New Year's Eve Legend at Glamis Castle...

For most of us, ringing in the New Year conjures thoughts of parties, revelry, reflection, and spending time with friends and loved ones. But did you know that according to legend, Alexander Lindsay, (the 4th Earl of Crawford) eternally spends each New Year's Eve, playing cards with the devil? He does this in an attempt to win back his soul from a game previously played and lost.

Glamis Castle in Scotland from Morris's Country Seats (1880)

According to various claims, Earl Beardie (as Alexander is affectionately or perhaps not so affectionately called) takes on the devil at both Lordscairnie and Glamis Castles. The story coming from Glamis tells us that Alexander, a man notoriously cruel and indulgent, took to heavy drinking one fateful Sunday evening while visiting the Earl of Glamis. In his drunken state he demanded a partner for a game of cards. Since it was the Sabbath, no one stepped forward to indulge the whim. Enraged over the slight he vowed that he would play with the devil himself. (Not a good idea, really...)

Soon thereafter, they say, a tall man wearing dark clothing knocked at the castle doors, volunteering to play with their inebriated guest. Alexander quickly accepted the offer. The two men retreated into an empty room, closed the door, and sat down to a game of cards. As the evening progressed, servants in the hallways heard frightful noises coming from within the room. Some of them said the walls all but rocked from off their foundations for the shouts and curses that abounded.

One brave soul, curious as to the goings-on dared to peek through the keyhole. At once a bolt of bright light shot through the room and exited the keyhole blinding the servant in one eye. At that point, Alexander leapt from his chair, thrust open the door and all but throttled the servant for spying upon him. When he finished his tirade, Alexander, void of his very soul, returned to an empty room.

Now, each New Year's Eve, the devil and Alexander appear inside the castle for another round and another opportunity for Earl Beardie to win back his soul. However, before you make plans to visit the castle in hopes of watching the game, know this:  Legend tells us that anyone who catches sight of their ghostly game will travel to hell with the devil and Alexander at the end of the match...

Are you up for it?

Estormiz

Happy New Year Everybody!  May the new year treat you kindly!

In Celebration of Thanksgiving and My Gift of Gratitude to You...

For me, the Thanksgiving holiday conjures visions of family gatherings, an outpouring of love, laughter, a ton of delicious food crowding the table, and a silent inventory of things I'm thankful for. That list is endless, but always begins with my wondrous, amazing family. When I contemplate that family, I have to include my adventurous ancestors. They who gathered their courage, hopes and dreams, boarded a ship, and sailed to America. 

"Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor," by William Halsall, 1882

John Howland and Elizabeth Tillie, my ninth great-grandparents through my father's maternal side, were the first of my ancestors to do just that. They boarded the Mayflower in England, as single, young adults, September 16, 1620. The ship dropped anchor at Plymouth Rock on the 16th of December, that same year. Three years later, John and Elizabeth were married after surviving the hardships of the first deadly winter that claimed the lives of half the passengers.

"Spirit of the Knight" Gets a Cover!

My August post "Of Haunted Castles and BookCovers," found me anxiously (hand-wringing, sweating, pacing...well, you get the idea) awaiting my book cover for my soon-to-be released novel, "Spirit of the Knight." As you might recall, I fervently hoped a castle would grace the cover in some small fashion. Debbie Taylor, of Dca Graphics, did not disappoint...

Cover by Debbie Taylor

Not only did she not disappoint; she used one of the very castles that inspired my fictional castle... the mysterious, Eilean Donan.  According to a host of witnesses, this castle, which is situated in Loch Druich, is truly haunted.  This beautiful edifice was all but destroyed in the year 1719. History records that three frigates from the Royal Navy bombarded the castle for three full days while fighting Spanish mercenaries who supported the Scots during the Jacobite rebellion.  It is believed that the ghostly soldier often seen carrying his head inside the gift shop, lost his life--and his head--during this battle.

He's not the only man to lose his head in an altercation in this location either. In the year 1331, after defeating his enemies, Robert the Bruce became king of Scotland. He subsequently made his nephew, Randolph, the Earl of Moray, the warden of Scotland. For their lack of respect for the law, Randolph promptly executed fifty men and hung their heads on pikes from the battlements of the castle. He did this as a warning to all those who would follow their lead. (Ick...)

The Wise Women of Germanic Legend...

