With A Flower!

Tattoo Tuesdays: Home

2012-01-24T19:37:00.000-05:00

I found this tattoo today while looking at my tumblr feed (on my kindle). There is something about chest tattoos on guys that is so...attractive. The black inking on his tattoo is so fresh and vibrant, I want to reach out and touch it (blush).

Mundane Mondays: Short and Sweet

2012-01-23T17:24:00.001-05:00

Work was crazy today and I spent my lunch typing that mammoth post from Saturday. That being said this post has to be short because I should be walking out the door as I type. News # One (This could be perceived as good or bad. Don't worry I'm confused too.) I got an eReader. Kindle Fire to be exact. News # Two My application for being a Global eBook Awards Judge was accepted! This is

Most Likely to Become Famous

2012-01-23T13:29:00.002-05:00

(I originally wrote this post Saturday, January 21, while I was working at the shop, but I never had time the rest of the weekend to post it. I plan to write a Mundane Monday post for today as well.) I don’t know about everywhere else in the country, but the Midwest (specifically northern Indiana) has been hit with glorious SNOW! There is no hidden sarcasm in that exclamation. While it gets me

Waiting on Wednesday: The Solitary House

2012-01-11T13:30:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.) WoW: The Solitary House by Lynn Shepherd Scheduled to be released: May 1, 2012 Why I'm waiting: This week my WoW is a book I have my fingers crossed I will win an ARC of, The Solitary House. I didn't read the summary, but I did read the bit about the author's

Mundane Mondays: Book Giveaway!

2012-01-09T13:47:00.000-05:00

Mundane Mondays is finally back. Hopefully I can get better about posting EVERY Monday. Aside from everything else Mondays typically imply, I like writing Mundane Mondays posts. I know I owe you all a Christmas (bragging essentially) update of books I got, plus a New Year's Resolution post. I may combined them, but I promise to get that posted later this week. Straying from the norm, Mundane

Book Review: FOREVER isn't nearly long enough

2012-01-07T22:28:00.000-05:00

Following an author’s career is much like watching a child grow. You see their worth from the beginning, though those around you might not catch on right away. As with a child, things begin a bit shakily, but the waiting makes it that much more fun to hang on and get excited as things progress. Reading Maggie Stiefvater’s books has been one such venture. I remember my sister bringing home her

Waiting on Wednesday: The Wicked and the Just

2012-01-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.) The clue that you are VERY behind on your book keeper tracker of-er list? When you have to search for an hour to find a book for WoW. My Amazon wishlist, which acts as a precursor to my Goodreads account, is usually the go to, to see what books I have waiting to be read, but

Waiting on Wednesday: Tigers and Mini Reviews

2011-12-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)Perhaps I'm cheating by including reviews in this post along with my WoW, but I can't help myself. I think you'll understand why. WoW: Tiger's Destiny (The Tiger Saga #4) by Collen Houck Scheduled to be released: September 4, 2012 My initial

Tattoo Tuesdays: HOPE

2011-12-27T16:28:00.000-05:00

Finally! I'm able to post another Tattoo Tuesdays blog. I thought I would never get around to posting. Although, in my defense, Tuesdays are usually shop day (I own and work at a bookstore). At the shop we are very 19th century and have electricity, but we aren't hip and happening quite enough to have. . . internet or a computer, yet. I can write the post, but as for it going live on the web

Merry Christmas (My Christmas Letter)

2011-12-25T09:24:00.005-05:00

The Front of my Christmas Card Dear Friends, I can't believe that it is Christmas and soon to be New Years! It seems like I was just making my New Year's resolution list and putting lots of pleases, hopes, and prayers into what this year could bring. I'd like to say I got them all accomplished and then some, but well I won't tell if you won't. If there is one thing I've learned this year

Mundane Mondays: Christmas Secrets, Dragons and Wrapping with style

2011-12-19T16:34:00.000-05:00

Did you think you'd lost me? That somehow I had drifted off into space, never to be seen or heard from again? Don't worry! I'm here. Life has been . . . well busy. Christmas is 6 days away! I'm ready, just about. I got the last of my gifts, courtesy of Etsy today. Okay people! I'm going to steal these last gifts. Shhh . . . no one has to know and you don't have to tell. I am very pleased with

