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Brandywine in Literature, History, and Art. Photo by Teresa Knudsen.
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 October 07, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Brandywine in Literature, History, and Art

The word "brandy" is short for "brandy-wine." The Oxford English Dictionary notes that the term "brandy-wine is derived from the Dutch word brande-wijn, meaning "burnt wine."

Brandywine in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

In J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, the Brandywine River and Bridge are described. In the first book, The Fellowship of the Ring. The Brandywine River, or Baranduin, flows through the eastern section of the Shire. This is the river that Frodo and his friends cross, using the East Road as it crossed the Brandywine Bridge, on the way to Bree and The Prancing Pony tavern.

The Brandywine served as a sort of border for the hobbits. Hobbiton was on the west side of the river, and hobbits looked suspiciously on those living on the east side of the river, "the wrong side of the Brandywine River," as stated by Sam Gamgee's next door neighbor, Daddy Twofoot.

The Lion in Winter and Brandy Wine

James Goldman's play and film The Lion in Winter takes place during Christmas in the year 1183.

Henry II (Peter O'Toole) is king of British lands, including much of France. He and his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Katharine Hepburn) argue about which of their three sons will inherit the British throne and accompanying lands in France. Henry wants John (Nigel Terry), Eleanor wants Richard, (Anthony Hopkins) and nobody wants Geoffrey (John Castle).

One of the most famous scenes in the filmed version takes place in the bedchamber of the King of France, Philip II (Timothy Dalton). After John and Geoffrey visit Philip to offer their services and betray their brother, they hide in tapestries when Richard knocks at the door.
Upon entering, Richard is offered some brandy wine for refreshment.
Philip states, "Our alchemists have stumbled on the art of boiling burgandy. It turns to steam, and when it cools, we call it brandywine."

Shortly after an intimate conversation between Philip and Richard, there is another knock at the door, sending Richard to another tapestry, with John and Geoffrey still hidden.

It is Henry II, coming to discuss strategy with Philip.
As they are talking, Henry pours himself a drink and asks, "More brandy wine?"
Philip replies, "You recognize it?"
Henry answers, "They were boiling it in Ireland before the snakes left."

According to the "I Like Wine" website, brandy wine, now known as "brandy" is one of the best ways to enjoy wine. "In its finest form that of a matured fine Champagne of anything from fifty to ninety years surely no liquid under heaven can compare with it!

Battle of the Brandywine, fought on September 11, 1777 at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania

In the second year of the American Revolution, British General William Howe and his troops were headed north from the Chesapeake Bay area, with the goal of capturing Philadelphia. George Washington decided to defend Philadelphia by placing his troops at Chadds Ford, a popular crossing of the Brandywine Creek, or River, on the pike, or road, between Baltimore and Philadelphia.

However, Howe set up a diversion, sending some of the troops to Chadds Ford, where Washington expected the British, but ordering the bulk of the troops north, where they crossed the Brandywine, and then marched south, in a surprise attack the American troops.

Washington lost many men and the battle on that hot day on the Brandywine. He was unable to prevent the British takeover of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777.

Despite these setbacks, the colonial troops kept their spirit, certain that inaccurate field reports and the overpowering number of British forces were the cause for the loss.

The Brandywine School of Art, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

Howard Pyle (1853-1911) is called the Father of American Illustration. Pyle earned this reputation especially for an art school he founded in the Brandywine Valley in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania.near his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.

Entranced by the beauty of the Brandywine Creek and rolling, wooded hills, Pyle was also captivated by the Revolutionary War history, especially of the Brandywine Battlefield. One of the most famous pieces of art inspired by the Brandywine Battlefield is Pyle's oil painting, The Nation Makers, 1903.

During the years 1898 to 1902, Pyle taught students during sunners near the town of Chadd's Ford. Here is the advice he gave his students: “Live in your picture, become one with it, feel its mood and action in every part of you.”

Pyle and his students excelled in the art of illustration, then so necessary for the growing publishing industry which still depended on drawings more than the new art of photography.

Pyle reportedly spent time by himself at the battle site, becoming so engaged that he imagined seeing a Revolutionary soldier. This experience inspired The Nation Makers, which captured the American colonial troops, dressed in clothes as tattered as the American flag they marched with.

Brandywine Winds Through Obscurity to Fame

Though many people might not be familiar with the Brandywine School of Art, the Brandywine Battlefield, and the term Brandywine for the more well-known brandy,it is Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and the Peter Jackson film Fellowship of the Ring, which has introduced the pretty name of "Brandywine" to modern culture. As time goes on, perhaps more people will learn of the other meanings of the word "Brandy wine."
References

• “Howard Pyle and Twilight Land.”
• "I Like Wine.com
• Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
• Brandywine River
• Brandywine River Museum
• The Fellowship of the Ring. Film directed by Peter Jackson, 2001.
• Tolkien, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1974.

