Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review~Gardenias by Faith Sullivan

Gardenias: A NovelGardenias: A Novel by Faith Sullivan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The life and mind of 9 year old Lark, from Harvester Minnesota in the 1930's, is the voice of this story, the roots of which were laid in the authors' 3 previous books in the series. World War II is now raging and Lark's mother has left her husband and, with her sister Betty, moved to a town in California, taking a reluctant Lark. The neighbors and others they meet become a major part in Lark's formative years there. Shirley, abused and ignored, is enveloped into the family, much to Lark's dismay. The coming of age happenings that are sometimes frightening and confusing occur with input from Shirley, who is much wiser to the ways of the world. The role that other adults play in the girls' young lives takes me back to those who meant so much to me. An insightful look into those torn apart by war as well as the relationships in families that both hurt and nurture. I recommend reading the previous books although this one stands on it's own.



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Friday, June 24, 2011

Love and Summer by William Trevor

Love and SummerLove and Summer by William Trevor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A man is devastated at the death of his wife and child.............a brother and sister deal with the death of their mother..........a young girl comes to live on a farm from a home for foundling girls...........an elderly man with dementia is forever living in a time and place long gone.......An unknown man on a bicycle interrupts life in the town.

All of these characters are developed into a picture of life of common Irish people, who influence one another in rather subtle ways. Trevor is brilliant at his characterizations and we can almost feel the emotion as their lives are played out. Love and loss and guilt and pain and redemption all lie in wait.



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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

More Gluebook Pages

I believe that I have really learned a new way of laying out my pages, thanks to Mary Green at GreenPaper Since taking her Vintage GlueBook class, I have been much more mindful of composition of the page and how the eye can be drawn most effectively to view the page. Mary still has her great discount on the class through June.


This second one I especially love as the background pieces are my Grandmother's handwritten recipes. Also, on the sheet music, the name McKinley, my granddaughter.


Saturday, June 18, 2011

Book Review

A Lesson in Secrets (Maisie Dobbs, #8)A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear




In 1932 England, Masie Dobbs is working not only as an investigator in her own detective agency, but has been sought by the government to an added task; to monitor questionable activities at St. Francis College in Cambridge as a member of the teaching staff. With what we now know of the horrific events of the following years, reading about those who were caught up in the Fascist/Nazi movement is chilling. Masie leads a very regimented life, with a strong work ethic and helping those in her midst who need both emotional as well as financial help. She is rather hesitant in totally giving her heart to love, but desperately wants to find that soul mate. Following Masie through the series shows her continued steadfast strong character and the reader develops a sort of friendship with her and longs for her happiness.



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Thursday, June 16, 2011

INCREDIBLE Movie


I do not often recommend movies of our current day as there are not too many that I feel are worthy. Temple Grandin, starring Clare Danes is one I believe everyone should experience. (As you can see from the picture, STAR likes it too)

Based on the true life of a girl with autism and how she and her family help her not only to deal with the condition but through persistence and education to rise far above it. Her gift of seeing all things in pictures is both alarming and intriguing and sometimes very funny. Clare Danes is simply brilliant in this role and brings such understanding to the role.

The quote left to me from the movie was "I'm Different, but not Less".

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Quiet Celebration


Celebrating our 43 Years of Marriage today! Thanks Mr. K!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

GoodReads --- Reading and Organizing Books



This past year I was introduced to the Good Reads site and it is an amazing way to sort my books into just the right categories. I have made lists of Books read, Books To-read, Faves of all Time and ones I have quit reading. They can also be alphabetized. It is also a great way to find books you might not know of and read reviews by others.

Click on the above Label upper right and see. What are you reading right now?

Monday, June 13, 2011

Berries and Glue


Well, not TOGETHER but both here today~~~~~~~~~~~~~Yummy on the S'Berries with homemade shortcake.


Here are 2 Glue Pages since taking the online Class from Mary Green. I thought I knew a lot about this, but have learned several new things from Mary. Plus, she has a discount on the class through June. Click on her little Sign on the sidebar to get details.




AND, a BIG Welcome to my friend Tami who has just started to blog------------ Vintage Connections See it HERE: http://vintageconnections.blogspot.com/

Sunday, June 12, 2011

So............... a Year Later~~~~~~~~

Popping back into blogging after a year away.

I have been pondering over why I chose to blog originally and why I am back. Yes, I enjoyed making some new friends out there and showing what I created and how I lived in my little world. I also realized that the blogging world can make you rather competitive and anxious about trying to come up with more creative and clever posts. After all, there are lots of creative people! So, I did not blog for a year.

But, I have found that I really miss it. So, I am back, but less anxious to show not just what I can create, but WHO I am. I will talk more about all the wonderful books I am reading and probably the Vintage Gluebooks I am rather addicted to making of late. And, it will be an encouragement to be more accountable for each moment of the day. Oh, and maybe I will share little bits and pieces about our newest girl in the house, my kitty-girl named STAR.

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