Saturday, July 23, 2011
Happy Birthday, Minerva!!!
For Min Min's birthday, I have created this artistic tribute in his honor (I used his native LOLspeak as well):
Honestly, it should be a national holiday today.
Little Birdies that go Splat - Or a Retelling of Samson
Well, babies, I've done the unthinkable. I've chopped my hair off. I know, I know - it isn't exactly NBC Nightly News material. But it's kind of a big deal - for starters, whenever it would get cut past my shoulders, my behavior would resort to epic, psychotic proportions. Crying, screaming, never wanting to leave the house again - I've put my hairdressers (and dear friends) through hell. And for what? Was it vanity? Fear of the unknown? Insecurities? Or do I want to pretend I'm above all of that gender-specific behavior and say I'm just taking the story of Samson really, REALLY seriously?
If you think about it, the story of Samson is more than a Biblical story. If you ignore the fact that yet another woman is portrayed as a temptress and liar (it's okay, Delilah, you're in good company), the story serves as a panicked remark for the fear of the unknown. To step outside of ourselves and deal with the consequences of our mistakes. When Samson lost his hair, he lost his strength and was taken prisoner - but literally and proverbially. Did Samson get his strength back because God decreed it, or did he get it back because he managed to "get over himself?"
That "get over" yourself part is something I think we all struggle with. Unfortunately, our culture has been turned into a series of competitions (what? You thought the reality TV circuit was a coincidence?) where there are blatant winners and losers. Unless, you're seven. Then everyone gets a trophy and you have to learn the lesson the hard way - when you wake up from a good night's sleep and some crazy bitch has lopped your hair off. To deal with this constant stress of wanting AND needing to be first, we think we need to hold on to certain rituals: sitting at the same table in a restaurant, going to the same coffee house, keeping our hair long...never realizing that the opportunity to learn and change has presented itself in the form of a minor risk.
Why not take the risk? Why not cut my hair up to my ears? Why not put off school to start my own business and finish my novel? That "why not" is no longer accepted in our culture. Our pioneer spirit - the craving for the unknown landscape - has been replaced by the "work until you die" attitude. The "keep with the status quo" attitude. Is life too shaky to take chances? Is the American Dream running out of open spots? Do we have room for chances? Willa Cather is shaking her head from the ghostly plane.
Unfortunately, I can't answer any of these questions today. And I refuse to because it's July 23rd (my cat's birthday; he also took a chance. On me. I'd like to think it worked out well for the both of us), the Starbucks is good, and it's a beautiful Saturday. I'm blessed to have a place to live, a car that runs, and my bills paid (er...for this month, anyway). Besides, this questions need to be asked over time - as we peer over our little nests and contemplate if we are going to go "splat" should we decide to jump. As I tell my frosh - "Fly, baby birdies!" But that "splat" sounds mighty scary. And who wants that as their end?
So for now, I'll test my courage with my hair. Samson, eat your heart out.
If you think about it, the story of Samson is more than a Biblical story. If you ignore the fact that yet another woman is portrayed as a temptress and liar (it's okay, Delilah, you're in good company), the story serves as a panicked remark for the fear of the unknown. To step outside of ourselves and deal with the consequences of our mistakes. When Samson lost his hair, he lost his strength and was taken prisoner - but literally and proverbially. Did Samson get his strength back because God decreed it, or did he get it back because he managed to "get over himself?"
That "get over" yourself part is something I think we all struggle with. Unfortunately, our culture has been turned into a series of competitions (what? You thought the reality TV circuit was a coincidence?) where there are blatant winners and losers. Unless, you're seven. Then everyone gets a trophy and you have to learn the lesson the hard way - when you wake up from a good night's sleep and some crazy bitch has lopped your hair off. To deal with this constant stress of wanting AND needing to be first, we think we need to hold on to certain rituals: sitting at the same table in a restaurant, going to the same coffee house, keeping our hair long...never realizing that the opportunity to learn and change has presented itself in the form of a minor risk.
Why not take the risk? Why not cut my hair up to my ears? Why not put off school to start my own business and finish my novel? That "why not" is no longer accepted in our culture. Our pioneer spirit - the craving for the unknown landscape - has been replaced by the "work until you die" attitude. The "keep with the status quo" attitude. Is life too shaky to take chances? Is the American Dream running out of open spots? Do we have room for chances? Willa Cather is shaking her head from the ghostly plane.
Unfortunately, I can't answer any of these questions today. And I refuse to because it's July 23rd (my cat's birthday; he also took a chance. On me. I'd like to think it worked out well for the both of us), the Starbucks is good, and it's a beautiful Saturday. I'm blessed to have a place to live, a car that runs, and my bills paid (er...for this month, anyway). Besides, this questions need to be asked over time - as we peer over our little nests and contemplate if we are going to go "splat" should we decide to jump. As I tell my frosh - "Fly, baby birdies!" But that "splat" sounds mighty scary. And who wants that as their end?
So for now, I'll test my courage with my hair. Samson, eat your heart out.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #61-71
And we came to the end...another great book, by the way. So, 71 books and 16,407 pages later, I reached my year deadline. I didn't quite beat Stephen King's annual book number, but I'm pretty proud of myself. So, without gilding the lily and any more lagoo, I present the last ten:
61. Bizenghast, Volume 3 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 3/17/11) - Okay, I'm still not sure what to do with this series. Now that Tokoyo Pop is going out of business, I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of Dinah and Vincent. And also, I want to know what the hell is going on in Bizenghast.
62. Armageddon in Retrospect - Kurt Vonnegut (Completed 3/28/11) - I adore Vonnegut. He is, by far, one of the greatest American writers. The intro by his son, Mark, is touching and
Vonnegut-esque. It proves that this talent for words runs in the family. Armageddon is some of Vonnegut's last pieces and the book is interspersed with some of his artwork. The stories are about - what else?- war, peace and government. But aside from Orwell, he's the only person who is worth listening to on this subject. I have to admit, I did tear up when I finished and saw his picture on the back. So it goes.
63. House of Night Series #1: Marked - P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Completed 3/29/11) - I'm not into the sparkly Twilight vampires because I was raised on a healthy diet of Bram Stoker, Stephen King, Lovecraft, and Anne Rice. So forgive me if I'm unimpressed with Team Edward and Team Jacob. Thanks to Twilight, I now cringe whenever I walk past the "Teen Paranormal Romance Series" section because 1) that's a stupid name and 2) it's a stupid category for books. There is nothing wrong with teens, paranormal stories, or romance, but, lately, combining them has been awful. House of Night is not one of these combinations. The Casts have combined a more creative take on vampires (which is what Twilight is seriously lacking. But statistically, most Twilight fans are Jane Austen fans. Oh dear, did I forget to mention that I find Jane Austen to be drivel as well?) and included something new about their protagonist: she isn't a white girl. *Gasp!* Poor Bella is probably hiding under her knitted arm bands right now. Zoey Redbird is a quick-witted, magically-blessed Native American teenager who is given a destiny. And it isn't to be saved by a "hot, sparkly" vamp. House of Night remakes the vampire story and turns into into a power hungry, magic-learning, tradition-telling, modern series. The characters are funny, the adults are frightening, and the story is chock-full of goddesses, vampires, and ghosts. Oh, yeah, sex and blood too.
64. Hack/Slash, Volume 1: First Cut - Tim Seeley (Completed 3/30/11) - The feminist in me wants to punch Cassie and her slutty clothes in the face. The feminist in me also wants to high five Cassie and grab a steak knife to join the fight. The tongue-in-cheek sexy, Goth girl jokes don't get old, and if you're a slasher movie junkie like myself, you can care less about what everyone is wearing or saying. Just keep the limbs flying and the B-movie one-liners abundant.
65. Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations - Jeffrey Brown (Completed 4/2/11) - Thank you, Jeffrey Brown, for making me more of a crazy cat lady. If you don't have a cat, you might find this to be cute. If you do have a cat, this is gospel truth. And the kitty is really REALLY cute.
66. Odd and the Frost Giants - Neil Gaiman (Completed 4/18/11) - I blame Neil Gaiman for making me hate the movie Thor as much as I did. I had read this gorgeous retelling of Norse myths before I saw the movie, so the bar was set incredibly high. Instead of watching another crappy superhero movie, curl up with this short read. Odd and Bod, another Gaiman character, should team up.
67. Catwoman: It's Only a Movie - Will Pfeifer (Completed 4/20/11) - I always worry about how men portray Catwoman. She's either a bitch or really, really sexy. Then, they give her a baby, and I suddenly began to worry they were going to turn her into a "mom." You know the type - the woman who gives up everything in her old life because she's a "mom." And she talks about "mom" things and hangs out with other "moms." And then Catwoman gets a "mom" haircut and wears "mom" jeans because, you know, she'll lose the weight once the kid hits college. Luckily, Pfeifer knew better. Catwoman is none of the previous claims. She's strong, clever, brave, and bares a striking resemblance to Audrey Hepburn. I hope I'm a mom like Catwoman one day, leather catsuit and Hepburn looks included.
68. Mirrormask - Neil Gaiman (Completed 4/23/11) - Yes, Neil Gaiman is a staple in my house. And yes, I enjoyed this one too. I found this copy in a used bookstore. It has the story, along with the art and stills from the movie. It's Coraline with an edge.
69. Bossypants - Tina Fey (Completed 4/26/11) - I am madly in love with Tina Fey. I want to sit next to her and see if she smells like strawberries. After reading this, I get where Liz Lemon was born, but I also get to see Tina Fey as she wants to be seen. She's more than a Sarah Palin impersonation, people. She's smart, hilarious, and a bit self-loathing. A strong woman with a character flaw - THAT is how you get it right.
70. Dawn of Avalon - Anna Elliot (Completed 4/28/11) - Elliot's second short story about her Tintagel characters. This time, Morgan gets a chance to speak. I don't know what I love more - Elliot's retelling of well-known characters through the eyes of their women or the Cornish setting. I don't have to answer that yet, do I?
71. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson (Completed 4/30/11) - This was a Free Friday Nookbook and, to be honest, I would have paid for this one. Well, for starters, it takes place in London (that is NOT why I decided to read it. It just helped make the decision easier), but it's also one of those fun YA adventures where the main character finds herself among wacky, friendly faces. The backdrop throughout Europe is tempting, but the open ending breaks this from the YA mold. However, I just found out there is a sequel. I'm not sure if I'll read it. I kind of like the way it ended in my head.
61. Bizenghast, Volume 3 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 3/17/11) - Okay, I'm still not sure what to do with this series. Now that Tokoyo Pop is going out of business, I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of Dinah and Vincent. And also, I want to know what the hell is going on in Bizenghast.
62. Armageddon in Retrospect - Kurt Vonnegut (Completed 3/28/11) - I adore Vonnegut. He is, by far, one of the greatest American writers. The intro by his son, Mark, is touching and
Vonnegut-esque. It proves that this talent for words runs in the family. Armageddon is some of Vonnegut's last pieces and the book is interspersed with some of his artwork. The stories are about - what else?- war, peace and government. But aside from Orwell, he's the only person who is worth listening to on this subject. I have to admit, I did tear up when I finished and saw his picture on the back. So it goes.
