Mundane Mondays: I can look up

The last few months of 2012 were not my best. They were crazy, chicken with my head cutoff busy and not memories I want to tuck away for a rainy day. When things get tough I tend to withdrawal and into my hermit hole I disappeared. I owe you, my blog followers/readers, an apology. I stopped writing and each week (Mondays and Tuesdays especially) the days would come and go with no words written. I’m not going to claim or expect you to have missed me, but I missed you. I missed writing. Although it is difficult and an overwhelming endeavor, I’m going to try to get my act together . . . learn some balance.

As it is Mundane Monday and now 2013, I wanted to quick recap a few 2012 happenings.

Christmas was the year of felt for me. If I had, had more time and energy my house would have become the ultimate felt factory. Thanks to a new favorite blog I follow, Design Mom, I’m getting new ideas all the time. The idea below for monogrammed ornaments came from her blog.

I took my love of Google+ and my new found friendships and applied felt. (insert smile)

My Christmas book loot (down from last year*) included:

My Photo 'Peeking Pages'

Time for the Goals!

Last year I played it safe with 7 somewhat reasonable goals. Unfortunately, due to a long list of excuses I won't go into right now, I only accomplished 2 goals in 2012. See goals here. I bought my Canon Rebel T3i camera, Calvin . . . love at first sight. I also, by God's grace, was able to continue to save for my someday Africa trip/mission. I have no idea how much I have saved, but it brings such joy to my "little" heart to hear the clink, clink of more coins in my bank.

Even though I didn't accomplish everything on my list I'm bring out the big guns for 2013. I want this year to be the year of motivational "get 'her dones". I want to show 2013 whose boss (knowing that God has the ultimate controls for my life, but not wanting to or allowing life's bleck to stand in my way).

Books, Books, Books . . . Did I mention books?

• Finish my 25 by 25 reading list: I am old. I'm turning 25 in May, ugh. I made this list some time ago and realized I'm WAY behind, having only read 2 of the books, and it is time to get going.
• Read The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: I'm not a fan or at least I don't think I am of him, but I want to read the book before the movie comes out.
• Read Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy: Time to read a Russian great! That and I want to read it before I see the movie . . . which didn't come to any theaters near me!?!
• Read 100 books and less eBooks: That's my goal and confession from last year.
• Buy less: Realizing that my "To be read" list on Librarything continues to grow and get out of hand; I want to focus on what I own that hasn't been read yet. Honestly, please someone send me some tips for withdrawal. I would like (like meaning this is my intention, but I don't know how likely or possible it is) to tuck away the money to buy a book each time I stop myself from buying it. (cough: yearight) Then at the end of the year (ok, ok, month?) reward myself with a book shopping spree.

Click, Pic, Flick!

• Flickr Famous: I would like to be featured; even just one of my pictures would be beyond awesome.
• Take LOTS of pictures: More hopefully equals honing my skills and technique. Plus I love taking pictures!
• Photoshop: Learn how to use it so that I don't smash my computer through the wall. Did I mention I have anger and patience issues?

Take Time

• Memorize a poem and/or piece of scripture
• Teleport to Portland: My new dear friend Deven lives in Portland and I want so badly to meet her face to face! I know I might scare her, but hopefully we can move past the initial screaming and running in terror (insert big grin). Deven is an amazing artist, not that she needs a shout out from me, but definitely checkout her Etsy shop!
• Bigger in Texas: I have family that lives in Austin. I visited the city about 5 years ago and miss it. It is time to see it again!
• Sew More
• Knit More
• Bake More
• Write more on my blog: I owe you guys, right?!?
• Write a Children's book: The ideas are floating around, waiting and ready.
• Magazine Mayhem: I would like to dedicate a day to catch up on reading all of the magazines I subscribe to. The pile at the end of my bed continues to grow and sadly remains untouched.

The Life of Maddie

• Continue to save for Africa . . . go to Africa?: I don't know what this year holds in store, but I'm game if God is game!
• Pay off Debts: Debt free is the way to be . . . here's to hoping it can be done.
• Learn to take a compliment . . . graciously
• Here we come a . . . Vlogging?: I have a few "dear" (wink) friends whose initials are Mum, Deven and Ron that are pestering me to make videos about books. We'll see, we shall see.
• Stop comparing
• Continue exercising (Don't you like how I am being vague with some of these goals: Knit More, Continue exercising??) 
• Punch a hole in it!: (insert grin) I need some new piercings and these are the ones I'm fancying to get: My tragus, my conch and my nose.
• Tattoo: Yep I want one and I think I'm ready!

