One of the fun things about Paperback Swap is that when I think of a book, I can mosey on over and either put it on my Reminder List or Wish List (or maybe even order it if I have the rare gift of actually owning a credit to my name at that moment, grin) A recent conversation about Jean Plaidy/Philippa Carr/Victoria Holt reminded me of a long lost favorite Miracle of St. Bruno’s. I ordered a copy, and it is sitting in my “to read” pile. I was probably 11 or 12 when I first read the book – it was my introduction to Gothic Romances, that fabulous author (I’ve read most of her books) and most importantly (this is to answer the fabulous medievalist Gina) my introduction to Tudor History.

Since that first book, I have read most books about the Tudor timeframe that crosses my path and have strong opinions about the personalities , the decisions, and the moral issues that arose during that turbulent time.

I’ll let you know what I think on my re-read. And, always curious to know what book started one of your obsessions?

(photo credit)

I’m quite cultured now, thank you! On Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending (with a good friend) the first of three Silent Movies . I’m not sure I ‘d ever actually seen one before (but I did of course see Silent Movie by Mel Brooks, that counts, right?) I was stunned to learn that only about 12% of the Silent Movies made remain, and of those, only about 1% of the scores exist. The man who played the amazing Theater Organ
did a great job of scoring a recently rediscovered and restored
Beyond the Rocks . Gloria Swanson (who had dark hair, who knew?), Rudolph Valentino, Flapper outfits. Sigh. It was lovely.

And, last night, Eddie and I went heard the Symphony’s Brush Up On Your Shakespeare . They did a great job of introducing each piece with a scene from a play. The music choices were amazing, and the symphony, as always, played well.

In the midst of all that , I stopped at the local Greek Festival and bought Tiropitas and Baklava for dinner last night. Yum.