The Girl They Left Behind: A Novel by Roxanne Veletzos
I have read a number of books since I last wrote a post here on Review This and I had to do a bit of a debate with myself as to which one I would write about today since they have all been such good stories. Please stay tuned for more reviews of books that you should add to your reading list!
The Girl They Left Behind, by Roxanne Veletzos, is a moving story. The title tells exactly what the book is about. Quite literally, a three-year old girl is left behind in Bucharest, Romania in 1941. Her parents abandon her on the steps of an apartment building in the face of Nazi persecution with the hope that she might somehow survive.
What a brutal decision. At first I struggled with this book because it seemed not just heartbreaking but also outlandish that anyone would abandon such a young child and expect her to survive in a place where people would not be quick to take in an unknown child. I know these things and worse happened, but I still struggled at first with this theme.
The little girl is rescued and then left with an orphanage until eventually a wealthy family adopts her and renames her Natalia. Because of her age, she quickly puts all early memories of her birth parents behind her though of course, the abandonment would haunt both her birth mother and father forever.
The story is slightly unusual because it deals with the persecution of the Jewish people in Romania and of communist life behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union. I have read numerous similar stories set in other countries like France, Germany and Poland but I am not sure if I have read another one set in Romania and I expect I have read few set behind the Iron Curtain.
Anyway, the story is a tangled story of survival that spans decades and eventually sees Natalia give up her adoptive family and her love in order to start a new life in the United States.
The story is one of those impossible-but-true stories. It turns out that the author, Roxanne Veletzos, was born in Bucharest and eventually moved to California and that this this book was inspired by her mother's life though I do not know if in fact she was abandoned by her parents.
Highly Recommended
The Girl They Left Behind is in my opinion very well told. It is engrossing; you will not be able to put it down. It is about family and love and history. It features drama and suspense and even has an ending that will satisfy you. Yes, this book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
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Somebody's Daughter by Tenille Townes - A Song Review
I love the rasp and uplifting ache in Tenille Townes's voice as she sings this song. The story and lyrics clearly depict a person whose life wasn't easy. It reminds us that, except for our circumstances, we're all the same.
This country song is about homelessness. It's about those moments we pass by someone at an intersection holding up a cardboard sign asking for money for help.
"Oh I don't know the reasons why I'm the one whose driving by and she's the one on the corner of 18th street...bet she was somebody's best friend, back when she was somebody's sister counting change at the lemonade stand"
This mid-tempo song will touch your soul.
I remember first hearing it on the radio in my kitchen, and because I wasn't listening very closely to the lyrics, the song passed me by without notice. For me, ninety-nine percent of the time, it's the story first, the music second.
The next time I heard the song, I happened to be driving. Then I took the time to listen to the story behind the words.
The Inspiration Behind Tenille Townes Writing This Song
The tune was inspired during a drive Tenille Townes took with her mom in Nashville, Tennessee. They saw a homeless person standing with a sign and began wondering about this person's life story. Personally, I've wondered the same myself. I suspect that's the reason this song touched me so deeply.
The song reminds us that "she was somebody's best friend, somebody's first kiss, somebody's daughter".
What do We Do When We See Someone Standing With a Cardboard Sign Asking for Help?
Many times I've handed out a bit of money. People have told me, "oh, that's a con, they're lazy, they're not deserving." I'm sorry, but the onus is not on me to prove their truth. The recipient has to deal with the validity of the situation. I'm not prepared to conclude that everyone who does this isn't being honest. I believe most are genuinely suffering. I would rather be kind than be judgemental about that situation, but that's me. I just give; you never know who you've helped.
Who is Tenille Townes
Tenille Townes is a rising Canadian Country Music Artist from Grand Prairie, Alberta, Canada. In 2011 she was nominated at 17 years old for Canadian Country Music Female Artist of the Year. Her career is off and running. In 2018 she opened for Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town on The Bandwagon Tour.
Her Grand Ole Opry Debut
She's also recently enjoyed the honor of performing at the Grand Ole Opry. That was a big deal for her family and friends! Watch and listen to Tenille Townes in her own words, describe her amazing experience. She's a class act.
Big Hearts for Big Kids - Her Cause
In over nine years, she's raised $1.5+ million dollars for Sunrise House, a shelter for homeless youth in Alberta Canada. A cause she generously dedicates her time and name to.
