While the Bombs Fell & Art & African Animals

On By ResaIn Animal Lives Matter, Tributes

by: Robbie Cheadle

Robbie Cheadle/aka Roberta Eaton Cheadle was at it before, and she’s still at it . Her mission, as far as I can tell, is to draw attention to critical realities with her creative prowess.

Although an earlier book by Robbie (published 2018), I have just read it recently. Well penned by Robbie via her mother’s memories, this book opened my mind’s eye.

Resa – How/when did the 2 of you decide to write this book?

Robbie – My mother has always told me stories about her life as a child growing up during, and after, WW2. There was food rationing and life was hard. The schools had bomb shelters and you had to go into them if the sirens went off.

My mom was young but her older siblings talked about it, as did her parents who lived through two world wars. I decided to write down mom’s memories and she was pleased. It was as simple as that. Mom had quite a bit to do with the book as she read each chapter and gave me changes if I took to much poetic license. It was a fun exercise and I learned a lot more about her childhood during this time.

Resa – When and/or why did she leave UK for South Africa?

Robbie, aged 9 months, on the deck of the passenger liner that brought her from the UK to South Africa.

Robbie – My mom left the UK for South Africa after my biological father died of a massive heart attack in front of her. I was three months old at the time. We came to South Africa on a passenger liner when I was nine months old. Amazingly, I recently wrote a poem about it.

(The poem was a response to a writing prompt, reblogged below.)

Robbie’s Inspiration – Esther Chilton’s writing prompt: The Photograph #poetry

Allow me to digress momentarily to say how happy I am that Robbie wound up in S. Africa, with the animals and loving them. This is her new painting of a leopard, inspired from her recent trip to Sabi Sands.

© Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Resa – When writing While the Bombs Fell, did the memories come with fond or sad feelings. Perhaps bittersweet?

Robbie – I think the memories about mom’s father and mother are bittersweet. Mom had a free and interesting childhood despite the food shortages. Children could roam around, usually in large packs of mixed ages, and they went swimming, took long walks, climbed trees. I think mom’s childhood was lovely, much nicer than my own children’s as crime and traffic have curtailed freedoms where I live. 

Mom’s father died of appendicitis when she was sixteen. It was quite horrific as his appendix burst and he died of blood poisoning. Mom said she went to visit him in the hospital in Norwich just before he died. He looked so awful she ran away and went home. Her mother died of a heart attack induced by high blood pressure in her early seventies. My mother gave birth to my youngest sister just after her mom died. My aunt didn’t tell her about the death for some time as she didn’t want to upset her post-partum. 

Resa – I seem to remember you saying you wrote While the Bombs Fell to help children today to understand about war. Am I correct?

Robbie – Yes, that is correct. Young people are very removed from nature and the realities of life. They spend a significant amount of time in imaginary worlds on-line. I believe that understanding history is important to prevent repetition of the same mistakes. The teaching of history in schools has become very selective now, so I wrote this book to present a civilian child’s perspective of growing up during a world war. Admittedly, it feels as if everyone, including the politicians, have forgotten our collective history currently.

(To the left are 2 of Robbie’s many children’s books, some co-authored with her son, Michael.)

Resa – I think young adults around the world would benefit from this book as well. War is an abstract reality. Yes, we see it on the news all the time, but we are detached from experiencing the reality, and often numb from overexposure. What say you about that?

Robbie – I think that is exactly what I was said above. People are removed from the realities of war because it has become an abstract concept and something that happens far away in other places. I think the computer and other games children and adults play, glamourize war in much the same way as it was glamourized in paintings in past eras. 

Robbie – I like to write about the realities of war and the devastating impact war experiences have on people, civilians at home and the men on the fronts.I explored this same topic in my novel, A Ghost and His Gold. War destroys lives and countries. 

Resa – I adore A Ghost and His Gold! Are you currently writing another novel? If not, any plans to?

