Born to Run

Born To Run, born to forget.........I should have written this crap down.

For a girl that grew up in Jersey in the 80's this is pretty much required reading.  The rock god, The Boss, the man himself has penned a memoir.  But completely aside from that, as I sit quietly and devour his story it becomes all to apparent to me that I screwed up.  I didn't write down much of anything and it would appear that I am not a person who remembers details, dates, names, or well, most things.  Crap.

Social media and the fact that blogger never deleted this thing is about the best way for me to track back information.

The lesson here: Diary, journal, blogging, hell even Facebook isn't a bad thing if for no other reason but to help a person remember their life.  All that living, all those experiences, and whose to say we will remember them a few years down the road.  Hell, I can't tell you what I had for breakfast let alone what I did back in 1986.

How Bruce has done it, if he kept a journal, or if he just has a WAY better memory than me, is impressive.  I am in awe of all that he remembers.  The tiny details, the names, places...........wow.

So there I sat today thinking about this.  And how do I get myself to at least start recording my life on a more regular basis.  It's only going to get worse for me memory wise.  And then I remember my faithful and trusty blog.  I miss it.  Of course I have said that before and quit......again......but I feel I should do something.  And why not try to get back into the swing of what you love.

And in case you are wondering, I am enjoying the book so far. 

A Newt Dilemma:

How can I keep my job, do housework, play with my puppies, spend time with the hubster and still keep my nose in a book?

Any suggestions?

Dad made me, I repeat MADE me go out to the bookstore and buy a book called The Little Book by Selden Edwards.

He called me at least twice a day to see if I bought it yet.................

Now he calls me at least twice a day to find out where I am at in the book.

Yes, so far, it is THAT good.

I read the first 100 pages on Saturday up at the cabin. After I clean up the kitchen tonight I plan to read as many as I can. But then he has another book lined up for me that I HAVE to read. (The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski) And NOT because Oprah said to read it but because Mike said to read it.

So, please tell me, how can I be a functioning adult AND read a book non stop 24/7???

Cause I kinda want to..........................................

A Book that made things a little clearer

The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson was getting these massive write-up's and nods of awesomeness for a first time author.

Costco had it for $14.95 which I couldn't say no to.

The first 50 pages of this book are hard to read. Not because they are badly written but because of the focus of the first part of the story.

The main character is in a car accident, is trapped in his burning car, and suffers severe burns. The author goes into great detail the accident and then the initial medical care. Trust me, it's hard to get through.

At least it was for me. See, I've been there. Not the trapped in the car, or the cooked alive part. But the 3rd degree burn part. The skin graft part. And maybe, having to read it, was a little too close to home for me. But on the other hand, it made several of the things I went through make more sense. I never read up on burn treatment because I really didn't want to know any more about what happened to me. But this book sort of forced the issue. And so, now, many years later I understand a lot of the things I went through.

Thankfully, I was not burned the same way, or any where near the extent this poor character was. He's burned on like 90% of his body. Where as I just had the lower half of one leg suffer 3rd degree burns.

Anywhoodle, the book is excellent. He deserves the attention he is getting. I found myself caring about all of the main characters. And LOVING the stories that are woven throughout this book.

I had no expectations for this book. Other than curiosity. I almost gave up in the first 50 because it was so hard to stomach. But then, suddenly, we turned a corner and from then on it was sweet sweet literary music to my mind.

Last year I found a way to turn my ugly burn memory into a beautiful symbol of rebirth and survival.

This story, in and of itself is a beautiful story about life, pain, loss and love. And finding a way to be okay with who we are.

The last sentence in the book, when I reached it, was bittersweet. I didn't want the story to end. I wanted to stay with the characters a little while longer.

I still am not ready to let go.

I LOVE when books have that effect on you.

The World Needs the Pack Rats

Many years ago I read The Agony and and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone. It is the fictionalized biography of Michelangelo. I loved it. I was thinking about the book a while back and thought I would see what other books Stone had written. Which proved to be my downfall. I wanted to read several but all except one was out of print. So, I started trolling the used book stores on line.


I found everything I was looking for at a used book store in St. Cloud, MN called Books Revisited. I have ordered books from them before. And one day I will head out there to check out the store. St. John's University is there and it is one of my favorite college campuses. Not to mention the best college football games in the nation. It's an all boys school so the cheerleaders are boys. And the monks that live there sell amazing bread.





Anyway, back to the point of all this: If it wasn't for the pack rats of this world we may not have the ability to find some of these out of print items. The book I am currently reading is Lust for Life which is the tale of Van Gogh. The book that I ordered is a beautiful hardback printed in 1953. It has wonderful illustrations through the book.

And because I am now curious to see more of Van Gogh's work I went to my book shelves to see if the art books my parents gave me included his collection. Sure enough:I also picked up Origin - A biographical novel of Charles Darwin. And Passions of the Mind - A novel of Sigmund Freud

Both the hubster and I are pack rats which gets to be a problem as I see my house fill up more and more. But it's times like these when I am glad we don't chuck everything. With the internet we could easily have decided to donate the art book collection to the library but since I am of the age when we still looked information up in books and used a library card catalog I just couldn't bring myself to toss such beautiful reference resources.

Newt the Bookworm

It's crunch time at work. Big time. So my brain is going 20 million miles a second. And nothing I do distracts me from all the spinning my mind has been doing. For some reason the only thing lately that has helped me relax and not be one giant stress ball has been reading. And I've been reading a lot:
The glorious and beautiful Tink suggested Twilight.

