Gray Eyed Scorpio

Further Progress in the Kitchen

2012-01-15T20:24:00.001-06:00

I decided that a painted backsplash is best for me. I change my mind too often to choose tile.

Bead board is groovy, but I don't have the extra wire length in my junction boxes to move them forward to allow for the space. Tin is too shiny. Mirrors too smudgy. Yup; paint is just right.

The couple who blogs about their faux tile back splash painting business have a great gallery of finished kitchens. The 1/4 inch painters tape was hard to find. I ordered it from Amazon, and it didn't want to stick unless I cursed at it and pressed extra hard. Measuring and taping took me nearly five hours.

Next, I mixed up various leftover paint and oops paint from the big orange store, trying to come up with shades that seemed just right.

I started with Ash White and Poppy Seed, which are my cabinet colors. Then I added two shades of gray. It was hard to admit, after all that work, but I hated the way it looked.

While I painted with colors, I brainstormed about what to do with all the stark black and white "tiles" I didn't like. Finally, I painted over them. By this time, I was more than 8 hours into the project and scared to death that it had all been a waste of time.

Peeling off the tape was scary and disappointing. The Poppy Seed paint had seeped through the edges of the tape, and then sealed itself so the new color didn't cover it along the edges. Some of the other colors were already dry, so the paint peeled up along with the tape. I even found one "tile" that I forgot to paint.

Somehow, I refrained from crying. With as steady a hand as possible, I touched things up, cleaned the kitchen, and drank a beer. There are still plenty of cosmetic problems, but from a distance, it's fine.

I'm not in love with the results, but it's, even if it's not what I had envisioned. The colors (to my eyes) are cool, soothing, and lively without being obnoxious, and they compliment the cabinets without being matchy-matchy. Total cost: about $11.00 to buy the tape and have it shipped, plus a few bucks for cheap paint brushes. Everything else was on hand. The best part? I can re-paint it whenever I tire of the look.

I still might paint the Roman shade, and I MUST re-paint all of my chairs, find rugs, and re-hang artwork. A friend is already at work making a stained glass door for the cubby above the microwave. It's all coming together, bit by bit.

More Kitchen Photos

2012-01-03T19:19:00.000-06:00

Here's my baby, though I definitely need to re-paint those black chairs now.

I built this locker (idea from Ana White's site, though I sketched out my plans based on the size of the space available and the needs we have. It's no mud room, but it sure helps.

I'm loving the way my island looks. I built it about 8 years ago, but only love it now that it's trimmed out and painted.

Crazy as it sounds, I don't even mind the mauve counter top, even though I never would have chosen it. I'm probably the only person who does not like the granite craze.

Here's how the locker abuts the counter. Not as hulking and blockade-like as I feared.

My attempt at building a butcher block counter top didn't succeed, so I covered it with a $15 matchstick shade, and a sheet of custom glass from a local glazing shop.

Here's a shot of the locker before I painted it. Above it is the old light fixture, which was dark brown and bronze before I spritzed it with Rustoleum's satin nickel. Haven't found replacement globes yet.

Starting the New Year with a New Kitchen

2012-01-02T08:57:00.000-06:00

What I did--

Build a locker to contain your husband's backpack, lunchbox, baseball caps, jackets, and charging station. And for the dog's food and water bowls. (4 hours)
Scrub the cabinets to remove any food particles and hand oils. (1 hour)
Sand all of the doors, drawers, and cabinet framework. (3 hours)
Wash the sawdust off of every surface. (Husband did it in 2.5 hours.)
Prime the upper cabinet doors and frames. (3.5 hours)
Re-coat with primer (2 hours)
Paint the back splash area and above the cabinets so that the drips won't land on newly painted cabinets (1.5 hours)
Paint the lower cabinet frames, doors, and drawers. Two coats. (7 hours, two separate days)
Paint the upper cabinet frames and doors. Two coats. (5 hours)
Have a friend over to install an outlet above the stove, and put in a microwave with husband's help. Remove the cabinet from that space so that the microwave height is not weird. (6 hours--what a pal!)
Take down and spray paint bronze light fixture with satin nickel paint. Re-install. (45 minutes)
Team up with husband to re-install doors and drawers with new hinges and add pulls and knobs. Trim out and anchor new locker to the wall. (4 or 5 hours)
Team up to vacuum sawdust and re-fill contents of drawers. (45 minutes)
Make purchases and returns to various hardware stores over the course of the week. (About 6 trips, and the nearest Lowes/Depot is 30 minutes away.)
Put all the tools and supplies away and take pictures. (30-45 minutes?)
Make a list of everything that remains to be done (paint a faux-tile back splash, change the ceiling fan, commission a stained glass door (thanks to a great friend) for above the microwave, paint the chairs white, re-do the counter top on the island, find new cannisters and throw rugs to compliment the new color scheme, paint the rest of the walls, install new quarter round, get a sliding glass door instead of the French door...)
Wait for spring break.

Final Count

2012-01-01T15:06:00.002-06:00

Movies 45 & 46: The Descendants (so sad, so good) and Hugo (enchanting and magnificent).

I read 82 books and watched 46 movies in 2011.

The end.

81

2011-12-18T20:23:00.003-06:00

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick
A fast paced book.

80 & 81

2011-12-15T16:59:00.001-06:00

Debi gave to: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams read in December, 2011	My rating: edit my review shelf: read
FAST read--all the while silently urging the narrator to run away from the life she was born into. The author did a good job of making characters sympathetic. Some of the flashbacks were poorly integrated and may trouble reluctant or hesitant reade...more
x 0 minutes ago· comment · see review
Debi gave to: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (Goodreads Author) read in December, 2011	My rating: edit my review shelf: read
The beginning didn't grab me, but since I love road trips, I stuck it out. Glad I did

2011-12-11T18:30:00.001-06:00

78: Good Enough
79: The Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl

Neither was great, nor bad...just okay.

2011-12-05T20:40:00.000-06:00

Movie 44: The new Muppet Movie...whatever it's called. What a let down. The first 15 minutes are the best.
Book 73-77: I'm getting lazy now:

Hate List	Brown, Jennifer	4.10		read [edit]	Dec 2011[edit]	Nov 28, 2011	edit view »
	Emerald City	Egan, Jennifer *	3.71		read [edit]	Nov 26, 2011[edit]	Nov 26, 2011	edit view »

	The Future of Us	Asher, Jay	3.78		read [edit]	Nov 24, 2011[edit]	Nov 24, 2011	edit view »
	Fat Cat	Brande, Robin *	3.95		read [edit]	Nov 26, 2011[edit]	Nov 23, 2011	edit view »
	Truth and Beauty: A Friendship	Patchett, Ann	3.85		read [edit]	Nov 23, 2011[edit]	Nov 21, 2011	edit view »

2011-11-20T08:44:00.000-06:00

Movie 43: Win Win, with Paul Giamatti.
Good movie.
Book 72: Is Everybody Hanging out without Me and Other Concerns, by Mindy Kaling.
Fun, fast read.

2011-11-16T19:57:00.002-06:00

Movie #42: Letters to Juliet. No good, except for the scenery.

Working on a couple of looooong books right now, but mostly grading, grading, grading, grading papers papers papers papers projects projects tests.

2011-11-03T19:34:00.001-05:00

Movie #41: Bad Teacher
Book #71: The Marriage Plot, by Jeffrey Eugenides

2011-10-16T09:05:00.002-05:00

69: Free Range Kids
70: The Night Circus
Did I mention Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children?

Two More

2011-10-07T06:09:00.002-05:00

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have--Four stars.
Breaking Night--two stars.

For more detail, friend me on GoodReads.com

2011-10-04T04:52:00.000-05:00

#66 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs.

2011-09-20T19:25:00.002-05:00

Book #65 The Story Sisters, by Alice Hoffman (heavy magical realism hatches a overdue realities for characters)

2011-09-18T13:47:00.001-05:00

Book #63: A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (probably the third time I've read it)

Book #64 Rescue by Anita Shreve (wish I'd skipped this one)

My Week in Books and Movies

2011-09-05T09:42:00.000-05:00

Book 61: Twenty Boy Summer. The first chapter was incredible. The rest was typical YA. Fast read.

