Welcome to My Blog Stop!, a freestyle home business and personal blog, curating advice, tips, and information for work at home professionals; and blogging about general subjects of interest, art, entertainment, views and opinions, society and culture, etc. This website complements and supplements multiple WAHM projects grouped together as Cmoneyspinner's Home Business Projects on Facebook. Thanks for visiting!
Spotlight on Barbara Ann Mojica, creator of Little Miss HISTORY.
Retired educator and historian Barbara Ann Mojica is using her KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) to write history/travel books for children.
Published a series of picture books and nonfiction books; the main character is a young traveler named Little Miss HISTORY (LMH), an aspiring park ranger eager to take you to famous landmarks and tell you all about them! Through her, Ms.Mojica takes readers on guided tours to well-known sites in the United States. So far, LMH has visited:
Mount Rushmore,
the Statue of Liberty,
Sequoia National Park, and
Ford’s Theater.
Ms. Mojica has been recognized by BRAGMedallion.com, an organization that endeavors to recognize and promote the works of new and talented self-published authors:
Little Miss History Travels to MOUNT RUSHMORE is the first in a new series of children’s nonfiction books featuring a funny character named Little Miss History who takes you on a journey to visit historic places. This book is appropriate for middle-grade classrooms, libraries, and homes. Ms. Mojica is an historian, parent, grandparent and retired educator-driven by a genuine motivation to help make learning history a fun experience for children. In the words of one reviewer…”I wish we had books like this when I was in school.”
Since her last trip to Mount Rushmore, Little Miss HISTORY has journeyed more than 1700 miles over land, sea, and air to reach her second destination, The Statue of Liberty. This national treasure stands proudly in New York Harbor, welcoming all people to the land of freedom and opportunity. In this second book of the series, Little Miss HISTORY will help you discover who thought of the statue in the first place, the values she symbolizes, the architects and engineers who built Lady Liberty, and the little-known individuals who contributed their pennies to make her debut in New York’s harbor possible. You will learn about why she remains a promise and symbol of the hopes and aspirations of many people around the world and not just to immigrants coming to America. Come now and follow Little Miss HISTORY as she enlightens you about The Statue of Liberty!
Are you ready for another thrilling adventure? The Little Miss HISTORY series is a nonfiction picture book, history/travel series written with the intention of making learning fun for children and adults alike. In the third book of this series, this wannabe Park Ranger with pigtails and hiking boots three sizes too big skydives into SEQUOIA National Park. She will take you on a journey back in time to meet those who first settled in this wilderness. Through breathtaking illustrations and photographs, the reader will hike, horseback ride, and kayak through the park to view its wonders. Adventurers will encounter waterfalls, granite cliffs, giant trees, and geologic exhibits on their journey. More than three hundred species of wildlife abound in the park. Don’t be surprised if you meet a cinnamon bear or a mountain lion! Little Miss will explain the differences between sequoia trees and redwood trees, how they grow, and why they are important. Discover why the General Grant tree is called a “living memorial.” Despite the natural beauty of this park, readers will discover a deadly danger lurking within.
When America approached the 150th Anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in Ford’s Theater, April 15, 1865, Washington, D.C., LMH went on her fourth adventure. Little Miss HISTORY visited a place that has witnessed the best and worst of times. Its walls have heard laughter and tears.This nonfiction picture book is illustrated in somber tones that convey the mood of the tragic events that unfolded there. Little Miss HISTORY keeps spirits up by wearing a top hat like Lincoln and a Roman toga while acting in the theater, but she is well aware that she is visiting a darker part of America’s history. Learn why many believed the building was cursed. Gaze at the Derringer pistol that fired the fatal shot. Study the boot that John Wilkes Booth wore while injuring his leg during his attempt to escape. See the bed where President Lincoln died. Crane your neck up to stare at the Tower of Books written about Abraham Lincoln in the Center for Education and Leadership.
Let Little Miss HISTORY be your guide to learning how Ford’s Theater has become a living memorial to Abraham Lincoln and to the resilience of a country made whole once more.
Ruth is a shortened version of ‘retut’, which means “lovely friend”. Ruth was a Moabitess who married into a family of Israelites. She was subsequently widowed. The Book of Ruth is a short book in the Old Testament that tells the story of this “beautiful gleaner”. She is remembered for her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her conversion to Judaism. The earnestness of her plea and her sincerity were expressed almost in the form of a prayer.
Image credit: Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
They were both destitute, and Naomi tried to convince Ruth that she could offer her nothing but bitterness. Yet to Naomi she pleaded: “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God, my God.” (Ruth 1: 16) Ruth’s steadfastness ultimately resulted in her marriage to her deceased husband’s wealthy kinsman Boaz, who was the father of Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David, the shepherd boy who became an anointed king of Israel.
