Saturday, March 30, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I write stuff too
I am part of another blog that is a fiction writers collective. We are quite new and formed out of a common love of fiction, Sherlock Holmes and writing.
We all write, though some of us are more prolific and we try the have regular flash fiction writing tasks to keep us working and motivated. Here is a link to one of mine that was part of a flash fiction challenge that had to include New Years Day - hope you like it. Rave at the Grave it had to be 500 words and I ended up writing two, this one was my preferred one.
And here is a link to the whole blog that includes samples of some of our work - not everyone has posted there yet Fiction Writers Club there is some good stuff there.
We all write, though some of us are more prolific and we try the have regular flash fiction writing tasks to keep us working and motivated. Here is a link to one of mine that was part of a flash fiction challenge that had to include New Years Day - hope you like it. Rave at the Grave it had to be 500 words and I ended up writing two, this one was my preferred one.
And here is a link to the whole blog that includes samples of some of our work - not everyone has posted there yet Fiction Writers Club there is some good stuff there.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Windward Ho!
I'll post nicer/better pictures once it has finished blocking.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Keep reading, reading, reading
More books to add to my list.
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
Format - Audio book
Love this. Have never read/heard it before but it kept me very entertained and I love Wilde's use of language. Very atmospheric and witty too.
Cranford by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskill
Format - Audio book
This is an all time favourite. I never tire of it. I love the stories within the story. All the characters amuse and entertain. I become more entranced with it every time I read or listen.
A French Affair by Katie Fforde
Format- Kindle
The latest from this wonderful author. And it does what it says on the tin. It has a good array of characters, a very decent story and setting and a lovely animal character but more than that it takes you to a happy place - or that's what it does for me - it doesn't ask more of you than that you get comfy, settle in and enjoy, and I think that is what reading is all about. A little break of relaxing peace. I have read all this authors books and she and Jill Mansell are my go to, brain fatigue release valves, and they never disappoint.
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Format - Kindle
This is a reread and it is one I've been meaning to do for ages. Forget Twilight and all the guff (you either love them or hate them) this is a good book. It is different and it is stirring. There are a couple of places where I even feel a little choked up as I read. It would be easier to get all philosophical about how this book portrays humanity (and it has its place in this work) but what it really boils down to, most importantly, is this is a good story. I think I will avoid the film because I don't see how the internal dialogue will portray the emotions from the two main characters (who share one body) and I think that is pivotal to the whole concept of the story. I just don't want to be disappointed.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Format- Kindle
Not seen the film but I liked the look of the story plot. I have to say, I struggled to get into this book. Nothing in particular but it didn't grab me straight away, however, by the time I was halfway though I was hooked and basically read the second half in one sitting. Have yet to decide whether to read the follow ups though.
The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
Format - Audio book
Love this. Have never read/heard it before but it kept me very entertained and I love Wilde's use of language. Very atmospheric and witty too.
Cranford by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskill
Format - Audio book
This is an all time favourite. I never tire of it. I love the stories within the story. All the characters amuse and entertain. I become more entranced with it every time I read or listen.
A French Affair by Katie Fforde
Format- Kindle
The latest from this wonderful author. And it does what it says on the tin. It has a good array of characters, a very decent story and setting and a lovely animal character but more than that it takes you to a happy place - or that's what it does for me - it doesn't ask more of you than that you get comfy, settle in and enjoy, and I think that is what reading is all about. A little break of relaxing peace. I have read all this authors books and she and Jill Mansell are my go to, brain fatigue release valves, and they never disappoint.
The Host by Stephanie Meyer
Format - Kindle
This is a reread and it is one I've been meaning to do for ages. Forget Twilight and all the guff (you either love them or hate them) this is a good book. It is different and it is stirring. There are a couple of places where I even feel a little choked up as I read. It would be easier to get all philosophical about how this book portrays humanity (and it has its place in this work) but what it really boils down to, most importantly, is this is a good story. I think I will avoid the film because I don't see how the internal dialogue will portray the emotions from the two main characters (who share one body) and I think that is pivotal to the whole concept of the story. I just don't want to be disappointed.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Format- Kindle
Not seen the film but I liked the look of the story plot. I have to say, I struggled to get into this book. Nothing in particular but it didn't grab me straight away, however, by the time I was halfway though I was hooked and basically read the second half in one sitting. Have yet to decide whether to read the follow ups though.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
The Sweetest Feeling
Loving you-oooooooooooo. I have no idea why this is today's ear worm but it is. This is a bits-n-bobs post.
