Monday, December 28, 2009

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter

Hello this is Martine,

I hope you all had a very nice Christmas.

We are working on the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

More Info will come soon.

Happy New Year!

Martine



Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Monday, December 14, 2009

Book about Betty MacDonald

Hello this is Martine,

I was reading a book about Betty MacDonald which had never been mentioned before in all the info.

I'm going to write more in the next newsletter. It's very well written and it will be one of the many wonderful surprise items for the Betty MacDonald Fan Club members in 2010.



Linde Lund creates the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Interviews with Betty MacDonald's family and friends

So many Betty MacDonald Fans around the world adore the interview with Betty MacDonald's brilliant sister Alison Bard.

Many more new audio interviews with Betty MacDonald's family and friends will be published in 2010 on CD and DVD.

There will be a fascinating DVD. You can visit with members of Betty MacDonald's family all the places where Betty MacDonald and her family lived.

Linde Lund creates the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Betty MacDonald's loyal friends around the world

Hello this is Martine:

I'm a member of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society.
I totally agree with Faith who said:

And among the things I'm thankful for are Betty, and Betty's loyal friends around the world!

That's it, dear Faith. Betty MacDonald and her loyal friends around the world make our life very special.
The world is such a small place. It's so fascinating to see that so many people from different cultures adore Betty MacDonald's wonderful books.

It belongs to the most positive experiences in my whole life what I learned from many Betty MacDonald Fan Club members around the world. I'm really very close with several of them.
We even visited each other and learned from each other. I still do. I'm so grateful for this chance.

I want to say thank you so much, dear Linde Lund. You do such a wonderful job.
Thank you so much for creating the Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society Blogs. You are always in our hearts.

Thank you so much, dear Wolfgang Hampel. The Betty MacDonald Fan Club project began in 1983. Wolfgang Hampel's dream came true. He did lots of hard work and we are more than grateful. I adore his excellent research and interviews and I know I'm not the only one. Among the many fans are writers, poets, actors and artists. He can be very proud and happy.
Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award because his Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviews have fans in 23 countries around the world.
Wolfgang Hampel founded what became the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world.

We have so many very interesting and important projects in the future and I want to say to all Betty MacDonald Fans where ever they may be: Join us and your life will be very special. You'll have the same experience I have.
We are going to reach our common goal finding new readers for Betty MacDonald's unique books. Let's do it!

I'm going to support Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society much more than I did in the past and I really can't wait to begin.

Love,

Martine


Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Betty MacDonald Event

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world,

we are going to organize a Betty MacDonald Event with the most important Betty MacDonald Collectors and Betty MacDonald Fan Club members from all over the world in 2010.

As a member of the Betty MacDonald Fan Club you will have the opportunity to see the most important Betty MacDonald Collections and much more.

We'll have the most interesting new Betty MacDonald Items in 2010.

You can read all the details in the next Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

Let's celebrate our international Betty MacDonald Community with members in 23 countries. 2009 was a very successful year for Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society. Welcome to our many new members! We are so happy you joined us.

One of the very new members of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society is a gifted artist, poet and writer, who will contribute a lot for us in the future.

We also got a delightful message from a successful award winning american writer and we have many more wonderful news.

You'll be able to read more about these artists, poets and writers in our future postings.

As you can see Betty MacDonald has so many fans.

Thanks A Million for your support. We are so grateful for your contributions, incl. audio interviews, letters and other very important documents.


Linde Lund

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Betty MacDonald Community

Welcome to Betty MacDonald Community!

Betty MacDonald Community
http://bettymacdonaldcommunity.blogspot.com/

You can find more info about our Betty MacDonald projects and events in the future.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983. We are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. Join our wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!
We have tons of fun!

There are several Betty MacDonald Collectors owning huge collections. They want to invite interested fans to see their collections.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many fans all over the world incl. several writers and artists enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.


Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+


Ann, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on your Betty MacDonald biography!!! You have worked hard and deserve all coming successes. I'm so proud of you!!

Janet, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on being honored to receive the Betty MacDonald award. You deserve it for all the work you have done to promote her.

Ron:

Congratulations! A most appropriate honor. Also, noted Ingrid Noll like myself was born in Shanghai.

David Mayer, author:

Congratulations to Wolfgang Hampel for his Betty MacDonald award. You really deserve it for all the time you have spend researching Betty and her friends. The Betty MacDonald Fans are enthusiastic about your work. That must be very satisfying.
In the future I hope to pursue the links further.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Betty and Don MacDonald's wedding

Dear Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society fans,

We got messages from several Betty MacDonald Collectors who will share all their info about Betty and Don MacDonald's wedding with photos.

Thank you so much for your outstanding support.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and winner of the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award founded Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Society in 1983 and today we are the largest Betty MacDonald Fan Club in the world - with members in 23 countries. We are a wonderful international Betty MacDonald Community!

There are several Betty MacDonald Collectors owning huge collections. They want to invite interested fans to see their collections. You'll receive more info.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Friday, December 4, 2009

A huge Betty MacDonald Surprise

I remember reading that Betty MacDonald once illustrated a pamphlet or booklet for one of the oil or gasoline companies. Has anyone ever been able to track down a copy of that book?

Or a copy of Sandra Surrenders?

Wouldn't that be amazing???

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

Dear Peter and Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world,

It's a wonderful feeling. You can read all the fascinating info in our Betty MacDonald Xmas Newsletter. We hope you are as happy as we are about these great news.
We can promise you many more wonderful Betty MacDonald Surprise Items in 2010. We hope you like the photos with Betty and Bob at the chicken farm.

Linde Lund

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

A phone call with artist and writer Darsie Beck

Wolfgang Hampel had a phone call with brilliant artist and writer Darsie Beck, son of Betty MacDonald's very charming sister Alison. We are going to post more info soon.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

We got a wonderful mail from Darsie Beck:

Sa., 21. Nov. 2009

I really appreciated Wolfgang Hampel's phone call - it was as though the spirit of Betty was with me all night.
Please thank him for me.

I simply want to say thank you for attending last nights Essential Nature book debut. I am basking this morning in the glow, the warmth and the support your presence generated. I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did and that this new day becomes the best day of your life.

Of course in hindsight there are many things I wanted to share but either spaced out or got carried away or who knows what but in the keep it simple category much if not all of what Your Essential Nature is all about is helping us create a heightened sense of awareness - of who I am and what is around me or what is my nature and what is the nature around me. It is about trying something new - doing something different - about creating good change in our lives - Author Dan Millman's new book Awareness is Power suggests "Learning is more than knowing something new; rather, it involves doing something new."

Thank you again for your attendance and your support.

Love,

Darsie Beck


Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis für Autor und Journalist Wolfgang Hampel

Wolfgang Hampel, Autor der Betty MacDonald Biographie und Interviewer von Betty MacDonalds und Mary Bards Familien und Freunden wird den ersten Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis erhalten, der von einer Gruppe internationaler Betty MacDonald Sammler gestiftet wurde. Es besteht ein großes Medieninteresse an diesem Preis und wir werden eine DVD über den Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis veröffentlichen.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch, lieber Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel verdient ohne jeden Zweifel den ersten Betty MacDonald Gedächtnispreis.
Viele Fans auf der ganzen Welt sind von seiner faszinierenden Betty MacDonald Biographie und den Interviews regelrecht begeistert.

