Tattoo Tuesdays: Where do you wear your heart?

I imagine I am not the only person in the world who wears their emotions on their sleeve . . . or better yet, a giant flag waving in the wind proclaiming to all how I feel, etc. This can be annoying, frustrating, and so many levels of 'vulnerable yuck'. I'm still a private person a good deal of the time. I can't help thinking, though, that at times it would be nice to wear the emotions at the right time, for the right person, in an open 'free the bird from the cage' way. Let your words be silent and the emotions speak for themselves. Life just isn't that easy and we get to live the adventure of voicing these precious feelings for good or bad.

Pinterest find for today. The detail is subtle, but enough that I stare at it wondering if I have an innate attraction to veins and the blood that gives our hearts true life (i.e. not our emotions). Oh wait . . . I do. Biology, Science, Health class . . . never my favorite subjects, but this tattoo is just (sigh) the right fit. I much prefer this style of heart for a tattoo than a Valentine's heart.

Other Features for today:

Goldfish will always be synonymous with childhood for me. All things aquatic
usually share a place of high regard in my life anyways . . . you know this.

Tattoo Menu: Yes, I would like one please. Does it come with the guy? (insert grin)
Tattoo by: Rosana ‘Derma Donna’ at Dermadonna Custom Tattoo in Amsterdam, NL
Found via: Pinterest and TattooSnob

Point me in the right direction . . . please.

I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions.
I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.
~ Oscar Wilde

Waiting on Wednesday: Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

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WoW: Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson, #7) by Patricia Briggs

Scheduled to be released: March 5, 2013

Why I'm waiting: 

First off seeing those words, even if in a nice book shaped graphic, 'No Image Available' is like getting a repeating ERROR pop-up box on your computer screen courtesy of a virus . . . in other words it isn't pretty.


Second reaction . . . March!? MARCH?!? I have to wait until March!?! Listen Mrs. Briggs don't you live your writing life according to my schedule? I'm way past due on the 'I need more of Mercy Thompson' meter. We're talking 2 years missy! (insert gracious humble smile)


Third reaction  . . . Victory dance! (Albeit not as enthusiastic if the publication date was moved up to say November. Heck I would even take December.)


On a serious note, I always enjoy Mercy's many adventures and Patricia Briggs' writing style is one of my favorites out there. I can't wait, but I suppose I must. Unless someone is up for a raiding party, manuscript anyone? (insert 'evil' smile)

Book Synopsis:
(At least we get this much)
Synopisis from Goodreads:

Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

Be sure to add Frost Burned to your Goodreads!

 

I wanted to apologize for missing yesterday's Tattoo Tuesdays. I had every intention of posting and then the internet decided it needed to take a nap for the entire day because a storm. Nice job internet!

Waiting on Wednesday: Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

WoW: Mortal Fire (Secret of the Journal, #1) by C.F. Dunn

Scheduled to be released: August 1, 2012

Why I'm waiting: 

LibraryThing is offering Mortal Fire this month on their Early Reviewer list. I requested it and I'm very hopeful to receive a copy.

You know me and covers, this cover is very...alluring. For the sake of WoW I decided to read a little bit of the synopsis. History mystery fiction is one of my favorite genres and this seems to be such a book. I love reading books that weave the past and the future and throw in a mystery. I can't wait!

What are you waiting for?

Book Synopsis:
Synopisis from Goodreads:
First book in a new series from an author to watch Twenty-nine-year-old, independent, and self-assured Cambridge history professor Emma D'Eresby has one obsession in life: the curious journal of a seventeenth-century Englishman, a portion of which was left to her by her late grandfather.