Planning a trip to China? Hoping to find hidden treasure from the ancient world? Students who compare civilizations in world history are aware that, like the pharaohs of Egypt, the Chinese emperors and leaders buried treasures with them for their afterlife. China’s long, layered history has left behind countless
mysteries — some buried deep underground, others resting quietly
beneath the sea. Every year, archaeologists uncover new pieces of the
past that remind us just how much of China’s story is still waiting
to be found.
Tombs That Refuse to Stay Silent
Take the case of Cao Cao, the legendary warlord from the Three
Kingdoms era. For centuries, his burial site was the stuff of rumor
and folklore. But then in 2009, it was reported that Chinese archaeologists uncovered a 1800-year-old tomb in Xigaoxue , which they believed to be the genuine tomb of a Chinese general Cao Cao. Hundreds of relics were recovered, but some experts were not convinced the bones belonged to the military leader and wanted DNA tests done. Evidently, they had the bones of the general's son, which had been discovered in 1951.
Another remarkable find came from the Southern Song Dynasty. A
tomb discovered in 1951 revealed the remains of a young boy, believed
to be the son of a royal family. The burial goods, though modest,
offered a glimpse into the rituals and daily life of the era. These
discoveries remind us that history isn’t just written in books;
sometimes it’s carved in stone and sealed beneath the earth.
The treasures of the Tombs of Song Dynasty emperors were found, but they had already been robbed. Even so ... there might still be some hidden tombs that the grave robbers could not locate or access. 🤞🤞
Treasures Beneath the Waves
Curious seekers wanting to find treasures of ancient China often search for undiscovered tombs, but based on some interesting information uncovered during my research to write another article, it appears that searching for ships lost at sea or shipwrecks, might be just as profitable.
Not all of China's treasures are buried on land. China’s
coastline has its own secrets. Shipwrecks from the Ming and Qing
dynasties have yielded porcelain, coins, and everyday objects that
survived centuries underwater. Each recovered relic tells a story
about trade routes, craftsmanship, and the people who once sailed
those waters.
If you’re fascinated by the idea of treasure hunting, these
underwater discoveries show that the past doesn’t always stay put.
Sometimes it drifts, sinks, and waits patiently for someone curious
enough to look.
If exploring China’s ancient world sparks your imagination, you
might enjoy The Search for Modern China by Jonathan D.
Spence. It’s a sweeping, accessible look at China’s evolution —
not just the dynasties and emperors, but the cultural shifts and
everyday lives that shaped the nation. It’s a great companion for
anyone who wants context behind the artifacts and ruins.
Whether hidden in imperial tombs or resting on the ocean floor,
China’s treasures remind us that history is alive, layered, and
full of surprises. You don’t have to be an archaeologist to
appreciate the thrill of discovery. Sometimes all it takes is
curiosity — and a willingness to follow where the past leads.
Sharing a few biofacts from a non-historian about 2 sisters ~ Berniece and Drusilla, both Jewish princesses. The Jewish historian Josephus, says the two (2) sisters hated each other. That's probably why there is not much mention of them in history crossing each other. It's likely they just stayed out of each other's way. OR … Big sister was so busy bed-hopping, she didn't have time for her little sister.
Who was Berniece?
After learning a little about a woman named Berniece, I concluded that she was clearly ambitious and her bedroom moves, simply put, were … “power grabs”.
First, she married an insignificant guy named Marcus. Not sure of the reason why the marriage ended, but she moved on and married her uncle, whose name was Herod. He died shortly thereafter. By the way, her uncle was a king.
Since she had already married one king, might as well keep the momentum going. She married King Polemo and deserted him shortly after their wedding.
She moved to Jerusalem and hooked up with Agrippa II, a great-grandson of Herod the Great. He was also her brother, which meant they had an incestuous relationship. (It seems her aim was a little bit higher, so you could call this marriage “a stepping stone”. Just me thinking.)
Ultimately, she made her way to the bed of two (2) Roman emperors. Some records indicate that she was not only the mistress of Emperor Vespasian but also his son Titus. She became the lover of Titus when he was a general and he continued their relationship when he became emperor.
After her relationship with Titus, she seems to have faded from history.
♦ Who was Drusilla?
Berniece had a little sister and her name was Drusilla, a feminine derivative of the Roman family name Drusus.
Berniece and Drusilla are both mentioned in the New Testament Book of Acts.
Drusilla was the wife of Felix, a Roman governor of Judea, who sent for Paul to hear about Jesus. Before she married Felix, she was married to some guy named Gaius Julius Azizus, who was a priest-king of Emesa.
Drusilla didn't bed-hop as much as her big sister, Berniece; but she did sort of follow her big sister's example. Even though she went backward. Instead of going from governor to king, she went from a king to a governor.
Historical records indicate that she perished in Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
♦♦♦
P.S. I am not a qualified historian, so if you see anything incorrect in this short post, feel free to call me out on it.
Do you enjoy European history and British comedy TV shows? My spouse introduced me to BBC programs back in the 70s. Fawlty Towers was one of my favorites.
