Veronica's #Writer'sDiary, Vintage Vibes 1958

How's your #NewYear2021 going? I'm still basking in the #holiday lights for a few more moments. Today's post is a blast to the past...1958 to be exact... "(MCMLVIII)...the 958th year of the 2nd millennium, the 58th year of the 20th century, and the 9th year of the 1950s decade". Impressive!

The feature pic⏫ this week intrigued me. It's a 3 cent postage stamp depiction of the 1957-1958 International Geophysical Year (IGY), when scientists from sixty-seven countries launched major scientific initiatives that slightly melted the Cold War segregation of ideas. This period of time was also when I was in utero gestation, entering the world some 5 months into this global brain trust on January 3rd (yes, I just entered my 63rd year😍💖👑). I've always loved science and engineering, I guess a bit of those IGY vibes rubbed off! I thought I'd share some of the amazing accomplishments resulting from the IGY and other bits of trivia that caught my interest from a looksie back at 1958 (data courtesy of Wikipedia and The People's History):

• Establishment of World Data Systems to archive quality assured scientific data and allow for equal access of data across nations

• Ice Skate 2, a floating, scientific platform that mapped the bottom of the Arctic Ocean

• Launch of satellites including the Soviet's Sputnik 1 and America's Explorer 1

• Research in cosmic rays, geomagnetism, gravity, mapping and solar activity

In other science news:

• NASA is created

• USS Nautilus nuclear submarine crosses under the North Pole in the first undersea journey

• Brussel's World Fair, Expo 58 begins

• Hope Diamond is donated to the Smithsonian Institution

• Sir Edmund Hillary reaches the South Pole

• Microchip is invented

Now it wasn't all scientific fun and games, one mustn't forget the entertainment scene:

• The U.S. Army inducts Elvis Presley, The King Of Rock & Roll is now a Private

• Bobby Fischer, 14, wins the United States Chess Championship

• President Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes the first American elected official to be broadcast on color television

• Wham-o introduces the Hula Hoop

• Broadway musical, 'My Fair Lady' opens in London (w/ Julie Andrews as Eliza Doolittle)

• Popular TV shows: Candid Camera; The Ed Sullivan Show; Alfred Hitchcock Presents

• Popular films: Vertigo; Bridge on the River Kwai; Gigi, South Pacific

Fast forward to this first week of 2021. It's been a lovely time so far, filled with birthday sparkle, giggles and reflection. I'm looking forward to this new year at 63 and the adventures I/we will be pursuing. Here's to a fabulous year! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

#AmWriting #AmPromoting

I'm planning my calendar of literary events this week to prep for some upcoming milestones. In addition to writing Twins in the City, my first two books in the series are going to be celebrating their 3 year birthday as well in February and March. I'll be offering some really cool giveaways and promos that I'm super excited about--stay tuned!

Okay, okay...here's a sneak peek at some of the giveaways (courtesy of my lovely, talented nieces!) 💖👑Almost-Royal silver #spoons anyone?👑💖 #Gorgeous😍

#AmReading #AmReviewing

An epic tale of synergistic events this week from the writer's of Twitter...

Author John Dolan, Adventures in Mythopoeia, 5⭐

Every once in a blue moon you stumble as a reader onto a book that captures the moods and experiences of the times--sometimes intriguing, sometimes meh, but all leading to a cascade of outcomes only the gods could invent, or perhaps the above average writer in the midst of an epiphany of creative conceptualizations. In this extraordinary tale, you will meet a variety of characters from contrasting social circles who perhaps would never assemble much less interact under normal circumstances, but these are not conventional times. Mythical elements from the ancients have come out to play, and life as we know it is about to change.

A thieving gang, a mob-thirsty Madame, circus misfits, a secret society (I so want to be a member of) and a nineteen-year old limited by the ravages of progeria would normally be unlikely cast members, but again their individual and subsequent group tales are not of ordinary circumstances. We'll travel through the towns and villages of England, visit an archeological dig in Scotland, experience forbidden loves, first loves and the trials and tribulations that are stirred by the liaisons. Will their bonds survive what is to come? Or suffer the perils of ill timed fate?

Adventures in Mythopoeia is in my opinion, the magnum opus of author John Dolan. It is an epic tale that takes us to unimaginable scenarios brimming with dark wit, imagination and the boldness to venture into the mystic depths of the origins of being. I am a fan of his mystery series, but I must say this book blew my little gray cells away. If you only read one book in 2021, I highly suggest this one. Prepare to be dazzled.

Next up in the #reading queue:

#BOOKEM is still on a #Holiday Hiatus--We'll Back Next Week!

Welcome to my world. Have a fabulous rest of your #week and #weekend friends!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. Still enjoying my lovely, birthday roses! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