Book Review (of sorts): Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

2011-12-03T20:22:00.001-05:00

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for the opportunity to review this book! Cate Cahill is a witch. Her sisters are witches, as was her mother (now deceased). But in 1890 New England that is the farthest thing from “proper” for a woman to be. I often judge books by their covers and had no inkling I had picked a book about witches, not my usual. It was an entertaining read and kept my

Waiting on Wednesday: You have Power! Touch of Power

2011-11-30T16:45:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.) (I picked this cover because I like it much more than the American version. Not fair Australia always gets the better covers!) WoW: Touch of Power (Healer #1) by Maria V. Snyder Scheduled to be released: December 20, 2011 (Just in time for Christmas

Mundane Mondays: Christmas, Reading and Adventures

2011-11-28T22:05:00.001-05:00

The day certainly got away from me. . . hence an evening post. A post all the same, though. :) I spent my evening working. The Christmas Open House, for our town, is Saturday and if you don't know me by now, well I'm a procrastinator. Someday they will invent (or I will) a tonic concoction to help remedy this annoying trait, but for now I do my best. I've known for at least a month (longer

Waiting on Wednesday: Timeless

2011-11-23T22:32:00.001-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created byJill at Breaking The Spine.) I realize it is almost 11:00 PM, but better late than never. I've been working and baking. . . Thanksgiving is tomorrow after all. I didn't want to slack, though, and took a break to write a WoW post. WoW: Timeless (Parasol Protectorate #5) by Gail Carriger Scheduled

Tattoo Tuesdays: Meet Melissa

2011-11-22T20:15:00.001-05:00

Uh-oh?!? Are you thinking I've finally reached my limit and inked my skin with some art? Well hopefully you didn't get the idea from the picture above, because that is a very crude doodling done by yours truly. My sister and I have this in common, when ink pens are around we can't help, but to take them to our flesh and begin doodling. I even write poetry on my palms (while driving, bad

Mundane Mondays: Knitting Update

2011-11-21T15:10:00.001-05:00

I couldn't have said it better than on Twitter: Blog motivation comes in the form of 4 hour road trip to Ohio. I do my best thinking in the car, albeit that means less focus on the road. :( Friday I drove to Ohio to pick up my grandmother for Thanksgiving. While certain people always monopolize my thoughts, I did manage to think about other "pressing" items. For one my

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW): Bitter? No! Bitterblue

2011-10-26T17:24:00.001-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.) I will, I promise, become better at blogging. Hopefully life will decide to slow down some, in the foreseeable future. . . maybe? WoW: Bitterblue (The Seven Kingdoms, # 3) by Kristin Cashore (I just read that the title is actually not set in stone at the moment.)

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW): Fair Game

2011-09-28T17:03:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.) I wanted to give this post more justice, but I'm in a rush and didn't want another week to go by without doing a Waiting on Wednesday post. WoW: Fair Game (Alpha and Omega 3) by Patricia Briggs Date is set to come out: February 7, 2012 Why I'm waiting: I

Lately Thursdays: Measures

2011-09-22T22:06:00.001-04:00

I used to be asked frequently (to the point of exhaustion) are you to college? The question would come in various forms and from many walks of life. I'll be honest; it aggravated me and tested me daily. There are only so many responses and only so much patience you can feed from before you burst. I'd like to say I kept calm and answered politely, model citizen that I am, but that would be bending

Uncovering the Judge: Steampunk Style

2011-09-16T17:47:00.001-04:00

This day just flew by and I was hoping to have posted earlier, but no such luck. It may also seem like a rushed post, well you're right. I won't have time to make this post sound good, but you'll get the gist. Book:Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters First Impression: Top hat! He has a top hat on! Second Impression: I'm becoming more familiar with Steampunk as it gains popularity in the book

Lately Thursdays

2011-09-15T19:58:00.001-04:00

The day is crisp and sunny and I'm thrilled. Autumn is my favorite season, with winter and snow a close second. I will admit I'm looking forward to snow too, call me evil. This week has found me exhausted and frustrated. Who is to blame? Knitting! I'm the type of person who likes to take on a challenge and when I say that I mean I pick the hardest project in the basket. Why? I'm beginning to ask

Waiting on Wednesday (WoW): I want to suck your blood (insert accent)

2011-09-14T14:12:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since I've done a Waiting on Wednesday. In fact I'm ashamed to say my book lists have been suffering as well. I haven't taken the chance to add lots to my wishlist, which usually acts as my personal secretary to let me know, "Hello! There is an awesome book coming out today." I was forced (in a good way) to search through my Goodreads tbr because the wishlist was out of date

Uncovering the Judge: New Series!

