Friday, September 18, 2009

The Other Boleyn Girl


“Brenda, you’ll love this book,” Mother said a few weeks ago, “Both Patsy and I read it, and it is really good!”

I’m not too keen on books set in that time period (the sixteenth century). Besides, it looked a bit cheezy. But since I love reading about the royals, and neither she nor Pitty Pat has ever recommended a book I didn’t like, I reluctantly brought it home.

I’m glad I did.
Philippa Gregory’s The Other Boleyn Girl is a riveting tale of love, sex, ambition and intrigue. It shows just how far one ambitious family was willing to go to secure their position of power in England during the Henry VIII era.
Mary Boleyn, who is fourteen years old, catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled by the king, she falls in love with him. (That was before he got as big as the side of a barn!) But while she is pregnant with his child, the king’s interest wanes and she is forced to step aside for her sister, Anne. (The king could not be expected to do without sex for a few weeks, of course!) It is then that Mary realizes she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots, and she knows she must defy her family and take her fate into her own hands.
Since Gregory added many historically accurate details, I kept forgetting it was fiction. And I could not put this book down. It drew me into the story and held my attention, even though I knew what the ending would be.
And, as we all know, it was not a good ending for Anne.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Kevin Skinner: You Make Us All Proud!


Kevin Skinner did it! He won the top prize on America's Got Talent: one million dollars! He received the most viewer votes and beat out nine other finalists.
In October, Kevin will headline an "America's Got Talent" show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino hosted by Jerry Springer.
"I've always loved to perform," he said, bursting into tears, "I want to go out there and give 'em the best show I can."
Congratulations, Kevin! You make all Kentuckians proud.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kevin Skinner's Big Night


Tonight is Kevin Skinner's big night on America's Got Talent. The show begins at 7:00 p.m, and the winner will be announced during the finale on Wednesday night. So be sure to vote!
I found the following story on a fan site about the character of Kevin Skinner:

He was standing on the balcony of his second-floor hotel room in L.A., looking down the people, when a homeless man asked him if he had a shirt he would give him.
“Long sleeves or short sleeves?” Kevin said.
“Long sleeves.”
Kevin went to his closet, picked out a shirt, and threw it down to him.
Then the man asked if he had a dollar he could spare. So Kevin went inside and put some money into a small box and threw it down to him.
With tears in his eyes, the man looked up and thanked him.
"God bless you," said Kevin.
Now, that speaks volumes about the kind of man Kevin Skinner is.
If proud Kentuckians (and all of his fans throughout the U.S.) vote for him, Kevin could soon be a millionaire and have his own show in Las Vegas.
I don't think anyone deserves it more than he.

Monday, September 7, 2009

A Grandparent's Influence

All of my grandparents were living when I was born, although my paternal grandfather died when I was three. I remember him, though; his kindness, the pats on my head, his snow-white hair and blue eyes, his gentle ways.

I wish Paw Paw Wilson could have lived longer, but I have always been thankful for my three remaining grandparents. They were a big part of my life, and although they are gone now, their influence lives on.

My grandson and I spent many happy times together as he was growing up. And if I have influenced Chase only half as much as my grandparents influenced me, I will have been a success as a grandmother.

Chris Holm, an online friend and excellent crime writer, has written a touching tribute to his grandfather, and all grandparents should take the time to read it.

It will warm your heart.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Congratulations, Kevin!


Kevin Skinner sang his father's favorite song, Willie Nelson's Always On My Mind tonight on America's Got Talent, and nearly brought Piers Morgan to tears. (That's saying a lot, since he is the toughest judge on the show!)
I'm not surprised, though. Kevin can bring anyone to tears with his heartfelt songs.
Congratulations, Kevin! May all your dreams come true.

All words and pictures © 2008 Brenda G. Wooley