Wonderful Wenchly Eighth Anniversary

 Joanna here, at the Great Word Wenches Eighth Blogiversary. 

 Today we're celebrating by harking back to our favorite blog posting evah!
There'll be four blog links today.  Four on Friday.

This is my own fourth Word Wenches anniversary.  I'm still the newest Wench -- the baby Wench, as it were.  So proud and happy to be here.   

When I went looking for my favorite posting, I had quite a number that called to me.  I could go back to the one about women fighting with fists and swords.  Or the 'fireworks and explosives' post.  Or the one about Regency liquor.  (I sense a certain disreputable trend in my posts that had hitherto escaped my notice.)  But on the whole, I decided we'd go with a cleaner topic.  Bathing.

So here is Georgian and Regency Bathing Customs  - here.

 

Nicola says:

It’s lovely to be celebrating the 8th anniversary of the Word Wenches blog and with it our wonderful Wench readers and a huge variety of blog posts.

It was very difficult to choose a favourite from my time as a Wench and I got completely distracted reading through old posts and thinking anew about a range of fascinating topics relating to history and writing and much more besides. In the end, like Andrea, I chose one of my first posts as a wench, One Man and his Dog.

I was so excited to be a part of the group (I still am!) and so keen to share my quirky research interests with a group of like-minded people. The blog illustrates a couple of my passions - dogs and Prince Rupert of the Rhine - and I know I am not alone in loving both of these disparate subjects! In addition, Prince Rupert is a character in my current work in progress and so there is a nice connection from one of my early Wench posts to my writing now.

So here is a link to the blog post, with thanks to my fellow wenches for being such an amazing group and to our readers for being such  fun to chat with!

Cara/Andrea here,

I think one of the reasons the Word Wenches have thrived for eight years in an internet landscape where sites come and go at the speed of light is because we all have wide-ranging and eclectic interests. (that’s an erudite way of saying we are quirky!) Which makes choosing a favorite from the blogs I’ve done over the years no easy task. Like a magpie, I tend to collect bright shiny tidbits of arcane information. I call it research . . . and usually the esoteric historical information I find fascinating does end up in my books. But most, I just find the stuff fun to know.

However, after going over my contributions to the blog, I’ve decided to spotlight the very first post I did for as a Word Wench. There are two reasons—firstly because I was—and still am—thrilled to be part of such an amazing group of writers. Not only do we share a passion for writing and history, but on a more personal level, we have become a close-knit, supportive group of best friends. Secondly, I’m choosing it because it illustrates the sort of offbeat historical subject that set fire to my imagination. And what makes it even more fun is that there is an audience of kindred spirits who seem to share my passion. So without further ado, here is a link to the history of gunpowder. And I’ll also add my own colorful fireworks of thanks to all you readers whose enthusiasm for our posts keeps us going!

 Sherrie drops in to say --

From Sherrie Holmes and Sparky Tabasco, happy anniversary to all the Wenches for 8 wonderful years! As your  blogmistress, I've been privileged to come along for the ride from the very beginning. It's been a trip! I can remember when I was first approached by Mary Jo about researching blog venues and then becoming the blogmistress to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Blogging had really exploded back then, and many authors were dragged, kicking and screaming, into the blogosphere. Now, blogs are a great way for authors and readers to connect, and a side benefit has been the wonderful friendships that have been formed as a result. Here’s to another glorious 8 years!

And Jo:.

I was delighted to be invited to join the Word Wenches back in 2006, and then it seemed quite an achievement to reach our anniversary in May 2007. Of course we wanted to do a group blog worthy of the milestone, so what else but Getting Naked With the Wenches? The topic was "nakedness in the past -- the fiction and the non-fiction."

I pulled together the first of three posts on nakedness. In this one the Wenches discussed bathing habits -- naked or not?-- and even the definition of nakedness, which uncovered (sorry!) this from the OED. 1761:  "The streets were...filled with naked people, some with shirts and shifts on only, and numbers without either." There are pictures.

