Rosa Lewis

 

Rosa Lewis

Who ?

Rosa Lewis was a woman lost in history but whose determination to 'better herself' is an Inspiration to us women today.

Born Rosa Ovenden into a very poor family in 1867, her father was an undertaker who had 9 children. Rosa started work at the very young age of 12 and went into domestic service which was better than going into the Workhouse. This little 'lady' cleaned and did menial chores in exchange for a bed to sleep in and decent meals every day.

Rosa learnt quickly and became a cook at 16 years old. Going from job to job, Rosa 'stepped up' in her chosen profession and was soon cooking for Royalty (Edward VII). The family insisted Rosa married and she did, marrying Excelsiar Lewis, but it did not last.

Having saved her money over the years, Rosa bought the Cavendish Hotel and it became one of the most fashionable addresses in London. She became known as "The Duchess of Jermyn Street" and started to dress accordingly. 

World War One started and the Hotel suffered financially. To combat this, after the Great War, Rosa would increase the prices for some guests, refusing to take a penny from the war veterans she put up. The Hotel became fashionable again, entertaining aristocrats such as the future Duke of Windsor.

World War Two came and the Hotel was nearly destroyed, Rosa nearly losing her life in a bomb attack. She seemed more worried about the vintage bottles of champagne at the time!

Rosas Lewis died in 1952, she was 85 years of age. She became known as "The Queen of Cooks".

This is a truly Inspiring story, a young woman who came from a very poor background who rose to serve and entertain Royalty. Her incredible work ethic is an example to us today.

If you would like to read a more indepth article, click on the links "Rosa Lewis" and enjoy being truly Inspired!

Rosa Lewis

Irena Sendler

 

Irena Sendler

An angel during World War Two!

Many have never heard of this brave young woman but Irena Sendler was responsible for saving the lives of thousands of Jewish children from the Nazi 'Holocaust.'

Born in 1910 in Warsaw, Irena's father was a doctor who did his best to help the Jewish community, showing his daughter the value of kindness to other fellow human beings. After finishing her schooling, Irena was employed in legal counselling and a social help clinic --- she was concerned about the unmarried mothers and the very poor within the community.

When Germany was invaded, the Jewish community were immediately persecuted but Irena felt she was in a position to help, creating 'false references' and finding ways to help the Jews. In 1940, the Nazi crowded thousands of Jews into the "Warsaw Ghetto"  and no one was allowed to help them. Irena and a few of her 'friends' gained access (they had special permits) to go into the Ghetto to check for signs of typhus and sanitary inspections. This way, they were able to 'secretly' provide medicines and cleaning items, as well as food, clothing and other necessities.

During their visits, these courageous 'friends' smuggled young children out of the Ghetto, saving them from the gas chambers. Some of the children were smuggled out in gunnysacks, a young baby was smuggled out in a tool box and some children went through one door into the chapel and out another door to safety.

Irena and her 'friends' showed no fear --- if they had been caught, they and their whole families would have been shot.  

Irena tried to keep records of the children's real names in the hope of re-uniting them with their real families after the war, and these records she kept in jars, buried in the garden under an apple tree --- they were never found by the nazi.

This brave woman was caught and tortured (they broke her legs and feet) but the Nazi could not break Irena's spirit. She managed to escape and worked as a nurse, still helping the Jewish community as best she could. Irena had to change her name in order to protect herself.

Irena died in 2008 and she was 98 years of age. Before her death, she was recognized as one of the "Polish Righteous Among The Jews" when her courage came to the fore after the war finished.

A story surely to Inspire anyone, click on the links "Irena Sendler" and enjoy reading the whole story of this brave young woman's courage during World War Two.

Irena Sendler

Helen Keller

 

Helen Keller

Helen Keller is one of the most inspirational women I have ever read about!

She had every reason to 'give up' on life but refused to let her disabilities stop her from doing anything she wanted to do.

