Vampires, Demons and Angels...Oh My!

Back (as promised) for a bit of a book review!

I started reading The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare before Christmas, there are 4 books out now (in series order): City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels.  I won't go into a whole bunch of detail, but I will rate the overall series a 3 out of 4 on my own scale.

I really enjoyed City of Bones and City of Ashes...but by the time I got into City of Glass...the story was starting to drift a bit for me...as if it was trying too hard.  Don't get me wrong...I read all four and eagerly await what is going to be the fifth book, due out in May time frame.  In books three and four there was plenty of drama, action, and good story line...but it was almost too much, as if the author had no idea where or how to exactly end each of those books.  I was drawn to each of the characters (if at times I was getting a little lost with ALL of the characters (again, a book 3 and 4 thing) and could visualize them and the many different settings presented.  The storyline is fascinating, and despite the few bumps I mentioned, a great read.  With books 1 and 2...I found myself up late at night reading because I couldn't put it down!  

If you enjoy the idea of the supernatural, of a cast of characters saving the world from evil...a bit of a twist on some vampire tales...then I can say I would recommend these books.  However, these books were shelved in the "Teen" section of my local Barnes&Noble...and I don't really see these as "Teen" books.  As a mother of a 12 year old who will be a "Teen" before I know it...I'm not sure I'm ready for her to read these particular books.  The ideas of Heaven/Hell, Good/Evil, etc I'm ok with...the level of violence (while "justified" within the story line) is not terrible, but the majority of these violent acts are committed by the teenagers in the story or upon these teenagers, something I'm a bit uncomfortable with...but what really holds me back is some of the relationships between different characters...particularly the two main characters, as it is implied as an almost incestuous relationship at times, and that I'm definitely NOT ready to delve into with my only child.  I think it all depends on the comfort level of the parent with these topics on whether or not this would be a good series for your child.

All in all, good...exciting read...if a bit draggy as it nears the end of the series, with my personal recommendation for age 15 and up.

I have also read the "prequels" to The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and will perhaps write a new review on those in the next few days.

Enjoy!

at Random...

been up to all kinds of things...not a lot of which I can actually post here...sorry...

life has been ridiculously busy...but in good ways (and some not so good, but that is life)...

had a few minutes to catch my breath this weekend...

and randomly tried to figure out why we are totally obsessed with vampires and demons...and angels too...but the angels part makes sense to me...the others...not so much...

and looking back at my nook library...i'm also wondering...maybe it's just me?  cuz there are quite a few vampire/demon/angel type books in my library...

so what makes them so interesting?  (personally my claim is that the AUTHORS are just amazing and keep us (ok..me) enthralled...to the point that trying out one book...leads to two different series...by the same author for a total of five (possibly six) books...PLUS...at least one (ok...reality says 3 or 4) similar type books...

who knows...but to share in my madness...in the next few days (if I can put the nook down long enough) I'll share my review of a popular series that you may find interesting...even if you are only mildly curious about the whole vampire/demon/angels thing...(which is how I got sucked in to start!)

hope you had a great weekend!  I have a few more chapters on demon hunting to read about and head to dreamland...where hopefully there are no vampires or demons waiting for me (angels are of course welcome!).

I heart Apple (TV)

a.k.a...one of my absolute most favorite purchases ever (and it wasn't my idea!) next to my iPhone (still loving BTW!) (legal note...I am writing about my love for apple products because I want to...I was provided no monetary incentive, was not contacted by apple or anyone else for that matter...I'm sharing something I like and all opinions here are strictly my own!)

(pic via Instagram...I know I'm late to the Instagram party...can I just say...LOVE!)

So a few weeks ago for mine and Hubby's anniversary...he said he wanted Apple TV...so that's what he got for a gift...and I'm pretty sure I use it way more than he does!  It's a tiny little box that you hook up to your TV...and within minutes...you have access to all kinds of goodies (best if you have an iTunes account and allow Apple TV to talk to your computer...the incredibly simple directions will step you right through it!).  So...here is how it all works out for me pros vs. cons and such...

