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April 30, 2007
Must Read
I don't get to read many blogs at this stage in my life although I'm hoping that will change soon. But here is one you must read by my pal, Tiff.
Posted by nattie at 03:29 PM | Comments (2)
April 26, 2007
How do I read so much?
Someone commented on my April Reads post and asked how I could read so much. Well, the reasons are threefold (any one who watched Friends should find that amusing)...
1. I have no life. Well, I do, but right now I don't have a car so I spend less time doing superfluous things in le car. I am much more organized in my errand running since I have to walk there.
2. I always have a book with me. Seriously it is a disease. I cannot not read. I will read cereal boxes if I don't have a book with me so it is just easier to always have a book with me.
3. I suffer from insomnia. I'm a night owl anyway so once my kids are in bed I frolic in the land of book mania. I can get more read in 2 hours after dark than the same 2 hours when the kids are running around.
And that my friends is the secret to my madness...er...success.
Posted by nattie at 12:39 PM | Comments (7)
April 24, 2007
April 2007 reads
1. Evanly Bodies by Rhys Bowen
2. Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson
3. We Shall Not Sleep by Anne Perry read review here
4. Glitter of Diamonds by N.J. Lindquist read review here
5. Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
6. Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
7. Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke
8. Miss Julia Strikes Back by Ann B. Ross
9. The Quilter's Homecoming by Jennifer Chiaverini
10. A Deadly Yarn by Maggie Sefton
11. Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs
12. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke
13. Light On Snow by Anita Shreve
14. Of Ice and Steel by D. Clayton Meadows - review here
15. The Stormy Petrol by Mary Stewart
16. Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
17. Still Life by Louise Penny
18. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle
19. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo
20. Tumbling Blocks by Earlene Fowler
21. Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
In progress:
The Spring Cleaning Murders by Dorothy Cannell
The Five Love Languages of Children by Smalley & Trent
Posted by nattie at 11:56 AM | Comments (3)
Of Ice and Steel
my review is up on armchairinterviews.com. Check it out - here.
Posted by nattie at 11:45 AM | Comments (2)
Tuesday's Happies
1. Checking my email at the library.
2. Listening to my ipod while checking my email at the library.
3. Looking out the window and seeing the beautiful spring sunshine and knowing that I'll be walking home in it in about an hour.
4. Not getting a phone call from my son's school...yet.
5. Stacks of books waiting for me at home.
6. Too many dishes in the sink (no, I don't like dishes, but the dishes attest to the fact that despite my limited income my children are well fed).
7. Hope...sometimes it is blinding like the spring sunshine. Sometimes it is a gentle warmth that comes with kind words. Sometimes it washes over you like waves in the ocean and sometimes it just envelopes you slowly. Sometimes it is like water in a dry land, but it is there if you look for it.
Posted by nattie at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
Forgot to post this challenge
The Spring Reading Thing. List forthcoming.
I just pulled a bunch of books from my stacks that I've been meaning to read, but got called away from by other...books. Can you tell what my favorite genre is?
1. Between Friends by Debbie Macomber
2. Jane & the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron
3. Nursery Crimes by Ayelet Waldman
4. North of Tomorrow by Cindy Martinusen
5. Death on the Family Tree by Patricia Sprinkle
6. Mrs Jeffries On the Ball by Emily Brightwell
Posted by nattie at 05:32 PM | Comments (1)
'Nother day...'nother challenge
I joined another challenge, but I'm having a hard time coming up with my list. I'm trying. It is just so hard to choose. I will post it as soon as I narrow it down.
Here it is. I spent some time researching what my library had and what amazon reviewers said -
1. Digging to America by Anne Tyler
2. The Keep by Jennifer Egan
3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
4. Arthur and George by Julian Barnes
5. Brookland by Emily Barton
Posted by nattie at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
a day in the life
There are times when I think I need to blog/write more about a day in the life of a family with a child that has Asperger's. But...often I am so caught up in the emotion and the turmoil that I just need to escape it for a bit. Thus I blog about inconsequential things or books.
Oprah had a special about autism on a few weeks ago. One of the parents made a statement that I'd like to put out here as an example of a day in the life - A bad is a bad day and a good day is a bad day waiting to happen.
That sounds so...pessimistic. But I understand. I am at the point where I'm afraid to be hopeful anymore. Because while hope in God is good. Hope in this ever changing beast - this disorder -is not possible. It is hard to find hope in every day life. It can be done, but when you are emotionally and physically drained some times it seems beyond your ken.