Helen Adams Keller was born on 27th June, 1880, in Alabama. At 19 months of age, she contracted an unknown illness (possibly scarlet fever or meningitis) which left this little girl deaf and blind, leaving Helen living in a "sea of dense fog."

Learning to communicate with her family, Helen had over 60 'home' signs and could distinguish people by the vibration of their footsteps. The family were referred to Alexander Graham Bell, who at the time was working with deaf people and he advised them to contact the Perkins Institute for the blind. Here, they met Anne Sullivan, who was herself visually impaired and Anne became Helen's 'tutor', teaching her pupil to spell words "into her hand."

Helen said that: "The living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free!"

Helen Keller

Helen enjoyed music as she could feel the beat and she had a very strong connection with animals. In time, Helen attended the Perkins Institute for the Blind and then moved on to the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf. All the time, Anne stayed with her pupil.

Eventually, Helen gained admittance to the Radcliffe College of Harvard University and at 24 years of age, graduated from Radcliffe.

 Helen Keller became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. This was an amazing triumph for Helen --- but she did not stop there!

Helen Keller

Helen now went 'on tour', lecturing about how others too can achieve great things. With Anne, Helen 'toured' the world and published a total of 12 books --- despite being deaf and blind!

In 1961, Helen suffered a series of strokes and died in 1968, in her sleep, just before her 88th birthday.

What an Inspiration Helen Keller is to us all --- and most of us can hear and see!

If you'd like to read about Helen's life in more detail, clink on the links "Helen Keller" --- you will come away truly Inspired!

The Queen Mother

 Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

The Queen Mother

The mother of our dear Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Consort tot he late King George VI, the late Queen Mother was an example to us all. She is best remembered for her moral support to the British people during World War Two --- and her longevity, as this Queen lived until she was 101 years of age!

Born in 1900, Elizabeth was the fourth child of Lord and Lady Glamis and she spent much of her childhood in Glamis Castle. When Elizabeth was 14, War broke out and Glamis Castle became a hospital, with this little lady doing her best to 'keep morale up.'

The Queen Mother

Prince Albert and Elizabeth fell in love in 1921 --- and after 3 proposals --- Elizabeth finally agreed to marry "Bertie." The wedding was on 26th April, 1923, at Westminster Abbey and the bride laid her wedding bouquet at the tomb of "The Unknown Warrior."

Their first child was born in 1926, the Princess Elizabeth, and their second child was born in 1930, the Princess Margaret. Bertie's father died in 1936 and now Albert became King George VI, with both being crowned at Westminster Abbey in 1937.

World War Two started and it was mentioned that Elizabeth and the two little Princesses should evacuate to safety to Canada, but Elizabeth said: 

"The children won't go without me. I won't go without the King. And the King will never leave."

Thus, the Royal family 'stuck it out' with their people, with Buckingham Palace being bombed in 1940: "I'm glad we've been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face," Elizabeth said at the time.

After seeing England through World War Two, King George VI died in 1952 and Elizabeth did her best to carry on with her Royal duties, becoming more busier than ever. She proudly watched her daughter's Coronation and the growth of her family when both daughters married and had children.

The Queen Mother

Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died peacefully in her sleep in 2002 with her daughter Elizabeth II by her side. The funeral wreath was placed on the tomb of "The Unknown Warrior", just as her wedding bouquet was!

If you'd like to read a more detailed article, clink on the link "The Queen Mother" --- it's worth your time reading about such a lovely lady who had such a kind heart.

Elizabeth I

 Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I

The daughter of Anne Bolyn and Henry VIII, this well-known Queen had a difficult childhood but came through it and showed us all how the rule a country!

It must have broken Elizabeth's heart when she heard that her father had her mother executed and to then be called illegitimate --- one minute she was heir to the throne, the next her father did not even acknowledge her. However, Elizabeth did have a certain amount of schooling (which was unusual for the time) and she could write English, Latin and Italian, as well as French and Greek. In fact, it turned out that Elizabeth was one of the best educated women of her time.

