A Western Christmas Homecoming

by Kathryn Albright

Have you ever had to forgive someone who hurt you?

The ups and downs of emotions when a boy desires a girl -- and a girl wants a boy -- 

but the past has painted a less than rosy memory...  How do they ever get beyond 

the hurt and perceptions of the past? 

Perhaps romance writers are eternal optimists...the way they believe that in the end 

kindness, forgiveness, and love matter more. It's been said that holding on to 

past hurts and grudges cripples the one with the strong grip. 

Abigail, in Christmas With the Outlaw, can be a bit … prickly. It's her way of coping, her way of staving off disappointments and protecting herself. The only one she has ever let close is her brother, Teddy, but now he has married and is starting a family of his own. She is quite alone -- 

with the heavy cloak of her sharp attitude pulled tight around her.

In the last story of the Oak Grove Series, I thought it was high time Abigail White, 

intrepid reporter, had her own … Happy Ever After. 

~ Excerpt from Christmas With the Outlaw 
(in A Western Christmas Homecoming)

Russ drained the cup on his next sip. It wasn’t very big—a woman’s dainty, painted teacup. He was glad that she held it. In his hand, it might shatter. Well…maybe not so much now considering how weak he felt. He lay back against the pillow as a wave of gratitude washed over him that she’d been here…that Teddy had been here. “So… I made it to Oak Grove.”
    “You wouldn’t have made it an inch farther. What in the world happened?”
    He was still trying to sort that part out. “A lot. I…uh…appreciate you taking me in.” She hadn’t wanted to. He remembered hearing that much during a lucid moment.
    Startled, she met his gaze. “Russ… Of course, you are welcome. We’ve had our differences, but I would never want you…”
    “Dead?” He gave a half laugh to cover his frustration. His life had suddenly come undone. To hell with the teacup, his life was what was shattered, and he’d played a part in letting it happen. “We didn’t get on all that well, you and me. Guess you’re entitled to your own opinion.”
    They were harsh words, but honest.
    She avoided his gaze. Where was her patent keen retort? Her silence now could only mean one of two things. Either he’d been so near expiring that he really had frightened her or, which was more likely, her opinion of him was still mired in the mud. Unspoken, but heavy in the room, was their last parting.
    She set the teacup aside. “How is Tim?”
    So it was still Tim. He blew out a breath, a sense of unease weighting his gut. “He’s married now. Loves ranching. He and his wife are expecting their first baby.”
    She pulled back, her composure stiff. “Then he’s content living in Colorado.”
    “Abby. He wasn’t for you.”
    She pressed her lips together. “That really isn’t any of your business. Then or now.”
    Why was she still angry with him after all this time? Didn’t she realize that she had deserved someone who was more her match? Someone stronger, with more grit than Timothy. Someone a heck more like himself. “If he had really wanted to stay, he would have.”
    “You’re implying I should be grateful that you whisked him away?”
    “Yeah. Maybe you should.” Tim was too easily swayed. She would have been bored after a month of marriage. Russ figured he’d saved her from a pile of grief and he wasn’t one bit sorry about it. “It proved his mettle.”
    A moment passed as she mulled over his words. “Teddy once said the same thing.”
    “There you go.”
    She met his gaze. “No one calls me Abby here. When we moved here, I asked Teddy to introduce me as Abigail. It’s more professional.”
    “Hmph. I like Abby.” She’d always be Abby to him.
    Amusement flashed in her eyes. “You would.” Then her entire demeanor softened as she lowered her shoulders. “I suppose I like it too. And Russ…I’m glad you felt you could come to Teddy…come to us for help. Friends are…so very important.”
    As long as they don’t shoot you, he thought bitterly. How long had it been since then? “What day is it?”
    “Early Wednesday. Morning has just broken. I found you yesterday in our storage room.”
    Four days then. McCabe was shot on Saturday. Word would be out about him.
    She studied him, her dark brows knitting together. “The important thing now is that you are better. You are going to be all right.” She stood. “I’ll see to some breakfast for us.”
    He wasn’t used to having anyone worry over him—not since his own mother. Yet he couldn’t deny that it felt good to be among friends he could trust, friends who cared. “Sounds good. I’m starving.”
    A wry smile formed on her lips, revealing dimples on each cheek.
    He remembered those dimples. At thirteen, they’d been inconsistent with the rest of her sharp-edged personality and she hadn't showed them much anyway. Now? Hmm…
    “Starving it is? Then you must be feeling better. Perhaps you won’t even mind my cooking.”
    How difficult could it be to whip together toast and eggs? “You’ve got to be teasing.” And then it struck him. Abby? Teasing?
    Her cheeks flamed pink. “No. Actually, I’m telling the truth.” She scooted from the room.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Thank you for stopping by Sweet Americana Sweethearts. 

