101 in 1001, Round 2 - Update 9

One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list was to read one Christmas novel each Christmas season of the challenge.  Last year I read A Christmas Blizzard by Garrison Keillor and this year I read A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg.

Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it.

I love Flagg's novels; while predictable, they are also charming and uplifting and A Redbird Christmas was no exception.  It was a novel full of sweet characters and a lovely setting, however, the read just wasn't Christmasy enough for me (that's not to say that I'm not glad I didn't read this book because I never feel like I've wasted time in Flagg's worlds).  I haven't read many Christmas novels in my reading career so I'm not sure if they don't translate like movies but I plan to continue reading more in future holiday seasons.

July in Review

Well, we've made it out of June - on to July!

AROUND THE HOUSE

Mitch decided to take our grill off the deck and store it in the garage instead.  I quickly claimed the newly empty space as my future outdoor reading  corner!

We finally became a toaster ovens household!  I was probably way too excited about this addition to our household.  I don't know what it is, but there's just something about a toaster oven.

I discovered Grey's Anatomy reruns and quickly filled up my DVR over and over again with them.  (Mitch and I have since joined the Netflix revolution and I'm now watching them there and leaving room on our DVR for my other 'programs.'  Also, I'm not sure why Mitch and I waited so long to hop on the Netflix bandwagon - it's fabulous!)

BOOKS

After reading Where the Heart Is, I thought I'd grab the other Billie Letts book I had on my shelf and give that one a whirl.  Sometimes you're not ready to leave an author after one book.  While I didn't think it was quite as good as Where the Heart Is, I did really enjoy Made in the U.S.A.  Letts knows how to write characters you fall in love with (I adored Fate).  And side note, how pretty is this cover?  I definitely want to read her other novels.

I had a love-hate relationship with Chris Bohjalian based on the two novels I picked up by him; Midwives is one of my favorite novels but I couldn't finish Before You Know Kindness.  I wanted to read at least one more (perhaps several more) of Bohjalian's works because of the impression he left with Midwives.  Secrets of Eden was definitely better than Before You Know Kindness but it was no Midwives.  This did restore my faith in the author, however, and I look forward to reading his other books on my shelf.

I heard so many wonderful things about A Man Called Ove and it did not disappoint. It was such a sweet, humorous book.  I highly recommend it.

CRICKETT

I needed to wash a couple of Crickett's stinkiest toys and she got very concerned about the whole ordeal.  It was so cute watching her.

A couple of nights later I was doing my own laundry and Crickett had to inspect every step of the process.  She may have developed some trust issues after that first night - ha!  Sometimes my little girl really impresses me with that memory of hers; the things she remembers when I'm absolutely certain she'll forget!  She is still showing a great interest in the laundry room to this day.

FAMILY

The Fourth of July holiday was spent with family.  We enjoyed the nice day and played some Yard Yahtzee at my parent's house and ventured out that evening to our city's annual fireworks display.

The second to last weekend in July was spent with my dad's side of the family out on the family farm for our now annual Fam Jam event.  As always, it was absolutely fabulous being in one of my favorite places on earth with some of my favorite people on earth.  I need to give this wonderful weekend it's own post.  Stay tuned.  (Hopefully not too long!)

MOTHER NATURE

We had quite a few storms over the summer and quite a few of them were rather intense.  The clouds with this particular storm were incredible; I'd never seen anything like them.  I almost felt like I was in a movie!  Mother Nature is definitely a talented (and destructive!) lady.

The bell flowers in our front yard finally started to really bloom (I'd been checking on them constantly since May - obviously I was very excited!)  I love their simple prettiness.  I should really try - and I mean, really, really try (because you have to work hard when you have a black thumb) - to get more flowers going around our house next year.  They are truly a joy to have around; it's hard not to feel calm and happy when looking at them.

June in Review, Part 2

I'm hoping to get this year reviewed before it's over!

So, although the best part of June was my birthday, there were other happenings in that month.

ART

My sister surprised me with one of my favorite paintings of hers as a gift for my birthday.  I love it so much - the colors, the textures, the words.  It's going to look perfect hanging on my craft room wall!

I bought another print for my library.  I'd been eyeing this one for a while on Etsy and finally decided it needed to be in my collection.

BOOKS

I bought a 1943 hardcover edition of my all-time favorite book (with my favorite book jacket).  It is absolutely beautiful and in amazing shape inside and out for being over 70 years old.

Where the Heart Is is one of my favorite movies and I thought I should read the book on which it was based.  I was a bit hesitant - I hate seeing differences between the two mediums - but ended up pleasantly surprised.  The movie followed the book quite closely and the differences weren't anything substantial enough to make me dislike the changes.  The book was just as great as the movie.

FOOD

My co-workers and I taste-tested the latest Oreo flavor.  Let me tell you, this one is in my top five favorites.  It tastes exactly like Fruity Pebbles cereal.  So delicious!

My mom gave me a jar of her amazing strawberry rhubarb jelly.  Lucky for me, Mitch doesn't like rhubarb so I didn't even have to share.  My favorite way to enjoy the jelly is on waffles.