Elizabeth I

Elizabeth came to the throne when she was 25 years of age and the people loved her --- "Good Queen Bess" --- her reign was one of the most peaceful. She refused to marry, not willing to give up her power over the throne or put herself in danger when it comes to childbirth.

Elizabeth I is quoted as saying: "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England!"

Elizabeth I

I personally am inspired by Elizabeth I, because although she was born into Royalty, she did not have an easy life and overcame so many obstacles to become the Queen we read about today.

For a more detailed read about this Unique Queen's life, click on the link "Elizabeth I" --- it is well worth a read!

Anne Frank

 One of the most Courageous women in History

Anne Frank

Born in Frankfurt am Main in 1929, this beautiful girl was named Annelies Marie = "Anne." At 4 years old, the Nazis gained control over Germany and started to persecute the Jewish nation. As the Franks were Jewish, they lost their citizenship and went into hiding.

The concealed rooms were behind a bookcase in the building where Anne's father used to work. From 1942 until 1944, the whole family hid in these rooms, and it is during this time that Anne wrote her diaries --- the very same ones we get inspiration from today!

This diary wasn't just a diary --- Anne would write tales in it and she actually planned to publish the diaries about her time in the 'Secret Annex'. Her father made sure his daughter's wish came true. Writing 'letters' in this diary, Anne would write to "Kitty" and the routine of writing in her diary became a very important part of Anne's life.

She would fantasize about skating in the park and playing in a film with Kitty, who (to Anne) was like a best friend. Cleary, Anne's imagination helped her through a very tough time. Anne also gives us an insight into her relationships within her family --- how she felt about her mother, her sister, her father.

"When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that's a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?"

Anne Frank

The family were arrested in 1944 and interrogated. They were criminals because they went into hiding. In September, they were sent to Auschwitz Concentration Camp and split apart as a family. Anne was forced into hard labour during the days and into tiny, overcrowded barracks during the nights. She died of typhus at the Bergen-Belsen Camp.

The courage of this young girl inspires us today and to read her diaries gives us a sense that the innocent will always win over the guilty. Have a read of the article "Anne Frank" for a more detailed read, and to quote Anne's own words: 

"I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart."

The Queen Mother

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

The Queen Mother

Mother of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Consort to the late King George VI, the late Queen Mother is remembered for her moral support during the Second World War --- and for her longevity as she lived to be 101 years of age!

The Honourable Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was born on 4th August, 1900, the fourth daughter to Lord and Lady Glamis. Like most young ladies of the time, Elizabeth was 'schooled' at home by governesses and learnt to speak French fluently by the age of 10. She passed the Oxford Local Examination with distinction at the age of 13.

When World War One broke out, her home, Glamis Castle, was used as a hospital and, although she was too young to be a nurse, Elizabeth did her best to keep 'Morale up', running errands for the wounded soldiers, going to the local shops for cigarettes, tobacco and chocolates.

The Queen Mother

Having grown up with the children of King George V, Bertie fell in love with Elizabeth. She loved him too but was very nervous about losing her freedom if she joined the Royal family, saying that she was: "afraid never, never again to be free to think, speak and act as I feel I really ought to." After three proposals, Elizabeth finally accepted Bertie and the young couple married at Westminster Abbey on 26th April, 1923. It was this Elizabeth who laid her wedding bouquet on the Tomb of the "Unknown Warrior."

Elizabeth toured, with her new husband, East Africa, visiting Aden, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan. Now came the two little Princesses, Princess Elizabeth was born in 1926, and her sister Margaret was born in 1930.

The Queen Mother

Her husband became King George VI and Elizabeth became his Queen Consort on 11th December, 1936. At the beginning of World War Two, it was mentioned to Elizabeth to leave London for North America or Canada for safety, but Elizabeth said: "The children won't go without me. I won't leave the King. And the King will never leave." When Buckingham Palace was bombed in 1940, she said: "I'm glad we've been bombed. It makes me feel I can look the East End in the face." Supporting her husband, Elizabeth would visit hospitals, the troops, factories and those areas that had been targeted. She seemed fearless in her support for her King and country!

