The Chance by Karen Kingsbury

The Chance by Karen Kingsbury

This wonderful novel by Karen Kingsbury is an inspirational story of love.

It tells the story of two young people who are separated by circumstances beyond their control and over the years the love for each other is not forgotten. If anything, the love between them increases. Ellie and her true love make a compact promise that they will meet again in eleven years' time. This was to be at the old oak tree in the park where they spent so much of their time and was a favourite spot. So much happens in these eleven years and it is beyond comprehension that so many favourable and unfavourable circumstances occur in Ellie's life and yet she finds the strength and will power to survive and do well. She overcomes so many obstacles to make good her life, from raising a child on her own and overcoming the harsh uncompromising attitude of her father in her early days.

The settings of the story are wonderful and Ellie often reminiscences of her earlier days in a small town in the south where she was often the companion of her friend Nolan who lived close by and Ellie often also attended his basketball games where he had a great talent and will to succeed in his chosen sport and career.  This also because he wanted to excel for the memory of his father who had been his coach.

Ellie for many years would be cheering him on from the stands, always enjoying watching him play his marvellous game.

There is also the gift of promise in this beautiful story. A gift of hope, inspiration and beauty. There is redemption for Ellie's parents and forgiveness as Ellie had been prevented from seeing her mother for eleven years.

The truth at the end of the story is all clear. It is wonderful and magical as all doubts, misgivings and misunderstandings are put to rest and Ellie can finally move on with her life. The beauty of the human spirit which is capable of achieving great things!

The Chance is a wonderful story of love and faith. The truth is in the pages which are so elegantly written. A story of life. A story to cherish and a story of love.

The Red Rose of Anjou by Jean Plaidy

The Red Rose of Anjou is a wonderful story of the life of Margaret of Anjou who marries King Henry VI of England.

 

 It gives a fascinating account of the life of Margaret in her early years at the castles of

Saumur and Angers and her visits to the French Court during the reign of Charles VII of France. The story of Charles VII, his life as the Dauphin and his subsequent crowning at Rheims Cathedral by Joan of Arc all comes alive in this wonderful story of the times. As a Dauphin, Charles VII lacked confidence but gradually he became a strong king over time.

Margaret was the daughter of Isabelle of Lorraine and King Rene of Naples and Sicily and grand-daughter of Yolande of Aragon. Margaret did receive the title of princess which was beneficial for her when arragements for her marriage were being made. Her parents were a king and queen in title only and not in possession of their kingdom. Her mother was the daughter of the duke of Lorraine but because of the Salic law she was unable to inherit her father's castle or title and the dukedom went to a male relative. This did not occur without hostility from both sides of the family and whilst in battle King Rene was taken prisoner.

The Duke of Burgundy, who was a powerful ally for the Vaudemont family which was claiming the inheritance and title of the duchy of Lorraine, had disapproved of Rene and Isabelle succeeding to the duchy of

Lorraine. They were already in possession of the castle and duchy which greatly improved their standard of living and Margaret's childhood had been quite impoverished. Rene (subsequently known as Good King Rene, who had a love of painting, poetry and the arts) had shown himself to be loyal to King Charles VII of France previously and not shown his loyalty to the Duke of Burgundy. After a lengthy time of imprisonment, in which he had occupied himself by painting beautiful portraits and stained glass at Dijon Castle, he finally was granted his freedom on the condition that he allow his elder daughter, Yolande, to marry a son of the family,

whom Yolande ended up growing up with, befriending and eventually wishing to marry. It was very sad for all concerned when Rene's daughter, Yolande, left the family home. Rene always stalled the marriage until at the time of Margaret's wedding, of which the celebrations were arranged by Charles VII, that Yolande and Ferri de Vaudemont made it be known that they did wish to marry.

The processions through France and the magnificent pageantry are described in great detail when

Margaret eventually makes the journey to England to become the new queen. An English party come to France to escort her on her journey and she befriends the Marquess and Marchioness of Suffolk,

who become loyal allies for her and the king. It is interesting to read of the customs at the time and what was expected of a queen on a royal procession.i.e. to look like a queen and to give dresses and shoes away for the number of years of her age in one town as was a tradition. Margaret was grateful for the kindness and assistance shown her by the Marchioness of Suffolk in these matters.