Thank you very much, not half way through and I had to run out and purchase New Moon

This is a really fun vampire series. It is Laurel K Hamilton without the hard core porn getting in the way.
These books are the epitome of beach blanket reading. Simply fabulous.








Next up was Soon I will be Invincible. A pretty funny take on the world of super hero's and super villains. I thought this book was a lot of fun to read.

And lastly, I just finished I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. This is the same young author who wrote the heart wrenching "The Book Thief". He's an amazing author! The best part is, he's still young. And I can look forward to what I hope will be many more years of fantastic books from him.


I have not had a chance to post WWC or even get out and admire all the photography. I'll get there, I will, I promise.

Some times life goes by at the speed of sound.

WWC and Speaking of shoes............

So, Dianne asked if these were my reading on the couch with Lily shoes. And now that it is spring they will be on my feet a lot. These little sneakers I picked up last year because of the cute gold/pink, floral patches all over them. Not to mention they are hella comfy.

But I digress. I actually always wear sneakers, winter boots, flip flops, or whatever is comfy to work. I don't wear my spectacular shoe collection to or from work. I always change my shoes when I get to my desk. I do this for a few reasons. 1. I don't get my dress shoes wet, muddy or snowy that way. 2. It cuts down on the discomfort pumps can cause. 3. I tend to bend/twist, destroy my ankles less if I don't have to traverse parking lots, cobble stones, and grass.

Anywhoodle. Life is good. They are telling us we might hit 70 today. I plan to be outside as much as possible.

The temps go back down after today - sigh................

But, the good news is, the tulips are peaking out. As are the daffodils. And our big maple is starting to bud. It's a spring showing tree, so we get these yellow/green flower like things on it in spring. It's not impressive in fall. But spring, it's just a beautiful tree.

And, for those that asked, Nature of Monsters is good so far. But a little uncomfortable. I am worried about where the story will go. The monsters in the book are 18th century men. Not monster monsters. But according to reviews it is a beautiful book. Well written, historically researched, and very vivid in the telling. So far so good. Though I hate reading about scientific research during that time since so many cruelties were committed against dogs, cats, farm animals, and even humans all in the name of "science". I often find it hard to stomach the thought that it was acceptable to do the things they did. And being the sensitive animal lover I am, well, I don't do very well when I have to read about it.

But, I'll let ya'll know how it turns out in the end.

WWC

Background

You almost don't notice the chainlink fence in the background

Close-up

I love to take photographs of flowers close-up

Happy Monday!

I finished Life of Pi. Good book. Didn't LOVE it. But it was an interesting tale. I don't regret reading it. Not at all. It just wasn't one of those life changing books.

But it deserves the hype and attention it has received. It is well written, creative, fascinating, and educational.

I started a book called The Nature of Monsters by Clare Clark. It was one of those impromptu purchases off the clearance rack at Barnes and Noble. I'll let ya know how it goes.

In other news, well, not a whole lot has been happening. The hubster and I had a nice weekend together. We went to Ikea for a meatball lunch. And went on a quest for a few new lawn ornaments since the builders broke a whole lot of mine last year when they fixed the garage. I love to find little creatures to hide under the plants we have growing. So as you look at all our flowers you'll notice a tiny frog, or a bird, or a turtle hidden amongst the growth. I'm not just all about the pink flamingo. I have a subtler side.

Well, after I get ready in the morning I have some time to have a cup of coffee and read a little. This is how I spent my morning: Lily makes life perfect.

WWC and the end of a great book

Strange

A strange and wonderful friendship

A strange and funny man

Black

A princess in black and white

*****

Last night I finished The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. It was beautiful. It was heartbreaking. It was amazing. I can't say enough about this book. I don't think I will ever forget the characters I met, fell in love with, adored, and cried over. Ok, I admit it, I bawled. I sobbed.

I will only say that when you get to Part 10 - pg 495 in my version that you read this at home. In a quiet place. Don't finish at a coffee shop or work. Not a good idea.

A few lines - non spoilers from various parts of the book:

*****

"....because I don't have much interest in building mystery. Mystery bores me. It chores me. I know what happens and so do you. It's the machinations that wheel us there that aggravate, perplex, interest, and astound me."

*****

"And then.

There is death.

Making his way through all of it.

On the surface: unflappable, unwavering.

Below: unnerved, untied, and undone."

This book called to me when I was in B&N. I'm so incredibly glad I listened. This now goes down as one of my all time favorite books ever. It's in my top 10, and actually, I think it is in the top 5.

WWC and It Called to Me

Dear DSL,

Your service is excellent, I have no complaints. You almost never go out. However, last night you did. And, well, see, it might get me in trouble. I had an assignment due and because of you I have to be late. And that might get me ten pokes with a spork. And that would kinda hurt. So, if you could not do that again I would appreciate it. Or, at a minimum please do not go out on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. K?

Thanks for your consideration

Newt

Brown

The Quick Brown Dog Slept like a Lazy Fox

Shades of sleeping kitty browns

Patterns of my Brown Wood

Pattern

Newt's pajama pattern is Pooh

The Deathcicles hanging from our home - they have reached a length of 3-4 feet.

