Today, I'll be cheerleading those 24 hr. readers on while they read, read, read. I'm looking forward to this opportunity to cheer on their love of reading. I'm also excited to hear about what they are reading(more for my TBR list), read cool book blogs (purely selfish reason to cheer) and see photo's about their snacks(yummy!) and other things around them (so interesting).
Go, Go, Go Readers! Whip out those books and read!
I'll be thinking of you all day (I really, really mean that) as I continue doing all those busy things that I've committed to today as well. Hard to believe, you're 11 hrs. in and I'm just getting this down (sorry I'm slow about this) since I've been up since about 7 a.m. (like all of you) trying to do just that and be a part of it all. I love Readathon's!
Anyway, here's a few of the things I've done today while you've been reading away:
Sent my son on a 5 mile hike early this morning.
Taught a card making class plus some adorable tags at the Super Saturday craft day at our church.
Made Potato Cheese Soup for the luncheon at Super Sat.
Drove my oldest daughter to a Service Project.
Finished shopping to get my daughter ready for Science Camp on Mon.
Pumpkin Carving with my children.
Now, off to craft some more.
I'd like to make some bookish papercraft things as well today like a bookmark or two.
I'll also make sure to read a few chapters of a book today as well.
That's why I can only cheer you on. Oh, how I'd love to be reading with you. Someday, I will.
*Anyone can play ~ Find your current read, share a quote from a random page plus do tell what you're reading. *Remember, you are always welcome to share your teaser in the comments as well. I really liked that Erin did that last time. :) Thanks for participating, Erin! *For more details be sure to look up how on the links above.
My teaser:
"Here's to responsibility," he toasted. "Twice a week." "And recklessness every day in between," I emphasized.
pg. 164, New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
My thoughts: I've been aiming to read this through for a long time but it is taking me a long time. I'd really like to finish it before the movie. So, that's what I'm trying to do.
I finished reading the book I chose for the R.I.P IV Reading Challenge. It feels good to have fulfilled my commitment. I also wrote up my review on 5-squared too. It was a perfect choice for this year. Now, I'm going to see if its possible for me to finish one more and review it in time. Besides, I 'd really like to finish New Moon by Stephanie Meyer before the movie comes out so that's what I'll read. I'll let you know how it goes!
Life seems to have been a bit of a slippery slope for me lately. Everything from dealing with my own mood swings to more car troubles. Day by day, I find I have more to do. Reminds me of Mr. Incredible,
"No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit? I feel like the maid; I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for... for ten minutes!"
I've been desperately trying to organize a bit of a space upstairs to help aid in the ability to enjoy doing the things I love best at home. Little by little it's coming along and looking more like the Art/Writing/Papercraft studio I've always dreamed about. Plus, I have a nice place to read and I really love my comfy chair that Jared bought for me when I had Noah. That's been a comforting place lately.
Here's a few book quotes:
“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”
My grandmother Lillian passed away this week. Truly, a remarkable woman. I was told about it on Weds. and that her funeral arrangements were made for Fri. and Sat. After researching about tickets, I just couldn't take away the money it would consume from the family, given our current financial state, to get me to the funeral. It was a tough decision. I hated it. I've had to find my own way to feel closure. I don't deal too well with that considering I still have things I drive my husband and friends batty with because I can't get over it. I don't know how to fix that either. So, here's what I wrote on facebook:
Things I remember about visiting my Grandma Lillian: warm hello's, treats on the orange rug, singing songs, sloppy joes, coffee table magazine's, perfume filled hugs, memorized poetry and sad goodbye's. I'll really miss my dear sweet Grandma. I'm grateful that she is not in pain anymore and reunited with Grandpa now. I'm unable to attend the funeral this weekend but I'm looking forward to hearing about it.
I'll add here that my sister mentioned Grandma giving us her hard ribbon candy and I remember Werther's or butterscotch hard candies too.
"He(She) who has gone, so we but cherish his(her) memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man." -Antoine de Saint-Exupery {R.I.P. Grandma Lil}
I did it! I did it! I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and you can see my progress here. If you're doing it, I'd be happy to have you as a writing buddy. To say the least, I pretty much feel like this quote from the movie A Beautiful Mind:
Hansen: So how about it, Nash? You scared? Nash: Terrified... mortified... petrified... stupefied... by you.
Yet another classic line:
Nash: Classes will dull your mind, destroy the potential for authentic creativity.
I'll be seeking that potential next month. I'd like to wish all who participate this year in NaNo the very best and lots of luck! Whatever comes of it, one thing is sure, it's going to be memorable!
*Anyone can play ~ Find your current read, share a quote from a random page plus do tell what you're reading. I'm playing because I love quotes! Remember, you are always welcome to share your teaser in the comments as well. I really enjoyed that Karen did that last time. :) Thanks, Karen! Btw, her book blog is superb so you should check it out here. For more details be sure to look up how on the links above.
My teaser this Tuesday:
"Would you like a cup of tea?" It was strange to be inside myself, walking steadily and rigidly past the fence, putting my feet down strongly but without hast that they might have noticed, to be inside and know that they were looking at me; I was hiding very far inside but I could hear them and see them still from one corner of my eye. I wished they were all lying there dead on the ground.
pg. 23, We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
*My note: I had to share this quote since I am really enjoying this book! I've been savoring each little bit. I love the atmosphere of it too. It's been a perfect read for this month.
I need to get walking and get motivated so I'm going to sign up and do this challenge by Trish. So the challenge is to “travel” 100 miles from October 1st through December 31st. It sounds great! I'll be glad to have an opportunity to challenge myself with exercise. So, here I go. Wish me luck.
