In 1496, Princess Juana of Castilla, daughter of their most Catholic majesties Fernando and Isabel, married Philip the Beautiful, son of Maximilan I, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, scion of the Hapsburg dynasty. At the time of her marriage, Juana was not expected to inherit the combined kingdoms of Aragón and Castilla. She had
Of inbreeding, royal marriages and their ultimate consequence Read More »
Sometime late in July, the quality of the sunlight changes. As the fields stand ready for harvest, as the fruit trees begin to dip and bow under ripening fruit, the days grow shorter and more golden. Early March sunlight is sharp and clear, like beams filtered through a crystal glass. In April, the light acquires
In November 1520, Lady Kristina Gyllenstierna was dragged before the victorious Danish king and given the choice of dying by burning at the stake or by being buried alive. Needless to say, this 25-year-old woman wasn’t too keen on either of the options. Besides, why should she be condemned to die, when all she had
… is of course impossible. But in general we seem to think we can save time, sort of like putting it in a bank for later use. In particular, we put off trying to realise our dreams. “When I retire I will…” (paint masterpieces, write novels, walk around the Black Sea, learn to play the
Welcome to the Tasty Summer Reads Blog Hop! And if you’re into sweet cravings I can personally guarantee that those hazelnut choc cookies Prue Batten generously shares are pure heaven (haven’t tried the others – yet). Of course, me being into a new life I don’t eat such sinful delights as cookies. At least in
A year ago, I had published zero books. Today, I have published 3. Gulp, gulp, gulp. By now I should be relaxed about all this, but instead I go around in a somewhat feverish state, peek at amazon to ensure my book is there (it is), stroke the cover a couple of times and soothe
The other day, we were driving through the early summer evening. The sun stood low in the sky, to my right extended an expanse of ripe oats, and to my left stood a field of windmills. Not the kind of picturesque windmills that dot the Dutch landscape, nor the type of windmill that Don Quijote
Referring back to a post I wrote some weeks ago (Following your heart – of parents and children), today’s text is about my mother-in-law – certainly no blood relation of mine, but most definitely a constant presence in my heart! The first time we met I was very nervous. I was seriously in love with
On December 18, 1626, the people of Stockholm were treated to a full royal salute. What with the auspicious stars, the populace was expecting a prince. a male heir to their glorious warrior king, Gustavus Adolphus. The child was received with joy; sturdy and lusty, hirsute and strong, it bawled loudly upon being expelled from