Castle Miranda aka Chateau Noisy in Belgium. Built in 1866, abandoned in 1991.–Happy Halloween!
Mute Monday: Enter, Enter If You Dare
31 Monday Oct 2016
Posted Historical
in31 Monday Oct 2016
Posted Historical
inCastle Miranda aka Chateau Noisy in Belgium. Built in 1866, abandoned in 1991.–Happy Halloween!
28 Friday Oct 2016
Posted Historical, Modern
inTags
2016, 23andMe, Family, Family History, Genealogy, William Clark
Yes, I am still talking about my DNA. It is exciting and enlightening! Back in September I shared that my parents purchased a 23andMe Home DNA Kit for my 34th birthday, shortly after my mother received her own results. Her data confirmed many things, answered a few question and dropped a bombshell as a casual afterthought. I discussed at some length about the possibility of these findings and what it could mean for my family. Now I want to go over the more fun and superficial aspects of Mother’s results and more predictions about my own.
23andMe reveals about 15 physical characteristics and traits, ranked by percentages. For my mother, there was only one discrepancy. She “should have” been born with dark brown hair, like mine, not the blue-black hair she has. According to the DNA results, Mother had a 3% chance of having black hair. In fact, all seven surviving siblings have black hair. Only my Nana’s three late-term miscarriages were blue-eyed blonds. Just looking at her own DNA make-up she pretty much had “no chance” of chance of having a fair haired, light eyed child, despite that her father’s family was fair, hence the coloring of the stillborn children. Interestingly, my Tata/Grandfather was the only one of his 12 siblings to have brown eyes. Darker genes just steamrolled right over the possibility of the lighter counter parts. Mom always used to say she married by father for his blue eyes in hopes a fair child. “I feel so used,” my father would deadpan when the subject arose.
My beloved Father was previously married and had two children; one daughter with carrot orange hair and blue eyes and a son with dark blond hair and blue eyes. Red hair runs in his maternal side. William Clark, from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is one of our red headed ancestors. My dad’s eldest maternal aunt, Helen Bright Ford, her son Richard/Bud/Buddy Ford also inherited this unique gene. Granted, in the case of my half-sister, her own mother/father’s first wife, had red hair so I would think it is a given one of the children should carry the banner.
I would love to see what my chances are for having a red or blond child with blue or green eyes, should my life ever go to the procreation route. . .
I imagine some people might point out an unfair preference for a light child. Do not misunderstand me, I love the stark contrast of my translucent skin and dark brown hair! But at it’s core, I love uniqueness–Something different. All my 14 cousins are brunettes with brown eyes. Maybe if I came from a family full of blue-eyed blonds, I’d be itching to find a tall dark and handsome ancestor (or spouse, for that matter!). Honestly, I have a thing for green eyes, but I am a sucker for the beautiful unusual. It is also a reason I am so thrilled about discovering I have an Awesome African Ancestor. Something different! Variety is the spice of life!
26 Wednesday Oct 2016
Posted Historical, Modern
inTags
1800s, 19th Century, 20th Century, Architecture, Author, Billy the Kid, Biography, Books, Bram Stoker, Christian, Civil War, Crime, Dracula, Edwardian, Fantasy, Fashion, Home, House, Literature, Mystery, Native Americans, Novels, Occult, Pre-Reads, Romance, Sigmund Freud, Steampunk, Suffragette, Supernatural, True Crime, Victorian, Western, Writer
While Halloween is just around the corner, I want to focus on something more important. Books.-HA! So, says the Librarian. Below is a list of sixteen titles; eight fiction and eight non-fiction that have just been published. All the titles are tied in with the 19th century in one way or another. They are also highly reviewed. Books were gleaned from Library Journal, Kirkus Review, Publisher’s Weekly, Baker and Taylor, and Amazon. Thus, all summaries and reviews are taken directly from these sources. I make a point for the spread to run the gamut of various subgenres. So expect a little romance, some Westerns, Steampunk and the like. Of course, as it is October, I made sure there was nice representation of horror, occult, and crime. As all these titles are being released this month, I have yet to read any of them. At this time, I am unable to recommend one book over another. Lastly, I noted when I purchased a title for the library I work at. My patron demographic is such that many 19th century “flavored” books are not in high demand. “My people” are far more into mysteries, action, suspense, and contemporary romance. I so rarely buy 1800s-esque books, that I like to note which titles actually make it onto the Library shelves. –The books are listed in alphabetically by title, in case you were wondering. . .
24 Monday Oct 2016
Posted Historical
inTags
1800s, 19th Century, Belle Epoque, Fashion, Gentlemen, Halloween, Holiday, Military, Mute Mondays
French Military Officer’s Jacket from the 19th century.
19 Wednesday Oct 2016
Posted Historical, Modern
inTags
1800s, 19th Century, Biography, Cinema, Comedy, Criminal, Drama, Family History, Film, Horror, Movies, Musical, Outlaw, Queen Victoria, Reality Television, Series, Television, Television Shows, Thriller, Victorian, Western, William Clark
It has been nearly five months since I have posted about up-coming movies and television shows with a 19th century inclination. I simply could not locate eight shows or films at the time. So today will be a little bit different with some retrospective listings that perhaps were missed previously. On the bright side, many of these programs are now available online for viewing! The timing for the actual release dates may be off, so I apologize before hand, since different media outlets claim conflicting reports. If anyone has their own personal review of a television show or cinematic film listed below, we would all love to hear it about in the comment section! If you have a tip off for upcoming performances that need extra attention, please email me at doyenne19cm@gmail.com and I shall include it on the next go ’round. I currently have a list of over 51 projects that are either in development or slated to premiere next year. Some of these will be spotlighted in December. Keep your eyes peeled!