Mary Morgan's Blog, page 8

Medieval Monday | Celebrating the Dragon Knights

Welcome to a special Medieval Monday in the tavern!

Today kicks off the start of a huge celebration for the Dragon Knights. Ten years ago this month, I signed my first contract with The Wild Rose Press for Dragon Knight's Sword. Never did I imagine the journey I would walk with these stories and those that followed. From the highs to the lows, I've embraced and learned from my experiences.

Thank you—to those who started at the beginning with me, and also to those who are new to my stories. Y...

Friday Feast | Tea & Scones for a #Coronation and the Kentucky Derby

Welcome to Friday Feast in the tavern!

With the coronation this weekend and the Kentucky Derby, I'm hoping to take some restful time to watch both of these events. I've been working hard this week. Writing on the current work-in-progress is going spectacular, house chores are completed, garden had lots of rain this week, and I've made Cranberry Orange Scones and Devonshire Cream to celebrate. As the coronation begins in the wee morning hours here on the west coast, I'll need something to lure ...

Medieval Monday | Word for May 2023

Welcome to Medieval Monday and the beautiful month of May! I could have chosen a word appropriate for this day (Maypole day and Beltaine) but was drawn to this particular one. Again, a word I have yet to use in one of my stories. Perhaps in the next Dragon Knight's story. Those knights always battling or complaining against King John.

Murage was a medieval toll for the building or repair of town walls in England, Wales and Ireland.

The earliest grant was for Shrewsbury, England in 1218, thou...

Friday Feast | Welcoming the Ancient Tradition of Beltaine

Welcome to a special Friday Feast! I’m celebrating the first day of May a wee bit early. The summer gates of Beltaine swing open on this day, especially in the old Celtic calendar. In Irish mythology, events that marked an end to the old and the start of a new one took place on this day. Celebrations were held outdoors, and no work was to be done on this day. Rituals were performed to protect people, cattle, and crops.

In ancient times, Beltaine was celebrated with huge gatherings on top of th...

The Coffee Pot Book Club Presents "The Scots of Dalriada" by Rowena Kinread

Please make welcome the fabulous author, Rowena Kinread! We're celebrating a blog tour for her book, The Scots of Dalriada. This story definitely caught my attention and is on my reading list. Grab a cup of cider and let's hear what Rowena has to say about her new release...

Life in Scotland during the 5th century

Life in Scotland during the 5th century was an interesting time in history. It was a time of great change and transition as different cultures and societies merged together. Here, I wi...

Medieval Monday | Enchanting Music

Welcome to Medieval Monday!

With a few of my medieval stories, there is usually a feast. And with any great celebration I’ve incorporated music into the scene. Not only was medieval music popular during times of celebrations or great events, but it was an essential part of life for that time period. The people ate their meals to the sound of traditional music, since it was believed that it helped in the digestion of their food. Musicians would play cheerful tunes, which may have included horns,...

Friday Feast | Birthday Cakes

Welcome to Friday Feast in the tavern!

Cakes, specifically birthday cakes are always a special treat in my family. In my younger days, my mom would ask us children what cake or dessert we'd like for our birthdays. I believe both my sisters asked for Angel Food Cake with strawberries and whipped cream, (Psst, correct me if I'm wrong, Mimi and Vici) and my brother requested a Cherry Pie.

My choice? A Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. This cake reigned over chocolate every year, and if you know me, I ...

The Coffee Pot Book Club Presents "The Kingmaking" Anniversary and Birthday for Helen Hollick

Please welcome back to the Tavern the lovely Helen Hollick! We're having a huge celebration today. Not only are we cheering Helen on her 30th anniversary for The Kingmaking, but we're also here to celebrate her 70th birthday! Grab a glass of champagne or sparkling cider and let's take a peek into this sensational story and series...

The Boy Who became a Man:Who became a King: Who became a Legend... KING ARTHUR There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot. Instead, the man who b...

Medieval Monday | Word for #April 2023

Welcome to Medieval Monday and the month of April!

There's signs of spring here in my town, so I'm thinking of words that are related to the outdoors. I've gone fishing a few times in my life (not an avid fan of the sport), and thought this word was interesting. It reminded me of a scene in Oath of a Warrior where Erina MacIntyre was attempting to catch fish in a stream. She continued to talk to herself, unaware a Fenian Warrior (Rory MacGregor) kept a watchful gaze. If you haven't read the st...

Friday Feast | An Old Favorite #Recipe with a Twist

Ireland ~ June 2000

Welcome to Friday Feast in the tavern!

Whew! It's been a long month, and I'm happy to be closing the door on March. I'm wrapping up with bread that's been a favorite here and in my home. I've been making this particular recipe for Irish Soda Bread for decades. Since the early 1990's. Except a few weeks ago, I switched out ordinary raisins and low-fat buttermilk to golden raisins, which are fatter and juicier, and used whole-fat buttermilk. Now you might be thinking there's...