Beach Reading in SoCal

Check out the new blog!

2010-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Followers!
Please note that I have moved over to wordpress and had a redesign done by Nicole at Advanced Computing Concepts. This link will take you to the spankin' new place!
BookLady

My first read-a-thon!

2010-08-14T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am participating in The Bibliophilic's read-a-thon. I hope to finish Little Bee by Chris Cleave, Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown AND Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay! Wish me luck!
You can join the read-a-thon here http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2010/08/read-thon-starting-line.html

Also, my website (terracebooks.com) is about to become home to my blog! Stay tuned for updates.

BookLady

Blog Design by April Showers

2009-11-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! Just wanted to give a quick update on me: Still working at the middle school, now I'm in a long-term sub assignment for US History ---- I LOVE it!!

April Showers is updating my blog with a new design! I am so excited, the drafts are way cool! Just what I need to inspire me to get back to blogging! I'll be back soon! :O

Toodles,
BookLady

Where are you, BookLady?

2009-08-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I went back to work this week = no blogging for me. Once I get situated and in a normal routine I'll be back! I am teaching a Language program at a local middle school. I am very excited and I can't wait to meet the students! Wish me luck!

Toodles,

BookLady

Wordful Wednesday

2009-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Well, my daughter is going back to school today. Of course I will miss her, but I am also VERY excited for her! She is living her dream, after all. She is about to begin her 3rd year in The Marshall School of Business at USC! We are a TOTAL Trojan family! To help her prepare to, uh, miss me, I cooked a few of her favorite meals this past week! ;)

Wednesday: Macaroni and Cheese!

Yes, I am reading while stirring the sauce! I could not put down The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!

Thursday: Tostadas and Spanish Rice! (and the beans are NOT from a can!)

My girl, may she study hard and get our money's worth!!! ;)

Toodles,
BookLady

Visit Seven Clown Circus for more wonderfully wordy Wednesday pictures!

Terrace Books Tuesday

2009-08-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

So much going on at Terrace Books right now! Our readers are really stocking up on books. We welcomed about 10 new customers in the past week. Suspense books are selling like hot cakes and I just put in an order for lots of new vampire novels for one of our longtime customers, Marion. Another exciting thing: we are promoting the website, goodreads.com. So far, four of us are members and we are close to becoming addicted, I tell you, it is hard to get away! If you decide to join, please look us up! Find our group listed under: Friends of Terrace Books.

But before you go, please read my mini-review that is posted on our community board at Terrace Books.

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Publisher: Dial Press, 2009 trade paperback edition, $14.00
ISBN: 978-0-385-34100-4 290 pages
Genre: Fiction, literature
Rating: 5 stars, outstanding!

What the book is about: Ever had potato peel pie? Don't worry, this book is not about cooking! It is a compelling tale about the German Occupation of the Channel islands during World War II. The story gives us an insiders view of the Occupation, written in a unique style of letters exchanged between the members of the society and Miss Juliet Ashton, a published author. This old fashioned book club was invented by the founding member, Elizabeth McKenna in order to create a diversion from the Germans during curfew one night. What entails is a moving masterpiece of history told from those that lived it and how the books they read helped them survive. Yes, the books helped them survive. It is somewhat of a love story: a love of books, a love of writing and a love of Guernsey. The relationships -- between the people and the books they read -- are revealed slowly and purposefully. Be prepared to fall in love all over again with the classics and with the unforgettable characters in this book.

Why I loved it: Each character is revealed to us through the books they read. They are, in essence, defined by their choice of book!

My favorite excerpt: "I love seeing the bookshops and meeting the booksellers -- booksellers really are a special breed. No one in their right mind would take up clerking in a bookstore for the salary, and no one in his right mind would want to own one -- the margin of profit is too small. So, it has to be a love of readers and reading that makes them do it -- along with first dibs on the new books." page 15 (My thoughts exactly!)

My recommendation: You will enjoy this book if you like historical fiction. It is a romance about books and reading. I highly recommend it for English teachers or anyone else whose profession revolves around reading. Also, those interested in the occupation of World War II should enjoy the historical implications. Very well researched and has made me move on to other Occupation non-fiction books.

What to read next: (all are non-fiction)
London 1945: Life in the Debris of War by Maureen Waller
The Model Occupation: The Channel Islands Under German Rule 1940-1945 by Madeleine Bunting
Our Longest Days: A People's History of the Second World War by Sandra Koa Wing

Toodles,
BookLady

Manic Monday

2009-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning to you! Welcome to Manic Monday at my blog where I list the Tuesday book releases that I hope will interest you, my readers. So, shall we?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The White Queen by Philippa Gregory, hardcover. Historical fiction; England; War of the Roses (new series by this bestselling author!)

Vanished by Joseph Finder, hardcover. Suspense; missing persons; corporate intrigue

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli, hardcover. Non-fiction; biography; actors and actresses

The Shortest Distance Between Two Women by Kris Radish; paperback. Women's fiction; relationships; women's lives

A Princess of Landover by Terry Brooks, hardcover. Fantasy fiction; The Magic Kingdom series; epic

Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin, hardcover. Fiction; Rwanda; women cooks; bakeries

Soul of a Dog by Jon Katz, hardcover. Non-fiction; essays; farm life; dogs; New York

August 24, 2009 (next Monday)
Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo, hardcover. Fiction; historical suspense; Alex Cross; race relations; Southern states

Gidget moments '09

2009-08-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

The end is near. Sadly, the beach days of 2009 are dwindling. The days of sunshine and heat, that is. The beach is available year round, of course, but somehow being there with the crowds and sun and the noise and the trash and the endless search for parking . . . wait . . . uh, yeah . . . sometimes THAT part of the beach experience is NOT fun.

The trash. Ugh, it pains me to see when groups of people or kids leave loads of trash. Last time we were there, a day camp visited from L.A. A ton of kids went, and about 5 counselors were there to watch them. I caught on to their ~~carelessness~~ inexperience after a 4 year old came walking from down the coastline, amongst all the people, ALL BY HIMSELF. At the beach. Soaking wet, too, so yeah, he was in the water! I watched as he found his way back to their "camp" sat on his towel and no one cared. They didn't even know he was gone. From that moment on, Frank and I took turns watching out for "Orange Shorts" as we so lovingly named him.

Yet another ~~idiotic~~ strange thing I saw that day: A woman was there with the tiniest of umbrella and smallest of bag for snacks, with her baby. Her very WHITE and FAIR baby, so fair the baby's hair was even white. Guess what she did? She stripped the baby of all her protective clothing and let her sit on the towel, in the sun in only a diaper. That's it! Oh yeah, she put on sunblock, but HELLO? Sunblock does NOT protect a baby's sensitive skin, c'mon, you really don't believe that ONE layer of lotion is going to protect a baby THAT white? She MUST not know that damage to a childs' skin before the age of 7 is the MOST damaging exposure they will get in their life. It is the WORST set up for skin cancer in later life. I was just about to go explain this to her when another mom noticed the same thing. She went to her and said, "Would you like to share our shade?" BRAVO! That was good! Why didn't I think of that? Here I was thinking about all the damage that poor little girl would encounter in later years, that maybe the mom didn't know, that she would suffer cancer as she got older, and on and on. When all I had to do was offer them our umbrella!!! Wow, the things we learn from ~~eavesdropping~~ watching other people!

THEN the camp kids started packing up. And leaving trash. I just couldn't stop myself, I picked up their trash, too, and I wasn't too happy about it, let me tell you! I got tired of Frito bags getting blown into my face! I know I'm supposed to be all Gidgety and nice and sweet and stuff, but wait, Gidget was feisty! SOOO . . . I was about to go over and help the poor counselors assign trash duty and get the kids lined up . . . they were failing miserably. (The teacher in me was all ready to organize the departure.) But I didn't, because my kids were there. They are total Gidget moment killers. They get "embarrassed" whenever I talk to people I "don't even know." Imagine. And all I'm trying to do is educate people and make our world a little bit better!

Things to remember for your last Hoorah at the beach, '09:
Sunblock, sunglasses, umbrella, ice chest filled with water and good snacks, towels, flip flops (yes, people do try to walk all the way to the water from the parking lot without SHOES!).
For older children (pre-teen and up) BEFORE they leave your area, make them aware of their surroundings. Have them point to and identify the number of the nearest lifeguard tower, tell you the color of your umbrella, identify "neighbors" and so on. Set the limit for how deep the water can be on their bodies, waist is safest. My youngest is already 12 and these rules still apply (unless of course Dad is out there boogie boarding with him).

Last, relax, have fun, enjoy (as if!!!!).

Oh, almost forgot, I found another book for The Take A Chance Challenge! At the beach, I saw a woman reading Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (challenge #6:Public Spying. Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it). Yes! The first in the Southern Vampire Mystery series, I haven't read it yet so I can read it AND cross off another challenge! Yay for me! :)

Toodles,
BookLady

Writer's Workshop

2009-08-13T08:42:00.001-07:00

Today I am participating in Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. I grudgingly chose prompt #4:List ten things you would say to ten different people in your life...if you had the hutzpah.

First, I had to look up "hutzpah." It is Yiddish for "balls." Or some say, cajones, whatever, you get the picture. And I "grudgingly" chose it, because, well, the other prompts were a little to deep for me. Too much thinking. It's summertime . . . it's hot . . . coffee hasn't kicked in . . . you know what I mean. And, yes, I know, my blog is supposed to be about reading, so I've thrown in a few fictional characters to make it interesting.

1. Mark McGrath: Can I grab your be-hind? Oh, no wait, I already did -- without asking! Something about a tall, lead singer, white boy that I just CANNOT resist!
2. God: Why haven't I won the Lotto yet? (I'd probably get in BIG time trouble for that one!)

3. The family member that spread awful, hateful rumors about me: Why? Do you not have anything better to do with your time than ruin friendships? Are you happy now? (and the reason I don't say this is because I can't stand the mere sight of her. My "god moment" was when I got chills of danger once when she looked at me as if she was possessed; God was telling me -- Watch out! So glad I listened. From that moment on I believed in The Evil Eye! Whew, scary stuff.)
4. The boy I had a crush on in high school (okay, boys): What do you have to say, now? ;)

5. Rhett Butler: Can I be your baby-mamma? (I WILL not let him/her ride a pony)

6. Wannabe customers of my book exchange that think they should not have to pay because they are bringing in REALLY good books (which are REALLY old, falling apart and stinky): Do you even understand how a business works? It takes cash flow; what is so hard about understanding that??????
7. Bono: Will you write a song about me?

8. Gidget: Can I be the Latina version of you?

9. Pete Carroll: So, you wanna make my son a deal now, before all the scouts get sight of him?
10. Becky Bloomwood: PLEASE let me be your bestie! We can shop together, do lunch, laugh, go to shopaholic anonymous meetings together! It would be such fun!

Visit Mama Kat to read more Writer's Workshop prompts!
Toodles,
BookLady

Wordful Wednesday

2009-08-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is Scooter. I'm sure I've posted pictures of him before, but he's just so DARN CUTE that I can't help myself!

Yup, that's right, strike a pose!

Last night we were "reading" together (I was reading, he was sleeping) and Frank takes this picture of us. Notice my insanely cool OpenPage book cover. It conveniently holds the book/pages open while you read. I sell them at my book exchange and on my website, Terrace Books. Customers love, love, love them! ;)

Visit Seven Clown Circus for more wonderfully wordy Wednesday pictures!

Toodles,
BookLady

Manic Monday

2009-08-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Manic Monday is the list I compile of the interesting (to me) books ready for Tuesday release.