In this season of love and giving, I want to wish you a very, merry Christmas! 

AMAZON |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  HARLEQUIN

Old West Slang by Sophie Dawson

Every era, culture, area, and any other sub-group of a population has its own slang words. Being from the rural Mid-West, our slang tends to be less trendy than those from more metropolitan areas.
Wanting to give characters more personality I’ve researched Cowboy and Western slang. Some are quite familiar and still in use today. Others… Well, let’s just say they are colorful and left to be read and amused about.

A Lick and a Promise - To do a haphazard job. "She just gave it a lick and a promise.
Airtights - Canned goods, such as canned beans, milk, or fruit.

At Sea - At a loss, not comprehending. "When it comes to understanding women, I’m at sea.
Bamboozle - To deceive, impose upon, confound. "After Nick had bamboozled about the money, he was arrested.”
Barkin' at a Knot - Doing something useless; wasting your time, trying something impossible.
Barking Irons - Pistols.’
Biggest Toad in the Puddle - The most important person in a group.
Calf Slobbers - Meringue on the top of pie.

Canned Cow - Canned milk.
Conniption Fit - A fit of hysteria.
Come a Cropper - Come to ruin, fail, or fall heavily. "He had big plans to get rich, but it all became a cropper, when the railroad didn't come through."
Disremember - Forget or choose to forget.
Driving the Nail -  A sport consisting of attempts to drive a nail into a post with rifle or pistol fire.
Dumpish - Sad, melancholy
Fetch - Bring, give. "Fetch me that hammer." "He fetched him a punch in the nose."
Fixin' - Intending. "I'm fixin' to get supper started."
Fixings or Fixins' - Cooked food, also called "Doings." Arrangements, embellishments, trimmings, garnishings. The term was also used for the tobacco and paper needed to roll cigarettes.
Get a Wiggle On - Hurry.
Grassed - To be thrown from a horse.
Hitched - Got married.
Hitch in the Giddy-up - Not feeling well, as in: "I've had a hitch in my giddy-up the last couple days."
Keep That Dry - Keep it secret.
Knee-high to a... - Humorous description of short stature or youth. "He ain’t knee-high to a grasshopper.”

Knobs - Spurs
Lands Sakes! -  A more socially acceptable alternative for "Lord's sake."
Lead Poisoning - Shot. "He died of lead poisoning."
Mountain Oysters - Fried or roasted calves' testicles. Also called Prairie Oysters.
Muddy end of the Stick - Short end of the stick.
Mud Fence, Ugly as a - Used to describe someone who was very ugly.
Necessary - Outhouse, water closet; bathroom.
Night Hawk - While the rest of the cowboys slept under the stars on a cattle drive, one unlucky soul who drew the short straw, the "night hawk", had to stay up all night standing guard.
Peskily - Very, extremely, confoundedly. "I'm peskily sorry to hear of your loss.”
Pop Your Corn - Say what you have to say, speak out.
Prairie Coal - Cowchips.

Raft - A large quantity.
Salt Horse - Corned beef.
Simon Pure - The real thing, a genuine fact. "This is the Simon pure."
Skunk Eggs - Onions.
Slap-Jacks - Pancakes.
Talk a donkey's hind leg off - To talk with no purpose.
War Bag - Cowboys traveled light, and stored their meager worldly possessions in his "war bag". Inside was generally everything he owned, typically an extra set of clothes, extra ammunition, spare parts for equipment, playing cards, bill of sale for his horse, and maybe a harmonica or a few precious letters. Also called a "war sack" and a "yannigan bag."
Whistle Berries - Beans.

