Around the Fire Adventure at Fort Ticonderoga. Bonus Book Review too.

Anyone know what the circle in the window is?

'"Study the past if you would define the future": 
This saying, often attributed to Confucius, suggests that by understanding the past, one can make better decisions about the future. 
When me and hubby travel usually on our itinerary is visiting historical places. This year we were Upstate NY and spent the day at Fort Ticonderoga. The fort nearly disappeared into history but for the past century has been under restoration by public and private donations and work. It’s funny how our focus is so different. I tend to lean toward certain aspects and Pete very different ones. Often, we split up and then look for each other if we find something that we think the other would like. I gravitate toward the way people lived, especially cooking, so immediately was drawn to the working cooking over the open fire. Doors also fascinate me. Who walked through them? What were they doing or going to do? 
Recently, we visited friends who had purchased an old house in the nearest town to us. The house is amazing. Cira. early 1900s. There were a lot of quirks that I loved but what kept catching my attention was the stairway by the front door. The first steps were worn into the shapes of the feet who for over 100 years climbed up and down them. Cool, right? 
History, according to Merrium Webster that I cherry picked are   

• Chronological record of significant events (such as those affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes 
• ​Events of the past 
• Previous treatment, handling, or experience 

I understand the significant events, but I really am interested in the insignificant. I think we lose a lot when we only look at the big things. But I think most often the small things are the ones that make a difference. I found this story while researching. 
Napoleon and the Bunnies: 
A large rabbit hunt organized by Napoleon nearly ended in disaster when the rabbits, instead of fleeing, attacked his party. This comical event, though not historically significant, highlights how unexpected circumstances can arise from seemingly small things. I’ll bet the group never looked at rabbits the same way. 
Did you ever hear about the Christmas Truce of 1914? 
Shouted messages grew between the foxholes from the British and German soldiers. The next day the two sides met in no man's land. Gifts were exchanged and photographs taken. Some even played impromptu games of football. The two sides also worked together to bury casualties. I bet these men were never the same. And wonder how much harder it was to then go back to the big picture of shooting one another.  
"I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past" ~ Thomas Jefferson suggested that while history can be informative, it is more important to focus on the potential of the future. 
What history can we make in the little, seemingly insignificant things? Through things like kindness, gentleness, self control? By reaching out to clasp hands and not smack them. I wonder, if enough of us take care of the small things could somehow the big things resolve?

I climbed down the stair and the temperature dropped a good 10 degrees. Then the picture in the bottom middle is Mount Defiance. It was here that I realized that I could hike again with out wheezing and coughing. Last pic is two men making shoes and chatting with other visitors.

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D. V. reviews 5 Stars
The Masterpiece: A Novel (A Redemptive, Character-Driven, Contemporary Christian Fiction Romance Novel)
I've been a long time fan of Francine Rivers since the Mark of the Lion series, but confess it's been a while since I've read one of her books, but I'm so glad I did.
This is not your fluffy kind of Hallmark type story. It's gritty and takes you on a tough trail of two people who have not only baggage but entire history of luggage to fill a storage unit. They are certainly not perfect people. But Rivers takes the reader on a tale of love, redemption, and forgiveness. No spoilers but I'll tell you there is a very terrifying scene that changes the direction of one of the characters.
Grace and Roman are both deep and interesting characters, and you wonder how they can make it past a history of hate, addictions, crime, and choices that have ongoing consequenses. 
Secondary characters round out the stories showing how friends can help or hurt. 
I highly reccomend this book to anyone who struggles with faith, hope, and love.