Originally posted on The Bingergread Cottage:
I’m joined in the Bingergread Cottage today by a dear friend with whom I share a lot. Welcome, Vivienne and make yourself at home. Don’t give Lily the cake, it’s chocolate and she doesn’t like it anyway. Help yourself to tea or coffee and let’s have a chat. Mmmmmm…
Category Archives: musings
Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas
This book was recently recommended to me: Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How They Can Change Your Life. I’ve now reading it and found it a fascinating book ideal for discussion in a group. Metaxas is renowned as the author of a much-admired book on Dietrich Boenhoffer (published in 2011). In this new book,Continue reading “Book Review: “Miracles” by Eric Metaxas”
Inspirational Tale of African Girl Who Triumphs Through Adversity
I’ve just read and reviewed a powerful and affecting story on Kindle, Eleven Miles by Lance Greenfield. I understand the novel was inspired by a village girl, Boikanyo Phenyo, from the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. The life prospects for girls born into such circumstances are limited: school till the end of primary education, get married,Continue reading “Inspirational Tale of African Girl Who Triumphs Through Adversity”
The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
I saw the last Hobbit film two days ago: The Battle of the Five Armies. And as I watched it I had a strong feeling of Peter Jackson making the most of his final cinematic visit to Middle-earth. Everything was exploited to its fullest extent, the brutality of battle, the sublimity and peril of theContinue reading “The Sublime Landscape of JRR Tolkien and His Creative Vision – in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”
Book Review: The Beatles Lyrics by Hunter Davies
Having received this book as a Christmas gift, substantial 375-page tome that it is, I devoured it in a few days. I found the book utterly compelling. Hunter Davies starts by describing his search among collectors, companies and auction houses for what must surely rank among the most valuable “scruffy scraps of paper” in theContinue reading “Book Review: The Beatles Lyrics by Hunter Davies”
Christmas Wreath Making at Kenilworth Castle
Have you ever put yourself in for something that was out of your comfort zone? Or maybe you fancied doing it but hadn’t considered whether you had the skill or know-how? On Friday I went to a traditional Christmas wreath making workshop at Kenilworth Castle. I had always loved these wreaths and jumped at theContinue reading “Christmas Wreath Making at Kenilworth Castle”
“The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful
I was very moved by the film “The Imitation Game” which I saw the other day. It tells the story of Alan Turing who led the team which cracked the Enigma Code at Bletchley Park during World War II. Benedict Cumberbatch opened up for us a picture of a hero who was never rewarded and acknowledged,Continue reading ““The Imitation Game” Film Starring Benedict Cumberbatch – Moving and Powerful”
Book Review: “Earthed” published by Mystic Christ Press: Bridging the Gap Between Christianity and Paganism
This fascinating book came into my hands because I belong to a Facebook group called Mystic Christ and heard about the publication of this collection of essays by authors with both Christian affiliation and a desire to express spirituality through nature connection. This sounded like a book after my own heart. For many years IContinue reading “Book Review: “Earthed” published by Mystic Christ Press: Bridging the Gap Between Christianity and Paganism”
A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden
I love Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. It’s one of the National Trust’s greatest gardens and was created by an American horticulturalist Lawrence Johnston, between 1907 and 1947. One very special element in the garden is the Beech Allee – an avenue of majestic beeches. Lawrence Johnston planted it knowing he’d neverContinue reading “A Gift to the Future – One Man’s Vision to Create Hidcote Manor Garden”
Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London
A family trip to the Tower of London at the weekend reminded me once again of how much I love visiting English castles. at the Tower of London (photo credit SC Skillman) I was trying to account for this in one of my previous posts, but a fellow-writer put it beautifully; when you go roundContinue reading “Red Poppies and the Power of Story at The Tower of London”
scskillman.com 