Dew of the Sea Costume History, Theology & Thoughts

 A Poet's Prayer  Chapter One  "And how are you this morning, Mrs. Stainton?" Robert brought her a steaming mug of coffee. "Enjoying wedded bliss?" She laughed and lifted her lips to kiss his cheek.  "Ever so much, my dear." "How good of your neighbour to watch over Thomas and Minnie, while we're away."  "Yes, indeed. Mrs. Deacon is invaluable. And Dorothy promised to pay them a visit. They couldn't be more thrilled. The kids took to her like ducks to water!" "Do you mind, Rose darling..." Robert began, as he produced a scrap of paper and a pencil. "I'd like to write you a poem."  "Must I sit still as if you were sketching my likeness?" "Only for a couple of minutes, my dear."  And so she posed, ensconced in a dressing gown and smiling disposition.  As promised, the poem only took a few minutes to scribble.  "There," he announced, proudly.  "May I read it yet?" ...

  Autumn Leaves crunched  Beneath my feet Squirrels munched  And took a seat Perching on the branch above Silver, lime, bronze and dove Colours, soft, vibrant, serene Sprayed and splashed across the scene. With flurrying tails  And scurrying trails  Bounding, he leaps And then he creeps  Pouncing upon  Carpets that shone  Sinking in the leaves.  Spring The leaves shimmer. The waters glimmer. Glistening, still, Listening till  The birds crash through... A bright flash, too, As their wings take flight. More things in sight... Those gleaming beaks  And fluttering tails. My eye - it seeks  The crowd that sails On high o'er lakes and trees beyond The peaceful clime, of which I'm fond.  A Seasonal Riddle Underneath the crackling path, Where trampled leaves make children laugh... Come and wake me if you dare! Though asleep, you'll find me there. Cold and bitter, ice and snow. Frosts that shimmer, flakes that glow.  Each bush...

Epilogue  Rose's heart pounded, as Robert led the way to the nearby park.  She was on the verge of asking, "where are you taking me?" when she realised that would be a needless question. It was clear Robert was seizing the opportunity to enjoy her company after a long day's work and watch the dusky, golden sunset from the benches by the park. It was the only splash of green in the area and much-appreciated by the residents of the city, especially the cotton mill employees. The fresh outdoor air was a welcome relief when compared to the thick, dense weight of cotton that permeated the air they breathed, daily, in the suffocating swamp of a factory.  Robert reached a bench and beckoned for Rose to take a seat beside him.  "You must know," he took her hand and pressed it to his chest. "I can't conceal it any longer. You must know that I love you." Rose's heart skipped a beat. "I... I love you too," she found herself saying after an i...

 Chapter Four  "Rose, my dear, you look as though you haven't got enough sleep! This industry is known for causing fatigue." Dorothy patted her back fondly and smiled. "You lying awake, dreaming of the future? Wondering if it contains a certain young gentleman we're both very fond of?" "Unfortunately, no." Rose sighed. "The reasons for my tiredness and the fact I had a sleepless night are far less agreeable." "I'm all ears." "Well... I've received a letter from my landlord and we are, as it turns out, no longer able to stay in the house. We have been given two weeks to vacate." "Oh, Rose!" Dorothy exclaimed. "I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do." "I've been praying for a miracle." "Of course you have. As will I." Rose paused in her work and shut her eyes tight. "Lord, send me a miracle," her heart whispered. "Send me a miracle."...

  Chapter One  Rose Lambe gazed out the window longingly. It was a bright, warm, sunny day and the dense, heavy atmosphere of the cotton mill proved an oppressive contrast to the blue, summery sky. Oh, to be out of doors on a day like this! Though the mist hung low and thick in the winter, summer was a welcome break from the overcast gloom of the city. Although she rejoiced that Thomas and Minnie were benefiting from the beautiful day, she earnestly wished she could join them.  She was grateful nonetheless. Mrs. Deacon had promised to take the children to the park and Thomas had squealed at the prospect. Minnie had wailed into Mummy's skirts that she wanted to work the mill just to be with her.  "Come, Minnie," Rose had coaxed, gently pushing some stray curls and tucking them behind her daughter's ear. "You and Thomas are going to have a wonderful time at the park, as kind Mrs. Deacon has offered to take you. Have fun. And enjoy yourselves. You'll do that for...

 Hi everyone.  Introducing... If Hearts Could Fly.  I would like to start posting a short story in sections. Part one will be the first three chapters. Part two will consist of the next two chapters. And part three will contain the final chapter or epilogue. Enjoy! 😊 Synopsis for If Hearts Could Fly: Rose Lambe is a young mother, raising two little children on her own in Victorian England. Her late husband, Peter Lambe, has passed away and she has to earn a substantial income herself to sustain her young family. While working in a cotton factory in the north of England, Rose encounters a tough financial challenge that threatens her security. Surrounded by her friends, she displays admirable courage in the face of tribulation...  Will her most interesting acquaintance -the handsome and very poetic Robert Stainton - prove to be an answer to her prayers? If Hearts Could Fly is a short story /novelette, attempting to combine contextual accuracy with vivid imagination. H...

  The first of Jane Austen's novels to be published, (1811), Sense and Sensibility is a masterpiece that has thrilled readers for over 200 years. It was adapted for screen in the 90s by Miramax studios and again in 2008 by the BBC. The novel itself, when I first read it, was a sheer delight. I particularly recollect the highlight of a cliffhanger at the end of one chapter that kept me hooked, spurring me on to the next. I would definitely recommend Sense and Sensibility for Jane Austen fans, who require a taste of her unbeatable characterisation and the incorporation of themes that the entire novel revolves around. Let's dive into these a little more deeply... Austen's skills shine in this novel, most splendidly. Not only does she present two most lovable and admirable heroines, but she provides them with husbands, building the tension and excitement gradually throughout the plot, until the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne are happily settled in matrimony, upon closing...