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ROMEO AND JULIET: Greatest Love Story Ever Told Series

4/20/2018

WHAT MAKES A GREAT LOVE STORY?
One of the greatest love stories ever told is that of Romeo and Juliet. The storyline is the basis of hundreds of songs, paintings, plays, literary works, and romance fiction. It is one of those stories that falls between legend and literary characters, based on possible historical events.

Each year, during the first weekend of September, the historic city of Verona, Italy, holds a festival to commemorate the birthday of the city's most famous daughter, Giulietta Capuleti – the legendary Juliet Capulet of the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. It's a real Italian party, with lots of food, singing, dancing, and costumes.

AN OLD TALE OF UNREQUITED LOVE
Shakespeare's play may have made this love story popular, but it is a much older tale of unrequited love which has been told in Italy at least since the 1400s. Historians speculate that the story existed as oral tradition long before that.

It's possible the oral tradition is based on the Babylonian legend of Pyramus and Thisbe, which dates back to 331 BC. Pyramus was the most gorgeous man in Babylonia and Thisbe, the most beautiful maiden. They had grown up as neighbors and were childhood friends. When they fell in love, they were forbidden to marry by their parents. One night, they planned to meet and run away together, but a mountain lion attacked Thisbe. She escaped, but the mountain lion took her veil. When Pyramus saw her bloodied veil in the mountain loin's mouth, he believed she'd been killed, and so he stabbed himself with his sword. When Thisbe saw Pyramus dead, she picked up his sword and killed herself also.

That legend sounds similar enough to Romeo and Juliet to have been the basis for the tale first committed to paper as a novella by Masuccio Salernitano, Published in 1478, Salernitano's story names the lovers Mariotto Maganelli and Giannoza Saraceni, and it takes place in Sienna.

Salernitano's plot is so similar to Shakespeare's play, which wasn't written until sometime in the early 1590s, that there isn't much doubt the play is a retelling of the same story.

But not to worry! Shakespeare isn't the only writer who got the idea from Salernitano. Some fifty years after Salernitano's novella, in 1528 (1531?), Luigi La Porta wrote a similar story set in Verona, which uses the same names as used in Shakespeare's play written sixty years later, Romeo and Juliet. La Porta claimed the plot had been given to him by an archer named Pellegrino da Verona.

In 1562, Matteo Bandello rewrote La Porta's book. Bandello's work was turned into an epic poem by Authur Brooke, entitled Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet.

A French version, written by Pierre Boastuau, draws on both Salernitano and Brooke's poem. William Painter, in 1569, wrote a version of it. Spaniard, Lope de Vega, in 1590, wrote a Spanish version.

Somehow Shakespeare read Salernitano's novella. There are a number of theories about how the playwright got so many stories from Italy although he never traveled there … as far as anyone knows. However he obtained this tale, he wrote the play sometime between 1591 and 1596. It was published in 1597 and the first performance wasn't until 1662. His play popularized the Romeo and Juliet story which has provided inspiration for a multitude of artists and sculptors, writers and poets, screenwriters, ad infinitum.

After 400 years, time has not tarnished or dulled the romance of the two doomed lovers. We never tire of hearing, reading, and seeing it again and again in its various storylines and settings. It strikes very near the heart and always will.

IS THE STORY TRUE?
The real truth is lost in the dust of time. However, it is true that during the late 1200s, there were two important families in Verona named Capuletti and Montecchi. These family names are mentioned by writer and poet Dante Alighieri in his Divine Comedy (Canto IV of the Purgatory-written in around 1310-1330), and a reference is made to a grief shared by these two families. No mention is made regarding of what the mutual sorrow might be.

During that period, under the reign of the Scaligeri family, there was constant war between families for dominance of Verona, but history doesn't call out the names of Capuletti or Montecchi. Even though these two families are not remembered as movers and shakers, during this time there was great hatred between opposing families, making the story quite possible.

FOR VERONA, ROMEO AND JULIET WERE REAL
After the 1936 Academy Award winning film of the play, the Veronese government realized the city could capitalize on the story. Visitors today can visit museums, churches, homes, and plaques containing quotes from the play. All the places tourists see there are commemorating Shakespeare's play, not the real people.

If you travel to Verona, you can visit Juliet's house at #23 Via Cappello and see her balcony where, supposedly, the famous balcony scene took place. Of course, the five-story house isn't the Capuletti's house and never was. It was originally a 13th century inn – said to have once been the stable of the Dal Cappello family -- which was purchased by the City of Verona in 1936 and restored in Gothic style and decorated inside like the home of a Renaissance merchant.

The Balcony Bed from the 1968 Movie Statue of Juliette in courtyard The Tomb

Inside the house, you can visit Juliet's bedroom. The bed is actually the one used in the Franco Zeffirelli film in 1968. In the courtyard the statue of Juliet is rubbed for good luck. You can also visit the Capuletti tomb. The Montegue or Montecchi house

There is also the house of the Montegue, or Montecchi. It was built in the 14th century and once belonged to the family of Count Nogarola. Today it is private and closed to the public, but displays a plaque containing a quote from the play.

TOURIST TRADITIONS
According to https://runawaybunnydotorg.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/juliets-house-in-verona-some-strange-traditions/ there are several unusual traditions and crowds of tourists pushing and shoving in front of the Capuleti house to participate in those traditions. Most of these so-called "traditions" sound modern to me, as well as being pure vandalism.
"Tradition 1: Scrawl the name of your lover on the walls in sharpie."
"Tradition 2: Stick a piece of gum on the wall, then have someone take a picture of you stretching it out between your fingers." The end result isn't very romantic.

Writing on the wall with sharpies    The gum wall    The lovers' padlocks
Photos by: runawaybunny.com

   "Tradition 3: Write the name of you and your boyfriend on a padlock, and lock it somewhere. Anywhere." Apparently this practice is taking hold and spreading around the world.
  "Tradition 4: Juliet’s breasts bring good luck/fertility/longevity/better orgasms. You must touch them on the statue and take pictures of it!" Some references say the tradition is rubbing the statue for good luck. I guess where you rub it is up to you. However, you can buy a breast-shaped keychain in the gift shop just off the courtyard."

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE GREATEST LOVE STORY EVER TOLD?
Most of the "greatest love stories" involve lovers being kept apart and/or making extreme sacrifices to be together. In the older stories, that sacrifice is often death. It's surprising how many follow the Romeo and Juliet theme, which makes them love stories and tragedies at the same time, but not romances.

Some of these are strictly heroes and heroines in literature, some myth or legend, and others who are real historical or modern figures who are well known and capture wide interest. Many of us are familiar with the names, but not with the stories. Leave a comment and tell us what you consider the greatest love story and why.

Resources
http://www.ancient-origins.net/history/romeo-and-juliet-not-shakespearean-tale-after-all-003155
http://the1historynerd.blogspot.com/2011/06/montagues-and-capulets-fact-or-fiction.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_and_Juliet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montagues_and_Capulets
http://www.ancient.eu/Verona/
http://www.linguait.it/index.php/en/study-italian-in-italy/verona-history
http://www.veronafor2.com/verona.html
https://runawaybunnydotorg.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/juliets-house-in-verona-some-strange-traditions/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Capuleti_e_i_Montecchi
http://untappedcities.com/2013/12/18/6-sites-verona-italy-follow-footsteps-romeo-and-juliet-verona-italy/
http://amolife.com/reviews/top-20-most-famous-love-stories-in-history-and-literature.html
http://allwomenstalk.com/12-most-famous-love-stories-of-all-time/
http://www.tourism.verona.it/en/itineraries/your-time-travel/romeo-juliet
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2099615/Is-romantic-painting-Oil-depiction-Romeo-Juliet-voted-best-Britain.html#ixzz5BjdDrjFt
https://www.explorra.com/attractions/juliets-balcony-in-verona_12303
https://mycornerofitaly.com/juliets-house/

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FRIDAY THE 13th: Do you suffer from Paraskavekedatriaphobia? Or Triskaidekaphobia?

4/13/2018

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I NEVER WOULD HAVE GUESSED
That's because, until I started this blog, I'd never heard of these words and didn't know they meant, much less how to pronounce them. I'll bet you didn't either.

Nonetheless, these are real medical phobias related to fearing the number thirteen and Friday the Thirteenth. But first, a quick look at where bad luck superstitions came from and particularly Friday the Thirteenth. And no, it wasn't the movie.

BAD LUCK DAY
Every culture seems to have superstitions about days and numbers which are considered lucky or unlucky. In many places, Fridays and the number thirteen have traditionally been tagged as bad luck.