Mother's Day was fab got a Herdy gift pack in orange from J and he cooked me a roast dinner in the evening. In fact he was wonderful all day. T'was lovely.
I'm off work for a couple of days and am glad to be so as it is still snowing as I type. And our close is snowed in right now and there are no buses running either. Yesterday was similar and I made soup, today will be a repeat of that, with a different flavoured soup. It is also a perfect opportunity to test out my new flask cup like this but in white, it's good so far.
I also got some lovely other things over the weekend - the most fabulous book about Grayson Perry which is the updated version of this one. And I treated myself to the brown version of this Orl Kiely teapot, which was reduced by about £15 (result) and I got four mugs too - this one, this one, this one and this one. I love her designs, they put me in mind of stuff we owned in my childhood in the 70's and they just sing out to me. I shall be adding to my collection.
So I have feel I have been quite spoilt and lucky and as I still am fighting off this never ending cold, that is quite a nice way to feel.
I shall spend today (once the few chores I have left are done) snuggling with dogs and hopefully getting some knitting done.
Mother's Day was fab got a Herdy gift pack in orange from J and he cooked me a roast dinner in the evening. In fact he was wonderful all day. T'was lovely.
I'm off work for a couple of days and am glad to be so as it is still snowing as I type. And our close is snowed in right now and there are no buses running either. Yesterday was similar and I made soup, today will be a repeat of that, with a different flavoured soup. It is also a perfect opportunity to test out my new flask cup like this but in white, it's good so far.
I also got some lovely other things over the weekend - the most fabulous book about Grayson Perry which is the updated version of this one. And I treated myself to the brown version of this Orl Kiely teapot, which was reduced by about £15 (result) and I got four mugs too - this one, this one, this one and this one. I love her designs, they put me in mind of stuff we owned in my childhood in the 70's and they just sing out to me. I shall be adding to my collection.
So I have feel I have been quite spoilt and lucky and as I still am fighting off this never ending cold, that is quite a nice way to feel.
I shall spend today (once the few chores I have left are done) snuggling with dogs and hopefully getting some knitting done.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Inspiration
What inspires you? What makes you want to do or achieve something? What fills your soul with pure joy that the day just seems better and brighter? I'd really like to know - so comment please.
For me, I find inspiration all over the place. I get inspired by sounds; a piece of music that resonates and quite often by the sounds of nature. Living where I do I hear lots of bird song and can hear the wind rustling through the trees or howling off the sea or the downs. I find inspiration in shapes and colours from art to the landscape and from the way the light dances on the sea. I also find a lot of inspiration from other knitters and crafters and their blogs. Another thing that inspires me is words and language, especially impassioned speaking. Over the weekend I watched Amanda Palmer's TED speech and that was really inspirational. Sometimes a piece of poetry can move me to tears.
I love it when I find something that makes me feel connected or makes me find a way through the fog to achieve an idea. I love the way words spark off other words in my head and I find the drive to write and I can then sit and write for hours just from that one spark.
It irons the creases from my brain and the stress from my spine.
So please tell me, what works for you?
For me, I find inspiration all over the place. I get inspired by sounds; a piece of music that resonates and quite often by the sounds of nature. Living where I do I hear lots of bird song and can hear the wind rustling through the trees or howling off the sea or the downs. I find inspiration in shapes and colours from art to the landscape and from the way the light dances on the sea. I also find a lot of inspiration from other knitters and crafters and their blogs. Another thing that inspires me is words and language, especially impassioned speaking. Over the weekend I watched Amanda Palmer's TED speech and that was really inspirational. Sometimes a piece of poetry can move me to tears.
