Today was my last day volunteering at the Grade School. Sad Face!! It has been a wonderful experience. I was only in the classroom an hour a week and it was exhausting. Mrs. R is already planning on getting Coco in her class so I can help her again. I will see how my schedule is in the fall. I might find time to help next year. It is very rewarding. Watching the kids start reading more quickly is wonderful. I have been timing them since January. Today most of the kids reached their all time best speeds. Good way to end. The downside to that is the kids that will struggle with reading all their lives. I hope it is only reading out loud that is the problem. It is unimaginable that people do not enjoy reading. Though I live with a man that has not read a book since he graduated from College. Unreal!! Unless children's books count (and they don't). He did read to our children. He has even read to the grand children. He likes to leave words out and shorten the story. I love it when he is caught cheating!
I made special treat bags for my last day at school. The class gave me a gift. They had their picture taken holding up letters that spelled: Thank you Miss Jane. Made me very happy. The gift certificate to Cold Stone Creamery was a nice touch too!
The Page Turner Society
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random. Show all posts
Friday, May 23, 2014
Update on Grammy The Cat
I tried to put Grammy The Cat to sleep. I deleted her off the front of my screen. Just did not uninstall the program. I am too far into it. Seriously, way too far. I have developed a relationship with her. I came up with enough money to change her into a Siamese cat. I always wanted a Siamese. The bigger she gets, the more attention she needs. That does not make sense to me. Seriously, a grown cat usually sleeps most of the time. Grammy the Cat needs more food, more attention, and sleeps in proportion to the other things. Sometimes I ignore her for a couple of days. She sends notes begging for attention. If I do not bath her on a regular basis, flies start buzzing around her head. I love that!! I do it on purpose. If I do not take her to the bathroom, she dances around holding herself. Seriously, good stuff. I'm wondering if I wait long enough if she will wet herself. Might have to see.
In conclusion: I have too much time on my hands.l
In conclusion: I have too much time on my hands.l
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
What's New?
have been terrible about posting. Not sure if anyone is out there. Let me give a few updates.
I received feedback from the high school class I talked to about my son. There were 7 papers written on how my talk affected the students. Was not a required assignment. It was very nice to read the observations. Made it worth exposing so many sensitive parts of my life. I can now consider it a very successful day!
We had our 4th annual Springfest in my village. I oversee the event. A BBQ Contest also takes place. Someone else organizes it. This year I had seven people that were in charge of certain areas of the event. They were all amazing. The day went as smoothly as possible. There were so many people. Kids playing everywhere I looked. The smell of the BBQ was unreal. The taste even more amazing. The only problem was crazy wind. A few of the vendors had tents blow over.
The best part of the day was super fantastic music. It was like a music festival. We were so lucky to have so many talented people singing. It was wonderful. I have already committed to plan another event this summer. I would love for our town to become known for wonderful music.
It was hours and hours of work and planning. All worth it. Good for our town. Great event!
Getting to the point I can count days until Old Lady and I go on our big adventure. I have the store covered. But I am in a panic about being away from it. For almost a year I have been connected to my shop. Most days I at least stop by. Though honestly I need a vacation.
I know this is ridiculous but I am worried about leaving my dog. Yes I am that person! I worry she won't get enough attention. I hate to fly. I will be freaked about that. Lastly, I rarely leave my little town. It is my safe place. I like my little world.
Don't get me wrong, I am super excited about spending time with my friends. We are doing some awesome things. Once I leave I will be fine.
So there you are. All caught up on my life. Plus I have read quite a few books. Been busy.
I received feedback from the high school class I talked to about my son. There were 7 papers written on how my talk affected the students. Was not a required assignment. It was very nice to read the observations. Made it worth exposing so many sensitive parts of my life. I can now consider it a very successful day!
We had our 4th annual Springfest in my village. I oversee the event. A BBQ Contest also takes place. Someone else organizes it. This year I had seven people that were in charge of certain areas of the event. They were all amazing. The day went as smoothly as possible. There were so many people. Kids playing everywhere I looked. The smell of the BBQ was unreal. The taste even more amazing. The only problem was crazy wind. A few of the vendors had tents blow over.
The best part of the day was super fantastic music. It was like a music festival. We were so lucky to have so many talented people singing. It was wonderful. I have already committed to plan another event this summer. I would love for our town to become known for wonderful music.
It was hours and hours of work and planning. All worth it. Good for our town. Great event!
Getting to the point I can count days until Old Lady and I go on our big adventure. I have the store covered. But I am in a panic about being away from it. For almost a year I have been connected to my shop. Most days I at least stop by. Though honestly I need a vacation.
I know this is ridiculous but I am worried about leaving my dog. Yes I am that person! I worry she won't get enough attention. I hate to fly. I will be freaked about that. Lastly, I rarely leave my little town. It is my safe place. I like my little world.
Don't get me wrong, I am super excited about spending time with my friends. We are doing some awesome things. Once I leave I will be fine.
So there you are. All caught up on my life. Plus I have read quite a few books. Been busy.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Random
Last week I received a call from my doctor's office. She said I was scheduled to have follow-up blood work done in November and never did it. It was just a recheck from a few things that were off in October. Monday I made (what now feels like) the long drive (20 minutes) to a nearby hospital for the tests. Fearing, I would receive a call this week that things were off. Yesterday, I received the call.
Nurse: After reviewing your test results the Dr. would like to see you?
Me: What is the problem?
Nurse: She does not give us that info. We are just told to call and schedule. Can you come in today?
Me: I guess. What do you have open? (Thinking, this can't be good!!!)
So......I found someone to come into work and made the HOUR long drive to see my doctor. I fully expected to receive a lecture about a few tests I blew off. In addition, I blew off an education class on diabetes. I love my doctor. I was ready to really catch it from her.
I am called into her office. Happily, blood pressure great. Unhappily, weight not. Nurse finishes her stuff. I wait for the bad news. In comes my Dr. First I would like to say, my Dr. is my age or a few years older. She looked amazing. She has been dropping weight. She has also took her wardrobe up about 5 notches. She is a poster woman for healthy living. Back to story. She called me in to tell me that all my test results were normal. Everything that was off in October is now fine. Most of the problem was vitamin deficiencies. Now I take all kinds of supplements and it worked. I don't know how or why but my sugar could was back in a normal range. The Dr. said she noticed I had not attended my appointment for diabetes counseling. She said obviously you know what to eat to control your diet. Right! 100% correct. I know what to eat, I am not doing it. She also told me that because my sugar was off one time, I am considered diabetic. That is ridiculous.
I did manage to get a walk in Monday when the weather was so great. Today, I packed breakfast and lunch. Healthy snacks. It is time to (beyond time) take my health seriously. Or just stop going to the Dr. so I do not hear what is wrong......
Best part of the appointment. We talked books. Doc is now into audio books. She said she downloads to her ipod and listens while she is at home. She has a docking station and uses blue tooth. She said she can go from room to room cleaning and just be absorbed in the book. I like audio books in my car. I have not gotten into it at home. I should try again. She suggested I downloads books and listen while I walk. Not a bad idea.
She recently finished the book, The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. I have seen that on several book lists. Considered reading it. She said it was amazing. She is now on the second book by that author. She said it is not as good. When I LOVE a book, I rarely like the second book by the same author. There are exceptions. That is now on my list of reads..