The exact origin of the superstition is unknown -- just lots of speculation -- but an argument can be made for the superstition existing since ancient times. Where ever it originated, a large portion of Western culture is stuck treating Friday the Thirteenth as a day of doom, despair, or bad luck.

Ancient Times
● The word Friday represents the Norse goddess Frigg [Freyja or Freya], the goddess of love and war. She had many other talents as well. Some historians believe the Teutonic people called Friday unlucky because of Freyja, perhaps because one of her talents was magic.

● Some believe the 13th or Friday the 13th was the day Eve tasted the forbidden apple from the Tree of Knowledge. I'm not sure how that figures, since humankind at the time didn't have a calendar with either Fridays or Friday the 13th, but what do I know?

● In the New Testament, thirteen people attended Jesus' last supper on Maundy Thursday, the day before Christ's crucifixion on Good Friday. Judas was the thirteenth to be seated.

● Numerology first appears in written records in Egypt and Babylon, and in numerology, the number 13 is considered unlucky. However, while 13 meant death to the ancient Egyptians, it was a joyous time when the person ascended into eternal life. Death was not considered bad luck to them.

Middle Ages
● This is a more likely time for such superstitions to be tied to Christian beliefs surrounding the last supper and crucifixion.

● In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote in his Canterbury Tales a reference to Friday as being unlucky.

●While some historians point to evidence of both Friday and the number thirteen being considered unlucky, there are no references connecting the two before the 19th century.

Nineteenth Century
● Henry Sutherland Edward's 1869 biography of composer Giaochino Rossini, is credited with the first documented reference. According to Edwards, Rossini regarded Friday as an unlucky day, thirteen as an unlucky number, and died on Friday, November 13, 1868.

While I have no way of knowing if Rossini himself believed 13 was unlucky, I do know that Italians consider 13 a lucky number. The Italian bad-luck-number is seventeen, and that superstition has been around since the early Romans. I lived in Rome and know there are many buildings without a 17th floor or a room #17 and so on.

● Another early reference comes from a club [The Thirteen Club] formed by William Fowler, whose intention was to debunk the superstitions as baseless.

"REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUP OF BAD LUCK"
Quote: Kathy Padden [todayifoundout.com]

Once the day Friday and the number thirteen combined, the superstition blossomed and filled much of the western world. Once singled out, it's easy to go hunting for bad things which happened on that date. Perhaps just as much bad luck occurs on other days and dates, but we're not looking at those.

Sure, it never hurts to be cautious. You shouldn't walk under a ladder on any day, particularly if someone is standing on it with paint, but when taken to an extreme, it can become a medical condition. Who knew?

Triskaidekaphobia
This is the term for extreme and irrational fear of the number thirteen. Thirteen isn't the only number people fear, but that's called Numerophobia or Arithmophobia.

Paraskavedekatriphobia [Also Friggatriskaidekaphobia]
This is the term for an exaggerated, irrational fear of Friday the Thirteenth. The name was first used in the 1990s by Dr. Donald E. Dossey, an American psychotherapist specializing in phobias and stress management. He is reputed as saying if someone can pronounce the name of the phobia, he/she is cured. The term uses the Greek word paraskevi (Friday) and dekatria (thirteen).

Symptoms
The symptoms resemble any panic attack:
● Hyperventilation
● Rapid heart rate
● Trembling
● Lightheadedness or dizziness
● Refusing to leave home on this day
● Indulging in ritualistic behavior
● Talk of death or dying

Who Is Affected?
The bad news is that millions of people have Paraskavedekatriphobia to one degree or another, and businesses always report losses on Friday the 13th. Even more fear surrounds the unlucky number thirteen. The good news is that in any one year we will not have more than three Friday the 13ths. This year, the only other than this date (April 13) is July 13. What a relief!

WHAT NOT TO DO ON FRIDAY THE THIRTEENTH
● If you cut your hair, someone in your family will die. [And YOU don't get to choose]
● If a funeral procession passes you, you will be next to die.
● Don't start a trip or you will encounter misfortune.
● If you break a mirror, you will have seven years bad luck.
● A child born on Friday the 13th will be unlucky for life.
● Ships that set sail of Friday will have bad luck. In spite of the superstition, most pleasure boats make their first voyage on Good Friday (1857).
● Don't walk under a ladder or if a black cat crosses your path on Friday the 13th you will have bad luck.
● Don't start anything that represents the beginning or start of a new venture.
● If you've been ill, don't get up for the first time on a Friday.
● Don't move on a Friday, or you won't stay in the new location very long.
● Don't get married on Friday.
● And for goodness sake, don't invite 13 guests or sit 13 people at a table.
You've been warned!

COME ON, PEOPLE. GET A LIFE!

Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/friday-13th-does-come-unlucky/
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2013/09/the-origin-of-friday-the-13th-as-an-unlucky-day/
https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/13-things-friday-13.html
http://www.ibtimes.com/friday-13th-history-origins-myths-superstitions-unlucky-day-395108
http://www.snopes.com/luck/friday13.asp
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0212_040212_friday13.html
http://www.macmillandictionary.com/buzzword/entries/paraskevidekatriaphobia.html
http://www.cogwriter.com/hebrew-calendar-postponements.htm
http://aboutnumerology.com/history-of-numerology/
http://gizmodo.com/why-people-think-friday-the-13th-is-unlucky-1306401570
http://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/freya/
http://norse-mythology.org/gods-and-creatures/the-vanir-gods-and-goddesses/freya/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freyja
http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess-freya.htm
http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/goddess-freya.htm
https://www.allaboutcounseling.com/library/triskaidekaphobia/
http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/p/paraskavedekatriaphobia/misdiag.htm
https://days.to/when-is/friday-the-13th/2018

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STORMY WEATHER: Impact Of Weather On Mood

4/6/2018

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AND I QUOTE
“The weather supplies many metaphors for our changeable minds. Moods can brighten and darken, dispositions can be sunny, futures can be under a cloud and relationships can be stormy. Like the weather, our emotions sometimes seem like fickle forces of nature: unstable, enveloping and uncontrollable.”

“Researchers in Germany sought to find out whether day-to-day weather affects people's moods, but branched out beyond just sunny and cloudy and looked at temperature, wind, sunlight, rain and snow, air pressure, and how long the days were.”
Study Sheds Light on Whether the Sun, Wind, Rain Sway Our Emotions By Kelley Colihan

Most people don’t need scientific reports or the latest news article to know the weather affects moods. All we have to do is pay attention to what is going on around us … and inside us. But as human beings, we often make assumptions about the “obvious” which turn out to be incorrect or at least skewed. So it doesn’t hurt to check on the latest research to confirm or challenge what we’ve personally observed in our lifetimes.

In addition, our observations are constrained and biased by our life style, where we live and travel, who we know, what we read and watch on TV. They don’t tell us how people feel in different locations, weather conditions, or life circumstances.

BUT THE STUDY SHOWS...
The fact that there are at least a zillion studies about weather and how it affects people, should be enough to prove there is both interest and variation in weather impacts. This plethora of research often results in conflicting results, but the Journal of Psychological Science found these inconsistencies may be due to two important factors: the season and how much time is spent outside.

The inconsistencies didn’t put me back to square one, but forced me to comb through a lot of articles and studies on weather and mood to filter out those things which are generally consistent and accepted by researchers.

WEATHER DOES AFFECT MOOD, HEALTH, AND SOCIAL WELL BEING
These are the common general “truths” or, at least, the consistent beliefs I found in most of the references I used and is the level playing field, so to speak.

● Weather does affect mood, health, and social well being; the strength and nature of that relationship varies from person to person;
● The impact of weather on you may depend on your personality type;
● Weather doesn’t have to impact your mood;
● Even though the day-to-day weather can affect your mood and your personality, it doesn't define who you are as a person;
● If you're in a good mood, chances are, bad weather won't bring you down too much.
● Mood disorders can be susceptible to seasonal influences, with a typical worsening in the winter months.
● Sleep is affected by the weather. If it is cold, people are more likely to sleep more lightly and if it’s too hot, sometimes they can’t sleep at all.

“DAY-IN DAY-OUT”
Song written and performed by David Bowie, Album “Never Let Me Down” - 1987

The study data implies to me a difference in the impacts between the day-in day-out climate of a location and / or extended periods of extreme weather conditions, and shorter periods of weather, like a rainy day or a foggy week.

