Picture Hat + Goodbye Lie Excerpt

Large, wide-brimmed garden hats, later called picture hats because they framed the face, were very popular in the  late 1800s and into the new century. Decorated with silk flowers, ribbon, lace, tulle, etc, their detail was appreciated by both men and woman, and, I dare say, they were sometimes the subject of talk, kind and unkind.  

 

Excerpt from The Goodbye Lie: 

      ... "Breelan, answer me! I said open this door!"

     Trip shook her and mumbled callously, "Tell him you're fine. Tell him, or the next time you'll get more than a little slap from me. Tell him!"

     Coming around, Breelan knew Waite would break the door down if she couldn't convince him of Trip's lie. She didn't want to involve him any deeper in her misery. "Yes, yes," she said breathlessly. "I'm fine, Captain... Leave us. Please." 

     Unconvinced, he called again, "Bree?" 

    He has to believe me for both our sake. Trip is capable of much cruelty, and I fear for Waite even more than for myself. "We'll be with you in a moment. We're both very hungry. They are still serving breakfast, aren't they? It isn't too late, is it?" The more she spoke, the more composed she commanded her voice to become. "See you in the dining salon soon."

Get The Goodbye Lie series in e-book and paperback HERE

     "If you're not on deck in fifteen minutes, I'm coming back!  Understood?"

     "Yes, sir!" she said, forcing a jovial lilt to her tone.

     Trip smiled at her. "Very good. Very good," he whispered through gritted teeth. "I'll remember how readily you lie. I'll remember, too, just how trustworthy you are. And you remember, Breelan, I'll be watching you!" His malice filled the beautiful room and turned it ugly. 

     "Dress at once. We wouldn't want your friend, the captain, bothering us again when we're so in love."

     A heavy dusting of powder and a wide-brimmed hat tied with blue tulle hid the light lavender bruise rising on Breelan's right cheek. The white silk gardenias on her chapeau cascaded around the edge of the brim, so she cocked her headpiece to conceal and distract...

Make Your Own Picture Hat:

Although much less pain-painstakingly created than the original hats, it is easy and fun to make your own hat for a costume or play.  Find a large beach hat you have or go to the thrift store and, as I did in the photo, twist and tie ribbon and tulle around the base of the crown.  Stick in flowers and a bow, fluff, and you're done, no glue or stitching needed.  Quickly remove and you have your original hat back and ready for the beach, gardening or vacation.  If you want the decorations to stay permanently, use hot glue (keeping a glass of water close to dip in your fingers in the event you accidentally touch the glue) or baste with thread.

Fort Clinch Jollification

Bruce and Jane Marie

Once again, we enjoyed the Jollification of Fort Clinch, here on Amelia Island, Florida.  The now annual Christmas celebration was postponed last year from mid-December to January 2016 over concern the high winds might spark a fire from the big bonfire on the parade ground, or the lanterns and candles lighting the fort. Entrance fees were waived in lieu of one canned good per person for the local food pantry.

popcorn and paper cones

The fort's store with candy and handmade items for sale, the prison, complete with a drunkard behind bars asking for food, the bunks with reenactors'/soldiers' gear strewn about in semi-orderly fashion, 1,200 cookies and hot cocoa for the visitors and a fife playing in the dark of night, carried us all back to 1864.

My husband, Bruce, and I were greeters at the fort's entrance, wearing our version of 1864 costumes, that looked suspiciously like our Victorian garb, sans my picture hat, recently worn for the Dickens on Centre Street event here in December, last, as well. (If you love history, our island is proud to share it with everyone.) 

I took the photos below with a flash in order to make out the images in the dark.

Note the handpainted checker board

 

This soldier told me the gold decoration on the front of his uniform shows he is a musician and not carrying a weapon.

Fort Clinch, at night, is a dark place...

 

 

 

PS A reenactor said the term jollification goes back to 1810 and means, simply, celebration and merriment of any sort. It isn't just for Christmas.

Dickens on Centre, Amelia Island, FL

The first Dickens on Centre event has concluded and we hope it becomes an annual festival. In it, our small island town steps back to the time of Charles Dickens and the Victorian period, which
lasted from 1830 to 1901, the reign of Queen Victoria of England.  Anytime during the two weekends of this Christmas period celebration, with the smallest effort, you could imagine you were among the citizens of the time. All in period costume, men and woman strolled and wished Merry Christmas to passers-by, a man walked and juggled at the same time, a chimney sweep was spotted, a soldier played his drum, chestnuts were sold,  a kids' zone with movies and crafts was available, bobbies trolled for bad guys and a beef-eater, in full costume, appeared now and again. I was a participant, singing Christmas carols along with my husband, Bruce.  We strolled down our historic Centre Street and ended on the stage, invited there by the musicians playing.  I don't know if we were singing with them or they were accompanying us. Whichever it was, it was fun.