For the most part, the Dutch words “Witte Wieven” translates into English as “White Women.” However, in the Low German language, spoken in northern Germany and in the eastern portions of the Netherlands, the translation is “Wise Women.” No matter how you translate it, these women are known as herbalists, healers, and prophesiers. They were, and still are, highly respected in some cultures.

Cover Art by Shandra Kay

In answer to readers burning questions concerning "Van Locken's Witch," I thought I'd share some of the Germanic legends concerning these captivating women. After all, my heroine, Lissa Capoen is a direct descendent of the Witte Wieven, and has inherited all of the abilities of her revered ancestors.

According to the myths and legends of the Netherlands, dating back to at least the seventh century, mortals admired the wise women during their mortality and honored them at and after their death. Once death claimed them, their spirits remained earthbound and according to their pleasure, they could choose to help or hinder those they encountered.

Legends tell us that the ghost wieven made their homes in forests, swamps, hills, lakes, grave hills, trees, stones and any other object of nature. In Drenthe, tombs were also seen as homes of the Wise Women. Many mistook the sound carried by the breeze as the White Women busily spinning cloth and mists seen in the night, were mistaken for their ghostly forms as they went about gathering herbs, stems and leaves.

Of Witches and Wizards in Salem, Massachusetts...

With a Halloween theme of "Witches and Wizards," I certainly have to include a blog on the notorious Salem, Massachusetts witch trials. My husband and I have several ancestors who lived in Massachusetts during the witch hunts and though none of them lived in Essex County, they lived near enough to know about them. I wonder what they thought. Did they believe the accused were actually witches and warlocks, or did they think the whole thing utter nonsense? I suppose I'll never know, but I'm hoping they kept a level head during the months of mass hysteria.

"Examination of a witch" by Thompkins H. Matteson 1853

Between February of 1692 and May of 1693, nineteen people were hanged, one man met his death under a heavy load of rocks, and five died in jail.  Over a hundred more were accused and imprisoned. Some were condemned, but not executed, and some even confessed to the charges of witchcraft. However, many of them, such as, Rebecca Nurse, Susannah Martin, Sarah Wildes, Elizabeth Howe, Sarah Good, and Bridget Bishop, stood before their accusers and vehemently proclaimed their innocence.

Merlin...Of Wizards and Witches...

In dabbling in the realm of wizards and witches, we can't write a blog dedicated to the same without talking about one of the most famous wizards of all time, King Arthur's Merlin.

 Howard Pyle illustration from the 1903 edition of The Story of King Arthur and His Knights

In honor of this childe, the fates shall bring

All their assisting powers of Knowledge, Arts

Learning and Wisdom, all the hidden parts

Of all-admiring Prophecy to fore-see

The events of times to come. His Art shall stand

A wall of brass to guard the Brittan Land.

The Birth of Merlin, III, iv.

William Rowley (c. 1582-1642)

Everyone knows Merlin, but not everyone knows the anciently recorded details surrounding his birth. According to some of the early chronicles, the great wizard is the product of a mortal woman and the demon who assaulted her as she slept. The story tells us that in an act of revenge against Christ's liberation of Adam and Eve from Hell, a council of demons devised a plot. They would beget a man and endow him with their knowledge and maliciousness. He would know all there is to know and see all there is to see, both past and present. In this way he could rule over and control all mankind.

Celebrating All Hallow's Eve with Witches and Wizards...Part Two

Speaking of wizards and witches...Did you know that:

The Three Witches from Shakespeares Macbeth by Daniel Gardner, 1775

Cauldrons, often associated with Ceridwen (see part one), is said to symbolize the womb of mother earth. According to Celtic legend, dead warriors could return to life after a swim inside these mighty pots. Because they lacked the power of speech after their awakening, there were those who believed they no longer had a soul.  Nonetheless, these warriors were sent into battle where they would fight valiantly, until they were killed again.  (I suppose it's a good thing that nowadays, our magical minions just use them to brew their potions.)

Celebrating All Hallow's Eve with Witches and Wizards...

Wizards and Witches and Ghosts, oh my! (Okay, that's enough of that...I swear...) Seriously, what would Halloween be without an adorable little poppet showing up at your door with black dress and pointy hat? After all, witches and wizards have been around since the most ancient of times, working their magic in every culture throughout the world.

John William Waterhouse - 1849-1917

Take the beautiful sorceress, Circe, for instance. In her forest home near the Adriatic Sea, she kept sailors as pets. After luring them to shore with her enchanting songs, she would turn them into pigs, bears and wolves. Not half bad when one considers what she did to Scylla, the nymph. Now Scylla had a shepherd lover that Circe desired as well. So, Circe created a spell that would rid her of her competition. She poured the emerald green liquid into the sea where Scylla bathed and then disappeared.

