I Ponder the Page

It's Softball Time...

2012-02-23T09:37:00.000-06:00

We signed our daughter up for softball last week, and that got me thinking about softball in books. I've never read nor heard of a "softball book", so I decided to go looking.

Here's some of what I found...

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...
Set in a small Oregon town just after WWII, this is the powerful tale of a community shattered by its reaction to two young newcomers, Aki and Shazam. Told from 21 different points of view, Bat 6 explores the subject of Japanese-American racial prejudice after the war.

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...
The Story of two sisters and one softball-playing summer.

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...
Everyone thinks being a fourteen-year-old fast pitch softball player is nothing but fun and games. But ask Rachel Adams, and you'll learn otherwise. There are millions of problems to deal with, including demanding dads, grumpy coaches, and umpires that make terrible calls. But Rachel really complicates things for herself when she sneaks out with her teammates, meets some boys, and drinks alcohol...

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...
Brooke Conrad is on top of the world. She is the star shortstop for her high school's softball team, and it is one of the best teams in the state. But everything changes overnight when the shortstop for the school's baseball team gets kicked out of school , and the baseball coach asks Brooke to take his place for the season. Brooke has never heard of anything more ridiculous...

Source: Goodreads

From Amazon...
Fifteen-year-old Angel Williams has wanted a puppy all of her life, so she is ecstatic when her dad finally agrees he can get one-but on one condition. She has to hit a home run in her softball game later in the day. Much to Angel's delight, she does, and she is rewarded with an adorable chocolate Labrador named Homer. Homer becomes her team's mascot, and he leads them on their quest to win the state championship. But when Homer is injured in a freak accident, can Angel and the rest of the team continue without him?

Let me know if you've read a good book about softball !

I Found An Interesting Article

2012-02-21T12:33:00.000-06:00

I found an interesting article on Publishers Weekly, and with the Oscars coming up this weekend I thought I'd share.

The article is about authors who have had their books turned into Best-Picture nominated films this year and what they're working on now.

PW Tip Sheet: Today the Oscars, Tomorrow...?
By Marc Shultz

You can view this article by clicking HERE.

My Thoughts On The Romance Novel, One True Love

2012-02-20T12:18:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...

Lord William Prescott is in want of a wife. Unfortunately, the lady he wants is betrothed.

Miss Cassandra Chambers simply cannot understand her attraction to Lord William. After all, she is supposed to be in love with Mr. Miles Parker. In a scandalous twist of fate, Cassie's future changes when Lord William rides to her rescue, saves her from ruin, and makes her his wife.

When William comes to believe that Cassie's heart may always belong to another, he is determined to lock away his own. If only he could lock away his desire for his One True Love.

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I have to admit that I don't usually read these types of romance novels. You know the one with the woman in the throes of passion and the bare chested man on the cover ripping her clothes off. These covers normally turn me off from a book, but for February I wanted to read at least one of "these types" of romances. And I have to say it was what I expected.

I did like the story and I liked the characters. It was a bit slow in the beginning (and a bit repetitive), but by the middle it picked up nicely. A few things happened that I didn't see coming, and in that I was pleasantly surprised. Now I have read a few romance novels in my day, and I knew there would be some sexual content. But I have to say that this book has some VERY graphic scenes, so be prepared for that if you choose to read this book. Also, there are several typing errors through out.

Even though this type of book is not one that I typically read, it was ok. Will I rush out to get another one like it? No, but that's just me. If you love romance and are not put off by graphic content then give One True Love a try.

We Finally Watched Anonymous

2012-02-19T16:28:00.000-06:00

We finally got to watch Anonymous last night. It was really good, and what a fascinating idea. Did Shakespeare really write the works of William Shakespeare? But then would it really matter either way? No matter what, the words stay the same.

The movie portrays William Shakespeare as a bit of a drunken idiot who couldn't write but made his living as an actor. He was paid to take credit for the work of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. I spent the movie on Google trying to figure out who all the characters were, and trying to make sense of it all . I love that kind of movie.

Most scholars agree that Shakespeare wrote his own work, but it did make a very interesting premise for a movie.

Edward de Vere
17th Earl of Oxford
Source: Wikipedia

William Shakespeare
Source: Wikipedia

My Thoughts On Home Front by Kristin Hannah

2012-02-17T13:10:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the dust jacket...

Like many couples, Michael and Jolene Zarkades have to face the pressures of everyday life--children, careers, bills, chores--even as their twelve-year marriage is falling apart. Then an unexpected deployment sends Jolene deep into harm's way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a soldier she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own--for everything that matters to family.

Kristin Hannah
Source: amazon

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I need to thank my friend, Megan, for this book recommendation. She suggested this book to me on facebook as one she really enjoyed, and I'm so glad she did. I liked it so much!

Let me just start with...I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book! And after looking around at other Kristin Hannah books, I find that she pretty much always has beautiful covers.

home front was the first Kristin Hannah book I've read, and I wasn't really sure what to expect. Of course I've heard of her and I've seen her books in the bookstore, but I just never picked one up. After reading home front, I will definitely be reading more.

I went into this book knowing nothing about it. I didn't even read the dust jacket before I bought it. So I was very surprised when I discovered that the main character was a female pilot in the National Guard. There is so much going on in this book...Jolene's service in the National Guard, her crumbling marriage with her husband, her preteen daughter trying to survive middle school, and the demons from her past that haunt her even more than she realized. I wasn't prepared for the seriousness of this book. I think I was expecting something a bit lighter, but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is mostly about love...the love between a husband and wife, the love of a mother for her children, the love of a best friend, and the love of a soldier for her country. It's about duty and sacrifice and most of all it's about not giving up. I'm so happy I read this one, and I think I've found another author to explore. Thanks again Megan!

345 Pages Read...A Few Hundred to Go

2012-02-16T20:02:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

I'm on page 115 of 692 in The Thorn Birds, and I have to say I'm really liking it. I was drawn into the story immediately. I see myself finishing this one well before the end of February.

Source: Goodreads

I'm on page 230 of 384 in Home Front. I'm really liking this one as well, and I'm expecting to finish it in the morning. I'll be posting a full review tomorrow.

Some Poetry, A Little Wii, And Some Pizza...Now That's Valentine's Day!

2012-02-15T09:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a really good day! It started of with my daughter giving me a Valentine card that she made for me and inside was a poem she wrote.

Most beautiful woman
Okay with taking me places...
Makes me proud
Means the world to me
Always cares about me and helps others, my mother!

She also wrote her Daddy one as well.

Does things for me
Always cares about us
Day shift in the coal mine
Dogs are okay with you
Yay! You're my father.

Is there anything in the world better than that? Not to me, and I love her so much!

She had her Valentine's Day party at school, so I went up to help out. They had snacks and passed out Valentine's cards to each other. My daughter made hers all by herself. It was all fun to watch, and it always makes *S* happy when I come to school. I also got to see her eyes light up and huge smile spread across her face when her name was called to go the the library to pick up her bear and balloons that her Daddy sent her for Valentine's Day.

After school I gave her my gift which was a Wii game, and we played for an hour before she had to get started on homework.

Then Ronnie brought pizza home for supper. Not only is pizza *S*'s favorite food, but it meant that I didn't have to cook or do dishes last night which makes him doubly sweet (: He also gave me 6 chocolate covered strawberries just because he knows they're my FAVORITE. To top all of that off he gave me a Kindle Fire. I had been resisting e-readers, but after reading some on *S*'s Kindle that she got for Christmas I decided I'd like to have one. My husband, being the sweet man he is, got me one.

I am one lucky girl, and I love them both so much!

Now for books...

It's been a busy few days, so I haven't made as much reading progress as I'd hoped I would. I did download a few books to my Kindle Fire last night. I'm reading romance this month, so that's mostly what I downloaded.

Source: Goodreads

I'm really looking forward to reading these.

No Bookstores...But I Did Get A Book

2012-02-13T17:49:00.000-06:00

Although I went shopping Friday, I didn't have a chance to hit any book stores. I did get one new book this weekend though. I was lucky enough to get to hear a really great speaker on Saturday. His name is Chad Hymas and you can learn about him by clicking HERE. He was really great, and kind enough to give us a copy of his book. I'm very excited to read it.

Source: www.chadhymas.com

What I'm Reading Now...

2012-02-11T08:35:00.000-06:00

I was planning on reading Home Front by Kristin Hannah next, but I finished Like Water For Chocolate yesterday afternoon, and I haven't gotten my hands on a copy of Home Front yet. It's checked out at the library at the moment, and I'm sure there's a waiting list anyway. So I looked through my bookshelves and came across The Thorn Birds. It's been a recommendation on Goodreads for me for a while, and since it's considered a romance and it's been on my TBR (to be read) list for a long time I figured I'd read it now. It seems like every book I've read lately has been on my TBR, which is a very good thing since my TBR list is forever long. It feels nice to finally be making some progress on it. Now if I would just stop adding books I might be able to tell (:

The Thorn Birds is a long book, over 600 pages I believe, so I will probably read other romances while I'm reading it. I'm setting a goal for myself of at least 50 pages a day on this one in hopes that I will make steady progress and finish by the end of February.

I'm hoping to purchase Home Front today, and start reading it as well.

My Thoughts On Like Water For Chocolate

2012-02-10T22:25:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...

"Earthy, magical, and utterly charming this tale of family life in turn-of-the-century Mexico became a best selling phenomenon with it's winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit."

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When I picked up this book I really didn't know anything about it. I heard good things, and since I'm reading romance this month I thought I'd give it a try. I was really surprised by what I found.

As you might expect there is "love" in this book, but I think food played just as important a roll. There were lots of recipes and directions for preparing the meals. I really enjoyed this about the book. As a wife and mom who cooks most every night for my family, I can certainly understand how food can be used to show love. I feel really great when I cook a meal that I know is good for my family and tastes good too. I just want them to know that I care enough to put forth the extra effort.

But for all the love and good food in the book, there is just as much tragedy and darkness in this book. Most of the darkness is thanks to the main character, Tita's, mother. She was an evil woman!

If you are looking for a light, airy, romance...this book is not for you. If you are looking for a truly interesting book with a little bit of everything...love, romance, food, magic, pain, tragedy, jealousy, scandal...then I'd say give Like Water for Chocolate a try.

Half Way Through, Anonymous, and Home Front

2012-02-09T21:19:00.001-06:00

I'm half way through Like Water for Chocolate. I am a bit surprised by this book. I didn't expect it to be so much about food. I'm not blown away, but I like it. I'm hoping to finish tonight and post my full review tomorrow. I plan on doing some shopping with my mom and sister tomorrow, so I should have some new books to share soon.

Source: Goodreads

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This weekend my husband and I are going to rent the movie, Anonymous. I'm really looking forward to this one. I'll add the preview below so you can check it out.

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I think my next book will be Home Front by Kristin Hannah.

Source: Goodreads

My Thoughts On The Notebook

2012-02-08T09:31:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...

"A man with a faded, well-worn notebook open in his lap. A woman experiencing a morning ritual she doesn't understand. Until he begins to read to her. The Notebook is an achingly tender story about the enduring power of love, a story of miracles that will stay with you forever..."

