View from the Birdhouse

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wordless Wednesday - Bee My Valentine, Honey - Vintage Valentine

Found at Birdhouse Books: Vintage Valentines

Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Murder at the Grill by Christa Nardi

Synopsis

An amateur sleuth, Sheridan Hendley jumps at the chance to work with the defense when a favorite waitress is arrested for the murder of her ex-husband. Determined to prove Zoe’s innocence Sheridan probes into the victim’s past and why he chose to return to Cold Creek 15 years after the divorce. Personalities clash and Zoe’s family closes ranks as Sheridan attempts to unlock the carefully kept secrets of the family that owns and operates the Grill. The closer she gets to finding the truth, the more her own life might be in danger – a situation that strains her increasingly serious relationship with Detective Brett McMann.

About The Author

Christa Nardi is and always has been an avid reader. Her favorite authors have shifted from Carolyn Keene and Earl Stanley Gardner to more contemporary mystery/crime authors over time, but mystery/crime along with romance and scifi/fantasy are her preferred choices for leisure reading. Christa also has been a long time writer from poetry and short stories to the Cold Creek series, Christa has joined many other reader/writers in writing one genre she enjoys reading – the cozy mystery. The series started with Murder at Cold Creek College; Murder in the Arboretum is the second in the series. Murder at the Grill is the third. Christa Nardi is a pen name for a real life professor/psychologist from the Northeast who is well published in nonfiction and technical venues.

Author Links
@ChristaN7777
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7257539.Christa_Nardi
https://www.facebook.com/christa.nardi.5
Purchase Link Amazon

Giveaway
(2) e-book copy of Murder at the Grill by Christa Nardi. Ends 1/25.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Did You Know Tuesday - The Story Behind Winnie the Pooh

This is Winnie the Pooh as we remember him from childhood: a sweet illustration by E.H. Shepard, from the children's books by A.A. Milne.

There is an interesting story behind this bear. British poet and playwright A.A. Milne worked for years at Punch magazine. In 1924 he published a collection of children's poems called When We Were Very Young. They featured a poem about an unnamed teddy bear with the description: "however hard he tries grows tubby without exercise." The book was illustrated by E.H. Shepard.

A.A. Milne had a young son named Christopher Robin. Christopher Robin had a collection of stuffed toys that he loved. His favorite was a bear named Winnie.

Christopher Robin's stuffed bear Winnie was named for a famous bear at the London Zoo. The real Winnie was a female bear, saved from hunters in the Canadian wilderness by Lieutenant Harry Colbourne and donated to the London Zoo. Christopher Robin visited the zoo many times, and even had a special birthday party there.

In 1926, Winnie the Pooh was first published. Pooh was added to Winnie's name: "But his arms were so stiff ... they stayed up straight in the air for more than a week, and whenever a fly came and settled on his nose he had to blow it off. And I think – but I am not sure – that that is why he is always called Pooh."

I loved these books, and the charming illustrations, as a child. Do you remember Winnie the Pooh? I'd love to hear your memories in the comments, below.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Music Monday - "Come to the Sunshine" by Harper's Bazaar (1967)

Now here is an oldies song you don't hear often, even on SiriusXM radio. They play it occasionally - that's where I first heard it. (I have no memory of this song from my childhood.) It's such a fun sunshine pop song ... really perfect for a cold winter day.

"Come to the Sunshine" was written in 1966 by Van Dyke Parks. He was inspired in part by his father's Depression era big band, The White Swan Serenaders. Before his musical career, Van Dyke Parks was a child actor on tv shows. He had a recurring role as Little Tommy Manicotti (the kid from upstairs) on The Honeymooners. He released a 45 of this song in 1966.

Van Dyke Parks later worked as a lyricist with Brian Wilson, including for the Beach Boys' Smile album. He worked with many other major artists, including Ringo Starr, Donovan, The Byrds, Tim Buckley, and U2.

This song was covered in 1967 by Harpers Bazaar. Harpers Bazaar was a 1960's sunshine pop band from Southern California. Several of the band members were original in the Tikis. Van Dyke Parks, who wrote the song, played piano on this record. This is the version of "Come to the Sunshine" that gets the most oldies radio airplay.

There is also a great retro music podcast called Come to the Sunshine, hosted by Grammy nominated producer Andrew Sandoval. It specializes in sunshine pop, and this song is the theme song of that podcast. You can find it on TuneIn radio or any podcast player, or just listen online: Come to the Sunshine.

Here's this retro gem ... let me know what you think! This is the poppy version by Harpers Bazaar.

And here is the original version, by Van Dyke Parks from 1966. His version features overlapping vocals, mandolin, and jazz piano.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Weekend Window Shopping at Birdhouse Books - Vintage Valentines

I have some fun vintage Valentines for you this weekend -- all new arrivals at Birdhouse Books. They will all be in my shop no later than Sunday evening. (And you will find almost 600 other vintage Valentines to choose from!)

My shop is Birdhouse Books on eBay. You can also find me on Etsy and Bonanza.

This fairytale vintage Valentine features Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

This handmade vintage Valentine features a sweet terrier dog against a doily and construction paper heart. (It reminds me of cards from my childhood!)