I also have a few personal private goals that I hope by focusing and striving to achieve the above goals it will open the door for them too. I realize this list is leaps and bounds bigger than last year, but this year is about focus, balance and adventure! How can they go together? Oh they can, just wait and see!!!!

Quote of the Day

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” 

~Louisa May Alcott

*That’s ok though, I’m finding I have enough books to last me for awhile and I need to focus more on reading what I have. I know we have heard this tune sung many times from me.

Mundane Mondays: Keeping Moments

If people ever have the opportunity to carry my purse or for any reason pick it up, their first response is typically, "Holy cow, what are you carrying in here?!?" Sadly I can't claim to be Mary Poppins, but wouldn't that be awesome? I am quite certain if someone attacked me, for my purse, A. They would be slowed down and B. I could easily turn the purse into a weapon. It is easy folks, no bricks needed. (insert smile)

Among the many 'treasures' my purse holds, is my camera. I just realized I've never named this camera. Which strikes me as odd because I name most electronics that I own (thanks to a co-worker/friend); so for the duration of this post, for the sake of clarity and to negate the necessity to repeat "my camera' over and over, we will call my camera Old Fella. I suppose if I did some digging I could locate Old Fella's birth certificate, but suffice it to say . . . he is OLD. He is long overdue for a replacement.

Maybe you remember or are new to my blog, but earlier this year I did my annual New Years Resolution List and a new camera managed to make the list at goal numero due. I'm excited to tell you that this goal is seeing the finish line Friday, if not sooner! It has been a long time coming, as Old Fella causes me more tantrums and my passion for photography plays 'havoc' with my senses.

I can't claim to be a Dorothea Lange or a Thomas Hawk* or even the next greatest happy snapping photo taker out there. Photography is a fairly new creative outlet for me. As recent as 2009/2010, when I really started to delve, although tiptoe is more accurate, into what the world of what pictures had to offer me. Once I was inspired to begin and then signed up on Flickr (Pro-account, though I'm far from it) it was all history from there.

While the fame I can't claim, I can claim the passion. It is my belief, or rather what I tell myself, that passion is where it starts. If we try to pursue anything, be it photography, be it writing, beekeeping, farming, or what have you, without passion soon we find we are invested and stuck in something we can't pour any more effort into without losing self and sanity. The sacrifice is too much to go on another minute and we long for the days when passion feed us, dangling choice fruit before our eager lips.

In a nutshell I'm saying my passion equals fuel for more photos. Hopefully more photos means practice and you know what they say about practice. No? Okay then . . . practice makes perfect. Of course in my case I'm hoping not for perfection, but for honed photography skills and maybe . . . well . . . Flickr FAME.

Old Fella will either find he is stored in a box suffocating until I decide to donate or toss or . . . he will be a hand-me-down for my Mum. I know she wants a camera, but I'm not sure how much life Old Fella truly has left in him. When he sees his competition he will run screaming I'm sure. Even though, Old Fella and the new camera share the same parents, Canon, Old Fella is just not ready or equipped to put up much of a fight.

"A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away."

~Eudora Welty

*He is one of my favorite photographers to follow on Google+ and his blog is awesome.

Most Likely to Become Famous

(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 no end of dirty looks, I don’t mind saying or rather shouting, that I love snow. I even admitted via my Facebook that I was responsible for our blizzard like conditions because the night before I did a Snow Dance. I think people are ready to throw me out into the snowy white mess to dance in my flip flops as punishment.

This week has been madness. I neglected writing the whole week, which has left me feeling detached and edgy. My witting catch up plan* for today is: 2 blog posts, 1 article for newsletter, an outline of the next issue of the newsletter, at least 4 pages (handwritten) for my book, and a book review. Eeek! This is what happens when you shove your passion aside for an entire week. Not to mention Twitter has seen much less tweeting from me and Tumblr even less. I can hear little muses in my head chanting “Write! Write! Write!” Don’t worry I hear you loud and clear.

