Next month I will be celebrating my 5th blog anniversary. It doesn't seem possible that I have been blogging that long. I thought it might be fun to give you a chance to get to know me better by asking me questions. So, get those questions ready and e-mail them to me at literaryfeline [AT] gmail [DOT] com! I will post the questions and my responses here on my blog.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday Randomness: Junkfood for the Mind
This weekend I found myself sitting in front of the television, not focused enough to read nor seeking anything substantial. I began flipping through channels. I stopped when I came across a movie I had not only seen before (twice) but also don't think is all that great. The acting is terrible, in my opinion (the setting is breathtaking though). But there I sat, nursing Mouse, watching Twilight.
I also recently sat through Trojan War, a movie about a young man who goes out to find a condom (really) for a tryst with the girl of his dreams only to land in a heap of trouble over and over again. It's a comedy in case you are wondering. Anyway. It wasn't all that good either, but there I sat. Watching.
I watched the movie Planet 51. The second half first and then caught the first half later. It was cute. Nothing spectacular.
Junk food for the mind, my husband calls it. Have you ever fallen victim to sitting through a not so good movie just because?
I love movies and have always stayed abreast on what was coming out when. I just haven't cared all that much the last several months, knowing I'd likely have to catch the movies on DVD at some later date.
I will be seeing the final Harry Potter movie in the theater though.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I also recently sat through Trojan War, a movie about a young man who goes out to find a condom (really) for a tryst with the girl of his dreams only to land in a heap of trouble over and over again. It's a comedy in case you are wondering. Anyway. It wasn't all that good either, but there I sat. Watching.
I watched the movie Planet 51. The second half first and then caught the first half later. It was cute. Nothing spectacular.
Junk food for the mind, my husband calls it. Have you ever fallen victim to sitting through a not so good movie just because?
I love movies and have always stayed abreast on what was coming out when. I just haven't cared all that much the last several months, knowing I'd likely have to catch the movies on DVD at some later date.
I will be seeing the final Harry Potter movie in the theater though.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
From the Archives: Mini Reviews from April 2005 (part 2)
I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. My reviews were often brief and contained little substance, but I thought it'd be fun to document them here on my blog as well as share them with you. Here are a few from April 2005:
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Knopf, 1997 - Fiction, 448 pgs
In Memoirs of a Geisha, readers get a front row seat to the unfolding of a beautiful, sometimes sad and at times romantic story of Chiyo’s life and her becoming Sayuri, a geisha. Arthur Golden has a gift with words, bringing his characters to life and creating an extremely likeable character such as Chiyo. The history of Japan during the 1930’s and the intricacies of the preparations and life of geisha were educational and intriguing. I was a bit disappointed in the ending, if only because I thought it came to a close too fast and was too easy of an ending for such a complex story. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed Memoirs of a Giesha.
Haunted by Kelley Armstrong
Bantam, 2005 - Fantasy, 528 pgs
When I put my name in as a contestant in the drawing to preview this book through the publisher, I did not really expect to win. Kelley Armstrong is an author that came recommended to me through fellow fans of Laurel K. Hamilton’s and so I scooped up her first two books—and, of course, they are sitting amongst my many TBR books waiting to be read. There must be something about supernatural stories that can really grab my attention and hold my interest so completely. I was captivated with the story in Haunted. A witch ghost is given the task of finding and helping in the capture of a very evil and elusive demi demon. I immediately liked the main character, Eve Levine. She is a smart, tough and sassy woman who knows how to get things done. She became even more real for me as she struggled with letting go of her old life in the living world and making a life in her new world.
I had been so engrossed in the novel yesterday morning that I had to forgo stopping by the gas station on my way to work so as not to be late. I was down to half a gallon of gas and so I had to fight of panic of running out of gas. The writing itself is nothing fancy and in the very beginning I had difficulty finding my footing in the sense of setting. Perhaps it’s the dimension shifts I struggle to get my mind around because I recall having a similar problem with the first book in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy, Daughter of the Blood. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Armstrong’s earlier books.
