This morning my local radio station played this:
(Joe Jackson - Is She Really Going Out With Him)
And I sang along like a complete and total idiot. With abandon, glee and no shame.
Until I pulled up to the stop light. And was completely caught by a slick dude in his Mercedes.
I was, in my defense, doing a cover of a cover, as in I only sing that song as if I were Mama Spell. Who apparently doesn't have a version of it online. Trust me, it's fantastic.
When I'm not busy embarrassing myself in traffic, these are two songs I've been really enjoying lately:
(Noah & The Whale - L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N)
(Iron & Wine - Me and Lazarus)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Saturday, April 30, 2011
April Books/Crafts/House Wrap Up
Books Finished:
1) There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell (Laurie Notaro)
This was my book club book of the month. I had not heard of Notaro before, but have been told her nonfiction collections are laugh out loud funny. I went into this hoping for some comic relief, in the same vein as Fannie Flagg, but admit that it was only at the very end of the book that I finally laughed out loud (the description of a dog in costume). This is a classic fish out of water tale, with a little bit of mystery thrown in. I remember all too well moving somewhere new and trying to break into existing established cliques, so part of it resonated with me, but I'd like to think that the exaggerated absurdities are really just that. Enjoyed it enough to potentially check out her nonfiction. (I will note however that there is a negative portrayal of a pit bull in the book. Since one of the gals in my book club is a pit bull and dog fighting rescue advocate, that didn't sit well.)
2) The Peach Keeper (Sarah Addison Allen)
There aren't a lot of authors that are on my guaranteed must-read list, regardless of what they publish. There are even fewer authors outside of the mystery or fantasy genre that are on my list, let alone someone who is widely considered a "women's fiction" genre writer. In fact, Allen may be the only such writer on that list. I have enjoyed each of her books greatly, often keeping them on my "comfort reading" stack to just go back to certain passages again and again. My only complaint with this title is that it felt shallow. Not in a vain way, but in that it was so quick and light, I really wished she had taken more time and given us more, more depth, more spice, more interaction. Covering stereotypes in small towns and how relationships and friendships change as we age (and cross generations), both with just the right amount of struggle and realism, this still throws a little bit of her "magic" that her readers expect. Of the four books I have read by this author, I'd place it third on my list. (But only because The Girl Who Chased the Moon rarely leaves my bedside stack.)
3) With this Ring, I Thee Bed (Alison Tyler)
One of my biggest complaints as a happily married reader of erotica is how often adultery plays into the plots. When I came across this title as a preview read on NetGalley (having just published April 19th) I jumped at the chance to read a marriage themed short story erotica collection. And indeed, some of them do feature married or engaged couples, however others still flirt with adultery or cheating in some form to find their spice. Many of them bend the traditional concepts of relationships and marriage with varying degrees of success and hotness, but I think that's more a reflection on me and my expectations than the actual content. Of the collection I thought that the Jax Baynard, Kristina Lloyd, and Kristina Wright stories really stood out (especially the last of the three). In recent years I've been very disappointed with similar collections that I've purchased in bookstores, but this is a step above by comparison.
4) The Twisted Thread (Charlotte Bacon)
The blurb on NetGalley (releases June 14th) for this title compares it to The Secret History, which is one of my favorite books of all time. I couldn't pass up reading something that promised me similar "gripping suspense" and wasn't disappointed. Like the Tartt book, this dips into the life of privileged education in a private school (high school here, instead of college in TSH) and the book begins with a murder. Through compelling twists and turns, more than one secret comes to light. I liked that the story was told through the voice of different (likable) characters, and that the conclusion was one of hope. My only complaint was that the ending felt a little rushed. *Sort of vague allusion to a potential spoiler* While one person committed the actual murder, the author did a great job of showing how a larger society led to the death. However I would have liked if the actual murderer had been more of the plot and less of a device. *Done with vague spoiler* All of that said, I couldn't put this down.
5) Locke & Key Volume 3: Crown of Shadows (Joe Hill)
All I can say about the third installment of this series is - are you reading it yet? And why the hell not? The fourth compilation comes out later this year and I promise you, you're going to want to have read this in print before the miniseries airs. When I didn't think the plot could get more shiver inducing creepy or heart wrenching, it does. Seeing how the three children in the Locke family struggle through all that they've gone through, and are going through, is a testament to the strength of the young. (I admit that the youngest is my favorite.) Seriously, read these books. If for no other reason than I need someone else to geek out over them with.
