We really do have the power to make it happen.~Bette A. Stevens (Image from Pinterest)
Knowledge of the past holds one of the keys to world peace. Knowledge of the people in the world around us today holds another essential key. However, knowledge in and of itself is useless, much like a collection of unused paint brushes resting on the world’s shelf. It is our job to pick up the brushes and start painting. The perfect portrait of peace begins within each of us. It’s painted one brush stroke at a time. Here are some simple steps that we can all take to contribute to that portrait:
Take the time to learn about those who are different from us in some way. We may want start with someone in our own family. Even there, we often find differences in opinions, race, religion, beliefs, customs, cultures, political affiliations. The list of personal differences and the diversity of relationships goes on….
Working in the classroom as a teacher of students from diverse backgrounds, I learned first-hand that those who hold different beliefs from my own are all unique individuals with whom I have many things in common. We all share the same needs and desires, the same frustrations and fears, the same hopes and dreams. Whether students, parents, staff, volunteers, administrators or colleagues, I have gained respect for and have been deeply enriched by each encounter. Life-long relationships are nurtured and continue to blossom and grow.
Sure, that all sounds great; but what can we actually do as individuals to promote peace?
Listen to others
Get to know them (That means spending time with them) Let them get to know us (talk)
Respect differences
Look for commonalities
Nurture relationships
Offer and extend a helping hand
Encourage others
Enlist the help of others
Give input and feedback
Keep the conversation going
The brush strokes to peace lie within each of one us. How do we paint the canvas? One brush stroke at a time. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS—listen, share ourselves and our ideas, respect those of others, look for commonalities. Our individual and collective lives will continue to be enriched as we work together to paint a perfect portrait of world peace. We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.
September 21st, 2016 celebrates International Day of Peace and I’m sharing a post from my blog featuring M.C.V. Egan that I shared with readers two years ago. Egan’s novel is one of my favorites. Wishing you peace and love.
Meet M.C.V. Egan, the author of The Bridge of Deaths. You’ll discover fascinating facts about history in her page-turning novel. And today, you’ll learn more about Egan, who is an advocate for world peace. Egan’s Spotlight Tour for The Bridge of Deaths commemorates the anniversary of the crash of the G-AESY two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland:
In 1939 two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland and spun the world into war, a plane crashed in Denmark went almost unnoticed. The characters in The Bridge of Deaths explore it meticulously, guiding the reader through little known and well-known facts leading up to WWII as well as dissecting the crash, from plane to autopsies.
The Bridge of Deaths is a culmination of almost two decades of research using traditional and unusual sources.
From the Reviewers
“M.C.V. Egan twists truth and fiction until you question your own perceptions…it is a story of real love, triumph and search for self.” ~ Beckah Boyd @ The Truthful Tarot
“Casablanca with a touch of the modern.” ~ Daryl Davis author and lecturer Klan-Destine Relationships
“Unusual Yet Much Recommended” ~ Midwest Book Review
MEET THE AUTHOR
Hi, Catalina (a.k.a. M.C.V.). It’s a privilege to be part of your Spotlight Tour and a pleasure to have you with us today. I’m a big fan of yours and The Bridge of Deaths is a favorite of mine—history, mystery and romance. Before we get to your novel, tell us a little about yourself.
I would first like to thank you for inviting me to 4writers and Readers. I visit often and I am always so impressed by the quality of your posts that I am truly honored to be here. My Bio is easy to find in cyberspace so I wish to share a little something different about myself here. I write under my initials M.C.V. Egan which stand for Maria Catalina Vergara Egan; thought my name was such a mouthful and now I realize that with the fame and popularity of Sofia Vergara, it may have been an asset.
I am absolutely passionate about world peace—as a mother I would so very much like to believe that we can give future generations a better world.
I hope to infuse an awareness of PEACE in things I write; and to me, respecting the environment is a huge aspect to promote world peace, as is anti-bullying. Peace after all begins with each and every one of us.
Always chatty and fortunately can be so in four languages—Spanish, English, French and Swedish. I am a mom, a wife and a dog owner. I love life and try to enjoy every day to the fullest.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your book?
In 1939 two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland and spun the world into war, a plane crashed in Denmark went almost unnoticed. The characters in The Bridge of Deaths explore it meticulously, guiding the reader through little known and well-known facts leading up to WWII as well as dissecting the crash, from plane to autopsies.