********************

Seeing as I wanted to start out on the right foot with my resolutions I did go to Barnes & Noble on the 1st. I wandered around looking at the clearance books, the used books, and the new and noteworthy. I perused the new and noteworthy once, twice, and then a final third trip down the aisle, just to see what might catch my eye.

Scanning, scanning, pick one up - eh, sounds ok. Pick up another, nope, no interest. Scan, scan. Oh, wait, what is this, this one hidden on the bottom, deep in shadow.

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. Holding it in my hand it seemed to hum, just a little. There was an energy that I found attractive and alluring. The last time I felt a book hum was "The Thirteenth Tale" and before that, "Shantaram". That feeling that I have to drop everything I am doing in life and immerse myself in a book. That feeling that my life will never be the same by the time I close that back cover.

So I walked with my yet still humming book over to the coffee counter. Over the angelic music wafting from my arms I ordered a mocha, and a cookie (I said nothing about eating better in my resolutions). And then I curled up at the bar (it's not easy to do, but I managed) and cracked open the pages....................

The first chapter: "Death and Chocolate"

Well hell, how can you resist a book that starts like that.

and a few paragraphs later:

.........."The only sound I'll hear after that will be my own breathing, and the sound of the smell, of my footsteps.

The question is, what color will everything be at that moment when I come for you? What will the sky be saying?"

This story, it is narrated by death. And from page one the prose are lyrical and thought provoking and beautiful.

Death thinks he might like a vacation.

"Still, it's possible that you might be asking, why does he even need a vacation? What does he need distraction from?


Which brings me to my next point.
It's the leftover humans.
The survivors.

They're the ones I can't stand to look at, although on many occasions I still fail. I deliberately seek out the colors to keep my mind off them, but now and then, I witness the ones who are left behind, crumbling among the jigsaw puzzle of realization, despair, and surprise. They have punctured hearts. They have beaten lungs."

So far this book has stopped me several times dead in my reading tracks. I back up, I re-read, I contemplate.

I love, word after word after word. I love.

Having A Harry Moment

***We interrupt this normally scheduled post of "nothingness" to bring you a very important announcement:
Nettie Rides a Hog - also known as Girl J or BFF J has now moved. She has changed who she is, what she is, how she is and now, she has changed where she is. Please stop by and see her brand new look!

I now return you to the usual Newtness:

The hubster and I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix finally. For most of you the movie is old news but for us, a little slow on the take, well, I have to share my delayed excitement.

I was very excited and I really enjoyed the movie. The hubster did as well. No comments from the peanut gallery the whole movie meant he liked it. No groaning, sighing, under his breath complaining, not even a shake of the head. And that folks is VERY rare. Trust me.

First, let me say, as many of you did back when it was released, that the casting was exceptional as always. I believe that we caught a glimpse of Tonks in this film though they didn't really highlight her at all, and the girl they picked for Luna was amazing. She fit the image in my head perfectly.

I thought the story moved very quickly for being well over two hours but that has been the way with all the movies. They are a fast and wonderful ride.

What I didn't expect, and I won't do any spoilers here, but what I didn't expect was how I reacted to seeing these characters again after learning their fates in book 7. We've closed the book so to speak on the story but the movies are allowing us one final glimpse at all of the characters. And visually at least, introducing us to some of them for the first time. It's funny but I caught myself getting a little choked up knowing what was in store for them all. That's probably a little pathetic but hey, what can I say. I'm a marshmallow of emotion sometimes.

I can't wait till this comes out on DVD. One of these weekends this winter I think I will have to have a Potterthon. And I know I want to re-read the series. Back to back with no interruptions. My dad is reading them for the first time. It's funny to talk to him as he is discovering all the wonderful things about the books. He is on #2 and loving it.

I'm currently reading a series called "The Chronicles of Chrestomanci" by Diana Wynne Jones. It was a recommended series for anyone that liked Harry Potter. These books pre-date Potter by about 20 years so it is not one of the newer bandwagon series. I am on the second book and I like it. I wasn't sure if I would, there isn't the sense of depth in the characters like you have in the Potter series, but this morning I almost didn't get off the bus at my stop so that tells me I am really into these books. It's the same idea, children with magical gifts and the good and evil people that want to exploit them. But it's different enough that I find them fun and fresh.

Riding with a long distance friend, books, and a tribute to my friend - a hero.

This morning I drove into work because I had to be at our R&D facility for the day. I popped in my favorite cd in the whole wide world. It’s called Ear Candy and it is a mix that was made by a friend. And even though we have never met it was as if she was sitting in the car with me singing along. We live 2,000 miles apart but for 15 minutes I felt closer to her than ever. What a fabulous way to start out the day.

I am 5 pages away from finishing Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth. And I’m very sad that it is coming to an end. My dad warned me I would be. In fact he put the book down and avoided reading the last few pages for several days. This has been a marvelous adventure. One of those epic novels that you don’t just enjoy reading but you fall into. The sights, the smells, and the friends you meet along the way. I can’t say enough about this story. It’s simply a wonderful read. Don’t let the daunting size fool you. At almost a thousand pages it would seem like you would be reading forever. Unfortunately that is not the case. It ends. Despite the fact that you don’t want it to. Honestly, this is going down on my list of favorites.