2011-09-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

You know, when I looked up the quote, "Don't judge a book by its cover," the internet told me it is an American Proverb. What, other countries don't do the same thing? I find that hard to believe, why do we have to take the rap for it? That aside, my hope was to find a more official (aka important sounding) reference for this quote. Either I'm lazy and didn't look further or this just made for a

Better Late, Than Never . . . About Me

2011-08-01T15:43:00.001-04:00

Hi! I'm Maddie (see below for a detailed portrait, continue at your own risk . . . just kidding). I have other names, but this is the name you need to know. :) Inking http://is.gd/bOyRGx I suppose you never realize how tricky it is to write about yourself until suddenly you realize how many sites have an ‘about me’ section. Heck! On my Facebook page, I finally said, "If you want to know

Soap Box, Reading, Review and History

2011-07-29T13:41:00.008-04:00

The FitzOsbornes in Exile by Michelle CooperI finished the book several days ago, but I’ve been hesitant to write my review. What with the hot weather addling away any brain function I might hope to have and well I’m always afraid of not doing justice in my reviews. Time to get over that feeling, I guess, because this book review keeps looming over my right shoulder saying “Madelyne you better

eReaders vs. The Real Thing

2011-05-28T20:27:00.007-04:00

This is an article I wrote for the bookstore's newsletter. It was originally published in the October/November issue in 2010. That being said, some of the information is a bit dated (ie. the fact that I mentioned eReaders as being dreary because they are in black and white). Otherwise enjoy and tell me what you think!eReaders vs. The Real ThingWhen I thought of writing this article I had thought

To Wait or Not to Wait. . .That is Not My Favorite Question

2011-02-10T03:39:00.007-05:00

Originally written February 8, just now getting around to posting it.In a world run on the need for pleasure, it becomes an ever present friend. This desire to sustain this part of us is nearly more important than life itself. We are not even required or asked to prolong our suffering by waiting. Everything comes at the speed of now or seconds. When we suddenly are forced into the uncomfortable

It Sung the Song of my heart....Music

2011-01-19T12:54:00.003-05:00

(Note: I wrote this Saturday night, January 15, and am just now getting around to posting it....sorry)It is easy, common place, to find your area of expertise in writing and stick to it. Branching out and embracing subjects that aren't necessarily your forte is the true challenge. At times I shrink away from these unfamiliar territories and other times I look forward to a new subject. I typically

The Randomness of Life

2010-11-06T17:57:00.002-04:00

Wat: (in the letter) I miss you like the sun misses the flower. Like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter. Instead of beauty to direct its light to the heart hardens like the frozen world your absence has banished me to. ~ A Knight's TaleThought migraines. Do you ever get them? Your mind is so overwhelmed by the mass diversity and randomness of your own thoughts that you wish closing

Yes...You Heard Me Right

2010-10-27T20:59:00.005-04:00

I’m told I enjoy shocking others when I do or say things, in other words I like shock value. Part of me does an evil chuckle to myself, the kind you hear evil dictators bent on taking over the world make. The other part of me is upset and confused, a little of the “who me?”going on. I’m here to shock you today or some could say get your blood a ‘boilin. Did you know that many people (nearly

Beat Generation? Try Let’s Beat My Brains Out

2010-10-07T12:31:00.006-04:00

Okay here’s my one moment for being uncivilized in this post: “Oh my gosh, it’s over! It is FINALLY OVER, about bloody time!” Phew okay I’m glad I got that out of system, now I will try to tackle this post in a professional attitude.You might be asking “Maddie why did you decide to read On the Road by Jack Kerouac? What possibly could have provoked you to read such a book?” I might ask myself the

