Saturday I had a horrible headache. It was probably a migraine, but since I've never officially been diagnosed with migraines, I'll just say it was a really bad headache. I got up at my usual time, but I let the children sleep in. They had gone to a birthday party Friday night, and they got to bed very late, so I figured that they deserved it.
I was feeling pretty good when I got up, and I got loads of things done. By the time they got up at 10ish, I wasn't feeling so good. By 1 pm, I was in the bed (nap position), a cloth over my eyes to block out the light, praying that I wouldn't throw up.
Skeeter had to work, so it was just the children and me. And as any mom knows, children are notoriously needy exactly when you don't need them to be. Just think . . . when you're on the phone, aren't your children drawn to you like magnets? Yeah. Mine are too.
This particular day though, my children really and truly were the angels I needed them to be. Just before I went to lie down, I told them how I was feeling and how very, very important it was for me to rest a bit. I don't know if it was the thought of a bit of Mommy-produced regurgitation or if I looked as bad as I felt, but their behavior was exactly what I needed it to be.
I had crawled onto the bed without my throw. Sass got it for me. She also got the cloth to cover my eyes because it hurt that bad. After I was settled and trying to regulate my breathing so that it would hurt less, Spyder asked Sass if she wanted to go into the living room and watch Scooby Doo with him. As they were walking away I heard her say, "We need to make sure it's turned down really low since Mama's head hurts bad."
sniff
Of course, today it was back to the usual, "Moooooommm! Sass is in my room!" and "Mama! Spyder took my ______!" But it was nice to have them so thoughtful and cooperative when I really needed it.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Friday Fact
Something about me that you probably don't know:
I was in Germany in November 1989 when the Berlin Wall crumbled.
My grandmother is German, and we were there visiting her family. Until a few years ago, she would visit every two or three years. She'd leave in September, just in time for her hometown's Wine Festival, and she'd return just before Thanksgiving. I had saved and saved for a year to be able to afford the trip. Plus I had to get permission for a leave from my college so that I could keep my scholarship. It was so incredibly, absolutely worth it.
We had visited the East German/West German border only a few weeks before that November event, and I will never forget how intimidating it was to be in that place with the cleared ground, barbed wire, and armed guards in the tower. When the Fall came just a few weeks later, I had a better understanding of the relief that the East Germans felt.
I was in Germany in November 1989 when the Berlin Wall crumbled.
My grandmother is German, and we were there visiting her family. Until a few years ago, she would visit every two or three years. She'd leave in September, just in time for her hometown's Wine Festival, and she'd return just before Thanksgiving. I had saved and saved for a year to be able to afford the trip. Plus I had to get permission for a leave from my college so that I could keep my scholarship. It was so incredibly, absolutely worth it.
We had visited the East German/West German border only a few weeks before that November event, and I will never forget how intimidating it was to be in that place with the cleared ground, barbed wire, and armed guards in the tower. When the Fall came just a few weeks later, I had a better understanding of the relief that the East Germans felt.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Michael
The children and I spent the day with Michael, one of my dearest and oldest friends. Michael is just like family, so much so that we tend to refer to each other as brother and sister. Our history is so long and inclusive that most of the time it's just easier to refer to each other that way rather than explaining our relationship.
When Spyder was little, Michael half-heartedly attempted to get Spyder to call him "Uncle Michael." That never took for Spyder, but he did take to calling him The Michael. Neither one of us knows how that came about, but it's stuck. Even now, Spyder and Sass both refer to him as The Michael. I can't explain how, but it's even capitalized in their voices. Michael signs all of his cards and postcards to them as "The Michael."
Michael has had work issues recently, and his schedule has been very erratic. I don't think we'd seen him since Christmas, so when he emailed on Wednesday, we all jumped at the chance to hang out today. Spyder must have even dreamed about it because when I woke him up this morning, I could hear him (still asleep) muttering, ". . . pizza with The Michael . . . ."
It was quite an excellent day. We met at the Pizza Cafe for an early lunch, then zipped over to the bargain theatre to see Flushed Away. After the movie, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the children's museum. Nothing overly exciting, or even unusual, other than we normally don't do all of those in one day, but it was incredibly nice to have a day to hang out with The Michael.
When Spyder was little, Michael half-heartedly attempted to get Spyder to call him "Uncle Michael." That never took for Spyder, but he did take to calling him The Michael. Neither one of us knows how that came about, but it's stuck. Even now, Spyder and Sass both refer to him as The Michael. I can't explain how, but it's even capitalized in their voices. Michael signs all of his cards and postcards to them as "The Michael."