Chatting with Doc made the hour drive worth it. Really need to get healthy!!!!
Nurse: After reviewing your test results the Dr. would like to see you?
Me: What is the problem?
Nurse: She does not give us that info. We are just told to call and schedule. Can you come in today?
Me: I guess. What do you have open? (Thinking, this can't be good!!!)
So......I found someone to come into work and made the HOUR long drive to see my doctor. I fully expected to receive a lecture about a few tests I blew off. In addition, I blew off an education class on diabetes. I love my doctor. I was ready to really catch it from her.
I am called into her office. Happily, blood pressure great. Unhappily, weight not. Nurse finishes her stuff. I wait for the bad news. In comes my Dr. First I would like to say, my Dr. is my age or a few years older. She looked amazing. She has been dropping weight. She has also took her wardrobe up about 5 notches. She is a poster woman for healthy living. Back to story. She called me in to tell me that all my test results were normal. Everything that was off in October is now fine. Most of the problem was vitamin deficiencies. Now I take all kinds of supplements and it worked. I don't know how or why but my sugar could was back in a normal range. The Dr. said she noticed I had not attended my appointment for diabetes counseling. She said obviously you know what to eat to control your diet. Right! 100% correct. I know what to eat, I am not doing it. She also told me that because my sugar was off one time, I am considered diabetic. That is ridiculous.
I did manage to get a walk in Monday when the weather was so great. Today, I packed breakfast and lunch. Healthy snacks. It is time to (beyond time) take my health seriously. Or just stop going to the Dr. so I do not hear what is wrong......
Best part of the appointment. We talked books. Doc is now into audio books. She said she downloads to her ipod and listens while she is at home. She has a docking station and uses blue tooth. She said she can go from room to room cleaning and just be absorbed in the book. I like audio books in my car. I have not gotten into it at home. I should try again. She suggested I downloads books and listen while I walk. Not a bad idea.
She recently finished the book, The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. I have seen that on several book lists. Considered reading it. She said it was amazing. She is now on the second book by that author. She said it is not as good. When I LOVE a book, I rarely like the second book by the same author. There are exceptions. That is now on my list of reads..
Chatting with Doc made the hour drive worth it. Really need to get healthy!!!!
Friday, January 10, 2014
Greatest Week Ever
This has been a great week. Sunday I was going through paperwork I let stack up. Having extra bedrooms allows me to have a huge mess in the bookroom! Not good. I started sorting papers, throwing away tons of advertisement. All of a sudden I see a little card from Barnes & Noble. I think, this must be a coupon. Probably expired. Open it up, $10.00 gift card. Because I am such a loyal customer. Which is funny, I do not spend half what I used to before I started using Kindle. I decided I want to buy book club books from now on. I do not feel like I absorb as much on the Kindle. Plus I like to be able to touch books and refer back to things when I discuss a book. I have only made it to one meeting of the book club in my village. Basketball has been keeping me away. I think I will be able to make the January meeting. So I ordered that book. That alone makes my week great.
Yesterday Hubby brings me the mail. This time it was a $25 gift card. I have a Barnes & Noble credit card. When I spend so much, I get a gift card. I use the card quite a bit for items I buy for Coco's. There is also a special this week, if you purchase $20, shipping is free. Thank you I will buy three books and be very happy!!!!
One book should be delivered today. Three more next week. There are many reasons I love my Kindle. That said, Kindle can never replace a real book. Holding the book. Feeling the book. Smelling the book. If you are not a reader, you will not get it. I know what I will be doing when I get home tonight!!
That, my friends, makes for a very, very great week!!
Yesterday Hubby brings me the mail. This time it was a $25 gift card. I have a Barnes & Noble credit card. When I spend so much, I get a gift card. I use the card quite a bit for items I buy for Coco's. There is also a special this week, if you purchase $20, shipping is free. Thank you I will buy three books and be very happy!!!!
One book should be delivered today. Three more next week. There are many reasons I love my Kindle. That said, Kindle can never replace a real book. Holding the book. Feeling the book. Smelling the book. If you are not a reader, you will not get it. I know what I will be doing when I get home tonight!!
That, my friends, makes for a very, very great week!!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Thelma & Louise
Old Lady and I are planning (who knows when this will happen) a trip to Arizona. I already have my friend, Arizona, to visit. Now Easy Rider and Skinny are making the move. Arizona told me she imagined a trip with me and Old Lady as Thelma & Louise. Where Old Lady is wild and I worry about it. Not anymore! I live life on the edge now. Remember? Quit my job. Opened a candy store. Wild & Crazy!
Anyways, last night Old Lady and I were texting about the trip. I mentioned I would like to drive, not fly. There are places I want to stop in New Mexico. I would like to go to Santa Fe. I would also like to stop in Taos and see Julia Roberts. For those of you that have forgotten, I saw Julia on Oprah. We are kind of like besties. I looked it up and Taos only has 5500 people. I told Old Lady we could hang around the grocery store waiting for Julia to come to town. Old Lady said we could try the post office too. We decided the two of us look innocent, someone would tell us how to get to Julia's house. The plan is we spend a few days with Julia. Old Lady wants to watch Julia's children. I think I would like to take a horseback ride around the property with Julia.
While we were texting I told Old Lady I think we would be better off traveling by RV. I will buy it when I win the lottery. Old Lady and I have matching dusters for retirement. I picture us at an RV camp, wearing our dusters, smoking cigarettes, and drinking. (If I'm dreaming, smoking is going to be a part of the dream.) There will be a banner on the back of the RV, Looking For Trouble, Won't Know If We Are Lost. Feel free to help us name the RV.
We know we would need to stop and visit some friends in Texas along the way. I said we need to plan at least a month for this trip. We will use maps. Maybe GPS when we get to cities. Generally, I think it will be wise for the two of us to stay away from cities as much as possible. Not sure how well we can drive an RV.
We sent many texts last night about our "trip." I told Old Lady when I'm having a bad day, planning our RV trip will be my happy place. She told me I could be in charge of the itinerary. So exciting.
Old Lady and I had some laughs via text. I miss laughing with OL! Been too long since I have seen her. She needs to get retired and come hang out at Coco's!!
Congratulations to Skinny and Easy Rider for making such a HUGE change in their lives. Skinny is moving with his wife and kids. Easy Rider is doing it solo. I am so proud of her. Such a brave thing to do. That said, I am getting tired of saying see you later to all the young people I worked with at the farm. Maybe just pencil in Old Lady and I for our visit. It will happen one day!!!
Anyways, last night Old Lady and I were texting about the trip. I mentioned I would like to drive, not fly. There are places I want to stop in New Mexico. I would like to go to Santa Fe. I would also like to stop in Taos and see Julia Roberts. For those of you that have forgotten, I saw Julia on Oprah. We are kind of like besties. I looked it up and Taos only has 5500 people. I told Old Lady we could hang around the grocery store waiting for Julia to come to town. Old Lady said we could try the post office too. We decided the two of us look innocent, someone would tell us how to get to Julia's house. The plan is we spend a few days with Julia. Old Lady wants to watch Julia's children. I think I would like to take a horseback ride around the property with Julia.