This post has several working themes; it is a mere cornucopia of updating so to speak. I never got around to a Christmas Book Brag or New Year’s Resolution post, so this will be a one stop shot for them. Plus I plan to tease you with some book news all my own. In other words this post may be . . . long.

Christmas had to be a record breaking year for me with the number of books I received. My friends and family don’t know me at all, do they? The picture below is a bit fuzzy, but I had to show off my treasure trove.

-    The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Box Set!) by Stieg Larsson
-    Characters from Tolkien by David Day
-    Cassandra’s Sister by Veronica Bennett
-    Hawk of May by Gillian Bradshaw
-    The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett
-    A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper
-    Jane Austen’s Guide to Good Manners by Josephine Ross
-    The Unknown Knowns by Jeffrey Rotter
-    Thirteenth Child by Patricia C. Wrede
-    The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
-    Child of Fire by Harry Connolly
-    Aspects of the Novel by E.M. Forster
-    How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One by Stanley Fish
-    Song of Ice and Fire (Box Set!) by George R.R. Martin
-    Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

In my family, we have what is called (me: clearing throat) a “Pee your pants gift”. There has actually never been any evidence that such action has occurred upon opening said gift, but the name is more for the novelty than anything. Oh yes and watching non-family member’s raised eyebrow as they confirm even further in their minds how weird we are. Following that lead I ranked/awarded some of the books into the categories below:

-    I wet my pants and now I’m speechless: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Box Set!) by Stieg Larsson – This is perhaps one of the most gorgeous set of books I own. They remind me of the 1950 publications of cloth covered hardback books. When my brother A. David gave them to me I couldn’t speak. It was so unexpected and wow!

-    You’ve been tasked! - Song of Ice and Fire (Box Set!) by George R.R. Martin – This set was from my friend Paul. As I’m excitedly oing and ahing over the gift, he drops this encouraging bit “The set is a little over 1.5 million words.” (Silence) Well I’ve wanted to read these for awhile, so I better get cracking.

-    Huh, what? - The Unknown Knowns by Jeffrey Rotter and Child of Fire by Harry Connolly – I had to award this category to 2 books. These were from 2 different secret Santa’s I had and as I opened them I was left scratching my head. I’m still wondering what made them pick these titles for me. I’m going to read them nonetheless!

-    Pleased to meet you -The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett – One of those moments where it is ok for your mum to tell you where she got a gift from. I have long had an obsession with specific publication of books and publishers. Persephone books is no exception and I’m also bad (good really) about only buying their books straight from England. However, my mum picked this one up at a thrift store!

-    Hello handsome – Hawk of May by Gillian Bradshaw – Long ago, in a bookstore faraway, a girl snapped a picture of this scrumptious bit of ‘judging a book by its cover’ book with her cell phone and stored it away for the future. Surprise! I got it for Christmas.

2012, I have a request. If you are in fact** the end, let’s not go gentle into that good night. Can you make it a year for things to take off, to happen, to explode with goal happening history? Perhaps I’ll have to bring my friend Jack Dice*** along to ‘kindly’ convince you. No! I’m not threatening you, no never.

Okay, in attempts to be slightly more realistic my goals may reflect that.

-    Africa – While last year my goal was to go to Africa, this year I’m playing it safer (meaning not dashing my hopes and dreams by asking for so much). My goal is to continue saving for a future trip to Africa.

-    Camera – My 4 plus year old (not for sure how old it is) digital camera has seen better days. I would really like to be able to purchase a new and cooler camera. I want to take my picture snapping skills to the next level.

-    Books – Reading goal for last year fell very short. 50 books. I read only 24 books. Yes, I know very sad. So what do I do? I up the goal to more! This year I would like to read 75 or more. As of today I’ve finished 5 towards this goal.

-    Shrink – No I don’t suddenly have a desire to be a character from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. I am in fact referring to my ever growing ‘To be read’ pile. My personal library is nearly 1,450 books. I have not read more than half of those. I know, shame on me, I have a problem. A good problem, some may say. The goal, read more from my own shelves. After all I have an awesome library if I do say so myself.

