Posts Tagged ‘Holland’
Travel Challenge – Day 6
Posted on: January 19, 2021
- In: Travel
- 47 Comments
I was nominated by my blogging friend Geoff LePard at TanGental to post one favourite travel picture a day for ten days without explanation, then to nominate someone else to participate. That’s 10 days, 10 travel pictures, and 10 nominations. It doesn´t have to be 10 consecutive days. Thanks, Geoff!
The photo from Day 5 is from the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands which Andrew guessed right away. Many of you guessed Holland/The Netherlands, a country renowned for its beautiful flowers. I had wanted to visit Holland for a long time and was delighted to be invited by a friend living there to visit. She surprised me with a trip to these amazing gardens. Here is a post with tons more pictures of the flowers. These amazing gardens are featured in Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action.
https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2016/05/03/tiptoeing-through-the-tulips-at-keukenhof/
Today I nominate Karen from Backroad Journal On her blog she shares mouth watering recipes, interesting places and enjoyable pastimes that she finds no matter where in the world she happens to be.
If I nominate you and you don’t want to participate, please do not feel obliged, but if you do, please link back to me so that I can see your post. In these times vicarious travel is a great escape, I would love to see what you choose to post.
This is my picture for day 6. If you want to guess where this is, leave your answer in the comments or just comment on the picture.
- In: Books | guest posts | Inspiration | Writing
- 20 Comments
I´m pleased to be a guest on Wanda Luthman´s blog where I talk about Why I Wrote Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action. Check it out.
Hello, everyone!
Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Children’s Book Blog.
Today, I want to introduce to you one of my favorite children’s authors. I’ve known her virtually for several years now. Her name is Darlene Foster and she’s written a series of books on a girl named Amanda in the Amanda Travels series.
Darlene, please tell us about you and your inspiration for this book as well as the series…
Why I Wrote Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action
My interest in the country of Holland began when a teacher read us a book called, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, by Mary Mapes Dodge, which I loved. The book, written in 1865, by an author who had never been to Holland herself but heard stories about it from her Dutch neighbours.
Over the years I read other books that took place in Holland, many of them…
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Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Share an Extract from your Latest Book – #Children’s – Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action by Darlene Foster
Posted on: June 16, 2020
- In: Books | guest posts | reviews | Writing
- 15 Comments
Once again, the amazing Sally Cronin has been busy promoting other authors. She recently featured an extract and a great review for Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action on her blog. If you haven´t seen it, check it out. Thanks, Sally!!
Welcome to the series where authors in the Cafe and Bookstore an extract from their most recent book. If you are in the Cafe, and would like to participate you can find all the details here:Share an Extract
Today’s author is Darlene Foster sharing an extract from her most recent book in the Amanda travel series – Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action.
About Amanda in Holland
Amanda is in Holland to see the tulips with her best friend, Leah; as well as travelling the canals of Amsterdam, visiting Anne Frank House, checking out windmills and a wooden shoe factory, and taking pictures of the flowers of Keukenhof Gardens. She is keen to find out what happened to her great uncle who never returned from WWII and was declared missing in action. What she doesn’t expect to find and fall in love with is Joey, an abandoned puppy…
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Happy Birthday Sale!
Posted on: March 4, 2020
- In: Books | reviews | Travel
- 53 Comments
I have a birthday coming up soon. Didn´t I just have one? They sure seem to come around quickly these days. To celebrate I am offering the e-version of Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action for 99 cents USD, or equivalent, from March 4 to March 11, 2020.
It’s a quick read and will transport you to Holland without you having to get on an airplane, bus, train, or boat.
Here is a 5 star review by Debra Purdy Kong
Amanda in Holland is a story about a thoughtful, adventurous Canadian girl with a strong moral compass and a quest to do what’s right. Those traits are certainly highlighted during Amanda’s trip to Amsterdam to visit her friend, Leah. Mishaps and mysteries test their friendship when Amanda goes to great lengths to locate the abandoned puppy she found, but then lost to a thief.
The vivid narrative provides readers with a vibrant atmosphere filled with color and movement that makes me want to visit the city all over again. Descriptions of landmarks and local cuisine fully immersed me in the story.
The book’s not only entertaining but educational for younger readers as the ramifications of World War II on Dutch citizens are introduced in the book. The author creates a personal element for Amanda when she learns that her great uncle was a soldier who went missing in Holland during the war.