While we were texting I told Old Lady I think we would be better off traveling by RV. I will buy it when I win the lottery. Old Lady and I have matching dusters for retirement. I picture us at an RV camp, wearing our dusters, smoking cigarettes, and drinking. (If I'm dreaming, smoking is going to be a part of the dream.) There will be a banner on the back of the RV, Looking For Trouble, Won't Know If We Are Lost. Feel free to help us name the RV.
We know we would need to stop and visit some friends in Texas along the way. I said we need to plan at least a month for this trip. We will use maps. Maybe GPS when we get to cities. Generally, I think it will be wise for the two of us to stay away from cities as much as possible. Not sure how well we can drive an RV.
We sent many texts last night about our "trip." I told Old Lady when I'm having a bad day, planning our RV trip will be my happy place. She told me I could be in charge of the itinerary. So exciting.
Old Lady and I had some laughs via text. I miss laughing with OL! Been too long since I have seen her. She needs to get retired and come hang out at Coco's!!
Congratulations to Skinny and Easy Rider for making such a HUGE change in their lives. Skinny is moving with his wife and kids. Easy Rider is doing it solo. I am so proud of her. Such a brave thing to do. That said, I am getting tired of saying see you later to all the young people I worked with at the farm. Maybe just pencil in Old Lady and I for our visit. It will happen one day!!!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Why I Am Glad To Be Back In My Little Village
Between the 18 years I grew up in my village and the six years I have been back here, it still does not equal the time I was away. Don't get me wrong, I am very glad I lived away. It made me who I am. Would not trade it. It was time to come back and I am thrilled. Here are a few of the reasons I love being back.
My village is adorable. Seriously! People who come to town say it all the time. It is clean. Houses are well kept. It looks like what people imagine a small town should look like.
Living in a small town is like taking a deep cleansing breath in yoga and letting it out. Being here is relaxing. When I commuted to the big town it was like going to another world. Things are slower here in a good way. There are times I am shocked by how slow I am driving.
Living in the same town as family. For all those years I did not have family in the same town. Now I have all kinds of family. I love it. It is great to be near people that are special to me.
Obviously, the entire Tru Stories family. There have been a couple of days I stop and kiss my grand kids on my way to open the shop. That is awesome.
Small town kids. They are more innocent. They are more trusting. They play things like flashlight tag and have a great time doing it.
Reconnecting with childhood friends. We share a special history.
Waving at people and just assuming your probably know them or should know them.
Because it is home. In my heart it has always been home. I feel like I am back where I belong. That is a great feeling.
My village is adorable. Seriously! People who come to town say it all the time. It is clean. Houses are well kept. It looks like what people imagine a small town should look like.
Living in a small town is like taking a deep cleansing breath in yoga and letting it out. Being here is relaxing. When I commuted to the big town it was like going to another world. Things are slower here in a good way. There are times I am shocked by how slow I am driving.
Living in the same town as family. For all those years I did not have family in the same town. Now I have all kinds of family. I love it. It is great to be near people that are special to me.
Obviously, the entire Tru Stories family. There have been a couple of days I stop and kiss my grand kids on my way to open the shop. That is awesome.
Small town kids. They are more innocent. They are more trusting. They play things like flashlight tag and have a great time doing it.
Reconnecting with childhood friends. We share a special history.
Waving at people and just assuming your probably know them or should know them.
Because it is home. In my heart it has always been home. I feel like I am back where I belong. That is a great feeling.
Early Morning Thoughts
I woke up early this morning. (Probably because I fell asleep very early last night.) I was thinking of all the things I still need to do to decorate. That made me miss living in the big town.
Back Story. I grew up in my little village. Moved immediately after high school. Lived in BloNo for 31 years. Came home where I belonged.
After living in the big town for so long there are things I really got used to. In no particular order, here are things I miss.
Walgreen's being open 24 hours. I was thinking about need Christmas lights to finish some decorating at my shop. I could be at Walgreen's right now buying up all kinds of decorations.
Starbucks. I did not go everyday. When I went, it was delish!! It is nice knowing it is on several corners if needed.
Grocery shopping at Jewel/Osco. Not the least expensive place to shop. It was my neighborhood grocery. No other grocery store was on our side of town. That made it my main place to go. Big without being too big. Produce was great. I loved walking around that store.
Avantis. From the very start we loved it. We would save up to split a gondola. Interesting fact: I never tried their pizza. Why eat pizza when there are so many other amazing things on the menu.
Good Chinese. I do not love the Chinese here since the original owners moved. Sigh!
Driving west on College Avenue in the fall. Those big beautiful trees. Loved!!
My big yard. It was private. If I could have my current house and my old yard, it would be paradise.
Barnes & Noble. With e-readers a book is only a click away. That is not the same was walking around Barnes. Miss you Barnes. I spent too much money whenever I walked in the door. It was one of my favorite places to be.
Bergners. I guess I can make this simple. I miss all the shopping and great places to eat.
The zoo. I love that little zoo. Made many trips there. I don't know how much it is to get in now. There was a time young kids were free and adult price was very low. Great place to take little ones.
Last but certainly not least - my friends. Will not mention all of you by name. I miss you like crazy. Having friends to laugh with, talk with.... I miss hearing about your families. I miss the sarcasm. Discussing TV shows, books, current events. Your encouragement. Laughter, so much laughter. I never would have found the courage to leave and open my shop without all of you. I miss you everyday!! You know who you are. Sending big hugs out to you. (Not you Skinny. We were not hugging kind of friends. I even miss you Skinny. Don't tell anyone I said that.)
Next post - why I am thankful to be back home.
Back Story. I grew up in my little village. Moved immediately after high school. Lived in BloNo for 31 years. Came home where I belonged.
After living in the big town for so long there are things I really got used to. In no particular order, here are things I miss.
Walgreen's being open 24 hours. I was thinking about need Christmas lights to finish some decorating at my shop. I could be at Walgreen's right now buying up all kinds of decorations.
Starbucks. I did not go everyday. When I went, it was delish!! It is nice knowing it is on several corners if needed.
Grocery shopping at Jewel/Osco. Not the least expensive place to shop. It was my neighborhood grocery. No other grocery store was on our side of town. That made it my main place to go. Big without being too big. Produce was great. I loved walking around that store.
Avantis. From the very start we loved it. We would save up to split a gondola. Interesting fact: I never tried their pizza. Why eat pizza when there are so many other amazing things on the menu.
Good Chinese. I do not love the Chinese here since the original owners moved. Sigh!
Driving west on College Avenue in the fall. Those big beautiful trees. Loved!!
My big yard. It was private. If I could have my current house and my old yard, it would be paradise.
Barnes & Noble. With e-readers a book is only a click away. That is not the same was walking around Barnes. Miss you Barnes. I spent too much money whenever I walked in the door. It was one of my favorite places to be.
Bergners. I guess I can make this simple. I miss all the shopping and great places to eat.
The zoo. I love that little zoo. Made many trips there. I don't know how much it is to get in now. There was a time young kids were free and adult price was very low. Great place to take little ones.
Last but certainly not least - my friends. Will not mention all of you by name. I miss you like crazy. Having friends to laugh with, talk with.... I miss hearing about your families. I miss the sarcasm. Discussing TV shows, books, current events. Your encouragement. Laughter, so much laughter. I never would have found the courage to leave and open my shop without all of you. I miss you everyday!! You know who you are. Sending big hugs out to you. (Not you Skinny. We were not hugging kind of friends. I even miss you Skinny. Don't tell anyone I said that.)