Book 62: Five Flavors of Dumb. The characters have quirks, ambitions, and get to live out some fantasies other teens only dream of. That makes it interesting and fun to read.

Movie 42: I Am Number Four. Special effects just cannot match the imagery provided by an author. The book was better.

Movie 43: Kung Fu Panda. I only fell asleep twice. Sorry, but animation rarely catches my attention, even with as much action as this one offers.

2011-08-27T07:34:00.002-05:00

Book # 60: How I Live Now, by Meg Rosoff.
+ Unexpected and unusual, yet entirely compelling events.
- Some awkward and incorrect sentence constructions, but likely due to the narrator rather than the writer.
+ Setting and tone appeal to me, as does the journey...bleak as it all is.
+ Teen fans of this book may graduate to The Road.
Perhaps I'm enjoying the current market fixation on dystopias and apocalyptic tales too much. Keep them coming, publishers!
(Warning: plot contains sexually aberrant behavior)

2011-08-22T19:09:00.002-05:00

Movie #40: Spy Kids. Yup. Family went to the movies. Pretty bearable until the final 15 minutes or so.

Movie #41: Hall Pass. Truths and laughs. Not as lame as I feared, but not great either. Rent it and see.

2011-08-20T15:32:00.001-05:00

Movie 39 was fun to watch: Red. Malkovich, Willis, Mirin, Freeman, and Parker team up in this comic book adaptation that's far-fetched and fun.

Book 59: One Day, by David Nichols--I wanted to read it before going to see it. Mission accomplished with joy. Fun, escapist book slightly in the vein of Nick Hornby.

Back to school reading

2011-08-15T17:23:00.002-05:00

Book 57: Readicide, by Kelly Gallagher. meh. I agree, but prefer more applicable ideas than data.
Book 58: Formative Assessment for Standards Based Grading, by Marzanno. Another meh. Too much technical stuff, not enough direct "how to."

More, more, more

2011-08-14T21:20:00.000-05:00

Book #55 Silver Girls (a great tale of a bigamist's two families...until the end.)
Book # 56 The Book Whisperer (brought me to my senses and changing my whole intentions for this year at school)

Movie #38 The Help (better than the book--didn't leave me feeling as uneasy)

Attempting Art

2011-08-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

I really wanted some original artwork for my bedroom. Alas, my exquisite taste does not match my limited budget. Then I saw this artsy fartsy tutorial / narrative. An idea was born.

When buying lumber, I had picked up a couple of free pallets. At the time, I had no specific plans for them. I just knew that the rough planks could be used to create something fun. (Ana White also has many pallet plans, from Adirondack chairs to shelving units that I will get around to making, eventually.)

I began with my least favorite action: tearing the pallet apart.

Then, I nailed the boards together to create a canvas of sorts.

I stained the front to match my bedroom furniture, and let it dry for a day before sanding it a bit.

Next, I taped off the edges and painted an area in the center. (color: oatmeal, left over from painting the basement walls and "ceiling" two years ago.) Immediately after painting, I removed the tape and brush-beat the edges so they wouldn't appear so stark. Again, I had to let it dry. Without all the drying time, this whole project would take about an hour.

The next morning, I pulled a bunch of paint (yes, all leftovers from wall colors) and began applying it to the barn wood-looking canvas I'd made. No sketching, no planning, just "here goes..."

I made wheaty looking things, one color at a time, until it seemed like I'd used almost too many colors.
Then, I added some brown to the bottom.

Oops, that looked crap-tacular. The sander helped obscure it into a nice, negligible blur.

I touched the sander all over the piece to distress it, vacuumed the dust off, and applied a top coat of clear poly.

And here are the cost-free picture-hanging materials I never used because, although I am fairly pleased with the end product, it doesn't look right in the room it was intended for.

But it didn't cost anything!

Time to start over.

Movies 36 & 37 and book 54

2011-08-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

Crazy Stupid Love gets a full endorsement from me. Maybe it was just the right flick on the right day, but I adored it. Solid scriptwriting (since the cliches are self-aware, they're okay), great acting, and beautiful camera work. All-around human and endearing.

Horrible Bosses aims for a male audience, but I laughed so hard that I pulled a muscle.

What the Dead Know, by Laura Lippmann kept me up late, had me dreaming about the plot all night, and then nearly made me late for work because I had to finish it this morning.

Movies 33, 34, & 35

2011-07-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

Winnie the Pooh was surprisingly cute. I am not a fan of animated movies, but this was done in the classic Pooh style, and it was funny so I enjoyed it as much as possible.

Cedar Rapids is a movie I had hoped to catch in the theater, but now that I've seen it I'm glad we merely rented it. I liked it. It just wasn't special.

Judy Moody and the not-so Bummer Summer was fun to watch. I enjoy movies that celebrate adventure and imagination in childhood. This one certainly does. It's no Ramona, but it's a reasonable facsimile and, hey, it's not animated!

Now it's a bedroom SET

2011-07-30T20:41:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I showed off the headboard and platform bed I built from plans on Ana White's site, Knockoff Wood. Now I'm going to boast about the rest of the set (for now).

From my own sketches, I built this shelving unit for use as a dresser and TV stand. We have a small room, so I needed a narrow piece, and I wanted it to have some height so that the TV would be up nice and high. The space directly in front of the bed is also pretty narrow and right in the flow of traffic toward the closet and bathroom, which are hidden behind the curtain. Due to the height, and the valuable electronic atop it, I bolted the unit to the wall. My husband recently bumped into it when cutting the corner into the room and it didn't budge. He has a bruise to show for it!

I also needed to update our nightstands cheaply. There are plans available for building a very cute, woodsy set, but they'd block the storage beneath. To solve that, I stained a couple of crates we had for storage in the basement and bolted them to the wall.

What I haven't figured out is how to hide the cords--I never see those in home decorating magazines! For the fan, I simply used a twist tie to fasten the cord to one of the rungs of the stool.

All together, the bed and "dresser" have helped to free some closet space, and to better organize our clothing. The curtain panels for the French doors and the closet are nearly hemmed now, and most of the art has been hung. I wish I could afford all original artwork. Alas, I settled for this canvas print from Bed, Bath, Beyond. It's just our style, and uses nearly the same colors as the leaf pattern in our Ikea drapes and our Tetris-style dresser baskets.

Throughout the building process, I deliberated over whether to paint the furniture white or to stain it. There are moments when I step back and wonder if I made the right call, but I am very happy with my bedroom these days. After years of closing the door in shame for worn and stained carpet (hair dye), the mismatched furniture, and lack of order, I am now quite satisfied with the room.

I do need one more piece of art and a nice bed spread, though...

Book 55

2011-07-30T20:06:00.001-05:00

These Things Hidden

Book 54

2011-07-27T22:50:00.002-05:00

Blind Your Ponies. Click for details.

Book 53

2011-07-24T20:12:00.000-05:00

I'd Know You Anywhere, by Laura Lippman.

Updates

2011-07-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

Book # 51: What Now, by Ann Patchett is a small book that expands upon a commencement speech she gave at her alma mater. The speech itself is very good. The rest meanders a bit, but it takes about five minutes to read, so it's no waste of time. :)

Book #52: The Inverted Forest, by John Dalton is many things at once: a crime story, a case-study of the grotesque, a reportorial account what could be true. At first, I was uncertain about which details would matter. As it turns out, many seemingly innocuous descriptions, conversations, and events contribute to the overall plot and theme.
While reading this story, my sense of dread built to a woeful pitch before I figured out what inevitability was going to occur. This well-written book and its characters leave a lasting impression.

Movie #32: The Lincoln Lawyer, based on the book by Michael Connelly, is a great movie. Check it out.

I Made My Bed

2011-07-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

I'm a thrifty person with furniture tastes that run toward Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn mixed with a bit of Ikea. The solution? Ana White's Knockoff Wood. Ana White and her community create building plans for exactly the kinds of furnishings I prefer.

I ended up mixing two different Pottery Barn pieces and combining them into one bed-- the Mason headboard (aka Reclaimed Wood Headboard) and the Stratton platform storage bed (Ana's plans are here). The plans make building just as easy and satisfying as sewing. With the exception of carrying the bed into the house and joining the base pieces for final assembly, I did everything solo.