It is a culmination of nearly two decades of research using traditional and unusual sources.
Do you have a favorite line from The Bridge of Deaths?
“They made love like the Gods.”
I do not write Erotica and I have had several readers ask me Which Gods?
Who is your favorite character and why?
I have to choose MAGGIE and she is my favorite because she is the only main character who was born and formed entirely in my mind. I also love that she strives for world peace and believes in it. I like that she believes that KNOWLEDGE is the key to an awareness that might help us prevent future wars. I am a ‘wanna be pacifist’. I am not as brave as Maggie or as full of conviction, but I learned a lot from her. I also love her wild friends in my new epilogue.
Her name was originally going to be OLIVIA which I believe means ‘harbinger of peace’ but it just did not feel right for her age and Danish roots. Can you imagine my shock when I came across the fact that the real pilot’s wife was a Margaret? The name had to be Maggie!
Maggie was my favorite, too. Can’t wait to read the new epilogue and meet Maggie’s wild friends. What’s next for you?
By mid-October, I hope to release DEFINED BY OTHERS, the first in a series of entertaining socially conscious Chick lit. I hope to have the courage to become more involved in Pacifist movements and to be the best wife and mother I can be. So cliché but fulfilling to me!
I would again like to thank you for participating in this September event and welcoming me to your wonderful blog.
It’s been our pleasure, Catalina. I love The Bridge of Deaths and can hardly wait to delve into your soon-to-be-released chick lit.
Readers, don’t miss the video clip and read on to find out why M.C.V. Egan is celebrating. As for me, I can’t wait to get my Revised 75th copy of The Bridge of Deaths. ~ Bette A. Stevens
Can’t wait to get my Revised 75th Anniversary copy. ~~ Bette A. Stevens
About the Book
“M.C.V. Egan twists truth and fiction until you question your perceptions…it is a story of real love, triumph and search for self.”– Beckah Boyd @ The Truthful Tarot
5 out of 5 stars:“An unusual yet much recommended read.”– Midwest Book Review
On August 15th, 1939, an English passenger plane from British Airways Ltd. crashed in Danish waters between the towns of Nykøbing Falster and Vordingborg. There were five casualties reported and one survivor. Just two weeks before, Hitler invaded Poland.
With the world at the brink of war, how this incident was investigated left much open to doubt. The jurisdiction battle between the two towns and the newly formed Danish secret police created an atmosphere of intrigue and distrust.
The Bridge of Deaths is a love story and a mystery. Fictional characters travel through the world of past life regression and information acquired from psychics as well as archives and historical sources to solve “one of those mysteries that never get solved.” Based on true events and real people, The Bridge of Deaths is the culmination of 18 years of sifting through conventional and unconventional sources in Denmark, England, Mexico and the United States. The story finds a way to help the reader feel that s/he is also sifting through data and forming their own conclusions.
Cross The Bridge of Deaths into 1939, and dive into cold Danish waters to uncover the secrets of the G-AESY.
Get the revised 75th anniversary of The Bridge of Deaths on Amazon in ebook and paperback.
M.C.V. Egan lives in South Florida. she is fluent in four languages; English, Spanish, French and Swedish. From a young age became determined to solve the ‘mystery’ of her grandfather’s death, she has researched this story for almost two decades. the story has taken her to Denmark, England and unconventional world of psychics.
Author Interview with M.C. V. Egan by Bette A. Stevens
M.C.V. Egan, author of The Bridge of Deaths, promotes world peace in a unique way.
Welcome to 4writersandreaders, M.C.V. Egan.
Thank you, Bette, for inviting me today for an interview and for participating in the acknowledgement of the United Nations 33rd International Peace Day.
It’s both a pleasure and a privilege to have you with us today, Catalina, as people around the globe recognize September 21st as The International Day of Peace. Your novel, The Bridge of Deaths, promotes world peace in a unique way. I’m sure we’ll find out more about that from you today.
The Bridge of Deaths, opens with this quote:
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”
I was born in Mexico City, Mexico 54 years ago. Through the twists, turns and opportunities in life, I have lived in Mexico, France, Sweden and various parts of the USA. Consequently I have managed to acquire four languages and a variety of cultural influences. I now live in South Florida with my husband and teenage son.
