Here is the two page spread:
Left side:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Explore element by Rhonna. Journal card by Melissa. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.
December 30, 2013
Project Life 2013: Week 48a
This is week 48, and I am still playing catch up. In addition to the insert I created for this week, I decided to make two double spreads for the week. We jammed a lot in, and I wanted to capture the sense of how packed it was. Highlights of this week included exploring the Ancient Cities, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As always, click on images to view larger.
Here is the two page spread:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Explore element by Rhonna. Journal card by Melissa. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.
Here is the two page spread:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Explore element by Rhonna. Journal card by Melissa. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.
Recent Reads
142. A Monster Calls
Thirteen year old Connor has nightmares. And if that wasn't bad enough a monster comes calling, or in this case walking.
This short fairy tale is targeted for the middle grade reader, and explores illness, loss, grief, anger, the power of stories, and how we live through terrible times that we can survive.
There is much I liked about this book, and yes tears were shed, but unlike other reviewers I did not love it. I am reading this while traveling, so the fault might be all mine. I would love to read some reviews written by young readers. I wonder how they connected to the story. As an aside, I loved the art in this book. Rating: 3 stars.
143. The Blood Gospel (The Order of the Sanguines #1)
Archeology, relics, religious conspiracies and vampires are right up my alley, so imagine how disappointed I am that I did not love this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the premise, but the writing is clunky, the romance read like a high school kid wrote it, and the character development was non-existent. This is not a book I would have finished at home, but I guess my vacation brain is more forgiving. Rating: 2 stars.
144. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Small Southern town writ large indeed. We meet the characters and learn about the story through flashbacks, flash forwards, news articles and present time. A fun read. Rating: 3 stars.
145. The Godfather
I loved the Godfather movie trilogy. Actually I loved the first two and found the third not as thrilling, but I have watched that trilogy more times than I care to count. We used to have back to back viewings in college, and I felt like I could speak Sicilian at that end of those sessions.
Well, it is time for another viewing of the trilogy, and I realized that I have yet to read the book that launched the movies. Yes, the writing is a little dated and repetitive, and the way women and African Americans are portrayed is not acceptable in our times, but this is historical fiction that captures a place and time really well. I got more of the back story of the characters, and craved Italian food and wine the entire time. A fun (for a mafia story) fast read. Rating: 4 stars.
Thirteen year old Connor has nightmares. And if that wasn't bad enough a monster comes calling, or in this case walking.
This short fairy tale is targeted for the middle grade reader, and explores illness, loss, grief, anger, the power of stories, and how we live through terrible times that we can survive.
There is much I liked about this book, and yes tears were shed, but unlike other reviewers I did not love it. I am reading this while traveling, so the fault might be all mine. I would love to read some reviews written by young readers. I wonder how they connected to the story. As an aside, I loved the art in this book. Rating: 3 stars.
143. The Blood Gospel (The Order of the Sanguines #1)
Archeology, relics, religious conspiracies and vampires are right up my alley, so imagine how disappointed I am that I did not love this book. Thoroughly enjoyed the premise, but the writing is clunky, the romance read like a high school kid wrote it, and the character development was non-existent. This is not a book I would have finished at home, but I guess my vacation brain is more forgiving. Rating: 2 stars.
144. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
Small Southern town writ large indeed. We meet the characters and learn about the story through flashbacks, flash forwards, news articles and present time. A fun read. Rating: 3 stars.
145. The Godfather
I loved the Godfather movie trilogy. Actually I loved the first two and found the third not as thrilling, but I have watched that trilogy more times than I care to count. We used to have back to back viewings in college, and I felt like I could speak Sicilian at that end of those sessions.
Well, it is time for another viewing of the trilogy, and I realized that I have yet to read the book that launched the movies. Yes, the writing is a little dated and repetitive, and the way women and African Americans are portrayed is not acceptable in our times, but this is historical fiction that captures a place and time really well. I got more of the back story of the characters, and craved Italian food and wine the entire time. A fun (for a mafia story) fast read. Rating: 4 stars.
December 29, 2013
Project Life 2013: Week 48 Insert: Saf Story
I decided to capture a hilarious moment with my sister as an insert. As always, click on image to view larger.
December 27, 2013
Project Life 2013: Week 47
This is week 47, and I am still playing catch up. No pressure, will get done when I get done. In the meanwhile am enjoying the trip down memory lane. Highlights this week include hanging with my sister, getting to know her new hubby, exploring Hikka and Galle, taking local trains, walks on the beach, figuring out local money, and warm ocean swims. As always, click on images to view larger.
Here is the two page spread:
Left side:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Title background map paper via the web. Good times element by Ali. Brad by Shabby Princess. Hello card by Leslie. Journal card by Melissa. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.