-    Snow . . . boarding! – I don’t think people realize or believe how badly I want to learn to snowboard. Someone said I have a death wish. No sir. I want to fly through the air, pound some powder, and go home sorer than I’ve ever been in my life, snow. (Sigh) Make it happen!

-    Let the ink consume me – Finish my book. Talk my writing savvy friend into reading and tearing it apart. That sounds painful and I’m sure it will be. Write more for my blog, stick to my schedule (aka: Mundane Mondays, Tattoo Tuesdays, Waiting on Wednesdays, etc.). Basically put pen to paper and don’t stop!

-    Prepare – Bomb Shelter in backyard (Check), Rations of food (Check), Water (Check), Ammunition and Guns (Check) Okay so I’m not talking about end of the world preparations (I watch too many movies sometimes). Those who know me, know that above all else I want more than anything to be a wife and mother. My goal this year is to read more in the realm of preparing for this role, to cook more, to sew more, better known as become a kickass wife/mum in training. Leave book suggestions in the comments below. Encouragement is welcome as well. Negativity? Please leave that fester in your mind. In addition to this goal is also the endeavor to become a more God honoring, godly young woman. I know I’m sorely lacking in that department. Prayers are welcome. :)

(If any of you have read this far, well I didn’t think the post would be this long. Sorry.)

Those are my 2012 goals. I may have more, but these are the major game changer. The goals I pray are most likely to become famous.

Finishing things up, come Monday I’m hopeful to have some book news to share. It could very well be instrumental in furthering me in the blogsphere. You will have to wait for the juicy details. I will also have other book related news that could please some of you and mark me for tar and feathering for others.

Don’t forget about my book giveaway!

Feel free to share your goals with me and/or Christmas loot!


*Accomplished all, but the 4 pages for my book.
**Don't believe it is going to happen.
*** I know what they say about inside jokes, but Jack Dice he is no joke. You may read about him one day. Here's to hoping you only get to read about him and not meet him face to face.

A Threatening Letter. . . .

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 you say goal we say promise) you made regarding your reading goals for 2010. Oh yes you didn't think we cared or that we didn't pay such close attention to things. May we remind you we are highly intelligent and as ominous as this may sound we are everywhere in your house. We see that look of innocence on your face, pretending you've done nothing to deserve such remonstrations. Hah! Think again! If it were not for your blatant disregard that we're everywhere, well we would being willing to cut (horrid word) you some slack. You left the evidence in plain site, though. Have you caught on yet? Library. . . books. For shame Madelyne, for shame. Not just one either, 3, 3 library books. We also have connections with the library and would have found out eventually had you bothered to be secretive about the books.

We don't stop there. It is altogether a most saddening bit of information that the first 2 books on your reading list for 2010 will not even be from your own shelves. One book you didn't have the decency to get from the library even. No you took it off of someone else's hands and only to read. Why not let every tramp that comes along begging to be read among our midst than. . . hmm?

Have you no mind for what it is like to sit on the shelf day after day collecting dust (I wouldn't recommend collection of said particles, horrible for ones continued upkeep)? To sit between one's comrades to hear the same sorrowful stiff unread pages? Hmm. . . well do you? Oh sure some are lucky they've been read and have formed their sacred monarchy. We scoff at them. . . scoff! Unless of course we may been given the courtesy of joining their ranks (hint, hint, hint).

If it must come to this so be it. We have banded together to send for, no not a loan shark, can you imagine? Loan, really what a dreadful word to a book, such a disgusting use of 4 letters. Shark, we tremble to think what it would do to a book, all those teeth.* We have sent for the adoption papers. We may as well find new homes if you cannot be bothered to do your motherly duty. Read us! Why just the other day we had word from a most respectable person across the ocean who would be quite happy to have one of us. While the prospect of water is frightening, if these are the measures we are to take so be it! With a flower indeed!

Your faithful, honest, beloved, intelligent, handsome,
bona fide (the list could continue for sometime),

Books!



P.S. May we also remind you we know all about the Amazon wishlist oh and the Barnes & Noble gift card you are just itching to spend. Mercy of all mercies we hope your viewing of a certain device (the Nook another heinous four letter word) does not lead you down any paths that would warrant our immediate forsaking of all bonds. Be ever so careful!


