Truth & Tradition is the nonfiction side of my Victorian/Edwardian era blog. In it, I explore folklore, customs, traditions, and factual information in the era. Each post is a glimpse into another place and time, whether through the customs of Victorian England, the belief of fairy lore, the study of floriography and tree lore, the history of the circus, the allure of the paranormal, or the untamed adventure of the Wild West. I will share historical pieces of the time period and folklore that has been passed down through the ages. ​Bloom & Bough - Stories that explore the secret language of flowers and the mystery of trees In Victorian times, if a letter or message couldn't be sent or would be inappropriate, flowers were sent and had secret meanings. In Bloom & Bough, I explore the hidden meanings of flowers, the ancient lore of trees, and the way nature has shaped love, legend, and mystery throughout history. Fairy Fables - Whispers of magic, echoes of legend, and tales from the hidden world Fairies and magic just scream pure imagination to me. In Fairy Fables, you’ll find articles inspired by nature and magic, Victorian beliefs of fairies and folklore. ​On the Trail - Tales of legend, and adventure on the untamed frontier I love the rugged desert and mountains where I live. There are still so many untamed places I see as I drive comfortably in my car. (haha) It is fun to imagine that 150 years ago, the land probably didn't look much different. In this category of On the Trail, I will have historical fact articles about adventure and people traveling to make a new life for themselves and how they survived. So saddle up (I cannot ride a horse by the way-ask my husband for that story) and join me in the Old West. ​ Twilight Tales - Whispers in the dark linger in the air - is it friend or foe? ​ Twilight Tales is where my love of the mysterious, and perhaps a bit darker, gets to be explored. You'll find yourself caught in the romance of the Victorian era, when seances and spiritualism were in vogue. These stories may have you glimpsing spectral figures in the gaslight and wondering if that mist in the dark distance is friendly or means harm.* ​ Under the Big Top - Secrets, spectacle, and stories from the golden age of the circus I love the glitz and glamour, and seedier side, of the circus when it was "the thing" to do in towns across the country as it grew and settled. Townsfolk gathered to see something magical, weird, and breathtaking. I have often wondered how the performers lived and what the audience thought as the circus rolled into town, bringing with it adventure and intrigue. I am excited to dive into this world of trapeze artists, lion tamers, and life Under the Big Top. The show is about to begin—step inside and discover the stories that live in the spotlight…and the shadows. Victorian Vignettes - Glimpses of love, mystery, and life in the Victorian era ​ Vignette: a brief evocative description, account, or episode. Here I explore my favorite era of history. Life as a servant in England; families enjoying their time together; couples falling in love - I want to write about it all. Victorian Vignettes brings historical tidbits and forgotten customs from the 19th century. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do - with or without a cup of tea. ​ ​​​