Robbie – It is currently very busy at work, and this will continue until the end of March, so I won’t get much writing done outside of poetry and blog posts.

Resa – What is your most recent publication?

Robbie – I published three books last year as follows: Square Peg in a Round Hole, a collection of poems, artworks, and photographs; And the Grave Awaits, a collection of paranormal short stories (a few of which focus on civilians in war situations)

Sesi says goodbye to Granny, a children’s book including photographs and artworks about African elephants as well as some facts about African elephants in the wild.

Robbie – I am working on another anthology of poems for a WordCrafter Poetry Treasures publication. This latest one, book 5 in the series, is called Small Pleasures and the cover is being designed by the talented Teagan Riordain Geneviene.

Resa – Excellent, yes, Teagan is fabulous!

Robbie – I have received first round edits on my collection of South Africa based historical short stories and poems. I haven’t made much progress with addressing the suggestions and comments yet as I haven’t had much time.

Filmed by Robbie on her recent visit to Sabi Sands

Robbie – I am also advanced with a new book of my own poetry called, All About Animals. I have some editorial comments on that book which I need to address, and I also need to create the cover. The artwork is done but I need to turn it into a book cover. I am also working on the artwork for Michael and my new children’s books which is about leopards.

Male Leopard – Sabi Sands – 2025 © Roberta Eaton Cheadle

Robbie – I have three other poetry books in various stages of completion, but I generally only publish one a year. I have plenty of time to work on those. I also have a novel about the radium girls and America’s involvement in WW1 that is 2/3rds complete. I need blocks of time to work on a novel so that is waiting. I also have another children’s book outline completed but no artwork as yet.

I have the first four chapters of After the Bombs Fell drafted as well as a middle school book about Alice in Wonderland’s cat, Dinah, in progress. It is all about time for creative projects and I seem to have less and less currently. My youngest son is in his final year of high school so there are a lot of demands, and my father is very ill and that has impacted heavily on my life in several ways.

Resa – I am so sorry to hear about your father!

Robbie Went to Japan

While she was there, Robbie found some fabulous street art, and thought of me.

Ginza Street wall art – photo © Robbie Cheadle

You will find other posts about her trip on her blogs, but this one is special to me. It’s not just being thought of, but I believe in the power of art (all the arts), and art in the streets reaches many people that art in galleries never will.

Roberta Writes – d’Verse Reimagining the ordinary and street art on Ginza Street #poetry #streetart #Africananimals
About

Robbie is a prolific writer. You can find her books on Amazon sites around the globe. Just search “Robbie Cheadle” for children and youth books – “Roberta Eaton Cheadle” for adult books.

Some of her books are also available on KOBO.

Visit Robbie on her blogs:

Roberta Writes and Robbies Inspiration

Robbie has a YouTube Channel  filled with African wildlife videos, readings and cooking videos.

On Robbie’s Unsplash Page find African nature & wildlife for free downloads.

315 thoughts on “While the Bombs Fell & Art & African Animals”

  1. Hi Resa, wow, what a diverse and beautiful post you have created. Quite incredible. Thank you so much for your interest in my books and artwork as well as southern African wildlife, which is such a treasure.

    1. Hello Robbie!

      Well, it started out just about While the Bombs Fell, (kudos on this wonderful book!) then grew all on its own.

      Your love of animals is something I share, and your message about them via African animals is important. I am compelled to share that!

      Your drawing and painting skills are manifesting quickly. This new leopard is brilliant.

      All your excellent creative endeavours are beneficial, messaging and purposeful. Way to go! I celebrate you!

    1. TOF!
      Thank you for popping by, reading and commenting! I always enjoy seeing you here, big time.
      Have a great week ahead!