* We realize this is a situation that a loan shark would not ordinarily be called upon, but to us loan shark equals much pain equals justice served.

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

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 the quilt show I participate in every August.
This was really too much to commit to. Especially because I’m very bad about waiting until the last minute to rush and finish everything.

# Get down to business about opening a bookstore.
I had no idea when I said that, that I would actually open one. I only meant plan it out and start saving. Such an amazing blessing (Thank you Lord!) To say I opened a bookstore in 2009 (with my sister don’t forget that)! Right now we’re thankfully making just enough each month to cover our rent. With the new year we’re hoping to get the word out to more people (somehow?). I believe the last count of books in the store was a little over 4,500. We still have more to add!

Try harder to write more.
I blogged...does that count? I wrote very little for my book, maybe 10 pages tops.

Journal more.
If it counts, I started the Total 365! photography project in April. It is a form of journaling with pictures.

A better relationship with the Lord.
:( (Deep Frown)


I think I’ve set the bar fairly high for myself for 2010. I don’t know if that’s necessarily a good or bad thing. I’ve split my list into 2 groups. Realistic goals and Unrealistic goals, which are goals I still would really like to accomplish (just don’t know how likely that is).

Realistic Goals:

Read more books from own shelves and hopefully read 75 or more books.
I’d really like to hit 100 or more, but why not set out to accomplish a small goal and surprise myself by beating it. I’ve even started a reading challenge list of books from my personal shelves (see below).

Complete the Women Unbound Reading Challenge.
I have until November 2010 to read (for the highest level) 12 books, fiction and non-fiction. I haven’t started yet and probably should have, seeing how it started in November 2009.

Write More! This includes my book, poetry, and my blog. I’d really like to write at least 2 posts a week. Sometimes it is a bit difficult to come up with material for new posts that quickly, but we’ll see. Any writing advice would be great!

Finish my Total 365! photo project. I think it will be over in April. I’m not sure if I’ll go another year after that or not.

New goal idea that I’m really excited about: Write a letter everyday. Each day write a letter to someone different. Initially it will be 365 letters, but I’m hoping people will write me back and then in turn I’ll write them again (although 2nd letters do not count towards the 365 goal). My grandma was the first person on my list (wrote her letter last night) and I mailed her letter this morning. I’m more than happy to write to new people. If you’d like you can email me your address. My email is peetierox@hotmail.com.

Overcome 2 personal handicaps. Lack of confidence and mental stability issues. Does anyone know of a confidence booster pill?

Hit the 2,000 mark on LibraryThing. Right now I own a little over 1,100 books. Only 900 to go! Is this unrealistic?

This goal is something I didn’t heed in 2009 and SHOULD listen to for this year and every year forever. I’ll post the same text from last year.
A better relationship with the Lord. More than ever my relationship with the Lord has really been slack. The year has had its ups and downs. I think back to all of the blessings the Lord has given me and think shame on me for not striving for a better relationship with Christ. However, I also shouldn’t only want a better relationship with Him just because of His blessings. I need to be in His word everyday, praying, and worshiping Him because I’m told to do so in His word, its obedience. I want to read my Bible more and truly seek the Lord’s wisdom.

Another goal that just came to me via LibraryThing’s (friendly yet constant) reminders. Read my LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I think I have 4 or 5 that I’ve yet to read. Although one of them (picture on the side for book I’m reading right now) I’m nearly finished with.


Unrealistic Goals:

Start Vlogging (spelling?) On YouTube. I still haven’t convinced my mom that this is a good idea, not sure if I will be able to or not. This looks like fun to me and maybe a confidence booster in the making?

Travel to somewhere outside the United States. My personal stipulation is that neither Canada or Mexico count. Preferably another continent.

Loose weight, become skinny. This would be a great time for my magical powers to manifest (just kidding I already have those :)).

One or all of these would be great. Meet Prince Charming, Get Married, and/or have a baby. I’m sure my mother will loathe the and/or before ‘have a baby’. However, I can always visit the sperm bank for that one if Mr. Charming doesn’t make an appearance soon!

Learn to speak another language. I’d like to speak Welsh, German, or Italian. I know a little French, which is awful that I say little after 5 years of French classes.
Save more money. This could really fall under realistic goals, but I’m not always that great at saving.