“STORMY WEATHER”
Song by Harold Arlen; Lyrics by Ted Koehler; first performed by Ethel Waters at The Cotton Club, Harlem 1933

Here are some of the common thoughts and findings about the effects of cold, inclement, rainy, or gloomy weather on moods.
● Wintertime can bring you down;
● Cold temperatures can lead to physical lethargy;
● Cold temperatures can cause physical pain related to other influences such as arthritis;
● Temperature can affect mood as a result of energy usage. In the winter our bodies have to work harder to maintain body temperature and our immune systems have to work harder to keep us healthy;
● Extreme rain brings out the worst in people;
● Rain can cause you to eat more;
● A lack of sunlight can make you sad;
● Rain makes everything more difficult and can affect your lifestyle in ways not conducive to a good mood.
● Drops in barometric pressure when wet weather is on its way, can cause a headache and achy and stiff feelings in general;
● Rain causes us to stay inside and socialize less. Socializing is actually one of the most powerful antidepressants of all, as are sunlight and exercise.

In other words, winter weather, cold temperatures, rainy and gloomy skies tend to put people in a less positive mood. They’re downers.

“I’M WALKIN’ ON SUNSHINE”
Song written by Kimberley Rew for Katrina and the Waves' 1983

Studies find warmer, more temperate weather (climates?) as affecting our moods in a positive manner.

● Higher temperatures can bring a depressed person up;
● Warm climates have a lower death rate;
● Pleasant weather (higher temperature or barometric pressure) is related to higher mood, better memory, and ‘‘broadened’’ cognitive style during the spring as time spent outside increased;
● Being outside can improve your memory, and boost creativity;
● Fresh air and sunshine may help relieve depression;
● When the sun comes out, you may alter your behavior without even realizing it. Studies suggest, for instance, that on sunny days people help each other more and leave more generous tips when eating at restaurants;
● A 50-minute nature walk improves mood and memory – even photos of green space improve mood.

If I am interpreting these findings correctly, the experts are saying when people experience warmer and more comfortable weather (climate?) which lets them go outdoors and be active, mood improves and spirits rise.

“COME RAIN OR COME SHINE”
Music by Harold Arlen; Lyrics by Johnny Mercer; written for the musical St. Louis Woman, - 1946

Rain or shine, extreme weather conditions affect mood. Conditions that interfere with people's lives and keep them from doing what they need or want to do, can become irritating and/or sources of anxiety or fright if the conditions are likely to have severe consequences, such as:
Lightning Storm High winds Tornado Heavy snow and ice

Overcast skies Extreme heat Heavy Rain Dark skies

Surprisingly, Strong wind has more of a negative effect on mood in spring and summer than in fall and winter. Also, when days become shorter, some people's moods mirror that, while others actually felt more positive feelings.

People are affected differently, and the human body can acclimate itself to fairly extreme differences – just look at the variety of climates in the world we inhabit. I believe how individuals are affected by weather depends a lot on what they've become used to. I went to New Zealand in the early spring. I was freezing the whole time, but I would see local people out running at five in the morning in shorts and sleeveless tops. Burr!

“ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY”
The third and final album by rock band Semisonic; Song written by Dan Wilson – 2001

While the whole issue of the mood-weather relationship is undoubtedly complicated, on a simplistic level we’re looking at appetite, exercise, exposure to light and particularly sunlight, outdoor time, and sleep. All these factors impact several types of non-clinical, common depression: When life just gets you down.

In this case, much of the discussion centers around biochemistry. Sun shining on bare skin is necessary for the human body to produce Vitamin D, which plays a role in the production of the biochemical serotonin. (Some references called it a hormone.) This biochemical has several critical functions within the human body which we don’t need to go into.

After those functions are taken care of, the remainder is synthesized into “serotonergic neurons” which regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. Thus, it’s often considered a contributor to feelings of well being and happiness. In addition, the substance impacts cognitive functions including memory and learning. The more or less sunlight, the more the mood elevation rises or decreases.

Some of the most powerful depression fighters are socializing with others, plenty of restful sleep, eating right, exercise, sunlight, and outdoor activity … which are some of the advantages of living in a moderate climate which allows outdoor activity and sunlight … and where weather conditions don’t inhibit these natural “antidepressants” as much as heavy weather.

“SAD”
Song by Bo Burnham from the album “Overexposed” (Maroon 5 song) 2018

I haven’t been talking about clinical forms of depression which do not relate at all to weather, location, length of days, and so on. That’s a different discussion. However, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is very real condition and should be mentioned.

SAD is a depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern wherein a person’s major depressive episodes are connected to a specific season. While we most commonly think of SAD affecting people only in the fall or winter months, a minority of people also experience SAD during the spring and summer months.

For some, SAD can make living in colder or stormier climates a challenge. It's thought that those who suffer from SAD may be particularly affected by the lack of light during the darker winter months. Studies have found that when SAD sufferers are exposed to light (particularly sunlight during the morning hours), they tend to feel better.

SAD is a relatively uncommon condition, but even those who don't suffer from it may experience drops in mood levels and well-being during the winter months or in colder climates.

Also scientists and researchers also might be overestimating how much the cold weather affects our mood: Some research found that incidences of "wintertime blues" are widely exaggerated, and that most people are not affected by seasonal mood changes.

CONCLUSION
In my humble opinion, based on what I’ve read, most people’s moods are affected by weather but not for very long. If a person eats properly, exercises, and gets enough sleep and sunshine, he probably won’t be affected at all or for only a short time.

Sources
https://psychcentral.com/blog/can-weather-affect-your-mood/
http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20081016/how-the-weather-affects-our-moods
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11150018
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/14/climate-health_n_4568505.html
https://www.bustle.com/articles/113278-6-scientific-ways-weather-affects-your-mood-so-you-can-adapt-your-mind-and-body-through
https://www.elitedaily.com/p/how-the-weather-affects-your-mood-your-personality-according-to-a-new-study-6745419
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15843/1/Effects-of-Weather-on-Human-Emotions.html
http://highlysensitiveperson.net/weather-affects-mood/
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/03/31/weather-affects-mood.aspx
http://sunlightinstitute.org/beware-the-anti-depressant-drugs-use-sunshine-instead/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3779905/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908269/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin
http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise.aspx
http://www.ulifeline.org/articles/433-benefits-of-exercise
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2651091/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression-pictures/different-types-of-depression.aspx
http://www.scienceoflight.org/depression_sad/
http://www.sciencefocus.com/qa/can-changes-atmospheric-pressure-affect-our-mood
http://www.catalogs.com/info/health/barometric-pressure-affect-mood.html

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FOR BRIDES ONLY: 2018 Trends in Wedding Gowns

3/30/2018

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NOTHING IS NEW
The fall 2018 New York Bridal Fashion Show is over and reports are coming in on the latest trends revealed. But don’t hold your breath … there are no real new and wonderful innovations. In 2018 nothing about the basic shapes of dresses is going to change and, as the cliché goes, the difference is in the details. The details and ideas have all been around, but they’re used in a different way.

SHAPES
Ball gowns are still going strong but the embellishments vary. Not as many mermaid gowns were shown in articles about the 2018 trends, and the styles, as I saw them, tended to be softer and more flowing. There is more going on with the upper body and sleeves this year.

♥ Slip Dresses
The 90’s slinky, curve-skimming slip dress is back, a silhouette which is effortlessly sophisticated.

Photos: Kurt Wilberding; Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo
Justin Alexander Blush /Hayley Paige Theia

♥ Corsets and Exposed Boning
Tons of designers showed new gowns with corset tops and/or exposed boning, bringing an antique trend to the forefront of bridal fashion again. The photo is an example of both the corset and tiered style in one dress.

◄ Monique Lhuillier

♥ Watteau-back gowns
The Watteau-back is a style I’ve seen before but never knew the name of until this year. The back of this gown is reminiscent of the 18th century-style long cape with fabric draping from the shoulder to the floor. The modern version drapes from the lower line of the back, making it another good choice for brides who don’t want a cathedral-length veil or heavy train. Some are removeable for the reception.

Alexandra Grecco Amsale Randi Rahm

♥ Wedding-Worthy Pants
If you're eloping, looking for a chic bridal shower ensemble, or just aren't into dresses, jumpsuits and pantsuits are comfortable, figure flattering and totally of the moment. Some have detachable trains.

Romona Keveza Monique Lhuillie Rime Arodaky
Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo; Greg Finck

SLEEVES and SHOULDERS
Some of the biggest new trends are in sleeves, capes and capelets, and bows, both large and small.

