Miss America

I have really mixed feelings about pageants like these, but still am a little stunned at the vitriol directed at Nina Davuluri who was crowned Sunday.

You can see the BuzzFeed story here, and it is the racists comments against this winner of Indian descent that I find appalling. I found this video response right on the money. Unless you are Native American, you came from someplace else people. Sigh.

Recent Reads

96. Die Trying
This is book #2 in the Jack Reacher series. I was in the mood for a fast, plot driven read, and reached (pun intended) for this one.

Jack Reacher is at the wrong place at the wrong time and gets involved in someone else's problem. It seems to help that the someone else is a beautiful damsel in distress. Yes, she has a busted knee from a sports injury, but is smart and brave and strong. Did I mention beautiful? They get kidnapped by members of a militia group, and the story involves lots of action, mayhem, the FBI, the White House, and guns. Lots of guns. There are entire passages in the book where one gets a bullet's eye view of the action. Oh, did I mention there is also a bit of romance and a love triangle? The characters are one dimensional, the story not compelling, and yet I read to the bitter, and rather anti-climatic end. For that I gave it an additional star. Rating: 2 stars.

97. The Ocean at the End of the Lane
"I do not miss childhood, but I miss the way I took pleasure in small things, even as greater things crumbled. I could not control the world I was in, could not walk away from things or people or moments that hurt, but I found joy in the things that made me happy".

Neil Gaiman captures the essence of childhood like few others can. This novella is the flashback of a middle aged man of his bookish seven year self, who finds himself in a world more magical and horrifying than he could ever imagine. We often forget the horrors and joys of childhood as we get older, but Gaiman helps us remember. While I really liked the premise of the book, and the lyrical writing, overall the story did not grab me. Rating: 3 stars.

98. American Born Chinese
I'd heard great things about this Printz-winning graphic novel, so decided to give it a read.

Three interconnected story lines explore themes of not belonging, not fitting in, wanting so badly to be someone else. The Chinese American immigrant story is the universal immigrant story, and yet it is the particulars that make it interesting. And that was my problem with this novel. It is good, but not great. The art and coloring are wonderful, but I found the stories lacked depth, maybe because it is written for a YA audience. Nevertheless, this is a good fast read for young readers dipping into immigrant stories. Rating: 3 stars.

Delhi rape: how India's other half lives

This Guardian article is the best I've read on this issue thus far.

The news from India enrages me. The news that the defense attorney blames the victim is par for the course. As a person of Indian descent, and one who lived in India for a couple of years, and experienced "Eve teasing" on a daily basis, I am outraged but not surprised. The article quotes MJ Akbar as saying, "It is a few weeks of outrage against hundreds of years of tradition".

Well, I for one think that it is high time that some traditions are changed. I also know that they do not change without political, social and economic pressure. As part of our trip to Asia this fall, we discussed a trip to India. Maybe Goa. But not after this news. Not now. How much of a drop in tourism money will it take to help make a change? I do not know. But add mine to that bucket.

Project Life 2013: Week 36

This is week 36 and I continue to love this project. As much as I love to travel, I also love being home. Though am excited to be planning my next trip. Destination Sri Lanka. As always, click on images to view larger.

Here is the two page spread:

Left side:

Right side:

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

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by unknown. Love this story element by Ali.

Journal page

It has been a while since I shared a page from my journal. Been playing in other ways.

Collage, acrylics, watercolors and pen.

One Little Word 2013: September

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.

Recent Reads

92. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
This book makes several top 10 lists for books set in Las Vegas, and since I'm heading out there again, it was the perfect time to dive in. 

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this drug addled road trip to Vegas in search of The American Dream. The author writes wonderfully, is insightful and funny. I did get tired of the drug induced paranoia towards the end of the book, but overall am glad I finally got around to reading it. Rating: 3 stars.

93. They Moved My Bowl: Dog Cartoons by New Yorker Cartoonist Charles Barsotti
This compilation of dog cartoons has some fun moments, but overall I found it to be just an OK read. Rating: 2 stars.

94. How to Tell If Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You
This collection of cat cartoons is a fun and quick read. If you've been around cats and wondered how it is that they don't kill you while you sleep, give this a read. Rating: 3 stars.

95. The Big Exit
I listened to the audiobook, which was well narrated by R.C Bray, but as a person who has worked with tech startups, I expected more from this story. While there are some interesting ideas, it never really hits its stride, and at no point was I sucked into this world. Rating: 2 stars.