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"I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough"

--Noah Calhoun

The Notebook

The above quote is my favorite quote from the book. In fact it's one of my favorite quotes of all time because it makes me think of my husband. He would call himself a common man, but to me he is anything but common and I have loved him since I was 14 years old. And I'm lucky enough to know that he loves me too with all his "heart and soul".

I watched this movie years ago, and loved it so much that I bought it. I had put off reading the book because I was afraid it would be nothing like the movie, but after reading the book yesterday I am happy to say that the movie is very true to the book. I love them both!

I know most people who read romance novels have read this one, but if by some chance you've missed this one give it a try. It is a heartwarming story of unconditional, undying love, and I'm always inspired by it.

Redeeming Love...POWERFUL!

2012-02-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

"California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.
Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.
The she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father's heart in everything. Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.
But with her unexpected softening comes overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come down from the One who loves her even more than Michael does...the One who will never let her go.
A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love."

Francine Rivers
Source: Novel Pastimes

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"Love the Lord your God, and love one another. Love one another as he loves. Love with strength and purpose and passion and no matter what comes against you. Don't weaken. Stand against the darkness, and love. That's the way back into Eden. That's the way back to life."

(Source: Redeeming Love pg. 462)

If I could use just one word to describe this book, it would be...POWERFUL!

I loved this book. From the epilogue to the prologue I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. It's full of passion and betrayal and unconditional love. There are parts of the book that are very hard to read, making me sick with the horror of what was happening, and there were chapters where I just wanted to slap Angel and scream at her..."Open your eyes!". But then I'd remember that 8 year old girl and what she'd suffered and my heart broke for her. There were times when I was on the edge of my seat anticipating the break through Michael was so lovingly urging her toward, and there were times of beauty and laughter.

But I think the main thing I took away from this book is...To love anyone the way you should, the way they deserve to be loved--your husband, your child, your mother, father, sister, brother, friends--you have to love God above all else.

I think anyone who enjoys a good story will enjoy this book, but if you love romance novels, Redeeming Love is must read!

A Little More Than Halfway...

2012-02-05T15:52:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

I'm now on page 266 of 464, and I'm loving this book.

At the beginning of each chapter there is a heading. Most are from The Bible, but not all. I was particularly touched by the heading for chapter 15. It is from The Bible.

Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18: 21-22

Book or Movie...There's Still A Woman In Black

2012-02-04T12:56:00.002-06:00

I woke up this morning to my eight year old daughter (*S*) jumping on my bed and saying "breakfast will be on the table in 3 minutes". She and my husband cooked breakfast this morning...eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, and my daughter made the pancakes and coffee all by herself. She was very proud and even took a picture of the table all laid out with the food. It was really good and I'm extremely full (: It's gray and rainy outside, and I feel a day of reading, movies, and a game of Monopoly coming on.

Photo Credit: *S* (8)

Last night was date night at our house, so my husband (being the great husband he is) agreed to go see The Woman in Black, so we went out for dinner and a movie. My sister (aka fellow book lover) kept *S* for us. She had big plans for the night...playing outside, pizza, video games, and movies. My seven year old nephew (*C*) knows how much his cousin loves Goosebumps. He and my sister were picking out movies before they picked *S* up for the night, and he spotted the Goosebumps movies. He offered to put the movies he picked out back if they could just get *S* a Goosebumps movie. Of course my sister told him he didn't have to put his back and they could still get a Goosebumps movie, but I think it's so sweet that he offered. It just so happens that he picked out the movie for the book that *S* had just finished and returned to her school library earlier that day. Needless to say *S* was super excited!

Source: cd universe

Now as for the movie version of The Woman in Black...

First of all we were in the movie with A LOT of teenagers, therefore it was loud in the theater. I was a bit surprised by this, and I thought maybe they all came because it was a "scary" movie. Then my husband suggested maybe they were all Harry Potter fans and there for Daniel Radcliffe. I hadn't thought of that, but it makes good sense. Whatever the reason, the theater was full of kids.

I thought the movie was visually stunning. The village, the marsh, and Eel House were exactly as I had imagined them in the book, very dark but beautiful at the same time. I loved Daniel Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps. I thought he did a very good job. So much of the movie was him reacting to things...no words...just the expression on his face, and I thought he was great.

As I expected, the movie was very little like the book. The names of the characters, the woman in black, and the circumstances that made her are all that remain of the book. The movie did have those "boo" gotcha scary parts...you know those parts in a movie that you know are coming but you still jump when they do. It might not have been so bad if the little girl next to me (I'd say she was 14) didn't scream like like a banshee at every scary part. My husband and I did a lot of laughing at the kids. You could tell they were bored at the first half of the movie, but when the action started they were into it.

Over all I liked the movie, but I think it's more of a mystery than a scary movie. And my husband, who knew nothing about it going into the movie agrees. He said it was a decent mystery movie for him and an appropriate scary movie for young teens...nothing to heavy....just a good ghost story.

So if you like historical movies with a great setting, if you like mysteries, if you like light ghost stories, or even if you just like Daniel Radcliffe, go see it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Next month's date night...The Hunger Games!!! They showed a preview for it before the movie last night, and my husband says he's interested in seeing it. Excited!!!!

Looking Forward To The Garden

2012-02-02T09:46:00.000-06:00

We got the Gurney's Seed & Nursery Co. 2012 Spring Catalog in the mail a couple days ago. My husband and I are looking it over and making our wish list for this spring. There are so many beautiful photos of fruits, and veggies, and flowers. It's fun to look at even if you aren't thinking of doing a garden.

Source: My Photo

If you'd like to order a catalog or just browse around their website you can do so by clicking HERE.

Here's a few items from my wish list! I'm so ready for spring!

Silver Lace Black Primrose
Source: Gurney's

Dwarf Meyer Lemon-Patio Plant
Source: Gurney's

Ceramic Compost Crock
Source: Gurney's

My Thoughts On "The Woman In Black"

2012-02-01T09:52:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford--a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway--to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow's house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind it's sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images--a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child's scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed in black.

Susan Hill
Source: www.susan-hill.com

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"And then, from somewhere within the depths of the house--but somewhere not very far from the room in which I was--I heard a noise."

From The Woman in Black page 108

I chose to read this book for no other reason than I saw the preview for the movie and immediately knew I wanted to see it. Then I discovered that it was a book, and I always try to read the book first. The previews look very creepy, so I was super excited to start this one. However, after reading the book and seeing the previews I know that the movie must be only "loosely" based on the book.

There was a lot of build up in this book and lots of talk of how Kipp's experiences had affected the rest of his life, but there were actually very few ghosts. The description of the setting--the marshes, estuary, the small village, the house itself--was very well done and very creepy in itself. I could see the vastness in my mind and imagine what lonliness Kipp must have felt in that huge old house all alone. One thing I would have loved to read more about in the book is the background of Alice Drablow, the late owner of the house. Unfortunately all we know of her is that she was standoffish, had no family or friends, and lived her live as a recluse in Eel Marsh House. I would have loved to know more.

I have to say that The Woman in Black wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be. I really had trouble "settling in" to this book. You know how when you really get into a book and you're enjoying it you almost absorb the pages? That never happened for me with this book. I was conscious of every word I read and found myself having to reread words, sentences, and even paragraphs often. It really bugs me when that happens.

Anyway, even though I scare VERY easily, this book just wasn't scary to me, but I won't go as far as saying it was bad. It was ok for me. If you like ghost stories and are interested in this book, I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading it. Everyone is different...you may love it.

My husband and I are going to see the movie this weekend, so I'll definitely be doing a blog comparing the movie and the book. I'm really looking forward to see the movie, but I'm even more excited about the very rare date night I will be enjoying with my husband (:

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An estuary is mentioned several times in the book. I had a vague idea of what an estuary is, but I wanted a more precise definition. According to the EPA, "an estuary is a partially enclosed body of water along the coast where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean. Estuaries and the lands surrounding them are places of transition from land to sea and freshwater to salt water. Although influenced by the tides, they are protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds, and storms by such land forms as barrier islands and peninsulas." (Source: water.epa.gov)

Estuary
Source: http://water.epa.gov

I Read About Jessie, Calpurnia, Percy, Katniss & Peeta, Catherine, And Ivy June...

2012-01-30T09:07:00.000-06:00

In 2012 I will be participating in the The Cupcake Wars Reading Challenge hosted by Brenda at Curling Up With A Good Book.

Source: Curling Up With A Good Book

The idea behind this challenge is to concentrate on a different genre for each month of 2012, and the genre for January was Juv/YA fiction.

Here's what I read:

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on Secret of the Night Ponies by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thought on The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on The Son of Neptune by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on The Hunger Games by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on Catching Fire by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on Mockingjay by clicking HERE.

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Source: Goodreads

You can read my thoughts on Faith, Hope, and Ivy June by clicking HERE.

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I read seven books this month for the reading challenge. Over all I think January was a very productive reading month for me. It sure was fun, and I enjoyed every book I read. The stand out for me this month was The Hunger Games Trilogy. I just loved it. I'm hoping to squeeze in one more book for the month of January (it's not YA) to bring my total to eight.

Bring on the romance....

My Thoughts On "faith, hope, and ivy june"

2012-01-27T21:50:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

Two Kentucky girls, Ivy June Mosely of Thunder Creek and Catherine Combs of Lexington, are participating in their schools' seventh grade student exchange program. Taking turns, each girl leaves home for two weeks to live and attend classes with the other, and writes about the experience in a journal.
In some ways, the girls are worlds apart. Ivy June lives up in the mountains with her grandparents, Mammaw and Pappaw Mosely, because it's so crowded at her parents' place. Catherine lives with her family in a beautiful house with plenty of space for everyone. As the girls spend time in each other's neck of the woods, they find out that they've both been keeping secrets. And when, without warning, Ivy June and Catherine face the terror of not knowing what's happening to their loved ones, they discover that they may be more alike than different.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Source: Goodreads

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Faith, hope, and ivy june is a book that my daughter (8) bought at her school book fair, and this is one instance where I'm so glad that I read the book before she did. It's simply not appropriate for her.

It's not a bad book. I enjoyed it mostly. I really like the characters, Ivy June and Catherine. They were likable, funny, and honest. I enjoyed reading about life in the eastern Kentucky mountains. What I didn't realize is that this book has a lot of coal mining in it. You see Ivy June's "Pappaw" is a coal miner, and that's fine. My husband is a coal miner. We are proud of coal miners!

However, there is a lot of talk in the book about how much Ivy worries about her grandfather while he's down in the mine, they talk about working in the mine like it's a form of cruel and unusual punishment, and in the end there is a mining accident with lots of details. There are references to real life mining disasters, descriptions of the families waiting at the church for news, and descriptions of what may or may not be going on down there...explosions, rock falls, floods, drowning, deaths...all very scary, especially if your Daddy is a coal miner.

The danger of working in the coal mine is not a foreign concept to my daughter. She is very smart and she knows. I know this because she's shared her fears with me. I know what she worries about, and that's why I'm so glad she didn't read this book. I see no need in her reading a book that will bring up new fears or bring to the forefront fears that most days she tucks away. I won't throw this book away, but I will tuck it away in the back of the cabinet. Maybe she will read it some day, but for now it hits too close to home.