Next post - why I am thankful to be back home.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
What I Miss About My Old Job
First, let me say, Welcome Back Mrs.! We have missed your blog and the peek into your life you share with us. Looking forward to having another blog to read. Sorry you had so many things to deal with in the last few months. I was thinking about you and your challenges.
What I miss about my old job - nothing. That was easy. The job itself, I do not miss. Things that came with the job, I miss.
The salary - that was obvious.
Old Lady being part of my every day life. She is always willing to share some trivia. She makes me laugh. Miss her wisdom. Miss her friendship.
Skinny - he always has something going on. He has so much work drama. I miss him telling me about deals. I do not have anyone to give my coupons from the Sunday paper to. Recycle!
Easy Rider - Looking down the row and seeing her Flag Up. That is the sign she is home. We had some good chats.
My Girl T - Her life is so awesome right now. So many positive changes. Wish I was there to hear about all the great things. Go out for some delicious lunches.
In general having adults to talk to. Discuss politics. Discuss books. Laugh with. I had some hilarious friends at my job. I miss hearing about what is going on in their daily lives. Homecoming pictures, football games, softball games, music, hearing about their kids. I knew people's families without ever meeting them. The people were like extended family to me.
Having all the stores right there to stop and shop. Run some errands on my lunch. Barnes & Noble - you know I'm talking about you!!!
Being able to discuss books with people. There were quite a few people I could talk to about books.
There were people that were always filled with positive energy to feed off of. Hockeygram - I sure miss you.
I do not miss the long commute. I do miss how beautiful the morning sun was. This was my favorite time of year for the drive. The Fall fields are so wonderful. Watching the beans turn. Seeing all the farmers in the field. Watching the trees turn. I saw some amazing sun rises.
Being able to stop and get food to take home for dinner. Avantis - I'm looking at you.
Remembering the world is much bigger than my little town. It feels like forever since I have left town. So strange. My world is too small!!
Miss all of you! So many people I did not mention. Marcos & Stacy - hope you have been following the crazy on Jersey Housewives! Come get some candy.
What I miss about my old job - nothing. That was easy. The job itself, I do not miss. Things that came with the job, I miss.
The salary - that was obvious.
Old Lady being part of my every day life. She is always willing to share some trivia. She makes me laugh. Miss her wisdom. Miss her friendship.
Skinny - he always has something going on. He has so much work drama. I miss him telling me about deals. I do not have anyone to give my coupons from the Sunday paper to. Recycle!
Easy Rider - Looking down the row and seeing her Flag Up. That is the sign she is home. We had some good chats.
My Girl T - Her life is so awesome right now. So many positive changes. Wish I was there to hear about all the great things. Go out for some delicious lunches.
In general having adults to talk to. Discuss politics. Discuss books. Laugh with. I had some hilarious friends at my job. I miss hearing about what is going on in their daily lives. Homecoming pictures, football games, softball games, music, hearing about their kids. I knew people's families without ever meeting them. The people were like extended family to me.
Having all the stores right there to stop and shop. Run some errands on my lunch. Barnes & Noble - you know I'm talking about you!!!
Being able to discuss books with people. There were quite a few people I could talk to about books.
There were people that were always filled with positive energy to feed off of. Hockeygram - I sure miss you.
I do not miss the long commute. I do miss how beautiful the morning sun was. This was my favorite time of year for the drive. The Fall fields are so wonderful. Watching the beans turn. Seeing all the farmers in the field. Watching the trees turn. I saw some amazing sun rises.
Being able to stop and get food to take home for dinner. Avantis - I'm looking at you.
Remembering the world is much bigger than my little town. It feels like forever since I have left town. So strange. My world is too small!!
Miss all of you! So many people I did not mention. Marcos & Stacy - hope you have been following the crazy on Jersey Housewives! Come get some candy.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Journey of a Pan
I had a lousy day today. A "no good very bad day." That is a quote from one of my favorite children's books. Woke up sick. Sore throat, achy body, fever. I slept late. Spent most of the day being a zombie. Wearing a t-shirt inside out with a flannel that did not match it over the top of the t-shirt. Comfy clothes for not doing a darn thing.
Hubby and my son handle the dishes in our home. Uncle empties the dishwasher, Hubby loads it. Tonight Hubby brought me my spaghetti pan. He wanted to know if the stains in the bottom ever came out. They do not. This is where life takes a tragic turn. Hubby points out two chips in the enamel on the bottom of the pan. What that means is, my spaghetti pan can no longer be used. It's life span is over. It was from the set of pots we got for our wedding. A shower gift from my sister-in-laws. They were top of the line pans. The pan that was thrown away was the biggest pan in the set. The pan was 36 years old. Tossing it out was painful for both Hubby and I.
It was a good pan. Gave us plenty of good food. Probably some bad food along the way too. The pan lived in 3 apartments, one rental house, and three houses we owned. It lived in three towns if you count the twin cities as two towns (and we do). I used that pan to make the mashed potatoes for the Christmas dinner at our house that Hubby's parents and my Mom were at. I can vividly remember peeling potatoes and listening to my Mom complain about the way I did it. That kitchen was not big enough for three adult women.
I used that pan to boil the eggs for us to color at Easter. It was the pan I used when I cooked up double amounts of hamburger to freeze to make cooking easier during the week. I put water in that pan when I was washing my babies! Now I have gone too far.
The first apartment we lived in had an electric stove. I was not good at an electric stove. Four places we lived had electric stoves. Things got burnt on those stoves. All the houses we owned had gas.
I can go back to those memories like they were yesterday. It went so fast. How did one of my good pans wear out after only 36 years? My point is, it made me very sad to see my pan go.
It was a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Chaos Is My Life
My life has become total, hoarder chaos. Not the living part of my house. My book room is the catch all room! The spare bedroom was almost as bad. Periodically, the speed of life starts winning. I cannot keep up. That makes me want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers. Or, watch HGTV hour after hour ignoring the chaos around me.
This week I was able to send a few boxes of things to the churches rummage sale. I could have sent a truckload but Uncle was not having it. I could not give away our prized possessions (junk). Last night I asked Hubby if he would help me put up some shelves in the spare room closet. I got out my pink tool duffel. (Adorable!) Hubby hung the first shelf while I assisted. We hung the second shelf as a team. It went very well. The third shelf I hung myself while he handed me what I needed. It was my first time using the drill. I love electric screwdrivers, dislike other power tools.
We started the project about 11:00 last night. That is Hubby's favorite time. I finished installing and filling the shelves about 1:30 this morning. Feeling more in control.
I did my Sunday laundry chore last night. That frees up today for tackling the BOOK ROOM. Hope I make it out alive and in one piece. I need to get rid of a few boxes of books! I should also get rid of some of the kid's toys. They rarely touch anything that is not electronic at my house now. I get sentimental over toys. I need Tru Stories to come over and just chuck it all. She is way better at it than I am.
I took a commercial break and put our dinner in the crockpot. My new favorite book is Crockin Girls Cookbook. Everything I have made so far is delicious! I try to make 2 to 3 meals a week on Sunday. Makes the rest of my week go more smoothly. I will do a blog later on all the different meals I have made.