After finishing the book my dad was trying to figure out what to read. I’m sure if you read a lot you know the feeling. Coming down off such a literary high you want that feeling again. You don’t want to just read a book. You want to fall into a book again. So the book his coffee shop buddies told him to read was Lonesome Dove. I told him that it was on my all time favorites list as well. He called last night to tell me he was only on page 24 but was in love with the story already. Yippee!

In other thoughts:

Over the weekend we had dinner with a group of people. One of the couples we were with have been married some 20 years. I have never been able to figure out how strong their marriage is or if they are even in love because they are not a touchy couple in any way shape or form. No signs of affection what so ever. Not even “honey” or a smile or a kiss on the cheek. Nothing. So I have always wondered………….But while having dinner she choked on a piece of chicken. So seriously that her husband had to do the Heimlich maneuver on her several times to get it out of her throat. In that moment when he had her in his arms trying desperately to help her I saw so much love and tenderness it stopped me breathless. I can’t even begin to describe to you the emotions that crossed his face. The funny thing is when all was said and done and she was settling down he moved away from her and they went back to their separate “bubbles”. He didn’t check on her further, rub her back, or anything. He separated from her completely and they returned to their usual distance. I guess I am sharing this with you because I have a passion for observing people and trying to figure out what makes them tick. I guess I should have thought about that when I picked a major in college eh?

And lastly:

A very very very good friend of ours is a police officer. He was involved in a bank robbery in which the robber was shot and killed. Thankfully the officers were ok. This situation could have gone a million different directions but in this case it worked out for the best. I want to say that I am very thankful that my friend is out there doing the job he is doing. He’s very intelligent and level headed. And he is exactly what a police officer should be. Everyday we are faced with the travesty of loosing our soldiers in Iraq because of Bush’s little war to make his friends rich. And maybe because I get so angry when I hear about another senseless death I forget that there are other American’s putting their life on the line for us every day in every town in this country. So I want to say thank you to all the men and women that have chosen to serve and protect us. Thank You to Officer S of the West St. Paul Police. Thank You to all the police officers in the country. And thank you to all the fire fighters in this country. You put your life on the line for us every day.
THANK YOU!

Sex Parties, The Great Equalizer gets better, and an apology

First, the apology. Due to a whole mess of things I want to apologize to everyone out there. I have been doing a whole lotta lurking, and no commenting. Please don't think I don't love you, I'm keeping up, just not speaking out.

And now on to what you really want to hear: Sex Toy Parties.
Yes, they exist, and they are fun. They are a Tupperware party only well, um, with a whole different kind of rubbermaid product. Basically just like a Tupperware party, or a tastefully simple, or a pampered chef party someone comes to your house with lots and lots of cool things to show you. You pass them around. And just like tastefully simple you smell stuff and sometimes even taste it. Ask Girl J - her arm tasted deliciously like white chocolate. How would I know you ask??? I'll leave that one to your imagination...........

Anywho, so you learn about and pass around all sorts of flavored oil, sexual lubricants, sensation enhancers, body perfumes, massage oils, and yes, a dildo, a vibrator or 20, and even some things you didn't know existed out there to enhance your sexual pleasure. The items are meant for enjoyment alone or with a partner. It's totally crazy and totally fun. And you learn things about your friends you NEVER wanted to know.

So there you have it, a sex party.

And now on to the Great Equalizer gets better. Since the hubby started his new job which is of course in the opposite direction of my work we had decisions to make. If he continued to drive me into work our day ended up being close to 11 hours. If I drive myself in we are looking at parking fees upwards and over $100 per month. Or, for $40 I can get myself a bus pass, suck it up and start riding the Great Equalizer. Only ladies and gents, there are improvements to this great adventure. The Ipod is my best friend and greatest invention since the circus peanut. Yes, I mean those sugary orange peanut shaped things. I walk out the door and the Ipod is on. The walk to the bus stop (it's a block and a half from my house) is fabulous, as is the wait. I can't believe how wonderful that silly little bit of electronics makes this entire experience. Once the bus comes I grab a seat, change to classical music. Get my book out and happily read for the 20 minute ride into work. It's total and complete peace for the Newtster. I love it. I LOVE IT!

I miss the ride too and from work with the hubster, don't get me wrong. But still, if I have to do it, at least it is a wonderful and relaxing experience.

And speaking of the great equalizer. Since the hubster gets home before I do, he has been making me dinner every night. How absolutely wonderful is that? I come home and something hot and wonderful is cooking in the kitchen. And the food is pretty good too.

Say Hello to Caleb everyone, he's nosing the computer screen. If you could only see how cute my little man is right now.

Anyway, last but certainly not least, I picked up the first book in the Dresden series by Jim Butcher. It's called Storm Front. I didn't realize that the Sci Fi series Dresden Files was based on a book, or I should say books. This is so incredibly cool. I've read the first three pages and I'm hooked. I LOVE the guy that plays Harry Dresden in the show so I'm pretty happy just sticking the characters right inside my head as I read. It's almost as good as a sex party :-)
I'll let you know if it stays good past page three.

Hugs all around

Newt

Junk or Funk? and Get'n Goofy with the Goils!

I decided to give up on The God of Small Things. And start reading a book I had picked up at the library. It is a mystery set during the time of Arthur Conan Doyle. And is in fact about him and how Sherlock Holmes came to be. It sounded like a good read, the opening pages seemed to say it would be a good read but I found myself not having the slightest bit of interest in the story.