Tuesday, August 11,2009

Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett, paperback. Fiction, internet intrigue, blogs, teenage girls

South of Broad by Pat Conroy, hardcover. Fiction, friendships, South Carolina (author of Prince of Tides)

Smash Cut by Sandra Brown, hardcover. Fiction, legal mystery, suspense, Georgia

Blindman’s Bluff: A Decker and Lazarus Novel by Faye Kellerman, hardcover. Fiction, suspense, police spouses, LAPD, California

Atlantis Revelation: A Thriller by Thomas Greanias, hardcover. Fiction, archaeologists, conspiracies, Atlantis

Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay, hardcover. Fiction, fathers and daughters, missing persons, suspense

Know of any good reads that I've missed? Please comment about them! Also, tell us about your favorite independent bookstore!

Toodles,
BookLady

Snip It Saturday

2009-08-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday! Time for a little snip-it, or preview, of the current book I'm reading. Enjoy!

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo: A Novel by Stieg Larsson
Vintage Books, c2008 (translation copyright by Reg Keeland)
ISBN 978-0-307-45454-6

So it seems everyone (and their mother) has read this book but me. This Vintage Books paperback edition was just released and it is on the PB Bestseller list. It is a story of crime, suspense and family saga. Alot of family saga. In fact, TOO MUCH family saga for my taste. I am on page 265 and am just now getting "in" to it. I tried my darnedest (is that a word?) to understand the family lineage, really I tried. But I got tired of it and just ended up skimming the paragraphs (and sometimes pages) of who's who in the Vanger family. Boring. But don't worry, I will not suffer you the same fate! I chose a scene which contains the more interesting side plot which includes the girl with the dragon tattoo.

Her classmates thought she was crazy and treated her accordingly. She aroused very little sympathy among the teachers. She had never been particularly talkative, and she became known as the pupil who never raised her hand and often did not answer when a teacher asked her a direct question. No one was sure whether this was because she did not know the answer or if there was some other reason, which was reflected in her grades. No doubt that she had problems, but no one wanted to take responsibility for the difficult girl, even though she was frequently discussed at various teachers' meetings. That was why she ended up in the situation where the teachers ignored her and allowed her to sit in sullen silence.

She left middle school and moved to another, without a single friend to say goodbye to. An unloved girls with odd behaviour.

Then, as she was on the threshold of her teenage years, All The Evil happened, which she did not want to think about. The last outburst set the pattern that prompted a review of the casebook entries from elementary school. After that she was considered to be legally . . . well, crazy. A freak. (page 229-230)

Good stuff! Of course, I am dying to find out what All The Evil is! The novel takes place in Sweden (another reason I can't "love" it; places I am not familiar with). The other main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who is commissioned to solve a 30 year-old unsolved murder. Apparently, knowing the family lineage of the Vanger family is VERY important to the story. He has a year to live on the family owned island and solve the mystery. As a reader, the real mystery is how the two plots will intersect. So far, Mikael and Lisbeth (girl w/dragon tattoo) have only met once, briefly. What the heck is going on? I kinda don't care about the murder, I just want to know where the story is going. Maybe that's supposed to be the mystery!

Toodles,
BookLady

Grunion Run!

2009-08-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

What is a grunion, you ask? A grunion is a tiny, silver fish. Fish can run? Well, yes and no. They "run" along SoCal beaches at night during their spawning season. They come on shore, that is, and when you see it, it's amazing!

I was lucky enough (they are only on shore for 4 nights) to happen upon a grunion run during my senior year in high school. During Prom. With Frank. I know, you can stop gagging now, but really, we are NOT the perfect couple! ::wink:: The sight was fantastic (the picture I found makes them look like dead fish out of water, believe me, they are VERY alive)! It's as if the entire shore is moving. They seem to glow silver in the dark and they flap like crazy to get back into the water. Before that night, I had never heard of a grunion. I was so afraid to walk out there -- eww, what if it touched my foot? Frank, the gentleman that he is, coaxed me rather lovingly to just get a little closer (do you know where this is going?). "C'mon, you don't have to go any closer than you want to. That's, it, just a little closer. I -- I mean-- they won't bite." We did end up on the shore, but I dared not touch one! People were actually trying to catch them with their hands! Apparently, that's how you fish for them.

Anyway, yes, we did end up having a romantic, moonlit kiss on the beach that night. Since The Kiss happened during the grunion run, I have to believe that our lives were destined to mesh into a series of "luck" and "love" that continues to this day. Maybe I will try to convince Frank to go out tonight. And just maybe, I'll get LUCKY and see the grunions again. Wonder if it will be the same after 22 years? I'd love to find out (hu-muna, hu-muna!).

Check out Beach California to read more about the Grunion Run. There is also a list of the beaches and times that the grunion are expected to be seen.

Toodles,
BookLady

My Favorite Reads

2009-08-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Time Was Soft There: A Memoir, A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare & Co.
By Jeremy Mercer
Publisher: Picador, St. Martin's Press, New York
c2005
ISBN 0-312-34740-5

From Publishers Weekly
Mercer explains his memoir's title this way: "Hard time goes slowly and painfully and leaves a man bitter.... Time at Shakespeare and Company was as soft as anything I'd ever felt." His graceful narrative follows struggling writers as they live on potato soup and dreams at Paris's famous expatriate bookshop. Mercer, a former Ottowa Citizen crime reporter, finds himself at Shakespeare one gloomy Parisian day in 1999, in his late 20s, with not much money and no plans for the future, trying to evade some angry newspaper sources back home. With little fanfare, he is taken into the store by its owner, George Whitman, a kindly yet scatterbrained man, who explains, "I run a socialist utopia that masquerades as a bookstore." Mercer begins working as an eager unpaid employee, running errands, acting as a referee between the writers who hang out there and ringing up sales (it's no B&N superstore: when Mercer asks where the credit card machine is, he's told, "Dude, Shakespeare and Company doesn't even have a telephone. Of course we don't take credit cards"). Mercer portrays the assorted characters and their adventures with an eye for detail and a wry sense of humor. Francophile book lovers will enjoy his finely crafted memoir.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

When I read it:
We took a road trip up to Sacramento to visit friends on New Years in 2007. Of course, we passed through San Francisco! I do not travel much, but when I do, I MUST visit an independent bookstore. My goal for that trip was The City Lights Bookstore, for it's history and just plain "coolness!" I found this book there and was on a fixation of the Shakekespeare & Co. bookshop in Paris at the time.

Why I chose it:
. . . Because of my fixation on the Shakespeare & Co. bookshop in Paris! I also read Shakespeare & Company by Sylvia Beach (the original owner of the bookshop) and when I get my mind on something, I go all the way (meaning, I want to visit it someday, too!). Mercer's memoir is about his time there and his relationship with the current owner, George Whitman. Shakespeare & Co. is a haven for writers. They are/were allowed to live IN the bookstore! Mercer enters into the bookstore's world with high hopes of writing a "brilliant novel at the bookstore" and be considered an "acclaimed genious." What transpires is a personal story of hope, maturity, and "life imitating art." The book has been acclaimed as a living biography of George Whitman, a very good one!

Visit At Home with Books to read more Favorite Reads.

Wordful Wednesday

2009-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

FOOTBALL BEGINS

My son plays football (he is visible in the 2nd pic, white t-shirt and red shorts). It is a grueling sport for a kid, he has played since he was seven years old. He loves it. Official practice began Monday night, the famed "hell week" is going on now. They run, run, and run some more. Next week they get their pads, then they will hit, hit, and hit some more!

Visit SevEn cLoWn CirCuS: Wordful Wednesday-Animal Incidents to see Angie's pictures and view more participants in Wordful Wednesday! :)

Manic Monday

2009-08-03T08:01:00.001-07:00

Good morning, fellow book and beach lovers! Welcome to Manic Monday where I list some of the books that will be released Tuesday. I call it Manic, because the amount of books released each week is absolutely CRAZY insane! It takes me AGES ::wink:: to browse through the lists and lists of titles, then decide which to include here!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Eclipse (The Twilight Series) by Stephenie Meyer (paperback) vampire, romance, PAPERBACK!!!

Bad Moon Rising: A Dark Hunter Novel by Sherrilyn Kenyon (hardcover) paranormal; vampire/werewolf; gothic romance

The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice (hardcover) women's fiction; family issues; summer stories

I Can See You by Karen Rose (hardcover) romantic suspense; computer/online murder mystery

The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom (hardcover) debut author; ghosts; haunted house

Alibi by Teri Woods (hardcover) thriller; crime novel

The Last Ember by Daniel Levin (hardcover) legal suspense; religious/archaeological thriller (said to be comparable to DaVinci code!)

Of Bees and Mist: A Novel by Eric Setiawan (hardcover) debut author; mysticism; mystery; supernatural

Non-Fiction of Interest
A Long Bright Future: The Very Good News About Living Longer by Laura L. Carstensen, Ph.D (hardcover) longevity; financial security; healthy aging

Of course, these are not all books released, if you know any of interest that I missed, please comment about them here!

Toodles,
BookLady

P.S. April Showers is having a totally groovy blog design giveaway!
Check it out, pretty please! ::bats eyelashes::

Sundays in My City

2009-08-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sundays in My City! Unknown Mami has devoted her Sunday postings to wonderful pictures of her city. Today, she invites us all to join in. Visit her to add your link or just to see how other bloggers spend their Sundays!

In my small city, we are lucky enough to have a labyrinth. It is a quiet, spiritual place to walk, meditate, and pray. The above photo is the entrance. The photo below is the angel statue which is a reminder of the sacredness (of quiet, peace, and no talking "policy").

The next photo is of the center of the maze. Here, one can sit and rest while praying or meditating before re-entering the maze to follow the way back out.

I enjoyed my walk to the labyrinth today. I felt calm and refreshed afterwards. (I spent about 15 minutes in the center of the maze, desperately trying to quiet my mind!) I have lived here for 20 years and love to share my favorite places with people. Our city is only 3.5 square miles, but it is full of wonderful surprises. Join me (and Mami!) every Sunday as I share these treasures with you!

Writer's Workshop

2009-07-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'm back! Sorry I did not post any pictures yesterday for WW, but for some reason I cannot load them up to blogger. Maybe they are too big? I don't know how to make them smaller . . . and they were really cool pictures of us at the lake! :(

Anyhoo, I'm writing with Mama Kat again and I've chosen this prompt:
5.)List your 7 most favorite summer items!
However, I'm going to change it up a bit and tell you about my 7 most favorite summer books (books I've read more than once).

1.) Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
This book is hilarious! Becky Bloomwood will do anything to shop -- kinda like me when I am working full time! She gets herself into some pretty sticky situations. Required reading for all shoppers and the others in the series are just as good. Kinsella recently put out a new book, Twenties Girl. It's on my shelf, can't wait for it!

2.) The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Oh . . . good, good, good! It is a short (174 pages) book that reads like a parable. Santiago is traveling to Egypt to find his "treasure." He learns many things along the way but the most important lesson comes at the end. Coehlo is a master storyteller. You WILL learn something about yourself after reading this!

3.) Rain of Gold by Victor Villasenor
Okay, this book might take the entire summer to finish, but even if it's the ONLY book you read this summer, please do! It is the love story of a Mexican man and woman who flee to the U.S. during the Mexican Revolution. Read this for the history, the setting (SoCal!) and the romance!