63. House of Night Series #1: Marked - P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast (Completed 3/29/11) - I'm not into the sparkly Twilight vampires because I was raised on a healthy diet of Bram Stoker, Stephen King, Lovecraft, and Anne Rice. So forgive me if I'm unimpressed with Team Edward and Team Jacob. Thanks to Twilight, I now cringe whenever I walk past the "Teen Paranormal Romance Series" section because 1) that's a stupid name and 2) it's a stupid category for books. There is nothing wrong with teens, paranormal stories, or romance, but, lately, combining them has been awful. House of Night is not one of these combinations. The Casts have combined a more creative take on vampires (which is what Twilight is seriously lacking. But statistically, most Twilight fans are Jane Austen fans. Oh dear, did I forget to mention that I find Jane Austen to be drivel as well?) and included something new about their protagonist: she isn't a white girl. *Gasp!* Poor Bella is probably hiding under her knitted arm bands right now. Zoey Redbird is a quick-witted, magically-blessed Native American teenager who is given a destiny. And it isn't to be saved by a "hot, sparkly" vamp. House of Night remakes the vampire story and turns into into a power hungry, magic-learning, tradition-telling, modern series. The characters are funny, the adults are frightening, and the story is chock-full of goddesses, vampires, and ghosts. Oh, yeah, sex and blood too.
64. Hack/Slash, Volume 1: First Cut - Tim Seeley (Completed 3/30/11) - The feminist in me wants to punch Cassie and her slutty clothes in the face. The feminist in me also wants to high five Cassie and grab a steak knife to join the fight. The tongue-in-cheek sexy, Goth girl jokes don't get old, and if you're a slasher movie junkie like myself, you can care less about what everyone is wearing or saying. Just keep the limbs flying and the B-movie one-liners abundant.
65. Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Other Observations - Jeffrey Brown (Completed 4/2/11) - Thank you, Jeffrey Brown, for making me more of a crazy cat lady. If you don't have a cat, you might find this to be cute. If you do have a cat, this is gospel truth. And the kitty is really REALLY cute.
66. Odd and the Frost Giants - Neil Gaiman (Completed 4/18/11) - I blame Neil Gaiman for making me hate the movie Thor as much as I did. I had read this gorgeous retelling of Norse myths before I saw the movie, so the bar was set incredibly high. Instead of watching another crappy superhero movie, curl up with this short read. Odd and Bod, another Gaiman character, should team up.
67. Catwoman: It's Only a Movie - Will Pfeifer (Completed 4/20/11) - I always worry about how men portray Catwoman. She's either a bitch or really, really sexy. Then, they give her a baby, and I suddenly began to worry they were going to turn her into a "mom." You know the type - the woman who gives up everything in her old life because she's a "mom." And she talks about "mom" things and hangs out with other "moms." And then Catwoman gets a "mom" haircut and wears "mom" jeans because, you know, she'll lose the weight once the kid hits college. Luckily, Pfeifer knew better. Catwoman is none of the previous claims. She's strong, clever, brave, and bares a striking resemblance to Audrey Hepburn. I hope I'm a mom like Catwoman one day, leather catsuit and Hepburn looks included.
68. Mirrormask - Neil Gaiman (Completed 4/23/11) - Yes, Neil Gaiman is a staple in my house. And yes, I enjoyed this one too. I found this copy in a used bookstore. It has the story, along with the art and stills from the movie. It's Coraline with an edge.
69. Bossypants - Tina Fey (Completed 4/26/11) - I am madly in love with Tina Fey. I want to sit next to her and see if she smells like strawberries. After reading this, I get where Liz Lemon was born, but I also get to see Tina Fey as she wants to be seen. She's more than a Sarah Palin impersonation, people. She's smart, hilarious, and a bit self-loathing. A strong woman with a character flaw - THAT is how you get it right.
70. Dawn of Avalon - Anna Elliot (Completed 4/28/11) - Elliot's second short story about her Tintagel characters. This time, Morgan gets a chance to speak. I don't know what I love more - Elliot's retelling of well-known characters through the eyes of their women or the Cornish setting. I don't have to answer that yet, do I?
71. 13 Little Blue Envelopes - Maureen Johnson (Completed 4/30/11) - This was a Free Friday Nookbook and, to be honest, I would have paid for this one. Well, for starters, it takes place in London (that is NOT why I decided to read it. It just helped make the decision easier), but it's also one of those fun YA adventures where the main character finds herself among wacky, friendly faces. The backdrop throughout Europe is tempting, but the open ending breaks this from the YA mold. However, I just found out there is a sequel. I'm not sure if I'll read it. I kind of like the way it ended in my head.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #51-60
51. The House on Mango Street - Sandra Cisneros (Completed 1/31/11) - I'm a strong believer that we should reread certain books every five-ten years. This is one of those books.
52. My Sister's a Barista - John Simmons (Completed 2/7/11) - I wrote about this book a few times in my I <3 Starbucks posts (which are many, I know). Simmons does not work for Starbucks in any way. However, he blends the observer/participant lines to create a narrative and business plan for one of the biggest, most successful businesses in the world.
53. The Sugar Queen - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 2/10/11) - Ohhhh, I love Sarah Addison Allen. She is is such a fantastic writer. This time, the stories of the characters surround a chubby girl with a sweet tooth and her friend that has the strange ability to communicate with books. As a former chubby girl and a girl who wishes her books could understand her, I devoured this book in two days.
54. Baba Yaga Laid an Egg - Durbavka Ugresic (Completed 2/12/11) - If you aren't familiar with the Canongate Myth Series, take the time out of your reading schedule to get acquainted. The Canongate Myth Series features many talented writers from all over the world who reimagine popular myths. Baba Yaga is just another gem in the already gleaming Canongate crown. This book centers on aging, the maiden/mother/crone concept, and then turns into a dissertation on the history of Baba Yaga. When you finish this novel, add Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad, Jeannette Winterson's Weight, and Karen Armstrongs' A Short History of Myth to your list. Since I'm currently trying to work my way through the list (and it's difficult because so many are out of print), I'll keep you posted on other suggestions.
55. The Reapers are the Angels - Alden Bell (Completed 2/16/11) - I'm not a zombie fan. I hate them. They scare me, they disgust me...and, mostly, they scare me. I keep thinking of that Bob's Burgers episode where Tina says, "I'm not a zombiephile. They scare me, but I like their swagger." This is their swagger. In a world where we can't turn a corner in a bookstore because of teen paranormal romance, adult paranormal romance, adult paranormal mystery, teen paranormal fiction, science fiction, zombie anthologies, and fiction-based, but could be true, paranormal stories, this is a breath of fresh air. A breath of fresh air found in a world where it smells pungently of zombie flesh. I didn't find myself so frightened since Bell is a talented enough writer to know that zombies aren't the entire story. Those left behind are the real main characters.
56. The Wee Free Men - Terry Pratchett (Completed 2/22/11) - I laughed, I cried, I shook my fist to the heavens. Tiffany Aching in an adorable character and Pratchett manages to sneak a moral into the story among the hijinks that ensue. Kind of like when your mom used to sneak veggies into the pasta sauce. Pretty sneaky, sis.
57. Lyra's Oxford - Philip Pullman (Completed 2/24/11) - A great novella reuniting us with Lyra and Pan. However, if you haven't read His Dark Materials yet, then shame on you...
58. The Girl Who Chased the Moon - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 3/5/11) - Yes, I know. I couldn't help myself. I ran out and got this after I finished The Sugar Queen. I can't get enough of this woman's writing. I did manage to drag this out for three days, but it was only because I wanted to savor the story.
59. What-the-Dickens - Gregory Maguire (Completed 3/9/11) - I'm such a huge fan of Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, but I wasn't into this story. This is a cute tale about tooth fairies, but the cutesy part of the story kind of got in the way.
60. Let the Great World Spin - Colum McCann (Completed 3/16/11) -This came highly recommended by a friend whose taste I trust completely. I was too young to witness the man walking a tightrope across the Twin Towers. But the Twin Towers have always been a part of my childhood and I still mourn them to this day (as do most people in this country). This is a gorgeous homage to the most beautiful manmade structures in the history of the world.
52. My Sister's a Barista - John Simmons (Completed 2/7/11) - I wrote about this book a few times in my I <3 Starbucks posts (which are many, I know). Simmons does not work for Starbucks in any way. However, he blends the observer/participant lines to create a narrative and business plan for one of the biggest, most successful businesses in the world.
53. The Sugar Queen - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 2/10/11) - Ohhhh, I love Sarah Addison Allen. She is is such a fantastic writer. This time, the stories of the characters surround a chubby girl with a sweet tooth and her friend that has the strange ability to communicate with books. As a former chubby girl and a girl who wishes her books could understand her, I devoured this book in two days.
54. Baba Yaga Laid an Egg - Durbavka Ugresic (Completed 2/12/11) - If you aren't familiar with the Canongate Myth Series, take the time out of your reading schedule to get acquainted. The Canongate Myth Series features many talented writers from all over the world who reimagine popular myths. Baba Yaga is just another gem in the already gleaming Canongate crown. This book centers on aging, the maiden/mother/crone concept, and then turns into a dissertation on the history of Baba Yaga. When you finish this novel, add Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad, Jeannette Winterson's Weight, and Karen Armstrongs' A Short History of Myth to your list. Since I'm currently trying to work my way through the list (and it's difficult because so many are out of print), I'll keep you posted on other suggestions.
55. The Reapers are the Angels - Alden Bell (Completed 2/16/11) - I'm not a zombie fan. I hate them. They scare me, they disgust me...and, mostly, they scare me. I keep thinking of that Bob's Burgers episode where Tina says, "I'm not a zombiephile. They scare me, but I like their swagger." This is their swagger. In a world where we can't turn a corner in a bookstore because of teen paranormal romance, adult paranormal romance, adult paranormal mystery, teen paranormal fiction, science fiction, zombie anthologies, and fiction-based, but could be true, paranormal stories, this is a breath of fresh air. A breath of fresh air found in a world where it smells pungently of zombie flesh. I didn't find myself so frightened since Bell is a talented enough writer to know that zombies aren't the entire story. Those left behind are the real main characters.
56. The Wee Free Men - Terry Pratchett (Completed 2/22/11) - I laughed, I cried, I shook my fist to the heavens. Tiffany Aching in an adorable character and Pratchett manages to sneak a moral into the story among the hijinks that ensue. Kind of like when your mom used to sneak veggies into the pasta sauce. Pretty sneaky, sis.
57. Lyra's Oxford - Philip Pullman (Completed 2/24/11) - A great novella reuniting us with Lyra and Pan. However, if you haven't read His Dark Materials yet, then shame on you...
58. The Girl Who Chased the Moon - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 3/5/11) - Yes, I know. I couldn't help myself. I ran out and got this after I finished The Sugar Queen. I can't get enough of this woman's writing. I did manage to drag this out for three days, but it was only because I wanted to savor the story.
59. What-the-Dickens - Gregory Maguire (Completed 3/9/11) - I'm such a huge fan of Wicked and Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, but I wasn't into this story. This is a cute tale about tooth fairies, but the cutesy part of the story kind of got in the way.
