“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anyone else, these pages must show” Dickens David Copperfield

Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Demon Copperhead, reimagines Dicken’s story in modern rural America with poverty and opioid addition.

Demon’s words are quite fatalistic, instead of hopeful: “Save or be saved, these are questions. You want to think it’s not over til the last page.”

Sounds grime, right?

Not necessarily.

Resilience - the trait that no one can define. Some have it. Sadly, others do not

It is our reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how our life’s story will develop.

As Nelson Mandela stated, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Resilience is the theme of Sherrill’s memoir and Debi’s poetry which we will be sharing soon.

Supporting others to overcome adversity and build resilience will be explored more fully on our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS

Our theme has always been “We are all in this together.”

Please join us.

Warmer weather is right around the corner!

Of course in Chicago this time of year, we can experience all four seasons in one day!

For us warm weather means Summer, which – again for us – starts on Memorial Day. 

That long weekend which is the unofficial start to cookout season!

However, Memorial Day is foremost a day to remember the millions of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – for the world.

We grew up with this enduring quote by JFK: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

We give thanks and embrace the privilege of freedom to celebrate friends and families with pool parties, parades and backyard cookouts.

We asked several friends how they celebrate Memorial Day.  More than a few stated:  “It’s the start of summer.  With the fireworks of July 4th in the middle and ends with Labor Day and the kids going back to school.”

For this season we like to display cherished collections. 

For Sherrill it’s filling her antique vases with peonies gathered from the farmers markets that begin Memorial Day Weekend. 

For Debi it’s baking her seasonal biscotti flavors. 

Other friends decorate their doors with boughs of greenery.  You can add flowers or red/white/blue ribbons or small flags.

On our Dare to be Curious YouTube Channel you can hear more about the surprising ways others celebrate this special day.  Plus we share some of our “favorite things” which you can add to your celebrations.

Welcome to Summer!!

Everyone loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo – the great food – the margaritas – the music – the dancing – BUT – do we really know WHY we are celebrating?

Many – us included - thought we were celebrating Mexican Independence.

ACTUALLY, ON May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

Even though his army was outnumbered in the battle which lasted from daybreak to sunset, General Zaragoza realized the superior French forces were losing because his troops were utilizing the knowledge of their homeland terrain to defeat the invaders.

The victory that day became a symbol of Mexican resistance.

In 2005, US Congress passed a resolution recognizing the historical significance of this holiday and encouraged a celebration of Mexican culture through food, drink, dance and music.

And in our case – shopping!

We started at the fabulous Colores Mexicanos
605 Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
coloresmexicanoschicago.com

What a treasure trove!

A beautiful collection of textiles carefully curated to bring all the best in exquisitely handmade garments and tablescapes.

Yes, Sherrill could not resist purchasing a “work of art” apron, even though she only cooks on holidays and a few birthdays in-between

Debi’s “had to have” was a piece of hand crafted jewelry - truly, everything in the store tempted us!

Packages in hand, we headed to our favorite regional Mexican restaurant, Tzuco by Chef Carlos Gaytán, who became the first Mexican Chef to receive a Michelin star in 2013 and 2014.

TZUCO
720 North State St., Chicago, IL 60654
tzuco.com

We had loved dinner there so this time we tried their brunch served only on Saturday and Sunday

SUBLIME! Every dish has an unexpected fabulously yummy taste twist.

Guacamole so smooth it melted in our mouths.

The presentation of the Shrimp Ceviche was only surpassed by its taste.

Lobster Taco which was not a taco in any way we have ever experienced a taco -anywhere!

And the margarita’s! We wanted to try a new twist ourselves so ordered a float of amaretto on top – Sherrill’s with salt – Debi’s without. Both yummy!

We agree with Congress – May 5 - EVERYONE should experience the culture of Mexico.

PASARLO BIEN

“Spring is the time of plans and projects”

—Leo Tolstoy

As the weather warms up and Spring arrives our urge for renewal – new beginnings – sends us scurrying to redecorate – to clean our houses – particularly our closets.

