Rite of Fancy

  A short summary of Twist of Faith: Finding Ava. My favorite Ellen J. Green quote from the book: " When things get too familiar, it's time to move on." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Do you know who you are? Does your family have secrets? My review of the book Twist of Faith: Edge of my seat. Didn't see it coming. Still not sure why social services wasn't an option. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!

Dear Henry, One of my "bucket list" trips is to check out Washington D.C.'s tidal basin during the Spring when the flowering cherry trees bloom.  The trees have become such an iconic part of monument photographs that it is hard to believe that the trees almost never came to be and were, several times, at risk of being destroyed. D.C.'s tidal basin was created in the 1880s to keep silt out of the Washington Channel, prevent flooding, and to provide a recreation area for D.C. residents.  It was originally called Twining Lake after Major William Johnson Twining, although it is now called the National Mall Tidal Basin.  Initially, there wasn't much there, although the Washington Monument would appear in 1885 and the entire area was rather bland and treeless. Fortunately, the author and traveler Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore knew exactly what was needed for the tidal basin. Ms. Scidmore discovered and fell in love with the Japanese Flowering Cherry while traveling with her br...

  A short summary of In Movement There Is Peace: A couple's journey along the Camino de Santiago. My favorite Elaine Orabona Foster quote from the book: "Staying locked into an image of how things are supposed to be can blind us to the grace of what is." Questions to ponder while reading In Movement There Is Peace: What journey do you want to make with your spouse? What journey do you want to make alone? My review of the book: A memoir about a walk I want to make. A tale of marriage. It made me look forward to the journey. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider s...

  A short summary of The Persian Boy: Alexander from the eye of Begoas. My favorite Mary Renault quote from the book: "One must be just to the dead, who cannot answer." Questions to ponder while reading The Persian Boy: Do you stand upon ceremony? Do you study philosophy? My review of the book: Sequel to Mary Renault's Fire From Heaven Another well-researched work of historical fiction. Alexander the Great's life invites admiration. *Note* The book is from the perspective of Alexander's eunuch lover and may not be for everyone. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consi...

  A short summary of The Phantom of the Opera: The haunting tale of a lovesick specter. My favorite Gaston Leroux quote from the book: "Our lives are one masked ball." Questions to ponder while reading The Phantom of the Opera: Are theaters really that complex? Would you pick the scorpion or the grasshopper? My review of the book: A classic thriller. Finished in a single sitting. I really want to see the Paris Opera House now. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a cup of coffee!