tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post1870172189833173933..comments2023-11-18T04:41:02.841-08:00Comments on LauraFrantz.net: yet another heroLaura Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-59902363731464262842010-03-30T15:08:14.483-07:002010-03-30T15:08:14.483-07:00Heather, Since the American Girl catalog is like c...Heather, Since the American Girl catalog is like candy, I can only imagine what the actual dolls are like! Felicity is the perfect name for the colonial one. <br /><br />One day they will be real collectors items (they kind of are right now). Glad you are saving yours and letting little Miss A enjoy them. You are a very loving mom!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-77633551159028739902010-03-30T14:43:22.449-07:002010-03-30T14:43:22.449-07:00I have two of the original American Girl dolls! Ki...I have two of the original American Girl dolls! Kirsten and Felicity ;) Felicity is the Revolutionary War doll. I LOVED them (er, love!) and they without a doubt fostered my great love for history. I still have them and all their clothes packed nearly in a trunk....my 3 year old likes to play with them but I'm trying to save them for when she can really appreciate them. The christmas I got the first one was such a treasure to me :)Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01162985502341523594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-43226371757228615672010-03-30T11:28:10.317-07:002010-03-30T11:28:10.317-07:00Kristen, I've heard great things about the Ame...Kristen, I've heard great things about the American Girl series. Love their dolls! Especially the 18thc. ones:) Glad you found John Adams at the library - hope you don't have to wait as long as Kav! I think she's #49 or so to reserve. Bless you today.Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-18089710724380946972010-03-30T10:46:41.066-07:002010-03-30T10:46:41.066-07:00I know they aren't biography or historical rem...I know they aren't biography or historical remakes of real people, but what really got me into history as a little girl was the American Girl series. I loved traveling with Felicity and Kirsten, Samantha and Molly through their childhoods. And I always flipped to the history sections in the back of the books first to read about the real facts of the time period. <br />How fun! I also reserved the John Adams series from my library. Thanks for the suggestions, Laura! Have a fantastic day:)Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14683245998938431038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-59668283967379345552010-03-30T09:53:29.553-07:002010-03-30T09:53:29.553-07:00Lisa, LOL! Thanks for clearing that up! I will tel...Lisa, LOL! Thanks for clearing that up! I will tell the boys:) I am going to look for that book!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-82636719141560316682010-03-30T08:48:51.223-07:002010-03-30T08:48:51.223-07:00Sorry, I laughed about your Toby Mac comment. He i...Sorry, I laughed about your Toby Mac comment. He is white but he was in a group with Michael TAte(he is black).<br />Tate is also a co-author of the Under God book.<br /><br />oh, fudge-dipped twinkies. that can't be a good thing!!<br />enjoy your rainy week.Lisa @ Life with 4!https://www.blogger.com/profile/18420662680307056819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-63872264572183430182010-03-30T07:25:12.149-07:002010-03-30T07:25:12.149-07:00Hi Lisa, I remember your post on Toby Mac so well ...Hi Lisa, I remember your post on Toby Mac so well and I'm glad you reminded me here of what it deals with. Bet I'd love the book! My boys love his music. Don't laugh but we are still trying to figure out what color he is!<br /><br />Wyatt's spring break is next week. We are staying home though I'd love to take a day trip somewhere. Am not sure the weather will cooperate like you said as it's been blowing here, too, and pouring rain. We had a couple of power blips yesterday which sent me scrambling to turn off my computer.<br /><br />I may be heading down to your neck of the woods for a women's retreat in a couple of weeks - Canby, OR, anyway. I had such fun last year down there. Maybe it had something to do with the fudge-dipped twinkies I found in town...Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-68551480517284989952010-03-30T07:18:54.654-07:002010-03-30T07:18:54.654-07:00Michelle, Thanks for the Ken Burns/ Jefferson tip....Michelle, Thanks for the Ken Burns/ Jefferson tip. Jefferson is my man of the hour right now and I have several books coming from the library, etc. The fact that he was a very fine violinist doesn't hurt:) <br /><br />Of the 2 Clay residences, White Hall is my favorite because of its pastoral setting, for lack of a better word. But growing up, I spent a lot of time at Ashland having picnics on the grounds with my mom and brother. Recently I was back there in the little formal garden and got scolded by the gardener for touching the gardenias and magnolias! Apparantly the oil from our hands ruins the blooms:)<br /><br />So glad to know those little bios are still in print! A nice excuse to go over to Barnes&Noble soon.Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-32106142906868259022010-03-30T07:08:16.483-07:002010-03-30T07:08:16.483-07:00Susan, I think you'd really like John Adams si...Susan, I think you'd really like John Adams since you're an early American history fan, too. One of the most remarkable aspects of the movie was how authentic each man looked for his role. The producers must have spent a great deal of time studying their physical characteristics, paintings of them, busts, etc. Beware - I was absolutely smitten with Thomas Jefferson:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-18525710999534318462010-03-29T21:40:53.674-07:002010-03-29T21:40:53.674-07:00I'll have to see if I can find that series.......I'll have to see if I can find that series.... looks good.<br /><br />I really liked the movie "Amazing Grace" that came out a couple of years ago. It touched me and I still remember how I felt watching it.<br /><br />I think I mentioned this on one of my past posts about the book titled "Under God" written by Toby Mac. I think you would enjoy it if you haven't already read it. A ton of history and tidbits about our founding fathers and the beginning of this country. It chronicles God's hand in the US all the way up to fairly recent times.<br /><br /><br /><br />Do you have plans for your Spring Break? Travels or stay at home?<br />Do the boys enjoy their time off? <br />Have a wonderful week. It's supossed to rain all week down here. In fact we have had rain and strong wind for the last 2 days!Lisa @ Life with 4!https://www.blogger.com/profile/18420662680307056819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-38860456334940311112010-03-29T19:45:57.160-07:002010-03-29T19:45:57.160-07:00I'm afraid I've been to neither Ashland, n...I'm afraid I've been to neither Ashland, nor to White Hall. Which is a shame considering how close I live to one of them. Maybe I should try to correct that this summer. <br /><br />The series of books we all remember from elementary, it's available in paperback now. If there's a Barnes and Noble nearby, check in the juvenile section. That's where I found them several years ago. <br /><br />There's a Ken Burns documentary on Jefferson that is really good too. You might enjoy it.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-59191971055068539082010-03-29T18:51:05.631-07:002010-03-29T18:51:05.631-07:00Hi Laura -
Thanks for the tip about the John Adam...Hi Laura -<br /><br />Thanks for the tip about the John Adams miniseries. I love American History, especially the early years.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-15417679573289062432010-03-29T09:10:05.423-07:002010-03-29T09:10:05.423-07:00Yay! Another vote for The Crossing. Am off to Amaz...Yay! Another vote for The Crossing. Am off to Amazon now...Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-74175066516737539432010-03-29T08:58:17.736-07:002010-03-29T08:58:17.736-07:00I second the recommendation for The Crossing. It w...I second the recommendation for The Crossing. It was quite good.Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-8209770494693125112010-03-29T08:53:55.819-07:002010-03-29T08:53:55.819-07:00Adge, So glad you found the book and read it. I le...Adge, So glad you found the book and read it. I learned so much and like Martha even more. She was so down to earth. I go through periods where I read a lot of fiction and then switch back to history/biography. There is so much to offer in all areas. I think what Kav said is really true - that even historical fiction has a lot to offer. Bless you today!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-29456405688356418392010-03-29T08:51:24.855-07:002010-03-29T08:51:24.855-07:00Heather, Oh my, another Abigail book! I will have ...Heather, Oh my, another Abigail book! I will have to be on the lookout at Costco, etc. I am so glad you mentioned the Ken Burns doc. His Civil War one is awesome, too. I nearly fell out of my chair when Sacajawea encounters her brother! That was so moving and beautiful to me, especially in light of her captivity and estrangement from her family, etc.<br />Only the Lord could have arranged that!<br /><br />No xbox here but it sure sounds tempting! So glad there are so many ways for us to get our hands on history:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-50855612516071819112010-03-29T08:47:20.229-07:002010-03-29T08:47:20.229-07:00Carla, You've said something so important that...Carla, You've said something so important that was echoed over on Books&Such site this morning - that history is so much more interesting than fiction and is the source of our ideas as novelists, etc.