We also discussed nakedness in sex. No pictures in the blog, but there's a link, with appropriate warnings. Enjoy!

 Stay tuned for Friday's posting when we'll hear from Anne, Pat, Susan and Mary Jo.  On Friday we'll offer a plentitudeand a half of Wench Book Swag to lucky commenters on either of these posts.  What kind of book swag?  Let me say -- ARC!  Let me say -- Newly released books.  Let me say -- audiobook!

 So ...  What's your favorite Wench post from the eight years of Wenchdom?

Comments

[Kate S]

NOOOOOO, my favorite post is always the next one... because they are always soo interesting!! Thanks for sharing such bits over the years!

[Mary Jo Putney]

Oh, so many fond memories! From nakedness to dogs to gunpowder and exploxions. Eclectic 'R Us!

[Tracey Devlyn]

Happy Anniversary, ladies!! Thanks for all the great posts. Impossible to pick just one!!

[Becky Lower]

Happy Anniversary! Here's hoping for at least eight more years, since I only recently found you.

[Jane Tisell]

Choosing a favourite post would be like choosing a favourite child... Just Not Done! Love all the tasty nuggets of information you find and share...I have a magpie mind and find such things Shiny. So thank you, and best wishes for the future.

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, it really is wonderful to be reminded of all the interesting things that all my fellow Wenches have written about over the eight years. As an avid lover of history, I enjoy them just as much as our readers!

And thank you everyone for your good wishes. It's your enthusiasm that makes it such fun for us

[Andrea Penrose]

That's so nice of you to say, Kate. Glad you enjoy all the arcane things that catch our fancies.

[theo]

Sean Bean! *sigh*

Okay, I was going to leave my post at just that, but decided I should say something besides that so...Happy Anniversary, ladies! I've been along for the ride for a long, long time and I've loved every minute of it. I've learned from almost every post and those that weren't learning tools for me were just plain fun.

PS, Edith would be very proud.

[Kathy N]

Choosing a favorite is too hard but as I revisited everything here a lot of smiles emerged. Thanks for that. I also wanted to take the opportunity to give a shout out to Edith Layton. Tonight I am going to reread one of her books on my keeper shelf in remembrance.

[Susan]

Thanks, all, for the good wishes and the good will, and thanks for being such an essential part of the Word Wenches blog - as readers! We wouldn't still be here without you all. :)
And thanks, Theo and Kathy, for remembering Edith as well on our anniversary - our very special Wench Angel. 0:)

A favorite blog was nearly impossible to choose! Check back again for Part II of the Word Wenches favorite blog anniversary bash -- more posts, more giveaways! All you have to do is comment (if at first you have any trouble posting, please try again - Typepad has been a bit finicky lately...). Thanks again!

[Jacquie]

I agree....you guys are thoughtful and funny...couldn't pick just one, I have enjoyed your blog...and learned a lot.

[Vicki]

I have to plead the 5th on favorite posts. I've found them all fascinating. I enjoy learning, enjoy the different view points and definitely have enjoyed the thinking I was required to do to post a comment.

The discussions at the end of each post have been very informative as well. It is taking me a long time to work my way back to the beginning because there is so much to ponder!

Boo hiss that I didn't find this blog until 6 months ago!

[Joanne Bourne]

I had a hard time too, picking a favorite post I'd written. They're all so interesting when I'm writing them.

[Joanne Bourne]

Reading other Wenches stuff, I have to say my favorites are the historical bits. I learn so much.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Becky --

Thank ye kindly. I hope you're right about the longevity.

So you're a newcomer, just as I am. Relatively, at least.

[Joanne Bourne]

One of my favorite posts is going to show up as one of the recommendations on the Friday blog. I won't tell you which one, but you might be able to guess. *g*

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi theo --

In all ways, thank you.

Ditto
Sean Bean! *sigh*

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Jacquie --

I've learned such cool stuff writing these blogs. They give me ideas to use in the stories. And some of the blogs arise from research I've had to do for the writing.

It all fits together nicely, doesn't it.

