Luxx's Lounge: Second Round

Lots of photos means a thread that's slow to load, so here we go with round 2.

Luxx's Lounge: First Round










I'm #5 on the introduction thread!

I don't think I've ever been the first to post to anyone's thread! So here I am!

I cannot recognize your thread without pictures of the boys, Luxx :)

I agree, where are the boys?! Sorry to hear about the outbreak of bronchitis and two-itis at your place...when we have days (and nights) of misery, I just singing to myself: all your bad days will end/ you have to sleep late when you can/ and all your bad days will end. Granted, I'm still left all cranky-face at times, but god bless The Flaming Lips...best advice I've ever gotten as a momma :).

Be careful what you ask for, ladies. Brooks' photo file is over 2700 photos strong, and Max is coming in at close to 550.



The boys, yesterday.

What is this "Flaming Lips" you speak of?...

Whaaaaaaaat? Oh, please tell me that's you being ironic. The Flaming Lips? Crazy funkified rockstars with ridiculously bizarre and amazing songs such as She Don't Use Jelly and (mentioned in my other post) Bad Days? They wrote the official rock song of Oklahoma, dontcha know...

Also, your boys are adorable (as always)!

Heh, I kind of like 'em. ;)

And I really have not heard of The Flaming Lips, but I've been on the lookout for good kid music, so I'm going to have to check them out! Brooks loved Rockabye Babies (Pink Floyd, NIN, Metallica) when he was an infant, but he needs something to dance to (other than mommy's music, lmao).

On the crazy funkified rock note, I have to say that I love shopping for little boy clothes. Today I bought them matching shirts that say "Monster Rock Band", and I snagged a couple of pairs of pants for B (one of which has "rock and roll" pen-looking doodles on one leg). In the above photo Max's onsie says "Mommy's Little Metal Head". Gosh, they're fun.

Good kiddo music: how about They Might Be Giants? Here Come The ABCs is fantabulous, and you can get all the videos on their iTunes podcast. Our personal favorite is Seven Days of the Week--very Dropkick Murphys-ish without all the cussin'. It's great rock out music: Willow's mastered the art of headbanging at an early age. I bet your little meatl head would love it!

My SIL hunted for the They Might Be Giants kid CD when B was born, with no luck. I'll have to take a look myself - I'm not sure where she looked.

Brooks is already a headbanger - but he does it very slowly and deliberately. I think it's hilarious. Then again, I'm pretty sure I'm genetically inclined to think everything he does is funny.

ETA: A quick itunes search brought up six albums. Thanks again!

Those little guys are so stunningly adorable! Life is good!!!

*aaah* Much milder, now, really!

Linda - there's nothing like baby therapy when tragedy strikes. Life is good.

Richard - With any luck this thread may end up with more books than baby pictures. Of course, I'm already losing that one.

*snort* Luck's run out on that, loveycuddles, you're runnin' with the cool kids now...the days of one thread a month are gone.

Shoot, I think I only had two threads all year last year.

Does this mean I get a jacket?

Decoder ring, actually.

sup

Ooo, decoder ring. Excellent. I love accessories.

#6 (Flaming Lips) - and they put on a fantastic live show - take a look at this and this - great fun!

Glad to hear Brooks is already a headbanger ;o) (lovely pics btw)

It looks like GWAR for kids. How fun!

Hey man. Jerry Garcia did an album for kids too.

I'd recommend the They Might Be Giants album No!. Robot Parade and In the Middle.., are very popular songs at work. Plus the album is designed so that the last three songs make the kids sleepy.

I love looking at all the pictures of your boys! They are so adorable.

#21 ...and "Flood!" - mind you, it's the only one I own, so...

I picked up "Here Comes Science first, and we love it! Much better for my sanity than "Born to be a cowboy". *shudder*

Turn my back for five minutes and Luxx is on to thread #2, as well... *sigh*

Starred...

Charlie *loves* Here Come the 123's and Here Come the ABC's - highly recommended.

My twin lads developed a schwarm for Baby Beluga by Raffi - major ear worm. I can still sing all the lyrics, 28 years on.

tiffin

It is amazing how those lyrics stay with us. My 37 year old daughter grew up with Sesame Street and periodically that annoying ditty just goes round and round in my head.

Heh. For sheer stickiness-in-the-brain, that's got nothing on

This is the song that doesn't end,
Yes, it goes on and on, my friend.
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was,
And they'll continue singing it forever just because
This is the song that doesn't end,
Yes, it goes on and on, my friend.
Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was,
And they'll continue singing it forever just because
This is the song that doesn't end....

GAHHH!!!!!

Jim..
I'm smiling!

I'm smiling....and remembering my two boys (now 17 and 15-on-Monday) marching around the room, waving swords (well, cardboard tubes from wrapping paper, really) and belting it out!

The Lamb Chop song popped into my head the other day...

Snowed in under 30 inches. I hope everyone is safe and warm!

The worst part of my 31" of snowboundness (is there such a word?) is that the library is closed...bummer.

Boo! That really stinks.

Tad: I finished Flirt Friday night. Unfortunately. You were very kind in your review.

13.
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Title: Flirt
Publication: Berkley, 2010
Pages: 158 pages
Genre: Horror
Acquisition: Purchased February 4, 2010
Date Completed: February 5, 2010
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

In the afterward that follows the main narrative Laurell K. Hamilton writes that Flirt is her 29th novel. Calling the story a novel is overly generous; if judged by length, I would suggest the publication be referred to as a novella. But judging the story by its content I would call Flirt a short story - something better suited to a collections such as Strange Candy than its novel-esque hardback printing.

The inspiration to publish two Anita Blake "novels" in a year may work in favor of Hamilton's bank account (as another reader has suggested), but the pace has greatly diminished the quality of her writing. While I felt Hamilton gained ground with the publication of Skin Trade, Flirt takes two steps back and one step to the left. The premise of the novel is shallow, the action ridiculous, and the development careless. What would ordinarily be presented as a parallel plot in a novel has been given center stage, and has left me (despite my frequent defense of Hamilton's later novels) rolling my eyes.

Flirt is an excuse of a publication to take advantage of the current fandom and introduce yet another supporting sex toy, er, character.

On her Twitter account Hamilton has hinted that Bullet holds a world of tragedy for Anita in the deaths of people she loves. I only hope that the novel as a whole is meatier, more developed, and cuts back on the throng that swarms around the "vampire hunter".

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 13
1010 Challenge: New Publication Book 1
Off-the-shelf:

>34 London_StJ:: I have slammed her so often in the last couple years that I guess my feelings are well-known and I don't go nuts on the books.

The bit about the deaths of the people she loves—maybe kill off everyone except those who were in the first few books and sort of start over?

I'd certainly like a do-over for Richard. I'll be interested to see who she knocks off, but I doubt it's anyone as intimate as she's been hinting.

The kids and I are still snowed in at my grandparents, and my husband made it back to our house and sent me this:



That's our house. We have a full flight of stairs going up to the front door. He actually had to dig his was in.