I love it when I find something that makes me feel connected or makes me find a way through the fog to achieve an idea. I love the way words spark off other words in my head and I find the drive to write and I can then sit and write for hours just from that one spark.
It irons the creases from my brain and the stress from my spine.
So please tell me, what works for you?
Saturday, March 02, 2013
A whisper and a sparkle
Thursday, February 28, 2013
More bookidy wookidy books.
Thank You Jeeves by P G Wodehouse
Format - Audio book
Well read and very entertaining. Never read/listened to these before. I really enjoyed it.
Island of Fog and Labyrinth of Fire by Keith Robinson
Format - Kindle
OK these are meant to be kids books but if you want some well written light escapism then these are perfect. Fast paced and exciting with a couple of twists and peppered with fantastical beasts. They are great books for a quick entertaining read. I have already downloaded the 3rd one.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Format - Audiobook
Been re-listening to this at work. It is the authors preferred text and is read by him as well and I it is just totally brilliant.
Hide and Seek by P.S Brown
Format - Kindle
Clever twisty little book this. Not my normal genre and it kept me guessing. Written against a clock and fast paced. It was a total page turner. I'd happily read more by this author.
Damon by Vanessa Hawkes
Format- Kindle.
Thought I would love this - I didn't. Just not my cuppa tea at all. Quite disturbing in places. It just felt wrong.
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Format - Kindle
I saw a friend had read this and it looked interesting and she reckoned it was good - she was right. As the story picked up pace I could not leave it alone. I loved the world the characters inhabited, it is very clever. I loved the story and I will be reading the others in the series. Excellent.
Format - Audio book
Well read and very entertaining. Never read/listened to these before. I really enjoyed it.
Island of Fog and Labyrinth of Fire by Keith Robinson
Format - Kindle
OK these are meant to be kids books but if you want some well written light escapism then these are perfect. Fast paced and exciting with a couple of twists and peppered with fantastical beasts. They are great books for a quick entertaining read. I have already downloaded the 3rd one.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Format - Audiobook
Been re-listening to this at work. It is the authors preferred text and is read by him as well and I it is just totally brilliant.
Hide and Seek by P.S Brown
Format - Kindle
Clever twisty little book this. Not my normal genre and it kept me guessing. Written against a clock and fast paced. It was a total page turner. I'd happily read more by this author.
Damon by Vanessa Hawkes
Format- Kindle.
Thought I would love this - I didn't. Just not my cuppa tea at all. Quite disturbing in places. It just felt wrong.
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Format - Kindle
I saw a friend had read this and it looked interesting and she reckoned it was good - she was right. As the story picked up pace I could not leave it alone. I loved the world the characters inhabited, it is very clever. I loved the story and I will be reading the others in the series. Excellent.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Reading 2013
Very slow at the moment with so much going on but have a couple to go one the blog.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen.
Format - Audio book
I have listened to this book before and decided to revisit it to celebrate the bicentenary of P & P. I think Jane would have approved. I do love the addition of zombies to this book. It works for me and so does the addition of some of the wry humour and bad puns.
The London Blitz Murders - Agatha Christie vs the Blackout Ripper by Max Allan Collins
Format - Kindle
Not my normal read but I did quite enjoy my toe dip into this genre. It was fast paced and well written and I whizzed through it. As is usual with this style of book I had worked out who the culprit was long before the end but it didn't actually ruin my enjoyment of the story. I'd read another by this author quite happily.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Format - Audio book
Another favourite that I return to time and time again - I can't resist Henry Crawford! I've been listening to this at work and it has been a total pleasure.
Sinatra The Life by Anthony Summers & Robbyn Swan
Format - Book
This has been a long slow read mainly because I found parts of it very tedious and bordering on dull. I love Frankie boy and have read other books about his life but this one, whilst very informative and full of detail, just didn't do it for me. Must be the author's style because I read a book about Monroe by him (another modern historical person who fascinates me) and found that really dull too. Oh well I suppose they can't please everyone.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen.
