Title: Some Like it Hot-Buttered

Author: Jeffrey Cohen

Date Finished: November 28, 2008

Personal Book Count: 72/100

Rating: 4/5

Genre/ Subject: mystery

First Line: The guy in row S, seat 18 was dead all right.

Summery: The owner of an all comedy movie theater finds a dead body in his theater one night after a movie. When one of his employees is accused, he starts to investigate on his own.

Why did I pick this book? : I picked this one because I had heard of it on a couple blogs and the title stuck in my head, and then saw a copy at the library. It sounded like the type of light, funny mystery that I generally like.

Review: It was a light funny, mystery, with another amateur sleuth. I really enjoyed the premise of this one, as an ex-writer, movie theater owner, he brought a unique perspective. On the most part, it was cute, and stayed light and kept me grinning. I did have a few laugh-out-loud moments, and couldn’t resist even reading the funnier bit to DH. I did get tired of hearing about the ‘very green door’ and about him constantly putting on and taking off his front bike tire. But overall I really enjoyed it, and would definitely read more by this author, and recommend this to others who enjoy some of the ‘lighter’ mysteries as I do.

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

I have received 3 books in the mail this week. (I LOVE bookmooch) What is better then going to the mailbox, and receiving something other then bills, especially at this time of year? And especially books? I think the only thing that could come near it would be yarn. Anyhow, all 3 of them are pure cheese. And I love it! They are romance books based on NASCAR. Nothing better then a fluffy read and a cup of tea in bed to unwind at this time of year, when stress is high. Kind of my guilty pleasure I guess. Who says all reading needs to be serious/educational/fulfilling? So you know what DH said, when I told him what I got? He said “I see what you are doing. You are stocking up to get you through the off season. This will be your dose of NASCAR, while there is no NASCAR.” I think he gives me credit for being more devious (Dastardly? Conniving? Forward planning?) then I’m able.

On another note, as of this past weekend, Christmas has definitely started around here. The gifts are bought, the baking is started, and the tree is up. Now I just need to start on the wrapping and the cards and the name tags and the gift cookies….

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends, and happy start-of-the-holiday-season to everyone else. =D

We have been watching Veronica Mars on TV in the evenings lately. It was a series we really enjoyed the first time around. Now watching it a second time, you sit back as go “oh yea, that is a clue I really should have picked up on the first time.” But you know the other thing I like? The continuity. Instead of having large breaks for Christmas or summer or reruns or whatever, being able to watch them days or even minutes apart, as opposed to weeks or months. It amazes me how much more I remember and keep track of, and can even follow better. I think I really am convinced this is the way to watch shows. I have done it before (through Zip) with 24 and a couple others that we weren’t sure we wanted to buy (but of course aren’t coming to mind right now). And the other bonus is I can watch one an evening, or a whole season in a weekend. And it removes commercials, and increases my knitting time. Speaking of knitting, I actually have a little to show. Again. Whoo hoo, this blog may keep its toes in the knitting water after all…

OK, stop the presses. My Christmas Cactus is actually blooming now, and not at Easter. (she has always been confused.) I have proof... (as always, click for larger view)

My DH and I went to a writing class put on through the city’s continuing education program this weekend. It was so… I don’t really want to use the word fun here… interesting? Inspiring? Informative? I have never taken a writing class, but one of DH’s degrees is in writing. It wasn’t your typical writing class (I don’t think). There was about 10 people, all with different interests on what we wanted to write. She did cover editing, and how to set up chapters, and copy right, how to do an outline and stuff like that. But she talked a lot about things like, don’t be intimidated, and how to get started, and what to do if you are stuck, she gave us some helpful websites, and discussed reference book. She had a ton or anecdotes. It was the type of class you walk out of, and feel ready to tackle whatever you were taking. I will defiantly take another class from Debbie Elicksen. And if you ever have the chance, you should do the same.

I have to go now, I have a lot of writing to do tonight… ;)

(oh, look! knitting!)

Title: All Mortal Flesh

Author: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Date Finished: Nov. 22, 2008

Personal Book Count: 71/100

Rating: 4 ½ /5

Genre: Mystery

First Line: Midway this way of life we’re bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone.

Summery: Reverend Clare Fergusson and Chief of police Russ Van Alstyne work together to solve the murder of his wife. All through the book they also struggle with their own relationship. Told from both points of view.

