Grace Elliot's Blog: 'Familiar Felines.' , page 37
January 5, 2011
Guest author of YA Fantasy, Andrea Buginsky.
Today at Grace Elliot's blog, author of YA Fantasy, Andrea Buginsky, is interviewed about her new book 'The Chosen.'
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
Guest author of YA Fantasy, Andrea Buginsky.
Today at Grace Elliot's blog, author of YA Fantasy, Andrea Buginsky, is interviewed about her new book 'The Chosen.'
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
January 3, 2011
Author donates to ASPCA.
Author of romance mysteries and animal lover, Miss Mae is hosting Grace Elliot at her website.
As part of the popular 'Doggy Tales' series, Grace shares the moving story of how the Elliot family came to adopt Widget.
In addition, Grace has kindly agreed to donate $5.00 to the ASPCA for every copy of 'A Dead Man's Debt' bought direct from Solstice as a result of reading the post.
To find out how to trigger the donation visit:
http://www.missmaesite.com/apps/blog/...
A Dead Man's Debt
As part of the popular 'Doggy Tales' series, Grace shares the moving story of how the Elliot family came to adopt Widget.
In addition, Grace has kindly agreed to donate $5.00 to the ASPCA for every copy of 'A Dead Man's Debt' bought direct from Solstice as a result of reading the post.
To find out how to trigger the donation visit:
http://www.missmaesite.com/apps/blog/...
A Dead Man's Debt
January 2, 2011
The Cat's Meat Man. (part 1 of 2)
THE CATS' MEAT MAN.
Hello and welcome to my first posting of 2011! This week I look at how the Victorians fed their pets and the 'Cat's Meat Man.'
'Many visitors came to the streets…the muffin man and Cats' Meat Man. The latter carried their wares on long skewers over their shoulders. The smell drew all the strays.' (A London resident writing in 1920.)
From the 1700's until the early 20th century the 'Cat's Meat Man' was a common sight, hawking meat around the city streets of Britain. Charles Dickens even wrote about how, as a 6 year old child when confined to the house through ill health, he wrote a play called 'The Cat's Meat Man.'
Indeed the Cats Meat Men had a uniform, as described by the Victorian chronicler of London life, Henry Mayhew. This consisted of a shiny hat, black plush waistcoat, corduroy trousers and a blue apron with a blue and white spotted handkerchief around the neck. In their heyday around 1,000 Cats' Meat vendors; men, woman and boys, plied the pet meat trade. Part of the attraction was the low set up cost to make a relatively lucrative living. A man could set up with a couple of shillings for initial meat supplies, a barrow, knife and scales, all of which could be purchased second hand for between 4 and 15 shillings. They plied their trade with a familiar cry, much like an ice cream van's tune today, of:
"Cats' meat – cats' meat, on a skewer come and buy." (Sung to the tune of 'Cherry Ripe.')
Each seller serviced on average 200 cats and 70 dogs and some did extremely well, such as one Mr. Cratchitt. When Mr. Cratchitt's estranged wife was taken to court for none payment of debts, her husband came to the rescue.
'It's all right Your Worship…I've arranged to pay all her debts. For 30 years I've had a cats' meat round in the City and …so I'm a man of independent means.' 'What,' cried the magistrate, 'You've made a fortune out of cats' meat?' 'Yes,' said Meatman Cractchitt, 'Funny isn't it.'
Next week: Part 2 - Jack the Ripper's link to the Cat's Meat Man!!
PS - For a great review of 'A Dead Man's Debt' visit:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=960 Review EXCERPT: If you have any appreciation for historical romance, you will not only enjoy this novel immensely, but will want to make a space for it on your keeper shelf! A Dead Man¡¯s Debt will charm you, surprise you, entertain you...and by the end, will warm your heart with the overall beauty of this story.
Hello and welcome to my first posting of 2011! This week I look at how the Victorians fed their pets and the 'Cat's Meat Man.'
'Many visitors came to the streets…the muffin man and Cats' Meat Man. The latter carried their wares on long skewers over their shoulders. The smell drew all the strays.' (A London resident writing in 1920.)
