Ancient Pastimes:
Popular sports: Fishing, horse racing, hunting, jumping, rowing, running, sailing, skating, skiing, swimming, tug of war, weight lifting, and wrestling.
Warrior competitions: archery contests, sword fighting, throwing spears and other weapons.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Book Reviews
Lisa Mar of Omaha, NE wrote:
Mary Ann Bernal is an excellent author and the story pulls you in and keeps you engaged until the end.
Diane Spaulding of Omaha, NE wrote:
I thoroughly enjoyed the Briton and the Dane. From beginning to end it is filled with romance, treachery, and suspense. I felt as though I could have been right there with Gwyneth and Erik. Mary Ann did a great job of taking the reader back in time to the days of King Alfred with great detail. I did not want to put the book down! She leaves you hanging with anticipation for the sequel.
Mary Ann Bernal is an excellent author and the story pulls you in and keeps you engaged until the end.
Diane Spaulding of Omaha, NE wrote:
I thoroughly enjoyed the Briton and the Dane. From beginning to end it is filled with romance, treachery, and suspense. I felt as though I could have been right there with Gwyneth and Erik. Mary Ann did a great job of taking the reader back in time to the days of King Alfred with great detail. I did not want to put the book down! She leaves you hanging with anticipation for the sequel.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thor's Cross Cast
Thor's Cross Cast
The Situation Othala
Othala represents a solid, immovable home, prosperity and safety. Good fortune based on your heritage and character is yours to enjoy.
Barriers Laguz
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.
Positive Influences Kenaz
Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.
What's coming soon Tiwaz
You may be in a period of stagnation. Your goals may be unattainable or unrealistic at this time. Fortunately these times pass. Take stock of yourself and your goals. Do not fight battles you know you cannot win. Be patient.
The Long Term Results Elhaz
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
The Situation Othala
Othala represents a solid, immovable home, prosperity and safety. Good fortune based on your heritage and character is yours to enjoy.
Barriers Laguz
Laguz is the feminine Rune. It denotes a deep sexuality and fertility. Laguz also represents that which is ever changing and renewal. You may be in a tremendous spiritual growth period.
Positive Influences Kenaz
Kenaz foretells the coming of clarity and knowledge. It is time for you to grow by exchanging knowledge with others. Opportunities are upon you.
What's coming soon Tiwaz
You may be in a period of stagnation. Your goals may be unattainable or unrealistic at this time. Fortunately these times pass. Take stock of yourself and your goals. Do not fight battles you know you cannot win. Be patient.
The Long Term Results Elhaz
Elhaz represents your power to protect yourself and those around you. It also connotes the thrill and joy of a successful hunt. You are in a very enviable position right now, because you are able to maintain what you have built and reach your current goals. Enjoy.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Hadrian's Wall
History Trivia: Hadrian was Emperor of Rome from 117 – 138 AD. Hadrian’s Wall was located in northern England and extended from the North Sea to the Irish Sea. The heavily garrisoned fortification was built to keep the Picts from attacking Roman settlements. A second wall known as the Antonine Wall was located in Scotland.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Mary Ann featured in Soldiers Angels Newsletter
Categories: General
Date: Mar 26, 2010
Title: Angelic Authors Wing Their Way
Soldiers’ Angels is proud to count three published authors among its many loving and talented Angels who do so much to support the troops!
Soldiers’ Angels is proud to count three published authors among its many loving and talented Angels who do so much to support the troops! Mary Ann Bernal is reporting the publication of her first book, Lori Bakewell is writing her fourth in a set of books for elementary/middle school age, and C.S. Challinor just announced publication of her third book in the highly successful Rex Graves mystery series.
C.S. Challinor has been donating 15% of her profits from Christmas is Murder—the first in her series about British amateur sleuth Rex Graves—to Soldiers’ Angels wounded projects since the book came out in 2008. She got involved with Soldiers’ Angels several years ago when the organization was still quite small and her son coordinated donation of a large cartload of supplies for care packages. She remains motivated to help by seeing young people coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with life-altering wounds. “The average age of wounded veterans is 23 years old,” Challlin says. “That's only a few years older than my own son.” Her 3rd book, Lori Bakewell’s youth fiction books follow the travels of 13-year-old Kat and her family as they visit historical sites. Kat sees ghosts at the sites and works her younger brother to solve a problem or help the ghosts with a particular issue. Bakewell is now working on her fourth book, which will be set in Texas at the Alamo. Due to her mother’s health needs, she is currently on leave from her position of coaching Angels through the Mentor Team, but remains active on the Letter Writing and Wounded TLC teams.