Found on https://www.legendsofamerica.com/

Sophie Dawson writes sweet, clean romances both historical and contemporary. Her next release is Wanted: Shopkeeper available for pre-order at https://www.amazon.com/Wanted-Shopkeeper-Silverpines-Book-4-ebook/dp/B07BWZ4ZF3

Social Games of the 1800s

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My household is a family of "gamers." Over the years, snow-days and holidays and birthday parties, whenever we were all together, we would usually have a game of some sorts going. 

What would they had been playing if we had all lived in the 1800’s? Some of the social games from then survived into my childhood, such as Blind Man’s Buff and Twenty Questions and Musical Chairs. But no matter the year or century, games have always provided a way for people to have fun, "let down their hair" a little, laugh, interact socially, flirt, and enjoy socially approved physical contact. It was mostly the upper and middle class that enjoyed them.

Something to remember about the spirit of the social games of the 1800s involving boys and girls, men and women, is that an overly competitive attitude was considered “poor form.” The idea was to have fun together and not to “out-do” another player to the point that feelings were hurt. Camaraderie, a relaxing of inhibitions, and laughing at one’s self were the important aspect of social games.

Here are a few examples of games from the 1800s that involve a mixing of the genders ~ 

Puss, Puss in the Corner

For the game, all that you need is a fairly square room with four corners and the furniture moved out of the way. If played outside, you need something to denote the four corners such as bean bags or chairs. I suppose a baseball diamond could be used, but such a large area would make for a very energetic game. The game requires five or more players. One stands in the center of the square, while the others stand in each corner. The central player calls out: “Puss, puss in the corner!” On the word “corner” everyone moves to a different corner. Since there are five players, one will always be left out and that one becomes the new “Puss.” If more players are involved, the one left out of a corner goes to the end of a line of the others waiting to play, and the first in that line becomes the new “Puss.” Sometimes when this game was played, a “forfeit” was demanded of the one who became the new Puss.  

Twirl the Trencher

In this game, everyone sits in a large circle (with or without chairs depending on the age of participants.) Each player is assigned either a number, an animals name, or a flower’s name. The starter goes to the center of the circle and spins a plate on its edge (wooden or some other unbreakable plate or disc.) He calls out a number or one of the names and dashes to his seat. The person being called out, must jump up and rush to the plate to spin it again and call out another player. The play continues until someone is not quick enough and the plate falls. That player, then must pay a forfeit. 

The Key of the King’s Garden

This is a memory game much like Grandmother’s Trunk. Players sit in a circle. The one starting begins by saying “I sell you the Key to the King’s Garden.” Then indicates a player on his right or left. That player adds to the sentence. For example, by saying, “I sell you the chain that held the Key of the King’s Garden.” Then it is the next person’s turn in the circle. “I sell you the dog that wore the chain that held the Key of the King’s Garden.” This continues around until everyone has played. If someone does not repeat the words exactly, a forfeit is demanded.

Forfeits
(My favorite part!)

These games were played for fun with a light-hearted attitude. Keeping score (numerically) wasn’t done. However, there was such a thing as “forfeits” which added tremendously to the fun.

Forfeits occurred when someone made a mistake, lost their chance to a seat or space in the game, or lost in some way. That player would write their name on a piece of paper, which would then be placed in a bowl or basket. At the end of the game (or the evening,) a judge would be chosen. A second player would select a paper from the bowl and announce: “I have a forfeit to be redeemed.” The judge would ask whether it belonged to a lady or a gentleman. Upon learning which it was, he would then assign a task for the person to perform (not knowing the actual person’s identity.)

Examples of “forfeit” tasks ~

The Imitation  

A man puts on a lady’s hat and imitates the owner. Or a woman puts on a man’s hat and imitates the owner.

The Statue  

The “forfeiter” is posed by a selected number of other players, usually in ridiculous positions.

