tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74538902673541959342024-02-22T12:08:03.953-05:00Pam's PerspectivePamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-37553570716971205402012-06-11T17:53:00.001-04:002012-06-11T17:54:36.263-04:00Monday Musings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH4vCmZ-yUThNogP_tXCAFNFBipOGzXltvZc6n8NXtOmjyYqotFkj92VR9ao3RCNpE85OmmInD5MJEyZN7Z2UjsCp30m2rG9Zb3ubzYb1RIRrFKlwq8nRNLTspVAr24IdYoE5pgQ-veM/s1600/Musing_Mondays2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfH4vCmZ-yUThNogP_tXCAFNFBipOGzXltvZc6n8NXtOmjyYqotFkj92VR9ao3RCNpE85OmmInD5MJEyZN7Z2UjsCp30m2rG9Zb3ubzYb1RIRrFKlwq8nRNLTspVAr24IdYoE5pgQ-veM/s1600/Musing_Mondays2_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Monday Musings is hosted by MizB at <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">Should Be Reading.</a> Today's Monday Musing asks:<br />
<strong style="background-color: #f9f7f5; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: green;"><br /></span></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is the longest book you have ever read? How long did it take you to read it?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The longest book I've ever read is <i>Gone with the Wind </i>(1,011 pages). I read it the summer I was 14 years old. I can not remember how long it took me to read it, but I do have a vivid vision of myself sitting barefoot on my front stoop wearing my favorite jeans with the rip in the knees and reading it in the shade of a giant maple tree. Scarlet O'Hara is still my favorite character from literature. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>How about you? What's the longest book you have ever read? And a related question... Does the length of a book influence whether or not you will choose to read it, regardless of how interesting the story sounds?</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: green; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-1410985849932706862012-01-17T14:32:00.007-05:002012-01-17T15:16:40.573-05:00Good ReadsI've read a few good books so far this year and even though I haven't managed to write a full review for any of them, I didn't want to completely ignore them either. So, here are some quick reviews of three books I think are worth reading.<br /><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCHlgeZ1GyfdTO_LLK9IX1Q-nuv_buKOjI_5R7dkAH3UHUHHBB_JYqM4DOHjao-EjXS0Js2d90cupWtk0kY-EMR7Il3qKCJrtHHMBKtwL0X341e2T8dJPDNIm2KTBH_qUi5gJMS4BXgQ/s1600/Sybil+Exposed.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCHlgeZ1GyfdTO_LLK9IX1Q-nuv_buKOjI_5R7dkAH3UHUHHBB_JYqM4DOHjao-EjXS0Js2d90cupWtk0kY-EMR7Il3qKCJrtHHMBKtwL0X341e2T8dJPDNIm2KTBH_qUi5gJMS4BXgQ/s320/Sybil+Exposed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698696273671954050" /></a></div><div><b><i>Sybil Exposed: The Story Behind the Extraordinary Multiple Personality</i> Case by Debbie Nathan</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Growing up in the 1970s, I was very aware of the scintillating story of Sybil and her childhood of horrific abuse. My mom had a copy of the paperback on the shelves in our family room and being a curious teen-aged bookworm, I, of course, picked it up and read it (along with <i>Helter Skelter </i>and <i>Gone with the Wind</i>). I can NOT believe my mother let me read some of those books, but I have always remembered that and vowed that I would not censor my children's reading. Anyway, I digress. When I heard about <i>Sybil Exposed</i> I was completely intrigued and felt compelled to read this painstakingly researched, non-fiction book about how the story of Sybil was actually a fabrication perpetrated by Sybil's psychiatrist, a journalist and mentally unstable (and cruelly manipulated) Sybil herself. I found this book to be fascinating and shocking. Even for the time period portrayed, the behavior of Sybil's psychiatrist was shockingly unethical. One can't help but feel badly for Sybil, who very well could have been cured of her mental illness, if not for the glory seeking psychiatrist who kept her addicted to drugs and believing she was much more ill than she was. Unconscionable. I do know two other people who tried to read this book and couldn't finish it because they felt it bogged down a little with details and technical aspects of her treatment. I did not have any problem with this and found it all very fascinating. Quite possibly because I have a degree in psychology and the information was not all that foreign to me. But knowing that going in, I would recommend this book to anyone who was fascinated by Sybil's story and is curious to know the truth. <b> 4 out 5 stars. I really liked it. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg025oyG15ZlS3N8H2XSEUc1v4d-XKft72Hn70BraQEBZizWcLZbq5QUVTQWdtSsgLuh3qK47XrCnqjupWkRIB6T0I4-IDXvxg-ZM2aOZHRg1sUCJTX2gYZ28l4tFI5z4uOtluvxodZ8U4/s1600/Scrapbook+of+frankie+Pratt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 52px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg025oyG15ZlS3N8H2XSEUc1v4d-XKft72Hn70BraQEBZizWcLZbq5QUVTQWdtSsgLuh3qK47XrCnqjupWkRIB6T0I4-IDXvxg-ZM2aOZHRg1sUCJTX2gYZ28l4tFI5z4uOtluvxodZ8U4/s320/Scrapbook+of+frankie+Pratt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698696481480441538" /></a></b></div><div><b><i>The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A novel in pictures</i> by Caroline Preston</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>First, I must thank <a href="http://anita-womanwifemom.blogspot.com/">Anita</a> for recommending this book to me. What a gorgeous and unique book. As the title states, <i>The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt</i> is a novel in pictures. But it's not a picture book or comic book. The pages of the book are made to look like the scrapbook pages of Frankie Pratt, who has recently received the scrapbook, along with her father's old Corona typewriter, as a high school graduation gift in 1920. The reader follows Frankie's life from Vassar College, to NYC and her first love to Paris via a transatlantic voyage on the Lusitania. All gorgeously illustrated with actual ticket stubs, advertisements, newspaper clippings, corsages and other tidbits that any young woman would paste into a scrapbook. Accompanying each page are typed passages that relate Frankie's adventures. The story itself is fairly simple, but the presentation is unique, charming and sumptuous. It was a delight to turn each page and discover all it's little gems. As a side note, the author has been collecting vintage scrapbooks since she was a teenager and used items from her own collection to create this utterly captivating book. A feast for the eyes. <b> 4 out of 5 stars. I really like it. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk404G9jSsCnV1xN4tE5YtemR5h0Ehi49KwrzdoDd45bV5v1bJudOH-1svDg9-CQhyTnLOriW_aeBUfNdlDaSdHVivTDOzVnjjn4Jp8YzkQJka8fywcociYD1u86w2wTSyyrDR4-x_EM/s1600/Wench.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidk404G9jSsCnV1xN4tE5YtemR5h0Ehi49KwrzdoDd45bV5v1bJudOH-1svDg9-CQhyTnLOriW_aeBUfNdlDaSdHVivTDOzVnjjn4Jp8YzkQJka8fywcociYD1u86w2wTSyyrDR4-x_EM/s320/Wench.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698696658296441842" /></a></b></div><div><b><i>Wench</i> by Dolen Perkins-Valdez</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This book sat on my tbr list for quite a while. I'm not really sure why it took so long to make it to the top of the list, but I'm glad it finally did. And again, I have to give credit to <a href="http://anita-womanwifemom.blogspot.com/">Anita. </a> She wrote a review of <i>Wench</i> on her blog and that convinced me to just read it already! And once again, she was right. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about the lives of 4 slave women who travel north every summer with their male masters to a resort in Ohio. Here they spend their summers as their masters' mistresses. The juxtaposition of these slave women to the black servants at the resort and the free blacks living in the town is jarring and eye opening. The varying nature of the relationships between the different women and their masters is also fascinating and at times surprising. As is the differing ways these men view and relate to these slave women. Truly a side of slavery I did not know much about. A great book for those who love history. <b>3.5 out of 5 stars. I (more than) liked it.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-15475060331196052052012-01-10T21:18:00.005-05:002012-01-14T10:51:27.054-05:00My Second Act<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V7ub9c8sbkj7XGYidm1Ol-WNyEmZxXzmdmmMCuTEYZHb-12A8dfqOiimYqQZxzdT9gCrFFJwHAnQ1V8SwttOx6yKxKay7vv9ZrxTwTsw49cUtuY7yJFIAyH-11HtdXkB1uPiwpZuGI0/s1600/new_year_2012.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0V7ub9c8sbkj7XGYidm1Ol-WNyEmZxXzmdmmMCuTEYZHb-12A8dfqOiimYqQZxzdT9gCrFFJwHAnQ1V8SwttOx6yKxKay7vv9ZrxTwTsw49cUtuY7yJFIAyH-11HtdXkB1uPiwpZuGI0/s200/new_year_2012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696204184301276274" /></a><br />There are some big changes on the horizon for me in 2012. I've decided to go back to school to get my Nursing Degree! As shocking as this might seem for a 47 year old wannabe librarian, it really gets back to the core of who I am. And is actually the first step in getting me back on track to my true calling. <div><br /></div><div>From the time I was 5 years old I wanted to be a doctor. I took every science class offered by my HS. I was even a candy striper at the local hospital. And I began my college career as a pre-med student way back in the mid-80s. Then reality hit when I realized I wasn't getting good enough grades to get into medical school. This was a huge crisis for me. I was a wreck for the entire first semester of my sophomore year. When I calmed down enough to think, I decided that I would simply modify my goals slightly and become a nurse. Unfortunately, I was talked out of this by a staunch feminist who told me I would be miserable "taking orders from doctors and emptying bedpans". I was so confused and in such a "state", I thought what she said made perfect sense. I don't believe in regrets, but I sure do wish I had gotten advice from a few more people before abandoning my dream of working in the medical field. </div><div><br /></div><div>In any case, in all the intervening years, I've never gotten over my love of all things medical and have looked into studying to be a Physician's Assistant or Nurse on a number of occasions. But the time was never right. Until now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm ready to move on from the library where I've worked for nearly 10 years and I have more time now to take classes and study. And I think it's time to follow my instincts. I sure do wish I had listened to my inner voice back in 1984, and I wonder if maybe I'm a little late to the table. Will anyone want to hire a brand new 51 year old nurse? But whenever I start to question my decision, I just imagine looking back at this moment in 10, 15 or 20 years and wishing I had just gone for it. So, that is what I'm going to do. I start January 23rd. Am I crazy? Quite possibly. But I've decided to give it a try. Wish me luck.</div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-38567793341149518662012-01-09T18:43:00.004-05:002012-01-09T19:29:58.569-05:00Musing Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Ut1aWZMv00VPIy2Ix524H9lij5ATQ-yVu0PkQUiq_8mhS95WFv9r8TaeC66j_TpCSsjMSc3zIUySgR3RcIq993EF6zCYMSnwER7NgzsaCUyjbTKhUwqo1UctD30zjTztcvbo9SZv3M/s1600/Musing_Mondays2_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Ut1aWZMv00VPIy2Ix524H9lij5ATQ-yVu0PkQUiq_8mhS95WFv9r8TaeC66j_TpCSsjMSc3zIUySgR3RcIq993EF6zCYMSnwER7NgzsaCUyjbTKhUwqo1UctD30zjTztcvbo9SZv3M/s200/Musing_Mondays2_thumb%255B2%255D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695790639739888434" /></a><br /><br />This week’s Musing Mondays from <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">Should Be Reading</a> asks…<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Are there any “raved reads” –books that everyone seems to be talking about– that you’re hoping to get read this year, yourself? What books are they, and why are you hoping to read them? Is it because you want to say you’ve read it? Or, would you have chosen to read it, even if you’d discovered it yourself, and no one was raving about it?“</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b>This is such an interesting and timely question for me. Many times books come to my attention that I decide not to read simply because the topic/plot does not appeal to me. Then I start to see them referenced again and again - on blogs, in newspaper and magazines and across the desk at the library where they seem to always be on hold for someone. Frequently, at this point, I change my mind about wanting to read them. And most often my initial reaction was correct. I really don't like the book all the much. If the topic is not initially appealing, usually the book is not either, regardless of how many other people love it, the great reviews it gets or the number of blogs I see it pop up on. Just this past weekend, I had made a decision to stick to my initial reaction to a book when deciding what to read. And with that in mind, I'm off to clean up my tbr list on Goodreads. I'm looking forward to staring out 2012 with a fresh (reading) slate.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>How about you? Are there "hot" books you are dying to read? Are you influenced by the buzz created around some books? Inquiring minds want to know...</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-13369554524075109472012-01-04T19:36:00.004-05:002012-01-04T20:27:37.712-05:00Project 52 Review<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.apeekatkarensworld.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff182/kpeterson32/Project52WeeklyUpdate.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><br /><br /><br />Way back in January 2011 I decided to participate in Project 52. I came up with 40 goals that I wanted to complete in 2011 and listed them here on my blog. And for awhile I even updated my progress. And then I stopped. Updating, not necessarily working on my goals. Though I did kind of give up on some of those, too. One thing I learned is that keeping up with and keeping track of weekly goals is just too much trouble. I quickly got overwhelmed with all the "bookkeeping". But since I'm a complete Type A personality, I feel compelled to report on my progress. While I wasn't completely successful, participating in Project 52 did help me keep focused on some things that are important to me. <div><br /></div><div>While I enjoyed participating in Project 52 and felt that it was a worthwhile endeavor, I've decided not to participate in 2012. One thing I spend too much time on is organizing, list making, archiving and generally "keeping track of" a myriad of things. Did I mention I'm Type A? Anyway, my goal for 2012 is to let go of some of this behavior. All the time I spend organizing is actually starting to take too much time. I need to give myself permission to stop unnecessary record keeping type behaviors. OMG! I sound completely loony. I'm really not - at least not <i>completely.</i> But it is time for more balance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now for the update. Ummm... Wait a second. I was going to go through the goals one by one and give an update, but in light of what I just wrote *slaps forehead* I think I'll just hit the highlights and reflect on what I learned during the process. </div><div> </div><div><br />Many of my goals had to do with <b>cooking</b>. I really don't like to cook and find it a terrible chore. While having some specific goals did help me try new recipes, I came nowhere near my goal of cooking three times per week. I'm just going to accept this about myself and not fight it anymore. C'est la vie!</div><div><br /></div><div>I did somewhat better on my <b>exercise </b>goals. While I didn't join a gym, try Pilates or go to a Zumba class, I did take a 6 week yoga class. And I far surpassed my walking goal of 3 times per week. I have consistently walked an hour a day, 5-7 times per week since the first week in January! I've decided that I'm no longer going to worry about going to a gym or weight training or resistance training or flexibility or any of that. I enjoy walking, I've been keeping it up and it's something I can do anywhere, any time and for the rest of my life. Having this revelation and making this commitment feels like a true success.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also had some success with my <b>reading/book</b> goals. I did read a Jane Austen book, one book that has lingered on my tbr list for quite awhile and I visited one new to me library in RI. I did not however, read a Shakespeare play or a nonfiction book by Alison Weir from my tbr list. And I only managed to write book reviews for 12 of the 21 4 or 5 star books that I read in 2011. </div><div><br /></div><div>I accomplished 2 of my 6<b> travel </b>related goals. The most important of which was a getaway with my husband. I'll count that as a success. </div><div><br /></div><div>I did a pretty good job with my <b>explore RI</b> goals. I did manage to eat at three swanky restaurants and to explore Hope St. in Providence. And while I didn't make to any of the big, ocean beaches here in RI, which is what I intended when I set the goal, I did visit my little town beach on Narragansett Bay a number of times. And I really do enjoy that. Maybe I need to focus on that and stop feeling bad about not going to the "real" beach. </div><div><br /></div><div>Accomplishing my <b>family goals</b> proved to be a little harder. Maybe because they were tied to cooking. I set a goal of inviting my mother to dinner once a month and hosting 4 dinners for extended family. I made some progress, but not as much as I would have liked. I did, however, spend more time with my mom this past year doing other things and that was really the idea. So, I'm going to count that as a success. And I did spend lots of time with extended family, just not necessarily at dinners I hosted for that express purpose. So again, the spirit of the goal was met. </div><div><br /></div><div>As for some of my <b>miscellaneous</b> goals, I did very well on some - keeping up with politics, buying flowers for the family room, saying "no" at work, donating to charity - and not so well on others - posting once a week, watching more movies and scheduling mental health days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, I think I did pretty well. Having the accountability of Project 52 definitely helped me keep some of my goals in mind, which certainly help me accomplish what I did. But having one more thing to track and organize was definitely not a good thing for me. And that is probably the best thing I got out of participating in Project 52. The realization that too much organizing, record keeping, etc. can actually make you less, not more, efficient. A valuable lesson to learn. And one I need to focus on in 2012. My goal - to become a Type A <i>minus</i> personality. Baby steps. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>How about you? Have you set any goals for yourself in 2012? I'd love to hear from you.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-23062545774872098632011-12-29T19:27:00.004-05:002011-12-30T09:29:44.863-05:00Best Books of 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLT42tkp_Rpw7Q083P1doTTNnYBexkbVwhhR8Wd82MLQIHNrVHY2zGpAFbN5fWwBLhqmFkavhxJvVvWZOT4ZdtwgP9e8MUeNnizKzVhZpjXNDZfeAL7igz6xu4VjU3uLJQrwCm9NtyIw/s1600-h/7147042.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417374479710936994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLT42tkp_Rpw7Q083P1doTTNnYBexkbVwhhR8Wd82MLQIHNrVHY2zGpAFbN5fWwBLhqmFkavhxJvVvWZOT4ZdtwgP9e8MUeNnizKzVhZpjXNDZfeAL7igz6xu4VjU3uLJQrwCm9NtyIw/s400/7147042.jpg" /></a><div>The end of the year seems to be a popular time for "Best of" Lists. I couldn't miss the opportunity to make my own Best List. Of course mine is going to be all about books. Of the 109 books I've read in 2010, 24 of them received a 4 or 5 star rating. Looking back over those, 6 rose to the top as my choice for Best Books Read in 2011. Since not all of these books were published in 2011, this is not technically a Best Books of 2011 list, but a Best Books Read in 2011 list.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pam's 6 Best Books of 2011</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>When Elephants Dance</i> by Tess Uriza Holthe - A powerful debut novel that will not leave the reader unaffected. One of three books I read in 2011 that received a perfect 5 stars. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://www.pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/04/feast-of-books.html">Never Let Me Go</a></i> by Ishiguro Kazuo - A stunner of a book. People either love it or hate. I loved it so much it was the second book to receive 5 stars in 2011. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://www.pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-moonflower-vine-by-jetta.html">Moonflower Vine</a></i> by Jetta Carleton - A very good story, simply told! The third and final book of 2011 to receive 5 stars. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><a href="http://www.pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/06/book-reviews-widows-story-by-joyce.html">Caleb's Crossing </a></i>by Geraldine Brooks - The 2012 Reading Across RI (RARI) winner! Brooks is a master at evoking time and place. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Story of Beautiful Girl </i>by Rachel Simon- A very original story with characters I came to care deeply about. Thanks to <a href="http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/">Sue of Book by Book</a> for the recommendation. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Greyhound</i> by Steffan Piper - Best book you've never heard of and might have a hard time finding. But it's worth the effort to try. </div><div><br /></div><div>2011 was a pretty good book year for me. While I managed to read 12 more books in 2011 than I did in 2010 and I rated 24 of them 4 or 5 stars, I didn't really read any books that WOWed me. I haven't read any books that blew me away since <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-books-of-2009.html">2009, which was a blockbuster year for me.</a> How about you? What are your top books of 2011? I'd love to hear from you. After all 2012is just around the corner and I can always use some recommendations.<br /><div><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-27279567294924303322011-09-16T15:34:00.016-04:002011-09-18T18:38:04.891-04:00What I Did on My Summer VacationIs summer over already? It just flew by. It was quite the eventful summer, too, and I didn't blog about any of it. My bad. In the interest of brevity and to avoid boring you to death, here is the Cliff's Notes version of my life over the last 3 months or so...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Birthday Celebration</span><br /><br />Over 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of July weekend, we traveled to Denver to celebrate the 70<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday of Geoff's Aunt Marianne. We are very close to her and Geoff's Uncle Mike and it was a nice chance to see family members that we don't see all that often.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRxqIw6LrPwZI_i0HzIIHsPrIH0uJqmtzn_aGPpEW9DGBT6TC36ZDq7OdQhtp3HmEj6tml7ZFu-b2J3u8AZ20U7zfy4dLt70w1cXq7x1jJDcDrknvltWOMSP_au5YlUlbD0b7Y6KtgMc/s1600/069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRxqIw6LrPwZI_i0HzIIHsPrIH0uJqmtzn_aGPpEW9DGBT6TC36ZDq7OdQhtp3HmEj6tml7ZFu-b2J3u8AZ20U7zfy4dLt70w1cXq7x1jJDcDrknvltWOMSP_au5YlUlbD0b7Y6KtgMc/s200/069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653827397248394530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> Marianne and Mike</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anniversary Celebration</span><br /><br />Geoff surprised me with a weekend getaway at <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.castlehillinn.com/">Castle Hill Inn in Newport</a> for our anniversary. It was a lovely surprise and the weekend was filled with lots of little luxuries - roses, champagne, gourmet meals and time to relax on the private beach. I felt very pampered.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL_okA4Aw7JfZ58AmxtbAIHq7B0ZQuM9mn2bQBAbXcl7IggUt7E2qm_URJMDMp1VBg3hT8ypX3KwI4KrOwgfxJiDNF2id-K_LlNyAOMqxSWyUSC5GzE7cy4OzIPhg1o79WkQXFmaJhY0/s1600/Newport+-+25th+Anniversary+Weekend+014.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL_okA4Aw7JfZ58AmxtbAIHq7B0ZQuM9mn2bQBAbXcl7IggUt7E2qm_URJMDMp1VBg3hT8ypX3KwI4KrOwgfxJiDNF2id-K_LlNyAOMqxSWyUSC5GzE7cy4OzIPhg1o79WkQXFmaJhY0/s200/Newport+-+25th+Anniversary+Weekend+014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653822891009739698" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Castle Hill Inn</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Renovation/Remodel Hell</span><br /><br />On August 1, we had to empty out the first floor of our home to prepare for some minor renovations. It's now September 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> and it's still not done. I'm about to lose my mind. I could really use another weekend at Castle Hill Inn.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1SbxmIP8UOYNm5F2NQWws6jm7iQs_QnnojdNZ23tVsucuyCiTjDrX-uQfiG9YgvVWEXosQhxl1hwjYl64T1TgbMZJLkO0pSXMMmNU9XYjnpr1lyJXmQYnkD44PnMHV90Blv-cVtj_n8/s1600/025.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1SbxmIP8UOYNm5F2NQWws6jm7iQs_QnnojdNZ23tVsucuyCiTjDrX-uQfiG9YgvVWEXosQhxl1hwjYl64T1TgbMZJLkO0pSXMMmNU9XYjnpr1lyJXmQYnkD44PnMHV90Blv-cVtj_n8/s200/025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653823717351361922" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My Family Room</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Driver's License</span><br /><br />On August 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span>, Madeleine got her Driver's License!!!! It's hard to describe the feeling I have now that my chauffeuring duties are completely over. Relief, wistfulness, sadness, disbelief. But mostly relief. I'm not sure Geoff feels that same sense of relief. He really misses driving her to school every morning. He's trying to convince her to go to Brown University after she graduates so that he can drive her to class every day on his way to Providence. The empty nest is looming large. *sigh*<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG5QoKvE95vJGvgUH69JKVAYvaLh826zEb5lZl8GhkkfYN5cjknugpfuqJzxoNPyPigxhx6tnX1WUWbpwNqa9YvkCin8u3xwb_AozD7LzlgBTPb1H9f4EeFBqwvan4pwBYP2SDUVp3iY/s1600/Madeleine%2527s+Driver%2527s+License+August+2%252C+2011+%25284%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG5QoKvE95vJGvgUH69JKVAYvaLh826zEb5lZl8GhkkfYN5cjknugpfuqJzxoNPyPigxhx6tnX1WUWbpwNqa9YvkCin8u3xwb_AozD7LzlgBTPb1H9f4EeFBqwvan4pwBYP2SDUVp3iY/s200/Madeleine%2527s+Driver%2527s+License+August+2%252C+2011+%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653824457805292610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Brand New Driver</span></div><br /><b>50 Years...and Counting</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In early August, we spent a long weekend in Woodstock, VT with Geoff's extended family to celebrate his parents' 50th Anniversary! We had a wonderful weekend at the <a href="http://www.woodstockinn.com/">Woodstock Inn.</a> The main event of the trip was a special celebratory dinner in honor of Gary and Audrey's 50th. The dinner was absolutely lovely - complete with special flowers, a small wedding cake, champagne and specially designed M&Ms to commemorate the occasion. Each of Geoff's parents made a speech and Geoff and his two siblings toasted their parents. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Truly a memorable and momentous occasion.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8Kybk8iMFY_IVOPfK3dfD2H27v3GVDJII-OPF2Bs9SinpA0Jr1xjjOD5Lm3Az2msTy6bstBhqRVZSrC9fKCTrQdjKOyYgV6kBwU-qLF5chzCqnMnpS9Fr3BEJaFqk4Z6nNm30pjKLI/s1600/148.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1V8Kybk8iMFY_IVOPfK3dfD2H27v3GVDJII-OPF2Bs9SinpA0Jr1xjjOD5Lm3Az2msTy6bstBhqRVZSrC9fKCTrQdjKOyYgV6kBwU-qLF5chzCqnMnpS9Fr3BEJaFqk4Z6nNm30pjKLI/s200/148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653825297306228674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Gary and Audrey</span></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">College Drop 0ff - Second Time's a Charm</span><br /><br />On August 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span>, we dropped Katie off to start her sophomore year at college. Things went much more smoothly than <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2010/08/college-move-in-day-stooges-style.html"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">the fiasco that was last year.</span></a> I sensed that she was a little reluctant to let us leave, but since we were trying to outrun Tropical Storm Irene, we didn't have much choice but to get on the road.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DjBqsT7yRSNJIvX-kZS-6J47idTzyrKqkkr6RmiSaeMnfX85WEeh-H01xiZqmnErNMi8CGFAiQkdfDEvAe3pp82U8KF4TXEukbyeYZcCg1p7AKtpzz-dKdMWJ-MVW6ZiZikECYyjDsk/s1600/003.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DjBqsT7yRSNJIvX-kZS-6J47idTzyrKqkkr6RmiSaeMnfX85WEeh-H01xiZqmnErNMi8CGFAiQkdfDEvAe3pp82U8KF4TXEukbyeYZcCg1p7AKtpzz-dKdMWJ-MVW6ZiZikECYyjDsk/s200/003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653825609416012994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Katie's Dorm Room</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Speaking of Tropical Storms...</span><br /><br />Irene was downgraded to a tropical storm by the time it got to RI, but that didn't stop it from knocking out our power for <span style="font-weight: bold;">6 DAYS!</span> I have a whole new respect for people who live in the south and deal with hurricanes on a regular basis. The inconvenience was - well, inconvenient. Not to mention my house was already under renovation and I had only gotten my (electric) stove reinstalled the day before the storm hit. Ugh! But, fortunately, we didn't suffer any damage and we had hot water throughout the ordeal. Not everyone was so fortunate.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Annual Family Weekend in New Hampshire</span><br /><br />As we have since 2007, we spent Labor Day weekend in a rented house in NH with my Dad and Sandy and my brother's family. As this trip came right on the heels of Irene (and we still didn't have power when we left), it came at a good time. I really needed to get away and get out of my head with regards to our lack of electricity, the inconvenience and how it had brought the (never ending) work on our house to screeching halt. (I was just a wee bit cranky that week.) I spent the weekend reading on the screened porch and napping. It was fabulous. I felt very refreshed when I got back home.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-1CKCdcfOFfGWBPRZkdxwklakpbfJPrERvJnlywqGrJcQ5Ug1wIH5EEq7tsa0OFuLGf-HMjWMWvqJTZVkj_e1I8WrwumHMIyCll9WsEz7noc_m67EZ31qcUoyMGNZmmU5eW-H3j7-pc/s1600/004.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-1CKCdcfOFfGWBPRZkdxwklakpbfJPrERvJnlywqGrJcQ5Ug1wIH5EEq7tsa0OFuLGf-HMjWMWvqJTZVkj_e1I8WrwumHMIyCll9WsEz7noc_m67EZ31qcUoyMGNZmmU5eW-H3j7-pc/s200/004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653831904148580850" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Dad and me reading on the screened porch</span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>Back to School</span><br /><br />Madeleine started her Junior year of High School on September 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> - one week late due to Tropical Storm Irene. It was very exciting for her to drive herself to school for the first time. This school year really feels like the start of a new chapter. Junior year is such an important one. A year focused so much on preparing for life after HS. That, combined with the independence that comes with having a license, has really changed the makeup and tone of our days. It's freeing and exciting, but it's also a little unsettling. I always find the start of the school year a time of adjustment. This year the adjustment seems to be less about getting used to a new routine, and more about adjusting to the next phase in life. And not just for Madeleine.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrLVooPEOU5PM2mjZqXp5HTXBoAp0fdRqjYwdfK78j7yZH5DpdBaULa5gDfX6Rd3GMBC9d86K5kW1r7gFc7GsuW43tllnaRoKOaKwMPmW3xMAnJMNXiuyxm-947K7K2tVYFPlkvqPdkk/s1600/011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrLVooPEOU5PM2mjZqXp5HTXBoAp0fdRqjYwdfK78j7yZH5DpdBaULa5gDfX6Rd3GMBC9d86K5kW1r7gFc7GsuW43tllnaRoKOaKwMPmW3xMAnJMNXiuyxm-947K7K2tVYFPlkvqPdkk/s200/011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653826917950162674" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Madeleine's First Day of Junior Year in HS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyfNCTYazRoU7xpWbVoMYjmXcgj3Wd2Li0Vj-bQ9XEwKoy00pZ_sAa38zdlA6BAiXIY1QskAJzP120XCesHTa_fkwwyiOzSqassZwJxOcqtfHnbc4vhI_LvLXNwLpOFfiDM6q77AAbVg/s1600/Katie+First+Day+of+Sophmore+Year+UNH+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyfNCTYazRoU7xpWbVoMYjmXcgj3Wd2Li0Vj-bQ9XEwKoy00pZ_sAa38zdlA6BAiXIY1QskAJzP120XCesHTa_fkwwyiOzSqassZwJxOcqtfHnbc4vhI_LvLXNwLpOFfiDM6q77AAbVg/s200/Katie+First+Day+of+Sophmore+Year+UNH+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653826912710799906" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Katie's First Day of Sophomore Year in College</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Looking back I can see why the summer flew by. It was a busy and sometimes chaotic summer. But there was a lot of fun and love, too. All in all, a good summer. <b> How about you? What did you do on your summer vacation?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-89535912358544477232011-07-06T20:48:00.008-04:002011-07-06T21:39:02.039-04:00Summer Reading RecommendationsIt's already July and summer is definitely in full swing here in the Rhode Island and in our household. Both girls are out of school and we've been enjoying the more relaxed pace of summer vacation. I've been getting a lot of reading done and I've read a few really great books. In case you need some inspiration for your own summer reading, here are three books I highly recommend. Happy reading!<div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKPoj9EGYjtYWMyUE0JYvtPYwmtRPj2X0G_pK2FDUzDFKRByueNUkUSlZpAKAECaw-QJvJPfzI-hUVztDzoCbaibvONvtBLeriF2LvhnOl8gdn9X3Jx6xVoZ2dVj87tycxNAH4iigfpc/s1600/Labor+Day.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 50px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKPoj9EGYjtYWMyUE0JYvtPYwmtRPj2X0G_pK2FDUzDFKRByueNUkUSlZpAKAECaw-QJvJPfzI-hUVztDzoCbaibvONvtBLeriF2LvhnOl8gdn9X3Jx6xVoZ2dVj87tycxNAH4iigfpc/s200/Labor+Day.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626413054638485954" /></a><b><i>Labor Day</i> by Joyce Maynard</b> - When lonely 13 year old Henry and his fragile single mother, Adele, meet a bleeding man on the Thursday before Labor Day, little do they know that their lives will never be the same. <div><br /></div><div>Adele and Henry agree to help Frank and over the course of the next five days, Frank teaches Henry how to play baseball, bake a pie and believe in himself. Henry also learns the importance of putting others before himself. <i>Labor Day</i> is a story of love, redemption and second chances.</div><div><br /></div><div>I read this book with the book club I run at the library. We had a lively discussion about the characters, their motivations and psyches. This book is ripe for analysis and interpretation. The author has written a wonderful and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Labor-Day-Novel-Joyce-Maynard/dp/B004MKLS00/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1310000149&sr=1-1">illuminating essay</a> that adds a depth of understanding to the origin of the story and the characters themselves. A great book for book clubs. <b>4 stars - I really liked it. </b></div><div><b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusCf8N1xaW5Tm3NhqhWrYIZMlcwhTyV72SMdA3J4lbxiWL09uuYEllC2IBwANFX0UOP31UeQSUhTSSCRR_uOokGphpQIiAJohs8DiqDlFbgi4NwoRcMVt6CE97DzrnUE0HyIG6ipMCok/s1600/Vaclav+and+Lena.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 50px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusCf8N1xaW5Tm3NhqhWrYIZMlcwhTyV72SMdA3J4lbxiWL09uuYEllC2IBwANFX0UOP31UeQSUhTSSCRR_uOokGphpQIiAJohs8DiqDlFbgi4NwoRcMVt6CE97DzrnUE0HyIG6ipMCok/s200/Vaclav+and+Lena.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626413142090405810" /></a></b></div><div><b><i>Vaclav & Lena </i>by Haley Tanner </b>- <i>Vaclav & Lena</i> is the story of two 7 year old Russian emigres living in Brooklyn who meet in an ESL class and become each other's only friend. Lena spends every day after school until bedtime at Vaclav's house where she is embraced by Vaclav's mother, Rasia. </div><div><br /></div><div>Inexplicably, one day Lena disappears and a bewildered Vaclav spends the next seven years wondering what happened to her. When Lena just as suddenly reappears in Vaclav's life, he finally gets the answer to his questions. And with Vacla's help, Lena gets the answers to her questions as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Vaclav and Lena in an absolutely amazing debut novel. The story is original and engaging and the characters are wonderfully rendered and very real. I am stunned that this is Haley Tanner's first novel. She is a talented storyteller and a gifted writer. The level of originality and sophistication in <i>Vaclav & Lena</i> is truly astonishing for a young, first time author. I am anxious to see what Tanner writes next. My only regret is that I didn't read this book for book club. I'm dying to talk about it with someone.<b> 4 stars- I really liked it. </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZviM2_su7SDU5ZvyKlZ3iiSc5sdVc0168kWw6TNHD97SnI8FDNOiE3KAfglfDuBnriKzoAQxo_GY4eCaKoRnsIhZ0BovRjzhEtUEF4txh4b9P4-r2l3oBDzV5s-uIeQPZVMB4LE6mx0/s1600/The+Dry+Grass+of+August.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 47px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZviM2_su7SDU5ZvyKlZ3iiSc5sdVc0168kWw6TNHD97SnI8FDNOiE3KAfglfDuBnriKzoAQxo_GY4eCaKoRnsIhZ0BovRjzhEtUEF4txh4b9P4-r2l3oBDzV5s-uIeQPZVMB4LE6mx0/s200/The+Dry+Grass+of+August.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626413458255430914" /></a></div><div><b><i>The Dry Grass of August </i>by Anna Jean Mayhew </b>-Another debut novel, this time by a woman in her 70s! <i>The Dry Grass of August</i> will appeal to lovers of Kathryn Stockett's <i>The Help.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>It's 1954 and 13 year old Jubie Watts and her family are travelling from Charlotte, NC to Florida with their black maid, Mary. Mary has been a part of the Watts' household for as long as Jubie can remember. But Mary is so much more than just a maid. She serves as a stabilizing force and a source of comfort and love to Jubie and her siblings.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the family travels south, Jubie becomes uncomfortably aware of the increasing level of anti-segregation sentiment and racial tension. This tension will eventually change the Watts family, and Jubie in particular, forever.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Dry Grass of August </i>is a terrific story detailing a tension filled time in our nation's history. It's also a coming of age story of a young girl confronted with a question of morality at a tender age. Mayhew has written a thoughtful book filled with wisdom. The characters of Mary and Jubie are especially vividly drawn. The voice of Jubie is reminiscent of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird's</i> Scout and Mary will bring to mind the wise and loving Abileen from <i>The Help</i>. Another wonderful book for book clubs.<b> 4 stars - I really liked it. </b></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>How about you? Have you read any good books this summer? Does your summer reading differ at all from what you read the rest of the year? </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-78736221968945202902011-06-11T20:30:00.013-04:002011-06-11T21:39:47.377-04:00Book Reviews: A Widow's Story by Joyce Carol Oates and Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks<br /><br />I've recently read two wonderful books, either of which would make great summer reads.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ebUw6NO6COMbtjvn5hRZoSfB_pTh4oeklLSXENNYgpCe9DzyKWvyh5hJ1jee-cDponXpTUlX9T5iuwTUdERLE3Q2lc8kKZkRwbmjIgMm_iWpBWGMs6eXeOxfRt2s8CFYuwVpiqCa4g/s1600/Widows+Story.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 51px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6ebUw6NO6COMbtjvn5hRZoSfB_pTh4oeklLSXENNYgpCe9DzyKWvyh5hJ1jee-cDponXpTUlX9T5iuwTUdERLE3Q2lc8kKZkRwbmjIgMm_iWpBWGMs6eXeOxfRt2s8CFYuwVpiqCa4g/s200/Widows+Story.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617138898123666482" /></a><span style="font-weight:bold;"><i>A Widow's Story</i> by Joyce Carol Oates</span> - <i> A Widow's Tale </i>is a memoir written by Oates after the unexpected death of her husband, Ray. At first I wasn't going to read this book because I'm a little tired of memoirs and I had read Joan Didion's memoir, <i>A Year of Magical Thinking</i>, which deals with the exact same subject. However, I kept hearing such glowing things about this book that I just had to see for myself. I'm so glad I did. I enjoyed this book on so many different levels. First and foremost was the writing. Oh my goodness. Oates is a master of evocative language. She can express the most emotionally authentic thoughts eloquently and succinctly. I was constantly amazed at the beautiful way in which she set her thoughts and emotions on paper. I also found her descriptions of her life with Ray to be fascinating. They had a very unique relationship. It was an intellectual and academic life between two people who had the utmost respect for each other. But there is also something fragile and childlike about Oates and in many ways her relationship with Ray seemed to have a father-figure quality to it. I was also fascinated to read how Oates views her fame. In her mind, she is Joyce Smith and Joyce Carol Oates (or JCO, as she refers to her public persona) is just that - a public persona, a draining role she is reluctantly required to fulfill. Fascinating! I've never heard anyone else talk about this before. I also learned that she is a notoriously private person and rarely gives interviews or shares anything of her personal life with the public. So writing this intensely personal book was quite a giant leap of faith for her. And very brave for one so seemingly unsure of herself. And lastly, from my own experiences with grief - both personal and as a witness to a situation very similar to Oates - I feel that Oates presents a view of grief that is authentic, real and heartrendingly accurate. <b>4/5 stars - I really liked it!</b><div><b><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQyj4kTF73V1W4Nvi5LEwFuFkKStrtEYj5GcEsS7uJFVbsIo8yVfTAt9V6g4fg2_MzWnQJE84R9z5pqNkBO0rIBmKyIXlsCS14TAn97bm5bBlPsstUZQUKZ11WB1ulkTpdHoiRvbzs-k/s1600/caleb%2527s+crossing.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 50px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQyj4kTF73V1W4Nvi5LEwFuFkKStrtEYj5GcEsS7uJFVbsIo8yVfTAt9V6g4fg2_MzWnQJE84R9z5pqNkBO0rIBmKyIXlsCS14TAn97bm5bBlPsstUZQUKZ11WB1ulkTpdHoiRvbzs-k/s200/caleb%2527s+crossing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617138106892750482" /></a></b></div><div><b><i>Caleb's Crossing </i>by Geraldine Brooks -</b> I absolutely LOVE Geraldine Brooks' books. If you haven't already read <i>A Year of Wonders</i> or <i>People of the Book</i>, you simply must add them to the top of your tbr list! And while you're at it add <i>Caleb's Crossing</i> as well. Brooks is a master of evoking time and place. Her use of language, dialogue and even her writing style perfectly fit the time period and the characters of her novels. Caleb's Crossing is an historical fiction novel set in the late 1600's on Martha's Vineyard and Cambridge, MA. It tells the story of Caleb Cheeshahteaumuck, the first Native American to graduate from what would become Harvard University and his friendship with a young white girl, Bethia Mayfield. Bethia yearns for an education, which is closed off to her because of her sex. Meanwhile, Bethia's father is struggling to convert the natives to Christianity and one of his projects is to educate Caleb. Brooks does a wonderful job of presenting the societal issues of the day without becoming preachy or presenting one side or the other as being all good or all bad. The reader is presented with a clear view of the life and times of the Puritan settlers and the Native Wampanoag tribe living both on the wild island of Great Harbor and in the gritty community of Cambridge. What makes the book even more compelling is that Brooks lives on Martha's Vineyard and came to write this story when she came across a document that mentioned the real life Caleb Cheeshahteamuck. There is very little information about Caleb, but Brooks felt that his amazing story was one that should not be forgotten to time. If that isn't enough to grab your attention, it's interesting to note that until this past May when <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/05/11/wampanoag_grad_to_be_harvards_first_since_1665/">Tiffany Smalley graduated from Harvard</a>, Caleb was not just the first Wampanoag to graduate from Harvard, he was the only one! Imagine that!<b> 4/5 stars - I really liked it. </b></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-29904471815847060442011-05-30T09:09:00.006-04:002011-05-30T09:19:26.913-04:00Never Forget<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUziSdz0a4KIIyjDg9-9X1B-bwFd0n4RUUpb416bkQyUz-3GFZqRBx77nOTPOczgMoR9lvqS-w3jppuuMpb3pWvOmj00y-CPCSvJOqqKYJusg4xdM8wNscFAd3q03XSN1UbOD7Oufi9k/s1600/memorial+day+4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUziSdz0a4KIIyjDg9-9X1B-bwFd0n4RUUpb416bkQyUz-3GFZqRBx77nOTPOczgMoR9lvqS-w3jppuuMpb3pWvOmj00y-CPCSvJOqqKYJusg4xdM8wNscFAd3q03XSN1UbOD7Oufi9k/s400/memorial+day+4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612495728870771298" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In Flanders Fields</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In Flanders fields the poppies blow</div><div style="text-align: center;">Between the crosses, row on row,</div><div style="text-align: center;">That mark our place; and in the sky</div><div style="text-align: center;">The larks, still bravely singing, fly</div><div style="text-align: center;">Scarce heard amid the guns below.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are the Dead. Short days ago</div><div style="text-align: center;">We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Loved and were loved, and now we lie</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Flanders fields.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Take up your quarrel with the foe:</div><div style="text-align: center;">To you from failing hands we throw</div><div style="text-align: center;">The torch; be yours to hold it high.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If ye break faith with us who die</div><div style="text-align: center;">We shall not sleep, though poppies grow</div><div style="text-align: center;">In Flanders Fields.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~John McCrae*</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span">*<span class="Apple-style-span">Maj. John McCrae of the Canadian Army is best know for his famous war poem "In Flanders Fields," written following the death of a friend during the 1915 battle in the Yspres salient. McCrae composed the poem while sitting in the back of an ambulance, looking out on a nearby cemetery filled with wild poppies. </span></span></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-87407092336493850682011-05-22T19:02:00.009-04:002011-05-29T18:56:06.641-04:00Freshman Year - A Mom's Retrospective<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA2ZsjL0tAt6phTUvb99cp3bvJ3RzbkPVpOnmXel2TF5N-Gljwi3lc2kJ96C_J-Ly0ioqK2ZFy1-KN9VWw0PlzMjUWdxmVbm3ObCr0rwWwZC7rkXXkzY3dnFAJhIlkLvhhQ9Y3xdnpnI/s1600/home_from_college.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA2ZsjL0tAt6phTUvb99cp3bvJ3RzbkPVpOnmXel2TF5N-Gljwi3lc2kJ96C_J-Ly0ioqK2ZFy1-KN9VWw0PlzMjUWdxmVbm3ObCr0rwWwZC7rkXXkzY3dnFAJhIlkLvhhQ9Y3xdnpnI/s320/home_from_college.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609690168997000962" /></a><br />In the blink of an eye, Katie's freshman year of college is over. She came home last Saturday and it's so hard to wrap my mind around the fact that her first year of college is over. Incredible. <div><br /></div><div>In the week or so leading up to her homecoming, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience over the course of the last 9 months. The range of emotions and my experience adjusting to this new stage of parenting is incredibly varied. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first two weeks were spent in perpetual thought of her. I was constantly thinking of reasons to call her. I found myself on her Facebook page (something I hadn't done much of in the past) just to see if I could glean any information about what her days were like. And when I did find something I obsessed about whether I should comment. Would she think I was stalking her (I was) or would she feel bad that her mom wasn't wishing her good luck on her first college math test? What to do? I was wracked with indecision and angst. It was a rough two weeks. The good news is that she called and texted often. So I did have a sense of how she was doing. The bad news is that a lot of our conversations were about things that were worrying or upsetting her. So then I was worried and upset. And of course by the time we next spoke, the crises was long over - for her. That was difficult lesson to learn. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the first couple of weeks, I really felt that I had adjusted to having my first child out of the nest. But I was wrong. Without realizing it, I was a total wreck. I knew I felt a little "off" and I craved a retreat of some sort, but I wasn't connecting it to Katie's departure. I was fortunate enough to arrange a week long getaway in the Berkshires in Massachusetts. I went with a friend in a similar situation and we spent our time in quiet contemplation and exploration of the surrounding area. We even spent one night taking turns talking about issues that were weighing on our minds. It felt good to get it all out. But my real relief came after my friend left (she had to get back) and I had a day and a half to myself. I drove to the top of a mountain, hoping to climb the observation tower for a view of the valley. The tower was closed for the season (it was late October), but I decided to explore a little on my own. After walking around a bit, I sat on a low stone wall, overlooking the valley below and without warning all my emotions rushed to the surface and I began to quietly weep - releasing all the pent up emotion of the previous weeks and even months of Katie's leave taking. Another solo visitor saw me sitting there and approached me and asked me if she could pray with me. Not being a religious person, I politely declined her heartfelt and generous offer. But her care and concern touched me deeply. Despite my lack of religious belief, I do believe she was there for a reason. I will never forget that moment or her kindness. It was certainly a defining moment for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it wasn't just I who was changing. Thanksgiving was a difficult visit for Katie and me. She was difficult and demanding and I regretted the tone of that visit. I was apprehensive as winter break approached. Five weeks is a long time. I hoped it would not be a repeat of Thanksgiving. And it wasn't. I noticed in change in Katie. She was less combative and more cheerful. It was a great visit. And each subsequent visit - a weekend in February, spring break in March and Easter weekend - proved to be fairly positive. Still I was concerned about summer. Three months is a long time. Could we all live harmoniously? It's a big transition to live on your own at college to re-assimilating back into family life. Would it go smoothly? Would we all be at odds with each other? How would the family dynamic change? Would it change?</div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's too soon to answer these questions. The first few days that Katie was home I noticed a concerted effort on her part to be amenable and cheerful. It seemed as though perhaps she had grown up some while away at college. But signs of our old tensions and struggles are starting to appear now. I sense her struggling to fit back into the new family dynamic that has emerged while she has been away. I can tell she feels a little out of place. I am struggling with this. How do I make the necessary adjustments that she seems to require, when I'm unable to anticipate or recognize what she wants from me? And what if what she wants is unrealistic? I think there are more adjustments to be made as I navigate this new stage in parenthood. Perhaps I'm going to have to find another mountaintop to visit before the summer is over.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-40758189766236867452011-05-16T17:34:00.004-04:002011-05-16T17:49:25.894-04:00Seriously?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllF2eu7TzEz7WqEvsJARVm5ycESfiSl4cvkW53gkPG84JsZr2kMFCQtrtbgSIUTAwD_xFOn7-CVr7i3gB-T9b7-TMCrSrVEqiuQNqYWyvHapNy4zdsder2SKwsRBBMF7jK0fuH_AhIa0/s1600/Really-Are-You-Serious-Header-skinny2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 60px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgllF2eu7TzEz7WqEvsJARVm5ycESfiSl4cvkW53gkPG84JsZr2kMFCQtrtbgSIUTAwD_xFOn7-CVr7i3gB-T9b7-TMCrSrVEqiuQNqYWyvHapNy4zdsder2SKwsRBBMF7jK0fuH_AhIa0/s320/Really-Are-You-Serious-Header-skinny2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607434163535342146" /></a><br /><br />You can't make this stuff up. Here's a conversation I had today with a patron.<div><br /></div><div><b>Patron:</b> Are you Pat?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Me:</b> No, I'm Pam. Can I help you with something?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Patron:</b> I was in here the other day and I bought one of the music cassette you had for sale. It was the worse 10 cents I ever spent. I put it back in the box. I'd like my dime back. The woman upstairs said I need to speak to Pat.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Me: </b>....... Well, I'm not sure where Pat is, but I can give you a dime. (hand him a dime)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Patron:</b> Thank you. (he leaves)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Me:</b> Am I on Candid Camera?</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I've heard it all!</div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-83629228162736634602011-05-08T10:58:00.004-04:002011-05-08T14:42:20.229-04:00Project 52 - Weeks 15, 16, 17, 18, 19<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.apeekatkarensworld.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff182/kpeterson32/Project52WeeklyUpdate.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><br /><br />Well, so much for updating my Project 52 goals once a month. Since I'm a week late, I'm including Week 19 as well!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Weeks 15-19 were all pretty good weeks for me. I did a decent job of keeping up with my weekly and monthly/multi-event goals and I even crossed off 2 of my one-time goals! But I have noticed that my motivation on my weekly goals is definitely waning. Not only the motivation of keeping up with them, but also the motivation to keep track of them. One thing I've learned is that if I participate in Project 52 next year, I will not include any weekly goals. Here's my accounting of how I did:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Weekly Goals</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Cook 3 times per week </b>- Epic fail! I didn't accomplish this at all in Weeks 15-19. Ugh! <b>Score: 9/52 </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Walk/Exercise 3 times per week</b> - I'm still going strong on my exercise goal. I walked 7 days in Week 15 and 19, 6 days during Weeks 16 and 17 and 4 times during Week 18. I think I've been successful in making exercise a permanent part of my routine! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Woot</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Woot</span>!<b> Score: 16/52 </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>30. Pay attention to local politics</b> - Check! I'm still doing a good job keeping up with local politics. And I did do a better job of keeping up with international politics during the month of April, which I had set as a goal last month. I'm going to continue to work on that in May. <b>Score: 18/52</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>33. Post at least once a week </b>- Nope. I missed Week 18. <b>Score: 16/52</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>34. </b> <b>Write a weekly letter to Katie </b>- Done! <b>Score: 14/32</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>36. Keep fresh flowers in the family room</b> - Check! And today I was given a lovely bouquet in honor of Mother's Day. It was made even more special because Geoff and Madeleine both remembered my favorite flower, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gerbera</span> Daisy, and chose a bouquet featuring a lovely light pink one. <b>Score: 18/52. </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Monthly and Multi-Event Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1. Try one new non-soup recipe a month </b>- April was a bust! But I have already made one new recipe in May - Moroccan Zucchini Lamb Chili (Geoff and I loved it. Madeleine, not so much. What else is new?) <b>Score: 4/12</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Invite my mother to dinner once a month</b> - Gulp! Another failure in April. Are you noticing a theme here - anything to do with cooking is a real struggle for me. Madeleine and I did take her out to a Mother's Day Tea today. I'd like to count that for May's dinner, but I won't. That's really not in keeping with the spirit of this goal. <b>Score: 3/12</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>31. Watch one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Netflix</span> month a month - </b>I am really on top of this one. Not only did I watch a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Netflix</span> DVD in April (Mad Men Season 4 Disc 1) I have already watched one in May (Conviction). I loved both, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">btw</span>. <b>Score: 5/12</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>32. Go to the movies once a month</b> - Another success! I saw movies in April - Jane Eyre with a girlfriend (loved it!) and <i>Water for Elephants </i>with a group of girlfriends from my book club (we all loved it!) I also already met this goal for May since I saw <i>Something Borrowed</i> last night (exactly what you would expect from a romantic comedy). <b>Score: 4/12</b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div><b>37. Donate to a charity or cause once a month</b> - Done! In April, we donated to a political cause whose values match our own. <b>Score: 4/12</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>38. Just say "no" at work </b>- Without going into details, I did have an opportunity to express myself about an issue at work and I got up the courage to be honest about my opinion. It was a little nerve-wracking, but in the end it all worked out. However, I have a very specific event in mind when it comes to saying "no" at work. An event that should be coming up in the next few months. Let's see if I can stick to my guns on this one. *fingers crossed* <b> Score: Making progress</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>40. Schedule one Mental Health Day a month</b> - I did follow through with the plan I formed in late March to have a Do Not Disturb day in April. On April 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> I stayed home, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cozied</span> up on the sofa and caught up on DVDs I'd been wanting to watch (<i>Never Let Me Go</i>, <i>Made Men</i> and episode one of <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cranford</span>.