At age twelve, Amanda has reached an interesting age. Part of her seems mature for her age, yet part of her is still childlike, and sometimes the two states of mind are at odds. Although she always has good intentions, her methodology lands her into scrapes. There’s no doubt that readers of all ages will enjoy reading this book and the other six in the series.
Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action is available on most sites including:
Look for these scenes in the book.
If you read the book and enjoy it, let me know.
Copyright © 2020 darlenefoster.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Amanda’s Adventures in Holland ARC
Posted on: May 7, 2019
- In: Books | Travel | Writing
- 60 Comments
We are almost there. Amanda in Holland – Missing in Action has been edited and edited and edited some more. How could I miss so many commas and how did all those ‘ly’ words sneak in? And what is with the word just? I just use it too often. However, I am very happy with this book and am pleased to announce it is available on NetGalley for a free e-version for those of you who would like to read an ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) and possibly write a review. You can access the e-book here.
Amanda is in Holland to see the tulips with her best friend, Leah. She travels the canals of Amsterdam, visits Anne Frank House, checks out windmills and a wooden shoe factory, and takes pictures of the flowers of Keukenhof Gardens. She is keen to find out what happened to her great uncle who never returned from WWII and was declared missing in action. What she doesn’t expect to find and fall in love with is Joey, an abandoned puppy. While trying to find a home for him, she meets Jan, a Dutch boy who offers to help, a suspicious gardener, a strange woman on a bicycle, and an overprotective goose named Gerald. Follow Amanda around the charming country of Holland, filled with colourful tulips, windmills, and more bicycles than she could have imagined. Once again, intrepid traveller Amanda encounters danger and intrigue as she tries to solve more than one mystery in a foreign country.
Here is a short excerpt
They disembarked at the next stop in front of a shop with large wheels of cheese piled high outside the door. Once inside, the sour milk scent of cheese greeted them.
A cheerful girl in a pointy white hat with wings on each side handed out samples.
“Yum, this cheese is so good.” Amanda smacked her lips. “Let’s buy some for a snack later.”
Mr. Anderson took out his wallet. “Good idea. We’ll take a wedge of Gouda and one of that one we just sampled.” He pointed to the cheeses.
“You mean the Edam?” asked the sales clerk. “These are good choices.”
While Leah’s father paid for the purchase, the girls went outside. Amanda heard a whimpering sound. “Did you hear that?” she asked Leah.
“Did I hear what?”
“A sound like a baby or a baby animal. I think it came from over there.” Amanda pointed at a large garbage can across the road. “There it is again!” She stepped off the curb.
“Amanda, watch for bikes!” Leah shouted.
One whizzed past, barely missing Amanda. She didn’t even notice. She headed for a cardboard box sitting beside the smelly garbage. Bending over, she opened it. Curled up in the bottom, a brown and white puppy, with the biggest chocolate brown eyes she had ever seen, stared up at her.
The puppy whimpered and put his head between his front paws.
Amanda in Holland – Missing in Action will be released on September 1, 2019 and is available for pre-order.
An example of the gorgeous flowers Amanda sees while in Holland.
- In: Books | Writing
- 59 Comments
What a great start to the year! I can now reveal the cover for Amanda in Holland-Missing in Action. I am so excited about this cover as it depicts exactly the colour and excitement of Holland that Amanda experiences. My publisher designs the covers of my books and she always gets what the book is about.
What do you think?
Amanda is in Holland to see the tulips with her best friend, Leah. She is busy travelling the canals of Amsterdam, visiting Anne Frank House, checking out windmills and a wooden shoe factory, and taking pictures of the amazing flowers of Keukenhof Gardens. She is also keen to find out what happened to her great uncle who never returned from WWII and was declared missing in action. What she doesn’t expect to find and fall in love with is Joey, an abandoned puppy. While trying to find a home for him, she meets Jan, a Dutch boy who offers to help, a suspicious gardener, a strange woman on a bicycle, and an overprotective goose named Gerald.
Follow Amanda around the charming country of Holland, filled with colourful tulips, windmills, and more bicycles than she could have imagined. Once again, intrepid traveller Amanda encounters danger and intrigue as she tries to solve more than one mystery in a foreign country.
Amanda in Holland-Missing in Action is scheduled to launch on September 1, 2019, and is available for pre-order on all Amazon sites.
We Must Never Forget
Posted on: November 11, 2018
- In: History | Memories | special occassions
- 39 Comments
I always feel sad on November 11. I can never understand the futility of war and wonder why the world can’t live in peace. I also believe that we should not forget those who lost their lives in armed conflict.