Flies, Lions, And A Woman In Black

2012-01-26T15:23:00.000-06:00

My sister and I went out shopping today and needless to say, more books found their way to my house. I bought three used books, and they're all in good condition. I also purchased one new book.

The first is Lord of the Flies by William Golding and I paid $.50 for it.

Source: Goodreads

The second book is The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. The funny thing is I was just telling my daughter I think it's time for her to read this one, so I'm glad I found it. I paid $.25 for it.

Source: Goodreads

The next book is The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. I paid $.25 for it.

Source: Goodreads

And the last book is a new book, The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. I've been seeing the movie previews for this one, and I'm interested in seeing it. I have to read the book first though, so when I saw this while I was grocery shopping I had to get it.

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford--a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway--to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow's house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind its sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images--a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child's scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed all in black.

I'm really looking forward to reading all of these, but I think The Woman in Black is the next book for me.

Two New Books Today!!!

2012-01-25T15:31:00.000-06:00

My latest order from amazon.com came in the mail today.

The first one is The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing by Anne K. Edwards. I purchased this book for fairly obvious reasons. I do a book blog and would like to learn how to do a proper book review.

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

If you're an experienced reviewer, The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing will serve as an excellent reference tool and amalgam of resources. If you're a beginner, this book will show you how to write a well-written, honest, objective and professional book review. It will also teach you:
How to read critically
How to differentiate the various types of reviews
How to rate books
How to prevent amateurish mistakes
How to deal with ethics and legalities of reviewing
How to start your own review site
How to publish your reviews on dozens of sites and even make money while you're at it, and much more
If you're an author, publisher, publicist, bookseller, librarian, or reader, this book will also bring to light the importance and influence of book reviews within a wider spectrum.

________________________________________________

The second book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I purchased this book because it's been on my "to be read" list for a long time. I'm also participating in a reading challenge that will focus on the romance genre during the month of February. I've read several books by Rivers and, I've never been disappointed. So I'm anticipating loving this one.

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea, a man who seeks his Father's heart in everything. Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's bitter expectations, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening comes overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does...the One who will never let her go.

A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is a life-changing story of God's unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love.

Primrose

2012-01-24T19:35:00.000-06:00

With The Hunger Games Trilogy still on my mind...

In the books Primrose is Katniss Everdeen's younger sister, and Peeta plants some primrose bushes outside Katniss's house. That got me thinkging..."What excactly does a primrose look like?".

Here are some examples...

Blue Primrose

Source: www.mooseyscountrygarden.com

Danova Growers Select Mix

Source: www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com

Common Primrose

Source: Wikipedia.org

The Last In The Series: Mockingjay

2012-01-23T15:49:00.001-06:00

Source: Goodreads

Goodreads summary...

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy will keep your hearts pounding.

_____________________________________________

I know a lot of people have a favorite book from this series or one that just wasn't quite as good for them as the others, but that wasn't the case for me. I couldn't pick a favorite. I loved them all, and I have to say that this may be one of my favorite series of all time. I just loved it.

I do think that the last book was different from the first two though, and very much so. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are full of action and violence, but there's also hope. There's the hope that Katniss and Peeta share that they might each be able to save the other.

In Mockingjay there is a lot of misery and madness, but very little hope. It was easy at times for me to say well what was it all for then. But that is what makes this an amazing book because you are feeling this along with Katniss. I think during a lot of the book that is exactly what Katniss is feeling.

Having said that, I loved the ending and the epilogue shows you exactly what the point was...love, honor, and freedom.

_______________________________________________

Now that I've read the entire series, I am super excited for the movie. I think the casting is brilliant, and I especially like Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna,Stylist to Katniss
www.disneydreaming.com

_______________________________________________

This trilogy really resonated with me. Katniss and Peeta are those rare literary characters who will stay with me forever. So even if you aren't a "young adult" and are having doubts about whether this series is for you, set them aside. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

What An Appropriate Title...Catching Fire

2012-01-20T13:33:00.001-06:00

Source: Goodreads

Goodreads Summary...

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in The Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster children for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. The new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by the Capitol...

Suzanne Collins
Author of The Hunger Games Series
Source: Goodreads

___________________________________________

I just finished Catching Fire, and when I say just finished, I mean I read the last word of the book ten minutes ago. I just couldn't wait to blog about it. I know I should probably wait a few hours and think about it a little, but I won't because I loved it! For me, Catching Fire was even better than The Hunger Games.

After reading the first book I said I loved Katniss's character, but now after reading Catching Fire I know that was a huge understatement. What Collins was able to do with her character is amazing. I don't like her because she's perfect and always knows the right answer. It's quite the contrary actually. She is an extremely flawed, scared young woman who at her core is very good. She has all the great qualities of a heroine...bravery, toughness, skill, honor, undying love, and spunk, but she also has the qualities that make her very real...fear, jealousy, pain, mental break downs, indecision, moodiness, anger, and at times weakness. These real qualities are what make her bravery and unconditional love for Peeta (fellow tribute), Gale (best friend), and her family all the more believable and inspiring.

Katniss isn't the only good thing about this book. I really like all the characters especially Peeta. The story itself was riveting to me. The book is full danger, sadness, humor, happiness, anger and yes sappy love stuff, and I felt it all.

I love to read, and I find that I enjoy most books I read. But I really love when I come across books that make me remember why I'm so passionate about reading--the books and characters that stay with you long after you've finished the book. Yes I know this is YA fiction, and I am no longer a young adult. I am a 35 year old mother, but a great story is a great story no matter how old you are.

Now I'm off to the rest of my day, eagerly anticipating later this evening when I can dive into Mockingjay which at this moment is on my kitchen counter.

Stop SOPA And PIPA

2012-01-19T09:48:00.000-06:00

Source: Wikipedia

If you care about your freedom, then you should care about SOPA and PIPA.

SOPA and PIPA are two bills before congress right now that would basically make it legal for our government to censor what we view on the internet. When our government starts controlling what information we can and cannot see, we are in big trouble.

To learn more about this issue please visit my friend, Susie's, blog. She explains it much better than I can. You can visit her blog by clicking HERE.

You can also visit Google to learn more about it and sign a petition by clicking HERE.

_______________________________________

Source: Wikipedia

"The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well informed enough to maintain its sovereign control over the government."

Franklin D. Roosevelt

(Quote Source: Goodreads)

My Thoughts On "The Hunger Games"

2012-01-18T09:26:00.001-06:00

Source: Goodreads

Suzanne Collins
Source: www.suzannecollinsbooks.com

_______________________________________________

I knew nothing about The Hunger Games until I started blogging last year. Then it was every where. It seemed like every blog I visited had reviewed this book, and it was on all the must read lists. My sister and I both love to read and we trade book recommendations back and forth, and I love to buy her books for any occasion...birthdays, Mother's Day, Christmas, just because. I bought her The Hunger Games, and she liked it. So over the next few months I bought her the the other two books in the series. But I still hadn't read it.

Then I read a post on one of my favorite blogs, Susie's Blog. She had recently read The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and was in the middle of Mockingjay. She had good things to say, so I decided it was time to read them. Plus I had just signed up for this awesome reading challenge I'm doing for 2012, and the genre for January is Juvenile/YA fiction. It just seemed like the time to read it.

Let me just say that I did not expect to love this book as much as I do. From the very first page I was hooked and couldn't put it down. I love character driven books, and man oh man is Katniss a character. I just love her. Suzanne Collins gives her such an authentic voice. It feels like someone is telling you their story. I totally forgot I was reading a book. Nothing felt forced to me.

___________________________________________

I cannot wait until the movie comes out in March, and just for fun I thought I'd add the preview to my post.

My Thoughts On "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

2012-01-15T16:46:00.001-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the dust jacket...

"Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem--when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery--although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely--enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophecy of Seven."

Rick Riordan
Source: Goodreads

This is not a stand alone book! If you want to get the most out of this book, there are other books you must read first...

The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

Source: Goodreads

The Lightening Thief

The Sea of Monsters

The Titan's Curse

The Battle of the Labyrinth

The Last Olympian

The Heroes of Olympus Series

Book 1
Source: www.rickriordan.com

Book 2
Just finished this one!
Source: www.rickriordan.com

And the next book in the series is due out Fall 2012...

The Mark of Athena

Book 3

__________________________________________________

I loved this book! Rick Riordan has a way of making you really care about these kids in his books. The Son of Neptune is full of the humor, action/adventure, history, love and loyalty I loved in all the previous books. I have to admit that I was a little worried at first. Maybe it was because it was all new. Percy didn't remember anything and he was at a Roman demigod camp (Percy is a Greek demigod). Everything was different...even the name of the gods...same gods-different names. About 80 pages in though, everything changed, and I was swept away to the world I had so enjoyed from the previous books--the world of centaurs, cyclops, giants, harpies, gods, demigods, Greeks, and Romans. I think what I love most about these books is the puzzle of it all...trying to figure it out, and then being amazed when it all comes together.

____________________________________________________

I just thought I'd share a picture of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea and earthquakes. Poseidon is the father of Percy in Rick Riordan's books.

Source: wikipedia

What I Cooked Tonight...

2012-01-14T19:18:00.001-06:00

I used my Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible again this weekend. I'm still loving this great Christmas gift from my daughter.

Source: Goodreads

I chose to try the recipe from page 162.

SUNDAY BAKED CHICKEN

4 T (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp paprika

1 whole chicken (3 1/2 pounds), rinsed and patted dry

2 tsp salt

1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, unpeeled

1. Preheat the oven to 375.

2. In a bowl, mash together the butter, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, the thyme, and the paprika. Sprinkle the chicken inside and out with the salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the chicken all over with the butter mixture, spreading it as evenly as possible so the chicken will brown evenly.

3. Scatter the potatoes, carrots, and garlic in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Top the vegetables with a roasting rack. Place the chicken on the rack, breast side up. Roast, stirring the vegetables occasionally, until the chicken is golden, the thigh juices run clear when pierced with a knife, or the temperature registers 180 degrees F in the thigh, about 1 1/2 hours.

4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes before carving. Serve with the vegetables and pan juices.

(Recipe Source: Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible)

Here's the results...

Right out of the oven
Source: My Photo

Source: My Photo

This recipe was a big hit! My husband and my daughter both loved this meal. It was really easy to do. There's just a little prep work with the chicken. My husband especially liked the veggies. I will absolutely make this again, and maybe try it with different vegetables.

My daughter and I also made a cake today...Devil's Food cake with chocolate icing.

Source: My Photo

It's not perfect, but my daughter and I made it together. It was delicious, and my daughter was so excited to serve it to her Daddy with a big glass of cold milk.

So needless to say I'm very proud of it :)

The Son of Neptune...180 Pages In

2012-01-13T20:47:00.000-06:00

I'm on page 180 of The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it as first, but I am quickly being drawn into the story, and as I get to know the new characters I'm liking them more and more. It just took me a while to get back in the groove.

So far this book has taken place in a Roman demigod (one parent mortal/one parent god) camp. That in itself threw me for a loop because in all the previous books we've been reading about Greek gods. Since demigods are often warriors there is lots of talk about Roman weapons, and I grew curious about what each one looks like. I decided to look them up and share them with you...just in case you're interested.