Wolfgang Hampel Gründer des Betty MacDonald Fan Clubs und der Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Famous artists enjoy Betty MacDonald Biography

Famous artists Jim Woodring and Peter Bagge from Seattle enjoy the Betty MacDonald Biography and the interviews by author and journalist Wolfgang Hampel.

http://readersvoice.com/interviews/2003/March/55/

JIM WOODRING is a painter of colorful, cartoony, surreal pictures, and the creator of the comic, FRANK (Fantagraphics).

His favorite humor book is The egg and I by Betty Macdonald.
It's the reason he first moved to Washington.

Jim Woodring, cartoonist:

I'm sure Betty MacDonald was a lovely person, but in her books she didn't hesitate to lambast people- with obvious relish- for their faults. It's one of the things I admire about her.

http://www.seattlepi.com/visualart/155658_woodring08.html

Lying in bed late at night and reading under the covers, Jim Woodring was inspired by Betty MacDonald's "The Egg and I."

Peter Bagge, cartoonist:

I recently read an interview with a cartoonist friend of mine, Jim Woodring, who proclaimed Betty as a big influence on him. This I did not know! Only he made a blanket comment, that she "didn't like Indians," that really annoyed me. I'll have to ask him about that!

Betty DOES have a bit of an acid tongue (people say the same thing
about me!), though that doesn't mean she's a mean person, at least not in my opinion.
It just means she's honest and observant.

http://heyoscarwilde.com/peter-bagge-betty-macdonald/
http://www.peterbagge.com/peter/bio.php

A new Betty MacDonald Fan Club Item will be available soon.
You can read the very interesting discussion of Jim Woodring, Peter Bagge and many other Betty MacDonald Experts about life and work of Betty MacDonald.
More info will come soon.


Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Thanksgiving - A wonderful message from Faith

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

I got a wonderful mail from Faith and want to share it with you.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love,

Linde

Dear Linde,

I did have a happy Thanksgiving. And, as always, before digging into the roast turkey and stuffing, I felt thankful for all the good things in my life. And among the things I'm thankful for are Betty, and Betty's loyal friends around the world!

Best,
Faith

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many fans all over the world incl. several writers and artists enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+


Ann, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on your Betty MacDonald biography!!! You have worked hard and deserve all coming successes. I'm so proud of you!!

Janet, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on being honored to receive the Betty MacDonald award. You deserve it for all the work you have done to promote her.

Ron:

Congratulations! A most appropriate honor. Also, noted Ingrid Noll like myself was born in Shanghai.

David Mayer, author:

Congratulations to Wolfgang Hampel for his Betty MacDonald award. You really deserve it for all the time you have spend researching Betty and her friends. The Betty MacDonald Fans are enthusiastic about your work. That must be very satisfying.
In the future I hope to pursue the links further.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

New parts of Betty MacDonald Biography

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

Thanks A Million for the huge interest in the Betty MacDonald Biography and the interviews.

We have a very special surprise for our Betty MacDonald Fans in 23 countries.

You'll be able to read new parts of the Betty MacDonald Biography very soon.
Many more wonderful interviews with Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family will be published.
You'll receive more info about it in our Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter.

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
There is a huge media interest in this price and we are going to publish a DVD about the Betty MacDonald Memorial Award.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many fans all over the world enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html


Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available!

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

Ann, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on your Betty MacDonald biography!!! You have worked hard and deserve all coming successes. I'm so proud of you!!

Janet, writer and journalist:

Congratulations on being honored to receive the Betty MacDonald award. You deserve it for all the work you have done to promote her.

Ron:

Congratulations! A most appropriate honor. Also, noted Ingrid Noll like myself was born in Shanghai.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

First Betty MacDonald Memorial Award for Author and Journalist Wolfgang Hampel

Wolfgang Hampel, author of the Betty MacDonald Biography and Interviewer of Betty MacDonald's and Mary Bard's family and friends will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.

Congratulations, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

Wolfgang Hampel really deserves the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award. Many Fans all over the world enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wolfgang Hampel on Radio

Wolfgang Hampel, award winning journalist and author of The Betty MacDonald Biography, was on Radio with Germany's "Queen of Crime", Ingrid Noll. Both are very witty and interesting personalities. Betty MacDonald would have loved Ingrid Noll's really fascinating books. In case you are interested in the Radio show, let us know, please.

Wolfgang Hampel will receive the first Betty MacDonald Memorial Award sponsored by a Group of International Betty MacDonald Collectors.
Many Betty MacDonald Fans all over the world enjoy his fascinating Betty MacDonald biography and interviews.


Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Ingrid Noll was born 1935 in Shanghai, studied German philology and art history in Bonn, and is the mother of three grown-up children. After they left home she began to write crime stories, which all became instant bestsellers. Head Count received the Glauser Prize and is just one of her novels to have been successfully adapted for the screen.
Ingrid Noll is often referred to as Germany’s “Queen of Crime”, and she fully deserves this title.’– The Sunday Times

Previous works by the author, all Diogenes:
Der Hahn ist tot (1991); Die Häupter meiner Lieben (1993); Die Apothekerin (1994); Der Schweinepascha (1996); Kalt ist der Abendhauch (1996); Röslein Rot (1998); Stich für Stich (1997); Die Sekretärin (2000); Selige Witwen (2001); Rabenbrüder (2003); Falsche Zungen (2004); Ladylike (2006). Ingrid Noll’s books have been translated into twenty-eight languages.

http://www.new-books-in-german.com/english/261/217/217/129002/design1.html

Betty MacDonald's illness

Betty MacDonald is such a beloved writer. When I was reading the story Betty MacDonald's illness, written by Wolfgang Hampel published by Betty MacDonald Fan Club in 2009, I learned that she was so very brave in fighting against the illness. I'm very sad that Betty MacDonald had to die at the age of only fifty. God gave Betty MacDonald the gift of laughter and generously she shared it with the world.
Betty MacDonald died of cancer. Wolfgang Hampel wrote five stories about Betty MacDonald's illness. He found out the most interesting facts because he could use many letters and documents for these stories for the first time. Don't miss them, please. Betty was really very brave, indeed. All Betty MacDonald Fans are very moved after reading these stories. So am I. Thanks A Million for writing these touching stories, dear Wolfgang Hampel.

http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Hampel, Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society for Betty MacDonald Friends all over the world

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+


'Betty MacDonald's illness' is very interesting. Perhaps Betty MacDonald's death was related to an over-exposure to X-rays during her TB treatment. Radiation can be very risky. When I was growing up my mother never liked for us to have too many X-rays at the dentist office and the dental staff used to make fun of her for this, saying that X-rays were perfectly safe. NOW, however, they are much more cautious when giving X-rays at the dentist office. They cover you with a lead bib and leave the room when taking those X-rays. It seemed like there was never much information about Betty's death in the media and it might be because cancer was once regarded as a "delicate" subject that was only whispered about.