60. Let the Great World Spin - Colum McCann (Completed 3/16/11) -This came highly recommended by a friend whose taste I trust completely. I was too young to witness the man walking a tightrope across the Twin Towers. But the Twin Towers have always been a part of my childhood and I still mourn them to this day (as do most people in this country). This is a gorgeous homage to the most beautiful manmade structures in the history of the world.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #41-50
41. The Witch Queen's Secret - Anna Elliot (Completed 11/21/10) - This was a short story that was free for all Nook readers (Yes, I have my Nook now! Best. Birthday. Present. Ever). It continues the tale of Isolde and fits right between the first book and the second. I really love the idea of Queen Isolde as the "witch queen." We pride the stories of Avalon on having such an open mind of all things magic. It is interesting to read a moment in King Arthur history where everyone was an ignorant, religionous fanatic just like everyone else. I feel for Isolde because she joins the ranks of so many misunderstood women. And it provides a good lesson to all: Magic is here to stay, whether we like it or not. My advice: Like it.
42. The Lost Hero: Heroes of Olympus #1 - Rick Riordan (Completed 11/28/10) - Oh, Rick Riordan, whenever there is one of your books in my house I get nothing done. This book kicks off the new series, right where Percy and his friends left off. The characters are new, but I still get excited when I meet up with the old faces from the Olympians series. Once again, a fast-pacing, exciting read. The only bad thing about this book is that I have to wait until September for the next volume.
43. The Book of Love - Kathleen McGowan (Completed 12/17/10) - Again, a beautiful piece of writing and research. I think this is my favorite of the Magdalene Line series. In this volume, Maureen and the reader are introduced to the intelligent, powerful woman known as Matilda. A kind and generous ruler over her people, a strong warrior, another famous redhead...and one hell of a chess player. The Time Returns.
44. Aesop's Fables (Completed 12/27/10) - I read this book as a kid and I have yet to stop reading it. I learn something new every time.
45. Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 12/29/10) - I always saw this book in B&N and I always wanted to pick it up. Thanks to my Nook, I finally did and I am happy to report that I will read anything this woman writes. Part Practical Magic, part recipe book, and 100% Allen.
46. Click - Almond, Coifer, Doyle, Ellis, Hornby, Lanagan, Maguire, Ozeki, Park, Wynne-Jones (Completed 1/3/11) - This was a great idea. A book written in turn by some of the best YA and fiction writers. However, the story is a little weak, and I found myself praising the practice and not the plot.
47. Gone - Lisa McMann (Completed 1/12/11) - After months of waiting for this to make its way to shelves, I happily settled down to read the last installment. I can't really say too much because I don't want to spoil the story. Read it for yourself. It's worth it.
48. Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters by Marilyn Monroe - ed. by Stanley Buchthal and Bernard Comment (Completed 1/13/11) - I love Marilyn Monroe. But, of course, so does everyone else. For those that really claim to love Marilyn, I offer you a challenge: read this book and see what she was really like. Read her thoughts, dreams, fears, and plans for the future. You haven't seen her like this yet.
49. A Short History of Women - Kate Walbert (Completed 1/24/11) - Needless to say, I cried when I reached the end of this book. This novel chronicles the lives of one family of women throughout the most daring and frightening parts of the feminist movements. Every character is flawed, yet strikingly beautiful. This is the way female characters are supposed to be.
50. Bizenghast, Volume 2 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 1/29/11) - What is going on in this book? I am so confused. Let's hope I get it in the next volume. Dinah, I'm rooting for you.
42. The Lost Hero: Heroes of Olympus #1 - Rick Riordan (Completed 11/28/10) - Oh, Rick Riordan, whenever there is one of your books in my house I get nothing done. This book kicks off the new series, right where Percy and his friends left off. The characters are new, but I still get excited when I meet up with the old faces from the Olympians series. Once again, a fast-pacing, exciting read. The only bad thing about this book is that I have to wait until September for the next volume.
43. The Book of Love - Kathleen McGowan (Completed 12/17/10) - Again, a beautiful piece of writing and research. I think this is my favorite of the Magdalene Line series. In this volume, Maureen and the reader are introduced to the intelligent, powerful woman known as Matilda. A kind and generous ruler over her people, a strong warrior, another famous redhead...and one hell of a chess player. The Time Returns.
44. Aesop's Fables (Completed 12/27/10) - I read this book as a kid and I have yet to stop reading it. I learn something new every time.
45. Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen (Completed 12/29/10) - I always saw this book in B&N and I always wanted to pick it up. Thanks to my Nook, I finally did and I am happy to report that I will read anything this woman writes. Part Practical Magic, part recipe book, and 100% Allen.
46. Click - Almond, Coifer, Doyle, Ellis, Hornby, Lanagan, Maguire, Ozeki, Park, Wynne-Jones (Completed 1/3/11) - This was a great idea. A book written in turn by some of the best YA and fiction writers. However, the story is a little weak, and I found myself praising the practice and not the plot.
47. Gone - Lisa McMann (Completed 1/12/11) - After months of waiting for this to make its way to shelves, I happily settled down to read the last installment. I can't really say too much because I don't want to spoil the story. Read it for yourself. It's worth it.
48. Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters by Marilyn Monroe - ed. by Stanley Buchthal and Bernard Comment (Completed 1/13/11) - I love Marilyn Monroe. But, of course, so does everyone else. For those that really claim to love Marilyn, I offer you a challenge: read this book and see what she was really like. Read her thoughts, dreams, fears, and plans for the future. You haven't seen her like this yet.
49. A Short History of Women - Kate Walbert (Completed 1/24/11) - Needless to say, I cried when I reached the end of this book. This novel chronicles the lives of one family of women throughout the most daring and frightening parts of the feminist movements. Every character is flawed, yet strikingly beautiful. This is the way female characters are supposed to be.
50. Bizenghast, Volume 2 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 1/29/11) - What is going on in this book? I am so confused. Let's hope I get it in the next volume. Dinah, I'm rooting for you.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #31-40
31. Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding (Completed 9/22/10) - Yay, Bridget!! I first read this novel in high school, but I'm sorry to say I didn't laugh as much as I should have. But I've always been obsessed with the movie (come on, how can you not enjoy "Fitz Herberts...because THAT is his name?"), so I figured I should reread this fantastic book in my old age. I GET IT NOW. I couldn't stop laughing - between Bridget and her singleton status to her adorable way of handling embarrassing situations, I fell in love with her all over again.
32. Twilight of Avalon - Anna Elliott (Completed 10/6/10) - I picked up this book when I was in severe Tintagel withdrawal. So naturally, I devoured the book immediately. Anna Elliot has recreated the Tristan and Isolde tale by going the Mists of Avalon route and allowing the women of the story to talk. Isolde is a powerful healer who has to watch her Tintagel under siege, run a kingdom, deal with the fact that her father was a traitor and her grandmother a witch, watch her husband die, marry an abusive man, fall in love with Tristan, lose Tristan, and then stand trial for witchcraft. Once again, a story like this one proves that we don't give famous historical women enough credit.
33. The Unwritten, Volume 2 - Mike Carrey (Completed 10/10/10) - I read the first volume of Unwritten the same time I read the first volume of Chew. My eyes feasted on great graphic novels that week. What draws me to The Unwritten series is the story within a story within another story, while referencing great works of literature and maintaining a graphic novel format. Mike Carrey has made story for comic book geeks AND literary nerds. Now, we can live peacefully.
34. Don't Look Now and Other Stories - Daphne du Maurier (Completed 10/20/10) - Another Cornish goddess!!! I've been a fan of Daphne du Maurier's since Rebecca, but I didn't understand her contribution to Cornish literature until I spent time in Cornwall. I read this back when I returned stateside with a new appreciation for this author. This book is a collection of short stories, proving that you don't need to incorporate blood, murderers, and gruesome details to scare the living daylights out of your readers. Sometimes a ghost story will do. It was a great October read.
35. Bizenghast, Volume 1 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 10/23/10) - If you choose to read Bizenghast, my advice to you is to keep reading. Trust me, the story makes sense after the third volume. I'm not finished with the series myself, but Dinah's story still haunts me. Ghosts and mental illnesses I can handle. But setting a story in an abandoned New England town? Now, THAT'S creepy.
36. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (Completed 10/31/10) - READ. THIS. NOW. As you can see, I read the entire series in a month. Enough said. Just make sure you have all three volumes at hand. You don't want to go running off in the middle of the night looking for the next volume. And read the books before the movies come out. You'll enjoy Katniss's story much more. But seriously, go read this now. I'll wait.
37. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris (Completed 11/2/10) - Oh, David Sedaris. How can you make a chorus of anal leeches singing German drinking songs out of a hippo's bumhole something I still laugh about? And then couple the book with heartbreaking stories that remind us that we're all human, even though you're portraying your characters as animals? Because you're a writing genius.
38. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (Completed 11/12/10) - Okay, why are you reading this? FINISH THE SERIES NOW!!!
39. Olympians: Athena, Grey-Eyed Goddess - George O'Connor (Completed 11/16/10) - My boyfriend and I met George O'Connor at a comic convention. He's a very cool guy, and I don't want to brag or anything, but he not only signed our copy of Athena, he also drew a picture of Medusa on the title page. What does this mean, you ask? That he's a nice guy, a talented artist and a great storyteller.
40. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins (Completed 11/18/10) - Oh, you finished? How great was it? Did you cry at the part where ---? What about the ending when --? Don't you just hate ----? What about the part with Gale? What about Peeta? How sad is Haymitch? What about the scene with the cat? What did you think about Rue and the flowers? Don't you want to bake Mockingjay cookies? I'm so glad we can finally have this conversation.
32. Twilight of Avalon - Anna Elliott (Completed 10/6/10) - I picked up this book when I was in severe Tintagel withdrawal. So naturally, I devoured the book immediately. Anna Elliot has recreated the Tristan and Isolde tale by going the Mists of Avalon route and allowing the women of the story to talk. Isolde is a powerful healer who has to watch her Tintagel under siege, run a kingdom, deal with the fact that her father was a traitor and her grandmother a witch, watch her husband die, marry an abusive man, fall in love with Tristan, lose Tristan, and then stand trial for witchcraft. Once again, a story like this one proves that we don't give famous historical women enough credit.
33. The Unwritten, Volume 2 - Mike Carrey (Completed 10/10/10) - I read the first volume of Unwritten the same time I read the first volume of Chew. My eyes feasted on great graphic novels that week. What draws me to The Unwritten series is the story within a story within another story, while referencing great works of literature and maintaining a graphic novel format. Mike Carrey has made story for comic book geeks AND literary nerds. Now, we can live peacefully.
34. Don't Look Now and Other Stories - Daphne du Maurier (Completed 10/20/10) - Another Cornish goddess!!! I've been a fan of Daphne du Maurier's since Rebecca, but I didn't understand her contribution to Cornish literature until I spent time in Cornwall. I read this back when I returned stateside with a new appreciation for this author. This book is a collection of short stories, proving that you don't need to incorporate blood, murderers, and gruesome details to scare the living daylights out of your readers. Sometimes a ghost story will do. It was a great October read.
35. Bizenghast, Volume 1 - M. Alice LeGrow (Completed 10/23/10) - If you choose to read Bizenghast, my advice to you is to keep reading. Trust me, the story makes sense after the third volume. I'm not finished with the series myself, but Dinah's story still haunts me. Ghosts and mental illnesses I can handle. But setting a story in an abandoned New England town? Now, THAT'S creepy.
36. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (Completed 10/31/10) - READ. THIS. NOW. As you can see, I read the entire series in a month. Enough said. Just make sure you have all three volumes at hand. You don't want to go running off in the middle of the night looking for the next volume. And read the books before the movies come out. You'll enjoy Katniss's story much more. But seriously, go read this now. I'll wait.
37. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris (Completed 11/2/10) - Oh, David Sedaris. How can you make a chorus of anal leeches singing German drinking songs out of a hippo's bumhole something I still laugh about? And then couple the book with heartbreaking stories that remind us that we're all human, even though you're portraying your characters as animals? Because you're a writing genius.
38. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (Completed 11/12/10) - Okay, why are you reading this? FINISH THE SERIES NOW!!!
39. Olympians: Athena, Grey-Eyed Goddess - George O'Connor (Completed 11/16/10) - My boyfriend and I met George O'Connor at a comic convention. He's a very cool guy, and I don't want to brag or anything, but he not only signed our copy of Athena, he also drew a picture of Medusa on the title page. What does this mean, you ask? That he's a nice guy, a talented artist and a great storyteller.
40. Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins (Completed 11/18/10) - Oh, you finished? How great was it? Did you cry at the part where ---? What about the ending when --? Don't you just hate ----? What about the part with Gale? What about Peeta? How sad is Haymitch? What about the scene with the cat? What did you think about Rue and the flowers? Don't you want to bake Mockingjay cookies? I'm so glad we can finally have this conversation.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #21-30
21. The Book of Liz by the Talent Family (Amy and David Sedaris) (Completed 7/30/10) - Yay for the Talent Family!!! This short gem is from David Sedaris (an extremely talented prose writer) and Amy Sedaris (an extremely hilarious actress). Since I'm a huge Sedaris fan (of both the David and Amy variety), I ran out to order the book, and then devoured it when I picked it up. Naturally, I laughed hysterically the entire time. Here's a riddle: What do nuns, sweating, and cheeseballs have in common? The Book of Liz, of course!
22. Goodbye, Chunky Rice - Craig Thompson (Completed 8/1/10) - Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Plus the artwork is well done. You'll never look at turtles the same way again.
23. Pure Drivel - Steve Martin (Completed 8/4/10) - If you haven't read a book by Steve Martin, do so this summer. Don't just watch his movies - you're doing yourself a disservice.
24. Wake - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/5/10) - The first of the Wake trilogy. This is a creative, fast-moving novel of a teenage girl who can get sucked into other people's dreams against her will. Yeah, it hooked me too. For once, it was nice to read a YA novel NOT about vampires and forbidden love.
25. Serenity Rose, Volume 2: Goodbye, Crestfallen! - Aaron Alexovich (Completed 8/7/10) - Serenity Rose's story comes to an end with this volume. I think. To tell you the truth, I didn't look to see if another volume exists. But this volume was more interesting than the first - Serenity finds herself under the care of her idol, a famous punk rocker/witch. Aside from the main part of this tory, the relationship Serenity has with her best friend is hilarious. I'm glad the author decided to spend more time with them.
26. Fade - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/10/10) - Book 2 of the series. This time, young protagonist Janie faces something stronger than her dream problem...interested? Definitely read the series.
27. 110 Perc - Tony Consiglio (Completed 8/13/10) - Boy Bands? Yes, please! This is a great graphic novel about a group of middle-aged women who are obsessed with an NSYNC-like band. As a (former and current) fan of boy bands, this was a great read.
28. The Expected One - Kathleen McGowan (Completed 9/3/10) - Kathleen McGowan is a wonderful writer. Between the story she crafts (which is some story) and the research she puts into her novels, I can't get enough of her series. This is Book One of the series; think about how great it would be if the DaVinci Code had been written by a woman, had more historical credentials AND spent more time on the Mary Magdalene part of the story. Thanks to McGowan, you don't have to just think about it. You can read it.
29. Good Omens - Terry Prachett and Neil Gaiman (Completed 9/4/10) - Yay for Neil Gaiman! Combine the two greatest fantasy writers, add one story about the end of the world and a conflict between good and evil (plus a missing Antichrist), let simmer...and you have a crazy, WTF-just-happened read. Initially I read this for a book club. Unfortunately, the book club didn't take off, but at least I read a wonderful book.
30. Box Office Poison - Alex Robinson (Completed 9/17/10) - I'm very torn about this graphic novel. It's very long - which isn't the problem - and there are many characters (both flawed and perfected) to choose from. However, I think I'm missing something. Perhaps I should read it again? Once again, my boyfriend loves this book. I think he's going to stop recommending books for me soon...
22. Goodbye, Chunky Rice - Craig Thompson (Completed 8/1/10) - Heartwarming and heartbreaking. Plus the artwork is well done. You'll never look at turtles the same way again.
23. Pure Drivel - Steve Martin (Completed 8/4/10) - If you haven't read a book by Steve Martin, do so this summer. Don't just watch his movies - you're doing yourself a disservice.
24. Wake - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/5/10) - The first of the Wake trilogy. This is a creative, fast-moving novel of a teenage girl who can get sucked into other people's dreams against her will. Yeah, it hooked me too. For once, it was nice to read a YA novel NOT about vampires and forbidden love.
25. Serenity Rose, Volume 2: Goodbye, Crestfallen! - Aaron Alexovich (Completed 8/7/10) - Serenity Rose's story comes to an end with this volume. I think. To tell you the truth, I didn't look to see if another volume exists. But this volume was more interesting than the first - Serenity finds herself under the care of her idol, a famous punk rocker/witch. Aside from the main part of this tory, the relationship Serenity has with her best friend is hilarious. I'm glad the author decided to spend more time with them.
26. Fade - Lisa McMann (Completed 8/10/10) - Book 2 of the series. This time, young protagonist Janie faces something stronger than her dream problem...interested? Definitely read the series.
27. 110 Perc - Tony Consiglio (Completed 8/13/10) - Boy Bands? Yes, please! This is a great graphic novel about a group of middle-aged women who are obsessed with an NSYNC-like band. As a (former and current) fan of boy bands, this was a great read.
28. The Expected One - Kathleen McGowan (Completed 9/3/10) - Kathleen McGowan is a wonderful writer. Between the story she crafts (which is some story) and the research she puts into her novels, I can't get enough of her series. This is Book One of the series; think about how great it would be if the DaVinci Code had been written by a woman, had more historical credentials AND spent more time on the Mary Magdalene part of the story. Thanks to McGowan, you don't have to just think about it. You can read it.
29. Good Omens - Terry Prachett and Neil Gaiman (Completed 9/4/10) - Yay for Neil Gaiman! Combine the two greatest fantasy writers, add one story about the end of the world and a conflict between good and evil (plus a missing Antichrist), let simmer...and you have a crazy, WTF-just-happened read. Initially I read this for a book club. Unfortunately, the book club didn't take off, but at least I read a wonderful book.
30. Box Office Poison - Alex Robinson (Completed 9/17/10) - I'm very torn about this graphic novel. It's very long - which isn't the problem - and there are many characters (both flawed and perfected) to choose from. However, I think I'm missing something. Perhaps I should read it again? Once again, my boyfriend loves this book. I think he's going to stop recommending books for me soon...
Friday, May 27, 2011
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #11-20
11. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #2: Beautiful Beasts - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/18/10) - Again, another great graphic novel told from the eyes of a tragic character: a ragdoll named Annabelle who watches her little girls grow up - sometimes with horrible consequences.
12. Looking for Alaska - John Green (Completed 6/18/10) - AMAZING young adult novel. What begins as a YA utopia quickly falls into a heartbreaking story. Highly recommended for book clubs.
13. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #3: 1140 Rue Royale - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/21/10)
14. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #4: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/22/10) - Annabelle's story comes to an end with this volume. I miss her.
15. American Nerd - Benjamin Nugent (Completed 6/27/10) - This book was praised as an ethnographic work of art. Honey, I know ethnography and this was not it. But it does provide an interesting look into the words "nerd," "geek," and "dweeb." Once you read it, you know which one to claim for your own (I'm going with "geek.")
16. Chew, Volume 2: International Flavor - John Layman (Completed 6/29/10) - Do me a favor (actually, you're doing yourself a favor) and go buy this volume and volume one. Then read it and thank your lucky stars that such talented graphic novelists exist in this world (besides Adam Wilson, of course).
17. Ruby - Francesca Lia Block (Completed 7/11/10) - My intense, undying love for Francesca Lia Block began in high school. It continues into my adulthood as I read this novel on a train to London. This is a story of forgiveness, humiliation, resilience, and love. Oh yeah, and it's all written down by one of the greatest contemporary writers in America. Enough said.
18. The Magicians - Lev Grossman (Completed 7/12/10) - I hate to say this about any book, but I did not enjoy this novel. I read this one in Cornwall, thinking it would be a good idea because it takes place in Cornwall. Yeah, for two seconds. But that wasn't the problem. The problems were main characters that I despised, a disorganized story about magic, and the annoying references to Harry Potter and Narnia. I know that imitation is the greatest form of flattery...but don't hate on the ones that made history before you. Make it your own! One good thing to come out of this book - it inspired me to ask for a Nook for my birthday so I wouldn't waste $25 on a novel ever again. I'm sorry, Magicians. If it helps, I did read all of it before coming to this decision.
19. To Die For: the True Story of a Broken Childhood - Carol Lee (Completed 7/14/10) - I read this while I waited for a sleeping toddler (not mine, but a dear friend's)to wake up from his nap. It had been on the bookshelf in the Cornish cottage and Bed and Breakfast I had stayed in. A story about an aunt's desperate attempt to "cure" her niece of anorexia left me in tears. I've never heard of this woman, but that Cornish bookshelf and I were lucky to have her.
20. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken: a picture-novella - Seth (Completed 7/29/10) - There is only one emo Seth in my life (and he lives in Orange County with his parents Sandy and Kirsten), and it was not this author. The artwork in this graphic novel is well-done. But the attempt at the Bildungsroman brings an insincere note to the work. If you want honesty, don't talk down to your readers. We don't like it. My boyfriend enjoyed this book, so I hated to tell him I didn't like it. But like T.J. Hooker, I must say what's on my mind (and if you don't get that reference, shame on all of you), and if he is reading this: I tried, but I still do not like this book.
12. Looking for Alaska - John Green (Completed 6/18/10) - AMAZING young adult novel. What begins as a YA utopia quickly falls into a heartbreaking story. Highly recommended for book clubs.
13. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #3: 1140 Rue Royale - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/21/10)
14. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #4: Dancing with the Ghosts of Whales - Serena Valentino (Completed 6/22/10) - Annabelle's story comes to an end with this volume. I miss her.
15. American Nerd - Benjamin Nugent (Completed 6/27/10) - This book was praised as an ethnographic work of art. Honey, I know ethnography and this was not it. But it does provide an interesting look into the words "nerd," "geek," and "dweeb." Once you read it, you know which one to claim for your own (I'm going with "geek.")
16. Chew, Volume 2: International Flavor - John Layman (Completed 6/29/10) - Do me a favor (actually, you're doing yourself a favor) and go buy this volume and volume one. Then read it and thank your lucky stars that such talented graphic novelists exist in this world (besides Adam Wilson, of course).
