Lilacs and Their Origins, "When Lilacs last in the Dooryard Bloomed . . ."

See below the excerpt from a great Atlas Obscura story:

What started as one French horticulturist's escape from the dreariness and destruction of the Franco-Prussian War soon blossomed into a full-scale floral revolution.

Hydrangeas, geraniums, lilacs—the varieties of flowers in the modern garden are nearly endless, but it’s hard to imagine where bloom lovers everywhere would be without the singular contributions of 19th-century hybridizer Victor Lemoine.

Lemoine, with the help of his wife, son, and grandson, is responsible for introducing the world to more than 200 varieties of lilacs, the popular ornamental flower known for its sweet fragrance, among countless other flower varieties. He’s considered a horticultural hero.

Memoir; Writing your Life Story: Making a Murderer

Memoir; Writing your Life Story: Making a Murderer: Making a Murderer   This Netflix series/documentary tells the story of Steven Avery of Wisconsin , falsely accused, in imprisoned...

Doll Museum: Halloween and The Church, Samhain, Celts Next

Doll Museum: Halloween and The Church, Samhain, Celts Next: I recommend Ray Bradbury's The Halloween Tree, book and Film, narrated by RB himself. I'm back, after two weeks of not being able t...

Doll Museum: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: From our Friends at Anti...

Doll Museum: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: From our Friends at Anti...: Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: From our Friends at Antique Doll Collector Magazin... : The Theriault doll auction, held in conjunction with t...

Summer Solstice; Blessed Be!

Once again, the Solstice is upon us; revel in the day light, and literally, "do not go gentle into that good night!"  Summer is now here, and those of us Midsommer babies are ready to celebrate, though many of us can only do so in spirit.

I will have some easy recipes, soon, and tips on surviving as a caregiver.  Catch me now on Ruby Lane blog for dolls, and on the R. John Wright Design Blog as well.

My container and fairy garden are out and doing well, though I am fighting a battle with a mole.  No poisons or violence, I promise, but this is very aggravating.  My birds are back, nesting under the rafters of my garage as they have for nearly ten years.  Our city deer still roam.  On beautiful, cool, sparkling summer mornings like this, the world seems at peace.

We Salute James Patterson; Good Writing is Always Spritual

Mr. James Patterson, Toys R Us, and Nursery Rhymes; We Salute a Terrific Author!

Today on "Sunday Morning", CBS, author James Patterson was profiled.  I have been addicted to his books for some time, and as a writer myself, applaud and admire how prolific and consistently good he is.  I admit to being addicted to the Dr. Alex Cross mysteries and to The Women's Murder Club.  Many of the Cross novels have titles borrowed from nursery rhymes, including "Along Came A Spider" and "Mary, Mary."  Today's profile revealed that he was an ad man behind the Toy R Us famous campaign, " I don't want to grow up! I'm a Toys R Us Kid . . ."  From time to time, I've seen dolls and toys appear as props in his novels, but this tidbit was icing on the Easy Bake Oven cake for me!  Also, he was his class valedictorian, and wrote stories when he held an early job that proved a challenge.  Same as me! Not that I could ever have his talent, and I was 8th in my class of 500, but Mr. Patterson shares that talent Dickens and King have; he draws in his readers, and makes you feel as if you are there with him,  a good friend sharing confidences.  He also suffered great loss and personal tragedy, and he went on.  This is something I am trying to do in light of a difficult couple of years of family illnesses, emergencies, and tragedies, along with the loss of my other, aunt, and many other relatives and good friends.  But, like Mr. Patterson, my late mother would have urged us that life goes on.  Patterson is a versatile, vibrant author.  He inspires me, both by his life example and by his talent, and for that, we at the museum have to thank him!

Ruby Lane Celebrates World Doll Day | Ruby Lane Blog

Ruby Lane Celebrates World Doll Day | Ruby Lane Blog