Blog Archives
Memorial Day 2024 – America Remembers
Once again, the last Monday of May is upon us. For many it is a long weekend for camping, parties, lots of sales, and even Memorial Day cruises. There are many reasons why this day is notable.
But let’s not forget the real reason – the important reason. It was set aside to remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the military service of America . . . Those who died fighting to preserve our lives and our freedom. They won’t be here to celebrate with us because they gave up everything for us.
So, amidst our celebrations, let’s pause and take time to remember the thousands of men and women whose lives were cut short so that we could live and be with those we love to enjoy our freedoms. God help us to remember the cost of our blessings and to remain worthy of that cost.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.”
Solitaire
Christmas Movies that were Based on Books!
There are so many Christmas movies out right now that you can hardly watch them all. The streaming services are chocked full of every kind imaginable. If you are a Christmas or Holiday fan it’s interesting to know which movies were based on books. There are some that I already knew, but there were many of which I was not aware. So, if you are a fan of Christmas or the Holidays in general, you might want to grab some popcorn and watch some of these entertaining and often thought provoking movies and it might be fun to find the books and read them as well. You will often find that the original books contain information that isn’t revealed in the movie which can be interesting.
- The Nutcracker – From the 1816 short story by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a fantasy set on Christmas Eve in the early 1800s and centered around the excitement and anticipation of Christmas gifts.
- A Christmas Story – 9-year-old Ralphie Parker gets his ideal Christmas gift (the Red Rider air rifle), (you’ll shoot your eye out). If you liked the movie you’ll probably like to read author Jean Shepherd’s In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, a collection of short stories upon which the movie was based.
- Christmas with the Kranks – Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis live in the suburbs and are a couple new to empty nesting who decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise. Upon finding out that their daughter will be home for Christmas after all, it turns into a hilarious disaster that you won’t want to miss. This 2004 modern classic is based off John Grisham’s 2001 novel titled Skipping Christmas.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – This hilarious 1989 Christmas movie was based on a short story by John Hughes titled Christmas ’59 that was published in National Lampoon magazine in December 1980.
- Miracle on 34th Street – This 1947 Christmas classic is about a department store Santa, a single mom, and her 6-year-old daughter who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Miracle on 34th Street by American author Valentine Davies was also a best-selling novella in 1947.
- It’s a Wonderful Life – George Bailey showed us what a difference one life can make for those around us during James Stewart’s Christmas classic. The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern was originally written in 1938, self-published, and mailed to around 200 people as a holiday newsletter.
- The Bishop’s Wife -This movie from 1947 tells of one clergyman’s prayers being answered in unexpected ways. The Bishop’s Wife is based on the 1928 novella by author Robert Nathan. A book that has charm, wit and wisdom that makes it a classic.
- Meet me in St. Louis – This is a 1944 Christmas classic/musical that was originally published as a series of short stories in The New Yorker magazine (titled The Kensington Stories) before it was published as a novel in 1942 by author Sally Benson.
- A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ legendary novella, A Christmas Carol , was first published on December 19th, 1843. By Christmas Eve of that same year, the novella was sold out. The book has been republished many times and there have been countless screen adaptions.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas – A beloved Dr. Seuss children’s book before it was adapted for the big screen multiple times, How the Grinch Stole Christmas was first published in 1957 and written in Dr. Seuss’s iconic rhymed verses. Despite being for children, the book was notable for criticizing the commercialization of Christmas.
- The Polar Express – A children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express was published in 1985. It tells the story of a young skeptical boy who takes a life-changing trip on the Polar Express where he receives the first gift from Santa Claus.
- You’ll also find dozens of Hallmark Christmas movies that were adapted from books.
I hope you enjoy the many movies and books of the Holiday Season with all your friends and family. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Solitaire
Your Worst Nightmare!
What causes your worst nightmares? What if someone wants you dead, but you have no idea who or why? If you love horror books or movies, this one will make you think twice about falling asleep – particularly if you are alone.