Daphne du Maurier, Cornwall Romance Writer. Photo "Young Daphne du Maurier."
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 November 24, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Daphne du Maurier, Cornwall Romance Writer

Daphne du Maurier (1907-1989) was born into an artistic family, with links to art, theatre, and film. The grand-daughter of George du Maurier-writer and artist-and daughter of Gerald du Maurier-famous British actor-Daphne nevertheless found that the trappings of London high society bored and distracted her. She found solace in quaint, quiet Cornwall, where she worked to develop her talent as a writer.

The Early Writings at Ferryside, Bodinnick, Fowey

In the year 1927, aged twenty, Daphne finally got her wish to escape to Cornwall, where she found the conditions she needed to write. Her family purchased a home on Fowey Harbor, and Daphne was able to spend much time alone there.

Mostly accompanied by her dog, Bingo, Daphne followed a writing schedule. What she noticed more than anything was her ability to write in Cornwall.

"I was never for one moment bored or depressed." (p. 116).

She began exploring the countryside, and writing short stories and sketches.
She wrote at a desk in her bedroom, from which she had a view of the harbor.

The Loving Spirit

During one of her rambles, Daphne had come across a schooner named the Jane Slade. Inspired by the ship. She was able to find the grave of Jane Symons, who was the model for the figurehead of the Jane Slade ship, and was given some of Jane's letters from the early 1800s.

Du Maurier began to cut her writing teeth on a heart-felt story of Jane, titled The Loving Spirit.

Sailing in the Marie Louise

With the story of Jane Slade brewing in her mind, Daphne took walks, and found descendents of the Slade family who still worked on boats. From them, she purchased a sailboat, which gave her great solace.

As she wrote in her autobiography Myself When Young, "Utter peace comes upon me when out to sea." (p. 156).

Trespassing and Finding Menabilly

On one of her many walks, she also explored a deserted estate, the grounds over-grown, the ancient mansion falling into ruin. Daphne used the words "bewitched" to describe her feelings, and wrote in her diary, "The place has taken hold of me." (Myself When Young, p. 144). She would later return, and begin her famous masterpiece Rebecca, and live with her own family at Menabilly.

The Loving Spirit, 1930-1931

In 1930, the manuscript for The Loving Spirit was accepted for publication. Despite her happiness at the publication, she also felt a depression upon finishing the novel. To combat being down in the dumps, she began another story.

Thus began the writing career of Daphne du Maurier, who couldn't write in London, but who found the inspiration, peace, and solitude necessary for her by the sea in Cornwall.

References
Champion, Jim. Photographer. Pendour Cove and Trewey Cliff, Cornwall, England. 29 August, 2006.
Connolley, Mat. Photographer. Fowey Harbor.24 July 2007.
Du Maurier, Daphne. Myself When Young: The Shaping of a Writer. Garden City: New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1977.
Photo of Daphne du Maurier from Wikipedia Commons. About 1930.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Young_Daphne_du_Maurier.jpg

Easy and Quick Holiday Pecan Tarts. Photo by Teresa Knudsen.
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 November 28, 2009. 
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Easy and Quick Holiday Pecan Tarts

During the holidays, one of the biggest baking challenges is coming up with a dessert that is easy to make, easy to keep, and popular with friends and family.

Delicious pecan tarts, the smaller cousin of pecan pie, offer a sumptuous taste, and are a wonderful addition to any holiday feasting, whether with a lot of people, or alone during a break.

Recipe for the Crust

• 12 ounces cream cheese (Note: With 16 oz., add 1/2 cup flour, but dough will taste more "floury.")
• 2 cups butter
• 4 cups flour
• 1 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans (walnuts or almonds will also work)

After pre-heating the oven at 350 degrees, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the flour, one cup at a time. Then, add the finely chopped pecans. Chill for about 20 minutes.

On a floured surface, roll out the dough, cut into 3" or 4" circles, and place into a greased muffin pan.

For smaller, 1" tarts, cut about 1 1/4". For creative edges, experiment with fluted teacups, pressed gently into the dough.

Or, to make crust without rolling out the dough, just shape dough into 1 inch balls, place into muffin pan, and press to make the muffin shape.

Recipe for Filling

• 3 cups brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 tsp. vanilla
• 3 tablespoons soft or melted butter
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts or almonds)

Blend the ingredients for the filling. Use a large spoon or a small measuring cup and almost fill to the top of each tart crust in the muffin pan. (About 3/4 to the top will work).

Baking Directions

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden, and the top of the tart is fairly solid.
Usually the top is cooked so that a light tap will feel solid.
(Note: The filling inside is sometimes jelly-like or sometimes runny. Both are good!)