On your mark (well mine really), get set (list finished...I think), Go (start accomplishing, beat the odds)!


2010 Personal Reading Challenge List:

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
The Gutenberg Elegies by Sven Birkerts
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen*
The Mark of the Horse Lord by Rosemary Sutcliff
Oscar Wilde and the Yellow Nineties by Frances Winwar
Dracula by Bram Stoker*
King, Kaiser, Tsar by Catherine Clay
The Once and Future King by T.H. White*
The Sea Rovers by Albert Marrin
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Riddle-Master The Complete Trilogy in one book by Patricia McKillip
A Thief in the House of Memory by Tim Wynne-Jones
The Cage by Michael Weston
Archangel by Sharon Shinn
True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey
The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay
The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington*
Flesh and Spirit by Carol Berg
Dinotopia Lost by Alan Dean Foster

* = Also on my 25 before I’m 25 list.

Goals! Recent Reads and WoW's!!!!!!!

What better to discuss on New Year’s Eve than goals for the New Year? I know it is a tedious thing to read about and let me tell you sometimes it is even more tedious for the person making the list. However, I’m taking a new outlook this year. I’m choosing to be positive about the coming year. If I remember correctly, at this time last year I posted something on my Myspace page about goals for 2008, hold on let me go take a look if I did….. Never mind I’m having issues with the computer.

Anyways I remember not looking forward to the new year and I remember loathing the idea of my birthday only being 5 months away. I wasn’t happy about turning 20 and my life still being at a standstill, you could say. Nothing has changed really, but I want to be more positive. You could say that turning 21 in 5 months could only make me happy because I can finally drink!!!! While I’m excited about that I’m also strongly convinced this year has things in store just waiting for me snatch them up.

Goals for the New Year:

1. Read between 150 and 200 books. The majority of which I hope come from my own shelves. I tend to buy, buy, buy like crazy, check out even more books from the library, and only read the ones I get from the library. If my tagging on LibraryThing is correct I have well over 350 books to be read. YIKES!

2. Finish and Enter 21 projects for the quilt show I participate in every August. My grandmother thinks this is too tall of an order for me, but why ever so do you ask? I inherited….yes you guessed it the procrastination gene from my mother and my grandmother. I like, no I choose, to wait a month sometimes less before the event to finish the projects. Not this year I’m starting tomorrow, actually that sounds like a good idea. At least 2 of the quilts are basically finished!

3. Get down to business about opening a bookstore. This has long been a deep desire for as well as my sister. The more I swap books online at PaperBackSwap the more I realize this goal is attainable. I’m praying the Lord will show me how I can do this. I need to know where I can get inventory from, large quantities of used books. Eventually I’d liked to branch out to selling new books too, but at first I want to focus on used books.

4. Try harder to write more. I really want to finish a book. There is just too much self doubt evolved. I wish I had a good friend that was a writer that could read my stuff and tell me ‘you stink’ or ‘this is good keep going’. Alas I don’t and I’m just going to try to work on writing. Write from the heart and not be worried about what others will think of it….until later when it becomes important.

5. Journal more.

6. A better relationship with the Lord. More than ever my relationship with the Lord has really been slack. The year has had its ups and downs. I back think to all of the blessings the Lord has gave me and think shame on me for not striving for a better relationship with Christ. However, I also shouldn’t only want a better relationship with Him just because of His blessings. I need to be in His word everyday, praying, and worshiping Him because I’m told to do so in His word, its obedience. I want to read my Bible more and truly seek the Lord’s wisdom.

Goals aside I have book reviews to post!!!!!!!

The Sinner’s Tale by Will Davenport (4 stars)

I love books that weave the past with the present. This novel is no different. The author did a great job of slowly drawing me in by starting in the 1300s with a knight. I was eager to know more about this righteous knight who thought himself so lowly and sinful. The book also made me more curious about Catholics and their beliefs. It had just enough mystery to it, to keep me picking it back up. I also want to know more about the time period now. Davenport cleverly had Chaucer as one of the characters and I kept thinking throughout the book that it was him. I was happy with the modern day setting, but didn't enjoy it as much as the past. Beth (modern day main character) was kind of annoying and mean. I kept wanting to take her by the shoulders and give her a good shake. The author does give a little background history from World War 2 as well. The ending message about war is particularly good. I'd recommend this book to people who like historical fiction, mystery, twists, and the movie A Knight's Tale!

