The ‘Lure’ of the Pirate Life

"In an honest service there is thin commons, low wages, and hard labor; in this, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power; and who would not balance creditor on this side, when all the hazard that is run for it, at worst, is only a sour look or two at choking. No, a merry life and a short one, shall be my motto."  ~ The Words of Bartholomew "Black Bart" Roberts

Bartholomew Roberts was born in Wales and is considered the most successful pirate that lived during the Golden Age of Piracy which spanned from 1650 to 1722. He invoked terror and invincibility to all who crossed his path. Even his death shook the world. "The Blackest Day" marks his death, February 10, 1722 and the end of piracy's Golden Age.

Why did he or anyone for that matter become a pirate? The largest source of information is from court records although a review of personal memoirs and letters also provide valuable information.

During the early 17^th century records indicate that almost three-quarters of a pirate ship crew was made up of seasoned seamen who previously served on merchant ships, warships, and even privateers.

According to historian David Cordingly Caribbean crews were made up of 35% English, 25% colonial Americans, 20% from the West Indies (Jamaica and Barbados primarily), 10% Scottish and 8% Welsh. The remaining 2% were from Sweden, Holland, France and Spain.

But, back to Bartholomew Roberts. What motivated him to become a pirate?

The Princess, the merchant ship on which Roberts crewed was boarded by Welsh pirate Howell Davis. Captain Davis gave The Princess’ crew few options. Sign on or die by outright execution or abandoned on a desert island. Roberts signed the charter.

Some sailors made a ‘career move’ from privateering to pirate. A privateer was an individual with a government commission who owned or officered an armed ship authorized to capture enemy merchant ships. In other words, a sanctioned pirate. War ‘encouraged’ people to become privateers, but once peace returned the privateers found themselves unemployed. These people had few ways of making a living. Privateering/Pirating was the life they knew and the financial benefits were still attractive. As a pirate all they pilfered they shared among themselves. Although the consequences were dire, execution, for them the alternative was dying of starvation, becoming a beggar, or a thief on land.

Bartholomew Roberts went off to sail when he was thirteen-years-old. He was 27 when he signed on with Captain Davis. Six weeks after he joined the crew, Captain Davis was ambushed and killed. Bartholomew Roberts had impressed his pirate mates. They took a vote for the Davis’ replacement and named him the new captain.

Reluctant to be a pirate, Roberts embraced his new position. It is believed that Roberts felt if he must be a pirate, it was better "being a commander than a common man." His first order was to attack the town where Davis had been killed, to avenge his former captain.

Pirates plundered ships and villages for their gold, silver, and jewels, but that wasn’t all. They also took clothing to barter and to wear. They kept those items that suited them either to wear at sea or as finery to wear ashore. There are records of pirates going to the gallows wearing velvet jackets, taffeta breeches, silk shirts and stockings.

Pirate captains were no different. They often dressed as a successful merchant, giving him the appearance of a gentleman.  Black Bart, as Bartholomew Roberts was now called, was the fashion leader of elegance among pirate captains. According to his crew he “dressed in a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red feather in his hat, a gold chain round his neck, with a diamond cross hanging from it.”

Unfortunately, Black Bart’s fancy clothes did not make him invincible. He was killed in a broadside attack of grapeshot fired from the Royal Navy ship cannons tore out his throat. Obeying his standing order, his men threw his body overboard.

The greatest pirate of his generation, it’s estimated that over his three-year career, Black Bart took some 400 ships. He is not as famous as some of his contemporaries, Blackbeard, Stede Bonnet, or Charles Vane, but he was a much better pirate.

There were many reasons why Black Bart was successful, his personal charisma and leadership, his daring and ruthlessness and his ability to coordinate small fleets to maximum effect. Merchants feared him and his men to the extent that commerce came to a halt. Merchant vessels did not venture out of port when Black Bart and his men were about. He must have secretly been one of the Pirates of Britannia!

Now Available!

Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

Amazon Free to Kindle Unlimited readers or on sale for $0.99

Who is your favorite pirate, Captain Blood, Captain Jack Sparrow, Long John Silver, Captain Hook (from the TV series) or anyone else? I’ve set anchor at RuthACasie.com or better yet, drop me a line at Ruth@RuthACasie.com

Bridal Gowns

Marriage is one of the great public occasions in a person’s life at which the principals can revel in being the center of attention. For the bride, it is Her Big Day and for centuries women have worked hard to make every detail special, memorable, and perfect especially their wedding dress.