Do you know who was the best ' friend' of Betty MacDonald? It was ............... STOVE!
You can see here photos of Betty MacDonald's chicken farm and her beloved 'darling' STOVE.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bettymacdonald/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Sunday, November 15, 2009

New Betty MacDonald Biography and Documentary

Wolfgang Hampel, journalist and author of the Betty MacDonald Biography, had the opportunity to interview bestselling author David Guterson, who wrote 'Snow falling on Cedars'.
A fascinating new Betty MacDonald Biography and Documentary will be available on CD and DVD in 2010.
Wolfgang Hampel visited all the places and interviewed Betty MacDonald's family and friends.

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Links

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items with comments

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available! I can't tell you how often I listen to the Betty and Alison CD in my car. Probably at least three or four times a week. It relaxes me when I feel tense. Please extend my greetings to the interviewer Wolfgang Hampel and tell him how much I enjoy the CD. Does the Betty MacDonald Society still hope to publish their work in book form? I hope that eventually happens. I think the best publisher for such a book would be a Washington-based university publisher. A mainstream publisher such as HarperCollins or Doubleday of course would be THE best, but I don't think there is enough interest for a big publisher to release such a book. I do think that a university press would be very interested. As you know, I work in a library and handle hundreds of books a month, so I know who is publishing what kind of material.Have you ever seen any of Betty's artwork? I would love to see one of her homemade Christmas cards (even the ones she got in trouble for copying at work!) Also, I remember reading that she once illustrated a pamphlet or booklet for one of the oil or gasoline companies. Has anyone ever been able to track down a copy of that book? I'd love to see it. Can you imagine opening up a box and finding early typescripts of The Egg and I? Or letters Betty wrote from the sanitorium? Or a handwritten copy of Sandra Surrenders? Wouldn't that be amazing???I have received the Betty birthday CD and like it very much. I feel like I am right there in the house with the interviewer Wolfgang Hampel and the two Alisons when I listen. The CD of Betty and her friends is so interesting. It's so fascinating to hear the different opinions of Betty though, isn't it? Alison talked about how shy she was, but on the second part of the CD we hear that Betty was quite gregarious. Well, I should let you go. I can't wait to get the rest of the bio. Hope you are doing well. Please join me in saying, "Happy Birthday, Betty!"

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Read the story of Don Woodfin's life written by his grandson:

http://pacific-standard.blogspot.com/search?q=Don+Woodfin+

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Author Wanda Brunstetter loves Betty MacDonald's Nancy and Plum

C.J.: Were books a big part of your life growing up? If so, what books would you say influenced you most as a child?

WANDA: Yes, books were a huge part of my growing up years. I read every chance I got, and imagined that I was the characters in the stories. Two of my favorite books were Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald and The Pennywinks by Electa Clark. I not only found these books to be enjoyable but they gave me the desire to someday write books of my own.

http://www.titletrakk.com/author-interviews/wanda-brunstetter-interview.htm

What are a few of your favorite books?

My favorite book to read as a child was Nancy and Plum by Betty MacDonald. I read that book over and over again. I still have a copy of it in my home library.

http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2006/07/author-interview-wanda-brunstetter.html

I can understand Wanda Brunstetter very well. I'm reading Nancy and Plum at the current time and I enjoy it as much as ever. Every time I read this wonderful book I remember Betty MacDonald's very witty sister Alison Bard interviewed by Wolfgang Hampel. Alison Bard tells the most delightful stories about Nancy and Plum in this interview. Alison hates Mrs. Monday. And so do I!!! What about you?

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items and Comments

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html

Nancy and Plum Fan Club

http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald has so many fans all over the world

Betty MacDonald has so many fans.

Four of my most loved books are here. They are by an American author, called Betty MacDonald.......

http://frenchvillagelife.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald.html

Doris Sanders Says:
June 19, 2009 at 5:13 pm

Betty MacDonald has so many fans all over the world.
There is a Betty MacDonald Fan Club with members in more than 20 countries.
There is a CD and DVD with Betty and her family avaiable.
A real treasure.


Linde Lund Says:
June 27, 2009 at 7:46 am

I’d love to send you a special Betty MacDonald Surprise,
a CD/DVD with very witty Betty MacDonald and her wonderful sister Alison Bard , who got the same talent as her famous sister Betty MacDonald.
You’ll enjoy these two ladies very, very much. I enjoy them all the time and so do many fans all over the world.
Included are many very interesting biographical stories.


Kathy Anderson Says:
July 1, 2009 at 7:28

I’m so delighted to find someBetty MacDonald Fans here.
I recently heard Betty MacDonald’s wonderful voice and laugh for the first time. ( DVD by Betty MacDonald Fan Club)
Betty MacDonald is wonderful in her books and in this DVD.
The State of Washington can be very proud.


Linde Lund Says:
July 2, 2009 at 11:06 am

Are there any members here who knew Betty MacDonald and her family?
I’d love to hear from you.


Wolfgang Hampel Says:
July 25, 2009 at 10:05

Betty MacDonald is a beloved writer all over the world.
When I visited the very beautiful State of Washington in 1996 I really met the most wonderful people in the world.
I’ll never forget visiting with Betty MacDonald’s really brillant and so very funny sister Alison Bard all the places and houses where the Bard family lived. I only wished more Betty MacDonald fans had the opportunity to do this.
I’d like to say Thanks A Million for these delightful memories.


Kathy Anderson Says:
August 3, 2009 at 3:34 pm

Dear Wolfgang Hampel,

thank you so much for the wonderful idea to interview Betty MacDonald’s unique family and her very nice friends
Your interviews and biographical books and stories are my favourites and I hope you will continue your outstanding work.
Wolfgang, I’d like to meet Mrs. Schwagerman and many other Betty MacDonald Fans in Seattle and on Vashon Island.
What about a Betty MacDonald meeting? I’d love to see you all.


Frank Bichler Says:
August 7, 2009 at 5:31

There should be an event where Betty MacDonald Fans could meet each other in Seattle and on Vashon Island.
I’m from Switzerland. Count me in, please.
I want to ask Wolfgang Hampel a question: How did you get the chance to interview all these great people? I tried several times to interview Alison Bard, but she refused.
You got the opportunity to meet her and the other members of this outstanding family. Tell me your secret, please. Anyway – dear Wolfgang Hampel, you did a very great job and it’s really fascinating to listen to the stories
of the beloved writers Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard and
the unique Bard family.


Sandra Martin Says:
August 8, 2009 at 8:42

This is a dream – visiting all the places where Betty and her family lived.
Frank, Wolfgang Hampel interviews lots of artists and writers.

Visit the site

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society

http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

I enjoy the Betty MacDonald CD and Betty MacDonald Biography very often.
Yes, we should have a Betty MacDonald Meeting in Seattle.
I’ll be there.


Brigitte Schneider Says:
August 11, 2009 at 10:00

There was a fascinating TV report about Wolfgang Hampel and Betty MacDonald Fan Club.
I’m totally delighted to listen to Betty MacDonald and her sister Alison Bard on CD. I hope the Betty MacDonald DVD is available soon.