Here is the two page spread:
Left side:
Right side:
Title background map paper via the web. Good times element by Ali. Brad by Shabby Princess. Hello card by Leslie. Journal card by Melissa. 4x6 collage templates by Liz.
December 25, 2013
'Twas Christmas Eve
And not a mouse was stirring. Probably because it is so dang cold!
We are having a lovely, quiet holiday at home. Reading, long outdoor walks, napping, drinking copious amounts of tea, and eating really good food. Susan is in recovery from a month of no cooking, and whipping up the most delish meals. Main course was lobster mac n cheese. Lobstah baby!
Left some for Santa on his most busy night of the year. I hope the rumor that he is Vegan these days is not true ....
December 24, 2013
Project Life 2013: Week 46
This is week 46, and I continue to love this project. I'm still rather jet lagged from my trip. Am keeping vampire hours - up at night and asleep for much of the day. Does not help that daylight hours are so short at the moment. I have some catch up to do on my project life, so here goes. Highlights of this week include trip planning, packing and the anticipation of a month away in warmer climes. As always, click on images to view larger.
Here is the two page spread:
Left side:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Title background paper is the Sri Lankan flag via the web. Plane element by Katie. Journal cards by Melissa. Fave memory card by Suzy. Hello element by Jackie. Info element by Michelle.
Here is the two page spread:
Left side:
Right side:
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Title background paper is the Sri Lankan flag via the web. Plane element by Katie. Journal cards by Melissa. Fave memory card by Suzy. Hello element by Jackie. Info element by Michelle.
December 23, 2013
Recent Reads
138. Insurgent
This is book # 2 in the Divergent trilogy, and I am reading the three books in as many days. Kicked this reading jag off by re-reading book #1, and I would recommend doing that if it has been a while since you read it. This book starts off where the first one ends, and there is not much in the way of a recap.
Our gal Tris clearly has PTSD. And really who can blame her after what she has been through? While I did not like this one as much as the first, it is action paced, if a little light on character development. It moves the story forward, we meet new people, there are twists a plenty, and a cliff hanger reveal at the end (which I had already guessed). I am keeping my fingers crossed that the author has given us a satisfying conclusion in the next book, which I plan on starting tonight. Rating: 3 stars.
139. Fables, Vol. 9: Sons of Empire
Book #9 in the Fables graphic novel series is a bit of a disappointment. The Empire does not strike back, so much as have a meeting to discuss striking back. This book is much more fragmented, and while we learn about Bigby's dysfunctional family, there is not much about this one that is compelling. Rating: 2 stars.
140. Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality
Over the years I have accumulated several hundred nights of hotel stays under my belt, and I confess to never having given much thought to the staff.
This memoir is an interesting look at what happens behind the scenes, some of which made me smile, much of which made me shake my head - you do not really want to think about where your toothbrush has been while you left it unattended after all.
On a recent trip to Turkey, I was struck at how most of the customer facing, aka tip potential jobs, were staffed by men, while women staffed housekeeping. So the men got tips for helping move bags on wheels a hundred feet, while the women who kept the rooms clean were often stiffed. That same divide was reinforced for me by this book.
The author narrates the audio book, and captures the snarky tone well, but his voice did not really work for me. Towards the end there is a work rant that felt too much like hanging out with unhappy co-workers for my taste, but overall I found this backstage pass interesting enough to read to the end. Rating: 3 stars.
141. Allegiant
This is the final book in the Divergent trilogy, and honestly I should have stopped after the first book.
The first two books are in Tris's voice, and in this one we also get Four's point of view. Two issues with that: firstly, Four is simply not that interesting once you get to know him, and secondly, the author has the same voice for both Tris and Four. I had to keep reminding myself who was narrating.
So the real question is why did I finish it? Mainly because I had heard that it had a heart-breaking end, though honestly I was more delighted to be done with it. Such a disappointing end to this series. Rating: 1 star.
This is book # 2 in the Divergent trilogy, and I am reading the three books in as many days. Kicked this reading jag off by re-reading book #1, and I would recommend doing that if it has been a while since you read it. This book starts off where the first one ends, and there is not much in the way of a recap.
Our gal Tris clearly has PTSD. And really who can blame her after what she has been through? While I did not like this one as much as the first, it is action paced, if a little light on character development. It moves the story forward, we meet new people, there are twists a plenty, and a cliff hanger reveal at the end (which I had already guessed). I am keeping my fingers crossed that the author has given us a satisfying conclusion in the next book, which I plan on starting tonight. Rating: 3 stars.