17. Ruby - Francesca Lia Block (Completed 7/11/10) - My intense, undying love for Francesca Lia Block began in high school. It continues into my adulthood as I read this novel on a train to London. This is a story of forgiveness, humiliation, resilience, and love. Oh yeah, and it's all written down by one of the greatest contemporary writers in America. Enough said.
18. The Magicians - Lev Grossman (Completed 7/12/10) - I hate to say this about any book, but I did not enjoy this novel. I read this one in Cornwall, thinking it would be a good idea because it takes place in Cornwall. Yeah, for two seconds. But that wasn't the problem. The problems were main characters that I despised, a disorganized story about magic, and the annoying references to Harry Potter and Narnia. I know that imitation is the greatest form of flattery...but don't hate on the ones that made history before you. Make it your own! One good thing to come out of this book - it inspired me to ask for a Nook for my birthday so I wouldn't waste $25 on a novel ever again. I'm sorry, Magicians. If it helps, I did read all of it before coming to this decision.
19. To Die For: the True Story of a Broken Childhood - Carol Lee (Completed 7/14/10) - I read this while I waited for a sleeping toddler (not mine, but a dear friend's)to wake up from his nap. It had been on the bookshelf in the Cornish cottage and Bed and Breakfast I had stayed in. A story about an aunt's desperate attempt to "cure" her niece of anorexia left me in tears. I've never heard of this woman, but that Cornish bookshelf and I were lucky to have her.
20. It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken: a picture-novella - Seth (Completed 7/29/10) - There is only one emo Seth in my life (and he lives in Orange County with his parents Sandy and Kirsten), and it was not this author. The artwork in this graphic novel is well-done. But the attempt at the Bildungsroman brings an insincere note to the work. If you want honesty, don't talk down to your readers. We don't like it. My boyfriend enjoyed this book, so I hated to tell him I didn't like it. But like T.J. Hooker, I must say what's on my mind (and if you don't get that reference, shame on all of you), and if he is reading this: I tried, but I still do not like this book.
Bookworm Goddess: My Yearly Reads #1-10
This is a fun idea. As a college professor and a writer, my job is to read as much as I work. It isn't BS when I tell my students that reading opens doors. Literally and figuratively. The more you read, the more you know. You become a better writer, you understand the world a bit better...we should all read, all the time, as much as we can. I thought it would be fun when I finished graduate school to see how many books I can read in a year. The first year - well, I almost made 50. Almost. I think it was too soon after grad school and my brain melted. Anyway, this is "take two" of the yearly reading list. I figured since it's summer, you might find a book or two for your summer reading list. Enjoy and Happy Reading!
Start Date: May, 10, 2010
End Date: May, 10, 2011
1. Angelology - Danielle Trussoni (Completed 5/25/10) - Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. This is a fantastic, elegantly written story. Don't be intimidated by the length; it is worth the read. Now, I hold every novel I finish to this book's standard.
2. If You can Read This: the Philosophy of Bumper Stickers - Jack Bowen (Completed 5/26/10) - Superfun, very informative, and a great read. Take your time, especially if you're like me and you only took two philosophy courses in college. It is definitely worth the read. You'll never look at bumper stickers - and the people who choose them - the same way again.
3. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #1: Once Upon a Time - Serena Valentino (Completed 5/31/10) - Great graphic novel. Serena Valentino is a great writer who manages to take Francesca Lia Block's magical realism and put it into comic form.
4. Bayou - Jeremy Love (Completed 6/1/10) - My heart is broken because I'm not sure there is going to be a second volume. Read this anyway; even if you get a broken heart like me, it is still worth your time. 'Tis better to have loved...oh, you get the the idea.
5. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay (Completed 6/1/10) - I'm obsessed with the TV show and I'm obsessed with the series. Both are great because they are so drastically different - you get two different stories. Did you hear me? You get TWO DEXTERS. Can you think of anything better?
6. Serenity Rose, Volume 1: Working Through the Negativity - Aaron A (Completed 6/2/10) - This was hard to get through, but once you start reading it gets more interesting. Serenity Rose is the typically emo kid/witch.
7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (Completed 6/8/10) - I enjoyed this book until I reached the ending. It starts out like a book up my alley: Young PhD student uncovers family secret and huge piece of the Salem Witch Trials...until the end when the protagonist did something I'm not sure fit with her character. It lost me, unfortunately. Read it - you'll see what I mean.
8. Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman (Completed 6/13/10) - Gaiman is my hero. Honestly, the man could write about a toaster and it would win an award. Even if you don't read Marvel comic books, this is still a great look at American icons through the eyes of a British writer (who lives in America) writing about a significant year in America and Britain's histories.
9. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to - DC Pierson (Completed 6/14/10) - Hmmm..how do I feel about this book? I am so torn. I couldn't get into it...and then the ending floored me. Does that mean I like it? So confused...too many emotions...
10. Mermaids on the Moon - Elizabeth Stuckey-French (Completed 6/16/10) - This is a fun cinnabon, sticky sweet, very dark story. It's a cinnabon wrapped in anti-depressants. Yum.
Start Date: May, 10, 2010
End Date: May, 10, 2011
1. Angelology - Danielle Trussoni (Completed 5/25/10) - Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. This is a fantastic, elegantly written story. Don't be intimidated by the length; it is worth the read. Now, I hold every novel I finish to this book's standard.
2. If You can Read This: the Philosophy of Bumper Stickers - Jack Bowen (Completed 5/26/10) - Superfun, very informative, and a great read. Take your time, especially if you're like me and you only took two philosophy courses in college. It is definitely worth the read. You'll never look at bumper stickers - and the people who choose them - the same way again.
3. Nightmares and Fairy Tales #1: Once Upon a Time - Serena Valentino (Completed 5/31/10) - Great graphic novel. Serena Valentino is a great writer who manages to take Francesca Lia Block's magical realism and put it into comic form.
4. Bayou - Jeremy Love (Completed 6/1/10) - My heart is broken because I'm not sure there is going to be a second volume. Read this anyway; even if you get a broken heart like me, it is still worth your time. 'Tis better to have loved...oh, you get the the idea.
5. Darkly Dreaming Dexter - Jeff Lindsay (Completed 6/1/10) - I'm obsessed with the TV show and I'm obsessed with the series. Both are great because they are so drastically different - you get two different stories. Did you hear me? You get TWO DEXTERS. Can you think of anything better?
6. Serenity Rose, Volume 1: Working Through the Negativity - Aaron A (Completed 6/2/10) - This was hard to get through, but once you start reading it gets more interesting. Serenity Rose is the typically emo kid/witch.
7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (Completed 6/8/10) - I enjoyed this book until I reached the ending. It starts out like a book up my alley: Young PhD student uncovers family secret and huge piece of the Salem Witch Trials...until the end when the protagonist did something I'm not sure fit with her character. It lost me, unfortunately. Read it - you'll see what I mean.
8. Marvel 1602 - Neil Gaiman (Completed 6/13/10) - Gaiman is my hero. Honestly, the man could write about a toaster and it would win an award. Even if you don't read Marvel comic books, this is still a great look at American icons through the eyes of a British writer (who lives in America) writing about a significant year in America and Britain's histories.
9. The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to - DC Pierson (Completed 6/14/10) - Hmmm..how do I feel about this book? I am so torn. I couldn't get into it...and then the ending floored me. Does that mean I like it? So confused...too many emotions...
10. Mermaids on the Moon - Elizabeth Stuckey-French (Completed 6/16/10) - This is a fun cinnabon, sticky sweet, very dark story. It's a cinnabon wrapped in anti-depressants. Yum.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Finding my Inner Peace...In a Starbucks
Ahhhh...after my week (still not completed) of epic proportions that even Odysseus would pity me, I find myself at the Starbucks, searching for my Nirvana. I've found it, tucked away near the bar with an iced grande no classic green tea and the glorious invention known as the Starbucks Digital Network.
I am at peace, babies.
It is quite surprising to see so many people with laptops hanging out at Starbucks nowadays. I understand the company's idea - and our dire need - to create a "third space," which is that middle ground between home and work. In my case, Starbucks has always been my "fourth space" - that middle ground between home, work, and school. And it has served me well over the years.
I needed it in college when I had finals and issues with my friends. I needed it during my "9-5" fiasco I called a job to keep me from bursting into tears around the 3pm slump. And I need it now as I embark on this transitional period where I feel more like the protagonist from The Stranger and less like the whimsical, always optimistic Don Quixote.
Does Starbucks make me smarter? Or does it have the same effect as a drunk acting maudlin in their favorite pub? The world may never know.
My brief absence has been punctuated by moments of no time to myself. I'm getting worried, as I'm not sure where I take any of my goals, since they are all in some half-baked stage that never made it to fruition. In addition, I'm the only one who seems to care if they make it past that half-baked stage. I suppose the next step is to walk blindly toward one of the paths ahead of me and hope it is the right choice. Is that what I'm supposed to do?
I just realized I'm typing my thoughts on a laptop in a Starbucks. Good Lord, I've become THAT guy. Most distressing. I keep thinking of that Family Guy scene with the "screenwriters." Good Lord, I'm referencing Family Guy. I am becoming a maudlin drunk.
So I raise my iced grande no classic green tea to you, babies. May our summer be productive and our fall show the harvest we've worked toward. I wish you luck on your journey during these sun-kissed (and rainy) days that lie ahead of us.
Because I care for this cause so much, I will sign off NOW and then write a few entries so I can post everyday. Or at least every other day. This random posting is getting on my nerves.
Until then, I am continually yours.
(Postscript: I just ran the spellcheck and I've spelled eveything correctly. Starbucks DOES make me smarter).
I am at peace, babies.
It is quite surprising to see so many people with laptops hanging out at Starbucks nowadays. I understand the company's idea - and our dire need - to create a "third space," which is that middle ground between home and work. In my case, Starbucks has always been my "fourth space" - that middle ground between home, work, and school. And it has served me well over the years.
I needed it in college when I had finals and issues with my friends. I needed it during my "9-5" fiasco I called a job to keep me from bursting into tears around the 3pm slump. And I need it now as I embark on this transitional period where I feel more like the protagonist from The Stranger and less like the whimsical, always optimistic Don Quixote.
Does Starbucks make me smarter? Or does it have the same effect as a drunk acting maudlin in their favorite pub? The world may never know.
My brief absence has been punctuated by moments of no time to myself. I'm getting worried, as I'm not sure where I take any of my goals, since they are all in some half-baked stage that never made it to fruition. In addition, I'm the only one who seems to care if they make it past that half-baked stage. I suppose the next step is to walk blindly toward one of the paths ahead of me and hope it is the right choice. Is that what I'm supposed to do?
I just realized I'm typing my thoughts on a laptop in a Starbucks. Good Lord, I've become THAT guy. Most distressing. I keep thinking of that Family Guy scene with the "screenwriters." Good Lord, I'm referencing Family Guy. I am becoming a maudlin drunk.
So I raise my iced grande no classic green tea to you, babies. May our summer be productive and our fall show the harvest we've worked toward. I wish you luck on your journey during these sun-kissed (and rainy) days that lie ahead of us.
Because I care for this cause so much, I will sign off NOW and then write a few entries so I can post everyday. Or at least every other day. This random posting is getting on my nerves.
Until then, I am continually yours.
(Postscript: I just ran the spellcheck and I've spelled eveything correctly. Starbucks DOES make me smarter).
