Thursday, April 30, 2015

Z for Zorro (A to Z Challenge)

The whole month just flew by and here we are at the last day of the challenge. If you were following my daily posts you know me pretty well by now and I'm sure isn't a surprise to you that my last hero is the handsome, agile athlete and acrobat that swings between rooftops master of the sword and a fantastic horseman. He defends people of the land against tyrannical officials and other villains.  He is impossible to catch and he loves to publicly humiliate authorities for their wrong doing. He is Zorro!

In a few days I will write my A to Z challenge reflections and I will have a surprise gift for the most faithful commenter.
 
So long my friends,
Evalina

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Y for Yentl (A to Z Challenge)


I love Barbra Streisand and I love Yentl. Yentl is a Jewish girl starved for education. To accomplish her goal she dresses in man's clothes and goes to university.

Yentl story is based on on short story by Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singe "Yentl the Yeshiva Boy" but Barbara rewrote it beautifully. (In the original Yentl stays as a man after graduation)

So long my friends,
Evalina

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

X for Xena (A to Z Challenge)

"In a time of ancient gods, warlords, and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power. The passion. The danger. Her courage will change the world."
I love Xena! A smart, tough, and fearless fighter who travels the dangerous roads of Ancient Greece defending the innocent from the forces of darkness and seeking redemption for her cruel misdeeds of the past.

So long my friends,
Evalina


Monday, April 27, 2015

W for Wolfie (A to Z challenge)



Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - should I say any more? First superstar, extremely talented, died way to soon. Played multiple instruments and wrote about 600 pieces of music. There are many great composers but he is the greatest. When I'm feeling blue his music magically can lift my spirits in no time.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Saturday, April 25, 2015

V for Vikings (A to Z Challenge)

If I would say they are my heroes it wouldn't be the truth, the truth is that I'm fascinated by them.
The Vikings explored the northern islands and coasts of the North Atlantic, ventured south to North Africa and east to Russia, Constantinople, and the Middle East. They raided and pillaged, but also engaged in trade, settled wide-ranging colonies, and acted as mercenaries. They reached North America way before the Columbus and set up short-lived settlements in  Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada. I'm dying to go there and some day I will just jump in the car and go. And I love current TV series Vikings - how could you not not be impressed by Ragnar?

So long my friends,
Evalina

Friday, April 24, 2015

U for Uma (A to Z Challenge)

Have you seen Kill Bill with Uma Thruman? In this movie she was amazing. She was playing the Bride and since the Bride did not have a name I called her Uma. And Uma the Bride is my heroine for today. She was betrayed by the team of assassins and took a beautiful revenge. She was smart, beautiful, brave and a great worrier.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Thursday, April 23, 2015

T for Tarzan (A to Z Challenge)

Did you know that the story was written in 1912? I never read any of Tarzan books but I loved all movies.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

S for Sobieski (A to Z Challenge)

Jan III Sobieski, great worrier and the greatest king. He is the one who saved Vienna from Turks and, as the story goes, even today his name brings shivers to Turks.

I came across the site with a lot of info about my hero. If interested you can find it here.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

R for Robinson Crusoe (A to Z Challenge)

Gosh I was so madly in love with his lifestyle in my young years. Life on the exotic island far away from civilization appealed to me a lot. Despite all hardship he mastered survivor skills.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Monday, April 20, 2015

Q for Quixote (A to Z challenge)

Actually his name is Don Quixote. He is a knight from La Mancha in central Spain who decides to take up his lance and sword to defend the helpless and destroy the wicked. An awesome book full of hilarious adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Saturday, April 18, 2015

P for Pippi (A to Z challege)



As a headstrong little girl, Pippi was my heroine. I longed to live in a castle with a horse and a monkey, and live life on my own terms. So what if the plot was weak? The object of the story was to portray a way of life that many girls yearned to live. Her name made quite a good mantra, when recited while avoiding cracks in neighborhood sidewalks. Inside every child is a lighthearted rebel, just like Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking.

