From Amazon: "Sometimes it’s the little lies that turn out to be the most lethal. . . .
A murder… . . . a tragic accident… . . . or just parents behaving badly? What’s indisputable is that someone is dead.
But who did what?
Big Little Lies follows three women, each at a crossroads:
Madeline is a force to be reckoned with. She’s funny and biting, passionate, she remembers everything and forgives no one. Her ex-husband and his yogi new wife have moved into her beloved beachside community, and their daughter is in the same kindergarten class as Madeline’s youngest (how is this possible?). And to top it all off, Madeline’s teenage daughter seems to be choosing Madeline’s ex-husband over her. (How. Is. This. Possible?).
Celeste is the kind of beautiful woman who makes the world stop and stare. While she may seem a bit flustered at times, who wouldn’t be, with those rambunctious twin boys? Now that the boys are starting school, Celeste and her husband look set to become the king and queen of the school parent body. But royalty often comes at a price, and Celeste is grappling with how much more she is willing to pay.
New to town, single mom Jane is so young that another mother mistakes her for the nanny. Jane is sad beyond her years and harbors secret doubts about her son. But why? While Madeline and Celeste soon take Jane under their wing, none of them realizes how the arrival of Jane and her inscrutable little boy will affect them all.
Big Little Lies is a brilliant take on ex-husbands and second wives, mothers and daughters, schoolyard scandal, and the dangerous little lies we tell ourselves just to survive."
Yo! Adrienne says: I ~loved~ this book. Stop whatever you are reading right now and pick this one up.
Same author of What Alice Forgot ( and for the life of me I cannot find that review on my blog) which is also a must.read.right.now book. So, do yourself a favor - read both. Now.
From Amazon: "Over 2 million people have read the New York Times bestseller Wonder and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. Readers have also been given a special look at another side of Auggie's story with The Julian Chapter and a peek at his life before Beecher Prep in Pluto. In Shingaling, the third Wonder Story, they'll read about life as a fifth grader at Beecher Prep through the eyes of Charlotte, the girl who had been chosen to be Auggie's "welcome" buddy. Readers will not only learn more about Charlotte and her budding friendship with reader-favorite, Summer (they solve a mystery together), but how the girls at Beecher Prep react to Auggie attending their school for the first time, and how Charlotte came to write the precept she used at the end of Wonder, "It's not enough to be friendly. You have to be a friend.""
Yo! Adrienne says: I really liked this "extra" Wonder story. Maybe because I can remember (somewhat) what it was like to be a young girl and trying to fit in. It was fun to read about their dance instructor and see how the girls began to mature and build a relationship with each other. This all centered around a specific dance. As they say - music moves the soul ... so just shing-a-ling baby.
From Amazon: "September 3, 1940. Ten peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters. And only one person can help them—but she’s trapped in the body of a bird. The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom. Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience."
Yo! Adrienne says: Well. I enjoyed this book but liked book one better. Does that mean I won't be picking up a copy of book three come Sept. 22nd? Fingers crossed my library will have the an electronic version since it has one and two. If you haven't read these yet I'd suggest waiting until you can read them all through. I think I struggled a bit because I forgot quite a bit from book one. It was 2012 when I read it after all ;-) I am eagerly awaiting to see how this all turns out. It's a creative story and the vintage photographs add a unique edge to the book.
From Amazon: "This powerful dramatization of King Hezekiah's life and faith surges forward. Chronicles of the Kings book 2."
Yo! Adrienne says: I am really enjoying working my way through this series. Old Testament isn't always easy to read much less understand. Austin's writing brings to life what I would otherwise glaze over (or fall asleep while trying to read).
Have you ever been somewhere listening to the radio - mostly unaware of what is playing - and then BAM you are transported back to a time or place when you hear a song that you had completely utterly forgotten about.
Today, after returning books to the library and slipping through McDonalds to satisfy my need for a hot caffeinated beverage that might have also had whipped cream and chocolate in it (with non-fat milk of course) I turned the radio back up.
It was 1992 and I was in college. I didn't wear a watch or shoes often. I carried flip flops in my backpack for when they were required. I had big hair and just to mix it up a bit I would sometimes wear pearls with my sweatshirts and a big bow around my ponytail.
A social activist I was not. Just a college student trying to find her way.
I loved this song.
Still do.