Pros:

1. I don't have to drag my iPod speakers all over the place...it stays next to my bed where it doubles as my alarm clock and I can listen to my entire iTunes library via my TV when I'm downstairs
2. sound and picture quality is phenomenal...true HD (IMHO...I don't know a ton about that stuff)
3. Cost (in a roundabout sort of way...initial startup cost is approx. $99 without tax and depending on if you need a new HDMI cable...certain movies and TV shows are cheaper via iTunes and this has pretty much eliminated our purchasing of TV shows and most movies on DVD...which could count as a storage pro as well!)  an example:  I wanted Season 1 of Downton Abbey...could not find it anywhere locally...online to order the DVDs was anywhere from 16.99 to 34.99...got it on iTunes (in HD) for 14.99...I was pretty happy!!!  and on a different note...watched all of season one and promptly purchased season 2 season pass!)
4. Ease of use (takes almost nothing to set it up, and if you are familiar with iTunes...well, there you go)
5. not limited to iTunes...can also utilize netflix (we dropped netflix as we were not happy with them for many reasons we won't talk about here, we've done the hulu thing too...but now we are just on iTunes...just pointing out there are other options available!)
6. it's fun...you can use your iPad or iPod touch as a giant remote for it!  and it accesses anything you have on your iPad, so in theory you could play Angry Birds in full screen glory!

Cons:

1. Not all apps work with apple TV...in particular HBO to Go...this would have been a HUGE plus for us...but it's not currently configured (think it's the HD thing)...and I'm seriously hoping that it does eventually work with apple TV
2. Not everything is on iTunes (SHOCKING I KNOW!)...we pay for HBO solely for one or two shows...shows we can't get on a season pass via iTunes...and are only available once the DVD version comes out...and at about the same price...definitely a negative...but not really anything that can be done about it...as one show we are completely addicted to...it's hard to wait a year for it to come out on dvd...so we're keeping hbo for now...
3. minor connectivity issues...sometimes have to close and relaunch iTunes on my computer to get it to connect properly with apple TV (no idea why this happens...just randomly does)

All in all, I love apple TV...and I'm sure there are some other negatives out there about it...I haven't had too many problems...but I'll keep you updated!

officially chugging the kool-aid

even though we are arriving to the party a little late...we have finally arrived...as birthday presents to each other, hubby and I upgraded from our Android'a to iPhone's yesterday...and I'm in love!

never thought I'd be an "apple girl"...but 1 iMac, 2 iPads, a couple of iPods, apple TV, and now iPhones...

yeah...we surpassed sipping or even drinking the kool-aid...we are straight up chugging it out of the glass jug...no cups or nothing...

in the coming posts, I plan on sharing my full opinion on at least apple TV (and what I love and dislike about it)...but had to tell you...

iPhone 4s kicks some major ass!  (and Siri is fabulous!)

Later!

update...and boobs!

if that title won't drag you in...I don't know what will!  LOL!

first...an update on me...

went to the doctor...had a good experience (minus the gross bruises from the blood draw)...and got some good news...in a way...

first...when i explained my symptoms, and said that i had been chalking it up to stress...i heard something for the first time..."you're a woman...women blame it all on stress"...that made me feel a little better.  i wasn't crazy...and i wasn't alone.  did you know that women are more likely than men to ignore health issues?  we women think we can do everything and when we aren't feeling up to par...well...we still keep on trucking...and ignore those little prickles at the back of our minds that say hey...maybe we have a problem.  unfortunately (and fortunately in a way) it looks like i've been letting stress get the best of me...and overall my health is ok!  (need to lose some weight...but one step at a time right???)

but (second)...i also was educated on something else...

i lost my father to colon cancer...over 13 years ago...unfortunately the family history puts me a bit at risk...so it's been recommended that i at least meet with a specialist...and look at having a colonoscopy soon...HELLO...i'm only (almost...give or take a 2-3 days) 35!  I'm not supposed to have to worry about this yet (OR EVER)...but...it's time for truth...I'm at risk, my father was diagnosed at a relatively early age, and I need to be checked earlier than is normal...so...when i get up the nerve (sooner than later i promise) i'll make the call and find out what i need to do...still absorbing this right now...was not expecting to be told i need a camera shoved up my rear before i'm 40!  anyways...

third...all this talk about screening for cancer earlier than "normal" happened to occur at the same time the Komen vs Planned Parenthood stuff was happening...so that leads to the BOOBS topic...

since we are being truthy...i'll be frank about it...

unfortunately my family roots have issues with breast cancer as well...my grandmother (on my father's side) lost her breast (and eventually her life) dealing with breast cancer...at a time when it wasn't something popular to talk about or advertise pink ribbons for...my mother had a biopsy around 16 years ago...which was thankfully negative...but still...if her boobs were at risk...then mine are too...