More often than not, it is that fateful moment when we realize “I have nothing to wear!” Yet our closets are stuffed from floor to ceiling.

We determine it is time to weed out and replant with the best new Spring fashions to make us bloom!

And who better to help us decide the brightest and best to put in our newly uncluttered closets than Jodi Kahn, VP Luxury Fashion, Neiman Marcus. She tells the NM buyers what to put in the stores for our shopping pleasure.

IN – light layers, dresses, finely woven crochet dresses with fringe, maxi slim skirts – and, as always, beautiful shoes

THINK COLOR: lime, seafoam green, light purple (we call it lavender), and pink.

“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.”

Please join us on our YouTube Channel, Dare to be Curious, as we share our afternoon of fun and fashion.

The theme of this astonishing novel, FOREIGN AFFAIRS BY ALLISON LURIE, is how we change when we move to a new place and we are not surrounded by the expectations of others.

Sherrill agrees to that theory as she has moved twenty-four times from one part of the USA to the other – each time a reinvention!

The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!

The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!

She is there on a grant to work on her new book about children’s folk rhymes. Sherrill identified with Vinnie on many levels – not only because she is small in stature and wears a size five shoe!

Vinnie is also a woman who has given up and believes no one will truly love her because no man ever has.  So when she finds someone who is not remotely the sort of man she can seriously imagine for herself, it changes her.

The big moment for her is when she does something frightening and uncomfortable because she wants to do what Chuck would have expected of her. His view of her is that she’s an absolutely wonderful person.  She knows she’s not, but she wants to live up to that view of herself. And by doing this thing, which she doesn’t think of as very important, she has a tremendous effect on the lives of others.

There are countless rich layers to this book and so many fascinating characters.  Fred, Vinnie’s young colleague, in England doing his research without his recently separated wife – he is miserable until he meets a beautiful unpredictable English actress and is introduced into her dizzyingly romantic world.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

USA TODAY wrote “IF YOU MANAGE TO READ ONLY A FEW GOOD BOOKS A YEAR, MAKE THIS ONE OF THEM.”

We agree!!

You can get a copy of the book on our website at “Our Favorite Things”

World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of the art of storytelling.

It is celebrated every year on the March equinox – March 20th.

On that day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible during that day and night.

It all started without much coordination or without much fanfare in the 90’s in Sweden, Australia, Mexico and other Latin American countries.  It has grown into a worldwide phenomenon because really, who doesn’t love a great story?

Activities are planned on days around the equinox.  Some examples of what can be done:

–Surprise a school with storytellers in the classrooms

– Organize an event at your library

– Combine Storytelling with music and/or dance

– Team up with a restaurant (take a page from Ashford Castle in Ireland where they have a resident storyteller in their restaurant)

– Share stories at a Senior Home

At DARE TO BE CURIOUS,

we chose to invite two of our friends and fellow writers to talk with us about how they tell their stories.  Join us and meet New York Times Bestseller and author of over 100 published novels, Patricia Rosemoor and Cheryl Jefferson, award winning TV & film producer and author of both fiction and non-fiction.

The theme of World Storytelling Day 2023 is “TOGETHER WE CAN”

These women can and have – they have amazing stories to tell!

Considering what’s going on worldwide this is an excellent theme choice to help build community and inspire change.

Do you have a story to tell?  Please come be inspired at our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS!

Click Here to Buy these great books!

These are paid links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For a February Book Club Babes,

how could we NOT select a novel about passion, jewelry, love and secrets by one of the most popular authors alive, Danielle Steel?

PROPERTY OF A NOBLEWOMAN

is the perfect fairytale: A woman’s legacy is shaped by tragedy, fortitude and undying devotion which transforms lives and hearts long after she is gone – thus fulfilling at last her most precious bequest.

Danielle Steel has said

that each of her books begin with an image or character or situation that she cared about deeply.  It is clear in this book that she cared deeply about righting a long ago wrong.  She has the gift of knowing the pulses of her readers so she made us root for all the heroines to find their happy endings. To unveil the past so all would have a brighter future.