6) Sew Up a Home Makeover (Lexi Barnes)
This is my final NetGalley title of the month, and publishes in July. We are planning on some fairly significant remodeling and redecorating in our home over the next year or so, and a major component of that includes my sewing. I wanted to review this title for inspiration, and wasn't disappointed. I think this title will appeal to both those who are fairly new to sewing, as well as those with more advanced skills. The beginning of the book talks about how you can use quick changes in fabric accessories to update the look of a room, and all of the projects demonstrate that with colorful photos. There are more detailed skills, instructions, tips and tools for beginners, but still more challenging projects like an entire sofa cover, for those with more experience. Among the projects included are switch plate covers and lampshades, as well as a few pieces of clothing, all of which were pleasant surprises. I know I'll be incorporating at least one project (envelope pillow covers) into our plans this year.
7) Knitting 24/7 (Véronik Avery)
What I love about this title is that it addresses how many of us knitters are "one row when we get time" knitters. The patterns in this book are meant to work with that concept, so are fairly portable, with easy to knit on the fly patterns, where you can easily pick up where you left off in a few seconds. While there were a few projects that go against my personal knitting style (I've sworn I'll never knit a skirt, and I'm not a sock knitter) there were several more that I'm filing away for future reference. This obviously leans towards smaller projects (hats, scarves, mittens) but one of my favorites was the Elemental Pullover (Ravelry link). Fantastic concept, good book.
8) Brave New Knits (Julie Turjoman)
This title takes 26 blogging knitters, offers a profile for each of them, and then a pattern demonstrating their designs. I usually have mixed feelings about titles like this, often concerned that they're going to date themselves with the speed that technology changes (like the bird craft book earlier this year that focused on Etsy stores) and turn into the next "Modern Computing" title from 1950. That said, if you ignore the overarching "knitwear blogger" concept and just look at this for the patterns, it is a very solid knitting title. The Silke Jacket by Shannon Okey? Good Lord do I wish I had a body to pull that beauty off. I'd like to think that when the contributors were asked to participate they each thought "I'm going to kick ass with this submission" and there was a little bit of competition going on, because I think this was a step above a lot of the pattern books I've looked at in recent months. (The Global Cable Coat by Jennifer Hagan? YES PLEASE.)
Books NOT Finished:
I'm ashamed to say that there were two books on my list that I started and could.not.finish this month.
1) The Invisible Bridge (Julie Orringer)
This is the historical fiction genre winner from RUSA, and part of my friend Katie's genre fiction challenge. I tried. I really did. I picked up the book in print. I made it so far and couldn't do it. I tried the audio version. Still couldn't get very far. This book has won multiple awards and from what I struggled through, was well written, with detailed descriptions and complex characters. Regardless, I'm going to consider myself conquered and take it back to the library. Out of a good faith effort, I'm going to give one of the short list RUSA titles a shot during our summer reading break, but I think it's time to admit that historical fiction isn't my bag.
2) Smokin' Six Shooter (BJ Daniels)
I won this title on Twitter, and really didn't know what I was getting into. I admit I've never picked up a single Harlequin romance in my entire reading life (even as a teen), so I didn't know what to expect. What I learned is that there are apparently various imprints within the publishing house, and this is one of their "Intrigue" series, meaning more mystery, less smut. And dude, if I'm going to endure the mocking of my husband for reading a pure romance novel (pure romance goes against my normal reading taste), I want some smut (which is apparently the Blaze imprint, good to know). From what I could get through, this was a culture clash tale where a city girl hits the country to investigate a mysterious inheritance with an even bigger mystery attached. She meets a hot cowboy. Smut doesn't ensue. I'm confident that this is the perfect title for someone, but not me.
Crafts/House:
* I have been woefully non-crafty this month. On the other hand, we spring cleaned two bedrooms and a hallway, and I could not be happier with the progress. I am on a pitching spree and determined to re-embrace simplicity as much as possible. As an end result, we donated seven boxes and two bags of "stuff" to the VA (and I haven't even touched my closets yet). Walls and windows are washed, carpets shampooed, linens washed and ironed, closets and drawers neatly organized. (And yes, boxes from the Container Store were purchased.) We also got rid of a second television and cable box in our bedroom, and it makes the room so much lighter and more airy.
* On a bigger accomplishment level, this month I wrote a check that meant our only remaining debt is our house. (And then immediately got letters from my credit card companies lowering my rates, of course.) This has been something I've been working on for years and I can't tell you what a relief it is to have that "monkey" off my back. A lot of the debt goes back many years to when I was just working part time, but it's a huge relief to now be able to plan major things, like new carpet in the living room, another new car, and a complete remodel of our dining room.