In my horror/thriller, Vengeance of the Wolf, you are drawn into the world of dreams. It’s the story of a shocking assassin who works through dreams using a technique that seems physically impossible, to end the lives of those deemed responsible for an untimely death. Detectives are completely baffled, and just as they appear to get closer to determining the person’s identity, they are completely thrown off and their efforts seem to take them nowhere. Extremely shaken at the horrific scenes to which they are led, the question remains – why is this happening and where is it leading? Only the assassin has the answers to their questions – answers that may be too unsettling to be revealed.
You can find the answers to these unnerving questions in my book Vengeance of the Wolf available at my website, where you can read the first chapter.
Suspenseful and thrilling, this will have you sleeping with the lights on! Happy Halloween!
Solitaire
SMASHWORDS 2022 End of Year Sale!!!
Welcome to the 6th annual Smashwords end of year sale! From December 15th 2022 through January 1st 2023 – Join thousands of readers – find great book titles from your favorite authors and discover new authors in your preferred genres.
Books are discounted from 25% – 50% – 75% – and even FREE!
You can locate the Dragomeir Series (adventures with dragons), Vengeance of the Wolf (a horror/thriller), Tinker Smith and the Conspiracy of Oz (the children and wizard of Oz), Tapestry (book of poetry), and The Atrium (a psychological adventure in science fiction) at Smashwords.
Check out my website for other books – The Larger World Series and extras
I hope you’ll visit Smashwords 2022 end of year sale. Enjoy the holidays – MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!
Solitaire
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
All the hustle and bustle of Christmas is well underway and a lot of us are still out there getting our last minute gifts for family and friends. I’m very close to being ready for the big day. The next few days will be very busy ones for most of us. I’m still occupying my time writing while all the festivities are going on around me and hope to finish my current book in the Spring of 2022. It’s called The Atrium, and you can find a a short summary of it’s contents on my website at www.solitaireparke.com.
In the meantime, listen to all the beautiful Christmas music, watch all the great Christmas movies and check out all the books to read as well. Here’s wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and hoping that in spite of everything crazy that’s happening in the world right now, that you and your family have a wonderful and blessed holiday time together!
Holiday Cheer to everyone!
Solitaire
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
From everyone at solitaireparke.com, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.” – Brooks Atkinson
”It’s New Year’s Day Hurray! Hurray! The old year’s past and gone away. We’ll raise our glasses and make a toast, because this Now and this Present is what means the most.” – Sharon Gardner
”This bright new year is given me to live each day with zest, to daily grow and try to be my highest and my best!” – William Arthur Ward
”A brand new year could be considered the seed, and your goals could be the buds, but taking action and achieving your dreams, well, that is the flower. May the New Year be your seed and may you have lots of flowers to inspire you!” – Kate Summers
”It Doesn’t Matter Where You Came From. All That Matters Is Where You Are Going.”- Brian Tracy
”Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.” – Benjamin Franklin
”Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’” –Alfred Lord Tennyson
”With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” –Eleanor Roosevelt
”I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” –Thomas Jefferson
”It is our attitude toward life that determines life’s attitude toward us. We get back what we put out.” – Earl Nightingale
”I close my eyes to old ends. And open my heart to new beginnings.” – Nick Frederickson
”Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
”What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” – Anne Frank
”Every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all of our lives.” – Steven Spielberg
”Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.” – Brad Paisley
”And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart
“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coehlo
”Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
”We all get the exact same 365 days. The only difference is what we do with them.” – Hillary DePiano
”A New Year brings new grace for new accomplishments.” – Lailah Gifty Akita
Have a wonderful new year of fantastic and inspirational reading!
Solitaire
Labor Day – what’s that about?
In the United States it is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September honoring the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country – the “workingmen’s holiday.” It is considered to the unofficial end of summer, and usually affords us a three-day weekend come September.
In the late 19th century, the trade union and labor movements grew, and it was proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. The first parade was organized in New York City on September 5, 1882, and in 1887, Oregon was the first state to make it an official public holiday. President Grover Cleveland made it an official federal holiday on June 28, 1894, with 30 states celebrating Labor Day. Since then, all the U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands) have made Labor Day a legal holiday.