Devil’s Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Harper Collins, 2005 - Crime Fiction (S/T), 400 pgs
Assistant United States Attorney Vicki Allegretti is determined to solve the murder of her ATF partner and the mother of a former defendant she once hoped to convict. In a tale about drug and gun trafficking, corruption, and murder, Ms. Scottoline serves up a suspenseful and exciting mystery for readers. She pairs two unlikely heroines who prove to be a tough team to contend with. The personal aspects of Vicki’s life added fullness to the character and the story. And I loved the character of Reheema with her grit and charm. Although it did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel in any way, I was not too impressed with Vicki’s love interest, however.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Knopf, 1997 - Fiction, 448 pgs
In Memoirs of a Geisha, readers get a front row seat to the unfolding of a beautiful, sometimes sad and at times romantic story of Chiyo’s life and her becoming Sayuri, a geisha. Arthur Golden has a gift with words, bringing his characters to life and creating an extremely likeable character such as Chiyo. The history of Japan during the 1930’s and the intricacies of the preparations and life of geisha were educational and intriguing. I was a bit disappointed in the ending, if only because I thought it came to a close too fast and was too easy of an ending for such a complex story. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed Memoirs of a Giesha.
Haunted by Kelley Armstrong
Bantam, 2005 - Fantasy, 528 pgs
When I put my name in as a contestant in the drawing to preview this book through the publisher, I did not really expect to win. Kelley Armstrong is an author that came recommended to me through fellow fans of Laurel K. Hamilton’s and so I scooped up her first two books—and, of course, they are sitting amongst my many TBR books waiting to be read. There must be something about supernatural stories that can really grab my attention and hold my interest so completely. I was captivated with the story in Haunted. A witch ghost is given the task of finding and helping in the capture of a very evil and elusive demi demon. I immediately liked the main character, Eve Levine. She is a smart, tough and sassy woman who knows how to get things done. She became even more real for me as she struggled with letting go of her old life in the living world and making a life in her new world.
I had been so engrossed in the novel yesterday morning that I had to forgo stopping by the gas station on my way to work so as not to be late. I was down to half a gallon of gas and so I had to fight of panic of running out of gas. The writing itself is nothing fancy and in the very beginning I had difficulty finding my footing in the sense of setting. Perhaps it’s the dimension shifts I struggle to get my mind around because I recall having a similar problem with the first book in Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy, Daughter of the Blood. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Armstrong’s earlier books.
Devil’s Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Harper Collins, 2005 - Crime Fiction (S/T), 400 pgs
Assistant United States Attorney Vicki Allegretti is determined to solve the murder of her ATF partner and the mother of a former defendant she once hoped to convict. In a tale about drug and gun trafficking, corruption, and murder, Ms. Scottoline serves up a suspenseful and exciting mystery for readers. She pairs two unlikely heroines who prove to be a tough team to contend with. The personal aspects of Vicki’s life added fullness to the character and the story. And I loved the character of Reheema with her grit and charm. Although it did not detract from my enjoyment of the novel in any way, I was not too impressed with Vicki’s love interest, however.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Bookish Monday Mewsings
After four weeks of being back at work, I think I have finally settled into a morning routine. It can be a bit of a challenge with a newborn who keeps her own schedule, eating and sleeping on demand. She's slowly finding her own regular pattern--not without a little help from mom and dad--now that she's reached that three month mark. And so every work day, I rise before the sun, change and feed Mouse, and get ready for work. I admit to lingering with Mouse and rushing through my own routine--but it's worth it. At the end of the day I rush home to be with Mouse--no one better stand in my way! The evenings seem too short before it is bath and then bedtime.
