yarn along

Join in every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting and reading too!

Listening to Amy Poehler's Yes Please and knitting the Super Easy Chunky Cable Headband

happy day 11

Day 11: Lunch at my favorite place!

ten things tuesday

Linking up with Ten On Tuesday this week.

This week's topic is 10 Things You Love About Visiting the Country.

An interesting topic since I live in the country--but these are things I like about it:

1) The pace. Four cars in a line are considered traffic.

2) The views. I try to be mindful about the beautiful fields and rolling hills I see on my drive to school every day.

3) The animals. I've seen beautiful foxes, bears, moose, deer, rabbits, and others I can't think of right now. Not to mention the birds--eagles, owls, and more!

4) The air. It's not smoggy.

5) The night sky. There aren't many city lights to interfere with the views. The night sky goes on forever. And seeing aurora borealis is amazing!

6) The space. You can be miles apart from neighbors, or you can live nearby. There's space for all!

7) The quaint towns. So many townships and towns along the way. Almost all have active historical societies.

8) The quiet. I was house-sitting on the outskirts of town and realized how quiet it is just a mile from where I live in the heart of town.

9) The neighbors. When I go places, people know who I am or at least recognize and acknowledge me. And I do the same. It's one big ol' neighborhood. Sometimes that bugs me but overall it's a draw.

10) The internet. It connects me to the greater world, so I can enjoy the privileges of modern conveniences even though I live hours from the nearest city.

happy day 10

Day 10: I went to breakfast with my bestie. Oddly, I overslept and was late! She didn't mind. She actually said she feels like I'm always waiting for her so she thought it was funny. We had a great catch up conversation.

just finished...

This was a marathon listen--clocking in at more than 20 hours. That might be why I didn't love it. Three sections and the second section dragged on. I loved the researched historical period. And the house is almost a character, too. ETA: the narrator made the book, if she hadn't been so wonderful, I would have stopped listening.

From the publisher:

It is 1922, and London is tense. Ex-servicemen are disillusioned; the out-of-work and the hungry are demanding change. And in South London, in a genteel Camberwell villa, a large silent house now bereft of brothers, husband, and even servants, life is about to be transformed, as impoverished widow Mrs. Wray and her spinster daughter, Frances, are obliged to take in lodgers.

With the arrival of Lilian and Leonard Barber, a modern young couple of the "clerk class", the routines of the house will be shaken up in unexpected ways. Little do the Wrays know just how profoundly their new tenants will alter the course of Frances's life - or, as passions mount and frustration gathers, how far-reaching, and how devastating, the disturbances will be.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

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

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

This week’s random question: Do you read in the water (bathtub, pool, etc)? Why, or why not?

I would but I haven't had an opportunity to. I'd put my Nook in a plastic bag, of course!

happy day 9

Day 9: There's no place like home! My parents have returned from their whirlwind trip to NYC and I am home! Maggie was ignoring them when I left.

sunday salon

Joining in Sunday Salon.

Time: 11:45 am

Scene: I'm lounging in the recliner, procrastinating getting cleaned up.

Today's plan: Go back to my parents' to clear up any trace of my being there--I like to leave their house as if I haven't been there after I've been dog sitting. It's been a long week.

Listening to: the clock ticking

Drinking: iced coffee from Dunkin' Donuts

Participating in: back to school hustle and bustle in the upcoming week

Blogging about: oh, my usual memes and books I've read

Giving thanks for: summer vacation--I have savored my time off, taken some road trips with family & friends, and let the world roll off my back

finished reading

The 8th in the series finds the duo in fine form--this is one of the best of the series!

From the publisher:

When a mysterious case of illegal cactus smuggling comes to their attention, Chet and his human P.I. companion, Bernie Little, find themselves in a prickly situation in this eighth book in the New York Times bestselling mystery series.

In the latest entry in the immensely popular Chet and Bernie mystery series, Private Investigator Bernie Little and his canine companion Chet return home to encounter some alarming developments. First off, Bernie's wall safe normally hidden behind the waterfall picture in the office is gone, and with it Bernie's grandfather's watch, their most valuable possession. And next door, old Mr. Parsons is under investigation for being in possession of a saguaro cactus illegally transplanted from the desert. Bernie and Chet go deep into the desert to investigate. Is it possible that such a lovely old couple have a terrible secret in their past?

Chet and Bernie discover bad things going on in the wilderness, far worse that cactus smuggling, and all connected to a strange but innocent-seeming desert festival called Arrow Bright. They unearth leads that take them back to a long-ago kidnapping that may not have been a kidnapping and threaten a ruthless and charismatic criminal with a cult following, a criminal who sees at once what Chet and Bernie mean to each other and knows how to exploit it.