@34: I thought that Hamilton tried the wallet trick earlier with Micah. I almost choked on indignation when I saw the double-spacing, the hardcover, and the novella size. But that's interesting that you, a 'defender', had that opinion of Flirt being that bad :) I almost want to put it on hold, as one of those 'it's so bad, you have to see for yourself how bad' yens. I saw Attack of the Killer Tomatoes for the same reason. It was awesome in its badness.

#37 Eeeeeeeeeek!

#37 : Very cool!

#39 - "Eeeek" is right! And now we're due for another two feet tonight, and a third storm on Sunday. I'm done. ;)

#40 - We have tunnels leading from each house and down the sidewalks now. There are 8+ feet of snow piled up where people have tried to dig out, and there's just nowhere else to put it. This is crazy for us.

#38 - If you're not a hardcore fan you'd probably just be bored. It's more of the same, with less pizazz. (And haha about Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!)

>37 London_StJ:: I hereby dub you an honourary Canadian! Welcome to the club...only we don't have THAT much this year.

@41: Unfortunately, no, I'm not a hardcore fan. I'm with Tad on the other side of the line. The "I used to love the series, but Hamilton destroyed it" side. What are we, leavers? traitors? purists? :D

#43 - Let's call you Vintage Blakers.

Darn darn darn.

We're trying to curb unsophisticated language in our house, so while my first instinct is to curse like a sailor, I am limiting myself to words and phrases such as "darn" and "oh gosh!"

At least I can curse in ASL when the toddler's back is turned.

Anyway, the reason for cursing: I just purchased six more books. Or so. If you see a book you've reviewed in the past few months on the list please let me know, because I'd like to keep track of who suggested what (and my memory never recovered from two years of baby brain).

Murder is Binding - I believe this one is from Stasia
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, illustrated by Garcia - tapestry100 aka David
Boy: Tales of Childhood
Working IX to V - dk_phoenix
Built of Books
Soulless (Kindle version) - any number of you could claim this one

Yes. Darn 75-ers.

ooooo... I like that! "Vintage Blakers"! I might feel the need to go read Circus of the Damned really soon.

#45: Yep, Murder is Binding is from me.

I think beserene is the one who first read Soulless and started the trend.

It's snowing. Again. I'd be surprised if we get less than another twelve inches. The weather has delayed the delivery of my recent book purchases, but it's not all bad - now I have time to finish the grading that built up on me, and lord knows I have enough books on my shelf to keep me busy for a year. Not to mention the Kindle which has easily doubled my book purchasing...

I hope everyone else stuck in the blizzard is safe and warm!

#49: Well, look on the bright side: you could be snowed in with nothing to read at all.

In my case, I would have to brave the snowstorm to get to a bookstore post haste and probably get myself killed in the process.

Stay safe and snug, Luxx. Cuddle up with the boys. Enjoy it while you can.

Noodling around with some research reading on "Rufus" so I am glad to see Snowmageddon. Keeps the usual round of annoying demanding people off the front stoop.

I kind of like Vintage Blaker. Perhaps we should start a group, Steph? Luxx could perhaps be an honorary member, but full membership requires you to be quite colorful in expressing the awesome awfulness of the last half of the series.

#52 - I'll accept my honorary membership, but I guess I'm more of a Progressive Blaker in the end. ;) Before Flirt, at least. And hopefully still after Bullet..

14.
Author: Terry Pratchett
Title: Moving Pictures
Publication: New York: HarperTorch, 2002.
Pages: 337 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Acquisition: Purchased sometime between 2002 and January 2007
Date Completed: February 10, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Not my favorite Discworld book, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 14
1010 Challenge: Re-read Book 1
Off-the-shelf: Book 9 of 25

>45 London_StJ:: Working IX to V is from me! It was one of the books I purchased in the BookCloseouts sale at the end of the year... lots of people seemed interested in that one, I hope it lives up to expectations!

Thanks, doll! I'm a sucker for that kind of book, so I think it'll be great fun.

@52: Tad, the Vintage Blaker group is seconded and therefore created! With all these honorary memberships and adjunct groups, is it almost like a triumvirate linked to another triumvirate? Or is that too... awesomely awful? :D

15.
Author: Gail Carriger
Title: Soulless
Publication: Kindle Edition
Pages: 384 pages
Genre: Fantasy/Steampunk
Acquisition: Purchased February 9, 2010 after watching it sweep the 75-er reading lists
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I believe it was Richard who described the novel as "steampunk light". Soulless was my first introduction into the genre, and I'm still not altogether sure what steampunk really is. I found the plot, setting, and overall premise of the novel to be fairly ridiculous, but in a cute and endearing way. Soulless is good for a chuckle and a smile, and I'm glad I finally picked it up.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 15
1010 Challenge: Suggested by others book 2
Off-the-shelf:

Nothing says "I love you" like book money.

Yes!

I have a smart one. ;)

And sharing some baby love from this morning:


Brooks has been asking to hold Max all morning, and it's adorable.

That skull and crossbone outfit is pretty darn adorable, too! I totally agree about the book money, too :).

Aww! On a 1 to 10 cuteness scale, that photo is at least a 12.

Hehehe, thanks.

#61 - I love making pj's for the kids. My favorite set is made up of an Ozzy pajama top (with "boo!" sleeves), and leopard-print pants with fuzzy feet. Kids are so much fun.

OMG just too cute!

Great picture, Luxx! Thanks for sharing.

I hope Max is doing better these days.

If anyone can define steampunk for me, I'd be grateful...

The upside of all that snow will be that when you get home you'll be able to take the boys sledding -- on your front stairs!!

#66: Suzanne, check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk

And if you'd care to try some, we're doing a group read of The Anubis Gates, one of the original steampunk novels. Here's the link to our thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/83717

Out of nowhere Brooks decided to name one of his stuffed animals "Max". This kid lays it on thick, I swear.

Steampunk - I may join you for The Anubis Gates. Anna Karenina was a little much for me with work ... and the sweet call of the books sitting on my shelf. My partner mentioned another steampunk novel that "started it all", but I can't for the life of me remember the title now.

Stasia - Max is doing much better, thank you. His original 4-month appt. was canceled because of the snow, but we're rescheduled for today. I always look forward to finding out how much he's grown!

16.
Author: Sophocles
Title: Oedipus the King
Publication: included in Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing.
Pages: 37 pages
Genre: Classical
Acquisition: Work text
Date Completed: February 14, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In a play originally written for the Great Dionysia, Sophocles presents the tragedy that occurs when a man attempts to flee his fate, only to run into it head-first.

The original audience, like the modern audience, knew the conclusion before the production itself ever began. What makes Sophocles' drama so compelling isn't the narrative, but how he chooses to tell the story. Sophocles' Oedipus is at once a loving, paternal king and an insecure man with a violent temper. In Oedipus the King his character is carefully developed so that readers can understand how much a dedicated ruler is capable of slaughtering an old man and his company for a slight on the highway. While the citizens of Thebes raised Oedipus to godlike stature after the defeat of the sphinx, Sophocles reveals that Oedipus is just a man, and a greatly flawed one at that.

