tea for two

Thirty-first day of the July Challenge:


What one person from history would you most like to spend a day with? Why?

It would be incredible to have a conversation with Alice Paul. What would she think of today's world for women in the US?

w.w.w. wednesdays

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? The Heist by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg. And Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

• What did you recently finish reading? I read JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and really liked it. I listened to The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for JK Rowling). I didn't intend to read two Rowling books, but they hooked me. I also read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

• What do you think you’ll read next? Something summery, I'm sure! I keep adding and adding to my piles.

finished reading...

Two high school outsiders are thrown together and form a shaky truce of a relationship that blossoms into an intense first love over the course of this book. I liked the characters very much. Their voices were authentic. I liked the 80s references, the music and atmosphere worked. I can't really think of anything I didn't like about this book.

an award!

How this "One Lovely Blog Award" works:

1. Add the “One Lovely Blog Award” image to your post

2. Share seven things about you

3. Pass the award on to seven nominees

4. Thank the person who nominated you and add a short blurb about them.

5. Inform the nominees by posting on their blogs

So excited to receive this award from The Gal! She is one of my dearest blog buddies. The Gal writes about politics, baseball, movies, and her life in Chicagoland. I aspire to be the friend she is to her friends.

Seven things about me?

1) As a drinker, I am a lightweight. Really. It's because of the medications I take. And it's kind of funny to me. I used to be able to drink a startling amount. I went about twelve years without drinking and then I started having an occasional glass of wine.

2) I would love to spend a month in Italy and Greece. Along the Mediterranean Sea.

3) When I eat a trail-mix type of food, I like to pick out and eat almost all of the food I don't like first, then it's a mix of my favorite stuff.

4) Although I am diligent with my skincare routine, I do not wear any make up.

5) I love every second of being on vacation but I would have a hard time not doing a lot for an extended period of time. Speaking of loving every second of vacation, I think I'm really good at celebrating moments. Of being present.

6) I might investigate going on a whale watch. I haven't been in quite a few years. I don't want to go to Bar Harbor, though, it's too touristy. Maybe from Quebec.

7) I just found out Elvis Costello is going to be in concert in November. I think I must get tickets!

Ok, seven nominees:

Diana, Cristy, Paula, Cat, Mrs. Chili, Bev, and you!

microwaves...

Thirtieth day of the July Challenge:

What is one thing you cannot do without in your kitchen?

I use my microwave daily. It is really the only appliance I regularly use, other than the refrigerator. I've gone through phases, but I am most consistently using the microwave.

ten things tuesday

Ten random songs on my iPod:

1) Coyotes by Jason Mraz

2) Maybe That's Something by Sheryl Crow

3) Tonight by Sixpence None The Richer

4) This Years Love by David Gray

5) Shining Star by Earth, Wind & Fire

6) Someone Should Tell Her by The Mavericks

7) If I'm Not In Love With You by Melinda Doolittle

8) Jack Hinks by Great Big Sea

9) Long Day by Matchbox 20

10) The Consequences of Falling by kd lang

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

I set a goal of reading 50 books this year and I'm pleased with my progress. As of right now I'm at 41 books, but I'm more than half way through the book I'm reading. I've read so many good books this year, it's exciting. And I find the books from a variety of sources but mostly through recommendations from other bloggers (playing Musing Mondays or W.W.W. Wednesdays, although Alison's Bookmarks has yet to steer me wrong).

for me

Twenty-ninth day of the July Challenge:


What is the last thing that you bought just for yourself?

The biggest significant purchase for myself was an iPod touch. And since I've gotten it, I've used it for everything!!! It's my calendar, my scheduler, my notebook, my music, my audiobooks, and my camera. I can play games or check the weather, and I'm learning all its features. I'm so glad I got it.

vacation...

Twenty-eighth day of the July Challenge:

What has been your best vacation memory?

I've had a few dreamy vacations. They each have their own special memories. So it's tough to pick a "best" memory.

