Lunacat Reads Some More (2)

Well, I'm onto thread 2 for the year. Hope as many people join me as have so far, it's been good fun :) The previous thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/80592#1684101

Below are horse savings tickers and books read tickers!







April

28. The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer
29. No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
30. The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick
31. The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters
32. The Sanctuary Sparrow by Ellis Peters
33. The Devil's Novice by Ellis Peters
34. Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien
35. Either Side of Winter by Benjamin Markovits
36. The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier
37. Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata
38. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

March

16. The Postman by David Brin
17. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiongo
18. The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
19. Frederica by Georgette Heyer
20. Brother in the Land by Robert Swindells
21. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
22. Eleanor the Queen by Norah Lofts
23. Speeding Bullet by Neal Shusterman
24. London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd
25. The Rose Without a Thorn by Jean Plaidy
26. Lud-In-The-Mist by Hope Mirrlees
27. A Little History of The World by E.H. Gombrich

In other news, I'm now off work until at least Sunday because I had to have stitches put in my hand today! Stupid me tripped over nothing much and landed on my outstretched hand on a sharp stone. I've gashed that bit of skin attaching my thumb to my hand! Very sore and inconvenient place.

*Sigh* I hate being accident prone. So, you've got me around for a few days, be prepared for some havoc, I'm going to be going stir crazy by tomorrow afternoon :P

Ouch ouch ouch. Much empathy heading your way.
Several years ago, a brick from a low dividing wall fell on my toe -- not only gashed it, but broke it. Got in trouble with my boss for wearing open-toed shoes in April.... *eyes roll*

I do worry a lot about spraining wrists or fingers. How would I work??

Ouch, sorry about the hand. Hope it doesn't ache too much.

Ouch! Must be hard to hold a book? Maybe time for an audiobook? Take care of yourself!

#2: I can completely sympathize with being accident-prone! I hope you recover quickly, Jenny.

Really loved the photo of your grandma from your old thread and ouch for your hand! How is the stir crazyness progressing?

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough591 pages

Is it the sign of a good book that could have been great, or a great book that wasn't recognised until the last page, when you cry at its ending without expecting to do so or knowing why?

The Thorn Birds is indeed an epic, stretching from New Zealand in 1915, through years of Australian outback farming, to war in Europe, priesthood in Rome and back to the heat and dust of Australia. But at the same time it tells the story of just one place, Drogheda.

In Drogheda, a family life is told, revolving mostly around the few women who keep the many men of the family going. Mary the matriach, Fee the graceful mother, Meggie the child who grows to a woman and Justine who finds her own place in the world. And surrounding them are the men who bring love and pain and havoc to their lives.

There are no punches pulled within this, and the story isn't told with decisions made on what might please the reader, but instead on the frailties and motives of human life. And this means that the characters aren't always likeable and don't always act as you wish they would. But in every decision there lies understanding because it is real and true and reeks of humanity at every turn.

I won't claim it as a favourite, or as a book I will re-read for a long time. But it is something that will sit on my shelf during that time, for the simple fact that it made me feel.

(I would normally quote from earlier in a book but as it centres around Drogheda as a place, I felt this was more appropriate)

From page 89:

Just then a group of emus lurched to their feet and commenced to run, fleet as the wind, their ungainly legs a blur, their long necks stretched out. The children gasped and burst out laughing, enchanted at seeing giant birds which ran instead of flying.

.......After the shocks Australia had administered to them in bewildering rapidity, Drogheda homestead seemed like a touch of home, with its gracious Geogrian facade and its budding wisteria vines, its thousands of rosebushes.

Ouch! I hope your hand heals quickly!

Grammie update:

She's currently on the cruise with my aunt and my mum received this text from said aunt today

"Mum happier than she has been since dad started getting poorly. Amazing transformation, game for anything"

My grandad passed away over 4 years ago. I'm so happy :)

I agree with your evaluation of Thorn Birds. I read it quite a long time ago and remember that it engrossed me, too.

Sorry about your hand. Was it your writing hand?

What terrific news about your grandmother, Jenny!

Ow. I hope you received a prescription for a pain medication when you left A&E. Are you feeling better today?

Yup, unfortunately my writing hand. Ah well, at least I can still read!

Nope, I didn't get any pain medication so I'm just taking ibuprofen and its keeping it bearable. It's in an awkward place though that moves an awful lot so I think it's going to be a few days before it settles down. That'll teach me!

Boooo to hand injuries! Hope it heals quickly ;o)

22. Eleanor the Queen by Norah Lofts239 pages

Charting the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine as she marries two Kings, gives birth to nine children, one of whom is Richard the Lionheart, goes to the Crusades and spends sixteen years imprisoned by her husband, this was a quick and light historical fiction.

Lofts writing is always clear cut and appealing, with nice characterisation and an interesting array of supporting players. There is also little of the sex and romance that can sometimes get in the way of telling a true historical story.