Last year was a year we struggled through for a lot of reasons. It was tough. But we're both making a concerted effort to bend the will of 2011 into being good by force. Four months in, and despite colds and infections and stress, we're pulling it off. I can't tell you how much we've both learned about looking around every day and realizing the blessings that surround you. A lot of what we're doing around the house are part of that - streamlining, donating, gifting to those who can use better than us, eliminating excess - it's all good and freeing.
1) There's a (Slight) Chance I Might be Going to Hell (Laurie Notaro)
This was my book club book of the month. I had not heard of Notaro before, but have been told her nonfiction collections are laugh out loud funny. I went into this hoping for some comic relief, in the same vein as Fannie Flagg, but admit that it was only at the very end of the book that I finally laughed out loud (the description of a dog in costume). This is a classic fish out of water tale, with a little bit of mystery thrown in. I remember all too well moving somewhere new and trying to break into existing established cliques, so part of it resonated with me, but I'd like to think that the exaggerated absurdities are really just that. Enjoyed it enough to potentially check out her nonfiction. (I will note however that there is a negative portrayal of a pit bull in the book. Since one of the gals in my book club is a pit bull and dog fighting rescue advocate, that didn't sit well.)
2) The Peach Keeper (Sarah Addison Allen)
There aren't a lot of authors that are on my guaranteed must-read list, regardless of what they publish. There are even fewer authors outside of the mystery or fantasy genre that are on my list, let alone someone who is widely considered a "women's fiction" genre writer. In fact, Allen may be the only such writer on that list. I have enjoyed each of her books greatly, often keeping them on my "comfort reading" stack to just go back to certain passages again and again. My only complaint with this title is that it felt shallow. Not in a vain way, but in that it was so quick and light, I really wished she had taken more time and given us more, more depth, more spice, more interaction. Covering stereotypes in small towns and how relationships and friendships change as we age (and cross generations), both with just the right amount of struggle and realism, this still throws a little bit of her "magic" that her readers expect. Of the four books I have read by this author, I'd place it third on my list. (But only because The Girl Who Chased the Moon rarely leaves my bedside stack.)
3) With this Ring, I Thee Bed (Alison Tyler)
One of my biggest complaints as a happily married reader of erotica is how often adultery plays into the plots. When I came across this title as a preview read on NetGalley (having just published April 19th) I jumped at the chance to read a marriage themed short story erotica collection. And indeed, some of them do feature married or engaged couples, however others still flirt with adultery or cheating in some form to find their spice. Many of them bend the traditional concepts of relationships and marriage with varying degrees of success and hotness, but I think that's more a reflection on me and my expectations than the actual content. Of the collection I thought that the Jax Baynard, Kristina Lloyd, and Kristina Wright stories really stood out (especially the last of the three). In recent years I've been very disappointed with similar collections that I've purchased in bookstores, but this is a step above by comparison.
4) The Twisted Thread (Charlotte Bacon)
The blurb on NetGalley (releases June 14th) for this title compares it to The Secret History, which is one of my favorite books of all time. I couldn't pass up reading something that promised me similar "gripping suspense" and wasn't disappointed. Like the Tartt book, this dips into the life of privileged education in a private school (high school here, instead of college in TSH) and the book begins with a murder. Through compelling twists and turns, more than one secret comes to light. I liked that the story was told through the voice of different (likable) characters, and that the conclusion was one of hope. My only complaint was that the ending felt a little rushed. *Sort of vague allusion to a potential spoiler* While one person committed the actual murder, the author did a great job of showing how a larger society led to the death. However I would have liked if the actual murderer had been more of the plot and less of a device. *Done with vague spoiler* All of that said, I couldn't put this down.
5) Locke & Key Volume 3: Crown of Shadows (Joe Hill)
All I can say about the third installment of this series is - are you reading it yet? And why the hell not? The fourth compilation comes out later this year and I promise you, you're going to want to have read this in print before the miniseries airs. When I didn't think the plot could get more shiver inducing creepy or heart wrenching, it does. Seeing how the three children in the Locke family struggle through all that they've gone through, and are going through, is a testament to the strength of the young. (I admit that the youngest is my favorite.) Seriously, read these books. If for no other reason than I need someone else to geek out over them with.