5 years ago (7 weeks shy of my 30th b-day) i noticed a slight deformation in my right breast...and at the time i actually said something to my doc (military doc...one of the good ones!) during my annual exam...he could see it also and recommended a mammogram...i was supposed to deploy in just over two weeks...and i was scared...and then I got mad....

no way the breast clinic could get me in...6 month wait at least (lack of equipment, funds, personnel...and an large influx of those needing screening)...a young female, with a family history of cancer, about to deploy to the persian gulf...was not high enough a priority...(what my thoughts and feelings were when i heard that are so dark and ugly...i won't go there now)...yet...i was lucky...my doc (being one of the good ones) called BS (as much as he could) and pulled all the strings and favors he had...and got me in for an ultrasound...which thankfully indicated normal tissue aging and no significant formations or lumps or anything...

since then...I have to say i'm pretty rigorous about my breast self-exams and take a good long look in the mirror at them pretty regularly...no lump or bump or whatever will pop up unnoticed!

why do I share this story?

I'm lucky...I have good doctors...I have good health insurance...and I will go to the mat defending my rights as a young (just don't ask my kid if i'm young) woman and my breast health!

so many are not so lucky...

so feel up your boobs...and if something doesn't feel right...get it checked...if you can't afford or can't get an appointment...or whatever...call Planned Parenthood...call your church...call your friends...do whatever it takes to find out if there is a problem...

and tell your friends.  remind them to squish the ta-ta's...whatever it takes...

we have to stick together...be it blood bonds, friendship, or the web...and remind each other...WE ARE WORTH IT!

now go check your boobs!

Hugs to all!

Lesley

Changes...time for me

It's been awhile since I posted here...I've been very much bitten by the sewing bug and it's made me very happy!  But the sewing has pulled me away from my first crafty love...stamping...and after spending some time reflecting on that...and where my life and career are right now...it's time for some changes.

first (the long part)...

I've joked (sort of) here previously about entering the "silly season" at work...unfortunately "silly season" is turning into regular business.  Previously my "silly season" would run about April - August...all prep, planning, and actual administration of an annual exam for the licensed operators at our plant.  The past two years I've played a fairly active roll (the first year wasn't too crazy...the second...about killed me) and I will be playing another active roll in the exam this year.  I enjoy being on this exam team, it's a huge learning experience, and it's something different from my regular day-to-day job...but it's actually starting to take up more time than the April to August time frame...as a matter of fact we've already begun meetings and assignments and conversation for this year...so back April up to January.  In addition to that...I've had to take on some additional responsibilities in day-to-day stuff, plus teaching in one of the most stressful environments we have for the first time.  All of this has come to a head in the past 7 days, and unfortunately some rather unpleasant side effects started popping up...

For the past 18 months I've been convinced that my biggest ailment is STRESS...and after taking a cold hard look after a bit of a scare earlier this week...I became very concerned that a health issue I've dealt with in the past has started to resurface.  So I threw in the towel and called the doctor...now, I'm not a huge fan of going to the doctor, have had some bad experiences (and some good), but it's just not something I like to do (I'm wonder woman in my own mind...and doctor's aren't necessary in my little world).  But I did the "grown up thing" and made the call, explained the situation, and I go in on Tuesday to have some tests run.  I'm hoping everything comes back fine and it is really just stress that I need to get a better handle on...but until I know for sure I don't want to take any chances.

Taking all of this into consideration, I've been looking into my own heart to determine what it is that I want to really do in my free time...and right now...sewing is the hobby that makes the rest of my world manageable.  This leads to

Second...

I'm not giving up stamping and scrapping...but i'm cutting wayyyy back on it.  I'm going to be clearing out a lot of my supplies and slimming it all down to those stamps/inks/papers that I really expect/intend to use.  Thankfully I have some friends willing to take a bunch of this off my hands!  LOL!