The Queen Mother

After the War, Elizabeth joined her husband on a tour of South Africa (1947), but then the King became ill with lung cancer and the eldest daughter took over most of the Royal Duties. Elizabeth was tireless is looking after her husband when he was ill and when he finally passed away, she withdrew from public duties for a while, heartbroken, just like the late Queen Victoria.

However, her sense of duty was stronger and Elizabeth, now called the Queen Mother, became as busy as ever with Royal Duties, going to the Coronation of her eldest daughter, our Queen today, Elizabeth II.

 During her later years, the Queen Mother enjoyed overseeing the restoration of the remote Castle of Mey, which she used as a 'get away from everything' for 3 weeks in August and 10 days in October.

She loved horse-racing, owning several winners.

The Queen Mother

The Queen Mother died peacefully in her sleep on 30th March, 2002 and was laid to rest beside her husband, the late King George VI, at Windsor Castle.

At her own request, the funeral wreath was placed on the "Tomb of the Unknown Warrior", even as her wedding bouquet had been.

King George VI

 "The Highest Of Distinctions Is Service To Others"

 

King George VI

Father to our dear Queen, Elizabeth II, this man unexpectedly served our country through the Second World War. With the support of his wife and Consort, Elizabeth, George VI overcame hardships --- both physical and political --- to become the King we admire today.

Born Albert Frederick Arthur George, on 14th December, 1895, this little Prince was born at York Cottage, Sandringham. Within the family he was known as "Bertie" and to others, "Albert."  Bertie was the second son of George V and Victoria May (Mary of Teck). Being raised by a nanny, like most of the upper-class children of the day, his childhood was not an easy one, as Bertie developed a stammer when he was around 8 years of age plus he suffered having to wear painful leg braces to correct knock knees.

When Queen Victoria died, Bertie was now third in line to the throne.

King George VI

Bertie fell in love with Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and proposed three times before she accepted. They went on many tours for the King (George V) and had two beautiful Princesses, Elizabeth and Margaret, whilst living, quietly, at 145, Piccadilly, London.

Life now changed too quickly for the young family! King George V died in January, 1936, and King Edward VIII (Bertie's brother) abdicated in December of the same year. Bertie now became King George VI --- a life he never expected to live but met with real determination.

King George VI

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth now saw England through the Second World War. They choice to stay in London, Buckingham Palace, and shared with the people the same dangers and deprivations, including food and clothing rationing. In fact, Buckingham Palace was bombed.

When the War was over, the whole Royal family stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, with Winston Churchill, and celebrated with the people the end of the war.

King George VI

The stress of the War had drained King George and made him quite ill. He developed lung cancer and arterio sclerosis and Burger's disease. His married daughter, Elizabeth, and her new husband, Prince Philip, took over many of the "Royal Duties."

King George VI died of a coronary thrombosis at the young age of 56, on 6th February, 1952. His funeral was on the 15th at St.George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

King George VI

Prince Albert, "Bertie", became the King of England when he was not expected to and did an 'amazing' job! He was a loving and caring family man, and overcame so many hurdles to become the King to steer England through the Second World War.

To me personally, he was a very human King who restored the popularity of the British Monarchy.

Happy Halloween

 

Happy Halloween

Ok, I know, we've just had Xmas but how many of us love Halloween?

We get to dress up in fun costumes, play games, eat great food and watch 'scarry' movies. I have to be honest, it is my favourite time of the year!

But --- what is Halloween?

It's meaning goes back to 1745 and means 'Saints Evening' or 'All Hallows' --- "a celebration observed  on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day." Also, it is said that it goes back to the ancient Celtic harvest festivals and was "Christianized" by the early church.

Well, whatever it's origin, it is great fun! Tick-o-treat / carving pumpkins / lighting bonfires / bobbing for apples.

It is interesting how witches and black cats and devils have become 'associated' with Halloween, when in fact, it was to celebrate the harvest --- a very human thing.