6) Sew Up a Home Makeover (Lexi Barnes)
This is my final NetGalley title of the month, and publishes in July. We are planning on some fairly significant remodeling and redecorating in our home over the next year or so, and a major component of that includes my sewing. I wanted to review this title for inspiration, and wasn't disappointed. I think this title will appeal to both those who are fairly new to sewing, as well as those with more advanced skills. The beginning of the book talks about how you can use quick changes in fabric accessories to update the look of a room, and all of the projects demonstrate that with colorful photos. There are more detailed skills, instructions, tips and tools for beginners, but still more challenging projects like an entire sofa cover, for those with more experience. Among the projects included are switch plate covers and lampshades, as well as a few pieces of clothing, all of which were pleasant surprises. I know I'll be incorporating at least one project (envelope pillow covers) into our plans this year.
7) Knitting 24/7 (Véronik Avery)
What I love about this title is that it addresses how many of us knitters are "one row when we get time" knitters. The patterns in this book are meant to work with that concept, so are fairly portable, with easy to knit on the fly patterns, where you can easily pick up where you left off in a few seconds. While there were a few projects that go against my personal knitting style (I've sworn I'll never knit a skirt, and I'm not a sock knitter) there were several more that I'm filing away for future reference. This obviously leans towards smaller projects (hats, scarves, mittens) but one of my favorites was the Elemental Pullover (Ravelry link). Fantastic concept, good book.
8) Brave New Knits (Julie Turjoman)
This title takes 26 blogging knitters, offers a profile for each of them, and then a pattern demonstrating their designs. I usually have mixed feelings about titles like this, often concerned that they're going to date themselves with the speed that technology changes (like the bird craft book earlier this year that focused on Etsy stores) and turn into the next "Modern Computing" title from 1950. That said, if you ignore the overarching "knitwear blogger" concept and just look at this for the patterns, it is a very solid knitting title. The Silke Jacket by Shannon Okey? Good Lord do I wish I had a body to pull that beauty off. I'd like to think that when the contributors were asked to participate they each thought "I'm going to kick ass with this submission" and there was a little bit of competition going on, because I think this was a step above a lot of the pattern books I've looked at in recent months. (The Global Cable Coat by Jennifer Hagan? YES PLEASE.)
Books NOT Finished:
I'm ashamed to say that there were two books on my list that I started and could.not.finish this month.
1) The Invisible Bridge (Julie Orringer)
This is the historical fiction genre winner from RUSA, and part of my friend Katie's genre fiction challenge. I tried. I really did. I picked up the book in print. I made it so far and couldn't do it. I tried the audio version. Still couldn't get very far. This book has won multiple awards and from what I struggled through, was well written, with detailed descriptions and complex characters. Regardless, I'm going to consider myself conquered and take it back to the library. Out of a good faith effort, I'm going to give one of the short list RUSA titles a shot during our summer reading break, but I think it's time to admit that historical fiction isn't my bag.
2) Smokin' Six Shooter (BJ Daniels)
I won this title on Twitter, and really didn't know what I was getting into. I admit I've never picked up a single Harlequin romance in my entire reading life (even as a teen), so I didn't know what to expect. What I learned is that there are apparently various imprints within the publishing house, and this is one of their "Intrigue" series, meaning more mystery, less smut. And dude, if I'm going to endure the mocking of my husband for reading a pure romance novel (pure romance goes against my normal reading taste), I want some smut (which is apparently the Blaze imprint, good to know). From what I could get through, this was a culture clash tale where a city girl hits the country to investigate a mysterious inheritance with an even bigger mystery attached. She meets a hot cowboy. Smut doesn't ensue. I'm confident that this is the perfect title for someone, but not me.
Crafts/House:
* I have been woefully non-crafty this month. On the other hand, we spring cleaned two bedrooms and a hallway, and I could not be happier with the progress. I am on a pitching spree and determined to re-embrace simplicity as much as possible. As an end result, we donated seven boxes and two bags of "stuff" to the VA (and I haven't even touched my closets yet). Walls and windows are washed, carpets shampooed, linens washed and ironed, closets and drawers neatly organized. (And yes, boxes from the Container Store were purchased.) We also got rid of a second television and cable box in our bedroom, and it makes the room so much lighter and more airy.
* On a bigger accomplishment level, this month I wrote a check that meant our only remaining debt is our house. (And then immediately got letters from my credit card companies lowering my rates, of course.) This has been something I've been working on for years and I can't tell you what a relief it is to have that "monkey" off my back. A lot of the debt goes back many years to when I was just working part time, but it's a huge relief to now be able to plan major things, like new carpet in the living room, another new car, and a complete remodel of our dining room.