You don't have to be a 19 year old college student to get it.
Here, have a dollar, in fact no brotherman here, have two Two dollars means a snack for me, but it means a big deal to you Be strong, serve God only, know that if you do, beautiful heaven awaits That's the poem I wrote for the first time I saw a man with no clothes, no money, no plate Mr.Wendal, that's his name, no one ever knew his name cause he's a no-one Never thought twice about spending on a ol' bum, until I had the chance to really get to know one Now that I know him, to give him money isn't charity He gives me some knowledge, I buy him some shoes And to think blacks spend all that money on big colleges, still most of y'all come out confused
[CHORUS:] Go ahead, Mr.Wendal (2x)
Mr.Wendal has freedom, a free that you and I think is dumb Free to be without the worries of a quick to diss society for Mr.Wendal's a bum His only worries are sickness and an occasional harassment by the police and their chase Uncivilized we call him, but I just saw him eat off the food we waste Civilization, are we really civilized, yes or no ? Who are we to judge ? When thousands of innocent men could be brutally enslaved and killed over a racist grudge Mr.Wendal has tried to warn us about our ways but we don't hear him talk Is it his fault when we've gone too far, and we got too far, cause on him we walk Mr.Wendal, a man, a human in flesh, but not by law I feed you dignity to stand with pride, realize that all in all you stand tall
Mr.Wendal, yeah yeah yeah, Lord, Mr.Wendal
We are all someone even if people think we are a no-one - made in His image.
Sadly, over 20,000 people in our city still do not have power not to mention the close to 30,000 in the surrounding counties.
We lost power Friday night and got it back late on Tuesday. We were one of the lucky ones.
The temperatures have been steadily in the high 90's some days up to over 100.
I feel really lucky right now. Have I mentioned that already?
Not to mention cool. As in - air conditioning. Ahhhh, sweet air conditioning.
Here are a few pics of a tree from my mother's backyard that ended up on her neighbors roof (and still is there today - there is such an enormous amount of clean up to be done. Who knows when they will get to them).
Yup. That's Henry right there. That tree was a monster.
That's my mom's neighbor's roof.
This is the road behind my house. They still haven't been able to clear it yet.
Most streets in our neighborhood look like this - still.
Apparently we have power workers/tree cutters from as far as Texas and Oklahoma helping us. God Bless them! With all this around us our home was untouched. Lucky indeed.
Working on my TTPT post. Hopefully will be up and running this afternoon tomorrow at the latest ... now that I've Got the Power ;-)
....or not.
We were hit pretty darn bad by those storms that hit the east coast. Might not have electricity for a few weeks.
Seriously.
And apparently more storms are on their way tonight. We are fairing ok and by God's grace our home was spared; many, many in our city have severe damage from downed trees.
power lines are down everywhere.
All this to be said - no TTPT this Tues. unless our power is restored (I'm posting from my phone - technology - amazing - too bad it needs electricity - ha!). Feel free to post and I'll link to you once I am electric ... boogie woogie woogie
It seems that this time in my life has been a time of embracing, seeking, keeping, and loving. My little fella will go off to kindergarten this fall (I know it's only February but he already seems so grown up) and can't help but reflect quietly to myself how time passes by.
Ready or not.
Blogging or not.
Here.
Life.
Comes.
I hope as your time is passing by it is filled with sweet moments like mine has been - documented or not. This quiet time (or not so quite depending on your perspective) has been refreshing and exhausting. I think you can relate - yes?
In the meantime - the heartbeat of this blog (for this season) is right around the corner - Turn the page ... Tuesday is next Tuesday. The theme for this year is Series & Sequels but whatever you've read I'd love to hear about it.
There's nothing like having a "go to" recipe when you have to bring something to a pot luck. I fortunately have discovered one that is not only always a hit but is oh so easy.
Broccoli Slaw
1 package broccoli slaw
1 bunch green onions, chopped
6 onces slivered almonds, toasted and cooled
1 pacakge chicken flavored ramen noodles, broken up, but not pulverized
For the dresssing:
3 TBS tarragon vinegar
1/2 C vegetable oil
seasoning packed from ramen noodles
3 TBS sugar
1 TSP salt
1/2 TSP pepper
I suggest putting the noodles in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. Mix the dressing and then toss over the slaw.
This should keep at least a week in the fridge.
