Ruth Elizabeth Stiff
Bio
I love all things Earthy and Self-Help
History is one of my favourite subjects and I love to write short fiction
Research is so interesting for me too
Stories (144/0)
What's In A Day?
The housemaid started her work between 5.30am and 6am, taking tea to the Lady’s maid and the Housekeeper and by 6.30am they started to light the fires, clean the ‘public’ rooms, make the beds, sweep, dust and clean the bedrooms, and the list goes on to even polishing the windows and cleaning the marble floors, as well as making sure the fires stoked properly. This is a 14 to 16 hour day — and all for £22 a year!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiffabout 18 hours ago in FYI
Today's Lesson is Domestic Service
Good morning, today we will be looking into Domestic service within the Victorian and Edwardian Eras. The older generation watched “Upstairs, Downstairs”, and more recently there is the very popular series “Downton Abbey”, both which accurately portray what life was like for domestic servants during these two Eras.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff2 days ago in FYI
Who Was Anastasia?
She was the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. The youngest of four daughters, the black and white photograph of this young princess, with her long flowing hair and charming smile, shows what a beauty she was. At sixteen, Anastasia was murdered along with her family by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Revolution. Her only crime was being born into the Russian Royal family. The date was 17th July, 1918.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff3 days ago in FYI
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
It was a nice visit with Jack’s father Monday/Tuesday, we just got back today, about half an hour ago. Yes, it’s true. Jack is now the next Earl and his father has asked us to move into the family home. We can still keep our new place as a holiday home, but actually live in the big estate. I saw some of the staff whilst we were there — I have a lot to learn!!! Housekeeper, maids, butler, footmen, etc, etc. The library is at our disposal, so I’m going to have a look there. There's bound to be a few books on Domestic Servants.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff5 days ago in Fiction
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
Ok, so Jack had the quiet word with me and I’m gobsmacked!!! I always knew that his father is an Earl or Lord or something high in nobility but never took much notice because Jack is the youngest out of three boys, so (we thought) that he would never inherit the Earldom (or whatever it is called). Timothy, the eldest son, has decided to go into religion, he wants to be a Catholic priest which means he cannot inherit. The next son, Matthew, is living with a man (none of my business), and he will not change his lifestyle, so he cannot inherit. SO, the title is going to Jack (whose real name is Jeremiah) because he has “done the right thing” — married me and had children and has (and still is) working very hard.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff12 days ago in Fiction
Tutankhamun
King Tut was the last of his royal family to rule during the end of the 18th Dynasty. He was 8 or 9 years old when he took to the throne. He was physically disabled with a deformity of his left foot which meant he used a cane as an aid to walking. Over 5,000 artefacts were found at his tomb, including his famous gold mask. He was Tutankhamun.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff12 days ago in FYI
Shirley Temple
She was named United States ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia, and served as Chief of Protocol of the United States. Her film career began when she was three years of age, and she starred in 29 films up to the age of ten. She is 18th on the American Film Institute’s list of the greatest female American screen legends of classic Hollywood cinema. She was Shirley Temple.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff16 days ago in Geeks
The Diary Of Mishelle Gold
WOW — what an incredible phone call. My Julie has just phoned me and said that she’s passed her exams, got her degree and wants to be a partner in the Fashion House!!! When did she grow up? Overnight? We had a long chat and I said for her to settle in first, I’ll start her in design, and we’ll see what her strengths are. I can’t do favourites but she is my daughter and I am so proud of her. Well Done Julie!!!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff20 days ago in Fiction
The Diary of Mishelle Gold
Another house sold in Florida for $3 million, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, outside pool and open living plan area. Beautiful home but not very child friendly. The couple are like a Power-couple with their own individual companies. Very nice for them.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff22 days ago in Fiction