I used to always say that a reader will always make time to read, no matter how busy he or she is. And I still believe that. At least to a degree. I now more fully understand how difficult it can be to make the time juggling a full-time job and a baby in addition to keeping a house. As a result, takes me quite a while to get through even one book. But I am reading! And I am slowly beginning to blog again. I am finding my rhythm, you could say.
At the moment, I find it easier to read books on my nook. Perhaps my not having unpacked my books yet has something to do with that? It is also easier to hold and turn pages with one handed. I still love my paper books, however. I haven't completely gone over to one side or the other.
This weekend I tweeted: A friend told me I need to relax more (she's right). Suggested I give up reading murder mysteries (not gonna happen).
Despite my friend's advice, this past weekend I was able to finish Mark Billingham's upcoming Bloodline and am about to begin L.J. Sellers' The Sex Club, the first in the Detective Jackson series. Yes, they are murder mysteries. I can't help it if I turn to mysteries and suspense novels for comfort. Perhaps it is the whole good triumphs over evil or the fact that such novels grip me and don't let go until the very end. If it's a good mystery anyway. Regardless, I enjoy reading a mystery. (Did I mention that my friend's reading tastes tend to lean in the James Patterson direction? She means well though, and I love her for it.)
Also on the bookish front, I recently took advantage of a special Unbridled Books was offering. Twenty-five e-books for twenty-five cents. The sale lasted only a short time and was offered at specific independent bookstores. I have several of the publisher's books already and ended up purchasing eleven titles for my nook:
The Distance Between Us by Masha Hamilton
Wolf Point by Edward Falco
Small Acts of Sex and Electricity by Lisa Haines
Shimmer by Eric Barnes
The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish by Elise Blackwell
The Good Doctor Guillotin by Marc Estrin
The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
Stranger Here Below by Joyce Hinnefeld
The Journal of Antonio Montoya by Rick Collignon
The Green Age of Asher Witherow by M. Allen Cunningham
The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters by Timothy Schaffert
As if I need more books.
What are you reading at the moment? Have any new books come your way recently?
I used to always say that a reader will always make time to read, no matter how busy he or she is. And I still believe that. At least to a degree. I now more fully understand how difficult it can be to make the time juggling a full-time job and a baby in addition to keeping a house. As a result, takes me quite a while to get through even one book. But I am reading! And I am slowly beginning to blog again. I am finding my rhythm, you could say.
At the moment, I find it easier to read books on my nook. Perhaps my not having unpacked my books yet has something to do with that? It is also easier to hold and turn pages with one handed. I still love my paper books, however. I haven't completely gone over to one side or the other.
This weekend I tweeted: A friend told me I need to relax more (she's right). Suggested I give up reading murder mysteries (not gonna happen).
Despite my friend's advice, this past weekend I was able to finish Mark Billingham's upcoming Bloodline and am about to begin L.J. Sellers' The Sex Club, the first in the Detective Jackson series. Yes, they are murder mysteries. I can't help it if I turn to mysteries and suspense novels for comfort. Perhaps it is the whole good triumphs over evil or the fact that such novels grip me and don't let go until the very end. If it's a good mystery anyway. Regardless, I enjoy reading a mystery. (Did I mention that my friend's reading tastes tend to lean in the James Patterson direction? She means well though, and I love her for it.)
Also on the bookish front, I recently took advantage of a special Unbridled Books was offering. Twenty-five e-books for twenty-five cents. The sale lasted only a short time and was offered at specific independent bookstores. I have several of the publisher's books already and ended up purchasing eleven titles for my nook:
The Distance Between Us by Masha Hamilton
Wolf Point by Edward Falco
Small Acts of Sex and Electricity by Lisa Haines
Shimmer by Eric Barnes
The Unnatural History of Cypress Parish by Elise Blackwell
The Good Doctor Guillotin by Marc Estrin
The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
Stranger Here Below by Joyce Hinnefeld
The Journal of Antonio Montoya by Rick Collignon
The Green Age of Asher Witherow by M. Allen Cunningham
The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters by Timothy Schaffert
As if I need more books.