4.) Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Okay, so I'm a sucker for the everlasting love saga! I do love the history . . . you all know it's about the Civil War, right? LOL! I think I like this book so much because SOMETIMES I act like Scarlet. Not the strong, get-off-my-land-you-Bastard Scarlet, but the spoiled, bratty, who-will-I-let-get-me-my-barbecue Scarlet! ;)

5.) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Ah, yet another love story! But notice that the love stories I'm choosing are not the cheezy, sex-filled novels with no substance! These books are actual literary masterpieces! Everytime I read this, I STILL want to bonk Heathcliff on the head and say, "Hello! Can you give a girl a little help here?!"

6.) Betty Crocker's Cookbook
Yes, I read cookbooks! Whenever I visit the library, I check out at LEAST three. I have one beside my bed right now, as a matter of fact. I just made the Garza household's favorite recipe from good 'ol Betty last night, Macaroni and Cheese! MMMMMMMMMM!

7.) The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Summertime is my time to get back to writing. Something about the hot, lazy, dog-laying-beside-me kind of days that inspire me. This book is sort of the bible for writers. I've never really followed all the advice to a tee, since I feel kinda funny taking "my artist" on a date (a.k.a Me) but I do try and get back into the habit of morning pages every summer. The subtitle is A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity and the book is full of exercises that should keep away writer's block.

So, there you have it! My favorite summer books! Don't forget to head on over to Mama's Losin' It and find more workshop participants!

Toodles,
BookLady

Writer's Workshop

2009-07-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today is Thursday, Writer's Workshop day! Mama Kat chooses the prompts, we answer them! I want to complete #5 today . . . seems easy and fun.
5.) What are three things we would love to know about you

My answers will be more than I hope you have already figured out by reading my blog. First -- good gossip here -- Frank and I had our first baby when we were 19 years old, married at 20. Yes, we were young, yes, our baby was at our wedding! And the BEST part? We are still together! (bet you didn't see that one coming!)

Second, I like to drink -- no, that's NOT why I got prego at 19! Sheeps! When I was teaching full-time, I'd drink every single weekend. I KNOOOW! Bad, bad, bad . . . . the good thing is, I don't do that anymore. Teach. (LOL!)

Last, my house is super tiny. And kinda messy. My room is the catch-all in the house. I even took pictures of the mess to send to the guy on Oprah who fixes up everything all nice and stuff -- Peter Walsh. Maybe I'll get brave enough one day and post them for Wordful Wednesday, of course, right after I have me a few Jack & Cokes!

Have a super day and visit Mama Kat for more writing prompts. Do it, it's fun! :)

Wordful Wednesday

2009-07-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

My All-Star, again!

As you know, I am so proud of my boy. And I LOVE watching him play baseball! In this photo the team is praying before a big game. Frankie got to say the prayer, he is to the way left of the photo.

As for the game, well, they lost. Our baseball season is officially over ::sniffle:: Yes, I did shed a few lonely tears as the last out was made, not because our boys lost, but because another season is over. I look at his teammates and silently pray for each and every one of them, that God keeps them safe from harm and that they all grow up to be loving, responsible men. Being a Team Mom allows me to have a special bond with the boys, I'm at every practice and sometimes I feel like I'm a mom to the whole team! :) I miss them already and can't wait for next season!

Visit Angie's Seven Clown Circus to see more Wordful Wednesday participants!

I'm Taking my first Reading Challenge!

2009-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

First, I need to post the answers to the Truth or Lie? quiz that I took with the Unknowm Mami -- fun stuff! Three of the following are true, one is a lie. Keep reading and the lie is revealed at the end of the post!

1. I grabbed Mark McGrath's(Sugar Ray) ass.
2. Ralph Tresvant (New Edition) told me he loved me.
3. I partied with Madonna (yes, Madonna).
4. I was a regular on Wed. nights at the local gay bar.

Second, I entered my first ever reading challenge! It's called The Take A Chance Challenge and it's also Jenners' first time making one at Find Your Next Book Here. Since I'm kinda in a hurry (finally, beach!!!) I'm only copying and pasting the guidelines today . . . um, yeah . . . I DID have some of the books chosen already and written down . . . somewhere . . . I'm SURE the list will show up soon! Anway, here are the specifics of the Challenge. Please visit Find Your Next Book Here and check out the guidelines, sign up, and you may even win the $25 in books from (ugh)Amazon :::forces smile:::.

Random Book Selection. Go to the library. Position yourself in a section such as Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, Children (whatever section you want). Then write down random directions for yourself (for example, third row, second shelf, fifth book from right). Follow your directions and see what book you find. Check that book out of the library, read it and then write about it. (If you prefer, you can do the same at a bookstore and buy the book!)

Random Word. Go to a random word generator (link is there) and generate a random word. Find a book with this word in the title. Read the book and write about it.

Birth Year Book. Find a book that was published or copyrighted in the year of your birth. Read the book and write about it.

Judge A Book By Its Cover. Pick out a book based SOLELY on the cover. First, write about what you expect the book to be about based on the cover art. Then read the book and write about how the book was different from and/or similar to what the cover art led you to expect.

Phoning An Author. Pick a random last name out of the phone book. Find an author with the same last name and read a book by them. Write about it. (I'm flexible ... if the first random name you pick is Xprxyrsss, you can pick again!)

Public Spying. Find someone who is reading a book in public. Find out what book they are reading and then read the same book. Write about it.

Random Bestseller. Go to Random.org and, using the True Random Number Generator, enter the number 1950 for the min. and 2008 for the max. and then hit generate. Then go to this site and find the year that Random.org generated for you and click on it. Then find the bestseller list for the week that would contain your birthday for that year. Choose one of the bestsellers from the list that comes up, read it and write about it.

Lit Riff (inspired by the book Lit Riffs by Matthew Miele.) Choose a song and then write a brief story that is inspired by or further explains the lyrics of the song.

Poetic Review. Write a book review in three different forms of verse: haiku, limerick and free verse. (You can pick any book you want to write about.)

Movie/Book Comparison. Find a book that you haven't read that has a movie based on it that you haven't seen. Read the book and watch the movie within a few days of each other. Write about your reactions to both the book and the movie and compare the two.

I have already begun the last one, I'm reading Julie & Julia by Julie Powell. The movie is coming out soon, can't wait to see it! Happy Reading!

answers to Truth or Lie?
The lie? #3, I've never partied with Madonna . . . in real life. Curious about the Truths? Well, I did have a chance to give Mark a nice Wink-Wink at a concert, he nearly fell of the wall he was standing on! At my first concert I was sitting in the 3rd row singing, dancing, and screaming for New Edition. As Ralph began to sing "Lost in Love" I screamed out, "I LOVE YOU RALPH!" He smiled, and looked right at me (I SWEAR!) and said, "I love you, too." And, yes to #4, I went for 80's night and cheap beer, really!

Manic Monday

2009-07-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some new releases for Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Happy Reading!

Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner (hardcover) chick-lit; small town secrets; Illinois (sounds like Weiner adds some drama to this one!)

Last Light over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe (hardcover) women's fiction; South Carolina; shrimping industry; marital relationships

Sweet Mary by Liz Balmaseda (hardcover) romantic suspense; Miami; drug cartel

Non-Fiction of Interest
Tattoo Machine by Jeff Johnson (hardcover) memoir; Portland; tattoo-shops (not for the light hearted!)

Why She Buys: The New Strategy for Reaching the World’s Most Powerful Consumers by Bridge Brennan (hardcover) business; marketing to women (probably not good for the beach! Leave work at home, but seemed note-worthy for mom-preneurs)

The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich (hardcover) social networking; pop culture (oooo! Can't wait to read this! From the back cover: The great irony is that while Facebook succeeded by bringing people together, its very success tore two best friends apart.)

Happy Birthday, Frank!

2009-07-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

On this day, 40 years ago, my husband Frank was born. For a glorious 17 days he is "older" than me! Because is Frank is a factual kind of guy, I'm going to share a few that I know about him.

Fact: I have lived with him LONGER than anyone else on this earth.
I met Frank when I was 17 years old. And let me tell you, I was smitten from the get go! He had this confidence about him that totally hooked me--totally. He has great genes (thanks, Mom & Pop!) and is very youthful looking. I remember when I was first introduced to him, I kept thinking, PLEASE let him be my age! Turns out, he is exactly 17 days older than me. Lucky me!

Fact: Frank's loyalty factor is outta this world.
In our years together, friends have come and gone--acquaintances, really. But one thing that is true of the friends that have remained is their loyalty for each other and dedication to their friendship. Frank will do whatever his buddies ask. With no brothers to call his own, Frank has made these men his brothers: Joe, Cisco, Chris, Brett, Paul G., Paul B., Randy, and Aurelio. You all hold a special place in my husband's life ....Thank you.

Fact: His kids are his life.
People that know us think that I am Frank's reason for living (okay, you got me, I made that up!). Frank wakes up at 4:15 am to begin his day. He reports to work at 6, where he is in charge of running a multi-million dollar wastewater facility, on-call, 24-7. He does not get paid overtime (very sore point with me, can you tell?). He is "at work" for 10 hours, Tues - Fri. He gets home after 5 and rushes off to whichever practice he needs to be at, whether it be baseball, basketball, softball, and soon football (soccer, too, when Frankie was too young to play football -- he tries to suppress the soccer memories, LOL!). Frank has been coaching for 13 years, NON-STOP. He knows that very soon, our kids will have lives of their own -- as they should -- and time passes way to quickly. He's doing his time now, and I can honestly say, he enjoys it! (but don't tell the kids that, they think he is the "mean" coach!)

Fact: He puts up with way too much of my b.s.!
Okay, I'm a little spoiled, so sue me! Seriously, I DO NOT know what I have done to make this man love me so deeply, honestly, and fully. I question every day how in the heck I got so lucky. Sure, we basically grew up together, we are best friends, we know the most intimate details of each other -- but still -- I wonder. It's as if he's wearing permanent rose-colored glasses! Yes, he treats me like a Queen, and sometimes I am overwhelmed, but I accept his love and pray that I don't screw up -- again.

Fact: I love him.
No words can describe my feelings for my husband. No person knows the roads we have traveled, the obstacles we've overcome or the tragedies we've endured. I can honestly say that having him by my side has helped ME reach (almost) 40 myself. I look forward to our next birthday month and the countless days of love, laughter, and friendship that will surely come our way.

I love you, Frank Jude Garza. Happy Birthday!!!
"Darla" XOXOXOXO

Beachy Stuff

2009-07-10T08:31:00.001-07:00

I love Martha Stewart. In another world, at another time, in another place . . . I could be her! Last year I was on a roll, making aprons left and right, homemade fudge packed in ribbon laced mason jars, the BEST macaroni and cheese you've ever had -- Frank began calling me "Martha Garza." Sure, she's a little over the top sometimes, like, where do I go to get duck breast? I can bet they do NOT have it at my Stater Bros! I can also bet my kids wouldn't eat it! (don't think I would either, come to think of it . . . )

Anyhoo, sometimes I just love to go over to her website and browse around. Recently, I found some easy handbag designs. However, after reading comments submitted, I have been "scured" to try any designs (fabric cost $$$, ya know!). Have you noticed how limited and short each direction is? I need pictures! Even here on the web, why can't Martha's staff put some photos in with the directions? I regularly visit some crafty bloggers and let me tell you, their tutorials are WAY easier to follow than some of Martha's stuff! I just have to share this design from Made by Rae for a Buttercup Bag (link is on the left side of her blog). It is the cutest thing ever! Still a novice, I'd need to take a class (LOL!) to sharpen up my skills.