Did I mention that whenever I make this Rocky breaks out into song despite the fact that there is no need for me to chop broccoli ...
Every time I ate one (which was often) I couldn't get a particular song out of my head.
Off to google the catchy phrase ...
Then Rocky had to interupt and give me his 2 cents declare that I should not sing about an enchilada but should be singing about a papa who loved mambo.
And to think this all started with chocolate.
Tell me ... do you Mambo Italiano or with Papa and a Mama?
It's happened. I've lost that lovin' feeling. I just can't bring myself to attack my sewing table and finish a few projects and start a few that I had in mind. It's a wonder ... just look at my table!
sigh.
I just can't seem to carve out the time. Summer is in full swing and lucky for us we get to spend our days at the pool. What bums me out though is that if I really wanted to make it happen, I could. I never thought I would see the day that I wasn't interested in sewing or crochet (yup - it's taken a hit too).
I was really struggling with it for a while and every time I blogged I was reminded that I was not posting something Some of a Kind made ... other than my children - he he. I originally began blogging as an outlet to share my creative endeavors - let's face it, our hubbies can be only so excited after seeing a new purse, place mat, oven mitt ...for the zillionth time.
I'm taking the pressure off for now. I'll still be here and certainly will have plenty to say (smiles), it just might not be about anything crafty. I'm going to enjoy summer to it's fullest and leave my sewing table alone for a while ... until that loving feeling comes back. How about you - how do you plan to spend your summer?
My mom used to sing this song all the time when I was a kid. When writing this post and searching for the song to link to I listened to the words. It's sad. I liked the way she always sang it versus the original version - she was usually laughing (ok or trying to to cry because I tripped her up or scared her to death because she didn't know I was behind her).
My sweet little fella - always under foot - no matter where we are. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I think it's time John learned a family favorite ...
Strawberry pickin' with my almost first grader (where has the year gone?!) who loves his orange UVa shirt (recognize it?) almost as much as he loves school field trips definitely is sweeter than sugar.
You all have heard me whine about having to clean many times before.
I don't like to. Don't think I ever will.
I do however like recycling, saving money and, excuses to sew.
Head on over to Sew Much Ado for a tutorial to make these nifty reusable swiffer covers. I had enough scrap flannel to make three and I think that should do it. I've hit all three: recycled, saved money, and sewed a wee bit ;-)
And remember, when the dust bunnies start a revolt, I'll be pulling out my dust busters ... who ya gonna call?
Please forgive me. I didn't mean to tease you with my crocheted bag and never share the stats. I just got a little delirious (as you can tell by that post) and lost all track of time and forgot about sharing.
Let's make up.
I know you've been waiting with baited breath ...
I used sock yarn. Crazy isn't it. I couldn't find any variegated yarn that I liked (in the 5 minute window of time that I had to shop) so I took a deep breath and stepped out of my comfort zone and bought this Mellow Stripe .... and used an itty bitty crochet hook (D) hoping that the name alone would make this a positive experience (despite the teeny weenie hook).
I followed this pattern that I found on ravelry. There is a correction that was referenced in the comments on ravelry but if you've grannied before you would probably catch the mistake ... I on the other hand had to figure it out the hard way and start from square one. Twice.
The lining was a bit challenging - I laid my purse out flat and traced around it. Unfortunately I didn't do a very good job of this - it's a wee bit (ok - a lot) wonky.
I actually cut 4 of these (wonky) pieces (that had to be trimmed to line up); I didn't want a seam showing through my purse so I followed the April Bag instructions to finish the lining then hand sewed it in. One thing that I love about this bag is how the squares are on an angle - that is what made making the lining so difficult. I didn't want it to just go straight across - I thought that might look funny - so I brought it up to the peaks (sorta).
Told ya it was wonky.
I love it despite it being a bit off center ... you know how they say a dog can resemble it's owner - I say that applies to purses too. I did remember to sew a pocket in this one so now I don't have to dig to the bottom of my purse for my cell phone and subject everyone in a 50 mile radius to Michael Buble whenever Rocky calls ... but why withhold such a catchy tune ;-)
I know I know - that's not how the song goes but I'm talking some blogging liberties ;-)
Rocky (that is my new name for DH - he never believed me when I told him that DH stood for darling husband) and I had a Derby party to go to and I needed to make something for May(d) For Me! sooooo ... another sombrero was in order.
