Whisper1(Linda) Thread #2

This is a photo of my beloved Sheltie Simon. He died Monday, February 6th, 2012. He now waits for us at the rainbow bridge.

BOOK #12


A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines.

Destined to be one of my top reads for 2012, this is a powerful tale of the deep south and the terrible bigotry that existed in the 1970's.

When a son of the local, powerful white racist is killed, it takes a strong white woman to gather the old black men to rally.

When each man arrives on the porch, gun in hand, they await the sheriff and the local near do wells who will seek revenge.

When the sheriff demands to know who is to blame, each and every older gentleman claims he was the culprit.

Each chapter, excellently, compellingly written from the perspective of each man, tells a tale of subjugation at the hands of the white racists and the need to finally take a stand against intolerance and evil.

There is power in this book-- mighty, mighty power.

Highly recommended!!

Love the picture. Remember, he's sitting, wagging his tail and having fun right now. He'll never get old or feel tired again.

Keep taking care of yourself. One day at a time.

A Gathering of Old Men was a brilliant novel. I may need to read it again soon.

That does sound like a powerful read - thanks for the recommendation.

Bless his heart. I love the picture, Linda. I hope you are feeling a little bit better today. Simon would want you to be your old self again--when you're ready.

3: I love what Jenny said about Simon. It is such a sad thing to lose a beloved pet because not everyone gets how much it hurts. I am very sorry for your loss, Linda.

I 'm also very glad I recently read A Gathering of Old Men or your wonderful review would have me clamoring for a copy. I can also recommend A Lesson Before Dying by Gaines if you haven't already read it. I'm going to be looking for more books by him.

I'm so very sorry for your loss, Linda. Deep, deep sympathy.

Poignant lead photo Linda. Congratulations on thread 2 and I hope life's knocks pass you by henceforward after paying you far too much attention this year.

I love the photo of Simon. I still remember the feeling of loss with both of my dogs growing up. It's been a rough few weeks for you my friend. Hang in there.

Hello Dearest Linda,

Oh my Friend! I was able to catch up with your thread. I am thinking about you and Will and holding you both in the Light, as well as Simon. Hang in there.

Hi Linda, you must have a thousand memories of Simon that might make you smile (again, when you're ready). Tough times for you are sure to end.

Hi my dear Linda. I hope you're faring a little bit better today. I liked you take on A Gathering of Old Men and will add it to the wishlist. I'm sorry I wasn't giving more signs of life on your previous thread, it just ran away from me, but I'll try to keep on top of this one if I can manage it. Sending you lots of warm hugs.

Linda, I'm sitting here in tears again at the loss of Simon. I hope you and Will are both making it through the days alright.

Much love and lots of hugs (and kleenex)!

I'm sending hugs. x

Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Simon. Do try to concentrate on the good times with him as best you can.

I love to think of our first sheltie, Charlee, at the Rainbow Bridge... I'm sure he and Simon are happily playing and running around to their hearts' delight! Waiting for us (as loyal dogs do) ;-)

{{{Linda}}}

Linda, I am so sorry to hear abut Simon. Oh, how much joy our fur people add to our lives!

BOOK#13

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

One of only two Newbery honor books for 2012, this incredible tale is based on real life experience of the author. Told from the perspective of ten year old Ha, this is a series of beautifully written, insightful poems, about a Vietnamese family who fled their country in 1975.

This is moving, poignant and compelling. Arriving in America after a long boat journey, the family is sponsored and sent to Alabama. As young Ha notes, at times life in war-torn Viet Nam was emotionally safer than southern United States.

Highly recommended!

As young Ha notes, at times life in war-torn Viet Nam was emotionally safer than southern United States.

Somehow, I can believe that. The devil we know and all that...

xx

Thanks again to all who reached out to me during this week of incredible grief. What a wonderful, wonderful group of friends. Amid the sadness I am very aware of my blessings.

Hugs Linda. It is so sad when we lose our friends.

Hi Berly. Thanks for stopping by. I think of you often. How are you feeling? I'm trying alternative modalities and accupressure is making a big difference in my pain level.

Hugs

When I'm sad, I tend to do two things
a) go to the library
b) purchase books

Books are my comfort. This is a habit developed since childhood when I hid out in the library, then, as now, I find great solace in being surrounded by books.

After the library I visited a local mall where they have a store called Read Green. There are thousands of recycled books and they are wonderfully arranged.

For $10 I brought home the following:

Wow Linda - I should franchise Read Green and take it to Malaysia. 9 books for $10 well done - it would certainly cheer me up a little too. I am suffering from book buying withdrawal symptoms presently!

Wow what a great haul! Judging from the covers I am especially interested in The Kingdom of Auschwitz and Gooseberry Park.