Now, please don't get me wrong, if someone believes that this is 'dangerous' then I do respect that --- if your faith gives you hope, please stay with it. It's just that I like to keep an open mind and enjoy the festivities that go with Halloween.

If you're interested in a more in depth study, click on Happy Halloween as it goes into the history of this celebration and the beliefs behind it.

As for me personally --- it's just great fun!

Happy Halloween!

The Birds Of The Oceans

DOLPHINS

The Dolphin is one of the most beautiful and lively creatures on this Earth. It sings beneath the Oceans and jump out of the waters to 'see' the world we humans live in.

The are so playful and yet in this way they communicate with each other. And they have the everlasting smile.

We can learn a lot from Dolphins!

Living in "pods" of 12 or more, dolphins are intensely social mammals that communicate with squeaks, whistles and clicks. They are warm blooded and so nurse their young, producing a single baby that stays with mother for up to 6 years.

Who wants to swim with dolphins?

There are 32 known species of dolphin, who share the Oceans of the Earth with us humans.

Let's make sure they are with us forever!

Live and Love Life!

Are Tarot Cards Real ?

 

The History Of Tarot

Tarot cards are very popular today. Whether we 'believe' in what they have to say or not, you and I are curious about them and whether anything they say will come true.

While it seems that each person who have Tarot cards have their own way of reading them, the cards themselves are real! All through the centuries, each card has it's own particular picture and its own meaning --- these two 'principles' never change!

The History Of Tarot

The earliest known Tarot cards were found in Italy and these cards were first painted and used as playing cards. The cards were often painted for the wealthiest of families, for example, the Visconti family of Milan had a set painted which consists of several of the dukes and barons. Then the printing press was invented, and Tarot now became available to everybody.

The History Of Tarot

The Rider-Waite Tarot deck is one of the most popular decks and is often used for 'teaching' beginners. A standard deck consists of 78 cards: 22 of the Major Arcana and 56 cards of the minor Arcana (sounds very much like the major and minor chords on a piano). Which ever deck you choose to work with, these basic cards never change. The pictures may be different but the actual names of the cards never change.

As with all things 'mystical', Tarot must be respected --- whether we believe in the cards or not. Dare I say it (and I hope I do not offend anyone), just like Ouiji, which very few will even touch, Tarot cards also must be treated with respect and care.

The History Of Tarot

We are fascinated by the future --- what will happen? How will it happen? Will I have an easier life? Tarot cards do answer these questions, but of course, it is our privilege as to whether we believe in them or not. The cards reflect the trials and tribulations that we face every day today but they do give hope, there is an almost "Cheer up and keep going" feeling about them.

Tarot cards are extremely Positive !

And anything that helps us to stay Positive in this society, is worth looking into.

Live and Love Life

 

The "Pack"

 

The "Pack"

Depression --- Beat It!

We can learn so much from wolves!

They live so closely as a "Pack" (family) that it is impossible to break the pack. True, there is a dominant 'alpha' pair --- but some one needs to keep control. Siblings will babysit siblings, caring for their younger brothers and sisters.

When it's time to hunt --- the pack will hunt and feed together.

Have you heard a wolf howl?

Imagine hearing the whole pack !

depression --- beat it!

As with all things within nature, we as humans can learn from "the Pack." Family or not, we are all part of the human family, struggling to survive within society and we do look out for each other. How many times have you offered the old lady your seat on the bus?

 Most of us try to be kind, caring and honest.

Have you seen how cautious a wolf is?

Yes, there are some 'strange' people about, but like the wolf, we too can be careful, looking after ourselves and our loved ones.

what we can learn from animals

Like every animal on Earth, including ourselves, wolves have a permanent 'smile.'

So, Live and Love Life and Smile while you're doing it!

Is Witchcraft Real?

 

the story of witchcraft

I know we've just has Christmas, a quiet but fun one, but my favourite time of the year is Halloween (as you may have guessed from the title). It's so much fun, with its games, costumes, 'scarry' films and --- smashing food!