Third (and final)...

I spent a lot of time last year apologizing for this or that...not posting enough...posting a lot of non-scrappy stuff...a lot of venting...etc.  I'm done apologizing.  It's time for me to take care of me and put me first on a more regular basis.  I have to remind myself that the world is not going to end if I don't get a post done in time, or post a card on a regular schedule, or post something non-scrappy just to post...you get the idea.

I need to make myself important again.  I need to blog about plain ole stuff that makes me happy (see my book reviews from last year) and stop sweating the small stuff.

Most importantly, I need to take better care of myself.  Hopefully I'm starting off 2012 in the right way by going to the doctor and addressing these issues head on.

I'll share more later when I know what's going on health wise...no one worry, my ailments are not life threatening, but treating them will improve my overall quality of life.  The sooner I know if it's just stress or something else, the sooner my mind will feel a bit more at ease.

Catch you all later!

Chhchhhchhanges!

Change is coming...more to follow!

happy new year all!

busy and worn out

here is a conversation hubby and I had recently via telephone:

Me: Hey, I'm busy right now, no time to talk
Hubby: That's not very nice
Me: I'm sorry, I'm just really busy
Hubby: Whatcha doing?
Me: WORKING...doing my JOB
Hubby: well you don't have to get snippy

I apologized again and got off the phone.  Sometimes I wonder if he and I are on the same planet!  LOL!

But...that's been the story of my life the past few weeks...busy at work and at home.  I have several projects going on that I'm not able to share right now (some are gifts for others that might sometimes stop by here!).  It feels like I run non-stop all day and night...and weekends too...except for the moments I throw my hands up...call it quits...and the kiddo and I go out to lunch or dinner...

Unfortunately all of this busyness has caused my memory to be a bit faulty...and I'm not entirely sure that it's just being busy to blame...some of it is just life moving on.

Saturday was the 13th anniversary of my father's death.  And none of us remembered.  Until late that evening.

The text messages went something like this between me and one of my sisters:

Sis: would dad pick Ole Miss or Miss St.
Me: I have no idea, was just wondering that
Sis: other Sis says Ole Miss and I agree
Me: I'd buy that
Sis: Me too
Sis: it was 13 years ago today
Me: I can't believe I forgot
Sis: I forgot too.  Until the Mississippi stuff

We conversed more via text about some stuff...including how odd it was that so many random things involving thoughts of my father had occurred during the week.  Kiddo had asked me to participate in a school project...they were collecting memoirs and writing some of their own, and part of the project was to have a family member write one.  One of the topics was death of a loved one...so I wrote about when I received the red cross message informing me of my father's death.  After I wrote it, I spent a few minutes talking to kiddo about her grandfather and how he would have thought she was pretty cool.  I cried...she looked at me like I was cracked...and then life moved on.

At first I felt terrible that I had forgotten the date...but the more I think about it...the more I realize...it's ok. He's always with me...keeping an eye on me and my sisters and mom...

And I can't help but think he would be pretty proud of all of us and where we are in our lives.

So...needless to say...it was a bit of an emotional weekend...and I'm a bit worn out.

Hopefully I'll have the chance to take a little breather here and there this weekend...of course if I can breathe after I stuff my face with turkey, potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce (and yeast rolls and pie and...well you get the idea)!

FF#96...Try Something New!

ok...can't say it enough...I'm SOOO Happy it's FRIDAY!!!  long week...definitely needed the weekend to get here!

This week over at the Shoe we have a fantabulous sponsor in The Beary Scrap who sent us some oh so yummy goodies to allow us the chance to try out making Tear Bears!  (I've never done that before!).  Here is my sample:

and now...well...I love how my little skunk came out!  Not a huge fan of the process (these days I'm much more in to instant craft gratification!)...but the end result is some enjoyable!  Will I make more tear bears in the future...we'll see...I can imagine these on b-day cards and tags for my lovely nieces (and adorable nephew)...it just depends if Aunt Lesley gets any of that actually done ON TIME for a change!  (or in advance...how amazing would that be????? that could totally be my next "try something new!").  Anyways!  LOL!  Head on over to the Shoe...check out the other fab samples...and play along with us!

FF#95...with a KISS and a SOG!