If you'd like to join and get started be sure to look and sign up here.
Let me dream in fantasy; haunting love of delicious dewdrops, magical lily pads, where worlds are born anew. In your caress love blooms as butterfly wings. Oh, don’t flutter away or find me lost; Let me come to save you from haunting deep or tainted troubles. That actually change shape or form; As if only a ghost would know its indescribable beauty from whence we learn of our own becoming…
Some of these people need ten years of therapy - ten sentences of mine do not equal ten years of therapy. ~ Oscar Wilde ~
I've been thinking about a few ideas of what I'd like to write about. I have found that I really enjoy reading book blogs and a lot of them participate in The Sunday Salon. I've learned so much from reading them. I've wondered about participating, feeling a bit more confidence and perhaps writing a bit more each Sunday about what I learn from reading books too. I also love poetry and so I've been reading & writing a bit of that as well. Imagine, if you will, what I thought when I found out as I was browsing in a blog search today, in a post by Rachel Marsom, that you can actually become trained and have skills in what is now being dubbed as Biblio/Poetry Therapy. It seems like a really great concept and it would be neat to have these credentials. A very nice one really. For instance, we can actually help people through books and poetry. It's not so far-fetched for I'd venture to say it works. As for me, book bloggers have opened up wonderful insights into books that have already helped me. I so appreciate that. Thank you. This card is for you.
Here's a photo of a Halloween treat pail that I've made and at one time I taught a class on how to make it. I really like how it turned out even if I do say so myself. I don't have a supply list for you since it has been a long time since it all came together. It was fun and just looking at it now gets me right back into the mood for this Halloween season!
On another note: After I have been quite neglectful of my blog, I'm going to work toward getting back on track. I'll see if I can bring my ideas for blogging to fruition and not over think everything. Primarily and for your information, I use this blog to concentrate on what I love to create, what I love in the bookish world like the book blogs, reading challenges or memes I may be interested in (my book reviews are on 5-squared and I enjoy my fellow bloggers in the community there), and my love of writing and sharing poems and short stories too. Oh, plus I do love food and so you can find my recipes here. I treasure these things and I hope to be able to share more. I can, I can and I will. This is my challenge.
Posted by
Julie
Thursday, September 24, 2009
comments (2)
Yes, I realize I'm one day late with this post but I'll let you know what I wanted yesterday (Weds.) anyway. Keep in mind, I'm just dreaming about books...as usual.
Why This World: A Biography of Clarice Lispector by Benjamin Moser
I haven't read anything by Clarice Lispector but I think I would like to now. I hadn't even heard of her until I saw this book which intrigues me. It's about 500 pages and I read non-fiction in bits and pieces usually so that's why I find it helpful if I could own this. That's why I chose it for "I want it now.." Clarice seems like a women who has lived quite an amazing life, overcome numerous challenges and is known as Brazil's greatest female author. I think this would be a fascinating read. I'm so curious simply by the synopsis of it which you can read here at Amazon. I think this one line from the review is telling of what seems like the makings of a great non-fiction read:
That rare person who looked like Marlene Dietrich and wrote like Virginia Woolf, Clarice Lispector is one of the most popular but least understood of Latin American writers.
*Anyone can play ~ Find your current read, share a quote from a random page plus do tell what you're reading. For more details be sure to look up how on the links above.
My teaser on Tuesday:
"Mrs. Moore, your delightful doctor has decided on a picnic, instead of a party in his house; we are to meet him out there-you, myself, Mr. Fielding, Professor Godbole-exactly the same party." "Out where?" asked Ronny. "The Marabar Caves." "Well, I'm blessed," he murmured after a pause. "Did he descend to any details?"
~pg. 81, A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
*My note: I feel that E.M Forster's writing is very thought-provoking. I have to re-read passages at times and think of the details carefully. They are deep-rooted in meaning. Plus, I'm enjoying the culture that he's portraying here. So interesting.
Posted by
Julie
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
comments (3)
I've neglected to do this for the last two Wednesday's so I think I need to catch up. I do love books and there is always one that I would like to have so I should just tell you, right? So, here is three of the books I've been craving for the last three Weds. including today:
Weds. 09/02/09 ~ During this week, I had been wondering about Pulitzer Prize winning books so I've been looking at different titles and authors. It's been interesting to discover this interest where it was peaked as little known tidbits by Mr. Hamlicar Barca were being left in comments at 5-squared, a book review blog I'm a part of. I happened upon a Pulitzer Prize winning book for this year, a book called Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, at Border's bookstore. That's what I wanted on this Weds.
Weds. 09/09/09 ~ Once again, I found myself perusing the books at the bookstore and this time I was browsing the craft books section when I came upon a book that made my creative heart soar called The Rubber Stamper's Bible by Francoise Read. It was filled to the brim with color, ink, rubber stamping techniques I knew and new ones I haven't tried yet so it was fun to be mesmerized by it for a little while. That's what I wanted on this Weds.
Weds. 09/16/09 ~ Ever since a few weeks ago when I was able to see "Julie and Julia" at the movies, I can't help it, I've been thinking about France and French food ever since so I think it's a tie this time in the books I want based on either I actually want to try some of the recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume One by Julia Child or just to read about her life and get to know more about her in My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'Homme. So, I think that's what I'd like to dream about wanting this Weds.
It was enlightening for me to think about books for awhile and what I may wish to have without actually buying. Thanks, as always, for letting me indulge. Now, you can think about what is it that you'd like this Weds.?