Now that we know what it is, here are some surprising particulars about Labor Day:
- Americans during the time Labor Day was first created worked twelve hours a day, six days a week. When the Adamson Act was passed on September 3, 1916, the modern eight hour work day was established.
- There used to be an unspoken rule – wear no white after Labor Day. The practical idea was that since the summer season was over, lighter, more summery clothes were no longer needed. Another theory was that the promotion of fall clothing in the fashion world began. The fashion rule now is that wearing white is glamorous no matter what the season.
- Ironically, Labor Day causes some of the longest working hours for retail workers as it is notorious for having crazy sales. In fact, many other people are expected to work as well.
- Labor Day is the official end of the hot dog season, as recorded on the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council website. Americans consume about seven billion hot dogs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Labor Day is one of the busiest travel days in America. It is the second most dangerous holiday weekend to drive on U.S. highways. People tend to be more reckless on the roads.
- It is also the beginning of the National Football League season – almost every NFL kick off game has started the weekend after Labor Day.
- It is the third most popular day of the year to have a cookout. It falls behind Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
- Labor Day used to be viewed as the unofficial last day of vacation before the start of the new school year. That may the case in some schools these days, but most schools have shortened the summer break and begin in August. (Mourned by students, but cheered by parents)
As we all celebrate our Labor Day holiday parties, give a nod to all the hardworking men and women in our country and elsewhere. Enjoy your family and friends and have a great weekend!
Solitaire
Celebrating the Fourth – Independence Day *************
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
In tribute to our country – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LSarhZpnM
Have a great holiday!
Solitaire
The Dragomeir Series and all other books are now available on ebay!
You can go directly to ebay
or check out my website for all other available locations in various formats.
In Honor of Fathers –
Father’s day is just a few days away. It’s a time of honoring your father and his contributions to your life. This day is dedicated to all the fathers in the world who have given many sacrifices in bringing up their children and molding them into better people.
Here are some of the famous quotes for special fathers.
- “A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.”
- “A father is a fellow who has replaced the currency in his wallet with the snapshots of his kids and family.”
- “It is not flesh and blood, but the heart which makes us fathers and sons.”
- “Father!—to God himself we cannot give a holier name!” – William Wordsworth
- “The imprint of a father remains forever on the life of the child.” – Roy Lessin
- “We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.” – Henry Ward Beecher
- “My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” – Liza Minnelli
- “The greatest mark of a father is how he treats his children when no one is looking.” – Dan Pearce
- “A father is the one friend upon whom we can always rely. In the hour of need, when all else fails, we remember him upon whose knees we sat when children, and who soothed our sorrows; and even though he may be unable to assist us, his mere presence serves to comfort and strengthen us.” – Émile Gaboriau
- “Good fathers do three things: they provide, they nurture and they guide.” – Roland Warren
- “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” – Billy Graham
- “Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance.” – Ruth E. Renkel
- “One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.” – George Herbert
- “Real fatherhood means love and commitment and sacrifice and a willingness to share responsibility, and not walking away from one’s children.” – William Bennett
- Fatherhood is a very natural thing; it’s not something that shakes up my life but rather it enriches it.” – Andrea Bocelli
To all of you who have been lucky enough to have a wonderful father, or those of you who are working hard at being a great father – HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!
Solitaire –
May We Always Remember . . .
Once again it is Memorial Day, and for many it is a long weekend for camping, parties, lots of sales, and even Memorial Day cruises. There are many reasons why this day is notable. But let’s not forget the real reason – the important reason. It was set aside to remember and honor all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the military service of America . . . Those who died fighting to preserve our lives and our freedom. They won’t be here to celebrate with us because they gave up everything for us. So amidst our celebrations, let’s pause and take time to remember the thousands of men and women whose lives were cut short so that we could live, and be with those we love to enjoy our freedoms.
God help us to remember the cost of our blessings and to remain worthy of that cost.
Solitaire
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 