This sparked my interest in Eleanor's story and I'll definitely be looking for more books about her, especially the ones by Penman. Norah Lofts task was made easy by having such an intriguing woman as her central character, but she writes engagingly about her in a light book that only took me a day to read.

From page 21:

The northern sun - so pale, so fleeting to eyes accustomed to the long hot summers in the South - could never reach the small apartments set deep in the thick walls behind the narrow slit windows; and all that winter when the Queen, sick for home, hungry for some distraction, pressed close to the windows and stared out, all that met her gaze was the grey water of the Seine running below the grey buildings under the grey sky.

Sorry to hear about the hand injury. I fractured an elbow about 5 years ago, not much fun.

How many of us are now wanting to read The City of Dreaming Books?

I'll join the chorus hoping for fast healing. I've enjoyed the couple of Sharon Kay Penman's books that I've read (The Queen's Man and Cruel as the Grave). I've never read The Thorn Birds, but I remember when it was all the rage in my youth, TV miniseries and all. I would not have enjoyed it back then but may give it a try now, someday when I break out of my own library.

Norah Lofts is a great writer of the historical novel.

I've read many of her books.

23. Speeding Bullet by Neal Shusterman 200 pages

In this YA novel, Nick Herrara finds himself a calling. When he rescues a young girl from a subway train, he suddenly discovers that people begin to care about him. His best friend idolises him and he lands himself a famous girlfriend.

But, he gets addicted to the rush, and believes that to keep peoples attention, he must keep these daredevil rescues going. As they get bigger and more dangerous, Nick balances a fine line between fame and disaster.

Despite its attempts and a last gasp effort to pull it from the ashes, this was a novel in which I couldn't like any of the characters. This meant that I didn't particularly care about the outcome either. Nick is a self-absorbed teenage boy, which is to be expected, but he is also seemingly detached from everyone around him. Shusterman tries to make him more likeable by throwing in family drama but it just doesn't work.

Perhaps this novel will appeal more to kids tempted by fame and power, especially in these 'celebrity' times but it did nothing for me. So much so, I forgot I had read it until I unearthed it from a box it had been put in after reading it a couple of weeks ago.

My one word review would be...........eh.

From page 20:

There was a place and a purpose for him. There was a path about to unfold before his eyes - he knew it beyond a shadow of a doubt. And when he was lifted out from under the Lexington Avenue Local train, and onto the subway platform, he was lifted up into a whole other world.

#8: I've always wanted to read The Thorn Birds, but never got around to it. I usually just stick with watching the movie. (I've no clue if it's remotely close to the book, though. It's long enough, it seems it should be.) I'll have to look for this one, too, when I'm out book shopping tomorrow (book sale--yay!).

#20: "Eh": my kind of review. ;) That's too bad Speeding Bullet didn't work out for you. I have one book by Neal Shusterman (Full Tilt) and hope it's not as "eh" (if/when I get around to it, of course). Have you read that one?

#21

You should definitely buy The Thorn Birds if they have it, as I really enjoyed it. I also have Full Tilt but haven't read it yet. I think it's supposed to be a lot better, I just happened to see Speeding Bullet for £1 in a book sale and recognised the name. Guess it's not one of his best!

I've read Antsy Does Time - a great book - my 13 year old nephew read it in one day and laughed out loud at it.
Plus Everlost - different, I didn't think it would appeal to my nephew.

But both were good, so Neal Shusterman does write good YA books.

My copy of City of Dreaming Books arrived this week... Norah Lofts is so good; I'm glad her books are finally being reissued. There's a new book about Eleanor (novel) due out next month by Alison Weir, Captive Queen .
Re Thornbirds, McCullough has been vehement about loathing everything about the miniseries. Although she does seem to be a bit odd as a person. I recently read a book about the Pitcairn Island sexual abuse case (several men convicted of assaulting and terrorizing young girls on Pitcairn, population about 50, where you can't get off the island unless some of the men who were accused of abuse agree to take you to a boat offshore on a longboat.) McCullough suggested that it was normal Polynesian custom to sexually "break in" girls of 12 or so... Gah. Shed a whole new light on Father Ralph and Meggie for me, alas!
But her Rome series is excellent -- lively and extraordinarily well researched.

@24: Would that Rome have anything to do with the TV series that I've heard good things about?

Jenny

Better luck with your next book.

Suzanne, Chiming in on The Thornbirds. I read the post on your thread regarding McCullough and find her insensitive comments repulsive.

Regarding your insight into the Father Ralph, Meggie relationship. In watching the movie and reading the book, I didn't like the creepiness of the love affair.

As I write, the memories flood back re. my feelings that he was a self absorbed, egotistical, arrogant SOB who really didn't care for her other than for his own purposes..

Opps...I'm getting off the soap box now.

How's the hand, Jenny? Hope it stops throbbing at least, soon and heals quickly.

*Sigh*

Well, my hand isn't healing nearly as well as was expected, due to it being in such an awkward and mobile place. So the stitches that were due out today aren't coming out until thursday and I'm off work till sunday. So bored and am going to be very broke as well!!!