Again, I am so sorry for the loss of Simon. Losing a pet is always so hard in a special way. Whenever I meet my parents we share happy memories of our beloved dogs, no matter how long ago they left us. They were all part of the family, partners who shared the good and the bad times with us.
Sending hugs!

Wow, Linda what a great bag of books to bring home, for $10... I must come visit you someday and visit this book store. :) Hope things are going well.. thinking of you bunches ((((Hugs))))

Nice selection of books there !
So nice to have a stack of new to you books to read :)

I want to go to ReadGreen! I'm glad you were able to find some good books to delve into. Enjoy.

Linda, I'm just catching up on your thread now, and so very sorry to hear you had two great losses so close together. I can't really add anything to what others have already said, but know you are in my prayers.

Love that you were able to get such a great load of books for $10! They look like a lot of varied and interesting books, and I hope you enjoy them all as you start dipping into them. :)

What a great haul, Linda! I'm putrid green with envy. I know you' ll have a great time reading them and I look forward to your reviews.

Have a quiet and soothing Sunday. {{Hugs}}

Great haul Linda!
I hope they all bring you the comfort you need!

I like your comment that the books at Read Green are wonderfully arranged, it makes a difference! Good load of books there, I hope they make you feel good, and for $10, you could surround yourself with some more when you need to :)

Great haul, Linda. I think you love the challenge of getting the biggest possible bang for your bucks! Me too ;-)

*cyber hugs*

Hi Linda, glad you're getting a little solice from your books, that's a great haul you brought home. Sending ((hugs)) and good wishes.

Nice haul, all those for 10 bucks, got yourself quite a bargain I would say!

What a great selection for only $10!!! Happy reading! :)

That's a great book haul Linda. Book therapy is good.

*smooch*

Hello Linda, thinking of you. I hope the books bring some comfort and solace.

Hello to all. Thanks for stopping by. Tonight I went to the vet. hospital where we transitioned Simon. They sponsor (for free) a support group for people who have lost a beloved pet.

I was quite impressed with the bereavement counselor. I immediately related to her. She is 63 and has been in the field of bereavement counseling for many years. She knows her stuff!

It was difficult to walk up the steps of the place where we last saw Simon alive. As I entered and saw people walking with their pets I said a prayer of healing for all.

As I left I still felt sad, but better..much better.

Certainly the outreach of my LT and non LT friends has helped.

BOOK #14

House of Prayer No. 2: A Writer's Journey Home by Mark Richard

This is powerful, insightful, well written and worth the read!

Mark (Msf59) wrote an incredible review. I couldn't do any better than his wonderful words:

http://www.librarything.com/work/10628820/reviews

I'm so glad that the support group was so marvelous--that can make all the difference in the world. {{{{Linda}}}}

Thanks for your outreach Roni.

Thank you Linda for your thoughts on my thread. I see you have had a difficult time in the last few weeks, and I am very very sorry for your losses.

I'm glad you enjoyed Inside Out and Back Again--I did too--and you have acquired some lovely books. I hope they bring you comfort.

Linda, so glad to hear that the support group helped you. What a great service your vet provides. Do you have any one thing that was a good take-away from the group?

Yesterday we took Docker, our other dog, for a ride in the car for the first time since last week with Jack. I didn't know how he would do, but he seemed OK. He absolutely sticks to me like glue throughout the day--I think I'm his new Jack.

Stopping by to leave

Linda so glad to hear you took part in and that there is a support group to be had in your area. I completely understand where you are coming from with your loss of Simon, as over the years I have had that same loss of beloved pets as since I was a little girl there has always been a dog and/or cat in my life and I loved them all dearly and in their own special ways they are like children to us.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers... Much love (((HUGS))).

A support group at the vet's is a marvelous and wonderful idea. I'm so glad it helped, if even a little bit. It also tells me that Simon must have had such good care from this vet throughout his life, so you definitely did the best by him during his lifetime even by choice of health provider. I hope you're able to find some comfort this week from your experience with the support group.

I'm glad that you've been able to receive some support, and that it has helped. It must have been so distressing to see the other owners with pets, so I'm extremely impressed you managed to go at all. Thank goodness it became more positive.

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Becky, the facilitator was simply amazing. The bottom line --- Pets provide unconditional love that no human can ever do! Do not ever listen to those nay sayers who throw cold water on your feelings about the love and loss of an animal. There is no such thing as "just a dog" "just a cat" "just and animal.

As usual, so many statements that have power sound trite and corney in translation.

Four people in the group, three of whom lost a beloved pet suddenly to cancer. What are the chances eh? I'm walking a very spiritual path.