Medieval Brides

Royal princesses were more ‘royal’ on the wedding days. In the medieval era, when royal weddings were great political events and used to seal alliances, the bride had to look majestic. She had to uphold the prestige of her country, impress the in-laws and their country with her own wealth, and if possible outshine them.

In days when all fabrics were hand spun, woven and dyed, and economical use of fabric was normal, wedding gowns made with more material, dyed with expensive dyes, and expensively accented made the statement the bride’s family was wealthy. Skirts were gathered, sleeves were down to the ground and trains were long. Rich colors were used because these dyes were expensive. Furs and jewels were often used as accents. No expense was spared.

The gowns for lower class brides were also formal. They too tried to impress. Humbler fabrics and dyes were used but brides copied the styles of the nobility and trimmed their dresses with less expensive furs, rabbit or fox.

Peasant brides wore cloth died green or blue. Weddings were still a special occasion for the lower classes as well. They dressed as formally as possible wearing humbler fabrics, but styled on the order of the nobility as much as possible. They used flowers and ribbons to enhance their gowns.

By the 1300’s wedding gowns were the ‘bold coat,’ fitted over gowns worn over the kirtle or under dress. The ‘coat’ was laced up and had long sleeves, and a long slit up the front to show the under dress and train.

Some shade of white has always been a favorite. It symbolized virginity and innocence. But white was not practical and not always worn. Blue, associated with the Virgin Mary, was another symbol of purity as well as fidelity and eternal love was also worn. Brides who wore blue believed their husbands would be true to them. If they didn’t wear blue, they wore something blue, a tradition that we still see today. Other popular colors for bridal gowns were pink, yellow, even brown and grey.

Victorian Brides

In 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert and wore a relatively plain white satin gown. Her headdress was a wreath of orange blossoms with a lace veil and eighteen foot train. Their official wedding picture was published around the world and the white wedding gown became the fashion of high society.

The Industrial Revolution brought about great changes even in wedding gowns. Materials were more accessible and reasonably priced.  By 1890, the white wedding gown became a tradition.

Edwardian Brides and Onward

This period brought about more extravagance in wedding gowns with lace and pearl embellishments. Overtime, hemlines rose and tight laces corsets disappeared. Wedding gowns followed the fashion of the day and reflected the economics and politics of the time. During WW1, styles became simpler. Gowns in the 1920’s reflected the flapper style. During the depression, brides wore their ‘best’ dress for their wedding with many brides dying their white wedding dress after the wedding to get more use out of it.

The picture above on the right is special to me, My grandparents, Samuel and Ida Finkelstein on their wedding day March 7, 1908.

Modern Fairy Tale Weddings

Grace Kelly’s marriage Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 set the next big trend. Her wedding gown was a white high-necked, long-sleeved gown with fitted torso and billowing skirt made of twenty-five yards of silk taffeta, one hundred yards of silk net, peau de soie, tulle and Brussels rose point lace. She wore a Juliet cap decorated with seed pearls, orange blossoms, and a veil of 90 yards of tulle. Like Queen Victoria's wedding before her, Princess Grace's wedding set the trend for the next decade and big white wedding dresses were in.

This picture above on the right is my sister, the bride, my brother and me. You can see a similarity in the wedding gown style. Her wedding was in 1953, a bit before Princess Grace’s. I like to think my sister set the trend.

Lady Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles in 1982 was also a spectacular wedding complete with a Victorian styled dress. It was puff-sleeves with a fitted bodice, full skirt ivory taffeta on a grand scale. Diana’s gown was not understated, it was grand. It was grand. The nineties saw a return to sleeker, less complicated styles.

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle – Today’s Brides

Fairy Tale weddings continue to draw our attention and play to our dreams. Who doesn’t see Prince Charming with his Cinderella in these pictures?

Today, brides dress in any style from ornate designer dresses to informal dresses and suites. While the traditional colors remains white, eggshell, ecru, and ivory colored wedding gowns are coming back in style.