I'm not even getting a good amount of reading done. I have, however, discovered a passion for knitting. Pics of my first completed project will follow :)

I am sorry Jenny your hand is not healing well :-(

I know what a bad place it is to hurt your hand there...
On my wedding day Frank wanted to remove a broken mirror and I said, don't you'll hurt yourself! as he can be a bit clumsy... So I removed it and cut myself between thumb and hand. Not so bad I needed stitches, but it sure hurted. Especially at the wedding reception that afternoon when I had to shake hundreds of hands :-(

You can knit with your hand injury? Wouldn't reading require less use of the injured portion of your hand? Plus there's less of a chance of you sticking the sore spot with a knitting needle ...and I take it it's still bandaged, so you'd be safe from paper cuts. :-)

Sorry to hear that it's not healing as quickly as you like. I hope you do manage to get the stitches out on Thursday. In the meantime ... enjoy the downtime!

I hope the stitches come out soon, Jenny!

What lovely books you've been reading. So sorry to hear about your hand! and thrilled to hear that you've found a handcraft to love. I've tried and just can't love knitting, but I can admire it :)

24. London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd 781 pages

This biography of London is on a suitably epic scale, charting the city's history from the very first suggestions of settlement and civilisation to the present day. Travelling through well known events such as the Plague and the Great Fire, it gives far far more information than just that.

Different sections look at the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the ages, the building and destruction of the City, and the celebrated figures of the various times. Favourite topics included the building of the Underground and the Natural History section, but there is plenty within here to satisfy any interest possible. It made me want to wander the streets, not only now but to be able to go back through time and see the sights.

I found my attention wavering at times but this has nothing to do with the book but instead in my inability to read non-fiction. However, the constant 'poetic' illusions, the metaphors and analogies can get wearing, and Ackroyd repeats himself within these occasionally.

I am glad I've read this, not only for the interesting pieces of information I have acquired but to make my brain think in a 'non-fiction' way. But it does affirm, yet again, that I am far more of a fiction reader!

From page 19: (Referring to 'The London Stone')

It sits now, blackened and disregarded, by the side of a busy thoroughfare; over and around it have flowed wooden carts, carriages, sedan chairs, hansom cabs, cabriolets, hackney cabs, omnibuses, bicycles, trams and cars. It was once London's guardian spirit, and perhaps it still is.

#33 This looks like a really interesting book. It goes straight to my tbr pile. Thank you for the tip:)

Just wanted to share my first completed knitting project with you as I'm quite proud! Baby booties for a friend's newborn baby :)

Well done! I hope you are inspired to continue knitting.

#35: Congratulations on finishing your first project, Jenny!

Wow! That seems a complicated "first" project. I would have had trouble with a scarf! The book on London sounds interesting even with the weaknesses you mentioned. Thanks!

The Rose Without a Thorn by Jean Plaidy 260 pages

Katherine Howard was eighteen when she married King Henry VIII and twenty when she was executed for adultery and treason. In historical terms, she lends little to history besides being yet another wife, a tragic young figure who was married to a man over twice her age, and whose attentions strayed to a much younger man. She paid for it with her life.

This Plaidy novel adds a lovely, realistic and human element to Katherine's story. She is uneducated in the ways and politics of court life, simple in her tastes and upbringing and desperately naive in love; because of this, it is easy to see how her death came about through no fault or duplicity from her.

As always with Jean Plaidy, every word and description feels utterly real and true to character. I skipped through the world, all the time feeling desperately sorry for the young Katherine and sad that she didn't take the get-out clause that she was offered at the ending of her marriage.

Another historical fiction classic, highly enjoyable and easy to read.

From page 4:

So we remained poor but happy. Perhaps it was my nature to be happy. I know I was during those years when I was rushing towards disaster. I certainly had hours of great pleasure, and that is surely happiness. It is one of the reasons why I find it so hard to face this terrible fate which has come upon me.

That one sounds really good I'll have to see if I can't find it.Thanks for the review!

Thanks, Jenny! I started London: The Biography a couple of years ago in preparation for my first trip to the capital. I definitely enjoyed it, but put it aside after a couple of hundred pages. I think I'll appreciate it much more now that I've spent over a month's time there during my two visits, and I'll plan to make it one of my summer reads. The Rose Without a Thorn sounds interesting, too.

Congratulations on finishing the knitted booties! IMO, few things in life are as essential as warm feet.

I think I'll like London: The Biography for the very reasons that wore on you...I love poetic writing. Bring on the metaphors and analogies. Your review makes me want to go and wander the streets. My daughter lived in Surbiton for 18 months and we loved the times we spent in London on our two visits to see her.

Your baby booties are too cute--and practical, too. I agree with Darryl about the warm feet. Combined with your warm heart, that is one lucky baby.

Very impressed with the booties! I'm with bonniebooks - anything I've ever tried to knit has turned out extremely strangely shaped - and I've never even tried anything more complicated than a scarf. Sigh. Me and sewing just do not get on...