One of the aspects I personally find most interesting is the hierarchy of sin as presented in Oedipus the King. From the beginning the crime of murder seems to control the dramatic flow, as the oracle's proclamation points to the unavenged murder of King Laios as the motivation for Apollo's curse. However, as knowledge spreads throughout the principle cast it is revealed that incest is the greatest sin that can be laid at Oedipus' feet. His relationship with Jocasta takes center stage, and causes the greatest repugnance in the cast. In a twisting moment the Chorus shifts from condemning Oedipus to cursing Jocasta, and the tragic events of the play flow from mother to son.

Oedipus the King, as translated by Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald, is an elegant work of literature that treats audiences to the humanizing of myth, and the chance to witness a true fall from grace.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 16
1010 Challenge: Field-Related Book 2
Off-the-shelf:

#69: I am glad to hear the little guy is doing better. I hope everything goes well on his 4-month check up. Four months, really? Wow! Does time fly!

17.
Author: Mark Twain
Title: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Publication: Barnes and Noble
Pages: 218 pages
Genre: Classic
Acquisition: Purchased for Brooks, Christmas 2009
Date Completed: February 16, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Somewhere along the way I came up with the notion that I hated Mark Twain's novels. I read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn for school at some point and, like so many other wonderful works assigned throughout the years, I instantly hated it.

However, not wanting my own prejudices influence the boys, I decided to pick up Tom Sawyer for Brooks for Christmas (and Huck Finn for Max). Tonight Brooks and I finished reading the novel, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Tom Sawyer is a fascinating look at nineteenth-century American boyhood. I found the characters compelling, and the narrative is perfect for bedtime reading (thanks to careful timing and purposeful chapter breaks). I thoroughly enjoyed the work, and look forward to picking up Huck Finn in the future.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 17
1010 Challenge: YA/Read to the boys Book 2
Off-the-shelf:

#72: I like Tom Sawyer, never could enjoy Huck Finn and I am not sure why. I hope you and the boys enjoy them both!

Maybe because Tom Sawyer is more adventure story and Huck Finn is more social commentary? Regardless of Twain's claim at the beginning: "Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted . . ." Methinks he doth protest too much.

One of the problems I have with it is just the dialect. I do not do well with books in dialect, which is one of the reasons that I chose audio for Their Eyes Were Watching God, and I ended up loving.

At this point I'm grateful that I don't remember either novel from school; if Huck Finn is focused on social commentary I think I'll really enjoy it. I liked a number of Twain's books, such as The Prince and the Pauper, The Diaries of Adam and Eve, and the posthumous collection Helpful Hints for Good Living. I was less impressed with Pudd'nhead Wilson, and I still have several novels on my Kindle that a friend and Twain fanatic recommended.

The first time I read Wuthering Heights I struggled with the dialect of the groundskeeper, so I understand what you're saying, Stasia. It was a bit difficult reading conversations between Huck and Tom to Brooks, because I found myself tripping over the language a bit.

18.
Author: Charlaine Harris
Title: Grave Secret
Publication: Kindle Edition
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: mystery
Acquisition: Purchased February 14, 2010
Date Completed: February 17, 2010
Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Grave Secret is a careless end to Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly series. Though the novel offers resolutions to previous questions and uncertainties, the presentation of these resolutions is lackluster and rushed. The plot is poorly paced and often convoluted. and characters are inconsistent and tedious. If this were a debut novel I could be more forgiving of its faults, but as one of dozens (and the fourth in this particular series) it smacks of deadlines and a lack of professionalism.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 18
1010 Challenge: New Fiction Book 2
Off-the-shelf:

#77: Too bad about that one. I think I will give it a pass.

I just made an appointment to get an Oscar Wilde tattoo for my birthday (in a month). I'm so excited!

LOL

Ok, the obvious question....where? ;-D

Lmao, my foot. I have Elizabeth I's signature on the top of my right foot, and I will probably put Wilde's signature along my instep. It will be my fourth foot tattoo. :)

Haha! That's really cute. Do you have one of those replica-style journals as well with Wilde's signature on it? They sell them around here in the bookstore chain Chapters/Indigo. I have the one with Poe's signature and I think maybe Mozart. Can't say I'd go so far as to have signatures tattooed on my feet though...

...but come to think of it, having a signature of a significant historical personage is probably the most creative choice of tattoo I could think of, and how appropriate for you! The more I think about it... the more I love the idea! When it heals over, you should post a foot picture of the tattoo... lol...

Thanks for the support. ;) I have not seen the signature journals, but I've found images online.

I pulled Elizabeth's signature from a letter she wrote her sister when Mary was queen. The artist is able to make a direct stencil from simple images, so it's pretty easy to get it right. I've also considered getting Charlotte Bronte's "CB", but I haven't made up my mind yet.

Tattoos aren't for everyone, but I'm a fan. I try to stick to things that are personally significant, and I'm really happy with the tattoos I have so far.

Rounding out February with book #19, and another show review.



The Washington Ballet’s premier of The Great Gatsby is just right. By successfully blending ballet, careful narrations, and a musical feast, directors Septime Webre and Russell P. Allen have created an artistic event that will appeal to a very wide audience. Fitzgerald’s original characters can be immediately identified, and fans of the original novel are sure to be pleased with the physical translation. The costumes are a visual delight, and the blend of contemporary and modern choreography speaks to the history of dance and entertainment while presenting a strong narrative in movement.

The artistic directors have made a number of choices regarding the presentation of The Great Gatsby, and each adds to the brilliance of the performance. The first is the use of a narrator – played by Will Gartshore – to introduce the story and a number of scenes. Will Gartshore, charismatically portraying Nick Caraway, is a useful yet unobtrusive presence who blends well with his dancing counterpart, and eases transitions that would have otherwise become cloudy. The live music, performed by Bill Novick’s Blue Syncopators, heightens the energy and adds to the atmosphere that is so beautifully captured in the original novel. Likewise, the inclusion of artists such as E. Faye Butler (whose performance of “Put Some Sugar in My Bowl” steals a scene) and Ryan Johnson (a talented tap dancer) help the Washington Ballet transcend traditional boundaries and present a fantastic interpretation of their subject material.

The one weakness I recognized was a problem of timing for the male chorus members; a few scenes were spoiled by one or two dancers lagging behind in what would have otherwise been a tight piece. However, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise breathtaking performance. If you have the chance to attend the show, don’t hesitate – you won’t be disappointed.

19.
Author: Lorna Barrett
Title: Murder is Binding
Publication: Berkley, 2008
Pages: 288 pages
Genre: mystery
Acquisition: Purchased February 18, 2010, suggested by alcottacre
Date Completed: February 28, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Murder is Binding is the first book of a cozy mystery series by Lorna Barrett. I found the book to be charming, but fairly slow-paced; it could not hold my interest for long periods of time, and so it often got lost in the day-to-day bustle. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but I enjoyed the book for what it is.