Our Fairy Tale Wedding

Last month, our future daughter-in-law asked me to go wedding gown shopping. I joined her sister and her aunt at the bridal shop. It’s very different being the mother of the groom especially after working with both my daughters on their weddings. But some things are the same.

My eyes teared with each gown she put on. One was prettier than the next. I’ve only known her for five years, but I’ve seen her grow and blossom as a young woman and as my son’s partner.

When she walked out of the dressing room in front of me stood a poised beautiful princess in a white  lace gown. Seed pearls and crystals embellished the bodice and skirt all the down to the gorgeous lace trimmed train. I’d love to tell you more, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. You'll have to wait until September 1, 2019 (9-1-19, my son loves the palindrome) to see how lovely she looks.

ARCHIVE: THE GUARDIAN'S WITCH An Interview with Lord Alex and Lady Lisbeth

Veronica: Ruth is traveling and unable to post today so she asked me to please share this fun character interview she did back in 2014.

Ah, there you are and just in time. Thank you for coming I knew you wouldn't want to miss this. We've pulled a real coup. Let me give you a little background before they begin. Our investigative reporter is about to hold an interview the hero, Lord Alex, and heroine, Lady Lisbeth, of Ruth A. Casie's book, The Guardian's Witch. I see they are about to begin. I'll fill you in on their story when the interview is over.

Reporter: (Facing the audience) Welcome and good afternoon. Today’s quests are Lord Alex Stelton, the exceptional knight who put his life on the line for the woman he loves. Also here is his extraordinary wife, Lady Lisbeth. She too was willing to risk it all--to save the man she loves.

Alex Stelton is the seventh son of Lord and Lady Stelton. Alex’s father is also a seventh son, an oddity that arises in the Stelton family from time to time. Lady Lisbeth and her younger sister, Laura survive their parents Lord and Lady Reynolds who were lost to us in a terrible carriage accident and their brother, Richard. Richard died valiantly on the Welsh battlefield.

(Turning to his guests) Thank you both for taking time to talk to us today. The first question I have is for Lord Alex.

Alex: Please, call me Alex.

Reporter: Certainly. Alex, what was your first impression of Lisbeth?

Alex: I’m embarrassed to tell you.

Lisbeth: He avoided me for weeks.

Alex: (Taking Lisbeth’s hand.) That’s not quite correct. You made it perfectly clear that you wanted no part of me. As a matter of fact I got a very clear impression that you would’ve been quite happy if I had disappeared like the others the king sent to protect you.

Lisbeth: Well, what did you expect? You came marching into Glen Kirk all proud and self-important just like all the others.

Alex: (Raising an eyebrow to his wife.) Did I now?

Lisbeth: (A bit contrite.) Well, maybe not exactly like them. (She pulls her hand away from his and faces him.) How was I to know?

Reporter: (Cough.) How did this disagreement start?

Lisbeth: He didn’t tell me for weeks.

Reporter: I beg your pardon. What didn’t Alex tell you for weeks? (Looking at Alex the reporter noticed him squirm, just a bit.)

Lisbeth: He didn’t tell me we were married.

Reporter: Married? I don’t understand?

Alex: Wait a minute, Love. You didn’t exactly make it easy.

Lisbeth: Love— (She shot Alex a glance that could turn him into a pillar of salt.)

Alex: (Alex faced the reporter) I won a bet with King James. If I held Lisbeth’s Glen Kirk Castle safe for one year it would be mine. Having an estate of my own has been a goal of mine for some time.

Lisbeth: (Foot tapping.)

Alex: (Rakes his hand through his hair.) After meeting my part of the bargain, I went to London to collect my winnings and ended proxy wed to Lady Lisbeth by order of the king.

Reporter: He what? And you didn’t tell her for weeks?

Lisbeth: (Folding her arms in front of her glaring at Alex.) Exactly.

Reporter: Perhaps we should move on. Lisbeth, I understand you come from a long line of healers and that you are quite gifted. My sources tell me you’ve used that gift to save Alex more than once.

Lisbeth: (A humbled look crosses her face.) Yes, I work hard to keep the people I love safe.

Reporter: (Shows Lisbeth a charm.) I understand you place these charms in the trees around Glen Kirk.

Alex: (Takes the charms from the interviewer.) My wife has a notion that the pretty bits shine and distract. (He gave the reporter a cold stare.)