• Watching the lights of Paris turn on from the top of the Eiffel Tower was magical, goose-bump inducing, and romantic. But I was with my dad so the romance was lost.
• Following an old city map while wandering in Barcelona, not speaking any Spanish, and exploring the old city on a beautiful day was an adventure I had by myself--the friend I was visiting was working.
• Riding mopeds along the rocky shores of Aruba was thrilling.
• Finding the perfect perfume, which I've never been able to replace, at The Floriade--a spectacular world's fair of flowers from around the world, was a memorable day.
•  Watching a glorious sunset from the Golden Gate Bridge, while visiting my sister in California.
• A hilarious road trip with my niece and my parents to visit my Pennsylvania and Virginia sisters, a few years ago.
• Spending time reading and knitting this summer--with a couple of fun road trips and the STING concert!

All of them are the best!

sunday stealing

(click the icon to play along)

Sunday Stealing: Massive Alphabet Meme, part one

The Letter A
Are you agnostic? not really
What is your age? 47
What annoys you? too many things

The Letter B
Do you like bacon? I would marry bacon
When is your birthday? October 29
Who is your best friend? Valerie

The Letter C
What is your favorite candy? Reese's or Snickers
Who is your crush? George
When was the last time you cried? sometime last week I got teary

The Letter D
Do you daydream? not really
What is your favorite kind of dog? French bulldog
What day of the week is it? Sunday

The Letter E
How do you like your eggs? scrambled
Have you ever been in the emergency room? not recently
What’s the easiest thing to ever do? laugh

The Letter F
Have you ever flown in a plane? yes
Do you use fly swatters? no
Have you ever used a foghorn? no

The Letter G
Do you chew gum? not often, since I had my wisdom teeth out it feels weird
Ever tried gazpacho? yes
Are you a giver or taker? a bit of both

The Letter H
How are you? ok
What’s your height? 5'5"
What color is your hair? strawberry blonde

The Letter I
What is your favorite ice-cream? currently it is Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake
Have you ever ice-skated? as a tween
Do you play an instrument? not formally

The Letter J
What is your favorite jelly bean? I don't have one
Do you wear jewelry? costume
Have you heard a really hilarious joke? I have, but I stink at remembering them

The Letter K
Whom do you want to kill? no one
Do you want kids? no
Where did you go to kindergarten? Pine Street Elementary School

The Letter L
Are you laid-back? it depends on the situation
Do you lie? not significantly
Do you love anyone? yes, I love a lot

The Letter M
What is your favorite movie? Four Weddings and a Funeral
Do you still watch Disney movies? yes
Do you like mangoes? they are all right

postsecret

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

just watched...

What a fun movie! Jodie Foster is so great. And Gerard Butler is nice eye candy. And Abigail Bresslin is a force to be reckoned with!

call me on the line...

Twenty-seventh day of the July Challenge:

Do you own a smartphone? Tell us why you love it.

I lovingly refer to my phone a s a dumbphone because it is not a smartphone. I have thought about upgrading my phone but... I just don't need one. I use my iPod for everything--minus the phone calls. But I don't make or get many phone calls, so it's not crucial for me to be always available. I do love the phone I have.

finished...

This is one of the best mysteries I've read in a v-e-r-y long time. This left me guessing, I suspected almost every character. I stayed up half the night listening to this book, I just couldn't stop.

Cormoran Strike is the war hero, down on his luck, private detective. Robin Ellacott is his temp-agency assistant who proves with her quick wit and cleverness that she can hold her own. I loved watching their working relationship develop.

I don't want to say too much about it because I don't want to spoil it. But it's a modern take on a classic mystery. And I loved it!

Even though there is a ton of hype surrounding this book because of JK Rowling's pseudonym was discovered, this book is beyond the hype. The book is great.

saturday 9

So Much To Say

1) The lyrics refer to a baby's "one year of crying." When was the last time you cried ... felt weepy ... or at least teared up? I got teary last week.