How much I’d love to see Betty’s and the siblings’ houses, places and Vashon Island.



Denise Berger Says:
August 14, 2009 at 8:35

Let’s support Betty MacDonald Fan Club to organize a
Fan Club meeting in Seattle.

A dream would be to meet Betty MacDonald’s and Mary Bard’s family.

Hurry up with the new Betty MacDonald DVD, please.

Wolfgang Hampel should continue his outstanding research. More interviews, please.



Martine Didier Says:
August 19, 2009 at 11:31

I’ve read Betty MacDonald books many, many times.
The same thing is with listening to the Betty MacDonald Fan Club CD and reading the Betty MacDonald Fan Club books and stories. When are you going to publish more interviews and stories? Hurry up, please. I can’t wait.

Tell me more, please about the Betty MacDonald Conference. I’m very interested in attending!
Let’s all meet in Seattle and on Vashon Island!


Andrea Says:
August 23, 2009 at 12:17 am

I never visited the State of Washington but as i’m deeply in love with Betty MacDonald’s and Wolfgang Hampel’s books and interviews it’s time to see Betty’s paradise.

When can I order the new Betty MacDonald DVD?



Lena Svenson Says:
August 26, 2009 at 12:52

Our family and friends like Betty MacDonald’s books and all the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items especially Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s interview.
They are our favourites.
One of our goals is to see everthing Betty described in her books. So we want to come.
Thank you so much for organizing a Betty MacDonald Event.
I can’t wait to see the new Betty MacDonald DVD!


Arlette Hubert Says:
August 31, 2009 at 5:31 pm

I love Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s audio interviews
and also the biographical books and stories by Wolfgang Hampel. I would like to attend a Betty Event with two of my friends who love Betty MacDonald the same as I do.
Perhaps we could meet some members of Betty MacDonald’s family. I’d die to meet Alison Bard who is really so very witty and funny. Every time I listen to Alison Bard interviewed by Wolfgang Hampel I can’t stop laughing.
Thank you so much for your great work.


Günther Says:
September 13, 2009 at 5:29 pm

Hi,

Happy Birthday Monica Sone!
It would be great if Monica Sone could attend a Betty MacDonald Event in Seattle.


Natalie Says:
September 20, 2009 at 7:22 pm

My dream would be to meet Monica Sone, Wolfgang Hampel, Alison Bard – Betty MacDonald’s beloved sister – and all of you, of course.

As much as I enjoy Wolfgang Hampel’s fascinating books and stories about Betty MacDonald’s life, his interview with wonderful Alison Bard is my top favourite. I can listen to it over and over again and never get tired because Alison and Wolfgang had tons of fun with each other.
Do me a favour, please. Wolfgang Hampel and Alison Bard should repeate this at the Betty MacDonald Event. Every time I’m listening to this interview I realize that it’s pure Bard magic.

Alison Bard – brilliant sister of Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard
Alison Bard Fan Club and Alison Bard Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/



Martine Didier Says:
October 6, 2009 at 11:07 am

Perhaps we should found a Betty MacDonald Museum.
I have a huge Betty MacDonald Collection with letters, documents and manuscripts.
What do you think about this idea?


Peter Meyer Says:
October 8, 2009 at 12:02 pm

A Betty MacDonald Museum would be great.
I love this idea. All Betty fans worldwide should meet in Seattle and discuss this. I guess there are many Betty MacDonald Collectors and they could contribute to a fascinating exhibit.



Helena Says:
October 11, 2009 at 12:36 pm

My family, friends and I adore Betty MacDonald’s and Alison Bard’s recorded voice and wonderful laughfrom the Betty MacDonald Fan Club CD. We can’t stop laughing about these two very funny and charming ladies. The comments in the biographical books and stories by Alison Bard and Monica Sone are very witty and wise.
A dream would come true to meet Alison and Monica in person.
I know many Betty fans in my country, the Chech Republic who would like to come to Seattle.
There should be a Betty MacDonald Museum.



Donna Says:
October 16, 2009 at 9:59 am

I’d like to share this wonderful message from Betty MacDonald Fan Faith.

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/09/wonderful-message-from-betty-macdonald.html



Martine Didier Says:
October 22, 2009 at 10:56 am

Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world should contribute to found a Betty MacDonald Museum and a Betty MacDonald Monument.
Betty MacDonald Fan Club will do it and Betty MacDonald really deserves it.


Sabrina Says:
October 23, 2009 at 5:12 pm

I support the Betty MacDonald Museum and Monument project. Let’s do it. Betty MacDonald shared her gift of golden laughter with the world. It’s time we do something for this unique author. My God! Betty MacDonald’s sister Alison Bard is so cute. Her adventures with Betty and Mary
are really delightful. Thank you, dear Wolfgang Hampel for this interview. I hope more will come soon. I heard that there are so many more interviews with you.


M. Sanders Says:
October 25, 2009 at 4:15 pm

I support these projects. The State of Washington can be very proud. Betty MacDonald is unique.

Betty MacDonald is the best writer – very funny, intelligent, very wise. What a lady! I can read her books a million times and have to laugh out loud every time.

It’s sad that Betty MacDonald’s wonderful sister Alison Bard never wrote a book of her own but she is really so cute in this interview.

Wolfgang Hampel’s books and stories are very well done and our family and friends enjoy them so much. Thank you for all your excellent research! We all hope, dear Wolfgang, you can continue your great work. Please do!

Thanks a lot!


Jana Says:
October 29, 2009 at 3:30 pm

Hello dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

I just visited the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Page
and found two messages from Betty Fans.
We also have some depressing weather here. The sky is so grey but Linde is right if you receive mails like this everything is ok.
I will do the same as Faith does. Drinking coffee and reading Wolfgang Hampel’s wonderful books. Afterwards
I’ll listen again to the interviews. The sky is grey but who cares if you have unique storytellers like Betty MacDonald and Wolfgang Hampel. Thank you so much for your great work! Not to forget Betty MacDonald’s witty sister Alison Bard.

I’d like to make a long boring message short. I’m very interested in a Betty MacDonald Meeting. Count me in!


Daniela Says:
October 31, 2009 at 6:25 pm

Good morning,

November is my less favourite month.
What can I do to change my mood?
I’m reading Betty MacDonald’s or Wolfgang Hampel’s books or like now I’m listening to Betty MacDonald’s sister Alison Bard. Alison shares so very funny and witty stories with us that I have to laugh all the time – whether I want or not.
I just have to. She is terribly witty. What I adore is that you can feel that Alison Bard and Wolfgang Hampel had lots of fun. I can imagine sitting in Sydney’s house in the University District drinking lots of coffee and listening to these wonderful storytellers.


T. Werner Says:
November 3, 2009 at 1:33 am

Alison Bard is a word painter in this great interview with Wolfgang Hampel. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy this interview and the biographical books and stories written by Wolfgang Hampel. I hope more interviews, books and stories will be published in the future. I would be happy to meet you in Seattle and on Vashon Island.