If I make the Buttercup Handbag, I would take it with me to a beach side hangout like Mutt Lynch's. Or, I'd bring it along when we make our summer shopping trip to Jack's surf shop. How cute would it look with matching flip-flops? It does seem too small to carry even a small paperback, so it would definitely be a shopping trip only kind of bag. It looks just the right size for a wallet, cell phone, car keys, lip gloss and small notepad with pen -- shopping trip essentials! The BEST thing is, that other crafters have purchased Made by Rae's design and are selling them on Etsy! That means I don't even have to make it myself! Woo-hoo!

Well, enough of that. It's Friday, I need to clean up the house, do laundry (another big game tonight -- we lost yesterday --), pay bills (UGH!), run to the market that does not sell duck breast, and then maybe finish reading Debbie Macomber's Summer on Blossom Street (just can't get into it, sad 'cuz I usually love Debbie).

Toodles,
Book Lady

Writer's Workshop--I survived!

2009-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have chosen to write about Mama Kat's prompt #3: Describe a difficult moment that you survived.

On 4-1-01 I survived a major car accident. While in Las Vegas with friends, a woman ran a red light and broadsided us. I was sitting in the "way back" of our Expedition -- with no seat belt (another story). Upon impact, I was thrown into the side window, breaking it with my then-135lb-body and was partially ejected from the vehicle. I suffered a broken clavicle, partially collapsed lung, too many broken ribs to see or count, and numerous "minor" bumps and bruises. That night in the hospital, my husband picked red paint chips (from the other vehicle) out of my hair. Over the next few days, he used a borrowed set of tweezers to pull glass out of my back. I stayed in that shitty (another story!) hospital for 5 days. But, I survived.

The physical part was actually the "easiest" thing to overcome. At first, I was determined to get better FAST. I guess someone forgot to tell my body what my plan was! As my entire track-off time came and went and everyone else settled back into their own daily routines I was spending countless hours on my couch, staring at the tv and zoned out on medication. I began to feel the sadness overwhelming me. I felt like a freaking nuisance to my own family. I learned to not ask for things and Frank decided that he should make up my lunch every morning, wrap it in Saran wrap and leave it in the fridge. Eventually, I stopped eating even that. I had no appetite -- for living much less eating.

Then one day, it all changed. Frank came home and sat next to me on the couch. "How are you doing today?" his usual question. "The same," I mumbled. I had become accustomed to automatic responses and no eye contact, I didn't notice that he was holding one arm behind his back. In a second he whipped out his arm, opened up his hand, and right there in his palm sat the tiniest, cutest, most adorable puppy I had ever seen in my life! My eyes instantly came back to life and I rushed to take the little guy into my arms. I immediately snuggled him into my neck and began to cry. A puppy! For me! We fell in love instantly.

I named him Scooter and he became my motivation to get better and get my life back. I had to feed him, bathe him, potty train him and entertain him all day. Sure, we slept alot (side note to Steph: Ohmygod! Frank, he won't wake up! Is he breathing? Ohmygod! Do something! LOL) but having my own little "charge" jump started my recovery.

Scooter is 8 years old now and he's still my best little buddy. I'm still caring for him (right now we are battling his first ever encounter with FLEAS!!) and he's still protecting me (and sleeping). Sure, he's a funny and neurotic kind of guy, but look who his mama is! A lot changed in my life in the years following the accident, more heartache, stress, and tragedy (I ended up losing my teaching position and Darlene was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes). And on particularly rough days, I always had Scooter to come home to. He knows when I need a snuggle (even at 6lbs he still lies across my neck!) or when to distract me with his attention seeking behavior -- hey! look at me! I'm the one with FLEAS! Can you pay attention, puhleeze! Where would I be without him??? Love you, little guy!

Wordful Wednesday

2009-07-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

My All-Star

In the first picture Frankie is putting up the tent for the all night "practice." (I KNOW!) The second picture shows me and Frankie after their first win last night (woo-hoo!). The last picture is of Frank and Frankie, coach and player together after a big win! Thanks to all the fans who came out to support us in our first tournament game. Our stands were overflowing with parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, and friends. (BTW, have I mentioned that I just LOVE baseball?) :D

Beach Dreamin'

2009-07-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

It hasn't worked so far. I thought that having a blog about beach reading would mean lots of visits to the beach. To read. Not so. My son's athletic "career" is kinda taking all of our spare time at the moment. And I am NOT complaining. Watching my son on the field is my absolute favorite thing!

Baseball is still going on for us. He made the All-Star team (playing with Saundra's son, you know, The Italian Mamma!) and they have practice every day. Which is okay, they are dedicated boys and they really want to win at least one tournament! Frankie is basically an all around player. He prefers pitching or catching because he gets to have the ball on every play. Of course, he will gladly play wherever the coach puts him. That's one thing about my son that impresses every coach he plays for, he will do as asked, no questions asked. They always remark on how "coachable" he is, what a leader he can be and how passionate he is for the game. Although he will only be in 8th grade, he still agonizes over which sport he "likes" better, baseball or football. He cracks me up because he thinks he has to choose! My husband and I keep telling him, "You can play both!" When baseball is in season, that's his favorite! When football is in season, then that's his favorite! LOL!

Which brings me to football. Any moms have sons who play? EEEEK! Only last season I learned to stop holding my breath during every play. AND, I just found out one of the coaches asked him to play "up" in the Pee-Wee division. I was happy with him losing 3 pounds to stay down in the younger division, but no, my husband (and son) both want to move up. Great. In case you didn't know, Frankie is the center. However, he is NOT built like a center! He is fast and smart with the ball, that's why he plays the position. I am starting to get a leeetle bit nervous about this football season . . . I told him he better start working out and build up some MAJOR muscle. He just says, "I know mom, I know. I'll be fine." Ha!

Anyhoo, that's the basis of our family life right now. Baseball. Honestly, I'm enjoying every minute of it! :)

Little League Pledge
I trust in God
I love my country
And will respect its laws
I will play fair
And strive to win
But win or lose
I will always
Do my best.

Manic Monday

2009-07-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

July 7, 2009 Release Date
Here are some interesting beach reads for July 7, 2009 release date. Purchase them at your nearest independent bookstore, please!

Black Hills by Nora Roberts (hardcover)

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (paperback)

Burn: A Novel by Linda Howard (hardcover)

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells (hardcover)

Hope in a Jar by Beth Harbison (hardcover)

Pop Tart by Kira Coplin and Julianne Kaye (paperback)

The Husband Habit by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez (hardcover)

What She Wants by Cathy Kelly (paperback/reprint)

Happy Reading!

Snip It Saturday

2009-07-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

chasing harry winston
by Lauren Weisberger
Downtown Press
c2008 by Lauren Weisberger

Let me confess now. I did not know who Harry Winston was. While reading the book, I kept thinking, when in the heck are they going to talk about Harry Winston? One character casually referenced his name on page 55, Adrianna remarks, "Laugh if you must ... [b]ut there's nothing funny about a five-plus-carat round stone in a micropave setting from Harry Winston. Nothing at all." So, I'm thinking a guy named Harry Winston is going to give her a diamond ring, right? Nooooo, she means ANY guy (rich guy) is going to give her an engagement ring that he buys FROM Harry Winston. The jeweller. The most famous independent jeweller, ever. See how naive, innocent and poor I am?

Now that we have that out of the way . . . the book is about three best friends' quest to find love. They make very specific resolutions. Adrianna will become monogamous and engaged within the year. Emmy will become less inhibited and sleep with random men in foreign countries. And Leigh will . . . well, we really don't know what Leigh's game plan is, her life is perfect! She does have one teensy, tiny problem though. She is as neurotic as all get out! This character was the absolute reason I finished the book in a day and a half. She is hilarious! In this scene, Leigh has had her No Contact Monday invaded by her friends with an emergency; one of them just got dumped. Leigh was lounging in a sweat suit, watching TiVo'd Project Runway when the doorbell rings and in an instant her No Contact Monday is no more. After hearing about the disastrous scenario where her friend gets dumped, Adrianna turns to her as poses the following question:

"Leigh, querida, it's seventy-five degrees outside. Why are you dressed for the middle of winter?"
Leigh looked at her thick fleece pants and matching sweatshirt and shrugged.
"Do you not feel well? Are you cold."
"I don't know; it was just what was laying around. What does it matter?"
"It's not that it matters, it's just strange that someone so, how should I say it, temperature aware isn't positively melting right now."
Leigh wasn't about to admit that she was actually warm -- too warm -- but that there were extenuating circumstances. Adrianna might have asked, but she definitely didn't want to hear that Leigh swathed herself in clothing because she hated when the backs of her arms or thighs stuck to the leather couch. That of course she'd prefer to sit around in a pair of boxers and a tank top, but the skin-on-leather stickiness -- not to mention the annoying ripping noises every time she shifted position -- made this impossible. Leigh knew they would think her crazy if she explained that she'd actually already worn all of her lightweight, full-length pajama pants (and even all of her yoga pants) and that because she preferred to wear them without underwear, they were really only single-use pants and ended up int the wash pretty quickly. So she was really wearing the fleece sweat suit only because it was the single clean option in her closet that was capable of protecting her from the dreaded leather couch, which both her mother and Emmy had insisted would be the right choice even though Leigh had really wanted the modern fabric one that wouldn't have felt like sitting in a vat of rubber cement all the time. Not to even mention that fact that in a few short months (six) it would be winter, and she'd still have to dress like an Eskimo because regardless of how toasty warm she kept the apartment, the couch would feel like ice against her bare skin instead of snuggly and soft like the MicroSuede one everyone else had vetoed. No, it would be better to just leave well enough alone.

Poor Leigh! Throughout the whole novel she attempts to just "leave well enough alone" and ends up nervous, anxious and on the verge of a full blown panic attack! Sorry if you find it odd that I consider this hilarious! I just do. :)

I would recommend this book to women who: find humor in neurosis; are not easily offended by the f-word (does not happen too often, but it's there); can handle one of the characters decision to "whore around"; like stories about the "fear" of turning thirty and still being single (gasp!). Happy Reading!

Toodles,
BookLady

Beach Fashion

2009-07-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

We all need eye protection when at the beach. Living in Southern California means you need sunglasses all the time! (See, there is a reason we wear sunglasses all the time, not because we are snobby!) People with sensitive eyes should always wear eye protection around here. I am in desperate need of a new pair, seeing as I LOST mine about a month ago. I had the cutest pair of Versace! I'm still hoping they are not lost, but only "misplaced" -- as in, I just haven't found the place they are hiding from me! Maybe in one of my countless purses or bags? Anyhoo, while browsing for a new pair, I found this closeout online store -- HiSunglasses-- that specializes in name brand sunglasses. The pair I picked out are the Diesel brand you see pictured here. No, I haven't bought them yet . . . I just like looking at them.

Which brings back memories of catalog-wish-list-making when I was a kid. Apparently, I never grew out of it because I still do it today -- only with online shopping and new magazines. Whenever I browse my House Beautiful magazine, I "pretend" that I get to choose ONE thing on the page, what will it be? (BTW, my cousins and I invented this game years ago when the new JC Penney catalog came in the mail! And God forbid if we chose the same item! A serious argument would develop, "I saw it first!")

Love to make your own wish lists -- material things or life wishes? Then you MUST read Debbie Macomber's Twenty Wishes. It's the fourth in the Shop on Blossom Street series. I have book five, Summer on Blossom Street on my waiting to read shelf. Happy Reading, toodles!

Writer's Workshop

2009-07-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. Every week she gives us different prompts to jump start are creative-selves. Visit her to find more lovely ladies joining in!

