Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "hisotry"

Hello, my wonderful readers!

Pack your bags and come along with me on my latest literary expedition, "Countries in Poetry"! Picture this: a delightful journey around the globe, not by plane or train, but through the magic of poetry. This isn't just a book; it's a passport to every corner of our magnificent world, one poem at a time.

In "Countries in Poetry," each nation gets its moment in the spotlight. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene islands of the Pacific, every poem is a window into a country's soul. Imagine feeling the warm breeze of the Caribbean through a stanza, or the rich history of Europe unfolding in a verse. Whether it's the colorful festivals of Brazil or the tranquil landscapes of Norway, each poem captures the essence of its country.

I am incredibly fortunate to have journeyed through almost 30 countries in my lifetime. The process of researching and writing this book has only deepened my desire to explore even more of the world. Each nation offers its own unique sights, flavors, and experiences. My hope is that through the pages of this book, you'll get a taste of the diverse and rich tapestry each country presents.

This collection is my ode to the world's diversity. It blends cultural wonders, historical landmarks, and natural beauty into a tapestry of words. As you flip through the pages, you'll embark on a journey that transcends boundaries, where each country tells its own story, filled with unique flavors, sights, and sounds.

"Countries in Poetry" is more than a poetic exploration of the globe. It's a celebration of our world's incredible tapestry. Whether you're a globetrotter, a culture enthusiast, or just someone who loves to dream about faraway places, this book offers a fresh, engaging perspective on the many places that make up our shared planet.

So, come along on this poetic adventure and discover the world in a way you've never experienced before. Each page is an invitation to travel through the heart and soul of a country, to see the world through the lens of poetry.

I can't wait to share "Countries in Poetry" with you and hear about your favorite journeys through its pages. Let's embark on this poetic globe-trotting adventure together!

Happy reading, and here's to discovering the beauty and diversity of our world, one poem at a time!

Cheers,
Samuel DenHartog

Greetings, night wanderers and culinary trailblazers!

It’s time to once again don your darkest aprons and light the candles for an enchanting journey through the moonlit paths of global cuisine with "The Vampire's Cookbook: Volume II." If you thought our first foray with Lucien Bellerose, the vampire chef with a penchant for the sanguine, was a feast for the senses, prepare to be bewitched by the even richer flavors and even more tantalizing tales we've brewed up in this sequel.

As Lucien continues his eternal quest for the ultimate dining experience, we venture from the fog-covered alleyways of London to the bustling markets of Jakarta, uncovering the secrets behind dishes that blend the traditional with a touch of blood. His culinary voyage is a testament to the unifying power of food, crossing borders and cultures, and infusing each recipe with the exotic essence of vampiric lore.

So, whether you're a connoisseur of the cryptic or simply a foodie in search of your next culinary adventure, this book invites you to explore the flavors of the world through the eyes of the immortal. I’ve mixed a little humor, a pinch of horror, a lot of lust, and a generous pour of gastronomic genius to create a collection that's bound to become a staple in the kitchens of the adventurous.

Join Lucien as he dices, simmers, and serves a banquet that bridges the gap between the living and the eternal. Remember, in Lucien's kitchen, the night is always young, passion is always in the air, and the flavors are immortal. No garlic? No problem. We're here to show you that the world of culinary wonders is vast, vibrant, and sometimes vampiric.

See you in the kitchen,
Samuel DenHartog

When I first began writing this book, I didn’t expect the siege to become so personal. The destruction of Jerusalem is one of the most tragic and complex moments in ancient history—filled with desperation, fractured loyalties, and sacred symbols pulled into the dirt. But amid all that collapse, I kept returning to a single idea: what does it look like to hold fast when everything around you is falling apart?

Eleazar came to me not as a warrior, but as someone who refused to be erased. He isn’t drawn to violence or power, but when the world pushes him into war, he doesn’t flinch. Through his eyes, we see the strain of leadership when surrounded by ruin, the cost of conviction when betrayal is constant, and the quiet dignity of someone choosing to protect rather than destroy. And always at his side, even when absent, is Mary—the person who sees him most clearly, who anchors his resolve with love, loyalty, and her own kind of courage. His journey doesn’t offer easy answers, but he never stops asking what is worth saving, and who he’s saving it for.

I found myself more interested in the spaces between battles. The silences in the temple courts, the weight of a decision made in the dark, the loyalty that survives when every cause has been questioned. The story moves across hills and cities, blood and prayer, but it always comes back to something quiet and human: what does faith look like when it no longer wins, and what love endures when even hope feels dangerous?

That’s the question at the heart of The Olive and the Empire, and the reason this book became more than a war story to me. It is about survival, yes—but also memory, silence, and the fragile bonds we cling to when history turns violent. I hope it lingers.