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50th Anniversary of Queen Mary’s Arrival in Long Beach

Published by Autumn Brooke on December 13, 2017

I pride myself on being able to write articulately, concisely, and resourcefully but today I admit that I am at a loss of words as I have been overwhelmed with humility and gratitude while reflecting on the details of the weekend.

The past two-three years of my life have been such a whirlwind full of incredible introductions, amazing events, and iconic moments that I feel blessed to have been a part.  I began working on a story idea in 2015, that became a completed novel in March of 2016. During the research of the book I spent many hours, days, weeks aboard RMS Queen Mary and am now privileged to call many that I met aboard a friend. It was through this work that I was invited to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Queen Mary’s Maiden Voyage in May of 2016. A short two months after I finished the unedited version of the novel, I was rewarded with the opportunity to meet so many of the people I had researched or only corresponded with by email or phone. I also had the opportunity to meet Randolph Churchill, the great grandson to Sir Winston Churchill as he gave the ribbon cutting speech in an exhibition on RMS Queen Mary of Churchill’s paintings.  It was at this event that I was encouraged to pursue an opportunity that I had been given to engage with a Screen Writing partner in creating the ‘Brides Aweigh’ novel in to a feature film script.

Fast forward to March of 2017 and I am posting about the now completed, but still raw version of the screen play. Took off a few months for other projects until Fall of this year, where I can now say we have a locked script and are in Post-Development, entering Pre-Production. It is in this phase of my life that I was again blessed with an invitation to attend another anniversary for my favorite Ocean Liner, RMS Queen Mary.  December 9th,1967 she arrived in Long Beach, California completing her final 39-day voyage from Southampton under the command of Captain John Treasure Jones. An iconic landmark for Long Beach and all of California for the last 50 years, RMS Queen Mary continues to fascinate, inspire, and educate all she encounters in her current state as a hotel and museum.

In the collage above are pictures that we gathered on the short 36 hour trip we made to attend this historic occasion.  As always, the Queen Mary did not fail to impress but it was the people that attended that made it so very memorable to me. I was surrounded by current lovers and supporters of the RMS Queen Mary, Sir Winston Churchill, and past passengers and crew. The first event was a dedication of “Their Finest Hour” Churchill Exhibition by Sir Winston’s great granddaughter, Jennie Churchill.  The exhibit showcases several original set pieces from the new film Darkest Hour, used to recreate secret War rooms used by Churchill in WWII. When you step below the rooms are so supremely done that it is impossible not to feel a part of history and truly understand how daunting was the responsibility held by so many to plot the defeat of Hitler. The somberness was quickly replaced by the festive and jubilant spirit to the 50th Anniversary Gala held above on the Verandah Deck. It was here that I had a better opportunity to reconnect with June Allen, one of the first War Brides of the Queen Mary, that I have grown so close to in our many interviews in research for my novel. The revered Commodore Everette spoke as historic gifts were bestowed in the new partnership between RMS Queen Mary and the International Churchill Society, even a moment shared by the daughter of the last Captain, Treasure Jones. This night also included a brief meeting of the Last Stowaway, and author of book by the same name, who hid aboard the Queen Mary as she left Southampton for the last time. Fun fact; he believed he would be going to New York, unknowing it was a trip all the way to California.

Although the Gala was coming to a close, there were many that made way to the Observation Bar to finish out the night. I am so glad that I went along because it was there that I was able to be sing along and dance on the sidelines as Jennie Churchill joined in the Karaoke fun, singing ‘Sweet Caroline’, by Neil Diamond. It made the whole night, as did sharing a few dancing turns with Jennie Churchill’s companion, Laurence Geller CBE, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in 2011.