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura (2 stars)

Before reading this book I had never read a book with ghosts as the main characters. I was intrigued by the author’s view of life, for some people, after death. Her style of writing was very poetic and it is obvious she has a love for literature and poetry. The story progressed well and was cause for curiosity. I thought it out of place for a young adult book to have such vividly described sex scenes. Usually I base a books worth on whether I feel right about placing it on my shelf someday for my children to read. I would never want them to read this for the pure and simple fact that I don't think it age appropriate, nor content anyone should be filling their minds with. Also it has to be said, I didn't like the portrayal of Christians in the book. It is not because I am a Christian that I say this, but because I don't like it in books or movies when people deem it right to make their audience feel that all Christians are that way. We all are hypocrites at one time or another, myself not excluded. I can understand writing about a Christian who is fake, but portraying us all as perfect little robots who never do anything wrong, don't tolerate sin ever, and pretend to lead a life of righteousness is wrong in my opinion. Sin is wrong, we are to hate the sin, but love the sinner, not to ostracize and create an outcast of ourselves.
I was happy with the ending, in that it gave you hope for the future. I will be interested to see what the author's future stories have in store.

Green Rider by Kristen Britain (4 stars)

Karigan, a young woman, finds herself kicked out of school and running away to get home. Little did she know that running away would bring her so much adventure. It starts with her meeting a dying messenger bound to deliver a message to the king, whose lasts words employ Karigan to take the message to the king. Along the way she meets up with strange creatures, people who speak of magic, traitors, and the mysterious ‘Gray One’.
I purchased this book a while ago based on the recommendation from a friend who knows my taste in books well. When I started reading, I will admit I was a bit put off by the slowness of the story and a lack of any sort of love interest for the main character. Once I told myself to get over no love intrigue in the book and to enjoy the story, that’s exactly what happened. I enjoyed the book! The author’s attention to a fantasy world was done very well and to its history. Many scenes I thought were reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, only with her own style. Karigan, the main character, was convincing as a young woman unsure of where life will lead her. The many trials she faced and the courage she showed in persevering made the story even more enjoyable. At times the story got a bit too predictable; however, in a way it helped to keep me reading more to see if all my predication were correct. There was a very slit hint at a developing love interest toward the end (so don’t give up on it completely). I look forward to the author’s sequel. I’m sure it will be even better.


And then if that’s not enough I have 2 Waiting on Wednesday’s.

I’m very excited that the publishers have decided to bring out another of Eva Ibbotson’s old books. Magic Flutes was originally published in 1982 and is now very hard to find. I’ve found copies before, but they are upwards of $25.00 or more. The book comes out May 2009 and the American title is The Reluctant Heiress. Please someone tell me why American copies of British author’s books have different titles???

Summary for The Reluctant Heiress (found on Amazon.com)

Being an heiress in 1920s Austria with nothing but a broken-down castle to your name and nary a penny in your purse could be frustrating for anyone but the Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. “Tessa,” however, is thrilled with her situation, as it allows her to concentrate on her love of the arts—and no one in the Viennese opera company need know that their delightful and charming under-wardrobe mistress is really a princess. But when the dashing self-made millionaire Guy Farne arrives at the opera in search of suitable entertainment for his high society guests, Tessa realizes that there may be more to life—and love—than just music. But while the attraction between them in undeniable, Guy’s insufferable snob of a fiancée only solidifies Tessa’s determination to keep her true identity a secret. Yet, after a chance meeting with the handsome Englishman, Tessa’s reserve begins to melt, and she starts to wonder if it’s not too late for a fairytale ending…

Why I’m waiting? Eva Ibbotson has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read The Secret of Platform 13 years ago. Many of her stories take place in Austria and she has a wonderful ability of describing it perfectly. I’m sure if I went there today it would be just as she describes it. It is obvious she loves her home country. Her characters I always feel like I know after I read the books. Oh I can’t wait; I’m squirming in my chair with anticipation!!!!

