It's still a thrill when people enjoy Maddie's first adventure:

"one of the most delightful tales I’ve read in a while. It’s a lovely mix of mystery, science fiction, humor, froth and adventure that can be found in the best steampunk"

For the full review, see Buried Under Books

Stunning pink diamond was thought to be 'crystal'

Infamous First Lady Imelda Marcos had some fabulous jewels seized when her family fled following their loss of power in the Philippines. But nobody knew this was one of them.

"Marcos’ briolette-cut or barrel-shaped pink diamond is from India’s famous Golconda region, which produced rare finds like the Hope Diamond and a 500-carat diamond that is part of the British crown jewels."

(no photo, as there are conflicting images being flung around on the web right now. I'll wait until one of them is verified as hers)

Here's the story of her seized jewels, now coming up for auction after 30 years in a government-controlled bank vault.

To find out more about fabulous gems from the Golconda region, check out the 'Bloodshot Diamond' tab for the history of these and other gems.

Aprops of a conversation happening now on Twitter at

#YASIChat

Here's the link to a story about Queen Victoria's chainmail parasol

Teacup Tuesday

It's always teatime in Maddie's world, but twice on Tuesdays. Here's a style of teacup that's new to me, made by Blue-Pixie-Stick and shown on deviantart.

Maddie's Kindle edition is at #29 in Steampunk. Anything in the Top 100 is cause to celebrate, right?