Posted by
Julie
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
comments (2)
Wow! I just received my second blog award from Bookworm Barista! Thank you, Thanks so much! I really like how Margo describes it on her blog:
It says that you put melting ice cream out of it's misery by eating it's ice cream goodness. Just Kidding.
For me, I'm thrilled that I love ice cream and it's very exciting! Plus, this has such a nice pretense for receiving it because it's called the HUMANE AWARD. It's a lovely combination of black and green too. So, this fair award is given out to the people that always leave nice comments. Well, I know I really appreciate that too from all of you! I love my commenter's! Your gentle and kind words mean a lot to me! Really, really!
I don't wish to be redundant in nominating again some of you like Amanda, Margo, Kim, a few of my commenter's, who have already recently received this wonderful award. But I must tell them that: I congratulate you and that you are so very deserving of it. Thanks for being so kind and I truly appreciate your valued examples!
Now, I'd like to note that I realize that my blog is fairly slow and I understand that but I do appreciate all who ever comment here. What I've noticed about the people above is that I frequently see them saying very nice comments to others all around the blog world as well as here sometimes. Plus, I think you'd like to check out their links as they have super great blogs!
Thanks again everyone for all your comments and thanks for nominating me, Margo!
*Anyone can play based on your current read, share plus do tell what you're reading. For more details be sure to look up how on the links above.
My teaser this Tuesday:
I watched her while she swept up the glass; today would be a glittering day, full of tiny sparkling things. There was no point in hurrying with my breakfast, because today I could not go out until we had neatened the house, so I lingered, drinking milk slowly and watching Jonas.
~pg. 89, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
*My note: I'm excited to read this book! Family, an estate, poison, danger - Who could ask for more? It sounds terrific and seems like it will be a fast read. I think it is just what I need to help me get out of my fog that I've been in where it has been hard for me to concentrate on pretty much anything including reading. I'm still working through some books that I should be done with but I've had so much of life events get in the way that my brain has been foggy. I'm sure I'll get through it and be able to read better and faster again. Please hurry and calm down, I think, because I can't wait! After all, The N.Y. Times Book Review states about this book: A marvelous elucidation of life...a story full of craft and full of mystery!
An hour later, their hunger sated by cheese and oatmeal cakes, the remaining cranberry tarts and some good Guosim cider, everybeast adjourned to the ford bank. Kubba pointed out the hornbeam tree, around the leeside of which hung a red tassled rope, its length going off, up amid the foliage.
~ Lord Brocktree by Brian Jacques, pg. 151
*My note:
I'm currently enjoying reading this book to my children at bedtime. It may take us a while to get through it but it seems fun so far and the animals make it seem interesting because their voices are enjoyable! Another plus is the tiny illustrations at the top of the chapter headings. So far, a likable read. Be sure to look at the links above for instructions on how you can join in on the fun if you want.
The Old Man's fishing equipment was hanging on the far wall. Did I really want to go out into that icy world?
~Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff, pg. 107
*My note:
I love quotes! I like to read and collect them. I enjoy seeing what others are reading and I like to think about what each quote might mean. Plus, I always enjoy adding to my TBR pile. Be sure to look at the links above for instructions on how you can join in on the fun if you want. Looking forward to reading your teaser. Thanks for reading mine!
In the darkness, the stars sat still amongst the sky. A horse adjusted his footing and breathed out in a whine. Faintly, in the stillness, a warrior had his head buried between his legs. It was dreadfully quiet and he did his best to maintain the soberness although pain seared through his heart. He knew, all too well, that his life had been altered forever. His Captain, oh sweet Captain, had been slain. Never in his life had he been as inspired as much as he had would she would speak. He could hear her strong voice now as thunder rumbling inside his mind. He felt sick. He questioned everything. He trusted no one.
The dust swirled around about him as he looked at the vast open land that shadowed where the war had been. It seemed as if all time stood still now for so many were gone. His delicate eyes had seen too much and distaste filled his mouth as he gazed upon it. He remembered such hard times wishing he could run away from the madness but his loyalty made him stay. He would fight and he did because he triumphed her cause. He knew he had been fashioned into something better for joining the rebellion. He knew her face would linger in his mind for all time. He wished, even dreamt, that the outcome had been different. Couldn't he could have paid the ultimate price instead?
Where would his life lead him now? What would happen to her brilliant army?, he thought. He knew the rules and they wouldn't change them just for peace. Control by the leadership may be regained and the all to real punishments would be carried out to prove their point. He worried incessantly: Couldn't they see how courageous all of his fellow warriors had been in the face of such disgusting cruelty? Who would they follow now and where would it lead them? The fight had needed to be fought but now he anguished that the price had been too high. He believed no one and didn't trust his own thoughts. Even the thoughts he had of her would not stop, even as he tried to forget, and what she did for their world. His soul had changed. He had to remember what others would not. So many had made their decision that she was evil, perhaps, possessed. All of this came about because of a thread of lies, as though their own deception, it had triggered their unbelief. Instead he deeply felt belief, that with what he knew had truly happened in those chaotic final moments it would change the legacy of her destiny and now also his own. He had never wanted this responsibility but he also knew that even without her he couldn't give up. Not now, when the rebellion had seemed to worked as long as it had.
This task, to remember and renew the spirit of her life and bring honor back to her name, lay ahead of him on an uneasy path were his pain would have to tread. He would give his heart for the cause and this momentum gave him strength. He knew it would not bring her back but the memory of her would linger and this brought him a glimpse of peace. Her tale was one that must be told with power and conviction for it would always be vibrant in his mind. It would be one he would pass on and fight for. More than that, he would find a way to tell it undauntingly. For the fact remained, that in the midst of all of this turmoil rattling his very existence, he knew the truth.