As writers we agree with her statement:

“Writing is a solitary endeavor, but not a lonely one.  When you write, your world is populated by the characters you invent, and you feel those people filling your life.”

Her characters filled the pages of Property of a Noblewoman.

Click Here To Buy!

Go spend time with them and enjoy the fairytale.

The first of the year is always a time of reflection 

To look in the mirror & decide to be the best you can be!

Be it lose the weight from a joyful holiday season - join a gym or yoga class - get a new hair style or go darker or lighter or red!

All good goals - let’s face it goals are all good & the joy of reaching your goals even better!

The goal to follow your dreams & making them a reality was the inspiration for the luncheon that we attended, “New Year, New Me.”

The speaker was Alpana Singh famed restaurateur, master sommelier, television personality and author.

Indeed she did inspire!  

We saw many in the audience taking notes. We did too!
We will be sharing our new goals for Dare to be Curious!
We would love to hear your goals - we are all in this together!

Once, at a Writer’s Conference,

a reader rushed up, shouting, “I’m so mad at you!  I stayed up all night reading your book!”

It is the highest compliment one can give a writer! 

We give it to Taylor Jenkins Reid for her book, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

There are so many levels of reading pleasure in this book – where to start?

The voice of the author immediately drew us in as she introduced the main characters: the young reporter and the silver-screen legend finally ready to tell her story.

And what a story it is!

We loved the glam of old Hollywood and the thinly veiled tales that mirrored true life.

There is juicy gossip – characters who made us want to know “what happened?” – so we kept turning pages to get answers.

And the book gives the reader those answers which surprise and captivate

At its heart, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, is about the depth and breadth of true love.

It doesn’t get any better than that!

There is no better time than the first month of a new year to start reading a new book!

Join our book club vicariously through us – share the experience and the journey.

Just click on the link above and get your book!

We’d love to hear how YOU feel about Evelyn Hugo!

Our friend and designer, Laurie Borsé, followed her dream to Paris, after she won First Place Evening Wear Designer and “All Outstanding Designer” in the Fashion Group International student competition of 39 Universities.  The Scholarship to PARIS FASHION INSTITUTE was part of her award.

Laurie told us,

“This changed my life!  I vowed I would NOT return until I worked for Yves Saint Laurent!’’

She did just that!  Among other opportunities in Paris!

Now a couture fashion designer under her own Brand Label: BORSÉ Laurie Paris she designs between Paris and Chicago designing for private clients Sur Measure.

We were recently fortunate to visit Laurie in Paris.

Yes, there was no elevator (just like in our fav series, Emily in Paris) – so we walked up the six flights to her tiny studio where we were greeted with fresh flowers in her narrow couloir, her door opened and she whisked us thru her studio, out the French doors to her flower covered terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower!

What a delight!

We sat enjoying French champagne, foie gras, fresh fromage all French delicacies prepared by Laurie.

We also visited her atelier next door where Laurie does EVERYTHING!

And we mean everything!

Laurie starts by sketching her designs – her sketches are truly frameable art!  Honestly, they are so very special.

She drapes the muslin to create the pattern and first sewn muslin sample.  She makes adjustments and the final muslin is also sewn by Laurie.

Since she designs for private clients, it may take a few muslins until the final muslin fitting. Then it is on to creating final patterns, cutting the fabric, stay stitching all pieces necessary before the final sewing and precision pressing.

Laurie’s love for the entire process from sketching to sewing and hand stitching the final garment is so obvious.

She takes the time and meticulous care needed to make sure each garment is made with quality and love.

Laurie assured us,

“All worth the effort and time.  Once my clients step into one of my creations . . .the smile I see on my clients face and in their eyes . . . warms my heart with love and joy and sometimes a tear.”

Laurie is a woman who is truly living her passion for designing.

We are thrilled to feature her on our Dare to be Curious YouTube channel and give our friends the opportunity to own one of her beautiful designs – created with love!

