A Tumbled Stone... and a visit with Marcia Lee laycock

     Hello, dear readers, my guest today, over at Lilly's Book Club is award-wining author, Marcia Lee Laycock, who will be talking about her new book A TUMBLED STONE. So hop on over and catch a glimpse of this exciting story...

How to be FIT FOR FAITH...

     I am visiting with Kimberley Payne over at Lilly's Book Club, today, where she is talking about her book FIT FOR FAITH. What an intriguing concept... and she is even giving out a valuable fitness tip that could be of special interest for those of us who spend too much time in front of computers. Which I don't mind saying I appreciated very much. So, paddle on over there if you get the chance, dear readers... you might be very happy you did!

RMS TITANIC... Adventures Below Decks

My apologies, dear readers... a very late night, last, and I slept in. And while Stewardess Lucy Snape thought to give me a treat by not waking me (thank you, Lucy!) I realize I've missed nearly half the day. So, skipping breakfast, now, and it's off to lunch. But not before checking to make sure our good Mr. Phillips (who is growing quite expectant of his coffee and chicken sandwich near midnight) had no difficulties getting my Marconigram off to the NEW YORK WORLD in the wee hours of the morning. And after that... I will join you all ON THE PROMENADE to talk about some things I'm sure not everyone knows about third class.

Oh, yes, and for any of my "Armchair Travelers" who are following a bit closer than most, an explanation of exactly what a "Marconigram" is, typed into the comments area, below, will get you another name in the Captain's hat for the final drawing at the end of this voyage. But more on that later! 

over to ON THE PROMENADE...

Mysterious Rooms of the RMS TITANIC...

The virtual commemorative tour of the RMS TITANIC, hosted by Janice Hanna Thompson, enters day three, today, as the famous ship sets out into the North Atlantic. It is a very happy time aboard ship, with few mishaps and most passengers enjoying some of the best times of their lives. The food is superb, the accommodations more than expected (even in third class), and there are endless fascinations to explore. One of which is the subject of today's "mystery picture."

Any idea what kind of a room this might be? If so, leave your answer in the comment area below, and all those that are correct will get their name thrown into the Captain's hat, for a prize drawing after the cruise. What kind of a prize? A souvenir from one of the locations on my MYSTERY TOUR, of which I will be bringing back several from all the mysterious places we visit along the way. 

In the meantime, take a look at my column ON THE PROMENADE, today, where I describe how I spent a day in first class. Which was definitely a first for me...

over to ON THE PROMENADE...

The MYSTERY TOUR continues... aboard the RMS TITANIC

Well, we are off, dear readers...  and by the time you read this, we will be nearly to Queenstown, Ireland. Our last stop to take on passengers before crossing the North Atlantic. Yesterday, was more than eventful. We nearly had a collision right out of the dock, but thank heaven that was avoided. Our cruise director, Tessa, gave a good account of it over on the QUEEN OF THE WAVES, site, and I'm sure you probably even heard about it on the nightly news. Can you believe the TITANIC is still making news?

Why on earth do you think that is?

I have some ideas, but I'm saving my final conclusions until the end of the voyage, because I haven't interviewed even half the people I want to talk to, yet. I'm slipping up to first class, today, to get a look at how the other half lives. I'll let you know what I find out, tomorrow. Meanwhile, there are some fascinating personalities that seem to defy all classes, that I take a closer look at in my column ON THE PROMENADE. After that, I hope you will head over to the QUEEN OF THE WAVES site and do some investigating, yourself. Too many things going on to list, so I hope to see you there. Oh, yes, and if you guess what this "mystery picture" is, I'll put your name in the Captain's hat for a prize. Just put your answer in the comment section, here.

But be careful... you could very well end up in my column...

Go here to read ON THE PROMENADE

The MYSTERY TOUR begins... aboard the RMS TITANIC

Today begins a strange but wonderful glimpse into an event that took place one hundred years ago, dear readers... the historic launch of the RMS TITANIC, from Southampton, on April 10th, 1912. It will be a clearer glimpse than any that has ever been seen, possibly even if you had been there, yourself. Because, as with all such moments in history, one is often caught up in what they can only see and experience through their own personal perspective. What awaits you, now, is an account told from many perspectives, by the passengers, themselves, who -- for the first time -- will be coming together to share little-known facts and remembrances of that fateful voyage. 

And there will be others, too. Those "gentler travelers" who have joined their ranks over the years so that -- above all else -- we will not forget the people who boarded that "ship of dreams," only to meet a different destiny through the portals of disaster. They have something to tell us, if we listen close enough. Something that could effect all of us, if we dare to take the time. It is a virtual voyage brought to you by Janice Hanna Thompson, in honor of her soon to be released novel, QUEEN OF THE WAVES. 

So, come along with me, now, as I report on this fantastic event, every day, for the next five days over at my new TRAVELS WITH LILLY blog.

You may never see things quite the same, again...

Lilly Maytree's MYSTERY TOUR...

The time is fast approaching when the Captain and I will set out on our long-awaited MYSTERY TOUR. In honor of GOLD TRAP (my "book of the year"), we have some very mysterious places lined up to visit. It's a five month long journey that will take us to some of the most amazing spots you can find. We will be traveling by planes, trains, cars, and boats. Mostly boats, as that is the Captain's favorite. Sometimes, we will even be traveling with friends. Because things are so much better when you share.

Along the way, we will be keeping in touch through weekly video logs, and live chats from many unusual locations. And there will be activities and contests, too, all with our "Armchair Travelers" in mind. So, get your ticket and come along with us, dear readers! The festivities start this month, and all you have to do is click on the ticket, above, to sign on. As I always say, when you can't get away, yourself, armchair traveling is the next best thing.

Oh, yes... and don't forget to keep an eye on this blog over the next couple of days, because my first destination is going to be something I've never done before. Heavens, I certainly hope I can handle it. Actually, I have a sort of premonition about the whole thing, and sometimes wonder if I should listen to it, or just go ahead.

What would you do?