I love the descriptions of old towns of England where the sense of history gives an added measure to the story, as for example, the descriptions of Coventry, which was an old town named for a convent which had been destroyed before the time of William the Conqueror and the Norman conquest. However the earl of Leofric and Lady Godiva had founded a Benedictine monastery. Henry VI enjoyed and loved this city and was responsible for various of the buildings there, as for example, St Mary's Hall with its fascinating style of carvings and figures and a beautiful coloured tapestry. There was also a St Michael's Church which had dated to the time of the first Henry and had been given to the monks of Coventry by Earl Randulph. It was a wonderful peaceful time at Coventry in which Henry VI recovered from his debilitating illness. His

new born baby, Prince Edward of Wales, was also brought to him at the castle of Coventry.

The book gives vivid and compelling descriptions of the times, the politics and the family of Richard, Duke of York and his wife, Cecily, the Duchess of York, the parents of the future Edward IV. The characters represented in the story are quite fascinating in themselves and the author has written of riveting times. The story flows with characters of history written as though the writer had an inside knowledge. Many of the chracters are likeable in their own way and the story is set amongst a background of conflict and aspirations, belief of a true claim to the throne of England which of course causes controversy, resulting in the wars of the Roses.

For aficionados of the genre of historical fiction this book is a gem.

The stories of kings, the history of the conflicts in France, the wars of the Roses and settings in historical towns of England make for a fascinating tale. In all of this Margaret is a compelling character of strength and tenacity in her role as the queen, often having to take matters into her own hands when the need arose because of the recurring illness of Henry VI. In this she had her role models in her own mother and grand-mother who were also strong women. The story is quite compelling and well recommended.

beautiful stained glass and art

Wonderful stained glass is depicted on the second section of this beautiful hymn on you tube:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3pS-Ga7OUM

I love the beautiful stained glass to be found in churches, the art work and colours.  So magnificent!

Versailles (a beauty)

Oh Versailles,

my memory stirs

The leaves flutter

and it all comes back to me:-

A summer breeze or a nightly feast,

the sound of distant music on the night breezes,

the wonder of the night.

The beauty gliding along your beautiful canal

on a windswept night;

these memories can never be erased:

Looking from a distance and seeing

your beautiful chateau lit up by night;

The beauty of the ponds and the lights

illuminated in the water;

The echo of laughter,

the lovely dresses and costumes

the masques, balls and delightful nights;

you who were never vain

but only always created beauty

in all of your imaginings;

the king,

of course;

the orange trees, fruit and flowers,

tulips of every day

breath-taking chestnuts

and hornbeam;

Oh, it was all exquisite

as in a dream;

now your days resound

to a different beat;

your history is never forgotten

your pleasures and beauty

give way to a new retreat;

the tourists delight

in every new treat:

music, a flower display

as people go on their way,

beautiful baroque

echoed all along in the day

as in a pantomime play;

the world created gave of its best

never for a day at rest;

there was always work to do

even though the people were few

and on and on this beautiful place was created

fountains and gardens were generated

As Angelique believed in Road to Versailles

she was close to Heaven on earth;

this from ever the day of her birth;

So beautiful, so wonderful,

a land of human endeavour

creating beauty

which lasts forever.

You, a prince of the line bourbon

shared a vision which goes on and on;

Did it come from Old Babylon?

The stories, the magic,

the gift goes on:

Louis, the king!

you created a stir,

Invited the nobles

and lives to bestir;

as beauty abounds

in all its surrounds;

hedges, greenery

enchanting scenery

and trees of fir;

the king was checked

the costs of the day

the amounts to pay

the king held sway

Colbert gave way:

Le Notre, Le Vau

who came from Vaux

with much to bestow

gave of themselves

a fine tableau;

with much to do

perspective and view

statues and yew,

menagerie, orangerie

and stable;

Versailles is your magic

with flowers bedecked

an enchanting effect

of rose, bay leaf

and maple;

As a Tower of Babel

on terrain sable

embellished by

a Fontaine fable;

and

topiary relief,

to enhance

by chance

as writ on a script

in ancient Sanskrit

or from Old Egypt:

a verdant

flowering

sand table;

glanced off the stage

peppered by age

did you not know?