♥ Capes and Capelets
For the bride who isn’t into veils or wants a change for the reception, the removeable capes or caplets fit the bill. These have been around for a while but they are big this year.

Marchesa, Mark Zunino, Monique Lhuillier Love Find Company

♥ Split Sleeves
Although the split sleeve has been in style a while, it hasn’t made as much of an appearance on the bridal runway until this year.

Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo
Inbal Dror Galia Lahav Pronovias

♥ Bell Sleeves
Designers of wedding gowns picked up other ready-to-wear fashion, such as the high-lo hemline and bell sleeve. Although retro, a vintage style gown isn't required to make the look work.

Theia Rime Arodaky Mark Zunino

♥ Arm Warmers
This was a new one for me. Kim Fusaro, https://www.glamour.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-2018, states “We’re not sure how else to describe the stand-alone sleeves we saw again and again on the 2018 runways during Bridal Fashion Week. In some collections, the arm warmers were attached to the dress.” On most of the gowns, she continues, they were detached i.e. freestanding on the arms.
Inbal Dror Monique Lhuiller Victoria Kyriakides

♥ Edgy Jackets
Jackets covered in studs were seen in several collections, creating a “rocker-chic” vibe which can change from wedding to reception. Often combined with boots.
Monique Lhuiller Monique Lhuiller

NECKLINES
There seem to be more higher, modest necklines although the plunging front and back are still in full force. For the bride who wants something higher, it will be easier to find in the 2018 fall collections.

Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo; Kurt Wilberding
Hayley Paige Alexandra Grecco Maggie Sottero

♥ Halters
A halter puts the emphasis on the face and bares the shoulders instead of the bosom. They have an elegant look, and flatter more body types than the plunging neckline and other bare parts. They also offer more support for bustier brides.

Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo; Kurt Wilberding
Reem Acra Lakum Mark Zunino

♥ High Collars
There has always been a demand for covered chests and more modest gowns. This year the high collars give serious high-fashion vibes to that look. Fashionistas encourage statement earrings and a windswept updo.

HEM LINES

♥ Hi-Lo Hem Lines
These hemlines continue to appear in the collections but they seemed more predominant in around 2016. Personally, I don’t see the style as particularly attractive on most women, but the Rime Arodakys appeal to me.

Photos: Dan Lecca
Gila Lahav Rime Arodaky Rime Arodaky Rime Arodaky

♥ The Shorter The Better ▲
The short wedding hemline lets a bride show off their legs and lots of skin. Designers played around with length, from cutesy tea-length to mini to even short jumpsuits. This trendy style gives serious attention to a gal's legs. It may not be in the “one fits all” category.

EMBELLISHMENTS
Again, nothing is new, and a bride can find the same kinds of embellishments that have been available for years if that is what she wants: lace, pearls, sequins, feathers. If she wants to be trendy, the biggest embellishment is the bow. Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo; Kurt Wilberding
Ines Di Santo Amsale Lakum

♥ Bows In General
Bows have been a stable embellishment for wedding gowns for years.

This year, designers are doing all sizes and shapes, delicate and statement pieces, often descending from one shoulder or as a traditional train. Also the new butt bow, although how you sit in them is a question. Some on them are detachable for just that reason.

♥ Cascading Shoulder Bows And Butt Bows
Not new but cascading from shoulder is one of the new variations on a old theme. First year from shoulder cascading down arms or in back.

Naeem Khan Berta Bridal Viktor and Rolf
Photos by Maria Valentino/ MCV Photo; Kurt Wilberding

COLORS
More and more colors are becoming available in design wedding gowns, but this year the pink trend appeared on the runway in every hue, from bright pink to blush to splashy deep pink, and in nearly every collection shown. Also black, and white with black accents, made an appearance.
Alyne by Rita Vinieris

THE CASUAL SPORTY LOOK
The final trend is called the casual or sporty look. Designers incorporated the sporty everyday look into their bridal collections, including pants, relaxed jumpsuits and even jerseys. I'm not against that ... In fact, I like comfort, but I like it where "sporty" is appropriate. My personal opinion: YUCK! Plus it looks like everyone can see through it.

Sources
https://www.jlmcouture.com/search/node/Bell%20sleeves
https://www.theknot.com/content/bridal-fashion-week-fall-winter-2018-wedding-dress-trends
https://www.glamour.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-2018\
https://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-fall-2018
https://www.bhldn.com/bride-spring-preview-wedding-gowns/?cm_sp=LEFTNAV-_-SUB_CATEGORY-_-BRIDE_SPRINGPREVIEW_GOWNS&mrkgcl=1143&mrkgadid=3257057654&rkg_id=h-8d0efea9b3a99d789ee9260fa7cc9f18_t-1516478089&cm_mmc=Google-_-National+-+DSA-_-Dresses%2Fbridal+dres
https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-dress-trends
https://www.pouted.com/46-fabulous-wedding-dresses-for-muslim-brides-2016/
https://www.vogue.com/article/fall-2018-bridal-trends
https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/612415/catherine-deane-wedding-dresses-spring-2018
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5052665/The-biggest-bridal-trends-2018-according-deisngers.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3288431/Are-worst-wedding-dresses-ever.html
https://www.elitereaders.com/20-worst-wedding-dresses-ever/
http://www.refinery29.com/2017/02/137999/worst-wedding-trends-2017
https://www.brides.com/gallery/wedding-dress-trends-spring-2018
https://home.lauren-elainedesigns.com
https://www.jlmcouture.com/hayley-paige/bridal/spring/2018

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THE PRINCE WHO WANTED TO BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE ... BUT WASN'T: Greatest Love Stories Ever Told Series

3/16/2018

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When I consider "The Greatest Love Stories", I never think of them in terms of contemporary settings. My instincts and preconceived ideas lead to the conclusion that such stories are myths, legends, ancient history, or fictional.

First, because there are many contemporary love stories – nearly everyone has or knows one -- but we only hear about those involving celebrities. Second, because the more contemporary the event, the more people there are with personal knowledge who will leak or, more important, write about the truth or a version of the truth. Details and differences of opinion make situations overly complex. Third, given enough time, everyone knows how the story ends.

Case in point is the story of Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson, which is considered by many as one of the greatest contemporary love stories. After all, Prince Edward gave up the throne of England to marry the woman he loved because the monarchy would not accept her as queen.
When I started my research, I expected this love story to have a somewhat happy ending in spite of the many sacrifices made -- but nothing in life is what it seems.

WALLIS SIMPSON
Bessie Wallis Warfield was born in June of 1896. Her father, who came from an affluent and distinguished family, died shortly thereafter, and for the first few years, she and her mother were supported by her father's wealthy bachelor brother, the post master of Baltimore. Then, they moved in with her mother's recently-widowed elder sister, until they could get an apartment, and later a house, of their own.

As a small child 10 years old As a young woman

Wallis' uncle paid for her to attend the most expensive girls' school in Maryland, where she was at the top of her class. Although not classically beautiful, she was always immaculately dressed and pushed herself hard to do well. She also loved breaking the rules and shocking people with brash behavior.

In 1916, she married Earl Winfield Spencer, Jr., a U.S. Navy aviator. He turned out to be an abusive drunk, and after several long, unavoidable separations, they divorced in 1927. Her second husband, Ernest Aldrich Simpson, a shipping executive, divorced his first wife and married Wallis in July, 1928, and they moved to England.

First Wedding Earl Spencer, Jr. Second Wedding Earnest Simpson

Through a friend, Wallis met Thelma, Lady Furness who was, at the time, the mistress of Edward, Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne. In 1931, Lady Furness introduced Wallis to the prince at a party.

It was not love at first sight. They exchanged a few polite words, and didn't have anything to do with each other for the rest of the party. Over the next several months, Wallis and her husband ran into Prince Edward at other parties, and eventually he became their friend.

PRINCE EDWARD
Prince Edward, later King Edward VIII, was born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David [Whew!] in June of 1894 to the Duke and Duchess of York [the future King George V and Queen Mary], their first child and heir to the throne. He was followed by four brothers [one of whom died at 14] and a sister.

As a Child About 12 As Young Man About Age 23

According to biographers, he feared his strict father and believed his parents were cold and distant. One biographer said that "…as an unloved child, Edward had an overwhelming need to be dominated and to adore."

At the age of 12, he was shipped off to the Naval College at Osborne and then attended Dartmouth. He later wrote that during those years he wanted desperately to be treated like every other boy his age. [Francis Wilson May 25, 2011, from book Behind Closed Doors.]