Remove muffin pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool for about 5 minutes.
Then, run a flat knife between each tart and the muffin pan to loosen the tart.

Then lift each tart out of the pan and onto the cooling rack. Tarts should be lightly browned on sides and bottom. If not, place in muffin pan and cook for another five minutes or so.

Let the tarts cool completely; then place into a holiday cookie tin, lined with waxed paper. Cooled tarts can be stacked in the tin, with a layer of waxed paper between each layer of tarts.

Pecan tarts should keep for several weeks in the tins, usually through the holidays, especially if the tins are kept in a cool location. However, these tarts are eaten so quickly, that keeping them fresh is usually not a problem.

Displaying Tarts

These tarts are "sleepers" in that holiday guests will often select them last, after the brightly colored sugar cookies. Then, someone will try a tart, and then another. Soon, all the guests will be trying the tarts, often with a guilty look as they reach for their fourth or fifth tart.

Tarts look very attractive on paper doilies, or holiday plates.
Because there are nuts in the crust, the gooey tart center often drips a bit.
Be sure to provide plates or napkins, though most people will just lick their fingers.
Serve the tarts with freshly ground and brewed coffee, tea, or herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile.

Special Uses for Tarts

Sharing the tarts with family, friends, and co-workers is ideal. But these tarts are also wonderful in a quiet moment, alone with a nice book or novel, sitting by the window and looking out at the winter day.

English Verb Tenses, English Verb Conjugations, Quick and Easy
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 September 10, 2010.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

English Verb Tenses, English Verb Conjugations, Quick and Easy

Learning to use the 12 English verb tenses can be fun, quick, and easy.
In fact, the verb tenses are like ingredients to the recipe for writing, reading, speaking, and listening.
Here are some basic guidelines.

The Twelve English Verb Tenses

1. Simple Present
2. Simple Past
3. Simple Future
4. Present Progressive
5. Past Progressive
6. Future Progressive
7. Present Perfect
8. Past Perfect
9. Future Perfect
10. Present Perfect Progressive
11. Past Perfect Progressive
12. Future Perfect Progressive

Sections of the Twelve English Verb Tenses

Some learners like to divide the 12 verb tenses into four sections. Dividing the tenses helps to understand how to form and use the tenses.
The simple tenses are:

1. Simple Present
2. Simple Past
3. Simple Future

The progressive tenses,also called the continuous tenses are:

1. Present Progressive
2. Past Progressive
3. Future Progressive

The perfect tenses are:

1. Present Perfect
2. Past Perfect
3. Future Perfect

The perfect progressive tenses, also called the perfect continuous tenses are:

1. Present Perfect Progressive
2. Past Perfect Progressive
3. Future Perfect Progressive

Sections of the Twelve English Verb Tenses With the Verb "Work"

Some learners like to divide the 12 verb tenses into four sections, for verb conjugations.
The simple tenses are:

1. Simple Present: I work.
2. Simple Past: I worked.
3. Simple Future: I will work.

The progressive tenses,also called the continuous tenses are:

1. Present Progressive: I am working.
2. Past Progressive: I was working.
3. Future Progressive: I will be working.

The perfect tenses are:

1. Present Perfect: I have worked.
2. Past Perfect: I had worked.
3. Future Perfect: I will have worked.

The perfect progressive tenses, also called the perfect continuous tenses are:

1. Present Perfect Progressive: I have been working.
2. Past Perfect Progressive: I had been working.
3. Future Perfect Progressive: I will have been working.

A Sample of the Verb "Work" Conjugated in the 12 Verb Tenses

Here is a listing of 12 sentences, using the verb "work" in all 12 verb tenses.
Key words are included, which help to indicate the time and the tense that is being used.
1. Everyday, I work on the computer.
2. Yesterday, I worked for five hours.
3. Tomorrow, I will work for 2 hours.
4. Right now, I am working.
5. Yesterday, I was working for five hours.
6. Tomorrow, I will be working for 2 hours.
7. I have worked one day this week.
8. Last week, I had worked five days.
9. By next week, I will have worked 6 days.
10. I have been working one day.
11. Last week, I had been working five days.
12. By next week, I will have been working 6 days.

Learning the 12 Verb Tenses and Conjugations

Grammar books will list and explain these verb tenses in more detail. Some language learners like the structured approach to learning the verb tenses. Other language learners like to assimilate the verb tenses by reading and listening to native English. Still other learners use both approaches. Whatever approach the learner chooses, the most important thing to remember is that the verb tenses can be easy, and to keep trying, and success will come.

References
Azar, Betty and Stacy Hagen. Understanding and Using English Grammar. 4th Edition. New York: Pearson-Longman, 2009.