This week I chose prompt #3: I'll be happy when __________.

I actually have been thinking hard on this one and even began the draft yesterday. Here's a glimpse of my neurotic self talking in my head:

Okay, if I fill in the blank I am essentially admitting that I am NOT happy. But, I AM happy. But, I guess some things in my life would make me happier . . . kind of like an instant gratification-happy, not the long-term happy that I feel "almost" daily. Uh-oh, I just put almost in quotes, I've admitted to not being happy!!!.

So, yeah, see why this is difficult for me? Anyway, it brought me to my answer, I will be happy when I can write book reviews without beating myself up. I have been invited on several occasions to write reviews for our little weekly newspaper here in town, but I can't do it! I read reviews from the New York Times and The Los Angeles Times, and think, "Wow. That's a review." (Yes, I actually compared our small-town paper to the New York Times!!LOL!!) So what if they are actual writers getting PAID to do it, I should be able to sound like I know what I'm talking about, right? (And, I compared myself to a reviewer from the New York Times! LMAO!!!)

I feel like I need a class on how to write good book reviews. Taking a "class" is my answer to everything, in case you didn't know. For goodness sake, I've taken enough of them just to become a Highly Qualified Teacher for the State of California. I know there MUST be a book on how to write the most awesome, readable, enjoyable, error-free book review. Believe me, there's a book about everything! Ask my daughter, she worked at the USC depository shelving tons of obscure stuff -- hey mom, have you ever read Lewis Clark's Field Guide to Wildflowers of Field and Slope in the Pacific Northwest?

Obviously, it's time I pay our fabulous librarian, Erin, a visit -- BTW, half off your fine debt the entire month of July! But, ah, I digress. Anyhoo, that's all I have to say about that. I'll be happy when I can stop being my own worst critic.

Wordful Wednesday

2009-07-01T06:56:00.001-07:00

A New Baby!!!
Olivia Rose was born on Monday, June 29, 2009. In the first picture you see she is being held by long-time friend, Sally. The second photo shows Tina and Olivia. In the third picture you see my oldest daughter, Darlene, admiring the newborn. We are so excited to welcome Olivia Rose into our family of friends. We have been best friends with parents, Joe and Velma, for many, many years. Congratulations to the new parents and may God bring you many blessings with your brand new, beautiful baby girl, we love you!!!

Snip It Saturday

2009-06-27T07:43:00.000-07:00

Skinny Bitch
by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Okay, this book really freaked me out! With a title like, Skinny Bitch, you'd think it was a diet book, right? Wrong! It is a commentary on meat-eating America. The authors are both former models and Kim Barnouin holds a MS in Holistic Nutrition. I can tell they worked tirelessly on gathering the information and boy, did they do their research!

Before my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I did not eat red meat. I was healthy back then. I don't want to give the impression that I was healthier because I didn't eat red meat, since I also exercised daily -- which I believe is the BEST preventative medicine around. I didn't eat red meat because:

1. I thought it contained too much cholesterol and fat.
2. I truly felt bad about the way animals were raised just to be slaughtered for my eating pleasure.

So, yeah, I did feel pretty emotional about it. Maybe that's why I should not have read this book! There are some really graphic scenes from slaughterhouses and excerpts from another book which contains interviews with slaughterhouse workers. AAKKK! I'm feeling nauseous just thinking about it again . . . . excuse me please . . . ~~deep breath~~

Okay, the snip it I've chosen from this book will not be graphic, but it is eye opening. I'm asking you all to have an open mind about this, because, uh, yeah, there are some pretty "out there" claims you're about to read!

So now you are officially vegan, a person who doesn't eat any animal products. No meat, chicken, pork, fish, eggs, milk, cheese or butter. Feel great about it. Yes, it is challenging to avoid these foods, but you will reap the karmic rewards of being vegan (like being skinny). For starters, you're sparing the lives of at least ninety animals a year. And every environmentalist knows that factory farming is completely destroying the environment. As ridiculous as it sounds, the methane resulting from the burps and farts of 10 billion animals a year is directly responsible for global warning. The urine and feces are polluting and contaminating soil and water all over the country. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they are the largest polluters of U.S. waterways. Moreover, the amount of land, food, water, and energy used to raise 10 billion animals a year for slaughter could be used to grow food for all the starving people in the world. That's right -- you being vegan is actually a step toward ending world hunger. Now that's some serious skinny karma.

Told 'ya! The authors do include 9 pages of end notes, citing their work. And I do know that land in which dairy farms have used is contaminated for years, but really? Global warming? I'm finding that one a little bit hard to swallow. . . This information is cited with "Factory Farming: Environmental Consequences," from animalalliance.ca. I don't want to get into my take on global warning, but I have to say there are other ways to get people to stop eating red meat. Dr. Oz is a great veggie advocate. He is a well respected, widely known (Oprah!) presence who educates us on the ills of eating meat. He doesn't treat us like morons, he doesn't use scare tactics (okay, maybe when he brings out the diseased body organs he's trying to scare us!) and we find it easy to believe him. He is a cardiac surgeon after all!

In all, I'd have to warn readers to be wary of the chick-lit disguise of the premise of the book. The book's tone and style is meant to reach young, hip women, but in a way that is kind of negative. If you can handle being called a bitch, moron, fat ass, etc, then you can read this book. Believe me, it is NOT for the easily offended! If you're asking for my recommendation of the book, I'd have to say not to spend your money. Check it out from your local library. Also, it seems there are a few other books in the "series" and maybe those have a little more to do with getting skinny?

Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin
Running Press
c2005 by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin

Beach Fashion

2009-06-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, we all know I love bags, purses, totes, etc. Any accessory I can throw over my shoulder and have a little fun with, I love. My house is full of bags -- one of my favorites is titled Book Woman. What is a bag worth if you can't fit a book in it anyway? Sheeps!

I'm not much for the designer label (Ha! Gotcha!) but of course if I can afford it, I buy it. Back in our double income days, I used to buy purses and bags without a second thought. Now, I must be choosy and decide if it is "worthy." One designer I LOVE is Vera Bradley. I do have the large tic-tac tote in the Daisy Daisy pattern, and let me tell you, it's great for the beach, lake or park. It's roomy enough for all your outdoor needs: book, sunblock, visor, glasses, and even a small towel. There are little pockets inside to keep your cell phone, keys and lip balm safe. Here is a picture of the Hope Garden collection, too cute -- but not outrageously expensive at $69. And if you are really into matching (ahem!) you can add some matching beach accessories to your shopping cart: flip-flops, visor, wristlet, towel, to name a few. Imagine that with a red swimsuit, oh-la-la! The best thing about Vera's bags? They are washable. That's right, throw them in the washer, air dry, and viola! Clean, pretty and new again! Vera retires their fabric collections every so often, and there is a sale going on now at VeraBradley.com. Happy Reading!

Writer's Workshop

2009-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

From Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop prompt #2: How do you stave off boredom?

How do I stave off boredom? Honey, I live for boredom! Boredom means an empty mind, an empty conscious and an empty day planner. But, really, I cannot remember the last time I was bored. Wikipedia claims,"[b]oredom is an emotional state experienced during periods lacking activity or when individuals are uninterested in the activities presented to them." I guess I have the kind of mind that is never bored, I love to learn new things, I am curious beyond belief and will ask a million questions. I simply don't get bored. No, wait, I do. When I'm standing in line or on a long road trip. In that road trip case, I make sure I have something to read. The last time we drove in the dark, I checked out a book on tape (old name, can't recall what they call them now, you actually check out the playing device, too!) but every time I tried to listen, I fell asleep! So, yeah, sleeping is an awesome way to deal with boredom! As for waiting in line for something (or waiting period!) I can get a little bit crazy. Sometimes I do calf raises . . . of course if it's at the grocery store I read all tabloid headlines . . . sometimes I watch the door to see if anyone "interesting" will walk in . . . sometimes I daydream . . . sometimes I choose a person and kind of make-up their story in my head . . . you know, normal stuff! Most of the time I just take long, deep breaths and tell myself, "It will be over soon," or I think of Dorrie and chant "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming."

As I looked further into the fascinating topic of boredom, I am truly amazed. I -- a reader and educator-- did not know the background and philosophical implications of boredom! I feel like an idiot now (Mama Kat!) but that's okay, because I like to learn new stuff, remember? Anyway, the concept of boredom was first "documented" in Charles Dickens' Bleak House way back in 1852 where the word appears six times. And, there are three types of boredom: when we are prevented from engaging in some stimulating activity; when we are forced to engage in an unwanted activity; or when we just cannot engage or pay attention, for no apparent reason (wikipedia). Teaching seventh graders is the ultimate lesson on boredom! They sit and stare into space while I'm talking about space! I imagine they are daydreaming about their boyfriend/girlfriend or devising ways to sneak off a text while I'm not looking. Seriously, I could not even "engage" them on the topic of the size of the universe, or how fast the speed of light really is! HELLO??? 180,000 miles per SECOND, people!!! Isn't that amazing enough to get you to want to learn more? Typical response, "Ms. Garza, I can run like the speed of light." Yeah, and my hand can give you whiplash faster than that! Think! "Hey, Mrs. Garza, do you think they will make a car that can go as fast of the speed of light?" They did, didn't you see Back to the Future? Huh? Obviously, this is beyond their realm of thinking, I was "forcing" them to engage in an unwanted activity: school.

Wordful Wednesday

2009-06-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

My son as a catcher. I can't say enough how much I love to watch him play sports. He is so confident and happy on any field. I've seen him grow from a tiny t-baller to this all-star level! I was so proud of his catching abilities that blossomed this season. It was his FIRST season as a catcher and you would hardly know it! I tell you, he is a natural, love you son!

Some books I'll read this summer . . . .

2009-06-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

First off, I am so happy to be back to my blogging world! I was on a long-term sub assignment (7th grade science) plus the end of our Little League season had me working 'round the clock.

Now that I'm able to devote most of my time to reading again I can't wait to get started on these books that have been waiting for me:

Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
chasing harry winston by Lauren Weisberger
Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle

I also came across Skinny Bitch. I know I'm behind the trend, but I never had a chance to read it. Every now and again, I try and read an inspirational (ha!) diet/health book to get me in high gear for weightloss. Have you SEEN me lately? Alas, after all these years of living with myself, I've come to one conclusion that I know is a fact about my body: exercise. I cannot lose weight without it. Dieting/healthy eating alone simply does not work for me. My body is a moving body, I think if I ever stopped doing all my volunteer stuff, I'd be the size of my house! I have to move. I'm so serious, I can eat salads every day, 3X a day (and, yes, I know they can have lots of calories, but I make them myself with either no dressing or lowfat) and a pitcher of water and I do not lose an ounce. Here's the thing when I start working out . . . I am so hungry all the time! I need to work out hard, so I run, and then I want to eat all day! As I think back to my thinner days, I realize that I used to work out at night. That way, I would sleep through my hunger. I was so totally exhausted that even hunger pain could not wake me! If I want to get serious about it this summer, I guess I'll be spending my late nights working out . . . which means my early mornings will be filled with reading and writing. I can live with that!

Here are some new releases for today, Tuesday, June 23, 2009 you might enjoy. Happy Reading!

Paperback:
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer
Sucker for Love: A Dead-End Dating Novel by Kimberly Raye
Taken by Sin by Jaci Burton

Hardcover:
Finger Lickin Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
By Invitation Only by Jodi Della Femina & Sheri McInnis
The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews

I'm on a Boat!

2009-05-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little late with this post. Just got back from an awesome weekend boating with fam and friends over at Lake Mohave. We had a blast, not too crowded and, thankfully, no boat "mishaps!" Well, except for the docking story.