Project Life 2013: Week 35

This is week 35 and I continue to love this project. I was in Vegas for the start of the school year, so got to see my nieces head out on their first day in a new school system. Bella in grade 6, and the twins in grade 5. They grow up so fast. Was lucky enough to snag a window seat on my flight home. I do love a window seat. As always, click on images to view larger.

Here is the two page spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can read how I decide on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Title background paper by Jessica. Arrow card, Embrace element and Alphas by Katie. Glass dots by Carrie. Bubble card by Leslie. Back to school element from the web.

One Little Word 2013: August Update

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

And how did I do?

Goal #1: Capture stories. This has really been a focus all year long. My project life is part of this focus, but decided to dive a little deeper with family members this month. I recorded personal stories, both public and private. In addition to learning things I did know before, this has also had the benefit of deepening relationships. And is that not what it is all about?

Goal #2: Photo walk. I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun these are to do. And how easy. I explored new places and saw things differently. Definitely something that I will continue to do the rest of the year.

Goal # 3: Learn something new. As part of my video project I experimented with getting better audio for my videos. That entailed learning how to edit video and audio separately, and when I finally got it, I was quite impressed with myself.

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

The Newsroom

I am always on the lookout for interesting TV shows, something that seems to be getting harder and harder to find. Since I'm a West Wing fan, decided to check out The Newsroom.

From Wiki: The Newsroom is an American television political drama series created and principally written by Aaron Sorkin that premiered on HBO on June 24, 2012. The series chronicles the behind-the-scenes events at the fictional Atlantis Cable News channel.

I watched the first two DVDs of Season 1. The first five episodes, and while I like the premise, the women in the show really bother me. They are incompetent and whiny and so dang male identified. What professional woman would ever behave in such a way in a work setting? Am I the only one annoyed?

Turns out I am not. You can read exactly what I'm talking about here. Seriously Mr. Sorkin, I expect more from you.

Project Life 2013: Week 34

This is week 34 and I continue to love this project. This week was all about my trip to Vegas to spend time with my parents, and my brother and his family. I had such a fun time with my nieces. I also have three inserts for this week. As always, click on images to view larger.

Here is the two page spread:

Left side:

Right side:

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

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

Insert Three. 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 Unknown. Travel element by Traci. Family, Happy to be and Love this elements by Katie.

Project Life 2013: Week 34 Insert: A Conversation with Maya

As part of Project Life, I decided to document where my nieces are right at this moment. Here is my conversation with Maya who is 10 years old.

(Click on image to enlarge)

This layout will be an insert for my week 34 spread. Inspiration for the idea came from Cathy and Ali, and the date tag is a freebie from Melissa.

Project Life 2013: Week 34 Insert: A Conversation with Sophia

As part of Project Life, I decided to document where my nieces are right at this moment. Here is my conversation with Sophia who is 10 years old.

(Click in image to enlarge)

This layout will be an insert for my week 34 spread. Inspiration for the idea came from Cathy and Ali, and the date tag is a freebie from Melissa.

Project Life 2013: Week 34 Insert: A Conversation with Bella

As part of Project Life, I decided to document where my nieces are right at this moment. Here is my conversation with Bella who is 11 years old.

(Click on image to enlarge)

This layout will be an insert for my week 34 spread. Inspiration for the idea came from Cathy and Ali, and the date tag is a freebie from Melissa.

Family Pics

I am back home and on the wrong time zone, so getting a chance to look at some of my pics from the Vegas trip. As always, click on images to enlarge.

These are my parents:

Here is one with my parents and brother:

My brother and his family:

One of me and my nieces:

Girrrl Power:

My niece Maya might be a budding photographer. I spent some time teaching her how to use my SLR. This is one of her shots:

Leaving Las Vegas

On my way home. A good day to fly.

Family time

Am having such a fun family visit in Vegas. This is a pic of my parents and nieces. They grow up too dang fast. My nieces I mean. 

Art Journaling with Kids

Having fun hanging out with my nieces. They grow up so dang fast. One of fun things we do is play with art supplies. 

Project Life 2013: Week 33

This is week 33, and I continue to love this project. I celebrated my birthday this week with one of my fave things to do. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

You can see how I decide on this project, and the basic supplies I will use every week here.
Additional freebie supplies used this week:
Title background paper by Betsy. Heart bubble element by Traci. The sweet life and Lazy summer word art by Katie. Ribbon element by CWalley.