Why did I pick this book? : I heard that is had been nominated for a couple of awards, and I’m always on the look out for new (to me) mystery authors.

Review: This was one of the better mysteries I read in a long time. It was my first from this author, and I wasn’t disappointed. There was a twist at the end that left me in tears. I hated the ending at first, but when I had time to think of it, I loved it! First, it surprised me, which rarely happens any more, and second, it drew emotion, different from the rest of the book, and unexpected. And isn’t that what a GOOD book is supposed to do? I had equal like and dislike for the main characters throughout (I really wasn’t sure WHO I was cheering for at the end), and that made them somewhat real. Even the reverend wasn’t perfect, and I found the character very interesting with a mix of ex-military helicopter pilot and minister. And I like that I wasn’t 2 cute 20 something’s running around with no true motivation solving a mystery. There were real motives behind their action, well thought out adult decisions, and you could follow along without doubt. Read this one! I’m giving it to everyone for Christmas…

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

The last couple of days have been stressful. I was hit with the dreaded first cold of the year (or at least the winter.) Actually I’m not complaining too loudly yet, as I’m afraid it may get worse before it gets better. So far it’s just sore sinuses, and dry throat, a sore back and tired.

Then Tuesday it happened. My computer died a sudden and painful (for me, I’m not sure about her) death. Won’t boot up. Um. I work at home. On the internet. Kinda need a computer. And the old one had been getting sicker for quite a while. I didn’t realize how much so, as it was a slow progression. And I didn’t lose too much. I do back up fairly regularly. I did lose about a year of work emails, a few pictures (I’m hoping a lot are still in the camera, and that is not as bad as it could have been) and some books on tape and things like that which I had store on the computer so they didn’t clog up my non-iPod.

I think the biggest pain is getting used to Vista (which I had reservations, but really don’t mind) and setting up this puter so it has all my programs on it (for work and personal) and it runs the way I like…

I have been reading some between fighting with the new computer, work, sleep, and taking care of things around the house. Right now I’m reading All Mortal Flesh by Spencer-Fleming and How I Write by Evanovich. I’m really into them both, just wish I had a bit more time (but who doesn’t? ;) )

Knitting is also being done, and as soon as I find the software, load it, and figure out how to get pictures on the new computer, I’ll show some of it to ya!

With that in mind, I usually end my entry with a picture. Since I don’t have any right now, I will end with my current favourite Lol cat.



moar funny pictures

I am going to take a stab at doing some book reviews. I always wanted to, but was never very good at it. I have done some searches, looked through some blogs, and read some other reviews for qualities that I like in a review. I think it is an easy format, and one I should be able to follow, I won't necessarily use all aspects every time, but it gives me a clear starting point...



Title: The Uncommon Reader

Author: Alan Bennett

First Line: At Windsor it was the evening of the state banquet as the president of France took his place beside Her Majesty, the royal family formed up behind and the procession slowly moved off and through into the Waterloo Chamber.

Date Finished: November 16, 2008

Personal Book Count: 70 for the year (out of a hopeful 100)

Rating: 3 ½ / 5

Summery: The Queen, chasing her barking dogs, comes across a library van parked outside the kitchen. She feels obligated to borrow a book, and a love or reading ensues. She promotes a young kitchen hand whom she meets in the library to help her pick books and discuss them with her, despite the fact that almost everyone else is against it, and whisper behind her back.

Why did I pick this book?: I picked this book because I had read positive reviews on it on other reading blogs.

Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick easy read (at 120 pages) and seemed well suited for my sense of humor. There was a lot happening, and fascinating interactions between many different characters over the queens reading. It had many books I recognized commented on in the text, which I could relate to. It had a nice progression and a twist ending I never saw coming.

Any insights, suggestions, or comments on the book or format, or blog at all are most welcome. =D

(Yes, I have 2 entries in 3 days. I know: a record. I told you I wanted to write, I figure this is a good a place to get into practice as any. Just getting words on a page at this point is a good thing. And who knows? When I start spitting out some fiction, maybe you will be lucky (?) enough to share it… :P)

DH went out last night, but only for a couple hours, so I don’t feel like I got much done. I did do a little reading, and started to catch up on a couple blogs I haven’t read for a while. I also managed to get in a little writing yesterday and this morning, although, it really more of an outline and some vague ideas at this points. At least I can see the shape of something.

