My New Book "The Promise Of A Better Life"

The Promise Of A Better Life by Rosemary Aubut | Make Your Own Book

After two years of research, interviews, visiting Ellis Island and along with the help and cooperation of family members, "The Promise Of A better Life" has come to fruition. As many of my blogging friends know I haven't been posting too often lately. It seems as though I get focused on a project and everything else goes by the wayside! This includes housework, etc., etc. Pretty sure I got my priorities straight, though. 

My mom turns 90 in a few short weeks and I will gift her a book consisting of our family's history, folklore and memoirs. Stories I have heard since my early childhood put into writing! 

We have solved some mysteries, discovered new details and most importantly this journey has  brought us closer together as a family. Many blessings have been acknowledged along the way. 

You can preview the first 15 out of the 108 pages in the book. Don't forget to view it full screen by clicking on the square icon located on the bottom right. 

This has been a labor of love, and I must say that it makes me very proud to honor and recognize those who have gone before us!

Enjoy!

More On Dynamic Light!

Overcooked HDR
This photo was taken on vacation in Madeira, Portugal, last year. I captured this from my balcony overlooking the ocean. The hotel next door was beautifully landscaped and I absolutely loved the three palm trees in the center of the above photo. Using the Overcooked HDR effect on the Dynamic Light, app I believe I turned a pretty photo into something that really captures my attention. The sky holds more interest and the palm trees seem more animated, in a graphic sort of way. Also love the depth! 
I can smell the salt air, feeling it's gentle spray.  Can you?
I am having a blast playing with my new toy and I am sure you have not seen the last of my Dynamic Light, makeovers. Kind of like the HGTV of photography. Get carried away sometimes, just can't seem to help myself. Hang in there, stay tuned, as one never knows who I could be channeling in next! 
Have a wonderful day!

Madeira Wine!

Benjamin Franklin & Madeira Wine

Benjamin Franklin wrote an autobiography of his life, explaining the various adventures he went through on the road to Independence. In 1744, he began writing about the need of the colonists to maintain a militia, to help protect its citizens against the many attacks that were happening at the time. Spain and France were both in a war against Great Britain at the time, and the colonists were a natural target of hostilities.
The colonists responded to his encouragement with great enthusiasm, and soon there were companies and regiments being formed up and down the coast. Now they just needed some heavy artillery with which to man their forts. They had a few cannon in Boston, but not nearly enough to keep their cities safe.
Benjamin Franklin and a few of his friends therefore headed up to meet with Governor Clinton of New York, the English-appointed ruler of that state. Here are Ben Franklin's own words about this meeting:
"He at first refus’d us peremptorily; but at dinner with his council, where there was great drinking of Madeira wine, as the custom of that place then was, he softened by degrees, and said he would lend us six. After a few more bumpers he advanc’d to ten; and at length he very good-naturedly conceded eighteen."


You have got to love it! Just a little bit of historical trivia from the internet, to store in that useless information department of your brain.
If I interpret this correctly or at least appeal to my warped  sense of humor I'm guessing that Madeira Wine, is in some way responsible for saving the Colonies!
It is also considered to be a fortified wine, placing it in the Wheaties category of alcohol! 

Antioxidants 101

                                  Benefits of Antioxidants click on photo for larger view

 Antioxidants are substances or nutrients in our foods which can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to our body. When our body cells use oxygen, they naturally produce free radicals (by-products) which can cause damage. Antioxidants act as "free radical scavengers" and hence prevent and repair damage done by these free radicals.  Health problems such as heart disease, macular degeneration, diabetes, cancer etc are all contributed by oxidative damage. Indeed, a recent study conducted by researchers from London found that 5 servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke by 25 percent. Antioxidants may also enhance immune defense and therefore lower the risk of cancer and infection. HealthCastle.com

I know, I know, I know!  I've heard and read all the research. I promise in 2011 to get my antioxidants from more fruits and vegetables as a compatible supplement to my daily dose of red wine!

This photo was taken at the Funchal Marketplace in Madeira, Portugal. The entire experience was a feast for the eyes, senses and the soul.

Divine Light!

PA PA,  Can You Hear ME?
This photo was taken in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal. The village streets are quaint with outside cafes and rustic old houses showing off their age with dignity and grace. In the center of this township  is of course, the Village Church, surrounded by elaborate stonework and trees to shade. This place of worship is where my grand-father was baptized and his father before him. Once again this was a goose bump rating of 10 on the emotional richter scale. This window called to me in gratitude from generations past!