How about your family and community life?
I am a mother and a wife. I am also a step mother and a step grandmother. I live in an area where the sense of community is very mixed as the brunt of the population only lives here for part of the year; they are known as snow-birds and flock from various northern parts of the USA, Canada and Europe. This has enriched our area in so many ways. Exposure to cultural diversity and great restaurants are only a small part.
How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?
I have been writing since I was a young child. My writing varies with the exception that I have never dipped into Horror, Sci-Fi or Fantasy, I dabble and test just about any other genre.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your novel?
It is a well-documented historical journey with a touch of fiction and a metaphysical twist. The story revolves around the 1939 crash of airliner G-AESY and it is explored from the perspective of a modern-day couple researching their past lives.
What prompted you to become a writer?
In general what prompted me to write was an innate need to communicate. It is not that easy to be heard when you are one of eight kids in a family of very loud voices.
Do you have a favorite line or brief selection to share from The Bridge of Deaths?
I do have one, but it would make no matter of sense at all to anyone who has not read the book.
“It wasn’t the best copy. It was from an old microfilm machine. The resemblance was unmistakable. She found herself out the door, in her car, and heading back to where she’d promised herself she would never go again―to the accountant’s office”
Who is your favorite character and why?
Maggie is my favorite character for a number of reasons. She is the only primary character who is absolutely fictional, and that granted an amazing freedom to me as a writer. I could make her as fearless and lovely as I chose. Also, I made her a young woman of great convictions, especially in regards to striving for WORLD PEACE.
What was the hardest part about writing your book?
In the case of The Bridge of Deaths,acquiring the information―research was the hardest part.
Do you do anything besides write?
I am trying to devote myself to writing and parenting these days. I have worked in the past and I enjoy it. I feel at this stage in my son’s life it is very important to be a very hands-on parent.
How can readers get a copy of The Bridge of Deaths?
I am writing, working on a series in more of a Chick Lit genre. Also, through a local writers group, I am dabbling in short stories and one-act plays. Next year when new files pertinent to the crash of the G-AESY ―because of the 75-year disclosure rule in Europe―I do hope to uncover much more or all of the facts surrounding the crash.
But the next four years in parenting will be pivotal, so my projects may well go slowly.
Thank you, M.C.V. Egan, for including 4writersandreaders in your PEACE IN TIME Book Blitz & Blog Hop presented by The Bridge of Deaths and VBT Cafe. It’s been wonderful having you featured here on September 21st ― United Nations 33rd International Peace Day―a daydesignated to promote world peace.
Readers, come join the Blitz―enter the contest to win some fantastic prizes; then, stop back to visit the great blogs promoting world peace with M.C.V. Egan. And, don’t forget to get your copy of The Bridge of Deaths, if you haven’t already had a chance to read it. Find out how Maggie shares M.C.V. Egan’s message of Word Peace. I highly recommend this novel to readers around the globe.
Readers can get my personal perspective on world peace in my article Let’s Paint the World with Peace. https://4writersandreaders.com/2013/09/19/lets-paint-the-world-with-peace/ ~ I invite you to stop by to read my post and leave me your perspective on how we can attain world peace. I would love to hear what you think about World Peace.
~ Bette A. Stevens at 4writersandreaders.com
The Bridge of Deaths is a love story and a mystery. Fictional characters travel through the world of past life regressions and information acquired from psychics as well as archives and historical sources to solve “One of those mysteries that never get solved” is based on true events and real people, it is the culmination of 18 years of sifting through sources in Denmark, England and the United States, it finds a way to help the reader feel that he /she is also sifting through data and forming their own conclusions.
The journey takes the reader to well-known and little known events leading up to the Second World War, both in Europe and America. The journey also takes the reader to the possibility of finding oneself in this lifetime by exploring past lives.
September 21, 2013 marks the United Nations’ 33rd International Day of Peace
“WORLD PEACE? We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time. “ ~ Bette A. Stevens
World Peace?