When I was in Holland, I visited a Canadian War Memorial Cemetery and wrote about it on my blog. Even after all this time, the Dutch people continue to be grateful to the Canadians for their part in liberating their country. I was proud, saddened and extremely moved by this visit. I could not stop the tears.
https://darlenefoster.wordpress.com/2016/11/10/remembering-in-holland/
I love this video of the children in Holland paying respect to those who helped to liberate their country.
This year marks 100 years since the end of World War I, and yet it seems we have not learned a thing.
Check out this very informative post on a friend’s blog about the end of the war that continued up to the very last minute and in some cases beyond.
http://bitaboutbritain.com/ww1-armistice-1918/
I believe it is important to read about these things so we do not forget. Maybe one day we will learn.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Robert Laurence Binyon
Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – Tiptoeing Through the Tulips at Keukenhof by Darlene Foster
Posted on: February 1, 2018
- In: guest posts | Travel
- 31 Comments
Sally Cronin is featuring a post from my archives about my visit to the Keukenhof Gardens two years ago. I´m currently busy writing Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action, where Amanda and Leah visit this amazing place. Hop on over to see the pictures. I hope it makes you feel springy.
- In: Travel
- 47 Comments
A stop at the charming town of Ootmarsum in the Netherlands proved to be a delight for the senses. A combination of history and art, intriguing sculptures are scattered about the narrow cobblestone streets and in front of centuries-old churches and quaint pubs. In almost every street, there are galleries and art studios, featuring paintings, pottery and glasswork of local artists. An explosion of colour greets you upon entering these galleries. In most cases, the welcoming artist is there to chat with you and show his or her work.
Unique art in the streets
The Town Hall
The Reform Church
The town’s most well-known citizen is the artist Ton Schulten who has his own modern museum showing a complete overview of his works. Born a son of a local baker in Ootmarsum, he is now an internationally known artist. His use of vibrant colour, shape and light creates enchanting and emotional works of art. The picturesque town of Ootmarsum is the perfect setting for his Gallery Chez-Moi located inside an inviting historic building. One can’t help but feel mesmerised by his amazing works of art. Mr. Schulten can often be seen sipping a coffee at a local cafe or pub. You can view some of his art here to get an idea.
The recently built Ton Schulten Museum
The Chronomium, a museum with everything concerning measuring time; sundials, clocks and much more.
Wandering the streets you never know what you may come across.
an old well
An elegant Maasai
and this weird fellow
Another fascinating find while visiting The Netherlands.
Remember, Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask is free until July 31.
https://www.bookbub.com/books/amanda-in-arabia-by-darlene-foster?ebook_deal
Happy summer!!
The Dutch Countryside
Posted on: June 8, 2016
- In: Travel
- 43 Comments
We loved Amsterdam but were also delighted with the Dutch countryside. We travelled from the south, which was very flat and green, to the north which was more wooded and hilly, but still very green. The storybook-like farms were so neat and tidy. Here are a few pictures of what we saw.
This farm had a guard goose who was very particular who he let in.
De Sfeerstal, our charming Bed and Breakfast near Nieuwveen, had a lovely garden to relax in.
With a welcoming entrance and spare wooden shoes if you needed a pair.
And dried flowers hanging from the ceiling in the breakfast room.
We stopped to photograph old barns
and the roosters who were everywhere.
Aren´t these slanted roofs cool!
Old water wheels have always intrigued me.
And of course the windmills! A windmill is called a molen and most villages have one. This Stroommolen De Hoop (Hope Mill), in Hellendorn, dates back to 1854 and still operates as a flour mill. You can purchase the flour produced there in the lower floor shop.
Sheep grazing in the fields didn´t bother to look as we drove by.
We passed many interesting houses
And a manor house called House Singraven with an interesting history. Unfortunately, it was closed the day we were there so we could not go inside, but the kind woman in the gift shop sent me information about the house. She told me the meaning of Singraven is “big (sin) waterway dug by hand (graven)” as it is by a canal. There has been a building on the site since 1381. It has been a farmhouse, a family home, a convent of the Franciscan nuns, a hunting lodge for aristocracy, and a home for a wealthy industrialist and parliamentarian. It has gone through a number of renovations and restorations over the years and after the death of the last owner in 1966, the house, with its 17th and 18th century interior, has been maintained by a special foundation.
Thanks for travelling around the Netherlands with me!
Darlene Foster's Blog 