So then I got to wondering what was going on. It’s such a rare thing for me to have two duds in a row. And the more I sat and thought about it the more I can’t classify this new mystery as a dud. It’s a fast and easy read so far. So what’s up? Am I just in a book funk.

Well, for me there is a pretty easy way to check. I have a handful of authors that can not write a bad book. So this morning I grabbed the next book in a series I have been enjoying. And wouldn’t you know it, I was happily reading along. No funk. So, either my mood is just not right for these books or these books are just not right for me. I always try to keep in mind that there are millions and millions of books out there waiting to be read. Why slow myself down on ones that just aren’t clicking.

But thinking that way opens up another can of worms. My personality doesn’t let me just give up on something. I will read a book all the way through just to confirm that it was indeed crap. Or at least not a book I personally liked. My first example of reading for torture was a book called Smila’s Sense of Snow. It got rave reviews. Everyone had to read it. So, being the good little literary sheep I picked it up. But I never liked it. Not from page one through page whatever at the end. I actually hated the book. But I kept reading hoping to discover what makes it so great.

On the flip side of that coin was Stephen Kings The Stand. I tried reading it when it first came out and I gave up after page 10 or so. It was so mentally graphically disgusting I just couldn’t do it. So I shelved it. Then umpteen years later he came out with an expanded version. And I decided to give it a second try. And I LOVED the book. I couldn’t get enough of it. It comes in at over a 1000 pages and I had no problem whipping right through. To this day it’s still a favorite of mine.

I guess what it boils down to is I worry I am missing something wonderful. So I keep reading. The most annoying part of the whole thing is that I think about the book I put down. Like defeat in battle I go over what I might have done “wrong”.

And this just sounds silly to me. I shouldn’t CARE if I give up on a book. It’s just a freak’n book. My life will not end because I didn’t read it.

Argh………………………..

And now for something a little fun.

It was girls night at the mall.

Girl J’s daughter and I had some fun with the camera. A couple of the girls were trying on clothes so we sat in the dressing room on the floor and got goofy. Then Lil’Girl A got goofy with her mom.

We gave our fashion opinions to Girl C and Girl S. And then a few women that were trying on clothes alone actually came out of their dressing rooms and asked for our feedback. I think we could find a job in there somewhere. Just lounge around in fitting rooms and encourage people to buy. We’d be so freak’n good at it. We’re honest about our feedback. So if something doesn’t look good we tell the person. But we also make suggestions. And help them find things that might look better. Or colors. Or whatever. It’s actually a lot of fun.

So here you go: Goofy Pictures.

Books a MEME

So, My buddy Mike tagged me. He let me know he tagged me and when I finally got a chance to catch up on my blog reading all his posts – or I should say, a chunk of his posts went bye-bye. Server issues. But now they are back and so is this MEME so here goes:

Hardback, trade paperback, or mass-market paperback?
I love the trade paperback. It’s the perfect size.

Amazon or brick-and-mortar?
I could get lost forever in a book store. I love them. And I stop into them every chance I get. It’s the one place in the world that I can absolutely and completely relax. Well, that and a shoe store. But I will use the internet to shop for books, read reviews, and find out other books by the author.

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
For me, it doesn’t matter. Whichever is closest. But Barnes and Noble is bigger and one of ours even has a huge used book section. It’s awesome. Ultimately I like the little mom and pop bookstores. Used and new. But for getting lost and just having a moment to myself – I head for B&N.

Bookmark or dogear?
I found this very cool bookmark at B&N that has little post it’s on it. I tend to want to look stuff up or write down great lines from a book so this thing is perfect. And it is in a little slip cover which also happens to be the perfect size in which to store my Starbucks coffee card. So, when I go across the street for my ½ hour of sanity everything I need is right inside my book.

Alphabetize by author, by title, or random?
Right now, I have three shelves of books I need to read in no particular order. If I have read them and want to keep them they are by author or series. Or in some cases, size.

Keep, throw away or sell?
I keep them all. But when I get my own little store, the ones I don’t feel the need to keep will go there. I’ll try to get a book swap thing going. Or sell them for a few bucks. Not sure yet.

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
Most of my books have their dust jackets. And the only one that doesn’t was because water somehow leaked on it. Which ruined the dust jacket but not the book itself so that in itself is a good reason to keep them. I do however remove them when I am reading a book. I don’t want to tear or destroy the dust jacket. So that almost negates the protection part. Hmmmmmm

Read with the dust jacket or remove it?
Wow, answered that one before I needed to. I read the books naked, then redress them when I am done.

Short story or novel?
Typically novels. I have read a few short story collections though. Most of them in the past year or so and that was due to either it being an author I loved or it got great reviews.

Collection (short stories by same author) or anthology (short stories by different authors)?
Collection. I haven’t read an anthology yet that I enjoyed. But that is just me.

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
I worshipknow what a Harry Potter is. What’s a Lemony Snicket?

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
I have to stop when tired or the book tends to hit me in the nose.

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
Depends on the mood I’m in but typically “Dark and Stormy”

Buy or borrow?
Unfortunately for my budget but probably good for B&N stock – buy.

New or used?
Either one is fine with me. But used has to be in descent condition, no notes or anything, no underlining, etc. And it can’t smell.

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations or browse?
I go by all three. And buy equally from all three.

Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Don’t really care. But if it’s a cliffhanger there better be another book coming. Ahem, Koontz – and your Frankenstein series that was supposed to be out in November. Ahem………………

When do you read: morning, afternoon or night?
If I could it would be 24/7. But I pretty much find a moment during all three to read. It’s what keeps me sane.

Standalone or series?
I do both about equally.

Favorite book of which nobody else has heard?
Our Lady of the Lost and Found by Diane Schoemperlen. I ordered this on a whim at B&N. They were practically giving it away. But it sounded so intriguing I had to get it. And I absolutely loved it.

Favorite books read last year?
Monkeewrench series by PJ Tracy
You are not a stranger here by Adam Haslett
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
ShadowsFall by Simon R. Green
The Nightside Series by Simon R. Green
I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
Booked to Die (as well as the rest of the series) by John Dunning
The Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde
Crusader’s Cross by James Lee Burke
The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue
Of Saints and Shadows by Christopher Golden
Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

Favorite books of all time?
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts,
Everything ever written by James Lee Burke,
Cuckoos Egg by Cliff Stole
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
Several of the favorites from last year are now on my all time list including:
Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
And so far anything and everything by Simon R. Green.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Harry Potter 1-6
George RR Matins Song of Ice and Fire Series.

And I will tag: Kell, Betty, Tink, and Greymama cause I know they are book worms.

Brain exercises

I”ve been reading a book called The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez-Reverte. And first let me say that it is a great story. And anyone can pick it up and read it. But let me also say: “DAMN” this man is smart. Well read, and well researched. Holy crap. On more levels than I can begin to describe I am loving this story. I feel like in some tiny little way I’m smarter for reading it. And more worldly. And just a little more well rounded a person. What I am most impressed about is that I feel better about myself for reading it. The author, bless him, has a way of writing a very intellectual story without making the reader feel stupid. Because trust me, if he wanted to he could have reduced me to a sobbing pile of mush that thinks I must have flunked out of kindergarten and never achieved much beyond that.

The story is a look into a literary world that I can’t even imagine. I read a lot of books but my retention is horrid. Where as these folks can quote stuff from a million different books. I can barely tell you my name on any given day let alone quote, recognize, add to, great things said by great people. Ok, grant you, when he wrote this he had all the resources in the world so it’s not like he did this all off the top of his head. BUT I know that people like the characters in this book exist. And man am I jealous of this skill and passion.

Anyway, if you like a good mystery that also teaches you a little something this is a great book. My brain doesn’t hurt, it more or less just feels a little exercised. And once in a while that is a great thing.

I do want to add here, as a warning, I am not finished with this book. I still have about 100 pages to go. So anything could happen. But so far, I am really enjoying this story. It’s fascinating. And fun. And intriguing.

This is the second book I have read by this author and I really like him.

Loads of nothing

It would appear my Muse is on vacation. So, here's some "stuff"

Dinner tonight: Tater Tot Casserole

1 can of chicken broth
1 can of cream of chicken
1/2-1 can of milk
about 3 cups of chicken - we shred up chicken from a grocery store roasted chicken
1 cup of shredded cheese - pick your favorite flavor
1-2 cups of peas or your favorite veggie
1 bag of tater tots - I like the mini's

Mix the soups together till they are well blended - heat a little if you have to to get the cream of chicken to break up nicely
Add veggies, cheese, and chicken
Mix it all together
Cover the whole mixture with a layer of tater tots - about 2/3 of the bag

Bake at 400 for 30 minutes or so - until tater tots are nice and crispy brown

Eat

This ends up tasting like a modified version of chicken pot pie. I love it.

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I mentioned that I made whole wheat cookies. The hubster didn't like them at all. He said they tasted funny. I guess I expected the "wheat" taste so I thought they were good. But I would guess kids wouldn't really like them. So, back to the drawing board. If I figure out a good way to make them I'll post the recipe.

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I'm going to start investigating the feasiblity of opening my own business. We probably don't have the capital to do it but there are good business loans for women out there so I'm going to at least investigate this. I swore to myself that if I found myself job hunting again I would consider it. And do more than just wishfully ponder the idea. So, since work isn't as satisfying as it used to be I found myself checking out the job sites on the web. Which means I have to be true to my promise to myself and at least see if it's possible. The hubster asked me what sort of business I would open and I told him a girly store. I would model it off a store not too far from here in Wisconsin. Basically I would want to stock unique jewelry, clothes, shoes, accessories, gifts, books, cards, etc. Stuff to make a girl feel unique and pretty. I have a dream of where I would put it. But affording that area of the twin cities will be a whole other matter. I have sent away for a small business guide for Minnesota and once I get that the ball will get rolling. I'm kind of excited. And it would appear that the hubster will support me 100%. I think he really liked the idea when I told him I would take Tinker to work. She could be the token cute store kitty.

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As it stands I may be getting to meet a fellow blog buddy this coming weekend. I am SO excited.

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I'm just over half way through The Bookseller of Kabul. It's very good. I am learning a lot about Afghan culture. It's fascinating. Much like The Kite Runner it's a great story as well as an educational insight into a culture I know very little about.

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The puppies are chasing each other around. They are so cute. Caleb is doing great. He's so much more social. We have a long way to go but we have come so far.............

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Well, holy crap. I guess I had a lot more to say than I thought.

An unexpected morning

So, here’s me on the couch with a fabulous cup of coffee, a dog or three, and the last 40 or so pages of Live Bait to finish.