I'll blog more about the good side of Asperger's, but I needed to say this today.
Posted by nattie at 11:36 AM | Comments (4)
April 18, 2007
Classics Challenge
Classics Challenge
1.Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
2.Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
3. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
4. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
5. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Posted by nattie at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)
Something About Me Challenge
Something About Me
1. A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana by Haven Kimmel
2. Sixpence House: Lost in a Town of Books by Paul Collins
3. The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
4. Operating Instructions: A Journal of my Son's First Year by Anne Lamott
5. Fool's Puzzle by Earlene Fowler
Now, try to guess what these books say about me. Hee Hee.
Posted by nattie at 10:56 AM | Comments (3)
Dystopia Challenge
Dystopia Challenge
1. The Giver by Lois Lowry
2. Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
3. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
4. That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis
5. The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
This was a hard one for me, but I finally found some that I might enjoy reading. It really isn't my genre.
Posted by nattie at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)
Once Upon A Time Challenge
Once Upon a Time Challenge
1. The Once & Future King by T.H. White
2. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
3. Wicked by Gregory McGuire
4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
5. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Posted by nattie at 10:50 AM | Comments (0)
Southern Reading Challenge 2007
Southern Reading Challenge 2007
1. Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons
2. Boy's Life by Robert McCammon
3. Awakening by Kate Chopin
Posted by nattie at 10:46 AM | Comments (1)
Non-fiction 5 challenge
Nonfiction challenge
1. Sacred Romance by Curtis & Eldredge
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
3. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Eliott
4. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
5. A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Posted by nattie at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
M&n's Summer Challenge
M&N's Summer Challenge1. Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)
2. Pride & Prejudice (1813)
3. Mansfield Park (1814)
4. Emma (1816)
5. Northanger Abbey (1818)
6. Persuasion (1818)
7. Minor works
Posted by nattie at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)
15 decades challenge
Read about the challenge here
1. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo (Newberry) 2000's
2. The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields (Pulitzer) 1990's
3. Dinner at Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler 1980's
4. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor (Newberry)1970's
5. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Newberry) 1960's
6. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh 1950's
7. Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings 1940's
8. Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs (Newberry) 1930's
9. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (Pulitzer) 1920's
10. My Antonia by Willa Cather 1910's
11. A Room With a View by E.M. Forster 1900's
12. Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy 1890's
13. Ben Hur by Lew Wallace 1880's
14. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne 1870's
15. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo 1860's
Bonus:
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe 1850's
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 1840's
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 1830's
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott 1820's
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen 1810's
Posted by nattie at 10:37 AM | Comments (1)
TBR challenge
I swear I posted this somewhere before other than my I hate Dana post, but I can't find it.
1. Sacred Romance by Curtis & Eldredge
2. Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
5. Second Touch by Brock & Brodie Thoene
6. Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson (completed)
7. Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Eliott (completed)
8. Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery
9. Diary of Anne Frank
10. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Eliott
11. Saddlemaker's Wife by Earlene Fowler
12. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Posted by nattie at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Newberry challenge
Because there are so many challenges out there, I thought I'd start one of my own. While I like all the challenges, I wanted to craft one to meet my needs and others could join in if they want. When I was looking at the Pulitzer list and Newberry list recently I realized that I've read more Newberry books. And I like it that way. I am a mother. I like to have my pulse on what the kids are reading AND I love young adult fiction. It reminds me of curling up in my dad's lazy boy and reading the afternoon away. It also makes me wonder if I could write children's books too.
So here is the challenge...
1. Pick 6 books from the Newberry list.
2. Comment here that you are in the challenge and list to your blog.
3. Post your picks on your blog.
4. You have from May 15, 2007 to Dec 31, 2007 to read and review the 6 books you choose.
Anyone up for it?
If you look at my 15decades list you'll note I have a few Newberry winners on there but I think I'll pick some others for this challenge.
Updated 4/18/07
My picks:
1. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1994)
2. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan (1986)
3. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (1972)
4. The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli (1950)
5. Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (1936)
6. Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon (1928)
Posted by nattie at 10:31 AM | Comments (54)
In our thoughts and prayers
All the students, faculty and family of Virginia Tech.
Posted by nattie at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2007
I hate dana (part deux)
this is why.
Posted by nattie at 10:38 AM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2007
I hate Dana
Okay, really I hate Dana.