[Joanne Bourne]

Yes! I love reading the comments. I've learned so much.

I especially like when I can ask folks to tell me something about their own lives and they DO.

(I'm thinking of recent posts on gardening and one on children's games.)

[sue p]

My favorite is probably the current one. Always so much fun and interesting. You guys are fabulous! Happy 8th.

[Katherine R]

Although I learn something from every historical post, my favorites must be "What We're Reading" because I've gotten so many interesting recommendations from them (and from the comments.) I just finished a bunch of Nita Abrams books, probably because someone here mentioned them.

[ELF]

I enjoy all of the posts that I remember to read, particularly the Sparky report and the ones that have pictures of all of the interesting items that I have read about but never figured out what they look like. Happy Anniversary and may you have many more!

[Michelle]

8 years! Wow! Congrats! I remember reading this blog when it first started. I hope my blog will make 8 years! I have a ton of past posts bookmarked for reference. Here's to 8 more years!

[Catherine]

Happy blogiversary to an excellent blog!

I love the post on heroines and women's rights, which pretty much illustrates one of the two reasons that I would not, in fact, like to live in a different century. (The other is medical care).

Catherine

[HJ]

This has been one of my favourite blogs ever since I discovered that such things existed. I really enjoy the detailed knowledge which the posts here display, as well as the camaraderie and fun. Here's to the next eight years!

[Maggie Robinson]

Gosh, I guess I've been with you almost from the beginning! Congratulations on eight fascinating years! I subscribe to the blog posts and read them every morning in my e-mail to get my day started in an erudite and entertaining fashion. While I don't comment often, know that the Wenches all continue to be an inspiration. One of my biggest biggest author thrills was guesting here thanks to Mary Jo (whose adventures in Bermuda are making me leave tomorrow for a 7 day cruise). Many happy years ahead!

[Sandra]

William giraldi should spend some time on this blog to see the effort that goes into writing romance novels. Thanks for sharing your research

[Sarah Parr]

Sadly, I can no more pick a favorite post than a favorite dish. I love variety. The 'Wenches' are a supreme concoction of sweet, savory, spice and heat ribboned by an elusive, humble dash of umami. Thank you for sharing your wit, inspiration, research, journeys and lives.

Happy Anniversary!
Cheers to many, many more!

[Jobev]

Jo Beverley here saying thanks for all the appreciative comments. It's lovely to have fun and to be giving others pleasure at the same time.

Cheers,

Jo

[Joanne Bourne]

Thank you so much, Sue. That's the way I feel about upcoming posts. The next one to write is always the most interesting one.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Katherine --

Me. Me. (jo raises her hand and waves wildly.)

I'm the one who mentioned the Nita Abrams books.

You know, there are so many wonderful works out there we might miss if somebody didn't walk up and say -- "I loved this. Try it."

I am so grateful to my reading and reviewing friends. And yes, I look at those What We're Reading posts with great interest and always find new books.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi ELF --

Thank you so much.

Sparky. Yes. I have been following his adventures with great delight. I'm about half a cat person. (The other half is me being a dog person.)

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Michelle --

I followed the blog way back before I became one of the Wenches. I always enjoyed it.

Thanks for being a loyal and supportive reader.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Catherine --

A thoughtful and interesting choice. For me, the medical care would come first.

(I wonder if I should ever do a blog on How People Died. It sounds gruesome but interesting.)

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi HJ --

Oh, thank you. I do enjoy being here. I think the rest of us do too. And, while it's very much because we have so much in common and are a group, it's also because the blog has such wonderful followers.

Whenever I post I can barely wait for the comments to come back to see what folks have to say. Sometimes it really makes me think.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Maggie --

Even though you don't post often, we kinda know you are out there. (jo waves) I like to think there are lots of folks who read the blog and enjoy it but don't speak up much.

Though this is a very friendly place and not scary at all.

I hope they all drop by this post of Friday's post for a chance to score some swag.

Now I want to go to Bermuda.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Sandra --

I figger those who want to put down a genre (or a sex) are not going to be convinced by mere evidence.