Sometimes magic happens!!

When DARE TO BE CURIOUS was invited to attend a fashion show at Neiman Marcus Chicago to present Law Roach’s collaboration with Herve Leger-Herve Leger X Law Roach…

we expected

fantastic designs, which we received – Sherrill particularly liked the first white dress and the last silver two-piece evening gown – absolutely beautiful!

we Received

SO MUCH more!

A conversation with one of the most in-demand stylist today!

Chicago born, Law Roach, moved to LA to pursue a career in fashion and almost immediately the image architect started working with A-List clients!

We loved hearing the story of his lasting friendship with Zendaya .  The pair met when she was fourteen years old and in need of a dress for the premiere of the Justin Bieber: Never Say Never documentary.

Since then his client list is a who’s who of Hollywood style icons: Celine Dion, Ariana Grande, Anya Taylor-Joy, Kerry Washington to name a few.

He spoke with such love for Chicago – the fashion house wanted him to present his collection in New York or LA but he insisted on his home town. 

We were struck by his sincere message which truly was inspirational.

To watch and listen to his conversation and Q & A please watch our YouTube Channel Dare to be Curious.

We leave you with one of our favorite Law Roach quotes: ”Work hard, believe in yourself and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

It says it all.  

We have all been at our local grocery stores with our list in hand.  When we were rearing children there would be one or two in the grocery cart “helping” us.  Then it wasn’t exactly an adventure but more a necessity.

Times have changed.

Now we have so many choices – a myriad of specialty grocery stores – plus the many different national chains – and the wunderkind, Whole Foods.

We have tried them all!

Sorry, Whole Foods, you have been replaced with the grocery store of our dreams – DOM’S in Old Town, Chicago.

Yes, we know, Whole Foods, you have everything DOM’S has to offer – a bar – restaurant- prepared foods – great meat and fish selection – picture perfect produce – a bakery that ignites our tastebuds for dessert – BUT you are simply too big and confusing.

DOM’S is our perfect fit because it is perfectly curated with just the right amount of delectable items globally inspired, seasonally driven, and locally sourced from Chicago and Midwest entrepreneurs.

DOM’S makes us excited about new culinary discoveries.  And did we mention their catering department?  A golden find for this holiday season or any special occasion.

DOM’S, welcome to the neighborhood. 

It was love at first sight. 

Join us on our YouTube Channel, Dare To Be Curious!

The Godfather is still Golden after 50 years

Francis Ford Coppola’s Oscar Winning Adaptation of Mario Puzo’s The Godfather is considered a cinematic masterpiece 50 years after it was released in 1972.

When our Book Club Babes chose the novel to read we decided to go with the season and dress the part.  Honestly, there are parts of the book much scarier than ghosts and monsters in any Halloween Fright-fest film!

The author stated that the book was not based on his life but the story came from research and inspired by real-life mob boss Frank Costello.  Which means much of what is written about in the novel actually happened!

We discussed endless stories about the book – like the author and Frank Sinatra getting into a near physical altercation over the novel at Chasen’s, then a celebrity hot spot  near Beverly Hills. 

How certain lines from the novel have become part of our lexicon …”Revenge is a dish that tastes best when served cold”…to the most famous . . .”I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse”

Meeting at one of our favorite Italian restaurant’s, Lucia’s, enhanced our discussion that the underlying theme of The Godfather is family, love and loyalty.

We love the immersive experience of our book club and love sharing it will all of you.

Stay tuned for our November book!

We are so happy we live in a world where there are Octobers – the crips fresh air – the burnish glory of fall foliage – the cool mornings, warmth of the sun midday, the chill of evenings.

Alas, summer is over and the holiday season not yet upon us.

Sundresses and sandals are stored away and knee-high boots come out of our closets.

Layers are suggested for days which greet us with, chill, warmth and cold.

What we wear is how we choose to present ourselves to the world - which these days mean it will forever be on social media.

Fall turns us into fashionistas!