Today I am going to attempt to hang a rack up to keep all my scarves on. My plan is to do it alone. I have the tools, the knowledge, my adorable tool tote, think I can do it. Organization will continue. Maybe I can talk Uncle (pay him) to do the cleaning of the rest of the house while I organize!
Hope you enjoy your Sunday doing more enjoyable things than I will be doing.
This week I was able to send a few boxes of things to the churches rummage sale. I could have sent a truckload but Uncle was not having it. I could not give away our prized possessions (junk). Last night I asked Hubby if he would help me put up some shelves in the spare room closet. I got out my pink tool duffel. (Adorable!) Hubby hung the first shelf while I assisted. We hung the second shelf as a team. It went very well. The third shelf I hung myself while he handed me what I needed. It was my first time using the drill. I love electric screwdrivers, dislike other power tools.
We started the project about 11:00 last night. That is Hubby's favorite time. I finished installing and filling the shelves about 1:30 this morning. Feeling more in control.
I did my Sunday laundry chore last night. That frees up today for tackling the BOOK ROOM. Hope I make it out alive and in one piece. I need to get rid of a few boxes of books! I should also get rid of some of the kid's toys. They rarely touch anything that is not electronic at my house now. I get sentimental over toys. I need Tru Stories to come over and just chuck it all. She is way better at it than I am.
I took a commercial break and put our dinner in the crockpot. My new favorite book is Crockin Girls Cookbook. Everything I have made so far is delicious! I try to make 2 to 3 meals a week on Sunday. Makes the rest of my week go more smoothly. I will do a blog later on all the different meals I have made.
Today I am going to attempt to hang a rack up to keep all my scarves on. My plan is to do it alone. I have the tools, the knowledge, my adorable tool tote, think I can do it. Organization will continue. Maybe I can talk Uncle (pay him) to do the cleaning of the rest of the house while I organize!
Hope you enjoy your Sunday doing more enjoyable things than I will be doing.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Blast From The Past - Harry's Meat Market
The reason I love this picture is, my Dad had a grocery store/meat market downtown. We do not have a picture of it. This is the only picture I have seen that has it. My Dad's store had two awnings. A larger awning and a small awning. To the left of his store was a barbershop and Art's Bird Store, now known as Turtle's Tap.
I have many great memories from my Dad's store. My Dad was a butcher. Farmers would bring cows in and my Dad would handle the entire process of butchering them. I was not allowed to watch. One day I begged. I said, I am old enough, I can watch. I was not old enough. I lasted about two minutes. I was allowed to watch my Dad cut meat. I loved it. He was so fast. I was fascinated with how he would take a huge side of beef and make the different cuts. He had a huge butcher block he cut the meat on. At the end of the day he would clean it. He used several brushes and sawdust. My Dad always had a band-aid on at least one finger. Part of the job.
Another part I enjoyed watching was him sharpening the knives. He had a long thick rod that looked like a sword. This is what he would sharpen the knives on. All of it was well executed repetition. It was like a dance. Some of the things were played out day after day.
Most of the time there was a pot of coffee brewing in his backroom. It was a place farmers would go to hang out. The would be in there laughing and talking. I am sure it was a great place for them to gossip.
Every night by 6:05 the phone would ring at home. My Dad would call to see if my Mom needed him to bring anything home. The answer was milk, bread, or both. Some evenings if we wanted a special bedtime snack, we would go up to the store. I can remember walking up and down the aisles looking for something special. My Dad's favorite was root beer floats.
I wish I had a close up of this picture. Not that I need it. In my mind I can picture everything. I can smell all the great smells. I can see my Dad behind the lunch meat counter or in the backroom at the butcher block. The business was sold when I was in Fourth Grade. The reason it was sold was because of new laws. Everything in the store would have had to be updated. No more butcher blocks. No more sawdust. It all had to be stainless steel. New rules for slaughtering animals. It was the end of an era in our house. The night before the auction we made one last trip to the store to find a bed time snack. Good memories.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Blogging Drought
I have seriously neglected reading and blogging in the last few weeks. This is due to finding a new obsession. It started from a visit to the restroom of Bubba's something or others restaurant in Savannah, GA. There was a bowl of amazing sea salt scrub on the counter. Tru Stories and I both LOVED it. Our hands felt like silk. We go into the little store attached to the restaurant to purchase some, the cost was outrageous. I think it was around $30 for a jar. Too much! When I got home I googled recipes for sea salt scrubs. Made some, loved it. Continued to google homemade beauty recipes. I had already made several chemical free cleaning products. My obsession was born! I enjoy the research part as much as the making part. I have started compiling things to make the products. There is so much out there. I have given out many samples. So far people are in love with my brown sugar scrub. It is recommended for elbows, knees, and feet. It is also great for tanned legs that need to be exfoliated. Some people use it all over their body. My personal favorite right now is the shaving lotion. It is awesome!
My business has a name, Save Your Sole. This came from the fact my job is very soul sucking right now. I am looking for things to save my soul. I have two guys very involved in marketing. That means they need something to use the brains for too. I already have a many containers of essence oils and base oils. It is shocking how many things can be used to make healthy beauty products.
So far I have made: face wash (this needs work, do not love the recipe yet), sea salt scrub, two different recipes of brown sugar scrub, a gardener's scrub (love it), a body butter (needs to be tweaked), foaming hand soap (not all natural, just money saving). This week I ordered some real containers. So far I have used small canning jars and plastic containers. The canning jars look more high end. In reality glass containers for the shower are not a great idea. I have already had a couple of real orders. Today I am making items for sale. Hoping the samples have lured people to want more.
While researching body products I purchased a book on cures for all types of ailments. This book covers using vitamins and minerals, essence oils, herbs and plants. Very interesting. I think I would like to start taking some on-line classes. Coconut Oil is almost magically. There are so many uses. Last night I put pure coconut oil under Coco's bottom lip. She is so chapped. Cannot wait to see how it looks when she wakes up. I have been cured with coconut milk myself. Many years ago Hubby and I took a trip to Jamaica. We only left our awesome resort one time. That was to take a trip through the markets and to Dunn River Falls (that is a story in itself). While we were going through the markets I started have immediate signs of a bladder infection. Not a good spot for that to happen. When the van would stop, I started looking for a restroom. By the time we got back to the hotel I was urinating blood. Ready to die! Immediately went to the medical office. They suggested cranberry juice (which the resort was out of but would have in the morning) and pure coconut milk. There was a vendor in the resort square selling fresh coconut milk. He would cut the coconut open and stick in the straw. Warm coconut milk is not delicious. I was desperate. Drank all of it. The frequent urination and pain was gone within a couple of hours. In the morning the resort had cranberry juice and I started drinking it. I did not have to use any medication for the infection. It was amazing!
I have a HUGE supply of vitamins and supplements that I take. Cranberry pills are always in my cabinet. I used to use Valerian root to sleep. I suggested it to a friend that had not slept well in years. She said her insomnia is gone. I am not sure why Munchkin wasted all that money and time becoming a Doctor. She could have dispensed natural medications right out of her home. I am seriously thinking about taking some on-line classes. It is so interesting. I am not over the top yet. I have not thrown out my lipitor, anti-depressant ( though it is time for that to go), or thyroid pill (that might need to go too). I think our generation is too reliant on taking a pill. There are many natural things out there to use.
I admit I am a junkie when it comes to researching things on the internet. That could explain some of The Kid's interest. So much to learn, right at our fingertips!