  3. As always here, what a great interview and so many valid things being said—gosh, I felt I was right there in Robbie’s folks’ lives. Robbie’s too coming to SA then. Huge sep for your mum, Robbie. And then there’s the great artworks too. Thank you ladies. You are stars xx

    1. Welcome and thank you, Shey!
      It’s a wonderful book, and that leopard drawing is WOW!
      Robbie’s has been an intriguing journey.
      xxxxx
      (ps, I just mailed you my 1880’s Shey drawing. I might add to it… just contemplating now)

        1. Ohh, I hope you like it!
          I did draw a dog (Lauren’s Copper) but that’s the extent of my animal drawing.
          Robbie’s love for the animals came through from the very first drawing I ever saw.

          I just can’t seem to get off the gowns.. and now the portraits.
          xxxxxxxxx

  4. Wow! What a fascinating post about Robbie. I’m convinced she doesn’t sleep! 😊

    I love the photo of her as a baby on the ship deck. And I love the fluid lines in her leopard painting.

    1. You could be right, Merril, she might not sleep.

      OR, perhaps she sleepwalk works. It’s a real thing. I went through a phase (during several stressful years)where I was sleepwalk eating. I even ate cat crunchies one night.

      Agree, the baby pic is adorable and that leopard drawing is fantastic. I’m so honoured she let me use it! 😊

      1. Oh my, that is rather astonishing and alarming, Resa. Sleepwalk eating – gosh. My mom fell while sleepwalking last week which was most unfortunate as she bruised her ribs. She doing better now 💛

        1. Egads! Sorry to hear about your mom, and glad she’s doing better! Wow, a lot to deal with on the family front these days. 💜

          I just can’t get over that I ate cat crunchies one night in my sleep. 🤢

        1. I was.
          Film hours are long(minimum 12 hour days), 7 days a week for the designer, Stars need to be kept happy (my pleasure) Directors have daily/hourly requests, I had staff to contend with, long drives to locations, constantly changing schedules, calls from LA last until 1 am (3 hours time difference)
          Anyway, I was always happy when I was awake. Guess I took it out in my sleep.

          Funny, I don’t miss it, but I do in a small way.

    1. Hello Ada!
      Robbie has definitely kept me up with what is happening with African wildlife, through images from her excursions, writing and art.

      Agree, that elephant is wonderful!
      Thanks for taking the time to check out the post and comment! ❦🌹🤗🌟

  6. Thanks for having Robbie as your guest, Resa. While the Bombs Fell is an excellent book. I gifted a copy to a dear friend who lives in Ipswich and it may be the best gift I ever gave her. Robbie’s writing, artwork and baking continue to amaze me. I hope you both have a wonderful week ahead.

    (And I hope this comment only appears once)

    1. Yes… the baking and cooking! That’s another aspect to Robbie’s creativity.Her edible art, and how she uses it to illustrate children’s books is clever and unique.

      The book is terrific, and it sounds like you gave a copy to the right person. Fabulous!
      Thank you for reading, Dan, and for your lovely comment!
      (I deleted one. WP comments have been frustrating lately)

  7. Resa, this is a terrific interview you did with Robbie — one of the hardest-working creative people on Earth. Robbie, moving recollections and discussion of various members of your family. Too much tragedy in that family history. 😦

    1. Thank you, Dave!

      Robbie is so interesting. Her love of the African animals, and creative work to highlight their plight is important.

      You are right! She must be one of the hardest-working creative people on Earth.
      🐆💙

    1. Thank you dear Holly!
      Robbie’s work on the awareness of the plight of animals is worth posts every day.

      I’m so happy you are here, and love the animals as much as we do.
      xoxoxoxoxoxo

      (ps… just sent RR in a Diadem, and an RB)

      1. Animals are the innocents of the world ( along with youngsters of course) and it’s our responsibility as humans to care for them and to love them. How’s that kitty doing? Such a cutie.🥰

        1. She’s out and about now, bossing me around for food and treats, watches me change her litter and then lets Norm pet her. She makes quite a display of herself….. with Norm.

          I appear to be a mere servant. (I love her!!!!!)