And the final chapter left me begging for more!

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Crazy Random Twenty Meme

1. Have you ever demolished a wall or building? 
I have taken a sledge hammer to a wall (I was well-supervised)
2. If you and a friend both wanted the same thing would you let the friend get it first? 
depends on what it is, but I probably would
3. Have you ever argued over who should pay for something? 
just the other night
4. Do you have any family heirlooms? 
nothing comes to mind
5. Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous? 
I am distantly related to both Celine Dion and Madonna
6. What's your favorite ocean? 
by default, the Atlantic
7. Do you correct peoples mistakes? 
only when I'm at school
8. Have you ever helped out an injured animal? 
not that I can think of
9. Do you throw bread for the ducks? 
occasionally
10. Do you think babies are little bundles of joy or smelly noisy things? 
bundles of joy
11. Do you give money to buskers?
if they're good
12. Do you ever forward or reply to chain mails? 
no
13. Do you often have a tune in your head you can't name? 
usually I know the name of it
14. Has anyone ever approached you thinking you were someone else? 
yes
15. Have you ever starred in an amateur or professional video? 
no starred, no, but I have been part of an amateur video
16. Have you ever been in a position of authority? 
yes
17. If you were ruler of your own country what would you call it? 
my students call my classroom our own country
18. And what title would you give yourself? 
usually the Queen or something similar
19. If you invented a monster what would you call it? 
Josey
20. And what features would it have?
unusual features

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.

happy day 8

Day 8: Today I felt plugged into my community by attending an art exhibit opening at the new gallery at the local library. Because I'm a trustee, I attend a lot of these types of events which are w.a.y. out of my comfort zone. I am uncomfortable when I have to schmooze. But, a friend went with me and it wasn't too terrible, although I was in the throes of anxiety sweat. (is that tmi?)

saturday 9

Rocky Mountain High

1) In this song, Denver sings that he was "born in the summer of his 27th year," because that's when he discovered the place where he felt most at home. What do you remember about your 27th year? (If it hasn't happened yet, what do you want to happen when you're 27?) Let's see--I had an active social life, I was traveling to Europe, I worked at the supermarket, I was dating a great guy--Life was a bowl of cherries!

2) In 2007, the Colorado General Assembly named this one of the state's two official songs. (The other is "Where the Columbines Grow.") Do you know your state song? I think it's called the Maine Song, or the Great State Song... I am embarrassed that I don't know!

3) John Denver was a dedicated environmentalist who wrote an anthem about Earth Day. Are you careful about your energy consumption? Do you recycle? I am energy conscious and I do recycle!

4) 1975 is also the year that Denver released a collection of holiday songs called Rocky Mountain Christmas. On this August day, what's the first carol that comes to mind? John Lennon's "So This Is Christmas"

5) Denver dabbled in photography in his spare time and friends say he was quite good. Tell us about your hobbies. I knit, I read, I nap

6) In 1975, when this song was popular, mood rings were all the rage. It was said that the ring reflected the wearer's mood. Black = anxious/stressed, orange = worried, green = normal, blue = happy, pink = as good as it gets. As you respond to this week's Saturday 9, what color would your mood ring be? Black because I have to go to a library event that I'm anxious about attending

7) Pet Rocks were 1975's other odd cultural phenomenon. Do you have any real-life, breathing pets? the dog of my heart is Maggie and I'm babysitting her this week

8) 1975 saw the premiere of Wheel of Fortune. Are you good at word puzzles? usually

9) Random question: Did you sleep well last night? I did--the evil beast was not as restless as she has been and conked out without the up/down shenanigans of previous nights (including frenzied barking at 3 am)

happy day 7

Day 7: I spent time today with my dear friend Piper (of the Chebeague visit) and it's the second time in a month that we've seen each other after about twenty years. My happy is that the first time, on the Island, we reminisced about the past, but tonight we caught up on who we are now. We still have a LOT in common and much to talk about. Dear friends make me happy.

friday 5

La La La La La La La

1. What’s your favorite song about a specific city?
"Anchorage" Michelle Shocked
2. What’s your favorite song about a real, historical figure?
"MLK" U2
3. What are your favorite song and favorite group (or solo artist) from the classic Motown era?
“You Really Got a Hold On Me” Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
4. What’s your favorite song by a musician (or band) you really dislike?
"Mmmm Bop" by Hanson
5. What’s your favorite song with the word “song” in its title?
"59th Street Bridge Song" by Simon & Garfunkel

happy challenge 6

Day 6: Doing laundry at Dad's while hanging out with Maggie.

booking through thursday

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Do you like to talk about what you read? Do you have somebody to talk WITH? From the archives.