I have so much fun thinking about these small bits of history. I don't approach big, sweeping history. But the little details fascinate me. What did a cat look like in England in 1776? How often, and how, did folks wash themselves in 1810.

I love knowing this. Love sharing it.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Sarah,

Thank you so much for the kind words.

Y'know, 'umami' sounded familiar but I couldn't immediately place it. So (Thank the Internet) I went and looked it up.

Love the word. Loved the way you used it.

Umami is a loan word from Japanese meaning "pleasant savory taste". Comes from tasting glutamate which, as Glutamic acid, is one of the essential amino acids. Those are the ones you have to eat to stay alive.

Calling the blog savory and protein-like is just a wonderful compliment.

[Juanita Decuir]

I would have to say and to tell the truth I don't remember your posts unless they are of the cover illustrations from your novels...my mind works that way...it's funny because when reading your stories, I am underlining certain passages, folding the corners on others just to remember the words...but, I never have a problem putting a picture to those words...another thing I see is the friendship/camaraderie between you all...that's why I am grateful for your friendships on FB, I get to share in that an experience to savour!

[Jackie]

Congratulations on eight wonderful years ! I learn something new with each post. And the Sparky report is really fun.

[Linda]

Goodness! How can one choose a favourite? They're all so good.

Happy Eighth Anniversary! What a wonderful milestone & achievement.

[Make Kay]

Mmm, yeah, I'm going to have to agree with others, I can't possibly pick! I love reading about quirky or interesting historical facts, so there have been so many good posts for me! I love to know the strange things authors find out when researching historical books. Your blog and Two Nerdy History Girls are my favorite spots for that 😀

[Lisa Cisneros]

Happy 8th Anniversary!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thank you, Theo. You are a big part of why we enjoy doing this blog! Having enthusiastic readersis what inspires us!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks, Jacqui! I learn from my fellow Wenches too!

[Andrea Penrose]

We really appreciate your kind words, HJ!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thank you, Maggie! You're a special part of the Wench family!

[Andrea Penrose]

Thank you, everyone. Your support and kind words really mean a lot to all of us!

[Karin]

Congratulations on your anniversary! My favorite posts are the ones where everyone talks about what books they've been reading. I'm especially grateful to have found Nita Abrams and Maggie Robinson, among others. That's what causes my TBR pile gets bigger and bigger. I also love the travelogue postings. And of course, Sparky!

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Karin --

I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear that folks like those What We're Reading posts. I had hopes this was the case, but I didn't know.

As to Sparky ... I admit a certain fondness for those meself.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Lisa --

Grin. What a pretty icon you have.

I've seen people take a frame and use colored twine or nylon string to make images like that.

[Joanne Bourne]

I am greatly beholding to all the folks who blog about history. There is just so much benevolence and kindness everywhere.

So if folks like the posts I do on history, thank also the many experts who share the knowledge on the net.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi LInda --

Well thank ye kindly.

And eight years is very much an achievement. Since I haven't been here all that long I'll applaud everybody else.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Jackie --

Than you kindly. I think all the Wenches are feeling rather celebrator today.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Juanita --

I am of two minds about writing in books and folding down the pages and cracking the spines.

I have had friends who just wince when they see this. And I understand their point of view. I really do. Books are so wonderful and the ideas in them are so valuable -- shouldn't the physical vessel of the book be respected.

But then I decided -- no. I can hold and enjoy and mark the books I read (well, not the expensive books. Just the paperbacks.) because the book and I -- we're friends. And good friends leave marks on each other. We interact.

[Shannon]

It's taken me two evenings to read all of the linked posts. They're all wonderful, and I couldn't pick a favorite out the four. How did you do it?

Congratulations on your eight years, and many returns of the day!

I am a fan of the history snippets, the new-to-us authors, the monthly what are you reading, and of course the Sparky updates. (Sparky appeared on the 4th of July, the same date my Julia passed on.) Of course, I have to say I like Mary Jo Putney's cats as well. Which brings me back around to a Man and His Dog. It's good to have furry and bloggy blessings.

