Ruth Elizabeth Stiff
Bio
I love all things Earthy and Self-Help
History is one of my favourite subjects and I love to write short fiction
Research is so interesting for me too
Stories (911)
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What Do You Dream?
Do you believe that dreams mean anything? We all dream, even if we don’t remember our dreams, it is a normal part of our lives. We drift off to sleep and, in our minds, we go into another world — hopefully a nice world. I’ve had many dreams of my mum (she died of breast cancer), and I feel indescribable joy — we are both smiling, happy, cuddling — and it seems so real! I like to ‘believe’ that mum visits me from the other side. We were close when she was alive, more like a sister than a mum, and yes, I do miss her even after 20 years!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Humans
Norman Hartnell
“As a rule, ladies of the Royal Family wear light coloured clothes because such colours are more discernible against a crowd”. He gained the Royal Warrant as Dressmaker to Queen ELizabeth II in 1940 and in 1957. His first commission (for the ladies of the Royal Family) was to design the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses for the marriage of Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott to Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. The two bridesmaids were the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. His most famous design was the Coronation dress of Elizabeth II. He was Norman Hartnell.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
Julie and I have arrived safely in Paris for the Bridal Fashion Show. What a beautiful place! The hotel is lovely, old fashioned — I’d say Victorian in style — and because the company are paying, we’ve got a really lovely shared bedroom, ensuite bathroom and sitting room (although why as we’ll never use it), Sarah booked the same hotel for her and her fiance, two door away from us, so we’re going to have breakfast and dinner together. Plus, there are three mornings free during the week and Julie and I will be doing some sight-seeing. I’ve been to Paris before but Julie hasn’t, so she is very excited. I’m going to keep her close. Jack and I will phone either early morning or late evening.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Fiction
Today's Lesson is Life in the Elizabethan Era
Good Queen Bess was popular with her people, especially towards the end of her 45 year reign. After the domineering reign of her sister, “Bloody Mary”, Elizabeth brought England back to the Protestant faith and refused to persecute Catholics or put them to death, especially after her sister had executed over 300 Protestants. Also, Elizabeth I never married, calling “England” her husband, showing how much she cared for her people. Elizabeth I was one of the longest reigning Queens of England, many of her people never knowing any other Queen (or King)!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
Good Morning Diary, It’s been another busy few days. I've sold only the one house in Florida — $3 million to a lovely couple, she’s pregnant with twins and he’s just started a very nice job with nice pay — good luck to them both! Jack has settled on being the Headmaster of his school but said he won’t be touring anymore, having too much to learn and do on his father’s estate (which he’s already started, reading through the “Inventory”). Mum is so excited about us moving into the “Big House”, she can hardly contain herself. She said she’s going to give up her dancing and come and help me (which I will appreciate, especially at the start), but whether she can live with us there — I’m not sure. Jack says to ask his father.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Fiction
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
It’s only been a few days since I last wrote but so much has happened!!! I’ve managed to sell 2 houses in Florida = 1 x $5 million / 1 x $3 million = giving us a nice commission. I’ve done the virtual tours again, and just on those alone they sold. Mary wants me to carry on (if I can) and I am thinking maybe I can. Whilst we’re still here, I’ll do what I can. Jack seems to think it’s a good idea, especially if I can do this from home. We’ll see. I’ve got another 6 houses on my list but I’m going to give 4 of them to Mary to hand out because I’m just not sure I’ll have the time in the next few months.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Fiction
Today's Lesson is the Stuart Era
Good morning, today we will be looking at what life was like during the Stuart Era. The years are 1603 to 1714 and four Kings and two Queens reigned over England at this time. Most of the population were poor, with many living in real poverty. There was a surge in the population which had the knock-on effect, impacting the living standards which added to the poverty and many were hungry. It was at this time in history that The Poor Laws were introduced, with the aim to help relieve life for the very poorest of people.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
We’ve had another busy week!!! I’ve decided to carry on with the brokerage until we actually move into Jack’s father’s estate, which may be next month some time. Jack can’t see why I should give it up and — I don’t really want to — but it does need a lot more thinking about. Jack has gone over to America, to the School, to sort out his position there because they have offered him to be the Headmaster, which is amazing. The tours he’s been doing were to build up publicity about the School and ‘it’s done the job’, so they have asked him to be the Headmaster. Jack wants to so he is going to ‘sort things out’ so that he can keep his career as well as join in with the Earldom (I think that’s right).
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Fiction
Today's Lesson is the Hanoverian Kings
Good morning, today we will be looking at the Kings who ruled during the Georgian Era. There were 5 Kings = 4 x Georges and 1x William. Covering the years from 1714 to 1830, these Kings are called the Hanoverian Kings. During their reigns, England was at peace for only 12 years and 8 months. Also, Enlgand’s ‘landscape’ started to change with regards to the arts, religion, social reform and politics.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
What's In A Day?
The housemaid started her work between 5.30am and 6am, taking tea to the Lady’s maid and the Housekeeper and by 6.30am they started to light the fires, clean the ‘public’ rooms, make the beds, sweep, dust and clean the bedrooms, and the list goes on to even polishing the windows and cleaning the marble floors, as well as making sure the fires stoked properly. This is a 14 to 16 hour day — and all for £22 a year!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