I bought London: The Biography several years ago, but I never seem to get around to reading it - sounds like it'd be a good lunch-time read, so I'll bump it up my list for when I get through The Olivetti Chronicles...

26. Lud-In-The-Mist by Hope Mirrlees 264

Lud-In-The-Mist, on the banks of the rivers Dapple and Dawl, is focused around merchants and trade, Law and respectability. But a dark force lurks beneath the surface, coming out of the Elfin Marches and the Debatable Lands. It is 'fairie', slipping into the town via the forbidden and feared 'fairy fruit', through dreams and wandering people. For Nathaniel Chanticleer, faerie hits closer to home as the Note that has haunted him years comes back, and his own son seems within its grasp.

Lyrical and beautifully written from start to finish, this was poetry as prose. Within here there are none of the usual fantasy suspects: no wars, battles or evil sorcerers are found. Instead, there are far sublter dangers and fears, with the suspiciously helpful Endymion Leer causing malicious trouble and sending chills up the spine.

Not only is some of the language stunning, it is also extremely atmospheric, at times causing goosebumps all over. That is the charm of this as it captures you with gentleness as opposed to action, until you drink in every second.

Very much reminiscent of The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, if you like that then you will probably like this. Not for everyone, this is now residing as one of my favourite fantasy books of all time.

From page 19:

The social life of Lud-in-the-Mist began in spring and ended in autumn. In winter the citizens preferred their own firesides; they had an unreasoning dislike of being out after nightfall, a dislike due not so much to fear as to habit. Though the habit may have sprung from some forgotten danger that, long ago, had made their ancestors shun the dark.

and

But everywhere, steadily, invisibly, the trees' winter foliage of white sky or amethyst grey dusk was turning to green and gold.

Went to London today for my mum's christmas present - I'd got her tickets to see Les Miserables. And I've come home with, surprise surprise, more books.

Acquistions today:

The Hopkins Manuscript by R.C. Sherriff
The Corner That Held Them by Sylvia Townsend Warner
Restoration by Rose Tremain
Either Side of Winter by Benjamin Markovits

And its my kitten's birthday today, a whole 1 year old! Where did that year go, it can't possibly be twelve months since they were born in the middle of my bed at 5am!

Oh, what a classic, Jenny! I know I read Lud-in-the-Mist many years ago, but I don't remember much about it.

My vice is crochet, but I love to crochet those baby booties for showers.

I love those baby booties. They are just too cute. Well done, Jenny! I wonder why people don't knit adult booties? they'd be great in the winter ... there are socks I suppose but I think booties would look much nicer.

Great review of Lud-in-the-Mist - definitely one for my wish list.

I am adding Lud-in-the-Mist to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommedations, Jenny.

Wow! It is hard to believe the kittens are a year old. We need some new pictures.

>44 lunacat: superb review and happy bday kitty :)

I also very much enjoyed Lud-in-the-Mist when I read it a few years ago - looks like I should put The Forgotten Beasts of Eld on the wishlist!

Hope you enjoyed Les Mis?

#46

I want to learn to crochet but there is no one around me who can teach me and I'm not very good at learning things from pictures. Guess it's knitting for me!

#47

Now I definitely want to knit myself some booties. Perhaps I shall go and experiment when I'm done with my latest thing :)

#50

Yes, I did enjoy Les Mis, more than I expected actually. My mum is a huge lover of it so I went for her, but it was a lovely afternoon. The woman playing Eponine was incredible.

Well, stitches are out (yay) so I'm back at work on Saturday, thank goodness. I need the money so much now. The scar looks like it's going to be a horribly ugly one though, and I seem to have lost a bit of movement although I don't know whether that is a fact or if I'm just holding back for fear of pain. We'll see!

Glad to hear that the stitches are finally out Jenny! I know from personal experience what a hassle they can be.

Yaaay... congratulations on having the stitches out. The scar will fade after some time ... it's always scary and ugly looking when the stitches first come out. I had stitches on my finger, my knee and my thigh (i am a little clumsy) and after some time, all of them faded and there are but thin pale scars now.

>51 lunacat: Are you seeing a physical therapist? There are things we can do too aid our healing. I was holding my neck incorrectly after thyroid surgery. A friend of my mom's who is a PT came to me explained how I was hurting myself (in trying to stave off pain!!) and what I should be doing instead. She was extremely abrupt and I didn't know her, so I didn't really appreciate it at the very moment she spoke to me, but I'm glad she did.

@51: Sometimes loss of range of motion is caused by the scar tissue contracting or otherwise interfering with muscle action. I encourage you to put vitamin E on the scar line to help keep it soft and possibly reduce the amount of scar tissue. Stretching and exercises can help as well, and massage of the scar line. A PT can help you with some of those.

27. A Little History of The World by E.H. Gombrich 284 pages

In 1935, Ernst Gombrich was set the challenge of writing a history of the world for children in six weeks. To the surprise of all, including him, he succeeded, and not only achieved it but produced a book that all children and adults should read.