Unfortunately, there is one show that I vaguely recall but can't remember the name or the names of any of the people in it, so it's hard for me to search for it. Perhaps if I tell what I can remember, somebody out there in cyberspace will help me fill in the blank.
So in this episode, there was a guy who was impersonating the king of France. “A” king of France. The king's name was Louis. That part was clear. The confusion was over the monarch's number. So the guy who was supposed to be king – every time somebody left the room after speaking with him, and another person would come in to talk to him, he would forget which number “Louis” he was. One time, he's Louis the 14th. Next time he's the 16th. The 10th? The 12th? He didn't know!
It was hilarious! But didn't quite fully appreciate the humor, not being familiar with the history of France. Did a little research to figure out just how many kings of France were named Louis. There were eighteen (18). Eighteen kings of France ruled from the 7th century to the 18th century. Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed himself Emperor of France after Louis 16th got his head chopped off. Louis XVII died in prison. Louis XVIII ruled as a constitutional monarch. (If there's a student of French history who knows differently, feel free to correct me.)
Can anybody name of the BBC TV show?
* * *
FYI: There were 18 monarchs with the regnal name Louis
in the history of France, though Louis XVII never actually
ruled (he was a prisoner during the Revolution).
Total kings named Louis (official historical
figures):18
Actual ruling monarchs named Louis: 17
(excluding Louis XVII, who was never crowned or exercised power)
(Wikipedia)
UPDATED: The content below the asterisks was written in 2017. It's 2025. Who would have thought one president and a crony who joined him would have given US so much to protect about?
In cities and states across our country today, millions of Americans made their voices heard loud and clear to the Musk-trump administration:#HandsOff of our benefits! This is AWESOME!!! pic.twitter.com/tiZWS5huXk
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) April 5, 2025
***
Marching is a clearly defined collective act of the people! It's proof that in a free country you can do something to get your voices heard by the elected officials you are allowing to serve you, to do what needs to be done for the good of all the people. Or at least... get them to think about it. Also, sometimes if you write letters, they might get lost in the mail or never even delivered. It's kind of difficult to ignore a large mass of people all moving together coming at you. :)
The Jews took the Ark from Shiloh to Kiriath-Jearim to the battlefield because they thought it would being them victory. They were wrong! They lost the Battle to the Philistines. It was a slaughter!! The enemy took the Ark as a spoil of war. But it was not the kind of trophy they would be allowed to show off with. There were plagues in every Philistine city where the Ark was taken. In the end, they gave it back to the Jews.
- INTERESTING HISTORY NOTE: During the American Civil War, the Union Army under the leadership of Ulysses Grant, achieved a victory at the Battle of Shiloh (April 1862).But that's another battle. :)
Now that you know how to read you can read the Bible for yourself. That's what my momma said.
Most Bible readers (from my generation and the generations in the centuries before mine) will likely say what struck them when the first read the scriptures was all those "begats". Some people will skip over verses, even whole chapters if they see that word. The word "begat" usually connects a string of names that are very difficult to pronounce.
For me, one of things noted when turning the pages of the Old Testament starting with Genesis and working my way to the Revelation was all those "ites". The names for the inhabitants of different ancient nations.
Hittites, Asherites, Jebusites, Amorites, Amakelites, Girgashites, Moabites, Perizzites, Canaanites, and of course, Israelites.
Yes. Only Christ is not a nation. Christianity and the gospel message of peace and goodwill is not restricted by man-made boundaries. But it's an observation as to how the suffixes were used by the scholarly translators.
As a member of the Medium.com writing community (view my writer's profile), not only do I enjoy writing content but I also enjoy reading and commenting on the articles of my fellow writers.
Maximus Aurelius published an article titled "The Origins of Royalty: A Simple Explanation". It is an excellent read. After reading, I left comments. On Medium, responses to comments appear on your profile but they are not counted in your list of stories. I often re-share my comments with readers who visit my blog. The comments below are my thoughts.
There is a scripture that says “It's not within man to direct his own steps.”
I read that and thought: “Uuuhhh … so?? … we're stupid?” (O.o)
When you read the history of humanity whether you call the people in charge kings, czars, emperors, etc. … don't you ask yourself: 'When did God die and leave them in charge?'
I mean … did it happen that on one day, the human race thought about and decided:
Wait! You want us to take one person, along with their family, and put them over all the rest of us. We even have to kneel down to them? When they eat and sleep, poop and piss, and die just like we do.
OK! I'm excited about this plan. LET'S DO THIS!!
*** (O.o)
Regardless of the origin of royalty … no matter what anybody says … I think civilizations would be better off without them.
If royals were so important to the survival of human life … why is that some countries that used to have kings and queens, but they don't have them anymore.
The fact is: One or more humans are the ones who made up something called “royalty” and then expected all the other humans to be on board with it! But as time passed, other humans thought to themselves: WHY DO WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THIS? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!
(Just my comical take on the history of mankind. Great article.)
