Continuing the theme of my previous blogs on historical research for my current novel, I discovered that 1852 was a quite a significant year. Did you know that Arthur Wellesley (né Wesley) was twice Prime Minister of England and…
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History
I’d reached the point in my current WIP that required a bit of historical background. As usual, I became distracted and ended up running down rabbit holes checking out details that may or may not end up in the…
Genealogy History Latest News Vicky's Musings
Family History Month: October in the North/August in the South
It doesn’t matter when we celebrate, only that we do. Genealogy is all about family: discovering your ethnic branch, your indigenous roots, your European connections and the names of your ancestors. Family is what ties people together. If you…
History Latest News Lifestyle Vicky's Musings
19 September 2023: Celebrating 130 years of women’s suffrage in New Zealand
Women today have much to be grateful for, thanks to the endeavours of women like Kate Sheppard who led the New Zealand Suffrage movement, and Amey Daldy, a major character in Lucy, book 3 of The Art of Secrets…
Genealogy History Latest News Lifestyle Vicky's Musings
Now is not the time to take our rights and our democracy for granted
Kate Sheppard would be turning in her grave if she’d been listening to some of the chatter I’ve heard recently. And so would Lucy, (from The Art of Secrets series) the fervent young suffragist who, alongside thousands of other…
Books Genealogy History Latest News Reviews Travel Vicky's Musings
The thrill of the rewards you reap
Part of the fun of being an author is the feedback we receive. While they are welcomed with open arms, I don’t only mean the star ratings that appear on Amazon or the reviews that go them or even…
Genealogy History Latest News Lifestyle Travel Vicky's Musings
Leapfrogging through the cane fields – Brisbane to Cairns #3
Our progression north was bringing us closer to an exciting point where travel, genealogy and storytelling collided. Along the way, we made a brief stop at Rockhampton, visiting their botanical gardens and zoo and took in the views from…
Books Genealogy History Latest News Lifestyle Vicky's Musings
The weird names of Victorian occupations
In my previous blogs I’ve mostly talked about the women. They are the stalwarts of the time: staunch, loyal and committed. But let’s talk about some of the occupations their menfolk undertook to feed the household. Do you know…
Books Genealogy History Lifestyle Vicky's Musings
Time to remember those remarkable Victorian women …
This week, let me introduce you to Harriet. Every time I follow the life story of Victorian women I am amazed at their stamina and adaptability. Only seven years younger than Queen Victoria, Harriet knew little about the reign…
Genealogy History Latest News Lifestyle Vicky's Musings
Mystery and suspense, but who are these people?
A parcel arrived from overseas. Inside was a collection of family photos dating back to the 1880s. None were dated. Few were named. I immediately found my magnifying glass and plenty of sunshine and inspected them in detail. Some…