This was the show:

Curtain came down

At the sun-down

and turn of a page;

come to this place

and never forget

the wonder and pageant

which the place would beget;

Now it is the end of the story,

don't forget the beauty-

chapel created in glory

songs of wonder

never cease;

beautiful Marly, the Tuileries

Louvre,

all of these places in the heart

ever from,

it was from the start;

Louis never took from the story,

he only added his theme.

And now with a different generation of folk

living their lives under a different yoke

who seek out the renewing green oak

travel a long and endurance path

this we know

as we go along

the time has come to sing a new song

the times of beauty and wonder

we admire from the past

as our spirits tread in a spirit of lightness

and now hope for a brightness

not ever dimm'd

but to last over yonder

and forever held fast

seeking beauty

wherever it may be

this we hope to always see.

The Winter Sun on a Distant Shore

Oh, how I love the Winter Sun

which glints and glimmers free-

spills upon the ocean wave

and sparkles upon the Sea:

Oh, how I love that Winter Scene

God grant that I may ever dream

and see a different Winter Gleam

In a place serene:

And the sparkle in the tree:

as the ocean birds

warm their wings

in a windvale lee;

It glanced upon the lily pond

Came down to the shining sea

where a wonderful palm frond

waved back and forward to me:

And out on that glittering sea

Beckoned awhile a beautiful boat

Gleaming bright

upon the ocean white:

Rocking to and fro

upon the ocean breeze

Taking me

To wherever I please?

On the horizon

The glint of the sun

This I knew

was the one,

The boat of my Dreams:

Get on, get on

get on with the tide

the call of Nature is on your side:

the breeze was right

the time was night

and on to this ship I embarked

And now it was a

Dream of mine

gliding along the brine

Looked up and saw a pine,

Shadowy branches

Spreading all along

a breaking surf incline;

and upon this golden ship

could be an achor over to climb

for a future

way past time:-

This golden light

ever bright

springs forth amongst the trees-

Golden Splendour

My Delight

Greenery, symmetrically

A bird haven, shelter

which beauty about decrees:

This winter light

sparkles white

glinting bright

on a distant land:

where pink-tinged clouds

touch lightly on golden sand

in a powder blue haze

of an orange sunset maze;

and distant birds call a night retreat

onward,

gracefully gliding,

wings flapping on a silent beat:

And the noble green

where dancing shadows

flicker in-between

the tall poplar, fig and rose

on a distant shore.

Oh, for me a

distant slip

Where forever

lands,

A Golden Horizon

burns ever so bright:

And golden were the tomorrows I could see

on this enchantment-filled sea-trip;

Imaginings, imaginings

If only this were true-

To sail across the ocean blue

to a distant shore

with colours of every hue:

This, I say, to my regret

A land where once there was a Crown

and the gold-fish danced beside the ship

the dolphins frolicked

in their play

At the closing of the day;

The sails went up,

the winds did whirl

About and about

A glorious show

As sails unfurl;

A place where people

would bow and clasp your hand:

Oh, help me, Master, to understand

That as I sail to another land

the truth alone I see in mine own eyes

Not difficulties in another guise:

with beauty, truth

the perspective clears

and hope our Master

always hears-

I see light come from the grey

Banish all my thoughts away

There is beauty in the day

And for peace

I will always pray.

Come let us form a circle for our friends

And light a candle for this hope

And clap together our hands

for in giving peace

we give scope

for people visiting other lands.

A new life prospers true

And gives the day a new spark

Taking me from days of dark

If I could only see

A wonderful world

A place to be

wherever you may be.

Little Women (film)

Little Women is a mini-series on dvd and well worth watching.

An enchanting story of a family of four daughters and their ups and downs in life

set during the time of the Civil War in New England, USA.