Format - Audio book
I have listened to this book before and decided to revisit it to celebrate the bicentenary of P & P. I think Jane would have approved. I do love the addition of zombies to this book. It works for me and so does the addition of some of the wry humour and bad puns.
The London Blitz Murders - Agatha Christie vs the Blackout Ripper by Max Allan Collins
Format - Kindle
Not my normal read but I did quite enjoy my toe dip into this genre. It was fast paced and well written and I whizzed through it. As is usual with this style of book I had worked out who the culprit was long before the end but it didn't actually ruin my enjoyment of the story. I'd read another by this author quite happily.
Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
Format - Audio book
Another favourite that I return to time and time again - I can't resist Henry Crawford! I've been listening to this at work and it has been a total pleasure.
Sinatra The Life by Anthony Summers & Robbyn Swan
Format - Book
This has been a long slow read mainly because I found parts of it very tedious and bordering on dull. I love Frankie boy and have read other books about his life but this one, whilst very informative and full of detail, just didn't do it for me. Must be the author's style because I read a book about Monroe by him (another modern historical person who fascinates me) and found that really dull too. Oh well I suppose they can't please everyone.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Peeps.
Poor little blog, being ignored. I am a bad Dobby. I will go and shut my ears in the attic hatch forthwith.
There are reasons though. Firstly my laptop finally died a complete death and M's laptop has/had terminal droid rot so we had to invest in a new machine. This is my first proper go on it and am finding the new keyboard strange and Windows 8 a mystery.
Secondly, it was my birthday this weekend and we were just so busy, my little feet hardly touched the ground.
Thirdly, for my birthday I got a new Kindle Fire HD so I have been rather distracted by that...BTW I love it!
Finally, I just could not face trying to blog using M's lappy so had to wait until he decided which new one we'd invest in and, what with everything else, life just got in the way.
Normal service of inane drivel and waffle will resume shortly.
There are reasons though. Firstly my laptop finally died a complete death and M's laptop has/had terminal droid rot so we had to invest in a new machine. This is my first proper go on it and am finding the new keyboard strange and Windows 8 a mystery.
Secondly, it was my birthday this weekend and we were just so busy, my little feet hardly touched the ground.
Thirdly, for my birthday I got a new Kindle Fire HD so I have been rather distracted by that...BTW I love it!
Finally, I just could not face trying to blog using M's lappy so had to wait until he decided which new one we'd invest in and, what with everything else, life just got in the way.
Normal service of inane drivel and waffle will resume shortly.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Gift.
I find it amazing that these gifts show not only wonderful generosity but also that these friends know me better than some of the people who have been around all my life or for a good percentage of it.
I feel quite blessed to have such lovely people in my world.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Ello me darlins
Just looking forward to the weekend now. Who knows I might actually get to knit on something....or maybe work on the new project on the loom.
Wherever you are, whatever your plans....have a good one.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
Pimping a talented friend.
Here is a link Kreaitions to her FB page for her critters and one for her paintings Spoilt Rotten both are well worth a look.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Other stuff aside from books......
Well where do I start?
Have found a part time job and that feels weird - hence less blogging. It might take my head a while to get used to the whole 'leaving the house to work' type thingy. Also being social in that respect feels weird to me - do I chat (which I can do and can be quite yappy at times) or not (am used to not chatting much during the day)? I don't want to be too talkative or appear unfriendly - also my mind is distracted by other stuff right now too as I am often lost in thought - gah! Am just playing it by ear.
Been writing a lot. It's a bit like hitting a vein in mining. Have found mine and the strike so far is a biggie. My mind is overwhelmed with words, phrases and ideas and I feel like I am drowning. It is kind of a nice feeling. But the timing of it is total shit....(see above.)
Been discussing and planning with M what we should grow this year - so far we have only decided 'no tomatoes' as they have been rubbish the last two years and require far more work than they yield. We've got no further than this in our 'growing' plans. Organised is NOT the right word at all.
Also been getting J's exams sorted and booked and trying to galvanise the lazy little booger into action - crowbar? Check. Winkle pin? Check. Lump hammer? Check. Motivational speech? Check. Loosing the will to live? Check!