First of all let me say that this really is an exceptional mystery series. Take note dear fellow readers that P.J. Tracy is a fabulous author. It starts with Monkeewrench. Live Bait is #2. I already mentioned it was a good read. Book two is an equally wonderful delight.

So, back to this morning. I’m reading along quite happily assuming that the story is pretty much wrapping up. The killer will be caught and I’ll be on to the next book. But oh no, that can’t be how we start a Friday morning now can it. Lets just say the end of Live Bait had me sobbing. Not a whole lot of books have had the tears pouring down like Niagara Falls but dang if this wasn’t one of them. The whole time I’m thinking that it’s a good thing I haven’t jumped in the shower yet and gotten the make-up on or I’d be looking like hell for the rest of the day. After the main sob fest was through I went and got in the shower, got ready, made the hubsters sandwich and then curled back up on the couch to finish the last few pages. I just HAD to finish the last few pages. Then I noticed that the hubster was locking up the pups. I have like 4 pages to go and something huge was happening. No wrap up yet, that’s for damn sure. So I closed the book and pretty much twitched all the way to the car and then all the way to work. Seriously, I have got to finish this book.

At 6:20 I’m not sure I am all that prepared to have that many emotions running around in my head. And from a book no less. Sheesh. Far to early. That’s for sure. I mean, the sun isn’t even up yet and I’m an emotional wreck.

Now, flipping around to a different topic:

Last night I made a really good dinner. I cooked whole wheat noodles up. And in a skillet I browned a chicken breast. Tossed in a bowl full of broccoli florets and then sprinkled on a packet of Knorrs Pesto, added some olive oil, mixed it all up till it was hot and the broccoli and chicken were well coated, tossed the pasta into the mix. Put that in two bowls, sprinkled on parmesan cheese and presto – healthy tasty dinner. Very easy to make and it tasted great.

Flip again:

I bury my head in the sand when it comes to the news. I found that my blood pressure benefits from doing so. Unfortunately I have buried myself deep enough that I didn’t find out till this morning that the Republican Convention will be in the cities here in 2008. Both parties were negotiating with us but alas the evil ones signed first. And to top it off the thing will be three blocks from work. Oy vey. It’s appropriate though, the convention kicks off the same day as the state fair closes. Which really does mark it as the saddest day of the year. No more deep fried food on a stick, summer is over and the evil ones come to town. Sounds about right……………

Alright, alright, not everyone is evil…………….sheesh………….

Flip again:

My friend Other Girl J is coming over for breakfast tomorrow morning. She hasn’t seen Caleb and Lily since I think the week or two after we brought them home. I am anxious to hear her impression of their progress. It will be interesting. And she’s honest too so she’ll really tell me what she thinks. No sugar coating.

Final Flip:

24 starts this weekend. So happy!

A Perfect Day

Saturday was a perfect day in Newt land

It started with a great cup or three of Gevalia coffee. And some love and licks from the puppy parade.

Then it was off to meet girlfriends L and JJ for breakfast. L's husband cooked, he's a marvelous chef. We gabbed and giggled and just had a great time.

After that I ran home, grabbed a not too healthy hubster (he has a pinched nerve in his neck), and we went to a burger joint called the 5-8 Club in Minneapolis to meet bloggers Digital Janitor and Mpls Mel. Yes, that's right, Thanks to a suggestion from Digital Janitor to meet up, Newt starts to make a New Years Resolution actually come to fruition. And it was a very fun lunch. Even the miserable hubster managed to perk up a little bit. Anyway, DJ and Melba are an amazing couple. I was a little disappointed though when Melba confessed that she left her ax at home. Oh well. We all had Jucy Lucy's which are burgers that have cheese stuffed inside them rather than on top. They were super tasty. But I have to fess up: while I achieved the beginnings of one New Years resolution I slid on another one. I had a soda. One thing I have aspired to take out of my diet. Oh well.

So, hopefully this lunch was the first of many get togethers. I think all of us are hobby photographers so I can see us heading out on some weekend adventures. Como Zoo and Conservatory, Sculpture Gardens, Landscape Arboretum, Wine Tasting (I'm sure we could find something to photograph while we enjoy some fine wines).

Once we got back home I dropped off the hubster so he could take a nap (which tends to help his neck) and I went to Target to get a little grocery shopping done. I am not sure how it is in the rest of the country but up here in Minnesota going to Target is not just a thing to do, it's an adventure. And time warps in Target. I toodled around, checked out the clearance items around the store, picked up a few groceries, and next thing I know two hours are gone. I have NO idea how it happens but it does.

When I got back the hubster wasn't in a whole lot better shape so I figured I would leave again for a while so he could get more rest. Victoria's Secret was having their semi-annual sale so I figured what the hell, I'll go to the Mall of America.

Saturday nights at MOA seem different from any other night. The crowds are different, the energy is different, and the people watching is top notch. I wanted to grab a coffee, pull up a bench and just sit and watch the show. But there was lacy underwear to be bought so I had to skip the bench.