Karin Says:
November 6, 2009 at 3:03 pm

I hope the Bard house in the University District is still there when we meet each other in Seattle.
Alison Bard describes family life in such a wonderful way in this interview with Wolfgang Hampel. My family and I would like to see this house and the other places where Betty MacDonald lived. Alison tells many delightful stories about the houses in Laurelhurst and on Vashon Island.


Dana K. Says:
November 8, 2009 at 8:17 am

Dear Betty MacDonald Fans,

I saw a television report about Betty MacDonald and guess who are the contributors of it: Tatatataaaa our dear Linde Lund and Wolfgang Hampel.
Thank you so much for all your great work.
My family, friends and I love you both!



Elisabeth Says:
November 9, 2009 at 10:35 am

I got this info about the TV report in the Betty MacDonald Fan Club Newsletter. Linde Lund and Wolfgang Hampel did a great job. I hope Betty MacDonald Fan Club is going to publish more interviews and stories. I enjoy everything, my favourite is the story about Betty MacDonald’s friend Mike.

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items and Comments

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html

Peter Says:
November 13, 2009 at 5:24 pm

The TV report is really fascinating. Congratulations!
I hope we can read the mentioned story - Betty MacDonald in California – very soon.
Are there any other interviews available Wolfgang Hampel did with writers and artists? I’m very interested in his interview with David Guterson, author of Snow falling on Cedars. I know some interviews Wolfgang Hampel did for example the one with Truman Capote. I enjoy the interview in the newsletter so much

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Betty Fans enjoy Betty MacDonald Fan Club Site and Items

I'm enjoying the writings. Every day I settle comfortably into my chair in front of the computer, with a big cup of coffee (as we know, Betty loved coffee), and read the chapters. Betty would be so happy at the friends who care about her, and at the friendships she helped create through her writing!

Faith

Hi! I'm a great fan of Betty MacDonald and just finished reading all of her books for about the millionth time! I was doing a little research on her and came across your blog. Thanks for taking the time and effort to put all of that information together!

Kathy

Dear Faith,
dear Kathy,

It's such a grey day today. It reminds me of November
( Betty MacDonald's 'favourite' month in The Egg and I ) but receiving so wonderful mails I feel so happy.

Thank you so much for your support and interest.

You made my day!

Yours,

Linde

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html

A fondness for reading - Mrs. Piggle - Wiggle

Robin's latest Read Aloud in her second grade classroom was Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, by Betty MacDonald . The second graders loved this book!

http://fondnessforreading.blogspot.com/2009/03/mrs-piggle-wiggle.html

Thursday, October 15, 2009

What would Betty MacDonald say to this?

What would Betty MacDonald say to this?
The new egg farmers should read The Egg and I. What's your opinion?

Americans turn to backyard chickens for food, security

http://news.yahoo.om/s/afp/20090916/lf_afp/lifestyleusrecessionfoodchickens_20090916160057

by Laura Zuckerman – Wed Sep 16, 11:59 am ET

Melissa Moeller was a suburban housewife seeking to ensure healthy eating for a family of five when she decided to augment her vegetable garden with layer hens. The problem was her neighborhood in an exclusive section of Bellingham, Washington, outlawed livestock. Today, Moeller and her family live on acreage nearby. While her husband continues to work in the city as a computer programmer, Moeller and their three children oversee an expanding egg business that operates under the auspices of the Moeller-owned Misty Meadows Farm. "I had never raised anything other than cats before," said Moeller, whose 400 layer hens now provide income from eggs offered to buyers at the farm or at stores that carry them. "I think what the culture is feeling right now is a desire to remove that wall between our food and where it comes from." All contention aside, experts say there is little nutritional difference between homegrown and commercial eggs. Colors in the shell are different, with the bulk of commercial hens producing white-shelled eggs and backyard varieties everything from brown to light green, and pigments in the feed of backyard flocks tend to deepen the yellow of their yolks. "I don't know what the economy is going to do but I do know where I'm going to get my food," said Karen McIlroy, who maintains 65 hens near Tacoma, Wash. "And I know if I lost my job I would still be able to eat."

Dangerous Urban Chicken Craze Has Legs

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/food-drink/Dangerous-Urban-Chicken-Craze-Has-Legs-53621602.html

What's next -- clean air?

By SARA K. SMITH Updated 8:38 PM EDT, Wed, Aug 19, 2009

A number of American cities have already jumped on the "urban chicken" movement, with residents turning their once-scenic and fragrant yards into pestilent dens of stinking guano. Such unreconstructed hippies love to play the modern homesteader, gathering eggs every morning and baling out their coops on weekends.


in german language - in deutscher Sprache

Was würde Betty MacDonald dazu sagen?
Hühner mit Windeln! Ob die neuen Hühnerfarmer Betty MacDonalds Buch Das Ei und ich gelesen haben?

Immer mehr US-Amerikaner halten sich Hühner

http://www.spickmich.de/news/200908181000-immer-mehr-us-amerikaner-halten-sich-huehner

In vielen US-amerikanischen Großstädten legen sich mehr und mehr Menschen eigene Hühner zu, die dann in den kleinen Gärten oder Hinterhöfen fröhlich im Staub scharren können. Die Besitzer schwärmen von den frischen Eiern oder schauen ihren kleinen gefiederten Freunden einfach gerne bei der Futtersuche zu. Die Haltung von Federvieh erlebt derzeit einen regelrechten Boom. Die Menschen unterhalten und beraten sich in speziellen Internetforen darüber und kaufen ihren Hühnern sogar Windeln, um sie auch im Haus halten zu können.

Warum Großstadt-Amerikaner Hühner züchten

von Kristina Allgöwer (Chicago)

http://www.ftd.de/lifestyle/outofoffice/:urban-chicken-warum-grossstadt-amerikaner-huehner-zuechten/523169.html

Très chic ist in den USA das Dasein als Selbstversorger: Stadtmenschen in Chicago oder Manhattan züchten jetzt begeistert Hühner. Anhänger dieser "Urban Chicken"-Bewegung freuen sich über frische Eier und liebe Haustiere.
Während die Bürger von New York, Los Angeles, New Orleans und Seattle mit wenigen Einschränkungen bereits Hühner halten dürfen, setzen sich in anderen Städten Verfechter bewusster Ernährung für die Legalisierung von Geflügel ein.

Thank you so much for the Betty MacDonald books and stories

Dear Faith,

We hope you'll enjoy the books and stories written by Wolfgang Hampel, The Kettles Million Dollar Egg, The Egg and Betty, The tragic end of Robert Heskett, Betty and Mike and Betty MacDonald's illness. We can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Warm regards,

Linde


Dear MacDonald Friends,

I got the marvelous writings today. I've just started reading them, and I'm enjoying them immensely. Thank you!
The book couldn't have come at a better time: the day after a huge rainstorm. My spirits were as soggy as the wet leaves that blanket the street outside, and my back yard. Your present really cheered me up!

Best,

Faith

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A wonderful message from Betty MacDonald Fan Faith

We got this wonderful mail from Betty MacDonald Fan Faith.

