Recent Reads

63. Of Mice and Men
My heart aches. But in a good way. Now that I am no longer in tears, let me try and convey how much I loved this book.

I dole out Steinbeck to myself as treats. And this is why. He captures people and place with so few words that it hardly seems possible he has created this rich, wonderfully cinematic world in your head. Can anyone capture the dreams of desperate people as well as Steinbeck? This is the story of George and Lennie. And while you root for Lennie, it is George who sucker punches you in the gut. Because he knows. And you know that he knows. 

And the icing to this experience was to have the book marvelously read by Gary Sinise. I am off to request the movie version. If you have not read this yet, or the last time you read it you were a snotty teenager, get your hands on a copy as soon as you can tolerate an achy heart. Rating: 5 stars.

64. Lonesome Dove
Turned to page 858, and gasp, it is over. This incredible ride I have been on for the past several days is over. I feel bereft. What oh what will I do without a visit with Gus and Call everyday? Seriously. Cannot even imagine starting another book at this point.

This book won the Pulitzer Prize in 1986, and I am one of those people often leery of prize winners. All that hoopla often lets me down. But this is a wonderful read. Outlaws, Cowboys, Indians, Whores and Texas Rangers Oh My! The characters are so well developed that I feel I've known them most of my life. And I do believe that I am more than slightly in love with Gus. Augustus McCrae. Sigh. Will probably be doodling his name in my journal later today. 

I digress. This is the first published book of the Lonesome Dove series, but the third installment in the series chronologically. The story focuses on the relationship of several retired Texas Rangers and their adventures driving a cattle herd from Texas to Montana. I loved this book so much that after I have recovered, I'll probably get around to reading the rest of the series. Rating 5 stars.

65. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
I listened to the audiobook which is wonderfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell and Bahni Turpin. Deftly weaving four threads, the book explores the life of Henrietta Lacks, her family, the science and scientists who used (and continue to use) HeLa cells, and the story of the author's journey in writing this book. Narrative non-fiction that sucks you in with a good mix of science, history, personal anecdotes, and social commentary. Rating: 4 stars.

12 Weeks of Summer: June 5x5

Melissa is running the 12 Weeks of Summer challenge. Check it out if you have not already, and join the fun. The goal for week two was to create a 5x5 video. 5 clips of 5 seconds length each. In addition. the first clip had to be shot between the hours of 7-10, the second clip from 10-1, the third 1-4, fourth 4-7, and fifth clip from 7-10. They did not have to be shot on the same day. So fun. Here is what I ended up with.



If the embedded video does not work, click here.

Dad

So many fun memories with my Dad. Happy Father's Day.

Currently reading

It is Friday, and I've just started Under the Dome by Stephen King on audio. At 35 hours, it is a chunkster and should take me a while. I am already hooked. Also reading How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid in print. What a way with language he has.

What are you reading?

Project Life 2013: Week 23

This is week 23, and I continue to love this project. After all the cold and rainy days (feels like months), it is finally sailing season. Love that. A couple of firsts this week. I added a QR code as to link to a video. Also tried the Collect app to create the photo cards. And finally played with the Instaweather app to create the Boston photo card. All of these are free and fun ways to add some variety to my pages. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper is a chart of Boston Harbor. Heart card by Tina. Love this photo element and Real life card by Melissa. This is worth watching card by Traci. Compass element by Marisa. Hello card by Leslie.

12 Weeks of Summer: The Joy of Catching Frogs

So, I've discovered that I love making little videos. I captured these clips while playing with my nephews last year, and never really did anything with them. Along comes the 12 Weeks of Summer project, and I'm a movie making fool. So love how this turned out. It really captures a place and time, and the essence of my nephews. They grow up too dang fast.



If the embedded video does not work, click here.

12 Weeks of Summer: Video 1

One of my goals has been to get better at creating and editing videos, so I was delighted to see that Melissa is running a challenge to do just that. The goal for week one was to simply learn to use a video camera and editing software. I decided to use the video function on my iPhone, and instead of editing on my phone used the free Movie Maker software on my PC. Without further ado, here is my first video. You'll note that I'm standing on floating docks while filming. 

If the embedded video does not work, click here.

Monday morning

Love mornings on the water.

Forecast calls for heavy rain the next 24 hours, but there is not a hint of that yet.

Reading right now

You know how when you finish a wonderful book, it takes a while to get back to reality, and no other book sounds good? Well, that's where I am right now. Finished Lonesome Dove yesterday. Over 850 pages of immersion in a book that swept me away. 

This is exactly the time I fill with graphic novels. Something to read while I digest a wonderful book. Here is what I  reading right now.