The pattern calls for 3 layers of cotton duck (or something of similar weight) for the brim. I decided I would use what I had on hand since I splurged on real linen for the hat; an interfacing that I thought was the same constancy as the duck. All went well in assembling the hat and I liked how it didn't seem so heavy. That should have been my first clue. Here's a before the party picture:
Rocky looks like he is thrilled doesn't he? You might recognize the Japanese Knot bag if you've been around here for a while.
It was really, really, really windy at the party. Other than that it was a beautiful afternoon. The sky was clear and the warmth of the sun was kept in check by the not so subtle breeze. I often cursed myself for wearing a ~white~ slip under my black dress. I had one hand on my hat and well, I should have een holding down my skirt but those mint juleps were so goooood. What.was.I.thinking. Anyhoo ... back to the law and the hat. By the time the party was over my hat had flip flopped everywhere and was annoyingly lying on one side of my face - flat as a pancake. It was totally out of hand. Kind of like this:
Ok. Maybe not that wild ... at least she is still smiling! The way my hat was contorted you could only see half my face - arg! All I could think of was having to undo the whole hat. Jack and I would meet again after all.
That night I sadly set my hat down on the ottoman thinking of the not so quality time we were about to spend together and sighed ... and then something remarkable happened the next morning. It had regained it's shape.
We'll I'll be ... looks like I'm on parole. You can count your stitches that I'll be a law abiding seamstress from now on. Tell me ... are you innocent or have you fought the law too?
I've got it. Except everything I touch today has not turned to gold. It's turned into a mess that only my seam ripper can remedy. I actually had some free time today - all the boys were occupied (and not by me) and the house is fairly clean. Time to get crackin'.
First I started to make a lining for my purse (I got it put together yesterday). I'm not even sure what I did but it isn't working. I'm ready to bag the lining all together and just go (pocket book) commando.
Then I decided to start anew with these cute pajama shorts. I'm soooo glad I used a muslin and didn't get all bold and take on the 'these are easy' attitude. I can't even get the ones I made over my hips. I used a pair that fit great as my pattern - go figure.
So ... I moved on to preparing the pattern for the socialite dress. I even got the fabric washed and ready to go ... and then thought better of it given how the previous hour went. I was hoping to actually make more than one thing for May(d) for Me ... instead I'm going to dig out that stashed solid dairy chocolate Easter bunny and make a cup of tea. If you hear "It's my party I can cry if I want to ..." you know where it's coming from.
There's a skip in the ol' record over here. I just can't seem to get into a groove. Square dancing has become like trying to slow dance to an 80's hair band.
just.can't.do.it.
One day I hope to weave in all the ends ... sew the sixteen squares together ... crochet a strap ... make a lining (with a pocket - very important detail) and have me a new summer purse ... before winter of 2010.
I thought it was high time to share with you our updated kitchen (a sorta before pic here and here). The contractors have left the building. Well, almost. We still have some electrical work to be done, our new dishwasher needs to be installed, the bottom cabinets need to be painted, and one of our new cabinets is at the shop being slimmed down to fit under our bar (see the funky looking section to the right of the stools ...)
We had the island made which has been great for added counter top space. Despite our kitchen being a generous size (for an old house) the counter top space was atrocious. What you can't see on the front of the island is 4 drawers and another cabinet ... heaven. Now I just need to get used to it being there so I don't keep clipping the edge ;-)
We painted the walls a Benjamin Moore Color - Blue Suede Shoes. Love.It.Love.It.
The counter tops are SILESTONE - Blue Sahara. Love them too. Looks like I'm going to need to make another mixer cover to match.
One thing I know for sure - this picture that I have been hanging on to is getting framed and hung where I spend most of my time and I can always enjoy it - in the kitchen.
Our oh so talented (80 year old) neighbor painted this from a picture on our Christmas card. Amazing isn't it? I think this is the highlight of my new digs.
Thank you all for all your kind words and for sticking around even though there hasn't been much craftiness happening over here. We still have the laundry room to do and finish the exterior painting ... I really need some sewing/crocheting/creative time. I'll get there. It will happen. I am so thankful to be able to make these improvements to our home but I am feeling a bit drained from lack of creativeness. Again, thanks for your bloggy support. Now I'm off to figure out how to keep my boy's sticky fingers (and crayons and markers) off my blue suede shoes ...
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