We'd like to share it with all Betty MacDonald fans from all over the world.

Thanks A Million dear Faith.

It's such a joy and pleasure to hear from you.

You made my day!

Yours,

Linde


Thank you for helping to keep this wonderful writer alive!

She was not only one of the greatest humorists ever, she was perhaps the nicest lady who ever wrote.
Whenever I start to feel sour about members of my own sex, I think of Betty.
And you are a truly great person for loving her!

Your friend, and Betty's,

Faith

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Alison Bard Interviews on CD and DVD

Alison Bard is the brilliant sister of worldfamous writers Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard.

Wolfgang Hampel, journalist and author of several books and stories about Life and work of Betty MacDonald, interviewed Alison Bard several times. Alison Bard shared the most interesting facts and stories about family life and her beloved sisters Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard.

These interviews will be available on CD and DVD. Alison Bard got the same talent as her beloved sisters.She is an unique storyteller.

Wolfgang Hampel told us that it was such a wonderful experience to meet Alison Bard:

Betty MacDonald is a beloved writer all over the world. When I visited the very beautiful State of Washington in 1996 I really met the most wonderful people in the world. I’ll never forget visiting with Betty MacDonald’s really brillant and so very funny sister Alison Bard all the places and houses where the Bard family lived.
I only wished more Betty MacDonald fans had the opportunity to do this.


Alison Bard had never been interviewed before or afterwards.

For more info send a mail to lindelund2000@yahoo.com, please.

Betty MacDonald is a wonderful writer. She has so many fans.The Betty MacDonald Fan Club offers interviews on CD and DVD with Betty MacDonald and her sister Alison Bard. Betty and Alison are really very funny and you laugh tears about them. There are also biographical books and stories available written by author and journalist Wolfgang Hampel. They are really very interesting and exciting especially The Kettles' Million Dollar Egg about the lawsuit with Betty and the Kettles, The Egg and Betty, The Tragic End of Robert Heskett - Betty MacDonald's first husband, Betty and Mike - Mike was really a wonderful friend - and Betty MacDonald's illness.

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone, Wolfgang Hampel and Alison Bard Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel
Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Alison Bard
brilliant sister of Betty MacDonald and Mary Bard
Alison Bard Fan Club and Alison Bard Society
http://alisonbard.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Author Monica Sone writes to Wolfgang Hampel

Dear Wolfgang,

Thank you so much for the many articles you passed on to me.

I became giddy from all the compliments. And, also, I cannot get over the feeling that the Monica Sone people talk about is not really me.

People are extravagantly kind. One has to be careful or my head will explode.

But, Wolfgang, you were very sweet writing your article. I like it very much. Isn't it wonderful that we are such good friends, although we never met. If we had met in person, we would have riotous, good time & never stopped talking.

I will send a message to Linde Lund to thank her.

A kiss to master Peter on his cheek !

And lots of love to all of you.

Monica

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Happy Birthday dear Monica Sone

Copyright 2009 by Wolfgang Hampel

Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter and Betty MacDonald's wonderful friend, described as Kimi in Betty MacDonald's The Plague and I, celebrates a very special birthday.
Today Moncia Sone is 90 years old. Congratulations!
Happy Birthday dear Monica Sone and many more of them!

Monica Sone has fans all over the world. She wrote Nisei Daughter and many authors adore her book for example David Guterson, author of Snow falling on Cedars.
We got so many comments from our international fans. They learned so much after reading Nisei Daughter.
To us it's one of the most important books we've ever read.
Thanks A Million dear Monica Sone in the name of your many fans for writing this fascinating autobiography. It's so important to know history and to learn from the past. We can understand everything much better because of your book Nisei Daughter.

Monica, you are so very bright, brave, wise, witty and you have the most beautiful voice ever just the way our beloved Betty MacDonald described you as Kimi in The Plague and I.
Nobody wants to be ill and stay in a hospital but with you I bet it would be like in paradise.

Monica, I just love and enjoy our phone calls so much. To me it's such a gift.

Lots of love and kisses and hugs and many greetings to you and your family on your very special day today especially to Susan, because she does a great job and every time I talk to you you sound younger and younger.

You are a miracle, a genius but very human and warm!

Remain strong and healthy, please, dear Monica! The world needs wonderful personalities like you so much.

Many hugs and greetings from Master Peter to great Lady Monica!

Thanks A Million for your outstanding friendship!

We are with you and your family and friends in our thoughts.

Wishing you a very wonderful birthday!

All our love

Wolfgang, Angelika and Peter -
your old Wolf and your many fans worldwide

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Dear Monica Sone,

what can I say after such a statement?

Wolfgang Hampel did it well, didn't he?

Dear Monica Sone, we all adore your writing skills and your brilliant personality.
I'd like to say thank you so much for writing this very important work of literature because I among others had no idea about this dark part of history.
Therefore Nisei Daughter is so important and after reading it nobody will ever forget it.

Best wishes,

Linde Lund

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

We'd love to hear from Monica Sone fans.
Send your birthday wishes to lindelund2000@yahoo.com, please.
Thank you so much!

Regards,

Linde Lund

Interview with Monica Sone - author of Nisei Daughter
http://rhankins.blogspot.com/2008/10/daughter-with-author-monica-sone_16.html

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday, Monica Sone
http://blog.densho.org/2009/09/happy-birthday-monica-sone.html

Friday, August 21, 2009

Happy Birthday to a very special Betty MacDonald Fan, Mrs. Mildred Huehn Schwagerman Mandeville

There are several Betty MacDonald Fans from all over the world who would like to visit our special Betty MacDonald Fan, Seattle and Vashon Island.
What about a Betty MacDonald Meeting?
If you are interested join us, please.

http://friendsofspl.wordpress.com/2009/06/18/happy-birthday-to-a-friend-for-life/

Author Kathleen McCleary is a huge Betty MacDonald Fan

I am indeed a huge Betty MacDonald fan and have all her books (and even her sister's books!)
I discovered Betty MacDonald through a terrific book catalogue (now defunct) called The Common Reader. The descriptions of Betty's books were so intriguing that I ordered The Egg and I and was immediately hooked. I had read all the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books as a child, and read them to my own daughters, and not realized it was the same Betty MacDonald. What I love about Betty's writing are not just her wonderful humor and resilience, but also her deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world, which she manages to find everywhere, even in the view out the window of the sanitorium. Her attitude of buoyancy, joy, fun, and hope in even the darkest circumstances is a real inspiration. I also think that she is a very gifted descriptive writer, something that is often lost in the praise for her wit. I could go on and on about Betty. I read her books again and again and smile every time..

Thanks for getting in touch!