Challenges
75-Book Challenge: Book 19
1010 Challenge: Suggested by Others Book 3
Off-the-shelf:

*waving hello* Been absent for a while, but I've just caught up with your thread. Sophocles has definitely made it to my wish list ...great review. Now that I know Terry Prachett is suffering from Alzheimer's I'm trying to catch up with all the Prachett books I haven't yet read, so Moving Pictures makes it to my list as well.

#85: I enjoyed the book for what it is.

That's the way I felt about it. I doubt whether I will continue that particular series either.

#87 - I'm glad I'm not alone - I was afraid I was just being cranky about it. I may give the second book a try at some point, because I've read a number of first books that don't really stand up to the rest of the series, but I have a giant stack of exciting books I'm looking forward to right now...

#86 - Hello! I hope you enjoy Sophocles and Pratchett. An interesting mix, but worthwhile.

#88: What is in the 'giant stack of exciting books?' Enquiring minds want to know.

Oh goodness...

Boy
Frankenstein
Jeckyll and Hyde
Dancer
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Built of Books
Black Magic Sanction
Unwind
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

I do not think I have ever read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I will be interested in seeing what you think of it.

I'm re-reading it as part of a larger academic project. If memory serves it should work well, but I'll have to see.

Ah, one of those 'larger academic projects' of which I am blissfully ignorant!

It's all for fun and personal fulfillment these days. :)

What a great stack! I haven't yet read Boy, Dancer, Black Magic Sanction and Unwind but all the others I've read and thoroughly enjoyed. Chocolate Chip Murder is a hoot.

Great list of books & activities! I'm envious of you having seen the Gatsby ballet -- that looks fascinating. I got tix for the Met Opera "auditions", to check out the new & rising talent there. No ballet yet, though I did get to one of the flamenco festival performances.

Interesting thoughts re Twain. I've always wondered why Huck Finn is elevated to uber-classic status and Tom Sawyer isn't -- perhaps the social commentary element explains it. I've only read Tom Sawyer and The Prince and the Pauper, although Twain is one of those writers who I feel guilty about not reading.

"It smacks of deadlines." One of the deadliest and most dire dismissals of a piece of writing possible! I shall have to post it above my computer screen as a reminder...

#95 - I forgot I preordered Black Magic Sanction, so it was quite a treat when it arrived. I started it this evening.

#96 - I'm planning on giving Opera a go next season. The Gatsby ballet was fantastic, and I'm so glad I got a chance to see it. Apparently the Washington Ballet has some fun events planned for next season, and I keep hitting their site to see what they will be doing. The director mentioned "everything from 'Romeo and Juliet' to the Rolling Stones."

Brooks and I just started Huck Finn after Robin Hood proved to be a little much for me right now.

Luxx

Catching up on threads this evening. The photo of the boys is adorable!

While I don't often post on your thread, I enjoy tremendously enjoy visiting here.

Hi Luxx;
Long time, no talk. I love the name of your thread. Luxx's Lounge. Any Lounge Lizards hanging around? Like Barry Manilow????
Your babies are absolutely beautiful!~! I didn't even know you were a mommy.
I joined the group read of The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander and we are up to Book Three this month. I am loving these little stories. Me, who doesn't read sci-fi, fantasy nor YA. Seems the more of it I do read, the better I like it so I guess I am slowly working my way out of my box. You know, that pretty square one I was stuck in. hee hee.
Well, hope things are great for you and that you are reading some really good books. It is nice to "see" you again.
hugs,
belva

Belva

Whenever I hear Barry Manilow, I think of my father who, when I was playing my stereo in my bedroom, yelled up the steps "For God Sakes!!! Turn down that Manny Bungalow!" He really did think that was the correct pronunciation.

Linda,
That is hysterically funny. What a dad. Weren't our parents just too much when we were teens?
Loved 'em though.
Good to "see" you Linda.
luv n hugs,
belva

Hello Belva and Linda! Great to hear from you both.

The only "lizards" around here are Brooks and Max. ;) Although there certainly isn't any lounging going on!

LOL.... good one, Linda.... that's like my husband always mangling pomegranate and believing it's actually called pomagranteh .. he may be dyslexic in his encroaching age.

Luxx...you could get a version of my first tatt...when Kendrick was born in 1979, I got a tatt of the copyright symbol and my birthyear (c-in-circle 19*hem*). When Kristin was born, I got a Virgo glyph.

That's fantastic! I have a vine tattooed on my hip (that "grows" from a heart with my partner's name), and one of the leaves holds the initials "BD" for my oldest. When I go in a few weeks I'm going to have a "MH" leaf added for the Squish.

Oh, that's so sweet! But it sorta limits the number of kids you can have. Wait...that's a GOOD thing!

;->

Stay well, perfesser, TTYL

#105: Speaking of the Squish, how is Max doing? Totally recovered I hope?

No more babies for this body. The only way I'd consider multiplying at this point is if the wee-one comes from overseas!

Maximus is doing very well, Stasia - thank you for asking. I swear, he's the sweetest, most laid-back child I've ever encountered. I say it's my reward for having such a high-maintenance first born. ;)

#108: Sounds very much like my two!

If I was lucky, Beth would take a 20 minute nap a day. When I got her home from the hospital, Catey would sleep 4-6 hours at a time. I told their doctor, "Something is wrong with one of them, I am just not sure which."

"Something is wrong with one of them, I am just not sure which."

I love it!

Max would have slept six hours straight his very first night if I hadn't freaked out and made my partner wake him. Brooks was up every 1.5-2 hours for the first year, and never napped more than thirty minutes. Max will sleep 6-8 hours at a time, eat, and then sleep for another 1.5-3 hours. It's amazing.

Brooks continues to be my "screamer", and I really hope that Max continues on the low-key path he's set for himself.

#110: Brooks continues to be my "screamer", and I really hope that Max continues on the low-key path he's set for himself.

That pretty well describes Beth and Catey, lol. The paths have not changed as they got older.

I'm happy to hear that. I can handle one, but two screamers may shred the last vestiges of my sanity.

like it.

#112: Beth has been my 'Sarah Bernhart' (drama queen) for her entire life. Catey is my little miss independent, "I can do it myself, thank you very much."

Two screamers and I would not be here today I can assure you, lol.

My eldest daughter was, and still is the drama queen. Her favorite phrase was "That is NOT fair!" This was followed by heavy stomping footsteps banging up the stairs, followed by the sound of the slaming door...

She is now 37 and still denies this behaviour...as she stomps up the steps loudly.

as she stomps up the steps loudly.

That's hilarious!

I readily admit that I was (and am) the high-maintenance first-born. My partner was the laid-back second child, and remains so. Our children have pretty clearly inherited our personalities - at least so far. Poor Brooks.

>114 alcottacre: Beth has been my Sarah Bernhart

LOL My Sara was called Sarah Bernhart for several years as she was our true drama queen. As a six year old, when I wouldn't consent to something she wanted (can't remember what it was but remember clearly her response) she fired off: "I hate you and everyone in my class hates you!" Then she stomped off while I tried to control the guffaws.