On the road

Traveling light is the only way to go. My clothes take up way less room than my toys.

5 Great Airplane Reads

I love to read and usually have several books going at once. What to read next is never a question that stumps me. My to-be-read pile is simply too long. When I travel however, it is not that easy. I tend to have a different criteria for books depending on the length of my trip, the mode of transportation, my traveling companions, location, etc. 

I read this Slate article with interest, as I spent several hours trying to decide what books I would take on a trip this week. I will be traveling solo across the US to visit family for a week. So that automatically eliminates a huge part of my stack. My selections have to be thrillers, or plot driven. No navel gazing. No classics. Nothing too complex. What I'm in search of is the perfect airplane read. A book that keeps me engrossed and entertained and makes the time fly by. One that makes me forget that I'm packed like a sardine in a metal tube hurtling at ridiculous speeds at nose bleed heights. 

The great news is that unlike days of old when I had take into account luggage space and weight when it came to packing my books, these days, I simply add them to my nook ereader. I think I've got about six hundred books on it already. There has to be something on it that fits the bill right?

Recent Reads

88. The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2011
I have dipped in and out of this essay collection for the past couple of months. Some are excellent, and some merely good, but I found all of them fascinating and/or informative. The essays in this book have given me much to think about, and has sparked some lively dinner table conversations in our house.

Some of my faves:
1. The Organ Dealer (The worldwide shortage of organs and the buyers and sellers in this market)
2. The Brain That Changed Everything (Removing the hippocampus has unintended consequences)
3. Letting Go (The medical, economic and human costs of fighting to stay alive when we are dying)
4. The Love That Dare Not Squawk It's Name (When you get to the part about the dolphin blowholes you gotta text me)
5. Face-Blind (Imagine how different your life would be if your brain did not recognize faces

Rating: 4 stars.

89. Frommer's Las Vegas 2013
I've been to Vegas many, many times, so this was more of a quick refresher to see what was new for an upcoming trip. Rating: 3 stars.

90. Fodor's Las Vegas 2013
I've been to Vegas many, many times, so this was more of a quick refresher to see what was new for an upcoming trip. Rating: 3 stars.

91. Me Without You
While I like the sentiment and the illustrations, cannot see myself dipping into it again. Rating: 2 stars.

Sketching on Peddocks

Another beautiful summer day on the islands. Gently swaying at a mooring while I sketch my surroundings.

Life is good.

Project Life 2013: Week 32

This is week 32, and I continue to love this project. We had lovely weather this week for sailing and photo walks. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

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

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper by Sandra. Hello card by Leslie. Video card by Traci.

Birthday

Completing another full revolution around the sun today. Puts things in perspective no? Having a lovely one on the boat. Lucking out with a fantastic weather window. Being in a good place physically, mentally, emotionally. What more can this birthday gal ask for?

Boston Sunset

The day does not end in Boston until the flag comes down on Old Ironsides.



If the embedded video does not work, click here.

Las Vegas Reading

I am headed to Vegas again to visit my brother and his family. So excited to get a chance to catch up with them, and connect with my three nieces. My nieces and Moi are all August babies, so part of my birthday month celebrations will include them this year.

If you know anything about me, you know that I like to read up about the places I visit. Novels. Non-fiction. Graphic novels. Travel guides. I have been to Vegas many times over the years, but decided to check out the newest travel guides to see what was new since my last visit.

So here is what I have read, or am reading for this trip:

1. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (fiction)

2. Frommer's Las Vegas 2013 (travel guide)

3. Fodor's Las Vegas 2013 (travel guide)

4. Lonely Planet 48 Hours in Las Vegas (travel guide)

Do you read about a place before you visit? While you are there? Do you find as I do that it enriches the trip?

Recent Reads

86. The Art of Silliness:
As the subtitle states, this is a book that encourages you to draw, doodle, and play for 10 minutes a day. Some fun ideas, and the workbook format lets you play right in the book, but I found it light on content. Rating: 2 stars.

87. The Golden Compass
Witches. Daemons. Bears. Oh my! This is the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy, and while targeted for kids, it is also a fun read for adults. I listened to the multicast audio version, which is wonderful.

There seems to be quite a bit of controversy about this series. I guess there are themes that might offend some Christians. This is fiction people! Besides, I think the topics raised should be explored deeper by people so easily offended. 