Clan Campbell and Their Ghostly Castles...

As I have already mentioned a time or two in my various blogs, there is plenty of Scottish blood, flowing through this author's veins. Blood that's traced through the Ferguson's, Forbes's, Campbell's, McCullough's, and Robison's, to name just a few. 


This, in all likelihood, is the reason my novel, "Spirit of the Knight," now in Audio (and you should hear Dawson McBride do his incredible Scottish Brogue) takes place in Scotland. Therefore, I find myself in a "ghostly castle" frame of mind once again. However, this time, I wanted to take a look at some castles that once belonged to my ancient Scottish ancestors. So, first up, the Campbell Clan.

Clan Campbell crest. With permission of Scotclans.com

I pick up the Campbell line through my great-great grandmother, MaryAnn Campbell, daughter of Joel S. Campbell and Rachel Fuller—and please note, my Campbell ancestors immigrated to America well before the massacre at Glencoe, in the year 1692 (ahem). My immigrating ancestor, Robert Campbell, imprisoned In Canongate Tolbooth, was first banished and then transported to the New World. He arrived on the ship "Henry and Francis," September 5, 1685, imported as an indentured servant by Lord Neill Campbell.

The history of this ancient clan traces back to the thirteenth century and over those centuries they grew in power and influence. As a result they occupied at least eighteen different castles. As you can probably imagine, some of them are reputed to house a few ghosts.

Dunstaffnage Otter

Autumn Memories..

On this lovely 22nd day of September, 2013, autumn has officially arrived in all her glorious splendor.  Well, at least here in the northern hemisphere, anyway, and I for one, couldn't be happier about that!  

Apple orchard on the Blue Ridge Parkway by KenThomas.us

I love the autumn season. For me it calls up sweet memories of my early childhood days. I can still see the trees that lined our street, all adorned in vivid, radiant colors. I fondly recall the odor of orchard-ripened apples and pears in all their varieties as I walked to and from my little elementary school up the hill.  

We would play for hours on end in these richly-scented orchards. They served as all the magical kingdoms our little hearts could possibly imagine. And then, every year my parents would load all five of us kids into the car (usually a station wagon) and take us for  a ride through the canyons, so we could witness even more of mother nature's majesty.

Ghosts and a Genuine Curse are Alive and Well in Bodie...

Storm over Bodie by Dave Bradford Condit (DBCondit)

There are myths and legends aplenty surrounding the little town of Bodie, which is designated as California's "Official State Gold Rush Town."  Separating fact from fiction is a daunting task since the founders and key players have all gone on to their heavenly reward.  We do know without doubt that W. S. Bodie (be he William, Waterman, or Wakeman,) is credited as its founder in 1859. However, it remained nothing more than an obscure mining camp until the Standard Company discovered a rich deposit of gold in 1876. At that point the town took off and a vast array of businesses set up shop. 

Bodie Saloon wikimedia commons public domain

Author Mae Clair talks TWELFTH SUN and her Attraction to the Sea!

On this beautiful TWELFTH day of September, I am thrilled to have the very talented author, Mae Clair pay us a visit while we celebrate the release of her highly entertaining, highly recommended, absolutely must have, must read novel,  TWELFTH SUN...

  

An Attraction to the Sea

Debbie, thanks so much for inviting me to be your guest today. I always love hanging out at your blog, browsing through the fascinating snippets of ghostly history you unearth. I’m delighted to be here and excited to share my new release, a romantic mystery called TWELFTH SUN.

From the time I was a kid, I’ve been enamored of old sailing vessels and nautical folklore. The eastern seaboard is a second home to me and I dream of someday living in a quaint coastal village. Beach settings inspire me, and I’m instantly intrigued by any snippet of maritime folklore I stumble across.

As a result, it seemed only natural to weave those elements into my romantic mystery, TWELFTH SUN.

Visiting the Ghost Town of Calico...

Somewhere around the age of twelve, my parents introduced me to my first ghost town. Then and there, I not only fell in love with Calico and her rustic personality, but all ghost towns regardless of location and the various histories surrounding them.