I love talking about books! I'll talk books with anyone! Currently, I have been a member of the Lunch Bunch Reading Group (a gang of us at school) for at least fifteen years. It's the most consistent group I'm in. We meet monthly, and every member of the group selects a month to act as host and discussion leader, setting our slate for the year in the back-to-school meeting. I've fallen into the role of secretary for the group, typing up the slate of books along with host duties flyer, monthly email reminders, coordinating if any schedule changes need to occur.

And in June, my local library started a contemporary fiction book group. I joined and enjoy the books we selected so far. It's flexible in book selections and last month, I was asked to facilitate the discussion (which was a challenge because only two of us had read the book). Once I got over worrying about spoilers, the discussion flowed and we had a good discussion in a more general sense of location, place, characters and plot. I hope people read the book for August's gathering.

What I enjoy about being in a group is reading outside my usual genres--stepping out of my comfort zone. I've read books I never would have picked up. Some months I don't even finish the book, but I always attend (I think I've missed two of the LBRG at school). Sometimes it's more fun to NOT enjoy the book and to discuss what was the turn off.

finished reading

I loved this book and can't wait to talk to my students about it. It's a coming of age story that takes place in one week, triggered by an innocent hypothetical question. The characters are vivid and charming, although it took me a while to warm up to Higgs, the main character.

From the publisher:

Higgs Boson Bing has seven days left before his perfect high school career is completed. Then it's on to Harvard to fulfill the fantasy portrait of success that he and his parents have cultivated for the past four years. Four years of academic achievement. Four years of debate championships. Two years of dating the most popular girl in school. It was, literally, everything his parents could have wanted. Everything they wanted for Higgs's older brother Jeffrey, in fact.

But something's not right. And when Higgs's girlfriend presents him with a seemingly innocent hypothetical question about whether or not he'd give her a kidney . . . the exposed fault lines reach straight down to the foundations of his life. . . .

happy challenge 5

Day 5: Cherry Limeade Sparkling Ice makes me happy.

yarn along

Join in every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting and reading too!

Listening to Sarah Waters' The Paying Guests and knitting the Starving Artist hat.

books and books

finished reading

I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Very clever premise--Harriet is a self-proclaimed geek who wants to reinvent herself and gets the opportunity to when she is scouted to be a model while begrudgingly going with her best friend, Nat, to a modeling event. Harriet's mishaps are funny and I could relate to them. The secondary characters are vivid and lively. I enjoyed this and can't wait to recommend it to my nieces.

finished reading

A fun, cozy mystery featuring Patricia Ann "Mouse" and her sister Mary Alice. Lots of southern charm and snappy dialogue. The first of the series. Quick read.

happy challenge four

Day Four: The dog let me sleep in!

Don't be fooled by the innocent face.

ten things tuesday

Linking up with Ten On Tuesday this week.

This week's topic is 10 Things You Love About Visiting the City.

Since I've been traveling a lot this summer, this will be a snap! My most recent trips were to Portland, Augusta, and Bangor (Maine).

1) People watching. Wowzer, you truly see ALL KINDS in the city.

2) Places to stroll along and poke into--parks, monuments, and local finds.

3) Places to be busy. There's "stuff" going on all around, all the time.

4) Restaurants of every variety. Coming from The Great White North it's overwhelming to have so many choices.

5) Galleries and museums. Buskers and street performers.

6) The energy. There's so much hustle and bustle, it's the complete opposite of life here.

7) Amusements and choices--multiple movies, concerts, shows, theater, and all sorts of fairs.

8) Hotels. Because when I'm visiting the City it's so far from "here" that it usually involves an overnight stay. And there's something fun about staying in hotels. Although there's nothing as sweet as sleeping in my own bed again.

9) Book stores and yarn shops. I am embarrassed to say I live in an area that does not have book store. And going to a yarn shop with different brands and lines of yarn is a thrill, I mean I'm used to what's available locally--being able to squish the yarn is such a treat!

10) The travel. I have to travel 2.5 hours south of "here" to get to Central Maine and the shopping there. It's one of the drawbacks of living in the Great White North, however, the trip itself can be a lot of fun--full of singing, talking, and beautiful scenery.

happy challenge 3

Day 3: Reading a good book on a hot, summer day.

just finished reading...

