Bekah's Bytes

Summer Movie Madness

2011-08-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

This summer I have seen more movies in the theater then I've seen in the previous 12 months. In fact usually I'm quite frugal when it comes to the theater. However the combination of hot days, summer blockbusters, and air conditioned theaters brought me repeatedly to the theater. So here is my brief opinion of the five.

1. X-Men First Class- Fantastic good time. I loved seeing charactors as they developed and matured into what they were in the former X-Men movies. I especially enjoyed Mystique.

2. Super 8- If you like Speilberg, this movie is a much see flick. I cut my early scifi teeth on the classic ET and never looked back. This movie was brilliant. A mix of classic and modern beauty.

3. Transformers- Of the list, this shall be my least favorite. However, it was still epic. Indeed when one adds Leonard Nimoy's voice to the action packed movie overflowing with flying transforming vehicles, one gets a movie that is quite enjoyable.

4. Captain America- Set during World War II, it deals with both with the heavy topic of eugenics and the upliftingidea of the triumph of the underdog. Captain America was bigger than life and full of classic comic book essence, while bringing to life the WWII era.

5. The Help... Ok I haven't seen it yet, and I know it's not epic or action packed, but the themes that the movie will present hold great potential. Check out this review.

The Map Across Time by C S Lakin

2011-04-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

I don't know how other people read, but quite often I have a stack of half read books beside my bed. Some are books I am perfectly content to read in small chunks. Others are books I began for some reason or another currently have no interest in reading. Usually sandwiched within the pile is a book or two who are waiting their turn to begin. I read based on my mood. Sometimes it's a non-fiction night. Other times I charge into a dense literary book like War and Peace. For the same reason I have difficulty taking a trip with fewer than 3 books. So when a book takes over the stack and all books get pushed aside until it's completion, that says a lot about my enjoyment of the book.

Recently I had the opportunity to read C.S. Lakin's The Map Across Time. It is part of her Gates of Heaven series. The fairy tale is the story of Princess Aletha and Prince Adin, who are twin heirs to the throne of the Kingdom of Sherbourne. Their journey takes them beyond what they knew possible, and through it they learn about themselves, and the truth that stretches back to the beginning of time.They meet a Keeper of a Gate of Heaven, travel through time with the aide of a magical map, and try to rid their kingdom of an ancient curse.

The story was enchanting and engaging. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves fairy tales. However, C.S. Lakin did more than just write a fairy tale. She infused the book with Biblical truth as the ancient wisdom shared throughout the book, were actual quotes or paraphrases from the Bible. Additionally Sherbourne's ancient language, the Law'az, was taken from the Hebrew language. As a scholar of the Hebrew language, the fictional language in her book resonated before I even knew Hebrew was her starting point for the language. There was something familiar about the Law'az.

This book is moving on to my fourth grade friend. He loves fantasy. His mom loves when his fantasy is appropriate for his age. This book will definately fit the bill.

Awareness comes at a Cost

2011-04-09T22:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I have become more aware of reality around me. If you have not read my blog on the TED conferences, this may seem a bit out of the blue. So here is the dilemma. I love doing Operation Christmas Child. The gift of a present from one who loves giving gifts, has multiple levels of joy. Recently I have also been considering sponsoring a child, but have always wondered if that was the best the way to help. It's the same with mirco-loans. One person helping one person, multiplied by thousands seems potentially great.

So here is the problem, the awareness I've gained from reading a few blogs from my more aware friends, watching TED talks, reading about Free2work, and other venues have raised my awareness to a level where I now realise I have no idea how to actually help.

Example #1: Since I first read about TOM's I have wanted a pair. It seems great, buy a shoe and a needy child gets a shoe. However a friend posted an informative blog about TOM'sShoes and their day without shoes. Last year I gleefully participated, and I had planned to continue this year. Now my ignorance is gone, and my knewfound knowledge has led me to realise that I don;t want TOM's shoes. I wanted the idea of doing good.

Solution: Research. I do get the whole teach a person to fish analogy, help an economy improve, rather than providing them with handouts. So now I need to figure out where people are being assisted in a way that is beneficial in the long run, and then support it. So much better than handouts, I get it, and yet I still have no idea where to help. Things that seemed like a good idea, in reality may be fish handouts.

TED: a discovery leads to a challenge

2011-04-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Have you discovered the TED website? If you have never heard of TED (and I was right there a few months ago), then you are in for some amazing discovery. What are you interested in? Technology, Culture, Economics, Business, Entertainment? All these and more are covered at the TED conferences. TED gives people from all areas of the world approximately 15 minutes to share their passion, past, story, hope, or dream.

Patricia Ryan had an amazing talk titled, "Don't insist on English." Language is fused with culture. I cannot even count the times I have heard someone unable to adequately translate something from one language into another. For instance, the Hebrew word "Shalom." One author took paragraphs to try and explain the concept, that does not neatly translate into English. So many terms are so intrinsically intertwined with the culture the language thrives within, that any other word fails to replace it. Yet another language dies every 14 days. Have you seen the statistics on the languages of the world? Check out what National Geographic has on Endangered World languages.

Speaking of cultures, Wade Davis had an intriguing talk on Endangered Cultures.

Other Talks:

Hans Rosling and the Magic Washing Machine. (favorite quote, "If you have democracy, people will vote for washing machines.")

Melinda French Gates What non profits can learn from Coca Cola. "At TEDxChange, Melinda Gates makes a provocative case for nonprofits taking a cue from corporations such as Coca-Cola, whose plugged-in, global network of marketers and distributors ensures that every remote village wants -- and can get -- a Coke. Why shouldn't this work for condoms, sanitation, vaccinations too?"

Okay so now it's your turn. Check out TED. Watch a few talks that peak your interest. It just might change your view on something.

Ethiopian Coffee and a Reminder of the Simple Things

2011-03-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I opened a bag of Ethiopian coffee from a friend. It is grown in Aleta Wondo. The smell of the fresh roasted beans was exquisite. Then I ground the beans while I put the kettle on for hot water. The aroma filled the kitchen. It was a touch of earth, a hint of cocoa, and something sweet I couldn't quite place. How long has it been since I savored coffee before I even brewed it. I have no idea, but too long indeed. My beans in the french press and my water at the perfect temperature, I poured the water into the french press and oh how they frothed. It was marvelous. I tasted that beautiful froth and knew this coffee was going to continue to be an amazing experience. I stirred the press and waited, stirred again, and waited. Finally the four minutes had passed. I pressed and got down my tiny cup. Pouring the rich coffee into the cup I noticed the opaque chocolate brown color and could hardly wait to taste, but first, the smell. It was smooth a velvet aroma, with cocoa tones. Finally a sipped the coffee. It lived up to the aroma. My roommate said just watching me savor the first sips was priceless.

In a world where packing our days is prized, and worth seems to be increasingly measured in accomplishments, I struggle to remember my worth is not found in humanity. My worth is more precious than jewels and more costly than silver. I am created in the image of God and treasured by the Creator of all. R. C. Sproul's The Holiniess of God reminds me that God created from nothing. Nothing. We cannot even thing of nothing, for if we think of something, it is no longer nothing. My mind was aching a bit from trying to wrap my thoughts around the implications of the very aspect of nothingness, when he continued. "The shaping and forming of paint, clay, notes on paper, or some other substance. In our experience we have not been able to find a painter who paints without paint, or a writer who writes without words, or a composer who composes without notes. Artists must start with something. What artists do is shape, form, or rearrange other materials, but they never start with nothing." (The Holiness of God. Audio book found in chapter 2) It is God who created from nothing, created by speaking the very word of creation bringing all into existence, who gives me worth. He finds me precious enough to send his Son down and die that I may then respond to his love and choose Him.

When I take time to go slow, I see beauty in the simplicity of an egg. I appreciate the rain, which brings life to the thirsty. I have been contemplating meditation as presented in Richard Foster's Celebration of Disciplines. I think I have finally begun to understand that I will never fully understand the practice of meditation. I can only practice it imperfectly and prepare my heart for encounters with a Holy God. Regular encounters with God both build my relationship with Him and free me from the forces that the world presses upon those who search for their fulfillment in worldly accolade. For it is when I attach my self more to God that I separate myself from the assessment of the world. I am beginning to understand why the disciplines are to be celebrated.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

2011-03-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

So today is day two of my personal challenge. I am particpating in my very own 30 days of Creativity. Stagnation be gone. New and vibrant come hither. Yesterday I kicked off the month with a a journal.

This is the lovely journal. I used an old chiildren's book.Firts I took out the pages inside and added my own blank pages. Then drilled holes through the cover and new pages. I wove gold thread through the holes, reinforced the corners with clear tape, and now have a unique journal.

Today is day two: Who knows what I shall create today. Stay tooned for updates throughout the month.

Tsunami Night

2011-03-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 2am. My phone twirped and I thought who is texting me in the middle of the night. It was not a text. It was a tsunam alert from the weather channel. I was wide awake almost instantly. I turned on the TV to both check how severe the tsunami warning was and where the earthquake had occured. I was floored by the devastation of the 8.9 quake in Japan. I saw that whatever tsunami would arrive on the Northern California Coast wouldn't arrive until after 7am so I went back to bed. For 45 minutes I tried to sleep. Sleep did not arrive. I was restless. My friends all over the world were tweeting and updating their facebook status' and yet there were thousands of people I didn't know in danger. I spent the rest of the night watching the weather channel, praying, and sleeping in fitful lengths. I know I slept a little because I dreamed I was caught in a tsunami as I was stuck in a small beach town. I am continuing to pray for those affected by the quake and the results of the quake.

Transformers, Robots in Disguise.

2011-03-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

Seminary was a crazy life changing experience. I spent 5 years of my life on a tiny campus in Northern California. I was amongst many others who were there to also obtain a degree. The common needs and difficulties bonded friendships in a way that college did not. Then I graduated and moved 10 miles north. Not so far, right? Yet it might as well been a thousand miles for all loneliness that ensued in the following two years. I spent the first year working two jobs, serving in two churches and knowing that there was more to life than what I was doing. By the second year I was down to one church and one job. However I had exited all semblance of a social life. I was serving in a church plant (read not a lot of people in my church). I was working in three different schools (read not a whole lot of time to build relationships with the other staff) I was lonely and living the life of an introvert. I knew the TV schedule from 3-10 pm on too many stations to count. I was discontented with my life.

I know that only a fool repeats the same plan and expects a change in the results. Therefore over the summer I set out to make some changes in my life. Interestingly the theme for my computer curriculum was all about goals this year and I knew I needed to make many goals. I June, I began learning the piano. I know that seems like more alone time, but for me it was a step because it removed me from the couch. Then in August, I began changing my eating habits. I used the Food Pyramid website to track my intake and adjusted my diet to include more fruit, vegetables, and dairy. I was overloading on bread, grains, and meats. It took time to find the fruits and veggies I would gravitate toward. Then in early November I had an urge to go for a run. Now for those who don't know me, I do not like to run. It is strange now I usually run 3-4 times a week. I go about a mile and I still don't like running. However the post run feeling is worth every torturous step. I am healthier than I have been since high school. I used to say that exercise took to much time. It does not.

So here I am March 2011. Change is still in the air. I sense the stagnation that had settled over me as I adjusted to life after seminary is being peeled off layer by layer like an onion. My inner and outer self is being transformed into something beautiful (yes I meant to quote the song). There is something coming and my transformation is only the beginning.

The Adventures of Rusty and Ginger Fox.

2010-12-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

The Adventures of Rusty and Ginger Fox is the perfect purchase for nature lovers of all ages. My preschool niece would love the animal pictures and grow into discovering the facts and story. My 13 year old friend would find it a lovely addition to her animal books. I love read not only the story, but the interesting bits of information about each forest animal.

When I received this book in the mail from Phenix and Phenix Publishers I fell in love with the book immediately. The book's cover is lovely enough to grace a coffee table, bright enough to captivate children, and elegant enough for gifting nature lovers of all ages. Then I opened the book and was not dissapointed. The book follows two fox kits as they set out to discover the world around them. Each time they encounter a new species in the forest, the authors pause the story and provide real information about the animal. As the foxes see cougars, bears, and other forest dwellers, the readers, learn great facts like, "Cougars can jump up to 18 feet high." The photographs in the book are artfully taken, and beautifully cropped. Tim Ostermeyer's photography skills are undeniably a highlight in the book. Every page is new picture of either the fox kits or another animal they encouter. And if the picture are not enough enchantment for the young reader, the book ends with a bit of whimsy and treasure.

The author and photographer Tim Ostermeyer currently loves in Allen Texas and had been taking wildlife pictures for the last 20 years. For more information in the book, to find coloring sheets of Rusty and Ginger, or to find out more about TIm Ostermeyere one can visit http://rustyandgingerfox.com/ or http://www.ostermeyer-photography.com/ .