Mary Ann Bernal is celebrating the recent publication of her first book, The Briton and the Dane, which is receiving rave reviews. It’s the story of a lord who trains the king’s army in 9th-century Britannia during the era between the end of Roman rule and the beginning of the Age of Chivalry. Bernal mentions Soldiers’ Angels in the book, dedicating it to the memory the son of a Gold Star Mother in her church. After joining Soldiers’ Angels in 2006 through a friend’s influence, she now serves on the Letter Writing, Cards Plus, Wounded TLC and Mentor Teams.
Soldiers’ Angels salutes Bernal, Bakewell and Challinor for their creativity, hard work and dedication in both their professional and volunteer spheres!
Date: Mar 26, 2010
Title: Angelic Authors Wing Their Way
Soldiers’ Angels is proud to count three published authors among its many loving and talented Angels who do so much to support the troops!
Soldiers’ Angels is proud to count three published authors among its many loving and talented Angels who do so much to support the troops! Mary Ann Bernal is reporting the publication of her first book, Lori Bakewell is writing her fourth in a set of books for elementary/middle school age, and C.S. Challinor just announced publication of her third book in the highly successful Rex Graves mystery series.
C.S. Challinor has been donating 15% of her profits from Christmas is Murder—the first in her series about British amateur sleuth Rex Graves—to Soldiers’ Angels wounded projects since the book came out in 2008. She got involved with Soldiers’ Angels several years ago when the organization was still quite small and her son coordinated donation of a large cartload of supplies for care packages. She remains motivated to help by seeing young people coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan with life-altering wounds. “The average age of wounded veterans is 23 years old,” Challlin says. “That's only a few years older than my own son.” Her 3rd book, Lori Bakewell’s youth fiction books follow the travels of 13-year-old Kat and her family as they visit historical sites. Kat sees ghosts at the sites and works her younger brother to solve a problem or help the ghosts with a particular issue. Bakewell is now working on her fourth book, which will be set in Texas at the Alamo. Due to her mother’s health needs, she is currently on leave from her position of coaching Angels through the Mentor Team, but remains active on the Letter Writing and Wounded TLC teams.
Mary Ann Bernal is celebrating the recent publication of her first book, The Briton and the Dane, which is receiving rave reviews. It’s the story of a lord who trains the king’s army in 9th-century Britannia during the era between the end of Roman rule and the beginning of the Age of Chivalry. Bernal mentions Soldiers’ Angels in the book, dedicating it to the memory the son of a Gold Star Mother in her church. After joining Soldiers’ Angels in 2006 through a friend’s influence, she now serves on the Letter Writing, Cards Plus, Wounded TLC and Mentor Teams.
Soldiers’ Angels salutes Bernal, Bakewell and Challinor for their creativity, hard work and dedication in both their professional and volunteer spheres!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Rufty Tufty
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend a medieval dance class this evening. We were taught the steps for the Rufty Tufty - an English Country Dance - circa 1600's The dance is a square set for 2 couples. We had 3 sets which was fun. We were also fortunate to have live music - three talented minstrels accompanied our attempts to perfect the dance. Now the challenge is to remember the steps and not mess up at the next dance class.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
King Alfred the Great
History Trivia: King Alfred the Great became King of Wessex in 871 AD. He was a proven warrior who defeated the Danish King Guthrum at the Battle of Edington. He was considered a man of letters which prompted his love of learning as he established his schools and enticed scholars from abroad.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Musical Instruments of the Viking Age
History Trivia: Musical Instruments of the Viking Age: There were bone woodwind instruments such as whistles with three finger holes. There were flutes, panpipes and trumpets made from cow horns. There were lyres (harp) and fiddles; drums were played at festivals and feasts and on the battlefield.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Updated Glossary
Abbey: Monastic community
Abbott: Male administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Female administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Angles: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Anglo-Saxon Britain: 5th Century to Norman Invasion (1066)
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Britons: Ancient Celtic peoples from the Island of Great Britain
Burh: Fortified town
Cell: Single room in an abbey / monastery / nunnery
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Comely: Beautiful
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Flameworker: Glassblower
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
God Spede You: Safe travel
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Guffaw: Laugh
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Lauds: 3 am prayer service
Matins: Midnight prayer service
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Minstrel: Musician
Nunnery: Convent
None: 3 pm prayer service
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Rope Pulling: Tug of war
Saxons: Germanic peoples who settled post Roman Britain
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Sext: Noon prayer service
Sjaund: Funeral ale ritual drinking celebrated 7 days after
the person’s death (Norse pagan custom)
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Terce: 9 am prayer service
Turret Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Abbott: Male administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Female administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Angles: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Anglo-Saxon Britain: 5th Century to Norman Invasion (1066)
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Britons: Ancient Celtic peoples from the Island of Great Britain
Burh: Fortified town
Cell: Single room in an abbey / monastery / nunnery
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Comely: Beautiful