This morning I went to the library to wander around. (what is it about just being IN a library that make me feel calm?) I got 3 fiction titles (that I should add to the side bar) and a book on reading novels and on writing. I was hoping one would inspire me. We’ll see. It seems to be taking longer to kick start my brain. Maybe it’s age? I’m hoping it’s just over work and tiredness.

Has my knitting be suffering? On one hand I would say yes. I haven’t been doing nearly as much, but I have been getting in some time on my sock, even if it’s just a few rows here and there. On the other hand, I haven’t been missing it all that much, or I would be doing more of it. I think I’m pretty content with just puttering right now.

So I think that is gonna be about my weekend. Reading, writing, grocery shopping, laundry, watching NASCAR (the last of this year) and I’ll probably do some knitting then. Good times.

It was a pretty good weekend around here. It was almost a long weekend (Tuesday was Remembrance Day here in Canada), although we had to work Monday, it didn’t really feel like it counted.

It was a pretty lazy weekend. We did some grocery shopping, and went and bought some books for the business. We had dinner at mom and dads. We watched a movie. I cooked my first whole chicken EVER. And we did lots of reading. And of course, NASCAR. With it being the second last week in the chase (and for the year) we weren’t missing it.

Yesterday was a quiet one around here, mostly. We bopped out (this was something my mother always said, does any one else use this expression?) and bought a couple things (staples) to have on hand for winter. Then we went to Michaels and bought a few candy making supplies. We have been into making ‘chocolates’ together lately. They aren’t really chocolates, as they are made with melt-able vanilla wafers. We needed a couple more bags of the wafers, and the Christmas shapes were out, so we bought a few of those. Then we had a nice lunch together and read and spent some down time on the computer. It was lazy, but I think a lazy day was what we both needed.

I have been doing A LOT of reading lately. I finished 3 books in the past 4 days (many of them were half way through, I tend to read many simultaneously.)

I don’t tend to review books (although have debated starting). I usually just do a recap list at the end of the month. Then if anyone is interested, or want ot discuss any of them, they can let me know and well go from there. My rating scale is as follows:

5- excellent- read in less than 48 hours
4- very good- really like it, but not “can’t put down” (I confess most of my books fall here)
3- okay- passed the time pleasantly enough
2- finished- but don’t know why
1- never finished.

Also, if there is anything in the sidebar of what I’m currently reading that catches your interest, let me know, I’d love to discuss any of those as well.

So, My October list:

The Anglophile- Laurie Gwen Shapiro- 4/5
Slow Burn- Julie Garwood- 4/5
Rapture in Death- J.D. Robb- 4/5
Something Wicked- Carolyn G. Hart- 3 ½ /5
Shadow Dance- Julie Garwood- 4/5
The Chocolate Mouse Trap- JoAnna Carl- 4/5
Artemis Fowl: Graphic Novel- Eoin Colfer- 3/5

I have been debating joining a couple reading challenges. I think I have been intimidated before, but am now ready to give it a go. It’s just a matter of finding a couple, and deciding. I have challenged myself in the past, like I will read so many Newberry books in so much time. But I think doing a challenge with other people could be fun.

I’m also thinking as it gets colder, I have been feeling a bit more like writing again. My last project was a novel (still in the editing stage), but I think I would like to take a stab at some short stories. I haven’t done any since about high school. Now, have to seek out some inspiration….

OK, I admit it, I'm a spoiled girl. My friend from Ravelry (man, i love that place, i have met so many new friends), Kelli made me a purse.

If you have been reading my blog, or know me, you know i am a purse person. I LOVE my purses. DH says that purses are to me, what shoes are to other girls. I love this one. No one has ever made me a purse. I love the colors she picked. And she even went to the effort of lining it. And it is just the right side for my daily needs. I have been using it a lot, because it is the perfect size for my phone, keys and small wallet. Thanks Kelli, it will be well used and well loved.

Samm, my friend on Ravelry, made it a wonderful tea cosy! I had always wanted one, and this one is beautiful (I am in LOVE with the little tea cup and tea bag charms!), functional, and gets used almost everyday!

Thanks Samm! I do feel spoiled. =D