Our oldest daughter just turned 20 (USC trojan!) and she has previous boating experience. Her dad, my ever-so-impatient hubby, entrusted her to dock the boat onto the trailer of the Tahoe. Well, let me tell you, that is no easy task considering all the rookies on the lake, and after this episode, our lovely daughter has definitely earned her captain's rank! Things are a tad bit different now, considering her dear old dad decides to park the trailer right next to a real beauty of a boat, not to mention costly boat. Really costly. Like $50,000-plus costly. Dear old dad parks so close to the other loading boat, that poor daughter can BARELY squeeze past said hunk-a-change boat and creepy old lady with fishing boat (who by the way, may or may not understand English. Hello? Can you scoot it over, lady??). Talk about stressed out! Here are all seven of us passengers gently coaxing her, "You got it...easy ...easy, piece of cake ... " while all eyes are on her. Will she hit it? I call out to one friend, "just be ready to push us off of that REALLY nice boat, in case we get too close!" This only seems to get her more nervous (really? Ooops, sorry!), "Am I gonna hit it? Am I gonna hit it?" While another friend/passenger is leaning WAY over the side to try and guide us along the dock, I mean WAY OVER, so much so that hubby screams at the top of his lungs, "GET THE F- Back in the BOAT!!" I mean, she was practically a bridge from our bow to the dock, what the heck was she doing??? Said friend is frightened back into her seat and sits quietly for remainder of docking.

Then there is the owner of hunk-a-change boat, standing there watching . . . waiting. . . waiting, for what? To jump my husband the second our daughter hits his boat? I heard there was a "ruckus" the day before at the dock, not again, please!!! Aren't people supposed to be all chummy and friendly on the water? Not this time, no way! You could hear the fluttering of a dragonfly's wings at this point in time. Oh jeez, please do not start a fight with my husband! If only I could jump over to the dock and tell him to calm the frickin' heck down! Ay-yi-yi . . . what a nightmare! When she finally does get it loaded --without hitting anything!-- dear old dad doesn't even acknowledge her effort. Obviously, she was EXPECTED to succeed, or else. Just another one of his little life lessons he decides to spring on us. If you can dock a boat with little to zero maneuvering room you are so ready for all of life's challenges! I could have killed him, especially when I glanced to my left and saw that ENTIRE side empty of docking boats! He couldn't have parked over there? Where there was no one? Not one single boat??? What the heck? And I get to live with this man, pray for me please!

Wordful Wednesday

2009-05-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

My kids at our favorite place.

I won my first giveaway!

2009-05-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Woo-hoo! I actually won a giveaway! A poster size print from UPrinting.com! Read this post from Love2MyDogs to find out more! I snapped lots of pictures at our little league day at the 66ers minor league baseball game on Sunday. Can't wait to choose one for poster size and put on the door of our Snack Shack! Also, for some funny Snack Shack stories, head on over to AnItalianMama and read her posts about the little league snack bar! Get ready to roll over laughing, and yes, stuff like that really happens! Keep reading!

Manic Monday

2009-05-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hey! Cleo Coyle THE author of the Coffeehouse Mysteries left a comment on my post about On What Grounds! WOW! I feel like I just made the cheerleading squad or something! I am instantly popular! Woo Hoo! Thanks, Cleo, I will be floating on cloud nine all day! :D

Newest Paperbacks for Tuesday release, 5/19/09

Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas: historical romance
Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner: romantic suspense
Fatal Secrets: A Novel of Suspense by Allison Brennan: romantic suspense
Phantom in the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon: romantic suspense
No One You Know by Michelle Richmond: novel
What Happened to Anna K. by Irina Reyn: novel
My Husband's Sweethearts by Bridget Asher: chick lit
Tap & Gown: An Ivy League Novel by Diana Peterfreund: chick lit
Windless Summer by Heahter Sharfeddin: novel

Newest Hardcovers for Tuesday release, 5/19/09
Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh: historical romance
The Late, Lamented Molly Marx by Sally Koslow: chick lit

Non-fiction
50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America, 2nd edition by Marybeth Bond: travel. Ah, girfriend getaways. Reminds me of the time my girlfriends and I had our very first slumber party. Last year, right before my "surgery" (yeah, that one! I was only 38!) we planned a sleepover. The party planner was really sneaky about letting us in on the schedule. Turns out, she asked our families & loved ones to write Love Notes for us! We each received a bag of very special letters that made us cry, laugh and smile. One thing we did know about, was the letters for each other. The surprise was the Princess tiara. While each lady read their letter/love note to me, I got to wear the Princess tiara and boa! We all took turns being the Princess and it was fabulous! There was wine, mixed drinks, pizza, and popcorn. We listened to 80's and 70's disco. We laughed, opened up and learned some things about each other. Our own little girlfriend getaway took place in the comfort of our own home. I am excited to see the Girlfriend Vacation book, maybe we will decide on a "slumber party" away from home next time!

Snip It Saturday

2009-05-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

The worst kind of welcome back gift? A murder. That is exactly what Clare Cosi gets in this Berkley Mystery, On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle. Clare is returning to her career as manager of the Village Blend historic coffeehouse in New York's Greenwhich Village. Clare is now in her forties, and her daughter is grown and in culinary school. Coming back to her previous job is kind of nostalgic and exciting, until, DUN-DUN-DUN . . . her ex arrives. Yup, the old ex husband, who is charming, good-looking and oh, so Italian! Yummy, :). Of course, he's still a macho, self-involved kinda guy, which Clare can't stand, neither can she keep away from him! There is your romantic background, just a little, and it does not take over the storyline.

The real kicker is the "accident" that takes place the night before Clare's arrival. Of course, she refuses to believe it was an accident, she is determined to find the murderer. I love the flow of the story, the feel of the "typical" mystery setting, the clues given, the familiarity of the characters. The snip-it I give to you today, is an example of one of my favorite features of the book, the coffee talk! Or, talk about coffee: where to buy it, how to store it and the best way to brew it! The author throws in these nice bits throughout the story, but it is not forced, it is a natural extension of the main character. Her life is coffee! So here it is, a scene portraying how busy the Village Blend can be and the expertise of it's manager and coffee connoisseur, Clare:

A quality espresso should consist entirely of rich, reddish-brown crema as it flows easily out of the portafilter spout. Crema, or coffee foam, is the single most important thing to look for in a well-made espresso. It tells you the oils in ground coffee have been extracted and suspended in the liquid - the thing that makes espresso, espresso.
"Got that mocha?"
"Got it!"
"XXX!"
Triple espresso.
"Skinny hazelnut cap with wings!"
Cappuccino with skim mild, hazelnut syrup, and extra foam.
"Caffe Caramella!"
Latte with caramel syrup, topped with sweetened whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel topping.
"Caffe Kiss-Kiss!"
Otherwise known on our menu as Rasberry-Mocha Bocci. One of my favorite dessert drinks. "Got it!"

And on it goes, the orders, the lightning speed of the well-trained barrista -- now sleuth! A nice treat are the recipes included in the back of the book. AND, if you really love A Village Blend there is even a virtual world to visit! I was just browsing over there and found some pretty tasty sounding recipes. Plus, there are giveaways! What blog-loving lady can ignore a good giveaway?? LOL! Buy the book, borrow the book, just read the book! Enjoy! :)

On What Ground by Cleo Coyle
c2003 by The Berkley Publishing Group

Beach Fashion Friday

2009-05-15T06:40:00.000-07:00

Ah, Friday . . . time for a little fashion news. I'd like to tell you about a special fashion moment for me. When I get the chance to walk on my treadmill, I watch TiVo'd Martha Stewart shows. Well, one day Martha featured Lilly Pulitzer designs and I fell in love! The colors! The simplicity! The beachness! The cuteness of the clothes actually made me walk faster on my treadmill! I want that dress. I want those shoes. I want that bag! Adorable!

In between your blog reading and comment leaving today, check out the Lilly Pulitzer website and browse around. The dress pictured here is Lilly's Villa Dress, which retails for $148.00!! Sadly, I have nothing of Lilly, but I am contemplating some flip flops or some sunglasses. And if you REALLY love Lilly, you can search the web and find some Lilly-loving sites, they even have a fan page on Facebook! Of course there's a blog called A Colorful Life, too! :) Enjoy and keep reading! :)

Wordful Wednesday

2009-05-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

This was awesome blossom! The Spirit of Troy crashing Latino Business Student Association's gala dinner! (Okay, so they got paid, but it was still cool!) I seriously got goosebumps! Sorry the pic is so small, my lovely daughter has not sent me any of her's yet, I had to copy this off her FB page!

Terrace Books Tuesday

2009-05-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Times bestsellers for May 10, 2009
Fiction Paperback

1. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
2. The Shack by William P. Young
3. City of Thieves by David Benioff
4. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
6. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
7. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
8. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
9. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
10. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

An author not on this list, but worth a mention is Debbie Macomber. Her Shop on Blossom series is the best! It is categorized as women's fiction, and high on the beach reading list for me! Her newest release, Summer on Blossom Street, is out in hardcover and is number three on Amazon's bestselling romance list. As paperbacks are better beach bring alongs, I'd say to start with the first in the series, The Shop on Blossom Street. If you like to sew or knit you will enjoy this series. I enjoyed it because of the fact that the main character owns her own yarn shop. The setting is Seattle, Washington (of course, it is Macomber you know!). The romance is not "overpowering" as in the weak little lady cannot do anything without the knight in shining armor kinda stuff. No, this lady is independent, shoot, she beat brain cancer! Ooops, I mean, uh, spoiler alert? JK! She tells you she is a cancer survivor in the first few pages! Let me know what you think of Debbie Macomber! Terrace Books has plenty of her titles in stock. Here is a list of all books in the series:

The Shop on Blossom Street
A Good Yarn
Susannah's Garden (related characters)
Back on Blossom Street
Twenty Wishes
Summer on Blossom Street

Manic Monday

2009-05-11T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here you go, the Tuesday releases in romance, paranormal, suspense, novels, and anything I would call chick lit. Enjoy!

