I'm Still Here!

Wow! I didn't mean to let two years slip by without posting.  I've been reading and the thought has crossed my mind "I should blog about that"...but then time slipped away.  It isn't a very good excuse. Sorry.

So here is a quick update of what I've read recently.

• Joel Rosenberg's books. 

Do not start Joel Rosenberg's books at bedtime. You will end up reading all night just to see how it ends. His novels are not light reading but they do keep you on the edge of your seat.  They held my interest much better than "The Left Behind" series.  I read the first one of that series and dropped it.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This is an annual read for me.  Jane just connects with my heart somehow.  I know some people read Anna Karenina every year but not me.  I love the part where she collapses on the doorstep in the moor. (I could say more but I don't want to give any spoilers!)

• The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson

These three books (the fourth one is being written) rank close to Narnia in humor and read-ability.  I can't wait to have someone to read them aloud to.  The author had me hooked with his creatures - Thwaps, Flabbits and fearsome Toothy cows.  Janner, Tink and Leeli Igiby have some amazing adventures.  The best part...we don't know how it ends!

#1 On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

#2 North! Or Be Eaten

#3 The Monster in the Hollows

    

These are a few of the books I've read.  Let me know how you like the Wingfeather Series. Were you scared of the fearsome Toothy cows?

Poem for Today

I found this poem on the internet and thought it is perfect for spring!


Lord, the air smells good today,  
straight from the mysteries
within the inner courts of God.
A grace like new clothes thrown
across the garden, free medicine for everybody.
The trees in their prayer, the birds in praise
the first blue violets kneeling.
Whatever came from Being is caught up in being, drunkenly
forgetting the way back."
-  Jelaluddin Rumi, from "Lord, the Air Smells Good Today"

(from April 12th, 2011 Verse and Voice, a daily email from Sojourners)

Sunshine

Today felt like summer might actually come.  We've had such a cold wet month that summer seemed like a dream that would never come true.  But today was glorious.  Warm enough to open up windows, hang clothes on the line, and work in the dirt.

copyright Need More Bookshelves

Unfortunately, I didn't think about sunblock.  Tonight my nose is red, my arms where I pushed up my shirt-sleeves are red, and I haven't checked but the back of my neck hurts too...sometimes I wish that my genetic make-up had included more melanin in my skin.  Freckles are fine and cute on kids but oh how I wish I didn't burn so easily!


I haven't had time for much reading lately but there is a chance I might get some in tonight if sleep is chased away by sunburn pain.  Not the best way to find time!!


Happy Spring!

What I've Been Reading

It seems I go through seasons where I read a lot of books all at once and then a long stretch of not reading anything of substance. 


So here is the list from my latest reading phase:

• A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
• Prisoners of Hope by Dayna Curry & Heather Mercer
• Return with Honor by Captain Scott O'Grady
• North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Sometimes I end up with themes to my reading...looks like this one was suffering during war... with an English novel thrown in for lighter reading. :)




Have you read any of the above?  What were your thoughts after-wards?

The Darkness before the Morning

For a myriad of reasons it's been kind of a difficult week so I'm glad today is a "down" day with not a lot of plans.  Things popped up that weren't serious but just threw bumps in my life's path.

• a flat tire discovered the night before a trip.
• no phone service for three days (normally that wouldn't be a problem but it's the one I use for work).
• a 2 1/2 hour trip in dense fog.
• a mind that kept wandering instead of focusing on the tasks at hand.

But there were also glimpses of God's glory and redemption too.  Hope remains in the brokenness of this world. 

• a robin singing in a tree. 
• warmer temps that melted away the snow. 
• a dog that's excited to go on a walk with me.
• roses in a vase on my desk.
• big band music. 
• family that installed a light fixture in my bathroom.
• a full moon shining through the dark clouds of night.
• a fuchsia sunset set against a pale lavender/blue/gray landscape

These are the sights, sounds and memories I want to store up, to take out in my old age and relive through the telling.  Not the bumps in the road, the worries, the stresses...though those have a place and a purpose too.  They show me how dependent I am on my Heavenly Father. They also remind me to look forward to the day when all things will be made new.