Gladius

Source: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.html#Pompeianus

Spatha

Source: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.html

Pilum

Source: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.html

Pugio

Source: http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Attack.html

Greaves

Armor that protects the legs

These are Greek greaves but Romans wore something similar
Source: Wikipedia.org

If you are interested in learning more about Rick Riordan or any of his books you can visit his website by clicking HERE.

What I'm Reading Next...

2012-01-12T14:02:00.000-06:00

As you probably know I'm reading The Son of Neptune right now, and I'm hoping to finish it by this weekend. I all ready have an idea of what I'd like to read next and I'm very excited about it.

I've been hearing lots of great things about The Hunger Games Series...everyone is blogging about it, my sister is on the last book in the series now, and everyone seems to be excited about the upcoming movie. I figure what better time to read it than now since the reading challenge I'm participating in this year focuses on juvenile/YA fiction for the month of January. Plus my sister owns all three books in the series, so I'll just borrow them from her.

What I'm Reading Next...

Source: Goodreads

Here's the preview for the movie.

The Lorax Movie...We're So Excited!

2012-01-11T09:08:00.000-06:00

Over the Christmas holiday my daughter and I went to see the movie "Arthur Christmas". It was a really cute movie, and we enjoyed it. But it was one of the previews that came on before the movie that got us really excited.

My daughter has always loved Dr. Seuss, and one of our favorite books of his has always been The Lorax. We've been reading it together since she was a baby. I couldn't tell you how many times we've read this book.

Source: Goodreads

Here's the preview...

We are soooo excited to see this!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
Nothing is going to get better. It's not.”
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Newberry Medal Award Winners 1922-Present

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday's post was about The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate which is a Newberry Honor book, and it got me wondering about what books have won the Newberry Medal over the years.

The Newberry Award is given out each year by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. You can visit their website and check out the entire list of winners yourself by clicking HERE.

The very first book ever given the Newberry Medal was The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem van Loot in 1922.

Source: http://www.uri.edu/library/cml/resources/newbery.html

The latest book awarded the Newberry Medal was Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool in 2011.

Source: Goodreads

I've read five books that have won the Newberry Medal:

Shilioh by Phyllis Reynolds won the award in 1992.

Source: Goodreads

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan won the award in 1986.

Source: Goodreads

Sounder by William H. Armstrong won the award in 1970.

Source: Goodreads

A Wrinkle in Time by Meleleine L'Engle won the award in 1963.

Source: Goodreads

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell won the award in 1961.

Source: Goodreads

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

2012-01-09T12:19:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...

"Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century."

Jacqueline Kelly
Source: macmillan

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is a Newberry Honor winner, which means it was a runner-up for the Newberry Medal. The Newberry Award is an award given out by the American Library Association to the most "distinguished" children's books from the previous year. The Newberry Medal was the first award for children's books in the world.

______________________________________________

I bought this book at my daughter's last book fair because I thought the cover was beautiful. It really caught my eye and I had to have it. Once I read the back, I knew it was my kind of story. I love stories from the past, coming of age stories, and stories about girls bucking the system and becoming what they want to be instead of what is expected of them. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate is all three.

Calpurnia is an 11 year old girl sandwiched in between two sets of brothers...3 older and 3 younger. That in itself makes her an interesting girl. When a curiosity about grasshoppers inspires her to ask a question of her reclusive grandfather, she is introduced to the world of a naturalist, and finds a new best friend in the grandfather she had never taken the time to notice before. Unfortunately for Calpurnia, her mother decides that this is also the time for Calpurnia to begin her training in cooking and running a house. So Calpurnia struggles to balance the life she wants to lead... discovering nature with her grandfather and the life she is expected to prepare for...the life of a wife and mother. All Calpurnia want to be is a scientist.

I really enjoyed this book, and I'm excited for my daughter to read it. I do expect lots of questions though. There are lots of plant terms and "big words", but I will take the route of Calpurnia's mother when Calpurnia didn't know a word..."get the dictionary and look it up".

What I Cooked Tonight!

2012-01-07T19:33:00.000-06:00

In my previous post I told you about the cookbook my daughter got me for Christmas, Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible. Tonight I decided to make something from the book. I chose Fried Pork Chops with Tomato Gravy from page 142.

Source: Goodreads

Fried Pork Chops with Tomato Gravy

4 bone-in center-cut pork chops (1 inch thick, 1/2 pound each)
Salt and Black Pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3 T. olive oil
4 T. butter
2 T. finely chopped onion
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. whole milk
1/2 c. chicken broth or water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1. Lightly sprinkle the chops on both sides with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chops and cook, without moving, until a dark golden crust forms on the bottom of each, 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the chops and cook for 5 minutes more. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.

2. Add the butter to the skillet and melt. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Go ahead and reduce the heat if the onion starts to brown too quickly. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, then the broth or water. Simmer the mixture until thickened , about 5 minutes. Whisk in the tomatoes, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve to a hungry family.
(Recipe Source: Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible, pg. 141)

I chose to serve the pork chops over brown rice along side crispy fried okra, and here's the finished product.

Source: My Photo

This was a fairly easy recipe, fun to cook, and the end result was yummy! The okra went very well with the gravy and rice...it added the needed crunch to the meal. Plus I think tomatoes and okra go well together.

That's what I cooked tonight!!!

A Christmas Gift From My Daughter

2012-01-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

One of the best gifts I got this Christmas was from my 8 year old daughter. She thought of it all by herself and I love it.

She got me Paula Deen's Southern Cooking Bible. She knows me so well, and it makes me happy that she pays attention to what I like. I love books, cooking, and the Food Network, so what could be a more perfect gift than this book.

455 Pages
Source: Goodreads

From Goodreads...

"Hi, y’all!This book is my proudest achievement so far, and I just have to tell y’all why I am so excited about it. It’s a book of classic dishes, dedicated to a whole new generation of cooks—for every bride, graduate, and anyone who has a love of a great Southern meal. My family is growing and expanding all the time. We’re blessed with marriages and grandbabies, and so sharing these recipes for honest, down-home dishes feels like passing a generation’s worth of stovetop secrets on to my family, and yours.I’ve been cooking and eating Southern food my whole life, and I can tell you that every meal you make from this book will be a mouthful of our one-of-akind spirit and traditions. These recipes showcase the diversity and ingenuity of Southern cuisine, from Cajun to Low-Country and beyond, highlighting the deep cultural richness of our gumbos and collards, our barbecues and pies. You may remember a few beloved classics from The Lady & Sons, but nearly all of these recipes are brand-new—and I think you’ll find that they are all mouthwateringly delicious. It is, without a doubt, a true Southern cooking bible.I sincerely hope that this book will take its place in your kitchen for many years to come, as I know it will in mine. Here’s to happy cooking—and the best part, happy eating, y’all! Best dishes,Paula Deen"

This is a really good book with LOTS of recipes, a very detailed table of contents, and a great index in the back that makes it so easy to find any recipe you're loooking for. My husband actually tried the book first. He cooked the ham biscuits from page 17, and they were really good.

I really love the movie, "Julia & Julia". I loved how she took Julia Child's cookbook and worked her way through it one recipe at a time. Although I won't go as far as she did (one new recipe every day), I am inspired to commit to one new recipe from my new cookbook a week. I want my daughter to see that I really love her gift, and I'm using it. I know she'll be proud to try the new food that she inspired.

I've Joined a New Reading Challenge

2012-01-05T13:43:00.000-06:00

The Cupcakes War Reading Challenge 2012

Hosted by Brenda Gail

Curling Up With a Good Book

Click HERE to visit this great blog and join this challenge.

Secret of the Night Ponies

2012-01-05T13:13:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

Joan Hiatt Harlow
Source: Goodreads

From the Back Cover...

Jessie Wheller is a girl who knows her own heart and will do everything she can to follow it. So when Jessie discovers a neglected orphan girl and a captured herd of wild ponies, she is ready (or at least, more than willing) to come to the rescue. With her Newfoundland dog, Blizzard, Jessie is never at a loss for helpful companions. And help is what she will need to survive a daring midnight adventure.

Author Joan Hiatt Harlow revisits the rugged shores of Newfoundland in 1965 in this exciting story of a girl and her beloved horses.

Joan Hiatt Harlow is the award-winning author of Star in the Storm, Thunder from the Sea, and Blown Away!

_________________________________________

Secret of the Night Ponies is a book that my daughter purchased at her last school book fair. I really enjoy reading children's books and I try to read most of the books my daughter buys and reads. It's something that I really enjoy being able to share with her, and something I feel that all parents should do. We should know what our kids are reading, watching, and listening to. Plus I know it makes her feel good for Mom to read her books. I love talking books with my little girl.

I really enjoyed this book, and I loved the main character, Jessie. She is an innocent yet spunky girl. Her love for her family, her animals, and her home is refreshing. She is a great illustration of what courage means: doing what's right even when it scares you.

I feel like this is a great book for kids, and I can't wait for my daughter to read it.

Merry Christmas!!! And see you in the New Year!!!

2011-12-23T09:31:00.000-06:00

I'd like to wish all my blogging friends a very Merry Christmas!

I have really missed blogging over the past few months, but life has been crazy. I'm not giving it up though. I will be back in January, and I'm so looking forward to it.

Just for fun here are a couple of my all time favorite Christmas movies...

Source: http://www.imdb.com/

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"And the Angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 KJV Bible

Remember...Wise men still seek HIM!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!!!

Now For Books...

2011-11-18T08:43:00.000-06:00

I went yesterday and did my big grocery shop for Thanksgiving. Thank goodness that's over! Grocery shopping is not my favorite thing, but I love to cook and I must feed my family therefore shopping is a necessity...lol.

Now I'm looking forward to a great weekend including two basketball games for my daughter and a date night with my hubby! Then next week my husband's off ALL week, and my daughter only has two days of schhool. There's nothing better than a week spent with my two most favorite people in the world! It's one of the reasons I so love the holidays...lots of extra time with the ones I love.

Now for books...

My daughter was totally into Goosebumps during the month of October, but I told her she needed to switch and read something different after Halloween. So the month of November has been full of Nancy Drew. I loved Nancy Drew when I was little.

Her class has been studying about the pilgrims and Native Americans at school this month, so I suggested she read The Island of the Blue Dolphins this week while she's off, and she seems pretty excited to do it. I'm looking forward to hearing her thoughts.

As for me I'm still reading Secret of the Night Ponies. It's a cute little book, and I expect to finish today. I've been busy, so it's taking me longer to read it than I wanted. I'm not sure what I'll read next.

Any suggestions???

A Childhood Favorite Reread: Island of the Blue Dolphins

2011-11-14T13:36:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

"Far off the coast of California looms a harsh rock know as San Nicholas Island. Blue dolphins splash in the water surrounding it, sea otters play in the kelp beds, and seabirds roost in its crags. Once, Indians also lived on the island--until one day they decided to leave and sailed to the east.

A young girl was left behind.

Karana is that girl. Year after year, she waits for the ship to come back. But it never does. Finally, she realizes she must make a fateful choice: follow her people on her own or remain alone on the island for the rest of her life."