If you've been brought up in certain "Faiths," this is a taboo subject and images of old, ugly women bowing to a strange looking thing come into our minds, as we have seen these pictures many times in our lives. Whilst I respect all teachings on this Earth, I wanted to do a little research myself on this subject and to find out if there are any 'real' witches living today.

live and love life

We all know the fairytale stories, whether from Disney or Grimms, and there is nearly always a wicked witch trying to hurt the beautiful, innocent princess out of sheer jealousy. Snow White has always been my favourite as it always reminds me of my mother (no, she was not a wicked stepmother!) as when I was about 5 years old, I remember holding her hand and watching Snow White go by in a float with the 7 dwarves. There was a poisoned red apple in the story and my mother always gave me red apples to eat (no, they were not poisoned!). It's just a very pleasant childhood memory that I have never forgotten --- 40-odd years later.

So, what do we actually know about "Witchcraft"?

We've been raised to believe that these 'women' turn into ugly looking things and ride in the sky on broomsticks, worshipping a devil. This belief was so real that at one point in human history, women were burned to death because people 'believed' this.

But I ask the question =

 have you ever seen anyone riding in the sky on a broomstick?

can a person really turn into another creature or is it just a 'magic trick'?

has anyone seen a devil?

Now, I'm not making fun of anyone who truly believes this, faith is needed in this world in which we live, and if your faith helps you to live everyday --- please stick with it !

I'm just trying to keep my own feet on the ground (please excuse the pun). I have personally met 'witches' and they look like everybody else --- they do not wear strange hats or carry strange things in their hands --- or eat strange food. They have Witchcraft in their lives because they believe it helps them in every day life.

And Witchcraft is a very Earthy faith as they do believe in herbs and crystals for healing.

Also, karma --- what you give out comes back!

It may be of interest to note that Witchcraft is now an official religion in the United States and Canada. I like this comment, from an actual witch herself: "the witch has done another magic trick, by turning from a fright into a figure of inspiration. She might show up in the form of your Wiccan co-worker, or the beloved musician who gives off a sorceress vibe in videos or onstage." (from Pam Grossman, the author of  "Waking The Witch).

the story of witchcraft

Every person has a reason for choosing their path in life and witches are no different. Maybe they find peace and quiet in their tarot cards, candles and spells.

Whatever we believe in, as long as it gives us the help we need to live on this very unique planet --- the Earth --- it's worth respecting.

"LIVE AND LOVE LIFE!"

TRY TO BE ALWAYS POSITIVE

 TRY TO BE ALWAYS POSITIVE

live and love life

Like so many of us today, I have a constant fight with depression. We've all had those terrible experiences in our lives which have affected us for the rest of our lives. But, rather than dwell on the negative, I want us to focus on the POSITIVE.

One thing that has helped me personally (and still does) is looking at beautiful pictures of this planet we live on. The Earth has everything we need to help us and heal us And it costs nothing to open a book and look at beautiful and Peaceful pictures of our home.

live and love life

 It is a medical fact that whatever we take into our minds, through our eyes, affects us mentally, which will affect us physically.

Meditating on this Earth and It's natural elements will bring "Magic" into our daily lives.

Smell the rose --- how does it make you feel?

Hear the waves from the Oceans --- how is your mind?

Our lives are so busy, our time taken up with family and work, that it seems that we live in an 'artificial' world, closed with no windows to look out of, just four walls and too busy to even lookup.

Life can feel like that --- young or old --- we are constantly worried about something.

LISTEN ! ! !

The birds sing in the morning and evening --- and usually --- during the day. When was the last time you or I stopped and listened to their beautiful little voices. The sound is so soothing to our minds, so Peaceful, quietening our emotions without us even realizing.

We can help ourselves, every single day, to stay POSITIVE and DETERMINED  to keep our lives as PEACEFUL as possible.

Click on the link "Live and Love Life" for some good ideas that we can use every single day of our lives.

"Live and Love Life!"