We went to one of our favorites in Chicago – Contessa -  for how to dress up what’s already in our wardrobes to ideas for our next big event! And does she have suggestions!

Watch this week’s Dare to be Curious video to get the scoop on Fall Fashion and beyond to holiday parties galore.

The power of a great outfit has the ability to transform your mood and the way you look – remember those phone cameras are recording you for posterity!

“The joy of dressing is an art”

 -designer, John Galliano

A LIFE WELL LIVED

“ I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

Portion of a speech given by Queen Elizabeth on her twenty-first birthday.

She kept her word literally until the day she left us.

A few months ago

our Book Club Babes read Elizabeth & Margaret – the Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton.

For that meeting we wore our tiaras and enjoyed a traditional English Tea with a champagne toast to the Queen.

It seemed fitting to say good-by to her with a similar toast of thanks for a lifetime of service to the world.

To honor a life well lived,

eleven women gathered at Sherrill’s on September 19th at 5am to pay our respects and view together the beautiful pageantry with which her nation and the world honored her and said farewell.

This was history in the making

and in sharing it with friends we made memories which will last a lifetime. Expanding our lives and living every day to the fullest and sharing those moments with our readers and viewers is at the heart of Dare to be Curious.

Yes, it was work

and a very long night and early morning - however, there was a sense of accomplishment when the boiled eggs, scones with clotted cream & jam, English Cheeses with biscuits, strawberries with cream, chocolates and pots of coffee and tea were displayed on the table set with our best silver and most royal china

If there was ever any doubt that all the work to share those historical moments were  worth the time and effort those doubts were banished by the appreciation and enthusiasm of all who  shared in the friendship of that morning.

Even more important to Sherrill was a text she received the next morning from her youngest son,  “What year was it when you woke us up for croissants for Princess Diana?  That’s a really strong memory that I have.  Love you!”

Please keep making memoires – they really do last a lifetime.

Sometimes the sequel is as good as the original!

It happened at Movie Night 2 – aptly named for a second Summer Movie Themed Party.

Last year Grease was the focus of the night complete with Pink Jackets for the ladies and a dance off.

This year the full-of-heart comedy gold, The Birdcage, was the theme and wow, did everyone pull out the stops in dressing South Beach Florida crazy!

We are delighted to report that Debi and Sherrill were among the top three costume winners!  Yes, we too pulled out all stops! 

Our flowered headbands –  we did them ourselves and if you would like to know our secrets please contact us – we love to share!

What was really special about the evening was honoring two great icons of the silver screen – Olivia Newton John and Robin Williams.  Sadly, they are no longer with us but their talent lives on in their work.

There were a few tears shed and a great deal of laughter shared which always makes for the perfect party. 

Plus, of course, a balmy beautiful Summers Night.

There are some stories which must never be forgotten.

We feel that way about our Book Club Babes selection of THE DRESSMAKERS OF AUSCHWITZ.

It is the story of 25 young inmates of the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp who were selected to design, cut and sew beautiful fashions in a dedicated salon for elite Nazi women – it was known as the Upper Tailoring Studio.

Working there saved their lives.

It is a powerful chronicle of these women who used their sewing skills to survive – even more powerful was the love and loyalty these women shared.

When asked after their rescue by Allied Troops why they believed they had survived when millions of others perished, their responses were amazingly similar.

Friends.  Faith. Luck.

What struck us were the comments.  “will to live and take care of two sisters,” and “I thought my sister would stay alive and I didn’t want to leave her alone.”

Sisterhood.  Women Supporting Women.

Our setting for this discussion was the extraordinarily glorious garden of one of our blook club members – it was a deliberately sharp contrast to the grim setting of the book.

We celebrated the beautiful power of the inner strength of these brave women..

Within every sister-friend relationship there is a unique bond.

We feel it at Book Club and wish to share it with all of you.

Little girls with dreams become women with vision” – Unknown

Did you know Illinois has one of the only all girls baseball teams in the country?