Denied a military commission during WWI because he was heir to the throne, he argued his case with the Secretary of War. Ultimately, he was commissioned in a position under Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force. Although stationed far from the front, he did witness some of horrors of war and gained the respect of the common Brit simply because he wanted to be there.

By the age of twenty-three, Edward had the reputation of being a playboy who preferred married women. Mrs. Winifred (Freda) Dudley Ward was his mistress for 16 years. He also had a long term relationship with Viscountess Thelma Furness, the sister of a friend of Wallis Simpson.

In 1931, the prince met Wallis and Ernest Simpson at one of Thelma's parties, but was not particularly impressed. Four months later, they met again at another party. Seven months after that, he was invited to the Simpson's house for dinner. The Prince and the Simpsons became good friends, and they exchanged invitations for two years, until 1934 when Thelma Furness took a trip to the United States. It's not clear if Thelma asked Wallis to look after the prince while she was gone, or Wallis suggested it. Each said, later, it was the other's idea.

THE PLOT THICKENS
During her absence, Prince Edward invited Wallis and Ernest on a cruise. Ernest had prior commitments, but Wallis accepted. She wasn't alone with him, of course, and even her own Aunt Betsy was among the group. Chaperones or not, that was when their friendship crossed over the line to love. The fling was kept under wraps, but when Thelma Furness returned to England, she had been replaced by Wallis.

According to Ann Seeba, author of the biography "That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor", Wallis Simpson was a flirt and "thought she could control the ardor of the Prince of Wales. After all, the last thing she [Wallis] wanted was to risk losing her easy-going husband Ernest. And, gosh, Prince Edward could be tiresome, telephoning her at home two or three times a day and dropping by so often that she was actually starting to miss her other friends."

Ernest, himself, considered the affair as a coup and had reaped economic and social rewards, such as being admitted into the Prince's mason's order. He and Wallis both expected Edward to become King soon and knew the affair would have to end.

The royal family abhorred Wallis, particularly Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Duchess of York and wife of the prince's brother Albert, who moved in the same social circles as Wallis. There are indications that at one time Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was romantically interested in Edward, even that she was in love with him.

It's hard to guess whether or not Wallis understood what the Prince was really like. For years, he suffered from undiagnosed anorexia nervosa — an illness often related to a wish to remain eternally childlike, exemplified by his letters in his teens to his mistress Freda.

Psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen ties the Prince's dependence on a mother figure, and some of his other quirks, to typical characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome. Several other people who were close to Prince Edward [such as Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, Lord Wigram, and the Archbishop of Canterbury], believed he was abnormal psychologically and possibly physically. More important, the Royal Family's doctor, Lord Dawson of Penn, believed his moral development had been arrested in his teens.

His fixation on Wallis was more likely his mental condition than true love. Regardless, Edward became obsessed and showered her with clothes, jewelry, and other expensive gifts. He also expected her to devote all her time to him. Instead of calling it off, she tried, with no luck, to manipulate him to back off a little by taunting him and reducing him to tears in front of others. As the emotional drama escalated, with the royal family and public opinion in the mix, Edward retaliated with emotional blackmail and warned if she left him, he would kill himself. [Somehow, this isn't sounding like a great love story to me!]

THE KING GEORGE V DIES
Just to complicate matters, King George V died in January 1936, and Prince Edward became King Edward VIII of England. Rather than becoming bogged down by royal responsibilities, Edward ignored them and continued to court Wallis. His major focus, instead of being on ruling, was on how to make Wallis queen … although she was still married to Ernest. King Edward VII

At one point, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin and the Archbishop of Canterbury agreed that marriage between the king and Simpson could not be allowed but, eventually, negotiated an agreement with Ernest to divorce Wallis. [That didn't make a lot of sense, but there were a zillion details involved.]

Edward was King of England for 326 days. During this time, he threatened to abdicate unless Wallis could be queen. Wallis begged him not to abdicate and to just let her go. According to biographers, she had no desire to be queen and wanted Ernest back.

The whole thing became an international scandal. Everyone crucified Wallis and called her every ugly name in the book. It was clear the royal family, the public, and the Church of England would never allow Wallis Simpson, a woman divorced twice with both ex-husbands still living, to become queen. For her protection, Edward sent her to France. After one year, Edward VIII abdicated, giving up not only the crown but his privileges as a member of the royal family. He was exiled from England. He married Wallis Simpson in France on June 3, 1937, in a subdued ceremony which was not attended by anyone in the royal family.

AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER
Shouldn't a Great Love Story either end in tragedy [as did most great love stories in myths, legends, and ancient history] or Happily Ever After?

Yeah, well, that's the problem with contemporary stories. TMI. Like I said, we know how the story ended.

Their wedding day 1937

In spite of being exiled from England, Prince Edward was granted the title Duke of Windsor by his brother, King George VI, but the Duchy and title dissolved upon his death in 1972.
After Wallis and Ernest divorced in 1937, Wallis continued to correspond with him, even on her honeymoon. It was clear he had been the love of her life, and she regretted losing him.
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor remained married for the rest of their lives [thirty-six years], but whether or not it was a happy marriage is highly debatable.

They lived in France, traveled some, and commuted between France and New York, entertaining in both locations and participating in charitable events. During World War II Edward was appointed as governor of the Bahamas, which Wallis considered a punishment.

Biographer Seeba paints a dreary picture of the last thirty years of their marriage. "Their lives were defined by each other, the past, and aesthetics: decorating, shopping, holding formal dinners, being noticed by the newspapers. They were bitter toward the royal family, and Wallis was eternally frustrated that she no longer held the interest of people at high levels of society, government, or the arts."

“Nothing else in his [Prince Edward's] life gave him any sense of achievement other than his marriage to Wallis,” Sebba writes. “For her, the slavish devotion was at times claustrophobic, and she was not afraid to show it. But love is impossible to define and in their case especially so."

"Few who knew them well described what they shared as love." Bummer!

Resources
http://www.express.co.uk/news/history/631457/The-Queen-Mother-Wallis-Simpson-BBC-drama-Royal-Wives-at-War
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2023590/The-truth-Mrs-Simpson-Why-Wallis-wanted-marry-king.html
http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2012/02/american-girl-the-wallis-simpson-story-told-differently-067223
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallis_Simpson
http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/745232/The-Crown-Netflix-King-Edward-marry-Wallis-Simpson-abdicated
http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/745232/The-Crown-Netflix-King-Edward-marry-Wallis-Simpson-abdicatedhttp://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/745232/The-Crown-Netflix-King-Edward-marry-Wallis-Simpson-abdicated
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items/2016/12/20/the-worlds-greatest-love-story/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2023050/Was-Wallis-Simpson-woman-New-evidence-speculates-sexu
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wallis-simpson-intersex-doctor/story?id=15546967

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AND F.D.R. SAID, "LET THERE BE LIGHT … ONE HOUR EARLIER!"

3/9/2018

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When your alarm goes off Sunday morning, day after tomorrow, the time will be 6:00 am … but really, it will only be 5:00 am. Or is it 7:00 am? We haven’t even changed the clocks yet, and I’m already reeling. It is Clock Confusion Time again.

Does anyone else struggle with this phenomenon? I believe if it weren't for the jingle we all learn about springing forward and falling back, we'd be even more befuddled than we are.

SHARE YOUR ANECDOTES
If you have a story (real, written, or read) about Daylight Saving Time, make a comment and share with the rest of us.

My bedside clock doesn't get it. I purchased it when the time change was still the last weekend in October. It was programmed to automatically change the time in the fall and spring. It still does that, but now a week earlier. But it makes a good excuse for being late … or is that just in the spring?

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
Note that the correct term is "Saving Time" not "Savings Time", abbreviated DST. The period runs from 2 am on the second Sunday in March to 2 am to the first Sunday of November.

I'm always taken off guard when the time comes around to change the clock. What are your thoughts on Daylight Saving Time? Do you like it or dislike it? Find it hard to adjust? Do you know the purpose and history of Daylight Saving time?

WHERE DID THIS COCKAMAMIE IDEA COME FROM?
Most of the stories (myths, legends) one hears are either incorrect or only part of the history, and the idea actually goes way back.

● The general idea of daylight saving was first suggested (indirectly) by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, while US ambassador to France, for the purpose of saving resources. While Ben often gets the credit, he really didn't propose anything about setting the clock differently. He only suggested rising at dawn would get more out of the sunlight hours ... essentially, a change in sleep schedule.