I have a niece who is the ultimate drama queen. She stares you down and lets you know she is mad and not talking to you. This is combined with sulking, rages, sometimes tears. I'm somewhat freaked out by it because neither my sister or myself were drama queens. I don't quite know where to go with it when they come for visits. It seems abnormal to me, but I can see obviously that it is not from you'all posts.

You don't have a daughter do you? LOL

I taped one of B's tantrums so I can show it to him when he has a child of his own...

When Keith was about 2 years old, I was in college and taking a behavioral modification class. We had to do a project, and I chose trying to modify his temper tantrums (it worked, by the way). The other day when we were looking for a book, he found my old experiment notes, saw his name, and started reading it. We were cracking up!

Brenzi- No. I just have my one of a kind Daniel. He is watching an old Star Blazers cartoon with my husband. It is so cute!

Luxx!!! That is so diabolical!

I am shocked at how little time I have to read right now. I feel like I've been working on the same book - Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder - for weeks. But after preparing for classes, grading papers, and reading to the kids I just don't have the energy to process anything else.

However, I did something almost book related last night - I baked a batch of the Chocolate Covered Cherry Delights from Fluke's novel! They turned out surprisingly well. I made both cookies and little tarts (because I only have two cookie sheets), and I sent half to work with Michael today so that I wouldn't eat them all. Still trying to lose the last of the baby weight...

#123: Still trying to lose the last of the baby weight...

I hope you have better luck losing yours than I have had losing mine. My baby is 19 and I still have not lost the baby weight, lol.

Oh, how often that happens.

I gained 35 pounds with B, and lost 43 by the time I found out I was expecting Max. I gained 43 pounds with him, and I've lost 30 so far.

I have a feeling that my recent interest in cooking is going to stop that progress! Then again, now that spring is finally here I'll be able to get outside and be active again.

Those cookies look delightful. I love baking cookies!

Cherry cookies...not my taste. Now if you were baking ginger cookies or Tollhouses....yumm!

I'm with Tad.

It was an interesting twist for me. I'm more of a citrus fan, and I've never had ginger cookies...

I'll take the ginger cookies and Tad can have the Tollhouses.

>#123:
Luxx;
I want; I need; I gotta; I must, I must, I hab to hab some!~!~!~!~!

If I wasn't reading the Kindle version of Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder I'd give you the page number! Fluke seems to give recipes for all of the cookies she mentions, though, so it's a doubly-satisfying read.

21.
Author: Joanne Fluke
Title: Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Publication: Kensington, 2008. Kindle Edition.
Pages: 304 pages
Genre: Mystery
Acquisition: Purchased February 21, 2010
Date Completed: March 11, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is the first in a sweet-themed cozy mystery series, with a heavy emphasis on the cozy. Fluke seems to spend more time developing her gimmick than focusing on the murder-mystery aspect of the genre. But that emphasis includes plenty of recipes, so I wasn't too disappointed. Hannah Swenson is a clunky but sweet protagonist with a firm belief that chocolate can cure all. I have a feeling that this series could improve with time, so I'm fairly likely to pick up the second book at some point in the future.

I have made the chocolate chip cookie with corn flakes, sounds weird but they are good. I think that recipe came from this book, or was it one of Goldie Bear's recipes from Diane Mott Davidson cozy series about a caterer. Either way, they were delish!

I have made the 'Black and White' cookies from one of Fluke's books too and they turned out well. If nothing else, the books do provide good recipes :)

Both of those recipes are in Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder. The Black and Whites are next on my "to try" list, Stasia!

You will have to let me know how they turn out for you.

22.
Author: Marie Phillips
Title: Gods Behaving Badly
Publication: Kindle Edition.
Pages: 304 pages
Genre: Mystery
Acquisition: Purchased March 14, 2010, recommended by calm
Date Completed: March 17, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Gods Behaving Badly is a delightful and lighthearted mock-epic that places the once-powerful Greek gods in a crumbling house in London. While the treatment of the gods isn't original (think Pratchett's take on gods and belief systems), Phillips did surprise me with a development or two, and I was entertained from beginning to end. A perfectly fun light read for a lazy day.

Whoops, forgot to add Cuckoo's Nest.

20.
Author: Ken Kesey
Title: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Publication: Penguin Classics, 2007.
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: Fiction
Acquisition: Work Text
Date Completed: March 7, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Classic and great read. Glad you enjoyed Cuckoo's Nest.

I always do; it's a high point of every semester.

And even though I prefer the novel to the film, boy oh boy do I love Jack Nicholson.

Yeah, the film is really good on its own. But the book has so much more to think about, so much richer.

Everyone has been posting about Sometimes a Great Notion and I need to read that soon.

Kesey is a really interesting character. I always wanted to get around to The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, but I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if I read it when I was in college. There are photos of Kesey repainting Further with his grandchildren, online, and I think they're fantastic.

Pleased you liked Gods Behaving Badly I just wish I could remember whose thread I spotted it on. (Note to self - Must remember to note where the suggestions come from)

Cuckoo's Nest is brilliant - both novel and film.

Hmmm, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - I loved the film, but I've never read it - looks like it needs to go on the pile. How do they compare plot-wise?

Happy Almost Birthday! I hope tomorrow is a wonderful day for you!

Thank you, my dear. Tomorrow morning I'm taking the boys to the circus, and tomorrow night I'm going to a burlesque show with my best friends. It should be a lovely day!

flissp - Well, the book is narrated by Bromden, so it is very different in terms of perspective. Many of the events are the same, but the film changes a few key scenes, as well as a couple characters.

calm - I just started keeping track, and nearly forgot that I found Gods behaving badly on your thread. I claim "mommy brain"

I picked up a couple YA novels on a whim when I was ordering for the boys, and I finished on last night:

23.
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Title:The Summoning
Publication: HarperCollins, 2009. Paperback.
Pages: 416 pages
Genre: YA
Acquisition: Purchased March 18, 2010
Date Completed: March 19, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong is the first in her "Darkest Powers" series for young adults. The book introduces the character of Chloe, and how the young girl finds out she's not who she thought she was. Armstrong sets the series in the same world she created in her "Women of the Otherworld" series, and I appreciated the linear transition. Armstrong doesn't "write down" to her audience, and she masterfully explores the implications of being a young supernatural in the world she has already established. Recommended for teens and adults who enjoy supernatural fiction.

#148: I have not read that one by her yet. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation, Luxx.

Luxx

Did you have a wonderful birthday yesterday? I hope so!

I did indeed, thank you! And in a few minutes I'm off to celebrate with my mom. :)

Have a wonderful day Luxx!! I hope it is as special as you are!

Glad to hear the birthdayfestivities are ongoing, Luxx. Best Wishes !!

Oops! Belated happy birthday wishes--hope you had a great one!

Happy belated birthday, Luxx!

Hope you had a happy birthday!

Happy yesterday birthday, Luxx! You share a birthday with my youngest brother!

Thank you all for the well-wishes!

Today tattoos happened, and it was good. :)

Awesome! Birthday tats are the best :). Gonna inundate your thread with pics? Inquiring eyes want to see...

Belated birthday wishes from me too, Luxx! I hope you had a grand day.

Well, one of the two tattoos I had done may be interesting for people here:



I have Elizabeth I's signature on the top of this foot, and now my favorite fop!

This is my favorite tattoo artist:


Eric is fabulous. His tattoos are always wonderful, he's actually an artist (and therefore invested in his work), and he actually works with an oncologist and tattoos nipples on post-op breast cancer patients. I think that's pretty cool. ;)

Cool, Luxx!

Thanks! Or, I agree, depending on which part you think is cool...

All of it.

Super awesome. Thanks for sharing!

All I can say is ouch... Isn't tattooing on the foot incredibly painful, if rather cool??

Pretty wild(e), Luxx! I wish I had the nerve.

I like the idea of a tattoo, I just haven't come across something meaningful enough to do. "Mom" seems kind of trite. ;-D

Don't knock the mom tattoo! That was my first. ;)

#166 - I responded ... and forgot to hit submit. Whoops. The general rule with tattoos is that the less flesh the more it hurts. Four of my seven tattoos are on my feet, so my own experience is kind of centered there. I pick boney places because I think they're less likely to, er, shift with age.

>169 London_StJ:: Whoops! My big mouth! :-)

Ok, random (but related!) tattoo fact: round about WWII, the US was testing out tattoos as a method of identification for soldiers (think instead of dog tags). They researched and decided that the rib cage was the best location for the tats, since it tended to be the most intact body part if things were...well, blown up. After less than a dozen trials, they had to scrap the plan--the pain from the rib tattooing was so intense that all their subjects cried/vomited/passed out.

Just thought I'd share :) (in my case, I actually found that my foot tattoo, while painful, had nothing on a tattoo on the skin of my inner wrist. It's just so thin there; felt like my skin was tissue paper being shredded by a nail gun.)

>171 willowsmom: OK that description just settled it for me. I've gotten through my life w/o a tattoo and apparently will do so in the future also.

felt like my skin was tissue paper being shredded by a nail gun Yikes!!

I always wanted a little tat ....but I have zero tolerance for pain, so I've had to make do with temp tats ... on weekends and then scrub them off on Monday morning because I work at a job where tats would have to be covered up at all times....especially when customers come a-visiting or when I visit customers.

whoops. sorry, brenzi!

#171 - That's a great story.

I didn't think my wrist tattoo hurt at all, but it's also very small. The shading done on my lower back was tough, especially when he was over my spine. My feet didn't hurt nearly as much, but I had to fight the urge to twitch with everything I had!

Right after he finished my tattoos, Eric did a "quick" nose piercing ... and the girl passed out. Likewise, while he was working on my hip I was "serenaded" by a girl yelping while she had some work done on her ribs. It made me giggle. :)

So what ink do you have?

#170 -

#173 - Sounds like henna might be your best bet. ;) My tattoos can be easily covered, although I usually choose not to. It's important to be mindful of placement, and having to cover new ink while it's healing is not comfortable!

I love henna. I attended an Indian wedding some time back and had both hands hennaed with a beautiful floral pattern. I loved it .... and was sad when it finally faded away after 2 weeks.

Oh gosh, me too. I actually thought about having a permanent henna design done on my feet before I decided on more personally-relevant designs, but I've always thought they were beautiful. It can be really amazing.

#175: Hee hee--your story made me giggle just reading it--I'm sure there would have been some very unladylike snorting if I'd actually been in the studio!

I have a jasmine flower (my first--I figured I'd have to like it forever, since it's my name!), a dog whelk shell, and three separate raven tattoos, with a fourth on the way. Eventually. Once Willow's past the pick-at-mommy's-tattoos stage...

Oh goodness, Brooks has come up and slapped my hip (tattooed yesterday) twice today. OUCH!

This past summer I was obscenely pregnant with Max, and so more often than not I just wore a sports bra around the house. Well, one afternoon Brooks started scratching my back, and I didn't think anything of it ... until he bit me. He was just trying to get my tattoo off. ;) It was actually pretty funny, if only because he was so confused.

I've always wanted a raven sitting on a bust of Shakespeare...

I have two myself, one a military sort and one a symbol that reflects my roots in the southwest.

On the military tattoo on the ribcage thing; many Marines still get the ID tattoo on the ribcage with their ID information.

I actually know a few Marines with tattoos of their actual dog tags, but I never really thought about it. Now that you mention it, two of them did have the tattoos done on their ribs...

24.
Author: Rebecca M. Hale
Title:How to Wash a Cat
Publication: Berkley Prime Crime, 2010. Paperback.
Pages: 295 pages
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Acquisition: Picked out by partner March 20, 2010
Date Completed: March 25, 2010
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Rebecca M. Hale's How to Wash a Cat is a feline-full "mystery" that links a San Francisco Gold-Rush-Era mystery with a series of mysterious modern day events. The writing is a bit clumsy at times (I've never known "tender chicken and rice" to crunch, p. 14), and the excessive personification of the cats had me eying my own beasts with suspicion, but the story itself is cute, and the absurd cast of characters is endearing. While the pacing is uneven, it nonetheless kept my attention and provided a nice distraction. I would recommend How to Wash a Cat primarily to cat-loving cozy mystery readers.

And another photo of my boys, hamming it up:


They really know how to lay it on thick. I think they do it on purpose.

#182: They are getting so big! My goodness.

Max is nearly six months old. I don't know where the time has gone!

Awwwww! Too cute!

I think they do it on purpose.

Yes, watch out Luxx, it's a conspiracy. They'll get you all the time!

What an adorable photo! Wait till Max starts crawling .... into that little cage in the background. ;-)

Oh, I have a score of photos of Brooks sitting in that cage. We actually had to put a clip on the door so he'd stop letting the dog out and going in himself. ;)

And they already have me wrapped 110%. I'm such a sucker.

Cute beyond words!

I've never known "tender chicken and rice" to crunch, p. 14

But, then, you've never eaten my cooking!

Ha! I guess it could refer to my own cooking as well, but I'm taking steps to improve that. ;) Bread baking has become a favorite hobby...

My partner just sent me this link, and I nearly died laughing. Note: must be read in a Samuel L. Jackson voice, and should not be viewed by those who object to foul language.

ROFLMAO

That was f***ing priceless!

I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Pass it on.

OMG ... I snorted water out my nose when I saw that ..... should have warned me not to drink at the same time.

The next time someone accuses me over being over-picky about punctuation or over-reacting to incorrect homonyms, I shan't be able to keep a straight face.

Hehehe.

Another random link, this one for cat lovers

#196: I much prefer that one to the other :)

Love the kitties ... I think I'd probably overfeed them if they were mine, just to hear that little one hum and eat

Same here.

In our house we just have a cat-sized dog that eats cat food, and a large cat that eats dog food. None of them make cute noises, unless you find dry-crunching-scarfing to be cute.