The costumes are elegant and the characters endearing. The scenery, settings

and story line make for a wonderful film. The horses and carriages and the elegance of the times bring to life a different kind of world.

Jo was the bright spark who wished to follow her dreams of becoming a writer. Jo was

the perennial tom-boy who loved nothing more than to be dashing through the fields or

climbing trees.

Jo at one time was at cross-purposes with a German professor regarding

her scripts of stories which were first published. She had become a governess and was writing

short stories for a paper in New York.

The publisher of her

stories had initially informed her that the readers wished to be entertained and not read

moralistic stories. However, the publisher did admit that he did take a liking to her stories.

She perhaps should have informed the professor of this at the time. She did perhaps change her

stories a little to find favour with the publisher.

The aspect of her writing progress in the story is fascinating to follow and also how Jo's writing abilities eventually

developed. Finally, Jo felt that the stories wrote themselves later as she became a more

proficient writer with a deeper understanding and experience of life's sadness and

trauma.

Little Women is tinged with sadness but also with the lightness of spirit

and the charm of the characters. It is a story of life. It has great beauty and acts of selflessness

demonstrated by the characters in times of need.

The stories of the romances of the daughters are also wonderful.

One daughter, Amy, travels to

Europe. Another daughter has a wedding.

The film is based on the book by Louisa May Alcott which I read many years ago.

It was a delight and pleasure to view this beautiful film.

Story of Esther on film

A lovely film which I enjoyed watching on dvd.

This is the biblical story of Queen Esther who eventually helped free

her Jewish people.

The story needs to be seen within the context of the times where women

could be banished as occurred to queen Vashti for not attending an entertainment

and banquet for the King's assembled nobles and visiting dignitaries.

King Xerxes often took advice from his wise and experienced counsellors. He was

advised to send Queen Vashti away and find a more suitable queen.

Esther never asked for anything. It was customary for the women of the harem

to request whatever they may require before going into the king's presence. Esther was

happy to oblige with whatever was suggested by the eunuchs in attendance who served

the king.

It was a fascinating time in history. The action of the story takes place in Susa and King Xerxes was King of Persia and Media and reigned over 127 provinces.

Esther's Jewish background was not known. This was

on the instructions of Mordecai, a cousin who had brought Esther up.

Mordecai, at a later stage, saved the king's life by discovering a plot.

Haman, a noble who had been elevated at the court by the king, had issued an edict to destroy Jewish people. He was also plotting against Mordecai.

The story is fascinating with beautiful settings and exquisite costumes. Esther becomes a beautiful queen and it is in this respect as a queen and using her wits she tries to do as Mordecai wished by

influencing the king as regards the Jewish people.

Mordecai had sent messages to Esther and after receiving a reply he warned her that she could

not remain silent on this issue and that just because she lived in the king's palace she could not believe that she alone of the Jewish people would escape. The Jewish people may find another way for their deliverance but she would not be safe. He also believed that it was possible that Esther was a royal for such a time as this. This strong message of Mordecai spurred Esther to try and do something to influence the king. In the biblical story, Esther and her maids fasted for three days and she also requested Mordecai to do the same with the Jews of Susa.

Within the context of the story Esther was playing with fire. The king had not seen her for thirty days when she eventually went to see him. He offered the gold sceptre which was an exception to the rule that people without formal request who entered into the king's presence were punished and put to death.

With lavish surroundings and banquets which Esther prepares the story moves to its climax and eventually the Jews are freed. The tables are turned on Haman.

The film is excellent and well worth watching. Esther and the king are wonderful characters.

I loved viewing this film and may watch it again. It has all the elements of a great and wonderful story and with clever manoevrings on the part of Mordecai, who was subsequently raised to a high level in the court, and also of Queen Esther, the Jewish people found their freedom again. They issued a decree that the Jews were allowed to gather and protect themselves. The occasion became a celebrated feast day in all of the provinces of the king.

It is a wonderful story.

Temple of Esther and Mordecai:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9oMFn0arYQ

 

 

Best wishes from Sandra