It took me three days just to measure and cut the pieces, and the platform "benches" took a while to construct, but the miraculous Kreg Jig made everything join up beautifully.

The headboard planks had a lot of flex and bow to them, so I added four vertical strips of scrap wood to the back and screwed them to each horizontal board. This is just one way I probably overdid it on sturdiness.

The toughest aspect of the project was keeping everything level and square as I worked. All told, I spent approximately 35-40 hours working in my garage and made many trips to the orange and blue warehouses for supplies.

One of the fun parts was beating the furniture with the claw end of my hammer, the star of a Phillips screwdriver, a rasp, and a chisel in order to distress the lumber with scars.

After that workout, I sanded it all again, vacuumed the dust, conditioned the wood, and began the staining process. I feared I'd gotten carried away and made too many marks on the wood, but now that it's finished it almost seems like I could have beaten it up even more. The way the stain soaked into the scars really appeals to me.

I thought the Minwax Dark Walnut stain was what I wanted, but when I tested it, it looked ridiculously dark to us, so I went with a gallon of Provincial and stirred in 1/3 cup of Golden Oak to lighten it a bit. Since I like the woodgrain to show, I did not prime or condition the wood. For a topcoat I chose a water based poly satin. The can recommended three coats, but I think one would have been fine.

Buying these pieces from PB would have cost around $2000 + baskets. The cost of building them (lumber, screws, nails, new saw blades, wood glue, wood filler, stain, polyurethane, sandpaper, brushes, a Kreg Jig, new drill bits, etc.) added up to roughly $700.

I couldn't stand to move my new furniture into a drab room, so additional work and shopping were both necessary. I picked out carpet and we moved everything out of the bedroom so I could paint and rip out the carpet, padding, and staples.

I've drawn up plans for a dresser/media stand in the same style as our bed (and future nightstands), and will be starting on it this week. I also need to choose baskets for under the bed and new art for the bedroom walls.

Anyone can do this! All it takes is patience, perseverance, and the ability to read and follow directions.

Blue Valentine

2011-07-17T20:53:00.000-05:00

The 31st movie I've watched this year is Blue Valentine, with Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling.

It's been five days since I watched it, and I still catch myself thinking over the plot and characterization. What I find most interesting is:
1. The film handles divorce with a new, real, and welcome perspective.
2. The man is the more sympathetic character.
3. The couple was never a strong match. Though he loves her it's not clear why, and the relief of being loved is not enough to sustain her long-term.

This was a tough movie to watch, yet it was very good.

Book #50

2011-07-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

A Stranger Like You, by Elizabeth Brundage. Click for further info.

Movie # 30 for 2011

2011-07-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Hereafter is a Clint Eastwood film. I generally like his pacing and artful camera work, though the dialogue in his films can sound unnatural. Hereafter was not reviewed well, but I ended up liking it. Three stars out of five, for originality, integrated storylines, characters I could empathize with, and great scenery and acting. The French actress was riveting.

Book # 48 of 2011

2011-07-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda

Why do books about life crises always seem to feature upper class characters with simple, tidy solutions to problems? People of all social backgrounds experience identity issues. I don't recommend this book, though there are worse options for an afternoon.

* I am now linking the books I read to my Goodreads account. This will provide my rating, blurb, and other (more professional) details about the books. If you're on Goodreads, let's connect!

Stories Lingering in Mind

2011-07-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

Book # 47 is You Know When the Men Are Gone, by Siobhan Fallon. Ordinarily, I veer away from short story collections because it's easy to abandon them after one or two stories are resolved. After hearing Fallon's interview on Fresh Air, however, I knew this would be a must-read. If I have any criticism, it's that the wives as a whole are elevated in terms of educational background. For that matter, though, so are many of their husbands. Each story crafts a unique heartbreak for the reader. Each story presents a previously unexamined perspective on military life. Each story is well-written and literary. Along with The Goon Squad, this will be one of my frequently recommended books of 2011.

A Mystery/Thriller

2011-07-02T19:03:00.002-05:00

Blue Heaven, by C. J. Box, was Book #46 for me this year. It was a Nook deal, or I wouldn't have read it, but I did enjoy this one. The plot simmered for a couple hundred pages, then reached a good boil. Bad cops, old cowboys, and plucky kids made this interesting. Plus, I was familiar with the (Northern Idaho) setting, which always adds to the fun of reading.

Movie #29

2011-07-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

Bridesmaids

Until I watched this movie, I wasn't aware of the absence of female comedy flicks. The only other one I can think of is Mean Girls.
This is a movie I'll watch again! Sure, there are completely un-realistic portions, but if the boys can get away with it, so can the girls. Loved it. Lots of fun.

Beware #45

2011-06-24T17:57:00.000-05:00

Wolf Point, by Edward Falco was on sale for .25 at Powell's Books. It sounded like it might be a manly piece of pulp, but I gave it a whirl.
Sadly, the only reason I finished this book (and I confess to skimming the final 25 pages) is because at 148 pages it's just a novella.

#44

2011-06-22T23:54:00.000-05:00

I am immensely fond of Anne Brashares' books. Brashares' books for adults were both reviewed with enthusiasm here. It was with reluctance that I started the Traveling Pants series, but soon held conversations with friends about which of the four friends we most identified with. (I'm Tibby or Bridget. Those of you who know me can settle this once and for all.)

Last week, the final installment of the Sisterhood series came out. The beginning was shaky. I wasn't immediately engrossed, yet soon I was crying. (Not a good book to read while while "watching" your child's swim lessons.) Soon, though, these girls--now women--held my attention fully.

Sisterhood Everlasting is a reunion that should not be skipped. If you've read the others, you need to know how the rest of the story unfolds.

Numbers 43 and 28

2011-06-21T02:09:00.001-05:00

Book #43 is Admission, by Jean Hanff Korelitz. This 477-pager could certainly have been shortened without loss, though the prose reflects the psychological stasis of the main character. Portions of the novel are masterfully tense, demanding reader attention. I found most characters --especially the Quest group-- likable and fascinating. Snippets of supposed admissions essays prefacing each chapter signal the author's skill, for they convincingly embody tone and voice commonly seen in student writing. The idiomatic errors, such as with the use of the words myriad and everyday realistically belied the students' efforts to portray themselves as erudite.
This aptly titled book appealed to me while I was traveling through the areas where it is set, and noticed the abundance of elite school decals on car windows in the region. Adding to the appeal was the fact that the main character is my age and has some facets in common with me. The narrative perspective offered in Admission is new, and the lengthy, repetitious explanations of ethics exist for a purpose.

Movie #28 is True Grit. Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and the young actress who plays the main character are definitely worth watching and (more notably) listening to. Some laughs, some cringes, and some boredom are also in store for viewers.

Vacation Reading & Viewing

2011-06-12T22:58:00.000-05:00

Here's what I read and watched while on vacation in New England:

#38: Real Life and Liars, by Kristina Riggle, is interesting and entertaining. It's a bit like the movie Home for the Holidays in that it juxtaposes three siblings and their parents' lives. A few predictable angles, but I was largely uncertain about what might happen.

#39: Promise Not to Tell, by Jennifer McMahon, reads like a (high quality) first book (although it's not, technically), but it's got a strong sense of place and a plot that created full time worries even when I could only read it part time. Points for originality and a steady sense of dread. Lucky me, I passed right through the area where the story was set just after reading the book!

#40: The Summer of Skinny Dipping, by Amanda Howells, is one that I chose because I was hoping to get away from heavy/sad stories. It's for young adults, but was a good story made all the more enjoyable by my proximity to the setting. The heroine's mindset reminded me of the heroine of the Dairy Queen trilogy.

#41: Wings, by Aprilynn Pike, was a freebie, or I'd never have read it. The plot seemed amateurish, but I never thought about quitting the book. I just learned that Miley Cyrus will play Laurel (an ordinary home-schooled teen who discovers she's a fairy with the help of a hunky biology tutor) in the movie. This book seems to be piggybacking off the success of all paranormal-normal kid stories these days.