Have a wonderful weekend my friends,
Evalina

Friday, April 17, 2015

O for Oliver (A to Z Challenge)

Oliver Twist had a huge impact on me. He's an orphan who, constantly abused, finally runs away and goes to London for there he figures he'll never be found. 
The story is more than a compelling tale: it is biting social commentary, attacking the terrible conditions that the English masses had to endure in the first half of the 19th century; it is especially critical of the unfair Poor Law.
I've seen a few versions of Oliver but, to tell you the truth, I didn't read the novel yet... I guess that will be my project for the weekend.

So long my friends,
Evalina


Thursday, April 16, 2015

N for Napoleon (A to Z Challenge)

Napoleon, one of the greatest military strategists in history is my hero. He took over the reins of the French government and saved his nation from collapse.  In 1802, he established the Napoleonic Code, a new system of French law where he forbade privileges based on birth, allowed freedom of religion, and specified that government jobs should go to the most qualified. Now, over 200 years later is still applicable.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Gifted Gorgeousness SAL

Time of our monthly update! Dear Jo of Serendipitous Stitching is hosting lovely SAL, click here to check it out. Here is my progress:

last month

 today (colors are showing much better in this picture)
So long my friends,
Evalina

M for Maggie (A to Z Challenge)

Yes, very controversial figure and disliked by some (definitely by socialist and communists) but my hero. She was the first female Prime Minister of Britain. When she was elected England was in a time of economic and political turmoil, with the government nearly bankrupt, unemployment on the rise and conflicts with labor unions. This brilliant woman cut social welfare programs, reduced trade union power and privatized certain industries. Thanks to her Britain was strong again. 

There is a lovely book by John O'Sullivan: 'The President, the Pope and the Prime Minister: Three Who Changed the World'


So Long my friends,
Evalina

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

L for Lech (A to Z challenge)

I'm trying to keep my posts short during this challenge but today I want to share with you Polish legend that is very close to my heart. I think that it takes place over 1200 years ago. My hero Lech was killed in the battle in 805. Gniezno was the very first capitol of Poland. Enjoy!
Many, many years ago, even many centuries ago, there lived in Polish lands a Duke named Lech. It was long, long ago, and some say it was even before the time of Alexander the Great. Be that as it may, in the land of Poland there was yet no town of Warsaw, nor of Krakow, nor were there any large cities in Greater Poland. The country was wild, with few people; men lived together in small communities, greatly fearing the savage Goths who invaded them from the west and the wild Huns who came in from the east. Death and desolation came in the wake of these invaders, and the peaceful, agricultural Slavs were obliged to become warriors, that they might defend their homes and families from destruction.

Lech was the first Duke of Poland. He it was who first established a Dukedom on the soil of Poland and assumed the leadership of the western Slavs. He united the tribes, and from the time of his reign, Poland developed and grew prosperous. Better strongholds were built to resist the raids of the savage neighbors, the fields were tilled and hides were cured, and with the arrival of more settled times, men grew more civilized and turned to the making of pottery, agricultural implements and furniture, the pattern and style of which has changed but little, and even today utensils can be seen in use, very similar to those which were used in the time of Lech.

In order to ensure the defense of his country against invasion, Lech kept a strong army. The army was well equipped, well trained and vast. It covered itself with glory and indeed the name of Lech, its captain, became so famous throughout the world, that his fiefs were called Lechici, and the Muscovites often called the Poles Lachi, and the Turks named Poland Lechistan, or the country of Lech. His power stretched over so wide an area of country that the Hungarian Lengyel also almost certainly comes from Lech.

The Duke was in every way an outstanding man. He was very tall and broad shouldered, and such was his strength that he could wield a battle axe which ordinarily took two men to lift. He was handsome, with fair hair, blue eyes and well defined, aquiline features. Not only was he a fearless warrior, he was also a wise ruler and, unlike most men of his stamp, had a taste for learning. He had this in common with most princes: he loved hunting, and his leisure was generally devoted to the sport. As in battle, be led the field, and always claimed the first stroke at bear or boar, when the beast was brought to bay. He had a true, brave heart and valued courage in another, be it man or beast.