Hi Linda, Happy Valentine's Day to you too!

I'm so glad you can go to this support group. It's the first one I've ever heard about for the loss of pets and I think it's a great idea. You must have a wonderful vet to sponsor it.

It's good to see you posting more! :-)

I've fallen woefully behind on threads, can't do justice but I can at least try to rise above lurking...

I'm sorry about Simon, and impressed that the vet hospital offers a support group.

26: After the library I visited a local mall where they have a store called Read Green.

Nice.

xoxoxoxo

>55 Whisper1: Do not ever listen to those nay sayers who throw cold water on your feelings about the love and loss of an animal
People can be cruel in ways that an animal could never be. Good to hear that the group facilitator is on your wave-length. Hope your getting through ok with so much on your plate.

Linda, I'm so glad you've found a support group that is helpful. (Also happy for your book finds!)

Best wishes for Valentine's Day!


glitter-graphics.com

Linda, I too am happy that you've found a support group. No doubt it'll help you deal with the double-whammy of grief you're going through right now.

The only person who could say "it's just dog" is someone who either never had animals, or someone who doesn't like animals. I'm sure most of us here can relate to the kind of loss you're experiencing. For my part, my pets are like children to me, and more...

Warm hugs to you my dear.

Hi Linda, I'm just doing a little catch-up tonight and thought I'd say hello. I'm so glad you had a support group to go to and you found some comfort there. My son and I may be going to one here in our area next month when he is on spring break. They meet on a week night so it would be his first opportunity since we lost our cat. I'm not sure if he'll still want to go at that point, but it may do us both some good.

xoxo

Hi Linda, thinking of you today.

Me too... Thinking of you...

My thought of the morning is how glad I am that I joined LT and miraculously found the 75 challenge group in 2008! I am blessed.

Here are some comments regarding a book I finished last night. I very much enjoy the poignancy of this author and his writing.

BOOK #15
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos


Though he tries, Joey Pigza simply cannot control the springs that go boing in his head, making him to bounce off walls, place boxes on band aids on his stomach, run around the room while saying "Hey, can I get back to you on that!", and to run with scissors.

When, while running with scissors he inadvertently snips off the tip of the nose of a classmate, the school decides he needs special education transportation to a place dedicated to modifying his meds and his behavior.

This is a very sympathetic portrayal of a child struggling to define "normalcy" while also dealing with issues of abandonment and the need to fit in.

I highly recommended this National Book Award finalist.

Currently reading the 2012 Newbery Medal book Dead End in Norvelt and loving it!

I just skimmed through your threads, of which I was shamefully behind. Sorry to hear about Simon, of course.

Have you found any relief for your own pain? I'm with RD - I can't imagine going through normal life with the pain you've described. I hope the various therapies do the trick.

I thought the Joey Pigza books were very good--had them in my professional library at school, but donated them to the school library when I retired.

I added Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key to my wishlist Linda. It sounds like quite a ride, and they have the whole series at the library, yay!

I almost PMd you tonight with my latest drama, but figured you had enough of your own to deal with. But if you felt a strange tingle, it might have been my fault. I posted on my thread, if you're up for some melodrama.

Hope you're doing well dearest Linda. xx

Just stopping by to leave a hug and good wishes..

I'm glad to hear that the latest Newbery book is good! I'm #30 on the hold list, but I'll get it eventually.

I'm so sorry about Simon.

Hi Linda, just stopping by to see if you are doing ok. Thinking of you...

Passing through, waving hello. Hope all is well with you.

The Joey Pigza book sounds very good. I just checked amazon and saw there is a Joey Pigza series. Are you reading the others as well?

Wishing you a good Sunday and sending (((hugs)))

Hi Linda! I'm thinking of you on a beautiful sunny Sunday in Iowa. I hope sun is shining on you too!

Hi Linda, just dropping by as was thinking of you today and hoping you werent being bogged down by pain or grief. Let me re-phrase that-
Hi Linda, just dropping by as was thinking of you today and hoped you were feeling good and doing something fun :)

Hello to all. I am continually blessed each time I visit LT!

Natalie. I do plan to read the entire series. The character is so well developed.

Hi Amy. It was cold today, but the sun was indeed shining.

Hi Megan..Thanks for your good wisehs.

Will and I drove 45 minutes each way to visit sheltie puppies. Originally there were two 13-week old Shelties for sale. There was a male that we liked tremendously and a female that was nice but we didn't bond with as much as the male.

Alas, the owners decided they now want to keep the male puppy. We came home empty handed, which in hindsight is a good thing. I realize we simply wanted to be in the presence of shelties and because the breeders were the proud owners of four dogs, not including the puppies, we were able to pet and observe the brood in action.