● Modern daylight saving was first proposed in 1895 by George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist. His shift-work job gave him leisure time to collect insects, and he valued after-hours daylight. He presented a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society which generated considerable interest, but never went anywhere.

● In 1908, Englishman William Willett wrote a pamphlet called “The Waste of Daylight.” His proposal was considered by the British Parliament, but the bill didn't pass. Willett died in 1915, on standard time, without success.

● In April, 1916 Austria and Germany adopted Daylight Saving Time as a wartime measure to conserve electricity. Other countries in Europe followed suit, including Britain. The US accepted the idea in March 1918, as a wartime measure, not for the benefit of farmers, as some people believe.

● After WWI ended, Woodrow Wilson ceded to popular demand and repealed Daylight Saving in the US.

● WWII brought Daylight Saving back to the fore in 1942, when FDR mandated the measure, known as "War Time" throughout the United States. This time, it stuck for most of the country.

For years, different cities and states in the U.S. started and ended their daylight saving time on different dates, creating chaos throughout the country. Congress passed a law in 1966 which set a standard for Daylight Saving Time with the period beginning on the last Sunday in April and ending on the last Sunday in October. The law gave the states the option of remaining on standard time year round.

Arizona—with the exception of the state's Navajo Nation— and Hawaii did not wish to participate. The overseas territories of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands didn't participate. However, some local variations persisted.

● In 2005, Bush signed a law moving the Daylight Earning Time back to the first weekend of November, a measure designed to help cut down on the number of children injured or killed in automobile accidents while trick-or-treating after dark on Halloween.

One source claims that one of the reasons for extending into November was to encourage voter participation. Proponents rationalized more voters would go to the polls if it were still light when they returned from work. I hadn't heard this one before. No doubt the law identifies the reason, but rumors live happily on.

SO, ARE WE HAPPY?
Not everyone supports Daylight Saving Time—I don't think the term "Daylight Earning Time" ever kicked in.

The states of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are reported to be looking into opting out of DST. In 2014, a bill was introduced in Kentucky to go to DST year round.

The biggest supporters of DST are always the commercial and retail interests, and there is no substantial body of evidence that the practice saves energy. Some suggest that more gasoline is used during this period. Since the time period coincides to a large extent with school summer vacations, it would be hard to find that conclusive. The anecdotal material on the results of daylight saving time is abundant.

● A man, born in Delaware just after midnight DST, managed to get out of being drafted into the Viet Nam war by arguing that standard time, not DST, was the official time for his state of Delaware for recording births. Under standard time, he was born the prior day and that day had a much high draft lottery number. He wasn't drafted.

● To maintain their published schedule, Amtrak does not allow trains to leave a station before the scheduled time. When the clocks are set back by one hour, Amtrak trains that are running on time have to stop and wait one hour. In the spring, the trains lose an hour and have to make up the lost time and arrive at the station on schedule.

● On the day when DST springs forward an hour, patrons of pubs become disgruntled about losing an hour of drinking time. There are been riots in bars when they have to shut down early, particularly in Athens, Ohio, home of Ohio University.

● In September 1999, with the West Bank on Daylight Saving Time while Israel had just switched back to standard time, a terrorist bomb attack was thwarted by the terrorists' lack of understanding of DST. The timing on the bombs, set to go off to kill two busloads of civilians, was misinterpreted by the terrorists planting the bombs in Israel. They went off an hour earlier than expected, killing three terrorists instead of the intended victims.

Don't miss my murder mystery entitled "THE LAST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER". Would you believe it involves Daylight Saving Time?

Sources
http://www.webpronews.com/daylight-saving-time-an-interesting-history-2014-10
http://highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/daylight-saving-or-standard-time-20140928/
http://www.webpronews.com/daylight-saving-time-an-interesting-history-2014-10
Bhttp://www.webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/
http://www.history.com/news/8-things-you-may-not-know-about-daylight-saving-time|
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time_in_the_United_States

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MAD FOR PLAID

3/2/2018

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MARCH IS “MAD FOR PLAID” MONTH
I Googled the observance day and found that it's a month for celebrating everything plaid. That’s about it. Not much to write a blog about.

But then I remembered when I was in Scotland, a guide told us the Clan plaids were really the product of the 19th mercantile industry; an advertising ploy. What a buzz kill. I assumed most people don’t know that, so I suddenly had something to write about. Something short and sweet.

Never gonna happen! Digging up the origins of traditions and languages is never short and sweet. And never believe what a tour guide tells you.

IF YOU’RE SCOTTISH …
“Plaid” Means A Blanket
Let’s be clear about what I’m talking about. In North America we often – mistakenly, according to some -- use the term plaid to mean tartan. The word plaid -- derived from the Scottish Gaelic word plaide, which means blanket – is a tartan cloth worn over the shoulder as a kilt accessory or a plain blanket such as one would put on a bed.
Wearing the Plaide

The earliest written use of plaid is in a 1510 entry in the account of the diocese of Dunkeld, referring to an expense of two shilling for dying four ells of “pladis”. An ell was a length of 37.2 inches.

According to Danny Lewis, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/, the word “Plaid only replaced tartan once the patterns became popular with British and American textile manufacturers who would recreate fabrics resembling tartans, but without centuries of symbolic meaning embedded in their clothing.”

“Tartan” Means A Weaving Pattern
The word tartan means a woven fabric made of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors; alternating bands pre-dyed threads woven with warp and weft at right angles to each other. This creates a distinctive pattern of squares called a sett.

In North American we not only use the word plaid instead of tartan, but it no longer applies only to woven cloth, only the pattern of colors.

EARLIEST ORIGINS
Even though evidence of the Celtic tartan dates back to the 3th century, the oldest example of a tartan fabric goes back at least 3,000 years. It was found buried with the remains of “Cherchen Man,” a 6 foot tall mummy of Caucasian descent found in Turkestan in the western Chinese desert. The man was found buried wearing a red twill tunic and tartan leggings, the earliest example of tartan ever discovered.

According to the textile historian E. J. W. Barber, the Hallstatt culture of Central Europe, which is linked with ancient Celtic populations and flourished between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, produced tartan-like textiles. Other finds have been made in Europe and Northwestern China.

SCOTTISH TARTANS
The earliest documented tartan in Britain, known as the "Falkirk" tartan, dates from the 3rd century AD. It was uncovered at Falkirk, Scotland, near the Antonine Wall. The fragment of tartan cloth was stuffed into an earthenware pot containing almost 2,000 Roman coins.

So this pattern of weaving has existed in Scotland since the third century, and I assume it was used, along with others, through the centuries. The original goat-like sheep of ancient Scotland provided the fibers from which wool fabrics were made. The sheep were black, brown, or white. Thus, the early tartans were made of combinations of these colors.

Presumably, weaving skills were passed down from mother to daughter, and over time a particular design came to be associated with a specific district and possibly with an individual clan. Eventually, these local patterns became synonymous with the regional clans scattered throughout Scotland. At some point, weavers began to dye yarn, which resulted in new or at least brighter patterns. Even then, the dyes, which come from local and accessible plants and minerals, likely determined the colors and still identified the wearer of a tartan to the district.

This picture, derived from a 1631 wood cut, shows Scottish soldiers wearing tartans
Unknown Scottish soldiers in service of Gustavus Adolphus, 1631, jpeg: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5042497 ▼

SCOTTISH CLAN TARTANS
IT’S ALL POLITICS
Like everything, it’s all politics. Clan tartans as we know them today are thought not to have existed in Scotland before 16th century. In 1703, Martin Martin wrote A Description of the Western Islands of Scotland, in which he noted the tartans could be used to distinguish inhabitants of different regions.

That was the beginning of a more formal recognition of a clan association with a particular tartan.
At that time, tartan designs were produced by local weavers for local tastes using the dye materials of the local area. The patterns and colors were the choice of the weaver and people picked and wore those based on personal preference.
▼ Black Watch Plaid

During the Scottish Rebellion of 1745, tartan was used in the uniforms of the leading Scottish military troop, The Royal Highland Regiment, or the Black Watch. The green and dark blue patterns became strongly associated with rebellion. However, depictions of the Battle of Culloden in 1746 show the monarchy’s forces battling against the clans-men, all wearing different tartans.

David Morier's An incident in the rebellion of 1745.

After Scottish forces were defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the monarchy adopted the Dress Act of 1746, banning tartans (except for British military uniforms) for nearly a century. By the time the law was repealed, tartan kilts and plaides were no longer the ordinary dress of the highlands. The tartan kilt was, however, adopted as the symbolic national dress of Scotland, which revived interest in tartans and one’s Scottish heritage.