What are you reading at the moment? Have any new books come your way recently?
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Saturday Snapshot: Camouflage
Fun in the sun.© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
From the Archives: Mini Reviews from April 2005 (part 1)
I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. Being back at work and as little reading as I've been able to do, I thought I would share my thoughts (however brief) on several books I read in April of 2005:
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber
Mariner Books, 2002 - Fiction, 944 pgs
The Crimson Petal and the White is a beautifully written novel set in Victorian England. Its raw descriptions mixed in with the elegant offers readers a taste of just how different life is between the poor and the wealthy during that time period. The author, Michael Faber, introduces readers to the filthy streets of London where prostitutes sell their wares and the working folk are barely getting by. This is the story of Sugar and her rise from the bottom to near the top, about a wealthy businessman and his family and friends, and about the poor vs. the wealthy, women vs. men, with a thread of the role religion and charity played throughout. This book was full of surprises at times and yet predictable in others. It was well worth the time it took to read it.
Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Tor Books, 1995 - Horror, 468 pgs
The recent savage murders in the Museum of Natural History in New York threaten the opening of a major exhibit, which is expected to draw in the crowds and money. A brutal killer is on the loose: is it beast or man? FBI Special Agent Pendergast, joining forces with museum staff and local law enforcement, arrives on the scene to help find and stop the murderer before it is too late. Pendergast is a charming and mysterious character that I was first introduced to in a later Preston and Child book, The Cabinet of Curiosities. Relic is a novel that pulled me in from the very first page and kept my eyes glued to the pages until I finished it. The suspense did not let up until the very end.
Shelf Life: Romance, Mystery, Drama. and Other Page-Turning Adventures from a Year in a Bookstore by Suzanne Strempek Shea
Beacon Press, 2004 - Nonfiction, 221 pgs
After going through treatment for breast cancer, author Suzanne Strempek Shea reenters life by taking a job at an independent bookstore. Filled with wit and real life colorful characters, Shelf Life is about a year in Ms. Shea’s life working in the Edwards Bookstore. A must read for booklovers, Ms. Shea offers insight into the world of bookselling and book promotion as well as the different role books and bookstores play in the lives of people and communities. This is a jewel of a book I most likely never would have noticed had it not been recommended through a book group.
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber
Mariner Books, 2002 - Fiction, 944 pgs
The Crimson Petal and the White is a beautifully written novel set in Victorian England. Its raw descriptions mixed in with the elegant offers readers a taste of just how different life is between the poor and the wealthy during that time period. The author, Michael Faber, introduces readers to the filthy streets of London where prostitutes sell their wares and the working folk are barely getting by. This is the story of Sugar and her rise from the bottom to near the top, about a wealthy businessman and his family and friends, and about the poor vs. the wealthy, women vs. men, with a thread of the role religion and charity played throughout. This book was full of surprises at times and yet predictable in others. It was well worth the time it took to read it.
Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
Tor Books, 1995 - Horror, 468 pgs
The recent savage murders in the Museum of Natural History in New York threaten the opening of a major exhibit, which is expected to draw in the crowds and money. A brutal killer is on the loose: is it beast or man? FBI Special Agent Pendergast, joining forces with museum staff and local law enforcement, arrives on the scene to help find and stop the murderer before it is too late. Pendergast is a charming and mysterious character that I was first introduced to in a later Preston and Child book, The Cabinet of Curiosities. Relic is a novel that pulled me in from the very first page and kept my eyes glued to the pages until I finished it. The suspense did not let up until the very end.
