Cultural and Literary References in The Solitary Horseman

Welcome to almost-spring! I write this with gray skies, the temperature just above freezing, and rain and small hail alternating against my window. But outside that window, pushing up amidst the leavings of last year’s garden are four-inch daffodils and eight-inch daylilies. I take heart. Once again, I undertook a survey of cultural and literary … More Cultural and Literary References in The Solitary Horseman

Literary and Cultural References in A Certain Crossroad: Mystery and Adventure

Here is the long-promised post about literary and cultural references in A Certain Crossroad: The Trail of Conflict (1922) and Here Comes the Sun! (1924) were so filled with literary references that I steeled myself for a long journey through a multitude of quotes in A Certain Crossroad (1925). But that’s not what I found. … More Literary and Cultural References in A Certain Crossroad: Mystery and Adventure

Emilie Loring’s Novels: Where Adventure Meets Refreshment

In the search for renewed vitality, a feeling of refreshment, Emilie Loring’s novels light the way. “If, when they reach ‘the end’ they forget to go back for their problems and march blithely toward the day’s work pepped up and refreshed, refreshed—it’s a great word, isn’t it—I shall feel that I have achieved something.” Give … More Emilie Loring’s Novels: Where Adventure Meets Refreshment

Refreshed and Rested, Ready for Tea–or Fika!

“Refreshed, it’s a great word, isn’t it?” (Give Me One Summer) Hello again, everyone. I have returned from three weeks in Sweden with my resilience refilled, my optimism boosted. A day in Sweden doesn’t get too far along before someone suggests, “Shall we take a little fika?” Fika can be as small as a demitasse … More Refreshed and Rested, Ready for Tea–or Fika!