Michael has had work issues recently, and his schedule has been very erratic. I don't think we'd seen him since Christmas, so when he emailed on Wednesday, we all jumped at the chance to hang out today. Spyder must have even dreamed about it because when I woke him up this morning, I could hear him (still asleep) muttering, ". . . pizza with The Michael . . . ."
It was quite an excellent day. We met at the Pizza Cafe for an early lunch, then zipped over to the bargain theatre to see Flushed Away. After the movie, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the children's museum. Nothing overly exciting, or even unusual, other than we normally don't do all of those in one day, but it was incredibly nice to have a day to hang out with The Michael.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Bookin' on . . .
Southern Girl has posted another meme that I absolutely couldn't pass up -- books.
Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback? Any and all, but for feel, I prefer trade paperbacks or hardcovers. Trade paperbacks are my favorite because they're the easiest to hold one-handed.
Amazon or brick and mortar? Brick and mortar, but I buy online often. I just find so much great stuff while browsing at the store.
Barnes & Noble or Borders? Barnes & Noble. I've never been impressed with our Borders store (the only one I've ever visited).
Bookmark or dogear? Neither. I just remember the page number.
Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random? I used to have the organized by genre, then alphabetically by author within each genre. Children have cured me of that, although our DVDs are still arranged alphabetically.
Keep, throw away, or sell? Entirely depends on the book. Some I keep, some I sell, and some I donate to the library. I'd rather cut out my tongue than throw one away.
Keep dustjacket or toss it? Keep, definitely.
Read with dustjacket or remove it? I read hardcovers with the dustjacket on. It bothers me when it's not on.
Short story or novel? Novel, hands down.
Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)? Generally, I prefer a collection to an anthology. Anthologies seem disjointed to me.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? Harry Potter. I've never really cared for the Lemony Snicket series.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? I seldom stop at chapter breaks. I generally read until I get to a point that seems to be a natural break, and that almost never happens at the end of the chapter.
“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Either one, really, but it all depends on my mood.
Buy or Borrow? Depends on what kind of book it is. Some I want to keep, but if it's one that I'm probably never going to read again, I'd rather borrow it.
New or used? I usually buy new, but used is fine as long as it doesn't smell.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse? Browsing or recommendations.
Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Neat and tidy ending, thank you. A cliffhanger within a series is fine, but I am not okay with a series that has no definite ending.
Morning reading, afternoon reading or nighttime reading? Nighttime, simply because that's when I have the most "me" time.
Standalone or series? My favorite books are standalone, but I read series books as well.
Favorite series? Harry Potter comes to mind first. It's been the one long series that I haven't gotten tired of reading. I did have a bit of a hiccup with the fifth book, but all was redeemed with the sixth. I'm both anticipating and dreading the seventh.
Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith. It's my favorite book in the whole wide world.
Favorite books read last year? A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel; Montmorency by Eleanor Updale; Queen of the Oddballs by Hilary Carlip; Bloody Jack by LA Meyer
Favorite books of all time? Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith; A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman
Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback? Any and all, but for feel, I prefer trade paperbacks or hardcovers. Trade paperbacks are my favorite because they're the easiest to hold one-handed.
Amazon or brick and mortar? Brick and mortar, but I buy online often. I just find so much great stuff while browsing at the store.
Barnes & Noble or Borders? Barnes & Noble. I've never been impressed with our Borders store (the only one I've ever visited).
Bookmark or dogear? Neither. I just remember the page number.
Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random? I used to have the organized by genre, then alphabetically by author within each genre. Children have cured me of that, although our DVDs are still arranged alphabetically.
Keep, throw away, or sell? Entirely depends on the book. Some I keep, some I sell, and some I donate to the library. I'd rather cut out my tongue than throw one away.
Keep dustjacket or toss it? Keep, definitely.
Read with dustjacket or remove it? I read hardcovers with the dustjacket on. It bothers me when it's not on.
Short story or novel? Novel, hands down.
Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)? Generally, I prefer a collection to an anthology. Anthologies seem disjointed to me.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? Harry Potter. I've never really cared for the Lemony Snicket series.
Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks? I seldom stop at chapter breaks. I generally read until I get to a point that seems to be a natural break, and that almost never happens at the end of the chapter.
