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March 31, 2008
Tuck Everlasting
(Originally published by Nattie on November 10, 2003)
I'm rereading this book for the first time as an adult. The story still enchants me. It still haunts me. The hopeless romantic in me doesn't like the ending, but the author helps you understand why it has to end the way it does.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is a classic and is not easily forgotten.
\Winnie Foster a 10-year-old little girl is feeling stiffled by her life. She sits on a neatly clipped lawn inside a fence and rarely goes outside this boundary. One day she decides to run away. She doesn't go far. She goes to the woods that her family owns that borders their property. She wonders why she's never gone there before. Then she meets the most beautiful boy--Jesse Tuck. She is kidnapped and told the most fascinating story. The Tucks--Mae, Angus, Miles and Jesse--have found the fountain of youth.
What would you do if you could be young forever? The Tucks would change your mind. They help you respect the circle of life.
Winnie's life changed forever the day she decided to run away. My life changed when I read this book. While I dream of never growing old—or possibly reclaiming 22--I know that for everything there is a season.
If you have never read this classic novel my Natalie Babbitt. Please do so today.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:02 AM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2008
wants
(Originally published by Nattie on August 10, 2004)
Main Entry: want
Pronunciation: wont
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old Norse vanta; akin to Old English wan deficient
Date: 13th century intransitive senses
1 : to be needy or destitute
2 : to have or feel need [never wants for friends]
3 : to be necessary or needed
4 : to desire to come, go, or be [the cat wants in] [wants out of the deal]
transitive senses
1 : to fail to possess especially in customary or required amount : LACK [the answer wanted courtesy]
2 a : to have a strong desire for [wanted a chance to rest] b : to have an inclination to : LIKE [say what you want, he is efficient]
3 a : to have need of : REQUIRE [the motor wants a tune-up] b : to suffer from the lack of [thousands still want food and shelter]
4 : OUGHT--used with the infinitive [you want to be very careful what you say-- Claudia Cassidy]
5 : to wish or demand the presence of
6 : to hunt or seek in order to apprehend [wanted for murder]
synonym see DESIRE
What do I want really?
I don't want to do the dishes.
I want to sit and read my book.
I don't want to fold the laundry.
I want to eat lunch.
I don't want to fight with the kids.
I want the kids to do what I ask them to do.
I don't want to cry.
I want to laugh.
I don't want to sigh.
I want to sing.
I don't want to be a mother.
I want to be a mommy.
I don't want to be a wife and housekeeper.
I want to be a soul mate and a helpmeet.
I don't want to be cranky.
I want to smile.
I don't want to be forgotten.
I want to be forgiven.
I don't want to eat pb&j.
I want to eat Chinese food (sweet and sour chicken to be exact).
I don't want to be wrong.
I want to be right.
I don't want to be a "meanie".
I want to the wife and mother above measure.
I don't want to turn 30.
I want to be young...at heart.
I don't want to live life aimlessly.
I do want to be consumed with a passion for God.
I don't want to be me.
I want to know who I am.
I don't want to be sad.
I want to be happy.
I don't want to hide.
I want to be found.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 11:08 AM | Comments (0)
March 28, 2008
Hey!
(Originally published by Nattie on November 9, 2003)
They wrote a book about me...
Move over wild women and women who do too much: With this irreverent tribute, author Brenda Knight casts a lovingly arch eye at the women who have devoted their lives to books. From Sylvia Beach and other booksellers to librarians, editors, writers, bibliophiles, and celebrated book clubs, Knight takes readers on a ribald ride through the pages of history. Chapter titles include "Prolific Pens" (such as Joyce Carol Oates, author of more than 100 books); "Mystics, Memoirists and Madwomen"; "Salons and Neosalons"; "Ink in Their Veins" (literary dynasties); and the titillating "Banned, Blacklisted, and Arrested."
Thank you, Pattie, for the book. It will be one of the books in Mt. Vacation Reading.
So book 1 is Women Who Love Books Too Much. Here is the rest of my tentative list...