 James T. Hurley, our actual Chief of Police of Fernandina 

with Gil Langley, tourist development, as a colorful beefeater

Vendors' tents were set up on several blocks of Centre.  Food and fancies were offered and it was a great place to pick up Christmas gifts. I was there, signing my novels. For an author whose stories are set in Dickens period, the late 1800s, telling folks how the stories take place along the very street on which they are walking and with me wearing Victorian garb... Well, was a real hoot for this writer.

  

A doily pinned at the neck with a brooch, a long-sleeved blouse, a long skirt, a decorated beach hat, a velvet jacket and I found my instant Victorian costume! -jmm

   Robert Severance- chimney sweep and Keith Klawinski- drummer

 

Tiny Tim joined the carolers

 

  Jane Marie book signing on Centre Street

 Santa added to the fun!

  

Might Mr. Keith become a GOODBYE LIEr?

If they decide to make this an annual event, make plans now to attend.  You'll have a fine time.  We all did!

Something about Bobbies:
The origin of the name bobbies (taken from http://www.history.com/news/ask-history/why-are-british-police-officers-called-bobbies-) In London, the policemen were so identified with the politician [Robert Peel] who created them, that they were referred to as “Peelers” or—more memorably—“Bobbies,” after the popular nickname for Robert .

Something about Beefeaters: 

( taken from http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/beefeaters.htm)

The guards at the Tower of London are called Yeoman Warders. In principle, they are responsible for looking after any prisoners at the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels, but in practice they act as tour guides and are a tourist attraction in their own right. There are twelve Yeomen Warders. While their role is usually confined to the Tower of London, the Yeomen Warders do take part in one State ceremony. At Coronations, they form a guard of honour inside the annexe at Westminster Abbey.Their nickname is Beefeater.

Happy St. Paddy's Day! - GBL Diaries- Michael

Michael Dunnigan

1880s
Fernandina on Amelia Island

Michael Dunnigan writes:
Ah, behold the shine on that large shamrock. Mother Rose would be lovin' the sight of it on her own front gate. Thank you, Miss Jane, for the hangin' of it.  And happy Saint Paddy's day to you all!

Through the magic of electronics, the characters in Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie trilogy are able to communicate to us from their time in Victorian north Florida in The Goodbye Lie (GBL) Diaries. Michael Dunnigan is the patriarch in the series, where each novel focuses on one of his grown children.  His patience is sometimes short-lived, but his love for his family is unlimited.

Ebook and paperback format available at book sources everywhere.

Anti-Shades of Grey

This is America and that means you are free to read the book and watch the movie Fifty Shades of Grey. To quote a description of the movie I found online: true sexual proclivities push the boundaries of pain and pleasure.  If this is what you like, have at it.

If however, you prefer the less graphic, more tasteful romantic, as I do--Well, my Amelia Island historical series is like that. And I'm proud of that fact.  I often tell potential readers I dedicated The Goodbye Lie  to my father  and I didn't want to be embarrassed when Daddy read it.  All the females know what I mean.  

Bottom line:  There are alternatives out there that keep the proprieties in tact.  Spread the word.  Tasteful is still in style.  Let's keep it alive for future generations. The idea of romance in the privacy of the mind, is a better thing. Think Gone With The Wind...

A taste of romance from The Goodbye Lie: 

     Mental pictures of Breelan overpowered his wishes. Who the hell am I? Some irresistible rake she couldn't live without?  What a fool I've been to think she would return my affection. Because I love her is no reason she should love me.  I'm but one of the drooling dogs.  

     "Only a few more days," he said aloud and the overhearing crew silently commiserated with their mournful captain, knowing his affliction would last a lifetime.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Goodbye Lie, Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow and Amelia Island's Mark of a Man are available in paperback and ebook at Amazon.com and book sources everywhere. http://www.amazon.com/The-Goodbye-Jane-Marie-Malcolm/dp/0974918229 