“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Either one, really, but it all depends on my mood.
Buy or Borrow? Depends on what kind of book it is. Some I want to keep, but if it's one that I'm probably never going to read again, I'd rather borrow it.
New or used? I usually buy new, but used is fine as long as it doesn't smell.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendation or browse? Browsing or recommendations.
Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Neat and tidy ending, thank you. A cliffhanger within a series is fine, but I am not okay with a series that has no definite ending.
Morning reading, afternoon reading or nighttime reading? Nighttime, simply because that's when I have the most "me" time.
Standalone or series? My favorite books are standalone, but I read series books as well.
Favorite series? Harry Potter comes to mind first. It's been the one long series that I haven't gotten tired of reading. I did have a bit of a hiccup with the fifth book, but all was redeemed with the sixth. I'm both anticipating and dreading the seventh.
Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith. It's my favorite book in the whole wide world.
Favorite books read last year? A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel; Montmorency by Eleanor Updale; Queen of the Oddballs by Hilary Carlip; Bloody Jack by LA Meyer
Favorite books of all time? Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith; A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman
The Devil in the Junior League
The Devil in the Junior League shows us the life of Fredericka Mercedes Hildebrand Ware (Frede to her friends), a pampered and privileged Texas socialite. Her picture-perfect world falls apart the day that she comes home to find another woman in her house who claims to be pregnant -- by Frede's husband.
This book falls firmly into the "Chick Lit" category, and I picked it up on a whim. It's not my usual book fare.
Despite her privileged status, Frede is a good person at heart. She does have some class prejudices, but she recognizes them for what they are. She isn't cruel with those prejudices, unlike many of her peers. She is flawed (who isn't?), but Frede is a likable character, which is what I really liked about the novel. Even though I quickly realized that this book really wasn't my style, Frede herself was the reason I continued to read it.
Recommended only for those who enjoy the "Chick Lit" genre.
This book falls firmly into the "Chick Lit" category, and I picked it up on a whim. It's not my usual book fare.
Despite her privileged status, Frede is a good person at heart. She does have some class prejudices, but she recognizes them for what they are. She isn't cruel with those prejudices, unlike many of her peers. She is flawed (who isn't?), but Frede is a likable character, which is what I really liked about the novel. Even though I quickly realized that this book really wasn't my style, Frede herself was the reason I continued to read it.
Recommended only for those who enjoy the "Chick Lit" genre.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Unplanned haitus
Since it's been almost a week since my last post, I offer the following bullet points.
- Spyder was in a bible quiz competition on Saturday. OH MY GOSH. It lasted for five hours. Five hours! Sass was with me, and she did very well for the first four hours of it. By the last hour though, she had had enough. I confess: I let her watch Strawberry Shortcake on the portable DVD player. I am not a person who encourages that sort of thing, but we had colored, written, drawn, and played finger games for the previous four hours. We were tired of being there (and getting a bit tired of each other, to be honest). Spyder did well in his competition though, and our church placed second! Spyder had worked very hard on it, and I was really proud of him.
- Skeeter worked at a math competition on Saturday so he didn't get to go to the bible quiz. He was the data entry person for the competition, and he was the one who entered all of the scores and printed out the certificates. He was just as tired as the rest of us when it was over.
- Our internet was out from Saturday night to Monday night, and it was both frustrating and liberating.
- I am hooked on a new game, JewelQuest.
- Sunday's sermon was absolutely wonderful, on being an encouraging person. I didn't have a big epiphany during it, but it certainly was a good sermon for me to hear.
- Spyder and I cleaned out his closet yesterday, and it looks good! Next is Sass's closet, but that's a much bigger job. I'm dreading it.
- We spent the afternoon at a homeschool swim/play time, and everyone is still and quiet. Loving it! :o)
Thursday, February 01, 2007
You know you're a parent when
. . . you give out a business card with additional information written in crayon.
. . . you are the recipient of said business card, and you didn't even think anything was out of the ordinary.
. . . you are the recipient of said business card, and you didn't even think anything was out of the ordinary.
Well said
Sarah at In the Midst of It has an absolutely beautiful post on motherhood. I'm still astounded at how accurately it reflects my life.
I don't regularly read her blog, but I ran across the address in the bookmarks on my old computer. I truly, wholeheartedly believe that that supposedly random act was God-inspired.
I needed it today. Do yourself a great service and read it.