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Flameworker: Glassblower
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
God Spede You: Safe travel
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Guffaw: Laugh
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Lauds: 3 am prayer service
Matins: Midnight prayer service
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Minstrel: Musician
Nunnery: Convent
None: 3 pm prayer service
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Rope Pulling: Tug of war
Saxons: Germanic peoples who settled post Roman Britain
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Sext: Noon prayer service
Sjaund: Funeral ale ritual drinking celebrated 7 days after
the person’s death (Norse pagan custom)
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Terce: 9 am prayer service
Turret Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lindisfarne
History Trivia – In 635 AD Saint Aidan founded the monastery at Lindisfarne which was settled by Ionian monks. The Illuminated Gospels made the monastery famous. Lindisfarne was plundered in 793 AD by Scandinavian seafarers; so began the Viking era of invasion and expansion.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Call for Character Interview Questions
Your favorite author will arrange to interview your favorite characters from "The Briton and the Dane." If you have any specific questions you would like to ask your favorite person in Anglo-Saxon Wessex please post them here. Gwyneth has graciously agreed to be the first character to discuss her feelings. Spoiler-type questions will not be accepted.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
End of Roman Britain
The year 2010 marks the 1600th anniversary of the end of Roman Britain. It was in 410 the last of Rome's legions left Britannia to the mercy of the Picts and invading Angles and Saxons. Calendar alert: The History Channel will have programs pertaining to Roman Britain and early Anglo-Saxon Britain during the week of July 19th through 25th. Not to worry, reminders will be forthcoming.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
St. Patrick Bishop of Ireland
St. Patrick may have been the Bishop of Ireland but it was New York City who held the first St. Patrick's Day parade when Irish soldiers marched through its streets
(18th century) and thus began the yearly celebration of the Irish American heritage.
(18th century) and thus began the yearly celebration of the Irish American heritage.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
History Trivia
The Christian missionaries traveled from Rome to Anglo-Saxon Britain to convert the pagans in the late 6th century.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Hold the Date - Booksigning
Date: Saturday April 17th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bookworm
Countryside Village
8702 Pacific St.
Omaha, Nebraska
402-392-2877
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bookworm
Countryside Village
8702 Pacific St.
Omaha, Nebraska
402-392-2877
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Updated Glossary of Terms
The Briton and the Dane
Glossary of Terms
Abbey: Monastic community
Abbott: Male administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Female administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Angles: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Anglo-Saxon Britain: 5th Century to Norman Invasion (1066)
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Britons: Ancient Celtic peoples from the Island of Great Britain
Burh: Fortified town
Cell: Single room in an abbey / monastery / nunnery
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Lauds: 3 am prayer service
Matins: Midnight prayer service
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Nunnery: Convent
None: 3 pm prayer service
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Saxons: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Sext: Noon prayer service
Sjaund: Funeral ale ritual drinking celebrated 7 days after
the person’s death (Norse pagan custom)
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Terce: 9 am prayer service
Turret Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Glossary of Terms
Abbey: Monastic community
Abbott: Male administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Female administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Angles: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Anglo-Saxon Britain: 5th Century to Norman Invasion (1066)
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Britons: Ancient Celtic peoples from the Island of Great Britain
Burh: Fortified town
Cell: Single room in an abbey / monastery / nunnery
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Lauds: 3 am prayer service
Matins: Midnight prayer service
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Nunnery: Convent
None: 3 pm prayer service
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Saxons: Germanic peoples settled post Roman Britain
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Sext: Noon prayer service
Sjaund: Funeral ale ritual drinking celebrated 7 days after
the person’s death (Norse pagan custom)
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Terce: 9 am prayer service
Turret Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Friday, March 12, 2010
Review from Barbara Chen
First time novelist Mary Ann Bernal has deftly transported us back 1200 years to the early days of England. She used her knowledge of history to create a wonderful tale of love and intrigue. I was engrossed in the story from page 1 and my interest continued right to the bitter end. Her characters showed life, exhibiting a wide range of emotions. I can hardly wait for the sequel. Sign me up now
Barbara Chen, Tappan, NY
Barbara Chen, Tappan, NY
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Goodreads
Your favorite author is now profiled on Goodreads.com. Check out the site where you can discuss the book with myself and fellow readers and fans and write a review. Hope to see you on Goodreads :-)
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7763115-the-briton-and-the-dane
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7763115-the-briton-and-the-dane
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sorry to disappoint