Reporter: I understand there are rumors that your wife… uses incantations—

Alex: (Stands dragging Lisbeth with him.) This interview is over.

Reporter: (Obviously upset.) I’m sorry m’lord. I meant no disrespect to your wife or you. But sir, your wife’s special talents are common knowledge far and wide. It is to be honored sir, not reviled as some may think.

Alex: I clearly told your man that those questions were not to be asked.

Reporter: M'lord, Alex, this woman was ready to risk everything for you. She was in the midst of conjuring up the true criminal responsible for the treason for which you were accused. She was using her magic in front of the king and his court, all to protect you. Surely you know what a grave risk she was taking.

Alex: Don’t you think I know that. (Alex took his wife in his arms.) I cringe each time I think of how close she came to being judged a witch and the consequences that would have been metered out.

Lisbeth: Alex, (she pulls gently away from his embrace) come sit down. No harm was meant, surely you know that. (She pats his arm.)

Alex: (Regaining his composure.) I will not dwell on it, Lisbeth. I will protect you always.

Lisbeth: Yes, Alex. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But all here know who and what I am. There is no longer a need to hide that I am a witch.

Reporter: We have a little more time. Alex, I understand that your wife is very talented. Her dreams of the future appear to come true.

Alex: (He looks at his wife and does all he can to contain his smile.) My wife has many talents. Her dreams are--exceptional.

Lisbeth: Shhh Alex.(She leans close to him.) No one else will understand.

Alex: (Totally forgetting the reporter for the moment.) You call me into your dreams and we… Faith, (A smoldering look passes between them and he rakes his hand through his hair.) I want to spend the rest of my life in your dreams…

Reporter: Well, thank you both very much. (Pulling on his shirt collar.) Is it warm in here? (The reporter turns to the audience) You can find out more about Lord Alex and Lady Lisbeth in The Guardian’s Witch by Ruth A. Casie now available for their Nook or Kobo or Kindle. 

I hope you enjoyed the interview. Here's a brief overview and trailer for The Guardian's Witch.

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can't resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it's his. Desperate for land of his own, he'll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she'd never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can't get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they'll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Do you have any questions for Lord Alex or Lady Lisbeth?

The Guardian's Witch

The Guardian’s Witch

This isn't a new release but one of my favorite stories. I hope you enjoy the snippet.

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can't resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it's his. Desperate for land of his own, he'll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.     

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she'd never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can't get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they'll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Excerpt from The Guardian’s Witch

The berries Lisbeth had gathered tumbled forgotten from her hands. A tremor touched her lips while the vision slammed behind her eyes. She didn’t doubt the vision’s truth. Sometimes a bright light, warm and comforting, accompanied the vision; other times the wind howled, cold and disturbing. Today, panic clearly filled the air.

She spun around trying to pinpoint a direction and abruptly stopped. Facing south, she licked her lips nervously and tasted the sweetness of fresh water. A rushing sound burst in her ears. The river. Her head snapped east toward the river path and she ran. As she careened down the narrow trail, the outstretched branches tugged at her dress, pulled off her shawl and clawed at her face and arms. She took no notice. The cadence of her footfalls beat out a mantra, not him, not him, not him. She rushed on faster, mumbling enchanted words under her breath.

She exploded out of the forest and stood on the riverbank as the bridge gave way, sending the horse and rider plunging into the angry current. Swiftly the horse surfaced and headed for shore with an empty saddle. She stood on the bank, still mumbling as she scanned the river until she glimpsed a clear red aura shining deep in its middle. Her relief was momentary when the blackness began to creep in. There wasn’t much time.

Quickly she pulled off her heavy dress and, wearing only her chemise, dove into the river. Save him was her only thought. Down she plunged kicking hard against the current. The usually clear water, now choked with mud, churned with debris. She screamed the words in her head and made her demands. In response, the current slowed and as the mud began to settle, a lifeless hand beckoned to her from below.

Buy Links for The Guardian's Witch: Amazon  BN  KOBO iBook 

Druid Heroes

The beauty of nature, whether it’s an awesome sunset, the color of the fall leaves or the striking beauty of lightning is breathtaking, mysterious and has a power all its own.