November 3

2010-11-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

I took the summer off from blogging and now seemed to have dissapeared from CyberSpace. Actually I took the summer off from most electronic communincation. It was amazing. I was outdoors a lot. I did read some great books. I loved The Kingdom of Ohio. Very Nabokov. Then I reread more Pern books. (Dragons who read minds, who doesn;t love that stuff.)

August arrived and school arrived with a vengeance. I was plunged into teacher mode with approximately 400 students. It has been a bit amazing. I hermited a bit much last year and so have made it my mission this year to get out of my bubble and off my computer in the evenings. However, I didn't mean to fall off the blogger truck. I certainly need to strive to find a healthy level of blogging that will also allow me time to hang out with friends and participate in more crazy adventures like my last weekend.

Speaking of last weekend. I decided to be Amy Pond for the Saturday costume concert. So my friend who was going with me to the concert decided to be the the 11th Doctor. I cannot stress just how big of Doctor Who fans the pair of us are. However, he did not own a crazy bowtie. So we took off Saturday (yes I realize we may have had more success if we'd planned ahead.) to hunt down a bowtie. We failed miserably. We looked iin all sorts of places, Random inport clothing stores, thrift stores, consignment stores, department stores, mall stores, Target, and yet all to no avail. He ended up wearing his plain black one. This will be remedied before our next attempt. I figure if he picks out material, I can handle sewing a simple bowtie.

The concert was Fantastic. Two local punk bands, followed by two Ska bands. Great times, mosh pits, skanking, and an all around good time. I was a bit sore Sunday. It was worth it.

Dragonquest and The White Dragon classic Anne McCaffrey

2010-06-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

These two books are 2 and 3 of the Dragonriders of Pern series. They follow the first book about Pern, Dragonflight.

Dragonquest is a bit heavy on politics and lght on relationships. The issues between the Oldtimers and the Contemporary Dragon riders is mirrored by the the issues with the Older Land holders against the Dragon Riders. Life has changed in 400 turns and society has not remained static. Being accustomed to subservience, the dragon riders who came from the past demand higher percentages of tithe and crave a living that the holders aren't willing to provide. From that portentous start the story builds in intensity.

The White Dragon is my favorite of the series. As the white dragonrider, Jaxom is quite central to the storyline. I think I prefer the Pern books that revolve around a main charactor, rather than a political issue. However, as this book is written a few years after the first two, Anne McCaffrey wrote the first two books of the Harper Hall Trilogy in the interim. I would definately recommend first time readers to read Dragonsong and Dragonsinger before reading The White Dragon. Readers unfamiliar with the overall Pern Series will miss out on the charactor development of some pivital Harpers without the pair of books.Then one can followup The White Dragon with the 3rd of the Harper Hall series, Dragondrums.

Now if I can just locate the Harper Hall 1 and 2, because I already have #3.

Until next time...

Sea by Heidi Kling

2010-06-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Sea had great preview reviews, and so I pre-ordered it and went to it's fabulous launch party. I quite honestly can count the number of books I have pre-ordered on one hand. I am quite particular about spending pre-order prices. However the book sounded wonderful and the author was somewhat local. I took the plunge and pre-ordered Sea. I was not disappointed. If you have not checked out this new pearl of a YA book, I encourage you to check it out. Here is why I think it is terrific.

Heidi Kling has written a poignant and thought provoking novel. This story is about Sienna who, while dealing with her own tragedy, travels to tsunami tramatized Indonesia to assist her father at an orphanage. Through her encounters at the orphanage Sienna is faced with her past and her future as they collide in her present. This storyline was genuine, believable. It had witty lines, clearly crafted scenes, and plenty of unpredictability without feeling either contrived or haphazard. I loved this novel.

One main reason is that I love Sienna. She's not static. The experiences she came into the story clearly affected who she was, and the experiences she had in Indonesia further evolved Sienna. Sometimes when I read novels, I sometimes find myself repeatedly suspending disbelief. Sienna didn't have those moments. I imagine going down to her beachside town and running into her living.

I am told Heidi is working on additional projects. I am eager to read more by her. After I met her at the launch, I see one reason why her charactors are full of life. She is surrounded by vitality. The book was inspired by some of her and her families real experiences and as she drew on those and crafted a story, she wove a a beautiful tale.

5 stars.

Ah, Breathing the Big Sigh of Relief

2010-06-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

School is out for the summer. Grades turned in, graduations attended, computers emptied, and supplies inventoried. So now I get to read, study, garden, and hve lots of fun. Tommorrow begins the day of fun. I start with 2nd Saturday, my artists meeting. It's such a lovely way to begin a Saturday. Poetry, music and 2D art is shared and a good time is always had. Still contemplating what I might bring to the group. Then it's off to enjoy some sun. It's supposed to be in the 80's Saturday and I love the California Sun. My day O'fun continues with a fabulous Book launch Party. Sea came out Yesterday it is the debut book of Heidi R Kling. Books Inc in Palo Alto is hosting the party and I will be there soaking up the California/Indonesian fun. Then the day is rounded up by stopping at my friend's outdoor movie night. Now this is the way to begin a summer: Art, Books, Sunshine, and Friends.

Revolutionary Road

2010-05-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

Revolutionary Road

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite again to star in a film directed by Kate's own husband. Playing a couple in the 1950s, the pair struggle to live in the suburbian Connecticut.

My 1st cents: The story was poignant and unforgetable. There was a solemn nature to the film that was echoed in the people and their surroundings. The chemistry between Kate and Leo was profound. I found the range of emotions the pair of them exhibited vast. Kate was beautiful and heartrending. Leo was dramatic and ernest.

My 2nd Cents: I knew going in the R rating was partially due to sexual content. However, it still bothered me. I cannot say that extremity of the scenes were necessary for the mood or the progression of the film.

Final Thoughts: Although I think the acting and writing were outstanding, I did not enjoy the movie. Sometimes a movie can be quality, but not appeal to me. I believe Revolutionary Road is this group.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

May 26th and All is Well...or at least mostly well.

2010-05-26T07:25:00.000-07:00

Between the modem issues and the end of the school year the last few weeks have been a little light on the blog posts. I have been reading lots of books. However many were unfinished. The Gemma Doyle books had great potential and good reviews. I picked up the audio book of the first book and just could not get into the book. Sadly I returned the book unfinished. I read a book called Rebels and Redcoats. It is the story of the American Revolution written by weaving firsthand accounts, letter, and memoirs with facts collected around the events. While it was well written, it focused mostly on the actually battles and troop movement. I’d rather read biographies and political reasons for the war. I also tried to read a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, called a Curse as Dark as Gold. I only made it 65 pages before I gave up. It may get better, but I just wasn’t enjoying the book. Okay on to some books one can look forward to reading reviews about:

The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg

Finding God in the Lord of the Rings by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware

Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott

The Secret of Sarah Revere by Ann Rinaldi.

Jane Austin Christian Encounters by Peter Leithart

2012 Another Epic Disaster Film

2010-05-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

2012

2012 is one of those movies where natural disaster's affect the fate of humanity. I love them. I've seen Category 7 and The Day After Tomorrow multiple times. I enjoy more localized films too. Volcano, Twister, and even Armagedden. There is something about watching man against major natural disasters. In fact I don;t care if they are cheesy, as long as the effects are massive. 2012 did not disappoint.

My First Cent: The people were cast well. John Cusack is great to watch overcoming miracles. He has a great deal of lovabilty. I found myself rooting for his survival. His determination to save the people he cared about enabled him to exhibit. I also thought Amanda Peet portrayed her character well. Torn between the man she loved first and the man she loves now. She plays it well, not bitter, rather contemplative.

My Second Cent: The effects were phenomenal. Gigantic canyons created, towering tsunamis flooding, and massive volcanic eruptions all factor into the scenes humanity must overcome or die. In my opinion, the fact that some of the effects area bit over the top was actually play into the threat of total anniliation. I think this one is going to have to be a purchase as soon as the price goes down.

4 out of 5 stars

Alanna:The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

2010-05-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

And so I have returned again to Tortall. Tamora Pierce is skilled in crafting the story of the young and determined girl. Again, she has taken this strategy. Alanna and her twin brother were being sent off, but not where they want to go. Alanna devises a scheme to instead enter into training towards knighthood. She disguises herself as a boy and begins Page training as Alan. It was wonderful to learn about some early days of Alanna. She appears as an adult in some of the other books and so reading about her formative years is intriguing.

I would suggest reading the Alanna series before reading the Keladry series. Since they are both set in the same location but years apart, some of the young in Alanna's time are adults in Keladry's time. It might be more fun to meet them young and then revisit them as adults.

3 out 5 stars. It is a nice book, but since I had no problem setting it aside multiple times over the last month, I know I wasn't entralled with it as I was her book Trickster's Queen.

The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J Miller

2010-05-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Revolutionary Paul Revere

by Joel J Miller

The Revolutionary Paul Revere was an engaging book, which has inspired me to read more American History, and become more acquainted with the current political scene. I am a fan of well written biographies, and so when asked if I would review the book, I accepted. I had been in a bit of a book slump. I had a stack of recent books not finished from lack of interest or from lack of quality. This book however continues my new trend of some excellent books.

I chose to review Joel Miller’s The Revolutionary Paul Revere, because I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about a key figure in the American Revolution. I was blown away by chapter after chapter of fascinating particulars. Joel Miller made the life of Paul come to life again. I had no idea smiths created engravings of pictures and songs sheets for publishers. Along with his life, the life of the revolution sprang alive. Thanks to this book, I also more clearly comprehend many nuances of the war I wasn’t taught in school. Already knew things like the stamp act and the tea duty lead towards the war, but now I clearly get why these were particularly a problem to the colonists. The details of the revolution as told centering around the life of Paul Revere is brilliantly crafted, elegantly organized, and brimming with details of the day.

Here is why I recommend the book. When it comes to books, wanting to read another book by the same author is high praise. I will definitely be checking out his other two books. When it comes to non-fiction, authors who inspire the reader to continue delving into a subject are to be counted as successes. I want to read more about Paul Revere, more about the American Revolution, and more about the details of protests against governmental developments. When it comes to biographies, an eagerness to read more rather than put the book aside is a sure sign of superb authorship. Usually I read non-fiction in conjunction with a fiction book, while all my books have been set aside while I read this book. Finally, this book has changed my summer plans. I’ve read loads of books on British history, but spend surprisingly little time study the history of my own country. This book inspires me to become more informed and actively seeking out the truth behind the headlines.

The Revolutionary Paul Revere is Joel Miller’s third book. He also authored Bad Trip(2004) and Size Matters(2006). He has also worked as editor, and He currently is a VP in the non-fiction division of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

This book was given to me by Phenix & Phenix literary publicists. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Revolutionary Paul Revere at Borders

Joel J Miller's Website

The Coming of the American Revolution by the Massachusetts Historical Society.

Plan B by Pete Wilson

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a book that completely overwhelms your perspective on life encouraging you to transform you way of living? Plan B is amazing. By the time I finished the first page, I believed this book was going to be amazing, and it did not disappoint. If you have not come across a time in your life, when things did not go as you planned, then you will. This book doesn't provide band-aids, or neat bows, as Pete put it. However what it does do is echo "me too" throughout the text. By the time I had finished chapter 4 I could list a dozen friends who I want to give a copy too. By the time I finished chapter 11, I knew it was the right book for the Bible study in my church plant group to read together. The book has a resonance with our paradoxical struggle between the reality we seek to dwell within and the reality we dwell within.
Pete interweaves Biblical text, personal life, and the lives of friends and family into chapter after chapter of what people have done when their plan fell through, that is when their life was the very opposite of what they wished it was. One chapter entitled Whiplash deals with Joseph of Genesis and the Paul of Tarsus. My notes around this include, “we assume that plan b equals God’s abandonment.” And “God’s will may be a process not a destination.”

5 out of 5 stars.

Also for a free PDF copy of chapter one visit the Plan B Website. The website also has an intro by the author.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

May Day

2010-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day!

With the coming of May, I worked for hours in the garden trying to tame wild bushes, monitor baby vegetable plants,^ and round up threatening snails. My reading amount has been minimal, and the books I have read, have been for the most part disappointing.

I did not terrible enjoy The Fairie Path. The Fairie Path had a very predictable plot. I also found the writing a bit tangled. It had mixed reviews. Yet the cover was inviting sitting prettily on the library shelf. Suffice to say I am not sure I want to spend the time trying to write up a full length review about it.

The Chosen One does deserve a review. Although I was not in love with it, there were many merits and so soon I shall share what I did like. Maybe I’ll write that one up this evening.

I am also hard at working helping construct props for the play she is directing. She is doing Alice and Wonderland. I have drawn doors, shelves, animals, and flowers. Now I am in the middle of creating caterpillars’ mushroom for the 12 year old who is playing the caterpillar to perch upon.* I have a round table as the base and am using my paper mache skills to craft much of the mushroom clump. It’s given me a craving for the land of Oz. I did love that series as a child.

