Author: Anne Madison
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The Peculiar History of Clay Pipes
Almost as soon as the English settlers in Jamestown figured out how to feed themselves, they figured out how to make money growing tobacco, that seductive and pernicious weed. Old Father Thames, back in London, is still feeling the effects of that discovery
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Thanks/No Thanks
Before supper, this blog post was a well developed short essay on that subject, written in longhand and neatly divided into sub headings. The blog post is now a disjointed series of rants and vents.
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The Mudlark: Pemberley to Rosings
The letters reveal family dynamics amidst love, joy, and loss, highlighting the importance of relationships during a time of disease and personal challenges.
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Mudlarks, Then and Now
A mudlark is someone who searches the shores of the River Thames or other rivers and seashores, in search of whatever of interest may be found. The term dates back to the early Eighteenth Century, though no one knows how it originated.
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An Affectionate Farewell
Auggie-the-cat and I must bid you an affectionate farewell. But we’re not going too far.
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Do Not Pass Go, Continued
The author reflects on being censored on Bastille Day, with posts and ads being removed from social media. After blocking unwanted content, they regained control of their timeline, hoping to see more content from people and businesses they enjoy.
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Do Not Pass GO. Do Not Collect $200
Gentle Readers, I confess to you with a heavy heart that I am writing to you from the depths of depravity, otherwise known as Facebook Jail. Not only that, but I was convicted TWICE in the space of a single week. If you want to disown me, I’ll understand. But I hope you will sit…
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A Bonanza You Won’t Want to Miss!
Lovers of JAFF are in for a real treat, starting right now (midnight, EDT U.S.) and running all day Friday and into Saturday. The sponsors have kindly extended the ending hour so that readers worldwide have the same 24 hours
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Summertime . . . and the sippin’ is easy!
Somebody in one of my groups the other day was complaining that it’s hard to get a non-alcoholic drink at a summertime gathering. And as I thought about it, she’s right. She mentioned powdered lemonade or powdered iced tea in a Tupperware pitcher with no ice. This little article is by way of enlightened self-interest…
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Three Book Heroes
Recently, my reading about reading—and about libraries—has been rather sad. Usually, it has involved a teacher or a school librarian becoming discouraged and giving up. But there’s also good news on the kids’ reading front, and I have stumbled across a big helping of it. Tania Galiñanes, Former School Librarian, Now Indie Bookseller A perfect…