I'm not sure if this book is a mystery, a coming of age story, a family saga, or what--but it's good!

From the publisher:

“Simon Watson, a young librarian, lives alone in a house that is slowly crumbling toward the Long Island Sound. His parents are long dead. His mother, a circus mermaid who made her living by holding her breath, drowned in the very water his house overlooks. His younger sister, Enola, ran off six years ago and now reads tarot cards for a traveling carnival.

One June day, an old book arrives on Simon’s doorstep, sent by an antiquarian bookseller who purchased it on speculation. Fragile and water damaged, the book is a log from the owner of a traveling carnival in the 1700s, who reports strange and magical things, including the drowning death of a circus mermaid. Since then, generations of “mermaids” in Simon’s family have drowned–always on July 24, which is only weeks away.

As his friend Alice looks on with alarm, Simon becomes increasingly worried about his sister. Could there be a curse on Simon’s family? What does it have to do with the book, and can he get to the heart of the mystery in time to save Enola?”

My book group is going to discuss this and I can't wait--it's got a touch of history, a touch of magic, and a love of books. I liked how the narration switched from present (Simon) to past (The Carnival Log). One of my favorites of the year.

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

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

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

I'm currently reading The Book of Speculation and am totally loving it! I love the atmosphere of magic, from the world of the carnival performers. My book group is going to be meeting on Thursday to talk about it. Summer reading is so much fun!

the view

Scenic turnout--a view of Mt. Katahdin.

happy challenge 2

A shopping mission to Central Maine (I know I've whined enough about the lack of shopping around here) to deck out my niece's dorm room for the fall. The trunk and backseat were totally filled and we had so much fun! We got almost everything on "the list" in just a couple of hours, had supper, and then finished the list. I had mentioned getting pedicures and my sister had her first. It was wonderful!

So my happy is spending the weekend with my sister and niece, getting ready for this monumental step.

sunday stealing

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Sunday Stealing: Shout Out The Answer Meme

1. Do you shout out the answers at the TV while watching quiz shows? 
well, maybe not shout, but yes!
2. Do you get over-involved with TV or movie plots at times? 
yes, sometimes I'll discuss them with my friends as though the characters or people involved are part of my life
3. What's the highest hill or mountain you've ever climbed? 
Quoggy Jo Mountain
4. Do you have a piggy bank? 
no
5. What's the fastest you've ever traveled in a car? 
probably around 100 mph
6. Could you ever hand milk a cow? 
doubtful
7. Which was your favorite science? Biology, Physics or Chemistry? 
biology
8. Have you ever had a surprise party? (that was an actual surprise) 
yes
9. Have you ever warn clothing with the labels/tags still attached? 
unfortunately, yes
10. Have you ever slipped on a banana skin? 
no
11. Are you scared of the dark? 
no
12. Do you have a lawyer? 
I have a very dear friend who would give me legal advice
13. If you had a paid year off, what would you want to do? 
study something
14. How long did you last phone call last? 
two minutes and a few seconds
15. Have you ever helped someone across the road? 
I have
16. Have you ever been wolf whistled in public?
I've been barked at, not quite the same

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.

happy challenge 1

It is time, once again, for the August Happiness Challenge! Thanks to The Gal Herself!


Here's a brief explanation of the Challenge:

"Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world."

DAY 1: Anticipation of a road trip with my sister and niece to do some college dorm shopping. We're ready to roll and heading down to Bangor to hit Target and some other stores. It will be 3 hours of laughter, singing, and memories made all in one leg of the journey!

saturday 9

Heartbeat Song

1) Kelly Clarkson is singing an upbeat song about falling in love. Think of your favorite love song. Is it about finding love or losing it? celebrating love

2) This song was co-written by Kara DioGuardi, who was a judge on American Idol. Kelly was, of course, the first American Idol. Do you watch Idol, The Voice, or America's Got Talent? I watched the first ten seasons of Idol faithfully, I occasionally watch now. Sometimes I watch The Voice and AGT.