                1. LOL~!!!!
                  I’m almost finished the new PBH drawing. OMG, it’s hilarious… PBH in a Victorian super hero outfit. Even Norm laughed!
                  Hand is all warmed up again! Time to pick up Joni, again!
                  xoxoxoxo

                    1. Thank you dear Holly!
                      It’s so negative right now. There has to be some positivity, or earth will fly off its axis.
                      Love you! xoxoxoxo

      1. She’s an absolute lovely generous lady. Love her to pieces and so appreciate her sharing such wonderful information as today , your books are wonderful and your art is amazing! You’re so talented!
        ❤️🌹

  9. Thank you kindly for the mention, Robbie and Resa.
    Resa, congrats on this insightful interview — Robbie is a fascinating subject.
    Robbie, thanks for sharing more of your personal history, and for gathering all these marvelous examples of your many talents. Wishing you continued success. (Also, I hope everyone there is feeling better.)
    Hugs to you both.

    1. Hello Teagan,

      I was thrilled to hear you are doing a book cover for one of Robbie’s books.
      It’s always a wonderful experience chatting with Robbie.

      Thank you for reading and commenting! HUGS!

  10. Great interview with Robbie 🙂 I’ve read bits and pieces of her bio, and her mom’s bio, but I don’t think all of it wrapped up as nicely as here. Also great that you featured a little of her wonderful art and photography.

    1. Thanks Trent!
      Robbie is a fascinating person. She is a great writer, and as she continues to draw and paint who knows how fabulous that will show itself to be?

      Thanks for the fab comment, Trent!

      1. Resa is fantastic at that type of thing. I love your description of it, that she stitches it together like one of her art gowns. Still, you did have to contribute your side somehow, and it is nice to highlight some of your many talents. No fondant, though…

  12. I enjoyed reading While The Bombs Fell a while ago. WW2 covered my mother’s teenage years. I thought her stories very exciting and was quite convinced when I was young that it would soon be time for WW3 and I was looking forward to the drama. When someone mentions The War I still assume it’s WW2, even though there have bee many wars since then. My mother has written some of her early years down, but not enough for a book!

    2. It is a great book, well worth the read.
      Lol.. the drama of WWIII – YIKES
      I could see how a young persons mind could grab onto the thrill, even the romance.

      At least you have some f her memories. Can they be expanded on for a book?
      Thank you for reading, and your cool comment!

  13. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Wonderful interview, Resa. Robbie is an amazing woman. So talented. I love her poetry, drawing, painting, photography, video, and her culinary and confectionery arts.

  15. Thank you for sharing your interview with Robbie, Resa! I enjoyed it and picked up a few fact nuggets about her that I’d been unaware of. I, too, can highly recommend When the Bombs Fell. I love her latest leopard painting, too.

    1. Thank you, Liz!
      It’s always a gas chatting with Robbie. There’s always something new.
      The book is fab, and that leopard is WoW!!

  16. What a fabulous interview Resa. I love how you wove the interview with Robbie’s art, books, and posts. Robbie, it is great to learn more about you and your family. I’m in awe at how much creativity pours out of you and how you manage to fit it in with work and family. I admire and agree with your motivation to educate and wake people up to the harsh realities of war. I’m sad that we haven’t already learned the costs are too great and the world needs peace to survive. Thank you both for adding love and light to our community.

    1. Yay! Thanks Brad!
      Robbie’s works is so inspiring, It must be shared.
      I’m thrilled you took the time to read this post, and for your lovely comment.
      Have a great week ahead!

  17. Such a wonderful post, Resa and Robbie. I side-tracked to some of the links and appreciate that those were included. First off, that painting of the leopard is astonishingly beautiful. You’re an amazing artist and the book you’re writing with Michael is going to be excellent. I agree with you both that exposing young people to nature and wild animals isn’t only enjoyable but important.

    The same with the realities of war, which most people can’t truly comprehend. While the Bombs Fell is informative, but also gentle enough for a younger audience. It was the first book of Robbie’s that I read, and I thought it was great.

