful and painfully slow.
The ebb and flow of the slavery issue in American politics was a constant dynamic during the mid-1800s, that made and destroyed political careers. Walking the tightrope of popular opinion, erstwhile retaining one's own moral values, was tricky and dangerous indeed.
If the Kansas-Nebraska Act passed, it would be legal for those governing themselves in the new territory to own slaves. The fate of millions of black salves, the institution itself, rested with the persuasion of American political arguments.
To Act was expected, by many, to fail.
To the horror of many, the Act passed.
Yet, this halt to progress, this huge leap backwards, this unexpected slap in the face, was a catalyst, a thrust of power, a zeal to those on the side of the slaves. Most importantly, to a gangley, backwoods lawyer with modest success in American politics, Abraham Lincoln.
Sometimes, when the door slams shut, the sheer force of that effort, recoils it back open again.
I wonder if the Kansas-Nebraska Act had failed to pass, a sure win for the anti-slavery movement, would the momentum have lagged once again, the north returned to the comfort of their free lives, and the course of our history permanently altered?
If the said door closed effortlessly, with little force, would it have gone unnoticed, garnered little attention, bearing little effect on the resolution of one of our most grievous social issues? A gently closed door is quickly rendered inert. Closed with such little force, it would open again with little force.
Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
It is on such foundations of struggle/failure that one overcomes that which once was deemed insurmountable/impossible.
I do not advocate failure; however, I do see merit in a road less direct, when the much-needed slap in the face, the zeal to press on, ever more so, leads to new found passion and purpose.
I am sure one can parallel our own, many, failed political issues today to this moment in history. 163 years later, we are still yearning for progress, fighting for rights, and licking our wounds.
What great can you achieve by losing? What loss can you re-invent as success?
It is in turning around, that the boat is tacked, the course reversed, and the wind captured in the sails.
Only on page 171 of 757 pages, I have much sea to cover.
Time to set sail, my friends.
On March 4th, 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act was before the Senate. Rising out of settlers in Kansas and Nebraska, calling upon Congress to grant them territorial status, it once again awakened the sleeping dragon, the issue of slavery. Stephen Douglas, a Democrat, argued for self-governing, as proposed in the Kansas-Nebraska act, voiding the established Missouri Compromise, forbidding slavery in this vast, new territory. It also, wiggled the thorn-in-the-side issue of fugitive slaves and the act that required/legalized returning them to their rightful owner. To many, to prize was preventing a division of north and south, even if doing so, continued the institution of slavery.
Progress is painful and painfully slow.
The ebb and flow of the slavery issue in American politics was a constant dynamic during the mid-1800s, that made and destroyed political careers. Walking the tightrope of popular opinion, erstwhile retaining one's own moral values, was tricky and dangerous indeed.
If the Kansas-Nebraska Act passed, it would be legal for those governing themselves in the new territory to own slaves. The fate of millions of black salves, the institution itself, rested with the persuasion of American political arguments.
To Act was expected, by many, to fail.
To the horror of many, the Act passed.
Yet, this halt to progress, this huge leap backwards, this unexpected slap in the face, was a catalyst, a thrust of power, a zeal to those on the side of the slaves. Most importantly, to a gangley, backwoods lawyer with modest success in American politics, Abraham Lincoln.
Sometimes, when the door slams shut, the sheer force of that effort, recoils it back open again.
I wonder if the Kansas-Nebraska Act had failed to pass, a sure win for the anti-slavery movement, would the momentum have lagged once again, the north returned to the comfort of their free lives, and the course of our history permanently altered?
If the said door closed effortlessly, with little force, would it have gone unnoticed, garnered little attention, bearing little effect on the resolution of one of our most grievous social issues? A gently closed door is quickly rendered inert. Closed with such little force, it would open again with little force.
Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
It is on such foundations of struggle/failure that one overcomes that which once was deemed insurmountable/impossible.
I do not advocate failure; however, I do see merit in a road less direct, when the much-needed slap in the face, the zeal to press on, ever more so, leads to new found passion and purpose.
I am sure one can parallel our own, many, failed political issues today to this moment in history. 163 years later, we are still yearning for progress, fighting for rights, and licking our wounds.
What great can you achieve by losing? What loss can you re-invent as success?
It is in turning around, that the boat is tacked, the course reversed, and the wind captured in the sails.
Only on page 171 of 757 pages, I have much sea to cover.
Time to set sail, my friends.
September 7, 2017
A Review by Rebecca Moll, A Year by the Sea, Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman, by Joan Anderson
I enjoyed this non-fiction narrative, the rough an tumble of Joan Anderson's journey of self-discovery, much like the very setting of Cape Cod, sea and sand. With roots in Nova Scotia and New England, I love her use of metaphors and symbolism, the aligning of her life experiences to the sometimes harsh, sometimes compassionate natural world around her. It doesn't get more real than this. The truth is, often, too hard to handle.
My take away is, if you are searching for happiness, don't look too far. As a matter of fact, you may need a magnifying glass. Pleasure and peace can be found in the little things and you don't have to shave your head, wear a sheet, and climb a mountain. Not too long ago, I would have responded to such statements of being present with, "yeah, sure, take another toke, hold hands and sing kumbaya.." Yet, as a soon-to-be empty-nester, I find myself reaching less, looking more closely at what I already have. The glass is half-full. Keep it simple, stupid.