Been creative. Warped the little loom today. Have a couple (or 6 things) on the needles. Got ideas for loads of stuff - need to just get on with it really. But life is so distracting right now.
Planning a couple of trips or short breaks with M and J. Now that is exciting. Not sure when yet - due to exams and M's work schedule but we have had some great ideas for get-aways for this year.
It's birthday month this month as well. No big ones for us this year but still it's a nice feeling and something to look forward being officially in my mid to late 40's now I'm over 45. Some days I feel like I am still 15 and others closer to bloomin 70! Oh well I am younger than M so can rub that in now and then - it all helps.
That's about it. Dogs both need a bath and haircuts but it's been too cold. Fergus smells like an old mouldy earth worm and Lottie just smells like a digestive biscuit. The spiders are spending their days sitting next to their heat mats, munching happily on the occasional cricket. Conkers is alternating mouse hunting in next doors compost heap and hibernating in the airing cupboard and poor ole Jazzy is getting old and it is starting to really show. I know Ma is very worried about her - she is off to the vets this week for another check over.
Time now to throw a stew together, bake some blueberry muffins and then either curl up with a book and a glass of wine or maybe knit and watch the wonderful Prof 'Gelfing' Cox and his billions of billions and his lovely big fat Cheshire cat grin.
Have found a part time job and that feels weird - hence less blogging. It might take my head a while to get used to the whole 'leaving the house to work' type thingy. Also being social in that respect feels weird to me - do I chat (which I can do and can be quite yappy at times) or not (am used to not chatting much during the day)? I don't want to be too talkative or appear unfriendly - also my mind is distracted by other stuff right now too as I am often lost in thought - gah! Am just playing it by ear.
Been writing a lot. It's a bit like hitting a vein in mining. Have found mine and the strike so far is a biggie. My mind is overwhelmed with words, phrases and ideas and I feel like I am drowning. It is kind of a nice feeling. But the timing of it is total shit....(see above.)
Been discussing and planning with M what we should grow this year - so far we have only decided 'no tomatoes' as they have been rubbish the last two years and require far more work than they yield. We've got no further than this in our 'growing' plans. Organised is NOT the right word at all.
Also been getting J's exams sorted and booked and trying to galvanise the lazy little booger into action - crowbar? Check. Winkle pin? Check. Lump hammer? Check. Motivational speech? Check. Loosing the will to live? Check!
Been creative. Warped the little loom today. Have a couple (or 6 things) on the needles. Got ideas for loads of stuff - need to just get on with it really. But life is so distracting right now.
Planning a couple of trips or short breaks with M and J. Now that is exciting. Not sure when yet - due to exams and M's work schedule but we have had some great ideas for get-aways for this year.
It's birthday month this month as well. No big ones for us this year but still it's a nice feeling and something to look forward being officially in my mid to late 40's now I'm over 45. Some days I feel like I am still 15 and others closer to bloomin 70! Oh well I am younger than M so can rub that in now and then - it all helps.
That's about it. Dogs both need a bath and haircuts but it's been too cold. Fergus smells like an old mouldy earth worm and Lottie just smells like a digestive biscuit. The spiders are spending their days sitting next to their heat mats, munching happily on the occasional cricket. Conkers is alternating mouse hunting in next doors compost heap and hibernating in the airing cupboard and poor ole Jazzy is getting old and it is starting to really show. I know Ma is very worried about her - she is off to the vets this week for another check over.
Time now to throw a stew together, bake some blueberry muffins and then either curl up with a book and a glass of wine or maybe knit and watch the wonderful Prof 'Gelfing' Cox and his billions of billions and his lovely big fat Cheshire cat grin.
More books.
Been doing lots of reading recently as TV is abysmal at the moment.
The Source by J B Stilwell
Format - Kindle
Vampire lit. I think this is a first book of a series that puts human and vampire scientists working together. It has a Trueblood theme that vampires are 'out' and kind of accepted in society but there are issues. It was an quick and OK read but I doubt I'd be in any rush to read the follow up.