Friday, April 8, 2011
New looks at Kora & Penelope!
Oh, I love Fridays. Not just because I get to work from home all day, but also because I get to work on Kora & Penelope business from home all day.
I spent the morning grading papers and helping out students with paper issues. Then, I gobbled some lunch (mmmm margherita pizza!), threw in a DVD (Easy A - starring the adorable and hilarious Emma Stone. Seriously, I want my daughter to be just like Olive), and settled in to CREATE.
My favorite part about my jewelry making style is never knowing what will come out of a creating session. I always begin with some idea in my head - and even a sketch at times - but then something entirely different appears. It's exciting to finally stop and see what the Muses have inspired me to do. Today was no exception.
Next week's designs are inspired by the always-true-to-herself Olive from Easy A and the giddiness of Friday work. I incorporate lots of different colors and styles, and wave away that need to make everything fit together. The charms are askew, the stones are different sizes, and colors who don't usually sit at the same lunch table had a meal together. Today's creating session has inspired me to create a new section on my Etsy page: The Eclectic Goddess
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (yes, yes, I'm THAT English professor), the word "eclectic" comes from Greek origin. The term had been initially used to distinguish different types of philosophers. These philosophers used the "eclectic method," meaning they derived their practices and opinions from a combination of the arts and the sciences, rather than just choosing one of the two. The term was officially used in print around 1683, but with the spelling "eclectick."
[Honestly, I miss the days when we placed a "k" at the end of "ic" sounds. Magick, physick, psychick, eclectick...it makes the words *pop* a bit more. "Honey, did you pay the electrick bill?" "I think we should use the metrick system!" See what I mean? Okay, I'm done now]
Today the term "eclectic" is used more vaguely and means "to borrow from diverse sources." Since we are part of the "You-Turn" era, eclectic relates more to personal attributes. So, naturally, it is the perfect description for the new Kora & Penelope style debuting next week.
Still interested? Tune in Sunday night at midnight to preview the first style.
Can't wait? Then check out the other gorgeous, free-spirited goddess styles available now: http://koraandpenelope.etsy.com/
I spent the morning grading papers and helping out students with paper issues. Then, I gobbled some lunch (mmmm margherita pizza!), threw in a DVD (Easy A - starring the adorable and hilarious Emma Stone. Seriously, I want my daughter to be just like Olive), and settled in to CREATE.
My favorite part about my jewelry making style is never knowing what will come out of a creating session. I always begin with some idea in my head - and even a sketch at times - but then something entirely different appears. It's exciting to finally stop and see what the Muses have inspired me to do. Today was no exception.
Next week's designs are inspired by the always-true-to-herself Olive from Easy A and the giddiness of Friday work. I incorporate lots of different colors and styles, and wave away that need to make everything fit together. The charms are askew, the stones are different sizes, and colors who don't usually sit at the same lunch table had a meal together. Today's creating session has inspired me to create a new section on my Etsy page: The Eclectic Goddess
According to the Oxford English Dictionary (yes, yes, I'm THAT English professor), the word "eclectic" comes from Greek origin. The term had been initially used to distinguish different types of philosophers. These philosophers used the "eclectic method," meaning they derived their practices and opinions from a combination of the arts and the sciences, rather than just choosing one of the two. The term was officially used in print around 1683, but with the spelling "eclectick."
[Honestly, I miss the days when we placed a "k" at the end of "ic" sounds. Magick, physick, psychick, eclectick...it makes the words *pop* a bit more. "Honey, did you pay the electrick bill?" "I think we should use the metrick system!" See what I mean? Okay, I'm done now]
Today the term "eclectic" is used more vaguely and means "to borrow from diverse sources." Since we are part of the "You-Turn" era, eclectic relates more to personal attributes. So, naturally, it is the perfect description for the new Kora & Penelope style debuting next week.
Still interested? Tune in Sunday night at midnight to preview the first style.
Can't wait? Then check out the other gorgeous, free-spirited goddess styles available now: http://koraandpenelope.etsy.com/
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Library Challenge!
Unfortunately, I moved into my apartment during a period of frenzy. My roommate and I had just graduated and we needed to leave our old apartment NOW. Then, my roommate got married and she had to leave this apartment NOW. I went to grad school and I had to study NOW. Then my boyfriend had to move his stuff in NOW. So, between the moving and the moving and the moving and the studying and the moving, the spare room looks like this:
Challenge Accepted!!!!
As a twenty-something who understands the importance of renting an apartment and how hard it is to find a two bedroom in my price range, this room will not do. I mean, look at it:
It makes angels cry. Honestly.
I guess you can gather from the pictures that we are a reading household, an independent business household, an academic household, a crafters' household, and a cat household. I had to find a balance between all of these.
Solution: Turn the spare room into a library! Why not? A library with a wall of books, an office nook, and a crafters' table (complete with a crafters' closet). I can exercise my spatial reasoning and organization muscles to make this into a room the apartment deserves. Let's face it - we're not college kids anymore. I already completed graduate school, have steady work, and run my own business. What's my excuse for this room?
Let's begin...
As a twenty-something who understands the importance of renting an apartment and how hard it is to find a two bedroom in my price range, this room will not do. I mean, look at it:
I guess you can gather from the pictures that we are a reading household, an independent business household, an academic household, a crafters' household, and a cat household. I had to find a balance between all of these.
Solution: Turn the spare room into a library! Why not? A library with a wall of books, an office nook, and a crafters' table (complete with a crafters' closet). I can exercise my spatial reasoning and organization muscles to make this into a room the apartment deserves. Let's face it - we're not college kids anymore. I already completed graduate school, have steady work, and run my own business. What's my excuse for this room?
Let's begin...
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Life Adventures: Fixer Upper, Picker Upper
The answer is "c," my dears. In case you haven't figured it out. And if you have, you succeed in this round and you may enter the next level where a genie will grant you three wishes (while wielding a self-help book) and a latte. Sometimes it pays to be a little honest.
By honesty, I mean: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN GRADE 30 PAPERS IN ONE DAY AND COOK DINNER AND WASH THE DISHES AND FINISH THAT SHORT STORY AND GO TO BED AT A DECENT HOUR!!!!
Yep...honesty really is the best policy. What I'm learning as I head down this crazy little river called Life is I have to set realistic goals. Once I do that, I can keep my promises, cross off items on my to-do list, AND go to bed at a decent hour. If I can't do the decent hour thing, then at least I can feel good about two small victories. I guess somewhere over the rainbow I started to think the more goals the merrier. It's true on some level; just keep the short-term goals to a minimum. The long-term goals - go crazy! The next thing I'm learning: GET IT DONE. No procrastinating, no complaining, and no stalling. If these are the reasons I didn't get my work done, then I have no one to blame but myself. The third realization is something I learned from Weight Watchers: it'll happen. Even if it's a half pound a week. It adds up in the end. Just keep the faith.
I know K&P is going to be difficult, but I'm ready for this challenge. I don't have the motivation to get a new job (I love my job, remember?) and I don't have any strong motivation to become a millionaire (mo money, mo problems, right?). So my only motivation is to be as successful as possible. Because it's mine, all mine. And if I'm successful that can open so many doors. I can start my charities, I can go back for my PhD., and I can have some kind of extra income (let's be honest, it's part of the perks). But really just to have something to call my own and to be proud of running all by myself. That's the real adventure.
I read somewhere that everything you do - and experience - leads you up to that particular moment when you take a chance. You've been prepared for it, so there isn't anything stopping you but yourself. Who knows - I probably heard my roommate quote one of her self-help books. It may be a cliche, but it's true.
The short term goals - time management, getting to the next "to do" item. The long term goals - make it happen, make it worthwhile and make it count.
See? I'm catching on. I almost hear those self-help books now. They breathe a sigh of relief: Finally!
I'm ready.
By honesty, I mean: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THERE IS NO WAY YOU CAN GRADE 30 PAPERS IN ONE DAY AND COOK DINNER AND WASH THE DISHES AND FINISH THAT SHORT STORY AND GO TO BED AT A DECENT HOUR!!!!
Yep...honesty really is the best policy. What I'm learning as I head down this crazy little river called Life is I have to set realistic goals. Once I do that, I can keep my promises, cross off items on my to-do list, AND go to bed at a decent hour. If I can't do the decent hour thing, then at least I can feel good about two small victories. I guess somewhere over the rainbow I started to think the more goals the merrier. It's true on some level; just keep the short-term goals to a minimum. The long-term goals - go crazy! The next thing I'm learning: GET IT DONE. No procrastinating, no complaining, and no stalling. If these are the reasons I didn't get my work done, then I have no one to blame but myself. The third realization is something I learned from Weight Watchers: it'll happen. Even if it's a half pound a week. It adds up in the end. Just keep the faith.
I know K&P is going to be difficult, but I'm ready for this challenge. I don't have the motivation to get a new job (I love my job, remember?) and I don't have any strong motivation to become a millionaire (mo money, mo problems, right?). So my only motivation is to be as successful as possible. Because it's mine, all mine. And if I'm successful that can open so many doors. I can start my charities, I can go back for my PhD., and I can have some kind of extra income (let's be honest, it's part of the perks). But really just to have something to call my own and to be proud of running all by myself. That's the real adventure.
I read somewhere that everything you do - and experience - leads you up to that particular moment when you take a chance. You've been prepared for it, so there isn't anything stopping you but yourself. Who knows - I probably heard my roommate quote one of her self-help books. It may be a cliche, but it's true.
The short term goals - time management, getting to the next "to do" item. The long term goals - make it happen, make it worthwhile and make it count.
See? I'm catching on. I almost hear those self-help books now. They breathe a sigh of relief: Finally!
I'm ready.
Life Adventures: Time Management Fixer-Upper
So where was I? Ahh, yes. I was overweight, overworked, and overwhelmed. It was a shame too because I had just finished graduate school, just found a job that I LOVE (college writing professor), and just started a really happy relationship. Naturally, the transitions didn't bother me so much as the trying to make time to fix what had gone wrong over the last two years AND include the good parts that had recently appeared.
With a little help from Weight Watchers, I lost all the weight (and then some! The program works!). I got myself situated at one college and managed to take on two more colleges. I'm still in a happy relationship. So why do I still feel the way I did after I found out I was immune to self-help books?
I think part of the problem is I continue to fall back on my old habits. I don't take time for myself - meaning, I don't exercise to blow off steam, I don't partake in hobbies I enjoy, and I don't get enough sleep at night. Not exactly selfish behavior, but why do we feel that's always the case? Is it because most of the morning radio prattle, magazine articles, and sitcom plot lines portray the American view of "taking on too much?" Is the view an inevitable part of adulthood or can parts of it get thrown away? The second part of the problem is I think everyone will understand how busy I am and cut me some slack. Not the case. As an undergrad, you are told that school always comes first. If you have to study or take time for school, that is understandable. Once you graduate, the training wheels come off. Now you are expected to act like an adult and manage your time as an adult. No one will decline invites for you, no one will help you when the dishes are overflowing, the cat is crying, and you have 26 emails to answer in four hours. No one will help - and they shouldn't. I wanted this chaos; now it was up to me to survive and manage it.