We were thrilled to interview the talented girls of Chaneyville Baseball for our YouTube Channel DARE TO BE CURIOUS.

These girls are following their dreams and as one of the parents shared with us – “What these girls are doing is important and breaking barriers and showing girls that they can do anything they put their minds to. 

“Girls can do anything boys can do.”

Assistant Coach Booker Hatcher believes these girls know what they want and are willing to work hard to achieve their goals

He told us what he says to inspire the girls before a game – “You gotta go through fire to get Gold.  Which means it’s not always gonna be easy but the tough time will make you better in life on and off the field.” And inspire them he did!

The girls are heading to Nationals!  It will take place July 20 – 25

If you would like to know more about supporting the dreams of these determined girls please reach out by calling 773-909-5598.

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible!” Audrey Hepburn

We aren’t sure who wrote this but the following totally captures our themed party celebrating love: “True passion is intoxicating and invigorating, soothing and sensuous, magical and mystical, I just thought you should know what you’re in for!”

We have all read articles about how to give a themed party – the themed invitations, the venue, the appropriate music, etc.

So, we all know the elements that makes for a very special party full of everything beautiful and romantic.  The fun is in making it happen!

Our themed party was inspired by our dear friend, Bethany and her fiancé Andrew.  You met Bethany in https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2022/5/29/women-supporting-women-interview-with-ms-luncheon-honoree-bethany-florek and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8jbdk05vAA and now you will meet Andrew!

Their love story inspired the Engagement Party we are sharing with you on our YouTube channel, “Dare to be Curious.”

We were thrilled that so many friends of “Dare to be Curious” made this party so amazing!

The venue was the sweet and sassy home of Chicago designer, Lauren Lein.  She also designed and hand painted Bethany’s extraordinary outfit for the evening.  You’ve met Lauren before at https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2021/12/8/holiday-galas-gowns-fabric-trunk-shows-holiday-make-overs-and-much-much-more and https://youtu.be/dGj3TSVhWFA

The outstanding floral arch was created by our beloved Harry from The Garden at Old Irving.  You’ve loved and viewed him many times (see https://bigbiggerbiggest.life/blog/2022/4/6/spring-is-springing-floral-segment-with-our-friend-harry-2 and https://youtu.be/EZHg8_qTNO4) He never ceases to amaze with his talent.

There was dancing, champagne toasts, delicious food from Chicago’s iconic Gene and Georgetti’s, yummy cake and of course, Debi’s Divine Biscotti!

All the elements on those lists of how to do a themed party were in place. Plus, there was that extra special something in the air which marks a night to remember – TRUE LOVE.

“When you’re lucky enough to meet your one person, then life takes a turn for the best. It can’t get better than that.” Actor, John Krasinski

Excitement has been in the air for months in anticipation of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. 

Sherrill witnessed the preparations first hand on her recent visit to England and she remains in awe of the outpouring of affection given to the longest reigning monarch in Britain's history..

The Queen has been loved and revered for the lifetimes of generations since she was born on April 21, 1926.  In 1947, just turning 21, she made her first radio broadcast in which she pledged "I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Never were words more prophetic!  

She has reigned for 70 years with dignity and kept that long ago promise made to a nation.

So many books have been written - the world knows she loves her corgis and her horses - she's the only person in the UK allowed to drive without a license - she has family drama which might drive many of us to our knees.  The Crown gave us a glimpse but as writer's we know there is always more to reveal.

It seemed so absolutely perfect to choose ELIZABETH & MARGARET the Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton as our June selection for BOOK CLUB BABES, our book club - particularly since Sherrill had "met" Andrew on zoom via another book discussion between authors..  And it seemed absolutely perfect to have our monthly discussion at a Tiara Afternoon Tea.

Please join us as we sip and discuss and reveal what surprised us most about two drastically different women

The following quotes are thought provoking:

"At long last, I know who I am and what I represent ...above all, a woman who is free.  Free to live, to love.  Free to break away."  Margaret Windsor

"When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat: instead they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future." Elizabeth II