Goal for the Day: Purge Your Periodicals

Newspapers, magazines, catalogs and brochures come into our homes every day. Usually, we have little time to flip through them, let alone actually read them. And, so, they pile up—awaiting the moment when you can actually pause to look at them.


If you’ve got a stack of magazines sitting in your living room or in your office, take a moment to sort through them. Have you read them? Will you actually have time to read them? Is there any reason you’d want to keep a particular one?

Realistically decide what you want to keep. If there’s an article, a photo or a recipe in a particular magazine that you like or would wish to see again, file it away. If not, it’s best to recycle that magazine just to purge your home of that accumulated clutter.

One way of recycling magazines is to bring them to your doctor’s office, a local nursing home or other organization that could use them. Just make sure to remove the address label or mark out your name and address from the cover. Not only would you be freeing up space in your home, you would be providing a much-needed service.

Object of the Day: 1887 “Vanity Fair” Cover by “Spy”

From 1873 until 1911, the famous caricaturist, “Spy” drew the cover art for over two thousand issues of Vanity Fair Magazine. “Spy” was in reality, Sir Leslie Ward—the son of famed painters E.M Ward and Henrietta Ward, and the grandson of the renowned, James Ward. Though he came from a celebrated artistic family, Leslie, as one of eight children, received no specialized art training in his early life.


During his time at Eton in Windsor, Spy showed considerable artistic talent, and, soon, was being shown at the Royal Academy. Still, his father encouraged young Leslie to be an architect. After a grueling year apprenticing in an architecture firm, Leslie asserted himself and went on to receive training in the arts. His drawings earned him considerable attention, and, in 1873, he replaced the caricaturist “Ape” as the artist in charge of the covers for Vanity Fair Magazine.

His work was applauded and notable figures of the day were honored by his skillful and sympathetic cartoons. In his 1915, autobiography, Sir Leslie Ward said, “If I could sum up the art in a sentence it would be that caricature should be a comic impression with a kindly touch, and always devoid of vulgarity.” His drawings defined the art of caricature so much so that they are referred to as “Spy Drawings.” Three hundred of his original drawings hang in the British National Portrait Gallery.

This Vanity Fair cover from the November 12, 1887 edition is a classic representation of “Spy’s” work. Entitled, “First Lord of the Treasury,” the drawing reflects Sir Leslie Ward’s belief that caricature should not be forced or cruel, but should show “a good memory, an eye for detail, and a mind to appreciate and grasp the whole atmosphere and peculiarity of the ‘subject.’”

Today, Spy’s covers are highly collectable—just as they were at the time. Many of his covers were framed and proudly displayed. This particular cover is still in its original frame from C. Lamm and Company, 1890. The grace and simplicity of these covers makes today’s busy and loud magazine covers seem even more vulgar.

Trivia Contest Winner

Congratulations to “KathyL” for winning our very first Trivia Contest! Kathy will receive her choice of a Stalking the Belle Epoque, Punch’s Cousin or The Garnet Red tee-shirt from our online store. I’ll be offering another contest in a few weeks. Good job, Kathy!

Song of the Week: "I Vow to Thee My Country"

And there's another country, I've heard of long ago,

Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;

We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;

Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;

And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,

And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

Portrait by John Swannell, 1994, courtesy Chris Beetles Gallery

As we approach the thirteenth anniversary of the shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales, I find myself humming “I Vow to Thee My Country” when I’m not humming, “The Ballad of Barbara Allen.” A favorite of Diana’s, the hymn was played at her funeral.

It’s also a favorite of mine. When I first heard the hymn, I found it familiar. There was a good reason for that. Gustav Holst adapted a portion of the “Jupiter” movement from his masterwork, The Planets as the tune for the hymn. The haunting lyrics stem from adaptations of a poem by British diplomat Cecil Spring-Rice which speaks, in the first verse, of the United Kingdom—most specifically the substantial losses she suffered in the First World War. The second verse, “And, there’s another country” refers to Heaven.

Often played during Armistice memorial services, the hymn was first performed in 1925. Since then, it has become one of the most popular hymns in the United Kingdom for both patriotic and spiritual purposes. In fact, it’s often sung at Cricket matches. From the evocative lyrics to the beautiful melody, this is more than just a hymn, just an anthem. It’s a means of expressing loyalty to whatever is of most significance to you.

This video is a touching compilation of scenes from the House of Windsor over the decades which has been set to this wonderful song.  Just click the play button to view.

Person of the Week: Robert Osborne

Robert Osborne, courtesy Turner Classic Movies.

Though he’s best known as the host of Turner Classic Movies’ weekly evening line-up, Robert Osborne is, in fact, one of the foremost film historians in the industry. Born in 1932, Robert Jolin Osborne started his work in the entertainment industry with Desilu Studios where, in the late 1950’s, he worked as a contract actor. Lucille Ball took Osborne under her protective wing and added him to her special group of young performers—"Lucille Ball’s Desilu Workshop." Osborne’s first television appearance was opposite Hugh O’Brien in the Desilu Playhouse production of “Chain of Command.”


Ball noticed Osborne’s great love of cinema and suggested to her young friend that he combine his talents to work as an entertainment journalist. Taking his mentor’s advice, be began writing while still working as an actor. From 1982 until 2009, Osborne worked as a correspondent for The Hollywood Reporter, and, every decade since 1978, has written The Official History of the Academy Awards.

During this time period, Osborne also made frequent television appearances as a film historian, hosting films for The Movie Channel, and in 1994, joining the fledgling Turner Classic Movies as their host. 2005 saw the realization of one of Osborne’s dreams when he launched "The Robert Osborne Classic Film Festival" in Athens, Georgia.

