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 (911)
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Pediophobia
I have always loved dolls! My parents bought me a Sindy doll when I was about five years old, and over the next five years, My Sindy had ‘everything’. Saving up my pocket money, I bought her dresses, shoes, and all sorts of ‘house’ stuff, and my parents bought me the horse, so my Sindy was a dancer, horse-woman and “the type of doll I wanted to be” in high heels and smart suits — a real ‘business-doll’. Even when I was sixteen, I still loved my Sindy and would dress her up but not ‘play’ with her. Sindy became more of an ornament.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
The Haunted Wedding Dress
“What a beautiful ring!” mother said as she examined the ruby engagement ring. Matt and I had been going out together since high school, and now, five years later, we decided to get married. It was no great surprise to my family or his and the two families went out for an “Engagement Meal”. Everyone was very happy.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Horror
"Are You Being Served?"
One of the most popular television series of all time and watched by millions (and still watched every time it’s re-run), the show was popular worldwide. For those of us who remember, such actors as John Inman, Mollie Sugden and Wendy Richard made it very popular and such fun to watch. Recently, it has had another rerun of most of its episodes. Having worked in retail for over 30 years, I love to watch it — “Are You Being Served?”
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in FYI
The Book of Household Management
One subject that a lot of people are interested in is “Domestic Service”. We seem to be fascinated with the whole “Upstairs, Downstairs” world as it crosses over from the Victorian to the Edwardian Eras. My own grandmother was a maid in a ‘big house’, and I love the (only) photo of her in her maid’s uniform, and she does look in her early teens! It was such a different world that people actually lived their in whole lives, and I think this is why we are so interested in “It”.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Journal
Grace Kelly
Fourteen Hours. High Noon. Dial M For Murder. The Bridge of Toko-Ri. High Society. Five of the fourteen films this brilliant actress starred in. Her leading men included Gary Cooper, Clarke Gable, James Stewart, Bing Crosby and Cary Grant. Her talent and persona influenced one of the greatest directors of all time — Alfred Hitchcock. Her greatest performance was as the Princess of Monaco. This is another article on Grace Kelly.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Viva
Something Positive To Read
How many of us get up in the early morning and listen to or watch the news over breakfast? We might have 20 minutes before we have to go through that door and go to work or school or — whatever we have set up for today. I think of those who are caring for their mothers or fathers or loved ones and they still have to care for their own family or work full time. It is tiring! I have done it myself, more than once, and I often thought: “I wish I had something Positive to read or hear”, especially over breakfast to start the day on a Positive note. So, here goes =>
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Motivation
Man's Faithful Friend
Every dog breed today is descended from wolves, even the chihuahua! It is estimated that “the dog” was domesticated between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago (that’s how close we’ve been to dogs). It’s hard to believe that the little pooch we love so much actually “comes” from wild wolves. However, it is true!
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Petlife
From Actress to Princess
“I prefer pearls on screen and in my private life”. She was beautiful, both to look at and in her personality and played one of the most compelling roles in history. She starred with such actors as Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Bing Cosby and Frank Sinatra but married a real life Prince. To act in films, she had to change her accent and, coming from a deep religious Catholic family, her parents disapproved of her acting career. Growing up, she was not considered beautiful. We know and love her as the woman who lived a real life fairytale. She was, of course, Grace Kelly.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Humans
ESCORT OR COURTESAN?
Today we know them as “Escorts”. In the 18th Century they were called “Courtesans”. They held fashion in the palms of their hands, as well as the men, and women copied these leading ladies of fashion. They came from all walks of life, some rising to great wealth, some dying in poverty. Whichever Era we live in, they are ‘classed’ as the same thing — “Prostitutes”.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Humans
Female Victorian Murderesses
Today we see so much on the news that, unfortunately, we are rarely shocked when we hear of a murder, unless it is particularly ‘graphic’. Communication in this Century surpasses any other Century and we can see or read the news of (almost) any country with the click of a button or the tap on a phone.
By Ruth Elizabeth Stiff4 years ago in Criminal