Hey bloggers, we really have slacked off this summer. Should we do a Blogger Challenge. See who can post the most blogs in a certain amount of time? We can wait until adults and children are settled into the school schedule. What do you think?
My business has a name, Save Your Sole. This came from the fact my job is very soul sucking right now. I am looking for things to save my soul. I have two guys very involved in marketing. That means they need something to use the brains for too. I already have a many containers of essence oils and base oils. It is shocking how many things can be used to make healthy beauty products.
So far I have made: face wash (this needs work, do not love the recipe yet), sea salt scrub, two different recipes of brown sugar scrub, a gardener's scrub (love it), a body butter (needs to be tweaked), foaming hand soap (not all natural, just money saving). This week I ordered some real containers. So far I have used small canning jars and plastic containers. The canning jars look more high end. In reality glass containers for the shower are not a great idea. I have already had a couple of real orders. Today I am making items for sale. Hoping the samples have lured people to want more.
While researching body products I purchased a book on cures for all types of ailments. This book covers using vitamins and minerals, essence oils, herbs and plants. Very interesting. I think I would like to start taking some on-line classes. Coconut Oil is almost magically. There are so many uses. Last night I put pure coconut oil under Coco's bottom lip. She is so chapped. Cannot wait to see how it looks when she wakes up. I have been cured with coconut milk myself. Many years ago Hubby and I took a trip to Jamaica. We only left our awesome resort one time. That was to take a trip through the markets and to Dunn River Falls (that is a story in itself). While we were going through the markets I started have immediate signs of a bladder infection. Not a good spot for that to happen. When the van would stop, I started looking for a restroom. By the time we got back to the hotel I was urinating blood. Ready to die! Immediately went to the medical office. They suggested cranberry juice (which the resort was out of but would have in the morning) and pure coconut milk. There was a vendor in the resort square selling fresh coconut milk. He would cut the coconut open and stick in the straw. Warm coconut milk is not delicious. I was desperate. Drank all of it. The frequent urination and pain was gone within a couple of hours. In the morning the resort had cranberry juice and I started drinking it. I did not have to use any medication for the infection. It was amazing!
I have a HUGE supply of vitamins and supplements that I take. Cranberry pills are always in my cabinet. I used to use Valerian root to sleep. I suggested it to a friend that had not slept well in years. She said her insomnia is gone. I am not sure why Munchkin wasted all that money and time becoming a Doctor. She could have dispensed natural medications right out of her home. I am seriously thinking about taking some on-line classes. It is so interesting. I am not over the top yet. I have not thrown out my lipitor, anti-depressant ( though it is time for that to go), or thyroid pill (that might need to go too). I think our generation is too reliant on taking a pill. There are many natural things out there to use.
I admit I am a junkie when it comes to researching things on the internet. That could explain some of The Kid's interest. So much to learn, right at our fingertips!
Hey bloggers, we really have slacked off this summer. Should we do a Blogger Challenge. See who can post the most blogs in a certain amount of time? We can wait until adults and children are settled into the school schedule. What do you think?
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Time To Start Cooking
I made the decision to buy a new cookbook. I bought, Slow Cookin' Companion by The Crockin Girls, Nicole Sparks and Jenna Marwitz. The cookbook is nicely done. The recipes are easy. The pictures are beautiful. I bought a second crockpot. I picked three meals to do this week, made my grocery list and BOUGHT food to cook. It was odd being in the grocery store shopping for real food. Normally, I am picking up things to heat up. I have two meals cooking right now.
I started with, Most Amazing Pork Chops and Angel Chicken. The chicken is an Italian dish, to be mixed with penne pasta. Tonight we will eat the pork chops. That will leave the Angel Chicken for my menfolk to heat up tomorrow night. Later in the week I am going to cook a round steak. Have not picked the recipe yet. There are several I am thinking of using. My plan is to cook two a week. I will rate how the family like each meal on the recipe page. I am going to go outside of their comfort zone too. I have tired of cooking same old thing when I cook. Things are going to be switched up around here.
I will plan meals on the week-end and make my grocery list. I will try to cook at least two meals on Sunday. I will set my goal of three crockpot meals a week. That might be setting my sights high, but I will see how it goes. My goal is to eventually leave grocery lists for Hubby to do some shopping. He does not mind grocery shopping. I will need to be very specific on my list.
The other thing I have been reading this week-end are recipes for making my own products. Today I made dishwasher detergent. I am going to make Hand Scrub and Shaving Gel tonight. I made a sea salt scrub last month. People seemed to like it. Time to move on to more products. After I test a few items I would like to sell some things in Tru Storie's yoga studio. Is this how Mary Kay started?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Wiccan is Back
You might remember that I performed a little bit of positive cleansing on Tru Stories home last year. In March of last year. You can refer back to her "Hilarious" blog about the event. She allowed me to do it. She just did not get 100% behind it. http://www.trustories24.blogspot.com/2011/03/black-magic-woman.html
I bring this up because I would like to review some of the highlights in the past year for TS.
Her kids got cuter. Seriously, cuter.
We went to the Oprah show
Coach was able to get rid of the cat
They got cute little Maggie Mae
Did I say Oprah?
Coach & TS took a trip to New Orleans.
TS sweet talked her Mother into going to the Ocean
Coach got his own shop
Tru Stories got her yoga studio. You are welcome TS.
I bring this up because my Forever Friend is having trouble sleeping. I went and purchased some lavender and made her a spray. Lavender is relaxing. Is suppose to help people sleep. I asked TS for some yoga poses to help her relax. I suggested she purchase Valerian Root. I used it years ago for Uncle to sleep and me too. All of this made me remember what a successful Wiccan I was. I told my Friend that I have some sage left over. I can cleanse her house next week. She said she would rather I clean her house. (She is funny!)
This made me realize I had never tried to cleanse my own home. Ridiculous! If ever there was a home that need some good vibes, it is mine. This is nothing wicked. I am just looking for positive energy. What you put out in the universe comes back to you. Tomorrow I will cleanse my home. Throw out negative energy. Bring in the positive.
By this time next year there could be a little coffee shop near the yoga studio. This will be like a little Economic Development via sage cleansing.
I just heard my friend sneeze. The Lavender must be working. I am so good at this.
Do you want me to cleanse The Kid's bat? The Kid??
I bring this up because I would like to review some of the highlights in the past year for TS.
Her kids got cuter. Seriously, cuter.
We went to the Oprah show
Coach was able to get rid of the cat
They got cute little Maggie Mae
Did I say Oprah?
Coach & TS took a trip to New Orleans.
TS sweet talked her Mother into going to the Ocean
Coach got his own shop
Tru Stories got her yoga studio. You are welcome TS.
I bring this up because my Forever Friend is having trouble sleeping. I went and purchased some lavender and made her a spray. Lavender is relaxing. Is suppose to help people sleep. I asked TS for some yoga poses to help her relax. I suggested she purchase Valerian Root. I used it years ago for Uncle to sleep and me too. All of this made me remember what a successful Wiccan I was. I told my Friend that I have some sage left over. I can cleanse her house next week. She said she would rather I clean her house. (She is funny!)
This made me realize I had never tried to cleanse my own home. Ridiculous! If ever there was a home that need some good vibes, it is mine. This is nothing wicked. I am just looking for positive energy. What you put out in the universe comes back to you. Tomorrow I will cleanse my home. Throw out negative energy. Bring in the positive.