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

If you want to read a prologue to her new book coming out 2009, head on over to Cayla Kluver's blog. She hasn’t come out with the release date, but I’m sure it will be soon.
Her first book, Legacy, was a good read. There were times when you could tell she is a new young author, but for the most part it was good and worth the read. I’m eager to read Allegiance because I want to see how the characters lives will turn out and sequels sometimes are better than their predecessors.

Quick Blurb

Last night I was up until 11:30, which is way past my bedtime. I know that is not very late, but because I get up early sleep unfortunately is precious. I was up late finishing the last book for the month of September. Did I make it to 15 books? Sadly no I did not, however I was close. I read 4 more books since the last list I posted, making for a total 12 books read for the month! This means next month I have to read 18 instead of only 15. Any quick good reads you want to recommend are very welcome. Last 4 books for the month listed below.

9. Better Than Life by Daniel Pennac
10. The Night Dance by Suzanne Weyn
11. Before Midnight by Cameron Dokey
12. Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey

The book Better Than Life was a great read for book lovers. It might even inspire a love of books where there was none before. I want to read it again, but I need to buy it first.

I can’t say the same for 10-12. I didn’t really like any of them. It may have had to do with the fact my mind was so set on finishing them fast that I didn’t take time to really enjoy reading them. I’m not sure. These 3 books were also part of the Once Upon A Time Series I mentioned previously.

How is this for a short post?

No quote of the day, instead scripture that was encouraging to me today.

Scripture of the day:

2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Goals, Sharing, and Spiders

One of my favorite parts of my posts is coming up with corky titles. I guess I’m just weird that way.

I believe in my last post I mentioned a goal of reading 15 books by the end of the month. While I may still have 5 more reading days (including today) I think I’ll post what I have finished for the month. I’m still crossing my fingers that I can finish 15 for the month. However, unless my parents are willing not to see me for the entire weekend I doubt this is a goal I can accomplish. I know what you’re thinking; I need to be a positive thinker. I tend to be the person that is less positive; it helps in not being disappointment with the outcome. My mother hates this. (I’m chuckling to myself. I can just picture what she would be saying.) Anyways below is the list of books finished for September that I might be able to add to.

1. Legacy by Cayla Kluver
2. The Crimson Thread by Suzanne Weyn
3. Snow by Tracy Lynn
4. The Storyteller’s Daughter by Cameron Dokey
5. Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie
6. Scarlet Moon by Debbie Viguie
7. Sunlight and Shadow by Cameron Dokey
8. The Rose Bride by Nancy Holder (I only have pages left of this to read.)

As you noticed 2 through 8 are from the Once Upon A Time series. My sister loves these books and said I should read them. I’ve liked all of them except Sunlight and Shadow. It didn’t really grip my attention like the others. I know you might consider it cheating that I read all these books. I should have read books more my style. The truth is I was motivated to read these books because I figured they’d be quick reads. Guilty as charged.

I will post if I manage to read more books.

What do dust and spiders have in common? They both love my house. Especially since I live in an old house, it was built around 1860. Why am I mentioning spiders? I have 2 cool pictures to share with you. While I don’t love spiders I think they’re cool to look at, as long as they are outside. The picture below is a picture of a wolf spider; at least my mother thinks it is a wolf spider. However, when I googled wolf spider none of the pictures that came up looked quite like this spider. It lives on one of our windows . . . on the outside. The second picture (above) is a beautiful picture my sister had me take of a web that just outside our door last night.

Cool, huh?


A friend at work shared an article with me. I thought I would post for you to take a look at. The article is called 10 Books Not To Read Before You Die. While I don’t agree with some things said in the article it made for a good chuckle.
Another long post sorry.

No quote of the day today, but I do have a poem for you. I receive a poem everyday in my email by a different classic poet. Last week I received one by William Blake. The poem doesn't seem to want to leave my head and he is my favorite poet so below is the poem.

Poem of the day:

A Poison Tree

By William Blake

I was angry with my friend:

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe;

I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I water'd it in fears,

Night & morning with my tears;

And I sunned it with my smiles

And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night,

Till it bore an apple bright;

And my foe beheld it shine,

And he knew that it was mine,

And into my garden stole

When the night had veil'd the pole:

In the morning glad I see

My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree