Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, what a ride!"

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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I haven't accomplished much around here this week but I have been having fun with the grandbabies and that is definitely keeping me busy! I've also been working on some photography projects for friends and family. I was able to take a few photos for myself as well since this is such a beautiful time of year.  The bright green hills and valleys are now popping with autumn colors. It's sad to think that it won't last long and we will soon have naked, brown trees, but there's time to worry about that later. I must savor the beautiful days we have now because they go by so quickly. In fact, I need to finish this post and head back outside. The hammock days of 2012 are numbered. *sigh* Here's a glimpse of my world!
The first tree in our yard to change colors every year
More beautiful with a brilliant blue sky
I still have my summer flowers - until a good frost comes along!


Monday, September 24, 2012

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Book N Around this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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September has been a slower month for receiving new books but that's a good thing. I have plenty of catching up to do! And it's so hard to resist those library books that keep calling my name but I've tried to cut back on those as well. I've even been avoiding (most) free ebooks too.  It's painful!!

Now I'm off to read and enjoy this beautiful, yet chilly, autumn day. I hope your week is off to a wonderful start and lots of goodies have come your way!

Perfect Is Overrated by Karen Bergreen
For review and giveaway
Twice Shy by Patrick Freivald (arc)
From LibraryThing Early Reviewer

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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This week my hubby and I celebrated 26 years of wedded bliss! My, how time flies! It feels like a lifetime ago, yet it also feels like it just happened. We have been blessed to have three grown (mostly) sons who are the joy of my life. Now, thanks to them, we also have a beautiful daughter-in-law, two adorable grandchildren and a beautiful girlfriend that have been added to our family. They all came to a delicious dinner (made by Hubby) and I was just happy to have them together. It wasn't fancy but it was fun. We are going out to dinner soon with another couple who just celebrated their 25th anniversary and have three sons the same age as our boys. The perfect couple for us, wouldn't you agree? My friend has kept me sane all these years because we have gone through so many of the same things at the same time.

But my best friend is my hubby. I met him our junior year of high school soon after he moved to town. We shared some classes and even played a husband and wife in a play we were reading for English class. I decided he was the guy for me so I chased him, caught him and we were a couple through the rest of high school and college. He has stood by me in good times and in bad and I love him more every day. I'm sharing one of our wedding photos that he copied and put in an ad in our local newspaper last year to surprise me. I'm a pretty lucky girl! Happy anniversary, Hubby!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Review: The Templeton Twins Have An Idea by Ellis Weiner and Jeremy Holmes



 


 A new series!





  


Suppose there were 12-year-old twins, a boy and girl named John and Abigail Templeton. Let's say John was pragmatic and played the drums, and Abigail was theoretical and solved cryptic crosswords. Now suppose their father was a brilliant, if sometimes confused, inventor. And suppose that another set of twins-adults-named Dean D. Dean and Dan D. Dean, kidnapped the Templeton twins and their ridiculous dog in order to get their father to turn over one of his genius (sort of) inventions. Yes, I said kidnapped. Wouldn't it be fun to read about that? Oh please. It would so. Luckily for you, this is just the first in a series perfect for boys and girls who are smart, clever, and funny (just like the twins), and enjoy reading adventurous stories (who doesn't? ).
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
 The soft blue cover was the first thing that caught my attention about this middle grade book. Charming, witty and quirky, this was a delight! The Lemony Snicket-type story is told by a slightly obnoxious narrator who speaks directly to the reader and offers silly quizzes at the end of each chapter. The twins and their father are odd but interesting and likeable. They each have their own distinct personalities, interests and abilities but are still united as a family. When bumbling kidnappers take their father, the children use their unusual talents to try to rescue him.

The illustrations and drawings in the margins, really makes the story. There were extra fun elements like sketches of their ideas and inventions, and crossword puzzles. I loved the design but unfortunately for me, I couldn't see several of the illustrations or the copy written on those pages. The arc (ebook) version I had kept freezing up and was so frustrating!

I still enjoyed this story and look forward to more of the series from this debut author. Entertaining for kids but fun for adults too!

Thank you to Edelweiss for an arc (ebook) to review.

Publisher
Author
Illustrator 

Release date: 4/1/12
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Pages: 224 (hardcover)
Type: Middle grade

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by Miz B of Should Be Reading and asks you to :
1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3 . Share 2 "teaser" sentences also citing the title of the book and the author and in that way people can have great recommendations if they like the "teaser".
4. Please avoid spoilers!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I emerge from my depression the moment I learned of Beverly Hastings's death. She's not just dead. She's been murdered. Someone, apparently, liked her even less than I did.
~page 1
Perfect Is Overrated by Karen Bergreen
*Giveaway coming soon!!*

Monday, September 17, 2012

Giveaway: Horten's Incredible Illusions


Thanks to Sterling Publishing I have one signed book to give away!

My review of Horten's Incredible Illusions

Rules:
- Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.
- U.S. only (sorry everyone else!)
- Extra entries available
- Ends 9/30/12, 11:59 pm EST
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Horten's Incredible Illusions by Lissa Evans





Magic, mystery and a 
very strange adventure








This magical follow-up to Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms continues Stuart's amazing adventures--with more enchantment, more surprises, and more thrills. When we last left 10-year-old Stuart, he had just recovered his great-uncle Tony's long-lost magic workshop. Now all the priceless tricks are on display in the Beeton Museum--and Stuart is junior curator of the exhibit! But another mystery awaits Stuart: Where did the great magician hide his will? Only by entering the magic world of the workshop can he find the answer. But as the mechanisms whisk him off on increasingly incredible adventures, the puzzles become harder and harder to solve…and the stakes higher. With even more page-turning action, this second book in the exciting middle-grade series does a magic trick of its own: it's even better than the first!
(Goodreads.com)
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Review
This sequel was another delightful journey into the magical world of Stuart Horten. I was so impressed with the first book and was thrilled to see the creativity continued here. In Stuart's previous adventure he was able to discover the location of his late uncle's magic tricks but now he is trying to uncover how they work and where the will is hidden. His neighbor and friend, April, is again his loyal sidekick. And he is lucky to have her because he cannot solve these mysteries alone. The puzzles are complicated and dangerous. Stuart has more to learn but more to lose. 

As Stuart becomes more acquainted with his new home the reader also discovers more about his new surroundings. All of the characters are quirky and interesting. Stuart's parents are a bit odd but loving. The triplets are very odd but much more likeable and involved in this book. And of course, every adventure needs a villian! This one has a few and they keep our heroes on their toes. The mysterious magic tricks are another character all by themselves. With names like the Cabinet of Blood, the Reappearing Rose Bower and the Book of Peril the reader knows that Stuart and friends have a rough journey ahead. 

Filled with action, intrigue and more danger than the first book, this story is sure to challenge the mind of young readers and provide entertainment for all ages. I truly hope this charming series continues! 

Available at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon

Release date: 9/4/12
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Pages: 352 (hardcover)
Type: middle grade fiction

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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I had internet problems this week and had some blogging interruptions. Unfortunately I couldn't post anything to commemorate September 11th. I was at my mother's house on Tuesday (9/11) to let her puppy out and I noticed the beautiful blue sky. It reminded me of the same brilliant sky eleven years ago. So I wandered around the fields by her home, snapping photos of the colorful surroundings, reflecting on that sad day.
Wildflowers in her yard
Nature's beauty enhanced by our flag
Grand
Wildflowers on the hillside
My helper, Moe
 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Love these bookstores!


In March, I posted a link to some amazing "reused libraries".  Today I saw photos of buildings for books that are even more impressive! Shelf Awareness Pro (9/13/12) has a terrific link to a Flavorwire article "10 awesome bookstores repurposed from unused structures". Here are a few examples but go check out the rest! I want to visit them ALL!!

Two views of Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a converted 1920's movie palace in Argentina.
Two views of Barter Books in Alnwick, UK, that was converted from an old Victorian-era railway station and maintained the train theme.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Technical difficulties - please stand by...


*?&@#%!

Argh! I've been having internet problems the last few days. It seems to be fixed, or better, at least. Maybe now I can get back on track here! I don't know what my excuse is going to be for everything else that isn't getting finished around here...

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Winners!

Congratulations to:

Cheyenne Teska
winner of my arc Of Poseidon byAnna Banks
 
and to:
Jess (The Cozy Reader)
winner of autographed copy Poopendous! by Artie Bennett

I have sent emails to the winners.
Please send me your information so I can get these books to you.

*More giveaways coming right up!*

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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The last two weeks I've shared photos from my local public library (exterior, interior) and I need one more week to finish. There were just too many photos and I wanted to share the beautiful details with you. I know these photos don't show all the books on the shelves but I promise you there are plenty. I was focusing more on the other elements of the rooms.

The second floor and other select areas are now off limits to the public except for tours. I joined one several years ago but really need to do it again. There is a small apartment that used to be the living quarters for the head librarian, a study room, access to the cupola, backstage corridors and dressing rooms for the auditorium and other fascinating areas. I couldn't believe how many rooms there were!

It wouldn't be so much fun to visit if we didn't have an amazing staff. The head librarian is a dedicated young man who works hard to keep the charm of the original design while constantly finding new ways to improve the form and function of the whole library. The head librarian in the children's section is a wonderful woman who is creative, fun and kind. The other librarians are always helpful and friendly and the grounds crew does an impeccable job keeping the entire place looking terrific. I've met some grumpy, scary librarians in my day but you won't find them here! Thanks for your patience as I've shared my library with you.
Picture Book Room with small scale Windsor chairs and other furniture. Notice the wooden carvings of characters on top of tallest bookshelves and framed prints on the walls of famous storybook scenes.
This room also features a fireplace and hosts Story Hour for preschoolers, along with other activities.
My kids spent many hours in these little chairs!
The Children's Room is always bustling! Kids can find a cozy chair to read in or use the computer area for work and play.
The walls are still the original shade of Japanese Rose. This room includes a fireplace faced with marble, built-in bookcases and paneled walls.
The chandeliers were custom-made and imported from Holland. Details show silhouettes of storybook characters.
Local History Room has beautiful built in display cases, another fireplace with marble facing and wood paneling, Doric columns, comfy chairs and a large table for meetings or workspace.
Some of the display cases for rare books and other items. The Beatrix Potter collection is on the right.
Originally used for a meeting space, this room was converted in 1991 to hold the large print and audio books. Notice the beautiful wood trim in even this small room.
This is the remodeled, 301-seat auditorium that is used all year for various community and private functions. No lights were on so I couldn't get the best photo to show off it's beauty but I still wanted to include it.
Here are a few last shots of the gorgeous back terrace. This was originally a water fountain but is now used for flowers. The cupola is so striking against the brilliant blue sky.
Another angle showing off the charming lights, stonework and flowers. It's hard to believe that this terrace was unused for 40 years and piled under dirt and debris! We are so fortunate that it was lovingly restored.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday (started at The Printed Page and now a traveling meme) is at Book N Around this month and is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
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Happy Labor Day! This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. School starts tomorrow and we have a rainy week in the forecast. That's exactly my mood. I love autumn with the cooler nights and beautiful colors but I don't like the ten months of winter we seem to have here. Ugh. It is cozy by the fireplace but I like to be outside. I need to be outside. And while I surely can do that year round the problem is, I don't. I like the heat and sunshine. I like to work in my flowers and lounge in my hammock with a good book. I like the long evenings on the patio before it gets dark.  I like to wear flip flops and T shirts. I'm such a baby... So after all that complaining, I guess I should get my butt outside and enjoy it! Have a happy and safe weekend and may your days be filled with sunshine and flowers!

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
Free from Barnes & Noble (ebook)
Kitty Steals The Show by Carrie Vaughn
Won from A Bookworm's World
Aphrodite's Secret by Julie Kenner
Bought from The Dollar Store
Veil Between Worlds by Sally Dubats
Won from the author at The Cheap (ebook)
Pets In A Pickle by Malcolm D. Welshman
Free Friday from Barnes & Noble (ebook)
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Free from Amazon (ebook)
Trouble In Mudbug by Jana DeLeon
Free from Amazon (ebook)

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Giveaway reminder!

My giveaway for Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (arc) ends tonight! 
Sign up now!

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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 Last week I  posted some exterior shots of the incredible and very beautiful library we have in my hometown. This week, I'm going to follow up with some photos of the interior. I think this is going to have to be a 3 part series because if I want to show you the gorgeous details, there are just too many photos for one post. I only wish you could see it in person!

This week I will focus on the main rooms when you enter the library - the Foyer, and the Reading Room and Reference Room, which are to either side of it. (I still have to show you the adorable children's rooms, local history room, auditorium...) Interior decorators used different styles of furniture and wood similar to those found in English homes of William and Mary and Queen Ann periods. The overall effect is stately yet comfortable. During the day the interior is filled with light from the skylight (from the cupola), french doors to the terrace and floor to ceiling windows. In the evening there is a warm glow from the lamps and chandeliers spread throughout the building. It's a place that makes you want to read!
A view of the Reading Room with cork floors, riff-sawn oak paneling and hand-carved ionic pillars separating the rooms. The main desk is to the right
Several seating areas with tables and lamps are available. French doors are open onto the terrace
Cozy seating near large windows and wooden bookcases
Ceilings are made of hand molded plaster
Hand-carved wooden eagle and antique globe in the Reference Room
Oil portrait of founder over main desk in foyer
Details of intricate carvings made from English lime wood that took Swiss carvers a year and a half to complete
The three main doorways have a carving above them. This one represents the Hive of Industry
Closer detail shows the Lamp of Knowledge. The remaining carving is of the Tree of Life