Am I Dreaming?!?

On my walk to the mailbox this morning I heard a strange sound.  Well, it wouldn't be such a strange sound in May but for the 16th of February it is. 


You may think I was hallucinating. That the cold and snow and wind have made me delusional...but I saw it with my eyes. 

mayo.personcounty.net

A ROBIN! 


He was sitting in the top of the tree scolding me as I walked by. At first I thought I was hearing things but then I saw his red breast in the rays of the morning sun.


Amazing what one bird can do for my spirits. Spring will come again, flowers bloom, warm winds blow, and green grass grows.  God's promises are just as faithful. He does not leave us in the winter of our sins. He brings redemption like spring to our souls. This is hope on a February morn.

Black Friday Madness

I am awake.........not by choice but because a houseful of girlfriends are staying with my sister.  They have decided to experience Black Friday for the first time.

They try to be quiet but in a house this size you hear the doors open, the shower running, and the sound of the hair-dryer; you might as well get up. Which I did.

Thankfully they decided 5 am was a more reasonable hour than say 3 o'clock to go catch the deals of the day.  After a good breakfast of eggs, toast, muffins, tea, and milk they have just left - off on a new adventure.  Part of me would have liked to go with them and part of me says "crazy" but the decision has been made for me - I have to go to work today.


Six friends making memories together are what holidays are for.  That's what I am thankful for today - friendships that are strong enough to withstanding getting up in the cold, dark wee hours of morning to road trip to the mall.


 

Lovely Fall Day!

Each nice day in November is a gift from the Lord.  Since today the weather is promising to cooperate I am planning to be outside in it.

Clothes are going to go on the line to be sun-dried and cool air fresh.  Sheets flapping in the wind...and I might even hang out the quilts since the bugs should all be dead by now.

Last night I went crunching through the leaves. It was wonderful.  There was very little wind and the grove was silent and still, taking a nap before the wind comes again. The only sounds were our feet moving through the grass as my sister and I hunted for pinecones.  

I'm not sure what kind of evergreen trees are in our grove but they produce the cutest little cones -only 2-3 inches long and many are smaller than that.  Once they dry out some I think I will make them into a garland for Christmas.

Healing Noelle

What do nanotechnology, cancer, angels, spiritual gifts of healing, and Nebraska have in common?  Nothing unless you've just read Healing Noelle by Michael J. Huckabee.  It isn't the most well-written book out there but I think there are some good questions raised about faith vs. science that bear thinking about.  

A young man discovers he has the "gift" of healing, a doctor is giving some strange treatments to patients, a man in an olive trench coat keeps disappearing, and a church is praying for God to pour out His spiritual gifts in their midst. 
This thriller is a short book and reminds me of This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti.  It's tone is similar...maybe not quite as scary but still edgy.


I suppose you could find fault with the "science fiction" sounding medical advances...however, I humbly suggest that you do some research on nanotechnology. Scientists are researching and testing this right now...see http://nano.cancer.gov for just one example.

• How do we as Christians approach new technology such as cloning, nanotechnology and genetic modification?  
• How do we possibly regulate it?  Should we?
• Is "just because we can do it doesn't mean we should" a better answer?

Just some questions to ponder...and pray about...and maybe start discussing in our churches, with our friends & family, and our government leaders.

New Author

Have you read anything by the author Rumer Godden?


I just picked up a book "This House of Brede" by Ms. Godden.. 
Did she write a child's book called "The Doll's House"? Her name sounds vaguely familiar to me and I can't recall why.

Bargain Books

I am kind of picky about which books come home to my personal library.  
Reading new books or authors for free from the local library helps me save my cash for the ones that I really want. 
The only exception is if I'm at a fundraiser where the books are really cheap - there is one held once a month in Pipestone, MN where most of the books $0.50 up to a dollar or two.  For that price whatever looks interesting comes home. If I like it it stays - if not I donate it back the next month.  There is another great one at the Minnesota Arboretum.  Two years ago my sister and I attended that one and I came home with a whole stack for the cost of one hardcover.  It was great!!!


Do you have some favorite book sales?

