CAMELOT THE MUSICAL by @PatriceWilton

In 1967 the film adaptation of CAMELOT was brought to screen. Richard Burton and Julia Andrew had been in the original score on Broadway but they both declined their roles on screen.

Camelot

Harris and Redgrave

Richard Harris and Vanessa Redgrave stepped in for the leading roles and created the most compelling, romantic, and heartbreaking tale of all time—in my humble opinion. I had just graduated from high school that year and was a starry-eyed dreamer and a romantic at heart. This fantasy world of Camelot swept me away. The passion, the glory, and the sweetest, the most wonderful music I had ever heard.

The story of how King Author met Guinevere in the forest on the day they were to be married was beautifully written, poignant and endearing.  I fell in love with this beautiful, innocent couple immediately.

Franco Nero

Until the gorgeous Lancelot (Franco Nero) the most noble of knights, showed up to join King Author’s Round Table, everything was peachy keen, and a bed of roses. Guinevere disliked his arrogance at first, until she saw him bring a man back to life following a jousting match, and how humble and decent the man was.  Chaos and heartbreak destroyed King Author’s dream of the Round Table, where every man was considered equal. This beautiful musical stole my heart. And from the age of eighteen until now, Camelot has held me entranced. They’ll never be a place as wonderful as Camelot.

The play returned to the theater at the Lincoln Center in New York. Recently, I was able to see it with my daughter and her extremely talented actress young daughter.  Hopefully it will go on tour and delight a whole new audience of dreamers and music lovers. If you get the chance, go see it. Surround yourself with this classic tale of a man’s dream to create a new order. Where all men are considered equal. What a wonderful world it would be.

Keeping Children Entertained This Summer by @PatriceWilton

Hello to all the families out there. Spring has sprung. Mother’s Day has passed, and Father’s Day is looming. Speaking of looming–how about the schools closing for the summer and releasing all the school-aged children for the long hot days of summer? Are you prepared? Summer plans in order? Whether you stay home, visit loved ones, or take a road trip to the spectacular National Parks, having this family time is your chance to make memories for a lifetime. There is no need to be extravagant. Happiness can be yours in your own back yard, at a beach, or water-skiing on a lake. Be creative. Turn your backyard into a pretty oasis by hanging playful lights in the trees, a water slide or sprinkler which could entertain the kids for hours with a group of good friends. How about challenging your family to a fun game of croquet or badminton right in your own back yard?

Children

Take up a new hobby or sport that will be fun and challenging such as kayaking, swimming lessons, pickleball, or golf on a par 3 course? Parks and outdoor day trips can be a win-win, too. What child, no matter their age, doesn’t enjoy a visit to a zoo? Or a museum with dinosaurs or something new? Aquariums are another inexpensive way to captivate your entire family for many hours. How about a game of charades with neighbors or a well-planned scavenger hunt?

Children Love Diverse Experiences!

Other inexpensive ways to entertain the kids could be as simple as a night out watching a local baseball game in the park—the scent of hot dogs, popcorn, and even a few dogs barking can create a feel-good atmosphere. If baseball is not your thing, so much else is available. Learning and experimenting can be inspiring. If one of your children loves to read, challenge them to write the opening of a book. Love art projects? There are plenty of free or inexpensive craft shops that host and teach fun crafts.

Creativity can be discovered in so many ways and at any age and bring joy for a lifetime.

On a personal note, I fell in love with reading and decided at the age of twelve that if I had one talent it would be to write and give back the joy and pleasure of books. It opens new worlds, new adventures and new experiences that can open your mind to what is possible.

I had a family and children. Then, in my forties, I sat down to write my first book.

My journey into publication has not been an easy one. Fifteen years of rejections and heartache which could have destroyed me, instead it made me more determined to succeed. I kept at it because I’m stubborn and loved what I was doing, and of course I was getting better at it.