2. The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
3. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
4. Between Friends by Debbie Macomber
5. Statue of Limitations by Tamar Myers
6. Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts
7. Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
8. Isabel's Daughter by Judi Hendricks
9. Thyme of Death by Susan Wittig Albert
10. Ain't No River by Sharon Ewell Foster
I hope that holds me over till I return.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:35 AM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2008
The Reptile Room
(Originally published by Nattie on November 9, 2003)
I wasn't impressed with The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket--Book Two in "A Series of Unfortunate Events." In fact I found it kind of depressing. One book about all the bad things that happen to the Baudelaire children seems to be enough.
This book begins with Violet, Klaus and Sunny being taken to their newest guardian Uncle Monty--their late father's cousin's wife's brother. Uncle Monty is a herpetologist and turns out to be much nicer than Cousin Olaf. The kids enjoy their stay with Uncle Monty. Then Count Olaf returns to steal their inheritance.
Maybe it was my mood, but I didn't find this story as well written asThe Bad Beginning. I don't believe books have to be all sunshine and rainbows, but this book just didn't grab me. I already have the third book The Wide Window checked out from the library so I'll give the series one more chance.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
March 26, 2008
more food for thought
(Originally published by Nattie on November 8, 2003)
Take my love; my Lord I pour
at thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for thee.
~ Frances Ridley Havergal
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
March 25, 2008
The Moment I Saw You
(Originally published by Nattie on November 8, 2003)
I finished The moment I Saw You by Lisa Samson last night. I give it four M&M's.
I wouldn't say it is the best book of all time, but it is an endearing story and well written. It is a story of old fashioned romance, change and forgiveness. I also like the book because the main character's name was Natalie.
Natalie St. John is a high-powered ISP owner living in Washington D.C. She longs for a quieter life. She is a hopeless romantic who loves sappy romance novels and old movies. (I can relate.) She sells her business and buys a bed 'n' breakfast. Enter the professor with an English accent who needs some quiet to finish a book.
Interwoven in this story is also the story of a women who is still trying to come to grips with a father who left her as a child and learning to trust a man again.
It is a sweet simple story with the underlying message to be learned.
I won't say it is as good as Samson's latest work, but it is definitely a good wholesome read for a chilly fall evening.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 07:20 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2008
just a thought
(Originally published by Nattie on November 8, 2003)
"I don't think you have time to waste on someone who does not respond to you with kindness and respect. You don't want to spend your time around people who make you hold your breath."—-Anne Lamott
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2008
May I panic yet?
(Originally published by Nattie on August 6, 2004)
Not only am I trying to get my son ready for kindergarten *sob* which starts in three weeks, I'm also trying to get ready for our vacation. I'm leaving hubby at home alone so I'm trying to make things as easy as possible for him.
Today I am decluttering my computer desk...a task that I've been putting off for ages. Then there is the prerequisite laundry and dishes. I had a dream my husband mopped my kitchen floor. Harsh reality is that it was just a dream.
I wonder why I'm worrying about the cleanliness of the house when I know he won't. Hmmm. Maybe I need to rethink this to-do list.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2008
February Reads
(Originally published by Nattie on November 7, 2003)
I Capture the Castle by Dodie SmithAlice's Tulips by Sandra Dallas
The Dark Room by Minette Walters
Murphy's Lawby Rhys Bowen
Faking It by Jennifer Cruise
The Skeleton in the Closet by M.C. Beaton
The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry
Stories of Prayer for the Healthy Soul
Estate of Mind by Tamar Myers
A Penny Urned by Tamar Myers
Street Of The Five Moons by Elizabeth Peters
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:56 AM | Comments (0)
March 20, 2008
busy, busy, busy
(Originally published by Nattie on November 3, 2003)
~ Yesterday we were bit by the cleaning bug. Hubby and I team cleaned. I got to do most of the decluttering while he used his elbow grease to tackle tough stains (sounds like a commercial, doesn't it?).
~ Today we had the last story time of the year. Boo Hoo!
~ Played at the park. I had fun teaching the kids how to pump their legs to go higher on the swings.
~ Did I mention it is in the 70's? and it is November?! That is virtually unheard of in Indiana.
~ Working on more books for my list.
~ Have I said this before? So many books, so little time?!!! I swear I imbibe in books the way some do in alcohol or drugs. I devour them voraciously.