I don't regularly read her blog, but I ran across the address in the bookmarks on my old computer. I truly, wholeheartedly believe that that supposedly random act was God-inspired.
I needed it today. Do yourself a great service and read it.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Meme: Six of one, half a dozen of another
That's one of my Dad's favorite phrases, so I figured I had to do this meme that I saw at Southern Girl. :o)
1. Name six things in your refrigerator:
2. Name six things in your freezer:
4. Name six things around my computer:
5. Name six things in your medicine cabinet: (don't have one, so these are in the linen closet)
6. Name six things on or around your nightstand: (don't have one, so these are on/around the dresser)
1. Name six things in your refrigerator:
- Milk (only 1/2 of a gallon left -- need to buy more!)
- Fruit (apples, grapes, pears, oranges)
- Spinach dip
- Leftover Chinese food from when we went out Monday night (veggie lo mein and kung pao chicken)
- Sunny D
- Cheddar cheese
2. Name six things in your freezer:
- Rice (I buy the 25# bags, and it keeps it from getting buggy)
- Flour (white, oat, soy, and whole wheat -- I have a thing for flour)
- Barley (specifically for Beef & Barley Stew -- YUM!)
- Broccoli
- Apple Pie
- Ice cream bars
- Automatic dishwasher detergent
- A bottle of dish detergent for hand washing the pots & pans
- The extra rack for the microwave
- Soft Scrub
- Extra sponges
- Dust
4. Name six things around my computer:
- The pen and pencil cup (really it's an ice cream sundae glass)
- My handheld organizer and docking station
- My camera and docking station
- The external hard drive
- Sass's book -- Bear Loves Water!
- Spyder's Nancy Drew game -- The Creature of Kapu Cave
5. Name six things in your medicine cabinet: (don't have one, so these are in the linen closet)
- A basket of sample size toiletries
- Extra toothbrushes
- Various cold medicines
- Extra toilet paper
- BeautiControl bath minerals -- LOVE them!
- An extra candle (citrus and cilantro from Pier 1)
6. Name six things on or around your nightstand: (don't have one, so these are on/around the dresser)
- Trash can
- Box of tissues
- Sass's book/CD sets from the library
- A huge pickle jar for change (don't laugh -- that change is paying for the boys to go to Space Camp!)
- Lamp
- A Magic School Bus video
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
The final birthday celebration
Today was Sass's bounce party. It was the culmination of all of her birthday celebrations over the past five days, and definitely the biggest of them all.We ended up having 21 children, and everyone had a fantastic time. Some of the parents even got in the inflatables. Brenda and William (Michael Ann's husband) had a jousting match in the ring, and Brenda came out the victor. I wish I had gotten a picture of that, but I only saw it as she delivered the final blow. :o)
The children spent an hour and a half running, climbing, sliding, and jousting before heading into the party room for cake and ice cream. No one wanted to admit it, but I think everyone was ready to sit down and rest. I am absolutely certain that everyone who partied with us is sleeping well tonight! I know that when we got home after the party, my children went straight to their rooms for quiet time.
The party was a huge success, and it was one of the easiest we've ever had. Isn't it interesting that the ones that are easy for the parents and some of the best for the children? That's usually the case with my children anyway.
Spyder even made a new friend too, James, the older brother of Sass's friend Rose. They knew each other before, but they'd never played together since James is four years older than Spyder.
The celebrations are over, and tomorrow should get us back on schedule with our days. I know I'm ready for it!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Maisie Dobbs
Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs is my first adult read for the year, and it was well worth it!
There are so many good things that I could say about this book that I'm not sure where to start. The book opens with Maisie opening her detective office, but her investigations are much more than just facts. They are also a journey into the spirit -- hers and her client's.
The setting is the mid 1900s to the late 1920s. We follow Maisie (although not chronologically) from her beginning in service to Lady Rowan to her studies at Cambridge to serving in the Great War to beginning her agency.
This is not a typical fluffy detective/murder mystery that are so popular today. There are no cats or coffeehouses or embroidery circles. The reader finds out that Maisie isn't as calm and collected as we believe at first. She has had experiences that she hasn't reconciled, and by the end of the novel, the reader has done a bit of soul-searching along with her.
I didn't realize it when I picked it up, but this book is often compared to Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I'm still undecided whether I like the comparison, although I can see similarities.
Maisie Dobbs is very highly recommended.