*trying to wrap my head around your dog and cat with identity issues*

Oh, it gets worse. We have a second cat that thinks my partner is his mother and is terrified of everyone else, and a third cat with one cloudy eye and half a tail who makes trilling squirrely noises as she jumps from one piece of furniture to the next. In the grand scheme of things I think Hugo (the dog) is actually smaller than two of the three cats, and imitates a lot of their behavior...

25.
Author: Janet Evanovich
Title: One for the Money
Publication: St. Martin's, 1994. Paperback.
Pages: 320pages
Genre: Mystery
Acquisition: March 19, 2010
Date Completed: March 27, 2010
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Stephanie Plum's introduction to bounty-hunting isn't glamorous. She sells her furniture to pay her bills, her refrigerator holds nothing but mold an hamster food, and the only job she can find is with a relative's bond shop. However, she charges in with determination and a laugh in her throat, and carries the reader from one mishap to another. Plum is a fun and sassy narrator, and her determination to make it to tomorrow provides excellent motivation for her actions. One for the Money is fantastically fun, and I'll definitely be looking for more Evanovich in the future.

#202: I still want to be Grandma Mazur when I grow up!

I started the series this year, also, and am really enjoying it. I'm from NJ and am familiar with Chambersburg, which makes it even more fun.

I want to be Grandma Mazur, too.

Tad - Being close does make things fun. I can't wait to pick up Two for the Dough.

26.
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Title: Revelations
Publication: Hyperion, 2008. Paperback.
Pages: 264 pages
Genre: YA Horror
Acquisition: March 26, 2010
Date Completed: March 28, 2010
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Revelations is Melissa De La Cruz's third Blue Blood novel. Blue Bloods are fallen angels, exiled to earth as vampires as punishment for rising against God. In the latest "cycle" the most powerful figures are teenagers, and face a world of tension and deceit as they are figuring out who they are and how they fit into the larger power structure of the 400. In Revelations the problems escalate, and characters are developed in interesting ways. It is a satisfying installment in the series.

Loved the links!

An ex-colleague used to have a large rabbit who would chase their cat, who would, in turn chase their tiny dog. I have an image of them all chasing each other round in a circle in their garden... ;o)

Luxx,
A completely off-topic note on something from long ago on your thread: children's music! I have recently fallen in love with the band Lunch Money's newest album, Dizzy. It is definitely a rock out collection of songs for Willow and I, especially the song about little dinosaurs (they have a tiny roar!). Also, the song about libraries is pretty kickass, and makes me giggle. Although in truth, I belt out all the songs :). Just thought I'd pass on that recommendation...

Hey thanks! Brooks is really really into dinosaurs right now (although he calls them dragons), so I bet that would be a big hit.

Oops, haven't been around for awhile and I was one of the ones who wanted to see the tattoo... love it!!! It looks wonderful. I enjoyed the conversation about tattoos that followed, as well. And then I got sad that I've never been to an Indian wedding... haha.

#209 - That was actually my first tattoo (at age 19). I don't have pictures of my new ink yet. But thanks! ;)

I've already forgotten when I finished this one, so I guess I should add it before it slips my mind completely:

27.
Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Title: One Silent Night
Publication: Kindle Edition
Pages: 320 pages
Genre: Romance
Acquisition: March 27, 2010
Date Completed: March 31, 2010, I think
Rating: 3 stars out of 5

More of the same, which is exactly what I was looking for.

I'm in the middle of several books right now, although A History of the Wife has most of my attention. The lovely weather has kept me outside with my monsters almost everyday, so when I finally sit down I have to dedicate myself to keeping up with my job as opposed to reading for pleasure. But I'm not complaining! We're having a lovely time.

Mr. Max will be 6-months old tomorrow, and I have no idea where the time has gone!

I cannot believe he is 6 months old already! Wow.

Me neither! I turned around, and suddenly he's rolling over and trying carrots and all babbling at his big brother. It's nuts.

What a pair of cutie patooties!

*papaw mist covers eyes*

Awww they are precious!

*mmmwwwaah*

lovely photos!

I was HOPING for more photos and here they are - thanks for sharing!!

Aww, you guys make a sleepy mama giggle.

I'm pretty camera-happy, and plan on having a photo book printed each year for each boy. I loved looking through albums when I was a little kid, and I thought the monsters might like it, too. Of course, if you ask Brooks, every baby is Max.

Another work read

28.
Author: William Shakespeare
Title: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice
Publication: Anthology Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama and Writing
Pages: 100 pages
Genre: Drama
Acquisition: Work Test
Date Completed: April 8, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Othello is one of my favorite plays by Shakespeare. Like many of his plays, the foundation itself is not original (Shakespeare is inspired by an Italian novella published decades before his 1604 play), and the mastery itself comes down to the language and portrayal of the characters. Shakespeare's characters are stock characters - the faithful wife, the jealous husband, the villain - and yet instead of being flat and emotionally vacant they are both endearing and repulsive (usually both at once). One characteristic of the play that I find compelling is how Iago - our stock villain - forces the audience to become conspirators in his plot. The audience is the only other "character" who knows exactly what is going on - Iago's motivations and actions - and yet the audience is completely powerless to prevent the tragedy from unfolding.

I also enjoy the veiled threat that is the conclusion: everyone with the power to fully implicate Iago dies ... except for the audience.

Absolutely fascinating thought about the audience as a visible/invisible character in the drama...
And yes, the ability to take one of the seven (or however many there are) stock plots and transform it into a vivid drama is the hallmark of Shakespeare (or whoever wrote the plays!?!)

The debate is pretty popular, but I've never been convinced by the arguments against W.S. My opinion is this: Shakespeare is Shakespeare, no matter what warm body held the pen. To say otherwise seems (to me) like arguing that Mark Twain didn't write Tom Sawyer - it was Samuel Clemens, the tricky devil!

Now that I've finished Othello I feel the urge to go read something equally devious, like Titus Andronicus or Richard III. Oooo, Richard III. ;)

29.
Author: Patricia Briggs
Title: Silver Borne
Publication: New York: Ace Books, 2010
Pages: 342 pages
Genre: Horror
Acquisition: Purchased April 10, 2010
Date Completed: April 11, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Silver Borne - the fifth book in the Mercy Thompson series - is thoroughly enjoyable and full of satisfying resolutions.

Glad you liked it too, Luxx!

It was just what I wanted for a lazy Sunday. I put the toddler down for a nap, let the baby fall asleep on my chest, and used that as an excuse to park my butt on the couch for over an hour snuggling and reading.

My kind of day.

#224: It sounds wonderful!

tats: not in this lifetime on this bod, but admire your courage;
your babies: utterly beautiful;
the grammar lesson: one that might actually get through to a few meatheads;
the cat: that's an alpha cat warning everyone away from his/her food, that's no cute "yum yum"...see how the other cat deferred when bossy pants switched to the other bowl? That kitten probably wrote the grammar lesson;
Othello: always breaks my heart.

Caught up!

The fact that it's an alpha cat warning makes it even better - hardcore kitten.

Glad you're back!