One of the female older dogs loved Will and would not leave his side. Will smiled and was a happy camper, sitting on the deck watching the dogs play while petting a dog glued to his side.

All in all, it was a good day.

It sounds like a lovely way to spend a day. *smooch*

And we continually blessed each time you visit LT!

It was wonderful that you could visit those Shelties Linda and that they provided some sense of comfort to you and Will. Thinking of you.

yay for getting some doggie time. Good on you

Popping in to say hello! Hope you are starting to feel better! I'm sure visiting some puppies cheered you up!

Thanks again to all who visit here! I deeply appreciate your kind sentiments!

BOOK #16

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

This 2012 Newbery medal winner is stellar!

Based on an actual community in Norvelt, PA, told from the perspective of teen aged Jack, the reader has a keen sense of life in a town that once thrived, but now is crumbling as the elder folk die and new, younger people move away.

Jack's father longs to move. Jack's mother loves the old fashioned ways of the community and does whatever she can to remain.

Grounded for the summer, Jack is only allowed out of the house in order to help others. When he becomes the scribe for one of the eldest members of the community, he writes as she dictates the obituaries of those who died. While mixing a large dose of history in her obituaries, Jack develops a keen sense of the importance of the written word and of community.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norvelt,_Pennsylvania

Highly recommended!

:-*

Hi Linda, my belated thoughts are with you over recent events. I understand very well how much our pets are such an important part of our lives and losing them is very hard. Daily companions who give unconditional love - you can't ask for better than that. I hope it gets easier for you both.

In book related topics, I think I've just marked all of your recent reads as books I have to find soon. You have a great radar for picking excellent books.

That wikipedia article was interesting. Was Dead End in Norvelt set in depression days, or is it a contemporary setting?

Hi Linda!
Yay for Shelties! The right one for you will come along - probably sooner than later. It's always comforting to hold a furball and fun to watch them in a group.

I have to say Loki is much more peppy now that his bad teeth have been extracted. I didn't realize it was affecting him so much. He's a happy puppy now :)

"You have a great radar for picking excellent books."
I agree!

BOOK#17

What Would Joey Do by Jack Gantos

I like this book so much that words will not suffice to list all the reasons why.

I'll start by stating that anyone who scoffs at the YA genre might want to give this a try and see if you feel the same after you have finished the final page.

No stranger to awards, Jack Gantos received the Newbery honor for Joey Pigza Loses Control, the Newbery Medal for Dead in Norvelt the Printz Honor and the Sibert Honor for Hole In My Life and he was a National Book Award finalist for Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.

What Would Joey Do is the third book in the series of ADHD pre-teen Joey Pigza.

Gantos has the unique ability to create a loving character who struggles to cope with his disability. While he now can control the level of his medications and has a keen sense of what triggers episodes, his parents continue to be crazy and out of control.

Longing for stability in an exceedingly unstable home life, Joey's loving, but somewhat erratic grandma is one of the few sources of sanity. Hiding behind a plastic shower curtain in the living room, she puffs cigarettes in equal measure to oxygen. Warning him that her end is near, she tells Joey he must find a friend.

When he is home schooled by the mother of a blind, nasty girl, he adopts her as his friend. In this religious atmosphere, he is asked daily "What would Jesus do?" Claiming this mantra for himself, Joey decides to do good and thus tries to live his life by "What would Joey do?"

As his insane, hyper neglectful father races throughout town in a beat up motor cycle trying to re-claim his son and x wife, Joey's mother spins further into violent episodes of rage.

This book is heart wrenchingly sad and also humorously, undeniably funny.

In the end, Joey realizes that what he must do is take care of himself because no one else will.

Here is a quote that resonates:

"Everyone had to wake up to somebody. Everyone had to wake up to themselves. And I was wondering who I might be if I didn't have the nutty family I had. And then I realized it didn't matter where I came from. It was where I was going that counted. And as long as I helped myself, I'd be going in the right direction."

Destined to be one of my top reads for 2012.

I somehow hadn't made the connection that this year's Newbery winner and the Joey Pigza books were written by the same person. I hope my hold comes in soon!

I hadn't made that connection either!

I have been trying some Newbery Winning books lately, its a good indicator of what to try, for sure. Thanks for your reviews and glad you liked the last one!

Some good reading therapy for you recently Linda by the look of it. Your trip to the Shelties was poignant indeed and I don't know but it could be a blessing that Simon remains without rival in your affections until you are ready to bestow upon another family pet. You know your own feelings best my dear and what is best for you.

Hi Linda- The Gantos books sound wonderful. I'll have to throw him on the WL. Hope all is well with you!

Just de-lurking to say hello ... enjoying your reviews as always, Linda.