The next morning, I was back on the Verandah Deck for the Remembrance Ceremony and Salute to Long Beach from the Queen Mary.  There did not seem to be a way to top the events from the night before but I was wrong.  Waiting as on the Starboard side, I was privileged to sit with June Allen, which gave us a little more time to catch up.  It was here that I was introduced to Maureen, a Southern California native, that was not only a passenger on the Queen Mary’s last cruise, but claims she was the very last passenger off the ship 50 years ago.  I wish I had more time to hear Maureen’s adventurous story but the boats were before us in the water. Jennie Churchill and WWII veteran, Ray Deveau, one of the 810,000 Allied Personnel Queen Mary Carried as the Grey Ghost in her service as troopship, laid a ‘Wreath of Remembrance’ on the water to recognize those who went to war or returned from conflict aboard the Queen Mary, observed by a moment of silence. This was followed by a Fire Boat Water Cannon that gave a Splendid Anniversary Salute to the Queen Mary, that resulted in cheers and claps as we were graced with a full rainbow, a symbol of Peace. It was a sight to behold and a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.

Below are links for more pictures and facts in relation to the Queen Mary’s 50th Arrival in Long Beach, California.

https://www.facebook.com/thequeen.mary/posts/10155145315145920

https://youtu.be/cCzG0W_Q-NI

 

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Neverending Journey

Published by Autumn Brooke on May 28, 2017

Do any of us actually reach our final destination?  I hope not, as even in our passing or final resting place, I can only hope that our purpose will continue to live on and inspire others.  As we come into Memorial Day Weekend and I think of our fallen men and women that have given their lives for our country, I can only find it fitting that today is the 81st Anniversary of the RMS Queen Mary’s first international crossing from Southampton to New York.  A year ago, I shared my amazing experience as a guest for her 80th Anniversary Celebration of this iconic maiden voyage and this blog is inspired by the social media posts that I am seeing to remind me of such a glorious weekend.

However, my viewpoint of this day, this weekend is more vast then I originally ever credited and I feel the need to share my thoughts with you.  This ship holds a special place in my heart for many reasons and in getting to know her, I most admire her service to this country during WWII.  In my research, I agree with Sir Winston Churchill that laid claim to his opinion that had it not been for her continued transports of troops we may not have won that war.  This December will be the 50th anniversary of Queen Mary’s final docking in Long Beach, Calif.

However, I do not find this to be her final destination because her journey continues in educating the masses in world history.  She unfortunately had the military honor of bringing men that may not have been able to walk themselves down the gangplank as they reached home soil, but their story was not over….. for their final destination gave birth to a story to be told for history.  Their lives mattered, so much so that we continue to celebrate their lives and sacrifice today.

The books and movies that we read or view don’t give justice to all that they encountered, but they do give us hope and should encourage us to strive for greatness in all that we do.  In actuality what comes to my mind is the Core Values that were instilled within me as a member of our Armed Forces and I hope to Inspire in Others …Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. These are the Air Force Core Values.

What it breaks down to is that the journey is never over.  Little by little, Step by step, Move forward, Always move forward……  Reach that Goal, That Destination, but don’t ever stop, for once you recognize that the Journey is never over… you will realize that it was never about you in the first place.  Our lives exist for our future generations.  Leave a good Legacy and appreciate the lives that have journeyed before you.

My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation’s Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger.

airman’s creed – AF.mil

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Maiden Voyage of Queen Mary; 80th Anniversary

Published by Autumn Brooke on May 30, 2016

8Q Maiden Voyage (1)

Pictured Above is Autumn Brooke & Gabriel Alvarez (writer and illustrator of the History Comes Alive Series and Brides Aweigh), at the Media Event for the 80th Anniversary of the Maiden Voyage for the RMS Queen Mary!

Privileged to meet many distinguished guests.  Those included in the photo collage above would be Commodore Everette Hoard, June Allen (war bride), and her grandson Chris Boots.  Next is the extremely charming Ralph Rushton (bell boy, 1948).  My in depth conversation with Randolph Churchill, Great Grandson of Sir Winston Churchill follows.  Following is the PR director and his son, with the ever so beautiful war bride, waiting gracefully for her daughter.  Two serving Bell Boys for the opening of the gallery opening, of Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings took time to pose, and ‘The Polka Dot Shoes’ (Deservedly worth a mention).

Thank You to Everyone that sacrificed a few moments of their time,

I am truly grateful & honored.

