Bookington of books

Poor little neglected bloglet. Not much reading gone on either but still I will update what I have read.
There has also been a lot of starting books and abandoning them as I don't know what I fancy reading.Mmanaged to find a good one I am reading right now, which is so nice. In fact I didn't want to get up Monday as I read with my early morning coffee, and I so wanted to read another chapter, but I was good and went in the shower instead.

The Long Bridge: Out of the Gulags by Urszula Muskus
Format - Kindle

Not my normal reading choice though I have read other books on this subject years ago, but there was something about the reviews of this book that made me want to read it. It is shocking but not written to shock, the language in almost poetical in places and sparse in others and it is that which gives this book its impact. It is like a journal story that tells the facts but with such a human face and tongue that makes it so emotive without the need for gore. The horror of this story doesn't need added shock factors at all. I highly recommend this book. It is easy to read on level and one of the hardest reads I've ever had on another. Compelling though.


Sleeping Roses by Rachelle Workman (spoilers)
Format - Kindle

Did I like this book? Kind of. Is it well written? Kind of. There are levels of cleverness about this story and then there is the sense that she ran out of time and the twisty climax feels rushed. There was also a sense of that old stuck for an ending...."then I woke up and it was all dream" (Spoiler-ish). I did read it quite quickly but a lot of the time I was mentally yelling at the heroine to "man up" and stop being so bloody dappy and wet. There was more interest in  a couple of background characters, which the author should have exploited more. Just my opinion, but it is cheap and easy reading, so it is value for money but not an author I will likely revisit.

Confucius Cat Says by P R Mason
Format - Kindle

Love this. Quick, funny and light. Wonderful. This author knows cats and I think was channelling my old cat Buster when they wrote most of this book.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend by Jenny Colgan
Format - Kindle

Of all this authors books that I've read (see previous booky post) I liked this one the least. I read it whilst reading the first book in this post because, after two chapters of this book I needed something to nourish my literally soul. Didn't like the story, bit obvious, didn't like any of the characters....not a single one and by the end of it (which again seemed clichéd and rushed) I was bored. Jenny Colgan - done. Might read any news ones but won't be reading her back catalogue if this is an example of them.

Decisions, decisions the sequel....

Two photos here - same yarn. Top example knit today on 3mm, bottom were knit a few weeks back on 4mm and there are a couple of stitch patterns in there I abandoned - the scallop and the seaweed are in there. The yarn is by The Uncommon Thread it is their silky merino fingering in the colourway Leaden. It is the finest of the yarns I've swatched - the drape is to die for but I am not a sure about the definition for this project.

So now I need to choose? Not easy, all lovely.

Decisions, decisions...?

I have an idea for a lovely project (been fiddling about with it for about a month now). I want to make something using colours found in nature that also uses stitch textures that reflect the 'nature theme'. These are the swatches drying.

First up - Eden Cottage SW Merino 4ply in Pendle (very strong teal IRL) - knit on 3mm needle. The stitches up for ponder are seaweed (definite), scallop, moss and clove. This yarn has reasonable drape and stitch definition - it is clearer in photo than in real life.

BFL/Silk blend in sock weight (I have lost the label for this - got it at Woolfest 2012) knit on 3mm - same stitches. Reasonable definition and wonderful drape. It is a semi solid and the colour is a real summer sky blue.

Dream in Colour Smooshy Sock in SW Merino - Happy Forest (the two strands next to it are other colour possibilities) knit on 3mm. Totally wonderful definition, not so good on drape but it is soft and squishy instead.

There is one more option - which blogger won't let me post here so second post follows.....bear with me.

And the reading goes on

Lets start with audio books;

Little Women and An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Aldcott

The first is an old favourite from childhood. It is a hot buttered crumpet of a book and I grew up wanting to be Jo so much. It has never lost its magic for me. The second I just downloaded because I had never heard of it. I loved it. It has the same magic and sense of comfort as the other and I am so pleased I found it.

Bear Creek Collection - vol 1 by Robert E Howard

Another happy accident. Bit boys own but I really enjoyed them. Very nicely narrated too. Not a lot you can empathise with but a romping good listen. Bit like a marmite and cheese sarnie - satisfying with a bit of bite.

Books now - all on Kindle this time.

A friend recommended Jenny Colgan and as I had just read a bit of a weird book (details follow) I needed a bit of froth. So back to back I read 'Rosie Hopkin's Sweetshop of Dreams', 'Meet me at the Cupcake Cafe' and 'The Loveliest Chocolate Shop In Paris'. I liked them all. They did what it said on the tin, to quote an old TV advert, they eased my mind and soothed me like a good cup of tea and Rich Tea Finger. I still prefer other chick lit authors, I needed a bit more zest and humour for my personal taste, but I shall read more. I have one more already downloaded. I suspect that that one will be enough though.

Blue Smoke and Madness by Lisa C Hinsley

Quirky, disturbing and a bit weird. I liked it but it left a nasty taste and the ending is rushed. The whole book is a guessing game of madness, delusion or fantasy reality. There are some nasty disturbing chapters that are a bit churning - including a fairly graphic rape scene. It isn't a book I'd go out of my way to recommend to anyone really but I wouldn't be adverse to giving this author another read in the future.