Chick Lit:
Beverly Hills Adjacent by Jennifer Steinhauer and Jessica Hendra--hardcover
Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenfelder--paperback
Jennifer Johnson Is Sick of Being Single by Heather Mcelhatton--paperback release
Romance:
The Devlin Diary by Christi Phillips--hardcover
Whispered Lies by Sherrilyn Kenyon and Diana Love--romantic suspense--hardcover
Novel:
How to Sell: A Novel by Clancy Martin--hardcover
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams--hardcover
Suspense/Thriller:
The Last Child by John Hart--hardcover
Assegai by Wilbur Smith--hardcover
Road Dogs by Elmore Leonard--hardcover
Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child--hardcover
Wicked Prey by John Sandford--hardcover
Memoir:
Where Did You Sleep Last Night? A Personal History by Danzy Senna--hardcover
Larry’s Kidney by Daniel Asa Rose--hardcover
Boy Alone: A Brother's Memoir by Karl Taro Greenfield--hardcover
Travel:
Once in a Lifetime Trips by Chris Santella--hardcover

Top Selling Tuesday . . . on Thursday

2009-05-07T05:33:00.001-07:00

As promised, here is the list of Christina Dodd's books:
Historical Novels -- non-series

PRICELESS
TREASURE OF THE SUN
THE GREATEST LOVER IN ALL
ENGLAND
OUTRAGEOUS
MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH

Medieval Series

CANDLE IN THE WINDOW
CASTLES IN THE AIR

Knight Series

ONCE A KNIGHT
A KNIGHT TO REMEMBER

Well Pleasured Series

A WELL PLEASURED LADY
A WELL FAVORED GENTLEMAN

Princess Series

RUNAWAY PRINCESS
SOMEDAY MY PRINCE

Governess Brides Series

THAT SCANDALOUS EVENING
(Pre-Governesses, but includes a
character of interest.)
RULES OF SURRENDER
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
RULES OF ATTRACTION
IN MY WILDEST DREAMS
LOST IN YOUR ARMS
MY FAVORITE BRIDE
MY FAIR TEMPTRESS

Switching Places Series

SCANDALOUS AGAIN
ONE KISS FROM YOU

The Lost Princesses Series

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
THE BAREFOOT PRINCESS
THE PRINCE KIDNAPS A BRIDE

Romantic Suspense:Lost Texas Hearts Series

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE
CLOSE TO YOU

The Fortune Hunters Series

TROUBLE IN HIGH HEELS
TONGUE IN CHIC
THIGH HIGH
DANGER IN A RED DRESS

Paranormal:Darkness Chosen Series

SCENT OF DARKNESS
TOUCH OF DARKNESS
INTO THE SHADOW (7/2008)
INTO THE FLAME (8/2008)
The Chosen Series
STORM OF VISIONS (8/2009)
STORM OF SHADOWS (9/2009)

This printable PDF document is a handy tool to have if you are a Dodd fan . . . although, if you are, you probably already know all that! BUT, if you'd like to try her books, the contemporary paranormal books are in high demand right now. She writes about Varinskis -- which are beings that can change their form. Mostly, it's humans changing into wild animals. And, like I said in the Tuesday post, ONE customer wiped out our (almost) entire collection! BTW, she does have one book that is out-of-print, Lady in Black.

Wordful Wednesday

2009-05-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

"There it is, on the right!"
"Ah! The Dog Whisperer, time to find a nice hole for this puppy!"

Top Selling Tuesday

2009-05-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

Last week, one customer almost wiped out the books by Christina Dodd! The author has had at least 17 romance books on the bestseller list. She is the winner of the Golden Heart and RITA awards, MAJOR for the Romance industry I tell ya! She has numerous series books, and well, too many for me to write about today.

Not that I'm not into Christina Dodd, but . . . well, since a blog should be kinda personal, I'll just let put it out there. In the past week, our family has had to deal with two very tragic deaths. Last Saturday, my husband's 28 year-old cousin was killed in a car accident. Then on Sunday, my son's football teammate was killed in a riding accident. He was 10. So, we've been through one memorial on Saturday, a wake/rosary last night, and today is the funeral. My heart is aching with pain for the families -- each boy was an only son. I'm sorry, but I just cannot keep my mind on anything other than these families . . . so I'm thinking of putting the rest of this off until tomorrow. Please come back and I'll have her books with appropriate series titles listed. Thanks for understanding.

Manic Monday

2009-05-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Now I know why I title this Manic Monday! I "forgot" how much time and research it takes to look for Tuesday releases in the publishing world. Do you KNOW how many books -- not just new, but reprints, paperbacks, library bindings, large print, etc. -- are put out every Tuesday??? Well, dummy me should have prepared a week ago, but I didn't! So here is a rundown of SOME of Tuesday's releases for May 5, 2009. I chose books that either fit the chick lit genre, or books that I know all would be interested in, such as bestselling authors or popular series.

Books I would read because of their chick lit appeal:

Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, Or, The Wonder Years Before the Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart-Ass Phase by Jen Lancaster (The title alone qualifies as chick lit! I kid you not, this is the title!!) This book is a memoir.

Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 9) by Charlaine Harris, hardcover.
Also by Harris, a reprint of a 2002 hardcover, Last Scene Alive, Aurora Teagarden Mystery paperback.

BabyCakes: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York's Most Talked About Bakery by Erin McKenna, hardcover, cookbook. Again, if the title fits . . . .

Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery -- paperback
Flowers on Main by Sherryl Woods -- paperback
The Guernsy Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows -- paperback (reminds me of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood)
Chasing Harry Winston: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger -- paperback (woo-hoo!)

Authors of note:
Hardcovers: Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk
Brimstone by Robert B. Parker
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson & The Olympians, Book 5) by Rick Riordan

Paperbacks: Mahogany by Stuart Woods
Resolution by Robert B. Parker
Phantom Prey (Lucas Davenport) by John Sanford

DISCLAIMER: This in no way, shape, or form is the entire list of Tuesday Releases for May 5, 2009!!! I'm looking for popular interest books or specialty books only. I would LOVE to include all new authors or fellow bloggers who are having a book released, feel free to comment --- shout-out --- your book here! Keep Reading!

Snip-it Saturday 5/2/09

2009-05-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

I am reading The Devil Wears Prada by Laura Weisberger. I cannot believe I've never read it before! It is an exciting tale about a poor, enslaved assistant to a wretchedly mean fashion editor. The setting is New York City, of course! Andrea Sachs is the lowly assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor to Runway magazine. Andrea is a writer who longs to work for the New Yorker (I can identify with that!). She lands a job that "a million girls would die for" working for Miranda because rumor-has-it that surviving one year with Miranda will land you ANY job. So, Andrea accepts her one year of torture. I chose the following snip-it because in this scene, after several months of trying to keep her identity and not give in to the fashion hype all around her, she accepts her first bags of Closet discards. Jeffy has brought the bags over and Andrea feels the love!

The second, even more bulging bag spilled forth a stunning array of shoes, bags, and a couple of coats. There were two pairs of high-heeled Jimmy Choo boots -- one ankle- and one knee-length -- two pairs of open-toe Manolo stiletto sandals, a pair of classic black Prada pumps, and one pair of Tod loafers, which Jeffy immediately reminded me to never wear to the office. I slung a slouchy red suede bag over my shoulder and immediately saw the two intersecting "C"s carved in the front, but that wasn't nearly as beautiful as the deep chocolate leather from the Celine tote that I threw on my other arm. A long military-style trench with the signature oversize Marc Jacobs buttons topped it all off.
"You're joking," I said softly, fondling a pair of Dior sunglasses he'd apparently thrown in as an afterthought. "You've got to be kidding."

Thus, begins her love affair with fashion! I am particularly drawn to the book, because Andrea is a normal girl. She worked hard in college and now is thrown into this materialistic, fashionista world, surrounded by models and "fake" people. But, Andrea holds out as long as she can, not giving in to the hype. Okay, so we all saw the movie, but really, the book is an entity all it's own. Andrea's character is so much more down-to-earth and likable in the book. Miranda Priestly does not overpower the scenes, it's all about Andrea trying to please her, to do her job. Yes, she hates her, but the light at the end of the tunnel is the New Yorker. So, as I read on, I can't help but feel a dreaded outcome . . . will she last the year? Will Miranda actually make the call for her to the New Yorker?? I must continue reading!

Speaking of bags of goodies, my friend Saundra is hosting her very first giveaway! Love Pampered Chef? Well, head on over to her blog and enter! You MUST read about the bag of loot she is offering, amazing! I feel an Andrea-moment coming on . . .
An Italian Mamma Gone Crazy or click on her button to the right!

2009-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

And now for a little beach fashion news:

Hurley and Bar Refaeli (THE swimsuit cover model/designer for this year's SI Swimsuit Edition) teamed up to design The Little Black Bikini which debuts today at hurley.com/lbb. I don't know about you, but I promised a LONG time ago, that I would NEVER wear a bikini! If you are one of the, oh, let's say, 200 SoCal ladies who CAN pull this off I say "Go for it!" (as I secretly hate you . . . JK, I don't hate you, I just "hate" you) The Little Black Bikini is a limited edition piece retailing for $120.00. And by June 2, it will be available at select Victoria Secrets stores.

Which brings me to this: PANIC!
TMI alert --- in the past three years, I have gained about, oh lets say, 20 pounds!!?? Give or take a few, okay, give a few more . . . my point is, how in the heck am I gonna be in beach mode with this gut? Salad-city, here I come! I am totally living at allrecipes.com under the Healthy Cooking button, what else can I do? I will stock up on V8 juice and swear off Corona's (for a while). I will speed walk my treadmill EVERY DAY! I will cut out and paste the cutesy, Little Black Bikini right on the fridge door -- THIS is what all those little blonde girls will be wearing at the beach, lady! I can at least lose 10 pounds so as to not embarrass my kids! It's me or the moo-moo, which I'm sure is very flattering, for some people, but not for me. I will channel my Gidget-self, spend hours on the treadmill watching reruns of the adorable Sally Fields -- who still has an awesome girly figure, BTW -- and then sip my V8 as I read. And I musn't forget my Hungry Girl cookbooks! I will LIVE in the salad section, I'm telling you! BTW, Keep Reading!

Why is this so difficult?

2009-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Who would have known that naming a blog would be so difficult? The names I wanted are "taken" and yet the owners have not updated in over a year! I want to write about two things I love, books and the beach (obvious Chick Lit link, right?) Naturally, I will post about Books for the Beach, a blog taken and not upated since 2008. I am a devout Beach Reader, name taken with ONE post in 2005. Then, I thought of my admiration for Gidget, the girl who is all things beachy. So, I tried Gidget Reads . . . and did a little research on the "real" Gidget, Kathy Kohner Zuckerman. That got me a little "scured," will she try and sue me if I use it in my blog address? So, I changed it again. All this time, I'm hoping that it is not screwing up -- I mean messing up -- anything in my posts. If you follow me, I have changed/edited the blog name and address at least 8 times since yesterday!!! I knowwww . . . who would have thought it would be so difficult. And I STILL want Gidget Reads as my address . . . any ideas from all you seasoned bloggers out there? What's a girl to do?

Lonely as the birds on the beach in wintertime, who am I in this great big blog world?

Wordful Wednesday 4/29/09

2009-04-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

Stroll, anyone? Where will the path lead you?

Top Selling Tuesday

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Top Sellers at Terrace Books for the week of 4/20 - 4/25 AND congratulations to Sarah S, the winner of the OpenPage book cover! Thanks to all who entered!

Here's what people have been buying: Charlaine Harris' Dead Series featuring Sookie Stackhouse. My customers cannot get enough of these Southern Vampire mysteries. Even before the HBO series began, Terrace Books' customers were raving about the books.

1. Dead until Dark
2. Living Dead in Dallas
3. Club Dead
4. Dead to the World
5. Dead as a Doornail
6. Definitely Dead
7. All Together Dead
8. From Dead to Worse
9. Dead and Gone (5/5/09)
10. Cruel and Unusual, story included in the book Many Bloody Returns

Care to comment on any of the books? What aspect of vampire novels appeal to you? Myself, I can't make it through one. First, I get distracted VERY EASILY (can you tell?). Second, I don't know where to begin, Harris? MJ Davidson? Meyer? It's like I have to force myself to keep reading them, I KNOW, blasphemy! Sorry, but that's just me. Someday, I'm sure I'll jump on the vampire bandwagon, just not now. Until then, keep reading!

Manic Monday 4/27/09

2009-04-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

As I delve into a regular routine for my blog, I thought Manic Mondays would be an awesome regular feature. Manic Mondays will include listings of Tuesday releases for chick lit novels and non-fiction books such as cooking, crafting and shopping/fashion. As I try and play catch up, I thought a nice late addition for today's Manic Monday would be the Hungry Girl books, by Lisa Lillien. Her new book, Hungry Girl 200 under 200 was released April 14, 2009 and debuted on the New York Times Bestselling List at the #1 spot! Hungry Girl series are easy-to-use and full of witty, sassy musings and illustrations -- true chick lit style! The recipes are simple awe-some! Can't wait to try the Holy Moly Guacamole, just in at under 78 calories per serving! Wowzers! Now, that's what I'm talkin' about! Until tomorrow, keep reading!