    I’m excited to hear about all the other projects in the works. I don’t know how Robbie does it – cares for her kids, parents, works, and blogs and writes and paints. She’s amazing. Thanks Resa for featuring her!

    1. Diana!
      Yes, that leopard painting is exquisite.
      I don’t know how Robbie does it, either?
      I’m developing a theory about sleepwalk working.
      LOL…still I had an issue with sleepwalk eating for several years.

      I love featuring Robbie! Her work for animal awareness is close to my heart. xx

        1. I understand that.
          Robbie has a full time career and full family life.
          Still, the fact that she is so passionate about her work, and loves the creativity will help her not to burn out.

          You are such a caring, lovely person, Diana.

          2. I nag her all the time to take care of herself, but you’re right that she’s passionate about her work. I just know (as a caregiver myself) that sometimes choices narrow and it can feel overwhelming.

    2. Hi Diana, thank you for all your wonderful support of me, and of this community in general. You make a real difference in this world. I’ve said it before, but I get very obsessed with artworks and projects so I work on them a bit relentlessly. Resa has pieced together a stunning post and I am thrilled 🌻💛

  18. What an incredible post and interview, Resa and Robbie! I haven’t read While the Bombs Fell, so thanks for highlighting that because I’ll add it to my TBR. I’ve read several of Robbie’s other books, and of course, love them. Her leopard painting is exquisite, and I continue to be in awe of all of her artwork. I love how Robbie advocates for not only our planet but for animals as well. The many poems she’s written for these causes are powerful and should be read by all humans. Hearing about upcoming projects is exciting too, and I thought I was busy! 🙂 I have to wonder like Diana does in regards to how she does it all! Does she sleep? This is the $64,000,000 question! LOL Congrats, Robbie, on your accomplishments and projects coming in the future. And thanks, Resa, for your creative post to feature Robbie. ❤️

    1. Lauren!

      It’s an easy book to read, and so insightful.
      And that painting..be still my beating heart!
      Her artwork gets noticeably better with every piece, and it started out great to begin with.

      I love chatting with Robbie. There’s always something new.
      Thank you fr taking. the time to read, Lauren, and for your wonderful comment! xo🌟🌹❦

    2. Hi Lauren, it is an incredible post, like going on an adventure through Wonderland. I am so pleased you like my artwork, I am enjoying it. Animals are so marvelous and fascinating. We need them and we need nature.

  19. It’s a wonderful post, Resa. I’m always in awe at Robbie’s many talents and her capacity for work and for caring for her family, and this interview has told me many things I didn’t know about her and what she thinks. I hope her father gets better soon, and I wish her the best of luck with all her projects and life in general. Thanks, Resa and all the best to you too.

    1. Hello Olga!
      Thank you for reading and your lovely comment!
      Yes, Robbie is uber talented. The best part is what she uses it for.

      Have a great week, Olga!

  20. What a wonderful post and what a wonderful artist. The painting of the leopard is absolutely gorgeous. Great interview and I hope her father gets well soon. Great interview and great work.

    2. Thanks Gi!
      I agree, that leopard drawing is fabulous. All of Robbie’s animal drawings are wonderful. I think this is her best to date, but that’s just my opinion. xoxo

  21. Hi Robbie and Resa what a fabulous post Resa has showcased your amazing work perfectly Robbie..I love the picture of baby Robbie on her journey to SA…That lepopard is stunning your artwork has come on in leaps and bounds…A glorious post Hugs xx

    1. Thank you, Carol!
      Robbie is fun to colab with, and I am inspired to share her knowledge ( & warnings about demise) of African animals.
      Hugs xxx

  24. Wonderful post with great interviews, fascinating stories + videos, beautiful drawings, etc. WOW!! So much to digest and marvel at in a single post. Well done, Resa and Robbie, thank you for widening our horizons. I’m sorry to hear your father died when you were so young… that experience must’ve shaped you significantly. This line struck me… “People are removed from the realities of war because it has become an abstract concept and something that happens far away in other places.” That is so true, esp. for generations who’ve enjoyed peace and prosperity. Even for me, growing up in Indonesia where there was so much political turmoil (and I grew up under a dictator who ruled for 3 decades), I was fortunate I’ve never seen war, but I realize it’s something some people still have to endure even today in so many parts of the world.