#42: Soft Apocalypse, by Will McIntosh, was a depressing way to begin a trip. The circumstances the author offers for the status of our nation in just 12 years feel probable/possible in a way that really nagged at me. Some chapters were sluggish, and the main character was often too passive (yet landed one exotically named girl after another). Aside from those minor issues, though, the tale would make a great movie. The author info at the end of the book added new considerations. He sounds like he's got an interesting career, and still found time to write fiction.

(All rights for this image belong to the production/distribution companies.)

Now for movie #27: X-Men was a fun flick to see. I'm not a big fan of super heroes or comic books, but I do like action movies and plots with twists and turns. Plus, this was a movie our whole family could enjoy, and those are hard to come by.

So-so

2011-05-24T18:13:00.001-05:00

Book # 37 for 2011 was Flying Changes, by Sara Gruen, and it was a let-down. Her other books are much better.

Book #36

2011-05-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

13 Little Blue Envelopes (YA) by Maureen Johnson
This one was a Friday freebie from B&N. I love to read travel stories and I enjoy epistolary novels, yet this tale doesn't quite gel. It feels like the author has merged memoirs of adventure with a fictitious frame for storytelling. That said, I ended up enjoying the story. It just felt forced at first.

This Year's Pulitzer

2011-05-14T07:34:00.001-05:00

Book #35 for me was Jennifer Egan's A Visit from the Goon Squad. I have enjoyed some of her books, but I've been let down by one (The Keep), so I was lukewarm about this title. After reading it, though, I feel the Pulitzer is justified. The book is non-linear and employs other nontraditional narrative techniques that seem gimmicky when others try them. The storytelling is a bit self-conscious at times, but it's effective nonetheless. I keep thinking about the book--not only its characters, but the deft interweaving of stories and the predictions for my generation's future. When a book lingers in mind, that's a seal of approval.

Last night I watched movie # 27: Duplicity, starring Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, and a trove of other big names. It's a heist movie, which requires concentration for the end to pay off. It wasn't the greatest of con movies, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Movie

2011-05-07T23:11:00.000-05:00

26: The Paul Rudd/Mira Sorvino version of The Great Gatsby. Gatsby was miscast, as was Myrtle. The movie had a low-budget feel.

More books

2011-05-07T23:07:00.000-05:00

#34: Jodi Picoult's House Rules. I've read all but two Picoult books, and admire her (let's face it) formula. This one was as riveting as her others, but the ending left me less satisfied than usual.

#35: Robert Cormier's The Rag and Bone Shop. His stories are extremely dark. The psychology is intriguing, but dismaying. Although he writes for adolescents, I feel like adults can best appreciate the complexities and retrospective ardor and pain of the situations he puts teen characters through.

Movie Night

2011-04-27T18:09:00.002-05:00

Movie #25
I'm watching this movie alone: The Bridges of Madison County. I saw it when it was new, but I'm at a place in life where the story makes more sense to me now.

A book and a movie to add

2011-04-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

Book #33: Tina Fey's Bossypants. I enjoyed her book, but must confess it took me a whole week. Non-fiction books are easy for me to put down, even if I'm laughing aloud throughout. Some chapters were easy for me to relate to, others were interesting glimpses into a career I can only imagine. I really enjoyed the chapter about her father.

Movie # 24: The Other Guys. Good. Not great. Fun. Not hilarious. Didactic at the end (for a worthy lesson). Favorite bit: the TLC quotations by Michael Keaton's character.

Book #32

2011-04-12T17:03:00.001-05:00

31. Blood on My Hands, by Todd Strasser is a book that started with
action and kept the pace throughout. How would you prove your innocence
if caught with a bloody knive at a corpse?

I skipped number 27

2011-04-08T16:26:00.002-05:00

'Tis The Great Gatsby, by [I want to] F. Scott Fitzgerald. (har har) I adore the book and am enjoying teaching it.

More Books!

2011-04-08T16:24:00.000-05:00

# 28 and 29: unpublished book-length manuscripts I read and responded to. Top Secret stuff, yo.

#30 The Big Empty, by J.B. Stephens is nearly short enough to be considered a novella, but the concise chapters introduce multiple characters from across America, and how they manage to locate a utopian area of refuge. I will read the next installment. Great for fans of The Hunger Games.

#31 Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature, by Robin Brande is a book I resisted for a while, for some reason. The first few pages didn't snag my attention, but it turned out to be an idea I could have hatched myself. The narrator and I have some common experiences.

Another book made into a movie

2011-03-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

#26--I Am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore. I am leary of the copycat Lemony Snickett-style anonymous/persona author approach, but I enjoyed the story. (Maybe I should do my research--what if it's the same author?) The writing could be stronger, but the story-telling is solid. I'll be reading the next installment as soon as I can get it.

Another Book

2011-03-24T13:43:00.001-05:00

Book #25 Bad Apple, by Laura Ruby deals with the realities of cyber- and tech-bullying in an empathetic way.

Movie #24 of 2011

2011-03-17T18:27:00.001-05:00

Movie #24: The Social Network--The true story is more interesting. I found the movie annoying, yet interesting.

Book #24 of 2011

2011-03-14T17:54:00.000-05:00

24. Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine-- This bildungsroman is narrated by a fifth grade character who has Asperger's Syndrome, and whose brother has been shot and killed while at school. It's a worthwhile read for its empathetic and believable exploration of two topics many find uncomfortable.

Book #23, Movie #23

2011-03-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

Book #23 The Farther Shore, by Matthew Eck--I picked this up at the recommendation of one of Eck's students. Since I read few stories involving soldiers (Tim O'Brien the exception, and the author to whom Eck is oft compared), the plot and characters felt uncommon to me, though I suspect they're atypical regardless. The novel contains bursts of adrenaline-fueled action tempered with lengths of stillness. In both cases, the unknown out-measures the known factors for these men. I enjoyed the book, and found the characters sympathetic.

Movie #23: Rango-- I am not a fan of animated movies, but I do enjoy Johnny Depp's work. This was an okay movie. Not surprisingly, I was eager for it to end and found sections awfully slow, but there was much humor and high quality dialogue. The movie sure made me thirsty, though!

Movie #22 of 2011

2011-03-11T06:01:00.000-06:00

22. Easy A--I know people who vocally disliked this movie, but was interested in the premise. The good news is that we really enjoyed it. We especially like the adult characters. None of the characters looked like the were teens, but that always happens in this type of movie.

Book 22 of 2011

2011-03-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

22. My Boyfriends' Dogs, by Dandi Daley Mackall is a light read. I picked it up (and finished it) for two reasons: it takes place on my stomping grounds and it involves canines in a major way. Forgive me, for I adopted a dog a week ago and am feeling much love for my new companion.

New to my listing routine are the movies I'm watching this year. Pardon me while I back up and list January to the present.

Cairo Time-- Fantastic in that slow-building, life-like way. Sort of like Before Sunrise and Before Sunset.
Please Give--Why is there no resolution to the plot?
Ramona and Beezus--I cried. Not just because I loved the books as a kid. The movie got downright sappy, in a good way.
Inception--Wow! Just as good, if not better than Memento.
The Kids are All Right--Good, very good. Liked the characters, setting, and thought the plot was believable.
Scott Pilgrim VS The World-- I'm officially old; I didn't find it interesting.
Running the Sahara--not engaging.
Good Hair--interesting and educational for a white girl like me. My husband was also fascinated.
Toe to Toe--meh. Sort of a waste of time.
180 Degrees South--thoroughly enjoyed it: scenery, vicarious adventure, environmental responsibility.
Warren Miller's Journey--fun while working out. My son enjoyed it too.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo--better than the book, thanks to editing.
The 9-Ball Diaries--good while on the treadmill or bike trainer.
The Girl Who Played with Fire--I liked it.
American Teen--starts slow, but hard to stop thinking about once it's over. (documentary)
Russell Brand in NYC--funny stuff, Maynard!
Following Sean--mildly interesting documentary about a boy who grew up in a polyamorous Haight-Ashbury home during its heyday.
The King's Speech--deserving of the Oscar. I adore Collin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter
Dinner for Schmucks--a few moments of hilarity, but forgettable overall.
Never Let Me Go-- a solid interpretation of the book.
Waiting for Superman--it would take an essay to explain my reaction, since I am a teacher and a parent.