I realize that now. I am stressed out and sad because I cannot stand up for myself. I am stressed out and sad because I feel I'm placing myself 50th on my list of things to do, and I see everyone I know placing themselves on the top 5 of their lists. It's confusing and daunting - and, like I said, I'm a slow learner.
But I think I'm getting it now, wouldn't you agree? The only question is: what should I do about this situation I found myself in?
a) Rely on my work ethic and good humor to pull me up by my bootstraps
b) Hide in my room for a few weeks; then suddenly reappear with a "looking out for numero uno" attitude
c) Be honest with myself. For once. Which, ironically, is what those self-help books say all along, don't they?
With a little help from Weight Watchers, I lost all the weight (and then some! The program works!). I got myself situated at one college and managed to take on two more colleges. I'm still in a happy relationship. So why do I still feel the way I did after I found out I was immune to self-help books?
I think part of the problem is I continue to fall back on my old habits. I don't take time for myself - meaning, I don't exercise to blow off steam, I don't partake in hobbies I enjoy, and I don't get enough sleep at night. Not exactly selfish behavior, but why do we feel that's always the case? Is it because most of the morning radio prattle, magazine articles, and sitcom plot lines portray the American view of "taking on too much?" Is the view an inevitable part of adulthood or can parts of it get thrown away? The second part of the problem is I think everyone will understand how busy I am and cut me some slack. Not the case. As an undergrad, you are told that school always comes first. If you have to study or take time for school, that is understandable. Once you graduate, the training wheels come off. Now you are expected to act like an adult and manage your time as an adult. No one will decline invites for you, no one will help you when the dishes are overflowing, the cat is crying, and you have 26 emails to answer in four hours. No one will help - and they shouldn't. I wanted this chaos; now it was up to me to survive and manage it.
I realize that now. I am stressed out and sad because I cannot stand up for myself. I am stressed out and sad because I feel I'm placing myself 50th on my list of things to do, and I see everyone I know placing themselves on the top 5 of their lists. It's confusing and daunting - and, like I said, I'm a slow learner.
But I think I'm getting it now, wouldn't you agree? The only question is: what should I do about this situation I found myself in?
a) Rely on my work ethic and good humor to pull me up by my bootstraps
b) Hide in my room for a few weeks; then suddenly reappear with a "looking out for numero uno" attitude
c) Be honest with myself. For once. Which, ironically, is what those self-help books say all along, don't they?
Life Adventures: Time Management
If my roommate found ways to improve herself through self-help books, then I discovered my own way to improve myself: screwing up over and over again. I continued to touch the hot stove, constantly lost my winter gloves, and repeatedly turned the wrong corner again and again. I was hopeless.
Now, I would like to think I'm not AS hopeless as before, but I'm definitely in the hopeless --- situated range. It isn't that I take on too many projects at once; I like to stay busy and I like to be involved in everything. I never wanted to be that person who never researched big purchases, never knew the book value of her car, never understood the ins and outs of renting an apartment, never turned down a chance to learn from another person, and (especially) never went to the next step because "it's too hard." So I became involved. And loved it. As a result, college became the most important life-changing event of my life.
But then college ended. I found a "grown-up" job and everything seemed to be at a steady pace. Except...I hated that "grown-up" job. It didn't appeal to anything I enjoyed and I felt cheated. What had I worked so hard for? My boss hated how involved I wanted to be in everything, and she especially did not enjoy the way I treated my clients (making room for all, regardless of how much they were paying). She didn't get me, and I didn't get her. It was at the moment she was lecturing me on "how money made the world go round" that I went back to my desk and wrote my resignation. I didn't hand it in that day, but I did send something else: my application to graduate school.
So I quit that job and went back to graduate school. I think my first mistake was it would be just like college. Well....not quite. I had to work six jobs and support my household all on my own. No one - not my bosses or my family - understood the pressure I was under to write an "A" paper or complete an assignment that needed eight hours to do. I became very stressed out and my "meltdowns" were of epic (and frightening) proportions. I lost myself and my voice...and gained about 45 pounds.
See? Told ya I'm a slow learner.
Now, I would like to think I'm not AS hopeless as before, but I'm definitely in the hopeless --- situated range. It isn't that I take on too many projects at once; I like to stay busy and I like to be involved in everything. I never wanted to be that person who never researched big purchases, never knew the book value of her car, never understood the ins and outs of renting an apartment, never turned down a chance to learn from another person, and (especially) never went to the next step because "it's too hard." So I became involved. And loved it. As a result, college became the most important life-changing event of my life.
But then college ended. I found a "grown-up" job and everything seemed to be at a steady pace. Except...I hated that "grown-up" job. It didn't appeal to anything I enjoyed and I felt cheated. What had I worked so hard for? My boss hated how involved I wanted to be in everything, and she especially did not enjoy the way I treated my clients (making room for all, regardless of how much they were paying). She didn't get me, and I didn't get her. It was at the moment she was lecturing me on "how money made the world go round" that I went back to my desk and wrote my resignation. I didn't hand it in that day, but I did send something else: my application to graduate school.
So I quit that job and went back to graduate school. I think my first mistake was it would be just like college. Well....not quite. I had to work six jobs and support my household all on my own. No one - not my bosses or my family - understood the pressure I was under to write an "A" paper or complete an assignment that needed eight hours to do. I became very stressed out and my "meltdowns" were of epic (and frightening) proportions. I lost myself and my voice...and gained about 45 pounds.
See? Told ya I'm a slow learner.
Life Adventure: Self-Help Books
When I was in college, I had a roommate who lived for self-help books. She should devour every single one she bought. My roommate would have a bad day, or stand at some inevitable crossroad in her life, and head straight to Barnes and Noble and buy a self-help book. Loving Yourself, Saying Yes to You, Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin, Promoting and Keeping Healthy Relationships..most of these titles featured some extremely confident looking person on the cover. They would smile back at her with arms folded across their chests like a bunch of genies ready to make all her wishes come true. These authors had always been on the brink of something - homelessness, suicide, bad relationships - and now here they were on the cover of their NY Times Best-Selling Book ready to tell US how to CHANGE OUR lives for the BETTER. My roommate would read these books and then in a few days be back to her old self. She looked so convincing that I began to think these books would help me. After all, they've helped thousands, perhaps millions, of other people. My roommate was more than happy to lend me her books, completely convinced that I would find the same solace she did.
So I read them.
And I got nothing. Absolutely nothing? Are you sure? the books asked me. Maybe you are reading too fast. Read again and focus on us and only us.
So I read them. Again.
And I got nothing. Again. The books sighed, obviously angry with me and demanded to go back to my roommate's shelf, where they can sit with her Biology textbooks and the other self-help books and talk about me behind my back. What is wrong with her? the books whispered. She doesn't get us. We can't help her.
Those self-help books were right: they couldn't help me. Just like everyone has a different type of learning (you could be audio or visual or written, depending on the subject), everyone has a different way of figuring out how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
And, as you will read, I am a very slow learner.
So I read them.
And I got nothing. Absolutely nothing? Are you sure? the books asked me. Maybe you are reading too fast. Read again and focus on us and only us.
So I read them. Again.
And I got nothing. Again. The books sighed, obviously angry with me and demanded to go back to my roommate's shelf, where they can sit with her Biology textbooks and the other self-help books and talk about me behind my back. What is wrong with her? the books whispered. She doesn't get us. We can't help her.
Those self-help books were right: they couldn't help me. Just like everyone has a different type of learning (you could be audio or visual or written, depending on the subject), everyone has a different way of figuring out how they fit into the grand scheme of things.
And, as you will read, I am a very slow learner.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
And...We hit One Week!
Whew! Tomorrow makes the one week anniversary of Kora & Penelope! After all of the stress and worry, it finally happened. Every time I check out the shop, I get this little twinge of pride. It's all unicorns and rainbows and chocolate chip cookies from here, people. Well, not quite.
So now what?
Good rhetorical question, hypothetical me. Now we post! We create! We blog! We tweet! Well, not "we." Just me. And that's more than enough. I'm still trying to work out a schedule as to when to post and when to blog. The spring semester is wrapping up quickly, so I need to balance K&P with my students. Naturally, both are very important parts of my life. Not to mention the rest of my life too - I like being busy; it keeps me out of trouble.
Of course, there are other projects on the horizon too. I'm turning the "spare" room (AKA the room where we throw our junk) into a library. Complete with a crafter's closet! I'm happiest when I'm a) creating, b) reading, or c) working. Working all three into a library seemed like a great idea. To quote Virginia Woolf, "a woman needs a little money and room of her own." It was true then, and it's still true now. Right now, I'm concentrating on the room of my own.
After a very successful DIY invite session, my friend, Carolyn (the bride-to-be) has some of her invites done. We still need to finish them up, but we have a great system going. To anyone who is looking to emboss her invites - keep your cat away from the embossment powder! I will say no more. ; )
Aside from posting on K&P, I'm working on a mini-catalogue to share with my new customers. I'll keep you all in the loop!
More next time, dear readers. I'm hearing snow in this area tonight. Fingers crossed that my classes DO NOT get cancelled! I'm over snow days - Too much make-up work. (although, I could craft at home....hmmmm. Kidding!!!)
So now what?
Good rhetorical question, hypothetical me. Now we post! We create! We blog! We tweet! Well, not "we." Just me. And that's more than enough. I'm still trying to work out a schedule as to when to post and when to blog. The spring semester is wrapping up quickly, so I need to balance K&P with my students. Naturally, both are very important parts of my life. Not to mention the rest of my life too - I like being busy; it keeps me out of trouble.
Of course, there are other projects on the horizon too. I'm turning the "spare" room (AKA the room where we throw our junk) into a library. Complete with a crafter's closet! I'm happiest when I'm a) creating, b) reading, or c) working. Working all three into a library seemed like a great idea. To quote Virginia Woolf, "a woman needs a little money and room of her own." It was true then, and it's still true now. Right now, I'm concentrating on the room of my own.
After a very successful DIY invite session, my friend, Carolyn (the bride-to-be) has some of her invites done. We still need to finish them up, but we have a great system going. To anyone who is looking to emboss her invites - keep your cat away from the embossment powder! I will say no more. ; )
Aside from posting on K&P, I'm working on a mini-catalogue to share with my new customers. I'll keep you all in the loop!
More next time, dear readers. I'm hearing snow in this area tonight. Fingers crossed that my classes DO NOT get cancelled! I'm over snow days - Too much make-up work. (although, I could craft at home....hmmmm. Kidding!!!)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Why I will continue to delete and retype entries (The Dream Series Part 2)
Hello, dear readers, it has been awhile. So what happened? I was all pumped up and ready to share my thought process to the world...but then, I began to editorialize. For some reason, the last post had been angry and frustrated. All of my fears and negativity came bellowing out, and what I was left with was a post I was less than proud of writing. That is not what I want to accomplish here, so *delete button*
But now that Starbucks has celebrated its 40th anniversary, and I'm almost ready to launch my own store, I'm still considering the American Dream. What does it mean, o pioneers? Job security? Doing what you love? Contributing to your environment?
Or is it all of the above?