~ My children are always into mischief. It has been warm so we have the windows open. I know not to open the windows in the kids room because they will lift the screen and throw toys out. Hubby didn't know that. So we had a back porch filled with toys and a stuffed bunny hanging in the gutter. They are silly.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:21 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2008
i'm feeling woozy
(Originally published by Nattie on November 2, 2003)
Is it possible to get drunk on books? I'm trying to come up with my 52 titles for next year. I want a good mix of classics, non-fiction, Christian classics and even children's classics. I'm having a hard time narrowing it down to just 52 books.
Angie posted links to some top 100 books lists and my head is spinning. I want to read them all! Now!!
Then I'm trying to see what books I have, what I'd have to get at the library, and trying to keep the purchasing of books down to a minimum. I would love to buy them all, but since I haven't made my first million, yet...money isn't in abundance.
I will probably have a back-up list, too, in case some books become unavailable or I'm able to indulge in more reading.
I've read more than 100 books this year, but there were a lot of "fluffy" books and not very many "meaty" ones. I'm hoping to read more "meat" this coming year and that might take me longer.
I posted some of the links Angie gave on my Xanga site, but here they are again--100 Best Non-fiction Books of the Century
The Best Books Ever Written
Top 100 Children's Books
Any one else want to curl up in a corner and read?
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:33 AM | Comments (1)
March 18, 2008
Goo
(Originally published by Nattie on November 6, 2003)
I went to another Ready To Learn workshop at the library last night. Along with giving us ideas for reading and teaching our children, Miss Beth always has us do a project that we can then do with the kids. Last night it was goo.
What do you need for goo?
1 8 oz cup
1 Popsicle stick
Glue all
Food coloring
Water
Borax
Fill 8 oz cup up with about a 1/2 of glue all. Add same amount of
water to glue all. Mix with Popsicle stick. Add a few drops of food
coloring. Be creative. Continue to mix with Popsicle stick.
Have a separate container for about seven cups of water. Mix in half cup of borax. Stir. Then add a drop of the borax mixture to the Glue mixture.
Voila! Goo!
*Note: do not let the kids play with Goo on the couch or carpet. Better for kitchen tables or kitchen floors. :o)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2008
I am an onion
(Originally published by Nattie on November 5, 2003)
God revealed another layer that needs to be peeled off and discarded.
I've been clipping along here for awhile thinking I had dealt with all that needed dealing with. Ha! Not so. So I'm feeling a little bruised nd tender. I know that dealing with this now will make the future easier, but I still don't have to like it.
So if I'm quiet or melancholy that is why. Trying to coccon. Trying to heal. Trying to purge some past ick so that I can emerge a beautiful butterfly.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
March 14, 2008
November Issue of Sacred Intimacy
(Originally published by Nattie on November 1, 2003)
The November Issue of Sacred Intimacy is online if you don't subscribe to the ezine, check it out. My prayer and fasting column is pretty good this month, if I do say so myself. :o)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 10:08 AM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2008
So many books, so little time
(Originally published by Nattie on Novmber 1, 2003)
"I have a New Year's plan," Nelson writes in the prologue to this charming diary of an unapologetic "readaholic." Her goal: to read a book a week for a year and try "to get down on paper what I've been doing for years in my mind: matching up the reading experience with the personal one and watching where they intersect—or don't."
I saw this book and fell in love with the title. But didn't think about it beyond that. Then Dana suggested we try it, too. Well, I read a lot of fluff. I have seen another book that I really wanted, too.
Now, a plan is percolating. Can I, the bookaholic, educate myself as well as read 52 books in a year? I am looking for literary classics as well as Christian classics. I'll throw in some lighter stuff so my brain doesn't explode. And I'm looking for books I haven't read before.
Here is the tentative list I have so far...
~ Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
~ Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
~ Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
~ The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
~ The Hobbit by Tolkien
~ The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
~ The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge
~ The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
~ The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
~ The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
~ Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster
~ The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
~ Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
~ Something by G.K. Chesterton
~ Something by Thomas Merton
~ Something by Dickens
~ Something by Robert Louis Stevenson
~ Something by Mark Twain (not Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn - I've read those)
~ All Creatures Great and Small by James Herroitt
~ Something by Hemingway
~ Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
~ Something by Virginia Woolf
~ Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Any suggestions or recommendations? Dana and I are also discussing sharing a blog and blogging what we are learning. Anyone else want to join the madness?