Scott O'Dell
5/23/1898-10/16/1989
Source: Goodreads

_____________________________________________

I read lots of books as a little girl, but only a few stand out in my memory all these years later. Among them are The Mona Lisa Mystery, Anne of Green Gables, and the book featured in this blog, The Island of the Blue Dolphins.

I have always known I loved The Island of the Blue Dolphins, and I've mentioned it to my daughter several times. But I realized that I had forgotten a lot of the story having read it more than twenty years ago. I recently purchased it for my daughter, and I was excited to reread it. I'm so glad I did.

It is such a wonderful story of bravery, survival, hard work, and making the best out of life no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. It is full of beautiful scenery and animals. Her friendships with the animals and her love she feels for them is my favorite thing about the book. If you have a child that is an animal lover I believe she would enjoy this book. There are some serious and sad parts in the book though nothing inappropriate.

My Thoughts On "Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller"

2011-11-12T20:46:00.000-06:00

Source: Goodreads

Sarah Miller
Source: Goodreads

From the back cover...

Annie Sullivan was little more than a half blind orphan with a fiery tongue when she arrived at Ivy Green in 1887. Desperate for work, she'd taken on a seemingly impossible job--teaching a child who was deaf, blind, and as ferocious as any wild animal. But Helen Keller needed more than a teacher. She needed someone daring enough to work a miracle. And if anyone was a match for Helen, it was the girl they used to call Miss Spitfire.

For Annie, reaching Helen's mind meant losing teeth as raging fists flew. It meant standing up when everyone else had given up. It meant shedding tears at the frustrations and the triumphs. By telling the inspiring story from Annie Sullivan's point of view, Sarah Miller's debut novel brings an amazing figure to sharp new life. Annie's past, her brazen determination, and her connection to the girl who would call her Teacher have never been clearer.

__________________________________________________________

Oh how I loved this book!

I have always loved the story of Helen Keller and what she was able to overcome in her life, but I knew very little about Annie Sullivan. So when my daughter bought this book at her last school book fair I knew I'd read it eventually. I'm so happy I did!

Almost every day, I tell my daughter that she can do anything if she's willing to work hard, and that the most important thing is to never give up no matter how hard it gets, or how may times she fails. If you just keep trying you will eventually succeed. This has been true with lots of things in her life...school, softball, basketball, singing, piano...it all takes hard work and perseverance. I hope this is something she will carry with her throughout the rest of her life, and "Miss Spitfire" is a perfect illustration of this idea. I think all young girls should read it.

Even though I'm an adult I love to read children's books. They just make me feel good, and with my recent illness I longed for something to make me feel good and inspire me. I've been in a reading slump lately, so I wanted something easy to read as well. "Miss Spitfire" was just what I needed.

In the back of the book there are pictures of Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, and places mentioned in the book. There is a timeline and lists of books, online sources, and videos that will give you lots more information about Helen Keller and her beloved Teacher, Annie Sullivan. One of the books I'm particularly interested in reading is "Teacher" written by Helen Keller about Annie Sullivan.

Source: Goodreads

Helen Keller
Source: Wikipedia

Annie Sullivan
Source: http://www.anniesullivan.org/

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
― Helen Keller

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”
― Helen Keller

“For three things I thank God every day of my life: thanks that he has vouchsafed me knowledge of his works; deep thanks that he has set in my darkness the lamp of faith; deep, deepest thanks that I have another life to look forward to--a life joyous with light and flowers and heavenly song.”
― Helen Keller

My First Win...Thanks Callapidder Days!!!

2011-11-09T08:35:00.000-06:00

I'd like to say a big THANK YOU to Katrina at Callapidder Days for the awesome book I won during her first Fall Into Reading Giveaway. Fall Into Reading is an awesome reading challenge Katrina hosts every year to inspire us all to finally get to those books we've been meaning to read for so long, and make some much needed progress on those ever growing "to be read" lists!

The book I won was Reclaiming Lilly by Patti Lacy.

Source: Goodreads

Goodreads Summary...

Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer...or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?

Thanks again Katrina!!!

I'm Still Here...

2011-10-31T09:20:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I've posted or even read any blogs. Believe it or not I have hardly read anything for the month of October. I've been really sick, so I've been spending my time taking care of my daughter and resting. I couldn't do much else.

BUT...I'm finally starting to feel better and I'm looking forward to reading books and blogs again. I'm going to try to start posting again this week.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

This is the pumpkin my husband and daughter carved this year!
Source: My Photo

Yay!!! It's Here...

2011-10-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

We finally got The Son of Neptune today, and my daughter is very excited. She was reading it before we ever made it to the check out. It made me so happy to see her jump up and down with joy at the mere sight of the book. She's been waiting patiently for so long. I hope it's all she wants it to be, but I know it will be. It's about her favorite literary character, Percy Jackson. She gets to visit with an old friend.

Isn't reading awesome?

Source: Goodreads

Goodreads summary
In the first pages of this standalone sequel to The Lost Hero, Percy Jackson remembers only his name and the name of Annabeth, a mysterious woman he associates somehow with the city of San Francisco. From those sparse clues, he must somehow complete a mission for the leader of the Roman camp even as he is being pursued by the two sisters of Medusa, who possess an apparently unquenchable thirst for vengeance: Even when killed, they spring back to life. Rick Riordan's second Heroes of Olympus promises even more excitement than the first.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2011-10-04T07:53:00.000-05:00

I've been super busy! I haven't felt all that great lately either. I haven't had much time to read or blog. Hoping to get back on schedule in the next day or two.

Southern Belle Reading Challenge Wrap Up...Man Was It Fun

2011-10-01T20:19:00.000-05:00

Southern Belle Reading Challenge
Hosted by Brenda Gail at Curling Up With A Good Book

Well September is over, and I'm sad to say so is the Southern Belle Reading Challenge. But I'm glad to report that Brenda says she will host it again next year...Yay! So if you missed it this year start making your list now.

This challenge was about all things "southern"...fiction set in the south, non-fiction, cook books, magazines, food, music, festivals, and famous southerners. Before this challenge I hadn't read all that much southern fiction, but now I have to say that I have a real love for it. I have found so many good books and authors by participating in this challenge. Not only did I find lots of new books...I found a new blog that I absolutely love and visit every day. Brenda did such a great job running this challenge. Every day she posted a southern topic on her blog, and they were all different. I learned a lot about the south, and had fun doing it. I also loved reading all the great comments from others doing the challenge. I'm always interested in what others are reading.

I read 5 books in the month of September for the Southern Belle Reading Challenge.

Source: Goodreads

The first book I read for the challenge was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. You can read my review HERE.

Source: Goodreads

The second book I read for the challenge was My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle. You can read my review HERE.

Source: Goodreads

The third book I read for the challenge was Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg. You can read my review HERE.

Source: Goodreads

Book number four and perhaps my favorite from the entire challenge was Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews. I had no idea what to expect from this book, and to be honest I was expecting a shallow girly book. Boy was i wrong! This was a deep meaningful book, but fun at the same time. You can read my review HERE.

Source: Goodreads

The fifth and final book I read for the challenge was The Southern Belle of Honeysuckle Way by Linda Bruckheimer. I haven't posted a review yet, but look for it soon!

My goal for the challenge was 4 books. I met it plus one, so I'm very happy. The Southern Belle Reading Challenge was lots of fun, and I will definitely be doing it again next September. Thanks Brenda!!!

Do Your Kids Love To Read?

2011-09-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

I found an article by James Patterson on CNN.com today. It's about a subject that is very near and dear to my heart..."How to get your kid to be a fanatic reader". Reading is such an important part of every day life, and I am very happy to say that my daughter is a "reading fanatic" and reads every day. You can read the article by clicking HERE.

Lots of Great Book Lists...

2011-09-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

I've spent the last few days visiting the blogs of others who are participating in Fall Into Reading 2011. FIR is hosted by Katrina over at Callapidder Days. I've visited 25 so far, and added many books to my To Be Read list. If you have some time you should go check out the challenge and those participating.

The Help is on a LOT of people's list, and I've only heard good things. It's on my list too, and I'm anxious to get to it. I need to finish my library books first though.

Sometimes I feel like I'm reading in slow motion...

Thomas Jefferson's Library

2011-09-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

I love Thomas Jefferson's historic home, Monticello, and I often go check out their website and online catalog (I have a wish list a mile long). When I visited Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia with my family a couple years ago the library was one of my favorite rooms. Check out an article about Jefferson's library on Monticello's website HERE.

Library at Monticello
Source: www.monticello.org

Jefferson Bookstand
Source: www.monticellocatalog.org

Among the many ingenious devices found in Jefferson's Cabinet, this one perhaps most clearly suggests Jefferson's passion for knowledge. One can imagine him turning the stand, completely engrossed, consulting five books at once to find the answer to a burning question. Our bookstand is a line-by-line reproduction of the original, which was made in the joinery at Monticello, probably from Jefferson's own design. It's great for cross-checking information from several sources or just keeping reference books and current reading handy. Made of solid mahogany with a soft, hand-polished finish, the rotating stand holds five books at adjustable angles on rests that fold down to form a 12" cube. (Source: www.monticellocatalog.org)

___________________________________________

I've had some very busy days lately with more to come over the next couple weeks. My progress on The Southern Belles of Honeysuckle Way is slower than I'd like, but I am reading every day. That's really all I can ask of myself. Hoping to finish it tomorrow...

Honeysuckle...

2011-09-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

I'm currently reading The Southern Belles of Honeysuckle Way, so I thought I'd do a little research on the honeysuckle.

Source: http://www.druidry.org/

“The honeysuckle produces large amounts of nectar. It has strongly scented flowers, attracting moths in the evening. In Shakespeare's time, the plant was called woodbine..."
(Source: http://www.druidry.org/)

A honeysuckle is a plant that can range from a vine to a shrub. There are around one hundred eighty different varieties of honeysuckle. Some of them are deciduous and some are evergreen. Many of the deciduous honeysuckle can also be evergreen in warmer climates. The height of a mature honeysuckle varies by species, but usually ranges from one to three feet tall. The hardiness of a honeysuckle plant also varies by species, with most hardy in zones five through eight.
(Source: About Honeysuckle)

Honeysuckle--Honeyrose
Source: www.naturehills.com

Japanese Honeysuckle
Source: www.duke.edu

______________________________________________

I thought I'd look for another book with honeysuckle in the title, and here's what I found...

This one has some great reviews on Goodreads!
Source: Goodreads

Goodreads summary...

Civil War-no one could flee from the nightmare of battle and the countless lives it devoured. Everyone had sacrificed-suffered profound misery and unimaginable loss. Vivianna Bartholomew was no exception. The war had torn her from her home-orphaned her. The merciless war seemed to take everything-even the man she loved. Still, Vivianna yet knew gratitude-for a kind friend had taken her in upon the death of her parents. Thus, she was cared for-even loved. Yet, as General Lee surrendered signaling the war's imminent end-as Vivianna remained with the remnants of the Turner family-her soul clung to the letters written by her lost soldier-to his memory written in her heart. Could a woman ever heal from the loss of such a love? Could a woman's heart forget that it may find another? Vivianna Bartholomew thought not. Still, it is often in the world that miracles occur-that love endures even after hope has been abandoned. Thus, one balmy Alabama morning-as two ragged soldiers wound the road toward the Turner house-Vivianna began to know-to know that miracles do exist-that love is never truly lost.