139. Fables, Vol. 9: Sons of Empire
Book #9 in the Fables graphic novel series is a bit of a disappointment. The Empire does not strike back, so much as have a meeting to discuss striking back. This book is much more fragmented, and while we learn about Bigby's dysfunctional family, there is not much about this one that is compelling. Rating: 2 stars.
140. Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality
Over the years I have accumulated several hundred nights of hotel stays under my belt, and I confess to never having given much thought to the staff.
This memoir is an interesting look at what happens behind the scenes, some of which made me smile, much of which made me shake my head - you do not really want to think about where your toothbrush has been while you left it unattended after all.
On a recent trip to Turkey, I was struck at how most of the customer facing, aka tip potential jobs, were staffed by men, while women staffed housekeeping. So the men got tips for helping move bags on wheels a hundred feet, while the women who kept the rooms clean were often stiffed. That same divide was reinforced for me by this book.
The author narrates the audio book, and captures the snarky tone well, but his voice did not really work for me. Towards the end there is a work rant that felt too much like hanging out with unhappy co-workers for my taste, but overall I found this backstage pass interesting enough to read to the end. Rating: 3 stars.
141. Allegiant
This is the final book in the Divergent trilogy, and honestly I should have stopped after the first book.
The first two books are in Tris's voice, and in this one we also get Four's point of view. Two issues with that: firstly, Four is simply not that interesting once you get to know him, and secondly, the author has the same voice for both Tris and Four. I had to keep reminding myself who was narrating.
So the real question is why did I finish it? Mainly because I had heard that it had a heart-breaking end, though honestly I was more delighted to be done with it. Such a disappointing end to this series. Rating: 1 star.
December 21, 2013
Holiday Greetings
On this Winter Solstice, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season, and a fantastic new year.
December 20, 2013
Saf n Chuta Dec 13, 2013
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My sister and her hubby. We went to Galle to take pics before the reception.
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Isabel, Kim, Saf, Moi and Amanda. You can see more pics from the day here.
December 18, 2013
Home again
Got home around 3 am last night, and it was rather hilarious plowing through knee deep snow to get to the door. A shoe was lost in the snowbank, and recovered this morning. One car shoveled out, the rest can wait until tomorrow.
It is rather surreal to go from shorts on the beach to bundled up with a snow shovel in about 48 hours.
As much as I love traveling, it is great to be home.
December 17, 2013
Delayed in JFK
The good news: we did not miss our connection to Boston.
The bad news: Our flight is canceled due to the winter storm.
JFK is not my fave airport. Where can this weary traveler get a drink around here?
-4F
OK, I realize that I have been near the equator for a month, but -4F is simply too cold. While I am really looking forward to getting home, am not happy about those temps. Brrr.
Layover in Milano
Views out the window as we made our approach into Milan. Completed two of the four legs so far: Colombo to Dubai, and Dubai to Milan.
Next up Milan to New York (JFK), and JFK to Boston. Exhausting, but was delighted to be upgraded on the Colombo to Dubai leg.
Proceed to have the best Cioccolata at Motta Cafe - Bar that I've had in months.
December 16, 2013
Midnight drinks
At the Colombo airport waiting for our 3am flight out of Sri Lanka. Am I up late, or up early? Having a cup of tea and mug of coffee at the Coffee Bean. Total price: LKR 1010, about 7 dollars. Am I going to have enough rupees left over for chocolate at duty free?
Last day in Sri Lanka
Where the heck did the month go?
Time sure flies, and it is time to start packing for the trip home. Just touching a long sleeved shirt makes me itch!
It has been such a fun trip. Soaking in some final rays and surf before we get locked into the flying metal cans that will take us back home.
December 14, 2013
Group fishing
On our walk this morning ran into a group fishing effort.
Love the community effort involved.
Unfortunately the haul was not a big one, but no-one seemed too bothered by that.
December 13, 2013
Wedding celebrations
Had a fun evening celebrating my sister and her new hubby in Sri Lanka. Here is a pic with my parents. Even got my Mom out on the dance floor!
December 11, 2013
Fave brekkie spot in Hikka
Another lovely morning on the beach. Having a delish brekkie while watching surfers ride the waves is a fun way to wake up.
Am looking at snowy pics from home, and it seems like a different planet. Must be time for a swim.
December 10, 2013
Back in Hikkaduwa
Back on the west coast for our final week in the Isle of Serendip. On tap this week: long beach walks, morning and evening swims, and enjoying my sister's wedding festivities.
Polhena Beach, Sri Lanka
This is where we have been hanging out for the past several days. A small laid back beach, perfect for swimming, reading, napping, turtle watching and enjoying local fish dishes.
Above is the view from the dining table. A perfect way to relax before heading back to Hikkaduwa for our final week in Sri Lanka.
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