Chick Lit for many reasons

2009-04-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

First off, chick lit is a sub-category of romance. Second off, I'm kind of a nerd in regards to reader's advisory, I really wanted to be a librarian and so, yeah, I guess that makes me kinda nerdy! So, I'll try and go easy on the technical stuff, but basically chick lit is romance that is funny, whimsical, and light-hearted. We fall in love with the character because:

1. She makes us laugh
2. She is neurotic
3. She is just like us!

Her adventures not only include a hot male, but also some kind of mystery or intrigue. Case in point, in the Shopaholic series (Sophie Kinsella), Becky Bloomwood is constantly searching for ways to pay for her shopping "addiction." Adventure-city! I recall the time she had to break out her frozen credit card, yes, it was literally frozen . . . in a block of ice . . . in her freezer!!! Hilarious stuff!

(nerd alert, I'm quoting wiki)From wikipedia: chick lit "generally deals with issues of modern women humorously and lightheartedly." The characters do what real women do: shop, obsess and lust over hot guys! I don't know about you, but I can never get enough of shopping scenarios. It doesn't matter how many books I read, how many characters I meet, I am eager to find out how each author can put a spin on the shopping scenario.

And then there is the obsessive, neurotic thing. Each character has Something, just like us real life women! Becky's is her fear of the debt collector. He is lurking everywhere, and she REALLY, REALLY wants to pay off the debt, but she has to be very creative about it. The excuses -- I mean reasons -- she cannot pay when it's due are like litanies of a Letterman top 10 list! But, she is only human. Her debt is who she is. It's as if she will not be herself once she gets it paid off. It has become a part of her, she relies on it to make her Becky Bloomwood. Sound familiar? Watch any of the Suze Orman segments on Oprah lately? Hmm??? Real life in a funny way. Escapism at its best. But in a good way. It's funny, lighthearted and helps take the edge off that great big scary thing called Reality.

Need to laugh? I recommend:
Confessions of a Shopaholic (book, NOT movie!)
by Sophie Kinsella

Comment your favorite shopping novels, I want to read them all! (the books, -- but, yes, of course, I do want to read your comments, it's just that I'm looking for help in expanding my shopping novel experience . . . which doesn't mean your comments are not important to me, they are, I just need books right now, is all. . . um . . . yeah)

Shakin' things up a bit

2009-04-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Okay people, I'm in the mood for a little shake-up! I think I've found my identity!!! Here's how it's gonna happen . . . I will focus on what I do best, which is of course, reading. My reviews will be short and focused. The books will be . . . drumroll . . . wait for it, wait for it . . . Chick Lit. That's what I read most, that's what appeals to me and many ladies would agree that although they will not win any literary prizes anytime soon, Chick Lit books are a wonderful escape! They are funny, enjoyable and some even have some pretty steamy love scenes, if you know what I mean! ;)

So, don't be surprised if you see a name change in the blog sometime soon, which is still being worked on. In the meantime, visit Terrace Books and check out our selection of Chick Lit. :) Author of note, Sophie Kinsella, my fave! Coming soon, How do you identify Chick Lit?

I'm Back!

2009-04-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

First, the apology: "I am truly sorry for neglecting my blog." [falls on deaf ears since I have no followers yet! LOL] Next, the explanation: I read too much. I neglect my writing because I read too much. Simple.

I've added a group on Facebook simply called Book Exchange hopefully the link will take you there. Also, Terrace Books is on Twitter, TerraceBooks

I find it much easier to update those two profiles because their "purpose" is clearly stated. My blog is not so easily categorized, do I make it personal? business only? book only? what do people want to know? I began following a group of bloggers and I read many different types, from sewing divas to super moms and culinary wizards. Many have their own businesses and yet their blog is personal. I figure this Book Exchange blog will be both, I love to talk about Terrace Books and I love to talk about books. :) Myself, not so much, I tend to go on about nothing really, thinking "who wants to know that?" and "what will they think if I get too personal?" and "what really constitutes too much information?" as seen here from this "awkward-don't know when to stop-style of Ellen DeGeneres" speech pattern . . . that just keeps going . . . and . . . . well, you get the picture! Keep Reading!

Books Wanted

2008-11-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some titles and authors requested by customers: Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber; Marley and Me by John Grogan; Rogue by Danielle Steele; Magic in the Wind by Christine Feehan; and any Stephenie Meyer books.

Did you know you can use your store credit to pay for 1/2 the price of new books, too? We will order the book for you and you pay 1/2 credit and the balance in cash/check/charge (plus tax). Case in point: Josie Reader wanted Cross Country by James Patterson. It retails for $27.99. We ordered it for her, she used $13.99 of her credit to pay for half and then paid the balance of $15.08 in cash ($13.99 + $1.08 tax). After she reads it, she can bring the book back in to receive $5.00 back to her credit! Tell me, is that cool, or what? See you soon! Eileen

Temporary Store Hours

2008-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Terrace Books will now open at 11:00 am. We are still open 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday.

Also, gripe time! Okay, a man just left kind of in an onery mood because I am "not much help." First, he comes in with a tattered book asking if I could fix it. Huh??? Does it say Book Bindery on the sign? I kindly responded, "no, I am not a book binder." He asked, "do you know where I can get it fixed?" I said, "hmm. . . let me think, the last time I saw a bindery was when I went to Oak Glenn. I really don't know of anywhere else, maybe you can look in the phone book." Okay, then he wanted me to search for some obscure book. Why? I am not a librarian or a book "dealer" who makes money through a finders fee. I told him that Terrace Books is a book exchange and that we deal with bestselling fiction paperback books to trade with customers. He looked at me as if I was crazy and said, "you're not much help." I kindly suggested he visit our local library and speak to the wonderful librarian whose name is - and here he rudely cut me off saying, "I don't see how that can help me any." At this point, I lost patience and smiled, saying, "sorry." He took a bookmark and left. Tell me, what should have I done? I had several customers in the store, who were buying books. I cannot spend my time searching for a book that will get me ZERO dollars while I have my own wonderful customers who appreciate the kind of help I can give them. This man was obviously not a prospective customer, oh, and by the way, I do search and order books for the regulars as a courtesy and appreciation for their years of loyalty to Terrace Books. This was a guy who walked in off the street with no intention of even browsing our bookstore! (~~deep sigh~~) So there, I let it all out! Much better . . . now on to better things, selling books, trading books, and reading books! Have a good one! Eileen

Halloween Decor

2008-10-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

As our regular customers know, Terrace Books always gets dressed up for the seasons! Currently, we are in Halloween atire, with scary books in the window surrounded by flashing skeleton bodies! And of course we are in our traditional Halloween aprons: orange with black bats, stars and crescent moons. It's fun to add a touch of seasonal change to the bookstore which encourages our customers to keep coming in and see what kind of theme we have on display.

At the back of the store, our red "farmhouse-cupboard" display shelves are full of creepy spiders and funny jack o' lantern faces! In the horror section, you'll find numerous titles by King, Koontz and Saul. On the way out, be sure to take a candy from the dracula holding the Trick or Treat container full of yummy candy! Happy Halloweeen, from Eileen, Maureen and Susan.

I found it!

2008-10-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

As Saturday begins here at Terrace Books, I have already been engaged in discussion with one regular customer. He is looking for books by Robert Jordan and Raymond Feist. Well, of course like all good sci-fi fans, he just had to tell me about the current author he is collecting: the Magicians series by Feist. And wouldn't you know it, but we had the first two books in the series! Needless to say, he was overjoyed. And once again, I felt the tingles of pride as I was able to help another avid reader find their treasure.
Finding the long lost book is like a treasure hunt. Once, I searched and searched for a customer who wanted a particular Golden Book. The story really touched me: his sister was pregnant with her first child, which would be his first niece or nephew. He recalled a Golden Book story that his sister read to him over and over, when they were kids. She never got tired of reading it to him and he never tired of hearing the story. Well, the new baby was due around Christmastime, and he just had to have the book to give as a gift to his sister. Lo and behold, I found it on ebay! I was able to bid for him and won the book! The day he came to pick it up, you'd think he won the lottery or something! What a super feeling to know that books will do that to people.
Although I don't have the time to search for used or out-of-print books any more, Terrace Books does have the 'firsts' in lots of series like One for the Money by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum) and 1st to Die by James Patterson (Women's Murder Club). Also, if the book is still in print, I can order it. It will be full retail price, but if you have store credit, you may use it to pay for 1/2 the price! So at $7.99 you would use $3.99 from your credit and pay $3.99 plus tax, which means your total price for the book is $4.30! Then, if you bring the book back, you get $2.00 added to your credit if it is still in Like New condition. How can you beat that?
Coming next time: Books Wanted

Online store

2008-10-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

Have you seen our Abe Books store online? Since the end of June, we have cleared out Terrace Books of non-fiction titles and have been selling them in our online store at Abe Books. It is a long and tedious process entering all the data. We have over 500 books listed right now. We just had our computer updated to a newer model which works 6X faster than the old one! You can search abebooks.com under bookstores and type in Terrace Books to see our inventory online.

Also, our website terracebooks.com is slowly but surely being updated. I've listed the guidelines for trade-ins on the front page. With the injured economy the Terrace Books store has been quite slow, which gives us a chance to work on the online "stuff." Of course, we'd rather be busy helping our regulars than anything else. Please pass the word about our much-loved book exchange here in the Inland Empire. I think most people would love new customers to trade books with!

A Quality Book Exchange for the Inland Empire

2008-10-04T16:09:00.001-07:00

I have my reading moments. At times, I can read up to 5 novels in a week. I read the entire Maximum Ride series by James Patterson in a long weekend this summer. Then of course, I have my dry spells. I can't find the perfect book to hold my interest. I have to be in the mood. I do own over 20,000 fiction paperback books, and still can't decide what to read! I've noticed many of the customers at Terrace Books experience the same thing. It seems nothing I recommend will catch their attention! What avid reader can walk out of a bookstore with empty hands? Not many! The funny thing about meeting new customers, is seeing the dilemna they go through trying to decide which books to trade in. Amazingly, a woman today traded in her entire Nora Roberts collection! She brought in over 60 books by Nora Roberts and some of Debbie Macomber's series. I could tell she had a hard time letting go, she even had her daughter bring the books in! I think it's awesome that people have such attachments to books and reading. Although at times it's frustrating trying to get people to try new things. Like the women who will only read Danielle Steel. It's as if they are afraid of "cheating" on their author or something! I used to feel that way about genres. Me, read a cheezy romance novel? Never! But since I've discovered Sophie Kinsella, romance novels have never been the same. The Shopaholic series is anything but cheezy! And I get so caught up in the character's financial antics, I completely forget that it is a romance book. Poor Becky Bloomwood, whatever kind of trouble will she get herself into next?

But, back to my original intent, Terrace Books is now one of the only higher quality book exchanges in the Inland Empire. Our customers may be trying to keep us a secret (selfish!) but others really need to know. The more customers we have to trade books with, the better selection we can offer. You will save tons of money and feel good about recycling your books. For instance, a regular 7.99 book sells here for 4.00. And, if you have store credit, you pay only 2.00 (plus tax) becuase we take the other 2.00 from your store credit. How cool is that? We are open Monday - Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. We know books, we read books, we trade books!