I did read one amazing book in the last couple weeks called Plan B by Pete Wilson. Be sure to check out my review on May 3rd. The book comes out May 4th.

School is in the last five weeks and as that happens I know my time will be even more crunched. Between wrapping up the school year at three locations, ramping up for the summer program** at one location and remembering to have fun May will be a busy month. I am quite excited for it. If the books I read are good, there will also be some book reviews and hopefully next week I can continue My 2 Cents Cinema^^ reviews.

Happy May Day. Did anyone participate in May pole dances. I've always wanted to try weaving the ribbons around a pole, but alas I have only watched them on tv. I looked up maypoles and discovered what I always imagine is the British tradition, but all over Europe there are May Pole traditions. I know it has pagan roots. The lure of spring dress and spring flowers on a grassy field still call to me.

Footnotes:

^My thriving herb garden: rosemary, oregano, sage, marjoram, mint, and lavender. My vegetable garden: Radishes, which are not thriving. Zucchini, which are up to 4 leaves a plant. Tomatoes, which have the first baby green tomatoes. Peas, which are trailing nicely up the trellis. I am nearly out of room. I had marigolds in the garden but they all fell prey to the relentless snails.
*Do caterpillars perch? I know birds do, however I am not sure that caterpillars do. Maybe they lounge?
**Seriously a computer component all designed by me. This is huge! We are doing an online adventure in different ecosystems and creating an interactive journal of our adventure.
^^How does that sound for my weekly movie review I’ve tried to institute? Usually I have at least two quality things to say. I haven’t seen it anywhere. Actually I was thinking of experimenting with

Night Flight a mini review

2010-04-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Night Flight was no Little Prince. Yet it was definately an intelligent book. Set in the Andean Mountains, the mail flights must continue day and night. The night flight is a tale of pilots during an incoming cyclone and the managers on the ground who arrange the mail flights. I was slightly dissapointed in the conclusion, which didn't seem like an ending.

If this book is anything like The Little Prince, I am certain I would like it more with a second read. However, for today I give it a 2.5 out 5. I finished it, but do not love it. I kept hoping for greatness, and was given a decent story about human nature moving between a series of men involved the flying of mail. It was cerebral, yet not in a classically beautiful sort of way.

2.5 out of 5

Doctor Who

2010-04-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday Movie Review

This last week I did not watch any new movies. So I'm switching up the review to share with my readers about my favorite television series. Doctor Who first ran from 1963-1989 on British television. It has spanned the generations and continues to endure through the conviently imagined regeneration of the doctor.
Doctor Who on BBC America.

My 1st Cents: The writing is clever, brilliant in fact. When BBC Wales revived the Doctor Who television series the 9th Docor, played by Christopher Eccleson brought the charisma of the Doctor back to life with a new instensity. I remember running across him on the Syfy channel. He was wonderful and vibrant. I fell in love with him along with his companion Rose. And then the first series ended and he regenerated. I was a bit devestated. I researched Doctor Who and found first the Doctor regenerates as a way to heal. Secondly, I found a whole world of Doctors from the earlier three decades. My favorite of the earlier Doctors is played by Tom Baker. Each Doctor is the same, yet also distinctly different.

My 2nd Cents: Series 2-4 are played by David Tennant, the 10th Doctor. He was a most wonderful Doctor. His eyes carried the depth of the Doctor's long live, while his frenetic interactions provided a youth and vitality to his portrayal. His cobbled together Tardis and Time Lord technology, brings a journey of epic proportions to the viewers. And yet somewhere in the journey we learn about the value of all sentient life. Always valuing life, always looking for the greater good, the Doctor and his companions journey throughout time and space.

Final Thoughts: Series 5 began this April on BBC America. The 11th Doctor, played by Matt Smith is adventuring on a whole new seriess of journeys. I haven't scene it yet because I don't get BBC America, but I'm told it is fresh, sassy, and downright brilliant.

Beautiful Creatures

2010-04-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Creatures was written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. It was published in December 2009. The book is set in Gatlin North Carolina.

Summary from Goodreads: "Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything."

Review: I loved reading this book. The plot moved steadily forward in a lovely spiral that reminds me of the vines intertwined on the book cover. I started it in hour 22 of my readathon and after about 50 pages, set it aside. I could tell that the book was being done an injustice. I was much to tired to capture the intricate details layed out before me within the text. After being well rested, I read the first 350 pages of the book over the next few days. Once I got to page 351 I did not stop reading even though each minute stole from a good night's sleep. I absolutely loved reading the story of Ethan and Lena.

As many have said before references to To Kill a Mockingbird abound in the book. Additionally the presence literature played in the bookwas beautiful. There were parts of the book that were predictable, and parts of the book that seemed a bit stretched, yet I did not mind. Overall the story called me forward. As I finished the story, I was not disappointed.

Final Thoughts: I loved how the authors brought in so many literary references. I loved how we got glimpses into the confederacy reinactments and southern small town life. I loved that the book included family trees. I referred back to them multiple times.

4.5 out 5 stars (I'm super stingy with 5's)

Random Dozen

2010-04-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Enjoy. Maybe you'll learn something new about me.

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?" Yeah, lots in college. I was always too loud, even in the group study rooms. (And to make it worse I worked there.) The duty librarian would tsk me extra hard.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts? I have files of home made cards, tissue paper, and wrapping paper, as well as a stack of bags. So I guess I'm stockpiled and organized.

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster? Yes. The Earthquake in Washington State that cracked the capital building.

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song? Um, I'm not sure if I can even name a Barry Manilow song. OK, I googled him, and I guess then Copacobana, since that's only one I recognized from the titles.

5. What's the best costume you've ever worn? Two years ago for a Spielberg themed birthday party. I was the blue fairy as imagined in I-Robot. It was fantastic. I got to wear a medieval like dress with huge sleeves, and then gigantic fairy wings.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Definately the Thesaurus. I'm always looking for a better word to express my thoughts.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food? Really good pancakes. The fluffy kind with blackberry syrup.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial? Nope, but I did buy the water bulbs from the store.

9. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes. My own bedroom window. That was after I left my house key inside and before my parents added an alarm system

10. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, but I also believe in love as it grows from friendship.

11. How man pairs of jeans do you own? 7 pairs, but only two actually fit.

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.") I'd like someone to bake a gigantic Library It would have my favorite books on shelves, with a lovely chair and writing desk, and globe on a stand. And the whole library built on a set of three books. Lord of the Rings, The Giving Tree, and The Long Winter.

Hosted at 2nd-cup-of-coffee.

Lamb Bright Saviors by Robert Vivian

2010-04-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Lamb Bright Saviors was sent to me for review by Phenix and Phenix literary publicists. Published in March 2010, this is his second novel in the Tall Grass Trilogy, which is set in Nebraska. Publisher's Weekly called him a "latter-day Faulkner" after reading the novel I see evidences of just that. In Lamb Bright Saviors, a terminally ill itinerant preacher collects an unusual congregation for his last hours.

Summary: The story is the tale of an itinerant preacher and those who end up at his deathbed. There is the assistant Mady, who has been following the Mr. Gene around for nearly as long as she can recall. Then there are four recently reaquainted comrades who bring the preacher to the house and set up listening to his final words. Finally, there is Ms. Marion, the blind lady who home the others come to with the dying preacher. All who attend the preacher in his final hours have a broken pasts and a need for giving or receiving forgiveness. As the story plays out, we get glimpses in to past, present, and futures of the people in the room.

Review: The story was called a "gritty tale that explores themes of faith and forgiveness." If that is an intriging notion, then I would suggest one checks out the book. It has essences of Faulkner with beautiful descriptive sentences like "In the meantime the joy is simmering below your sundress inside your skin and even deeper than that: it goes so far inside it's like when you peel back the layers of an onion and it makes you wanna cry (p.10)." The text was chalk full of rich descriptions of life and transcendent ponderings of trains of thought. My greatest dislike was the quantity of vulgarity peppered throughout the book. It recalled to my mind Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. It too has a lot of profanity and yet is classic. For my reading, Lamb Bright Savior's clever use of the english language sustained it beyond the profane language. Additionally, the pervasive but not overly layered message of forgiveness and strength of character development enabled my enjoyment of the novel.

The book was dense for its 185 pages. It was not a quick read as I waded through the imagery, I found myself pausing and rereading passages to gain a more thorough understanding.

About the Author: Robert Vivian grew up in Nebraska. He has a PHD in creative writing and modern American literature, with a minor in religious studies from the University of Nebraska. He currently is living with his wife in Alma Michigan. There he is writing the third book in The Tall Grass Trilogy and teaching at Alma College.

3 out of 5 Stars. It was a definate departure from the YA books I have read in the past books. It was densely packed and determinedly intense.

Julia and Julie the Movie

2010-04-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday Movie Review

Julie and Julia

Summary: Julie upon nearing her 30th birthday sets out to cook at 574 recipies in Julia Child's book in one year while maintaining a blog about her adventure. Meanwhile the viewers also travel back in time to Julia as she moves to France and begins her adventure with French cooking. The film flows between the Julie of today and the Julia of before as the viewers what both ladies transformed through their journeys.

My first Cent: The movie was hilarious, and not in the laugh track don't miss the punch line kind of funny. It was the kind that one has in the living room with friends over pie. I think we all know that kind. It's when no is trying to be funny, but we are all laughing at ourselves and each other. Julia is beautiful, so passionate about food, and determined to share her knewfound knowledge of things like beef boulangaise. Julie is finding herself through the cooking sauces, meats, and deserts the French way. I could relate to Julie and Julia as they struggled to maintain sanity in an insane world.

My Second Cent: I wonder if there was an increase in book purchases of Julia Child's cookbook following the viewing of this movie. I imagine foodies everywhere desiring to cook from Julia's cookbook. I know I nearly went out last night to find the book at my local late nighte book store. I managed to abstain.

4 out of 5 stars.

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

2010-04-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

I listened to this audio book. I love the Pern books and this is the book that is the start of them all. When I first read the series I devoured whichever book I could locate at my local library so this time through I have decided to attempt to read them in Chronological order. I love the relationship and eternal bond between dragon and rider. I love the charactors of Pern and after one of the mini challenges during the 24hour Readathon, I've started contemplating casting of the Pern series. So far I have only deceded on F'nor being played by Michael Shanks. Any Pern lovers out there with additional casting ideas are welcome to join in my fun. So how do I describe Pern?

There are so many great things in Pern. Dragons who speak telepathically to their riders, Harpers who both perform and teach the nation, and and otherworld agrarian lifestyle that is reminenscent of medieval times. Imagine dragons flying with humans defeating dangerous threads falling from the sky with dragon flames. Imagine vast landscapes of fields and age old stone structures with mountains in the background. Admid all that there are also duels, dragon egg hatchings, and holder revolts. All this is just in the first book. Now I have in my hands DragonQuest. The second book published. It is the on my stack waiting its turn not to patiently. I think I hear the Dragons calling to me.

If you love fantasy and have not discovered Anne McCaffrey, I urge you to give her a try and this book is an excellent book to begin your adventure.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

2010-04-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney is recieving a surprising good review. Okay this book was hilariously funny. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. It is written in comic book style. We have Greg, a middle school student progressing through the school year. He has a best mate, Rowley, who he seems to think he is better than. He is average at school and lives with his parents and younger brother.

The first time I laughed was when he explained Reading groups in school. The teachers don't tell students which level they are, but all the students knew which group was which. The give away was the book titles."Einstein as a Child" and "Bink Says Boo" I laughed uproariously.

The book is very quick and easy for an adult and quite popular with all ages of kids. My 9 year old friend has been reading them for over a year and my 12 year old friend owns the whole series.Check it out, and have a good laugh. If you really like it, there are more books in the series.

4 out of 5 stars.

Enter to Win a Mattress

2010-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

We spend up to 1/4 to 1/3 of our time in bed. So why do so many of us buy cheap and uncomfortable mattresses? My mattress is mediocre. I fugure if I had an outstanding mattress, each moment of sleep would be maximized. How would it feel to be more rested? I think to the few nights I actually do get a good nights's sleep and think it would be amazing to get that every night. After watching the Doctor's Clip on Momstart's site I am at least determined to not scrimp on my next mattress. I spend more time in bed than in my car and I don't scrimp there.

The two things that impressed me about the sleep mattress system is that I can adjust the level to my preference. I am usually a stomach sleeper, but sometimes I must sleep on my back. It would be nice to change the firmness on those occasions. The second thing I like is the clean nature of the mattress. The anti-microbial treatment to kill germs and the zipper to allow vacuuming on the inside are both wonderful.

To Enter and Win visit MomStart's Blog. The contest runs until April 30th.

Happy Dreams.

Rumors Luxe #2

2010-04-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Readers of my blog might remember that I had mixed feelings about Luxe book 1 of the Luxe series. Now that I have finished book two I know two things for certain. First, I love Diana Holland and want to continue to reading anything about her. Second, I hate Penelope Hayes and would like to see her downfall. I am indeed blessed because there are more books in the Luxe series. I'm quite excited about the prospects Envy might hold.