The past four days was a year in the making for myself and business partner/best friend.  At the beginning of 2015, I made a decision to write a historical literary fiction novel that highlighted the Queen Mary’s service in WWII but specifically in relation to the War Brides and their incredible journey.  I was hopeful to share their story in such a way that held commercial appeal so that I could reach a broad and varied audience.  I have been fortunate to have some screen writer’s interest so I hope that I achieved my goal.   History has always been a love of mine, but once I had children it became a true passion.  I began to realize that the past, our history, fades over time and although some may be recorded within the history books, it often becomes lost.  I decided that I needed to teach my boys as much as I could about past events that created or changed our World.  When it is possible to interact with that history, the experience is that much deeper, bringing the history to life.

Almost exactly one year ago today, I was honored to meet a part of living history!  When researching my novel, I reached out to the Queen Mary and was given many resources, but the best was being put in contact with a War Bride, by the name of June Allen.  We shared many conversations but after a few months I was able to meet with her personally aboard the ship.  The more I read, learning about the War Brides and GI’s traveling when she was in-service as the Grey Ghost, the easier it was to imagine how they may have walked the corridors, but awe inspiring to know I was literally sitting with June where she had sat 70 years before.  What a responsibility I was undertaking by not just trying to Keep History Alive, but in the realization I was sharing living history.  Writing their thoughts as they relived what they felt seeing rooms where they had slept as they crossed international waters. 

This week my illustrator, Gabriel and I were presented with an opportunity to attend several Media Only events aboard the Queen Mary to celebrate her Maiden Voyage 80 years ago.  There were many honored guests in attendance, more words to preserve so that we may keep the Memories Alive.  I was star struck, blessed, and thankful creating a feeling of euphoria that glowed over the few days of celebration.  I am sure that I often appeared nervous and scattered to most and if not, I am proud of my composure.  How could one not feel anxious when standing in front of Randolph Churchill as he talked about his great-grandfather, Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings?  Or having the opportunity to dance with Ralph Rushton, a bell boy to 1st Class Waiter serving in 1948. 

It was an incredible week and we will never forget it.  I treasure the memories that were shared with me I we created new memories aboard the extraordinary Queen Mary for future generations.

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Brides Aweigh Synopsis

Published by Autumn Brooke on April 29, 2016

Mockup BridesAweigh

I have had many people ask about the details of the novel.  Below is a brief synopsis, but there is so much more to the story I don’t believe that this description does it justice.  I chose to write this piece of historical fiction not as a love story but to share the remarkable lives of the WWII War Brides and the undeniable importance that The Queen Mary played in their journey.  The strength and resilience of all involved had a story of their own.  One deserving to be told.

Brides Aweigh

Synopsis

 Emma, like many other young British women, falls in love and marries one of the American GI’s who are stationed in her town during the course of WWII.  Her husband is shipped out and she remains at home in worry and wonder for more than a year; when a letter arrives from the Army stating that she can be reunited with her American husband.  The Queen Mary, still in military service, will ferry War Brides to the United States for the “Operation Daddy” mission.  With two other brides from her town, Emma sets sail on the biggest adventure of her life, leaving behind all she has ever known. 

Emma faces more than loneliness onboard the ship.  Self-doubt, self-recollection, and adversity force her to wonder if her husband is little more than a stranger.  Fortunately she encounters many characters on the Queen Mary who help her discover who and what she wants to be in the future.  Her traveling companions include a male War Bride, a child who is meeting an unknown American father after the death of the child’s mother, and many other women from different backgrounds and stations.  Emma encounters true tragedy for the first time in her life, as an American soldier dies just days prior to arriving on American soil, and she loses the friendship of her best friend over circumstances involving morality. 

In the end, her journey teaches her the strength to walk off the ship and become the woman she has been destined to be always.

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Dream to Reality

Published by Autumn Brooke on March 29, 2016

dreams-become-reality-when-intentions-become-actions

Writing a novel has been the biggest accomplishment of my life, besides being the mother of four children.  I would not even mention my children in this post, but I know that if I do not that there will be numerous messages asking how do I not feel fulfilled as a mother or not see that as my life’s biggest accomplishment?  Honestly, being a mother isn’t enough for me and I don’t think that it has to be.  I loved when they were small and my days were so busy from that age old saying, “From Son Up to Son Down.”  Now they are older, they don’t need me in the same manner and that is a good thing.  I have raised strong, independent sons and they will soon move away to be strong, independent men with families of their own.  What of their mother then?  I fear the empty nest syndrome and I do not want to wonder why I failed to live up to my potential as I have always encouraged of my children, so I sat down and committed myself to starting and completing my first novel, Brides Aweigh. 