2) Let's lighten it up a little. When was the last time you laughed really hard? I laughed really hard on Thursday, with my dad

3) Do you have "so much to say" that hasn't been said yet? Tell us if you owe someone a phone call, note, email or text. I think I'm all caught up, but, my Virginia sister has been on a family vacation for the past week and we haven't chatted--I'm in withdrawals.

4) Earlier this summer, Dave took a bike ride before a show and his tire blew out. He didn't have a cell phone with him and was afraid of missing that night's performance. Fortunately two fans -- driving to see Dave Matthews Band in concert -- recognized him by the side of the road and gave him a ride to the show. Share a recent act of kindness you either did, or received. at the market today I returned the cart of an elderly couple

5) Before he hit it big, Dave Matthews was a bartender. What job did you have right before the one you have now? I was in retail control for the super market

6) The Dave Matthews Band recorded an album live at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, in the mountains near Denver. Is there a trip to the mountains in your future? nothing is planned

7) Do you suffer from hay fever or allergies? I get itchy ears and eyes

8) What's in your pocket right now? they are empty

9) American Express promotes "Small Business Saturday," and encourages us to shop at local, independent retailers. Is there a shop, boutique or restaurant in your town that you're particularly fond of? There are a couple I frequent--my local yarn shop and my favorite cafe

red

Twenty-sixth day of the July Challenge:

Post a picture of something red!
It's a place mat made from deep red yarn.

daddy daughter day

This is Dad's garden. This afternoon we went to a Garden Club member's amazing garden for a tour. As someone with the black thumb of death it's like magic to wander through these glorious gardens. And, I may try a container next year. Although I do not have high hopes.

pop-up

Twenty-fifth day of the July Challenge:

What was your favorite childhood book?

I don't recall the name of it, but it was a fairy tale pop-up book. I was staying at my grandparent's house because I was really sick and they were taking care of me and a neighbor dropped off the book to entertain me. I loved it. I've always loved pop-ups.

old school blogging meme

Paula tagged me for The Old School Blogging Meme.
So here goes:

Five Things I have A Passion For:

reading
knitting
learning
teaching
gadgets

Five Things I'd like to Learn Before I Die:
how to edit photos
understanding html
how to write a grant
how my DVR works

Five Things I say A Lot:

Oh boy!
No way!
Say wha?
Oh yeah!
Oh wow!

Five Books and/or magazines I have Read Lately:

O, the Oprah magazine
Entertainment Weekly
Redbook
The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling
The Cukoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling's pseudonym)

Five Favorite Movies:

(maybe you have seen them Five Times)

When Harry Met Sally
Sleepless In Seattle
City of Angels
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Ocean's Eleven

Five Places I would like to Travel To:

Washington, DC
Germany
Italy
Ireland
New York City

Five People I invite to Do This Meme:

You, you, you, you, and you!

thursday bug

Sometimes it helps to share with others what bugs your mind.

They may have a solution, a kind word, or a smile of encouragement.

This week my thursday bug is:

Feeling like I'm running out of (summer) time.

finished reading

From the editors: When Barry Fairweather dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.

And the empty seat left by Barry on the town's council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?


I really didn't know what to expect from this book, except that it received mixed reviews. Maybe it's a good thing that I waited until the hype died down to read it. I enjoyed it--found myself sucked into the small town intrigue and the lives of the characters, how they wove together. It seems that a lot of people expected this book to be an adult Harry Potter, but this is a complete departure from that franchise. This is definitely a book for grown ups. Not children or young adults.

What I enjoy in Rowling's writing is her way with language. She creates characters who are real people, I knew these people. I'm excited to talk about this book with my reading group.

welcome...

George Alexander Louis, such a strong name.

heartbeat is a love beat...

Twenty-fourth day of the July Challenge:

Who was your childhood celebrity crush?

Oh, but I loved Parker Stevenson from the Hardy Boys!

w.w.w. wednesdays

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I started JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and so far I really like it. I started listening to The Cukoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for JK Rowling). I didn't intend to read two Rowling books, but they've hooked me.