I saw this on Bookworm Barista's blog and I thought it was so cute. I decided that I would play along and I hope that it is alright to do so (margo, won't you please let me know if I'm not supposed to). Basically, I tell about a book that I WANT NOW and since that is not hard for me to do I think it will be fun!
Here's what I WANT NOW:
Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
I'm sure some may already have it and have read it too. Although, it's not due to come out until Sept. 1st. I'm trying not to look too hard about this book so that I won't read anything to spoil it when I'm able to read it but I can't wait! Even after it comes out, who knows when I'll be able to get it but I'll try. I did read her first book and it was so well done that I'm looking forward to this one! I'd really like to know what happens next and to continue reading about some of my favorite characters from Book #1 "The Hunger Games" so if you haven't read her first book yet you may want to pick it up soon!
I've decided to sign up, as a first timer, for the R.eadersI.mbibing.P.eril IV reading challenge hosted by Carl V. It's a two month challenge running through Sept 1, 2009 - Oct 31, 2009, just in time for Halloween. Ooooo-oooo. Hear that? Can you feel it? I can feel it in the air now as it brings the presence of fall which is basically non-existent in TX so we have to really live it up with the holidays. I'm going to sign up for Peril the Third. I know, I know that it isn't much of a risk because I'll only be commiting myself to reading just One book of any length in any of these categories:
Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Dark Fantasy, Gothic, Horror, Supernatural
It's sounds so intriguing that I just can't help it. Plus, the button exemplifies the mysterious beauty that I find so appealing in Art. Kudos to the sponsored artist, Jennifer Gordon. Love your hauntingly beautiful style! I'm feeling at my wit's end a little bit with back to school going on's, not only for my four school children but for my husband who is dying to be a dentist now. I'm taking care of all of those end of the rope things in our lives at the present, in my humble reality, I'm hoping this challenge will keep me from losing my head. So, as I'm hunting for peace in my life, I'm joining in on the fun! Plus, looking forward, as always, to reading some of my titles on my TBR list that I think may fit these categories.
Here's my first choice I'd like to start with if I can find a copy of it somewhere:
We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
Here's my reading pool full of thrilling choices: The Witches of Worm byZilpha Keatley Snyder Fatal: The Poisonous Life of a Female Serial Killer by Harold Schechter Nevermoreby Harold Schechter The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed AmericabyErik Larson The Girl Who Loved Tom GordonbyStephen King The Woman in WhitebyWilkie Collins The City of Falling Angels byJohn Berendt The Spider and the Fly byMary Howitt, Tony DiTerlizzi
Now, that should keep my heart-racing! I'm sure I won't get to all of these now but they'll be in my TBR pool for future reference and looking forward to next year.
I'd like to give a sincere thanks to Amanda for encouraging me to sign up for R.I.P IV in tweets!
Here's how Teaser Tuesdays work: Grab what you're currently reading. Open to a random page. Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from anywhere on that page. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (be sure that what you share doesn't give to much away, you don't want to ruin the book for others.) Share the title & author so other TT participants can add the bookto their TBR (to be read list).
Here's my teaser:
In the picture, Clare is about eight years old, her hands are lifted to chin-level and open in a way that meant they'd just been cupped, and she's staring upward as though amazed, and her mother is next to her, looking not upward, but at Clare's face and, striking as Viviana is, her expression is the really beautiful thing in the picture. It's that loving.
This week's challenge is: "BEARY Special" - create a project that includes a bear.
In honor of 'back to school' time, I decided to create a card which may also be used as a mini-album out of a brown paper bag. My scan doesn't let you see that so well but my family thought it was cute. I wish my children all the best as they return to school on Monday.
Supplies ~ brown paper bag: Wal-Mart black cardstock: American Crafts speckled cream cardstock: Stampin' Up textured red cardstock: Bazzill (Textured Red Devil) handcut heart: by Nessa green speckled paper: Wallies bear stamp: PSX designs (Personal Stamp Xchange) Hello! Stamp Set: Stampin' Up watercolor pencils: Stampin' Up inks: ColorBox gold pigment, Stampin' Up black craft, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye, VersaColor ink pad cube evergreen ribbon: Garden Ridge Holiday Trimmings red brads: unknown from a brad soup basic round hole punch: Fiskars
This book follows a few months in the life of Luke Millward who finds himself thrust into the wake of post-Katrina New Orleans in an effort to find his father, Charles. You do find out more about Luke and his relationship with his father through a series of flashbacks. The overall feeling that I had while reading this book was a humbling yet tragically deep sense of sadness. It does make you powerfully think about redemption and second chances. Although, I felt sad I did feel intrigued to continue reading even from the beginning. It's hard for me describe exactly why because I didn't especially care for the main character, Luke, at first. He makes a bit of a transition throughout the novel that helps you understand him in the end but he's still not as likable as you would expect from a main character. I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing because I don't believe that all main characters have to be liked. In fact, that may have been why I wanted to keep reading and find out what happened with all the things that Luke was facing. I did feel that the characters, even minor ones, that were portrayed in this book were fairly well-developed, natural and honest, maybe even a bit too much as in Luke's case. I didn't always like how Luke perceived things and I'm sure it was done to characterize Luke but that's why I think I didn't like him so much. Like I said, it is most likely a matter of personal taste but it just didn't settle right with me. Here's an example of what I mean:
If Jessica Alba had a better-looking sister, it could be Bela. As I appreciated her striking good looks, I predicted one of her parents was Latino and the other Caucasian.
