Tag: Historical fiction 17th century France Peasant life Filles du Roi (use both the French term and English variants) New France or colonial Quebec Women pioneers French colonization Historical women’s fi

Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed

~ jeannemeeks ~ 2 Comments

My granddaughter found this photo in a family album.  She thought we were pretty cool, until I told her it was a costume party.  Ah, the good ole days. Peasants smoked weed, I mean, actual weeds like mullein, coltsfoot, nettle, rosemary, sage for medicinal purposes to clear the lungs, sharpen the mind, and protect against … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed

Time Travel Tuesday – A Sneak Preview

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Here’s the first look at the opening of the prologue to my work-in-progress - an historical fiction novel.  The question is — how does a young girl survive all this? 1639 was a bad time for Marie Rochon to be born on a simple farm in the Perche area in northwest France. The peasants of … Continue reading Time Travel Tuesday – A Sneak Preview

Mystery Monday

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What the heck is this? It was a very precious commodity in 17th century France. The rights to its production was usually claimed by seigneurs and nobility, so peasants generally could not afford to own any…unless they raised their own….in which case they’d be smarter to sell it for income rather than use it in … Continue reading Mystery Monday

Bad Hair Day?

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Ok, that was 1969. I’m throwing back to 1650 when hair was such a bother for peasants. Girls younger than twelve could leave their hair loose or braided.  Once a girl reached puberty, she was expected to cover her hair, perhaps braid it and gather it under her cap for modesty. Keeping the hair under … Continue reading Bad Hair Day?