I have other blog posts where I referenced the book as I was writing it and about two weeks ago, I finished the story.  A historical fiction novel, a genre my mother always told me to write because of my love for history and reference work.  I did enjoy the process, some days more than others.  I am now in the final editing stages and search for publication. 

As would be expected I have a desire to be successful but not only for myself and my children, but because I want the story to be told.  I write because I hope that others can benefit from my words.  In this case I want the rich and fascinating story of the stately Queen Mary to be shared.  I want the world to recognize the incredibly brave journey the British WWII brides made in being reunited with their GI husbands.  Our world would not be as we know it today without these events of the past. 

Yesterday I made an author Facebook page to promote and support all of my writing.  I would appreciate all Like, Follows, and Shares.  https://www.facebook.com/autumnbrookeonline

If you have a dream, Don’t Give Up, Don’t Settle.  It is never too late to fulfill your destiny.  I know the reality of the publishing world and nothing may come of my novel, but at least I reached my first goal.  Now I have a second and I have faith in my dedication and persistence to accomplish all that I put my mind to.  Thank you for all the support my few followers have given me, in bringing my dream to a reality!

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The Novel – Brides Aweigh

Published by Autumn Brooke on January 28, 2016
Mockup BridesAweigh
Mock Up Cover

 

I have shared with a few of you and made mention of the novel that I have been diligently working on for the past year.  I am in the end stages as I do some rewrites and editing, but I have fallen in love with a Mock Up Cover that was made for me by my business partner, Gabriel Alvarez, and wanted to share it publicly.  I know that it is a good possibility that the cover will be changed and it is extremely possible that I may not find a publisher for this work of love, but none the less I will have completed my first novel and that will serve to remind me that “I can do it.”  This book has weighed heavily on my heart and mind as I was determined to share the historic facts of this heroing tale.  There is so much to be learned on events from our past and the history behind the feats of the Queen Mary, the gallantry of the soldiers, the patriotism of the Red Cross, and the determination of the WWII War Brides.  There was a story that continued to plague my thoughts until I put pen to paper and let the characters speak for themselves.  The story is fictional but based on events that I have thoroughly researched.  I have spent hours reading and note taking to make sure that my historical facts were accurate.  It is important to me that although not written as a documentary, my readers are still given the authentic details of the time and place.  I will continue in my dedication to hopefully see this novel printed and share the journey with all of you.  

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The Interview

Published by Autumn Brooke on August 6, 2015

gregmack

Although it is slow going and writing is often a lonely process, I have to say that this experience of book writing has been a dream.  I have been given some incredible opportunities and being interviewed by Greg Mack was extremely cool.  I tend to talk a lot, so much so, that people often wonder when I will quit, or encourage me to “get to the point.”  Lol!  I don’t get offended, I am a storyteller, I know that I give too much detail, but this interview had me incredibly nervous.  I was flustered, couldn’t put two words together even though Greg Mack is funny, professional, and works with you to make the process as painless as possible.  At least I know now what I need to work on to improve my public speaking skills.  I am including the link below to the YouTube site where you can hear the interview and see more pictures.  Please feel free to comment, but remember to be kind….  I am learning.

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Keeping History Alive….