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:32 AM | Comments (0)
March 12, 2008
I'm up to my eyeballs
(Originally published by Nattie on October 31, 2003)
...in children who refuse to grasp the concept of using the toilet before you have soiled your panties or underwear. I'm sick of it.
I feel like the smell of poop is permeating my being. I smell it everywhere. If I'd known that at three and five my children still wouldn't be even remotely house trained, I wouldn't have had children.
I don't know how the parents of children with disabilites do it. Maybe there is a softening of the heart because they know their children can't. Maybe God gives them extra doses of peace and grace. Right now I just know if one more child has an "accident" I'm going to lose it. This is not a pretty place to be.
Sorry for the bummer of the entry. But this is me. Hating poop! ;o)
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
March 11, 2008
controversy
(Originally published by Nattie on October 31, 2003)
~ "Don't let controversy hurt your soul. Live near to God by prayer. Just fall down at His feet and open your very soul before Him, and throw yourself right into His arms." ~ Catherine Booth
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
March 10, 2008
strangely satisfied
(Originally published by Nattie on October 31, 2003)
I still haven't eaten. I'm running on pepsi and too little sleep, but I feel strangely satisfied.
I stayed up till 2 am to talk to my husband. He had a crappy day at work and had to work over. We had a good talk.
While I was waiting, I finished an article that is due tomorrow.
Today, I have gotten said article typed and edited. I've gotten some packages ready to mail. The day would be just about perfect if it wasn't for a five-year-old who refuses to change his dirty underwear and Trick or Treating. I'm not really looking forward to carting the kids around.
But other than that, I feel strangly satisfied. Let's pray it lasts.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:15 AM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2008
how many people can I tick off...
(Originally published by Nattie on October 31, 2003)
How many more people can I make mad today?
Let's see...
~ Hubby was mad because the house isn't as clean as he would like
~ The kids were mad because I wouldn't give them chocolate cake for breakfast
~ Jonathan was mad because I made him sit on the potty
~ Anna was mad because I made her pick up toys
Okay, that is only three people, but my world revolves around these three people and when they are mad, I'm a mess. :o(
On a lighter note, the kids had a blast at “Trunk or Treat” last night. Jonathan won two cakes in the cakewalk (yes, that is the chocolate cake they wanted). I got taped for the church video. :o) Shucks, I forgot to have anyone take my picture. The kids have enough candy to rot their teeth for a year, at least. They came home happy.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:13 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2008
This is funny
(Originally published by Nattie on October 30, 2003)
Which Character from “Gone With The Wind” are you?
You are Scarlett O'Hara. You are beautiful, stubborn and despise the silly rules of society. When times get rough, you are strong enough to survive, although you would rather save yourself than anyone else.
Which Character from 'Gone With The Wind' are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:48 AM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2008
domestically dis-inclined
(Originally published by Nattie on October 29, 2003)
Have I mentioned lately that I am domestically challenged? I am--seriously. I have no natural domestic instincts.
I blame that on my mother who can then blame it on her mother. Not that my mother didn't try. She worked full-time as a nurse for as long as I can remember. But she had no natural domestic instincts, either.
She was the bookworm of the family. The one who went to college. Her sisters did her chores so she could study.
My mom and dad gave me chores. I had to dust and keep my room clean, but again it didn't come naturally. It never occurred to me to do dishes or cook. It never occurred to me to clean the bathroom or do laundry.
When I became a teenager I did have to be more responsible and care for my own things, but it was an uphill battle.
Then you should have seen my bathroom when I was 20. Actually, you shouldn't. It would scare the pants off you.
Then at 22 I moved across country and lived with my cousin. My poor cousin, I realize now how hard it must have been to live with me because my husband is domestically challenged, too. Actually, since he is a man, I'll just call him a slob. I don't know what his excuse is. though. because he was raised by neat-nicks.
I think part of my problem is that I'm a recovering perfectionist. If I am going to do a job, I'm going to do it right. And I feel totally ill-equipped for this job. I've tried everything. I've tried Flylady. I've done the Plan of Attack. I've tried Motivated Moms and I"ve tried Let's Clean.
They are all good plans, but they aren't what I need. I need a maid!