Lech also loved falconry, and had many goshawks and peregrine falcons, some of which he had trained himself. He had tried to train a young buzzard, but the bird, after giving great promise, had died. The Duke had expressed the wish to train an eagle, and though his falconers had advised him that it was impossible, he still persisted in hoping that he might capture and train a young golden eagle, for he thought that it would be swifter and stronger, in the flight after its quarry, than any goshawk.

One fine spring day, the Duke and his court went hawking. A goodly company set forth from the castle, each one mounted and each dressed in the green hunting habit which Lech had commanded should be worn by all those who joined the chase with him. The Duke rode at the head of the cavalcade, with his favorite hawk on his wrist, closely followed by his Master of the Hunt. He seemed to be in thoughtful moods, and paid little heed to the conversation which was taking place around him. Then, without preamble, he gave his bird to the Master of the Hunt, saying curtly, "I would be alone," and, setting spurs to his horse, he galloped off. His company was surprised and troubled, but no man attempted to follow the Duke, for sometimes he was given to strange moods and at such times it was better not to approach him.

Lech urged his steed forward, he knew not why, but feeling an irresistible desire to reach a hill which he espied in the distance. After galloping a while he reached it, and, reining in his steed, looked around him. At first he could discern nothing, but soon, he perceived a nest, perched on a rocky crag. It was the nest of a white eagle, who sat with her young around her. She was a noble bird, with curved beak and powerful talons, and wings to bear her aloft in strong and graceful flight. This was the eagle that Lech had dreamed to possess; this was the bird which would make falconry a delight, which would rouse the envy of every prince in Europe and beyond. He resolved to capture one of the young, take it home to his castle, and train it with all the care and skill at his command. What a rare prize this would be! What pleasure lay in store for him if he could but obtain one of those eaglets!

He leapt from his horse and climbed towards the nest. The white eagle watched him intently, while her fledgelings, surprised by the approach of a stranger, crept under her wings. Lech shouted and waved his arms, thinking to frighten the bird from her nest, but she stirred not. The Duke came nearer and put forth his hand, and the eagle, with a swift movement, pecked at him as though in warning. But Lech heeded her not. Reaching for his dagger, he held it aloft, so that the bird must wound herself if she approached him too near. With his other hand, he again attempted to grasp one of the eaglets, but the mother bird was upon him once more and this time, neither prince nor bird escaped unscathed. Lech persisted; he ardently longed for one of the eaglets and was loath to abandon a prize which he thought he could capture with ease. The struggle continued. Lech, using his dagger more freely, was making desperate attempts to approach the nest. But he was beaten off by the sharp beak and powerful wings of the mother. The eagle had been wounded several times, and blood was staining the white feathers with dark, crimson splashes. She defended her nest and her freedom and the liberty of her little ones. The Duke's brave heart was touched by this unyielding defense and by this noble courage, and the sight of the blood which trickled down the bird's white breast made him ashamed of his desire to deprive of its freedom the offspring of so valiant a mother. He turned away abruptly, and descended the hill, deep in thought. A brave bird, who spill her blood for her freedom and for that of her eaglets!

Then Lech sat down at the foot of the hill and looked at the scene before him. As far as his eye could reach stretched the fair lands of Poland, his country that he loved with all his heart. Would he not defend her, just as the eagle had defended her nest? And the thought came to him: let that brave, white eagle become the badge of Poland; let her be the token of freedom for which all those worthy of the name of Pole should shed their blood, and the eagle's blood be the symbol of bravery. Poland is immortal; so shall the White Eagle be immortal. Thus, to this day, on the shield and banner of Poland, is blazoned the white eagle on a crimson field.

And the place was pleasing to the Prince. He loved that hill where he had found the eagle's nest and which still bears his name. He took his counselors to the spot and showed it to them, saying, "Let us build our nests here, as do the eagles." So a castle was built, and then a city, and it was called "Gniezno," which in the Polish of those days, meant "nest." And in those far off times Gniezno became a fair city, and was the capital of Lech's Dukedom, lying on the hillside which bears his name.