No, I love her.
No, I hate her.
Do you know why? She knows I can't turn down a book challenge and what did she do, but throw down the gauntlet for 3 more challenges!
I am already in a TBR challenge and a 15 decades challenge. Now I've signed up for a nonfiction challenge, a southern writers challenge AND a challenge where you read the complete works of somebody. Oh, and because of her I'm also in a book awards group too.
So here are my lists....
TBR challenge
1. Sacred Romance by Curtis & Eldredge
2. Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein
4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
5. Second Touch by Brock & Brodie Thoene
6. Bridge to Terebithia by Katherine Paterson (completed)
7. Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Eliott (completed)
8. Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery
9. Diary of Anne Frank
10. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Eliott
11. Saddlemaker's Wife by Earlene Fowler
12. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
15 decades challenge
1. The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo (Newberry) 2000's
2. The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields (Pulitzer) 1990's
3. Dinner at Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler 1980's
4. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor (Newberry)1970's
5. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare (Newberry) 1960's
6. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh 1950's
7. Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings 1940's
8. Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs (Newberry) 1930's
9. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (Pulitzer) 1920's
10. My Antonia by Willa Cather 1910's
11. A Room With a View by E.M. Forster 1900's
12. Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy 1890's
13. Ben Hur by Lew Wallace 1880's
14. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne 1870's
15. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo 1860's
Bonus:
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe 1850's
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 1840's
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 1830's
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott 1820's
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen 1810's
Major works challenge
1. Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811)
2. Pride & Prejudice (1813)
3. Mansfield Park (1814)
4. Emma (1816)
5. Northanger Abbey (1818)
6. Persuasion (1818)
7. Minor works
Nonfiction challenge
1. Sacred Romance by Curtis & Eldredge
2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
3. A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Eliott
4. Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
5. A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Southern reading Challenge
1. TBA
2.
3.
You might notice some books overlapping with different challenges. It is a necessity. I read a lot, but...there is a limit.
Posted by nattie at 12:57 PM | Comments (9)
April 10, 2007
parenting sucks
I am so not a good parent. Or often I think why did God give me these kids. They deserve so much more. Then I watched Gideon Tuba Warrior and there is a part where Gideon says that God chose him for such a time as this. And I think about Esther. Or Moses. Or all the asundry people that God chose to do great things. They weren't all that fantastic. Moses stuttered. Esther was a Jew in a time when Jews were hunted and killed. God still chose them. They could do great things with God's help. That is when I realized that I've been trying to parent under my own power and that isn't that fantastic right now. So Phil 4:13 for pete's sake.
I definitely need it. Jonathan was suspended. Again.
Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. ~ Phillipians 4:13, the Message
Posted by nattie at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)
April 09, 2007
March 2007 reads
1. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
2. My Child My Princess by Beth Moore
3. Trinny & Susannah Take On America by Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine
4. Puzzled to Death by Parnell Hall
5. When Women Worship by Aimee Dockery with Mary Alessi read review here
6. Almost Friends by Philip Gulley
7. Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods read review here
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K.Rowling reread
9. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K.Rowling reread
10. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K.Rowling reread
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K.Rowling reread
12. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K.Rowling reread
13. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K.Rowling reread
14. Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
15. No Graves As Yet by Anne Perry
16. In Dublin's Fair City by Rhys Bowen
17. Shoulder the Sky by Rhys Bowen
18. A Rather Lovely Inheritance by C.S. Belmond
19. Bidding for Love by Katie Fforde
20. Angels in the Gloom by Anne Perry
21. At Some Disputed Barricade read review here
Posted by nattie at 11:56 AM | Comments (0)
February 2007 reads
1. Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble
2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
3. All Will Be Revealed by Robert Anthony Siegel read review here
4. Dracula, Trapped in Transylvania Cracked Classics by Jon Abbott
5. Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
6. The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert
7. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
8. Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliott
9. Little House In The Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (reread)
10. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (reread)
11. Deadly Greetings by Elizabeth Bright
12. Murder and Salutations by Elizabeth Bright
13. Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke
14. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
15. Sins and Needles by Monica Ferris
Posted by nattie at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)
April 06, 2007
Latest book reviews
At Some Disputed Barricade by Anne Perry
We Shall Not Sleep by Anne Perry
Glitter of Diamonds by N.J. Lindquist
Posted by nattie at 03:48 PM | Comments (0)