The Threads that Bind and Unbound (Books 1 & 2 of the Havoc Chronicles) by Brant Williams
Format - Kindle
These are teen fiction but they are kind of good teen fiction. Different in the premise of the supernatural and I really quite enjoyed them. I think they are a kind of throw away trash fiction but for that style of book they are very good. Nice story telling with good imagery. Characterisation is good too.
Beauty and the Feast - by Julia Barrett
Format - Kindle
Mills and Boon meets cookery book. It made me hungry not horny. And the romance was very M&B. It's OK for a quick romantic read and the recipes in the back sound divine.
The Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out of a Window and Disappeared - by Jonas Jonasson
Format - Kindle
Oh my how I loved this book. It ticked every box. It is weird, quirky, well written with good pace. I loved the main characters they fitted together like a jigsaw and the improbability of the whole idea is wonderful. I think this is book that needs to be read by everyone just because it does. From Stalin to elephants this book has it all. 10/10!
Don't Want to Miss a Thing - by Jill Mansell
Format - Kindle
I think everyone has an author that becomes the comfy joggers and blankie of their reading habits and Jill Mansell is mine. This latest offering from her doesn't disappoint on any level. It has sentences of lovely imagery that I think sometimes get lost in the pace of the characters lives and her story telling but they are there like little hidden gems or the free gift in the cereal box. Her characters in this book have a lovely mix of the gorgeous and the real, and gorgeous ones get nice doses of the 'rea'l thrown at them in some unusual ways, which show good humour and don't detract from the tale. I think this one is going to be one of my favourites of hers and is well worth a read if you like chick-lit with a bit more meat and humour than is often on display in this genre of fiction. She has a delightful quirkiness in her books which is very evident here and she ties up the characters tales well with no sense that she had to rush to fit them all in. Roll on her next book....I can't wait.
That's it so far. January reading is done and dusted - 12 books this month - not too bad.
The Source by J B Stilwell
Format - Kindle
Vampire lit. I think this is a first book of a series that puts human and vampire scientists working together. It has a Trueblood theme that vampires are 'out' and kind of accepted in society but there are issues. It was an quick and OK read but I doubt I'd be in any rush to read the follow up.
The Threads that Bind and Unbound (Books 1 & 2 of the Havoc Chronicles) by Brant Williams
Format - Kindle
These are teen fiction but they are kind of good teen fiction. Different in the premise of the supernatural and I really quite enjoyed them. I think they are a kind of throw away trash fiction but for that style of book they are very good. Nice story telling with good imagery. Characterisation is good too.
Beauty and the Feast - by Julia Barrett
Format - Kindle
Mills and Boon meets cookery book. It made me hungry not horny. And the romance was very M&B. It's OK for a quick romantic read and the recipes in the back sound divine.
The Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out of a Window and Disappeared - by Jonas Jonasson
Format - Kindle
Oh my how I loved this book. It ticked every box. It is weird, quirky, well written with good pace. I loved the main characters they fitted together like a jigsaw and the improbability of the whole idea is wonderful. I think this is book that needs to be read by everyone just because it does. From Stalin to elephants this book has it all. 10/10!
Don't Want to Miss a Thing - by Jill Mansell
Format - Kindle
I think everyone has an author that becomes the comfy joggers and blankie of their reading habits and Jill Mansell is mine. This latest offering from her doesn't disappoint on any level. It has sentences of lovely imagery that I think sometimes get lost in the pace of the characters lives and her story telling but they are there like little hidden gems or the free gift in the cereal box. Her characters in this book have a lovely mix of the gorgeous and the real, and gorgeous ones get nice doses of the 'rea'l thrown at them in some unusual ways, which show good humour and don't detract from the tale. I think this one is going to be one of my favourites of hers and is well worth a read if you like chick-lit with a bit more meat and humour than is often on display in this genre of fiction. She has a delightful quirkiness in her books which is very evident here and she ties up the characters tales well with no sense that she had to rush to fit them all in. Roll on her next book....I can't wait.