    Africa is on my bucket list, I’d love to visit the safaris, and looking at the gorgeous leopards make me want to book a trip pronto! These big cats are such magnificent creatures.

    That’s so awesome that you’ve written so many books! I wish I could say I’m a reader but I’m a s-l-o-w reader, ahah, I’m more trained in watching movies and writing about ’em. In any case, thanks for all the wonderful insights! ❤ ❦ ♡ ♥

    1. Hello, Ruth, thank you for your wonderful comment. South Africa has also gone through a lot of political turbulence during my life, but I too have not endured war circumstances. My mother did speak a lot about the war days when I was growing up and I have always read a lot of war books. The psychology of war fascinates me and I endlessly try to understand men’s behaviour in the war rooms and under fire. Africa has many beautiful places and animals although many creatures are declining in numbers they do still exist. There are people doing their best to save them.

    2. Thank you Ruth!
      Robbie does fab work for African animals ergo all animals.
      It’s okay that you don’t read much, but when one of Robbie’s books gets made into a movie I expect a review!
      “A Ghost and his Gold” would make a fab film. With the history of the Boer War resurfacing via paranormal activity in modern day, we are both entertained and educated.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Ruth, and did you get my mail about Sir Christopher?
      xoxox

      2. Hey sorry about missing your email! (I blame Yahoo, LOL!)

        Yes I think ‘A Ghost and his Gold’ would make an excellent film indeed! I feel bad sometimes that I don’t read books as often anymore, but I still support my writer friends, I’d buy books from them to give as gifts, ahahaha

        1. I understand. I am so busy, reading is off to the side. However, I’ve got a chip away technique, and a good memory.
          No worries. I got your mail!
          Books make great gifts. 🌟❦🌹❦

  25. Ah, Resa, what a wonderful conversation with Robbie. Her talent unfolds beautifully and I do love her leopard painting!

    Kudos to both! Sounds like a brilliant book. I hope your father, Robbie, gets better.

    Sending love to both

    and special slobberies to the hostess …preferably in a swim suit!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Agree and that leopard!!!
      Sending love back to youMarina Dahling!
      Lol well it’s a bit cold for a swim suit so: xo🧽xo☂️xo🧽xo☂️xo🧽xo☂️xo🧽xo☂️

            1. Yes…. coming! Still for now, the ground is frozen. 15 days o the first day of spring! ☀️🌹🌻☀️🌺🌼🌸💚

  26. Pingback: While the Bombs Fell & Art & African Animals – Robbie's inspiration

  27. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Fantastic interview! I love how Robbie brings history to life along with nature. It is much needed. Xo

    1. Thank you for popping by, Denise!
      Yes, much needed, and I still can’t get over how gorgeous that leopard painting is! XO

          1. Very cool, Denise! I am so happy children’s books are still being written. 😊
            With internet I worry kids don’t want to read anymore.🤔

  28. What a great interview. Really insightful questions. It was good to read more about the inspiration behind the book and the other things Robbie is working on.

  29. I loved reading this conversation between the two of you…. And Robbie’s talents are endless of books, art, poetry and her fondant skills and baking.

    I adore that painting of the leopard.. Brilliant Robbie. Thank you Resa for this interview…. I have long been an admirer of Robbie’s poems, and I have often said to her I do not know how she fits everything in…. 🙂 Sending much love to you both and well wishes to her Dad.. ❤ xx

    1. Thank you, Sue!
      Robbie is fab to chat with.
      Although admittedly, I do try to ask questions that I think others may not have asked.