Project Life 2013: Week 22

This is week 22, and I continue to love this project. Holy Moly, but it is already June. Where the heck does the time go? As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper, Let's Eat element, and Flower card by Shabby Princess. Keep Calm card by Tina. This Week card by Suzy. Awesome element by Melissa. Authentic element by Sande.

Go. Bruins. Go.

So fun to walk around and mingle with all the fans.

Worn out

Sails up today. Here is my photo of the day.

Boston Harbor

It is a lovely day to be on the water. A Goldilocks kind of day - not too hot, not too cold, just right.

(Click on image to enlarge)

This is my view of the North End from the forward hatch. Love sailing season in Boston. 

Recent Reads

60. Lost in Shangri-la
I listened to the audio version read by the author, and with a sub-title like "A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II", I had high hopes for a rollicking good adventure/rescue story. And while there were parts that were really good, I would not have finished it if I had read the print version. It could have used better editing, and could have been much shorter. It almost felt like an Outside Magazine feature article that was padded with lots and lots of miscellaneous data to get to a particular word count, and while much of the miscellany was interesting, it did not really add to the flow of the story. Rating: 3 stars.

61. Uglies
This is book #1 of the Uglies young adult series, and since all the books in the series have already been published, decided to try it. 

The story takes place sometime in a dystopian future. Humans have destroyed most of the planet, and now live in cities, though there is a resistance movement. Those in the city are ugly and live with other "Uglies" until you turn 16, at which point you undergo mandatory surgery that makes you a "New Pretty", and you move to live with other beautiful people on your own island where you party all the time. Enter our protagonist, Tally Youngblood, who cannot wait to be beautiful, but when her new BFF runs away to live with the resistance, Tally is given an ultimatum: Be a spy and betray the resistance, OR, be an "Ugly" forever. Gasp!

I find myself rather conflicted about this book. On the one hand I love the premise of the novel and the discussions it could lead to for the YA reader - the beauty myth, the need to conform and fit in, the haves and have nots, ecological destruction, etc. On the other hand, Tally and the other characters are not well fleshed out, and seemed rather one dimensional to me. The story has interesting twists and turns, but seems to drag on longer than needed. I liked it enough to read the next book in the series. Rating: 3 stars.

62. An Illustrated Journey
This book is a wonderful collection of travel sketchbook pages from artists all over the world. Packed with sketches, tips and materials used, this book got my sketching juices flowing, and makes me want to sketch everything in sight. Loved it. Rating: 5 stars.

One Little Word 2013: June

As part of OLW, I'm pairing up my word with an intention for the month and focusing on three goals. Here is the card I created for this month.

Supplies:
Flowers by Jessica Sprague. Striped paper by Shabby Princess.

One Little Word 2013: May Update

And just like that May is over, so time for a monthly status update. Remember these were my goals for the month:

And how did I do?

Goal # 1: Bike 50 miles. When I picked this goal, I had no idea that I would be out of town for part of the month, and that we would have a cold and wet spring. But as the month drew to a close, decided to get my bike out and see what I could do. And you know what? I biked 45.7 miles. In 3 days! I admit to not easing in and slowly building up the miles, but I was out of time people. And you know that when I finished my 15.25 miles yesterday (the last day of the month), I was tempted to simply ride on and get to the 50 target. But this is the new me. Perfection is not the goal. I decided to be thrilled at what I did accomplish and leave it at that.

Goal #2: Weekly nature rambles. See above in regards to being on the road and the wet weather. I planned for 4 and got in 2. Not bad.

Goal #3: Explore new paths. I did this both literally and figuratively this month. Literally by exploring places completely new to me while on a road trip. Figuratively by exploring old, well worn mental and emotional paths that no long serve me and doing some re-routing.

All in all, am quite proud of my efforts and accomplishments. I hope you had a great month as well. Let's see what June has in store.

Project Life 2013: Week 21

This is week 21, and I continue to love this project. Scary things this week included a massive tornado in Oklahoma and my Dad needing a biopsy. This week also included a farewell dinner for my pal Vanessa, and lots of lounging at home and reading. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by Unknown. Tornado graphic and Scout badge from the web.

Free Audiobooks All Summer Long

What is SYNC?

SYNC is a program that gives away two complete audiobook downloads – a current Young Adult title paired thematically with a Classic or Required Summer Reading title – each week to listeners ages 13+ while SYNC is in session.

SYNC is in session this year from May 30 – August 21, 2013.

This is such a fun program for people in the US and Canada. To get free audiobooks, and see the lineup this summer, go here.