One of the character's that stood out for me was Jordan. She was very kind and a good friend to Luke. I felt so bad for her in so many ways becuase you could tell that Luke didn't have the same emotional feelings about her that she did for him. In the end, she shows an amazing amount of grace that is very endearing. I would love to read a sequel about Jordan and get to know her story better. I also really liked Luke's father, Charles, even with all of his imperfection and addiction. I liked that he was a musician and the idea that we can write a "second verse" to our lives. So, the incorporation of his song into the book was really neat and adds to the way the book felt. If you'd like to read the lyrics or listen to his song, it is found here. I do wish that it was sung by a woman like the character Bela did in the book though. I also think the way that post-Katrina New Orleans was presented and described was accurate and well-researched. These grim details could have been a minor part of the story but were poignant and insightful instead. Overall, I had a lot to think about after I read this.
Last week, I noticed this on Bookworm Barista's blog and it looked fun. So, when I noticed it today I thought I'd like to play along since anyone can. It is hosted by Should Be Reading.
Here's how Teaser Tuesdays work: 1.Grab what you're currently reading. 2. Open to a random page. 3. Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from anywhere on that page. 4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (be sure that what you share doesn't give to much away, you don't want to ruin the book for others.) 5. Share the title & author so other TT participants can add the bookto their TBR (to be read list).
Here's mine:
I open my eyes. My head feels heavy on the pillow.
Feathers quickly ruffled and a bell lightly rung inside the white bird cage. Doreen couldn't help but turn her head to look at her mint green parakeet perched on its swing. She smiled happily awaiting the arrival of Maggie. Today was Maggie's day to clean out the bird cage and do a few other things around the small house for Doreen. Her house didn't seem much now but it had served her and her family well. For a minute, she closed her eyes and remembered moving in all those years ago. She could feel the energy and excitement that day had brought to her and her family. A new house, their very own house, she imagined and could almost hear the back door slam again as her two boys, so small at that time, ran out into the backyard giggling. A carefree moment for them that at that time hadn't seemed so fleeting. Now, her legs ached and cramped each day and it was hard to get around as much as she used to. It was all part of the process for an old woman but she didn't feel that way on the inside. If her body would allow her to do as she felt than she would be as energetic as ever but that's not how it goes. As the clock chimed in, interrupting her thoughts, Doreen glanced up noticing that it was now 3 o'clock. She knew school hours were up and she counted on the fact that it wouldn't be long now for Maggie to arrive. It was a bright spot in her week and something to look forward to. She wondered briefly how Maggie felt about coming but then decided that it might not matter. It was enjoyable to Doreen and hopefully that would be enough. Although, there were times she wished that she could take care of things around her own house she was wise enough to realize that her independence was slowly vanishing. She was grateful that she could at least live on her own for the most part and she wanted to reside here for as long as she could. It would be harder to leave her tiny home, she thought. __
"Hi, Mrs. Oliver, Maggie said as she quietly entered in the front door to Doreen's home. "How are you today? I'm pleasantly at your service."
Doreen fought back a smile and looked up at Maggie mischievously as she handed her a handwritten note.
Maggie took it and started to read what she'd be up to for the next couple of hours.
"Alrighty then, Mrs. Oliver, I'll get started cleaning out Minty's cage first."
Doreen grunted or it could have been a slight giggle but Maggie wasn't sure. She had her suspicion that the elderly lady liked her but it was always unclear with Mrs. Oliver. All that she knew for sure was that there was a little list to occupy her time and in the end she was sure it helped her out. For some reason, whether it was getting out of her chores at her own house for a bit or forgetting her troubles in her teenage life, it was a nice little moment of time for Maggie to spend helping Mrs. Oliver. It was enjoyable for Maggie and hopefully that would be enough. __
Soon Maggie had all the chores done on the list.
"Will there be anything else for me today, Mrs. Oliver?" asked Maggie.
"Yes, let's sit and play a few rounds of the dice game before your mother arrives." Doreen simply answered.
Maggie retrieved the dice from the kitchen table and she sat on couch in front of the coffee table facing Doreen. They silently played a few rounds of the dice game, Doreen only interjecting a few times to explain the rules or mark down the score in the same little red notepad that was always used for that purpose. Maggie realized it must have now contained a listing of all the dice games that they had ever played.
"Maggie, if you could refill my mug with some ice water, I'd appreciate it."
"Okey-dokey."
Maggie obediently refilled the mug than came back to sit down on the couch. She started nervously talking to Doreen about her day at school as she waited for her mother to pick her up. It seemed like a long time but it was only a few short minutes and Maggie heard the familiar honk of her mother's van. Maggie stood up and Doreen held out her hand for a simple handshake. For some reason, after Maggie shook Doreen's hand she couldn't help but give her a slight but warm hug as well. Doreen received it but said nothing.
"Goodbye, Mrs. Oliver. I'll see you next week."
"Goodbye, Maggie." __
A few days later, Maggie was studying in her room and her mother came in.
"Maggie, I have something I need to tell you."
"Alright, Mom, what is it?"
Her mother's face fell and her voice grew serious, "Maggie, Mrs. Oliver passed away this afternoon."
Maggie couldn't say anything.
"She left you this note and her son said that after you read it you could call the number within to coordinate with him when you pick up whatever the note says you could have of Mrs. Oliver's. I haven't read it so I don't know what it says."
Her mother handed Maggie the note and then left.
Maggie's hands trembled slightly. She opened the note and read the few words that it contained:
Dear Maggie,
I'd like you to have Minty, my parakeet. My son has handwritten his telephone number at the bottom so you can call him for pick-up. He'll have a brown paper bag for you as well.