Happy Monday!  hopefully you are having a fantastic Monday...not one of those Manic ones!  Just wanted to let you know that the latest Fashionista Friday challenge (FF#95 - Keep it Simple Sweetheart!) is up over at the Shoe!  Here is my sample:

and now for the SOG...we are having a card drive as part of the Shoe Season of Giving...so head over to the Shoe to read all about it!  It's for a very worthy, and near to our hearts cause!  So check it out!  and now...back to our regularly scheduled programming!

Just a quick note...

The FF#94 Top 3 and Shoe of the week have been posted over at If the Shoe fits...Scrap it!  Really excited about what we are going to share with you on Monday...you can read a little about it in today's post!  Now I'm off to fend off the cold that seems to want to attack me...I've been trying to convince it otherwise for two days now...hopefully it retreats!

FF#94...Spooky Fall!

Happy happy Friday!  Hope yours is going as well as mine!  Posting today to share the latest and greatest Fashionista Friday challenge from If the Shoe fits...Scrap it!

The FF#94 challenge is based on how you are inspired by this time of year...so we are giving you some options!  Share with us either your Halloween or Fall inspired projects (or both! or a combo of both!).  My sample is something a little different than I normally create for the Shoe...it's something in progress for my daughter (who is Halloween's BIGGEST fan!)...she requested it specifically (well...she was supposed to do the bulk of the work...that didn't end up happening!):

and up close

I started piecing this quilt top yesterday, and finished it up earlier today.  She picked the fabrics...I did all the cutting, stitching, piecing, etc. She thinks it's pretty cool though!  Now I just have to get it quilted!

Thanks for stopping by...now head on over to the Shoe and share your inspiration with us!

little life lessons

1. Don't speak too loudly while your hubby is on the phone...the person on the other end might hear you refer to them in less than flattering terms (learned this one last week)
2. Don't make said comments when the person you are really irritated with is your hubby...not the other person (see above)
3. Don't ever start a sentence with "hold my beer while..." it usually leads to many comical (at your own expense) stories for many years to come (learned this one a few years ago while at Talladega)
4. Don't expect to automatically be able to do something just because you saw a tutorial on someone else's blog (many semi-painted canvases and piles of "artsy" junk filling up space in my office taught me this one)
5. Don't give up just because you don't get it right the first time (still working on this one)
6. Don't drive someone's prized vehicle and then complain about how it drives (hubby learned this one today (for the second time!))
7. Don't drink and blog (learned that after re-reading last night's post...does it make sense to anyone???)
8. Trust but verify (re-live that one EVERY day!)
9. Don't believe that just because you have it all together at work, you have it all together outside of work (have to remind myself of this EVERY day!)
10. Don't attempt to make important decisions first thing in the morning if you haven't had a cup of coffee (this may just be me)
11. Don't give up...even when you break ever rule listed above...tomorrow is another day!

what to do when we grow up

what is there to do when you are left wondering and considering something?

especially when you aren't entirely sure what to say...

but you respond best you can...

and still have no idea how it is you should have responded...but you responded with what you thought was the best you could do....

and you sometimes wonder if you weren't a grown up...would you have to wonder?

would any of the stuff matter?

or...were you the best grownup you could be in your response...

i like to think when we were kids it was much easier...hurts were easily forgotten...the sky was always blue (or purple or pink or...whatever color you picked for your sky back then...)

and life was always good...

and then we grow up...

and it's not perfect...

words leave lasting hurt...

and we have to engage our brains to respond...

our brains are often way too logical...but then in all the logical thinking are you forgetting that you were hurt....

but then again i think back to being a kid...and were hurts really forgotten so easily?

and then we end up back where we began...with some logic applied

hurt hurts

and no matter if we are a kid...or a grown up....

hurtful words and actions

still hurt

but as a grown up...i know

sometimes we have to figure out why it hurts...

and

with caution...

we have to consider

forgiving the hurt...

and that's what happens...

when we grow up

since I'm on the topic already...

considering the past few posts have been book-related...figured I'd throw my two cents in on the e-reader conversation...(please forgive the pics...you can read about my camera issue here)...