When an unexpected opportunity to study the journal in its entirety presents itself, Emma finds herself leaving Cambridge to take up a year-long position at a prestigious university in Maine. Anticipating a quiet year of research, Emma quickly discovers her work impeded by a range of unforeseen complications. From the start, there is the well-intentioned matchmaking of her vivacious Russian colleague, Elena Smalova, and the unexpected jailing of one of her post-graduate students. More troublesome, however, are the unsolved, brutal night attacks on women near the university and Emma's suspicion that they might be linked to the sinister English professor, Kort Staahl. But, most diverting and disconcerting of all, is Emma's growing attraction to the strikingly handsome Dr. Matthew Lyons, whose kind but deliberately distant demeanor puzzles her.

Suspense and dread mount when Kort begins to take a persistent and unsettling interest in Emma. What are Kort's intentions, and what is he capable of? And the mystery surrounding Matthew only deepens when Emma discovers a link between him and the journal. What is Matthew trying to hide?

Be sure to add Mortal Fire to your Goodreads!

Tattoo Tuesdays: Deep into that darkness peering

I'm not a person prone to obsession with death or even things related to death, such as skulls. Of course I know some people who associate Edgar Allan Poe with the darker side of life and hence they link him to death. I realize Mr. Poe could be termed as 'not right in the head', but over the years I've come to have quite the little author crush on him. I may be even a little jealous. You won't tell him, will you?

Today's tattoo reminds me of the man himself. While it is not a tattoo paying homage to Poe, it is just what I walked away with after seeing it. That is what Tattoo Tuesdays are for, to delve into the scary places of my mind, to see what I'm thinking. (insert smile)

I'm not particularly fond of art known as 'Day of the Dead', that would be my sister. I found this tattoo very striking and the colors and softness just enhance it, so much so I stare at it wondering if it is a painting. According to Pinterest, (Tumblr didn't produce much in terms of tasteful tattoos today or tattoos for that matter) this tattoo is by Nick Chaboya. He is currently tattooing his amazing skills on people in the San Francisco area.

And without further ado . . .

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.

~Edgar Allan Poe

The colors so fascinate me, I'm actually going to admit this on my blog, I find this a very sexy tattoo. Yes, I said the 's' word. I'm also *following Mr. Chaboya on Instagram to catch more glimpses of his tattoo brilliance.

Other Features for today:

Have I mentioned I was a Mermaid in my first life?

Between Carpe Diem things and Nautical things you have to wonder do I have
a thing for pirates? YES!

By Sadhu I came across a few of these types of tattoos with 'excessive' amounts of black ink
and I have to say I find them very intriguing.

*Sometimes I have to worry that I sound like a stalker when I say things like this, but I promise I'm a nice girl. No stalking is intended . . . or is it?

Mundane Mondays: Will Work For Stamina

Does stamina, or motivation for that matter, come in liquid form? Oh I know . . . caffeine. Yeah I could use some of that too. The morning has gone fast, but I feel physically like I'm creeping along at a snail's pace. Thus I'm a bit cranky. Mr. Skip* had a seizure at 12:30 this morning and like a good owner I held him so he didn't flail about and hurt himself. Where is the caffeine?!? I'm in danger of turning into a zombie sooner than I expected.

Okay. Enough, my little whine session is over.

I have news and things to share with you!

First

I opened my Etsy shop Saturday night! Check it out here. My shop name, RapaciousCurls, pays homage to the fact I have extremely curly hair. The 'rapacious'? Well that's because it is one of my favorite words and sounds as though a well educated surfer just walked in, "That's totally rapacious!"

The shop features my photography postcards right now, but I'm hopeful to add more as time goes on. I would love to get feedback or suggestions from you. I've sold stuff (books) on Etsy via the bookstore's shop, but never my own creations.

Second

If you missed the blog post Saturday, I know I don't normally post on Saturdays, then check it out! I am part of the 2012 Reading Road-Trip. My state is of course Indiana and I'm giving away 4 great books. Although it seems the most popular are the 2 YA books. Folks at least give Gene Stratton-Porter's book a chance! (insert smile)

Reading Road-Trip: Indiana

Be sure to check out other blogs participating in the Reading Road-Trip, you need to travel the country, right!?!