</i> All excellent!) <b>Score: 3/12 </b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>One Time Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>4. Buy a Dutch Oven - </b>This one happened quite by accident. I was shopping at Sam's Club and saw a gorgeous bright red Dutch oven for a very reasonable price. Sold! <b>Score: Completed!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. Join and complete Shape Up RI -</b> Back on February 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span>, Geoff and I joined a group of 9 other friends to form a team for the our statewide health and fitness challenge - <a href="http://www.shapeupri.org/about/">Shape Up RI.</a> The idea of Shape Up RI is for participants to track their exercise minutes, steps per day, weight loss and number of fruits and veggies consumed for twelve weeks. The challenged ended on May 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> and I'm proud to state that both Geoff and I finished in good standing. Over the course of the 12 weeks I lost 8 pounds, walked 870,178 steps and exercised for 3,790 minutes. (Geoff lost an amazing 25 pounds!!! I'm so proud of him!) I did not do as well on eating my requisite 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, however. I always thought I ate lots of fruits and vegetables, so I was very surprised to see that in reality I do not. Ugh! Perhaps that can be a goal for 2012's Project 52. <b>Score: Completed!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>How about you? How are you doing on your Project 52 goals or New Year's Resolutions? I'd love to hear about your progress.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-48606177540809572722011-05-04T12:15:00.009-04:002011-05-04T13:02:50.881-04:00It's Not About You<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkpevY9xdVk1GLrcotvxIoBAb_jlPP7qCM4xEkUX5Xr6fydLWCxZ2x-fxnsHiOZhWB14hCvC3ogqSXy_U41Jb69NBGbLq3AvkokTk7SMMC26ffUHgiPv8NHWAJBW5FA7s8Scss_-HBL0/s1600/The+Unforgiving+minute.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkpevY9xdVk1GLrcotvxIoBAb_jlPP7qCM4xEkUX5Xr6fydLWCxZ2x-fxnsHiOZhWB14hCvC3ogqSXy_U41Jb69NBGbLq3AvkokTk7SMMC26ffUHgiPv8NHWAJBW5FA7s8Scss_-HBL0/s320/The+Unforgiving+minute.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602905701128633746" /></a><br />As some of you know, I'm on the nominating committee for <a href="http://readingacrossri.org/">Reading Across Rhode Island</a> (RARI). This year I was so please when the committee chose Rhode Island native, Craig Mullaney's amazing memoir <span style="font-style:italic;">The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education</span>. When I saw this book on the list of nominated books my immediate reaction was that I had no interest in reading a "war book" and would wait to see if was eliminated in early discussions before committing to reading it. During our first session, another member of the group stated that she had the read book (even though she was sure she wouldn't be interested) and that it was fabulous. That got me curious. I decided to read it before our next meeting. And it made a very positive impression on me. At our next meeting there were several of us who had read the book and we all gushed about what a wonderful choice it would be for RARI. The rest is history.<div><br /></div><div>This past weekend was the official celebration for <i>The Unforgiving Minute</i>. I had the great fortune of being invited to attend a reception for Mullaney on Friday night at his alma mater, Bishop Hendricken High School (a Catholic HS for boys). It was an extremely informal affair and I had a chance to talk briefly with him and have him sign my book. I told him how much I enjoyed his book and that I was strong supporter of it as our RARI selection. He was very gracious and humble. Then on Saturday I attended RARI's culminating event, the May Breakfast, in which Mullaney appeared and gave a talk to 425 enthusiastic readers. I attended the event with 10 members from my two book clubs. Part of the May Breakfast is also a food drive for a local pantry and participants are encouraged to bring canned goods and use them to create a centerpiece for their table. This year one of the women from my library book club, Donna, created a centerpiece that was reminiscent of one of the photographs from the book. She finished setting it up before the breakfast officially began and it immediately caught Mullaney's eye. He came right over to our table and spent the next 20 minutes talking to Donna, her husband Joe and the other members of our group. He even graciously agreed to pose for photos. It was very exciting. In the four years that I have been attending these events, no author has ever come into the crowd to visit with participants! We were all thrilled.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7jWuuyOEz49CLS9Y8-gABIg3ooL7Ce3IQM1g_ocplXx_fiVo5sn0EgR92QUzoRhokFwozs1hmVb_si9AzdT9A-yikN7OnEteQ2blBe-nnuAsUSByIfXfP-46KDuNcKkCQPp5swKRH6M/s1600/Craig+Mullaney+RARI+Breakfast+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7jWuuyOEz49CLS9Y8-gABIg3ooL7Ce3IQM1g_ocplXx_fiVo5sn0EgR92QUzoRhokFwozs1hmVb_si9AzdT9A-yikN7OnEteQ2blBe-nnuAsUSByIfXfP-46KDuNcKkCQPp5swKRH6M/s400/Craig+Mullaney+RARI+Breakfast+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602901965154155954" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lRzigzex7UtD0iNjqUbTrOMe74qZu4GP9u6XVzV17d8Mc2zfn6DKZJHx-fo14nWmSIyLRmOwXJjhOC8mWz9rryGfhKPgSKBDBOBkOORXgIiX0EYHgO31_GPGXxV97vu4NlYyP6XAklg/s1600/Craig+Mullaney+RARI+breakfast+5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lRzigzex7UtD0iNjqUbTrOMe74qZu4GP9u6XVzV17d8Mc2zfn6DKZJHx-fo14nWmSIyLRmOwXJjhOC8mWz9rryGfhKPgSKBDBOBkOORXgIiX0EYHgO31_GPGXxV97vu4NlYyP6XAklg/s400/Craig+Mullaney+RARI+breakfast+5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602902242195006162" /></a><br /></div><div>He then went on to give a very moving talk about the lessons he learned during his years at West Point, Ranger School, and at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar. He also explained to us how those lessons prepared him to lead a platoon in Afghanistan. He spoke emotionally about the deep toll the loss of one of his men had on him and stated that writing the book was really his letter to that young man's parents. This was the first time I have been moved to tears at a RARI breakfast. He also spoke eloquently of personal responsibility, responsibility for others and responsibility to our communities. He summed up this sense of responsibility when he remembered the words of one of the men who trained him at Ranger School - "It's not about you". Mullaney related to us how the full force of those words hit him when he was told of the final words uttered by the soldier in his platoon as he lay dying. Private O'Neill asked, "How are the other guys?" <b><i>It's not about you.</i> </b> Quite a powerful message.</div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-92058508489092071612011-05-02T07:12:00.004-04:002011-05-02T07:28:54.361-04:00A Day for Quiet Reflection<br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VaDaJHBVMFDMvo1_em964aoDyorDwRgIKYuChDKbOcpForw1RgrZiq_BoIMMyvbz_4H_7wXph4jVse4k-zjzhN_Ad5VYBKoI5S5QO_zZcPB2Kn3LxBHPIUc9AXuOm6ECZ_FG26JXXdA/s1600/quiet+reflection+2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VaDaJHBVMFDMvo1_em964aoDyorDwRgIKYuChDKbOcpForw1RgrZiq_BoIMMyvbz_4H_7wXph4jVse4k-zjzhN_Ad5VYBKoI5S5QO_zZcPB2Kn3LxBHPIUc9AXuOm6ECZ_FG26JXXdA/s200/quiet+reflection+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602079232144709874" /></a>Does anyone else feel that the public celebrations of Osama bin Laden's death being telecast on national TV are inappropriate? I think it's entirely natural to feel proud, relieved, thankful and even pleased. But, I also feel that this is an occasion that should lead to quiet reflection and remembrance. Not a party in the streets as though your favorite team just won the Super Bowl. This type of behavior seems disrespectful and even offensive. Please take a moment today to remember all the innocent lives lost on 9/11 and all the brave servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of this goal.Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-88404944998948749102011-04-22T14:39:00.006-04:002011-04-24T10:28:44.718-04:00A Visit to the Empty Nest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUfuKgr0s9jLXgI8389LhvlWB3UQwAzy7minnye3gjSb7AQZwRJuR9SWExZeXxh0Oa4vC0RMAEdrjgzZvBLzc6FqdRBEI8lO5m1yYPjXQCs_3Uw_gETw_3ZNpcFNV8CZEZadkoMIO7wg/s1600/emptynest%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUfuKgr0s9jLXgI8389LhvlWB3UQwAzy7minnye3gjSb7AQZwRJuR9SWExZeXxh0Oa4vC0RMAEdrjgzZvBLzc6FqdRBEI8lO5m1yYPjXQCs_3Uw_gETw_3ZNpcFNV8CZEZadkoMIO7wg/s400/emptynest%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598489829444915266" /></a><br />For the last week, Geoff and I have had a sneak peek of Life in the Empty Nest. Our oldest daughter, Katie, is away at college and our younger daughter, Madeleine, has been in France for the past week with her French class. Before she left, I flip-flopped from being thrilled to have a week to ourselves, to being terrified. Geoff and I have had the occasional vacation without kids, but we've never been home all by ourselves for more than a night or two. I really wasn't sure how it would feel. Would we stare blankly at each other across the silent dinner table or charm each other with sparkling conversation? Would we reconnect with each other as a couple or wonder who the heck is this person I'm sharing a home with? Would we feel off balance in a house gone suddenly quiet and still? <div><br /></div><div>Happily, we did just fine. Since we were able to focus only on each other, we did have some great conversations. It was refreshing to have the time, space and freedom to do that. As it turned out, we didn't have an opportunity to stare blankly at each other across the dinner table, because we were both so busy this week that we only had two dinners together! Wow! Normally I don't think I would have realized how busy we both are. When there is so much going on at home, you kind of lose track of the days. But when it's just two of you, it's a lot more noticeable when the house is empty in the evening. I felt kind of bad about this at first, but upon reflection I think it's a good thing. Being active and busy and engaged in the world will probably serve us well when we live in the Empty Nest full time. I don't think we will ever get to the point where we don't have anything to say to each other. And when we are both sitting down together over dinner or in the evenings, we will appreciate the time together to reconnect. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only downside of my visit to the Empty Nest is that it struck me that Madeleine will be going away to college in 2 short years. That really snuck up on me. I know how quickly these next 2 years are going to fly by and I am already getting sad thinking of the day that Geoff and I will drive her to college. It breaks my heart just thinking of it. So for now, I'm going to focus on the fact that in a few short hours not only will she be back from France, but Katie will also be home for Easter. What a strange feeling to be welcoming both my girls home in time for a holiday. Shades of things to come...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-82695262451545817562011-04-17T21:25:00.003-04:002011-04-17T21:56:35.683-04:00Books vs. Movies - The Great Debate<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsMAUKlM0LeUACOKHH2d5vnn3eF6XqAePxFLxPjHgwOWv0UVCv9ETRjxqY5sPsqM8Jn5jyb93jtiC-O7_Iz1r8y4urqUy-eTrWCxq7RK7bWKuOTAS-lyIbDBrrzrnr7byxEA9AJL_xl4/s1600/book+vs.+movies.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsMAUKlM0LeUACOKHH2d5vnn3eF6XqAePxFLxPjHgwOWv0UVCv9ETRjxqY5sPsqM8Jn5jyb93jtiC-O7_Iz1r8y4urqUy-eTrWCxq7RK7bWKuOTAS-lyIbDBrrzrnr7byxEA9AJL_xl4/s320/book+vs.+movies.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596736506335569810" /></a><br />I used to think that I didn't like movies that were made from books. I had the attitude that "the book is always better than the movie". But recently I've begun to see things a little differently and have a had a change of heart. I can no longer make such a blanket statement. <div><br /></div><div>It all started with <i>Memoirs of a Geisha</i>. By the time that book had been made into a movie, it had been several years since I had read the book. I LOVED that book and was anxious (though nervous) to see the film. The film was absolutely gorgeous and wonderful and I couldn't remember enough details of the book to know if the movie butchered it or not. The same thing happened with <i>The Lovely Bones </i>and <i>The Other Boleyn Girl</i>. At that point, I changed my opinion and decided that as long as I had read the book long enough ago, that I would be able to judge the movie on its own merits and not compare it unfavorably to the original. </div><div><br /></div><div>And then last week, I had to reevaluate my stance on this issue yet again. A few weeks ago I read and reviewed the fantastic<a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/04/feast-of-books.html"> <i>Never Let Me Go</i> by Kazuo Ishiguro</a>. I LOVED this book and couldn't stop thinking about it for days after I finished it. I was aware that it had been made into a movie very recently and I was anxious to see the film. I watched it within a couple of weeks of reading the book and was afraid that since I remembered the book vividly I might regret watching the film. I was wrong! Even though the movie did stray from the book in a few minor ways, I loved it! It was very well done and watching the movie actually enhanced my understanding of the characters and added a whole new layer of appreciation for the story. This was so unexpected and such a revelation. It has caused me to rethink my whole philosophy on movies made from books.</div><div><br /></div><div>The timing of this attitude adjustment couldn't be better, either. There are two current movies based on books that I've loved either playing now or opening soon - <i>Jane Eyre</i> and <i>Water for Elephants.</i> I actually saw <i>Jane Eyre</i> last night and thought it was terrific. The cinematography was gorgeous and I thought the movie was very well done. I loved that most of the actors are relative unknowns and their "celebrity" did not get in the way of the characters they were playing (if you know what I mean). This very issue is one that worries me about <i>Water for Elephants</i>. I am excited to see this movie, but I think it was very miscast. I really can't envision Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon in the leading roles. But, I'm willing to put aside my reservations. I just might be surprised. As I've recently come to realize, the book isn't always better than the movie. </div><div><br /></div><div>How about you? Do you enjoy seeing movies made from your favorite books? Or do you avoid them at all costs? </div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-6958876630934261412011-04-04T07:00:00.002-04:002011-04-04T07:24:22.200-04:00Project 52 - Weeks 10, 11, 12, 13,14<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.apeekatkarensworld.