THRIFTING

I fell in love with this beauty while out thrifting - I stood like a crazy person just staring at it for a minute or two while admiring all the details  - but I honestly couldn't think of anywhere to put it (it was quite large at probably close to five feet tall) so I had to leave it behind.  Thank goodness for photos!

I found a fabulous little hobnail milk glass lamp on a different thrifting trip and that came home with me  (there were actually two lamps and I do regret not buying the second one but at least I got one!).  It's perfect in my craft room!

TREES

Our apple tree decided to join the pear trees and started producing fruit.  It's so much fun watching our trees work their magic.

And the lilac tree in our front yard did not disappoint this year with it's beautiful, fragrant blossoms.

Fall Book Sale 2016

Two weeks ago was one of the best days of the year: the library's used book sale!  I scored 27 books for $9.50; that's $0.35 a book!  I couldn't believe it when the cashier told me my total.  My bag definitely felt heavier than nine and a half pounds (you pay $1.00 per pound).  I had to laugh at the guy in line behind me.  When the cashier told him his total was $12.50, he said "That's it?!  I should really get to the gym."  Who has time for the gym when there are so many books to read?!

So, without further ado, the books that will be joining my ever-growing collection:

The Sweet Relief of Missing Children by Sarah Braunstein  This title definitely caught my attention.

The Outside Boy by Jeanine Cummins  Another title that caught my attention.  And honestly, I'm not sure I've ever read a book about gypsies.  

The Palace of Strange Girls by Sallie Day

Dog Years by Mark Doty  I'm almost positive that this memoir will be a tear-jerker for me.

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg  I love Flagg's books and I love Christmas, so I couldn't pass this one up!

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler  One of the many books on my to-read list.

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert  I didn't particularly care for Eat, Pray, Love (more so the author herself and not the story) so I haven't paid much attention to anything else by Gilbert.  However, I'd heard of this one and after reading the synopsis, thought it sounded like it could be a good read.  Also, I really like the cover.

Three Junes by Julia Glass  I enjoyed The Widower's Tale and thought I'd try another novel by Glass.

When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton

The Tie That Binds by Kent Haruf  I have bought several of Haruf's books now (all from the library book sales) but haven't read any of them yet.  I really should remedy that soon.

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

The Dinner by Herman Koch  Another one on my to-read list.  That actually took me by surprise because I didn't think I'd ever heard of the book before! Ha!

Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante

The Gifted Gabaldon Sisters by Lorraine Lopez

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern  This was never a book I'd planned on reading - it just didn't sound that great to me - but after reading so many great reviews, I thought I would grab it and see what the fuss is all about.

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty  I enjoyed The Husband's Secret and Big Little Lies so I figured I'd give this one a whirl.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch.  I discovered this is the first book in a series and I'm a little disappointed (not a fan of the commitment a series takes).  I don't know if this novel can stand alone should I not want to continue with the series; some of the other books sound good, some not so much.  We'll see, I guess.

A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson  Bought this one because my cousin recommended I read it (AGES ago!).

Faith Bass Darling’s Last Garage Sale by Lynda Rutledge

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe  Another on my to-read list.

Stardust by Carla Stewart

The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart  This cover caught my attention - seriously so adorable! - and the book sounds pretty darn cute.

The Bookseller by Cynthia Swanson

What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman

April in Review

Here I am again, writing a summary post because I didn't get my butt in gear and write during the month of April.  One of these months I'll stay on top of things.  Okay, we all know that's not true but it never hurts to dream, right?  So, here are some tidbits from April.

1.  My coworkers and I have tried every special flavor of Oreos that we've been able to get our hands on.  The latest flavor was Strawberry Shortcake: quite tasty!

2.  My dad gave my mom this library puzzle for Christmas and after seeing it completed, I thought it would look great hanging on the wall in my library.  I wanted to complete the puzzle myself, though, so I could take credit it for it (who doesn't want puzzle bragging rights?) and because I did have to admit it looked a little fun.  It took me a little less than two weeks and I was right - it was fun.  I know I said after doing my last puzzle that they aren't for me but I think I may have to retract that statement.  I think I may have enough patience to do one puzzle every winter.

When I start a puzzle, I always wonder which piece will be the last one; being the nerd that I am, I had to document it.  And since I knew you'd be wondering what piece it was, I figured I better share the photo here.  You're welcome.

Puzzle glue has been purchased and hopefully one of these days soon the gluing gets done and a frame purchased.  Then it will be on to hanging this and all the wonderful book prints I've purchased; it will be so much fun to have my library one step closer to being complete (and not quite the mess it currently is!).

3.  I have several vases and other containers like the one below that needed some filler so I took the plunge and joined the "I'm an old lady and decorate with fake flowers" club.  I'm not going to lie, I love my fake flowers and the pop of happiness they add to my spring decor.

We had quite a few dreary, rainy days in April but things remained cheerful inside thanks to these beauties.

4.  Occasionally you run across some true gems while thrifting but can't justify buying them.  This vintage lamp was certainly one of those gems.  It was so ridiculously pretty but for $50 (I suspect it was worth quite more based on age and condition) and no real good idea of where to put it, I had to take a photo and move on.  I do suspect it went to a good home.