Thanks, (signed) Mrs. Doreen Oliver
Maggie simply couldn't imagine what Doreen would have in the paper bag. She was surprised enough to inherit the parakeet. She dialed the number on the phone. __
A couple of days later, Maggie's mother took her to Doreen's house a day before she usually rode the bus from school to arrive there for her normal time to help her out. Doreen's son was waiting on the front porch holding the bird cage and a brown paper bag which actually looked full of groceries.
Doreen's son greeted them.
"I'm not surprised my mom's giving you this little bird. It always drove me crazy when I came to visit. Here you go."
"Thanks a bunch." Maggie said brightly. "I'll take care of it."
"Okay, you're welcome."
Maggie carried the bird cage to the van and Doreen's son carried the paper bag and placed it down on the van's floor alongside the bird cage then Maggie sat down.
Maggie's mom drove off. __
Maggie couldn't wait to be alone in her room and open the brown paper bag. She set Minty carefully on the small table she had prepared for the cage. The white bird cage looked very nice on it. Maggie sat down and opened the up the bag. First of all, it was full of all the things that the parakeet would need but at the very bottom she noticed a tiny black velvet bag. Maggie opened it expectantly with some knowledge that it contained the dice they always used to play the dice game with but there was something she hadn't expected to find as well.
The tiny red notebook.
All the dice games she had ever played with Mrs. Oliver.
Here's a few photo's of the cards I've made recently just for fun with my cousin, Jen. Jen let me use her patterns, paper, stamps and embellies so I don't have a list of supplies for them right now, I may add that later. The cardstock is a brown or gray kraft type. I know some of the glittery flower stickers are from K&Company. The styles of these cards include wedding, children's and baby cards. I'm still new at using my scanner so I realize that they are not the best quality but I hope you can at least get an idea.
The wedding cake card idea came from two of the (Design Team) DT's, Paula and Nikki, at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog. Nikki gives the specifics of how to make it on her blog and she made the wedding cake card too. Simply Beautiful! Paula used it for a birthday card and her design is very cute! I really liked it with that cute mouse on top!
I hadn't known what to expect when I started reading Josi S. Kilpack's culinary mystery, Lemon Tart, or that it would actually be fun to read a mystery. Even now, writing the word fun down, it seems an ironic word to describe this book. It could be a recipe for disaster as many of the story's ingredients were quite dark, after all , a young mother is murdered, a baby is missing, and a man struggles with adultery. Right away you become aware of the resident baker, Sadie Hoffmiller, who has designated herself as a neighborhood spy because these two detectives, who are completely opposite and troubled as they work together, couldn't possibly solve this case better than Sadie herself. For these are people that she cares about and she can't turn a blind eye without helping by finding any situation where she might gather information whether or not it helps or hinders the investigation. Sadie is merely harmless and downright hilarious too. Even though she is a busybody, she is well intentioned and likable. I partly expected her to show up anytime at my own doorstep with goodies in hand. Since it is a culinary mystery, there were plenty of descriptions about food to make your mouth water. So, for people who love food this is a book you may enjoy. I did make the brownies from the story and they turned out really good. Besides Sadie's personality, perhaps it is the food that makes this book feel fun after all. It was an easy read and well paced. I have to admit that I thought this book was fairly predictable until the very end and I was wrong. So, you had me there, Josi, that was an unexpected surprise. This is a book that seemed finished and can stand on its own so I'm interested to read the next installment, English Trifle, to see how Josi is going to make a series out of these. I know three ingredients to look forward to and that is Sadie, her recipes and the mystery, of course.
This is my second time doing the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. I'm sure I'll do better with time and practice. So, this time the theme is "Child's Play" and I decided to do a birthday card for a child. I made one earlier for a birthday party that my son went to for his friend who was turning 7. Since the card was well received there, I improved upon it and thought I'd post it here for this challenge. I'm glad to participate!
Supplies:
cream, blue, light green, white and yellow cardstock - unknown source from my scrap pile
Classic Alphabet Stamps - Stampin' Up
Line Design Stamp - Close to My Heart
Watercolor pencils - Stampin' Up
circlular punchie - Fiskars
Stamp Ink - ColorBox tangerine, scarlet and VersaColor indigo
Light Pink shine - Pearl X brush pigment
One toothpick - helps the wick to stand up on its own
Challenge #17 Theme: Inside-Outside Inside: first picture
Outside: second picture
This is my first attempt at joining the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. I finished today! The theme is "Inside-Out" which means that I needed to create a project where I decorated both the inside and the outside. I chose to create a card, of course. I was excited to be able to go to Scrapbook Haus with my cousin, Jen, and they had the idea for this amazing bluebonnet card. I couldn't resist making it as well! So, the picture above shows what I did with it.
A list of my supplies include:
Cream/Sage green kraft cardstock - unknown source Bluebonnet stamp - Deadbeat Designs Friend and floral stamps - Stampin' Up Ink used for bluebonnets - Stampin' Up brush markers Ink used for two of the flowers and edging - ColorBox pigment royal blue and ColorBox cats eye chalks in blues and brown combination pack Ink used for one of the flowers - Encore! Metallic light blue Flocking on bluebonnets - Flower Flock/Crushed Velvet Flock (?) in Delphinium Blue Adhesive used - Scotch photo and craft glue
This is my first time using a type of crushed velvet flock (I'll track down the brand and update this when I can find it) and I'm so happy with the result! It was so fun and I love how it came out although it really does look better in real life!