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff182/kpeterson32/Project52WeeklyUpdate.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><br /><br />Well, so much for updating my Project 52 goals once a month. Since I'm a week late, I'm including Week 14 as well!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Weeks 10-14 were all pretty good weeks for me. I did a decent job of keeping up with my weekly and monthly/multi-event goals and I even crossed off 2 of my one-time goals! I like those the best. Crossing things off of lists gives me a real sense of accomplishment! Here's my accounting of how I did:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Weekly Goals</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Cook 3 times per week </b>- I was able to do this for weeks 11, 12 and 13, but I only cooked twice in week 10 and a measly one time in Week 14. Not too bad, especially since this is one of the hardest goals on the list for me. Score: 9/52 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Walk/Exercise 3 times per week</b> - Success! I blew this goal out of the water. Weeks 10 and 12 I walked 5 times and Weeks 11, 13 and 14 I walked 6 times! Woot, Woot! Score: 11/52 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>30. Pay attention to local politics</b> - Check! I'm still doing a good job keeping up with local politics, especially education. I've also been paying close attention to the discussion surrounding RI's unfunded pension liability and the suggested reforms. I could be doing a better job of paying attention to national and international news. I'm going to try to focus on that in the month of April. Score: 13/52</div><div><br /></div><div><b>33. Post at least once a week </b>- Nope. I missed Week 12. Score: 12/52</div><div><br /></div><div><b>34. </b> <b>Write a weekly letter to Katie </b>- Done! Score: 9/32</div><div><br /></div><div><b>36. Keep fresh flowers in the family room</b> - Check! Score: 13/52. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Monthly and Multi-Event Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1. Try one new non-soup recipe a month </b>- I nailed this one in March. I actually tried 4 new recipes! (I'm really tempted to count three of those for future months.) Score: 2/12 </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2. Try 6 new soup recipes </b>- I finally found a soup that we all like - Winter Casserole Soup. Delicious! This may be the last new soup recipe until Fall. Soup season is (thankfully) almost behind us. Score: 4/6</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Invite my mother to dinner once a month</b> - Yup. During Katie's Spring Break we celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner, which is something my mother loves. And as a bonus she had a chance to spend some time with Katie. Score: 3/12</div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Write book reviews for all 4 and 5 star books read in 2011</b> - In the past few weeks I have read 5 really great books, four of them back to back. One book, <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-moonflower-vine-by-jetta.html">The Moonflower Vine</a>, scored it's own review, but it was impossible for me to keep up with individual reviews for the other four so I wrote one <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/04/feast-of-books.html">Book Feast blog post</a>. Score: 7/7</div><div><br /></div><div><b>31. Watch one Netflix month a month - </b>I did finally watch <i>The Last Station</i>, which I thought was a terrific movie about the last years of Tolstoy's life. I was so fascinated that when the movie was over I did a little research on Tolstoy and decided to read his novella<a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/04/feast-of-books.html"> The Death of Ivan Ilyich</a>. It was interesting to read it after learning more about Tolstoy's philosophy. Score: 3/3</div><div><br /></div><div><b>32. Go to the movies once a month</b> - Geoff and I saw the Adjustment Bureau. I really enjoyed it. I usually have a hard time following the plots of action adventure movies, but this one was written in such a way that I actually understood it! Amazing! And it was a even an intelligent story. Imagine that. A thinking woman's action adventure movie. Go figure! Score: 2/12</div><div><br /></div><div><b>37. Donate to a charity or cause once a month</b> - As it turned out Geoff and I had three opportunities to donate to charities/causes this month. Our planned donation was to our town's Education Foundation, which provides "extras" to our local schools - items such as digital cameras, video equipment, technology supplies for the libraries, etc. Sadly, we also made a donation to a local church in memory of the mother of one of Geoff's friends/employees. And lastly, we made a contribution to a political cause that is important to Geoff after receiving a fundraising phone call and letter. Seems like there is always a good cause to support. Score: 3/12</div><div><br /></div><div><b>40. Schedule one Mental Health Day a month</b> - Nope! During the last full week of March, I realized that I hadn't scheduled a Mental Health Day and there was no opportunity left in the days remaining. I suppose this is actually a good thing, since I didn't feel the need to "check out" for a day. But I plan on remedying this early in April. As a matter of fact, tomorrow is already earmarked in my calendar as a "Do Not Disturb Day"! Score: 2/12 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>One Time Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>18. Read one book on my tbr list that has been on the list for at least 3 years -</b> I got a really pleasant surprise when I looked through my tbr list to find a book to meet this criteria. Seems I've either done a good job of keeping up with my list or of weeding out stagnant books, because the oldest books I could find were added to the list in March 2009. And those books were all non-fiction books written by Alison Weir. Reading one of Weir's book is #17 on my list, so I decided to pick the next oldest book to meet this criteria. That was <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-moonflower-vine-by-jetta.html">The Moonflower Vine</a> by Jetta Carlson, which was added in December 2009. It was fabulous! Score: Completed!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>25. Spend the weekend in Portsmouth, NH with a friend -</b> I've started the preliminary planning on this trip. My friend, Margaret, and I talked about going some time this spring, but could not find a date that worked well. So, we've decided to go in the fall. New Hampshire in the fall! Sounds like a good time to visit. Both Margaret and I have a lot going on during most weekends next fall, so we'll see if we can squeeze this one in. I sure hope so. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>26. Explore the shops on Hope St. in Providence - </b>This goal turned out to have a added bonus attached to it. Not only did I explore the shops, I did it with Katie! Before Katie came home for spring break she mentioned that she wanted to put a day aside to spend with me! I was so surprised by this. Usually when she comes home she just wants to sleep and spend time with her friends. So this really touched me. We ended up spending the day on Hope St - shopping, browsing, having lunch at an adorable diner and getting dessert a local bakery. It was a great day! Score: Completed!</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>How about you? How are you doing on your Project 52 goals or New Year's Resolutions? I'd love to hear about your progress.</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-61924771585546243482011-04-01T16:50:00.006-04:002011-04-02T13:09:44.659-04:00A Feast of Books<span style="font-size:100%;">It seems that for the last several months, when it comes to great books, it’s either feast or famine.<span style=""> </span>And right now I’ve been enjoying the most amazing feast.<span style=""> </span>In the last month or so I’ve read 4 terrific books.<span style=""> </span>Since I’m behind on writing reviews, I’m just going to do mini reviews of all four of them in one post.<br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NjGHMCR9QLwh6wU8dRVJPQU3eRdOCoypVSOrftCt6nMsHLc56FiPKWvK3TErXgU-NaVCjrHYX1FDXTtzqgobS2n_tRe-z_7W0zvaRtZd_WTRCrQ_evkWYlzZpfANok6YJPoqQnRj07Y/s1600/remarkable+creatures+small.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 46px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NjGHMCR9QLwh6wU8dRVJPQU3eRdOCoypVSOrftCt6nMsHLc56FiPKWvK3TErXgU-NaVCjrHYX1FDXTtzqgobS2n_tRe-z_7W0zvaRtZd_WTRCrQ_evkWYlzZpfANok6YJPoqQnRj07Y/s320/remarkable+creatures+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591033073384455106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><b style=""><i style=""><span style=""> </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Remarkable Creatures</span></i><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > by Tracy Chevalier</span></b><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" > – Chevalier has written quite a few books, most famously <i style="">The Girl with the Pearl Earring</i>.<span style=""> </span>She is one of my favorite authors and I’m always interested to check out her latest book.<span style=""> </span>I must admit that when I read the summary of <i style="">Remarkable Creatures</i>, I was not all that interested and had decided not to read it.<span style=""> </span>But then Peggy, one of my co-workers whose opinion I value, said it was a great story and would make a good book club choice.<span style=""> </span>And she was right.<span style=""> </span>The story takes place in the early decades of the 1800s during a time of great scientific discovery.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Remarkable Creatures</i> tells the story of Elizabeth Philpot and Mary Anning, two unlikely friends who live on the coast of England in an area rich in fossils.<span style=""> </span>The two women are both fossil hunters – but for very different reasons.<span style=""> </span>When Mary makes an important discovery, she is thrust into the world of academia, for which she is ill equipped and which is also closed off to her because she is a woman.<span style=""> </span>But <i style="">Remarkable Creatures</i> is about so much more than fossil hunting.<span style=""> </span>It’s about social class, the roles of the sexes in the early 19<sup>th</sup> century and most importantly about female friendship in all its incarnations. <span style=""> </span>This is a great read and it generated a wonderful book discussion<b style=""> </b>– all the more so since it is based on real people and actual events! <b style=""><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> 4 stars – I really liked it.<br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaMyjBkASzmbYDZAf0tSRH6LPw2bX2S5NdD3TBlI8_BsVK5qOLsFWHtsKdf6u73cBoPaQ0vBFSjLNGnB2swaQju9Q5okMZ49NAGh7ai915LoUkU-vlU6e3y1AT9EjwMS_FvoQFw4JE3w/s1600/death+of+ivan+ilych+small.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaMyjBkASzmbYDZAf0tSRH6LPw2bX2S5NdD3TBlI8_BsVK5qOLsFWHtsKdf6u73cBoPaQ0vBFSjLNGnB2swaQju9Q5okMZ49NAGh7ai915LoUkU-vlU6e3y1AT9EjwMS_FvoQFw4JE3w/s320/death+of+ivan+ilych+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591033574976268002" border="0" /></a>The Death of Ivan Ilyich</i> by Leo Tolstoy – </b>After watching the wonderful movie, <i style="">The Last Station</i>, about the last years of Tolstoy’s life, I found myself wanting to learn more about this intriguing and mystifying man.<span style=""> </span>I did a little research which led me to want to immediately pick up one of his books and read it.<span style=""> </span>I have always wanted to read <i style="">Anna Karenina</i> (and I will someday), but I decided I wasn’t ready to make such a big commitment.<span style=""> </span>During my research, I learned that Tolstoy was fascinated with religion and death and that he was quite a philosopher.<span style=""> </span>His novella, <i style="">The Death of Ivan Ilyich</i> was mentioned as being “one of the world’s supreme masterpieces on the subject of death and dying”.<span style=""> </span>I decided it would be the perfect book to scratch my Tolstoy itch.<span style=""> </span>Not only is it short , it deals with a topic that is pure Tolstoy and it was written in the latter part of his life – which fit in nicely with the fact that my interest was generated by the movie.<span style=""> </span>In addition, I remember having read it in college in my Russian Literature course and I still have my copy.<span style=""> </span>It was so much fun to see the passages that I highlighted as a 20 year old all those years ago.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this classic piece of literature, which deals with a middle aged man, who has followed all the rules in his life and now finds himself suddenly faced with his own death.<span style=""> </span>A matter he has never spent a moment considering.<span style=""> </span><i style="">The Death of Ivan Ilyich</i> follows Ivan’s journey as he comes to terms with his imminent demise.<span style=""> </span>I noticed as I was reading that my long ago self had not highlighted any of the 34 page introduction.<span style=""> </span>Which is not all that surprising.<span style=""> </span>But it is a shame, because I got so much more out of this story by having first read the introduction.<span style=""> </span>I can’t say that I came to any great epiphany after reading Ivan’s story.<span style=""> </span>I have a feeling I’m still too far removed from my own death (at least I hope I am), but it I did enjoy the wonderful writing and I certainly can appreciate Tolstoy’s message about death.<span style=""> </span>I’m pretty sure the whole point of the story was lost on me as college student.<span style=""> </span>I’m so glad I made the time to revisit this “supreme masterpiece”.<span style=""> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> </span></span><b style=""><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">4 stars – I really liked it.<br /></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><i style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVnFVYXjbZHp9_ZvOcEN-iStCnS86QJgLUBb0SFiuRiF37kgg-YmEBIOFJfq5OV2fhKBzdwA6o4SGcahfqki3hyBUBVCB6iEbsfgN9Z08ocjAB6OVW1qmFvdmQ5uPfn7Rw8IjY19we4A/s1600/never+let+me+go+small.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVnFVYXjbZHp9_ZvOcEN-iStCnS86QJgLUBb0SFiuRiF37kgg-YmEBIOFJfq5OV2fhKBzdwA6o4SGcahfqki3hyBUBVCB6iEbsfgN9Z08ocjAB6OVW1qmFvdmQ5uPfn7Rw8IjY19we4A/s320/never+let+me+go+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591033764910741394" border="0" /></a><br />Never Let Me Go</i> by Kazuo Ishiguro – </b>I LOVED this book!<span style=""> </span>I can not say it enough.<span style=""> </span>I listened to the audio version of this one in my car and I’m not sure I would have loved it quite so much if I had read it, but I can’t be sure.<span style=""> </span>The book is written in a very conversational style, which might have seemed a little sleepy on the written page.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Never Let Me Go</i> takes place in England in the 1990s (my best guess).<span style=""> </span>It is narrated by Kathy, a 31 year old woman, who is reminiscing about her time at a Hailsham, a boarding school, <span style=""> </span>with her two closest friends Tommy and Ruth. <span style=""> </span>The students at Hailsham were sheltered from the outside world and made to feel special and separate from it.<span style=""> </span>Kathy left Hailsham, Tommy and Ruth behind long ago, but when they are reunited she begins to allow herself to think about her time there and to explore the dark secrets of who they really are.<span style=""> </span>I don’t want to give too much away, but Ishiguro masterfully reveals the plot in small crumbs that kept me questioning and rapt.<span style=""> </span>I couldn’t wait to get into my car to run errands or drive to work.<span style=""> </span>I simply had to find out how this story would fully reveal itself.<span style=""> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Never Let Me Go</span> would make a fabulous book club book since it not only deals with issues that lend themselves well to discussion, but Ishiguro also leaves the reader pondering some big questions.<span style=""> </span>Fabulous!<span style=""> </span>(Note:<span style=""> </span>I have heard from a friend that her book club read this one and people either loved it or hated it, but I think it’s worth giving it a try.<span style=""> </span>Because if you’re in the love it camp, you will be so happy to have read it).<b style=""><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">5 stars – I LOVED it!</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya5gb1VFvRX0Z0qdY8QBN3rJTDftu5hUrV_PzmHVPVi8LJSKOBbVug6R4euW7Eg3OuCuJ7gBx3ydmGN838g5NFpoX9e9tK1pp4WrNuPHA_uIQkj94ArdrRcgjXSVhT9fAPOPo05VpkJI/s1600/unbroken+small.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 49px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiya5gb1VFvRX0Z0qdY8QBN3rJTDftu5hUrV_PzmHVPVi8LJSKOBbVug6R4euW7Eg3OuCuJ7gBx3ydmGN838g5NFpoX9e9tK1pp4WrNuPHA_uIQkj94ArdrRcgjXSVhT9fAPOPo05VpkJI/s320/unbroken+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591033968093401410" border="0" /></a><br />Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – </b><i style="">Unbroken</i> tells the remarkable true story of the record breaking Olympic runner and WWII veteran and POW Louis Zamperini. <span style=""> </span>The book covers Zamperini’s life from his years as a delinquent teenager all way up to the present day as a still vibrant 93 year old.<span style=""> </span>But the majority of the book focuses on Zamperini’s time as a bombardier and POW in the Pacific theater during WWII. <span style=""> </span>Zamperini’s plane was shot down over the Pacific and he and 2 other men survived over 40 days on a leaky life raft in the shark infested waters. That alone is hard to fathom.<span style=""> </span>However, when the survivors finally wash ashore it is on a Japanese controlled island and the men are taken as POWs.<span style=""> </span>The majority of the book chronicles Zamperini’s time in various POW camps .<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>What Zamperini and the other POWs were subjected to defies explanation.<span style=""> </span>There were many parts of the book that I found how to believe.<span style=""> </span>And while many of the atrocities are related in the book, they are handled with great sensitivity. But this is not a story of torture, it is a story of survival and the strength of the human spirit and the incredible will to live.<span style=""> </span>But most of all it is the story of human dignity. <span style=""> </span>But I learned so much more by reading this book.<span style=""> </span>I’m embarrassed to admit that aside from Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima and Nagaski, I knew nothing at all about the war in the Pacific.<span style=""> </span>Seems all I ever learned about was the Germans, Hitler and the Holocaust.<span style=""> </span>I know have a much fuller understanding of Japan’s role in the war.<span style=""> </span><i style="">Unbroken</i> is non-fiction at its best.<span style=""> </span><b style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">4 stars – I really like it.<br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">It’s been a really good few weeks of reading for me. I hope it continues. How about you? Read any good books lately?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-69531197076916687132011-03-24T07:52:00.006-04:002011-03-24T08:17:22.236-04:00Never Enough Books...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21cTLdGqgXT9Me2S3U5J1KTZWJ865P90MN8DsRhjtHFF1ShCzdX-liNO0JrmbPptlLxEBiGfHABsoot_Q4LPP66BqtJkU2g1yrURqwPRRvFekP8OlPJAw40TWW-TI4c0Yqzju7Bbm64/s1600/newsletter.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie21cTLdGqgXT9Me2S3U5J1KTZWJ865P90MN8DsRhjtHFF1ShCzdX-liNO0JrmbPptlLxEBiGfHABsoot_Q4LPP66BqtJkU2g1yrURqwPRRvFekP8OlPJAw40TWW-TI4c0Yqzju7Bbm64/s320/newsletter.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587619088911689106" /></a><br /><br />If you're anything like me, you have a long list of books "to be read". I find new titles almost everyday. I find them in all kinds of places: your blogs, at work, magazine and newspaper reviews, friends' recommendations and sometimes I have no idea where I heard of a particular book. <div><br /></div><div>Colleen, a friend of mine, always seems to hear about the most intriguing books. Forever ago, she told me that she receives a daily email from her local library highlighting the Book of the Day. I was intrigued, but never remembered to look into it. Well, yesterday I somehow stumbled upon it while <s>trolling</s> doing some research online. The East Providence Public Library here in RI provides this online service. You can sign up for book recommendations in a variety of genres and even for books for teens. Some of the emails arrive daily and others are weekly. It's a fascinating service and for book lovers it's a little like getting a gift every day. You never know what little gem will show up. And so far I've been impressed (yeah, I know it's only been two days) that the titles are not the ones that are already on the best sellers list. They are books that I hadn't heard of... yet. Which is saying a lot since I work with books and my personal life is also full of books. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I thought I'd share this little gem with all of you bookworms. If you are like me and can never have too many books on your tbr list, you might want to sign up for <a href="http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/addnluser.html?sid=6291">East Providence Public Library's eNewsletter.</a> Happy reading!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-8750104717869778272011-03-13T19:19:00.005-04:002011-03-13T21:26:22.476-04:00Book Review: The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ1_Ayb2Ingq-BLd_98rh-PWrpxL7UIpFpv0h8yz8rodO3mkPhjtXQ7udU0Ssp2odENZXqqjFoRp0aXXdm0zR_ijX1CUlQKN-y588y_IA2VWKgRrGRwaHCWhzfXFG0DcoikN7ISRBBIk/s1600/moonflowervinepbc.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ1_Ayb2Ingq-BLd_98rh-PWrpxL7UIpFpv0h8yz8rodO3mkPhjtXQ7udU0Ssp2odENZXqqjFoRp0aXXdm0zR_ijX1CUlQKN-y588y_IA2VWKgRrGRwaHCWhzfXFG0DcoikN7ISRBBIk/s400/moonflowervinepbc.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583717507473416322" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Finally! It's been a really long time since I've read a book that I truly love. A book that I am excited to recommend to my friends. After months (and I do mean <i>months</i>) of lamenting my dearth of good books, I've finally read a book that I'm excited to review - <i>The Moonflower Vine</i> by Jetta Carleton. I have no recollection of how I heard of <i>The Moonflower Vine</i>, but I'm so glad that I did. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><i>The Moonflower Vine</i> was written in 1962 and it was Carelton's first and only book. After reading the forward, written by Jane Smiley, I came to understand that like many books, <i>The Moonflower Vine</i> had become all but forgotten over time. Then in 2005, Smiley wrote a book called <i>13 Ways of Looking at the Novel</i>, in which she discusses 100 novels (among other things), which led to the reissue of <i>The Moonflower Vine</i> in 2009. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span>The story takes place in rural Missouri in the first half of the 20th century and tells the story of Matthew and Callie Soames and their 4 daughters. </span><span class="Apple-style-span"> It reminded me in style of <i>To Kill a Mockingbird, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</i> and <i>So Big</i>. It's a very good story, simply told. The characters are all rich and complex, yet they are simple, moral people trying to live good lives. The story could have been told in a sensationalistic way, but instead Carleton chose to tell the story in a more realistic and subtle way. It's the story of regular people, who see themselves as being essentially good, yet they all struggle with secrets and flaws. What makes it so authentic is that they know they are flawed and they wrestle with the that knowledge and the fact that it doesn't fit in with their own or society's view of them. It's a great story. I couldn't wait to see how the story would play out, yet I didn't want it to end. <b>5 stars - It was amazing. </b></span></span></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-78266579485508402962011-03-06T16:25:00.005-05:002011-03-07T11:21:47.414-05:00Book Review: Inconceivable by Carolyn and Sean Savage<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenDhcwKsMHAHdBrzqK7a5Q_gukOiKlh7Fwpkk-8lnGfPBl63Qc9cILB8_loEfeARx4bsKcPOmOerXaQpuUXrfq7jHcIo4BQBV30AzCkxRsyCxV8_1W4ViMdDnCbyiuDKT-ekAdStD0uI/s1600/inconceivable+Savage.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenDhcwKsMHAHdBrzqK7a5Q_gukOiKlh7Fwpkk-8lnGfPBl63Qc9cILB8_loEfeARx4bsKcPOmOerXaQpuUXrfq7jHcIo4BQBV30AzCkxRsyCxV8_1W4ViMdDnCbyiuDKT-ekAdStD0uI/s400/inconceivable+Savage.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581087663849193938" /></a><br />By now I'm sure most of you have heard Carolyn and Sean Savage's heartbreaking story. They are the couple who where inadvertently given the wrong embryos during an IVF treatment. When faced with this horrible and horrifying news, they decided to not only continue the pregnancy, but to surrender the child to his biological parents and not fight for custody of him. It's hard for me to imagine a worse situation to be in. And if faced with a similar situation, I'm not sure I would have been as strong, gracious or giving as the Savage's.<div><br /></div><div>The story was made even more poignant by the fact that due to medical considerations, this would be Carolyn Savage's last pregnancy. She would not be able to undergo another IVF treatment with her own embryos. I can only imagine her heartbreak. How difficult must it have been to carry that baby for nine months, knowing you couldn't keep him? And not because you didn't want him. You do want him. Desperately. But you choose to do what's morally right. From the beginning, Carolyn and Sean thought about the biological parents and what they would want if the roles were reversed. And they based their actions on that. Putting their own feelings aside, as much as was possible.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Inconceivable: A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn't Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift </i>presents an honest and sometimes raw account of how Carolyn and Sean came to the decision they did and how they got through this most emotional of pregnancies and deliveries. It is a surprisingly honest presentation of their ordeal, in that the Savage's don't try to hide or sugar coat their experience. It is all revealed - the good, the bad and the ugly - but with an astonishing amount of grace, dignity and respect. Carolyn and Sean Savage are amazing people. I was so impressed with their courage and their strong sense of morals. My heart breaks for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>This book is definitely not for everyone. It's certainly not a book that I'm telling everyone to read. For me, I was interested in reading it because I was so impressed by their story and I wanted to know more about how they came to make this difficult decision and how they were each able to reconcile this terrible situation in their own minds. Additionally, I am interested in all things medical, but especially medical and maternal. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this strong and compassionate couple, readers who are fascinated with medical ethics or anyone who likes to read stories that force them to question how they would behave in a similar situation. What makes it all the more fascinating, heartbreaking and incomprehensible is that it is all true. <b><span class="Apple-style-span"> 4 stars - I really liked it. </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-53079961054315294762011-02-28T07:00:00.002-05:002011-04-03T19:56:30.375-04:00Project 52 - Weeks 7, 8, 9<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.apeekatkarensworld.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff182/kpeterson32/Project52WeeklyUpdate.jpg" border="0" /></a><div><br /><br />Some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted a Project 52 update in a few weeks. Rest assured that even though I haven't been posting about it, I <i>have</i> been busy keeping up with all my goals and chipping away at my Project 52 list. I simply decided that since posting every week was beginning to bore me, it must really be boring the rest of you. Since many of my goals are weekly goals, I really felt as though I was saying the same thing week, after week, after week. <i>Boring! </i>So I decided to do one update at the end of each month, reflecting back on my progress. Hopefully, that will be less boring for all of us! <div><br /></div><div>Weeks 7-9 were all pretty good weeks for me. I did a decent job of keeping up with my weekly and monthly/multi-event goals and I even crossed off one of my one-time goals! I like those the best. Crossing things off of lists gives me a real sense of accomplishment! Here's my accounting of how I did for the past 3 weeks:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Weekly Goals</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Cook 3 times per week </b>- I did manage to cook 3 times in Week 7 and 8. But Week 9 was my <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/02/home-alone-2.html">Home Alone 2 </a>week and I did not cook at all. And I'm proud of that fact! Project 52 goal #3 be damned! Score: 6/52 weeks</div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Walk/Exercise 3 times per week</b> - Success! Weeks 7 and 8 I actually exercised 4 times. Week 9 I just barely got my three times in. Score: 6/52 weeks</div><div><br /></div><div><b>30. Pay attention to local politics</b> - Check! I've found that I'm mostly following what's going on in education in our state. But I have forced myself to read other political articles - both local, national and international. I am definitely making a conscious effort to do it (Project 52 is calling...), but if that's what it takes to make me accomplish some of my goals - so be it! Today Geoff even forwarded a political website to me that will send me an email any time RI is mentioned in the news nationwide. All I had to do is subscribe. Now it will be even easier to keep up. This one is harder to score, but as long as I read one article a day I'm counting it as meeting my weekly quota. Score: 8/52</div><div><br /></div><div><b>33. Post at least once a week </b>- Yes, by the skin of my teeth. Score: 8/52</div><div><br /></div><div><b>34. </b> <b>Write a weekly letter to Katie </b>- Not only did I write to her each week, two of those letters were in care packages! One package was full of Valentine's Day surprises and the other, less exciting package, consisted of shorts and a To Do List she left behind. Gotta love those To Do Lists! Score: 5/32</div><div><br /></div><div><b>36. Keep fresh flowers in the family room</b> - Ummm, define "fresh". Week 7 and 8 were no problem. As a matter of fact, Valentine's Day fell during Week 8 and Geoff gave me the most gorgeous bouquet of 3 dozen red roses I have ever seen. They were flown in from Colombia - not sure why- but they are truly lovely and have lasted a long time. However, in Week 9 many of them are looking a little sad. Some are still in good shape, though. I really need to weed out the wilters and make a smaller bouquet of the survivors. So, I'm going to be generous here and give myself Week 9. Score: 8/52. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Monthly and Multi-Event Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>1. Try one new non-soup recipe a month </b>- I'm hoping to get this one in under the wire. I'm planning on making a Chicken Piccata recipe tonight. However, I've got a crazy late afternoon today and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to pull this off. We'll see. Score: 2?/12 *fingers crossed*</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>2. Try 6 new soup recipes </b>- I made Italian minestrone and barley soup. Geoff and I loved it. Apparently, barley makes Madeleine gag. She tried one bite and couldn't even manage to let the soup leave the spoon! I've never seen anyone put a spoonful of food in their mouth and then take it right back out. Hysterical! She could<b> not</b> tolerate the texture of the barley. Who knew? I, on the other hand,<b> love</b> barely. I guess I won't be having more any time soon. Score: 3/6</div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Invite my mother to dinner once a month</b> - Does lunch count? Somehow the month got away from me and I never did invite her over. I feel badly about that. But, I did take her out to lunch one day, which is not something I do regularly. Again, I'm going to be generous with myself. After all, it's the spirit of the goals that is really more important than following them to the letter. At least, for me it is. Score: 2/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Write book reviews for all 4 and 5 star books read in 2011</b> - Well, I'm halfway there. During Weeks 7-9, I read 2 books that I rated 4 stars - <i>The Crucible</i> by Arthur Miller and <i>Inconceivable</i> by Carolyn and Sean Savage. I have written <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/02/speaking-of-good-literature.html">a book review for <i>The Crucible</i>.</a> I will be writing and posting a book review about <i>Inconceivable</i> soon, but it's not ready</div><div>yet. Score: 1/2 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>28. Try 3 swanky restaurants in Providence</b> - 1 down, 2 to go. On Sunday Geoff, Madeleine and I went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse to celebrate my birthday. It's a beautiful restaurant with a magnificent view of the city. Our meal was delicious and it was a great way to celebrate my birthday. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>32. Go to the movies once a month</b> - Nope. Maybe next month.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>37. Donate to a charity or cause once a month</b> - Check. Geoff and I like to support our town and this month we donated to the town Boosters. Even though our girls have not been too involved in sports in high school (Katie was on the JV tennis team for two years), we feel that a strong sports program is important to the health and well-being of our town's teens. For us, it is a worthy cause. Score: 2/2</div><div><br /></div><div><b>40. Schedule one Mental Health Day a month</b> - I think <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/02/home-alone-2.html">having 5 days and 4 nights to myself at home</a> definitely qualifies! Score: 2/2 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>One Time Goals</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>20. Make a day trip to Boston to explore and get my bearings </b>- Done! I visited the area of Boston around Northeastern University with my friend Barbara. She is somewhat familiar with the area, since her son is a Freshman at Northeastern. We had a great time and I definitely feel like I have a better sense of the city as a whole and that area in particular. I hope to make more trips to Boston to explore further, but this was a good start. Score: Completed!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>How about you? How are you doing on your Project 52 goals or New Year's Resolutions? I'd love to hear about your progress.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-51105456336869313342011-02-26T12:27:00.003-05:002011-02-26T13:31:14.728-05:00Home Alone 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eiNdhlmIhvAUw1BvDzqUUqYmaZ6KJD75yjSbdVfz2SIIkPmGirDfSNNyp1ZxSOYZY4EtA_W6URm98Ijc6H8D7maIkZhX_VdUh8E82hFOmU823ezF4QcLv5wygsb6QeWBVtYuoUiL_LI/s1600/woman+on+sofa+3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eiNdhlmIhvAUw1BvDzqUUqYmaZ6KJD75yjSbdVfz2SIIkPmGirDfSNNyp1ZxSOYZY4EtA_W6URm98Ijc6H8D7maIkZhX_VdUh8E82hFOmU823ezF4QcLv5wygsb6QeWBVtYuoUiL_LI/s400/woman+on+sofa+3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578065267151801314" /></a><br />Back in April of last year I wrote a post about <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2010/04/home-alone.html">having the whole house to myself during my girls' spring break.</a> Well, the heavens smiled upon me again this past week during Madeleine's February vacation. Once again, Geoff and Madeleine flew off to warm and sunny Arizona and I stayed behind to enjoy some peace and quiet. Five days and four nights to myself. <div><br /></div><div>And I did enjoy it, but I also came to a huge revelation. I really don't need to have the<i> house </i>to myself to have <i>time</i> to myself. My everyday life is already pretty amazing! In the past when I've had time alone, I haven't done much else except read, relax and possibly go on a few "fieldtrips" that I wouldn't have time to do otherwise. This time, I realized that I didn't feel a driving need to do those things. I couldn't figure out why at first and then it hit me. I already get to do those things on a regular basis. I usually have plenty of time to read and relax and I go on lots of excursions with my friends - or sometimes on my own. This was a huge epiphany for me. My life as a wife and mom has definitely changed a lot from the hectic days of raising babies, toddlers and young children. There are definitely stages and cycles to motherhood and I realized that I have entered a new one. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, how did I spend my time? Well, I did go on one fieldtrip - to Boston with my friend, Barbara. Her son goes to Northeastern University and she has become familiar with the area surrounding the university. We had a great day exploring and shopping. This is something I've been wanting to do for awhile, so this was the perfect opportunity for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also got together with my high school friend, Kim, who I saw for the first time in 28 years back in April when I was last<a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2010/04/home-alone.html"> Home Alone</a>. Kim's parents still live in town and she was back for a visit during her kids' school vacation. We met for breakfast and it was so great to have a chance to visit and chat with her! I really enjoy her company and conversation and hope we can continue to see each other when she comes to town. We may even meet up in NYC sometime to explore. That would be amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, I ran errands (can you believe it!?) during the day. This was when I had my revelation. Why am I running errands during my free week? Why aren't I protecting this precious time and cuddling up at home with a book and some great movies? I just didn't feel the need. So during the day I ran a few errands and in the late afternoon and evenings I enjoyed having the family room, sofa and remote control to myself. I realized that that is what I really enjoyed the most. Because those are the things I don't normally have on a regular basis. Madeleine definitely monopolizes the family room every day once she gets home from school until she goes to bed at night. That was really all I needed to feel as though having the house to myself was any different from any other day. As I said in the beginning - my everyday life is pretty amazing! I guess I just needed to be reminded of that. And in 2 1/2 short years, Madeleine will be away at college and I will have the family room to myself every. single. day. I'm pretty sure that will not be something I will enjoy. So, for now, I'm going to appreciate my epiphany and give thanks for my amazing life. I think this stage of motherhood just might be one of my favorites. </div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453890267354195934.post-22853942023127962102011-02-20T20:38:00.009-05:002011-03-06T16:54:40.208-05:00Speaking of Good Literature....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfGyCPcTpF5upCB8zfVxJUenuDtxCgg9Z2A_d8zqpWEuDXzN3UKSLpfZNhVxABJ3ug5MR9AKuQGIfti1vTpeUBBKMPHNE3p71gdwv1zJejOlPXKyUp2PfupzVOrv-nsTXGDY14CyP4a0/s1600/dhPSTCRD_web.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575969676714292306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfGyCPcTpF5upCB8zfVxJUenuDtxCgg9Z2A_d8zqpWEuDXzN3UKSLpfZNhVxABJ3ug5MR9AKuQGIfti1vTpeUBBKMPHNE3p71gdwv1zJejOlPXKyUp2PfupzVOrv-nsTXGDY14CyP4a0/s400/dhPSTCRD_web.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsCx-JRvlaDFwxVude51wOpoXYA1Im7PgIde3rNgZoSe-JQSucnRJhKrerF7HLwRDsa2C4fmS598otqtOlbvA5fA7q0g6mjfUKvjz56eB7KfWYb_B4eVECKN8q_xlf_BEEzF_JqBd8NE/s1600/web-poster-Crucible.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575969104639233458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsCx-JRvlaDFwxVude51wOpoXYA1Im7PgIde3rNgZoSe-JQSucnRJhKrerF7HLwRDsa2C4fmS598otqtOlbvA5fA7q0g6mjfUKvjz56eB7KfWYb_B4eVECKN8q_xlf_BEEzF_JqBd8NE/s400/web-poster-Crucible.jpg" /></a> In the last two weeks I have had the opportunity to see wonderful productions of two classic plays - <em>The Crucible</em> by Arthur Miller and <em>A Doll's House</em> by Henrik <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ibsen</span>. I was excited to see these plays since I had studied both of them during my years as a student. How ironic, considering the fact that <a href="http://pamperspective.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-defense-of-literature.html">many schools are considering teaching less literature in favor of more "informational texts". </a>Bah! I wonder if I would have been interested in attending these productions, if I hadn't been introduced to them in school? I think not. As a matter of fact, Madeleine, who is 16, asked if she could come with Geoff and me to see <em>The Crucible</em> since she had studied it earlier this year! Imagine that! The arts and cultural entertainment could be just one more causality of removing challenging literature from our schools' curriculum. What a pity.<br /><br /><br />Before seeing <em>The Crucible</em> I decided to try an experiment. I decided to reread it to see if familiarizing myself with the details of the story would add or detract from my enjoyment of it. I have considered doing this in the past, but always decided not to, in order to let the story wash over me - without any expectations. I was somewhat surprised to find that a fresh exposure to the play added to my enjoyment of the production immensely! <em>The Crucible</em> is a complex and multi-layered story and having read it ahead of time really added to my understanding of the deeper messages of the plot. Having the time to really ponder the moral questions presented by Miller added another level of appreciation to the live production.<br /><br /><div><strong>Book review:</strong> If you've never read <em>The Crucible</em> or last read it in High School, I highly recommend picking it up again and revisiting it as an adult. It's a surprisingly quick read (I read it in two short sittings) and it's so much more than "that book about the Salem witch trials." It's a moral story about having strength in your convictions, about standing up for what you know is right, about personal honor and dignity and about the love between a husband and wife struggling within a flawed marriage. It's powerful and I highly recommend it. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">4 stars - I really liked it. </span></strong></div><br /><div><span style="color:#000000;">After my positive experience with <em>The Crucible</em>, I decided to reread <em>A Doll's House</em> before seeing the play as well. I'm really glad I did, too, because the play was written in 1879 and the production I saw was set in 1959. As I was reading the play, I wondered how the director was going to pull that off since the language and story seemed so dated. The adaptation that the director and his partner created was brilliant - updated, but still very true to the original. And I would never had known that had I not reread the play. This gave me an entirely new level of appreciation for the play. </span></div><br /><div><strong>Book review:</strong> I didn't enjoy<em> A Doll's House</em> as much as I did<em> The Crucible</em>, but it is still a very accessible and easy to read classic. It's the story of a marriage that seems happy on the surface, but is actually quite the opposite. Torvald has a controlling and condescending relationship with his seemingly weak and dependent wife, Nora. Nora, however, is not the delicate flower Torvald thinks she is and is in reality working feverishly to hide a secret from Torvald. By the end of the play, Nora comes to a realization that will have repercussions for herself, her marriage and her family. The play was highly controversial when it was first produced in 1879 and it translated very well into the 1950s. It's a little less relevant today, but it still presents some truths that resonate with a modern audience. <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">3 stars - I liked it. </span></strong></div><br /><br /><div></div>Pamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04589606390781637262noreply@blogger.com6