Kathleen McCleary

The Egg and Me by Perry Woodfin

The Egg and Me
Copyright by Perry Woodfin

When her name comes up, as it has on occasion,
I reminisce about our only meeting.
We had climbed the long flight to the ferry boat cabin.
We stop suddenly at the top.
A woman is coming down.
Dad and Mom talk with her.
Dad, proud, introduces me, his boy.
Then he tells me, “This is Betty MacDonald.
”To me she’s just a another grown up.
I seem to remember all of that.
I think she had on silk stockings, high heels.
There may also have been white gloves, perfume.
I wonder if I’ve invented all this ?
It’s just a memory, a brief moment in time.
As I said, on occasion it has come up.
Then I turn it over, move it around,
gaining nothing except what is here.
Well, maybe a slight scent of sophistication;
maybe a touch of class.
But have I hatched this too ?
Questions remain as questions always seem to do,
just laying there.
Whenever I catch a ferry and see that high flight,
small memories like this, soar.

Hope you enjoy this.
I like poetry for its more immediate creative outlet (usually).
More immediate than painting, anyway.
The poem describes an incident that occurred in I would guess, about 1950.

Perry Woodfin


Perry Woodfin, has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington State University, and has made a living with his art since 1965. Puget Sound raised, he lives on Whidbey Island 50 miles north of Seattle.

http://www.perrywoodfin.com/

Perry Woodfin:

Even remember being introduced to Betty McDonald of "The Egg and I" fame on one when I was maybe 8-9 years old. Somehow knew it was special. But what isn't on the ferries.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/diamonds-perry-woodfin.html

more info about Perry Woodfin's father Don Woodfin

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/wonderful-friend-of-betty-macdonald-fan.html

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Links

Linde Lund created the Betty MacDonald, Monica Sone and Wolfgang Hampel Blogs
http://www.blogger.com/profile/15388942569315864610

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items with comments

Peter D. Sieruta, Author of Heartbeats and Other Stories:

I am so anxious to get the rest of the Betty's bios. And yes, I would definitely like to purchase all the CD's and DVD's. Thank you for making them available! I can't tell you how often I listen to the Betty and Alison CD in my car. Probably at least three or four times a week. It relaxes me when I feel tense. Please extend my greetings to the interviewer Wolfgang Hampel and tell him how much I enjoy the CD. Does the Betty MacDonald Society still hope to publish their work in book form? I hope that eventually happens. I think the best publisher for such a book would be a Washington-based university publisher. A mainstream publisher such as HarperCollins or Doubleday of course would be THE best, but I don't think there is enough interest for a big publisher to release such a book. I do think that a university press would be very interested. As you know, I work in a library and handle hundreds of books a month, so I know who is publishing what kind of material.Have you ever seen any of Betty's artwork? I would love to see one of her homemade Christmas cards (even the ones she got in trouble for copying at work!) Also, I remember reading that she once illustrated a pamphlet or booklet for one of the oil or gasoline companies. Has anyone ever been able to track down a copy of that book? I'd love to see it. Can you imagine opening up a box and finding early typescripts of The Egg and I? Or letters Betty wrote from the sanitorium? Or a handwritten copy of Sandra Surrenders? Wouldn't that be amazing???I have received the Betty birthday CD and like it very much. I feel like I am right there in the house with the interviewer Wolfgang Hampel and the two Alisons when I listen. The CD of Betty and her friends is so interesting. It's so fascinating to hear the different opinions of Betty though, isn't it? Alison talked about how shy she was, but on the second part of the CD we hear that Betty was quite gregarious. Well, I should let you go. I can't wait to get the rest of the bio. Hope you are doing well. Please join me in saying, "Happy Birthday, Betty!"

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7046320545497573335&postID=2951173424343227853
http://collectingchildrensbooks.blogspot.com/search?q=Betty+MacDonald+

http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items-comments.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-fan-club-items.html
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/2009/07/betty-macdonald-interviews-on-cddvd_17.html

Betty MacDonald - Fan Club of Betty MacDonald and Society of Betty MacDonald
http://bettymacdonald.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Fan Club
http://bettymacdonaldfanclub.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Forum
http://bettymacdonaldforum.blogspot.com/

Betty MacDonald Society
http://bettymacdonaldsociety.blogspot.com/

Mary Bard Society
http://marybardsociety.blogspot.com/

Nancy and Plum Fan Club
http://nancyandplumfanclub.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle Fan Club
http://pigglewigglefanclub.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone
http://monicasone.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Society
http://monicasonesociety.blogspot.com/

Monica Sone Fan Club
http://monicasonefanclub.blogspot.com/

Wolfgang Hampel Founder of Betty MacDonald Fan Club and Betty MacDonald Society
http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/

Friday, July 24, 2009

Walt Woodward - defender of human rights

Wolfgang Hampel http://wolfganghampel.blogspot.com/ had the honour to interview Walt Woodward.

Walt Woodward was a hero, a defender of human rights. We all should be like him but we know very well that these personalties are very rare. The world would need lots of Walter Woodwards.

He told Wolfgang Hampel: It won't happen again because people know much more now than they did in the past.
Walt Woodward was optimistic the same way Bonnie Shride was.
( see also Bonnie Shride - a wonderful lady from Vashon Island )

When Wolfgang Hampel interviewed author David Guterson, he seemed to be rather pessimistic.

Wolfgang Hampel will never forget the moment when he once asked Monica Sone http://monicasone.blogspot.com/
When did you move away from Seattle?
Monica Sone answered with anger and sadness in her so beautiful voice:
I didn't move away. They moved me away and I never came back.

The question is: Are we able to learn from faults in the past?

Journalist Walt Woodward dies at age 91
Two memorial services are slated for March 24.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/bir/news/19677699.html

Walter C. Woodward, who as publisher and editor of the Bainbridge Island Review was one of the few editorial voices to consistently oppose the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, died in his sleep yesterday. He was 91.

Walt Woodward, editor opposed to internment of Japanese, dies Wednesday, March 14, 2001
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER STAFF

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/editor14.shtml

Remembering Walter Woodward (1910-2001)

HistoryLink.org Essay 3111 : In this People's History Gerald Elfendahl remembers the Bainbridge Island journalist and defender of human rights Walter C. Woodward Jr. (1910-2001). Woodward was an exemplary journalist who edited and published the Bainbridge Review.

Walter Woodward and his wife Mildred Woodward (1909-1989) were the only editors on the West Coast to regularly editorialize in defense of the Bill of Rights and neighbors of Japanese ancestry who were unlawfully uprooted during World War II and interned in concentration camps by Presidential Executive Order 9066. Woodward was one of only 100 citizens inducted into Washington state's "Centennial Hall of Honor" for humanitarian and civil libertarian contributions to the state's quality of life.

http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=3111

Books
"In Defense of Our Neighbors": Editors against internment

Mary Woodward has written a book about her parents, Walt and Milly Woodward, editors of the Bainbridge Review, who were the first to write editorials condemning the relocation of 227 Bainbridge Islanders of Japanese ancestry to internment camps.