Bow to the Prettiest, Kneel to the Wittiest,
and Kiss the One You Love Best  

This is reserved for a man.
(Hopefully he will do all three tasks with the same lady!)

The Nun’s Kiss  

A lady kisses a man chosen by the judge,
performing the kiss through the bars of a chair.

The Counsel  

The person must give a piece of advice to all (or just one) players. (Always done in the spirit of fun and good humor.)

The Will 

The person leaves to each other player an item or a quality he thinks he possesses. (Also done in the spirit of fun and good humor.)

Kiss the One You Love without Revealing Who It Is  

The individual must kiss all the players of opposite gender, without letting on which player is the one he or she loves.

There are many others – as varied as the imagination of the judge!

* * * * * * * * * *

With teenagers constantly watching their phones
rather than communicating face to face,
I can’t help but think that these would be fun to bring back!

Who is with me? 

What is a favorite social game of yours?

"This book was a pure delight."
The Prairie Doctor's Bride/San Francisco Review of Books

Check out my newest "sweet" release!

 

WEBSITE

~~~New Release~~~

Pearl's Will

by Sophie Dawson

Lockets & Lace #9

Will Miller doesn’t know what to think when the lovely young woman faints in his jewelry and watch repair shop--except he wants to help her any way he can.

Widow Pearl Ward, struggling to survive, needs to sell the watch-locket given to her on her eighteenth birthday. When she learns she’s expecting, he proposes.

Will Pearl’s feelings for her late husband stand between them? Can they build a life together with his mother dead set against them?

Here's an excerpt:
Will Miller opened the back of the locket and sighed. The engraving lessened the value. The piece was high quality. The cover over the watch was decorated with a five lobed clover design surrounded by scrolling. In the clover was a thin-pointed star with a small diamond in the center. The back cover repeated the design without the stone. Inside the back cover where a photograph could be placed was an engraving. ‘To Pearl Henry, From Papa and Mama, Sept. 9, 1906.” 

Will glanced at the woman who was looking intently into the lace display. She was quite thin, honey blonde hair peeked out from under her wide-brimmed hat. She was wearing the simple clothing of a working woman. Navy skirt with a matching double-breasted long jacket, white blouse with a crocheted lace collar that spread beautifully over the blue. What he could see of her face showed a slim nose, unlike his fairly broad one. He’d have to see what color her eyes were. She lifted her hand and touched the glass of the case. A lace glove encased her slim fingers. 

Will looked back at the watch-locket. It was suspended from a gold bow-shaped pin. It would look lovely on the bodice of her jacket. He wondered why she was wanting to sell it. The quality of her clothing wasn’t high-society, but it was well tailored and didn’t look worn. 

Standing, Will moved back to the counter. She came over, waiting with a hopeful expression on her face. Her eyes were a deep green, nearly the color of pine needles. Framed with long lashes, they spoke of sadness, despair, loneliness, and desperation. 

Even though Will knew what the true value of the watch-locket was, something told him to offer more. He wouldn’t tell his father he paid more for it. He’d pay for it up with his own money.

“Miss? Are you sure you want to sell this? It must have great sentimental value to you.”
She looked down a moment, then lifted her eyes again. They glittered with moisture. “Yes, but, if it’s possible, and I’ll understand if you can’t do it, would there be any chance I could purchase it back in the future?”

She must have fallen on extremely hard times. It firmed his intention to help her. It wasn’t because she was lovely, Will assured himself. Well, maybe it was a little. He hoped that wasn’t his main motivation. His Christian ethic called for being a Good Samaritan for others.

Will set the watch on the counter and named the amount he would pay her for the locket. She lifted a trembling hand to her lips. “I’ll hold it back from display so you can redeem it. At least, I can for several months. Would that work for you?”

“Thank you. You’re most generous. I’ll try to redeem it as soon as I can.”

Will picked up the locket and placed it on the workbench. Rather than pay her from the cash register, he opened his personal cash drawer and counted out the bills. He put the locket into the drawer, near the back. 

As he turned around to go back to the counter, he saw the woman lay one hand on the counter. The other she raised to her forehead. Then, she collapsed to the floor. 

~o0o~

Pearl's Will Kindle $2.99 & Print $12.99 