3) In this video, Kelly is blonde. Clairol based a famous ad campaign around the assertion that "blondes have more fun." Tell us another commercial catchphrase (it can be for any product at all). "Just do it"

4) As a young girl, Kelly wanted to be a marine biologist. She jokes that she changed her mind after seeing Jaws. Tell us about a movie that really scared you. The Shining

5) Kelly is very involved with NASCAR, performing at pre-race concerts and appearing at their Champions' Breakfast. Are you a race fan? I am not a race fan

6) Kelly is married to Brandon Blackstock, stepson of country superstar Reba McEntire. Are you a country music fan? I do not mind some country now and then

7) The Blackstocks have a baby girl, River Rose. In May, the family visited an Australian wildlife preserve and introduced her to koalas and kangaroos. Have you visited the zoo this year? no, I probably won't either

8) Upon learning that she was getting criticized on Twitter for being "big," Kelly responded, "Say what you will. It's a free world. It doesn't bother me." How about you? Do you worry what other people think of you? not too much

9) She bid over $200,000 and won a ring that had once belonged to Jane Austen. (She doesn't have the ring, though; the British government banned its sale because it's a historic artifact and Kelly's money was returned.) She also has a first edition of one of Austen's novels. Who is your all-time favorite writer? hmmm... all-time favorite? I guess I'll go with Stephen King

friday 5

Fresh Catch

1. What were your feelings the last time you stood on a scale?
resigned
2. In what ways are you old school, and in what ways are you new school?
I'm old school about education and I'm new school regarding technology
3. What big event is coming down the pike for you?
I'm going to be dog-sitting for a week, starting Monday
4. In which social situations do you thrive, and in which do you flounder?
I thrive when I know what to expect and flounder when there is too much unstructured activity
5. When was the last time a fad hooked you?
I often an hooked by fads... lately it's the TV show Alone

booking through thursday

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How do you store your books? On bookcases? In piles? In piles on bookcases? Are they sorted? Do you know where everything is? What’s the most creative storage you’ve seen or used for your books? .

I'm down to one book case. But I have a couple of boxes of books that I need to sort or donate (I know I'll never read them again). I don't have a system, other than by genre. I know where to find them, that's what counts! That's one thing I love about my Nook. No more storage problems!

yarn along

Join in every Wednesday to share a single photo of what you are knitting and reading too!

The Lara Hat and The Paying Guests

ten things tuesday

Ten Favorite Vacation Moments:

1) Not setting an alarm.

2) Eating at Cafe Sorpreso every week.

3) Knitting. And being asked to knit some keepsakes for friends and family.

4) Reading. I am still waiting for THE book of the summer, but I have read some good books this summer.

5) Road trips! I've taken three trips and am looking forward to at least one more.

6) Reconnecting with old friends. Staying connected with all my friends.

7) Ice cream.

8) Spending time with my nieces.

9) Savoring Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee.

10) Letting go of stress and worry about the changes coming in the next school year.

happy challenge

It is time, once again, for the August Happiness Challenge! Thanks to The Gal Herself!


Here's a brief explanation of the Challenge:

"Each day in August you are to post about something that makes *you* happy. Pretty simple. And, it doesn't even have to be every day if you don't want it to be. It's a great way to remind ourselves that there are positive things going on in our lives, our communities, and the world."

friends and feasts

The Friends!

The Feast!

I am so glad I went on this getaway to Chebeague Island; the island is quaint and not quite what I was expecting. There is a lot of wealth on the island. And a lot of shabby-chic.

But, on to the important parts: on Friday, we hit Portland and wandered around the Old Port. Jon was a great host in his home city. And the three of us spent a great afternoon and evening just catching up and gabbing. Unfortunately, I crashed around 8 pm, causing our night to end early. In my defense, the 6 hour drive down was in pouring rain and it was quite taxing. The Old Port was bustling, people watching was at a premium, and the conversation flowed.

Saturday morning we got up to make the ferry to the island. The bus to the ferry was crowded with lots of locals who were loaded with bags, boxes, and parcels. It was an uneventful ride. When Piper met us, there were hugs and tears--and lots of laughter. The big activity of the day was the library's 50th Anniversary celebration. Since Piper volunteers there, we went to the big bash. Being avid readers, Valerie and I were thrilled to tour the little library and attend the gathering. Piper introduced us to all sorts of people who shape the summers of her life. Interestingly, Val was introduced as a childhood best friend and I was introduced as a high school bestie. It was so much fun! Late Saturday afternoon, we got around to preparing the feast--all the while listening to an 80s radio station, singing, dancing, and reminiscing! The years melted away. We talked the night away.

Sunday was a drizzly, dreary day. Piper's hubby joined us unexpectedly--he wanted to make himself scarce so we would be able to focus on us. Curiosity got the better of him and he had to join us, though. The ferry back was even more crammed full than the previous ferry. But we managed to make it home before it got too late.

I'm lucky I have today to recover, poor Val had summer school bright and early. It's almost like a friend hang over!

musing mondays

Click here to play along.

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

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

This week’s random question: Have you ever made a new friend because of a book? (or books)?

I've made friends by being in book groups, so I guess that counts!