For most, happiness, peace, and self-satisfaction can be found in the present. Open your eyes, open your ears, close your mouth, and just experience where you are -- right now. Focus on one thing you appreciate. I can last about 30 seconds. I am a work in progress, that's for sure. A little more than half-way to a hundred, I do have the time.
Joan learns in her journey that relationship expectations, while warranted at times, in the long run, create prison walls, stunts growth, separates souls. By tearing herself away, risking all she has on this journey of self discovery, Joan learns to drop expectations of herself and others, relish the freedom of just being, and ultimately learns to love herself. This new found acceptance and love of herself works wonders not only for her, but those around her, as well.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror," Michael Jackson said it well.
If you like contemplative reading, have the ability to hold social judgments at bay, and look for new avenues through others' life experiences, I highly recommend this beautiful and soul satisfying book.
Great book club book. Bring an extra bottle of wine, though. There will be some heated discussions. That's for sure. Life can be a hard pill to swallow.
My take away is, if you are searching for happiness, don't look too far. As a matter of fact, you may need a magnifying glass. Pleasure and peace can be found in the little things and you don't have to shave your head, wear a sheet, and climb a mountain. Not too long ago, I would have responded to such statements of being present with, "yeah, sure, take another toke, hold hands and sing kumbaya.." Yet, as a soon-to-be empty-nester, I find myself reaching less, looking more closely at what I already have. The glass is half-full. Keep it simple, stupid.
For most, happiness, peace, and self-satisfaction can be found in the present. Open your eyes, open your ears, close your mouth, and just experience where you are -- right now. Focus on one thing you appreciate. I can last about 30 seconds. I am a work in progress, that's for sure. A little more than half-way to a hundred, I do have the time.
Joan learns in her journey that relationship expectations, while warranted at times, in the long run, create prison walls, stunts growth, separates souls. By tearing herself away, risking all she has on this journey of self discovery, Joan learns to drop expectations of herself and others, relish the freedom of just being, and ultimately learns to love herself. This new found acceptance and love of herself works wonders not only for her, but those around her, as well.
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror," Michael Jackson said it well.
If you like contemplative reading, have the ability to hold social judgments at bay, and look for new avenues through others' life experiences, I highly recommend this beautiful and soul satisfying book.
Great book club book. Bring an extra bottle of wine, though. There will be some heated discussions. That's for sure. Life can be a hard pill to swallow.
September 6, 2017
A review by Rebecca Moll, Tender Buttons Two: Disco Wreck Lord by Keith Blenman
I know nothing of Dadaist or Cubism and very little of Getrude Stein. (take a moment to let that sink in, take root, fall into solution, sticky, icky solute). Yet, after meeting this clever writer/teacher/interesting persona, Keith Blenman, and having the great fortune of his gift of Tender Buttons Two: Disco Wrecklord, (thanks man, it mean a lot) and after making my way to the end of this gift (over the river and thru the woods) I can say I still know little of Dadaist, Cubism, or the famous Ms Stein. (psst: that vasn't da point, Victor).
HOWEVER!!!! My sluggish brain is hook, hooked, hooking up, the echo of my laughter, giggles, bubbles, and squeeky squeeks, the wrinkles of his clean slate, jiz, jizzle, chip, chip infuses, seeks receptors, invades long forgotten, smooth cerebral matter... (OMG, I probably lost you here I am no Keith Blenman)...
This book is at once, hilarious and oh, so clever.
I will forever carry a red pen. On second thought, I will burn all my red pens.... (Let's come back to that later, old habits die hard).
I will never look at books, paragraphs, words, letters, punctuation the same. Oh crap, I mean punctuation, letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, books...
It's all in the order, the proper order, right, Chief Inspector?
A must read for those who enjoy interesting humor and don't mind coloring outside the lines.
Forget the chicken and the egg, who the $@ really cares which comes first? (Unless, of course, the chicken is crossing the road). Head straight for the RED DOOR, DOOR RED, RED, DOOR, oh crap, just get the $#@& book, your favorite drink, drinking, drinkie, drunk, drank and be prepared to be amazed.
5 Stars to you, Keith Blenman
HOWEVER!!!! My sluggish brain is hook, hooked, hooking up, the echo of my laughter, giggles, bubbles, and squeeky squeeks, the wrinkles of his clean slate, jiz, jizzle, chip, chip infuses, seeks receptors, invades long forgotten, smooth cerebral matter... (OMG, I probably lost you here I am no Keith Blenman)...
This book is at once, hilarious and oh, so clever.
I will forever carry a red pen. On second thought, I will burn all my red pens.... (Let's come back to that later, old habits die hard).
I will never look at books, paragraphs, words, letters, punctuation the same. Oh crap, I mean punctuation, letters, words, sentences, paragraphs, books...
It's all in the order, the proper order, right, Chief Inspector?
A must read for those who enjoy interesting humor and don't mind coloring outside the lines.
Forget the chicken and the egg, who the $@ really cares which comes first? (Unless, of course, the chicken is crossing the road). Head straight for the RED DOOR, DOOR RED, RED, DOOR, oh crap, just get the $#@& book, your favorite drink, drinking, drinkie, drunk, drank and be prepared to be amazed.
5 Stars to you, Keith Blenman