Christening Gowns & Cheese Straws

Just in time for the big game, the big party or any celebration, here is a recipe for cheese straws from Martha Baker, the lovely woman who taught me French heirloom hand sewing.  Martha showed me how to make christening gowns and told me an interesting tidbit about their length.  I worked that fact into Amelia Island's Mark of a Man.   Excerpt from Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, set in 1898 north Florida ( ... represents part of the story left out so as not to give any plot away. )     Angelique was having a difficult time of it, having forced herself to wash and iron the long, hand-stitched, family heirloom as Marie requested. Many Dunnigan descendants had worn the christening gown, as this child had. ...     ... She also realized the occupants of the table were waiting for her reply to Marie's praise. Haltingly, the maid answered, "Thank you," to the compliment. There was no other reply possible.    "I would have ironed the gown," Jency said, "but I admit my ironing is about equal to my cooking."    “I’m sure both are fine," Marie countered. "Still,you did plenty. After all, you provided the baby!"     "It's good thing you didn't try, sis, or you'd have scorched it to char," Pat scoffed. "The only thing you're fit to iron is Blackie's dog blanket."    “Pat! You sound like a mean older brother,” Sophie Belle scolded.    He shrugged, not caring how he sounded.    Could it be, Marie wondered, that Sophie Belle had achieved some control over her severe crush on Pat and that she finally saw him for the bad tempered dolt he was?  It hurt Marie how Pat had no care to embarrass her in front of the others. So tired of his sneering remarks, her patience with him had eroded to none.    Sensing the serious tension, Jency watched Angelique brush the tidbits from the table into a silver-lidded crumb pan. "I truly admire your lovely fancywork in embroidering the baby's initials on the hem."    "Mama tells us how her mother made it for her when she was born and how every child in the family since has worn it," Marie continued. "Their initials are there to prove it. Since Mama and Peeper aren't here, we have a wonderful sewing substitute in Angelique."    "I'm glad I could help you."    Sophie Belle sipped the last of her tea, rose and walked to the window to look out into the hard falling rain. “Does anybody know why christenin' gowns are always so long? They’re inches longer than needed ta cover the child’s toes.”    Marie shrugged. “I never thought on it before.”    "Neither have I,” said Jency.    When Pat offered no comment, Angelique spoke as she brushed more specks from beside Marie’s plate. "I remember something my mother said when I was a little girl. She occasionally did French heirloom hand sewing to have extra money for us. She was making pin tucks to the front of a christening gown and I asked her that very question. She explained that as the godmother is holding the child, the gown is supposed to drape over her arm and be long enough to cover her knees."    Pat infused some sour. "Why all this gum-bumpin' over a baby dress?  It's one of those worthless things you women care about."     "Some people have no manners, is all I can say," accused Marie. "And Jency, I don't mean you!" ***** Miss Martha's Cheese Straws

You'll need:

• 1 stick butter or margarine (low fat for baking is optional)
• 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (My sister, Nancy Kamp, jewelry designer, editor and Lord High Executioner, recommends equal parts of Gouda, Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Splash of Tabasco®
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sifted flour

Mix ingredients and form dough into three tube-like logs about 2 1/2" in diameter. 

Cover in plastic wrap and chill for several hours.

Cut cheese rolls into 1/4" slices.

Place them on a flour-dusted cookie sheet and bake at 375° F for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and semi-crisp.

Makes almost four dozen.

(Recipe originally printed on graciousjanemarie.com site)

First Official Poster

Here is the first official poster for my recently completed Goodbye Lie trilogy.  I thought the antique looking background added the element of history.  The phrase -  "where Little House on the Prairie meets Gone With The Wind ..." - combines the two wonderful entertainments to speak not only of family, but of tasteful romance.  The copy is descriptive yet simple.  I like it!   -jmm

PS - Did you notice, the poster says The Goodbye Lie series and I write about the trilogy.  Hmm ... Could that mean there may be a forth book in the future?  I'll enjoy the feeling of accomplishment for a few months at having three and then ...

Buy your paperback or e-Book today:
 
 The Goodbye Lie - http://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Lie-Jane-Marie-Malcolm/dp/0974918229/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422151796&sr=1-2&keywords=the+goodbye+lie

Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow - http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=amelia+island+velvet+undertow&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aamelia+island+velvet+undertow

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man - http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN/dp/1496944429

... at book sources everywhere!

Old Timey Book Stores

In this day and time, citizens of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida are blessed to have two old fashioned, stand alone book stores, which just happen to carry my Amelia Island's Goodbye Lie Trilogy.  Hey, if I don't tell you these things, how will you know?

The new location for Books Plus is 1743-A South 8th Street. (Notice my three novels, at eye level. Perfect!  Thank you, Maggie  DeVries. She owns the store.) :

The Book Loft is found on 214 Centre Street, the main street in historic downtown Fernandina. :

 

Sea Jade (gift shop) at 208 Centre St.  It is fun to do book signings on Centre Street here because I tell readers how many scenes in the novels take place on the street right in front of them. 