Books 20 and 21 of 2011

2011-02-25T08:36:00.000-06:00

20. Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty, by Nancy Etcoff deals with evolutionary psychology, biological responses, and the ways that commerce takes advantage of these impulses. Some chapters were more interesting than others.

21. U-Turn, by Bruce Grierson is about epiphanical moments that result in reversed decisions, lifestyles, careers, or principles. Though the anecdotes are interesting and involve people from all walks of life, levels of success, and age groups, I found myself skimming after the first hundred pages. The book just wasn't what I expected.

Book #19 of 2011

2011-02-09T06:13:00.001-06:00

19. Between Here and April is a bit scattered, yet interconnected--much like life tends to be. From a faltering marriage to a de-railed career and an unsolved mystery, the main character never finds answers for the irksome enigmas and travails that plague her. I didn't much enjoy this book.

Book #18

2011-02-04T19:33:00.002-06:00

18. Confessions of a Shopaholic, by Sophie Kinsella. Brittish chick lit is like cotton candy for the brain. It takes about as long to read as it would to watch the movie, and it's a fun little pick me up.

Number 17.

2011-02-02T14:53:00.000-06:00

Please Ignore Vera Dietz is a book recommended by Forever Young Adult (as are so many tremendous reads). It's always odd to exclaim that I enjoyed a book filled with strife and grief, but that's the truth. Laugh, cry, think things over, but don't ignore this one.

Book #16 of 2011

2011-02-01T19:49:00.003-06:00

Strike One
I started The Lake of Dreams, by Kim Edwards (author of The Memory Keeper's Daughter), but quit a third of the way through because I didn't care about the characters, setting, mystery, or conflict.
Strike Two
Next, I began to read Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, but found it poorly constructed, and rather juvenille.
Score
At last, I discovered that Caroline Leavitt had a new (and I mean brand new) novel out. She's a reliable storyteller, with a knack for explaining estrangements. Pictures of You offers an intriguing premise: two women from the same town leave their husbands on the same foggy day. They're involved in a car accident and only one of them survives. The story deals with the unexpected ways this accident shapes the lives of the survivors. There are dissppointments in this novel, but it was hard to escape thoughts of the characters whenever I was forced to put the Nook down.

Pictures of You, by Caroline Leavitt (author of eight other novels) is book number 16 for 2011.

An E-Reader Balance Sheet

2011-01-28T20:06:00.000-06:00

e-reader joy:

An entire collection, everywhere I go
Easy to hold and to turn pages with one hand
Free sample chapters
Font size choices (I can even read while on the treadmill now!)
Easel-style cover (for reading while eating or cooking)
Book marking and highlighting is simple
Easy retrieval of library book files (especially convenient for reserve material)
My book has a clock on it!
If I finish one book, I can pick out a new one...wherever I happen to be
Automatically opens to the page where I stopped reading

e-reader gloom:

The library's collection of e-books is still relatively small at this point
It needs charging (really only a problem when tent-camping)
Can't lend books as easily (even with the "lend me" option)
Technology updates so quickly that I may want/require a new reader sooner than I'd like.

Everyone says this, and everyone is right: the adjustment to reading on an e-reader is only briefly awkward. Now that I've switched, I find hardback books clunky and awkward, especially when it comes to turning pages. I never expected to feel this way, but I'm in love with my Nook.

I've abandoned reading The Lake of Dreams. After looking at some reviews, it appears I am not alone in that decision.

2011-01-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

I've run into a formatting dillemma. Not sure if I should keep copying and pasting the entire list, or simply post the new books.

So far in 2011, I've read the following books:

1. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman -- Intriguingly inventive perspective for narration. Moving.

2. Real Live Boyfriends, by E. Lockhart--The fourth and final book. Ruby's all grown up now.

3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larson --About 15% of the book is interesting.

4. The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson-- Fantastic setting, characters, emotional spectrum.

5. Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro -- The most subtle dystopian sci-fi ever written.

6. Jumpstart the World, by Catherine Ryan Hyde -- I like the concept of a kid living in her own apartment.

7. Every Last One, by Anna Quindlen-- Wonderful, but very sad.

8. Crooked Letter Crooked Letter, by Tom Franklin-- Quality voices and fleshed-out characters, well-oriented setting, builds gradually toward its climax.

9. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett--This author has moxie. My belly was a knot of nerves for these women, and the book serves as a reminder that sometimes furtive activity is quite bold and courageous, and integrity matters more than most any attributes I can call to mind.

10. Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen--A compassionate he (ordinary and lacking confidence) said - she (un-self-consciously free-sprited) said for the tween set. Reminds me of Bridge to Terabithia, somehow.

11. Kaplan ACT Strategies for Super Busy Students (non-fiction)-- This book helped me to revise my methods for teaching kids how to approach the reading and English sections of the ACT. Repetitive, yet accessible and helpful--if put to use.

12. New England (Lonely Planet)--I'm increasingly eager for our summer trip, and overwhelmed by the quantity of recreational choices we'll encounter. The museums, and especially the literary tour stops beckon as well. I was able to complete my vacation budget with information from this book.

13. Wealth Watchers, by Alice Wood--Nothing new here, except for the support group concept, borrowed from Weight Watchers.

14. Don't Get Caught with Your Skirt Down: A Practical Girl's Recession Guide, by Jill Keto-- A super-quick synopsis of current economic events, plus chapters of pragmatic advice. Politically, she's all over the map. Offers myriad additional resources. I like the charts, graphs, and stats, and I loved the first-person stories about the Great Depression.

15. Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer--I'm excited about re-reading this book, and then reading it again with my students. It's fascinating to see their take. They're thinking critically!

Next up: Lake of Dreams, by Kim Edwards (author of The Memory Keeper's Daughter)

Two books I read late December 2010 that I wish to recommend are Tawni O'Dell's latest, Fragile Beasts, and Sara Gruen's newest, Ape House.

My most frequently recommended (and best loved) books of 2010: My Name is Memory, by Anne Brashares, The Nobodies Album, by Carolyn Parkhurst, and Fragile Beasts, as referenced above.

Updated List

2011-01-20T06:55:00.001-06:00

So far in 2011, I've read the following books:

1. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman -- Intriguingly inventive perspective for narration. Moving.
2. Real Live Boyfriends, by E. Lockhart--The fourth and final book. Ruby's all grown up now.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larson --About 15% of the book is interesting.
4. The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson-- Fantastic setting, characters, emotional spectrum.
5. Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro -- The most subtle dystopian sci-fi ever written.
6. Jumpstart the World, by Catherine Ryan Hyde -- I like the concept of a kid living in her own apartment.
7. Every Last One, by Anna Quindlen-- Wonderful, but very sad.
8. Crooked Letter Crooked Letter, by Tom Franklin-- Quality voices and fleshed-out characters, well-oriented setting, builds gradually toward its climax.
NEW TO MY LIST:
9. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett--This author has moxie. My belly was a knot of nerves for these women, and the book serves as a reminder that sometimes furtive activity is quite bold and courageous, and integrity matters more than most any attributes I can call to mind.

10. Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen--A compassionate he (ordinary and lacking confidence) said - she (un-self-consciously free-sprited) said for the tween set. Reminds me of Bridge to Terab ithia, somehow.
11. Kaplan ACT Strategies for Super Busy Students (non-fiction)-- This book helped me to revise my methods for teaching kids how to approach the reading and English sections of the ACT. Repetitive, yet accessible and helpful--if put to use.

Two books I read late December 2010 that I wish to recommend are Tawni O'Dell's latest, Fragile Beasts, and Sara Gruen's newest, Ape House.

My most frequently recommended (and best loved) books of 2010: My Name is Memory, by Anne Brashares, The Nobodies Album, by Carolyn Parkhurst, and Fragile Beasts, as referenced above.

2011 Reading

2011-01-07T20:36:00.005-06:00

A growing list of what I've read so far this year.

1. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman -- Intriguingly inventive perspective for narration. Moving.
2. Real Live Boyfriends, by E. Lockhart--The fourth and final book. Ruby's all grown up now.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larson --About 15% of the book is interesting.
4. The Sky is Everywhere, by Jandy Nelson-- Fantastic setting, characters, emotional spectrum.
5. Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro -- The most subtle dystopian sci-fi ever written.
6. Jumpstart the World, by Catherine Ryan Hyde -- I like the concept of a kid living in her own apartment.
7. Every Last One, by Anna Quindlen-- Wonderful, but very sad.
8. Crooked Letter Crooked Letter, by Tom Franklin-- Quality voices and fleshed-out characters, well-oriented setting, builds gradually toward its climax.
9. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett--This author has moxie. My belly was a knot of nerves for these women, and the book serves as a reminder that sometimes furtive activity is quite bold and courageous, and integrity matters more than most any attributes I can call to mind.
10. Flipped, by Wendelin Van Draanen--A compassionate he (ordinary and lacking confidence) said - she (un-self-consciously free-sprited) said for the tween set. Reminds me of Bridge to Terab ithia, somehow.

Inevitable Comparisons

2010-01-25T10:47:00.000-06:00

Similarities to TTW:
A foreknowledge and dread burrow into the prose and grow throughout the tale.
Supernatural elements are incorporated in a believable, enjoyable way.
Setting is essential to plot.
Love, both bitter and sweet, abides.

Differences from TTW:
The plot is left rather unresolved.
The characters of HFS border on charicature, and are not as endearing.
Darkness eclipses purity.
Linear, omniscient narrative with imposed complexities.

Also, check out The Secret Year for a great YA book idea, if imperfectly executed.

Hiatus

2010-01-06T12:12:00.002-06:00

Thanks for visiting and reading what I have had to say!

A Year of Gadgets

2010-01-02T13:21:00.001-06:00

Looking back, I see that 2009 was a year filled with tech-gadget purchases for my family. I mention this because it surprises me. I've not been one to buy this sort of stuff in the past, and took a sort of Puritanic-Luddite pride in making do with the tried and true. (I am conscious of my energy consumption, and wouldn't even notice if we got rid of our microwave oven, for Pete's sake! But oh do I get giddy about these new toys.)

First, I began running with the iPod. I'd resisted the idea for a long time, enjoying the alone time with my brain and muscle. But podcasts make exercise a time for entertainment or education, and who can resist such effective multi-tasking?

The iPhone has actually reduced the amount of time I spend online. Instead of sitting down at the computer and getting sucked into Internet life, I can check Facebook and e-mail with one hand while I cook dinner with the other, then set it down for the evening.

I understand why many people sneer at the use of gadgets wherever we may be, calling them a mark of insecurity and discomfort at being alone. I guess it's a blessing that my friends are too busy for non-stop texting. This way I'll never get out of the habitual comforts that solitude affords--such as going out and taking pictures. (The top shot was taken at the St. Louis Zoo Wild Lights, and the bottom is a macro practice shot I snapped while taking down our holiday decorations earlier this week.)

Winter Reading

2009-12-29T23:09:00.000-06:00

Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Twisted, Catalyst) settled right in and took over my life for a bit. The book is both disturbing and engrossing...much like anything that portrays adolescents honestly.

As a pre-teen and early teen, I read a lot of novels about girls with eating disorders, and really felt like there was nothing new to be said on the topic. Because the author includes myriad other "issues," and this is not a typical anorexia/bulemia novel.

Halse-Anderson wraps the package with appealing text tricks that consistently fit the narrative. There's intrigue, mystery, and a lot less whining than I expected. The fears, the longing, the determination, and the affection among characters feels real. The inner dialogue is effective, and must have been fatiguing to write.

It's fascinating how some authors are able to make me relate to characters with whom I share no common ground. Halse-Anderson has that gift.

I'm wishing some of my seniors hadn't graduated this month. I'd love to pass this book along to one who's found her way out of eating issues, near-death scenarios, and the related hospitalizations.

Look What I Made Today

2009-12-27T22:01:00.003-06:00

Behold Heather Ross' summer blouse pattern v. 2. This is the fabric that needed to become a blouse!

Now I just need to wait for weather warm enough to wear a thin cotton blouse.
.

Not Worth the Climb

2009-12-27T09:25:00.002-06:00

I am a Roland Smith fan. I am interested in the outdoors, and adventure sports. I wanted to enjoy this book. Maybe I was expecting too much.

I found many elements of the plot implausible and seemingly unplanned. I also spotted five or six editorial errors (grammar and typo issues) which was annoying, and made the book feel like a rushed project.

The book had its moments, most often filtered through Vincent or Zopa, but I doubt I would have finished this book as a teen or pre-teen intrigued by My Side of the Mountain, Avalanche!, Cady Woodlawn, and other tales where characters pushed themselves beyond the expectations of others, and reveled in the outdoors.

I was happy with the final chapters, however.

2009-12-26T20:18:00.007-06:00

Weekend Sewing, by Heather Ross, is filled with projects I've been planning to get around to sewing for a long time. Today, I traced a couple of patterns and used one for a trial run. I read through all of the errata on her site, and on her Flickr group and made adjustments accordingly.
I made the blouse from an unusual fabric: stretchy, ribbed linen. It's a fabric I had a lot of, and I wanted to test the pattern on excess fabric because it would break my heart to make mistakes with the beautiful prints I have set aside for this blouse. Here is a detail shot of the fabric.

My comments on the pattern:

Unlike others, I did not cut a larger neckline.
I did hem the sleeves four inches, and they're still lengthy.
I lengthened the shirt by two and a half inches, made a tiny hem, and it's just the right length.
I made the medium, but might just try the small. If not, I will narrow the shirt body by an inch and a half next time. It's not as maternity-looking as I feared, but it's a bit trapezey.
I shortened the placket, but not quite enough. Like others, I see no need to cut that far only to sew it up again.
I sewed the sleeves to the shoulder pieces, then sewed straight up from the wrist to the armpit to the bottom hem. It seemed quicker and I can see no reason not to. It was easy to press the seams this way, too.

Merriment

2009-12-25T15:23:00.004-06:00

It's Christmas Day, and snow is falling at our house.
Whether your celebration of Hanukkah ended a week ago, your Solstice table was set earlier this week, or your Christmas festivities are now drawing to a close, I hope your celebration was filled with love and joy.
The chill darkness of winter has settled in, but I'm looking forward to each incremental increase in daylight as we creep toward spring.

An Awakening

2009-12-18T08:01:00.004-06:00

The novel Awake, by Elizabeth Graver, holds power in its knowledge, its awareness of maternal nature. Graver takes on the trepidatious theme of lost self when absorbed by wifehood and motherhood.

Her prose is brimming with insight about our choices, relationships, and defeat in a tone of moderated confession, neither remorseful nor boastful. "We're just animals with noisy minds," the narrator muses after an intoxicating, escapist, adulturous encounter. "For the first time in years, I wasn't looking or attending, protecting, feeding, prodding or keeping track. Gone. It was my greatest fear, but at that moment it meant nothing to me. I was no longer a mother, scarcely a human. I knew nothing of family or love or sickness or death or the long, hard work it takes to live even the most ordinary life. I knew nothing."

I remain moved by this book, which made me appreciate my insomnia and gave me much to think about and even abashedly relate to.

What I said, Bunny bread

2009-12-17T12:31:00.001-06:00

Interesting NYT piece on Etsy and the "Quit your day job!" hobby/business concept.

Everything is a Choice

2009-12-15T18:52:00.004-06:00

Craft show vending has really been fun, but it's time for the business phase of my hobby to end. The income from a business-minded venture is nice, but it's not my primary motivation. That's why my Etsy shop has been shuttered for a while.

One conviction I hold is that I am responsible for my own happiness. Therefore, I must recognize and change any aspects of life that impede joy. Cutting back on sewing to create only what interests me (right now that's clothing, decor, and gifts) will allow me to feel less like a factory, and to pursue other interests:

I'm taking classes next semester (yeah!) for the first time since becoming a parent (yikes!).
I'm writing. (Any volunteers to critique me along the way?)
I'm reviving some fitness goals now that my knee is allowing moderately regular poundings again. (Running and riding partners are welcome.)

Recently, I bundled much of my "merchandise" to give away, which feels great--I'm shedding a skin and ready for something new.