30.
Author: Marilyn Yalom
Title: A History of the Wife
Publication: Paperback, 2002
Pages: 400 pages
Genre: Nonfiction
Acquisition: Purchased March 30, 2010
Date Completed: April 17, 2010
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Marilyn Yalom's narrative voice is perfectly suited to her chosen subject material. Yalom is no dry historian; she is obviously emotionally invested in what she has to say, and is not shy about presenting her message.

I had hoped for a more global perspective on the role of the wife, but I realize that such a project would be fairly cumbersome for a popular publication. Yalom's focus is the direct history that leads to the contemporary American wife,and she builds a history towards that end. I occasionally found it hard to remain objective in the face of biased prose, but overall I found A History of the Wife to be very interesting.

Hi, Luxx -

I'm recovering well enough to begin reconnecting with my LT friends and their threads. Hence, this post to you dear one.

It is great to see the pictures of you and the boys. They are great and beautiful boys and I hope you will post a picture of yourself with them every so often so I can "watch" them grow up.

I LOVE it that you are reading to them and it sounds like you are really enjoying it also.

I will take more time soon to catch up with your thread, but, I have a sneaky feeling that you will begin another thread soon, so, I will star this one and check back in to see what you are up to.

Lots of love and thank you for the links (I love to laugh). Laughing goes well with friends, a drink and a nice Lounge like this one!

Ruth/womansheart

Oh Ruth! It's so wonderful to hear from you! I am very very glad that you are on the path to recovery. I am also glad that the boys could put a smile on your face - goodness knows they keep me laughing!

I hope we'll be seeing a lot more of you around here now that you're feeling better.

Thanks, Luxx.

It's great to be back to my friends here on LT, too.

Ruth/womansheart

Thumbs-upped and wishlisted A History of the Wife. I suspect that I may be one, genitals aside.

I hope you enjoy it! As far as I'm concerned, "wife" is an occupational title and not a gender-or-genital-specific reference, so I say embrace your wifelyness. ;)

Yalom is a bit more of a feminist than I am, so I bristle at some of her ... observations ... but generally she presents an interesting view on social change. I read her History of the Breast before and experienced a similar reaction.

And my partner just pointed this out to me: Jules Verne Portrait. Pretty neat.

OOO Cool! I love tht kind of visual trickery.

Once upon a time, there was an album by one Rick Wakeman that had a cover like that. I cannot for the life of me think of the album title. I could Google it, I suppose, but that just seems so...exaggerated...to retrieve a tiny little remembered fragment.

How clever! I want to see it in the flesh now...

I am always impressed when people are able to "trick" the eye through art.

Hi Luxx

Simply stopping by to say hello!

Hello darling! Good to see you

ouch, ouch...your foot looks so darn red in the photo of your new tatoo.

As always, I love the photos of the babies. You look so happy and that makes me smile!

I completely forgot that I posted those photos (of the tattoo)! Oh, the mommy brain.

Glad we could make you smile.

Hi, Luxx -

I missed the cool Jules Verne Portrait thingy, darn it. When I click on the link it just takes me to a page that announces that "blog" is no longer available. Darn. I LOVE clever fool the eye stuff. Oh, well. *pouts for a few seconds*

I will seek out the photo of the tat. I love them on other people, but, hesitate for myself, 'cause I've been stuck with needles so many times, I'm not quite masochistic enough to endure the associated possible pain and subsequent day or so of healing.

I've often thought that I would benefit from and enjoy reading some of Shakespeare's plays. Othello, I generally know the story, but have never read it or seen it performed. After reading your review I am more inspired to enlighten myself and take on a play or two.

Love to you and yours,

Ruthie

Bummer that the link didn't work! If I find it elsewhere I'll be sure to let you know.

Othello is very moving, and very tragic. I have never been a big fan of the histories, but I love the tragedies and comedies. If you decide to pursue Shakespeare I hope you find something to your liking!

Add me to the list of disappointed people for whom the Jules Verne link did not work. Please let me know if you find it again elsewhere, Luxx, if you would.

I certainly will.

31.
Author: Shirley Jackson
Title: We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Publication: Paperback, 2006
Pages: 146 pages
Genre: Horror
Acquisition: Purchased April 16, 2010, Recommended by laytonwoman3rd
Date Completed: April 22, 2010
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

We Have Always Lived in the Castle is the story of the reclusive remnants of a wealthy family that died mysteriously before the narrative begins. Mary Katherine, Constance, and their Uncle Julian are all that survive, and Merricat does everything she can to protect her older sister from the world. Shirley Jackson's short novel is haunting and thrilling, and she masterfully creates tension and horror without resorting to trite themes of slash and gore. We Have Always Lived in the Castle is terrifying for its simplicity and honesty, and although the primary mystery is evident from very early the story itself is thoroughly engaging.

I highly highly recommend We Have Always Lived in the Castle, even for those who do not normally enjoy horror novels. Jackson is an exception worth making.

I already have this on my wish list and I am eagerly anticipating finding it.

#244: I brought that one home from the library the other day and will be getting to it soon (I hope!)

Luxx

I agree with you regarding We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I read it a few years ago and it is a gem!

I am once again thankful for a fantastic LT recommendation. Linda, when I first purchased it I could have sworn you were the one who suggested it, so I must be remembering your comments on another thread.

I feel like I'm beyond my gore years, so I appreciate novels that are spooky as opposed to meaty. We Have Always Lived in the Castle is just that!

I can't wait to see what you think, Stasia. I'm sure you'll breeze through it over breakfast. ;) And I hope you enjoy it as well, mamzel!

I'm not a reader of horror but you make me want to try this Luxx. Onto the pile it goes.

It's worth a shot! I used to devour any and all horror, but in recent years I've become disenchanted with a lot of contemporary horror (largely due to the gore). Jackson's novel reminds me why I was enthralled with the genre in the first place.

I don't like horror at all, but I don't think of We Have Always Lived in the Castle as horror.

But would you agree that it's gothic? I frequently use the term horror to refer to relatively-contemporary books that may better be described as gothic as the genre was developed in the nineteenth-century. In this case, "gothic" may be more appropriate.

Maybe gothic is a better word for it. There are certainly gothic elements - there isn't really horror unfolding as such.

Trying to keep up with all the threads is proving to be most difficult this week ... so I'm just passing through with a little wave ...

Oh, Luxx-ly-pux-ly! It's half past 250, time for a new threadie-thread-thread!

I spoke to my granddaughter tonight, can you tell?

I purposefully waited in the hopes of drawing you back to my thread, Richard dear.

And you sound normal to me! Of course, my son is in the background saying "car! car! car!" over and over again...

253 - The reality of the murders is what I found horrific, although the actual crimes take place before the novel begins. It reminds me of a fireside ghost story; it is perfectly chilling.

254 - Hello!

Hello, Luxx -

Hope today is a good one for you, the boys and your sweetheart.

Checking in ... checking out ... but, I shall faithfully return to see what you are reading now.

Ruth/Womansheart

#257: Ruth, Luxx has a new thread here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/89636

It has pictures and everything!

Thanks, Stasia!

No problem. I just did not want Ruth to lose you :)

Kwel! Thank you, "S"

You are most welcome, Ruthie!