I own a Nook (Nook Color to be specific)...my hubby owns a Nook Color...my kiddo has the original Nook...my mom has the original Nook...we're pretty much Nook peeps around here.  Before the Nook...we had one of the Sony e-readers...well two to be exact...so the Nook was not my first e-reader adventure...but man....once I used the Nook...there was no turning back...so here's some info on the Nook...my opinion (and strictly my opinion!!!) about the Nook...and well...a little conversation about e-readers in general...

Here is my story (sorry...it's lengthy...but maybe you will find it interesting, skip down a few paragraphs if you are strictly looking for a review of the Nook):

I love books...like...A LOT!  I love to read...my most favorite hobby...which I don't even consider a hobby...I read because that's what I do...and enjoy it immensely...so much so...that it was never a surprise to my hubby if I went to the bookstore and came home with 5-6 new books (mostly just paperback...hard cover editions are just too bulky sometimes)...but he was starting to get sick of it...not the cost...not the habit...the having to STORE the books...because I have this problem...once I buy a book...I'll never get rid of it...I often re-read books...multiple times over the years...I would and will swap books with my Mom...every time I would drive to her house I would load up with a bunch of books for her...and return with just as many from her to me...she reads a lot too.

Hubby was having serious issues with the amount of space all these books were taking up...to include multiple plastic totes stored in the garage...books on every table...bookshelves were a joke...I could fill them faster than he could build them...that when the e-reader craze really got crazy...he suggested I get one...I was shocked...how dare one forsake the feel of holding a good book in one's hand????  (Never mind that I would sit and read for hours upon hours and actually lose feeling/cramp up/have shooting pains from having my hand hold the book(s))...but...when you are married...and your hubby is as cool as mine is (most of the time...don't tell him I said that!)...and you are some what curious about the e-reader thing...well...you'll give it a try!

and I loved the Sony E-reader (can't remember what model i had...sorry!)...it was so nice...no hand cramping...easy to read...easy to use...didn't miss having the actual book in my hand (the physical book so to speak)...BUT...limited library (this may have changed since my experience over a year ago...so take this with a grain of salt!).  There was a particular book I really wanted to read...but the Sony library didn't have it available...so...I was prepared to go and buy the hardcover edition...hubby threw a fit...WHY...was his main question...you have an E-READER!!  I (calmly) explained to him that the Sony e-reader store DIDN'T have the book...and I REALLY wanted to read it.  He was not happy...so I didn't buy the book (at that moment).  And THEN...

We made a visit to the local Barnes&Noble (a regular occurrence for my household)...and there was this lovely display of Nooks...and such a helpful salesman standing there...(original Nook...this is pre-color Nook)...and I had ONE question...did they have the book (see paragraph above) in their e-library...his response...OF COURSE!  Yeah...I was sold at that moment...pretty sure hubby was too...it meant I didn't have to buy the actual physical book!  Hubs looked at me and said...you want it...I said...OF COURSE...and the salesman had a good day!

and I haven't looked back since...loved EVERY STINKING minute of reading with the original Nook (so much so that we got one for my Mom and my hubby later on)...

and THEN...

the nook color came out...another lovely sales person at a different Barnes and Noble hooked me at hello...so last Christmas (it was a fantastic Christmas present!!!)...I got a Nook Color...and then hubby got one...so kiddo ended up with his original Nook (and she likes it too...just struggles sometimes with the whole real book vs e-book debate...what can I say...she's a seriously spoiled 12 year old)...

overall...LOVE the Nook Color (except on a sunny day at the beach...but then I steal kiddo's Nook!)...love the ability to download a new book from just about anywhere (with a wifi signal of course) so I can be traveling...and finish a book...and then get another one within seconds...the Barnes and Nobles customer service (Nook customer service) is phenomenal...had an original Nook pretty much die (after almost a year..no idea why) and sent it back in and got my replacement easy peasy!

So there you have it...my Nook story!

Later this week I'll post about the e-reader vs. e-reader app...and why I have both an e-reader and an iPad...instead of just one or the other...but figured this was enough for today!  Enjoy!

P.S.  I did not mention the Kindle...I have never used/operated/touched a Kindle...nor will I ever (it's a personal thing)...so I won't share my opinion on it...but I do have several friends that have Kindles and love them as much as I love my Nook!

more books

I've been on a serious reading binge the past few weeks.  It must be the cooler weather...nothing better than curling up with a good book under a comfy quilt on the couch!