Calico Ghost Town by Enrico Stirl  Germaneon

High in the hills, just outside the very small town of Yermo, California, (which is not far from Barstow), sits the mining town of Calico, founded in the year 1881. The townsfolk completely abandoned the place in 1907 when the silver and borax mines no longer produced sufficient quantities to keep the town alive.  During Calico's  heydey, one could count at least five hundred different mines,  dine in three restaurants,  rent rooms in various boarding houses, read a weekly newspaper, visit bars, brothels, and a post office. The town had a deputy sheriff and a couple of constables, as well.  Over twelve hundred people populated the town at the height of its silver production.  And of course, like so many small towns in the wild, wild, west, the Boot Hill Cemetery housed its share of local bad guys.

In 1915, they built a cyanide plant at Calico, to recover the unprocessed silver from the Silver King Mine. Despite the existence of the plant, the town didn't recover. Yet, as fate would have it, Walter Knott, (founder of the famous Knott's Berry Farm) assisted in building the tanks used for the plant.  He must have seen something he liked, because in 1951 he bought the town and with the use of old photographs, began to restore it to its former glory. Visitors came in droves and many of those visitors experienced far more than the amazing restoration of the property.  You see, it's not uncommon for a tourist to report an encounter with one of the former, other-worldly residents...

Of Haunted Castles and Book Covers....

I read it one more time for good measure, took a deep breath...and hit the submit key. That didn't stop the butterflies from swarming though. It happens each time I fill out the information sheet required for my cover art. And why? Because all the while I am writing my books, I envision the perfect couple in the perfect setting to grace the cover. To date, my covers haven't even come close to the one I imagined. 

Not unexpected, but  more often than not, somehow disappointing nonetheless.

Now, in regards to my newly contracted novel, "Spirit of the Knight",  I'm hoping a medieval castle graces the cover, if even off in the distance. After all, there were many such castles that influenced my fictional castle in the novel.  And in light of that fact, l decided to treat you to a couple of them today...

Eilean Donan  geograph.org.uk Anne Burgess

Eilean Donan, built in the 13th century, sits on an island and is surrounded by three lochs.  The castle is both breath-taking and mysterious. It's also haunted. According to a plethora of witnesses, a 17th century Spanish soldier, killed during the Jacobite rebellion is often seen carrying the head he lost in battle... Apparently his favorite place to haunt is the gift shop, so if you're not of a mind to encounter a ghost, perhaps you should do your shopping elsewhere. Oh, and Lady Mary still hangs around the castle as well. She is usually found in one of the bedrooms of the castle.

Roslin Castle Taken by r:Supergolden

Medieval Ghosts and the Haunting of Hermitage Castle...

For those who read "Spirit of the Revolution," fell in love with my Scottish knight,  Sir Cailen, (thank you) and wanted him to have a story of his own...

WISH GRANTED and Update!

"Spirit of the Knight" is now available in Ebook format, paperback and Audio! The audio book is narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride. His awesome Scottish Brogue quite literally gave me chills! for those who love audio, you won't want to miss it! 

Therefore, in celebration of this fact, and being in a medieval  frame of mind as you might guess, I thought we'd visit some haunted castles in Scotland  in the weeks ahead. (Blame the Scottish blood that flows through these veins, if you must. I have plenty of it...)

Hermitage Castle, by Martina L. Abel

One of the more frightening stories I've encountered concerns the Hermitage castle. This castle is said to have been built by Nicolas de Soulis somewhere around the year 1240.  His family retained ownership for almost a century. But then, according to legend, Sir William de Soulis, who possessed the castle during the reign of King Robert the Bruce, plotted to assassinate the famous king. This did not go over well as you can imagine. Shortly thereafter, they tossed him inside a wretched dungeon and eventually, he met his demise at the hand of the executioner.

Or did he?

Heroes of Faith Blog Tour with Marlene Bateman Sullivan...

Marlene Bateman Sullivan, best-selling author, is back for another visit and this time she's talking about her newest novel, Heroes of Faith!

Synopsis

Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes?  Are there any?  There are plenty!  Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting

stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant.

Visiting with Shauna Wheelwright at "I love to Read and Review Books..."

I'm visiting with the lovely Shauna Wheelwright today at "I love to Read and Review books!"

Shauna has provided her readers with a review of "Spirit of the Revolution" in conjunction with an Ebook giveaway, now through August 6th. (Exciting stuff!)

She's also posted "10 Fun Things to Know about Debbie Peterson," so I hope you'll drop by for a visit. And while you're there, don't forget to enter to win! 

Motive for Murder by Author Marlene Bateman...