I finished my evening in Barnes and Noble because I had to grab the rest of the books by PJ Tracy. I can't get Monkeewrench out of my head. I picked up Live Bait and Dead Run. There is one more book but it is only in hardback right now. I think because my mother in law told me the books were exceptional I didn't give it a thought but reading reviews on the books there was the "natural" assumption that Monkeewrench was a fluke and any follow up books wouldn't be as good. Many reviews talk about the fact that book two was a wonderful surprise and book three "proved" that the authors had what it took to write a great series. Maybe I'm treading toward the cynical but is this assumption made because they are female authors (it's a mother daughter team) writing in the crime drama genre? I'm just curious. I don't think I see such pessimistic doubt when men write crime series. It's usually "So and So does it again" rather than "Holy Crap, it's actually a good book"

Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there.

Finally when I arrived home I was pleasantly surprised to find our friends S and S sitting in the living room gabbing with a much happier and healthier hubster. We had a lovely evening. We don't get to see them all that often so it was a nice treat.

So there you have it. My perfect Saturday.

Literary deep thoughts

Last night a little after the witching hour I finished up the book Monkeewrench. I couldn’t put it down. My mother in law had warned me that this would be the case. And apparently every book in the series is like this.

The story takes place in both Minneapolis and rural northern Wisconsin. But that isn’t why I liked it. While it is nice to have a clear mental picture of where the various scenes take place it is not a local only good read.

From the first page I started to connect with the characters and to “fall” into the story. I had a moment of panic/disappointment early on due to a plot device but as it turns out it didn’t effect my ultimate enjoyment of the story. I didn’t want to stop reading. I didn’t want the story to ever come to an end.

Which got me to thinking.

I read because I love that feeling of falling into a story. Of being transported into an entirely different world. Of loosing myself in someone elses life. It’s not that I don’t like my own life, it’s just fun to escape the worries and tribulations of daily life and to take a mental vacation to a different place.

When I open a book for the very first time and begin to read I get excited about the adventure that is in store for me. The emotions, the sights, the smells. Will I laugh out loud? Will I cry? There are infinite possibilities before me each and every time I open a book.

I know, I know, I’ve babbled about this before. But I get such a high from reading a good book. Even better than drugs since there are no nasty after effects. It’s hard to believe there are people in the world that don’t like to read. I respect the choice don’t get me wrong, I just don’t understand it.

Sure you read a lot of duds. But it’s SO worth it because every few books is usually a gem. Or at least a book that changes or enriches you in some way.

Another reason I enjoy reading is for those beautifully crafted sentences that can take your breath away.

Great Gatsby:
That anyone should care in this heat whose flushed lips he kissed, whose head made damp the pajama pocket over his heart.

Lolita:
It occurred to me that I had a fine brain in beautiful working order and that I might as well use it.

Whatever, wherever you are, in minus time-space or plus soul-time, forgive me all this.

You know, what’s so dreadful about dying is that you are completely on your own.

The Marriage of Sticks
Whisper in my heart, tell me you are there.

The Alienist
Whilst part of what we perceive comes through our senses from the object before us, another part (and it maybe the larger part) always comes out of our own mind.

The Angel of Darkness
She has a quality, does the Hudson, as I imagine all great rivers do: the deep, abiding sense that those activities that take place on shore among human beings are of the moment, passing, and aren’t the stories by way of which the greater tale of this planet will, in the end, be told………..

The Corrections

The human species was given dominion over the earth and took the opportunity to exterminate other species and warm the atmosphere and generally ruin things in its own image, but it paid this price for its privileges: that the finite and specific animal body of this species contained a brain capable of conceiving the infinite and wishing to be infinite itself.

Being Dead
The world’s small, breathing denizens, it’s quaking congregations and its stargazers, were fools to sacrifice the flaring briefness of their lives in hopes of paradise or fears of hell. No one transcends. There is no future and no past. There is no remedy for death – or birth- except to hug the space between. Live Loud. Live Wide. Live Tall.

Eldest

I suppose I wont see you for a while, so farewell, best of luck, avoid roasted cabbage, don’t eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life.

Life Expectancy
They find meaning in their quiet faith, in one another, and in the little miracles of their daily lives. They don’t need ideologies or philosophies to define themselves. They are defined by living, with all senses engaged, with hope, and with a laugh ever ready.

She was motivated not by what others had done to her, not by envy, not by a conviction of moral superiority, but by life’s possibilities.

No one can grant you happiness. Happiness is a choice we all have the power to make. There is always cake.

The Notorious Dr. August
They say that we will soon understand time, that Albert Einstein and his theories will do away with it. But I love time. It keeps everything spread out, like music. A piano sonata without time would be just a loud, cataclysmic bang. And if time separates you from things you love, it also protects you from experiences that are too painful to hold close.

Ok I’m done now

Have a great weekend.

Holiday Cheer

I recieved many wonderful and thoughtful gifts for Christmas this year. A beautiful handmade scarf that I officially wear as my Happy Scarf, cookies and fudge (which I shared with my brother in law and he thought he died and went to heaven), a clock radio that docks my Ipod, slippers, and more.

But what I want to share with you was one particular gift that was the first of its kind that I have ever received. And it touched me deeply.

You know I am an avid reader. I always have my nose in a book. I have received a few books as gifts, including one that my brother had signed by the author - who also happended to be a great "B" movie actor. But never, have I gotten a book that someone bought and inscribed to me. It was a story the person loved and they wanted to share it with me. It's a story about life long friendships and the joys and sorrows encountered through life.

I've read about half the book, every chance I had this weekend I curled up and read it. It's a wonderful story. But what makes it even better is knowing why I am reading it. And those handwritten words at the beginning of it written just for me from someone I adore.