By this time next year there could be a little coffee shop near the yoga studio. This will be like a little Economic Development via sage cleansing.
I just heard my friend sneeze. The Lavender must be working. I am so good at this.
Do you want me to cleanse The Kid's bat? The Kid??
Monday, March 19, 2012
Wish I Had A Bucket List
Tomorrow I am embarking on a journey. If I had an official bucket list, I could check two things off of it. I am going to Savannah, Georgbia and it is a spontaneous vacation. We are leaving in 13 hours and I have not packed. Tru Stories and I started what if-ing on Friday. If we could take a trip to the beach, where would we go. We talked and googled places in Florida for hours. We decided it would be too crowded. I almost let the idea go. Then I remembered, this is my life. Need to live it. Yesterda when I was telling my husband we were thinking about a trip, he suggested we go to the Atlantic Ocean. He had no desire to go, just gave some input on the best Ocean to see. Once he said Atlantic, I knew it had to be Savannah. In my head, I have a bucket list. Seeing Savannah was at the top. Maybe not with five kids! It will be so much fun to see their faces when they see the Ocean. I have not seen an Ocean in years. Very happy!!
We are trying to see things and relax too. I think we will do a trolley ride through Savannah. That will get all the high spots. Might take the boys on the ghost walk. I hear it is lame but beautiful. We will for sure go see the fort. Now it is time to pack. No lists made. Just throwing clothes in a suitcase. I did buy some snacks for the trip. We cannot travel without two things....water and twizzlers. Done and Done.
Say a prayer for us. We need safe and peaceful travels. The TS kids travel well. Hope Warhol's kids do too!!!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Getting Rid of Chemicals
I have been thinking about becoming more green. Pinterest has recipes. They look easy. Right after I started looking at the recipes I was invited to a home party with antibacterial micro cloths. That sealed the deal. I was so impressed. I bought a few items. Made the decision to have a party. Cannot wait to buy more. Last night I was anxious to use my new "green" items to clean. It was awesome. When did I become so boring?
Tonight I spent a couple of hours on the computer looking at "green" recipes. I found recipes for ants, mosquitoes, bug spray, weed spray, and laundry detergent. Tomorrow night I am going to do some shopping. This week-end I will make some "green" items. My grandson will love to help. It is science for him. I am very excited about this. I should save some money too.
It will be like Pioneer days.
Tonight I spent a couple of hours on the computer looking at "green" recipes. I found recipes for ants, mosquitoes, bug spray, weed spray, and laundry detergent. Tomorrow night I am going to do some shopping. This week-end I will make some "green" items. My grandson will love to help. It is science for him. I am very excited about this. I should save some money too.
It will be like Pioneer days.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Dear Millhouse:
You batted .500 on the books you sent me. In my previous blog I reviewed What I Thought I Knew. Gave it a 5. Tonight I picked up, A Charmed Life. Going to do some reading. First there was a list of family members by century. Ugh! Next there was a timeline. I don't do timelines. At least not tonight. I will give it another try on a day I feel more timelineish.
Still love you,
Page Turner
Still love you,
Page Turner
Thursday, February 23, 2012
My Kindle
I am still enjoying a romance with my Kindle. I like the fact it is easy to carry with me. If I have a few minutes, I can get some reading done. The screen is clear and so easy to read. No eye strain. It is easier to hold than a book. If you read books and are not a "READER" that might not make sense to you. I can read for hours. I have carpal tunnel issues. Some books can get very heavy. The ease of ordering new books from my home and having it in seconds is AMAZING.
All of that said, there are some problems with the Kindle. It is not Barnes & Noble. It will never be a bookstore. I enjoy walking in a bookstore. It is a thrill I hope never ends. Walking into the different sections. I know my Barnes intimately. I start at the new releases. There is always a sale table with quality paperbacks near the new releases. I have to look at that. Buy two, get one free is hard for me to pass up. There is a section in Barnes that the employees put up a book they enjoyed and do a write up on it. It is a good way to see some books I might otherwise not hear about. People that make their living in a bookstore, know about books. I am very jealous! I am a bit of a snob about mass paperbacks. I usually do not spend time there. I know, I know that is a terrible way to be. I got my start as a reader on mass paperbacks.
The main aisle down the middle of Barnes is where I usually find something to buy. This is where most of the quality paperbacks are displayed. It is difficult for me to walk down that aisle without finding at least one or two books. There is a clearance section in Barnes. That is my last walk through before I go to the register.
The children's department at Barnes is amazing. It is large. It is neat. Not as crowded as the main part of the store is getting. I know where everything I need is located. I can take all three grand kids into the department and easily keep tabs on them.
There are times I have been known to deviate from my usual spots in Barnes. I have been known to browse the self-help section. I like to read a biography once in awhile. If I am buying a gift, I have even been in the sports section. I could buy a journal every time I walk into Barnes. I like to give journals as gifts. The card section has unique choices.
Sounds like I enjoy every part of Barnes. Well.......I do not go over to Starbucks very often. Usually, I am shopping on my lunch or before I go somewhere else. My time and money are better spent on the books.
I discovered one of the problems with having a Kindle. I was looking at my charge card the other day. Book charge, book charge, book charge. Very easy to hit that little button on Amazon.com. One touch and the book is delivered and my account has a new charge. Magic! I have the same problem at Barnes. I can walk in to buy one book and walk out with five books. The amount I spend at Barnes is much higher than I spend on Kindle. On the upside, I have something to show for my purchases at Barnes. On the downside I have too many somethings to show for my purchases at Barnes. Piles of somethings all over my book room.
It could be said that I spend too much money on reading. Now that I think of it, it has been said that I spend too much money on reading! If only they would invent a place that people could borrow books and return when finished reading.......
All of that said, there are some problems with the Kindle. It is not Barnes & Noble. It will never be a bookstore. I enjoy walking in a bookstore. It is a thrill I hope never ends. Walking into the different sections. I know my Barnes intimately. I start at the new releases. There is always a sale table with quality paperbacks near the new releases. I have to look at that. Buy two, get one free is hard for me to pass up. There is a section in Barnes that the employees put up a book they enjoyed and do a write up on it. It is a good way to see some books I might otherwise not hear about. People that make their living in a bookstore, know about books. I am very jealous! I am a bit of a snob about mass paperbacks. I usually do not spend time there. I know, I know that is a terrible way to be. I got my start as a reader on mass paperbacks.
The main aisle down the middle of Barnes is where I usually find something to buy. This is where most of the quality paperbacks are displayed. It is difficult for me to walk down that aisle without finding at least one or two books. There is a clearance section in Barnes. That is my last walk through before I go to the register.
The children's department at Barnes is amazing. It is large. It is neat. Not as crowded as the main part of the store is getting. I know where everything I need is located. I can take all three grand kids into the department and easily keep tabs on them.
There are times I have been known to deviate from my usual spots in Barnes. I have been known to browse the self-help section. I like to read a biography once in awhile. If I am buying a gift, I have even been in the sports section. I could buy a journal every time I walk into Barnes. I like to give journals as gifts. The card section has unique choices.
Sounds like I enjoy every part of Barnes. Well.......I do not go over to Starbucks very often. Usually, I am shopping on my lunch or before I go somewhere else. My time and money are better spent on the books.