Hi Linda, Puppies are good for the soul.

I managed to "misplace" your thread for a while, so now I am catching up! Glad you are enjoying this year's crop of Newberys -- I enjoyed all three. I hope you get a chance to read Breaking Stalin's Nose as well -- the more I think about it, the more I think it may be my favorite of the three. And your haul of books is very nice, too -- Boston Jane is one I particularly remember as a fun read.

I haven't read the Joey Pigza books yet, but mean to do so eventually.

Wow, that's a really powerful quote from What Would Joey Do?, thanks for sharing it. I wonder, did I miss your review for book 2 in the series? I'll be looking out for it at the library this year I'm sure!

Hugs to you Linda, you are a sweetheart. xx

#98....I'm having a difficult time obtaining a copy of Breaking Stalin's Nose. Where did you obtain a copy?

Hi Illana
The order of the Joey Pigza books is as follows:

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
Joey Pigza Loses Control
What Would Joey Do

I read the books out of order. My review for Joey Pigza Loses Control---a Newbery honor book-- is on my previous thread, message #286.

Thanks for your interest. How are you today?

Hi Linda! Catching up here and your nice little summary in #101 is perfect. They sound like great books and I think I would like to read them with my daughter who has ADHD. Hopefully, I will represent parenting a little better than Joey's do!! I think of you often, especially recently, as I have found a little niche in my room to make into a permanent Reiki room. Yay! Hope you have a great day. : )

#100 -- I borrowed it from my library. Interesting that copies appear scarce -- sometimes that happens with a dark horse Newbery book, when the publisher initially printed a relatively small run. My guess is that they are probably working on printing more, so maybe in a few weeks or months they will not be so hard to find.

Hi Linda, I enjoyed your visit among the puppies. I'm sure the right one will find you when you least expect him or her.
Hugs and take care :0)

Hi Kim
I'm sorry I missed your birthday. I hope it was a lovely day.

#103..104
Hello Friends, so good to see you here!
Lynda...We found a breeder of Shelties. We are #17 on the list.

THanks Linda. I had a great day and the flowers were loverly. Is #17 on the breeder's list going to mean a long wait?

Kim
Yes, long, long wait and I'm sure we will not get a puppy from the litter they plan to have this spring.

The house is so empty without Simon, but I don't want to rush it. I'm still grieving. I shed some tears while driving home tonight. It is always difficult knowing he will not be at the door to greet me.

Dear Linda, glad you're on the list for a puppy, though it will be a wait for you. I hope you're having a restful evening.

I wanted to let you know - I've finally started The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt, and I'm enjoying it thoroughly so far. I've been listening to it on my commute, but now that I'm only driving a few minutes to work, I'm seriously considering getting the book out of the library to supplement. It's so funny, which I didn't expect at all!

I went to read your excellent review of Joey Loses Control Linda. Why do these themes resonate deeply with me right now, I wonder?

I'm sorry I missed so much on your last thread, but I think I'm doing at keeping up with you now. I also saw your review of An Elephant in the Garden and was glad to see you enjoyed it so much, because it's been on my wishlist for a while. I know I'll get to it eventually.

I'm hanging in there. My furry kids giving me lots of reasons to smile. The heavy heart will heal eventually.

Hope you are well.

Just popping in to say hello.. I am too far behind with everyone to really catch up
on anyone, but I wanted see how you are doing. I hope number 17 is a lucky one for you !
I also hope that you feel better and will keep feeling better each day!
hugs

Hi Linda, it sounds like your day on the puppy farm was therapeutic for you and Will. I hope the void that Simon left will be filled soon... not that he can ever be replaced. The grieving process must be honored, but be sure and leave the door open for a new love in your life. The longest we've ever gone without a dog was about a year. I had no intentions of getting another one when Lucky appeared on our doorstep!

Hi Linda, just chiming in to say I'm thinking of you. I think it's great that you have your name down on a puppy list, I also think a little waiting time will be good as well, giving you time to grieve Simon and make room for a new love to fit into your lives. Take care of yourselves.

BOOK#18

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Cassius:
"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings."
Julius Caesar (I, ii, 140-141)

What if per chance Shakespeare got it all wrong? What if the stars and fate really are all wrong. What if life, randomly deals a nasty draw of the cards? What if when the spin of the dial occurs, some are left healthy and others are dealt a cruel blow of cancer at an early age?

What if two young teen aged souls meet, bond beyond their pain, reach out in the universe for each other, knowing that life is short for them and every day is precious?

What if life truly isn't fair? What if in knowing that fact, we reach for the stars, venturing forth on a path that is at times dark and yet can be filled with bright moonlight?