There are so many good things that I could say about this book that I'm not sure where to start. The book opens with Maisie opening her detective office, but her investigations are much more than just facts. They are also a journey into the spirit -- hers and her client's.
The setting is the mid 1900s to the late 1920s. We follow Maisie (although not chronologically) from her beginning in service to Lady Rowan to her studies at Cambridge to serving in the Great War to beginning her agency.
This is not a typical fluffy detective/murder mystery that are so popular today. There are no cats or coffeehouses or embroidery circles. The reader finds out that Maisie isn't as calm and collected as we believe at first. She has had experiences that she hasn't reconciled, and by the end of the novel, the reader has done a bit of soul-searching along with her.
I didn't realize it when I picked it up, but this book is often compared to Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I'm still undecided whether I like the comparison, although I can see similarities.
Maisie Dobbs is very highly recommended.
Obviously, being 5 requires an entirely new wardrobe
ME: Oh, let's put this on today. You love this!
SASS: I can't wear that.
ME: Why on earth not?
SASS: That was a 4-year-old dress. I need 5-year-old clothes now.
SASS: I can't wear that.
ME: Why on earth not?
SASS: That was a 4-year-old dress. I need 5-year-old clothes now.
On turning 5
My beautiful little Sass was 5 years old yesterday. The celebrations started on Friday night, and she had quite a whirlwind weekend.
On Friday, Sass and Skeeter went to see My Little Pony Live as a special father/daughter date. Judging from the photos and the absolute pink girly-ness of it, Sass had a wonderful time. Skeeter did too, although he did come out saying he needed to go home and watch some John Wayne movies.
On Saturday, we had a family party at my parents' house. They always like to be in on the birthday celebrations, and my dad's been sick, so I didn't want them to have to drive to see us. Skeeter was working the whole day, so he didn't get to come.
On Sunday (her real birthday) is was All About Sass. We went to McDonald's for breakfast, Taco Bell for lunch, and spaghetti for dinner. She got to pick everything, and she was overjoyed, since I don't like McDonald's or Taco Bell, and we very seldom go to either. She also got to work in the nursery with me for a bit at church that night. It always makes her feel like a big girl when she gets to help take care of the babies.
As usual on birthdays, we told her birth story at bedtime. I think that tradition makes them each feel special. She also watched the video that Skeeter had made showing her first few hours, and she talked about that for quite a while.
Her bounce party is tomorrow, so she still has one more day for celebrating!
On Friday, Sass and Skeeter went to see My Little Pony Live as a special father/daughter date. Judging from the photos and the absolute pink girly-ness of it, Sass had a wonderful time. Skeeter did too, although he did come out saying he needed to go home and watch some John Wayne movies.
On Saturday, we had a family party at my parents' house. They always like to be in on the birthday celebrations, and my dad's been sick, so I didn't want them to have to drive to see us. Skeeter was working the whole day, so he didn't get to come.
On Sunday (her real birthday) is was All About Sass. We went to McDonald's for breakfast, Taco Bell for lunch, and spaghetti for dinner. She got to pick everything, and she was overjoyed, since I don't like McDonald's or Taco Bell, and we very seldom go to either. She also got to work in the nursery with me for a bit at church that night. It always makes her feel like a big girl when she gets to help take care of the babies.
As usual on birthdays, we told her birth story at bedtime. I think that tradition makes them each feel special. She also watched the video that Skeeter had made showing her first few hours, and she talked about that for quite a while.
Her bounce party is tomorrow, so she still has one more day for celebrating!
Friday, January 26, 2007
Birds of a feather
I laughed out loud when I read this review of The DaVinci Code at Multitasking Mama. What was my short-and-sweet review when Skeeter asked me what I thought of it?
These people are really full of themselves.
These people are really full of themselves.
Friday Fact
Something about me that you probably don't know:
I tried to join the Peace Corps after college graduation. I spent my entire senior year filling out the applications, having interviews, and seeing doctors for them. Three months before graduation, I still didn't have approval, so I sent out a other applications, specifically to several Catholic charities.
Just before graduation, I still hadn't received approvals from any organizations. I finally decided that I had to have a job and a place to live. I told my part-time employer that I would work full time after graduation, and I put a deposit down on housing. The week that I moved in, I got approvals from four of the places I'd applied.
At that point I'd spent most of my ready-cash on my deposit and moving in, so I turned them all down. Instead, I volunteered at a restored Victorian home, a homeless shelter, and a church, all in my community.