From the 1700's until the early 20th century the 'Cat's Meat Man' was a common sight, hawking meat around the city streets of Britain. Charles Dickens even wrote about how, as a 6 year old child when confined to the house through ill health, he wrote a play called 'The Cat's Meat Man.'
Indeed the Cats Meat Men had a uniform, as described by the Victorian chronicler of London life, Henry Mayhew. This consisted of a shiny hat, black plush waistcoat, corduroy trousers and a blue apron with a blue and white spotted handkerchief around the neck. In their heyday around 1,000 Cats' Meat vendors; men, woman and boys, plied the pet meat trade. Part of the attraction was the low set up cost to make a relatively lucrative living. A man could set up with a couple of shillings for initial meat supplies, a barrow, knife and scales, all of which could be purchased second hand for between 4 and 15 shillings. They plied their trade with a familiar cry, much like an ice cream van's tune today, of: "Cats' meat – cats' meat, on a skewer come and buy." (Sung to the tune of 'Cherry Ripe.')
Each seller serviced on average 200 cats and 70 dogs and some did extremely well, such as one Mr. Cratchitt. When Mr. Cratchitt's estranged wife was taken to court for none payment of debts, her husband came to the rescue.
'It's all right Your Worship…I've arranged to pay all her debts. For 30 years I've had a cats' meat round in the City and …so I'm a man of independent means.' 'What,' cried the magistrate, 'You've made a fortune out of cats' meat?' 'Yes,' said Meatman Cractchitt, 'Funny isn't it.'
Next week: Part 2 - Jack the Ripper's link to the Cat's Meat Man!!PS - For a great review of 'A Dead Man's Debt' visit:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=960 Review EXCERPT: If you have any appreciation for historical romance, you will not only enjoy this novel immensely, but will want to make a space for it on your keeper shelf! A Dead Man¡¯s Debt will charm you, surprise you, entertain you...and by the end, will warm your heart with the overall beauty of this story.
January 1, 2011
The Romance Review award 'A Dead Man's Debt' KEEPER status.
What a lovely way to start 2011!
The Romance Reviews have awarded 'A Dead Man's Debt' 5/5 and Top Pick status.
To read the full review follow the link:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
EXCERPT
Ultimately, the characters are delightful. You will not find two individuals who are more honest and truthful with one another. They both share a love of art, which brings them close together and exposes their feelings to one another. It is a refreshing change of pace from some historical romances where the silence of romantic feelings is upheld until the end. A Dead Man¡¯s Debt is also passionate. It is not blatantly sexy but a wonderful buildup of passion and sexual tension that true romance fans will love. Their attraction is about speaking volumes with a heated glance, or a simple brush of the hand. It is earth shattering, undeniable and will steal your breath away.
Ms Elliot is a wonderful talent, indeed. Not only is her debut story well written, but she magically weaves a creative and intelligent story that will entertain you from the first page until the last. She is a skilled storyteller that fills her novels with page-turning drama and breathtaking sensuality. Grace Elliot is an author to remember where you will anticipate any and all future novels.
If you have any appreciation for historical romance, you will not only enjoy this novel immensely, but will want to make a space for it on your keeper shelf! A Dead Man¡¯s Debt will charm you, surprise you, entertain you...and by the end, will warm your heart with the overall beauty of this story.
A Dead Man's Debt
The Romance Reviews have awarded 'A Dead Man's Debt' 5/5 and Top Pick status.
To read the full review follow the link:
http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
EXCERPT
Ultimately, the characters are delightful. You will not find two individuals who are more honest and truthful with one another. They both share a love of art, which brings them close together and exposes their feelings to one another. It is a refreshing change of pace from some historical romances where the silence of romantic feelings is upheld until the end. A Dead Man¡¯s Debt is also passionate. It is not blatantly sexy but a wonderful buildup of passion and sexual tension that true romance fans will love. Their attraction is about speaking volumes with a heated glance, or a simple brush of the hand. It is earth shattering, undeniable and will steal your breath away.