I discovered one of the problems with having a Kindle. I was looking at my charge card the other day. Book charge, book charge, book charge. Very easy to hit that little button on Amazon.com. One touch and the book is delivered and my account has a new charge. Magic! I have the same problem at Barnes. I can walk in to buy one book and walk out with five books. The amount I spend at Barnes is much higher than I spend on Kindle. On the upside, I have something to show for my purchases at Barnes. On the downside I have too many somethings to show for my purchases at Barnes. Piles of somethings all over my book room.
It could be said that I spend too much money on reading. Now that I think of it, it has been said that I spend too much money on reading! If only they would invent a place that people could borrow books and return when finished reading.......
Monday, February 20, 2012
Lisa Scottoline Is My New Favorite Author
I am a small time blogger. Most of the time I am not sure anyone even reads what I write. I do not have the HUGE following of people like, Tru Stories and One Carbonhill. My blog is like my journal. I know once in awhile people will check in to see if I have read anything interesting. Imagine my shock and surprise when I pulled up my blog yesterday and found a comment from an author. Here is the comment:
Lisa Scottoline said...
Wow! Thx so much for your thoughtful and wonderful review of my book, SAVE ME! I'm honored! And lots of love to your "blog celebrities"! Love, Lisa Scottoline xoxoox
I am sitting at home writing my thoughts on a great book out there, never once considering THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK IS GOING TO READ what I wrote. Mind blowing! Seriously! Anyone who knows me knows that reading is my passion. I used to dream about being an author. I still dream about owning a bookstore/coffee shop. It meant so much to know an author cared enough about what I thought of her book to send a comment.
I started reading her website and she is very reader friendly. Take the time to go read her site. I already pre-ordered her next book, Come Home. If I send the receipt to an address on Lisa's website, I get a free paperback of one of her other books. I cannot pass up that deal. I will need to read all of her books.
The other night after I posted my blog I was thinking more about, Save Me. Another sign of a great book is even when you close it and put it on the bookshelf, you still think about it. Save Me made me think. I also had the realization that I could not be author. I do not know how Lisa Scottoline came up with everything she put in the book. It was amazing. I am jealous and impressed.
I read two other books by Lisa. I read, Look Again, and Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog. Those of you that follow my blog on a regular basis know that I judge a book by the cover, along with other things. Lisa's books have great covers. They pull me in. Once I picked up the books and read the descriptions, I could not put them back down. I read so many books a year that I get bored of the same subjects over and over. I liked the cover of Look Again so much I have two copies of it on my shelves. It was the 61st book I read in 2011. I rated it a 3. My review said it was unique with twists and turns. Good story with several surprises. Those are huge compliments for me. If I call the story line unique and I am surprised where it goes, that is a great read. The numbers do not mean as much. I can rate a book a 3 just because I am not in a great mood. I do not have a rating or review for, Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog. It was before I started journaling my books. When I first started keeping track of what I read it was just a list. Over time I have developed a more elaborate system. Once in awhile I will let a serious reader look at my journal to find something interesting to read. I like my journal to be easy to follow and make sense.
Tomorrow I will have Look Again and Save Me with me at work. I know a couple of my followers have already expressed interest in reading Save Me. Stop by my desk or send me an e-mail. I am anxious to hear how all of you enjoy these books. I feel like I have found some jewels to share. I would compare Lisa Scottoline books to Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve. Their stories are unique and surprise me too.
I sent Lisa a message on Facebook (it is not stalking, I needed to "Like" her Facebook page). I wanted to thank her for taking the time to comment on my little blog. She sent me a reply. I know what you are thinking, The Page Turner has a new bestie. All you readers take a few minutes to think about what that would be like. Sitting on comfy chairs chatting about writing great books. Except for the fact Lisa and I have sent each other messages, this is no different from how I react to other authors I enjoy. I will check out their websites. Find other books they have written. Read as many of them as I can get my hands on. I really love to start reading an author's first book and read them in order. It is interesting to see how their writing skills change and develop. It is not always for the better. There are times authors start pumping out books and lose what makes them unique.
If you are looking for something to read, pick up one of my new friend and favorite author's books. You will not be disappointed. Remember if you pre-order her book, Come Home, you can get a book free. That is too good to pass up.
Lisa, if you really do need a new bestie to meet for coffee, let me know.
Lisa Scottoline said...
I am sitting at home writing my thoughts on a great book out there, never once considering THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOK IS GOING TO READ what I wrote. Mind blowing! Seriously! Anyone who knows me knows that reading is my passion. I used to dream about being an author. I still dream about owning a bookstore/coffee shop. It meant so much to know an author cared enough about what I thought of her book to send a comment.
I started reading her website and she is very reader friendly. Take the time to go read her site. I already pre-ordered her next book, Come Home. If I send the receipt to an address on Lisa's website, I get a free paperback of one of her other books. I cannot pass up that deal. I will need to read all of her books.
The other night after I posted my blog I was thinking more about, Save Me. Another sign of a great book is even when you close it and put it on the bookshelf, you still think about it. Save Me made me think. I also had the realization that I could not be author. I do not know how Lisa Scottoline came up with everything she put in the book. It was amazing. I am jealous and impressed.
I read two other books by Lisa. I read, Look Again, and Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog. Those of you that follow my blog on a regular basis know that I judge a book by the cover, along with other things. Lisa's books have great covers. They pull me in. Once I picked up the books and read the descriptions, I could not put them back down. I read so many books a year that I get bored of the same subjects over and over. I liked the cover of Look Again so much I have two copies of it on my shelves. It was the 61st book I read in 2011. I rated it a 3. My review said it was unique with twists and turns. Good story with several surprises. Those are huge compliments for me. If I call the story line unique and I am surprised where it goes, that is a great read. The numbers do not mean as much. I can rate a book a 3 just because I am not in a great mood. I do not have a rating or review for, Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog. It was before I started journaling my books. When I first started keeping track of what I read it was just a list. Over time I have developed a more elaborate system. Once in awhile I will let a serious reader look at my journal to find something interesting to read. I like my journal to be easy to follow and make sense.
Tomorrow I will have Look Again and Save Me with me at work. I know a couple of my followers have already expressed interest in reading Save Me. Stop by my desk or send me an e-mail. I am anxious to hear how all of you enjoy these books. I feel like I have found some jewels to share. I would compare Lisa Scottoline books to Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve. Their stories are unique and surprise me too.
I sent Lisa a message on Facebook (it is not stalking, I needed to "Like" her Facebook page). I wanted to thank her for taking the time to comment on my little blog. She sent me a reply. I know what you are thinking, The Page Turner has a new bestie. All you readers take a few minutes to think about what that would be like. Sitting on comfy chairs chatting about writing great books. Except for the fact Lisa and I have sent each other messages, this is no different from how I react to other authors I enjoy. I will check out their websites. Find other books they have written. Read as many of them as I can get my hands on. I really love to start reading an author's first book and read them in order. It is interesting to see how their writing skills change and develop. It is not always for the better. There are times authors start pumping out books and lose what makes them unique.
If you are looking for something to read, pick up one of my new friend and favorite author's books. You will not be disappointed. Remember if you pre-order her book, Come Home, you can get a book free. That is too good to pass up.
Lisa, if you really do need a new bestie to meet for coffee, let me know.
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