How do you like the cover of my new book? I think I did a great job with the title and author placement, don't you? Helps that I got a perfect picture for it. It's pretty exciting and too good to be true. Yes, it's fake! It was a fun diversion posted on Amanda's blog and I followed her instructions to a "T" and this is what came out of it. Pretty cool! I thought it was funny how my fake name turned out to be so similar to my real name. Although, if it were real I had been thinking of how this cover could be a YA fiction book. I think Crinkle would have to be a mystery, perhaps even time travel linked in there some way, of course. So, here's how the back cover might read:
Obsession couldn't be a strong enough word for the way Robby felt right now. He loved old things, so what? His collection of 1930's hats, newspapers, old music made him happy and he often searched online for more information about what life was really like back then. Hadn't he been born in the wrong time period? And then enters Alice. He discovered the old news article online about her mysterious death all those years ago. He couldn't read enough about it. Couldn't he solve her mystery? Oh, how he wished he could. Then one dreary, rainy night he receives a strange phone call, about Alice, and finds himself transported to the night that Alice was killed. Does he know enough about what happened that night to save her now? Will saving Alice alter the course of time and change his life forever?
I realize I need some work on writing back cover's but it was fun anyway. :)
I really want to take part of this music-writing challege that my friend, Amanda, started and my brain can't stand debating it anymore. I'm just going for it before I explode:) I'll do as many as I can before my computer may fail again. Here's to hoping it keeps working!
It's such a clever concept and I hope that it will inspire my writing. I had done Tristi Pinkston's writing challenge in April and I had done better than I expected I would but since then I've been slacking with my writing. So, with this challenge I hope share a bit of my writing here and become motivated again in the process. Whatever I write will be extremely unedited but I hope to share it anyway. I'm sure that's the point for the challenge anyway. Plus, it will get my blog moving along which I desperately need to do.
Ink Notes #1 Music: La Serenissima, as performed by Loreena McKennitt
Side by Side for my children
Oh, how I'm enjoying my time of living side by side with you my child. I marvel - as I watch you growing every day. ~small to big Each moment is new and you are becoming aware more and more of the world all about you. You are precious in the light. You are so beautiful as you sleep near darkness. For you live in simple radiance. I love to see you smile and try to catch the butterflies You can't ever touch. Oh, how I hope - I wish I could capture time to remember clearly and later shed tiny moments we spend side by side again. At times of my frustration, I sorrowfully forget what miracles live beside me now. I remember - again - I want to... engrave my deepest, noblest affinity for you to etch among Celestial stars. Eternity will give us our caresses back my memory will return as love prevails forever and again we'll be side by side.
***
Ink Notes #2 Music: "I Remember" by Damien Rice
Summer Friends
As Vada was driving, she daydreamt in her mind about one of her first friendships. Her heart sweltered with the recall of emotions that twisted inside of a bond for another person. A bright bond that she never wanted to forget. She met Polly that summer, quite by accident really, in a unique place under the freeway that she thought she only knew. She went there for solace from her noisy world. Polly showed up shortly, after she did, one day in that hot summer. At first, it was a bit awkward and she felt almost territorial but the girl hadn't done anything to cause alarm. So instead she decided that she would quietly watch this girl with the purple tote bag. Polly hadn't seemed to notice her yet and she continued as if she were alone to pull out a sketch pad and pencil. As she sketched, Vada couldn't help the curiousity that gnawed inside her. What is she drawing?, she thought. All of a sudden, Polly looked up at her with a winning smile and Vada quietly chuckled as she recognized herself in the sketchbook. Polly had seen her all along. It was one of the most beautiful, simplistic sketches she had ever seen. Instantly, a friendship was born. Vada would have followed her everywhere that summer and basically did. Even as the course of that school year started, the two friends were inseperable. Instead of riding the bus home, she would walk home with Polly. They would invent plays and scenes, like you'd see on T.V., up in thier minds and talk strangely like actresses do using trees and plants, sidewalks and roads as their stage. If it was a musical, they would basically sing at the top of their lungs and then giggle uncontrolably until their sides ached. It was so fun! It was so carefree! No one bothered their little playtime, no cell phones or distractions just Vada and Polly. As long as they checked in with their parents by a certain point and did their homework, they had the afternoon free until dinner to invent life as they saw it. They walked and walked all over the little town and loved getting the specialty donuts at the hometown bakery with their little allowance money. They would sit and talk under the trees and swing at the park. Yes, Polly was her friend and she loved her. She would always cherish those pleasing memories by remembering them often but now she woke up as it was time to park and go in to the grocery store - back to the daily grind.
In spite of my absence from the blog world, I was nominated for my first blog award from my friend, Amanda. I'm really excited about this and it is my sincere hope to better my blog as I much as I can with my faulty computer. I'd like to continue posting more pictures and ideas of homemade cards, paper crafts and scrapbook related items that I've been working on since this is what she has nominated me for. I'll keep taking those photos and eventually they'll be shared with you here. Thanks and this means so much!
Last month, June, turned out to be interesting for me this year. I'll see if I can recall everything that happened for me personally:
My computer went down again so that explains my long absence from blogs and my cyber life in general. I do have a lot of writing to do to catch up with all of that. I'm going to start on that a little each day or at least that's the way that I'd like to if my computer holds out for it. I won't be able to get a new computer any time soon. I'll just be grateful for any computer time I get at home or at the library. So, it will be sparse for a bit and there are so many challenges I'd love to do so that's hard for me. I'll just have to see how it goes with catching up my regular blogging before I commit to more.