By Susan Gilmore Seattle Times staff reporter

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2008364225_bainbridge090.html

YouTube - Interview - Mary Woodward - In Defense of Our Neighbors

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIhhKX4kP-U

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/reader_feedback/public/display.php?thread=33296&offset=0#post_71449

Comments:
Tens of thousands of European Americans were also sent to internment camps all over the United States during World War II and held in these camps for years. Too bad this history is never mentioned or examined as well. Here is another source on the internment of German-Americans during the war (some were even held up to 3 years after the war at Ellis Island):

You can read more about this here:

http://www.gaic.info/

http://www.foitimes.com/internment/history.htm

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Bonnie Shride - a wonderful lady from Vashon Island

Bonnie Shride's contributions to her community made her an excellent choice for a 1998 state Jefferson Award.
She made the world a better place. Bonnie Shride was such an outstanding lady, very intelligent, always kind, very warm, understanding and so very helpful. Reading these articles I'm so very impressed especially when I was reading this:

For Bonnie Shride, the worst thing on Vashon happened when she was in eighth grade. One-third of her fellow students were of Japanese descent, and one day they were all gone, rounded up for internment during World War II. ``When I talked to my parents, they said it was because of the war. It was so unfair," Bonnie Shride recalled. She doesn't think such a thing could happen again: ``People know more now. We're more aware of everyone's rights."

What a statement! I'll forward this to Betty MacDonald's brilliant friend Monica Sone, author of Nisei Daughter.
Betty MacDonald described her as japanese girl Kimi in The Plague and I.

or this from the articles:

Another project dear to Bonnie Shride's heart is building a history museum on the island. ``All history has value," she said. ``If you know where you came from you can see if you're making any progress."

Bonnie, you are so right!
I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our phone calls.

Bonnie was always so patient and answered all my boring questions - even the silly ones and I had lots of them. She explained a lot about living on beautiful Vashon Island and shared her fascinating memories. Bonnie Shride was a classmate of Betty MacDonald's oldest daughter Anne and very close to the family.

Betty MacDonald once wrote: As soon as we think this is mine, that's for me, we are lost.
Dear Bonnie, to me it seems Betty described you.
You gave an example for a better life.

Bonnie, we''ll never forget you. You are always in our hearts.

Thanks a Million!

Wolfgang Hampel
Founder Betty MacDonald Fan Club & Society

Read about life and work of wonderful Bonnie Shride!

Bonnie Shride, 1928-2007: Volunteer reached out a helping hand her entire life
By CASEY MCNERTHNEYP-I REPORTER
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/324691_obitshride23.html

FOR BONNIE SHRIDE, VOLUNTEERISM IS IN THE BLOOD
BY REGINA HACKETT P-I ART CRITIC
http://www.seattlepi.com/archives/1998/9803260114.asp

Photo of Bonnie Shride
http://obitz.us/obits/Index%20S12/obit_s12_1580.jpg

One of Bonnie Shride's activities:
http://www.grannysattic.org/us.html

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Betty MacDonald Fan Club Items

Anne Elizabeth Campbell Bard was born March 26, 1907 in Boulder, Colorado, the second child of Sydney and Darsie Bard. Betsy and her three sisters and brother had an adventurous, somewhat unconventional childhood owing to the strong and creative personalities of their parents and Darsie's mother, "Gammy," and the many lessons in independence they survived gracefully. ( see e story BETTY AND GAMMY written by Wolfgang Hampel published by Betty MacDonald Fan Club 2009 and Interviews with Betty MacDonald and her sister Alison Bard published on CD/DVD Betty MacDonald Fan Club 2009. The interviews on CD and DVD are different ones )
When Betsy was 12 her father died of pneumonia, but the family's strong relationships and optimism remained intact through this sorrow and the ensuing financial trials.
Betsy (who later preferred the nickname Betty) said that for the Bard children, there were really only two household rules: "We were expected to be polite and to tell the truth, no matter how appalling. "Apart from that, the Bard children did as they pleased and went forth into the world with well-defined personalities, acutely-developed senses of humor and adventure, and a remarkable zest for life.
Betty married at 20 and went to live on a chicken ranch in the Olympic mountains. Her experiences there are chronicled in her first book, The Egg and I . ( see e books THE KETTLES' MILLION DOLLAR EGG, THE EGG AND BETTY, THE TRAGIC END OF ROBERT HESKETT by Wolfgang Hampel published by BMC 2009)
By the way the Kettles have their own fan clubs. http://wpedia.goo.ne.jp/enwiki/Ma_Kettle
Life in such isolation and hardship palled after 4 years and she returned with her two small daughters to her Seattle family just as the Depression hit. The amazing stories of their survival and triumph are related in Anybody Can Do Anything. Betty and her family had a wonderful friend who supported them during this very difficult time.
( see e story BETTY AND MIKE by Wolfgang Hampel published by BMC 2009 and Wolfgang Hampel's interview with Alison Bard published by BMC 2009)
Alison Bard tells some delightful treasure stories about this wonderful friend.

But Betty's career as a businesswoman was cut short when she contracted pulmonary tuberculosis and entered Firlands, an endowed sanitorium north of Seattle. Lying flat on one's back for 8 1/2 months doesn't seem the stuff of which humor can be made, but Betty did indeed spin gold out of straw, in The Plague and I.
( see e story BETTY MACDONALD'S ILLNESS written by Wolfgang Hampel and published 2009 by BMC and e story comments of Betty MacDonald's family and friends incl. Betty MacDonald's wonderful friend Kimi )

After her recovery, Betty married Donald MacDonald and they moved their family to Vashon Island, leading an idyllic and interesting existence as portrayed in Onions in the Stew. While on Vashon Betty also wrote her works for children: the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series and Nancy and Plum.

Betty and her husband bought a ranch near Carmel, but illness forced her to move back to Seattle. She died of cancer at the age of 51 on February 7, 1958. ( see five e stories Betty MacDonald's illness by Wolfgang Hampel, published by BMC 2009 and Wolfgang Hampel's interview with Alison Bard, published by BMC 2009 )

Why is Betty's writing so beloved among so many people all over the world? The first and most obvious reason is that it's hilarious - sharp, sometimes irreverent. vivid and unexpected. Betty manages to find humor everywhere: on the early morning streetcar, in a hospital ward, in a home with two cranky adolescents, in job situations from farm work to secretarial duties. To read Betty's writing is to laugh -- often out loud, in public places, whether you want to or not. She has a terrific eye for the absurd and can paint a striking and side-splitting word picture in a few succinct strokes.
But Betty fans also love her optimism, her strength, her intense love for her family, her times of self-doubt, and the zest with which she approaches all of life and relishes simple pleasures.( see many comments of Betty MacDonald Fans in the e books, e stories and interviews with Betty MacDonald's family and friends published by BMC 2009 )

Betty's indomitable sister Mary Bard, whom we encounter in all four books but meet most vividly in Anybody Can Do Anything, also went on to write (her first book is dedicated to Betty, "Who Egged Me On"). Mary's books, The Doctor Wears Three Faces, Forty-Odd, Just Be Yourself, and the children's series Best Friends, are also much beloved by Betty fans who find themselves quickly becoming Mary fans as well. ( see Wolfgang Hampel's interviews with Alison Bard. She tells the most interesting stories about Mary, Betty and the Bard family. )
The CD and DVD interviews are different ones.

For more info send a mail to lindelund2000@yahoo.com.

Thank you so much for your support and interest!