Last year was a year we struggled through for a lot of reasons. It was tough. But we're both making a concerted effort to bend the will of 2011 into being good by force. Four months in, and despite colds and infections and stress, we're pulling it off. I can't tell you how much we've both learned about looking around every day and realizing the blessings that surround you. A lot of what we're doing around the house are part of that - streamlining, donating, gifting to those who can use better than us, eliminating excess - it's all good and freeing.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
March Books/Crafts/House Wrap Up
Books Finished:
1) Living Dead Girl (Elizabeth Scott)
This is the second of the three books pulled from the list of Bitch Magazine's 100 YA Books for the Feminist Reader, as well as the first book for my new book club. Then I ended up being too sick to go to our meeting, so I don't have the full analysis of my friends. This was an incredibly difficult book to read. It was short, and in theory I could have read it in one sitting, but based on the content I split it into three readings (interesting, one of the other girls in book club mentioned stopping at the same spot I did for my first break). Told from the point of view of a 15 year old who has been abducted by a pedophile, she is now "too old" for him, and facing the reality of what she must to do to survive. As an adult, this was just too realistic for me - I think I know all too well the horror of what adults are capable of concerning children. I wonder however, as a YA novel, what teenagers think of it. Is it the same level of vicarious reading that we got passing around VC Andrews as teens? Or is it indeed a precautionary tale?
2) Under Heaven (Guy Gavriel Kay)
This is the second book in my friend Katie's Genre Book Challenge - the Fantasy winner as decided by RUSA. Based on some changes in Katie's life, we've agreed to only read the winners each month, so the challenge has changed a bit (which is fine with me). I can't express enough how 1) this is NOT a book I would normally have read, but 2) how much I loved it. Each of the characters were vivid and detailed, and the ending wasn't predictable or obvious. The main character, honored for offering tribute to fallen soldiers, finds his life at risk and more complex than he had ever dreamed. Thrust into fame, riches, and danger, he rises to the challenge and changes the empire around him. If I gain nothing else from doing this challenge, it was the pleasure of reading this book.
3) There's Cake in My Future (Kim Gruenenfelder)
This was my fluffy book for the month. A bride-to-be rigs the cake at her wedding shower so that each of her friends will pull the cake charm she feels they need. Of course the cake gets shifted and hilarity ensues. Told from altering points of view between the bride and her two best friends, they each deal with the changes in their lives that the unwanted charms have brought to them. Two of the three characters were great, the third only truly rose to the occasion at the very end of the book, but as a whole, I enjoyed it. A step above the average chick lit.
4) The Night Bookmobile (Audrey Niffenegger)
This is a graphic novel by the well known author of The Time Traveler's Wife, and I can't say that I'm what you would call a fan. A young woman roaming the streets comes across a bookmobile that holds every work she's ever read. It changes her, and she begins to live her life to impress the librarian and becomes a librarian herself, all the while seeking another visit to "her library." The twist at the end made me gasp out loud, and I think it made me realize that Niffenegger is comfortable going places that make me uncomfortable (having read Her Fearful Symmetry last year and being similarly disconcerted at the end).
5) Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard (David Peterson)
I'm a fan of the Mouse Guard universe, and this book was a given to me as a gift. This title is framed as a competition between the mice in a tavern, the mouse having told the best tale will have their bar tab wiped clean. The bridges between each tale are guided by Peterson's masterful hand, but the sub-stories allow other artists and story tellers to dabble in his universe. I absolutely adored this book, and cherish it as the gift it is. Highly recommend (but hey, you should read all of the Mouse Guard books anyway).
6) Stitch n Bitch Superstar Knitting (Debbie Stoller)
When I first started to knit, I was overwhelmed with the number of how-to knitting books out there, and often frustrated by the different techniques and methods from book to book. Fortunately, I came across the original Stitch n Bitch book, and realized that it was a series that worked the same way my knitting brain works. I count on Stoller's books as my handy reference manuals when I need guidance. This is an advanced technique book, and walks through each skill with clear directions and visuals. The final section of the book has a series of patterns to accompany each technique. I'm not in the market for learning any new skills right now, as far as knitting goes (drafting patterns, intarsia, steeks, etc...) but when I get there, this is the book I'll buy to help me out.
7) Knit Kimono (Vicki Square)
I was poking around Ravelry the other day for a sweater shape that would better fit my arms, and discovered that the shape I'm looking for falls under the "kimono" category. Then I discovered that several of the patterns I want to make come from this book. My rule is to always check craft/cooking books out of the library before buying them, but with this title I could have skipped that step. While some of the patterns are beyond what I could ever dream of making (full length robes with complicated colorwork) there are at least four that I have on my to-do list for fall. I still have the book checked out from the library, but I've also ordered it. There is a second book in the series (I'm on the waiting list at the library) and the only reason I haven't cast on yet is because I want the whole collection to choose from before I pick what will be first.