This is history told as it deserves to be told. Covering mostly Europe with some forays into Asia, India and, later, America, it charts the tale of man from the beginning until the present day. Witty, exciting and lovingly written, I have never come across a history book like this.

Gombrich writes in a simple yet enthralling style, without talking down to the children for whom this was intended, making it a delight for adults as well. I learnt a lot, enjoyed every second of it, and never thought I would be kept up till 2am by a history book.

Yes, it has is shortcomings, as every book attempting to chart the history of the world must, and yet they are easily forgiven in the face of such a delight.

From page 9: (talking about prehistoric peoples)

Do you think much has changed since then? They were people just like us. Often unkind to one another. Often cruel and deceitful. Sadly, so are we. But even then a mother might sacrifice her life for her child and friends might die for each other. No more but also no less often than people do today. And how could it be otherwise? After all, we're only talking about things that happened between three and ten thousand years ago. There hasn't been enough time for us to change!

So, just once in a while, when we are talking, or eating some bread, using tools or warming ourselves by the fire, we should remember those early people with gratitude, for they were the greatest inventors of all time.

#56: I learnt a lot, enjoyed every second of it, and never thought I would be kept up till 2am by a history book.

What a great recommendation for the book, Jenny!

It sounds perfectly charming! I think I'll have to pick it up for the boys ... and read it myself, of course. ;)

This sounds like a great book to give my goddaughter. Thanks for the recommendation, Jenny

So many posts to read! Glad the stitches have finally come out and you can go back to work.

The booties are fab and you've reminded me that I haven't knitted anything for ages. You can find lots of videos on the web which can show you hoe to crochet (if that's more helpful than looking at a picture). One useful site is here.

Lud-in-the-Mist has been on the wishlist for a while (how can I have so many books and still want to read so many?), glad you liked it so much.

Les Miserables is my favourite musical ever...

#25 -- Playing catchup; sorry, lost the thread temporarily! The HBO miniseries Rome touches on some of the same events as it in the latter books of McCullough's series, but takes a lot of liberties with history (think the Tudors...) and introduces some quasi-fictional characters to give us a sense of what was happening in blue-collar Rome.

Lud-in-the-Mist sounds intriguing, but now I can't shake the name of the flower known as love-in-the-mist from my mind! It's also known as nigella; a bright vivid blue (sometimes paler, and sometimes white) flower that is surrounded by wispy green...

I agree with the other posters; an appointment to see a physical therapist to learn range of motion exercises is a great idea. If one isn't available to you, there should be web sites that demonstrate these exercises. And justchris' vitamin E suggestion is also an excellent one.

I'm glad to hear that you had a great time with London, and that the stitches are out. I hope that you're doing well!

#51 Glad you enjoyed it! Ever since I saw "The Tall Guy", I've had problems keeping a straight face when watching musicals, but Les Miserables is one of the few that actually, just about, manages to get beyond that (...although, I did see the stage adaptation of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" the other day and that was fantastic!)

Glad the stiches are out - I'm sure that the scar will fade and you'll get proper use back - anyway, scars add character ;o)

I wonder if there is any psychological theory revolving around book funks?? Why is it when I KNOW I want to read certain books, I know I like the authors or they have been highly recommended, I'm interested or am going to enjoy the subject matter and yet........

I have picked up a wide variety of books over the past two days, trying every genre etc I have. But I still can't settle to one. I don't know why but it is annoying me! I've also tried what usually works, going for YA books or old favourites but that's not helping either.

Ideas anyone?

Give yourself a day or two off from the books, Jenny. Do not even try to read anything. Maybe if you give yourself a break from them, you will be able to come back in a couple of days with renewed enthusiasm.

@61: Thank you for the additional information, Suzanne.

@64: Or try reading something other than books for a few days. I have a tendency to rotate at intervals among the magazines, articles, books, brochures, and specialty newspapers scattered around the house.

Found your second thread! Yay! I've added several of your recent reads to my neverending wishlist. Sorry to hear about your hand, Jenny. I hope it's feeling better!

Have read The Quiet Gentleman. Will review when I can get some motivation.

Been feeling very down the last few days. Ya boo sucks to the world, and to depression. Hopefully I'll be able to shake this off, as it seems to have no rhyme or reason. All part and parcel of depression though.

Sorry I'm so.......not me. :/

I can relate. Hope things perk up woon in your corner of the world.

#68: I was just thinking about you today, Jenny, and wondering where you were. Sorry to hear that you are depressed. I hope with the coming of spring maybe the blues will go away.

Thanks

Sadly today has been a day of very much spring weather and its today the depression has fully hit me. I'm hoping I'm just tired, and not that anti-depressants have stopped working.

Bed for me at 8.50pm. That's a bad sign there.

Keep fingers crossed for an uplift in mood soon

Remembering you...

Hi lunacat - I've had some catching up to do on your threads. Firstly - thinking positive thoughts for you and hope that you are coping ok.