Good Husband Material by Tricia Ashley

Another 'tin' fulfilling its promise here. Read it for the hero! Plus the fact that most chapters end with a little paragraph or two from his prospective which made a refreshing change. I like this author a lot and her books have a nice cosy comfort feel - bit like a modern Miss Read with recipes and romance, this one was less so, but still a good read.

The Griffin Cryer by Julia Hughes

Aimed at the teen market and another rushed ending but that aside I liked it. Bonus that it although it had a partial school setting, it was set in the UK. The story is different - no vampires and star crossed lovers - clever twists and open to a follow up. A quick and enjoyable read.

Cinderella Chronicles by Lisa Renee Jones

One novel, two short stories or novellas. If you like fairly obvious romance interspersed with sex and quite a lot of sex then you will love this. Me? I got a bit bored but for a freebie it was an OK read I suppose. Not really my cuppa tea.

Madli

Not the most inspiring photo but at least it shows it is off the needles....at last....only been on there since Oct.

The pattern is from the book Knitted Lace of Estonia and includes lots and lots of nupps (bobble type things for non-lace knitters) which is why is took me so long....I suffer from nupp fatigue. I knit mine using Rowan Lace, it took 1.5 balls, and the red is much nicer and vibrant in real life. Will take some arty shots when it is dry. I used a Knit Pro Cube circular at 3mm - great needle, no clicking and a really sharp point.

I also finished this crochet bag (my 2nd one - the other was a gift for a friend - I liked it so much I made one for me). The pattern for this can be found either on Ravelry or on Attic 24, which is a lovely crochet blog, full of colour and charm and some rather nice patterns as well.

I have been trying to clear the decks of my knitting projects one by one and also completed a sock, sadly its mate is still unknitted though but at least I have two less projects on the go.

Still on the needles is a lovely 3/4 Hap Shawl, pattern by Veera Valimaki which I am knitting in yarn from The Uncommon Thread using their merino fingering in Lust and Cobble. The yarn is soft and the colours have real lustre. I think it will be so pretty once it is finished. (I am 2/3 of way through it).

I also have a long term lace weight yarn cardigan on the needles and the other sock. The only other knitting is a monster (toy) project for a mates baby boy - which I started today and it meant I had to go and relearn the 'magic loop' method because it is so long since I've used it, I couldn't quite remember how it worked.

I have loads of stuff queued up in my head that I want to make but still need to clear the decks a bit more before casting on.....hahaha almost convinced myself then!

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week lV

is coming soon. Am looking forward to it....are you?

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.

Windward Ho!

Just finished this project (it is blocking as I type) it is 'Windward' by Heidi Kirrmaier - available via Ravelry. I loved making this, it is a quirky, quick knit that kept my interest but didn't fry my noodle.

You see the unusual shaping here and the changes in texture give the knit such depth.

I knit this in a yarn from The Uncommon Thread that is supplied exclusively to Loop. It is a light BFL DK and I knit it on a 3.25mm circ. The colour way is one of my favs from this dyer and is called Tea Smoked. It has a subtle sheen and smoky patches.

I'll post nicer/better pictures once it has finished blocking.

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 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.

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?

A whisper and a sparkle

Knitted lace scarf using Rowan's Kidsilk Haze Glamour- it has sparkles!

I can't post too many details as it is a gift -  but if you want to know more than find me on Ravelry - I am Loobles over there.

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.

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.

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.

Gift.

We had to cancel a meet up with some friends over Christmas, which was a shame, however they had got us a little giftie each. A wonderful of idea of giving us something that they owned and loved. As due to life the universe and everything we still haven't rearranged our get together, they sent us our gifts in the post. They arrived this week.

M received this amazing etched gourd from China with a pig on it. This was perfect not only because it was different and quirky, which suits M to a 'T', but also because M loves pigs! And I received two wonderful old books to add to my ever growing collection. One copy of 'Frankenstein', which is one of my favourite tales and the other of 'Lark Rise' which one of those books I have always meant to buy and read and never got around to it.

The books are in a lovely condition and have been loved and read - which to me - makes them even more special.

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.

Ello me darlins

I haven't done much knitting this week, despite having 5 works in progress. When I have knit I've mainly been working on this stole of my own design. The photo has reproduced the colour well and the yarn is a BFL Silk blend of sock yarn. I am happy with how it is progressing even if it is slow going at the moment.

There has been quite a lot of this. Colder nights mean that the babies have been snugly on the beanbag midst the fluffy cushions.

There really haven't been that many changes in the last 5 years have there?

It's hard to believe that this little girlie has been ruling our home for 5 years now. She was the naughtiest puppy ever but has grown into a lovely sweet and adorable dog.

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.

Pimping a talented friend.

This is Sprout. He's a baby tree dragon. He is the 'Kreaition' of a very talented artist friend of mine. She mainly paints, the most wonderful pictures.

This a watercolour she painted for us of Lottie. I love it.

But recently she has branched out into making felted critters. The baby monkey is called 'Gork' he belongs to M and is so naughty!

And this is the most recent addition to our family from her - El Fuego (a baby fire dragon) aka Sparky who J could not resist.

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.

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.

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.