My kiddo totally got he hooked on the stories of Percy Jackson last January (2010) (I think it was January...).  All of the books in the series are great (I'm thinking of revisiting them soon...so maybe a full review of just that series will follow later).  So after reading those books...I was amped up for some more olympic hero action...and along comes The Lost Hero.

Kiddo totally loved the book...and so did I.  I recently reread the book as it's follow up Son of Neptune was released last week, and I wanted to refresh my memory on the basis of the series (this is the Heroes of Olympus Series)...well I finished up Son of Neptune the other day...and well...definitely had an opinion about it...so figured I'd share!

First...

The Lost Hero

Ok...just to start...it definitely helps if you have read the Percy Jackson series first; you will already have an idea about some of the characters and the original premise...fewer "huh" moments so to speak...This was a really good book!  It did a great job of introducing "new" characters to a pre-existing world and working within the original confines established in the Percy series.  The story was very similar in layout to the PJ series, but added some new details that kept it fresh...it definitely did not feel like an older story reheated or anything. Rick Riordan does a fantastic job "selling" the idea of demi-gods and Olympus on Earth.  And considering these are "children's books" this adult was thoroughly entertained.  I would also agree that these books are appropriate for the recommended age level (9-11), but the audience should not be turned off by that recommendation...this book is truly a story for all ages.

Kiddo really enjoyed the book, as did I...and we both anxiously awaited the next book...and were thrilled when it came out last week!

The Son of Neptune

So, book 2 in the Heroes of Olympus series does a fantastic job of picking up where book 1 left off...and honestly...as much as I enjoyed the first...this one was AMAZING!  The story followed the usual path...but was much richer in detail...and definitely kept me guessing at times as to what might happen next.  How much I enjoyed this particular book may have something to do with the fact that Percy Jackson (absent in The Lost Hero) returns in Son of Neptune...and there is a familiarity with this character...you know where he's been and what he's done before...so the basic idea of he's wandering lost without his memory makes you want him to remember and realize all that much more.  The new characters added definitely give a new perspective and put a bit of a different twist on the story line...but all for good...definitely no "jump the shark" moments.  Again, it's age appropriate, but IMHO...it's very limiting to list the age recommendation as 9 to 11...as this may turn some new to the series readers off...again...as an adult...I thought it was a great book and it definitely left me hanging and anxiously awaiting the next installment (in like a YEAR or something!)  Thankfully Riordan has another series, the Kane Chronicles (another fantastic series), out...falling at different release intervals, to keep us readers hooked!

Well...there you have it...another bit of a book review from me...with little to no spoilers!  Hope you enjoy!  I'm off to work on book 2 of this series...might post more about it later!

P.S.  All above is my own opinion....no one asked for or solicited this opinion...just figured I'd share what I thought were some pretty entertaining reads with you!

a bit of a rave...and a bit of a rant

Last weekend I was feeling a bit under the weather and spent the majority of the weekend propped up in bed reading...turns out I was actually coming down with something...so I stayed in bed on Monday too...during all this bed rest...I read quite a bit...and most importantly i finally read the books my hubby has been recommending...the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I read all 3...and I must say...there is one to rave about...and the other two...well...not so much.

Book 1:  The Hunger Games

WOW!  What a stunning story.   A gruesome adventure at that.  The story telling is amazing, the characters are fantastic, and I found myself really cheering for the main character Katniss and the main secondary character Peeta.  The basic idea of the book is not new...battling to the death in front of a live audience in a demonstration of how inhuman the world has become...but the author does a great job in telling the story, making you feel like you know these characters...that you are one of the people watching it happen.  The descriptions are fabulous.  I will say this much...the book is recommended for reading levels of age 12 and up...and I definitely DO NOT think this is an appropriate book for age 12...perhaps 14...but that's just my own opinion.  I really enjoyed the book and was excited to get to part 2.