-----
Oh, how I love this book!!! Without over sentimentality, John Green captured the essence of life, of grief, of risking and of the desire to hope for tomorrow while embracing today.

Read this book! You will laugh. You will cry! And, you will savor the pages of wisdom.

Five Stars.
Highly recommended!

Nice review Linda! I am not in a space where I want to read it, but I will remember it for later. Thanks!

Duly wishlisted Linda, I will check the library catalogue shortly and see if they have it. :)

ETA 30 holds on 3 copies......might be a long while before I get to read this one :/

It sounds like you managed to find the perfect read for the moment..
that doesn't happen very often.. glad it did for you :)

#113 The Fault in our Stars sounds like a great read Linda - I've been meaning to try a book by John Green for a while now.

I just ordered The Fault in our Stars from my library, too - 31 holds on 8 copies. Looking forward to reading it *whenever* that may be!

My wife is reading The Fault in Our Stars, too. Can't wait until she's done so I can read it.

Morning Linda- Great review of The Fault in Our Stars. Thumbs! Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Hi Linda, glad you enjoy your latest read so much. Hugs to you dear lady. xx

Happy Sunday, Linda! Hope all's well in your corner of the world.

Very nice review of The Fault in our Stars, Linda. My daughter is a huge John Green fan (she attends his alma mater), and had the good fortune to see him at an event in New York in early January. She and my younger daughter both zipped through this book in one sitting, and I really *should* read it myself.

It's #1 on the NY Times bestseller list this week in Children's Books - Chapter Books (although I don't think that category does Green justice).

Hi Linda!

Hi Linda. Found your thread (well, you led me to it -- thanks for that). I love the picture of Simon; I know you miss him deeply. He was a cutie pie.

Hi, Linda! Glad you enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars -- John Green's writing just gets better and better.

I have another recommendation for you. I just finished The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine, and it was very good. I know you enjoy juvenile historical fiction, and this reminded me a little of The Watsons Go to Birmingham -- partially because both books are about the Civil Rights movement, but I also thought the writing in Lions was very good.

Hi Linda! So happy you liked The Fault in Our Stars. I originally put it as four stars because there were one or two things I didn't like. But who am I kidding, I'm definitely going to read it again and again, which is my main definition of five stars. I may have to check out some of the other YA books you enjoyed here. :)

Hey, Linda! *waves* I'm so sorry to hear about Simon. *hugs you* I hope you are feeling better health-wise. I always keep you in my prayers. I'm glad I'm finally having the time to catch up on your thread. I'm glad you loved The Fault in Our Stars. I have a copy, I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet. Maybe in March!

I am late getting here :( but I wanted to say I'm sending {{hugs}} to you and your DH regarding your loss.
I have been hearing great buzz about The Fault in Our Stars I might have to take a closer look at it :)
you are starred now :)

Hugs to you, dear Linda!
:)

Thanks to all for stopping by.

The Fault In Our Stars is one of those unique books that you want to wave in the air and tell all those who pass by to read this one...oh, yes, ready this book!

#126...Thanks for the recommendation. The book is now on the tbr pile.

BOOK#19

Spilling Clarence by anne Ursu

Many thanks to Terri Loeffler for this recommendation!

When small town Clarence, Minnesota experiences a chemical explosion from the manufacturer of a mind altering, anti depressant, the pharmaceutical factory isn't the only thing that melts down.

Systematically the town folk are bombarded with images from their past. While some memories are positive, the majority of Clarence experiences thoughts and obsessions regarding mistakes they made.

A turn meant for the right becomes the left with tragic results. A marriage to a non-love of a life causes an elderly woman to ruminate about choices that could have/should have been made.

As an external air of complacency renders the town dormant, internally the brains of he residents are working over time.

The author's fascinating work examines the definition of memory, ie how "real" are the events we remember. Is forgetting the best defensive mechanism the mind holds?

Highly recommended.

BOOK#20

Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos

Jack Gantos is the 2012 Newbery Medal winner as well as a previous Newbery honor winner.

In 1971 when he was 20 years old, he foolishly made a grave mistake when, for $10,000, he agreed to sail a 60 foot yacht packed with hashish from the Virgin Islands to New York City.

This Printz award-winning autobiography focuses on his 15 month stint in federal prison.

A testimony to overcoming flawed judgement in youth, moving on to an award-winning career, while this book is located in the YA section, it should have a label "For Mature Audiences".

Guardedly recommended.

Guardedly recommended. :-)

Heading out soon for an appointment with the pain management doctors. Yesterday's appointment with my neurologist went well--I love this woman she is an incredible listener and all around great soul.

Because the pain management docs are usually late, I'm taking Packing For Mars with me. 20 pages into this book and it is very funny and interesting.