That's it so far. January reading is done and dusted - 12 books this month - not too bad.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sad
So today I found out that someone from our past has passed away. Another link with our youth and my Dad gone. Hadn't seen the guy in years, J was in a pushchair last time our paths crossed, but still it makes me sad that he died so fairly young. And it makes me evaluate my life and time on this planet.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
What have you been doing Mrs?
Well Bloggie on Friday in all that awful snow I was in the car with M driving and J in his own little Ipod world heading to Wiltshire. We had a family weekend away booked at Centerparcs at Longleat (Ma was dog and kitty sitting). The journey had some rather scary points and took at least an hour and half longer than normal and Centerparcs itself was having some issues but by four pm we had unpacked and were in our cosy little villa.
Outside looked snow scene picture perfect. Inside there was a log fire and hubbly bubbly bath and we had lots of things booked and planned. There was swimming, saunas and a lovely manicure for me and J? Well J had a ball......as you can see from the pictures above and below.
We heard a couple of "Whoa Nelly" and a few "Whooohooooos" so I think he had fun.
We spent a lot of time feeding our neighbours who seemed to appreciate the food.
We enjoyed the view.
We enjoyed this as well.
There was a lot of fun and laughter. Lots of relaxing and we a lovely time.
The snow stayed and grew a bit but the journey home was fine and dandy and involved a detour to a pottery suppliers and wool shop.
M has gone back to work today though and J has a bit of a sore throat bug and we are happy to be home. I'd rather of not had the snow to contend with but we didn't let it get in the way of trip and it was an 'experience'.
There was a lot of fun and laughter. Lots of relaxing and we a lovely time.
The snow stayed and grew a bit but the journey home was fine and dandy and involved a detour to a pottery suppliers and wool shop.
M has gone back to work today though and J has a bit of a sore throat bug and we are happy to be home. I'd rather of not had the snow to contend with but we didn't let it get in the way of trip and it was an 'experience'.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The reading continues....
Magician by Raymond E Feist (authors preferred text)
Format - kindle
I read this book in my late teens originally (I haven't read the two that follow it, though I have a faint recollection of giving up on the 2nd one) and when this came up on my Kindle I couldn't resist it. I have to say the pleasure I first felt when following the adventures of Pug and Tomas hasn't left me and the extra details given in this version really added to the story for me. I was swept up in the story from the first chapter and gave a little sigh of regret at the last one that it was done. Perhaps later this year I will get the others and see how I get on.
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
Format - kindle
Last year I read 'Paper Towns' by this author and loved it. It was different and compelling and a literally breath of fresh air. I kept meaning to read another but didn't. This one showed up as a recommendation, I wasn't sure at first when I read the reviews and saw it dealt with cancer but I had faith in the author and needed a holiday read so bought in anyway. I am so glad I did. Yes it has a storyline that includes cancer but it is so much more than that - it is sad but not maudlin. It is a very different little book and in its own way, even with the subject matter, is a refreshing read. I really must read more of this guys work because it is so nice to find a novel that really satisfies but also gives a kick to convention and subject matter.
Format - kindle
I read this book in my late teens originally (I haven't read the two that follow it, though I have a faint recollection of giving up on the 2nd one) and when this came up on my Kindle I couldn't resist it. I have to say the pleasure I first felt when following the adventures of Pug and Tomas hasn't left me and the extra details given in this version really added to the story for me. I was swept up in the story from the first chapter and gave a little sigh of regret at the last one that it was done. Perhaps later this year I will get the others and see how I get on.
The Fault in our Stars by John Green
Format - kindle
Last year I read 'Paper Towns' by this author and loved it. It was different and compelling and a literally breath of fresh air. I kept meaning to read another but didn't. This one showed up as a recommendation, I wasn't sure at first when I read the reviews and saw it dealt with cancer but I had faith in the author and needed a holiday read so bought in anyway. I am so glad I did. Yes it has a storyline that includes cancer but it is so much more than that - it is sad but not maudlin. It is a very different little book and in its own way, even with the subject matter, is a refreshing read. I really must read more of this guys work because it is so nice to find a novel that really satisfies but also gives a kick to convention and subject matter.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Spring Crocus Woven Scarf.