Shelf Life: Romance, Mystery, Drama. and Other Page-Turning Adventures from a Year in a Bookstore by Suzanne Strempek Shea
Beacon Press, 2004 - Nonfiction, 221 pgs
After going through treatment for breast cancer, author Suzanne Strempek Shea reenters life by taking a job at an independent bookstore. Filled with wit and real life colorful characters, Shelf Life is about a year in Ms. Shea’s life working in the Edwards Bookstore. A must read for booklovers, Ms. Shea offers insight into the world of bookselling and book promotion as well as the different role books and bookstores play in the lives of people and communities. This is a jewel of a book I most likely never would have noticed had it not been recommended through a book group.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think?
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Tuesday Tangents: Random Thoughts
~ My books are all in boxes still. Over five weeks later. I have a good reason. Sort of. Anjin and I would like to get new bookcases, ones that match, for the living room--which I will probably start calling the library just because.
~ We've moved a couple of the old bookcases upstairs to the loft area where Anjin's comic books and graphic novels are now housed.
~ There are three bookcases in the master bedroom. One in Mouse's room.
~ We have a lot of books.
~ I am still reading Bloodline by Mark Billingham. Since starting back at work, I am finding it difficult to squeeze in any reading time.
~ I guess it is good then that my books are all in boxes. No guilt when they are out of sight.
~ Baby talk dominates most of my conversations these days. I'm one of those people who now talks about sleep schedules, developmental milestones, who she looks like more (me or my husband), feeding habits (including breastfeeding stories), and the consistency and color of bowel movements.
~ I have not yet dropped my pronouns in adult conversation but I can see it happening.
~ Did you notice how I couldn't avoid bringing up baby topics? I told myself I wouldn't do that.
That about sums up my Tuesday thoughts. Do you have any random tangents you'd like to share?
On a different note: I have been toying with the idea of having you ask me questions I can answer here on my blog during the month of July, just in time for my blog anniversary. I'm pretty sure this will mark my 5th year of blogging, but I can't remember off hand. I worry though no one will ask anything. What do you think?
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Off The Bookish Path - A Personal Reflection
My life finally seems to be settling into a routine of sorts. I have been back to work for three weeks now. It was easy to some extent to jump back into the job even after so many weeks away. I had forgotten all of my passwords, of course (thank goodness I had written them down!), and my boss was promoted during my absence. Other than that though, work is work is work. I am fortunate to work in a field and with people I like. That has made the transition from being home with my baby back to work a tad easier. But only just a tad.
I miss Mouse terribly but am glad she at least is able to spend a few weeks in her father's care. My husband, Anjin, is wonderful with Mouse and she adores him. She has us both wrapped around her little finger just as it should be at this stage. I think the hard part will come when she does start daycare. We are very confident and happy with the person who will be caring for her while we are at work, but it doesn't make it any easier to be away from her for those few hours during the week.
The other night my husband commented how Mouse will soon be three months old. "We're going to make it," he said with relief. It's been a challenging three months in more ways than one. I have a few more gray hairs and the dark circles under my eyes have become a permanent fixture. Despite the not so good parts, there is so much about being a parent to a newborn I have come to love.
My heart melts when Mouse smiles at me. Her smile is more than just the upturn of her lips. It lightens her entire face and she throws her body into it. I love her squeals of laughter. Then there is cuddle time, especially after mealtime. She can sit (she hates to lay down unless she's sleeping or during feedings) for long stretches, silently taking in everything around her. At other times she is in constant motion. She loves to use her legs, kicking and stomping, trying to stand and walk. How could I not feel a swell of love for her when she grabs hold of my finger and won't let go? She isn't the biggest talker, but when she does talk, I always pay attention. I love it when her face scrunches up in frustration only to ease back into contentment when I reassure her I am there. I could gaze at her forever when she is sleeping, whether she has an arm thrown over her eyes, propped under her head or her hand under her chin. Oh, and I can just give her kisses and kisses and kisses . . . The list could go on forever. I am sure I am not the only mother who has taken pleasure in such things. How can we not marvel at the beauty and gift of trust our little ones give us?