Good luck at the doc's. Hope this is the beginning of a real solution for your pain. You've had enough!

Claudia...My neurologist defines it as the new way of living, ie accepting that the body ages and working with it. Thanks for your kind comments. You are a dear.

*Waves*

Lynda, I love that your neurologist is such a centered and caring soul! For a doc to be a good listener -- that's a good thing. I'm glad you have a funny and interesting book for the waiting room part of your day. :-)

Never underestimate the therapeutic power of a doctor who listens and cares, and a book that makes you laugh! You're on the right road.

Long-distance wishes for a fruitful pain management session!

I'm so glad that your neurologist is a kindred spirit, and hope that the pain management consultation is fruitful!

Hope all goes well at your appointment today Linda! And I'll be eager to hear what you think of Packing for Mars. I have a copy somewhere but keep forgetting about it.

Howdy Linda, Just checking to see how pain management went yesterday. Hope you're feeling energized today.

Linda- Just swinging by to say hi! Have a good weekend!

My neurologist defines it as the new way of living, ie accepting that the body ages
and working with it This is true in general, but since I am pretty sure that your pain
goes beyond this.. I still hope for less need for accepting and more actual relief.

Pain management appointment = more injections next Tuesday and then more injections two weeks from then.

Oh well, it is spring break next week and I can take the luxury of vacation days to recover.

Life is good...very good, but I find that lately my spirits are low. Losing a friend one week, my beloved Sheltie the next and dealing with chronic pain is wearing me down.

But the good news is that I found a very reputable breeder of Shelties and they have a three day old litter. I can go to visit them tomorrow. That will cheer me I'm sure.

Thanks everyone

Here is a Waterhouse painting which reminds me that we cannot look into a crystal ball to know the future.

I have a framed print of this in my living room

Linda, Good luck with your pain management and I sure hope visiting the puppies lifts your spirits some, maybe you will find the right one to adopt when the time comes. Thoughts and prayers with you. Lots of Love too..

Monica...

Beautiful print, Lynda. Thanks for sharing. (am I spelling your name correctly?) I think it nicely captures the sense of acceptance and trust you're having to nurture in yourself these days.

Will you likely adopt one of the newborn Sheltie pups? I go back and forth, virtually every day, about whether and when to get a new kitten or cat. In my situation, part of the question has to do with whether Abby would accept another furkid. We originally got Edgar when she was just a year old and they took to one another immediately. I know she's lonely but I don't know that she will accept a kitty who's not Edgar. Or maybe that's me...... ;-)

In any case, enjoy your visit with the litter tomorrow! It sounds like fun!

Linda, just spent an hour catching up on your threads. My heart goes out to you for all you've had to endure the last two months. I pray that you and Will soon share far more joy than all the pain you have suffered. On a different note, you have greatly expanded my wishlist, but I shouldn't complain because I have read so many great books through visiting your thread. Take care and God bless.

Thinking of you... it's certainly understandable that your spirits are low in these circumstances. I hope you'll get a good boost from visiting the puppies.

Side note: while trying to write "boost", my fingers automatically wrote "books" :)

duh. Linda. My bad and my apologies.

Looking forward to hearing about the visit with the puppies.

Is today puppy visit day?

Catching up. Thinking about you and hoping you are having a good weekend. Enjoy the puppy kisses.

Oh, the puppies were adorable. The first stop was a lady who breds show dog quality Shelties. She owns four lovely ladies, one of whom had a litter of three. The puppies are now six days old and their eyes are barely open. The mother's spirit was low key and friendly. This woman also had two female 12 week old puppies who were cavorting around the room, playing happily.
http://crosswindshelties.net/wp-content/themes/crosswindtheme/images/image737.jp...

Then on to another breeder who lived 15 minutes from the first stop. This was a wonderfully friendly lady who obviously loves the bred. She has two female Shelties, both of whom had puppies a week apart. One litter consists of three females and the other litter includes two females and two males. Both mothers were calm, friendly and delightful.

We will go back to stop #2 in a few weeks to once again look at the puppies and determine personalities if we can.

It was a happy day.

Thanks to all for asking!!!!

more photos
http://crosswindshelties.net/wp-content/themes/crosswindtheme/images/katie1.jpg
http://crosswindshelties.net/wp-content/themes/crosswindtheme/images/ciara1.jpg
http://crosswindshelties.net/wp-content/themes/crosswindtheme/images/sahara2.jpg

Glad you had such a happy day! A day visiting puppies simply has to be happy.

Those Shelties are beautiful dogs, Linda. It sounds like plans are moving ahead for a puppy to soon be at your house. What fun.