Books and more books

2009-12-14T18:07:00.005-06:00

Michelle Wildgen, author of You're Not You, is senior editor for Tin House magazine, which impressed me before I even began to read. The book is a slow read, but not in a bad way. The pace of this novel appeals to me in the same way that the slow food, slow living, and slow bicycle movements appeal to me.
Although I'm not the narrator's age, I was easily able to identify with her, and to root for her. I was also enamoured with Kate, her employer, and enjoyed dissecting the dynamics among characters. The segments written about food and cooking were mouth-watering!
Wildgen neither shies away from nor sensationalizes sex scenes, recreational drug use, or masturbation. These matters are a part of the novel just like they are a part of life.
5 reasons I love Shift, by Jennifer Bradbury:
1. I love bicycles as art, as machinery, as transportation, as recreation, and as conversation.
2. I have been to many of the locations along the journey taken by the characters.
3. I have always yearned to undertake a coast to coast ride.
4. It's written by an English teacher.
5. The characters are real, and just plain likable. The parents are great, and I especially like the characters the boys meet on their travels--reminiscent of Travels with Charley in Search of America.

Right behind You was SUCH a swift read, I can barely remember it and I only read it yesterday. Engaging, psychologically interesting, and fast-paced, I'll be recommending it to my students.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

2009-12-13T10:57:00.006-06:00

Months after making this scarf, I've taken a picture of it. It's soft and comfy to wear, and dresses up a tee-shirt really well.
Today, I made an orange scarf as a gift for a friend who complimented my brown one. The tutorial I followed is found here.
This part can be worn with the ruffly scarf, or on its own. It's simply two braided strands of the same fabric.
Here's the scarf I made for a friend.
And here's the mass all together.

Speak the Truth

2009-12-01T06:04:00.004-06:00

Speak Softly, She Can Hear, by Pam Lewis is capably written, but a disappointment after her other novel, Perfect Family.

Portions of the book were rivetting, suspenseful, and filled with dread. After a certain point, though, I had figured out the reality of the main character's situation, and grew impatient for the conclusion.

Eddie was not enough of a study, and plain evil. Naomi had depth. Will captured my heart. Carole was entirely believable.

I do enjoy the author's fixation on secrets, and how so often the only harm comes from keeping them. It's a rich trope to mine, and fascinating fodder for thought.

All Wound Up

2009-11-25T21:01:00.004-06:00

Unwind, by Neal Shusterman, is a Gateway Readers Award book and a truly riveting and memorable dystopian novel.

Set in the future, when it sounds absurd that "everyone was selecting their leaders not by their ability to lead, but by where they stood on [a] single issue," the life vs. choice battle has been settled with an unsettling treaty.

The book follows three primary characters, but there are multiple dynamic players on the second tier as well. Every character has a purpose, and every character deals with internal and external problems.

By virtue of the plot, the setting changes frequently. Each place is clearly described and charged with atmosphere.

I especially like how the author broaches sensitive topics in a subversive manner. Along with a tone of humane sincerity and an edgy sense for pacing, Unwind offers psychological insights, political and religious food for thought, action, and entertainment.

Gritty, Futuristic Urban Faery Tale

2009-11-25T04:48:00.006-06:00

I'm not a fantasy fan, and rarely read books of that genre. However, I've read ten of the fifteen Gateway Award nominee books this year, and I'm not about to stop.

Good thing, too, or I'd have missed this book.

Wicked Lovely is strange, and different, and not nearly as dark as it tries to seem. Seth is lovable, loyal, and just a bit offbeat (sounds like Edward, eh?). Aislinn is independent to a fault, a bit reckless, and more powerful than she realizes. The Winter Queen is unredeemable, and the Sun King is a surprisingly sympathetic character. Donia is probably the most intriguing.

None of this will make sense unless you submerge yourself in this otherworldly tale of an apocalyptic nature. I like the atmosphere of the book best of all.

Warning: drugs are mentioned, sex is involved, and matters of life and death are at hand. Wicked Lovely is written for adolescents, yet does not shy away from these realities of high school.

I give it three stars: unusual is good, but easy ground to falter upon. The pacing was uneven, and the setting and conflict unclear/confusing at first.

If only the author's web page were not under reconstruction, I'd love to learn more about the capricious nomad who wrote Wicked Lovely.

By the way, this is the first book in a series. According to the Amazon reviews, many read it to fill the hole left by Twilight's end.

No Such Thing

2009-11-23T12:33:00.005-06:00

This weekend I read Perfect Family, by Pam Lewis, and am already on the waiting list for her other novel, Speak Softly, She Can Hear.

I'd describe Perfect Family as a literary thriller. The characterization is strong, the pacing even, and the denoument just right.

One simple thing that I really enjoyed about this book were the character names. Pony, Tinker, Jasper, William, and Mira were embodiments of their monikers.

Reading, Writing, and Grading

2009-11-16T09:28:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry to say that none of the books I've read in recent weeks have been exceptional. (I try to only review books I enjoy, so as not to hurt the feelings of those I hope to one day count as colleagues.) A couple you may find worthwhile are mentioned below. Sorry for the lack of photos and links.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac was a solid book. It bogged down a bit in the middle, but everything in the story happens for a reason. I'm looking forward to the March release of this author's next book for adults, and I'll be reserving copies of her other two existing books. (Gabrielle Zevin also wrote the script for Conversations with Other Women, a neat conversation-driven movie with the fascinating actress Helena Bonham Carter.)

The Penny Pincher's Club was a fluff of a story with a whole lot of believable characters. It seemed to be more motivational than entertaining, yet it sticks with me. Sarah Strohmeyer is the author.

___________________________

Lately, I'm not at all interested in sewing for profit. At first I thought it was a period of recuperation after the intensity of the Strange Folk Festival, but the feeling lingers. I didn't exactly peak, but I reached goals pertaining to creating a quality booth display filled with inventory and a tidy sum to deposit afterward. Now I'm over it. All I want to do is make one-offs for gifts or personal use and return to fitness and writing as my primary personal endeavors.

If this feeling sticks, it leaves me with the question of what to do with my inventory and craft show paraphernalia. Suggestions?

Another Jancee Dunn Book!

2009-11-02T09:59:00.003-06:00

Despite its (intentionally) cheezzzzzeeee cover, this book is one I urge you to crack open because it will crack you up!
In But Enough about Me, Dunn writes about her family, her phases, her eccentricities, and her encounters with famous people while working for Rolling Stone, MTV2, and Good Morning America.
In chapters that alternate between personal and professional life, she tells the stories she must have told a million times already.
This was a super-quick, fun book to read.
I reviewed her novel just a few weeks ago.

Change of Focus

2009-10-26T19:15:00.003-05:00

On Sunday morning, I used this simple tutorial to change a pair of brown gaucho pants into a marvelously slouchy scarf for myself. Heeding the warning from this blogger, I reduced the number of squares by more than a dozen, and it's still more than twice my height. That makes for some fun ways to wind it around myself, though!

It was a nice indulgence to make something for myself. I think I could easily fall away from the workhorse, selling mode and begin to craft items for my family and home instead.

Expect the Unexpected

2009-10-23T21:20:00.006-05:00

Based on the jacket flap, I thought I knew what to expect from this novel. The story arc appeared to be straightforward, and for the first 99 pages it basically was. Beyond that, all of my predictions proved incorrect. This makes for a great reading experience, but (in order to avoid spoilers) a sparse review.

Let it suffice to say that the characters are entirely likable and their problems are entirely plausible. I commend the author for creating extraordinarily likable, friendly underdog characters, and then forcing them to endure trauma, trials, and tribulations. I struggled along with them, wanting only for them to be safe, happy, and confident.

There were a few areas where I felt the passage of time was unclear, and that Sage's character was described too overtly, but neither bothered me as much as the cover art (though it is nicely done). Males and females will enjoy this book, but the sensuous cover may deter some guys from carrying it around.

The bottom line is that Brian Katcher writes entertaining and realistic stories that adults can enjoy as much as teens. My students adore Playing with Matches and they are already raving about Almost Perfect.

*full disclosure: Brian Katcher is a personal friend. (Hi Brian! I liked it!)

Still Hungry

2009-10-19T12:30:00.003-05:00

Catching Fire is book two in a trilogy that began with The Hunger Games. Click here for my review of book one.