The White Eagle has always been on the banners of Poland and when, as has occurred many times, Poland has been attacked, her sons have defended her no less bravely than the eagle who long ago shed her blood in the defense of freedom.

Compliments of the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America

So long my friends,
Evalina
 

Monday, April 13, 2015

K for Karol - (A to Z Challenge)

I bet you would never expect to see him here, eh? But he is my hero as he helped ordinary Poles and East Europeans banish their fear of Soviet Communism, convincing them that liberation was possible. There is much more to be said about this great man but I admire him for bringing hope to our hearts and, in a way, set us free from Soviets.

I have this lovely chart in my stash and I hope some day it will be stitched.

So long my friends,
Evalina


Saturday, April 11, 2015

Joan of Arc (A to Z Challenge)

There is many written stories about Joan of Arc. My favorite is the one by Mark Twain. When we think about Twain we usually think about Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn. Well, this time he wrote about a girl. He spent twelve years doing research and then beautifully set down the story of Joan of Arc in a way that only a master storyteller could. What an amazing young woman she was!  Joan was kind, gentle, true, patriotic, devout, humble, compassionate, courageous. Reading this book made me want to meet her, and more, it made me want to be like her.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Friday, April 10, 2015

I for Icarus (A to Z Challenge)

There is something we have in common, we both love flying! When I was a little girl I didn't play with dolls, I was making plain models. When I was 15 I joined gliding club and by the age of 16 I was a gliding pilot.
Even though his efforts ended tragically Icarus is my hero.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Thursday, April 9, 2015

H for Hercules (A to Z Challenge)

Son of Zeus, paragon of masculinity, the ancestor of royal clans, champion with an extraordinary strength and courage who made the world safe for mankind. Yeah, I like him and he is my hero - myth or not.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

G for Gerda (A to Z Challenge)

Who wouldn't like to have Gerda as a friend? She is innocent, strong and her friendship is unquestionable! She goes on the mission to save Key and she doesn't stop until her mission is accomplish.
Gerda and Key are characters from The Snow Queen by Christan Andersen, another great tale from my childhood.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

F for Freddie (A to Z Challenge)



Yep, he is my first male hero in this challenge. Freddie Mercury. I love his music and his voice. Despite over 23 years have passed since his death, he remains one of the greatest artists we will ever see..







So long my friends,
Evalina

Monday, April 6, 2015

E for Evangeline (A to Z Challenge)

Today my hero is Evangeline. her story you can read here. She is my hero because of her love for Gabriel. Separated by Brits she dedicates her life to searching the continent for the man she loves. In Nova Scotia there is Evangeline Trail and I hope, some day, I'll be able to visit that beautiful place.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Saturday, April 4, 2015

D for Dolly (A to Z Challenge)



I'm not a country music fan but I love Dolly. I love her as an actress, as a song writer and as a woman. She is another beautiful example of 'rags to riches'. She is the one who encourage me to quit my 9 to 5 job...




So long my friends,
Evalina

Friday, April 3, 2015

C for Cinderalla (A to Z Challenge)

Whether we think of Disney’s blonde beauty and her pumpkin carriage or Marissa Meyer’s recent recasting of Cinderella as a cyborg in the young adult novel Cinder, we know that there are countless old and modern retellings of the tale. My favorite version of the tale is by Grimm Brothers. If the tale seems to emphasize the lowly status of Cinderella as a servant in her stepmother’s house, it is worth remembering that Cinderella is a boss of her own: she commands birds to sort the lentils her stepmother has thrown into the ashes, and when she needs lovely clothes for the ball, she tells a hazel tree, “Shake your branches, little tree, / Toss gold and silver down on me.” Doves are her partners, and when the stepsisters take knives to their feet in order to fit into Cinderella’s slipper, the birds warn the prince: “Roo coo coo, roo coo coo, / Blood’s in the shoe.” Cinderella isn't just the entrepreneur, she is a perfect example of  'rags to riches' and that's why she is my hero.