All the books you've been reading sound wonderful. Like everyone else, I'm also putting The City of Dreaming Books on my tbr list, your review is the first I've noticed and I wondered a few times if it was worth reading. Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series was fantastic - I read most of them as they were published. A Little History of The World is also being noted - sounds like a good read.

As far as book funks go, I usually make my reading more practical and go for news or magazine articles, essays.

I haven't knitted for many years but used to love knitting for my children when they were little as it is quick to do and there are lovely intricate patterns available. At one time I knitted several pairs of baby-sized leg warmers as I found these great for staying on where booties get kicked off - and they looked so cute.

I agree with avatiakh about reading something more practical when you're in a funk. If I'm reading something just for fun and not really enjoying it, then it feels like a waste and I have no incentive to continue. But if I'm reading some light non-fiction, I feel like at least I'm learning something so there's a reason to go on.

Anyway, I hope you feel better soon.

I'm very sorry to hear that you're not in good spirits, Jenny. I certainly noticed your absence, and wondered how you were doing. I hope and pray that tomorrow is a better day for you!

Sorry to hear you're in a blue funk, Jenny. I like comics like The Adventures of Tin Tin or Asterisk and Obelisk when I'm blue. Rest and be well .... I hope your spirits lift tomorrow.

Sorry to hear you're feeling down, Jenny. I can relate! Hang in there and know I'm thinking of you.

Me too... often!

Thanks everyone.

To add injury to insult I got kicked today. On the fleshy part of my upper arm so no actual damage, just a bruise and a very painful muscle. At least I've got two days off now.

#76

Asterisk and Obelisk is a brilliant idea! I think I'm going to go to my mums tomorrow and dig out some real old favourites and comfort reads and see if that works.

#79: My, Jenny, but you seem to be having some bad luck lately!

I do hope the comfort reads work for you and get you out of the funk.

Sorry you're having a rough time at the moment - do your best to enjoy the next couple of days.

....Asterix is always a good idea - let me know if you're missing any - we've got the lot (assuming my sister hasn't stolen them away) and I can always post you a few...

Another good pick me up gentle read that I discovered recently are the Moomin comics...

Aww! I'm glad that it wasn't worse, but that sounds bad enough. I hope that your time off lifts your spirits.

Sorry you've been felling down Jenny. We've missed you. Hope Asterix helps

Remember, Jenny, even though it doesn't feel like it now, this too shall pass.

Have read No Time For Goodbye and The Wild Hunt. Still very little motivation and a lot of confusion in my head. I've never been the most outgoing of people but when things get hard, I retreat back into my own world.

That's where I am now. At some point, I'll venture from my cave and see you all again. I'm just struggling to even see the light in the doorway, much less go out into it.

Think of me. Please.

Aw, I am thinking of you! And I often retreat into my cave, too. Hang in there, Jenny, we love you!

Thank you so much. I'm tearful just coming here again cos I feel so....low and detached. I love you all too, I just don't seem to be able to make myself come out.

And me being tearful is a big thing now. I don't cry often. Guess I truly am feeling vulnerable :/

Praying, precious lady.

Hang in there, Jenny. Depression sucks. I'm sorry it's sucking for your just now.

hugs to you Jenny!
Hang in there, you are not the only one... I know the tears and the feelings :-(

Hugs Jenny, I know it's horrible feeling that way.

:( I hope things look up soon.

Sending you big hugs, Jenny ...... hang in there. We're here for you when you're ready to leave your cave again.

{{{hugs}}}

When you're ready, we'll be here. :)

You have a community here who loves you, Jenny. Remember that!

sending happy thoughts

Sorry to hear you're so low, hope it gets easier soon.

I'm sending you my best thoughts.

Hope you're feeling better already!

Hi Jenny, I'm thinking about you as well.

I'm vibrating lots of positive, sunny cat and horse filled thoughts your way ~woo~woo~woo~wooooo~

Hope you're starting to feel a bit better...

Thank you everyone so much. I'm getting there, slowly. Remembering that this is just a phase, like everything else, and as someone else said, "this too shall pass".

Have also been doing some more reading:

The Virgin in the Ice by Ellis Peters
The Sanctuary Sparrow by Ellis Peters
The Devil's Novice by Ellis Peters
Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien

Still not up for reviewing but at least I'm reading again, which is a step in the right direction. I love you all and I'm holding onto that.

We missed you - glad you're starting to feel better! It's always so slow, isn't it?

I have a whole pile of Ellis Peters to read and Z for Zechariah is a book I read years ago and had completely forgotten about until I checked the book description - it was a good'un if I remember right.

Love lying in bed reading--unless the toast crumbs, etc., start annoying me. Glad you're feeling a bit better.

#102: So glad to hear you're up to reading! :) When I hit rock bottom, I don't even want to do that, let alone review. But that's wonderful that you've got 4 books down. Congrats! :)

#104: Ooh, beds and reading. It's usually either/or with me there. I tend to prefer sleeping than reading--especially when I have a furry critter get between me and my book. Perfect excuse to snooze. :)

It's great to hear from you, Jenny! Just hearing from you is good enough, no reviews are necessary.