I finished Catching Fire early Saturday morning. As much as I loved the first book, this sequel took over 60 pages to catch my attention. Even then, there were so many twists and turns that I lost interest occasionally. Every time I'd get drawn in, the character's circumstances would change abruptly and I'd have to refocus.

In spite of its weaknesses (repetitive ideas, maze-like plots, and limited exploration of the coolest aspects: the uprising, fugitives, rebels, and mockingjay connections) I became engrossed, and will look forward to the next installment.

Uncomfortable, yet Riveting

2009-10-14T07:30:00.003-05:00

Boot Camp, by Todd Strasser

Although the topic and setting might appeal to at-risk kids, the main character represents only one fraction of that audience. He's prodigiously gifted, extraordinarily wealthy, and one half of an anomalous relationship. He's as big a misfit (largely due to his honesty) at the boot camp as he is elsewhere. In spite of (or because of) his advantages, Garrett is an extremely sympathetic character, and that makes the story work.

The events of the book are unsettling and believably rendered right up to the end.

The Insomniac Reads Again

2009-10-09T02:38:00.003-05:00

Billie Standish Was Here is an outstanding book that readers can inhabit.
Superbly set, written, and paced.
Simultaneously real and delicate, with a flawlessly consistent voice.
Nancy Crocker is the author.

A great companion book would be Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse.

This I Believe

2009-10-08T09:21:00.005-05:00

The NPR standard (and books) This I Believe is a favorite of mine. Begun by Edward R. Murrow, it gives essayists their due time in the limelight (over 60,000 submissions!), and provides an interested audience for musings about life.

I edited This I Believe essays for a dozen former students this fall, and finally settled on a topic to doodle about on my own time. It's not a full essay, but here's one thing I believe, even if I don't always heed it:

The words, "I'm just kidding" should be eradicated from our collective vocabulary.

In the halls of the school where I teach, I hear the words and see their effect far too often. Though the little phrase is an off-hand admission of regret for what's been said, we'd all be better off without that not-so-little white lie.

Hearing the phrase "just kidding" doesn't erase the hurt, but it does erode trust. Speaking the phrase doesn't soften harsh words or retract what's been uttered. The impulse to tell someone I was only joking simply means I should have kept quiet to begin with.

People try to excuse offensive behavior with the "just kidding" Band-Aid instead of sincerely apologizing. The phrase is an effort to redirect insecurities onto the verbal target ("Can't you take a joke? I didn't mean it.") rather than owning up to rudeness.

If we don't mean it, we shouldn't say it, and if a truth needs to be told, it shouldn't be masked as meaningless ribbing. I'm willing to bet that "I'm just kidding" is the most often told lie. And it's no joke.

Books of Late

2009-10-06T18:26:00.006-05:00

It's been ages since last I shared my thoughts on a book. Here are a few from the past couple of weeks.
For many chapters, I wondered why Impossible, by Nancy Werlin, had been labeled a fantasy. At most it seemed like magical realism. By now I've decided that there simply isn't any better label available.

I had looked forward to this book for some time, having enjoyed The Rules of Survival and Double Helix, and Impossible did not disappoint. If you have a hard time getting into books outside the realm of realism, here's your entry point. Werlin is not the kind of writer who ends up in a rut; each story she spins is different from the last.

P.S. If you're a Simon & Garfunkle fan, you'll have other reasons to like this book.
I picked up Jancee Dunn's book, Don't You Forget about Me for three reasons: first, the cover is hard to resist; second, the title's reference to the Breakfast Club appeals to my generation; third, it's by Jancee Dunn! (Dunn wrote many a cover story for Rolling Stone, and VJ'd for MTV2.)

The story itself concerns a woman whose life is much different than mine, but with whom I can easily relate. It's about a 38 year old woman's selective memories about her teen years, and the chance to resurrect those good parts. Her class reunion, and her adolescent diary remind her that those glittery memories aren't so golden after all.

Who among us doesn't wonder about the embers of past flames? (Oh hush. Of course you do; it's just that most of us know to leave the past alone.)
Jennifer Weiner's latest book, Best Friends Forever, also hinges on a class reunion. There aren't any surprises in store for readers of this one, but it's still entertaining to flip pages as the story unfolds.

Giddy by Association

2009-10-05T15:12:00.002-05:00

MayaMade is Etsy's featured seller right now! Her products are simple, yet not simplistic. Her blog is an oasis of peaceful photographic visions, decorating inspirations, and delectable seasonal recipes. I urge you to check out her blog and shop. (Please see my sidebar for her link; my computer is not allowing me to hyperlink right now.)

The Sad Part: Strange Folk Comes but Once a Year

2009-09-29T19:30:00.008-05:00

My helpful husband and I drove separate, packed vehicles and arrived at my booth space on Saturday morning with three and a half hours to prepare for the 10:00 opening. After my husband helped to unload the gear and set up the tent and grid walls, he scooted away to entertain our son for the day. In spite of what sounds like ample time to prepare, I had only five spare minutes to use the restroom and pick up my artist's badge before greeting shoppers.
I had expected the changing area in the rear of my tent to draw more t-shirt sales, but ended up taking it down on Sunday. The openly visible mirror seemed to attract more people.
The t-shirt rack definitely welcomed more attention after I hung several examples along the walls. The fabric in the corner is hiding my tent weights, which were five gallon buckets filled with sand ($26 for all four corners combined) The front pair were masked by drapes, and the other corner weight was behind my counter.
Below is a glimpse at the view behind the scenes. Here's where the vendors in my row took a breather now and then. The folks on either side of me were friendly non-smokers, for which I was grateful.
The weekend was a fun retreat and a successful venture, with visits from friends and family who were enthusiastic supporters that were careful not to impede business.

I'm hoping for the opportunity to return to this fantastic festival next year.

Being Strange

2009-09-25T04:00:00.004-05:00

I'm looking forward to a fantastic weekend of strangeness!

Click for driving directions.

Prep Time

2009-09-20T18:34:00.006-05:00

Strange Folk Festival is just days away, so I've been working on preparation. On Saturday, my other half helped me set up the tent I bought via Craigslist a few months ago.

The grid wall panels were also a Craigslist bargain. They will hold bags and purses for sale. The spinner rack is for headbands, key fobs, and wrist cuffs. The extra white walls in the back corner are to create a changing area, where there will also be a full length mirror and hooks. The "counter" will hide supplies for transactions and re-stocking. On the right hand side of the booth will be racks of clothing I've appliqued.

Now, we are just hoping that the weather forecast changes for the better before next weekend. Rain would be a real drag on my family's fun, and income.

At a party over Labor Day weekend, I mentioned my yen for an old work truck so that I could haul my own mulch for the garden. Cooincidentally, one of the guys I was talking with said he was willing to part with this 1982 truck for a mere $300. With Strange Folk next weekend, my husband was eager to go pick up the truck so that hauling all my gear and merchandise would be simpler.

As Seen on TV

2009-09-16T15:08:00.009-05:00

Today, Autumn Wiggins, the woman who invented and runs the Strangefolk Festival in O'Fallon, Illinois, appeared on KMOV's Great Day St. Louis to publicize the most amazing and fun craft festival in our region. See the video here. Autumn's segment begins 10 minutes into the show, and my jacket's moment comes around 12:45.

This is exciting for three reasons: the more exposure and advertising this event gets, the happier I'll be in my little vendor booth; it means that Strangefolk is just around the corner; and she wore one of my jackets on TV! It's barely visible in the shot above, but this is the jacket she chose to wear.

Thanks, Ms. Wiggins, for putting one of my products, and my shop name, under the limelight!

A Day at the Races

2009-09-07T20:08:00.007-05:00

The Tour of Missouri bicycle race began this afternoon in downtown St. Louis. We got to watch several loops of the criterium course. It was awe-inspiring to see the big names in cycling ride through our fair city. Since the Tour of Georgia folded, our state race is second in prominence only to the Tour of California.

Between laps, we explored the merchandising areas, scooping up free cowbells, bike pins, bumper stickers, back packs, wholesome food samples, and other goodies. We also explored City Garden. (More photos of that sculpture/fountain/garden/play area another day.)