 

I point to the marina and the beach, the roof of the Marina Restaurant as a vantage point for action out on the Amelia River, the Florida House Tourist Hotel around the corner... If you can believe it, I get very animated when I talk about my stories, the covers, the characters, etc.   Yesterday, during a  signing on a beautiful day, I heard a women say to her friends, "She was fun!"  I'll take that as high praise.  So, come to Amelia Island when you can and I'll be happy to introduce you to Breelan, Peeper, Aunt Noreen or any of the dozen folks in my trilogy.  Remember, the magic word is FUN!

And the Editor Says

My editor for Amelia Island's Mark of a Man, the third novel in my Goodbye Lie series, offered some interesting and flattering thoughts she has allowed me to share with you. 

http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN-ebook/dp/B00R1N4FVY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_5_1

Here are a few of her favorite lines from the book.  I have removed character names to keep readers guessing who said what.:

• He was fun loving, free loving and frequent loving.
• ... willing, wanting and welcoming trouble.
• His words fell to the floor with a silent thud.
• Her emotions flashed between gray and a dark, deepening black... An all-consuming love for the child, loathing for the foe who'd violated her family, ... so much internal turmoil, she ...
• I adore you, Nugget, but if you don't quit pulling the weights on our grandfather clock and messing it up, I'll throttle you!
• What will become of me and what will I become?
• I can't know that word. ( Editor adds: All my kids said it that way, too. I can still hear baby voices saying it when I read that sentence.)

Editors says:

• "Awwww. Martha Bear has made it to another generation of Dunnigans."
• "I really love the way you worked in the shamrocks and what they represent into the story. Very nice."
• "What a foolish, foolish girl."
• "HaHaHa!! I DO LOVE PEEPER!! I just adore her.  Everyone should have a Peeper in their life."
• "Oh no!  Miss Ella left Peeper and Aunt Noreen on their own?  They will destroy each other!"
• "My gosh ...You have my heart palpitating.  You certainly have a way with painting a tense scene!"

Amelia Island's Mark of a Man is available in paperback and e-book form at book sources everywhere. http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Islands-MARK-OF-MAN-ebook/dp/B00R1N4FVY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_5_1

Goodbye Lie Excerpt- FL House

The Florida House on S. 3rd St. on Amelia Island, FL

Readers often ask me about specific places in my historical Goodbye Lie series, set in Fernandina on Amelia Island, Florida. They want to know what is real and what comes from my imagination. So I did a walk about and took some photos. The Florida House is one such structure that is standing today.  Originally built as a boarding house for railroad workers in 1857, it is the longest running tourist hotel in the state.  

looking at the two story Florida House from the back courtyard

At book signings downtown here, I often point to 3rd Street and tell folks to walk to the Florida House, just a block off our historic Centre Street. I direct them to go inside and through to the back courtyard.  I have set several scenes there amongst the live oaks and pretty fretwork of the place. In the bar, in the front of the hotel, things happen.  Let's just say they are "less than friendly."  Hey, it's a bar, isn't it?

Here is an excerpt from The Goodbye Lie featuring The Florida House. The year is 1882. -

What awaits Breelan Dunnigan up those stairs?

Chapter 18

      The drive from Dunnigan Manor to the Florida House seemed especially slow despite the brisk tempo of the horse's trot. Not a word passed between the young couple. Breelan was silent in case her tears would anger him further, and he for fear she'd continue crying ...

      Despite the darkness, he was well aware of her secret attempts to wipe away the evidence of her unhappiness. He could feel her hushed sobs vibrate the carriage. What the hell was she blubbering for? He was the one who'd been tricked... He steered the buggy along side the hotel's granite stepping-stone. Helping Breelan out, he warned, "Enough of this. I won't have it. Do you hear?"

     She nodded. He was right. She straightened her skirts and inhaled a deep breath of cool river air, while he threw coins to the attendant, directing him to return the horse and carriage to the stable for the night. They climbed the steps of the long, two-story establishment and entered ...  

the trunk of an ancient live oak tree

     Breelan loved to come to the Florida House. She'd never actually stayed in any of the rooms before this, but her family oft-times ate in the dining room after Sunday morning mass at St. Michael's. Railroad folk as well as sailors, vacationers and locals all frequented it. How often had she climbed the old live oak in the back while the grownups pontificated over coffee and dessert? Now she was one of those grownups ... 

    After registering and exchanging niceties with the desk clerk,  they were shown to a second story room. It was quite lovely. The wallpaper spoke of romance with tiny bouquets of pastel flowers and a matching coverlet on the canopied double bed. The window trappings of lace would merely filter the moonlight. It could be an enchanted place if the circumstances were right.