I'd like to think I helped make a difference anyway.
I tried to join the Peace Corps after college graduation. I spent my entire senior year filling out the applications, having interviews, and seeing doctors for them. Three months before graduation, I still didn't have approval, so I sent out a other applications, specifically to several Catholic charities.
Just before graduation, I still hadn't received approvals from any organizations. I finally decided that I had to have a job and a place to live. I told my part-time employer that I would work full time after graduation, and I put a deposit down on housing. The week that I moved in, I got approvals from four of the places I'd applied.
At that point I'd spent most of my ready-cash on my deposit and moving in, so I turned them all down. Instead, I volunteered at a restored Victorian home, a homeless shelter, and a church, all in my community.
I'd like to think I helped make a difference anyway.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A big ole YAY ME!
I did all four miles of my walking program tonight! It felt so good!
After having done the entire program, I can say with certainty that the second mile is by far the most challenging. The pace is most brisk at the end of the second mile. The third mile moves down to a more moderate pace, and the fourth mile is the "cool down" portion.
The whole DVD takes an hour, but I found that it was well worth it.
After having done the entire program, I can say with certainty that the second mile is by far the most challenging. The pace is most brisk at the end of the second mile. The third mile moves down to a more moderate pace, and the fourth mile is the "cool down" portion.
The whole DVD takes an hour, but I found that it was well worth it.
The Legend of Holly Claus
Book #3 for the year!
The Legend of Holly Claus is such a wonderful story! The novel is very much a larger-than-life story of a young woman who intends to earn her place in the Land of the Immortals.
Everyone in the Land of the Immortals has earned his or her place there -- everyone except Holly. Holly was born because a boy asked in his letter to Santa what Santa would wish for at Christmas. Santa wished for Holly, and she was born -- the first child ever born in the Land of the Immortals.
Told as part fantasy, part historical fiction, the story is set in the Land of the Immortals (near the North Pole) and in Victorian era New York City.
Overall, I loved the gentle delivery and the characters who were truly good people (and animals) who cared for one another. There is a large portion of the plot that deals with an evil sorcerer and his desire to rule the Land of the Immortals. Sadly, I felt that the resolution on that plot point was very hurried and brusque, and not at all in keeping with the pace of the rest of the book.
The pen and ink drawings scattered throughout the book truly made me feel as if I was reading a Victorian era novel. They added that "something extra" that many books lack to make them special.
Even with the one trouble spot, I would recommend the book, particularly to teen girls who enjoy the fantasy or historical fiction genre.
The Legend of Holly Claus is such a wonderful story! The novel is very much a larger-than-life story of a young woman who intends to earn her place in the Land of the Immortals.
Everyone in the Land of the Immortals has earned his or her place there -- everyone except Holly. Holly was born because a boy asked in his letter to Santa what Santa would wish for at Christmas. Santa wished for Holly, and she was born -- the first child ever born in the Land of the Immortals.
Told as part fantasy, part historical fiction, the story is set in the Land of the Immortals (near the North Pole) and in Victorian era New York City.
Overall, I loved the gentle delivery and the characters who were truly good people (and animals) who cared for one another. There is a large portion of the plot that deals with an evil sorcerer and his desire to rule the Land of the Immortals. Sadly, I felt that the resolution on that plot point was very hurried and brusque, and not at all in keeping with the pace of the rest of the book.
The pen and ink drawings scattered throughout the book truly made me feel as if I was reading a Victorian era novel. They added that "something extra" that many books lack to make them special.
Even with the one trouble spot, I would recommend the book, particularly to teen girls who enjoy the fantasy or historical fiction genre.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Is that with syrup? Or without?
ME: Hey, it's time to get up. I'll go ahead and make your breakfast. What would you like?
SPYDER: no response
ME: How about oatmeal? Or would you rather have cereal?
SPYDER: no response
ME: Which one? Cereal or oatmeal.
SPYDER: Pinocchio
SPYDER: no response
ME: How about oatmeal? Or would you rather have cereal?
SPYDER: no response
ME: Which one? Cereal or oatmeal.
SPYDER: Pinocchio
Saturday, January 20, 2007
My Big Fat Mistake
The film My Big Fat Greek Wedding always reminds me of my friend Christie.