To the druid, the sentry of the world, nature was the driving force and was dependent on the precarious balance of air, earth, fire and water. Their beliefs were strong and drawn from the spiritual unity of the natural forces. Druids were not masters but rather servants of nature.  In addition, they were the philosophers, judges, mathematicians, and scientists of the day. Druids did not codify their story but rather believed in the oral history. Nothing was written down. The only accounts that do survive are from the early Greeks and Romans who had first-hand knowledge. Druids were the caretakers of the lore and also great healers who were respected and considered the keepers of the ‘Old Faith.

Followers of the ‘Old Faith’ didn’t worship a deity although they did have the concept of a Mother Goddess which symbolized the earth and the fertility of nature.

When the Romans came to Britain the druids, and the deep respect people had for them, was a threat that needed to be eliminated. It began with character assassination and ended with eradication. To justify the slaughter, the Romans went on a smear campaign. But that’s another story.

Why are fantasy writers drawn to druids? I can’t speak for other authors, but I can tell you why I was drawn to druids in my story. The deep beliefs, the devotion to his land and his people, are the underpinnings of my hero’s personality. I challenged my hero and made him face the worse decision of his life. He will have to choose between his duty to his beloved manor and people and his own desires—protect his wife at the risk of his manor and people’s survival.

The twist is that no man, not even the greatest druid, can do it alone. In my new story, KNIGHT OF RAPTURE, our druid hero will need the strength of his wife, his soul mate, to bring this story to a happy ever after. 

For months Lord Arik has been trying to find the precise spell to rescue his wife, Rebeka, but the druid knight will soon discover that reaching her four hundred years in the future is the easiest part of his quest.

Bran, the dark druid, follows Arik across the centuries, tireless in his quest for revenge. He’ll force Arik to make a choice, return to save his beloved family and home or stay in the 21^st century and save Rebeka. He can’t save them both.

Rebeka Tyler has no recollection of where she’s been the past five months. On top of that, ownership of her home, Fayne Manor, is called into question. When accidents begin to happen it looks more and more like she is the target. Further complicating things is the strange man who conveniently appears wherever trouble brews—watching her, perhaps even….protecting her? Or is he a deliberate attempt to distract her? Rebeka can only be sure of one thing—her family name and manor have survived for over eleven centuries. She won’t let them fall… in any century.

Slight of Hand

Hand writing, cursive, long hand, is a lost art. Because each person's handwriting is unique and handwriting is somewhat stable over time, it can be used as a verification tool. It's used on legal documents all the time. 

So, how did I get involved in handwriting? My work in progress is about a time traveling researcher. She's content after finding her way to the 17th century and her hero. Ah, but she's tricked into returning to the 21st century. In order to find her way back to her hero she must research the answers in the old documents, some penned by him. As she reads his writing, runs her fingers over the words, she is once again close to him.

I drew on those emotions from a card I had kept from my mother. She has been gone a long time but seeing her handwriting brings her back

to me. Her handwriting was unique and somewhat flamboyant. Friends and family were always asking her

to address their special occasion invitations. She thought her handwriting was... nothing special. I always thought it was exotic. (And tough to copy on school documents... but you didn't hear that here.) What I wouldn't give to confess that to her today.

What are the characteristics of handwriting and what do they tell us?

The characteristics of handwriting include:

• the average size of letters
• the pressure to the paper
• they rhythmic repetition of the strokes
• the slant of the letters
• the spacing, regular or irregular
• the roundness or sharpness of the letter's shape

Graphology is the study of handwriting and handwriting analysis. There are over 300 features. Here are some of the basic ones that can be easily understood and provide some interesting information. For a full disclosure, this information was found in a free handwriting analysis tool PDF by Elaine Quigley BA Hons., MBIG (Dip)

Slant -

• Right slant indicates a response to communication. The writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, etc.
• Upright generally means independence.
• Left slant shows emotion and reserve.

Size - 

• Small, under 9mm, can indicate a thinker or an academic.
• Small and delicate handwriting may indicate this person is not a good communicator and may be introverted.
• Large, over 9mm, can indicate the person is outgoing, and extrovert or the person acts as if they are confident.