• What did you recently finish reading? I listened to Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff. It was amazing!!!

• What do you think you’ll read next? Something summery, I'm sure! I keep adding and adding to my piles.

ten things tuesday

Ten things that begin with V:

1) Vegetables. I was an adult before I could appreciate vegetables. Probably because I didn't have many fresh veggies growing up, it was usually overcooked, canned or frozen.

2) Valley Girl. I loved this movie when I was in high school.

3) Vests. I learned to love the layer this past year.

4) Vocabulary. My students sometimes say they don't understand what I'm saying. I say it's because I'm a life long reader and learner and I have a good vocabulary.

5) VH1. I loved this channel when it played videos. I learned about all kinds of indie bands on the overnight show.

6) Videos. I don't go to the movies all that often, I don't know why, I love going to the movies, but I watch a lot of videos. I don't watch live TV anymore, often, because I love having a video to zip through the commercials.

7) Vacation. Do I need to explain this?

8) Visiting. I love going to cool places or visiting with my family.

9) Voluptuous. Defined as: Of, relating to, or characterized by luxury or sensual pleasure.

10) Velcro. The sound of velcro is a soothing sound for me. When I get overwhelmed it makes me calm. Wish I knew why.

favorite part of the day...

Twenty-third day of the July Challenge:

What is your favorite part of the day and why?

It depends on what time of the year it is. During the school year, my favorite time of the day is directly after the final bell rings. Because that's when a group of students come in and hang out with me before they head home. I don't really know how or when we got into this habit, but it's become our ritual. And it's my favorite time of the school day. We talk about the day, we talk about books, we talk about their problems, we talk about my knitting projects... we talk about everything and nothing.

Over vacation, my favorite time is when I turn the light off at the end of the day. It's whenever I want it to be and usually I've been reading until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. I love being at my own pace.

just five?

Twenty-second day of the July Challenge:

What is your 5 biggest pet peeves? (Should be are)

1. Heat and humidity.
2. Sniffling.
3. No internet.
4. One Upmanship.
5. Pressure.

searches me!

So the road trip started today with being searched at the Canadian border. I'm not sure what I said that triggered it, or maybe it was just my lucky number or something, but I had to step away from the car as the Canadian Border Patrol looked around--and popped the trunk. It was the weirdest feeling. Then we got to Woodstock, New Brunswick, and got our bearings and walked Main Street looking for some fun and funky shops. The only store I was interested in was a yarn shop but they weren't open today.

We went to Potato World and wanted to take the tour--but realized we both know enough about the potato industry that it would be redundant. We enjoyed the cafe instead. Oy for the garlic fries! I may have turned into a fry.









We then traveled up to Grand Falls, New Brunswick, and the Falls were active! We saw quite a few people zip line across the Gorge. It looked so exciting!!

And when coming back across the border, the Border Patrol looked in my trunk again. But the Americans didn't give us nearly as exciting a time as the Canadians did. Which is typically backward. Oh well, I got nothin.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying about it.
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

Talking with several friends this weekend, it occurred to me that my reading habits have changed drastically. I haven't read a physical book in a very long time--as in a couple of years! I didn't realize I'd gone exclusively to my Nook! I noted that I read faster and retain what I'm reading more. It feels weird to have a book in my hands now. I'm used to customizing the look of the ebook. I never, ever, thought I would give up my beloved books. I was skeptical about the Nook. Not anymore!

the eye of the beholder...

Twenty-first day of the July Challenge:

What are your thoughts on how the media portrays body image for young girls?