8) Amuse Bouche (Kelly Maher)
Disclaimers: 1) I won this short story on Twitter, and 2) I know the author behind the pen name. I'll admit, based on the latter, it was a little weird for me to read erotica written by a friend. Despite that, I think my biggest complaint was that it was indeed, just a short story. I read it, then took a nap, and when I woke up I thought "hmmm, there's something I was thinking about before I fell asleep, something I was looking forward to enjoying." Then I realized that I was looking forward to reading more, and sad that there isn't more to be had. Two chefs come together to prep for a competition, and have to face their attraction to one another before they can get to work. That the female lead is a curvy girl is a bonus.
9) Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts (Wanda E. Brunstetter)
My husband and I love to travel to the Lancaster PA area on vacation, and try to do so every year. We find it to be peaceful and relaxing, but still full of enough places to visit (and dine!) that we keep going back. Based on that, I asked to be able to preview this title via NetGalley, as it is exactly the kind of book I would give to him as a gift. This is a compilation of the dessert recipes from the author's other Amish cookbooks, and breaks them into seven chapters - Cakes, Candy, Cookies & Bars, Ice Cream (Toppings), Pies, Puddings & Cobblers, & Other Desserts. It is a very balanced mix of recipes from scratch and recipes using pre-made ingredients (cake, pudding mixes) that are modified. None of the recipes are overly complicated, and the percentage of ones I want to make is exponentially higher than ones I wouldn't. I have only two criticisms - 1) that there could be more photos of the finished products, and 2) there are some recipes that cry out for more information - why are Boyfriend Cookies called that? Grassroot Dream Cookies? Broken Glass Dessert? There are several others, but some additional information would be most welcome. Contains an index. Publishes July 2011. Don't tell my husband, but this is headed for his Christmas stocking.
10) Natural Patchwork (Suzuko Koseki)
This is my second NetGalley title of the month, and publishes April 12, 2011. The layout of the book first shows colorful examples of the 26 projects. While you might think that these would lean twee or country, it is obvious through fabric choice and styling that these aren't your grandmother's patchwork projects. After the examples, a very detailed set of lessons provide a basic introduction to patchwork, quilting and applique (loved this), and then each project how-to is presented in detail. I also appreciated that the projects could be altered to either machine or hand quilting (acknowledging that there are differences between the two types of quilter). I am making note of this title for next year when we redecorate our bedroom, as I think the Alphabet Pillow Covers are fantastic, and at some point would love to tackle at least two of the purses. The diagrams, how-to, and construction guidelines take this a step above your everyday quilting/sewing title.
Crafts/House:
March was a month of home remodeling and the beginning of spring cleaning. I'm going to start including a tally of that as well, since there's overlap.
* We took the month and remodeled and redecorated our "computer room" (name in limbo as there are no computers in there anymore, but "library" is a little pretentious. Ideas? Suggestions?) We're almost done, but we are using the room as a staging area for spring cleaning. Once that's done, I'll bore you with pictures.
* As a result of the spring cleaning and the remodel, we weeded our books. Two boxes mailed to Powells, seven taken to Half Price books, and five boxes of magazines recycled at Construction Junction. We also have two boxes of toys/board games/miscellanea to donate to the Vets.
* Finished knitting the Knotty But Nice hat for M.
* Completed knitting a blanket to put in the room we've redecorated.
1) Living Dead Girl (Elizabeth Scott)
This is the second of the three books pulled from the list of Bitch Magazine's 100 YA Books for the Feminist Reader, as well as the first book for my new book club. Then I ended up being too sick to go to our meeting, so I don't have the full analysis of my friends. This was an incredibly difficult book to read. It was short, and in theory I could have read it in one sitting, but based on the content I split it into three readings (interesting, one of the other girls in book club mentioned stopping at the same spot I did for my first break). Told from the point of view of a 15 year old who has been abducted by a pedophile, she is now "too old" for him, and facing the reality of what she must to do to survive. As an adult, this was just too realistic for me - I think I know all too well the horror of what adults are capable of concerning children. I wonder however, as a YA novel, what teenagers think of it. Is it the same level of vicarious reading that we got passing around VC Andrews as teens? Or is it indeed a precautionary tale?