Third

I'm headed to Las Vegas on Thursday! This will be my first time and I'm excited. Of course my first question was "Do they have any good bookstores?" It is a business trip, though, so I'm not sure how much time there will be for fun things. I may (clearing throat) or may not be gambling . . . only a little, if I do at all.

And last for today . . .

A few things you should checkout, if you haven't already.

• Book Riot's Edd McCracken's list of Sixteen MORE Things Calvin and Hobbes Said Better Than Anyone Else Which will be sure to make you laugh. What is better than a good laugh on a Monday?
• I know I've suggested in the past to have a listen to Walk the Moon's music. I just finished listening to their entire album on Spotify and I will be purchasing it. Anna Sun was already a favorite, but I also like Shiver Shiver.
• Be sure to check out this week's Tattoo Tuesday and send me suggestions. I'm also looking for new banner art. If you are new to my blog you can view past Tattoo Tuesday's posts here.
• Last. If I have a chance I'm hopeful to post my review for Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution later this week; which is my second FFNR book from Anna. I'm way behind . . .
  

What I'm reading . . .

Too much (insert smile)

Real:

-Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
-The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

(I read this a long time ago, but I'm now reading it aloud to my mum.)

-Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love by Andrew Shaffer

eBook:

-A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

-Fortune's Rising (Outer Bounds) by Sara King

You can follow me on Goodreads too!

Quote of the Day

"I have sometimes dreamt that when the Day of Judgment dawns--the Almighty will turn to Peter and will say when he sees us coming with our books under our arms, 'Look, these need no reward. We have nothing to give them here. They have loved reading.'"
~Virginia Woolf

*My Boston Terrier

Reading Road-Trip: Indiana!

Here's a way to travel the United States book style. This giveaway is the brain child of I Like These Books and IceyBooks. Be sure to check out their blogs as well for more awesomeness!

Welcome to . . .

I'm sure you have heard it before, at least if you live in Indiana, "There's more than corn in Indiana." While corn is in fact the predominant crop in Indiana we have other things to brag about.

• Indiana became the 19th state in 1816. We are home to more than 6,500,000 Hoosiers.

• People such as legendary actor James Dean and Garfield creator Jim Davis were born in Indiana. As well as famous popcorn entrepreneur Orville Redenbacher. 
• In 1880 Wabash, Indiana was the first city in the nation to have electric street lights.

• Warsaw, Indiana (my hometown) is known as the "Orthopedic Capital of the World."
• Indiana has nearly 450 public libraries!
• In 2009 the Association of College and Research Libraries named the Indiana University of Bloomington's library system the top research system in the country. The University supports 19 library facilities!

Here's what you could win . . .

A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter

Gene Stratton-Porter was born in Wabash County, Indiana in 1863. Her passion for nature, music and art is evident in all of her books. If you ever visit Indiana, I would highly recommend visiting one or both of her homes here.

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Mike Mullin lives in Indianapolis, Indiana and his debut novel was named 2012's Best Fiction for Young Adults.

The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington

Booth Tarkington was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1869. He is one of only three novelists to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once. The Magnificent Ambersons won the Pulitzer in 1919 and has been made into film twice. Most recently with the gorgeous Jonathan Rhys Meyers! The novel follows an aristocratic family's ups and downs during early 20th century life in Indianapolis.

Last, but not least  . . .

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

John Green lives in Indianapolis, Indiana and The Fault in Our Stars is his fourth solo novel. I'm sure he doesn't need any more introduction than that . . .

Enter to win below!

Rules

*Must live within the continental United States.

*Must love books!

*Must be 13 or older.

*Ends July 31

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out other Reading Road-Trip Giveaways Here!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

WoW: A Corner of White (The Colors of Madeleine #1) by Jaclyn Moriarty

Scheduled to be released: September 18, 2012

Why I'm waiting: 

Hello! It's Jaclyn Moriarty and her main character has my name. Well almost, slightly different spelling, hers is more French.