Hugs to you Jenny!

Hugs from me too, Jenny! I hope you liked Z is for Zachariah. I remember taking that one out from my middle school library. You might want to try The Silver Crown by the same author - it was one of my favorite books growing up, good comfort reading, too!

Woot! Glad to see you back reading, Jenny!!

Thank you again everyone, slow but steady progress is being made.

Just remembered I have also read:

Either Side of Winter by Benjamin Markovits
and
The Kingdom of This World by Alejo Carpentier

so at least my reading is coming back. I know my depression is at its worst when I can't even pick up a book.

#110: I just read one this past week that you recommended last year, Good Night, Mr. Tom, and loved it. Thanks for that recommendation, Jenny!

Hmmm I've been considering reading another Cadfael. Those are all titles I don't have and/or haven't read! Glad to see you back!! xoxo

#111

I'm so glad you loved it. She's an author I can read again and again. A Little Love Song is another one I would definitely recommend to you as you liked this.

#112

Cadfael have been lovely comfort reads for me, allowing me enough to think about that they act as escapism without blowing my brain. They are all good, although out of those I would recommend The Virgin in the Ice if you can get hold of it.

#113: Unfortunately, the local library does not have that one. I will scout around for it though.

Just a {hug} to let you know I've been dropping in regularly and thinking of you!

Jenny

Stasia recommended Good Night Mr. Tom and told me that she found this book on your thread. Thanks!!! I finished it this evening and it is, as you know, incredible.

I'm also adding A Little Love Song

#115

Thank you so much. I really miss you all

#116

You're welcome. It's a stunning book isn't it? A Little Love Song isn't quite as good but only in the fact it is a five star book instead of an infinite star book :) And thank you for recommending both Kira-Kira and Elsewhere which I have just finished.

Hi There

You are missed!

Jenny--I am glad you are starting to feel better. You contribute so much to this group and I hope you get to 100% soon.

Hey, Jenny! I am reading one of your grandfather's books, Civilization Before Greece and Rome. I hope you are here soon so that I can tell you what I think of it!

I miss you too, Jenny!

*waves* Hope to see you around and better soon!

Howdy. It's grey here right now... but maybe the sun will come out in a bit. Hope you're enjoying a lovely spring.

Awww, thank you everyone for the messages. And Stasia, for reading Grandie's book! You have no idea how much that means to me. He was the best grandfather anyone could ever wish for.

Things are...up and down. I've been reading a bit but not as much as I should be.

Books recently completed:

Touching the Void by Joe Simpson
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

and am now starting to read The Loss That Is Forever: The Lifelong Impact of the Early Death of a Mother or Father which isn't exactly light reading, but it feels like the right time.

I've also been thrown for a loop by a phonecall from my dad's brother, who I haven't spoken to for......10 years perhaps. He was telling me that I had some inheritance from my grandfather, who passed away last year, and it came as a real shock. Not only the money, which means I can definitely fulfil my dream of a horse, but also the few words we shared. It was painful and sad and full of regret, that I haven't had a relationship with that side of my family since my dad died. I sat down and had a long cry afterwards, without really understanding why, but mostly it was just that I intensely missed my dad, all over again.

So....that's me. Hopefully I'll be back with some new energy and fabulous news of a new horse soon!!

Hi Jenny! It's great to hear from you; you'll have to let us know about your new horse! Wow, up and down is right, but I hope that things continue to improve as the weeks and months progress.

Besides that, I need someone to put me on the straight and narrow path. Caroline is slacking on her duties. ;-)

Jenny - wonderful news that you will be able to get your horse. Hope that the current book works out for you.
I must move Elsewhere up my tbr list.

Congratulations about the horse, Jenny.

I enjoyed your grandfather's book and am looking for more of his work. Unfortunately, Civilization Before Greece and Rome is the only one of his my local library has.

Come back and start throwing boots at Darryl any time!

Jenny

I'm thinking of you. All good wishes with the purchase of your dream.

I read Elsewhere earlier this year and really liked it.

Good to see you back Jenny, great news about the horse :-)

Well........wish me luck peoples!!! I potentially bought a horse today!! What I mean by potentially is that she's bought subject to passing a vet inspection which will happen probably tuesday next week. So I could really do with fingers crossed that she passes, and this time next week I'll have her!

I'll post pics, don't worry.

I'm sitting her overwhelmed and in tears (Yet again from the person who hasn't cried for years lol) because my best friend just pointed out that it is my dad who has bought me the horse, as I wouldn't have got the inheritance if it hadn't passed down to me as his 'heir'. So.....that's quite an emotional thought really. Of course I would rather have him here, no question, but......well......a childhood dream being realised isn't something that happens every day.

So....please fingers crossed for tuesday as I'll be so upset if she doesn't pass!!

Good luck! That's a really wonderful thought about the horse coming from your father.