The protagonists of the story are the feisty 11 year old Lyra, and her daemon Pan. She lives in Jordan College surrounded by old scholars, and gets into all sorts of mischief. Life takes on a much more sinister note when kids start disappearing. Kidnapped by Gobblers. Who knows for what nefarious reasons. The author creates a wonderfully imaginative world, and I've already got the next book in the trilogy lined up to go. If you are looking for a fun romp of a read, with surprisingly complex undercurrents, look no further.

As an aside, there is a movie version with Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman. Sounds like the perfect movie for an upcoming plane ride. Rating: 4 stars.

Journal page

I wonder why when I draw women they look like guys in drag? What does that say about me?

Mixed media.

Project Life 2013: Week 31

This is week 31, and I continue to love this project. Highlights this week included a visit to the MFA for the Samurai exhibit, and seeing a full rainbow. Twice.  I did something different this week in regards to the photos. Sure I took lots of pics, but a crowded museum is not a place for fab images. Enter the web. Instead of my photos, I used ones that I felt captured what I felt, and credited the source. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

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

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background paper, Arrow card and Journaling card by Katie. Beauty element by Karen. Samurai photos by Boston MFA. Paint swatch photo by Vee.

25 Signs You're Addicted to Books

Hi. My name is Elizabeth and I'm a book addict.

I think I'd check all these boxes.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/signs-youre-addicted-to-books-reading

On a mooring at Peddocks

Love the Boston Harbor Islands. We have it all to ourselves. Lovely sunset.

Recent Reads

83. The Shadow Tracer
Sarah Keller and her daughter Zoe are not who they seem. After Zoe gets into an accident, things quickly spiral out of control, and Sarah and her daughter start running. Cults, FBI, car chases, shoot outs - the story has them all. On the plus side, it is a fast read and the pace kept me turning the pages. However, the characters have no depth, and a lot of the plot lines just had me shaking my head. You know how a snack can be tasty while you eat it, but after you are done you are left feeling empty? That is how I felt after I was done reading this book. I did however get some good tips on how to stay off the grid if I ever have to go on the lam. Rating: 2 stars.

84. The Wave
The subtitle: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks and Giants of the Ocean says it all. 

I listened to the audio book wonderfully narrated by Kirsten Potter. If you are even remotely interested in oceans, waves, ships, surfing, or just want a really great read, check this one out. I found this an informative, entertaining and page turner of a read. What more can one ask of a non-fiction book? Rating: 5 stars

85. And the Mountains Echoed
I am a Hosseini fan. The man knows how to spin yarn, but I was disappointed with this book. At no point in the reading did I drop into the story, and I kept waiting to be sucked in. 

An important thing to know before reading this book, is that it is really a collection of short stories, that are connected by people. I liked the stories of Pari and Abdullah the best, but the jacket cover singles them out, and I think that is misleading. Yes everyone is connected, sometimes very loosely, to these two characters, but they are in no way the main event so to speak. 

Themes explored include family, love, loss, betrayal, belonging, and while I did like the multi-generational, multi-location saga attempt, I do not think that the author pulls it off. Rating: 2 stars.

One Little Word 2013: August

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, which is also my birthday month.

Supplies:

Flowers by Jessica Sprague. Striped paper by Shabby Princess.

One Little Word 2013: July Update

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

And how did I do?

Goal #1: Eat healthier. This is a somewhat subjective goal. How does one really measure it? But overall I would say yes. I found new and creative ways to pump up the veggies, and you know what? They are not bad. Not great. But not bad.

Goal #2: Play dates. Yes. Alone. Together. With others. Am always left energized afterwards. Need to remember to do this more.

Goal #3: Laugh more. Yes. Having witty stuffed animals around help.

Realize that all my goals this month were subjective, and hard to measure. So I went with an overall feeling. Did I think I moved forward in each of these areas? Yes.

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

Project Life 2013: Week 30

This is week 30, and I continue to love this project. This heat wave finally broke towards the end of the week, ushering in Goldilocks weather (not too hot, not too cold, just right). Highlights this week included typical summer stuff and a fun FaceTime chat with my nieces. As always, click on images to enlarge.

Here is the double spread:

Left side:

Right side:

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

Additional freebie supplies used this week:

Title background papery by unknown. Sunday card and washi tape elements by Melissa. Flower element by CWallace. 4x6 collage template by Liz.