Fans of TCM appreciate Osborne’s knowledge of the classic films he presents each evening as well as the charm and enthusiasm he brings to each introduction. Robert Osborne has worked for many years to preserve our classic cinema so that future generations can recognize the achievements of the early film pioneers. For his decades of work in keeping the spirit of thousands of artists alive, Robert Osborne is our person of the week.

Treat of the Week: A Delicious Raisin Bread

Moist and sweet with a delicate sugar glaze, this raisin bread is the perfect snack on a summer’s day with a glass of lemonade (or in the winter with a cup of tea, or…anytime). Breads like this are wonderful comfort foods. With cream cheese and berries or just a slice by itself, this is the sort of treat that will put the spring back in your step.


My mother has been making this bread for years, and, it’s a definite favorite of mine. I find that the bread is even better after a couple of days as the moisture in the bread softens the glaze just a little bit. It just melts in your mouth. Wonderfully comforting, this is the best medicine. Take three times a day. Use as directed. Seriously, it’s these small comforts that put us back on the path to more comfortable and beautiful lives.

Punch's Cousin, Chapter 19

Julian pressed the ring into Robert’s hand. The physician’s delicate fingers closed around the ring, silencing the fire of its blue sparkle.


Robert smiled, the skin at the corners of his hazel eyes crinkling. He chuckled.

“You’re not laughing at me, are you?” Mr. Punch asked, his voice quaking through Julian’s tight lips.

“Certainly not.” Robert shook his head.

“So, you’ll keep silent, then?” Punch asked.

“For now, yes, Mr. Punch.” Robert nodded. “However, I’m sure you can’t argue that Lord Fallbridge has a right to know that you make use of his body.”

“Here now,” Julian’s shoulders shrugged as Punch spoke, “What good’ll do him? I’m the one with all the intellect anyway. I’ve know more than ‘e does. I’ve seen more than he has. It’s me what knows what’s going on. He doesn’t even remember most anything.”

Robert drew in a breath and exhaled through his nose, sharply. He shook his head again; tendrils of sandy hair tickled his tanned forehead.

“I do understand what you’re saying. I will keep your secret. However, I want you to be aware that I’m doing it for Julian’s own protection.” Robert said. He opened his palm and offered the ring back to Julian, or, more accurately to Punch. “I won’t be needing this.”

“I gave it to you. It’s the price of your silence.” Punch answered.

“No. You see, it isn’t yours to give. This belongs to Julian, and, he will, no doubt, miss it. I shouldn’t think either of us would wish to cause him further distress.”

Punch was silent. He gazed at Robert from wide, glassy eyes that seemed to swim in Julian’s head.

“I don’t understand.” Punch replied after awhile. “What do you want, then?”

“I want what’s best for Julian. Any reward I receive will come from him—not from you.” Robert answered.

“Everyone wants something. What do you want?” Punch narrowed Julian’s eyes. “You must want something.”

“I do.” Robert winked. “But, I’ll get it from Lord Fallbridge, not from Mr. Punch.”

Punch took the ring and placed it on Julian’s finger. He then lay back on the bed and laughed. “You’re just as mad as my master is.”

“Is he?”

“Quite. Barking mad.” Punch continued laughing.

“No. That’s not what I mean. Is he your master?” Robert asked.

“In name only.” Punch grinned. “See, now it’s my hand what’s up his back.”

“Now, you must rest. It’s no good you wearing out Julian’s body. You need it. Don’t you?” Robert said.

“Much as I don’t want to say it, you are correct.” Punch said. “I’ve got to do everything, you know. Sleep, eat, fight. He doesn’t do a blasted thing.”

“All the more reason for you to rest.”

“Fine, then. But, unlike you, I’m doing it for me-self, not for himself.” Punch chuckled.

“Stay here. I shall see what’s keeping that Arthur with our tray. I’m taking the key, and I’m going to lock the door behind me.”

“Oh, no. You’re not locking me in here! I won’t get locked in a cabinet again!”

“Would you be stolen again?” Robert asked slyly. “Julian locked you in a cabinet and wasn’t able to keep you safe. I can. I can make sure that nothing happens to you.”

Punch closed Julian’s eyes. “Perhaps you can, Doctor.”

“You’ll stay, then?” Robert asked.

“Only because I want to.” Punch answered.

Robert pulled the curtain over the porthole—blocking out the light that he knew bothered Julian so. “I will return forthwith.”

Locking the door behind him, Robert leaned against the wall for a moment and sighed. “Poor man.” He muttered. “I didn’t expect to develop a fondness…” He pressed his hands together. “That only makes this more difficult.” With that, he walked down the corridor.

In the narrow cabin, Julian again became aware of his surroundings. At first, in the darkness, he imagined that he was in his own bed at Fallbridge Hall. But, soon, he realized that he was not. The narrow bed, at first, startled Julian whose mind raced with the faint memory of being in hospital, unable to move his arms—his throat a throbbing tangle of pain.

Bolting upright, Julian began panting. As he tried to stand, the floor seemed to move beneath him.

“I’m on a ship.” Julian said to himself. He struggled to remember how he’d gotten there.

A faint knock on the cabin’s door made Julian jump.

“Lord Fallbridge,” a woman whispered through the door. “Please, I need to see you.”

Julian froze with terror. He knew the voice. His body shook as he felt bruises rising on his arm.



Did you miss Chapters 1-18?  If so, you can read them here.