I am very pleased to welcome bestselling author Marlene Bateman, as we ask a few questions and  present her latest novel, Motive for Murder!

Synopsis of Motive for Murder:

Meet Erica Coleman—a gifted and quirky private investigator with an OCD-like passion for neatness and symmetry, a penchant for cooking, (ten terrific recipes are included), and a weakness for chocolate.

Erica imagined that her trip to Florida would be a slice of heaven—a chance to get away from it all and catch up with her best friend, Wendy. But one day into her vacation, all hope of fun in the sun is dashed when she stumbles, literally, over a dead man on Wendy’s driveway. With police closing in on her friend as their main suspect, Erica must find the real killer before Wendy ends up behind bars.

With Erica’s skill, solving the mystery should be a piece of cake but then a second homicide-attempt hits close to home andgenerates a whole new list of suspects. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, a murderer is on the prowl, and no one is above suspicion.

As the plot thickens, it appears Erica may have bitten off more than she can chew, but she forges on, sifting through mounting evidence until she hones in on the killer who has a surprising motive for murder. With a dash of romance and some surprising twists, this thrilling mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Meet Author Susan Aylworth as we present her latest novel... ZUCCHINI PIE: GRANNY'S RECIPE FOR LIFE...

I am so excited that author Susan Aylworth agreed to pay us a visit! She's going to tell us a little bit about herself and her newest novel, Zucchini Pie: Granny's Recipe For Life...

(And... for all of you cooks out there? Each chapter begins with a fabulous recipe used by her characters. These recipes include sourdough bread, homemade salsa, pasta carbonara, Amish Oat Breakfast, tamales, hummus and dolma! You wont want to miss that!)

What inspired you to write your first book?

Ghostly Shenanigans Aboard the USS Constellation....

Distinguished as the first U.S. navy vessel put to sea, and the first to engage and defeat an enemy ship, the USS Constellation set out on her maiden voyage, September 1, 1797.

 Navy History and Heritage Command PD-USGOV-MILITARY-NAVY.

After years of faithful service, she was decommissioned in the year 1853, and broken up for scrap material. But this was hardly the end of her life. In 1854, the navy constructed a new ship, possibly using bits and pieces of the old, and again christened her the USS Constellation. If nothing else, the name lived on. Under the command of Charles H. Bell, the navy launched this powerfully armed sloop-of-war on the 26th of August, 1854. The Constellation served in various capacities for a full century, until her final decommission on the 15th of August, 1955, when at long last, the navy removed her from the rolls.

Again, not the end of her life, though. You see, once removed from the naval rolls, the ship found a permanent berth in what is known as Constellation Dock, Inner Harbor at Pier 1 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was designated a National Historic Landmark and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. She also has the distinction of being the last existing naval vessel from the American Civil War that remains intact.

Fully restored in 1999, the Constellation made her first trip out of Baltimore's Inner Harbor since 1955. In October of 2004, she set sail for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and this six day voyage marked her first trip to the city in 111 years.

PD-USGOV-MILITARY-NAVY.

All fine and good, but is it haunted? 

Congratulations to the Winners of our "Spirit of the Revolution" Excerpt Tour!

For all those who followed the four week tour on its various stops, made comments, and asked questions, I thank you! You made the tour really fun for me! I appreciate my hosts and the sweet ladies, Cerian, Joder, and Barbara Ann, who read my book and gave it such wonderful reviews, all of which can be found on Amazon, Goodreads, and their blogs! You are all remarkable! Thank you Goddess Fish Promotions for making sure everything ran smoothly!

And now, without further delay...

Otherworldly Tales of the U.S.S. Constitution...

Constitution Underway by Hunter Stires

Fondly known as "Old Ironsides," the oldest commissioned vessel in the world’s navies today is the USS Constitution. Commissioned in 1797, and named by George Washington, the ship received her moniker during the War of 1812, while she served under the command of Captain Isaac Hull. The event took place August 19, 1812, just off Nova Scotia. One week earlier, the United States, still in her infancy, surrendered Detroit to the British. The Brits were riding high on this victory when the USS Constitution, and the British ship Guerriere, bombarded each other at close range. They were so close, in fact, that during the melee they collided once.

The Constitution, built far heavier and longer than her adversary, volleyed twenty-four pound cannonballs, which decimated the Guerriere's mast.  In return,  the British fired eighteen pound cannonballs at the Americans, to no effect. The balls just seemed to bounce off her thick oak hull. Recorded in a memoir of the incident, one British sailor hollered out, " 'Huzzah, her sides are made of iron! See where the shot fell out!" Thus the ship's nickname was born.