Journal page

I like to sketch while I listen to podcasts, so I was delighted to learn that Danny Gregory has video interviews with some of the artists featured in his new book. Here is the quick sketch I made while he talked to Roz.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Pen and markers on acrylic wash. You can watch this interesting interview here.

Recent Reads

57. Goliath
There are always at least two sides to any story, and this graphic novel tells the famous story of David and Goliath from the giant's point of view. Goliath is a giant, true, but he does not like fighting, or the spilling of blood. Given the choice he would rather do some admin work. He gets roped in to this now famous battle, and is not happy about it. A fun quick read with wonderful art. Rating: 3 stars.

58. 84, Charing Cross Road
I loved the movie with Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft, so decided to read the book. This delightful novella is a true story of a transatlantic business correspondence about used books that developed into a close friendship. 

There are so many wonderful lines. Some of my faves:
1. It's against my principles to buy a book I haven't read, it's like buying a dress you haven't tried on.
2. Anything he liked I'll like except if it's fiction. I never can get interested in things that didn't happen to people who never lived. 
Rating: 4 stars.

59. Duchess of Bloomsbury Street
This is a companion book to the more widely know 84, Charing Cross Road. The edition I read had both books. What a delightful surprise.

While 84, Charing Cross Road is a collection of letters that span 20 years between the author and Frank Doel (and others), the Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is a collection of diary entries made by the author on her first trip to London. Her keen observations of people, time and place, makes for an interesting read. As does her dry humor. While I liked this fun, fast read, I did not love it as much as 84.

So love this sentiment she express in the book:I despair of ever getting it through anybody's head I am not interested in bookshops, I am interested in what's written in the books. I don't browse in bookshops, I browse in libraries, where you can take a book home and read it, and if you like it you go to a bookshop and buy it.
Rating: 3 stars.

Project Life 2013: Week 20

This is week 20, and I continue to love this project. I decided to make this week all about my nephew Jonah's First Communion. He is one of my fave guys in the whole wide world. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by Unknown. Sunday card, Camera card, and Photo Rocks element by Melissa. Here's the Story card and Recent Reads card by Kimberly. Adorable flag by Cathy.  Bubbles elements by Katie. 4x6 collage templates by Liz. Keep Calm card from the GIP.

Journal page

I like to sketch while I listen to podcasts, so I was delighted to learn that Danny Gregory has video interviews with some of the artists featured in his new book.
Here is the quick sketch I made while he talked to Steven Reddy.

(Click on image to enlarge)

Pen and watercolor pencils. You can watch this interesting interview here.

Recent Reads

55. Let's Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir
As readers, I know you know Tolstoy's famous line about families. Well, I humbly submit an addendum: each crazy family is crazy in its own way. This memoir is hilarious y'all. I listened to the audio wonderfully narrated by the author. I usually stay away from author narrations, but this one was brilliant. I found myself shaking my head in horror, talking back to Jenny, and laughing out loud - often all in the same paragraph. 

Now a couple of things you need to know going in:
1. If you are a sensitive type prone to fainting, this might not be the book for you.
2. If you have unresolved PTSD issues from your own childhood, this might not be the book for you.
3. If you are offended by cuss words, this might not be the book for you.
4. If however you like the idea of having a shot every time you hear the word vagina, open up a bottle and enjoy the ride.
Rating: 4 stars.

56. Bitterblue
The thing about me is that I have yet to meet a trilogy I did not finish. And yes, I've got a several trilogies awaiting my attention.

I so wanted to love this book. After being disappointed with Fire (Graceling Realm #2) I was hoping that this one would be better. At the end of Graceling (Graceling Realm #1), you just knew that there would be a Bitterblue book didn't you? But the story of a girl coming to terms with a monster father who destroys the kingdom was already explored by Fire, and this book does not really add anything as to how a daughter reconciles her love for a father who is a psychopath. While it was fun to see the old gang together again, the plot was not tight, and the book meanders on way too long. 

This series has gotten rave reviews, and I know that I am one of the lone voices crying out in the desert, but maybe it would have worked better for me if I had read it while I was the target audience - a young adult. Rating: 2 stars.

Project Life 2013: Week 19

This is week 19, and I continue to love this project. Highlights of the week included the final leg of our road trip with stops at Monticello and Gettysburg National Historical Park. Another World Heritage site visited. So love that. I also have an OLW insert this week. As always, click on images to view larger.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

Messages insert. You can read more about this insert and supplies used here.

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by Anne. Remember this element by Suzy. Journaling card by Shabby Princess. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.

Journal page

It has been a while since I shared a journal page, so here you go. I listened to an interesting TED talk that Amanda Palmer did on The Art of Asking. Talk blurb: Don't make people pay for music, says Amanda Palmer: Let them. In a passionate talk that begins in her days as a street performer (drop a dollar in the hat for the Eight-Foot Bride!), she examines the new relationship between artist and fan. 