Banned Books Week

2011-09-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

Source: www.ala.org/bbooks

Banned Books Week

September 24--October 1

A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice. (Source: ALA)

Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books: 2000-2009

1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
2. Alice series, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
4. And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
5. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou
7. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
8. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
9. ttyl; ttfn; l8r g8r (series), by Myracle, Lauren
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
11. Fallen Angels, by Walter Dean Myers
12. It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robie Harris
13. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey
14. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
15. The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
16. Forever, by Judy Blume
17. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker
18. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
19. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
20. King and King, by Linda de Haan
21. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
22. Gossip Girl (series), by Cecily von Ziegesar
23. The Giver, by Lois Lowry
24. In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak
25. Killing Mr. Griffen, by Lois Duncan
26. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
27. My Brother Sam Is Dead, by James Lincoln Collier
28. Bridge To Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson
29. The Face on the Milk Carton, by Caroline B. Cooney
30. We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier
31. What My Mother Doesn’t Know, by Sonya Sones
32. Bless Me, Ultima, by Rudolfo Anaya
33. Snow Falling on Cedars, by David Guterson
34. The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things, by Carolyn Mackler
35. Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging, by Louise Rennison
36. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
37. It’s So Amazing, by Robie Harris
38. Arming America, by Michael Bellasiles
39. Kaffir Boy, by Mark Mathabane
40. Life is Funny, by E.R. Frank
41. Whale Talk, by Chris Crutcher
42. The Fighting Ground, by Avi
43. Blubber, by Judy Blume
44. Athletic Shorts, by Chris Crutcher
45. Crazy Lady, by Jane Leslie Conly
46. Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
47. The Adventures of Super Diaper Baby, by George Beard
48. Rainbow Boys, by Alex Sanchez
49. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
50. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
51. Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
52. The Great Gilly Hopkins, by Katherine Paterson
53. You Hear Me?, by Betsy Franco
54. The Facts Speak for Themselves, by Brock Cole
55. Summer of My German Soldier, by Bette Green
56. When Dad Killed Mom, by Julius Lester
57. Blood and Chocolate, by Annette Curtis Klause
58. Fat Kid Rules the World, by K.L. Going
59. Olive’s Ocean, by Kevin Henkes
60. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
61. Draw Me A Star, by Eric Carle
62. The Stupids (series), by Harry Allard
63. The Terrorist, by Caroline B. Cooney
64. Mick Harte Was Here, by Barbara Park
65. The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien
66. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred Taylor
67. A Time to Kill, by John Grisham
68. Always Running, by Luis Rodriguez
69. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
70. Harris and Me, by Gary Paulsen
71. Junie B. Jones (series), by Barbara Park
72. Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison
73. What’s Happening to My Body Book, by Lynda Madaras
74. The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold
75. Anastasia (series), by Lois Lowry
76. A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving
77. Crazy: A Novel, by Benjamin Lebert
78. The Joy of Gay Sex, by Dr. Charles Silverstein
79. The Upstairs Room, by Johanna Reiss
80. A Day No Pigs Would Die, by Robert Newton Peck
81. Black Boy, by Richard Wright
82. Deal With It!, by Esther Drill
83. Detour for Emmy, by Marilyn Reynolds
84. So Far From the Bamboo Grove, by Yoko Watkins
85. Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, by Chris Crutcher
86. Cut, by Patricia McCormick
87. Tiger Eyes, by Judy Blume
88. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
89. Friday Night Lights, by H.G. Bissenger
90. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle
91. Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
92. The Boy Who Lost His Face, by Louis Sachar
93. Bumps in the Night, by Harry Allard
94. Goosebumps (series), by R.L. Stine
95. Shade’s Children, by Garth Nix
96. Grendel, by John Gardner
97. The House of the Spirits, by Isabel Allende
98. I Saw Esau, by Iona Opte
99. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, by Judy Blume
100. America: A Novel, by E.R. Frank
(Source: ALA)

________________________________________________

Are there books on this list that I would never want to read? I am sure there are! Are there books on this list that may offend or disturb me? Absolutely! Will I read these books? No...Do I think these books should be banned? NO WAY!!!

It is my choice what I will and will not read, and in my eyes freedom is all about having a choice.

Books I've read from this list:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

The Bluest Eyes

Blubber

Junie B. Jones

Goosebumps

Are You There God? It's Me Margaret

I plan to read Kite Runner in the near future as part of Fall Into Reading.

Fall Into Reading 2011

2011-09-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

September 23--December 21

Hosted by Katrina at Callapidder Days

Fall Into Reading officially kicks off today, and I'm so happy to be taking part in this great reading challenge. I am very new to blogging, and this is only my second reading challenge ever. So wish me luck!!!

Here's my list...

Books From the Library:

The Southern Belles of Honeysuckle Way by Linda Bruckheimer
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
A Small Hotel by Robert Olen Butler
Coal Miner's Holiday by Kiki DeLancey
Catfish Alley by Lynne Bryant

Borrowed From My Sister:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Little Alters Everywhere by Rebecca Wells

I have to find this book:

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

Books I Own But Have Not Read:

This Holler Is My Home by Alyce Faye Bragg
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards
Moods by Louisa May Alcott
Work: A Story of Experience by Louisa May Alcott
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Oath by Frank Peretti
Death of a Stranger by Anne Perry
Silas Marner by George Eliot

So there you have it! Twenty five books in all...

You can visit Calapidder Days to check out other readers' lists by clicking HERE !

Shopping, Lunch, And A Trip To The Library

2011-09-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

My sister and I went out to do some shopping and get lunch today, so of course I have some new books at my house...two of them I bought at Goodwill for $1.06. You can't beat that! I also checked out five from the library.

These two are the goodwill purchases...

Source: Goodreads

These are the books I checked out from the library today...

Source: Goodreads

Most of these are southern fiction, and I know I won't get them all in before the Southern Belle Reading Challenge ends, but I'm loving the southern fiction right now so I'll just keep reading. I'm looking forward to some Halloween-ish reading for the month of October...nothing too scary though!

A Campeachy Chair In My Library

2011-09-21T21:51:00.000-05:00

Reading Hissy Fit which is heavy on interior design, has made me really think about the first room I want to tackle in my own remodel. We have a down stairs room that was my daughter's play room that is now empty except for the piano and my book shelf. This room is going to be my library.

And in my library I would love to have two of these Campeachy Chairs I found at Monticello.org's Online Catalog. I think this chair is absolutely beautiful and looks so comfy. I think the wide arm rests would be perfect for reading.

Campeachy Chair
Source: Monticello.org

It took Thomas Jefferson many letters and more than ten years to get a Campeachy chair sent from New Orleans. (The first one was lost in a shipwreck.) Once he finally received his chair in 1819, he had several copies made. This reproduction is based on a copy crafted by plantation joiner John Hemings, which is now on display in Monticello's parlor. Made of mahogany, it has the same X-shaped base, curvy arms and distinctive top rail. What makes the Campeachy chair so wonderfully comfortable is the sling seat of reinforced leather. The mahogany for the original chairs made in New Orleans came from the Mexican province of Campeche, hence the curious name. 39"h x 27"w x 24"d. Made to order in the U.S.A. from imported wood. (Source: Monticello.org)

Southern Belle Challenge Book # 4: Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews

2011-09-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

Source: Goodreads

Mary Kay Andrews
Source: http://www.marykayandrews.com/

Goodreads summary

Keeley Murdock's wedding to A.J. Jernigan should have been the social event of the season. But when she catches her fiance doing the deed with her maid of honor at the country club rehearsal dinner, all bets are off. And so is the wedding. Keeley pitches the hissy fit of the century, earning herself instant notoriety in the small town of Madison, Georgia.
Even worse is the financial pressure A.J.'s banking family brings to bear on Keeley's interior design business. But riding to the rescue — in a vintage yellow Cadillac — is the redheaded stranger who's bought a failing local bra plant. Will Mahoney hires Keeley to redo the derelict antebellum mansion he's bought. Her assignment: decorate it for the woman of his dreams — a woman he's never met.
Only a designing woman like Keeley Murdock can find a way to clear her name and give her cheating varmint of an ex-fiance the comeuppance he so richly deserves. And only Mary Kay Andrews can deliver such delicious social satire. With Hissy Fit, she's created a story as outrageous, dishy, and true as Savannah Blues and Little Bitty Lies.

_______________________________________

I read this book because I am participating in the Southern Belle Reading Challenge being hosted by Brenda over at Curling Up With a Good Book during the month of September. I found this book on a list that Brenda provided on her blog. You can view Brenda's list of "southern" books by clicking HERE. Hissy Fit is the fourth book I've read for this challenge. I checked out the copy that I read from my local library.

I think what lead me to read this book most of all was the title. "Hissy fit" is a term I've heard and have said all my life, and I've been known to throw a few myself. I was also drawn to the bright yellow cover. Hissy Fit was released in 2004 and has 419 pages. 420 if you count the yummy recipe for "Grit's n' Greens Casserole" on the very last page of the book.

I loved this book! It is so much more than the summary leads you to believe. Yes, it is very funny and very southern, but it is also serious and heart wrenching at times. What the summary doesn't tell you about is the family tragedy that haunts every day of Keely's life or how much this tragedy effects her even twenty five years later.

Keely in an interior designer, so there were a lot of shopping trips for antiques and talk of wall color and flowers. All of which made me want to get my butt in gear and start the remodel of my house that I've been putting off for months!

There were parts in this book that were so hilarious and unexpected that I actually covered my mouth and giggled, but there were also parts that made me shake my head in disgust. Through it all, Keely is likable and real and very southern. I respected Andrews' take on the "southern girl". I found it fair, funny, and very believable. There was no playing to stereotypes or trying to hard.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

Mary Kay Andews

2011-09-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

Mary Kay Andrews
Source: www.marykayandrews.com

Mary Kay Andrews is the author of Hissy Fit, the book I'm currently reading.

Source: Goodreads

She is also the author of :

Summer Rental
The Fixer Upper
Deep Dish
Blue Christmas
Savannah Breeze
Little Bitty Lies
Savannah Blues

You can find out lots of cool stuff about Mary Kay Andrews, including her real name and what other genre she writes by visiting her website. You can go there by clicking HERE.

Who Had A Hissy Fit In Madison, Georgia?

2011-09-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

I'm currently reading Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews. I'm on page 159, and I thought I'd take this opportunity to do a little research on the town that the book is set in, Madison, Georgia.

Welcome to Madison, Georgia!!!!