Actually, I need someone to tell me what to do. How often should you clean out your toaster? What is the best way to get poop stains out of little boy's underwear? How often should I mop?
Then I need someone to give me a report card. Seriously, I like to be patted on the back. I need to know that I got an A in laundry folding and a C in dishwashing. I'm a rewards motivated person and the reward of a clean house isn't enough for me.
And it never ends. Never. There is always more laundry (where do those mismatched socks go?). There are always more dishes (I swear the glasses multiply like bunnies).
Then what am I to do about the desire to read and create over the desire to clean? I'm a creative person. I scrapbook. I write. I take pictures. I read. I don't do windows. Again, I have no natural instincts. The only instinct that drives me to clean is survival. I can't live in utter chaos with three other human beings.
Now if it were just me and my cat, I might be okay. I think I would have been the world's best scary cat lady--just me, my books and my cats in an old Victorian house.
Where do I find and tap into that desire to be June Cleaver instead of Rosanne Barr?! If anyone knows let me know, I need some serious help.
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:14 PM | Comments (2)
if I believed in fate
(Originally published by Nattie on October 28, 2003)
If I believed in fate, I'd say the fates were conspiring against me last night.
I've been terribly edgy for the past few days. I went cold turkey off my anxiety meds and it is that time of the month. Not a good combination.
Last night the kids had bumped my chair for the last time! Oh, that is so annoying. Sometimes I know it is accidental, but other times I know they are doing it just to bug me. So I got them ready for bed.
I agreed to read them each one of their library books. I won't mention that I think I have read these books 10 times each since we got them Monday. Was that just Monday? It seems like a week ago?!
Anyway, I made sure they went potty, brushed teeth, got on pj's, etc., then settled them down to read.
I have to admit I enjoy reading the Berenstein Bears to them. They were one of my favorites when I was little.
Okay, books are read. Prayers are said. Hugs, kisses, and fives are given--twice--each. I run a bath. Anna calls out while I'm in the tub that she has to go potty. I get out and can't find my robe, so I'm wrapped in a towel. Does she have to stare at me that way?!
Get her pottied again. Get her tucked in again. Get back in the bathtub. She calls out again that she needs tucked back in. I told her she would have to wait till I'm done. There goes any meditative time I might have had. I get out and get her settled down again. Thankfully Jonathan was out like a light.
I can't sleep and toss and turn till after midnight. Then at 2:30 I hear Jonathan screaming. He has wet the bed. Hubby takes care of Jonathan while I change his sheets. We get him settled back in. Tuck Anna back in.
Then at 3:30 I wake up to hear Anna screaming. She has thrown up all over herself and her bed. I get her cleaned up and find a bucket. I take her to bed with hubby and me. I have to admit she was awfully cute when she curled up next to daddy and said, "Daddy, I sick." Poor thing. I feel guilty about Jonathan sleeping alone and he comes and joins us at the foot of the bed.
Have I mentioned that I have a queen-sized bed? Unlike clothes, queen-size does not mean extra large?! It is cramped. I think I slept with one foot in Jonathan's face and the other hanging off the bed. I finally got everyone settled in and it was after 4:00 before I could get to sleep. My wake-up call comes at 5:30.
I don't know if you have counted, but I think collectively I only got three hours sleep. I'm an eight-hour girl. I can function on six, but I do much better on eight hours sleep.
Anna hasn't gotten sick any more, and we got her a Power Puff Girl costume to wear to “Trunk or Treat” tonight at church. I'm going to be a housewife. I guess the glazed expression and bags under my eyes will be real.
Okay, gals, you said that Erma Bombeck made a living writing about this stuff. What do you think?
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2008
what to write about?
(Originally published by Nattie on October 28, 2003)
I don't seem to have much to write about. The weather is cold and wet. The kids won't use the potty when they should. The dirty laundry is taking over the house. I won't even talk about the dishes or crud on the toilet.
Life isn't exciting, and I don't require (or want) it to be. But it doesn't leave much fodder for my blog. I do have some ideas I intend to purge onto a written page or blog entry but they require thought.
I couldn't think yesterday because I was "decaffeinated." Today I just can't grasp the fleeting thoughts in my hand.
Enough musing about nothing to muse about...
Copyright Natalie Rose York
Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)