Pressure -

• Heavy pressure indicates commitment, taking things seriously
• Excessive pressure could mean the writer gets uptight at times and can react quickly to what they see as criticism. They react first and ask questions afterwards
• Light pressure indicates sensitivity and empathy.
• Uneven pressure could translate to a lack of vitality

Zones - There are three zones or cases - middle, upper, and lower

• Tall upper strokes reach toward goals and ambitions. If they are very extended, they may be reaching toward unrealistic expectations
• A reasonable proportioned upper loop (l, t, h) may indicate someone who likes to thinks things through and use their imagination
• Wide upper loops indicate a person who may dream up ideas and mull them over.
• Up strokes that go up and return on top of itself indicate the writer may be squeezing out imagination and keeping to the basic requirements

The PDF has a lot more information that I'm certain you'll find interesting if not for a message left by your hero or your villain, the suicide note left by the victim or just a card sent from a friend. 

Christmas In July

The 1892 opera, Werther by Jules Massenet included a scene of children rehearsing a Christmas song in July. The character’s response—“When you sing Christmas in July, you rush the season.”

I think we crave the goodwill and congenial feelings that are epitomized during the holiday season. So what is the history of Christmas in July? Is it more than a marketing sales tool?

• 1933 – Camp Keystone, a girls summer camp in North Carolina, celebrated with a Christmas tree, presents, and a visit from Saint Nick. Perhaps the girls, who only see each other during the summer wanted to chance to celebrate the holiday with the unique summer camp family. 
• 1940 – The concept was given national attention in the Hollywood movie, Christmas in July with Dick Powell and Ellen Drew. In this story takes place in July, Dick Powell’s character is led to believe he’s won $25,000 in an advertising slogan contest. He buys presents for family, friends, and proposes to his girlfriend played by Ellen Drew.
• 1942 – The Calvary Baptist Church in Washington D.C., celebrated Christmas in July with carols and the sermon Christmas Presents in July. It garnered an outpouring of donations. The program was held each summer.
• 1944 – The U.S. Post Office and U.S. Army and Navy promoted Christmas in July as an early mailing campaign for service men and women overseas during World War II.
• Today – American advertisers have been using the Christmas in July theme since 1950. We can find re-runs of Christmas programs on television and many stores run sales. 
• My offering for Christmas in July? Timeless Keepsakes: A Collection of Christmas Stories. 
  

The Inside Scoop

Ah, there you are and just in time. Thank you for coming I knew you wouldn't want to miss this. We've pulled a real coup. Let me give you a little background before they begin. Our investigative reporter is about to hold an interview the hero, Lord Alex, and heroine, Lady Lisbeth, of Ruth A. Casie's book, The Guardian's Witch. I see they are about to begin. I'll fill you in on their story when the interview is over.

Reporter: (Facing the audience) Welcome and good afternoon. Today’s guests are Lord Alex Stelton, the exceptional knight who put his life on the line for the woman he loves. Also here is his extraordinary wife, Lady Lisbeth. She too was willing to risk it all--to save the man she loves.

Alex Stelton is the seventh son of Lord and Lady Stelton. Alex’s father is also a seventh son, an oddity that arises in the Stelton family from time to time. Lady Lisbeth and her younger sister, Laura, survive their parents Lord and Lady Reynolds and their older brother Richard. Their parents were lost to us in a terrible carriage accident. Richard died valiantly on the Welsh battlefield.

Reporter:(Turning to his guests) Thank you both for taking time to talk to us today. The first question I have is for Lord Alex.

Alex: Please, call me Alex.

Reporter: Certainly. Alex, what was your first impression of Lisbeth?

Alex: I’m embarrassed to tell you.

Lisbeth: He avoided me for weeks.

Alex: (Taking Lisbeth’s hand.) That’s not quite correct. You made it perfectly clear that you wanted no part of me. As a matter of fact I got a very clear impression that you would’ve been quite happy if I had disappeared like the others the king sent to protect you.

Lisbeth: Well, what did you expect? You came marching into Glen Kirk all proud and self-important just like all the others.

Alex: (Raising an eyebrow to his wife.) Did I now?

Lisbeth: (A bit contrite.) Well, maybe not exactly like them. (She pulls her hand away from his and faces him.) How was I to know?

Reporter: (Cough.) How did this disagreement start?

Lisbeth: He didn’t tell me for weeks.

Reporter: I beg your pardon. What didn’t Alex tell you for weeks? (Looking at Alex the reporter noticed him squirm, just a bit.)