5.  My coworkers and I got to talking one day about losing the ability to write with our dominant hand.  The discussion then turned into a little "write with your non-dominant hand" activity.  I'm in big trouble if there is ever a point when I can't use my right hand; this left-handed business isn't pretty.

6.  I know it's only mid May but The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin has the potential to be the best book I read this year.  I would venture to say it may even be one of the best books I've ever read.  I can't recommend this one enough.  Also, the cover is simply gorgeous!

7.  For our April gathering, my girlfriends and I decided to try out a new "attraction" here in town, a real-life room escape game.  You're taken into a room with your team, the door is locked behind you, and you have an hour to find clues and solve puzzles that will help you escape the room.  We chose Pirate Cove:

"The media has been in a frenzy lately, reporting on the latest antics from America's self-made billionaire, prankster, and eccentric philanthropist, John Buckingham.  Buckingham, who has been known to share his wealth in outrageous publicity stunts (like the time he rented the Goodyear Blimp and dropped millions of dollars over neighborhoods of Los Angeles), has lately taken to dressing, acting, and talking like a pirate.  In a press release, Buckingham claims to have hidden "possibly the most valuable treasure ever," in an old clipper ship that he has permanently docked near his ocean side mansion.  Residents have flocked to take a turn at discovering Buckingham's Billions, but so far, none have succeeded.  Today, you and your crew are going to have 60 minutes to search for the elusive treasure."

This scavenger hunt puzzle was quite challenging but a lot of fun.  It was pretty cool once you could see the clues coming together and leading other places.  I wish we'd had a little more time in the room, though, because it took a bit of time just to get oriented and figure out how to get started.  Unfortunately, we ran out of time and didn't escape the room but we were close and the game master explained the remainder of the puzzle we had left which was nice.  I'm glad we got to see how it all played out.

There is another version of this game available - a blackmailing boss! - and I think it would be fun to try it now that we have some experience with this type of activity.

8.  And because it's hard not to share photos of Crickett, here are a couple from April that just crack me up.  Our little girl is such a character.

Thursday 13: February & March in Review

I never wrote much in February and March (who's surprised?) so I thought a good Thursday 13 would be to share a few random tidbits from those two months.

1.  JJ Watt, need I say more?  As often as football is on in our house during the season, I can't believe I'd never seen him before February!  I may have to start paying more attention to this sport!  (Just kidding, if I need to see Mr. Watt there's this wonderful thing called Google.)

2.   A February girls' night with a delicious dinner - salad with homemade dressing, garlic bread and pasta - and this amazing almond cake for dessert.  Seriously, my friends can cook and bake!  We also played more Tenzi and I'll say it again: I HIGHLY recommend this game.

3.  Mitch hosted a Super Bowl party in which he was the only one invited, just the way he wanted it.

And while Mitch watched the "big game," Crickett and I watched the PuppyBowl.  For a few minutes anyway, until I was tired of listening to my silly little girl growling and barking at the television.

4.  During one of my thrfiting lunch breaks in February, I stumbled upon this little guy.  I could barely contain my excitement; he's so ridiculously cute and I love having him in my library!

5.  I was introduced to a new game called Codenames.  It is a lot of fun; I highly recommend this game as well.

6.  While bowling in a law enforcement charity event, I scored over 50 points each game!  It was probably one of the best days I've ever had bowling.  I mean, look at these scores: 78,77, 82, and 89!  I think it's time for me to join a league.

7.  The glorious time of year when Girl Scout cookies arrive.  Yum, yum, yum!

8.  During one of my thrifting lunch breaks in March (yes, I spend a lot of my lunch breaks thrifting), I found this cutie.  Another great addition to my library!  It's such a thrill to find these book related knick knacks that I can take home and display in my favorite room.

9.  Some of my sister's amazing art work is being displayed at a local pub and I joined my parents and a girlfriend to help her celebrate her opening evening. It was a nice evening; great company and beautiful surroundings.

10.  Mitch and I got a new computer.  I must say, I sure do love the keyboard - it's quite fun to type on.  Strange how different keyboards can be, isn't it?  We also made the switch to Windows 10 which I like.  I think this is the first time I've been excited about upgrading and updating our technological devices and services!  Progress!

11.  I love tasting the new flavors that companies develop and while it has generally been the different Oreos that I've tried, I was quite excited when I heard (and eventually found) the Strawberry Shortcake M&Ms.  They were fabulous!

12.  Crickett's highlight of the month:  One of her favorite toys had a bit of surgery done by Mitch and my mom (Mitch did the cutting open and removal of the broken sound ball, my mom added extra stuffing and did the stitching up) and now Mr. Raccoon is getting even more love and attention than he used to receive!  So much cuteness!

13.  I finally read The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis (it's been on my list forever) and while I didn't particularly care for the book (not much substance paired with poor writing), there was a paragraph that I loved and thought described my feelings perfectly:

"She liked to document her life.  Every trip, every family vacation, she was the one with the camera.  It was a way of remembering the fun, prolonging the experience.  And sharing the photos with people was like giving a gift."