Here's a brief video on her 2018 Fundraiser, Big Hearts for Big Kids:
Homelessness - The Stats and Where to Learn More
It's roughly estimated that between 150,000 and 300,000 people in Canada are homeless at some given time. In 2017 approximately 5 million people in Canada lived in poverty. Canadians can learn more about homelessness and what can be done here at The Homeless Hub.
According to Voa.org, in the United States in 2017, approximately 553,000 Americans were homeless on a given night, 40 million struggled with hunger, and 40.6 million officially lived in poverty. The US population is about 325 million. To learn more about poverty in the USA and how you can help, visit Voa.org/homeless-people.
"I believe those who suffer the most teach us the most" - by me
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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
There are over 1500 'unofficial' National Holidays throughout the year that
enjoy recognition for one reason or another. This one for February 15 ~
National Gumdrop Day ~ was begun to recognize this colorful, chewy, fruity or
spicy, gelatin candy coated with sugar we call the Gumdrop.
Who Invented the Gumdrop?
The gumdrop was invented by a chemist and candy maker named Percy S.
Truesdell. In 1915 he changed the texture of this sugar
concoction. By adding starch in a formula he developed at Ohio State
University, he changed a hard candy into a smooth, chewy delight. He
later became known as the “Gumdrop King”.
Besides being a tasty candy, gumdrops are a popular addition to cookie
recipes and as decoration for cakes and cupcakes. No doubt the most
well-known way gumdrops are used as decorations is on Gingerbread
Houses. Savannah, Georgia holds an annual Gingerbread House Festival each year during the Christmas holiday celebrations where gumdrops on the gingerbread houses are plentiful.
Gumdrops are also often used in crafts, such as these adorable
gumdrop penguins
by Linda on her fun and fascinating crafty blog called
“Crafts a la mode”. The blog is filled with her sweet and simple delights in both
crafts and recipes.
You can also make gumdrops yourself. You'll need powdered fruit pectin and
fruit juice, along with vegetable oil, sugar, corn syrup and food
coloring. Several recipes can be found at a selection of sites
throughout the internet.
Click here.
A more modern offshoot of the original gumdrop are today's popular 'gummies' in the form of gummy bears
and gummy worms. Kids seem to love these gelatin-based chewable sweets.
Summary
So, enjoy a gumdrop, or two or three, on National Gumdrop Day,
February 15, or any day of the year this chewy treat appeals to
you.
(c) Gumdrop Holiday Review by Wednesday Elf written on 2/15/2019. Updated on
2/16/2024
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When I am chilled to the bone by the winter cold weather, I seek out my Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa k-cups for my Keurig coffee maker. There isn't anything better than a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day, especially when I need it fast!
I was hesitant to try the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa simply because I don't normally like hot cocoa. In most cases, I much prefer hot chocolate. But, I really wanted a hot chocolate k-cup that I could make quickly when needed to warm up. So, I kept tasting and testing. My search is now finished and I extremely surprised that it has ended with a hot cocoa k-cup instead of hot chocolate. Regardless, I am thrilled the search is over and I have a k-cup that meets, and exceeds, my requirements.
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa K-Cups
Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa K-Cups, Milk Chocolate, 72 CountCheck PriceI tried several different brands of hot chocolate k-cups,
but most of them tasted like nasty hot water. As I said, I was hesitant to venture into the hot cocoa k-cups. I really didn't wish to waste my money, again. However, the Swiss Miss
cocoa is a real winner!
The Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa from the k-cup has a nice rich and delicious taste. Plus, it really does have a milk chocolate flavor just like the package states. Since it is made with water, and
not milk, it isn't as thick as a homemade cup of hot cocoa, but it doesn't have that cocoa aftertaste.
Now, when I come in from the cold, I have a fast and easy hot drink to warm me up. Oh, and it is extra delicious with those little marshmallows added.
The Snow Leopard Mug
Snow Leopard Coffee MugCheck PriceThe snow leopard mug you see filled with the Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa in the photo, is available on Zazzle. It is one of my own personal photos that I have made available on a variety of Zazzle products. The Snow Leopard mug does seem totally appropriate for warm hot cocoa on a cold day.
Visually, I think the marshmallows bring out the beauty of the Snow Leopard's gorgeous fur.