Books so far this year....
My reading mojo is off to to a slower start this year as I ended and started the year by re-reading a load of chick lit over the holiday period. It felt like the right thing to do. I did read a couple of new ones but they were so light and fluffy that I can't be asked to post about them.
I'm not counting what I read this year. I am reading just for the pleasure of it with no goals or aims at all. I have decided to carry on posting what I read though. Partly because I enjoy doing it and also because it's a record for me to look back on.
I am reading a lot but my main book is a long one so it's taking some time to get through. I have a couple of audio and side reads to post though.....
Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
Format - audio book
I love to listen to this book. It's narrated by the author who does the best job of telling his own tales and poems. He has a lovely voice to listen to and the stories within the book have twists and turns that delight and bemuse. I never tire of them. I love the American God based novella at the end revisiting the character of Shadow, it is a very clever tale that ties in characters as well from an earlier short story in the book.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Format - audio book
Another re-visit to a favourite audio version. There are aspects of this book that I have always found disturbing but I still love to this to it. This is a dramatised version and although I think the main narrators voice sounds too young for a 15 year old it is still very well done and is a joy to listen to.
The Anne Boleyn Collection by Claire Ridgeway
Format - kindle
This is a collection of essays taken from the authors website The Anne Boleyn Files. It is an interesting read but there is some repetition of material but not enough to annoy. I did learn some new information about this interesting character and the format is very easy to read and not as dry and dusty as some books I've read on the subject. It isn't a particularly long read either but as it is presented in bite sized chunks it a good read for those days when you only have a few minutes to spare. The web page is very interesting and well worth visiting too.
The Constant Princess by Philipa Gregory
Format - book
This was lent to me and I had a short time frame to read it in which might account for the fact that I struggled to get into it. I put it down for a week and then had rush to finish it to return it on time. Although I am forever fascinated by the Tudors and Henry Viii in particular this one just didn't do for me. It was good and I enjoyed it but I didn't put it down and think - Wow what a read - in fact I put it down and give it little or no thought at all.
I have loads of books on my 'to-read' list this year and my kindle is overflowing with new downloads. Am off for a long weekend soon so hope to find some extra reading time then.
I'm not counting what I read this year. I am reading just for the pleasure of it with no goals or aims at all. I have decided to carry on posting what I read though. Partly because I enjoy doing it and also because it's a record for me to look back on.
I am reading a lot but my main book is a long one so it's taking some time to get through. I have a couple of audio and side reads to post though.....
Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
Format - audio book
I love to listen to this book. It's narrated by the author who does the best job of telling his own tales and poems. He has a lovely voice to listen to and the stories within the book have twists and turns that delight and bemuse. I never tire of them. I love the American God based novella at the end revisiting the character of Shadow, it is a very clever tale that ties in characters as well from an earlier short story in the book.
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Format - audio book
Another re-visit to a favourite audio version. There are aspects of this book that I have always found disturbing but I still love to this to it. This is a dramatised version and although I think the main narrators voice sounds too young for a 15 year old it is still very well done and is a joy to listen to.
The Anne Boleyn Collection by Claire Ridgeway
Format - kindle
This is a collection of essays taken from the authors website The Anne Boleyn Files. It is an interesting read but there is some repetition of material but not enough to annoy. I did learn some new information about this interesting character and the format is very easy to read and not as dry and dusty as some books I've read on the subject. It isn't a particularly long read either but as it is presented in bite sized chunks it a good read for those days when you only have a few minutes to spare. The web page is very interesting and well worth visiting too.
The Constant Princess by Philipa Gregory
Format - book
This was lent to me and I had a short time frame to read it in which might account for the fact that I struggled to get into it. I put it down for a week and then had rush to finish it to return it on time. Although I am forever fascinated by the Tudors and Henry Viii in particular this one just didn't do for me. It was good and I enjoyed it but I didn't put it down and think - Wow what a read - in fact I put it down and give it little or no thought at all.
I have loads of books on my 'to-read' list this year and my kindle is overflowing with new downloads. Am off for a long weekend soon so hope to find some extra reading time then.
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