<br /><br />I'm so glad you mentioned The Crossing as I've never heard of that one before and will have to locate. I really enjoyed Into the West, particularly the native American angle. And Amazing Grace about Wilberforce was truly amazing! The soundtrack, once again, is very good, too.<br /><br />I have to say LM Montgomery is one of my all time favorite authors, if not my favorite. If you ever have time check out her personal diaries/letters (3 volumes, I think and now out of print but available via libraries). Sadly, her life did not mirror her art. She had so much personal tragedy/heartache. But then maybe that's what made the Ann books come to life? If you've not read The Blue Castle, please do! You'll fall in love with her writing even more. I was going to do a giveaway of TBC here but the book has just skyrocketed in price even for reprints. I have one worn copy of my own. It's one of the few books I've read more than once.<br /><br />I'd love to see Julia&Julia as I've heard great things. If you want a fun, popcorn night kind of movie, try Nim's Island. It's about a writer and it's great. I laughed about the compulsive, hand-sanatizing author as I am one! They nailed the crazy side of an author perfectly.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for the great feedback as I just knew you readers here would be a great source!.Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-45306361506065049262010-03-29T08:35:38.062-07:002010-03-29T08:35:38.062-07:00Lori, I'm glad you mentioned the genealogy sho...Lori, I'm glad you mentioned the genealogy show - the little clip I saw was so well done and absolutely fascinating! I need to fight for the remote on Friday nights now, I guess. WDYTYA sounds so much more enlightening than pro-wrestling!<br /><br />I hope you enjoy the John Adams soundtrack. Very moving. But I'm in weepy mode this week so that may account for some of its appeal for me:)Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-60980110712355513722010-03-29T08:28:28.126-07:002010-03-29T08:28:28.126-07:00Michelle, I wish I'd taken more history in col...Michelle, I wish I'd taken more history in college. When I think back to all the courses offered while I was mired in Shakespeare and 18thc. lit, I want to shudder! The slavery one you mentioned sounds so interesting. It's such a complex issue. I'm still trying to get a fix on how Jefferson and Washington dealt with it, etc. <br /><br />Am wondering if you've ever been to Henry Clay's home, Ashland, in Lex.? Or my favorite - White Hall? Please let me know if you read that book and like it. My mom gave me one written about the Clay family by a Clay today but I still haven't gotten around to it. <br /><br />I am so impressed you remembered the name of the historical series some of us remember from elementary!Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-60138708832765750002010-03-29T08:22:05.015-07:002010-03-29T08:22:05.015-07:00Hey, Kav, Love that you get your history fix from ...Hey, Kav, Love that you get your history fix from historical romance. That sure beats an old textbook any day:)<br /><br />I remember seeing Jane Pittman years ago and found it ver moving. Also, the miniseries Roots. And I hope everyone sees the Patty Duke version of Helen Keller. It is really a powerful movie and one that's not really dated over time. <br /><br />The book about the Delany sisters sounds great. I am going over to Amazon shortly and will check it out. To save $ I've been doing a lot of interlibrary loans. Sadly, our library is closed all of this week due to budget issues, and will shut down again in the fall. I hope your doors are wide open up there!<br /><br />I'm with you about Louisa May Alcott. Am wondering why they haven't made a movie there? Maybe her life was authorially dull?! Hmmm. Might be worth investigating...Laura Frantzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07067252948999879024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-65906813105443275602010-03-29T07:15:06.990-07:002010-03-29T07:15:06.990-07:00I loved the John Adams miniseries too. I've lo...I loved the John Adams miniseries too. I've long been fascinated by him and Abigail. One of my fondest childhood memories is reading a biography of her when I was in fourth grade. I am another one who read the Childhood of Famous Americans series when I was in elementary school. I can still see them in the library in mind. I remember reading the ones on Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Sitting Bull, and Sacajawea multiple times. <br /><br />Strangely enough as much as I'm into history, I'm not a big fan of biographies. It's been years since I've read one. I did look on amazon over the weekend, and it looks like there's a new one on Henry Clay coming out in May. Actually I found several history books I want to read. <br /><br />I understand what you mean about the issue of the founding fathers and slavery. One of the classes I took in college was about slavery. It was an absolutely fascinating class.