      Agree, that leopard is a heart grabber.
      I don’t know how she finds the time, as well, but I’m glad she does!
      Sending love! 🌟❦🌹❦

    2. Hi Sue, thank you for your wonderful comment. I do enjoy drawing and painting very much. It is also a lovely way for me to promote wildlife in Southern Africa. I hope you have a restful weekend 🌈💞

  30. Robbie is an amaazing author. I have read a number of great books by her. I have not (yet) read When the Bombs Fell, but it seems like an intriguing and very interesting book. This interview was very interesting and I learned a lot, about Robbie, this book, and other things. The artwork and the photos/videos were fantastic. It was a pleasure reading this post. Thank you so much Robbie and Resa.

    1. You are so welcome Thomas!
      I always enjoy making a Robbie post. She gives a lot to work with.
      The new editor (I don’t use the AI )is a lot of fun. I feel like I’m creatively editing a magazine over here.
      Thank you for your wonderful comment Thomas!

        1. Yes! It’s so much fun! It’s loaded with features that help create an entertaining format.

          Yes, it’s a learning curve, and yay for learning!

    2. Hi Thomas, thank you for this lovely comment and for your generous support of my art and writing. This was my first attempt at a longer book and I still like it very much. Have a good weekend.

  31. What a fabulous interview with our friend Robbie. I enjoyed While The Bombs Fell and look forward to the sequel. I agree, it is important for young people to read about the hardships wars create, during and after. I see Robbie has many projects on the go. She is the busiest person I know.

    1. It is a wonderful book!
      I hope this book gets into some schools.
      Robbie is wonderfully busy!
      Thank you Darlene, for reading and commenting!

    2. Hi Darlene, it’s lovely to see you here. I do have many projects on the go. And hope to made some progress on one this weekend. I’m pleased you enjoyed While the Bombs fell.

  32. I have read and enjoyed many of Robbie’s books, she is a wonderful author. I love that drawing of the leopard, it is gorgeous. I had no idea that she has so many projects in the works. Amazing. When I read While the Bombs Fell, I thought it would be a great book for a high school English or even History class to read. I agree that video games have unsensitized young people to war. Great post highlighting Robbie.

    1. Yes, the leopard painting is most alluring.
      I had no idea how many projects she has on the go, either.
      The book should definitely be used for teaching!
      Thank you Carla , I’m a huge Robbie fan!

    2. Hi Carla, thank you for your wonderful comment. I’m delighted you like the leopard. I do tend to have a lot of projects on the go. I like to have a purpose for my poetry and painting and putting them into books seems like a good legacy for my creations. My family will have the books and paintings when I am gone. Thank you for your review of While the Bombs Fell, it is appreciated.

  34. What a wonderful post and so great to see Robbie and her books featured here! Robbie, I think you are exactly right that it’s important to understand history as it relates to our lives. Congratulations on all you do – you have so many talents!

    1. Thank you, Brian! I’ll be by soon. There seems to be a lot of …distractions lately. I’m sure in Mexico as well! xx

        1. He is getting repetitive.
          If we all just ignore him he will implode. His personality type thrives on attention…ANY attention! xo

  36. I really enjoyed ‘While the Bombs Fell’, and despite being a gamer myself, I agree that we have all become desensitised to the gruesomeness of war. Or perhaps to violence in general.

    Great post, and very thought provoking. 🙂

    1. Thank you, Meeka!
      Yes, it’s a terrific book.
      I used to game a lot, and between that and movies, we are desensitized.

      I just read about #Gamergate in the book I’m reading , “Sexual Harassment”. Disappointing info about many male gamers.

      Anyway, thank you again, and I do mean to thought provoke, but mostly entertain. ☀️🌹

      1. -grin- when I first started playing MMOs, there were few women gaming, and yes guys were obnoxious at times. These days we ladies are roughly half of the player population. Can you believe that? I play ESO and three of the guilds I’ve been in, including the one I’m still in, are run by women. Sadly the devs haven’t caught up yet and many of the costumes are /still/ skanky…and ugly. I suspect the only ones wearing them are guys playing a female toon.