This story continues to follow all the leading charactors from book 1 as they move about in New York Society. Therefore more Diana and more Penelope. I wonder if Anna intended on the readers disliking Penelope so much, or if it is just me who feels the immense distaste for her plots and schemes.

Anna like Prologues that allude to the conclusion. That was my largest gripe in book one. However in book two she beautifully creates allusion to the conclusion, while creating a mystery around the actualities. It was utterly fantastically crafted.

4 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction Challenge 2010

Voices of Dragons

2010-04-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn is the best piece of YA fiction I have read in a great deal of time. I was blown away by the reviews from my fellow bloggers and just had to get my hands on a copy. So in preparation for the Dewey 24 hr Read-a-Thon, I reserved a copy at my local library.This book is much more than a library find, this is one of those books that was so magnificient that I shall have to acquire my own copy to read and reread. Ms. Vaughn did a lovely job allowing the reading to sink into the world of Kay Wyatt. I began enjoying the book from the first line. However it was on page 6 that I knew writing was going to be divine. In the description of a dragon, she wrote, "It was gray like storm clouds, shimmering to ice blue or silver depending on ow the sunlight hit it." I closed my eyes and pictured what Kay must be seeing. And that was it, I didn't want to stop reading. I read the book straight through and sighed pleased at the ending.

Okay enough gushing, how about some intelligent critique. I found the interactions with the various government agencies and the military realistic. All the powerplays and secrets I also loved the interaction between dragon and human. It's was a wonderful echo of how lack of communication amplifies misunderstandings. Thirdly, I loved the ending. I can't say much because I'm leary of spoilers. Here's what I will say, I dislike neatly wrapped up packages like the end of a sitcom after the last commercial. This book was nothing like that.

A Guest Post about Dragons on bitten by books
Short Interview of Carrie Vaughn at YA Addict
To find out more about Carrie and her Series about a werewolf girl named Kitty you can also visit her website

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010
Fantasy Fiction Challenge 2010

5 out 5 stars

Read-a-Thon Wrap Up

2010-04-11T10:21:00.000-07:00

24 hour readathon It was absolutely fantastic.

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? Hour 23 was the most daunting. It was the hour I didn't finish. Hour 24 was spent peacefully sleeping.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? Voices of Dragons was fantastic. by page 6, I was enthralled.
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?Hmm. I believe there is always room for growth, yet I can't think of anything apecific to share. I plan on having pre-cut veggies next time round.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I really loved the peppy videos of the last hours. They made me stop and smile, even have a laugh. Also the cheerleaders were fantastic. In the last few hours, the cheerleaders awake were very interactive on twitter. It was definately encouraging.

5. How many books did you read? I read 7 books (three from start to finish)

6. What were the names of the books you read?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (finished)
The Selfless Gene (progress Made)
Rumors (finished)
Night Flight (started and finished)
Voices of Dragons (started and finished)
Beautiful Creatures (started)
Magic Tree House Research Guide (started and finished)

7. Which book did you enjoy most? I would say Voices of Dragons way my favorite. I am thrilled that I picked it up for the readathon.

8. Which did you enjoy least? The Selfless Gene. I snuck it in early to try and push through as much of it as I could. I did manage 62 pages.

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? Did not cheerlead this year.

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I am definately going to read again next year and cheerlead for a couple hours too.

Total Pages Read: 1023

Total Hours of Book Reading: 12 hours 51 minutes

In Closing...

2010-04-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

24 hours Read-a-thon

Need to add 10 pages and 15 minutes to my last post. That will be my final tally.

Yep, that is all for now.
I will sleep and write up more tommorrow.
Maybe even a review.

22 hour checkpoint

2010-04-11T03:09:00.000-07:00

Books covered:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (finished)
The Selfless Gene (progress Made)
Rumors (finished)
Night Flight (started and finished)
Voices of Dragons (started and finished)
Beautiful Creatures (started)
Magic Tree House Research Guide (started and finished)

Total Pages Read: 1013
Total Hours of Book Reading: 12 hours 31 minutes

Food of the Readathon

2010-04-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

Hosted by Hungry Readers, which seems quite appropriate.

Over the course of the read-a-thon I have consumed 5 cups of coffee, 2 cups of green tea, a variety of Easter candy, . I learned that too many peeps is not a good thing.
I love peeps and they were .67 a for packages of 15 peeps. I ate about 1/2 the package in an hour and a half and boy did I feel the sugar rush. I had to eat another serving of casserole to combat it. Peeps are some crazy tradition.

Balancing out all the crazy junk is the Chili, Potato, Casserole, and Bread for nutritional sustinanI prepped yesterday.

On a side note is anyone else having difficulty with an increased number of typos. I'm loosing my ability to proof my own blog posts.

Speaking of Peeps, Have you seen what others do with their peeps.

This

and even this

Status Update 17 hours done

2010-04-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Currently Reading Voices of Dragons

Finished since last update: Night Flight

Total time reading books: 7 hours 46 minutes

Total Pages read: 639

Get the Hecck out of Here mini challenge

2010-04-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

1.What steps did you take to ensure you’d be able to read as much as possible today?
I cleaned house, started a crockpot of Chili on Friday, baked fresh bread, moved my saturday walk to Friday, gathered beverages and snacks, and stacked all my half read and TBR books in one location.

2.Of those steps, which proved to be the most beneficial to your day?
I would say the gathering of food and the clean house were the most beneficial.

3.Is there anything you might do differently next time?
Find a local friend to at least read part of the 'athon with. Maybe a series of friends.

Get the Heck out of Here mini challenge hosted by Literate Housewife

First Book I loved? Are You My Mother?

2010-04-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman. I never owned the book, but I checked it out of the church library probably a dozen times as a kid. The little bird had lost it's mother and begins asking all sorts of things if they are his mother. He even asked a crane. I loved the poetical repetition and the happy ending.

Mini Challenge Hosted at Literarily Speaking

As Part of the 24Readathon

Once Upon a Reading: Sarah's Turn

2010-04-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

One Persons Journey is hosting this mine-challenge.

It had been a long winter. She was alone and there was no going back on her promises. The Trickster's Choice had taken her grandmother quickly and with it all those whom she loved, Then Voices of Dragons began to call to her in the night. She pondered their meanings while, planting her garden that fateful early spring day.

The White Dragon dropped down quietly and fixed it whirling Dragonseye upon her until she looked up from her row of squash seedlings. She knew immediately that it was the dragon of her dream. Dragons really were Beautiful Creatures. The voice in her head spoke as clearly as if it had been audible. Sarah, it is time to leave The Island. Then the dragon explained the dire need and the urgency of stealth.

Springing into action, Sarah climbed the three flights of stairs quickly. Once In Grandma's Attic, she began searching for something, anything warm to wear on her Dragonflight. The dragon had said it would need to be a Night Flight. Humans take strangely to seeing them in the air and the night hid them. Searching through trunks, she found a Faded coat of Blue. She quickly put it one and took the stairs downward two at a time. She picked up her worn out duffle bag and began to fill it with essentials like shirts and Socks. Then she added a bit of Sea Glass, her mother's Chalice, and father's pocketwatch. It wasn't much, but it was a bit of home, in case she never returned to her home.

Quietly descending the steps on her porch and looked again into The Eyes of a Dragon, smiling a hopeful smile. Dusk was descending and Sarah a Dragonsinger by heritage climbed onto the large back of the dragon. This was where her father had Gone when she was only three into the battle against the ancient ones. Now she, the last in a line of singers would journey also to the Rainbow's End.

Read-a-thon

Mini Challenge for Hour 14

2010-04-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Books into Movies.

Here was the Mission and I chose to accept it: "Think of your favorite book – has it been made into a movie? If not (and maybe you’ll need to go to your 2nd favorite book and so on), tell me if you’d like to see it made into a movie and pick one character from the book and give me information on which actor you’d love to see cast in the part."

Dragonflight. It is the first book of the Pern series. There are so many great things in Pern. Dragons who speak telepathically to their riders, Harpers who both perform and teach the nation, and and otherworld agrarian lifestyle that is reminenscent of medieval times. Imagine dragons flying with humans defeating dangerous threads falling from the sky with dragon flames. Imagine vast landscapes of fields and age old stone structures with mountains in the background. Admid all that there are also duels, dragon egg hatchings, and holder revolts. Who wouldn't want to watch...

As for charactors. One of my favorite charactors is F'nor. His resides in Benden Weyr as dragonrider to Canth a brown dragon. His brother, the bronze wing leader is determined and calculating. F'nor provides a tempering of his brother's guarded persona. He seems relaxed and personable, while clever and dependable. All the things a great leader needs in a wing man, which he is in more way than one to his brother. An actor who played F'nor would need to be able to display fierce loyalty, compassionate sympathy, and cheerful lightheartedness.

I think Michael Shanks would make a phenomenal F'nor the brown rider. Below is a picture of him from his website that provides additional support. (He is known best for his work as Daniel Jackson in Stargate SG-1)

This mini-challenge is hosted by The Lost Entwife

Mid Way Survey

2010-04-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

5 hr 34 minutes total

Total Pages read: 417

And here are the Questions and Answers

1. What are you reading right now?Night Flight by Antione Saint de Exupery

2. How many books have you read so far? I've read in three other books, completed two.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I'm saving it for later to encourage myself to keep going.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? I moved y Saturday morning walk to Friday evening and turned down several invitations for Saturday evening events. I also cleaned my kitchen really well so it wouldn't stare at me.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Only one. My monthly art meeting is 10-1. I went to it, had a blast and came back revived and ready to read more.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? The mini-challenges are a lot of fun. I didn't know what to expect, and I am loving them.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Hmm.. Not yet I'll let you know if I do though.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? I think next year I will schedule in a few cheerleader hours. It seems like a fun break from reading and I enjoy the cheering I've been recieving.

9. Are you getting tired yet? Nope, but then in my time zone it is 5pm so ask me again in 5 hours and I probably will be tired.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?

Take the idea of musical backgrounds. It has been wonderful.

If the Cover Fits Mini Challenge

2010-04-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sunshine is

Disturbing

Dragon Quest is

Vibrant

First Test is Beautiful

Infected is

Scary

Ophelia is

Moving

If the Cover Fits Challenge Link

Readathon Link

Read-a-thon

2010-04-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

3:24 and all is well. Just finished Rumors and read 75 more minutes. After a hiatus from 9:45-2:05 for a monthly artists meeting.
Rumors was amazing. Look for my review in the near future. Now checking what mini-challenges are going.

24hourreadathon

Five hours in...

2010-04-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Five hours (or nearly so) and all is well.

Books Completed: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Books Read: The Selfless Gene: 51 pages; Rumors 170 pages

Page Read: 268
Time read 3 hours, 7 minutes

And now I am off to my second saturday art meeting. See you all in 3 hours to continue the read-a-thon fun.
(With audio book for the car)

Mini Challenge Hour 4

2010-04-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hosted at Bart's Bookshelf
This was a great and somewhat active project as I darted around my bookshelves looking for good verbs.

Mine says:

Beautiful creatures in grandma's attic captivating voices of dragon out of the silent planet.

I think...

Imagine those creatures calling out, beautiful enough to captivate a dragon's voice from where silence reigns. So fun. Thanks.

It's a quarter 8 and all is well.

2010-04-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

Time: 7:44am

pages read: 168

Time Reading: 107 minutes

Cups of Coffee 1.2

The Crazy Pile of Books

The lovely setup around my happy lime green chair.

Read-a-thon Mini Challenge #1

2010-04-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

My coffee was prepped with push button action for the 5am go time. My first book plan was to finish the last 47 pages of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Which would provide me with an early success. I would use that to springboard myself into The Selfless Gene. The book is not a favorite, but as it is for a review, I must finish it eventually. I have snacks piled within reach on one side and the TBR pile on the other side. I also have my Glee soundtrack on pause in case I need musical inspiration. Currenty I am rewarding myself with a mini challenge and a bowl of cereal after having completed 51 pages in The Selfless Gene.

And now back to the books.

Mini Challenge Link

Readathon Link

Read-a-thion Hour 1

2010-04-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Where are you reading from today?

3 facts about me …
1. I am not a morning person, but I still got up at 5am to begin the readathon with a bang. (my friends think I'm a bit crazy)
2. I love studying about islands, particularily non-tropical ones. (My favorite are Jersey, Guernsey and Sark)
3. I participates in TOM's go barefoot Day on April 8th (I made cardboard shoes to go into stores)

How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? I have 17 more books on my TBR pile, but I am reasonably sure I won't finish more than 10.

Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? My only goal is to have lots of fun and read out the experience. I'll create goals next time based on this time

If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, Any advice for people doing this for the first time?
This is my first time.