As I've said, it isn't all sunshine and bliss. As many of you know, children are hard work. Your life isn't your own--at least not in the same way as before. Finding time for me and anything not baby related is quite a challenge. Add to that the occasional heart wrenching crying when nothing seems to console her, initial breastfeeding difficulties, the sleepless nights and the postpartum depression among other things. Suffice it to say, I am adjusting to parenthood and all its ups and downs.
The other big topic in my life right now is the move--and the new house. It was literally down to the wire, our buying of the new house dependent on the sale of our old house to the city. Somehow everything came together, but not without a lot of teeth gnashing and hair pulling. Then the move. Even with movers doing all the heavy lifting, it was an exhausting experience (I got over my fear of nursing in public quickly, let me tell you. Fortunately, the movers worked around me as best they could). My husband and I had been in our old house 10 years, and so it'd been a while since we last moved.
I love the new house. We are still getting to know the neighborhood but so far are happy with it. It's relatively quiet and, while I know crime can happen anywhere, I do feel safer. It took the cats awhile to adjust but they seem to be settling in well. It was touch and go there for awhile in regards to Anya. My dog Riley would be happy anywhere as long as I am there. The baby's presence has been hardest on him, my attention focused mostly on Mouse. My husband and I do what we can to make him feel loved too, but I know he feels a bit neglected. He pretty much ignores the baby at this point. She sure does love to watch him though. She's just beginning to take an interest in the cats.
Our new house is on the other side of town. It's farther away from the mall, bookstores and post office. It's farther away from a lot of the places we like to frequent. On the plus side, we are having fun exploring our new area when we can, and I live closer to my office now.
When I think back to where I was a year ago, I never imagined my life would so drastically change in such a short time. We were still trying to get pregnant and, as far as we knew, the city's plans to displace us and many of our neighbors were still just in the planning stage. I am in a totally different place than where I was back then--both figuratively and literally speaking.
I miss Mouse terribly but am glad she at least is able to spend a few weeks in her father's care. My husband, Anjin, is wonderful with Mouse and she adores him. She has us both wrapped around her little finger just as it should be at this stage. I think the hard part will come when she does start daycare. We are very confident and happy with the person who will be caring for her while we are at work, but it doesn't make it any easier to be away from her for those few hours during the week.
The other night my husband commented how Mouse will soon be three months old. "We're going to make it," he said with relief. It's been a challenging three months in more ways than one. I have a few more gray hairs and the dark circles under my eyes have become a permanent fixture. Despite the not so good parts, there is so much about being a parent to a newborn I have come to love.
My heart melts when Mouse smiles at me. Her smile is more than just the upturn of her lips. It lightens her entire face and she throws her body into it. I love her squeals of laughter. Then there is cuddle time, especially after mealtime. She can sit (she hates to lay down unless she's sleeping or during feedings) for long stretches, silently taking in everything around her. At other times she is in constant motion. She loves to use her legs, kicking and stomping, trying to stand and walk. How could I not feel a swell of love for her when she grabs hold of my finger and won't let go? She isn't the biggest talker, but when she does talk, I always pay attention. I love it when her face scrunches up in frustration only to ease back into contentment when I reassure her I am there. I could gaze at her forever when she is sleeping, whether she has an arm thrown over her eyes, propped under her head or her hand under her chin. Oh, and I can just give her kisses and kisses and kisses . . . The list could go on forever. I am sure I am not the only mother who has taken pleasure in such things. How can we not marvel at the beauty and gift of trust our little ones give us?
As I've said, it isn't all sunshine and bliss. As many of you know, children are hard work. Your life isn't your own--at least not in the same way as before. Finding time for me and anything not baby related is quite a challenge. Add to that the occasional heart wrenching crying when nothing seems to console her, initial breastfeeding difficulties, the sleepless nights and the postpartum depression among other things. Suffice it to say, I am adjusting to parenthood and all its ups and downs.