I think the body image issues have broadened to young men, too, not just girls. Not to minimize the attention to girls, in any way, but I see how boys are also influenced by how the media portrays them, too. Because I teach high school, I am sensitive to media influences on my students. But I also use myself (as a person of size) as a positive role model. Maybe in a small way I can influence what they are told is beautiful--with my confidence and appearance.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Collapse

Have you ever clicked on an ad on the side of your screen by accident?: I have, luckily I didn't get malware issues
When was the last time you were disappointed?: I'm frequently disappointed
Do you like the smell of rain?: yes
What was the last thing you took a picture of?: the dog
When you go to McDonald's, what drink do you usually get?: water
What were you doing today at 2:15 in the afternoon?: probably knitting
What's the nickname of your home state?: Vacationland
What's the worst type of weather in your opinion?: I really hate 90+ with humidity
Do you have a Kindle, Nook, iPad or none?: I have a Nook and an iPad
Would you rather read or write?: read
When was the last time someone took a picture of you?: I think it was the beginning of the month
Do you own a pair of slippers?: no
Name something negative that you hate about yourself: I can be a lazy slob
Is your house currently hot, cold or just right?: just right
Is there a Dead End road near where you live?: there is
Do you roll your eyes often?: yes, although I try not to at school
Growing up, did you see your cousins often?: yes
Where was your first job at?: I was a babysitter--highly sought after, I am proud to say
When's your birthday?: the 29th of October
Is life a party to you?: no
Who are you tired of seeing in the news a lot? : Baby Nori
When was the last time you flew a kite?: it's been awhile
How long have you had a blog?: 7 years
Have you ever had to call and complain about a product you bought?: I have called customer service, yes
Name something positive you love about yourself: I am a great listener

postsecret

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

finished reading...

Book Summary:
They needed the perfect assassin.

Boy Nobody is the perennial new kid in school, the one few notice and nobody thinks much about. He shows up in a new high school in a new town under a new name, makes a few friends, and doesn’t stay long. Just long enough for someone in his new friend’s family to die-of “natural causes.” Mission accomplished, Boy Nobody disappears, moving on to the next target.

But when he’s assigned to the mayor of New York City, things change. The daughter is unlike anyone he has encountered before; the mayor reminds him of his father. And when memories and questions surface, his handlers at The Program are watching. Because somewhere deep inside, Boy Nobody is somebody: the kid he once was; the teen who wants normal things, like a real home and parents; a young man who wants out. And who just might want those things badly enough to sabotage The Program’s mission.

I could not put this down. Could. Not. Put. Down! From what I understand it is the first in a trilogy. I really can't wait for more!!

best date

Twentieth day of the July Challenge:


Write about worst/best date you have ever been on.

My favorite date was a breakfast picnic. We met up super early and enjoyed fruit cups, bagels or muffins (we had options), and coffee. Great conversation. Lovely scenery. A gorgeous sunny day--not too hot with a breeze. And a magnificent first kiss after. Unfortunately, the relationship fizzled.

saturday 9

Endless Summer

1) The best-selling Beach Boys album of all time is this two disc greatest hits compilation. Do you have favorite Beach Boys song? Oh there are so many I love: "God Only Knows" "Good Vibrations" "Don't Worry Baby"

2) The original members of the group were the Wilson brothers, their cousin Mike and a friend from the neighborhood. Have you ever worked with a family member? I had the privilege of working with my dad--my first year teaching was his last year there.

3) Originally released in the mid-1970s, Endless Summer was one of the first fast-selling albums sold on TV. Have you ever picked up the phone and purchased anything directly from TV? I've ordered from QVC once or twice

4) The Beach Boys are very popular in Australia. Have you ever been Down Under? no, but I'd love to go

5) Actor John Stamos played bongos on the Beach Boys' hit, "Kokomo." In his younger days, Stamos was Blackie on the daytime drama, General Hospital. Have you ever followed a soap opera? I was a fan of The Guiding Light from the late 70s into the late 80s. Then in the mid-90s I watched Days of Our Lives.

6) Many Beach Boys songs revolve around the surf. How are you on a surf board? I've never tried

7) Would you prefer summer to be endless? Or do you enjoy the changing seasons? I'd rather have endless autumn

8) Do your summer 2013 plans include a trip to a waterpark? no, but I might be going to the Lobster Festival

9) Describe your swimsuit. it's black with beige polka-dots

my bestie

Nineteenth day of the July Challenge:

Write about someone you really care about.