Link to Read-a-thon

Good Morning Read-a-Thon

2010-04-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

It is 5am (actually as I am writing this, it is yesterday at 11:26am) and I am ready to settle in for a morning of reading. I have coffee mug number one brewed, and am starting with finishing Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I think it is a nice light book to wake up to before I charge into something a little more heavy. After Diary of a Wimpy Kid I plan on charging through a good chunk of The Selfless Gene which I must finish at some point in order to review it. After that I will reward myself with whatever book excites me on the stack. This should take me up through the first few hours. I am super excited to enbark on this adventure. I hope I knock out a few book review needs, enjoy a few books I've found through reviews, and have an all around good time.

Happy Reading to all.

Blind Side.

2010-04-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

If I was not the last person on earth to watch the blindside, then I say to the holdouts. "It is a must watch movie." I've watched it twice this week and currently the roommate and her friend are watching it again in the living room. The story is poignant. The acting is outstanding. The message is unforgetable.

Michael Oher, now a Baltimore Raven has a story that begins in the projects of Nashville with his drug addicted mother. Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy step into his life and all lives are changed forever. If you are a crier grab some tissue, rent the movie, or better yet buy it because you will probably want to own it.

Movie Trailor:

My weekend movie review is up on Friday because Saturday will be consumed by the read-a-thon.

5 out of 5 stars.
Each time the movie gets better.

My Book Tastes

2010-04-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

This is in response to Debbie's World of Books. I realisez I could just keep going and going so I am going to stop and post this.

List one or more books for the following categories:

1. Books you have read more than once:

Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver
The Little Prince by Antione Saint de Exupery
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

2. Books you want on a deserted island (3 maximum)

The Bible
The Voyage of the DawnTreader by C.S. Lewis
Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Tolkien

3.Books that made you laugh

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

4. Books that made you cry

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
The Last two books in the Harry Potter Series
Nightfall by Isaac Asimov
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

5. Books you wish you had written

Not sure about one.

6. Books you wish had never been written

Wow, that's a harsh question. I figure usually books I dislike, some else loves, so I guess none, though I wish I hadn't been assigned to read The Scarlet Letter twice, so maybe that book.

7. Books you are currently reading

Rumors by Anna Godbersen
Jane Austen Christian Encounters
City of God by Augustine
The Selfless Gene by Charles Foster
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Alanna the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

8. Books you have been meaning to read

War and Peace by Tolstoy
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Night Flight by Antione de Saint-Exupery
Beautiful Creatures
Sea Glass by Anita Shreve
Eragon

9. Books that changed your life

The Little Prince by Antione de Saint-Exupery
Romans by Paul
Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L'Engle
The Sabbath of Abraham Joshua Heschel

Friday Fill-Ins: It comes around every week

2010-04-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

Friday Fill-Ins: #171 are here. It's late Thursday, but I am posting now, because Friday may turn out to be a crazy day.

1. In 1992, I was not aware of most things that I am passionate about today.
2. Now I know that a building block of friendship is laughter and smiles.
3. Do what you can to stay loyal and true, with what you have been given to hold in your heart, where you expend your time and talents.
4. Playing at the park with my brother's family is where I'd like to be.
5. The trees and flowers are telling me spring has arrived, but I'm still cold at night under multiple covers.
6. The energizer bunny will eventually fade away, but it the grace and mercy from God that just keeps going on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Cleaning my house, tomorrow my plans include Dewey Read-a-thon and Sunday, I want to sleep and then go to evening church!

Dewey's Read-a-Thon April 10, 2010

2010-04-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've gathered my stack of books. Some to try and finish, some to check out, and some I know are sure wins. I am ready for April 10th Read-a-thon.

Some Books on My Pile:

Beautiful Creatures

Alanna: The 1st Adventure

Jane Austen: Christian Encounters

The faerie Path

Voices of Dragons

Northanger Abbey

Sarah

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

Lamb Bright Savoirs

The Selfish Gene

People of the Book

Sea Glass

Magic Tree House Research Guide: Rainforests

The Incredible Journey

Audio: Dragonwings

Audio: The Chosen One

I believe I will have enough variety to keep interested. Also in the plans. Crockpot Chili starting on Friday, leftover Easter candy, a variety of beverages, and a clean house to prevent distractions.

Go Barefoot April 8th

2010-04-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

One Day without Shoes

I'm going Shoeless, but since some errands don't allow me to enter shoeless, I've constructed some cardboard sandals to wear. First it a picture of them on my feet. Second is them with one upside down. The purple straps are duct tape I had leftover.

Doctor Who and the Androids Invasion

2010-04-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Synopsis:
This book has the Tardis landing with Sarah Jane Smith and the 4th Doctor in the English countryside. They almost immediately come across androids and begin to realise all is not as it appears. The Kraals are setting the stage for invading Earth and once again only the Doctor can save mankind.

Review:
The book is a quick read and full of Doctor Who moments. The dialogue sounds like the Doctor. Besides the Doctor and Sarah Jane, UNIT, robots, and aliens all make appearances. Additionally, just like in the show, the Doctor continues to elude death and overcome insurmountable obstacles. I had great fun reading this novel. However if one is not a Doctor Who fan, this book is probably not for them. The book is not without flaws. There were many plot points that were lightly skimmed over and some jumps in the narrative that left me wishing they have fleshed out the story more. A final thought a knowledge of the Doctor Who universe is assumed in the book. Therefore it is not a starter novel. I'd try watching the 9th Doctor first 3 episodes.

3.5 out 5 stars. If you love Doctor Who and enjoy reading, then this book will be loads of fun. If you are unfamiliar with Doctor Who, this book might leave you a by underenchanted and mystified.

Speculative Fiction 2010 Challenge

Ender's Game

2010-04-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

How do you judge a book? I think about these things. Do I love it all the way through? Do the character's stay with me when I am not reading? Do I wonder what happens next? Does the book call to me?

Sometimes a book is not my preferred genre, yet the characters draw me on. Enders Game is one of those books. It's spends a lot of time in battles and military related life. I usually avoid books heavy on those topics. However early in the book, Ender became important to me. I trudged though military stuff to see how he would continue in the game.

Sometimes a book is only average as I am listening it, but as the conlcusion arrives, I find that I love the book. Ender's Game is this too. The conclusion is not what I expected and worth every minute I listened to the story.

In fact knowing Orson Scott Card wrote more about Ender makes me glad. I could explain why, but it would be filled with spoilers.

Ender's Game is an experience. I understand why it has won awards and why it is on recommended reading lists. I recommend it to those who enjoy science fiction, military fiction, or are just curious enough to want to know why I loved it more at the end.

3.5 out 5 stars.

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010

Next Blog? I mean what does it do?

2010-04-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

I've wondered what next blog actually does for a while. So today I just kept hitting it and dicovered some interesting blogs I would not have discovered any other way.

Rose-colored A Canadian author who has some clever things on her blog. Check out her April 2nd review of Strawberried Peanut Butter MM's.

Imaginary Blog Written by author Lynn E. Hazen Interesting blog and I'm super curious to know if her Moss art from the March 17th post grows.

Serenehours YA book reviewer based in Vietnam

The Dangerous Kettle For starters Kettle is a fan of Dr Who, most particularily the 10th Doctor. And following they were as frustrated with Clockwork Orange's dialect as I was.

Book Clutter who is participating in the April Dewey Readathon. Hmm... That might be a fun excuse to curl up and read all day long. After all it is part of my five day weekend.

Here's what I discovered. There is some plan to the next button. The blogs usually have some connection to the previous one. Maybe they always do according to some system I cannot sort out. Also There were repeats within the 'next blog' journey. What a fun adventure This Spring Break evening.

Okay and now I return to my previously scheduled evening of Stargate SG-1 Season 3

eco-friendly craft project and organization all in one

2010-04-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after reading all these lovely post of reusing and repurposing, I began saving all my cereal boxes. I gathered a group of the boxes that will stack neatly together.

I put tape all the way around the stack of cereal boxes in order to hold them tightly together.

Then I took another cereal box and taped it to the bottom of the boxes in order to create a smooth and flat surface.

Then I began cutting the box tops at a slant with a razor blade. Here is how I started.

Here is what the boxes looked like when I had finished cutting them. If I did this project again I may consider cutting these boxes before I taped them together. It was a bit challenging to cut the inner boxes.

Then I began to modpodge book pages over the outside.

Here is one view after the second layer of modgepodge.

Here is the project standing up. I've already put it into use on my desk.

Luxe by Anna Godbersen: a mini review

2010-04-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

I found the consistent reminder of the prologue an annoyance. In fact I rather wished I had skipped the prologue. I had a terrible time caring to know more about Elizabeth. I almost gave up on the book a few times in the first chapters. were it not for the enticing reviews I would have quit. Then in chapter 10 I was given a second close-up of Diana. I knew I must read on. There was something about Diana's carefree determination that drew me into the world of 1899. In the end I was delighted with the nips and tucks the story made as we viewed the New York of 1899 from a the young and rich heirs and heiresses. I did have fun the second half of the book and tried to ignore the prologue as I read toward the end. Ultimately I am glad I read to the end. It was well concluded, though maybe a bit uninformative of how the climax was resolved.

I do mean to check out the next in the series. I am hopeful to read more about Diana who I am quite fond of.

3 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction 2010 challenge

Ink Heart Movie Review

2010-04-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Inkheart the Movie

The movie was different than the book, but not in the annoying how could they do that to my charactors way. The characters kept true to their natures. I have learned to appreciate that films and books of the same plot must employ differences in order to create both as quality experiences. Many aspects do not translate between the two neatly. Therefore I can accept changes within reason. Meggie was even lovelier than I imagined, Cordelia was exactly as I pictured her, and most of the others were within a reasonable similarity. My only issue with casting is Farhid seemed a lot older than in the book.

Summary: Mo has a silver tongue, and that is the beginning of his problems. Dustfinger and Capricorn both want to use Mo for their own plans. As Meggie , her father Mo, and their Aunt Cordelia get caught up in the schemes and evil plans of Capricorn the world is changed for Meggie and new realities are brought to light.

If you are fond of the book, the movie is worth watching.

I would give the film 3.5 out of 5

Friday Fill-Ins:

2010-04-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Friday Fill-Ins: #170 a wonderful little meme that inspires creativity and helps me plan my weekends.

1. All you need is a cup of tea, a cozy nook, and really great book to weather the unexpected Spring storm.

2. Dyed Easter eggs proclaiming phrases like “eat me,” and “spare me” fills me with laughter.

3. Each generation, as it grows up, looks at the previous generation and makes choices in contrast of, though as history may tell, not always in an improvement of the choices of the generation before.

4. People not following through with their commitments is something I have a hard time dealing with.

5. A trip to hair stylist is what I need.

6. Just as I was taking the casserole out the oven, I remembered that it was the day Sarah and you get back.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Watching my Netflixed New Moon DVD, tomorrow my plans include gardening and walking if the weather is nice, or typing and reading is the weather is uncooperative and Sunday, I want to cook hot dogs at church, watch the Easter egg hunt festivities, and remember that He is Risen!

Page (Protector of the Small book #2)

2010-04-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

This is book two in her Protector of the Small series. Though the review will not likely have spoilers for it, it may contain spoilers of the first book.

Summary: Keladry of Mendoloyn returns to her second year full of Hope. She will continue to train on Peach Blossom, the temperamental horse assigned to her for training. Returning this year are her adversaries Joram and his gang, her companions including Merck and Neal, and her Sparrows. She acquires a personal maid and befriends a dog. With her assortment of companions she strives to excel in her Page training and prepare for her large tests. As in the first book Kel, defends the weak and small, while stirring up a whole mess of trouble for herself.

Review: I listened to this book as I did book one and love hearing the story of Kel. These books are aimed at a slightly younger age range than some of the other books of Tortall. There is an innocence to Kel that I appreciate and a simplicity to the language that I find easy to follow. I hope that I can find book three in audio format too. My one regret is while the first book spanned a year, this one spanned a longer time and so it seemed to skip a lot of details and events to avoid making the book longer than the first book. I would have loved more details. I loved the first book more, yet I will seek out the third book.

This book is part of the Speculative Fiction 2010 Book Challenge
This book is part of the Fantasy 2010 Book Challenge

3.5 out 5 stars

Quarter One complete

2010-03-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am working on 5 challenges. The first quarter of the year is done.I have listened to 7 books and read 17 books. I have read 6684 pages (not counting books I am still completing). Wow that is a lot of literature.

Historical Fiction 2010 Challenge 6/12 Addicted level.
Fantasy Fiction 2010 Challenge 8/12 Addicted level.
Speculative Fiction 2010 Challenge 10/24 Obssessed level
Austen 2010 Challenge 2/4 Lover level
451 Challenge 2010 3/7 Blaze level

Favorite Book of the quarter: The Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce. Seriously, I could hardly put the book down and when I discovered the rest of the realm of Tortall, I was thrilled. I have loved reading about Beka Cooper and Keladry. However I hold a special place for the story of Ali. If you want to start reading Tamora Pierce books, this book is a good place.