Also on Kindle Unlimited

International link: myBook.to/pearlswill

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There you find information on how you may have a chance to win one of three great prices: a special book locket, a lace handkerchief, or a $40 Amazon gift card. Please visit each day to learn more about each book as it is released.

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Victorian Americans and Vulgar Language -- by Kristin Holt

by USA Today Bestselling Author Kristin Holt

I've polled readers, several times, seeking the reasons they enjoy Sweet Western Historical Romance. Is it the cowboy heroes? Simpler times? Man-against-nature plots? A love of history?

Yes. Yes, and yes.

But one key reason readers report choosing Sweet Western Historical Romance is the clean language in the text of the book.

Surprised? Americans live in a culture that widely tolerates vulgarity. But maybe that's why readers looking for a read without descriptive sensuality also seek reads without language they find offensive.

VICTORIAN AMERICA'S SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS

Jackson County Banner of Brownstown, Indiana on November 7, 1878.

Victorian Americans expected--and often demanded--profanity-free language. This societal norm went well beyond the "not in front of ladies" cliché, which shows up in most Western Historical fiction. Yes, ladies detested vulgarity (and profanity, and even slang) and were trained from youth to not hear what they should not hear (and to not see what they should not see).

"Profanity

"A gentleman should never permit any phrase that approaches to an oath, to escape his lips in the presence of a lady. If any man employs a profane expression in the drawing-room, his pretentions to good-breeding are gone forever. The same reason extends to the society of men advanced in life; and he would be singularly defective in good taste, who should swear before old persons, however irreligious their own habits might be. The cause of profanity being offensive in these cases is that it denotes an entire absence of reverence and respect from the spirit of him who uses it."

~ Decorum, 1879, J.A. Ruth and Co., and Hill's Manual of Social and Business Forums, 1879; Decorum, a Practical Treatise on Etiquette and Dress of the Best American Society, reprinted in 1979 by Westvaco; pp 81-82.

Beyond the finest etiquette sources of the day, common men and women were expected to moderate their language in the same way.

The Eutaw Whig and Observer of Eutaw, Alabama on March 7, 1878.

Sauk Co. Standard of Baraboo, Wisconsin on September 27, 1854.

Was the use of profane language--in front of women and children--so widespread something actually had to be done? Apparently so. The following article appeared in Semi-Weekly Standard of Raleigh, North Carolina on March 18, 1857, wherein the writer decreed, "We don't know that the use of profane and vulgar language in our city can grow into more general use than it is at present.--There is no evil practice which is so universally practiced. The boys that play in the streets are as glib with an oath as their elders, from whom they learn it..."

Semi-Weekly Standard of Raleigh, North Carolina on March 18, 1857.

 

Note that this 1857 article (while far from politically correct for today's readers) classifies profane language alongside "Drunkenness, Gaming, and Fornication". That's serious.

If epidemic in proportions, what could possibly be done to extinguish the pernicious evil?

CITIES PASS ORDINANCES

More than a simple matter of good etiquette, Victorians expected proper behavior in public to include clean language. Cities large and small passed ordinances that made public vulgarity a misdemeanor.

Oakland Tribune of Oakland, California on April 23, 1890.

Despite the ordinances, and the wishes of "gentlemen" to be well-respected by others, public profanity remained an issue across the country.

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, Pennsylvania on October 10, 1899.

MEN JAILED OVER VULGAR LANGUAGE

Many Victorian-American newspapers describe situations where men (and sometimes women) were charged with profane or vulgar language. When found guilty, individuals sometimes served jail time and fines ranged from $1.00 to $5.00, and in some instances (a politician), $100.00.

The Montgomery Advertiser of Montgomery, Alabama on January 9, 1894.

Threats of fines and jail time did little to dissuade those with a penchant for language.

Salina Daily Republican-Journal of Salina, Kansas on June 18, 1897.

Public parks were patrolled by policemen. I've written other blog posts, such as Courting in Public Parks, that illustrate how vigilant most policemen were in ensuring people didn't break the law or disturb the peaceable.