Check in often with the Madison-Morgan Convention & Visitors Bureau to learn about new and exciting events, ticket prices, admission fees, and the ins and outs of Madison & Morgan County. In 2001, Madison was voted the "#1 Small Town in America" by Travel Holiday Magazine. Madison is Georgia's "authentic southern town", with an array of ambient local dining options, 45+ specialty shops and over 160 antique dealers. Just one hour east of Atlanta on I-20, we're the perfect day trip, but an even better weekend get-away. Madison offers a whole host of bed & breakfasts, national brand lodging options, and even a bonafide guest ranch. See why we're the "Town General Sherman Refused to Burn"! (Source: Explore Georgia)

Source: Explore Georgia

In the book the main character, Keeley, is in the middle of redoing a crumbling antebellum mansion called Mulberry Hill. This is what I imagine it must look like, or will when she's finished.

antebellum: adj.
Belonging to the period before a war, especially the American Civil War. (Source: Answers.com)

Heritage Hall
Greek Revival Home built in 1811
Source: Explore Georgia

Greek Revival: n.An architectural style imitating elements of ancient Greek temple design, popular in the United States and Europe in the first half of the 19th century. (Source: Answers.com)

If you'd like to visit Madison, Georgia's tourism website, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Book # 3 For the Southern Belle Challenge: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

2011-09-16T20:53:00.000-05:00

Source: www.goodreads.com
395 pages

Goodreads Summary
Here is a folksy and funny, endearing and affecting, southern-fried tale about two very special friendships. In a small town near Birmingham sits the Whistle Shop Cafe, a place alive with the hungry, the heartbroken, the righteous and the garrulous. The cafe is owned by sweet, patient Ruth, and by Idgie, irresistibly big-hearted and big-mouthed. Their story is remembered, years later, in the Rose Terrace Nursing Home. As elderly Cleo Threadgoode chats with her visitor—the over-stuffed, overwrought, menopausal Evelyn Couch—she casts a hypnotic narrative spell: honeysuckle vines and custard pies; births, deaths and marriages; sorrow and laughter; an occasional murder—and even the recipe for fried green tomatoes. And as the past reaches into the present, the Whistle Sop Cafe touches the one thing missing from her existence: life.

Fannie Flagg
Source: Southern Living

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I have been meaning to read this book for years...probably since I watched and loved the movie years ago. My sister read it a while ago, and she, knowing my taste in books, said I should definitely read it. She actually did a guest blog on it back in June. You should go back and read her post if you have the time. It's really good. Finish mine first thought :)

As for my thoughts on the book...She was right. I really really liked this book, and oh how different it is than the movie. My favorite character was sweet Mrs. Threadgoode. Her simple honest way of telling her life story to poor discouraged Evelyn won my heart early in the book, and although I liked Idgie, I found myself at times getting aggravated with her. What I did admire so much about Idgie was her acceptance of everyone...white, black, male, female, rich or hobo...she treated everyone the same, and she understood that everyone has problems and makes mistakes in life. Another of my favorite characters is Smokey Lonesome simply because I'm a sucker for undying love. It gets me every time.

I liked how the story was told in short little snippets. It really gives you the feel of someone telling you their story as the memories flood in, not necessarily in chronological order. There were parts of the book that were from "The Weems Weekly: Whistlestop, Alabama's Weekly Bulletin" written by Dot Weems. I always found these very entertaining, and so indicative of small town life. I think it was unique way to convey information from a different point of view.

This is book number three for the Southern Belle Reading Challenge which I am participating in for the month of September. This challenge is hosted by Brenda Gail over at Curling Up With a Good Book. My goal for this challenge is four books. It's looking like I may be able to do even more than that. It's been really fun!

BBAW 2011: The Final Day's Topic

2011-09-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Today’s TopicThe world of blogging is continually changing. Share 3 things you feel are essential tried and true practices for every blogger and 1-3 new trends or tools you’ve adapted recently or would like to in the future.

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I am very new to blogging. I started my blog in June of this year, and I am learning something new everyday. There are however a few things I've learned that I know are essential to my blog, and I try to practice every day.

1. Be Yourself---There are times when I question the content of my blog. I visit lots of other blogs, and I find myself saying..."I wish I could write that well! or "I wish I had something more exciting to write about!" or "I need to read more serious smarter books!". But then I realize that the best thing I can do is be myself. Yes, I live in a small town. Yes, I am a wife and mom. Yes, I live a busy, simple, and quiet life, and I love it. I would not trade lives with anyone in the world, and the things that I find ordinary about my life, the books I read, or the things I write may be the exact things that someone else finds so interesting.

2. Visit and Comment On Other Blogs...Visiting and commenting on other blogs is one of the most important things I feel I can do as a blogger. It's how I learn, and it's a good way to grow my blog. Being a part of and finding a place in the blogging community is very important to me, and it's something I work on every day.

3. Be Honest...I knew from the beginning I was going to be completely honest on my blog. If I like a book I will tell you, but if I don't I''ll tell you that too. If I'm having trouble finishing a book or if a book is a struggle for me to read I'm going to be honest about it. I think most people can spot fakeness and lies a mile away, and I'm just not going to do it. Honesty is the way to go!

I'm always finding new tools and trends that I'd like to add to my blog. The latest tool I've added to my blog is the "You Might Also Like" feature at the end of each post. I think it will greatly increase my page views. I know when I visit a blog I always look at atleast one of the posts listed there.

It's the last day of BBAW, and I've really enjoyed the daily topics. I've had lots of new visitors to my blog, and I've found so many new blogs to enjoy.

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“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

BBAW Day 4: Reading and Blogging

2011-09-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

BBAW Topic #4

We have no blogs without books! Today’s topic explores that even more!
Book bloggers blog because we love reading. Has book blogging changed the way you read? Have you discovered books you never would have apart from book blogging? How has book blogging affected your book acquisition habits? Have you made new connections with other readers because of book blogging? Choose any one of these topics and share your thoughts today!

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I am very new to blogging...both reading blogs and doing my own blog, but I have quickly grown to LOVE both.

Before I joined the blogging community, I read mostly adult classics, children's classics, and historical fiction. Those genres are still my favorites but my eyes have been opened to so many great books, and I now see what I've been missing by being such a book snob.

I do a blog post called "Ten Books I Thought I'd Never Read", and that was totally inspired by the realization that I've been missing out on some great books because I thought they just weren't for me. I came to that realization through reading other people's blogs and through doing research for my own blog.

Another way my reading has changed is that I read with a purpose now. I'm reading with a book review in mind. I try to be aware of wonderful quotes from a book, or interesting places or people to research from a book. I look for anything new or different that I might be able to blog about. So in that way, I feel I'm getting more out of my reading now.

Books To Return And Desperate For More

2011-09-14T17:10:00.000-05:00

My sister and I took the kiddos to the library after school yesterday. My daughter had books to return and was desperate for more, so we went to the library where she loaded up her red library book bag with new books while I looked for more "Southern Belle Challenge" books.

I still have Fried Green Tomatoes (I will finish it tonight!) and Hissy Fit, so I only checked out two.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

While I was there I picked up a copy of Book Page where I found lots of great information on lots of books.

Source: http://www.bookpage.com/

Book Page also has an online edition that you can visit by clicking HERE. I think the most interesting book I found inside is The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta. I'm very interested in this one.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads Summary
What if—whoosh, right now, with no explanation—a number of us simply vanished? Would some of us collapse? Would others of us go on, one foot in front of the other, as we did before the world turned upside down?
That’s what the bewildered citizens of Mapleton, who lost many of their neighbors, friends and lovers in the event known as the Sudden Departure, have to figure out. Because nothing has been the same since it happened—not marriages, not friendships, not even the relationships between parents and children.
Kevin Garvey, Mapleton’s new mayor, wants to speed up the healing process, to bring a sense of renewed hope and purpose to his traumatized community. Kevin’s own family has fallen apart in the wake of the disaster: his wife, Laurie, has left to join the Guilty Remnant, a homegrown cult whose members take a vow of silence; his son, Tom, is gone, too, dropping out of college to follow a sketchy prophet named Holy Wayne. Only Kevin’s teenaged daughter, Jill, remains, and she’s definitely not the sweet “A” student she used to be. Kevin wants to help her, but he’s distracted by his growing relationship with Nora Durst, a woman who lost her entire family on October 14th and is still reeling from the tragedy, even as she struggles to move beyond it and make a new start.
With heart, intelligence and a rare ability to illuminate the struggles inherent in ordinary lives, Tom Perrotta has written a startling, thought-provoking novel about love, connection and loss.

Book Fair Purchases Part 2

2011-09-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

So....My daughter sang in a gospel concert Saturday, we had church Sunday morning and Sunday night, and I volunteered at school Monday. It's been very busy around here lately, and I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like. I'm still reading Fried Green Tomatoes (loving it), but I'm hoping to finish it today.

My daughter did get some more books from the book fair on Monday, and I thought I'd share what she bought...

Source: www.goodreads.com

Book Bloggers Appreciation Week: Community

2011-09-12T21:55:00.000-05:00

Book Blogger Appreciation Week kicks off today! It runs from September 12 thru September 16. You can find out more about BBAW by clicking HERE.

Today's topic is Community, and I'm going to take this opportunity to highlight a blogger whose blog I love and who has encouraged me.

The blogger I'd like to talk about is Susie at Susie's Blog. I found her blog by accident not long after I decided to start blogging myself. I was looking around at all kinds of blogs trying to decide what I liked and didn't like to see what direction I wanted to go with my own blog.

The first thing I noticed about her blog was the beautiful picture of a flower garden at the top of her blog, and then I read her "About Me" section, and I knew that I was interested in what she had to say. I immediately came across a book on her blog that I was very interested in reading, and it was one I would never have read other wise. Reading it opened my eyes to all the great books I've been missing. It was The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Susie was the fourth subsciber to my blog (and the first besides my husband, my daughter, and my sister), and I was so excited. I didn't know if anyone would be interested in what I had to say. I am a wife, a mom, and a high school graduate. The only qualifications I have to be a book blogger is that I fill my life and my daughter's life with books, I am a Mom of a bookworm, and I have loved books my entire life. I knew from the beginning that mine would not be a scholarly approach...I share stories from my life, my opinions, and my passion for books. The fact that someone as smart and educated as Susie would take the time to look at my blog and even comment was so encouraging as I struggled to start my blog. Susie isn't just a great blogger. She is smart, fair, compassionate, and just an all around awesome person. I always learn so much from her.

Susie was interested in what I had to say, and that has meant so much to me.

Thanks Susie!

Check out Susie's blog by clicking HERE.

A Day to Remember

2011-09-11T20:05:00.000-05:00

I found this on YouTube and thought it was appropriate for today...I love this song by Randy Travis.

God Bless the families affected by 9/11 and God Bless those who protect us today...Firemen, Police, our Military and all the others across our country who serve!

Two Sisters Talk Books

2011-09-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

My sister came over last night, and we were looking around for some new books to read. We looked through all the blogs I follow, and we did a lot of looking on Goodreads. We both came up with a decent sized list. Here are a few that we found and are looking forward to reading in the near future.

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak seems to be on everyone's list. I think my sister will be reading this one soon.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads Summary...
It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she discovers something she can't resist- books. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever they are to be found.
With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, Liesel learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

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Jennifer Donnelly books seem to be popping up everywhere as well, and these really interest me. I think the covers are absolutely beautiful!

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

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This last book, The Cellist of Sarajevo, I learned about over at Curling Up With a Good Book. She did a great review and it sounds like something I'd really like to read.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads Summary...
In a city ravaged by war, a musician plays his cello for twenty-two days at the site of a mortar attack, in memory of the fallen. Among the strangers drawn into the orbit of his music are a young father in search of water for his family, an older man in search of the humanity he once knew, and a young woman, a sniper, who will decide the fate of the cellist—and the kind of person she wants to be.