I can't hear you

2010-09-29T13:09:00.013-04:00

“Hawthorne wanted snow to symbolize cold, that’s what I think. Cold and silence. Nothing quieter than snow. The sky screams to deliver it, a hundred banshees flying on the edge of the blizzard. But once the snow covers the ground, it hushes as still as my heart.” Page 130Silence is a breeding ground for lies, torture, guilt, the loss of trust, and so much more. All these manage to band together

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Book Review

2010-09-27T19:08:00.005-04:00

As a person who judges books by their covers 85% of the time and refuses to read inside flaps: it will come as no surprise that this book was no exception. Although, this time, while the cover was intriguing it was actually the movie trailer that spiked my interest. Nearly a year ago I saw the trailer for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and I instantly knew I wanted to read the book. Aside from

You Probably Won't, You Think You're Cooler Than Me

2010-08-27T15:17:00.005-04:00

Writing book reviews. . . you either love doing this or hate it. . . you either are really good at writing them or you suck. . .I enjoy writing reviews, but I suck at them. This basically defeats liking the process. I read other book reviews and think wow that sounds great, it flows and is convincing. Mine not so much. This frustrates the heck out of me. I figured, though, better to be up front

History...I've written...just not here.

2010-07-19T12:11:00.007-04:00

I've been good about scribbling little musings on scrap paper, but I've neglected to post anything in forever. Not sure what my punishment should be, but I'll leave that up to you. :)Old posts:Written 15, April, 2010It feels as though my mind has been wading through a thick fog for some time. I’m truly amazed I can even focus at all to do the menial tasks that I am called upon to do every day. I

Friday's Fancies (1)

2010-05-07T16:17:00.003-04:00

If I can manage to write 2 posts a week that would be great. I sometimes don't post because I want to leave plenty of time for people to see the most recent post. Well I was just thinking let's try for 2 a week and see how goes it. Then I thought every Friday I could post Friday's Fancies, which will be random things I like for the day or just random babble.Yesterday, Thursday, I created a new

May, Musings, and More

2010-05-01T23:19:00.003-04:00

We’re starting off the month May beautifully. Some may being looking at me as though I’m a bit off. It has rained all day...down pour is more like it. I’m sure the earth and plants are rejoicing. I like this kind of rain, it leaves a scent that will always be imprinted on my mind. Although there is a downside, it has been incredibly musty and humid, while stuck in doors.I’ve tried 3 times to

Curiosity Hasn't Killed Me Yet....

2010-04-05T17:44:00.004-04:00

I know you probably think I've fallen from the face of the earth...not yet anyway.Between work, the bookstore, and taxes life hasn't been a very yummy box of chocolates lately. I really want to write a post, a good meaty one. In fact I've had several that I have wanted to write, but life hasn't lent to writing. Sadly I've lost my ideas because I'm bad about being cocky thinking I'll remember what

Tribute

2010-03-14T21:25:00.004-04:00

You know the saying ignorance is bliss? When is it ever truer than when we are children? The simplicity of our minds, the purity is such a wonderful treasure we don’t even realize until we are older what we had. We don’t realize what we had until it is gone.As children many of us look at our parents and think who are these giants. We paint in our small minds a masterpiece of these near ethereal

A Warm Handshake

2010-02-23T21:20:00.010-05:00

I had intended, actually I was supposed to write a review for my LibraryThing Early Reviewer According to Jane by Marilyn Brant. I finished it last night. However, in the midst of finishing the book I’m about to review (in its defense I started it first) the ideas for a post kept assailing my mind., Rather than risk losing those thoughts I began to write them down while reading. I still need to

“It is completely unimportant. That is why it is so interesting!” ~ Agatha Christie

2010-02-03T20:13:00.007-05:00

(I wrote this 02, February, but silly me I forgot my notebook and couldn't type it at work during my lunch hour. You're getting it a day late. . . sorry.)I sometimes come to the notebook ready to produce masterpiece worthy posts (a good chuckle from that right?). Then there are the times, when I haven't the slightest notion of what might erupt from my aroma pleasing pencil (I love the smell of

Let's talk about sex...ok let's not

2010-01-26T22:21:00.004-05:00

When this statement leaves my mouth, "The book was great, but too much. . . sex," several things happen. First I usually stammer those words out, not sure if the person will react with disbelief that I would read such 'rubbish' or nonchalantly they don't care. Most arch their eyebrows and give this look that says yep she's one of those squeamish virgins. . . weak constitution that one. Ok yes (I

A Threatening Letter. . . .