Below is the Logan Plaid, my heritage on my mother's side of the family. Older version to the right, new plaid to the left.

THE BOTTOM LINE
According to Wikipedia – who agrees with my tour guide after all – the clan tartans date no earlier than the beginning of the 19th century. They are an invented tradition.

And speaking of “bottoms”, the topic of “underwear beneath the kilt” -- so often a cause for humor -- is a relatively modern development. In the past men wore nothing. This is still true of several Scottish regiments, apart from some sentries and dancers, on whom the kilt might fly up. [I supposed the men in the photograph didn't care.] Most other people wear shorts or pants, according to personal taste.” http://www.kinnaird.net/tartan.htm

Sources
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/brief-history-plaid-180957342/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan
https://psmag.com/social-justice/that-plaid-tho
https://startupfashion.com/fashion-archives-history-plaid/
http://www.kinnaird.net/tartan.htm
http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/tartan-pattern-book/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaid
http://www.ancient-wisdom.com/chinacherchen.htm
https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/plaid
https://www.grammarphobia.com/blog/2015/10/plaid-tartan.html

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WHO DO YOU WRITE LIKE?

2/23/2018

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WHO DO YOU WRITE LIKE?
Most writers aspire to write like some of their favorite authors. Of course, we all have our own "voice" and should encourage and nurture that instead of trying to write like someone else. But haven't you ever wondered what author you write like? Is that the author you'd wish to emulate?

GOOD NEWS
There’s a website which asks this questions and allows the reader to enter an excerpt for analysis. What fun! http://iwl.me/

I tried out the “I Write Like” blog analysis but, sadly, I’m not sure it’s very accurate. The results aren't consistent, or at least mine weren't, and I have to wonder the exercise really tells an author anything about his writing. If you try this out, look at the FaceBook and Tweeter for the comments and reactions of other authors. There is quite a variety.

WHO DO I WRITE LIKE?
Well, I wanted to know! I really went gungho when I tried this exercise and, eventually, entered more than a dozen excerpts from my own works. Here’s who I write like, depending on the scene.

● Harry Harrison
▪ First three paragraphs of my most recent release, Destruction of the Great Wall.
Great! I've always liked his Science Fiction books, and I like him.

● Dan Brown
▪ First four paragraphs of Chapter Twenty-Four of Destruction of the Great Wall.
▪ One page at the end of Chapter Ten of. Destruction of the Great Wall.

● David Foster Wallace
▪ Prologue for the same short story where the opening scene is like Vladimir
Nabokov;
▪ My Travelblogs;
▪ Opening scene of romantic suspense novel.

● Stephen King
▪ A sex scene from my mafia thriller novel (This result was scary!)

● Mario Puzo
▪Several selections from my same work, the mafia thriller. I thought that was fitting.

●Chuck Palahniuk
▪ This very blog

Throw into the mix James Joyce, Vladimir Nabokov, and Stephanie Myer, and I am so-o all over the place. I wish I could sell as many books as any of these authors.
Other people tell me they’ve entered multiple excerpts and always come up with the same author or a couple of authors. But they are consistent.

I noticed other authors indicating in comments they tried this for other authors as well. Because I would like to emulate three of my favorite authors, I went to the trouble of typing a few excerpts from each one. They don’t write like themselves, either.

● Katie MacAlister writes like Vladimir Nabokov based on an excerpt from “Men In Kilts”.
● Janet Evanovich writes like Raymond Chandler based on an excerpt from “Hot Six”.
● Dick Francis writes like Ian Fleming based on an excerpt from “Banker”.

THE ANALYSIS PROGRAM
The analysis program, I’m told, looks at word usage statistics, sentence length variability, punctuation, and so on but, obviously, not emotional content and the subjective aspects of your writing. Also, the program compares the sample to only selected authors, so many current writers are not included in the data base, although Stephen King, Stephanie Myer, and Dan Brown are there.

CONCLUSIONS
There are three lessons I learned from this exercise.

● First, there is a great deal of variation in the way I write.
The way I use words, the length of my sentences, punctuation, etc. I need to look at this and determine if this is an asset or a disadvantage to my writing. Perhaps the variety helps the pacing, or that different kinds of scenes can/should have different styles. It gives me something to consider. Perhaps consistency is the goal I should strive for. I’ll have to think on it and maybe talk to my editor.

● Second, there are some authors out there I haven’t read and should.
I need to take a look at works by Vladimir Nabokov, David Foster Wallace, Chuck Palahniuk, James Joyce, and Stephanie Meyer. And if I’d like to emulate certain authors, maybe I should study Ian Fleming (whose work I have read) and Raymond Chandler.

● Third, you can always find something to do to waste time instead of putting your butt in the chair and writing your own novel.
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HELOISE AND ABELARD: Greatest Love Stories Ever Told

2/16/2018

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A LOVE STORY IS NOT NECESSARILY A ROMANCE
All romances involve love stories, but not all love stories are romances. If you want a Happily-Ever-After, skip the greatest love stories and read a good recently-written romance.

The "greatest love stories" are often tragedies. Some of these love stories involve literary, legendary, or mythological characters, some lived in early history like Antony and Cleopatra. Today's greatest love story, about Heloise and Abelard, is a "tragedy"' but it is also a true story about real lovers who lived in 12th century Paris, France.

HELOISE AND ABELARD
This story is not literary fiction but a tale of real events well documented in medieval times, primarily through a series of letters between the lovers, but also in historical works because these two lovers are considered two of the brightest minds of their time.

Although Heloise became a scholar, writer, and abbess, known and respected throughout France for her insight and intelligence, and Abelard is acclaimed as one of the greatest philosophers of the medieval world, their love left scars on both of them.

"PETER ABELARD, NOW FORGOTTEN, WAS ONCE THE MOST FAMOUS MAN IN THE WORLD." __M.T. Clanchy, Abelard, a Medieval Life.

Around 1115, Peter (Pierre) Abelard (1079 – 1142 AD), already a well-known and well-traveled philosopher, theologian, and teacher, became Master of Notre-Dame de Paris and a canon of Sens (the cathedral of the archdiocese to which Paris belonged). A popular and distinguished figure, he drew crowds of students to study there from all over Europe.

At that time, Heloise d'Argenteuil (1101 – 1162 AD) was a fourteen-year-old student and scholar under the care of her uncle, the secular canon Fulbert. Even at that age, she was well-known among the scholars of France as remarkable for her mastery of classical studies and languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew as well as others.

When Abelard convinced Fulbert to give him a place in Fulbert's home because he couldn't afford to live in his current house while studying, he became Heloise's tutor in exchange for room and board.

There is disagreement among historians regarding Heloise's age when she met Abelard. If the date of her birth is correct, she would have been fourteen or fifteen. Those who don't agree with this argue that she was already well known at the time Abelard came to live with Fulbert, and was more likely in her twenties to have already attained such a reputation among French scholars.

Portrait of Heloise as imagined by a 19th century artist

The teacher-student relationship blossomed into an illicit love affair which continued until Fulbert found out. He tried to separate them, but they continued to meet in secret until Heloise became pregnant.

Immediately, Abelard sent her to his sister in Brittany where, in the year 1118, she gave birth to a son whom she named Astrolabe after a scientific instrument. Today it would be like naming your son iPod or Android. Apparently there isn't much about the son in any of the letters or historical accounts.

Painting 1882 Painting by JeanVignuad (1819)    Abelard
   Fulbert discovering the two love birds

Abelard agreed to marry Heloise to appease Fulbert, but insisted it remain a secret so it wouldn't damage Abelard's career. The marriage was legitimate, but would limit Peter's position in the church, the only means for advancement as a literate. Heloise, being a radical feminist in her day, who later wrote she preferred love to wedlock, freedom to a bond, refused marriage at first but was convinced by Abelard. Soon after, they were married in Paris.

Fulbert, however, felt his reputation had been damaged. In order to punish Abelard, he began spreading the news that Abelard and Heloise were married. Eventually, for Heloise's safety, Abelard sent her to the convent of Argenteuil where she had grown up. Here's where things became really intense.

Fulbert and his friends believed Abelard, after seducing the young woman half his age, had rid himself of Heloise by forcing her become a nun, which wasn't the case at all. One night, one of Abelard own servants and some kinsmen of Fulbert broke into Abelard's room and castrated him. These men were eventually punished by being blinding and castrated, but that didn't do any good for Abelard. Shamed and humiliated, he became a monk at the Abbey of St. Denis in Paris. At Abelard's insistence, and against her own wishes, Heloise became a nun and eventually became the prioress of the convent.

