Built: 1887 (extended in 1893) Location: Wolverhampton WV6 8EE History: Theodore Mander, a Wolverhampton paint manufacturer, and his Canadian wife Flora, commissioned Edward Ould to build Wightwick Manor in black and white ‘Old English’ style in 1887 (extended in 1893). They decorated it with Morris & Co. furnishings, Kempe stained glass and De Morgan tiles, but had more…
To Crown A King by Raedene Jeannette Melin – Book Review
Title: To Crown A King Author: Raedene Jeannette Melin Genre: Historical Thriller Pages: 298 Format: E-Book Rating: *** (3/5 Stars) About: Scotland, 1295. The kingdom is on the verge of rebellion. John Balliol wears the crown, but even his powerful Comyn kin cannot break King Edward of England’s insatiable desire to conquer the northern realm….
Inspiration.45
I don’t know about you, but some days—especially these days—I need a little bit of inspiration. That little push, that extra encouragement that I can do it and so can you. “Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you” – Michelle Obama
Stokesay Castle – Castle Review
Built: 1285 Location: SY7 9AH History: Stokesay Castle is a remarkable survival, a fortified manor house which has hardly altered since the late 13th century. The house was built by Lawrence Ludlow, a leading wool merchant of his day, who created a comfortable residence combining an aesthetically pleasing design with some defensive capabilities. In doing so, he took…
Beyond the Moon by Catherine Taylor – Book Review
Title: Beyond the Moon Author: Catherine Taylor Genre: Historical, Romance Publisher: The Cameo Press Pages: 496 Format: E-Book Rating: ***** (5/5 Stars) About: In 1916 1st Lieutenant Robert Lovett is a patient at Coldbrook Hall military hospital in Sussex, England. A gifted artist, he’s been wounded fighting in the Great War. Shell shocked and suffering from hysterical…
Inspiration.44
A joyful life, lived in peaceful bliss, is the best existence we can hope to achieve. It’s the kind of life that produces positive vibes and feel-good energy, and encourages us to look to the future with high hopes. Pure joy might seem like a fleeting emotion, but even if you only feel it for a moment in…
Attingham Park
Built: 1785 (completed) Location: Shrewsbury SY4 4TP History: Attingham Park was designed by George Steuart, a follower of James Wyatt, whose only surviving country house this is. It was built from 1772 to 1785 for Noel Hill, 1st Baron Berwick, on the site of an earlier house called Tern Hall (which had been built to his own designs…
George of the Jungle – Film Review
Title: George of the Jungle Age: U Released: 16th July 1997 Director: Sam Weisman Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Romance Rating: **** (4/5 stars) About: Baby George is the lone survivor of a plane crash and is raised by a wise gorilla in the jungle. One day, he saves Ursula and moves from his sweet jungle life in Africa to San…
Inspiration.43
If you are in need of a little happiness boost, then look no further. Sometimes a simple, short quote can make all the difference. Here’s the quote: “The most important thing is to enjoy your life — to be happy. It’s all that matters” – Audrey Hepburn
Kenilworth Castle – Castle Review
Built: 1120s Location: Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG History: Kenilworth is one of England’s most magnificent castles. First built in the 1120s and a royal castle for most of its history, it was expanded by King John, John of Gaunt and Henry V. In 1563 Elizabeth I granted it to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who converted Kenilworth…
The Stranger – TV Series Review
Title: The Stranger Age: 15 Released: 30th January 2020 Genre: Mystery, Thriller Rating: ***** (5/5 stars) About: Follows the lives of suburban families whose secrets and lies are made public by the appearance of a stranger. Review: This is the first TV series that I’ve reviewed, and I wouldn’t normally do one, but I have to say I LOVED this…
Inspiration.42
Last week I spoke about how I was struggling a little bit. The struggle is still there, but I think it always will be here until this uncertain time can finally pass. But it got me thinking, we can’t always expect life to be good to us. We need to experience the bad things in…
