You're the Star {May} Week 1

Wow!  Is May Day really tomorrow?!


Book Review: Jefferson's Daughters

by Catherine Kerrison

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Partial Synopsis from Bas Bleu:  Thomas Jefferson is among the most famous of America’s founding fathers, but it’s easy to forget that he was an actual father, to daughters Martha and Maria Jefferson—and to Harriet Hemings, one of several children he had with his slave Sally Hemings. (Fact: Sally was Martha and Maria’s biological aunt on their mother’s side, making Harriet their cousin as well as their half-sister.)

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My Thoughts:  What a fascinating read.  I learned so much about early US History.  The author does a great job covering Virginia state law of the time, especially the legislature around slave holding.  Some of these laws are quite heartbreaking.  While eldest surviving daughter, Martha, kept meticulous records and consistently wrote letters to friends and family, younger Maria did not.  It's very interesting to read Martha's perspective in her own words about specific events.  Maria's feelings are a bit of a mystery and take some guesswork.  Her thoughts can be pieced together, though, thanks to letters from her Aunt Eppes as well as close friends like Abigail Adams.  Martha and Maria are Jefferson's daughters with his legal wife, also named Martha.

Very little documentation is left about daughter, Harriet Hemings, born at Monticello to slave, Sally Hemings.  Other than farm records, we really know very little about her.  She may or may not have been taught how to read and write.  None of her thoughts or feelings, written in her own hand, are known to exist.  The author does however include experiences of other slaves at Monticello and in the surrounding area.  There is also quite a bit of speculation about what happened when Harriet disappeared.  If you enjoy early American history, you will want this book.

What have you been reading?

;-)  -Marci

Words on Wednesday Linky Party #13

Gee, I love books!

Tuesdays with a Twist Link Party

Our news this week...  Saturday's rain didn't arrive as early as expected.  We were so happy to play outside for a while!  Hardscape changes continue.  I may have moved a few too many large rocks.  My muscles felt a bit grumpy on Sunday.  When I stumbled across this photo of Ninja Shadow, it made me smile.  'Sweet guy.

I am so glad you are here to party today!  There is no limit on links as long as they are family friendly including giveaways, Etsy shops and other link parties.  Please remember to visit some fellow party animals and leave positive comments!

You're the Star {April}

Before we continue onto the Linky party I wanted to share these fun challenges:
 

More from My Family Tree

Here's some fun info to add to The Bayley Side of my Family as the conversation continues!

I am so enjoying the genealogy group on Facebook!

Words on Wednesday Link Party #WoW

What is your favorite book for reading aloud to children?

Welcome to Words on Wednesday Linky Party

Tuesdays with a Twist -- Let's Party!

Our news this week...  Thanks to the greenhouse, we are harvesting lettuce and chard for lovely spring salads and pea plants are about six inches tall.  Our weather continues to bounce between warm and cold.  'Makes me want to go back to the beach.  I attended a two hour pottery class on Saturday with my Momma.  It was a fun afternoon, making bird houses.  Once our pieces have been fired, we go back to get them.

I am so glad you are here to party today!  There is no limit on links as long as they are family friendly including giveaways, Etsy shops and other link parties.  Please remember to visit some fellow party animals and leave positive comments!

Italian Egg Drop Soup Review for the Pinterest Challenge

Welcome to the April Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop!

The purpose of this Pinterest Challenge is to motivate all the participants of this hop (and you, too) to not just pin, but to make it happen!

Artist Trading Cards for the De Stash Challenge

I have seriously been bitten by the Artist Trading Card bug!  This is a new concept for me so let me give a brief explanation.  Think Baseball Trading Cards, but instead of player stats, they are all about art.  Other than the size, {2.5 inches by 3.5 inches} just about anything goes!  Most Artist Trading Cards have a lovely, positive message along with the artwork.

If you would like to participate in a fun exchange, let me know and I'll get you added to the group!

You're the Star {April}

This week's party is back with the full post!  Yay!

Technical difficulties make me kind of crazy!

The Bayley Side of my Family

What I love most about Facebook is seeing family photos.  The adorable children in their spiffy Easter outfits or spooky Halloween costumes always make me smile.  Family gatherings for weddings, Thanksgiving or Christmas are wonderful, too!

Just recently, I joined a FB genealogy group for the Arkansas county where much of my family was raised and went to school.

Link Party * Words on Wednesday #11 * WoW

This is a fun quote, but beer isn't for everyone.  What tastes the best to you on a beautiful afternoon?

Tuesdays with a Twist Link Party

Our news this week...  Saturday morning, April 7th, it snowed.  Snow in April doesn't happen very often in NW Arkansas.  'Kinda made me feel grumpy!  ;-)  I love to garden and am just itching to be outside playing in the dirt!  Remember, the Welcome Spring Link Party continues thru April 19!  I hope you have time to visit and enjoy the Spring Time theme!

I am so glad you are here to party today!  There is no limit on links as long as they are family friendly including giveaways, Etsy shops and other link parties.  Please remember to visit some fellow party animals and leave positive comments!

Artist Trading Cards and Upcycle Challenge

These wonderful bloggers have given another craft challenge!

You're the Star Blog Hop {April} Week 2

Please forgive my very abbreviated post.



I'm having a few technical difficulties this morning, but wanted to make sure you can still party!  ;-) 

Book Review: Be Our Guest

This little charmer was in our condo when we spent a week on Dauphin Island.

The Lookout at Memphis Pyramid

Our getaway in February began with one night in Memphis.  We stayed at Big Cypress Lodge inside the Pyramid.  Our room was lovely!

Words on Wednesday #10

Welcome to Words on Wednesday Linky Party

Time to show us your words

This is not your usual linky party.

Tuesdays with a Twist Hello, April!

Our news this week...  Easter was pretty subdued for us.  Our son-in-law's sister has been in hospice care for a while.  Last week she took a turn for the worse.  Our daughter's family lives a couple of hours away, so they stayed with us to be closer to her.  Cancer has claimed another loved one way too soon.  'So sad.  There's just not a nice way to talk about cancer, is there? 

In other news, we worked on edging flower beds most of Saturday.  'Hoping for more Spring weather soon!  Remember, the Welcome Spring Link Party continues thru April 19!  I hope you have time to visit and enjoy the Spring Time theme!

I am so glad you are here to party today!  There is no limit on links as long as they are family friendly including giveaways, Etsy shops and other link parties.  Please remember to visit some fellow party animals and leave positive comments!

You're the Star Blog Hop {April} Week 1

Happy Easter, Everyone!



Before we continue onto the Linky party I want to remind everyone I co-host link parties on Tuesdays and Wednesdays also.  Please come back!
 

Travels with Marci. Walking with a Gull on the Gulf