Least Favorite Book completed: The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. I was quite interested in the fable of the Mermaid Chair and the book did not delve into the mystery of the chair, but rather the mystery of Jessie's past.

A Kiss in Time

2010-03-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Jack is an American boy who isn't pleased with his European vacation. Talia is a princess from the 1700's who has been asleep after pricking her finger on a spindle. Jack believes his parents barely notice him. Talia believes her parents smother her. When Jack kisses Talia, she is magically awoken and the pair of them are entertwined into each others problems.

This book is cute. Now I realise that may not be a great introduction to a review. However, that is my first impression of the book. At one point about halfway through I put the book aside, and then it called to me. I had to know the story of Jack and Talia. The book alternates narrators between the two and provides interesting insight into their lives. Imagine living in the 1700's when Virginia is still a colony in the Americas and waking up to a world of airplanes and cell phones. Sleeping Beauty has always been retold where she wakes up and eveyone lives happily ever after, but what about the changes in society while she slumbers? That is one reason I had to keep reading. Then there is Jack. As he continues to interact with Talia, his own perspective on life changes.

I stand by cute.
3 out of 5

Mailbox Monday

2010-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I received one book for review in the mail.

Lamb Bright Saviors by Robert Vivian It is new out this March.

Saturday was the annual County Library book sale. I came away with a bag full of books. I only took cash to keep within budget and spent exactly what I took. I came away with 17 books. I’ve divided them up into the reasons they made it into my shopping bag.
The first list from the sale is all books I have read. When I first read all the Anne McCaffrey books, I checked them out from a library. Each time I have wanted to re-read them I have had to locate them again at the library. Now I can read these five about my beloved Pern any time I want.

The Renegades of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
Dragon Drums by Anne McCaffrey
The Chronicles of Pern: the First Fall by Anne McCaffrey
Moreta by Anne McCaffrey
Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey

Then there are the books on the to be read list from all the lovely reviews I keep reading by my fellow bloggers

The History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw

Add to that a few books that are part of my many book challenges.

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Sea Glass by Anita Shreve
Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis (and Perelandra in case I love book one)

And then there is this group of books

Brave New World Revisted by Aldous Huxley ( I love Brave New World)
The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd (His book London was outstanding)
Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Because I can hardly believe I’ve not read anything by him but The Little Prince)
Emperor Mage by Tamora Pierce (Another book from the Kingdom of Tortall)
War and Peace by Tolstoy (Because I just started my library copy and realize I won’t finish it before it is due.

As always hosted by The Printed Page. Visit there to read others peoples finds on Mailbox Monday

Remember Me: Movie Review

2010-03-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

I was told that this movie was more than a love story starring Robert Pattinson. I can now say I agree. The characters in the movie were individuals with lives and families. We meet Ally, who is coping with consequences of dramatic childhood events. She eats desert first. We then meet Tyler, who is not exactly coping with his past. I was very impressed with Robert's portrayal of Tyler. The character had passion and anger, but also laughs and shows compassion. My favorite charactor was Tyler's sister Caroline. I felt as though when she looked at people, she saw much more than they meant her to see.

Okay no spoilers. The movie had me in tears more than once. I left the theatre in awe of the screen play writer. 4.5 out 5 stars.

Movie Trailer

Friday Fill-Ins: Isn't it a wonderful Friday.

2010-03-26T08:58:00.000-07:00

1. The right word can make or break a conversation, so choose your words wisely.
2. The babyis sleeping so go play outside in the sun and shut the door quietly, please.
3. Up, up its a Great Day for Up .
4. After I get my urgent work done on the computer, outside in my garden is where you'll find me.
5. Ooh! What is that on the shelf A new Jamie Oliver Cookbook, oh how I would love Food Revolution?
6. making fresh bread for dinner is a good idea.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on all my favorite bloggers, tomorrow my plans include getting outside in the sun and Sunday, I want to have fun at church and eat yummy food!

For more lovely fill-ins visit Friday Fill-Ins: #169

Posting will not be regular this week

2010-03-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

I am quite over busy at work this week. Although I might poke my head in at some of your blogs, I don't really have the time to construct posts worthy of all my followers, so until Friday Fill-ins, ...

Weekend Ramblings

2010-03-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

My nephew is two. I remember recieving the phone call when he was born. I remember seeing him when he was tiny and now he is a barrel of energy. I love talking with him and his big sister. They are vibrant and so full of life.

I was thinking about Spring Cleaning. What exactly does that entail? I was thinking at my place it ought to include the drapes, but then how do I clean them? Can they go in the washingmachine? What if they don't survive their bath. I do think my kitchen cabinets could use a good wipe down. Maybe if I made a list of all things spring cleaning entails I would have fun crossing off the things when they are completed.

I'm trying out the bounce dryer bar. I had a coupon. The first load smells really nice. I guess the real test is then how long the bar lasts.

I picked up War and Peace to check it out. Do normal people do that? Do I want to be normal? I've not read any of the crazy long Russian novels, but I like Nabokov and Chekov so I might like it. I think I'm a bit ambitious to try and read it. Even if I like it, It will take time to read.

I watched the river otters at the zoo yesterday for pver 30 minutes. It was fantastic. There were other interesting scenes at the zoo, but nothing beat the three otters swimming and cavorting in their exhibit. They are very cool animals. If they weren't wild I think I would like one as a pet. The Meerkats were pretty fun to watch as well. They're a matriarchial society, which I think would be interesting to study. Actually watching these two animals got me thinking about animals living in community. There were animals who prefered to be alone, but most seemed happy in a community. Any type of community one can imagine seems to be present in animal life. Is there a democractic animal community? I should look that up.

I was reading about Sarah, the wife of Abraham this week. Interesting story, You know we don't know much about her life before she was 65. What we do know is in a life where childrengave value to the wife, she was barren. It's not surprising then if she wasn't perfect. I'm guessing she was laughed at or shunned at the watering hole.

Okay, I think that's enough

Movie: Where the Wild Things Are

2010-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

You know when you finish a movie, and your first thought is huh that the movie isn't going to get a good review. When the 7 year old and 15 year old also expressed disatisfaction, I knew I wasn't being overly critical. I sat on this review for a few days before writing it. I think I was still hopeful that the movie would grow on me. Sometimes they do even after they are finished. This one did not.

I have not diliked a movie as much I disliked this one in a long while. I kept hoping it would get better and it did not. The plot was lacking, the connection to the characters did not occur. At times I was quite confused, and those confusions were not cleared up. The climax was unrewarding and the ending was rather uneventful.

Additionally the book is a children's book. The movie is NOT a children's movie. It was scary. Not Harry Potter and the Scorcer's Stone scary. Really Scary. I jumped. I closed my eyes. If one must watch this movie, I would not recommend watching this with kids.

On a positive note, I will say the scene design and the costuming seemed spot on with how to turn Sendak's illustrations into a three-dimensional reality. I truly appreciated the dwelling structure's design.

I did watch it until the end. There are films I quit on.

1 out 5 stars to the film.

Friday Fill-Ins: #168

2010-03-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Okay I'm posting quickly before I run off to enjoy the day. I'l back this evening to read the other wonderful fill-Ins.

1. Today I will be at the zoo, you can find me with the birthday girl or observing the otters.

2. People say you can;t have your cake and eat it too and I say why not?

3. What do you think of when you recall the zoo? I think of tall giraffes, powerful gorillas, and graceful otters.

4. At Starbucks there's a lot of groans among the staff, when they do events like, it's free Pastry Day til 1030 Friday!

5. People say that what we're all seeking is greater meaning in life, but I say we all searching to fill our Jesus shaped whole in our heart, and Jesus is the only one who can fill it perfectly.

6. The image I cherish most is my brother playing with his kids.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing the work I would be doing during the day if I wasn't at the zoo, tomorrow my plans include a walk, some gardening, some housecleaning and watching Inkheart and Sunday, I want to read in a nice warm and shady spot!

Friday Fill-Ins: #168

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

2010-03-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

I recieved Cleopatra's Daughter in a giveaway contest earlier this year and put it on the stack by my bed right under the current read. Finally, earlier this week, I began reading it and could hardly put it down. First off, I love the merging of the Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures. Secondly, I loved Selene, the daughter of Cleopatra. She was determined and at times a bit rash. However, she was also courageous and honest. The book was refreshing and delicious. I cannot say there were any low points in the text. I even skipped my Wednesday morning nap to read more pages. Since I knew nothing about Selene prior to reading, I was able to enjoy the unpredictable plotline. The beginning captured my attention, the people kept my attention and the ending was gloriously rewarding to me as a reader. Seriously, this is my favorite Historic Fiction book of the year. I simply must find more out about the real people within the story and read more books by Michelle Moran. If you have not acquired this book, run, don't walk, and get this gem for yourself. I sure don't say that often.

Additional reasons I loved this book:
1. The architecture described in the book was fantastic. Actually quite a lot was constructed during the era the book was about. I've always been a bit fond of architecture since I learned how to draw floor plans.

2. I'm an admirer of ancient structures. So, the added element of Caryatids and Corinthian columns added to my delight in an already wonderful book.

3. The interaction between the various cultures was absolutely fascinating. From Gallic people to Nubians, all people seemed to converge on Rome by the will of the Roman rule.

Michelle Moran has two other books about Egyptian women and I will get my hands on them. If you want to know more about her, visit her website.
Cleopatras Daughter at Borders and at Goodreads
This is part of my Historical Fiction Challenge 2010

Inkheart

2010-03-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

It was the perfect audio book. The words filled my car as I drove down the road and I followed Meggie through the highs and lows she went through as the book progressed. The book opened describing Meggie and her father Mo. From that moment, their adoration for books won my heart. I would have followed the pair on any adventure they had desired to take. However, I was quite unprepared for the actual adventure we took in Inkheart. Written originally in German by author Corneilia Funck, the names were a bit unusual, but as they were sounded out for me, I did not have to stumble over them.

If you have not managed to read Inkheart, do consider it. Within the covers are book lovers, thieves, fairies, and fire eaters. I shall not write more about the plot, for if like me you have not watched the movie, then I do not want to spoil the joy of learning what occurs along with the characters in the book. I now have the movie and shall let you know what I think about it as well.

The book is part of

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010

Fantasy Fiction Challenge 2010

Mailbox Monday.

2010-03-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

I have really not been acquiring new books much in the last month. I went a bit crazy in January and so tried to stay away from Bookstores. My library usage skyrocketed in February and March, but my budget was not blown. So I have been gone for a month from this meme. Last week I recieved one book for review and acquired four books at a local used book store.

For Review: Jane Austen: Christian Encounters.

From the used book store:

Alanna: The First adventure by Tamora Pierce: I am a big fan of her Tortall Universe.

Doctor Who by Terrance Dicks: I hope I enjoy it as much or even nearly as much as the TV shows.

Sarah by Orson Scott Card. : I am planning on ending the sad fact that I have not read anything by this author.

Two Plays by Bertolt Brecht: The Good Woman of Setzuan and The Caucasian Chalk Circle.: It was in the free box and how can I pass up a free Brecht script.

Thanks to The Printed Page for Hosting this weekly meme.

Sunshine

2010-03-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Robin Mckinley was introduced to me in the 90's during my elementary literature class. We had to read the Hero and the Crown. I remember being uncertain of the book. It was within my beloved fantasy genre, yet it read differently than I was used to reading. I've decided that I have grown fond of her writing style. Last summer I read Chalice. It was mesmerizing. Mirasol the Beekeeper was beautifully created. My only sadness was the shortness of the book. I could have read pages and pages more about Mirasol.

Now onto the book Sunshine.

"Rae, nicknamed Sunshine by her stepfather, is the baker at her family’s coffeehouse. She’s happy getting up at 4 am to make cinnamon rolls for the breakfast rush, and dealing with people and food all day. But one evening she needed somewhere she could be alone for a little while, and there hadn’t been any trouble out at the lake for years.
She never thought of vampires.

Until they found her." -This is written much better than my attempts. I kept including spoilers. It was at Robine McKinley's Website.

I had a bit of a time getting into the book, but about part way through I realized it was because my mind had been dulled by all the books centered around a romance I had read lately. If you are tired of Girl meets unusual boy and falls in love, this book may be just the book to cure you. While I don't claim it is free of relationships, it is refreshinginly centered around a plot that does not involve pining, Robin McKinley has a beautiful way to create worlds. I certainly would love to see her revisit this one. There were plenty of peripheral characters that would be lovely to flesh out.

Sunshine was delcious. The people and placed were all described through Rae's eyes. I followed her as she struggled with instense fear, hidden potentials, and long standing belief systems. Each time she struggled through a new opportunity, she was changed. She would make choices that would alter to fabric of her existence and the way she understood the world around her.

4 out of 5 stars. Difficult to dig into and hard to let go of.

Included are both book covers, the one on the top was mine, the one on the bottom I like better.