So glad you spent the day with shelties! We had one when I was a child and I've always loved the breed. Enjoy the process of picking the perfect pup for you.

Oh PUPPIES!!!!

Beautiful dogs, Linda. So when you go back will you be committing to one of the pups? Boy or girl? I have a soft spot for shelties - my sister had one, Lad, for many years.

I'm okay, how about you?

The puppies are absolutely adorable - third puicture in #156 is my choice - just too cute!

Keep us posted after the shots next week.

>137 Whisper1:/146 I have to agree with Kath, Nancy. A new way of living is one thing, but being in considerable pain is another. Yes you can get used to being in pain a lot, but it doesn't and shouldn't have to be like that.

Hello Linda, I have just caught up on your thread. Good luck with choosing a new puppy.I hope the pain management is successful. I have had frozen shoulder for nearly three years, so I know how constant pain can get you down. My pain is less now but is still there. My wife has to help me to put my coat on every day, otherwise I struggle. I see you picked up some interesting books lately, the TBR pile isn't big enough? :)

Alan

I admire you for puppy shopping ! I'm afraid that I would be looking for a retiring mom instead :P

I haven't had a puppy in many years... they are so adorable, but they take so much
time and energy, and it is always all on my shoulders. So Dirk was my last puppy.. and I think
he came in the mid 90's? Jess and Duncan were both older. Getting a puppy is a lot of fun though :)
What new baby isn't?

The pictures are beautiful! The last one is my favorite :)

What a joyous day it must have been for you to be amongst such beautiful shelties!

I finished Inside Out & Back Again last week and I would also highly recommend it. I haven't written a review because I've just been too busy to gather words together.

Hope you have a beautiful Sunday!

I had a sheltie years ago! Good luck with your choice! Puppies with all their work are still very uplifting to the spirit!

yay for puppies!! Shelties are so cute! My parents had one named Precious when I was little. It was the happiest little fluff ball ever!!

I'm thinking of you today, Linda, as you contemplate opening your heart to a new puppy. It's a big decision made easy when you look into the eyes of those little sweethearts. And I love the crystal ball Waterhouse painting. Is that a skull on the little table? No wonder the pretty lady looks so morose.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Linda, as others have said, the dogs (and the one puppy) are adorable and I know it's bringing you joy to consider bringing one of them into your heart and home. No one will ever replace Simon, but it seems that you have room to let another one in. Our capacity for love, even when we know that with love comes loss, is amazing to me. I'm grateful that you're sharing the process with us!

ahhh the joy of puppy breath!

Linda, I am wishing you all the best for your pain management sessions!
And what a great idea to go and see puppies. Even if you should decide to wait some more, just spending time with dogs can bring so much joy. Thanks for posting the pictures!

Ellen, You are so right!
I always think of our furkids as being so much more generous than
we are. I think that you are absolutely right. No dog will ever replace Simon...
but he would want another dog to have the happiness he did, and his family
to have dog energy and love again, until they all meet up again. :)
No Dog has ever replaced my love for my special Dirk.. but, I have loved
them both and they me, so it is all good, imo.

I hope that you are feeling well .. and that the pain management works for
you, Linda. You are so strong to go on with life as you do instead of just
tossing in the towel and giving in to it. You amaze me ! I hope you find some
pain relief soon.

Hi Linda!
Lots of good energy over here!
Thanks for the pictures - I had almost forgotten how fuzzy and cute sheltie puppies are.

I never fell for the "getting old" diagnosis. Yes, you do slow down (thankfully) but you are not that old.
Hope the injections work.
Think puppy! :)

Oh! Linda -
Did you see the story about the sheltie who escaped from a fatal car crash in Nevada... roamed the desert for 53 days and was ultimately reunited with the surviving spouse?
Woman and dog are together again - can you imagine? There was a picture of Dooley in the paper and he is one more beautiful sheltie boy! Nice story for a change :)

Hi, Linda! *hugs* The Shelties are adorable. Good luck with the pain management... believe me, I know where you're coming from on that one! I often fantasize about having just one pain-free day, or to switch bodies with a "normal" person so that I can see what degree of pain they are in, thinking maybe my own pain isn't as bad as I think it is. It does take over your life though, doesn't it?

Hello everyone

Marcia, I understand where you are coming from. Your ACM is more severe than mine. I didn't need decompression surgery. But, the headaches are severe. Now that I also have degenerative disk disease, it feels like quite a battle.

I somehow manage to keep my positive nature. This groups helps tremendously.

Claudia, I did see that article. It is incredible!!! And, also very sad that the woman lost her husband and another beloved pet in the accident.

Thanks again to all who visit here. You are a beacon on the water.

Please follow me to my next tread