My mug is a little different from the one that is offered on Zazzle. In my desire to feature the snow leopard face, I didn't realize I had off-centered the image until I got my own mug in the mail. At that time, I went back into the Zazzle mug image set-up and centered the image on each side.
Grab Your Mug of Swiss Miss Cocoa & Join Me Today!
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I have long been a fan of Bluebirds but until this year I have not been able to capture any photographs that I really liked. During a very cold spell in January a group of Bluebirds visited our backyard and I was able to capture some nice photos. I had a camera set up on a tripod in front of our glass doors and I snapped away as the Bluebirds checked out our feeding spots. For those interested I am using a Sony A57 with a Tamron150-600 lens. My camera is set to A (aperture mode) and I'm using a 6.5 aperture in most of these photos.
Eastern Bluebird Identification
These birds are small thrush type birds with a round head and big belly.
The male Bluebirds are particularly bright in color as you can see in the photo above. They have a bright blue colored head and back along with their tail feathers. Their throat and chest are a bright rusty color.
The female bluebirds have the same color pattern as the males and they are a similar size, however their coloring is much more subdued. Their head appears an almost grayish color as you can see in the photo above.
Juvenile Bluebirds
The juvenile Bluebirds have spotting on their backs and chests and some blue beginning in their wings and chests.
Feeding Behavior and Diet
From spring to early fall the Bluebirds diets consist of mainly insects. In the winter they rely mainly on fruits. As you can see in the photo above they will also resort to seeds in the winter. I have found that if I do not clean out my flower containers after blooming season the Bluebirds and other birds like to rummage through the dead plants.
Nesting
Although Bluebirds will use a nest box they also like holes in old trees, particularly old woodpecker nests. They fill their nests with grass and other plant material. A Bluebird usually lays 4-5 eggs and they are inculpated by the female for 11-19 days. The fledgling birds leave the nest in about 19 days.
References
I gathered my information from several online sources as well as from my book Backyard Guide to the Birds. Here are my references.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
When we visited in June 2011, the library grounds were full of flowers.
We visited the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, as part of our 47th Wedding Anniversary celebration. The library is easy to access, since it's in a part of California that so far does not have the traffic problems of larger cities. You can find library hours and directions here. The driveway was long and curvy as it climbed to the library buildings at the top. This is what we saw when we got there.
The view below shows the other side of the entrance.
On the way up we passed this picnic area just before we got to the buildings. If you look toward the back of the photo below you will see part of the enormous parking lot. Parking is free, but some spaces require a long walk up to the building.
Picnic Area at Reagan Library
The Library Entrance through the Courtyard
This is the way to enter the courtyard that leads to the main entrance. You pass through the shadow into the light, where you see the fountain in the courtyard.
Through the Shadows and into the Bright Courtyard
Here is a better look at the fountain. You can pick up this view at Zazzle as a postcard, a puzzle, blank greeting card, magnet, or beverage coaster set. I show it here as a puzzle. You can click the image if you want to purchase it or see the other products.
As you approach the door, this statue of Ronald Reagan himself greets you.
Ronald Reagan Statue
Once inside the door, you can pay for your admission and proceed to the exhibits. There is an order to it. I went accidentally the wrong way, so I didn't see the displays in the order I should have. But it was still a wonderful walk through Reagan's life － personal, professional, and political. (Note: The docents were wonderfully helpful at getting me back to where I took the wrong turn.)
Ronald Reagan's Early Years
The library's archives reveal that Ronald Reagan grew up in a poor family. He just didn't realize it at the time. His father was a shoe salesman and the family didn't own a home. When young Ronald was 14 he got his first job － digging ditches. Later he worked as a lifeguard during the summers. He saved his money toward tuition to supplement his college scholarship for Eureka College.
Reagan was raised in Dixon, Illinois, and his mother was a devout Christian and a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) His father was Catholic. Nelle Reagan was known in her church as a prayer warrior. She maintained her ties to the Dixon church even after she moved to California. Her Bible is on display at the Reagan Library, along with many family photos and other family possessions in the exhibit on Reagan's early life.