Book 2: Catching Fire

Bummer...what a let down from the first book.  I actually became quite annoyed with the characters.  Katniss became particularly whiny...and Peeta was incredibly irritating.  The story has it's moments, and is a tolerable read...but the characters seem to move backwards...as fantastic as they were, as much as you cheered for them...this go round...I was almost cheering against them!  I will say there were many times I stopped reading to ponder whether or not these were the same people from the first book!  However, as irritating as the characters were, the writing was still quite wonderful, and it was easy to picture many of the scenes.  I was not a huge fan of the ending, but the last few chapters were some of the better parts of the book but the ending felt forced and rushed...and then it was on to part 3.

Book 3: Mockingjay

I will be perfectly honest here...this book made me mad!  I just can't say that enough.  While there are moments of the story that are reminiscent of the great story of the first book...in the end...all they were were just flashes of the original.  The writing is still very good, and there are bits and pieces that do make you think and wonder about how it's going to end...once I arrived at the ending...I felt a bit robbed.  If this was the ending the author originally intended...then at least make it feel that way...the final chapters again felt forced and rushed as if there was a deadline looming and the words just had to be put on pages.  Very disappointed.

Overall:

I did enjoy reading these books...and after the initial investment in the characters, I had to see how it all finished.  I was most disappointed because it started out so well...but finished poorly.  It's quite funny as my hubby told me that he felt the books got progressively better...but for me, the first book was the only truly good book of the trilogy.  To each their own!

Well that's my bit of a rave and a bit of a rant; I may do  more of these book reviews as I do spend a great deal of time reading, and I like to share my thoughts on books.  Disclaimer: everything mentioned here was my own opinion, not intended to be disparaging in any way towards the author or anyone who has a different opinion of these books.

FF#93...where my GIRLS at???

quick post...happy to share with you the latest Fashionista Friday from the Shoe!  Real quick like...we are sponsored this week by Kenny K Downloads...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Kenny K images!  Here is my contribution:

Oh yeah...2 samples for this week!  This is HOW MUCH I love these images!  So go to the Shoe...check out the fabulous theme...and play along with us!

Supplies: Images - Kenny K; Masks - Tim Holtz; Ink - Copic, Distress Inks - Rusty Hinge, Broken China, Walnut Stain, Crushed Olive, Black Soot, Memento Tuxedo black, Ranger archival in Black and Coffee; Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze in Cowboy; Spica - Chocolate, Turquoise, Silver, Gold; sentiments - Sea Side Stampin; Ranger Alcohol mixatives in Gold; Stampn'Stuff clear embossing powder

FF#92...Inspiration on WCMD!

Happy Friday all!  (Wow...2 posts in one day...I may be setting a personal best for this year for myself!  LOL!)  Just a quick post to remind you that tomorrow is

and over at the Shoe we have a fab inspiration challenge running for FF#92!  Here is my card:

I'm hoping to get some more crafty stuff done tomorrow in honor of WCMD...but it's supposed to be sunny and 69 degrees...I may just have to put on a sweater and sit outside and enjoy this fab weather!!!  Later!

Supplies: Cardstock - Papertrey Ink; Image and Sentiment - Papertrey Ink; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black and Copics; Ribbon - from my stash; Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

The Help...was amazing!

I mentioned in my last blog post that I was going to go see the movie The Help (based on the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett) and let me tell you...WOW!  Do NOT go see this movie without packing some tissue!

I read the book a few months ago after seeing all of the previews and ads for the movie.  And I am so glad I read the book...what a stunning story.  The writing is amazing, the way it captures moments in history as a page of someone's every day life...it's quite a beautifully written book.  I highly recommend that if you are interested in seeing the movie...read the book first!  It's a pretty quick read, because it is incredibly difficult to put the book down after starting, and you can't help but want to keep reading so that you can hear the stories, so that you can find out what happens to the amazing characters.  And I honestly think it's an IMPORTANT book to read...for just a small glimpse into a life that many of us are too young to have ever witnessed, or have lived.

The movie was just as good!  I was really surprised as many times movies do NOT live up to the expectations of a good book.  While there are some pieces that are cut out of the movie (at 2 hours in length, there wasn't a whole lot cut out, but it was...trimmed a bit), it does not negatively impact the story telling.  I would not be surprised (IMHO) if there aren't many Oscar nominations for this movie, in particular for Viola Davis who plays the main character/narrator of the story, her work was AMAZING. 

Well that's it for now...be back later tonight with some new Shoe stuff.  But just had to take a minute and share my RAVE of the book and movie!