Lisbeth: He didn’t tell me we were married.

Reporter: Married? I don’t understand?

Alex: Wait a minute, Love. You didn’t exactly make it easy.

Lisbeth: Love— (She shot Alex a glance that could turn him into a pillar of salt.)

Alex: (Alex faced the reporter) I won a bet with King James. If I held Lisbeth’s Glen Kirk Castle safe for one year it would be mine. Having an estate of my own has been a goal of mine for some time.

Lisbeth: (Foot tapping.)

Alex: (Rakes his hand through his hair.) After meeting my part of the bargain, I went to London to collect my winnings and ended proxy wed to Lady Lisbeth by order of the king.

Reporter: He what? And you didn’t tell her for weeks?

Lisbeth: (Folding her arms in front of her glaring at Alex.) Exactly.

Reporter: Perhaps we should move on. Lisbeth, I understand you come from a long line of healers and that you are quite gifted. My sources tell me you’ve used that gift to save Alex more than once.

Lisbeth: (A humbled look crosses her face.) Yes, I work hard to keep the people I love safe.

Reporter: (Shows Lisbeth a charm.) I understand you place these charms in the trees around Glen Kirk.

Alex: (Takes the charms from the interviewer.) My wife has a notion that the pretty bits shine and distract. (He gave the reporter a cold stare.)

Reporter: I understand there are rumors that your wife… uses incantations—

Alex: (Stands dragging Lisbeth with him.) This interview is over.

Reporter: (Obviously upset.) I’m sorry m’lord. I meant no disrespect to your wife or you. But sir, your wife’s special talents are common knowledge far and wide. It is to be honored sir, not reviled as some may think.

Alex: I clearly told your man that those questions were not to be asked.

Reporter: M'lord, Alex, this woman was ready to risk everything for you. She was in the midst of conjuring up the true criminal responsible for the treason for which you were accused. She was using her magic in front of the king and his court, all to protect you. Surely you know what a grave risk she was taking.

Alex: Don’t you think I know that. (Alex took his wife in his arms.) I cringe each time I think of how close she came to being judged a witch and the consequences that would have been metered out.

Lisbeth: Alex, (she pulls gently away from his embrace) come sit down. No harm was meant, surely you know that. (She pats his arm.)

Alex: (Regaining his composure.) I will not dwell on it, Lisbeth. I will protect you always.

Lisbeth: Yes, Alex. I wouldn’t have it any other way. But all here know who and what I am. There is no longer a need to hide that I am a witch.

Reporter: We have a little more time. Alex, I understand that your wife is very talented. Her dreams of the future appear to come true.

Alex: (He looks at his wife and does all he can to contain his smile.) My wife has many talents. Her dreams are--exceptional.

Lisbeth: Shhh Alex.(She leans close to him.) No one else will understand.

Alex: (Totally forgetting the reporter for the moment.) You call me into your dreams and we… Faith, (A smoldering look passes between them and he rakes his hand through his hair.) I want to spend the rest of my life in your dreams…

Reporter: Well, thank you both very much. (Pulling on his shirt collar.) Is it warm in here? (The reporter turns to the audience) You can find out more about Lord Alex and Lady Lisbeth in The Guardian’s Witch by Ruth A. Casie available for their Nook or Kobo or Kindle. 

I hope you enjoyed the interview. Here's a brief overview of The Guardian's Witch.

England, 1290

Lord Alex Stelton can't resist a challenge, especially one with a prize like this: protect a castle on the Scottish border for a year, and it's his. Desperate for land of his own, he'll do anything to win the estate—even enter a proxy marriage to Lady Lisbeth Reynolds, the rumored witch who lives there.

Feared and scorned for her second sight, Lisbeth swore she'd never marry, but she is drawn to the handsome, confident Alex. She sees great love with him but fears what he would think of her gift and her visions of a traitor in their midst.

Despite his own vow never to fall in love, Alex can't get the alluring Lisbeth out of his mind and is driven to protect her when attacks begin on the border. But as her visions of danger intensify, Lisbeth knows it is she who must protect him. Realizing they'll secure their future only by facing the threat together, she must choose between keeping her magic a secret and losing the man she loves.

Do you have any questions for Lord Alex or Lady Lisbeth?