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05847510545827506148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-36087138805934650522010-03-29T05:49:48.819-07:002010-03-29T05:49:48.819-07:00I actually checked out that Martha Washington book...I actually checked out that Martha Washington book from the library and read it. There was a lot of stuff I definitely did not know in that book. I know when I was younger I read a lot of biographies but not that many since then.adgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12203810495930165894noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-63506008215816292652010-03-28T15:17:34.522-07:002010-03-28T15:17:34.522-07:00Well, just for you, Laura, I reserved John Adams a...Well, just for you, Laura, I reserved John Adams at my public library. I'm #49 so it will be a while!<br /><br />I have to confess to not reading much in the way of autiobiographies though like Mary I used to read them a lot as a child...and only the girl stories! LOL. My favourite was Louisa May Alcott. I wonder why they haven't done a movie about her life? Or have they? I'd love to watch that.<br /><br />I loved The Miracle Worker with Patty Duke playing Helen Keller. That's such a classic and so powerful.<br /><br />I don't know if The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a real autobiography but it is a great miniseries that you can still get at the library. It's about an African American woman born into slavery and follows her life through to the civil rights movement. <br /><br />Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years is a FANTASTIC book -- biography about two African American women who were interviewed for the book when they were turning 100. They were born in the late 1800's -- can you imagine all they lived through??? Sadie was nearly lynched! Anyway Bessie and Sadie never married, kept house together and dispense the most sound and outrageous advice to anyone who will listen. A TV movie was based on the book, also called "Having Our Say", but I liked the book better.<br /><br />That's all I can think of off the top of my head. I tend to get my history learnin' in the pages of a great historical romance. :-)Kavhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03719229222267994577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-74068500601878361522010-03-27T17:14:43.912-07:002010-03-27T17:14:43.912-07:00I did enjoy the John Adams miniseries, and have re...I did enjoy the John Adams miniseries, and have reserved the soundtrack at my library. But I have to say I've fallen in love with a new NBC show, Who Do You Think You Are? Celebrities trace their family history, uncovering mysteries, answering questions that have always haunted the family. So many wonderful stories, going all the way back to the 1600s in some cases. I highly recommend it. And I had a most surreal experience in watching one episode, as before my disbelieving eyes one of the celebrity's lineage crossed paths with my own. I won't say whose, because I just might blog about it. You can see the shows so far, four of them, on Hulu.com. So far they've shown Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Kudrow, Emmitt Smith, and last night's ep was Matthew Broderick.Lori Bentonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04714197239425827339noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2607797015497924515.post-51140776153161960582010-03-27T17:02:13.584-07:002010-03-27T17:02:13.584-07:00I haven't seen this miniseries yet but I know ...I haven't seen this miniseries yet but I know I need to! I just saw a new bio on Abigail at the book store and thought about getting it, but it was $30 :P<br />I watched the History Channel bio of John...I LOVE those ;) My husband and I just finished the epic Ken Burns documentary "Lewis and Clark" and it was so majestic and inspiring and YES, stranger than fiction! Sacajewea's story soared above them all--- a 16 year old captive who just gave birth...leading a band of mean across thousands of miles with her baby on her back...then when she finally makes it back to her homeland the chief sitting before her during her interpretations turns out to be her brother! Amazing!~<br /><br />My husband and I love to watch these random documentaries through netflix instant play on his xbox. Does your son have one? Its so worth setting up netflix on it! I have no idea how to use the thing for games, but I love to watch movies on it ;)Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01162985502341523594noreply@blogger.com