     "I will leave you to your unpacking, Breelan. I'll be downstairs in the tavern." He caught the look of concern she cast his way. "Don't worry. I'll take heed of my drink. I won't let you go unattended in such a pretty room as this," he said caustically. 

     He quietly closed the door behind him and she breathed a sigh of self-comfort. He was gone. She was free if but for a moment. He had mistaken her look for concern. It was not. In truth, she hoped he would imbibe to excess tonight and every night, so he would never be able to ...

     The hour grew late and he didn't return to the room. Worn out, Breelan was still wide-awake. Her mind darted madly from her family, to where she would live, to her job, to the gossip, to... The cacophony in her head was generously peppered with the words and features of Waite. There was his handsome face, his hair, his eyes, his lips. In part or as a whole, the likeness was exact. It teased and tempted her until wriggling among the tangled covers of the bed a minute longer would surely bring her more tears, those of hopeless frustration. She had to get out of the room, to feel the stirring of the breeze against her hot, flushed cheeks. 

     Concealing her nightdress beneath her cloak, she descended the rear stairs, intending to refresh herself in the rain barrel out back. She splashed the cool water on her cheeks. It trickled down to her elbows, tickling her to irrational giggles. She languished in the luxury of laughter. She hadn't laughed since, since when? She couldn't remember. Resting the heels of her hands on the edge of the barrel, she hung her head. "I wish this were the ocean. I'd put my toes in the water and let the cool waves creep up my ankles. I'd ..."

     "You'd what, Breelan?"

     She heard the resonant voice seek answers softly in her ear. She responded longingly, "Oh, Waite. You'll never know how I wish you were real and with me and able to tell me all the things I want to hear. It will never happen for us. Never. I deserve to suffer... But to make you suffer, too. If what Nora says is true and you really love me, I can never forgive myself for causing you pain. I pray you find someone to fill your mind and bed. Don't waste your life pining for me, my love. If only that kiss I dreamed of on your ship had been real. If I could feel your lips touch mine, I could tolerate whatever comes. I ..."

     She dreamed he was behind her. He was grasping her shoulder, turning her quickly, pulling her against his unyielding body. She dreamed his arms were around her, holding her fast to him. Then his mouth was on hers, hard. His breath rasped from his lungs. She breathed him into her and tasted his soul. His essence was all male. Every thought she'd ever had of how superb his kiss would be was surpassed in this illusion. Thank God for her dreams. They belonged solely to her. The fear of hell would never take them from her. 

     "Bree, Bree," he said against her lips.     

    And she felt strong hands on her wrists. They pried her arms from around his neck, similarly opening her eyes to reality. It was no dream. Waite's glorious face was before her in the night and his eyes danced. Here in the dim moonlight, she could only stare at him. She placed her hands on his mildly whiskered cheeks, ran her slender finger the length of his scar and kissed it. He kissed her in return, taking her lips between his. He held her again and this time she rubbed against him, making him moan from somewhere deep within. 

     Glass shattered as a disagreement broke out in the bar. She didn't care. She didn't care about anything, but kissing him. Still, the insistent tinkling of the crystal continued to interrupt her pleasure. It was taking him from her. "Don't let me go. Please, don't ever let me go," she whimpered as he pushed her away and held her off.

     "Breelan. Breelan." He had again taken advantage of her. He knew it and for that too short moment, he didn't care. He was thinking only of himself. He would pay later. He tasted her on his lips, and she was finer than he'd remembered in all the nights he'd lain awake and all the times he'd walked the deck of the Comfort. He wanted her so badly. He wasn't sure his willpower would win a contest with his loosened desire ...  

     He shook her from her splendid stupor. "Bree, you've got to hear me. With all the craving a man can endure, I want you. Do you hear? Do you understand me? I want you. Finding that you feel the same brings me such joy, I can hardly ..." Waite was unable to finish his sentence. "Knowing the truth at last was worth all the hours of agony, all the uncertainty of guessing if you cared for me. I love you and realize you love me. You do love me, don't you? It isn't merely a physical attraction between us, is it? Tell me it's more." 

     "Waite Taylor, you've got to feel my love. It's so alive in me, I think I can reach in, grab hold of it, and show you. Believe me, believe I love you. And only you." She answered breathlessly, leaning into him, trying to make him hold her again.

     "Then, when I die, I'll be smiling."

*****
All novels in Jane Marie Malcolm's trilogy, The Goodbye Lie, Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow and Amelia Island's Mark of a Man are available as ebook and paperback at book sources everywhere.  Find online or just ask at your local bookstore.