The San Francisco Call of San Francisco, CA on March 5, 1898, part 1 of 3.

The San Francisco Call of San Francisco, CA on March 5, 1898, Part 2 of 3.

The San Francisco Call of San Francisco, CA on March 5, 1898, Part 2 of 3.

One newspaper columnist (note the lack of attributing writers' names in the era) claimed that the crack-down in public only caused an increase of foul language in private.

Wyandotte Gazette of Kansas City, Kansas on September 17, 1875.

 

SUGGESTED SOLUTION, GENTLEMAN TO GENTLEMAN

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, PA on October 10, 1899. Part 1 of 5.

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, PA on October 10, 1899. Part 2 of 5.

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, PA on October 10, 1899. Part 3 of 5.

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, PA on October 10, 1899. Part 4 of 5.

Altoona Tribune of Altoona, PA on October 10, 1899. Part 5 of 5.

BASEBALL LEAGUE STEPS UP TO THE PLATE

Kansas City Journal of Kansas City, Missouri on March 2, 1898.

Baseball, the All-American Sport, was well-established by 1898. The determination by the National Baseball League to ensure the game remained family-friendly and culturally enjoyable by all, led them to adopt, by unanimous vote, the "suppression of rowdyism and vulgarity at ball games" [sic]. The purpose was well-intended: "...to the end that the game may retain its high position as respectable and worthy of the confidence and support of the refined and cultured classes of American citizenship."

The "Heroic Method" went so far as to fire ball players who broke the rules...after a fair hearing. The "Tribunal of Three" took such accusations most seriously.

The Public Ledger of Maysville, Kentucky on March 2, 1898, part 1 of 2.

The Public Ledger of Maysville, Kentucky on March 2, 1898, part 2 of 2.

 

PAST AND PRESENT

Today's students hear the entire spectrum of language in schools, popular music, online, gaming, and among peers in every setting. Today, we'd laugh an ordinance to prevent profane and vulgar language out of court. That might be the difference between our Victorian ancestors and us. They said no. They raised the expectations and fought against the habit and behavior.

Many twenty-first century parents and individuals expect better from themselves and their children (or youth in general). I sat in a business meeting once, years ago, where a woman asked the company owner to refrain from obscenities while she was present.

I'm not sure I'd have the guts.

I do have the guts to revise my currently published books (now that I better understand the true-to-history Victorian viewpoint about cursing, even mildly) to remove what I've hitherto seen as very mild language. Ultimately, my 19th century characters wouldn't have let the mildest of vulgarity into their speech (or thoughts). Their mothers taught them better. They're good men, honorable, and determined to treat the women in their lives (mother, sister, aunties, sisters-in-law, and sweethearts) with utmost respect.

My first full-length novel, The Menace Takes a Bride, will see the greatest revision. Garth Wakefield has a heart of gold--with every right to be furious at his father, Luke (the villain). I allowed Garth's fury to show in his language. I've learned my lesson. The September 2017 version, complete with a brand new cover, will be 100% free of questionable language. Watch for this spiffy update, inside and out, to be available on my website and Amazon in September 2017.

My mother will be so proud. True story: Mother insisted, "Ladies don't talk that way" (anytime my language was questionable.) And she meant it.

VULGARITY AND PROFANITY IN FICTION

Returning to where we began, with "language" in fiction (particularly Sweet Western Historical  Romance), we know most fans of this niche within historical romance choose it for many reasons, including the absence of offensive (to them) language.

Authors work hard to eliminate dialogue and narrative that selective readers will likely find offensive, as an author's livelihood depends upon gaining readers who want to buy their next book, as well as finish the one they're currently reading.

What do you think about this subject?

Are you surprised to learn that "foul language" was frowned upon so much in Victorian America (beyond the rote, "Excuse me, ma'am.")?

Please scroll down and reply. I'd sincerely like to have a discussion about cursing, 'language', swearing, profanity, vulgarity--or the absence thereof--in the books you love to read.

You're invited to visit my website, particularly About Kristin for links to my various hangouts on the web. Find lots more about my books on my Books page.

Copyright © 2017 Kristin Holt LC