Library vs. Bookstore

I am taking an informal non-scientific poll.  No study will be published.  It is just for my own curiosity.

Do you get the majority of your books::
A. at the library
B. at a bookstore
C. order on-line ie, Amazon or Borders
D. download them

Please leave me a comment with your answer.  Thanks!

I have several reasons for using the library for most of my books.
1. It is free!
2. It gives me a deadline to meet.
3. I have limited space.

A Wonderful Thing!

My favorite blogger is opening a bookstore.  How cool!  Check out Lanier's Books for some great reading and Christmas presents. (Christmas is only four months away!)

2010 - Year of Bridal Showers & Weddings

Source:

It has been the year of all things wedding-related at my church.
Here is the current count-down:

• 7 bridal showers
• 5 weddings at the church  (I attended one over the weekend.)
• 3 weddings in other churches
• 3 more bridal showers in August

Plus:

• 2 distant relatives are married and 1 is engaged to be married.
• 1 neighbor (my brother's best friend) is getting married.

That makes for 15 weddings and the year isn't over yet. Must be something in the water. LOL!

I wonder what the total amount of money spent on these 15 weddings would add up to...
How much debt did they incur?
How many starving children could have been fed?

I'm not trying to be cynical or anti-wedding. I am very much for marriage but do you ever think about how much is spent on just one day in the grand scheme of things?  I'm trying to put it in perspective for my own sake.  I can get caught up in the whirlwind of wedding excitement like most girls.

This is what is on my mind today.

I Am a First-Born...

There is nothing I can do about this fact.

I am a first-born and all that comes with it...Type A, perfectionist, list-maker, planner to the smallest detail, everything lined up, "t"'s crossed and "i"'s dotted..


I live with a creative, "good enough", free-spirit fourth-born sister who I love and can't stand all in the course of two minutes. (is it supposed to be who or whom? I can't remember.)  That is beside the point.

She is gone this week and I was opening up our house for some guests.  So being the first-born person I am - I cleaned from top to bottom. Washed the sheets, scrubbed floors, dusted all the crown-molding and mop boards, making a to-do list, etc.

You get the picture.

As I was spending an inordinate amount of time making sure the sheets and blankets were even on both sides of the beds- it hit me.

"Look at yourself. You're fussing over how long the sheets are on each side.  Your sister would have just thrown them on, made sure it was kind of even and called it good. Here you are going crazy because it is 1/2 inch off.  No one will notice."  And I chuckled.

copyright: needmorebookshelves 2010

I think that is the first time I have actually laughed at my idiosyncrasies. Usually it is other people who come along side and tell me to "stop stressing out!"

Maybe my sis is rubbing off.
To show myself that I could be just as easy-going ---I threw the sheets on my own bed and tucked them in.



(I only checked to make sure they were mostly even ... twice.) LOL!
Thank you, Lord, that you love me in spite of myself

Have You Seen the Rest of My Book? It's Missing.

There is a pet peeve...well one of several...that really bugs me.  Like a stone in my shoe - it doesn't bother anyone else usually. Just me.

I recently purchased "The Count of Monte Cristo" from a well-known bookstore.  Blissfully, I brought it home and started reading it.

During the read...it nagged at me. Some bit of story is missing since the first time I read my brother's copy.  The characters have lost some depth; some descriptions are less colorful; a sub-plot seems flat.

That's when I flipped to the title page and saw the dreaded word!

ABRIDGED

These should be banned from all self-respecting bookstores. If stores must sell them - then clearly mark them as such with big red letters across the cover of the book so buyers know ahead of time.  Not sneakily and quietly placed inside on the title page where nobody looks!

Why would I want to pay good money for a book and only get part?  That is like getting a piece of cake without the frosting...it still tastes good but it would be even better with the frosting.

Now I have a watered down book.  It's a good story and if you've never read the complete novel you won't miss the cut-out parts.  But I miss them...the count becomes too tame.  He loses some of the single-minded revenge that builds up through the book. Some of the irony is gone.

As my friend Pooh says, "Oh bother".

What is your opinion?  Abridged or not abridged?

It's been a very warm and humid few weeks here.  I've been camped in front of the fan reading.  What have I been reading you ask?

