It's A Fact #31 & #32

 31. The actual launch of the Titanic took 62 seconds to complete.

32. The concept of the Titanic was decided over dinner in Lord Pirrie’s London home.

It's A Fact #29 & #30

29. The Titanic was a schooner rigged vessel. 

30. The launch process consumed 23 tons of tallow and soft soap.

It's A Fact #27 & #28

27. There is not a huge gash in the hull of the Titanic.

28. Some passengers did not climb onto the iceberg from the Titanic.

July Excerpt of "Violets Are Blue"

Methinks you all will like this month's excerpt. :)

“You’ll never guess what I…” I started to say as I opened the apartment door.

“Violet!” I heard Anna say in annoyance. “I just scrubbed the floor! Look where you’re going!”

“Oops! Sorry, Anna,” I apologized. 

“Where’s Mum?” Emma asked curiously, entering the room.

“She decided to stay an extra shift at the factory,” I answered. “She was hoping to make more money to bring home to Father.”

“All the better,” Emma said.

I turned towards her, confused. “Why did you say “all the better” like that?”

“We’re trying to get the fall cleaning done before Mum comes home,” she whispered. 

“It’ll be a grand surprise!” Anna said, joining in.

“I sure hope it’s grand,” Helen commented sourly, coming through the door. She was heaving a heavy mattress outside to air. “Emma’s making me do all the hard work! It’s not fair.”

“Where are the boys?” I questioned Emma.

“They went to help Father with one of his carpentry jobs. He said he might put them to work.” She winked at me.

“Ah…” I said, understanding.

“Well, I don’t see how it’s right for them to leave us with all the work!” Helen complained.

“Oh Helen,” I said. “You shouldn’t whine like that.”

“I don’t care!” she said in a contrary tone. “If I want to whine, I will!”

Anna stopped the argument midway.

“Violet,” she said. “What’s that in your hand?”

It's A Fact #26

26. The Titanic was proceeding at her normal cruising speed (approx. 21 knots).

Violets Are Blue Character Summaries

I realized that I have never posted full descriptions of the characters in Violets Are Blue! My apologies. Here they are:

MAIN CHARACTERS: 

Violet Bradshaw: Violet is the main character in the book, and the story is told from her point of view. She has large blue eyes, long curly blonde hair, and pale skin. She is 14 years old. Her personality is somewhat quiet, but with a fiery temper. She loves to write, and writes letters often to her dear friend, Lillian Prescott, who still lives in Eastbourne. She has a protective streak in her for any of her family members, and she struggles with homesickness for her hometown. Nickname: Vi.

Lillian Prescott: Lillian is Violet's best friend. She has blonde hair as well, although her hair is straight. She is 14 years old. Lillian's personality is cheerful and bubbly--nothing seems to sadden her, except for when Violet leaves Eastborne. She loved babies, and plans on having many when she is married. She often writes to Violet, although she is not quite as dedicated to it as Violet is. Nickname: Lilli.

Ethan Hartley: Violet's new friend, 16 years of age. He is the nephew of the butcher and works in his uncle's shop, often helping Violet when she comes to purchase meat. He is very gentlemanly towards Violet, although she is not always eager to except his help, choosing instead to "do it on her own." He has a good sense of humor, and often cheers Violet up when she is feeling sad. His parents died of scarlet fever after coming to America, as is revealed later in the book. He feels partially guilty for their deaths.

Mary O' Neale: The blacksmith's 16 year old daughter. A kind Irish girl, Mary is very kind, and soothes Violet when Vi is upset about Mum's possible death. She works in the factory with Violet, which is where they met. She has auburn hair and green/gray eyes.

OTHER CHARACTERS:

Mr. Bradshaw ("Father"): Violet's father. He is a kind man, with a strong sense of justice. He often likes to illustrate his lessons with humorous stories from his childhood. He loves Mrs. Bradshaw very much, and it very protective of her.

Mrs. Bradshaw ("Mum"): Violet's mother. Mum is a gentle lady, although she does have Violet's gift of a quick temper. She insists on working at the factory many hours (to pay for tickets so that the Prescotts can come to America) to the point where it nearly kills her, refusing to listen to the protests of her children and her husband. She is very industrious and productive.

Emma Bradshaw: Violet's sensible older sister. Emma is described as having waist-length, curly brunette hair, with large brown eyes. Emma is 16 years old. She is very gentle and quiet, and industrious like Mum. The children love her, and she takes very good care of them while Mum and Vi are at the factory. She is good at thinking things through and planning.

Helen and Anna Bradshaw (twins): Violet's younger sisters, 11 years of age. They have very different personalities. Anna is sweet, gentle, and quiet, and enjoys helping Emma with the housework. She has curly brunette hair, which she often wears in braids, and blue eyes. Helen is the dramatic sister, often complaining about chores and being stubborn, although she is very helpful when she chooses to be so. She has curly brunette hair, which she wears in braids, and brown eyes.

Robert Bradshaw: Violet's younger brother, 9 years of age. Robby is fascinated with all things ship-related, and often begs Father to take him down to the harbor so he can see the boats coming and going. He is obsessed with the Titanic, in awe of the fact that she is supposed to be "unsinkable." He has brown hair and brown eyes. Nickname: Robby.

Henry Bradshaw: Violet's youngest brother, 6 years of age. Henry often is found playing with Grace, and helps her build towers with blocks made by Father. He loves when Emma tells him stories. He has curly blonde hair and brown eyes.

Grace Bradshaw: Violet's youngest sister, age 4 years. Grace is an adventurous child, often testing her boundaries... and then suffering the consequences. She has a very tender heart, and often tries to comfort her siblings when they are sad. She has blonde curly hair and blue eyes. Nickname: Gracie.

Mr. O' Neale: The blacksmith who lives down the street from Violet. He is an Irish immigrant, and often sympathizes with Violet, having experienced homesickness just like her. He is a jolly man, with a large stomach, and is always happy. He takes Violet into his forge to warm up when she was out in the rain.

Mr. Peterson: Ethan's uncle, the butcher. He is a serious man, and very hardworking.

Mr. Woods: The unkind and harsh factory owner, who slaps both Violet, Mum and several of his workers at different times. He has a fiery temper, which he often takes out on his employees. 

Mrs. Woods: Mr. Woods' wife, an jolly and brisk lady. She often soothes her husband's anger, bringing him back to his senses. She disappears from the factory for a time, and it is later revealed that this was due to the fact that she was about to have a baby. She has lank brown hair and gray eyes.

I hope you will be able to better understand VAB now that you know more about the characters. :)

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