So long my friends,
Evalina

Easter Treasure Hunt 2015

Easter must be just around the corner, Jo of Serendipitous Stitching is hosting another Treasure Hunt. Did you came for a letter? You've got it. It is

T

and for the next letter go over to http://needlepensword.blogspot.co.uk

Do you like my Rabbit Run on the left? This chart is looking for a good home.  Have a lovely Easter!

Evalina

Thursday, April 2, 2015

B for Boudica (A to Z Challenge)

Before "Brave", there was "Boudica"

My first introduction to Boudica was a movie that I rented from a local library 'Warrior Queen'. Later I just had to find out more about her... 

Most of Boudica's life is shrouded in Mystery. She was born around AD 25 to a royal family in Celtic Britain, and as a young woman she married Prasutagus who later became king of the Iceni tribe. They had two daughters. After Prasutagus died the Roman procurator proceeded to take inventory of the estate. He regarded this as a Roman property and when Boudica objected, he had her flogged. Her daughters were raped. At that point she had enough.
With her army she slaughtered a Roman army and torched Londinium. She was fearless and unstoppable. After all what happened to Boudicca is uncertain. It is said she returned to her home territory and took poison to avoid Roman capture.

So long my friends,
Evalina

She slaughtered a Roman army. She torched Londinium, leaving a charred layer almost half a meter thick that can still be traced under modern London. According to the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, her army killed as many as 70,000 civilians in Londinium, Verulamium and Camulodunum, rushing 'to cut throats, hang, burn, and crucify. Who was she? Why was she so angry?
Most of Boudica's life is shrouded in mystery
- See more at: http://www.historynet.com/boudica-celtic-war-queen-who-challenged-rome.htm#sthash.o2dBvEHp.dpuf
She slaughtered a Roman army. She torched Londinium, leaving a charred layer almost half a meter thick that can still be traced under modern London. According to the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, her army killed as many as 70,000 civilians in Londinium, Verulamium and Camulodunum, rushing 'to cut throats, hang, burn, and crucify. Who was she? Why was she so angry?
Most of Boudica's life is shrouded in mystery
- See more at: http://www.historynet.com/boudica-celtic-war-queen-who-challenged-rome.htm#sthash.o2dBvEHp.dpuf
She slaughtered a Roman army. She torched Londinium, leaving a charred layer almost half a meter thick that can still be traced under modern London. According to the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, her army killed as many as 70,000 civilians in Londinium, Verulamium and Camulodunum, rushing 'to cut throats, hang, burn, and crucify. Who was she? Why was she so angry?
Most of Boudica's life is shrouded in mystery
- See more at: http://www.historynet.com/boudica-celtic-war-queen-who-challenged-rome.htm#sthash.o2dBvEHp.dpuf
She slaughtered a Roman army. She torched Londinium, leaving a charred layer almost half a meter thick that can still be traced under modern London. According to the Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, her army killed as many as 70,000 civilians in Londinium, Verulamium and Camulodunum, rushing 'to cut throats, hang, burn, and crucify. Who was she? Why was she so angry?
Most of Boudica's life is shrouded in mystery
- See more at: http://www.historynet.com/boudica-celtic-war-queen-who-challenged-rome.htm#sthash.o2dBvEHp.dpuf

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

A for Anne of Green Gables (A to Z Challenge)

Here we're go again! It's April 1st and a first day of the challenge. During this month I will write about my heroes and I will start with Anne. She was one of my first ones. Anne was created by Lucy Montgomery in the book Anne of Green Gables. I read the book many times, I think by the age of 6 I almost new it by my heart. Why did I like Anne Shirley? She must be one of the most delightful characters ever written, largely because she is far from perfect. She makes mistakes, as we all do, but her mistakes are much funnier than my own and she makes me see the value in learning from each of them, laughing at them and moving on.  I love that she approaches life enthusiastically, despite have spent a decade belonging to no one. I also like that Anne talks straightforwardly about wanting, seeking and building friendships. I just wanted to be like her...

So long my friends,
Evalina