• And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
• I am the Clay by Chaim Potok
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (more about this in a later post)
• The Little Princess by Frances H. Burnett
• Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
• The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin

I admit it...I like the old classics. But I try to throw into the mix a few books that make me think - both non-fiction and fiction.

I am the Clay is not at all what I was expecting.  My past experience with Mr. Potok has been The Chosen and The Promise - both are set in NYC, both are kind of "coming of age' books.

This one is nothing like that.  It is set in Korea during the war. The style of writing feels Asian...almost like reading a haiku.  It is more descriptive and you are inside the character's heads as they think and plan and survive.  There is a sense of loss that flows through it all. The sadness of war.

A little boy has lost his whole family and village. An older couple rescues him from death as they weave their way through the country-side just ahead of the battle.
The couple lost their only child as a toddler and the old lady feels this is her second chance at motherhood.  The old man resents the boy, the food he eats, the burden of his care -eventually the man changes his mind.

Together they try to rebuild a shattered world.

Topic of Discussion

Living in the Midwest there is one topic that is probably discussed more than any other.

The weather.

I ran across a diary account from 1886 that talks about a spring storm.

Wednesday, April 14, 1886- we witnessed what was know as Cass county and Audubon County cyclone.  It was preceded by a terrific hail storm which stopped suddenly and it was followed by a ground fog which we noticed was traveling rapidly to the south.  Going out on our front porch we first saw it coming towards us form the south in the form of a black, funnel-shaped cloud several miles distant.  It gradually swung to the east and went directly through Grove City where we first saw the buildings, trees and wreckage flying through the air.  The whole storm was in plain view of where we stood about two miles southeast of us on the opposite hill across the valley.  It passed through the Troublesome Creek valley directly east of us tearing its way through the trees and demolishing houses, and disappeared to the northeast leaving a swath of destruction in its pathway that was marked for many years after.
 by Abbie Mott Benedict
                      ~ excerpt taken from Prairie Voices: Iowa's Pioneering Women edited by Glenda Riley

  We still have tornadoes, hail, wind, rain, snow and everything in between.  Weather hasn't changed much in 120+ years.

Brownish Pinkish Yellowish White

Have you ever read Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein? 

Some of his poems are delightful, some are silly, some are strange and some speak truth.  My current favorite is "Colors" because this describes my thoughts.

COLORS

My skin is kind of sort of brownish

Pinkish yellowish white.

My eyes are greyish blueish green,

But I'm told they look orange in the night.

My hair is reddish blondish brown,

But it's silver when it's wet.

And all the colors I am inside

Have not been invented yet.

by Shel Silverstein               

I suppose some would read this and say "it's about tolerance and being nonracist". And that would be one way of interpreting it- I don't know exactly what the author had in mind.  

But when I read this I see someone who doesn't have life all figured out yet.  A person who sees possibilities and potential and maybe is a bit confused.  Which color should I be today?  Am I a blue?  Or am I supposed to be teal? 

As adults we're supposed to have life all figured out, right?  

We're not supposed to waver about what we think, feel, or value.  

We have opinions!  We have convictions!  We have rights!  

We are adults.

But lately I've been looking at my ideals, my plans, my 'this is how life should be' and wondering if I'm missing out on the "reddish blondish brown, silver when it's wet" adventure.  

Am I living out all that the Lord has planned for me?  

Am I living too safe?   

Am I too comfortable?            

Buffering vs. Streaming

Blogging for some people fulfills a need for expression - an outlet for frustrations, joys and sorrows.  I tend to use a personal journal for my private musings and save this venue for more general observations.
Some things are just not meant for public viewing!

However, that might explain why I am not a very consistent blogger...instead of 'streaming' my thoughts as they come I am stuck in the "buffering" mode.  Evaluating each sentence, rewriting, reviewing, critiquing each word and phrase- my type "A" first-born perfectionist self gets in the way of sharing what's in my heart.

From this point forward, this blog may be about what I'm reading
or it may have some totally random ramblings - Time will tell.
So fasten your seat belt, strap on a helmet or go get some chocolate...
It might be a crazy ride. :)