Nelle Reagan's Bible
The Air Force One Pavilion
I think the most impressive exhibit was the Air Force One Pavilion. I was overwhelmed by the spaciousness of it when I walked in. Whereas most of the exhibits were enclosed by walls on both sides as you walked the path between them, the Pavilion displaying all the means of presidential transport was wide open and multistoried. Its glass outside walls allowed one to survey the surrounding valley as far as the eye could see. As you look at the photos of Air Force and Marine One, and gauge their size, you realize just how big this pavilion is to house it all. The library makes some space in the Pavilion available for public events.
Maine One
The photo below of Marine One shows you how large it is in comparison to the tables you see in the background that are often used at events.
Marine One
Below is a closer view of the front of the Marine One helicopter.
Another View of Marine One
Air Force One
Those of us who have only taken to the air in commercial planes can easily be impressed when we board Air Force One and see what those fly on private or special government planes are treated to. Air Force One is a flying office, command center, and a place to entertain guests and the press corps. Library visitors not only tour Air Force One, but they can also get their pictures taken as they exit. One cannot take pictures aboard the plane legally without official permission. The exterior is impressive enough!
Here's the front of Air Force One
Front of Air Force One
Below is the tail section of the jet that carried President Reagan and all who traveled with him. I took the photos from the second level of the Pavilion. At the back on the lower level you can see the mural depicting all the air transportation presidents have used.
Tail of Air Force One
I have included this official video from the library to give you a better view of the Pavilion. It takes a video to do it justice, but you really can't take it all in unless you actually visit. Honestly, it is truly awesome.
The Motorcade
The Pavilion also houses the land vehicles the President and those that protected him rode in. You will find President Reagan's 1984 Cadillac limousine and a "follow-up" or "chase" vehicle -- a 1986 Chevrolet Suburban. That vehicle handles on-site communications and transport for the agents protecting the President. I had not realized that when the Presidents travel outside the country, these secure vehicles are transported by air to wherever the President will be . Both vehicles are in the photo below. Please click to see a larger view.
Part of the Presidential Motorcade
I just had to add this photo with the limo's Gipper license plate. They sure keep the limousine shiny. It might as well be a mirror.
The "Gipper" License Plate
The Berlin Wall
Perhaps some best remember Ronald Reagan for his appeal in a speech: "Mister Gorbachev, tear down this wall." As we know, the wall finally did come down. One of the displays that really hit me was the reconstruction of part of the Berlin Wall. Here is one view of it. The hole is there for children to crawl through to explore.
Berlin Wall Exhibit
Here's a genuine piece of the wall that is displayed outside of the buildings so you can see both sides.
This is the drab side that would have faced inside the wall.
Genuine Berlin Wall Fragment
This is the other side, facing outside, where people drew pictures and wrote messages. I believe this part is particularly beautiful.
The More Artistic Side of the Berlin Wall Fragment
Learn more about Ronald Reagan in these books, or display his wisdom with this wall art.
Here is Reagan's famous "Tear down this wall" speech.
Last Photos
These photos didn't fit under the headings above. One exhibit reflects Reagan's love for horses. I'm not sure if it depicts his favorite horse, El Alamein, or not. I read that El Alamein was buried on Reagan's Santa Barbara Ranch. On the wall around this exhibit there is a life-size photo of Reagan riding his horse. That is not visible in this photo.
Reagan loved his horses.
A fitting image to complete this post is the final resting place of Ronald Wilson Reagan, who died on June 5, 2004. The lettering on the monument is too light to read in the photo, but this is what it says:
"I know in my heart that man is good That what is right will always eventually triumph And there is purpose and worth to each and every life"
I hope you have enjoyed this mini-tour of the Ronald Reagan Library. If you ever get the chance, I hope you will go see it. Some of the exhibits I didn't have room to mention here are very moving. There is a video of the attempted assassination, and other videos reveal how much Nancy and the President loved each other. The final one left me in tears. I hadn't thought to bring tissues, but a docent was handing them out after I finished watching that video.
Many exhibits deal with Reagan's relationships with the leaders of other nations. You will also see a full-size replica of the Oval Office with Reagan's desk. You can even get your picture taken behind Reagan's podium with his seal. Do you recognize those who who are listening?