Published by Autumn Brooke on July 8, 2015

QM LEGO

Commodore Everette Hoard, Queen Mary LEGO Model

Photo Credit: Stephen Russo

It is apparent that I have a passion for History and strongly believe in educating our younger generations on the importance of recognizing that where we come from has an influence on where we are going, and the historic landmarks of our great nation have so many stories to tell.  I love British Literature from the Victorian and Romantic era so it is no wonder that I was fascinated by the Queen Mary, ultimately falling in love with her on my first visit.  Her history is vitally important to the rebuilding of America after WWII and amazingly many do not know her story, many do not even know she exists.  I have written a Children’s Picture Book on the Queen Mary, that led to a series, History Comes Alive,  where I plan to continue to write on iconic California landmarks, using a child’s perspective in giving a brief history behind these treasured places or venues.  My goal is to not only educate but inspire an interest to continue learning, and delving further into the history.  This is why I am so happy with the opening of the Shipyard on the Queen Mary.  A space dedicated to Historic and Archival photos and antique tools.  It is impossible to walk the ship without learning of her history, but the Shipyard has the history right at your fingertips, you can’t help but not learn a little bit by just spending time in this space.  What really draws the crowd is the LEGO model of the Queen Mary built by four certified master LEGO builders, of Britain’s Bright Bricks, that spent four months, 600 man hours, to recreate the Queen Mary with 250,00 LEGO bricks, weighing in at 604 lbs, and 26 feet.  An incredible feat that draws the attention of all, but especially children.  In the last two years, there have been a lot of changes aboard the Queen Mary and my favorite is their focus in drawing the attention of children.  They are in the process of building an interactive children’s museum that will be open in the near future and I cannot wait to see how much fun it will be, because Learning is Fun when given to our younger generations with their thought process in mind.  Our future needs to learn from our past, and it is our responsibility to teach them!

History_Comes_Alive__Cover_for_Kindle

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Song to Her Heart

Published by Autumn Brooke on June 10, 2015

blog

There she sits, total silence except for the occasional slap of water against the rocks.  The sky is still black, although it is technically morning, but across the shore the buildings line the sky and water with light.  This skyline backdrop isn’t your ordinary array of city lights, but filled with a variance of color, making it impossible not to stop and admire.  In many ways the awash of lighted beauty frustrated her as it took her focus away from the water.  The water brought peace to her soul, the stillness in its power completed her, like no other force on earth, and she craved to stand in it’s presence when her thoughts became muddled.  It was hard to describe its soothing effects, all she knew is it worked and she was drawn to the water like a moth to a flame.  This is why the lighted shore frustrated her.  It’s beauty was undeniable, one of the most photographed backdrops she had seen, but it distracted her from being able to enjoy the steady consistency of the water.  If she closed her eyes so the lights faded away she could hear the ripples in the current, a small splash to the right caught her attention in time to see a bird skimming across the surface.  Maybe the shore lights weren’t so distracting because the glare they cast across the water allowed her to see that bird.  Actually, they were all that allowed her to see the water at all, being that it was so dark without the lights causing the water to glisten, she imagined that she wouldn’t see anything before her.  As she stared out at the shimmering reflection, the breeze touched her hair, she took a breath, and just listened to the water Play the Song to Her Heart!

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My Own Personal WarBride…

Published by Autumn Brooke on June 5, 2015

thankyou bookevent

I am choosing to believe that you all have suffered greatly from my lack of blogs and that there will be truth in the statement that “absence makes the heart grow fonder.”  It has been about a week since I have been able to stop and post, although I imagine something new to write daily.  However despite my good intentions, I got caught up in my preparations to meet June Allen, an inspiration behind my first publishing, History Comes Alive Aboard the Queen Mary.  I have mentioned before that I am writing a novel based on the War Brides that sailed across the Queen Mary after WWII and in my research I became associated with June.  Strangely, (and fortunately, because it means my research was up to par) my main character in the novel resembles her life story.  This only increased the bond I felt upon our conversations.  When I learned that she was making a trip to the Queen Mary, I knew I had to meet her in person, and to my surprise I was also able to meet her son, Jim, who was a 1 year old toddler, as they sailed across the Atlantic.  Meeting her will forever be a highlight of my life, a true living legend, an an integral part of our great nations history.  I was happy that I was able to make the children’s picture book that is secondary to my novel, but could give her a glimpse of where I am headed in all that we have discussed.

After this iconical meeting, I came home to the first book launch for History Comes Alive, which although intentionally intimidating, was a success and a lot of fun.  On the event page of the Blog, is the listing for the second event happening on June 14th at Engelmann Cellars, and will be a family friendly event, with live music, a little wine tasting, and tons of outdoor space for a picnic.  I hope you can attend this Meet & Greet of author and illustrator!

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