Ms Elliot is a wonderful talent, indeed. Not only is her debut story well written, but she magically weaves a creative and intelligent story that will entertain you from the first page until the last. She is a skilled storyteller that fills her novels with page-turning drama and breathtaking sensuality. Grace Elliot is an author to remember where you will anticipate any and all future novels.
If you have any appreciation for historical romance, you will not only enjoy this novel immensely, but will want to make a space for it on your keeper shelf! A Dead Man¡¯s Debt will charm you, surprise you, entertain you...and by the end, will warm your heart with the overall beauty of this story.
A Dead Man's Debt
December 31, 2010
Dog and Cat Diaries - A New Year treat!
EXCERPT from a DOG'S DIARY.8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!
EXCERPT FROM A CAT'S DIARY.Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies". I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.
The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...
With many thanks to Lisa Gold (photographer.)
December 28, 2010
Any special requests for blog posts?
Too much Christmas turkey??I'm taking a short break from blogging between Christmas and New Year (mainly because my only internet access is a very slo...o...o...o...w dongle!) But I'd love to hear any special requests for blog topics (animal/historical/romance based please.)
This is your chance to influence me- just leave a comment below.
many thanks and a Happy New Year to all my followers,
kind regards,
Grace x
Bracing but beautiful....and a poor internet connection!
December 22, 2010
Victorian Christmas Superstitions.
Victorian Christmas Superstitions.
These days it seems shops put up Christmas decorations earlier and earlier, oblivious to the Victorian superstition that it was unlucky to decorate before Christmas Eve.
The idea of festive decorations goes back to pagan times. Indeed the tradition of holly and ivy originated from holly being used to protect against witchcraft and ivy as a symbol of immortality.
In the 19th century people living in crowded towns had little or no access to holly…
To read the full post visit:
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
A Dead Man's Debt
These days it seems shops put up Christmas decorations earlier and earlier, oblivious to the Victorian superstition that it was unlucky to decorate before Christmas Eve.
The idea of festive decorations goes back to pagan times. Indeed the tradition of holly and ivy originated from holly being used to protect against witchcraft and ivy as a symbol of immortality.
In the 19th century people living in crowded towns had little or no access to holly…
To read the full post visit:
http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.co...
A Dead Man's Debt
December 21, 2010
Grace Elliot interviewed at 'All Things Historical Fiction.'
Have you discovered the ‘All Things Historical Fiction’ blog yet?
This fresh, innovative blog hosted by Taylor is a must for all fans of historical fiction, be it literature or romance. I’d love you to pop over to read my interview with Taylor and find out we are such kindred spirits!
http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blo...
A Dead Man's Debt
This fresh, innovative blog hosted by Taylor is a must for all fans of historical fiction, be it literature or romance. I’d love you to pop over to read my interview with Taylor and find out we are such kindred spirits!
http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blo...
A Dead Man's Debt
December 19, 2010
How did Puss help Dick Whittington earn a fortune?
Author of historical romance, Grace Elliot looks at the true story behind Dick Whittington's success.
Exactly how did Puss make Dick Whittington’s fortune?
For the answer read on….
As a child I remember a Christmas treat of being taken to the London Palladian to see ‘Puss in Boots.’ This is a version of the story of a poor boy, Dick Whittington. He heard rumours that London was paved with gold and gathered all his possessions into a spotted handkerchief and, along with his pet cat Puss, went to the city ...
For the full post visit http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com
A Dead Man's Debt
Exactly how did Puss make Dick Whittington’s fortune?
For the answer read on….
As a child I remember a Christmas treat of being taken to the London Palladian to see ‘Puss in Boots.’ This is a version of the story of a poor boy, Dick Whittington. He heard rumours that London was paved with gold and gathered all his possessions into a spotted handkerchief and, along with his pet cat Puss, went to the city ...
For the full post visit http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com
A Dead Man's Debt
'Familiar Felines.'
Following on from last weeks Halloween posting, today's blog post looks at the unwanted image of cats as the witches familiar - from the Norse Goddess Freya to lonely women in the middle ages.
The full ...more
The full ...more
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