If you visit the Reagan Presidential Library, be sure to leave enough time to enjoy it all. You should be able to get through all the exhibits in three to four hours. If you are hungry, there are two dining options available -- a cafe and a pub. You don't need to pay admission to visit the cafe, but the pub doesn't have an outside entrance for the public. You will also probably want to leave some time to walk the grounds.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
Last week my hubby traded in his old jeep for a newer model. You can see it pictured at the left. It is a pretty little thing, isn't it? It rides much better than the older one, too.
So, he has a birthday approaching and I thought that it might be fun to get him something for his Jeep. The old floor liners are pretty sad looking even though they will fit this year and model. I went on a quest to see if I could find some new floor mats for him.
Sure enough, they were not difficult to find. I searched for floor liners for a Jeep Liberty and found the color that I thought would go well with his interior. To my surprise a pop-up appeared asking me to verify that the liners would fit the vehicle. It turned out that the ones that I had first picked would not fit the floor configuration of his year of Jeep. What a convenience! It would have certainly been a disappointment to me as the gifter and to him as the recipient if those new mats wouldn't work!
What I like about this particular brand of floor liners is that they are digitally measured and molded to fit the interior of specific models of vehicles. This line of mats is more than just a flat little piece of protection for the carpet of the car. They are molded to the contours of the floor board giving more protection. These will not slip around and allow mud and dirt to get under them. I like that because I really don't like having to vacuum those floors and my sweet hubby is a bit of a "Messy Marvin" when it comes to tracking in mud and dirt (in his vehicle and our home). The floor liners that I have decided to get for him are much nicer and sturdier than his previous ones. I think that he will be extremely happy with them.
Obviously, you may not have a Jeep but it doesn't matter what make or model of vehicle that you drive. You can find these well designed floor liners for any make and model feeling certain that they will fit your ride. These will be a birthday present but they would also work for Father's Day.
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
I have always loved to crochet. Recently, I have mindfully taken more time to crochet. As a result, my skills are improving and I've been creating things that people really enjoy. During this time I've begun to use a new yarn: Wool-Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarns. Outside of using Bernat Blanket yarn in a couple of patterns, I've never branched out to the Bulky and Super Bulky yarns. But I stepped out of my comfort zone and I'm so glad I did. I am thrilled with this acrylic/wool blend yarn by Lion Brand.
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
I've never been a fan of wool - with the exception of work socks that have a small percentage of wool. I love those. But anything that has a larger percentage of wool I imagine as scratchy. I don't know why, but I do. I just always assume that wool is going to be uncomfortable. During shopping trips down the yarn aisles, I am a toucher. I want yarns that feel good. One day I touched a skein of yarn that was so thick and soft that I bought a few skeins. I did not realize they were an acrylic and wool blend yarn until I got home. Wool - Ease Thick & Quick comes in two skein sizes: a regular skein size at 5 oz (87 yards) or the bonus bundle at 12 oz (212 yards). Be aware if you are shopping online. It appears the some outlets show the regular skein size as the "bonus bundle". Be sure to read the weight/length if ordering online.
It is in the Super Bulky category (which is #6 on the label). And the recommended crochet hook size is "N" (knitting needle size 13). Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. It is machine washable and dryable using cool temps. Do not bleach or iron. I bought this yarn as I was experimenting - trying to crochet a very small neck warmer that someone had suggested. I ended up with the wrong pattern or the wrong size yarn during my experimenting. Then I gave this yarn and a "N" hook a try. And ta-dum, I have great neck warmers that people are enjoying.
If you'd like an acrylic/wool blend neck warmer and don't feel like making your own, keep your eye on my Etsy Store. I will offer these neck warmers with button closures at DawnRaeCrochetas I get them made. If you'd like to make your own scarf from this yarn, you can check out the crochet patterns on Lion Brand Yarn Company site. If you are a beginner, this "Brunch With Friends Scarfie"would be a good pattern to try. I am not good at writing patterns. So I cannot give you an actual pattern for my neck warmers. But for those of you who do crochet this may make sense to you:
chain 9 to 11 (depending on the desired width)
turn and single stitch in each stitch; continue for 6 rows (beginning each row with a ch 1 and turn)
ch 3 and turn, DC in each stitch
continue for desire length (mine are around 27")
end with a row of single crochet for a finished edge
attach a button (or 2 buttons) near the end of 6 rows of SC
the button holes are the spaces between the DCs (making the scarf able to be worn in a variety of ways/lengths).
Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”