I'm extremely fortunate in the fact that I have accomplished much and (thanks to my mother) have very strong ambitions. Of course, I'm also blessed with many responsibilities - family, work, friends, and a special needs kitty - that take up most of my time. So where do I come in? Where do my dreams begin to take flight? I used to think it was selfish to pursue what you wanted. In order to do so, you have to devote so much of your personal time to something that will only benefit you. But now I understand that was my naive worldview doing the talking. It isn't selfish. The happier you are, the more you can do for those around you. You cannot make a difference if you are unhappy with your lot. Think of that Gandhi quote we always hear: "Be the change you want to see in the world." It may be a cliche saying, but does it make the cliche any less true? Or is it overused for a reason?
Well, come midnight tonight, we shall see. I'm happiest when creating, and I'm a better person when I create things with other people in mind. It's my turn to try for American expansion like so many other pioneers before me. Isn't that the point? To believe in the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" and to work hard in order to profit? That's the American Dream we're taught at a young age, and it's the only one I know.
As I prepare for the launch tonight, I wish you good luck on your search for the new frontier, fellow pioneer. I'll see you on the other side.
But now that Starbucks has celebrated its 40th anniversary, and I'm almost ready to launch my own store, I'm still considering the American Dream. What does it mean, o pioneers? Job security? Doing what you love? Contributing to your environment?
Or is it all of the above?
I'm extremely fortunate in the fact that I have accomplished much and (thanks to my mother) have very strong ambitions. Of course, I'm also blessed with many responsibilities - family, work, friends, and a special needs kitty - that take up most of my time. So where do I come in? Where do my dreams begin to take flight? I used to think it was selfish to pursue what you wanted. In order to do so, you have to devote so much of your personal time to something that will only benefit you. But now I understand that was my naive worldview doing the talking. It isn't selfish. The happier you are, the more you can do for those around you. You cannot make a difference if you are unhappy with your lot. Think of that Gandhi quote we always hear: "Be the change you want to see in the world." It may be a cliche saying, but does it make the cliche any less true? Or is it overused for a reason?
Well, come midnight tonight, we shall see. I'm happiest when creating, and I'm a better person when I create things with other people in mind. It's my turn to try for American expansion like so many other pioneers before me. Isn't that the point? To believe in the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" and to work hard in order to profit? That's the American Dream we're taught at a young age, and it's the only one I know.
As I prepare for the launch tonight, I wish you good luck on your search for the new frontier, fellow pioneer. I'll see you on the other side.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why I will Drink More Starbucks (The Dream Series Part 1 of 2)
Hello, babies, welcome to Earth! One of the many thought wasps that I fight with everyday is the "what am I doing?" thought wasp. This then branches into a series of wasps:
Am I doing the right thing?
What's the point of making this decision?
Should I try or will it be expensive/failure/waste of time?
Can I even do this?
Usually when this happens, I try to walk away and maintain a positive outlook. But in a world where book and movie reviews make themselves into a sour disposition in order to maintain a pretentious, know-it-all tone, dreaming and romanticized goals fall into the "haves" pile (while the "have nots" have to work two or three jobs to live until the next paycheck) and any form of creativity is met with scorn, jealousy, and a competitive nature (for fear of falling behind or seeming "out of the loop"), the positive outlook begins to wane and I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth...and thought wasps.
Am I getting cold feet? Not in the least. My years in theatre, honor classes, and public ivy undergrad and graduate schooling can make me just as competitive as the next person. But I don't want to fall into yet another rat race and the need for more. I want this Etsy store to be somewhere women can splurge on themselves or their friends and family. I want this K&P to be a little pick me up during a bad day. I want K&P to be a piece of sunshine when you think you can take the winter anymore, or a cool glass of homemade sweet tea when you can't take the summer heat. That's what I want for my customers - and myself.
Enter Starbucks. Well, not really. If you know me, you know my obsession with the coffee. But even with my "tall nonfat"/ "grande red eye"/ "venti frap" loves, I wasn't prepared for what I was about to read: My Sister's a Barista: How They Made Starbucks a Home From Home by John Simmons. I bought this book for a dollar at my local library sale, and just decided this week to make it my lunchtime read. Good choice, if I do say so myself (and I do).
My Sister's a Barista tells the Starbucks tale - from its humble beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle to becoming this ubiquitous beacon of espresso, indie music and coffee cups. The book reads like a fairy tale - how the founders fought hard for their brand and how they continue to fight to uphold the brand's goals and ideals. I know there are a few haters out there when it comes to their coffee (and honestly, if you are a "hater," find a better thing to hate than "the coffee is too expensive." Been there, heard that - so is everything else at this point), and this post is not about turning you into a Starbucks fanatic. But reading this book inspired me - maybe there is a place to dream, make a living, AND make people happy. Is it possible? Could Americans - the most sardonic, cynical group of people in this world - be capable of embracing a brand like this? Well, anything is possible if you believe in fairies. And I do (it's easy - clap three times).
So what did I learn? Well, dear reader, just turn the page (::cough cough:: I mean, scroll up)
Am I doing the right thing?
What's the point of making this decision?
Should I try or will it be expensive/failure/waste of time?
Can I even do this?
Usually when this happens, I try to walk away and maintain a positive outlook. But in a world where book and movie reviews make themselves into a sour disposition in order to maintain a pretentious, know-it-all tone, dreaming and romanticized goals fall into the "haves" pile (while the "have nots" have to work two or three jobs to live until the next paycheck) and any form of creativity is met with scorn, jealousy, and a competitive nature (for fear of falling behind or seeming "out of the loop"), the positive outlook begins to wane and I'm left with a bad taste in my mouth...and thought wasps.
Am I getting cold feet? Not in the least. My years in theatre, honor classes, and public ivy undergrad and graduate schooling can make me just as competitive as the next person. But I don't want to fall into yet another rat race and the need for more. I want this Etsy store to be somewhere women can splurge on themselves or their friends and family. I want this K&P to be a little pick me up during a bad day. I want K&P to be a piece of sunshine when you think you can take the winter anymore, or a cool glass of homemade sweet tea when you can't take the summer heat. That's what I want for my customers - and myself.
Enter Starbucks. Well, not really. If you know me, you know my obsession with the coffee. But even with my "tall nonfat"/ "grande red eye"/ "venti frap" loves, I wasn't prepared for what I was about to read: My Sister's a Barista: How They Made Starbucks a Home From Home by John Simmons. I bought this book for a dollar at my local library sale, and just decided this week to make it my lunchtime read. Good choice, if I do say so myself (and I do).
My Sister's a Barista tells the Starbucks tale - from its humble beginnings at Pike Place Market in Seattle to becoming this ubiquitous beacon of espresso, indie music and coffee cups. The book reads like a fairy tale - how the founders fought hard for their brand and how they continue to fight to uphold the brand's goals and ideals. I know there are a few haters out there when it comes to their coffee (and honestly, if you are a "hater," find a better thing to hate than "the coffee is too expensive." Been there, heard that - so is everything else at this point), and this post is not about turning you into a Starbucks fanatic. But reading this book inspired me - maybe there is a place to dream, make a living, AND make people happy. Is it possible? Could Americans - the most sardonic, cynical group of people in this world - be capable of embracing a brand like this? Well, anything is possible if you believe in fairies. And I do (it's easy - clap three times).
So what did I learn? Well, dear reader, just turn the page (::cough cough:: I mean, scroll up)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Let it snow?
Hello, dear readers! I apologize for going missing for awhile. Between the snow canceling my classes (after only one class for each!) and all my projects piling up, I've been very busy. A few updates:
-The Etsy store is going well. I manage to find a lovely wholesaler who is willing to work with me regarding supplies. I have so many new designs in the works! Also, the storefront is coming along nicely.
-Minerva, my darling kitty, has taken to scratching himself until he bleeds. So, like a nervous mother, I've been trying to figure out what it could be. I've narrowed it down to the mean lady at PetSmart who doesn't cut his nails right (the second time this has happened! And she is just so mean to the cats; it makes me furious) and the dry air in the apartment. But, he's healing well and now we've taken to saying, "Minerva, SOFT" every time he scratches. He's getting the hint.
-After much debate, we've decided to give up the apartment hunting. It's too much to worry about now, and with our job transitions, maybe we should hold off. Which means....REDECORATING!!!! A crafter's dream! More on that to come...
-I've discovered that the Canongate Myth Series is available on Nook. Needless to say, I've been keeping my nose in Baba Yaga Laid an Egg. I'll keep you posted on how it ends. Also, in the reading department, I've recently finished A Short History of Women. So, that is also on the list for a quick review soon. Honest - I'm getting to it.
-School has started! And I am fortunate enough to be asked to teach another class. So that means reading a new textbook and writing a new syllabus. Whenever I finish both tasks, I feel as thought I've accomplished a great feat.
-And the BIG CRAFT PROJECT. My friend is getting married and she asked me to help her with the invites! I'm so excited. More on that to come as well.
-Oscar season! Hopefully http://the-screen-goddess.blogspot.com/ will be up and running before we know it so I can give you my take on the movies this year.
With that being said, I've been working all morning. So, it is time for some tea and yummy digestive cookies (I got hooked in England - go to Shop Rite NOW and buy some. Delicious AND low in fat!).
-The Etsy store is going well. I manage to find a lovely wholesaler who is willing to work with me regarding supplies. I have so many new designs in the works! Also, the storefront is coming along nicely.
-Minerva, my darling kitty, has taken to scratching himself until he bleeds. So, like a nervous mother, I've been trying to figure out what it could be. I've narrowed it down to the mean lady at PetSmart who doesn't cut his nails right (the second time this has happened! And she is just so mean to the cats; it makes me furious) and the dry air in the apartment. But, he's healing well and now we've taken to saying, "Minerva, SOFT" every time he scratches. He's getting the hint.
-After much debate, we've decided to give up the apartment hunting. It's too much to worry about now, and with our job transitions, maybe we should hold off. Which means....REDECORATING!!!! A crafter's dream! More on that to come...
-I've discovered that the Canongate Myth Series is available on Nook. Needless to say, I've been keeping my nose in Baba Yaga Laid an Egg. I'll keep you posted on how it ends. Also, in the reading department, I've recently finished A Short History of Women. So, that is also on the list for a quick review soon. Honest - I'm getting to it.
-School has started! And I am fortunate enough to be asked to teach another class. So that means reading a new textbook and writing a new syllabus. Whenever I finish both tasks, I feel as thought I've accomplished a great feat.
-And the BIG CRAFT PROJECT. My friend is getting married and she asked me to help her with the invites! I'm so excited. More on that to come as well.
-Oscar season! Hopefully http://the-screen-goddess.blogspot.com/ will be up and running before we know it so I can give you my take on the movies this year.
With that being said, I've been working all morning. So, it is time for some tea and yummy digestive cookies (I got hooked in England - go to Shop Rite NOW and buy some. Delicious AND low in fat!).
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Banner Posted? Check!
I know I've been missing for awhile, but I'm working really hard on opening the store by the end of the month! I'm so excited; for once, I feel as though I'm working on a project that is truly, unequivocally mine.
So the banner is up at www.etsy.com/shop/KoraAndPenelope but you can check out the pic here too:
How fantastic is this? This is such an amazing journey - thank you, dear readers, for being a part of it.
So the banner is up at www.etsy.com/shop/KoraAndPenelope but you can check out the pic here too:
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Logo is up!
The new K&P logo is up on Twitter and Etsy! Check out the links below!
Many special thanks and love to my wonderful boyfriend who took the time to design it:
Many special thanks and love to my wonderful boyfriend who took the time to design it:
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