The other big topic in my life right now is the move--and the new house. It was literally down to the wire, our buying of the new house dependent on the sale of our old house to the city. Somehow everything came together, but not without a lot of teeth gnashing and hair pulling. Then the move. Even with movers doing all the heavy lifting, it was an exhausting experience (I got over my fear of nursing in public quickly, let me tell you. Fortunately, the movers worked around me as best they could). My husband and I had been in our old house 10 years, and so it'd been a while since we last moved.
I love the new house. We are still getting to know the neighborhood but so far are happy with it. It's relatively quiet and, while I know crime can happen anywhere, I do feel safer. It took the cats awhile to adjust but they seem to be settling in well. It was touch and go there for awhile in regards to Anya. My dog Riley would be happy anywhere as long as I am there. The baby's presence has been hardest on him, my attention focused mostly on Mouse. My husband and I do what we can to make him feel loved too, but I know he feels a bit neglected. He pretty much ignores the baby at this point. She sure does love to watch him though. She's just beginning to take an interest in the cats.
Our new house is on the other side of town. It's farther away from the mall, bookstores and post office. It's farther away from a lot of the places we like to frequent. On the plus side, we are having fun exploring our new area when we can, and I live closer to my office now.
When I think back to where I was a year ago, I never imagined my life would so drastically change in such a short time. We were still trying to get pregnant and, as far as we knew, the city's plans to displace us and many of our neighbors were still just in the planning stage. I am in a totally different place than where I was back then--both figuratively and literally speaking.
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Saturday Snapshot: Starting Over
In June 1997, we moved into our first apartment together (the one on the 1st floor).The grounds were divine--so green and forest like. It was love at first sight.
In October 2000, we moved into our first house. It needed a lot of work, but it was all ours.
In April 2011, we moved into our new house. It already feels like home.Hosted by Alice of At Home With Books
© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
From the Archives: Mini Reviews from March 2005
I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. Being back at work and as little reading as I've been able to do, I thought I would share my thoughts (however brief) on several books I read in March of 2005:
I remember hearing quite a bit about mother and daughter writing team P.J. Tracy when Monkeewrench first came out. Their first book in their series got quite a lot of positive buzz. I still enjoy the series quite a bit, although am one book behind. Something I should remedy soon!
Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy
Putnam, 2003 ~ Crime Fiction, 373 pgs
Someone has turned a computer game about catching a serial killer into reality by mimicking the fictional murders from the game. It’s a race against time as law enforcement and the game makers try to uncover the identity of the killer before anyone else dies. With an assorted cast of colorful characters, Monkeewrench is an entertaining, at times humorous, and suspenseful novel written by a mother and daughter team. This is definitely a mystery worth reading. Rating:
(Very Good)
My favorite book of 2005 was Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I still think of the book quite fondly and consider it one of my all time favorites.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Picador, 2002 ~ Fiction, 529 pgs
Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, Middlesex, tells the story of the Greek-American Stephanides family, spanning three generations over eight decades. Through the narration of Calliope (Cal) Stephanides, we enter into the life of a Greek family during a tumultuous time in Turkey, their crossover into America, and we see the unfolding of an American dream. This is also the story of Calliope who was raised as a girl but is physiologically a hermaphrodite, being more male than female, a realization that did not come to light until Calliope hit puberty.
Middlesex was a pleasant surprise. I thought it was well written, intriguing and difficult to put down. Mr. Eugenides’ creates an unusual protagonist who found a way into my heart from the very first page. With the serious mixed in with the humor, the story was never boring. I was especially drawn into the setting of the novel, not only the locations, but the time periods as well. I think the setting was perfect for the telling of the Stephanides tale. It framed it well and brought it to life. The characters were charming, colorful and well developed. This is a story I will not soon forget. Rating:
(Outstanding)
It took awhile for me to be able to read books that touched upon the terror of September 11, 2001. The Usual Rules seemed like a good place to start, especially given the recommendations I had received saying the book was not to be missed. I identified with the main character, and not just because we share the same name.