I have been asked to post a genealogy chart on my Resource Page. Unfortunately I cannot accommodate this request at this time since I promised there would be NO SPOILERS.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bookworm Book Signing Information
Check out the Bookworm's newsletter which mentions the upcoming book signing on April 17th at 1 pm. The store is located in Countryside Village, Omaha NE
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Updated Glossary of Terms
Abbey: Monastic community
Abbott: Administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall
walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Burh: Fortified town
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the
wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Turret: Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Abbott: Administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess: Administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms: Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Bailey: Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements: Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall
walk
Benedictine Order: Religious community founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Burh: Fortified town
Chapter House: Religious community administrative center
Cloister: Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer: Chest
Compline: 9 pm prayer service
Cowl: Monk’s hooded cloak
Dane: People of Denmark
Dragonship: Viking longship, longboat
Fealty: Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe: Toilet
Gate: Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse: Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of the
wood gate
Give quarter: Spare life, take prisoners
Gong Farmer: Cleans the toilets
Great Hall: Main room for meetings / dining
Inner Bailey: Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep: Large tower
Illumination: Artistically decorated manuscripts
Mead: Intoxicating beverage
Made from water, honey, malt and yeast
Parapet: Wall rampart
Postern Gate: Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Poultice: Medicinal paste
Psalter: Book of Psalms
Prime: 6 am prayer service
Rampart: Embankment which encircles the fortification
Sconce: Mounted torch holders
Candlestick
Take the Cowl: Become a Monk
Take the Veil: Become a Nun
Turret: Small tower
Vespers: 6 pm prayer service
Viking: Scandinavian warriors / seafarers
Wall Walk: Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thanks Connie at UNMC
Connie did a fantastic job on my retirement party. The book cover cake was just awesome. Thanks too for the great support from my coworkers. I have been truly blessed.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Glossary of Terms
Abbey Monastic community
Abbott Administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess Administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Bailey Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order Founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Burh Fortified town
Chapter House Religious community administrative center
Cloister Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer Chest
Dane People of Denmark
Dragonship Viking longship, longboat
Fealty Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe Toilet
Gate Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of
the wood gate
Gong Farmer Cleans the toilets
Great Hall Main room for meetings and dining
Inner Bailey Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep Large tower
Illumination Artistically decorated manuscripts
Parapet Wall rampart
Postern Gate Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Psalter Book of Psalms
Rampart Embankment which encircles the fortification
Take the Cowl Become a Monk
Take the Veil Become a Nun
Turret Small tower
Viking Scandinavian warriors
Wall Walk Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Abbott Administrator of monastery / abbey
Abbess Administrator of monastery / abbey
Alms Gifts of money / services / goods for the poor
Bailey Outer courtyard of the fortification
Battlements Defensive structure along the outer edge of the wall walk
Benedictine Order Founded by St. Benedictine
Vows of personal poverty, chastity and obedience
Burh Fortified town
Chapter House Religious community administrative center
Cloister Enclosed inner courtyard in a monastery / abbey
Coffer Chest
Dane People of Denmark
Dragonship Viking longship, longboat
Fealty Swear loyalty and allegiance to an overlord / ruler
Garderobe Toilet
Gate Heavy wood doors for entry
Gatehouse Main entry with towers / barriers on each side of
the wood gate
Gong Farmer Cleans the toilets
Great Hall Main room for meetings and dining
Inner Bailey Courtyard in the center of the fortification
Keep Large tower
Illumination Artistically decorated manuscripts
Parapet Wall rampart
Postern Gate Secondary gate at the rear of the fortification
Psalter Book of Psalms
Rampart Embankment which encircles the fortification
Take the Cowl Become a Monk
Take the Veil Become a Nun
Turret Small tower
Viking Scandinavian warriors
Wall Walk Walkway on top of wall which encircles the fortification
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
A Call for Glossary Terms
Some of my fans are requesting a glossary of terms which they can refer to as they follow their favorite characters in the 9th Century. Please submit any words you would like to see on the page. The file will be available on the Resource page on my webpage: www.maryannbernal.com.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Thank you Steven for the great review
I found the debut novel of Mary Ann Bernal to be a profound, engaging, incredibly detailed piece of work. From the conclusion of the first sentence the novel is impossible to put down. These are not cookie cutter characters, and this is no paint by numbers story. Drenched in a rich, vibrant, and carefully researched pool of history, the characters manage to exist beyond their page - they have been given form - what they feel, you will feel. Whether you have an interest in this era of history or not makes little difference. "The Briton and the Dane" is likely to engage readers of all sorts. To say I'm anxious for the sequel would indeed be the understatement of the year.
Steven N., California
Steven N., California
Monday, March 1, 2010
Networking
I have been truly blessed with such wonderful friends and coworkers who have been spreading the word about "The Briton and the Dane." Our numbers grow daily and book orders continue to pour in. God is truly orchestrating this wonderful journey.