Serendipity Falls 3 bk set

I created novels that gave people hope, to open their hearts to trust and love again. I’m eternally grateful for not giving up. I’m sending out positive vibes for each one of you to follow your dreams and make it happen.

ABB, Authors’ Billboard has a great many stories to heal your heart and take you on a world of adventure.  Enjoy the ride!

WELCOME TO NIGHT LIGHTS IN ST. AUGUSTINE

I am fortunate enough to live in the beautiful and warm state of Florida, and had the pleasure of meeting up in St. Augustine with a friend from our days in elementary school, which was not far from Vancouver, Canada. Sixty years have passed and we both have lost our husbands. Jacquie now lives in Phoenix and came to visit this week.

St. Augustine

Old Town of St. Augustine

As a special outing we drove to the magnificent old town of St. Augustine, the first European settlement in the United States, founded in 1565 by the brave and bold Spanish explorers. The beautiful and stately architecture was influenced by the founders—but who discovered the land first?

Pedro Menendez de Aviles was sent to Florida by King Philip of Spain in order to establish a center of operations from which to attack the French. Pedro may have the fame and glory, but in reality, he was not the first to discover this piece of land. Let’s give credit where credit is due.

La Florida is claimed

The first European known to have explored the coasts of Florida was the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. He ventured in 1513 as far north as the vicinity of the future St. Augustine. He believed it to be an island and named it “La Florida,” claiming it for the Spanish crown. Others had attempted to colonize the land before the founding of St. Augustine. But all attempts had failed.

So yes, I’m confused. While both men are recognized for being the adventurous explorers, Pedro seems to have the most credit. I won’t bore you further with the history, but I will let the photos speak for themselves. It truly is a wonder and gorgeous to see.

Here we are at the Christmas Night Lights at St. Augustine 2022.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING – AND YET A SAD ONE, TOO

THANKSGIVING will be a different holiday this year. Although many can still celebrate with their family and friends, so many will not. It has been an extremely difficult year for most people—not only in America but around the world.

Thanksgiving

My heart breaks for all those who have suffered so greatly, with storm after storm, and Ian the worst Hurricane to ever hit Florida—devastating so many homes and families—ripping away their lives, their homes, their businesses, and for some, their hopes and dreams. Only a few days ago another hurricane, Nicole, made landfall on the east coast of Florida, destroying more homes and oceanfront. The beaches are being washed away.

I can’t imagine the pain of losing all your photos, all your special moments and memories, gone forever. Actually, I can. Unbearable pain. And yet, the citizens have plunged in to help each other, to rebuild what they can, keep their dreams alive, and refuse to be beaten.

How heroic is that? Around the world we see the same tragedies and atrocities and a very real danger, but the people come together and show compassion and a friendly hand in the worst of all times. Their resilience is to be admired, their strength and combined hope for a better world, a safer place for all to live in.

Hopefully, I haven’t depressed you all, and if I have, I’m sorry. Please enjoy this Thanksgiving and be grateful for all that you do have. Family, friends, neighbors, and your beloved pets are there to help lift you up.

Now, how about a nice Thanksgiving recipe to pick you up?

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie

From AllRecipes—this top-rated cheesecake pie is shockingly easy to make with cream cheese and refrigerated crescent rolls.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Pie

Ingredients:
  • cooking spray
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract
  • 2 (8 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup honey
Directions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Unroll crescent roll dough, and use a rolling pin to shape each sheet into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Press one piece into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread cream cheese mixture on top, then cover with remaining piece of crescent dough.
  4. Mash remaining 3/4 cup sugar, butter, and cinnamon with a fork until combined. Dot mixture over top of dough.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Cool completely in the pan for about 2 hours before cutting into 12 squares.
  7. ENJOY!

Here’s a romance series that is sure to brighten your day!

Serendipity Falls 3-book Set

This set is sold as an eBook Anthology for Kindle Readers. It is also available as a free read for Kindle Unlimited members.