The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard
St. Martin's Press, 2003 ~ Fiction, 390 pgs
There has been a lot of talk recently in the media about the literature that is emerging about the 9/11 tragedy, and The Usual Rules is listed as one of the most compelling novels that talks about the grieving process. The Usual Rules is the story of one teenage girl and her family who were directly impacted when her mother died in the terrorist attack against the World Trade Center in New York. Joyce Maynard introduces readers to thirteen-year-old Wendy who loves music and drawing and who finds comfort in books, what one person I know calls bibliotherapy. It is through Wendy that readers experience the terrible events that unfolded on 9/11 as well as the suffering and grief that she and those around her went through. This was a heart-wrenching novel that often had me in tears and wishing I could turn back the clock and undo what had been done. I finished reading this book feeling sad, and yet the strength and resilience people demonstrated both in the book and in real life during and after this tragedy give me hope and warm my heart. Rating: (Very Good)
I remember hearing quite a bit about mother and daughter writing team P.J. Tracy when Monkeewrench first came out. Their first book in their series got quite a lot of positive buzz. I still enjoy the series quite a bit, although am one book behind. Something I should remedy soon!
Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy
Putnam, 2003 ~ Crime Fiction, 373 pgs
Someone has turned a computer game about catching a serial killer into reality by mimicking the fictional murders from the game. It’s a race against time as law enforcement and the game makers try to uncover the identity of the killer before anyone else dies. With an assorted cast of colorful characters, Monkeewrench is an entertaining, at times humorous, and suspenseful novel written by a mother and daughter team. This is definitely a mystery worth reading. Rating:
(Very Good)My favorite book of 2005 was Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I still think of the book quite fondly and consider it one of my all time favorites.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Picador, 2002 ~ Fiction, 529 pgs
Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, Middlesex, tells the story of the Greek-American Stephanides family, spanning three generations over eight decades. Through the narration of Calliope (Cal) Stephanides, we enter into the life of a Greek family during a tumultuous time in Turkey, their crossover into America, and we see the unfolding of an American dream. This is also the story of Calliope who was raised as a girl but is physiologically a hermaphrodite, being more male than female, a realization that did not come to light until Calliope hit puberty.
Middlesex was a pleasant surprise. I thought it was well written, intriguing and difficult to put down. Mr. Eugenides’ creates an unusual protagonist who found a way into my heart from the very first page. With the serious mixed in with the humor, the story was never boring. I was especially drawn into the setting of the novel, not only the locations, but the time periods as well. I think the setting was perfect for the telling of the Stephanides tale. It framed it well and brought it to life. The characters were charming, colorful and well developed. This is a story I will not soon forget. Rating:
(Outstanding)It took awhile for me to be able to read books that touched upon the terror of September 11, 2001. The Usual Rules seemed like a good place to start, especially given the recommendations I had received saying the book was not to be missed. I identified with the main character, and not just because we share the same name.
The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard
St. Martin's Press, 2003 ~ Fiction, 390 pgs
There has been a lot of talk recently in the media about the literature that is emerging about the 9/11 tragedy, and The Usual Rules is listed as one of the most compelling novels that talks about the grieving process. The Usual Rules is the story of one teenage girl and her family who were directly impacted when her mother died in the terrorist attack against the World Trade Center in New York. Joyce Maynard introduces readers to thirteen-year-old Wendy who loves music and drawing and who finds comfort in books, what one person I know calls bibliotherapy. It is through Wendy that readers experience the terrible events that unfolded on 9/11 as well as the suffering and grief that she and those around her went through. This was a heart-wrenching novel that often had me in tears and wishing I could turn back the clock and undo what had been done. I finished reading this book feeling sad, and yet the strength and resilience people demonstrated both in the book and in real life during and after this tragedy give me hope and warm my heart. Rating:
(Very Good)© 2011, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved.If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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