A TRAGIC ENDING
Indeed, this was the end of the physical affair, but not the end of the love story. Peter and Heloise shared a great love and respect for each other's minds and wrote long letters about the political and scholastic events of the time, as well as their personal situations.

In 1129, the Abbey of St. Denis took over the convent. Abelard managed to move the occupants of the entire convent to the Oratory of the Paraclete, a vacant abbey near Champagne which Abelard himself had founded in 1122 and then moved to Lower Brittany. Heloise became the abbess of the new community of nuns.

This was the beginning of correspondence between Heloise and Abelard, which continued for the rest of their lives.

In fact, there are only seven letters still in existence, but they are quite long. They depict medieval society and the church in a way no other writing accomplishes. The love story captures the deepest emotions of the man and woman, and also the spirit and beliefs of the times.

THE DEATH OF PETER ABELARD
During the 1100's there was growing repression of the French population resulting from the increasing power of Rome and the political allegiances between the Normans and the church. Rivalries and power struggles existed at all levels of the feudal system which was taking over France. No doubt Abelard, being who he was, became enmeshed in the political crosscurrents of the times.

In 1140 Abelard was tried and convicted of heresy under nineteen headings of 'capitula'. The trial was orchestrated by Bernard of Claivaux for the purpose of destroying Abelard's power and influence. As a result, in 1141 he was excommunicated by Pope Innocent II and confined to a monastery (Abbey of Cluny). Ultimately, his excommunication was lifted, but he died at the Abbey in 1142 at the age of sixty-three.

His bones were moved to the Oratory of the Paraclete, and when Heloise died twenty years later in 1163 her bones were placed beside his. They were preserved through the French Revolution and moved to Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris where they rest today.

Traditionally, lovers or lovelorn singles leave letters at the crypt, either as a tribute or in hopes of finding true love.
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Resources
http://amolife.com/reviews/top-20-most-famous-love-stories-in-history-and-literature.html
http://allwomenstalk.com/12-most-famous-love-stories-of-all-time/
http://www.yourtango.com/20071315/10-greatest-love-stories-of-all-time-2
http://historylists.org/other/10-greatest-love-stories-in-history.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%A9lo%C3%AFse_(abbess)
http://www.abelardandheloise.com/Story.html
http://classiclit.about.com/cs/articles/a/aa_abelard.htmhttp://classiclit.about.com/cs/articles/a/aa_abelard.htm
http://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-30/heloise-and-abelards-tumultuous-affair.html
http://sourcebooks.fordham.edu/source/heloise1.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Abelard

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SYMBOL OF THE VALENTINE HEART SHAPE

2/9/2018

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When wandering through the greeting card section looking for the perfect card to give your loved one for Valentine’s Day, have you ever wondered about the origin of the traditional heart shape associated with love … and, therefore, Valentine’s Day?
Ivy Leaf

The heart shape itself has been around forever. It appears in the cave-wall drawings of cro-magnon hunters, as far back as the ice age. Also, the shape itself is frequently seen in nature, so the question isn’t where the shape came from, but how it became the symbol of love and Valentine’s Day.

THE ORIGIN OF VALENTINE’S DAY
The origins of Saint Valentine's day are rooted in the ancient Romans and their fertility festival of Lupercalia on the Ides of February (15th), dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It was a sensuous affair where young women put their names in a big pot and young men simply drew out a name. According to Glenn Church's 2008 article, "The man did not need to ask for a date, plan a dinner setting or a movie. Just draw a name and off to fornicate."

The rites of Lupercalia survived until the fifth century AD when Pope Gelasius I outlawed the pagan festival and superimposed a religious day honoring Saint Valentine.

The Pope’s action toned down the festivities but, according to scholar Noel Lenski, University of Colorado, “It was a little more of a drunken revel, but the Christians put clothes back on. That didn’t stop it from being a day of fertility and love.”

Ah-ha! So the connection to love (fertility rites, anyway) wasn’t St. Valentine, but the pagan festival his name day superseded. Or was it?

WHO WAS SAINT VALENTINE?
Actually, no one knows for sure, but historians agree there was nothing romantic in any of the histories of the three early-Christian martyrs (Saints) named Valentine. To complicate things, two of the Saint Valentines were executed on February 14 but in different years of the third century.

However, Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned by Emperor Claudius II allegedly for ministering to Christians and performing wedding ceremonies for soldiers who were forbidden by the emperor to marry.

Apparently, records of these events, if there were any, have been destroyed and references to the Saint and his legend come in documents written well after the third century. However, Valentine of Rome was executed by the emperor between 269 and 273 (references vary), and is most likely the Saint Valentine being honored. Whether or not the legends are true, who knows?

THE SHAPE OF VALENTINES TO COME
Getting back to the point, when did the heart shape become identified with love. I went in search of the real answer which, of course, doesn't exist … or at least no one agrees on the subject, but there are a number of intriguing theories.

♥ Dionysus and the Leopard’s Spots
Chronologically speaking, the first theory is the heart shape originated as the symbol of Dionysus, Greek god of grapes, wine, and debauchery, and champion of sexual orgies. The god and the Cult of Dionysus are depicted among Mycenaean artifacts the end of the Bronze Age (1600-1100 BC).

By the seventh century BC, Dionysus was well established in the beliefs of the time. His symbols include the bull, serpent, and tiger, as well as grapes, wine, and ivy. He is often depicted riding a leopard, wearing a leopard skin, and carrying the thyrsus -- a long stick or wand topped with a pinecone -- and wearing an ivy crown.

The connection between Dionysus and sexuality is clear, but where does the heart shape come in?

In my opinion, this theory is a real stretch. Supposedly, the god’s favorite leopard skin had a spot which was the exact shape of a heart. I’m going to cross this one off the books. If anything, it was the crown of ivy he wore that associated him with the heart shape.

♥ The Abortive Qualities of Silphium
At about the same time, the seventh century BC, the city-state of Cyrene (a Greek, and later Roman) city near present-day Shahhat, Lybia was known to trade in the rare, and now extinct, plant silphium.

Silphium was a well known herb widely use in the Mediterranean area for spicing food. It grew only along the Libyan coast where the climate is now considerably drier. It was also widely used as an abortive agent for women. The day after sex, the woman would eat the silphium plant or its seeds and usually abort.

And guess what? Its seeds were shaped like hearts.

The plant was commemorated on Cyrene coins, such as the ones shown below, because of its economic importance to the city-state. It's quite plausible the shape of the seed pod became related to sexuality and love because of this major use as an abortive.

♥ The Real Shape of the Human Heart
We move to the third century BC for the next theory. The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) wrote that the human heart was the center of all human emotions. It is certainly one of the major body parts which sends visceral signals regarding our feelings and moods. If you've ever been in love, or heartbroken, you know you definitely feel it in your heart. That could support the connection between the heart and passion. He also described the heart as three chambers with a dent in the middle. In spite of some of the articles on the heart shape, I don’t think a real heart looks much like the modern day valentine heart.

A couple of centuries later, Claudius Galenus (known as Galen of Pergamon), a noted Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher, wrote texts about many areas of medicine. These included anatomical reports and drawings based mainly on dissection of monkeys and pigs, which remained unchallenged until 1543 and served as the mainstay of medieval medicine.

Scholars such as Pierre Vinken, author of an entire book on the shape of the heart early in the 20th century, suggests the symbolic heart shape might have originated in the writings of Galen and Aristotle.

♥ Le Roman de la Poire: The Romance of the Pear
Fast forward to the middle ages. The first verifiable association of the heart shape as a symbol of romantic love occurred in 1250 in a French romance (Le Roman de la Poire: The Romance of the Pear) written by someone named Thibaut.

The manuscript was illustrated and in the drawing below “The kneeling man is an allegory of Doux Regard [or sweet gaze] handing the damsel the lover’s heart. This is the earliest known depiction of the human heart in a metaphorical context signifying romantic love, which over the next two centuries would give rise to the now-familiar heart symbol.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_de_la_poire

♥ Similarity to Lady Parts
Another theory is the heart shape depicts the female body, specifically the buttocks, breasts, vulva, back, and possibly the female pelvis. That certainly relates to sexuality. Also, author and editor Amy Cunningham suggest that because the female give birth to life could be another tie between the heart shape and love.
Buttocks Heart shaped baby bump Oh, my!