        I think you can be thought provoking and yet still entertaining. You and Robbie have done a good job. 🙂

        1. I miss gaming. I keep thinking I want to play, but I am so busy with my Art Gowns and drawing and archiving street art and so much more.
          Hopefully all the devs are only playing a female, and not dating them. 😂 That was naughty of me.

          Thank you so much Meeka!

          1. LMAO! I wouldn’t put it past some of the devs to do just that.
            I’ll be honest, my gaming ebbs and wanes depending on how creative I’m being. At the moment I’m so caught up in politics I can’t seem to think of anything else. I hope to do something creative once things settle down.

            1. Lol!
              Yes, it seems politics have become a dominant feature on the landscape.
              Although that will not go away for me, I have become such a conundrum of bored and angry from the repetition of insanity, that I can use it to motivate drawing.

              1. Interesting point. I’m starting to find my eye sliding over things that are obvious repetitions to…cat videos with happy endings. 😉

                  1. High Five! Present company excepted. Through some miracle of probabilities, all the people I’ve met via this community of creatives have been seriously nice people. As good as cats and dogs. 😀

      1. Yes, we always gloss over the ‘cannon fodder’ and those who come back but are missing bits and pieces, or so traumatised they commit suicide. 😦

  37. Such a well done and highlighted post about Robbie and her book so well deserved, Resa! You always knock it out of the park with your conversations and photos sharing the inner workings of feelings giving such depth.

    I love the discussion here and Robbies keen curiosity and appreciation of the past and wars and bringing to light the importance of teaching and sharing. I have never delved deeper than the superficial relationships that had me cringe rather than explore more of what was behind them.

    This peaks my own interest in an interesting way or maybe I have healed enough to dig deeper.

    Great job~! 👏

    1. Dear Cindy,

      You always leave the best comments.

      I like to ask questions that no one else may have asked in an interview. Sometimes the stupidest questions lead to the most vivid answers. I just take a chance. I do enjoy the writers here on WP.

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read, and leaving this comment.

      Your writing is like a lesson in sunshine. Your positivity is a jewel.

      “healed enough to dig deeper”.. an interesting comment. You seem mighty deep to me.

      BIG HUGS! xxx

    2. Hi Cindy, thank you for your interesting and honest response. We are all built differently and enjoy, or learn from, different things. It’s such a good thing we are so amazingly different.

    1. Thank you, Beem! Robbie is a gem.
      I truly appreciate you reading this, and leaving such a lovely comment.
      (PS) I found this in my Spam. I always check once week. It’s a good blogging habit.

      You’re free!!!

  40. That’s quite the comprehensive author feature! Robbie either sleepwalk-works or has a time machine that lets her escape to a less hectic time, recharge, then return and resume work (a common fantasy of mine, tbh) 🙂

    1. Well, Robbie presents a lot to feature. I do so admire her work.
      Yes, I draw… gowns and portraits.
      I also make beautiful gowns by hand out of cast offs, old curtains and clothes, off cuts, NOS (new old fabric),etc. Here’s my most recent – https://artgowns.com/2024/12/27/victorian-sonnet/
      You will find my drawings on that blog, but whether it’s a drawing, a gown I made, a book review or art – it’s all about gowns.
      Except for portraits.
      Thank you for asking! 🙂

    2. My apologies Nicholas!

      I posted an answer for someone else, to you!

      Maybe you can make your fantasy come true…in a way. Of course yu’ll have to work at it all the time, which is what Robbie does!

      Thank you for the visit, and lovely comment!

      2. Thanks – and no need to apologize, as your comment gave me an opportunity to check out your amazing gowns. My 9-year-old daughter was quite taken by Victorian Sonnet, by the way. She says it reminds her of the elves in Lord of the Ring!

Comments are closed.