I really care about my best friend. We met in high school and really got close during college. I worry about her. She's got a stress overload. Genuine stress overload. I try to be her sounding board, but we don't get enough time together. That's why I'm planning a day trip to get out of town. She deserves a break.

challenge of the challenge

Eighteenth day of the July Challenge:

Show us a picture of something you own that is embarrassing! Clothes, furniture, car, etc. I've been thinking about this prompt for about an hour. I can't come up with anything. Other than the clutter. And I sure as heck am not showing a picture of that!

w.w.w. wednesday

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading? I started JK Rowling's The Casual Vacancy and so far I really like it. And I also picked up Boy Nobody by Allen Zadoff.

• What did you recently finish reading? I finished Lisa Lutz's newest installment of the Spellman series: The Last Word and I listened to The Age Of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker.

• What do you think you’ll read next? Something summery, I'm sure! I keep adding and adding to my piles.

just finished...

I love the premise: something has happened to the rotation of the earth; days and nights are growing longer and longer, gravity is affected. Consequently, every aspect of life on Earth is forced to change--to adapt or die. The birds, the tides, the plants, and the behavior of humans is gradually thrown out of sync. Ultimately it is the coming of age story of Julia, eleven years old when "the slowing" begins.

What I didn't like about the novel is the author's use of retrospect. Because Julia is looking back at the time, some of the innocence and wonder is gone. The language used is not true of an eleven-year-old. But maybe it's supposed to be that way. I just didn't like how it shifted from first person present to first person past. What I did like was the coming of age story--of Julia's struggles to fit in and have friends at school, Julia's navigation of her mother's Slowing Sickness, and Julia's relationship with her father, which was somewhat strained. I didn't particularly bond with many of the characters. Except the grandfather.

quirky 7

Seventeenth day of the July Challenge:

Tell us 7 random facts about yourself:

1.  At approximately 3 o'clock every afternoon, I run out of steam.  It is prime nap time.
2. I have worn my hair in basically the same style since around 2000.  But before that, I would do wild things with my hair (asymmetrical cuts, half shaved, all kinds of experiments).
3. I am a self-conscious doodler.
4. I think I would be a really good judge for a talent show.
5. Sometimes I am scared to set goals.  I hate to let myself down.
6. I still feel confident without having a therapist at the ready.
7. Taking the summer off was a brilliant idea.
   

ten things tuesday

Had an awesome manicure (there's a sheer pinky glittery polish over the top of the French manicure)

Unfortunately, I can't take a picture of both hands at the same time, so you'll have to imagine a matching right hand. Yes, those are my own nails. Ten fingers.

at least there's air conditioning...

I took my niece driving again today. She's doing well. I'm not scared to death. Her mother is scared to death. I think she's going a very good job. Our destination was lunch at Al's Diner, a spot I haven't been to in far too long. Seems like the change in ownership brouhaha has settled and I might add it back into rotation.

be it ever so humble...

My humble summer tote is going to be featured on the project page the designer created on Ravelry (the knit and crochet online community). I'm so darn excited I can't even stand myself!

never have I ever...

Sixteenth day of the July Challenge:


What is one thing that you have never done that you think most people have?

I have never met in real life a friend I've made on the internet. I've only had a couple of opportunities but I've never managed to connect.

good deed...

Fifteenth day of the July Challenge:


Do a good deed for someone and tell us about it. Or tell us a good deed that was done for you.

The first week of July is Buy A Friend A Book Week. I bought my sister a book.

struggled with it, but count it...

One of my reading group members likes to challenge herself as a reader. Sometimes that spills over into our group. I admit, I struggled with this book. It felt like three different novellas slapped together instead of the flow of a novel. I read the first two sections and began the third, but needed to cut it with something more summery, lighter. I'm counting it as a read book, though, because I read 80% of it.