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010

Fantasy Fiction Challenge 2010

Friday Fill-Ins

2010-03-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

1. I am so looking forward to my extra day off on Tuesday.

2. I will be with my friends at the zoo later.

3. When you get to video chat with your preschool niece and nephew, it's a very good day.

4. Learning is a big part of my life.

5. If you need anything, ask ad maybe someone can help.

6. It takes a lot of time and energy to plan a trip.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Genevieve, tomorrow my plans include My arts group and tax time and Sunday, I want to sleep in if I actually did my taxes on Saturday!

For other people's fill-ins check out the website Friday Fill-Ins: #167

Trickster's Queen

2010-03-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

Trickester's Queen is the Sequel to Trickster's Choice (My review of Trickster's Choice). I read that book back in January and finally snagged a copy of the 2nd book. It was faboulous. I seriously love Tortall, and all the surrounding countries. I think I even enjoy Tortall more than Pern and that is pretty momentous.

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars

***The remainder of my review below the book cover will contain spoilers for book one.***

Okay so here it is, The book was great. We return to the Copper Isles as the Balitangs return to the capital. As they sail into the harbor, we are reaquainted with Aly, Dove, Sarai, and Winnamine. Now Aly is even a more precarious position, Leading spies in a rebel uprising in the Copper Isles, while she happens to be trained in Spy by Tortall's own Spymaster. Enter Darkings, which I won't describe, lest I ruin it for someone. The intrigue continues from book one as the Raka continue to increase the troubles for the Rittevon rulers. I thought the pace was spot on, the dialogue was believable, and the necessary charactors fleshed out beautifully.

As the book is a YA book, I must mention there was one scene where sex occurred, it was tastefully not described, however for some children on the cusp of YA literature it might be a bit much. Honestly I appreciated how Tamora Pierce dealt with it.

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars

The book is part of the Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010 and the Fantasy Fiction Challenge 2010

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

2010-03-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

(aka the book of the tea spill from the Leviathan post) The White Queen by Philippa Gregory is my third book by her. I have read the Other Boleyn Girl and The Other Queen. I enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl Immensely. I chose to read the White Queen for two reasons. I knew little about the War of the Roses, also called the Cousins war, and I was dreadully curious about the tale of the Princes who dissappeared from the Tower of London. Both are referenced in Tudor era books enough, that finally I picked up a book on the Plantegenet royals.

Okay so I know it is fiction, but wow, I had no idea what went on durind the Lancaster/York battle for the throne. I loved this one. It was great fun following the life of Elizabeth Woodeville. She was in love with her husband the King. She was devoted to both him and her children. Really, I know there were probably embellishments, but I didn't care. I agonized and cheered alongside Elizabeth as her fortunes rode the rollercoaster historians call the War of the Roses.

As I have sat with this book, I would say if you enjoy reading Historic fiction do not miss this one. It's a good time and it will prepare you for the Red Queen which comes out in August.

This book is part of the Historical Fiction Challenge 2010.

Monday Musing.

2010-03-08T20:30:00.000-08:00

The weekend afforded less down time than I imagined.My two hour comuter task became a 7 hour task, then I discovered today that the last two hours were not saved. Ergh. My back was still hurting over a week after it started and I'm still unclear what set it off aching (I think moderate exercise might be good for it though) Sore bodies make everything take longer. I did get to watch Dr Who: The Waters of Mars. For David Tennent fans, it will not dissappoint. He is brilliant in this episode.

Monday has come and I am determined to make the best of my week. So far I've had some successes and some areas to grow. School went well today. I managed to avoid buying ice cream on the way home, but did buy a Dr Pepper. I'm not sure if that is better or not, but I feel like it was a better choice. I did not exercise, I will try to on Tuesday. Why is it so easy to consume sugar, and so difficult to work out.

I did limit my TV watching. I'm trying to limit it to 1 hour a day, which is much different than the 3-4 hours it is usually on. My roommate is trying to do no hours, so we are in this together. We even cut our cable to minimum However that had the interesting side effect of now providing me with the Syfy channel. Oh how I love Science Fiction. I could watch Stargate or Dr. Who repeatedly. I love Battle Star and Santuary. I;m even giving Caprica a go. Until Friday, we had no syfy channel. I was limited to watch I could get on Hulu and Netflix. I have no idea how I got syfy, but I am beside myself with glee.

So now it is 8:25, my chores are done, my grading is done, my emailing is done, and I can the last 80 pages in my current read. Robin McKinley's Sunshine. Look for the review in the near future. I do have things to say.

Friday Fill-Ins

2010-03-05T10:55:00.000-08:00

1. Why are you making a mess (since you are terrible at cleaning them up)?
2. I want you to take time to savor the sunshine, because it's supposed to rain later.
3. I will wait until everyone else has gone and then it will be on my terms.
4. Experiment with your favorite ingredients in the kitchen and see what happens.
5. I could use a a bit of magic to design healthy ice cream and then I would have less guilt when I indulge.
6. The rain dripped steadily all night long threatening to cancel the exbidition and then as dawn arrived, the sun began to shine through the clouds, driving away both the largest puddles, and the children's fears.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to experiementing with rolled magazine paper, tomorrow my plans include a walk and cooking something yummy and Sunday, I want to enjoy me day with the Entlings!

Visit Friday Fill-Ins: #166 where the mem is hosted and were you can find more fun fill-ins.

Magazine idea come's from Life with Liane

Factoids #1 (those bits of knowledge that would be great on a game show)

2010-03-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

I love learning. I think I enjoy collecting and dissemenating random bits of trivia as well as practical knowledge. I guess teaching is pretty good profession for me. I am constantly learning things. I have decided to share some of my random collection knowledge with the world. So below are things I learned this week.

Ostriches are flightless birds. I read about them for a 4th grade class assignment. I learned they can run over 40 mph. They can be 9 ft tall. Their eggs weigh at least 3lbs and would take over one hour to boil it. They are bred in over 50 countries. Their plumage was most popular in the past. Now their hide and meat are more popular. For more information try these two sites American Ostrich Association and San Diego Zoo.
I studied The Plantagenet Family Tree as I was reading the White Queen. The Mysterious Princes in the castle were Richard and Edward. They were in the house of York. They were sons of Edward the IV. They were brothers to Elizabeth of York. She married Henry VII, the first King from the house of Tudor. Which means the missing boys were Henry VIII's uncles. I found that bit of trivia very interesting. Here I was just one generation back from the Tudor reign and in a whole new world of court intrigue. British Family Trees

What new facts have you learned this last week?

The Mermaid Chair

2010-03-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

I listened to the audio book, The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. I have heard such great things about this author, that I imagined I would love The Mermaid Chair. However, I was dissapointed. I quite honestly only finished it because I had no other audio books left.

The book began promising. Jessie returned to her childhood home of Egret Island. Her mother had chopped off her finger. The island's two primary methods of livelyhood are the tourists and the fishermen. The tourists come for the Gullah graveyard, the aviary sanctuaries, and the Monestary of St. Sonora. Then the book seemed to drag itself along. Between beautiful descriptions of scenery, the plot lacked a beauty to echo the serenity of the island. In the early stages, I had hope of improvement, but by the halfway point, I was tired of listening to Jessie and her problems. The book's climax was also dissapointing.

What I did like was how Sue Monk Kidd crafted the scene with her pin. I could see the mermaid chair, hear the bird's calls, and smell the ocean's fragrence. I think at one point, that is what kept me listening.

2 out 5 stars.

Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan

2010-02-28T10:35:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through the teen new book section at my library and there sat Leviathan. I had been wanting to read a steam punk genre book and I had read a great review last week, so I added the book to my stack. Quite honestly I remember reading either Pretties or Uglies by Scott Westerfeld and not really enjoying it, though I did need to know the ending, I was not drawn into the world enough to pursue any of the other novels in the series. Nonetheless, the cover jaket summary gave me hope for Leviathan. I spilled tea on a book I was reading and had to layer paper towels and weigh it down with books in order to save it (the book is safe now and being read again). So I look over my stack of library loot and picked up Leviathan. It seemed like a good book for the afternoon.

Review: It was not my favorite book of February. It was a quick read. I think it took me about 3 hours. I read part of it Friday and finished it last night after Olympic coverage. I kept feeling as though the book was striving for its potential, but not quite reaching it. When it concluded I wondered if I had secretly been reading book one of a series. Having looked at Borders I know it is book one. I can forgive the ending now. The following is the trailer from the Borders web page

Summary: Alek is the son of Archduke Ferdinand, and a Clanker. Deryn is a Darwinist British soldier maquerading as Dylan to serve. Clankers and Darwinists are not exactly enemies, but they are definately not friends. At World War 1 in this alternate timeline begins, the lives of our two protagonists converge. Both youngster's have their world expanded, their training tested, and their beliefs questioned.

3 out of 5 stars.
Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010 book

Side Note: I definately want to check out more Steam Punk Novels. I liked the idea of the technologies.

First Test

2010-02-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

First Test By Tamora Pierce returns the reader to Tortall. I listened to the audio book. It was once again a lot of fun. Keladry is the first girl accepted into Page Training in the Kingdom of Tortall. However, She is under probation. She is in the first year to prove her worth or return to her parents home. For those who are familiar with Tamora Pierce's world, Kel has recently returned from living in the Yamani islands. Armed with her unique background and her determination, Kel begins to win over some pages, while building enemies among others. In order to avoid Spoiler's I refrain from sharing more, however I will say I love Kel's spunk and grit.

I continually enjoy reading of Tortall. This book is definately aimed towards younger readers than Terrier or Trickster's Queen. Kel was only 10 at the book's beginning, while Becca and Ali were a few years older. That definately has an impact on how the book plays out.

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010
Fantasty Fiction Challenge 2010

Persuasion

2010-02-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

I finished Persuasion by Jane Austen this week. It was not my favorite Jane Austen book. So here is my theory. I watched multiple versions of Emma before I read it and love it. I watched muliptle versions of Pride and Prejudice before reading it and loved it. I had no prior knowledge outside of the back book cover of Persuasion and it was a challenging book. So my theory is that part of the enjoyment when I read Austen is foreknowledge. Reading the cleverly written lines, while knowing full well what is going to happen later is a major part of my enjoyment. I the faux pas of Emma, as she bungles match making and mixes up friendships are so much funnier knowing how the story ends. So here's what I plan on doing. Step one watch Persuasion. Step two read Persuasion again. I feel it didn't have the same change Austen's other books had.

At this point I would give Persasion a 3 out of 5.

This book is part of the Austen Challenge.

This book is part of the 451 Challenge.

Persuasion is the story of Ann Elliots. She lives with her sister Elizabeth and Father Sir Walter. Do to exravagent spending they lease out their property and move into simplier lodgings in Bath. However Anne spends time with her married sister Mary's and at the Lady Russell before joing her father in Bath. During those days, she meets back up with Frederick Wentworth, her love from 8 years ago. Through a series of events including new connections, families, and old associates, Jane Austen crafts a beautiful story around the life of Anne Elliot.

I got this book through using bookmooch.

Friday Fill-Ins

2010-02-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

Visit Friday-Fill-Ins for all the other participants sentences.

1. A cup of tea is the perfect cure for ailments from sleeplessness, to sleepiness.

2.The right acessories makes a place feel like home.

3. Everything has its beauty Though not all has it clearly apparent.

4. To a lovely vanilla yogurt she added the beauftiful ripe berries, Ah how I love coming into summer and the taste of strawberries?

5. Art makes me Happy especially when I am creating. (see my newest art below)

6. LOL I just noticed I forgot to eat breakfast, but I just remedied that.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to more Olympics Coverage, tomorrow my plans include A walk with a friend if the weather cooperates and Sunday, I want to Bake something yummy!

PeanutButterCupCakes

2010-02-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

Okay so, I have not been reading much. I am nearly done with Persuasion, and the Mermaid Chair. However, with the Olympics on, books, keep being put down to watch Olympic History. I love watching everything from Curling, to Moguls, to Ice Dancing. I have had time to crochet during commercials and cross country skiing. I have also utilized my crockpot to cook delicious stew without much effort, and I've done some inventive baking. Which leads me to the title.
Someone's blog shared a cupcake they recieved for Valentines Day which had a peppermint patty inside the cupcake. I thought, what else can I put in a cupcake.

Ingredients:
One Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake Mix
1/2 c All Natural Peanut Butter
1/2 c Powdered sugar.
1 can of Whipped Chocolate Frosting

How To:
I mixed the peanut butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl and set aside.Then I mized the cake mix as directed (I substituted Apple Sauce for the oil.). Next I filled mini muffin tins as directed. Then I took about a chunk of the peanut butter mixture (about an average marble size). I flattened it and pushed it just below the surface of the cupcake batter. Bake as normal (mini cupcakes take less time than regular size). After they were cool, I gave them a thin layer of chocolate frostings. I took them over to my pastor's house for evening church and had no leftovers.

I had requests for making them again.