Knowledge of the past holds one of the keys to world peace. Knowledge of the people in the world around us today holds another essential key. However, knowledge in and of itself is useless, a collection of unused paint brushes resting on the world’s shelf. It is our job to pick up those brushes and start painting. The perfect portrait of peace begins within each one of us. It’s painted one brush stroke at a time. Here are some simple steps that we can all take to contribute to that portrait:
Take the time to learn about those who are different from us in some way. We may want start with someone in our own family. Even there, we often find differences in opinions, race, religion, beliefs, customs, cultures, political affiliations. The list of personal differences and the diversity of relationships goes on….
Working in the classroom as a teacher of students from diverse backgrounds, I learned first-hand that those who hold different beliefs from my own are all unique individuals with whom I have many things in common. We all share the same needs and desires, the same frustrations and fears, the same hopes and dreams. Whether students, parents, staff, volunteers, administrators or colleagues, I have gained respect for and have been deeply enriched by each encounter. Life-long relationships are nurtured and continue to blossom and grow.
Sure, that all sounds great; but what can we actually do as individuals to promote peace?
Listen to others
Get to know them (That means spending time with them) Let them get to know us (talk)
Respect differences
Look for commonalities
Nurture relationships
Offer and extend a helping hand
Encourage others
Enlist the help of others
Give input and feedback
Keep the conversation going
International Peace Day Logo. jpg
The brush strokes to peace lie within each of one us. How do we paint the canvas? One brush stroke at a time. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS—listen, share ourselves and our ideas, respect those of others, look for commonalities. Our individual and collective lives will continue to be enriched as we work together to paint a portrait of world peace. We really do have the power to make it happen, one brush stroke at a time.
On September 21st, I’ll be interviewing M.C.V. Egan, author of The Bridge of Deaths. She’ll be sharing how she uses her novel to promote world peace. You’re invited to stop back and visit us here at http://www.4writersandreaders.com for MEET THE AUTHOR: M.C.V. Egan and join her PEACE IN TIME Book Blitz and Blog Hop.
Painting the World with the Brush Strokes of Peace
by Bette A. Stevens
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15th commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the crash of the G-AESY, an English passenger plane from British Airways Ltd that crashed in Danish waters just two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland and the world was at the brink of war. M. C. V. Egan’s latest novel, The Bridge of Deaths, http://thebridgeofdeaths.com/ takes the reader to well-know and little known events leading up to the Second World War, both in Europe and America. As Bill, a young executive, travels today’s information highway, his journey through knowledge and time help him discover the real story of this 1939 plane crash. Both a mystery and a love story, Egan’s novel takes readers on a journey to uncover doubts left by the 1939 investigation into the incident. The Bridge of Deaths’ message that knowledge is the key to peace as a way to prevent war may give today’s readers insight into unlocking the secrets to peace for our own generation.
I wholeheartedly believe that knowledge of the past holds one of the keys to peace. Knowledge of the people in the world around us today holds the other essential key. However, knowledge in and of itself is useless, a collection of unused paint brushes resting on the world’s shelf. We must pick up those brushes and start painting. The perfect portrait of peace begins within each one of us. It’s painted one brush stroke at a time. Here are some simple steps that we can all take to contribute to that portrait:
Take the time to learn about those who are different than us. Perhaps we could start with someone in our own family (opinions, race, religion, beliefs, customs, cultures, political affiliations, the list goes on…):
Listen to others
Get to know them
Let them get to know us
Respect differences
Look for commonalities
Nurture relationships
Offer and extend a helping hand
Encourage others
Enlist the help of others
Give input and feedback
Keep the conversation going
Working in the classroom as a teacher of students from diverse backgrounds, I learned first-hand that those who hold different beliefs from my own are all unique individuals with whom I have many things in common. We all share the same needs and desires, the same frustrations and fears, the same hopes and dreams. Whether students, parents, staff, volunteers, administrators or colleagues, I have gained respect for and have been deeply enriched by each encounter. Life-long relationships have been nourished and continue to blossom. The brush strokes to peace lie within each of us. How do we paint the canvas? One brush stroke at a time. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: Listen, share ourselves and our ideas, respect those of others, look for commonalities. Our individual and collective lives will continue to be enriched as we work together to paint that perfect portrait of peace!
Welcome to 4writersandreaders
I’m a writer inspired by nature and human nature. You’ll find great books, authors, writing tips and more right here. I advocate for kids & families, childhood literacy and the protection of monarch butterflies and their habitat.Happy reading & writing!~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Written
on 12/31/2016