On a serious note; I still remember my first encounter with Ms. Moriarty. Is she related to that Moriarty? Okay sorry I couldn't resist, but you can't tell me you were not thinking the same thing. 

 

My sister had recently checked out The Year of Secret Assignments from our local library and devoured it. I would hear her reading it and she would constantly be laughing. I thought, "I have to read this book, if it makes her laugh so much." I did and it was even better than I could have expected.

My sister and I frequently recommend The Year of Secret Assignments to our friends and customers. What is better than Australian YA immersed in humor?

I'm excited to read this because it is Fantasy and I've wanted something new from Ms. Moriarty. Also you know me...I'm all about covers and shout outs. Look who gave her a shout out (she didn't need it for me)!

Book Synopsis:

Synopisis from Goodreads:

Madeleine Tully lives in Cambridge, England, the World – a city of spires, Isaac Newton and Auntie’s Tea Shop.

Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms, the Kingdom of Cello – where seasons roam, the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar, and bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours.

They are worlds apart – until a crack opens up between them; a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter.

A mesmerising story of two worlds; the cracks between them, the science that binds them and the colours that infuse them.

Be sure to add A Corner of White to your Goodreads!

Tattoo Tuesdays: I know that you like my style...WATCH ME!

Hello and welcome to the part of the show where I introduce you to a ho-- (clearing throat) very nice tattoo.

While the half Native American/eagle tattoo is cool, what really struck me was the guy...no come now I'm not that...well... Seriously, though, the shoulder tattoo caught my eye. "Trust Your Struggle" I've heard the quote before, 'Pain breeds Strength. Trust your Struggle' and you've heard me talk about embracing your struggles for the growth they do and will bring. I realize it will always be easier to say these things out loud to you or myself than to actually implement the attitude in my own life. I'm struggling right along with you and learning too to 'Trust your Struggle,' but better yet trust Him*. It is nice to have the reminders, even via a tattooed guy. (insert mischievous smile)

I especially like the 'S' in Struggle. Can I reach out and touch it?


Other Features for today:


We are anonymous.

You know me and anchors. via: anchors-ah0y on Tumblr

So yes I'm partial to the actual photograph, but who cares!?!

Anchors, hands, words, does it get any better? via: anchors-ah0y on Tumblr

I'm looking for new banner art for Tattoo Tuesdays' posts. The picture at the top was just my bored half attempt at a quick 'smarty' banner for these posts. I didn't expect for them to continue, but they have and they are some of my favorites. Please leave a comment if you have an interest in submitting art or photographs, etc. for a banner. You will get recognition. Do you expect anything less from me? (insert smile) Tell your friends!


*Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Tattoo Tuesdays: Life Lessons with Ponyboy and Johnny

 

Do remember Middle School? Don't want to . . . neither do I. However, among the few 'fond' memories I have from the those 'blessed' days is 7th grade English. It is not often anymore that the public school system has decent books for required reading, but The Outsiders was one such book that everyone should have read. If you haven't read the book, I'm sure you've seen the movie. If you haven't . . . well for shame really, it is time to pull out the classic and indulge.

Whether you've read the book or watched the movie, I'm certain you picked your favorite character and even decided if you sided with the Socs or the Greasers. I was and will always be a Greaser. When you've got Dallas, Ponyboy, Sodapop and Johnny on your side, how could you not stick with the Greasers?

I'm not a Robert Frost fan, but after The Outsiders his poem, Nothing Gold Can Stay, is fated to stay with you forever.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.

Today's tattoo pays homage to Frost's poem. To Ponyboy who taught us the poem, even though he didn't understand it's meaning and to Johnny who whispered the words to not only Ponyboy, but to each and every one of us . . .

I owe today's tattoo find to Tumblr, The Secret to New York.

Typography nut here. I like the lettering and especially that the font is not all one color. Placement is perfect!

I think I'm going to watch The Outsiders now.

Other Features for today.

Check out Artist David Hale, below are two of his tattoos. Amazing!