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Hope you enjoyed this list and maybe found something you'd like to read as well! Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

Granny Visits the Book Fair

2011-09-09T22:41:00.000-05:00

Today was Grandparent's Day at my daughter's school. This means that Granny came to eat lunch with her today, and since the book fair is also going on right now, Granny bought her some books. Here's what she got...

Source: www.goodreads.com

Pretty awesome bunch of books if I do say so myself!

When my daughter came home from school today she was so excited to show me her purchases, and she said...

"Mama, I feel such a connection to my books! I love to read so much!"

I know exactly how she feels, and I am one proud Mom!

My Favorite Children's Books

2011-09-08T19:30:00.000-05:00

We love Dr. Seuss at our house! One of my all time favorites of his is Are You My Mother. I couldn't tell you how many times my daughter and I have read this one. She loved it from the time she was a tiny baby. She used to laugh because I would read it doing different voices.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads summary...
This is the classic from which many of our staff first learned to read, starting us on a path of unremitting bibliophilia. Are You My Mother? follows a confused baby bird who's been denied the experience of imprinting as he asks cows, planes, and steam shovels the Big Question. In the end he is happily reunited with his maternal parent in a glorious moment of recognition.

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Another of our favorite books to read over the years has been Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. I'm not sure why she was so drawn to this as a toddler but she absolutely loved it. It was a flea market purchase given to her by my Dad, who she calls "Papaw with the mustache". (Her other papaw does not have a mustache so obviously she calls him "Papaw without a mustache a.k.a "Nanny's Papaw)

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads summary...
Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel Mary Anne make quite a team. The inseparable duo digs the great canals for the big boats to travel through, cuts through the large mountains so trains can pass, and hollows out the deep cellars for the great skyscrapers in the city. But the introduction of gasoline, electric, and diesel shovels means big trouble for Mike and Mary Ann...

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My all time favorite book that my daughter and I have read together since she was a baby is our "bed time book". It makes my eyes misty to think of all the nights we've said good night with this book. I love it! And I love her! Time sure does fly, and we don't read these books together much anymore. She has moved on to bigger and better book. They now sit on my desk as a reminder of all the special times we've had together with books.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/

Goodreads summary...

In this delightful companion book to Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer, a cute baby elephant shares his admiration for his mom's specialty talents - using her trunk (a colorful cloth-covered spring that runs through the pages) to reach up high, to play hide-and-seek with him, to give him a quick shower, and to cuddle and kiss him at goodnight.

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"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
— Dr. Seuss

I Do Have To Say It Got Better!

2011-09-07T15:33:00.000-05:00

Source: www.goodreads.com

Source: www.stephaniegayle.com

My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle is about Natalie, a young lawyer who is forced to flee her New York City home due to a scandalous love affair at her old law firm. She moves to Macon, Georgia and becomes a prosecutor. It's about her struggle to forget the past, her struggle to learn to work with her crotchety coworker, her struggle with prosecuting a man accused of murder who may get the death penalty (she is opposed to the death penalty), her struggle to help a co worker's abused sister, and her neighbor LaLa who has a great garden...are you getting the point?

I have mixed feelings about this book. At first I really disliked it. I hate to say negative things about books, but this one just bugged me. First of all the cover is misleading because I feel like Natalie wouldn't be caught dead in that outfit, nor would she be relaxing while reading in the grass. I felt like the attempts at showing southern culture were a bit patronizing and judgemental...like she was better because she was from a northern state.

I do have to say that it got better, and I didn't hate this book. I just feel like I read the middle of the story, and I was yearning for the beginning and the end and the thing that would tie it all together.

This is the second book completed for the...

And Now The Movie...The Secret Life of Bees

2011-09-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

I recently finished reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I loved it, so of course I wanted to see the movie.

Source: www.imdb.com

The Secret Life of Bees Movie is rated PG13 and 114 minutes long. It was released in the U.S.A on October 17,2008.

I really enjoyed this movie, but I have to say that I liked the book better because as always you get more details, thoughts, and emotions in the book. I think over all, that the movie does a good job conveying the message of the book, and the actors did a beautiful job with the characters. Of course there were some changes made and some things left out, but that's to be expected. Even so, I'm so happy that we watched it.

My husband is not a huge reader, but he's always interested in what I'm reading. If I particularly like a book, I always try to rent the movie version if it's available to give him some idea of what the book was about. This was the case with The Secret Life of Bees, and he really enjoyed the movie as well.

A Cherry Tree And Two Houses

2011-09-05T12:38:00.000-05:00

As you know I'm reading My Summer of Southern Discomfort which is set in Macon, Georgia as part of the "Southern Belle Reading Challenge" I'm participating in. I haven't finished the book yet, but I came across some landmarks in the first few chapters that I was interesting in looking up. Here's what I found out...

Yoshino Cherry Tree

Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA
Source: www.cherryblossom.com

"Each March, Macon becomes a pink cotton-spun paradise of delight as over 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in all their glory. And for 10 days, festival-lovers are treated to one of the most extravagant displays of springtime color in the nation as they visit the town referred to by Congressional Records as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World."
(Source: www.cherryblossom.com)

Source: www.arborday.org

The tree that made the Macon Cherry Blossom Festival famous. Fragrant, white-pink flowers; oriental branching pattern; glossy bark; dark-green leaves. Likes full sun, well-drained soil. Grows to 40' to 50'.
(Source: www.arborday.org)

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Hay House

Source: www.georgiatrust.org

One of Georgia’s most distinguished structures, the Johnston-Felton-Hay House in Macon was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. It was built from 1855 to 1859 in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, a marked contrast to the more restrained Greek Revival architecture of the antebellum period.
(Source: www.georgiatrust.org)

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Woodruff House

Source: http://www.50plusdc.com/html/body_macon.html

Adjacent to the School of Law is a Greek Revival mansion built in 1836 for a railroad financier and banker. It was designed and built by Elam Alexander, a local building contractor, architect, business man and philanthropist. The house was once owned by Colonel Joseph Bond, one of the South's wealthiest cotton planters. In 1887 a 16th birthday ball was held in the house for Winnie Davis, daughter of former Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Originally known as Overlook Mansion, it was acquired by Mercer University in 1978 and renamed Woodruff House. The University uses the house for banquets, receptions and alumni events. It is open to the public only during the Cherry Blossom Festival in March, the run up to Christmas and for special events.

(Source: http://www.50plusdc.com/)

What I'm Reading Now And Some Southern Food

2011-09-04T14:58:00.000-05:00

I started My Summer of Southern Discomfort yesterday, but it's been a busy weekend so far so I haven't read all that much.

Source: Goodreads

Since this is the month of all things southern, thanks to the "Southern Belle Challenge". I thought I'd share some of the southern things we've cooked this weekend. Yesterday my husband's family had a family reunion and it was my job to make the banana pudding and the macaroni and cheese. You can't get more southern than banana pudding and macaroni and cheese! At the reunion we had barbecue ribs, fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, potato salad, baked beans, broccoli & cauliflower salad, plenty of watermelon, and lots more. For dessert there was cake and banana pudding. We played corn hole and the kids played on a tire swing, played volleyball, and rode horses. It was a very fun day and all very southern! I must also add that it was very HOT...also southern.

Today after church we had cabbage with polish sausage for lunch, and my husband made fried cornbread. Again, I'd say fried cornbread is very southern, and I put strawberry preserves on mine. We had big glasses of unsweetened iced tea and it was yummy!

I'm looking forward to an extra day at home with my family since there's no school or work tomorrow!

Now I'm off to get some reading done...

This Book's Journey: The Secret Life of Bees

2011-09-03T08:39:00.000-05:00

I checked out several books from the library in preparation for a reading challenge I'm participating in this month called the "Southern Belle Challenge". It is hosted by Brenda Gail over at Curling Up With a Good Book. September is to be a month of all things Southern: books, magazines, recipes, movies, and lots of sweet tea

Source: Goodreads

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is one of the books I check out and the book I chose to kick off the challenge with. The library's copy of the book was published in 2002 and donated to the library in 2005. It doesn't say who donated. It simply says donated. It isn't in bad condition, but it is obvious it has been read many many times. Let's just say it's fragile. When I opened it the first time, I noticed that the first four or five pages have pulled away from the spine of the book. I think eventually all of the pages will start falling out. The front cover is starting to come off a tiny bit, and if not for the protective covering the library puts on all their books, this book would have worn out years ago. I think all of these things are signs of a good book...you can tell it's been read by many many people. It makes me wonder how many people have read this copy of the book. What were their lives like on the days they read this book? What made him or her choose it?

I chose it for 3 reasons:

1. My sister, Beth, has read it and said I would like it.
2. It was on a list that Brenda Gail posted...Southern Belle Challenge Book Choices
3. I have seen the preview for the movie and thought it looked interesting. I haven't actually seen the movie though, although I'm sure I will soon.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Source: http://www.beehives.info/index.php

From the very first words to the last I was hooked. The Secret Life of Bees is set in 1964 South Carolina. Lily is a motherless girl with a cruel father. The only person in the world she has to depend on is her African American nanny, Rosaleen, whom she loves and who loves Lily in return. When some unexpected events force Lily and Rosaleen to go on the run Lily follows one of the only clues she has regarding her mother, a picture of Mary, mother of Jesus, with the town Tiburon, South Carolina written across the back. When they get there they are taken in by three black sisters who live in a bright pink house, keep bees, and sell honey. It's here with these sisters that Lily finally discovers the truth about her past, and it's also the place where she finally finds the Mother she's always yearned for.

August said, "Listen to me now, Lily. I'm going to tell you something I want you always to remember, all right?"
Her face had grown serious. Intent. Her eyes did not blink.
"All right," I said, and I felt something electric slide down my spine.
"Our Lady is not some magical being out there somewhere, like a fairy godmother. She's not the statue in the parlor. She's something inside of you. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
"Our Lady is inside of me," I repeated, not sure I did.
"You have to find a mother inside yourself. We all do. Even if we already have a mother, we still have to find this part of ourselves inside."

I really loved all the characters in this book. I loved Rosaleen for her brave in your face honesty. I could use a little of that myself. I liked June (one of the sisters) for her stubbornness. Some people think being stubborn is a bad thing, but I tend to think sometimes being stubborn is a very good thing. I liked May (one of the sisters) for her innocence, and I loved August (another sister) for her calmness, her failure to judge others, and for her patience. All of which are things I aspire to be in my own life. Most of all I loved Lily for just being Lily. She wasn't whiny or over dramatic. She was an "it is what it is" kind of girl. I enjoyed her humor.

Parts of the book made me cry and parts made me laugh. Sue Monk Kidd did such a great job describing the setting for us. I could almost feel the heat, smell the grass, and hear the humming of bees.

I know this book has been out for several years, but if like me you missed it somehow, give it a try. I think you'll be glad you did.

I plan on renting the movie in the very near future!

Half Way Through...

2011-09-02T09:52:00.000-05:00

I started reading The Secret Life of Bees last night, and I'm really liking it. I'm about halfway through, so I hope to finish it today. I'll do a full post when I'm finished. Check back later!!

Source: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads...
Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love--a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

Sue Monk Kidd
Source: Goodreads.