2) Under Heaven (Guy Gavriel Kay)
This is the second book in my friend Katie's Genre Book Challenge - the Fantasy winner as decided by RUSA. Based on some changes in Katie's life, we've agreed to only read the winners each month, so the challenge has changed a bit (which is fine with me). I can't express enough how 1) this is NOT a book I would normally have read, but 2) how much I loved it. Each of the characters were vivid and detailed, and the ending wasn't predictable or obvious. The main character, honored for offering tribute to fallen soldiers, finds his life at risk and more complex than he had ever dreamed. Thrust into fame, riches, and danger, he rises to the challenge and changes the empire around him. If I gain nothing else from doing this challenge, it was the pleasure of reading this book.
3) There's Cake in My Future (Kim Gruenenfelder)
This was my fluffy book for the month. A bride-to-be rigs the cake at her wedding shower so that each of her friends will pull the cake charm she feels they need. Of course the cake gets shifted and hilarity ensues. Told from altering points of view between the bride and her two best friends, they each deal with the changes in their lives that the unwanted charms have brought to them. Two of the three characters were great, the third only truly rose to the occasion at the very end of the book, but as a whole, I enjoyed it. A step above the average chick lit.
4) The Night Bookmobile (Audrey Niffenegger)
This is a graphic novel by the well known author of The Time Traveler's Wife, and I can't say that I'm what you would call a fan. A young woman roaming the streets comes across a bookmobile that holds every work she's ever read. It changes her, and she begins to live her life to impress the librarian and becomes a librarian herself, all the while seeking another visit to "her library." The twist at the end made me gasp out loud, and I think it made me realize that Niffenegger is comfortable going places that make me uncomfortable (having read Her Fearful Symmetry last year and being similarly disconcerted at the end).
5) Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard (David Peterson)
I'm a fan of the Mouse Guard universe, and this book was a given to me as a gift. This title is framed as a competition between the mice in a tavern, the mouse having told the best tale will have their bar tab wiped clean. The bridges between each tale are guided by Peterson's masterful hand, but the sub-stories allow other artists and story tellers to dabble in his universe. I absolutely adored this book, and cherish it as the gift it is. Highly recommend (but hey, you should read all of the Mouse Guard books anyway).
6) Stitch n Bitch Superstar Knitting (Debbie Stoller)
When I first started to knit, I was overwhelmed with the number of how-to knitting books out there, and often frustrated by the different techniques and methods from book to book. Fortunately, I came across the original Stitch n Bitch book, and realized that it was a series that worked the same way my knitting brain works. I count on Stoller's books as my handy reference manuals when I need guidance. This is an advanced technique book, and walks through each skill with clear directions and visuals. The final section of the book has a series of patterns to accompany each technique. I'm not in the market for learning any new skills right now, as far as knitting goes (drafting patterns, intarsia, steeks, etc...) but when I get there, this is the book I'll buy to help me out.
7) Knit Kimono (Vicki Square)
I was poking around Ravelry the other day for a sweater shape that would better fit my arms, and discovered that the shape I'm looking for falls under the "kimono" category. Then I discovered that several of the patterns I want to make come from this book. My rule is to always check craft/cooking books out of the library before buying them, but with this title I could have skipped that step. While some of the patterns are beyond what I could ever dream of making (full length robes with complicated colorwork) there are at least four that I have on my to-do list for fall. I still have the book checked out from the library, but I've also ordered it. There is a second book in the series (I'm on the waiting list at the library) and the only reason I haven't cast on yet is because I want the whole collection to choose from before I pick what will be first.
8) Amuse Bouche (Kelly Maher)
Disclaimers: 1) I won this short story on Twitter, and 2) I know the author behind the pen name. I'll admit, based on the latter, it was a little weird for me to read erotica written by a friend. Despite that, I think my biggest complaint was that it was indeed, just a short story. I read it, then took a nap, and when I woke up I thought "hmmm, there's something I was thinking about before I fell asleep, something I was looking forward to enjoying." Then I realized that I was looking forward to reading more, and sad that there isn't more to be had. Two chefs come together to prep for a competition, and have to face their attraction to one another before they can get to work. That the female lead is a curvy girl is a bonus.
9) Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Cookbook: Desserts (Wanda E. Brunstetter)
My husband and I love to travel to the Lancaster PA area on vacation, and try to do so every year. We find it to be peaceful and relaxing, but still full of enough places to visit (and dine!) that we keep going back. Based on that, I asked to be able to preview this title via NetGalley, as it is exactly the kind of book I would give to him as a gift. This is a compilation of the dessert recipes from the author's other Amish cookbooks, and breaks them into seven chapters - Cakes, Candy, Cookies & Bars, Ice Cream (Toppings), Pies, Puddings & Cobblers, & Other Desserts. It is a very balanced mix of recipes from scratch and recipes using pre-made ingredients (cake, pudding mixes) that are modified. None of the recipes are overly complicated, and the percentage of ones I want to make is exponentially higher than ones I wouldn't. I have only two criticisms - 1) that there could be more photos of the finished products, and 2) there are some recipes that cry out for more information - why are Boyfriend Cookies called that? Grassroot Dream Cookies? Broken Glass Dessert? There are several others, but some additional information would be most welcome. Contains an index. Publishes July 2011. Don't tell my husband, but this is headed for his Christmas stocking.
10) Natural Patchwork (Suzuko Koseki)
This is my second NetGalley title of the month, and publishes April 12, 2011. The layout of the book first shows colorful examples of the 26 projects. While you might think that these would lean twee or country, it is obvious through fabric choice and styling that these aren't your grandmother's patchwork projects. After the examples, a very detailed set of lessons provide a basic introduction to patchwork, quilting and applique (loved this), and then each project how-to is presented in detail. I also appreciated that the projects could be altered to either machine or hand quilting (acknowledging that there are differences between the two types of quilter). I am making note of this title for next year when we redecorate our bedroom, as I think the Alphabet Pillow Covers are fantastic, and at some point would love to tackle at least two of the purses. The diagrams, how-to, and construction guidelines take this a step above your everyday quilting/sewing title.
Crafts/House:
March was a month of home remodeling and the beginning of spring cleaning. I'm going to start including a tally of that as well, since there's overlap.
* We took the month and remodeled and redecorated our "computer room" (name in limbo as there are no computers in there anymore, but "library" is a little pretentious. Ideas? Suggestions?) We're almost done, but we are using the room as a staging area for spring cleaning. Once that's done, I'll bore you with pictures.
* As a result of the spring cleaning and the remodel, we weeded our books. Two boxes mailed to Powells, seven taken to Half Price books, and five boxes of magazines recycled at Construction Junction. We also have two boxes of toys/board games/miscellanea to donate to the Vets.
* Finished knitting the Knotty But Nice hat for M.
* Completed knitting a blanket to put in the room we've redecorated.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Knitting - modified "Fast Finish Throw"
A few years ago, dear friends of ours sent us a blanket from Pottery Barn as a Christmas present. The color goes well in our living room, and it has spent some time on every seat in the room. It has seen us both through many illnesses and naps, and most importantly, appears to have been woven of pure catnip. It is a magic charm to lure a cat onto your lap. Pull out this blanket, and you'll have one, if not both of them, attempting to wheedle their way onto it (or under it) with you. (The picture to the right is our more serious cat, Mia, who is very clearly saying in this photo "You did not catch me secretly making biscuits on this blanket. I am a grown cat, and grown cats do not biscuit." To which I replied "Yeah whatever baby cat, try not to blink in the next picture.")We're in the process of renovating the room we store our books in, and I wanted to make a similar blanket to go down there. The blanket has three purposes 1) facilitate napping, 2) to protect a new piece of furniture that we haven't bought yet from cat fur, and 3) to pull a little bit of accent color in. We recently repainted, the walls a light grey and the trim a dark grey, with a purple grey as accent.
I've made the "Lion Brand Fast Finish Throw" in the past, to pattern specifications. This has only very slight modifications. To replicate the texture of the throw the cats adore, I used Homespun instead of Jiffy. Mind you, I hate using Homespun (even the cashier at Joanns warned me against it) but it has a very distinct texture. I bought eight skeins, and the yardage appeared to vary wildly. This was done holding together two strands of dark purple, a strand of light purple and a strand of grey. The needles only really can handle the 34 stitch width, so I couldn't make it wider than the original pattern. Instead of a straight stockinette, on the purl side I knit one stitch on each end to stop a bit of the curling. I used the entire first skein of each color, and then cut the fringe to be sure that I had enough. Then with the freedom to use the rest of the skeins, I just knit until I reached a length I was happy with (it covers me from toe to shoulder, pre-fringe). I have about a quarter of the second grey skein, half of the second dark purples and three quarters of the light purple left. At some point I might be motivated to make a matching pillow or something with what's left (but again, I hate Homespun). As you can see from the photo above, Mia approves, saying "Can you leave me alone so that I can biscuit the new blanket?"
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
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