During her two hundred plus years of service, we find many old reports of distraught sailors, with ships in peril, who were rescued by the crewmen aboard the  USS Constitution. Once aboard they said they felt safe and at peace. Yet, at the same time, they could feel a bit of sadness lingering in the surrounding atmosphere. Whispers abounded of ethereal apparitions, from the very young to the very seasoned in years, wearing uniforms from the past still going about their earthly duties. They said if one listened closely, one could hear many different languages, antiquated in nature, yet the living were not responsible for these voices. Some reported the existence of a ghostly officer who invited various passengers to join his crew.

But what about ghostly experiences in the here and now? This beautiful old frigate, now stationed in Boston, still has a standing, living crew.  And indeed, this crew have reported brushes with the unknown. These brushes would mesh quite well with an episode of the Twilight Zone.

An unseen presence once blew on the neck of an unsuspecting female crewman... amorous ghost perhaps? After all, it has been quite awhile for some. And then one night, the watch caught sight of a 24 pound cannonball, rolling off to the left, then traveled back to its original spot, with no apparent motion of the ship to cause the event.  This particular cannonball didn't follow any natural turns or arcs attributed to the ship.  

Creepy? 

Official Release day for "Spirit of the Revolution!"

After months and months of hard work, mixed with some blood, sweat and tears, we've finally arrived! Today, The Wild Rose Press officially releases the "Spirit of the Revolution," (available in the format of your choice, in both ebook, print and audio!)

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank my publisher and my WONDERFUL editor, Sarah Hansen, for the hours spent on my behalf! I am so grateful to you both! I LOVE being a rose in the garden of the Wild Rose Press. They are amazing people to work with!

Cover Art by Angela Anderson

To celebrate the grand event  I decided to share a few pages from the prologue with you today. So without further ado...

~~~~~~~

Memorial Day...A Day We Remember Those Who Gave All...

We remember... and give thanks to all our service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice... 

Arlington National Cemetery by Andrew Bossi

Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a holiday in which the American people have set aside to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  

When did it begin? 

In an effort to commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War, both Union and Confederate, this holiday was officially born on May 5, 1868 and first observed on May 30th of that same year. On that day, flowers were placed on each Union and Confederate grave at Arlington National Cemetery, by order of General John A. Logan. Today, we honor all the brave men and women who have fallen, while engaged in military service.

Like most Americans, I have a deep respect and appreciation for all those who serve and have served this country. For those who gave their all in order to make and keep this nation free, and provide us with the liberties we have, I give you my utmost gratitude.

Those who follow my blogs know that many of my ancestors have fought and died while in the service of the United States from her earliest beginnings and forward. As I've collected their histories and documentation of military service, I've wondered over their lives and the families they left behind. They are the reason I chose to use both a Civil War and Revolutionary War soldier as my heroes in "Spirit of the Rebellion" and "Spirit of theRevolution."  In my own way, it's my personal nod to my grandfathers, uncles and cousins who fought in some of America's bloodiest campaigns.

"The March to Valley Forge", by William Trego, 1883

As you can imagine, it thrilled me no end when Wild Rose Press chose to release "Spirit of the Revolution," during the week we celebrate our men in arms. So, to my ancestors who participated in the Revolutionary War...not limited to but including the following ancestral grandfathers:

·         Nicholas Forbes - 

·         William Ferguson -

·         Lewis Ponsler - 

·         John Cartwright

·         John Light

·         Jeremiah Dickenson Jenks

Civil War Ancestors:

.  William Confer - Killed at the battle of Chickamauga
.  David K Newhouase - Killed at the battle of Stones River
.  John A Robison - 
.  Daniel Confer
.  Peter Confer
.  Samuel Confer
.  Hiram Robison
.  David A Robison

World War II Ancestos:

.  William Buskrik
.  Robert Buskirk
.  A.F. Henriksen
.  R.L. Henrksen
.  Dwight Peterson
.  Vernon Peterson

Viet Nam War:

. Michael Ray Mastain

You've made me proud and I salute you!

Today, people celebrate Memorial Day as a day to honor our fallen veterans. The day is celebrated in a variety of ways. Our family has been known to have huge family gatherings, with picnics or barbeques in the mountains or canyons. And of course, for those who live in the vicinity,  family graves are lovingly decorated...

What are your Memorial Day Family traditions?

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