Around the second week of June, I was driving four of my children to go swimming and then CRASH! I totalled our van. It's been difficult but I'm so grateful that we are okay plus the other driver, as far as I'm aware, was alright as well. Both of our cars were towed from the scene and it was scary but we survived. We've been looking for another van but that's not going to happen as fast as I'd like either. Patience....
Also, I did manage to fly to my brother's wedding with Noah at the end of June. Flying isn't easy for me but things went so much better than I anticipated that I'm happy about that. I felt my brother was happy I came. The wedding was very well done and quite beautiful overall!
I cut 10 inches of my hair and donated it to Locks of Love. I don't know if it is necessarily cooler since I can't pull it up as well but it has been fun to have a change with my hair. Judging from the comments I get from people, it looks nice.
Alas, I can't share photo's because I can't seem to upload them onto my computer right now. That isn't working on there or the CD part either. So, I'm enjoying my new camera but I won't be able to share photo's until later.
My Summer Reading is going really well since I've been reading a ton with no computer. I haven't really stuck to my list but I've read a few from my list and added more that I just couldn't put down. Here are some of the titles that I remember I've read so far - The Silenced, A Lion Called Christian, The Hunger Games, Lemon Tart, Still Alice, Pickup Games, Reasonable Doubt(reread), and currently reading Recovering Charles. Now, I just need to type all of my book reviews in to 5-squared. Honestly, I'm so glad that I've had books to read in spite of everything. It has really helped.
I hope you are having a fun and successful summer!
I think I signed up for this challenge in the wrong way so I'm just going to re-post with my LDS fiction list that I'm planning on reading this summer. This list is all LDS authors now. I'll go for reading these, at least, for the Summer Reading Thing. I'm planning on reading the other books from my previous list at some point but these are the ones I need to read and review in order to be eligible for the challenge.
PickUp Games by Marcia Mickelson
Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack
Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I'm new to these challenges but I'm hopeful to enjoy them. I can't go overboard as I would like to sometimes with reading & cool challenges. I also love book groups which I probably have too many to keep up with but I give a good effort as I can. I just have to pace myself as I'm a slow reader that savors and has to re-read sometimes. I think I'll speed up with practice. Most of all, I'm aiming to have fun reading this summer!
My friend, Marcia, signed up for this summer reading challenge and so I thought I would as well. I have a ton of books in my t0-be-read list so I'm going to pull from there. I may also switch it up a little as needed, since I start zealously with reading each summer but then it gets too busy sometimes by the end, which I think is alright for this challenge. I hope. Anyway, I love to read so here's my choices for this summer:
PickUp Games by Marcia Mickelson
Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack
Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black
Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor: Being the First Jane Austen Mystery by Stephanie Barron
Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult
I think this will be a good list. Alternates will include but not limited to my choices from my other challenges currently listed on my side bar, from other book groups I'm already in, or books that may come out by the end of the summer that I may get excited about in a spontaneous moment. For now, this is my speculative list for this summer. I can't wait to get reading!
I've been up to making a few more cards from ones I designed a while ago. I thought I've needed to start building up a better card stash again in order to have them on hand as I need them. So today, I went to a couple of different card stores, like Hallmark and Carlton Cards, to get some ideas from the ones that are being sold and it was fun. I like to do that from time to time in order to get my creative juices flowing again. Anyway, take a peek at my cards.
Feels like Spring with Green cards:
Celery green cardstock from Stampin' Up
Lemon yellow cardstock from Bazzill used for flower punches
Flower punch by Fiskars
Rob & Bob Studio patterned paper from Provo Craft
Prima small blue flowers in their milk bottle line
Making Memories silver brads
light blue ribbon is from an unknown source
White ink along edges is Stampin' Up Craft White Ink
Warms the Heart card:
tan and brown cardstock from American Crafts
red cardstock is from an unknown source
Gold pigment ink is from ColorBox
Red pigment ink is Scarlet from ColorBox
Chocolate Brown ink is from Stampin' Up
Edging ink is from Tim Holtz Ranger Industries
Watercolor pencils/Chalks from Stampin' Up
Star brad is from Making Memories
Heart Stamp and saying is from Stampin' Up
I really have had fun making these. Now, I'll be working on Father's Day cards next.
Recently, I was asked to help the Activity Day girls in our ward to create a scrapbook page for their Mom's for Mother's Day. I created this example titled "For My Mother."
My daughter, Nessa, was there and here's her page that she created for me!
One thing I learned is that I need to be taking more photo's of me and my mom as well as more of me with Nessa! I had a hard time finding any at all. Why hadn't I ever realized this before? I hope I will remember this now and take those pictures! I'd love to have a new tradition of creating a page for Mother's Day. I really enjoyed it. I've heard that the Activity Day girls fun creating their pages and I think they turned out nice!
Supplies we used include: American Crafts medium purple cardstock(12x12), patterned paper and stickers by The Paper Studio, silver ink by Stampabilties, white craft ink by Stampin' Up, Making Memories bright colored flower brads, Flower stamps by Stampabilities. All items were purchased from Hobby Lobby.
Welcome Readers~to my blog! A tiny extension of myself and my life. Here, I'll share this journey through my top passions in my life - reading, writing, and creating. You can expect to read poetry, view my papercrafts and read design related posts. Every once in a while, I hope you'll grasp an honest feel of my heart. If you haven't noticed, I love flamingos! I think they are beautiful birds. *Thanks for your attention.*
She is pure Alice in Wonderland, and her appearance and demeanor are a nicely judged mix of the Red Queen and a flamingo.
I love living my life through reading books, creating beautiful things to make people happy, and sharing snipits of the world as I see it through writing, blogging or designing.
Posts