Friday Fill-Ins February 19

2010-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Clearly I have Olympics on my mind. I only pause to watch my hour of Gilmore Girls and then it's back to whatever channel has the best sport.

1. Johnny Weir leaves an impression (and is bilingual, which is cool).

2. I am planning my schedule around the 2010 Olympics.

3. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was overcome by the chances awaiting the fairy upon reaching full bloom.

4. There are things in the Olympics like the triple lutz, which take practice and skill, that you must work for years to obtain. Then there are things like throwing a stone in curling, which while not achievable on Olympic level, are indeed attemptable, if you get an urge.

5. Having sweet dreams comes from having a sweet life hypothesized the character in animal dreams, but I'd leave it at enables one to wake up rested.

6. What does it take to create an art piece worthy of being sold.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching ice dancing, tomorrow my plans include housework and more Olympics and Sunday, I want to be watching the ice dancing finals!

Weekly fun hosted at Friday Fill-Ins

To Kill a Mockingbird

2010-02-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of those required books I read in school. As my 7th grade computer class is reading it Literature and doing an extension project in computers, I thought I would reread the classic text. I am so glad I did. Harper Lee did a superb job crafting her novel.

Summary: Scout Finch is the daughter of Atticus, a lawyer in Maycomb, Alabama. The book covers a few years of her childhood. When her father is appointed as the defense attourny of a black man against a white family, Scouts idyllic existence begins to erode. Scout and her brother Jem learn about the harsh realities within 1930’s Alabama. Through various members of her family and town Scout discovers racial issues, class differences, and most importantly standing up for what is right.

Review: The book is worthy of classic status. The book was meticulously researched. Details about the Great Depression, the state of Alabama, and the current events of the time were integrated into the story to create a natural memoir feel to the text. It even included a section about Alabama in the Rose bowl. Personally I know they were in the Rose Bowl multiple times during the 1930’s. The book also deals with cultural issues of the south in the 1930’s. The racial issues in the book are well developed and complicated, which carried a Scout through understanding the society she was growing up within. Her father chided them to not take advantage of those who were easy prey. He aunt, while displaying her own prejudices, urged her to be proud of history. Her community displayed the best and the worst humanity offered. Lastly, the mockingbirds, which do no harm, are explained on multiple levels.

Recommendation: A Resounding Yes (5 out of 5). If you have not read it, find a copy and give it a go. If you have read it as a child but have forgotten it, it is worth a reread. I am certainly glad I picked it up.

This book is also part of the 451 Challenge 2010

Artemis Fowl

2010-02-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Artemis Fowl was my most recent audio book completed. I am not certain about what to do with it. I enjoyed listening to the story, but had issues with the book upon completion. It is part of a series and I think I would give the next book a try, but I am not rushing to acquire it. At times it was fascinating, and at times I felt it was a bit oversimplified.

3 Good Things.

1. The LEP fairy Holly Short was clever and determined. I looked forward to when the narration moved to Holly's thoughts.

2. I loved how the narrator kept pausing upon introducing characters and saying that they're story was a tale for another day. It gave a sense that this story was just one episode within the larger scheme of life. The minor characters were not just 2D props, but greater players in other areas of their life.

3. The advancements in fairy technology were primarily the result of a Centaur's hard work. I appreciate the diverse creatures within the fairy realm.

2 Not so Good things
1. It irritated me that I never could decide who the protagonist actually was.

2. I did not like Artemis. I could not develop any warmth towards his creative genius. In fact, I did not care for his devious nature either. I am wondering if he gets more engaging as the series progresses.

3. I felt at times the characters were talking down to the readers. Oversimplifying and underestimating the reader. It is a YA book, so maybe it doesn't but my YA friends are clever and would not approve of being talked down to.

Speculative Fiction Challenge 2010

Fantasty Fiction Challenge 2010

The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson and The Olympians

2010-02-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

I love the series and I shared my books with 3 more people. Opening day of the movie was Friday and I had a lot of fun watching the movie with a few friends. All who watched it, loved it. The movie was a bit different than the first book. However, I've come to appreciate the differences in media between the printed text and a moving picture. Not everything translates well between the two. Differences must occur. That being said, There were things I was dissappointed about. There were characters I missed and some changes that I felt were out of character with the overall world created by Riordan.

Would I recommend the movie? Yes.
For people who loved the books, keep an open mind. For people who haven't read them, you get to watch without syncronization issues, so enjoy it.

Mailbox Monday Feb 15th

2010-02-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

I have two new books. First, Who Owns the World. I pre-ordered it from Borders and have really enjoyed the parts I have read. I had no idea about the details of ownership between monarchies and the lands they rule. The second is Cleopatra's Daughter. I won this autographed copy at Celtic Lady Reviews. I am definately look forward to reading this lovely book.

Happy Reading.

This meme is hosted by The Printed Page.

Friday Fill-Ins Feb 12

2010-02-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

1. Pickles pickles, pickles, smells, pickle train conductor, to quote Loreli Gilmore.

2. I’m hiding out at my local Starbucks because I have a ton of things on my to do list that are screaming at me at home.

3. The snow is great when I visit it in the mountains where it lives, but not so great when it coats my roads and invades my daily life.

4. Sometimes I sit and look out my picture window, the big one that overlooks the lake and smile, thankful for the variety scene in nature.

5. It's 5:16 PM; that means I’m eating dinner and watching the daily Gilmore Girls episode laughing with Stars Hollow.

6. A good pair of shoes is hard to find.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to The Lightening Thief, Dinner with friends, and the Opening of Olympics , tomorrow my plans include Attending my monthly art group and watching Olympics and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

This is part of Friday Fill-Ins a fun weekly blog meme that stretches my creativity.

Historic Fiction Book Question.

2010-02-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

My principal is not happy with the quality of the current literature book that accompanies the Aztec, Mayan, and Incan history class. Does anyone have a suggestion for an appropriate YA book around one of these three civilizations? It would be for middle school aged students. For an idea of their reading level, I know they read Three Cups of Tea and To Kill a Mockingbird.

I found a few by searching. It would even be helpful if someone knew something about one of the listed books:

The Well of Sacrifice by Chris Eboch
LADY OF PALENQUE: FLOWER OF BACAL by Anna Kirwan
Colibri by Ann Cameron

Thanks for any help you are able to offer.

Ophelia, (yes Hamlet's Ophelia)

2010-02-08T20:09:00.000-08:00

Ophelia by Lisa Klein was a find in the YA section of my local library. I remember falling in love with the story of Hamlet my senior year in high school. We read Hamlet, we watched Hamlet, and then we watched Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Since then I have always enjoyed Hamlet adventures. So, imagine my excitement at getting to read the story of Hamlet from the perspective of Ophelia. Lisa Klein has re-imagined the story of Hamlet through the eyes of Ophelia.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that I loved this book. The book started out brilliantly. Ophelia narrates beginning as a young girl. However, I had a difficult time during the middle part of the book. I almost gave up on the book, but I was curious about how the book was going to conclude. I am glad that I finished the book. If you are a fan of Hamlet, the end is worth perseverence.

This book is part of the Historic Fiction Challenge 2010

Sisters Who Would Be Queen

2010-02-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Sister's Who Would Be Queen by Leanda de Lisle is a Non-fiction account of The Grey sisters, who were Grand-nieces of Henry VIII.

Borders Description: "Mary, Katherine, and Jane Grey--sisters whose mere existence nearly toppled a kingdom and altered a nation's destiny--are the captivating subjects of de Lisle's book. The author breathes fresh life into these three women's lives and provides perspective on their place within history."

After reading a few positive reviews and the above description I was eager to get my hands on the book. I had to do an inter-library loan to acquire the book. I'd read both fiction and non-fiction books about Jane before and honestly knew little about her sisters. I finally began the book a few days ago.

The Good: I thought the book was very well reseached. The author takes time to not only elucidate facts, but also to dispell common myths. I appreciated that. Additionally, I felt the book was very readable and neatly organized. I also loved the family trees in the beginning of the book.

The Negative: The great number of people in the Grey sister's life would be overwelming for someone not steeped in Tudor life. I would have appreciated a glossary of people. The other issue is the book was quite Jane heavy. Since both Katherine and Mary outlived their sister, I had expected a higher percentage of their life included.

Reccomendation: Those who enjoy reading about English history, particularily the Tudor era, will enjoy this very readable non-fiction account of the Grey family. I would be careful reccommending this to a Novice to the Tudor era.

My First Award. Quite Exciting

2010-02-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

This was given to me by Jenny Q (The Lady Quilan) at Let Them Read Books.

The rules for this award are rather simple. All I have to do is answer the following questions with a single word answer and then pass this along to five bloggers.

(1) Your Cell Phone? Cracked

(2) Your Hair? Long

(3) Your Mother? Crafter

(4) Your Father? Historian

(5) Your Favorite Food? Pizza

(6) Your Dream Last Night? heartwrenching

(7) Your Favorite Drink? Caffeinated

(8) Your Dream/Goal? Author

(9) What Room Are You In? Greatroom

(10) Your Hobby? computers

(11) Your Fear? lonliness

(12) Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? Marseilles

(13) Where Were You Last Night? Ents

(14) Something That You Aren't? Slender

(15) Muffins? Cosco

(16) Wish List Item? theatre

(17) Where Did You Grow Up? northwest

(18) Last Thing You Did? Blog

(19) What Are You Wearing? flannel

(20) Your TV? none

(21) Your Pets? rocks

(22) Friends? Few

(23) Your Life? Busy

(24) Your Mood? Melancholy

(25) Missing Someone? always

(26) Vehicle? Jeep

(27) Something You Aren't Wearing? socks

(28) Your Favorite Store? Target

(29) Your Favorite Color? Green

(30) When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Thursday

(31) Last Time You Cried? Thursday

(32) Your Best Friend? Rachel

(33) One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Starbucks

(34) Facebook? disenchanted

(35) Favorite Place To Eat? depends

I'm passing this award along to some of blogs that I am currently enjoying.
1. Confessions and Ramblings of a Muse in the Fog

2. Life Undivided

3. Tudor Literature Piece

4. My Life In Not So Many Words

5. Brenda Loves Books

Friday Fill-Ins Feb 5

2010-02-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Friday Fill In’s (My first but fill-in 162) Hosted at Friday Fill-Ins

1. I know all the species in the Camilidae family (camels, dromenaries, llamas, vicunas, guanacos, and alpacas.)
2. How is it that February only has 28 days and yet this already seems like the world’s the longest month.
3. You can't help but laugh when it begins pouring down rain right as you head out across the parking lot.
4. Printer cartridges on back order, computer incompatibility problems, and two open houses; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked for joy this week? I looked into the eyes of my favorite 12 year old as she sported lovely neon pink earrings.
6. Molded cream cheese for a Super bowl bash is now available.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching my newest Netflic movie, tomorrow my plans include Open house and Cooking Crockpot Chili and Sunday, I want to Bring on the food and Party Super Bowl Style!

Sundays a Tiffanys... Expect the Unexpected

2010-02-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

This is my first James Patterson book. He wrote it with Gabrielle Charbonnet. I read a good review from one of my fellow bloggers and then ran across it in the audio book section at my library. Quite honestly, it was the title that was the tipping point. One of my favorite songs is Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something. I actually watched the movie because of the song. So now the song has led me to James Patterson.

First, I was not prepared for the book. It has some intense moments. I was quite overwhelmed by the twists and turns. At one point I metaphorically slammed the book on the dashboard and threatened the author. I feel like if a book can elicit that extreme of a response, then it is definately worth a review.

The story begins with Jane and her imaginary friend Michael. Her life is difficult, but since she has Michael, she is not alone. Then fast forward to Jane as a adult. One day she is at the Regis and she sees Michael. The changes in her life that ensue hard for me to begin to describe without filling my blog with spoilers.

4.5 out of 5 stars

The Art of Racing in the Rain

2010-02-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

I saw this at Cosco the other day. I read it in hardback, but I guess now the Art of Racing in the Rain is out in paperback. For more information on the author Garth Stein and his other books, visit his website.

I smile as I remember Enzo. This book was an unexpected treasure. The book is set in the Greater Seattle area. The protagonist and narrator is a dog. He observes the life of his master through triumphs and tribulations. I read the store copy at a Starbucks. I would stay after my shift ended curled up reading it until I had to dash off to class. It captured me from the very beginning. While the dog as the narrator, it was edgier than your average dog story.

Summary:

Enzo, looks back over his life and tells the reader about life as he best understood it. We journey back in time and follow Enzo the dog as he attempted to sort out changes around him. His owner Denny was a race car driver and watched races on TV with him. Denny’s life altering events including marriage and parenthood were all witnessed through the eyes of Enzo. The reader is drawn into the confusion and mystery Enzo experienced as he from his four-pawed perspective tried to sort out how to help the people he cared about. We also learn about Enzo’s perspective of life as his philosophical commentary adds an additional layer to the plotline.

4.5 out of 5 stars.