(Click on image to enlarge)

I did a quick sketch while I watched. Pen and watercolors. Thanks for stopping by.

One Little Word 2013: Messages

The homework assignment this month in the One Little Word class is to listen. Listen to messages I tell myself. Listen to what others are telling me.

(Click on image to view larger)

One thing about running is that I've spent a lot of time with the messages in my head, and that has helped me pay more attention to what tapes play regularly. I've been working on replacing the negative ones with positive ones. These are some of the little (and big) messages resonating with me right now.

Freebie supplies used:

PSE layered template by Ali. Textured cards by Melissa. Arrow and heart cards by Tina. Thoreau quote card by Jennifer. Center quote card by DAD.

Recent Reads

52. The Killer Angels
This book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1975, and has been on my TBR list for ages, so when as part of our Spring 2013 US road trip, we decided to visit Gettysburg, I got the audio book version to listen to on the trip. 

As a person who did not grow up in the US, my knowledge of the US Civil War is sketchy at best. Oh, I understand the broad strokes, but really have little knowledge of the actual battles, and the players involved. This book tells the story of the four days of the Battle of Gettysburg. The story is character driven and told from the perspective of various protagonists, and is wonderfully narrated by Stephen Hoye. I got so involved with the characters that I was rooting for both sides, and found that I have a soft spot for the boys from Virginia and Maine. The only downside to not reading a print book was I did not have maps to look at while listening.

It was rather amazing to be in Gettysburg after listening to this book. I knew the players, and the events, and being there brought the entire story to life. By the way, I would also highly recommend a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park. I've come to believe that one cannot really understand the America of today without understanding the Civil War and its aftermath. Rating: 5 stars.

53. Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books
I imagine that most book people would love to move to Hay-on-Wye, a Welsh town with 1500 inhabitants and 40 book stores. While most of us might think about it, the author does just that. This memoir is a meditation on moving and the meaning of home, and on reading and the meaning of books. The book starts out strong and is often hilarious, but it seems to lose steam along the way. Still it is an enjoyable read if your idea of heaven is living in a quirky town with so many indie book stores. Rating: 3 stars.

54. The Scarecrow
I was in the mood for a thriller, so went to by my go-to guy, Michael Connelly. This is the second book in the Jack McEvoy series, and while I finished reading it in two sessions, this is not a book I would recommend. Yes, Connelly knows how to tell a story, and his pacing is good, but honestly, I found the plot rather predictable, and there was no character development at all. Too bad, since I really liked the first book in this series. Rating: 2 stars.

Project Life 2013: Week 18

This is week 18, and I continue to love this project. Highlights of the week included phase three of our road trip with stops at the Maker's Mark Distillery, Mammoth Cave NP, Cumberland Gap NHP and Smoky Mountains NP. Cannot recommend our national parks more highly. They are fabulous. As always, click on images to view larger.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decided on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by Becky. Journaling card by CreativityPrompt. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.

One Little Word 2013: May

As part of OLW, I'm pairing up my word with an intention for the month and focusing on three goals. Here is the card I created for this month.

Supplies:

Flowers by Jessica Sprague. Striped paper by Shabby Princess.

One Little Word 2013: April Update

And just like that April is over, so time for a monthly status update. Remember these were my goals for the month:

And how did I do?

I find in fascinating that my goals in April focused on strengthening my mind, and that my training was tested all month long.

Goal #1: Be present. This is a hard one to measure, but overall I was successful at staying in the present moment. I found that simply breathing and paying attention to my breath helped prevent me getting swept away by my monkey mind. All the what ifs, and should haves. Simply breathing and focusing on the now helped create a space that was soothing.

Goal #2: Daily gratitude. Yes. I have much to be grateful for.

Goal #3: Focus on the positive. Another intangible that is hard to measure, but overall I was successful at focusing on the positive. There is something I heard many years ago: I spend all my time worrying about disasters that never happen. It is so very easy to spin my wheels and get nowhere. I found this practice really helpful this month. 

All in all, am quite proud of my efforts and accomplishments. I hope you had a great month as well. Let's see what May has in store.

Man 'o War

Before this road trip, I had spent very little time in Kentucky. I flew into Lexington for a customer visit several years ago, and was captivated by the lush green paddocks with lovely white fences, and the most beautiful horses I had ever seen. I knew I would be back.

Having spent a week or so exploring the state on this road trip, there is much I love about it. One delightful discovery is my new fave cocktail, a Man 'o War. This version has bourbon, lemonade, muddled strawberries and crushed basil. Yummy.