Christie was an author, and she wrote a wonderful series of books with Dr. William Sears and his wife Martha that are part of the Sears Children's Library series. The last time that we spent any significant amount of time together, we had a fun morning making smoothies to experiment with the recipe that was eventually included in her book, Eat Healthy, Feel Great. We had a fantastic time puttering around in the kitchen trying out different smoothie combinations with various fruits and juices.
She also taught me the proper way to peel and pit an avocado that day, since we had turkey and avocado sandwiches when we stopped for lunch.
She and her husband were planning to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding that night, and she was incredibly excited about being able to have a date night with him. When I talked to her a few days later, she raved and raved over the movie. Skeeter and I never got to see it when it was at the theatre though, and Christie had said, "It was so fantastic! I'll buy the movie for you when it comes out!"
We ran into each other a few times, and we saw each other at a few playdates. But, as happens all too often, that day in her kitchen was the last time that we really spent time together as friends.
A few months after that day in her kitchen, Christie died in a car accident while driving her children home from school. The school is less than a mile from her house, and she was rear-ended while in the turn lane. Her two children in the back seat were able to come away with minor injuries, but Christie died from her injuries. She was also about 6 months pregnant, and the baby died as well.
Too many times I forget to make time to spend with my friends, for no other reason than to simply be with them -- not a playdate, not an organized activity -- just enjoying one another's company. I find that happens with most of the women that I know. We are so caught up in caring for our families that we don't take time to do something that we want to do (and enjoy) just because.
A few months after Christie's death, I saw the DVD for My Big Fat Greek Wedding in Target. I stopped in the aisle and sobbed, those horribly unpretty, attention-grabbing sobs. I cried for her death, her family's loss, and my own failure to spend time with her when I could have.
It was weeks before I could watch the movie, but now it's part of my permanent collection. I don't watch it very often, but every time I pull it out, I'm reminded that life is fleeting, and letting someone know that you care isn't necessarily something that can wait.
Send an email. Make a phone call. Write a letter.
Do it while you can.
Christie was an author, and she wrote a wonderful series of books with Dr. William Sears and his wife Martha that are part of the Sears Children's Library series. The last time that we spent any significant amount of time together, we had a fun morning making smoothies to experiment with the recipe that was eventually included in her book, Eat Healthy, Feel Great. We had a fantastic time puttering around in the kitchen trying out different smoothie combinations with various fruits and juices.
She also taught me the proper way to peel and pit an avocado that day, since we had turkey and avocado sandwiches when we stopped for lunch.
She and her husband were planning to see My Big Fat Greek Wedding that night, and she was incredibly excited about being able to have a date night with him. When I talked to her a few days later, she raved and raved over the movie. Skeeter and I never got to see it when it was at the theatre though, and Christie had said, "It was so fantastic! I'll buy the movie for you when it comes out!"
We ran into each other a few times, and we saw each other at a few playdates. But, as happens all too often, that day in her kitchen was the last time that we really spent time together as friends.
A few months after that day in her kitchen, Christie died in a car accident while driving her children home from school. The school is less than a mile from her house, and she was rear-ended while in the turn lane. Her two children in the back seat were able to come away with minor injuries, but Christie died from her injuries. She was also about 6 months pregnant, and the baby died as well.
Too many times I forget to make time to spend with my friends, for no other reason than to simply be with them -- not a playdate, not an organized activity -- just enjoying one another's company. I find that happens with most of the women that I know. We are so caught up in caring for our families that we don't take time to do something that we want to do (and enjoy) just because.
A few months after Christie's death, I saw the DVD for My Big Fat Greek Wedding in Target. I stopped in the aisle and sobbed, those horribly unpretty, attention-grabbing sobs. I cried for her death, her family's loss, and my own failure to spend time with her when I could have.
It was weeks before I could watch the movie, but now it's part of my permanent collection. I don't watch it very often, but every time I pull it out, I'm reminded that life is fleeting, and letting someone know that you care isn't necessarily something that can wait.
Send an email. Make a phone call. Write a letter.
Do it while you can.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Friday Fact
Something about me that you probably don't know:
I love to play backgammon. Skeeter and I played almost every night for the first three years of our marriage. We don't play as much any more because it's only a two-player game, and I don't want the urchins to feel left out. We usually play Parcheesi at night now, but backgammon is my first love.
I love to play backgammon. Skeeter and I played almost every night for the first three years of our marriage. We don't play as much any more because it's only a two-player game, and I don't want the urchins to feel left out. We usually play Parcheesi at night now, but backgammon is my first love.
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