[Sharon]

I have loved reading all of your blogs over the years. The fascinating subjects you come up with are always fun and interesting. Just like your books, a great way to learn historical tidbits!

[Glenda]

There can't possibly be one favorite post for me! I love reading all the historical tidbits! I haven't been following you ladies for very long, but I have loved every single post!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!

[Juanita Decuir]

Joanne, I also, break the spines but just on the paperbacks and in 5 equal parts...I hope I didn't offend anyone with my comments about not remembering...O' and it is something to hold a novel, I have a library of books on my laptop and have been unable to read them, not as comfortable for me as a real book! And then how do I write on the margins?...Blessings to you all!

[Keira Soleore]

I have loved the Wenches from their very first post, and I am glad they have continued posting regularly through the years. I don't always comment, but I always read. Thank you for the lovely researchy topics and the laughs.

[Kay]

Wow, eight years! Doesn't seem possible! Congratulations and I'm grad you're still here!

[Laura]

Hi, ELF. Sparky told me to tell you how glad she is that you enjoy the Sparky Reports. And like you, both Sparky and I enjoy all the wonderful posts with pictures. This place is like a one-stop shopping center for research!

Did you know that you can do a search for specific topics by entering it in the search window at the top of the page? It's an easy way to zero in on a specific topic.

[Laura]

Hi, Jackie. Thanks for the kind words about Sparky. She's a never-ending source of humorous material, and she's very fortunate to have found a home here with all the godwenches!

[Laura]

Karen, Sparky has instructed me to let you know how pleased she is that you enjoy the Sparky Reports. She's going to get a swelled head for sure!

Like you, my TBR pile is teetering, thanks to all the great reading suggestions. I look forward to the "What We're Reading" posts at the end of every month.

[Laura]

Shannon, I enjoy history snippets, too. And both Sparky and I enjoy hearing about Mary Jo's cats. (I secretly think they sometimes attempt to outdo each other with their antics!)

[Alyn]

Woohoo to 8 years! Now that's a lot of hard work and dedication. I am extra proud of all of you ladies. Thank you for taking your time to interact with your readers!

[Joanne Bourne]

I am warmed and delighted by all the kind things folks have said on this celebration.

And I love talking to readers here on the blog. Just the most wonderful folks.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Kay --

Groups come and go. I see some people I really enjoyed reading pack up their bags and wander away -- doubtless to other work.

So I am very glad the Wenches are still posting after so long.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Keira -

Now I am going to think of you when I post.

I know there are a lot of 'watchers' who appreciate the blogs but don't generally speak up. I have a sense of them, but don't get to interact.

HEY! (This is me talking to the lurkers.) This is a good post to drop by and say hello. Give up the shyness. Get swag.

Actually, I know all about reading blogs and never posting because I do a lot of that. Or do a lot of not doing that ...

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Glenda --

Y'know. I keep a file of ideas for what I could post about. If you come up with good ideas for posts, send them to Sherrie.

In a lotta ways, the blog is interactive ...

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Sharon,

You are so kind. (jo hugs herself, feeling good.)

I never took a course in History after ... I guess it was Ninth Grade. So I'm teaching myself as I go along. Fascinating stuff.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Shannon --

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. Our WebHost has been having some technical problems. I understand things are difficult right now out there in Technical Blogland.

Our animal companions fill a great space in our hearts. Loving our dogs and cats is the most simple and natural part of our lives.

[Joanne Bourne]

Hi Juanita --

Never possibly offended by someone saying they can't recall a particular post. That's what Google Search does for us. It slips in and takes the place of our poor beleaguered memories. My life would be 20,000,000 index cards if it weren't for internet resources.

I too prefer reading 'dead tree' books when I lean back and enjoy myself. I'll even pick up the paperback copy of books I have in my kindle.

There is just nothing like holding a book in your hand. (And I spend so much time looking at the screen that my eyes get tired of it.)