2010-01-12T19:31:00.004-05:00

This letter mysteriously appeared on my pillow this morning. I thought I might share it with you, in hopes of finding the culprit.Dear Maddie,You may interpret this as you like, but we fully hope and expect you to read it as hate mail. However, we're sure you can (or else) redeem yourself.It has come to our attention that you are in breach of contract. The said contract being the promise (okay

Announcement, Commitment, Decree, Edict, Ordinance...Just call it what it is, a Resolution List.

2010-01-02T15:52:00.007-05:00

It’s that time of year. Yep you guessed it, New Years Resolution lists! Now, now, stop groaning it’s good for you. I can’t say it’s entirely encouraging. I only managed to accomplish one (see #) of my goals, but a surpassed all my hopes by leap and bounds with this one goal.Last year’s goals were:Read between 150 and 200 books.I only read 53 books the entire year.Finish and Enter 21 projects for

Christmas with the President...1942

2009-12-14T16:19:00.004-05:00

I meant to post last week, but never got around to it. I have been making an effort to post at least once a week if I can. This time of year is really busy though. I'm hoping either later this week or next to do my post about New Year's goals. We'll see.I found this article an old Christmas annual from 1942 my mom has. I was looking for something to read to the senior center my dad preaches at

Pirates, Heading West, and Book Reviews

2009-12-02T12:30:00.005-05:00

(I wrote this post yesterday)Today is shop day for me (I work at the bookstore Tuesdays and Saturdays). I just finished my lunch, a yummy hot soup which caused a flood to pour forth from my nose. Ahhh (deep sigh) nothing like a good congested cough and nose to start off the month of December. Business was slow all morning...more like ghost town. I spent it reading and finishing the book The

Hating New Moon Means You've Joined The Dark Side...I have why can't you?

2009-11-25T22:07:00.007-05:00

I never thought the mere mention of Twilight would have one of two reactions from people. Either a scream, highly annoying by the way, or a smirk that says you’re stupid for liking it. Which causes my neck to shrink into my shoulders (in guilt) until I resemble a hunch back. When I first picked up Twilight to read, it was because my sister, Elyza, had been kindly pestering me to read it. I

Mail and Temptation

2009-11-15T12:59:00.002-05:00

It seems to me that the small things in life tend to bring the greatest delight. Mail. It is a small thing, but I absolutely love walking to the mailbox and discovering I got a letter or package. (Please no bills, thank you.) The mail had lots to give yesterday. A large envelope all the way from jolly ole England and a Borders box. England or rather Persephone Books sent me their catalog. Oh

NaNoWriMo and Women Unbound

2009-11-11T12:41:00.005-05:00

I had thought I would try my hand at NaNoWriMo. This is the first year I have ever heard of it and I very intrigued. Writing a novel in a month, what a challenge to anyone’s skills let alone my own (which aren’t much to shout about). However, I’m always good with excuses and procrastinating. The idea I have, involves too much research to commit to writing it in a month. I really need a good book

I take it back...

2009-10-29T08:55:00.007-04:00

Several weeks ago I was at the library searching out a particular book (I should really be reading books from my personal library. It was a goal for this year, but it has run away much like many of my other good intentions.). I was bound not to find the book. I only had two things to go on, white binding and a female assassin on the cover. I was never meant to find it, although I now know the

Music, Reading System, Wait did you say Music?

2009-09-18T12:30:00.004-04:00

I was forced to come home early yesterday (I use the word forced lightly he he he) because I have an upper respiratory thing going on. I love it when people see fit to share, it’s so kind. Aren’t you glad there is a computer separating you and I? I was able to finish my book, Rachel Caine’s second Morganville Vampire book, and slept for a while. I stayed home today hoping that more rest will the

Bookstore, Teaching, Waiting on Wednesday (WoW) = Book Teaser from author Maggie Stiefvater

2009-09-09T17:17:00.007-04:00