The Passing of Edith Bunker; A True Excellent Woman

We note the passing of a most excellent woman, perhaps the most excellent of all. Our own Edith Bunker, played by actress Jean Stapleton, passed away at age 90. As Archie Bunker’s wife in All in the Family, Stapleton was tolerant and long suffering, even while Archie blew his short fuse and shot off his big mouth. As a stage actress and character actor for small parts, Jean Stapleton was chosen as a relative unknown to TV audiences to play Edith Bunker, but she made the role her own from 1971-78. The show was inspired by a British show, Till Death Do Us Part. It is conceivable that Pym saw this show, and may have even seen All in the Family, though her diaries reveal she was not that fond of us “Yanks.” Though Archie told her to “stifle” and called Edith ‘dingbat,” she was unfazed. She ruled both Archie and her family, and turned him into a kinder, gentler Archie by the end of the show’s run. Edith tackled rape, infidelity, cancer, al the major social issues her contemporaries faced. She could be funny and ditzy, but dead serious when the occasion called for it. Thought capable of “making tea in a crisis,” she often solved the problems for her family, Gloria, son in law Mike, and Archie.

A Few Writing Ideas

Both Pym and Bronte wrote journals and letters for special occasions. In fact, their private writings are as fascinating as their publications. Excellent women that they were, they would be blogging today! 11 Quick Tips for Writing Compelling Posts On Your Blog Posted: 29 May 2013 07:58 AM PDT Yesterday I ran a workshop for a small group of bloggers here in Australia. One of the sessions I covered was on writing compelling content. Here’s a brief look at a few of the recurring themes in what I shared: 1.Be Useful – if your post isn’t informing, inspiring, entertaining or making someone’s life better – don’t publish it until it does. 2.Share your Opinion – opinions are often what sets bloggers apart from the pack. 3.Cut out the Fluff – before you hit publish, revise your post and remove anything that doesn’t add value. 4.Visualise Your Reader – writing with a reader in mind personalises your writing. 5.Make Your Posts Scannable – only 16% of people read every word online. Format your posts so that your main points stand out. 6.Work and Rework You Headlines – a good headline can be the difference between a blog post being read, or ignored. 7.Write with Passion – when you show you care about what you’re writing, your readers are more likely to care too. 8.Give your Readers something to do Next – ask your readers to DO something once they finish reading. It could be to read something else, comment, apply a lesson, share the post etc. 9.Tell Stories – stories are powerful ways of connecting with, inspiring and teaching your readers – they also create memories 10.Give Your Posts Visual Appeal – the inclusion of an eye-catching image or a well designed diagram can take your post to the next level. 11.Practise – the best way to improve your writing is to write. Practise Makes Perfect.

From Walnut Grove on Laura Ingalls Wiler Museum

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum Enjoy learning the history of the Ingalls family in Walnut Grove at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Gift Store. The museum's collections are housed in a series of interesting buildings, including an 1898 depot, a chapel, an onion-domed house, dugout display, little red schoolhouse, early settler home, and covered wagon display. Also on display are memorabilia from visits by the following stars from the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series: ● Karen Grassle (Ma) ● Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary) ● Katherine McGregor (Mrs. Oleson) ● Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) ● Kevin Hagen (Doc Baker) ● Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) ● Lindsay & Sidney Greenbush (Carrie) Another feature of Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum is the Kelton Doll Collection, including over 250 dolls from the 1870's to modern times. This colorful exhibit represents Beulah Kelton's lifelong passion. A wide selection of books, souvenirs, bonnets, aprons, and locally hand-crafted items are available in the Gift Store. Other exhibits include ● Quilt owned by Laura and her daughter Rose ● Bible from the church the Ingalls attended ● Scale models of Ingalls TV series homes ● Historic documents - letters, photos, articles

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: The Legend of Al Capone's Doll Collection; A reque...

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: The Legend of Al Capone's Doll Collection; A reque...: Anyone who has information about this legendary collection, please contact me. You may use the emails posted on any of my blogs, or comment...

An Apologia for Countess Erzebet Bathory: A Parallel Life; In Memorian Anne Boleyn

An Apologia for Countess Erzebet Bathory: A Parallel Life; In Memorian Anne Boleyn: She lost her life on May 19, 1536 by one quick, clean French swordsman's stroke. She was the Queen of England, and the first woman, a...

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Wild Horse gets five star review!

Dr. E's Doll Museum Blog: Wild Horse gets five star review!: On its first day of publication, Wild Horse Runs Free got a 5 Star Review! Thank you, Tom Swift!

Romance for Excellent Women: Wild Horse Runs Free, my new Novel on Kindle

My romance about two Apache teens and their Apache and White families will appear tomorrow on Kindle. There is oer 20 years of authentic research in this book, which has become a labor of love in many ways. One of the characters, Red Feather, took over the story, and then ovetook the hero! I hope my readers will find the story enjoyable, and they will enjoy the hero's journey from the Southwest of the 19th century to the cobbled streets of New Orleans and back. Also, the cover for the long awaited book on Metal Dolls is here. The book will be in print within two weeks, and will be available through me, and eventually on Amazon. I have been writing and research dolls and other topics heavily, and hope to have a productive summer. Recently attended a fantastic estate sale of a long time collector, artist, and seamstress. I was amazed at how many things there were and at how clever she was at storage and organization. The newest dolls date from around 2000. All items were labelled, sometimes with the donor's name, but also with date, year, and occasion for the givt. To paraphrase Carl Fox, it is amazing what people quietly collect behind the quiet walls of their homes. I wish I could have had a dialog with this lady. All her dolls were cherished and well-kept, and must have give her hours of pleasure. She had made miniature wedding gowns that had darts and linings where applicable, and tiny shoes and doll clothes for all kinds of dolls. She favored collectible Barbies and modern porcelain dolls, with some vintage artist reproductions of antiques like Hilda by JDK, and other Kestner and German bisque dolls. Many of these were over 30 years old, from a doll show which is no longer held. Also, am beginning research on a writing project involving Hugo and various automatons. We are studying them again in my intellectual property class as well. It is fun to show them to my students, and to tie them in with patents, technology, and robotics. I would love to hear for your doll collecting and writing adventures any time. Look for Wild Horse on Kindle free days as well.