I'm so excited about your horse! Can't wait for details! What a terrific story. Update that ticker!

congratulations, keen to hear and see more details.

Wonderful news, Jenny! Please keep us posted.

I cannot wait to see the pictures of your new horse, Jenny. Thinking positive thoughts!

Jenny, I've missed you here. I'm glad you're back with such wonderful news about realizing your dream of owning a horse. I've got my fingers crossed for you, and I'd cross my toes as well if I could. :-)

Can't wait to see the pictures. Life works in strange (and sometimes wonderful) ways, doesn't it?

I can't wait to see pictures of your horse, and I'm glad that a childhood dream could come out of a sad moment in your life.

Ooh, a horse! That's so nice when you can buy something so meaningful with the money from your grandfather. You'll be thinking of him everyday--hope that's a good thing. :-)

Wonderful news, can't wait for the pictures!

Wow, a horse! I hope everything goes through alright... I suppose this is an example of silver lining. :) Looking forward to pictures!

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY

My horse passed her vets inspection and I'm picking her up on thursday!!!!!! Dreams really can come true!!! Pictures sure to be up thursday or friday. I'm so happy :)

Woooooo!

Congratulations to you both, Jenny!!

THis is such exciting news Jenny. I'm pleased for you. grief can be so hard, especially when a new wave comes up and hits us. ((hugs))

That's great news, Jenny! Can't wait for the pictures.

Fantastic news, Jenny! What's her name (or what will it be)?

Checking in to see how the vet inspection went today, and delighted to hear the good news!! Fantastic!

Whoo-hoo!!!! CONGRATS! :D

Bet someone's not gonna sleep tonite....
Congrats on the horse, Jenny. I am viciously jealous.

Congratulations, that's so exciting!

Can't wait to see the pictures, Jenny!!

What kind of horse is she, Jenny?

I'm sooo pleased for you, Jenny -- that sounds wonderful. And what a bond -- she will be a link to your father and his family of a completely different kind, and carry you into a future in which (I hope) more of your dreams will be fulfilled!

I would have sent you one of the resident felines to cheer you up (hey, it works for me) but a horse is so much better! :-)

My horse Connie, proper name 'Baby Bear'!! She's settling in well, if a little boisterous. I should be able to ride her tomorrow evening once I have stuff that fits her, I'll share more pics of her then.

At some point I might start talking about books again............please tell me when I'm getting boring.

She's a beauty. How exciting, and you can never get boring when it comes to talking about animals.

beautiful!

How old is she? What's her provenance? What a great picture!

Thanks for the picture, Jenny! What a gorgeous horse.

That's a great photo of Connie, Jenny! I'd love to see a photo of you and her together.

She's beautiful Jenny. Looking forward to more photos!

What a sweet face! Tell us everything about her.

Connie is beautiful, Jenny!!! I am so, so happy for you and can't wait to hear all about her!

Well..........so far my little madam is a destructive force! Two headcollars in three days, and she is clearly settling in well because she was a bit naughty today and is enjoying life!!

Hoping to ride her for the first time on thursday.....we didn't have a saddle that fitted her but now we do so me and my best friend are going to give her a go. Fingers crossed it doesn't end in disaster!!

Yay for a new horse! Love the matching tack!

Great photo, Jenny! Thanks for sharing that with us.

Wonderful pic, Jenny!

>163 lunacat:: It looks to me like Connie (Baby Bear) is smiling in that picture along with you. You two look like you were made for each other!

#154: At some point I might start talking about books again

Books, books? What're those? ;)

Congrats on the horse, btw, if I haven't said so already (I'm so behind on posts)! You've got your hands full with a new pet, so enjoy! We'll wait for you to read later on. (Pets come first, imho--or at least that's what they tell me.)

Great pictures, Jenny ... she's a beauty ... doesn't look the destructive type at all. ;-)

Aaah, a bay! My only horse was a bay mare--a Saddlebred. She had been trained for show, so she could step quite lively and was super sensitive--both in good and bad ways (e.g., spooked easily). As a beginner, I didn't realize how good she was until I had to move a pony one time who didn't want to go where I wanted her to go. What breed is she? She has a much prettier head than my horse.

#163 Beautiful!

Thank you so much for all your wonderful comments on my beautiful girl :) To those who are at all interested or know anything about horses, she is a hanoverian x thoroughbred, so ideally suited for what I want to do with her.

Also stopping by to remind myself of things I've read recently. I have no idea what number I'm up too though! Not anywhere near hitting 75 for the year I don't think though. Somehow my time is rather limited now ;)

The Final Empire
The Well of Ascension
The Hero Of Ages

all by Brandon Sanderson

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (reread)

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

I'm sure there is something else lurking in the back of my mind but I can't think.............it'll come to me.......maybe!

I know absolutely not a thing about horses, but hanoverian x thoroughbred sounds impressive to me!

To those not in the know and are at all interested, I include links to the wikipedia pages explaining both Hanoverian and Thoroughbred breeds :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanoverian_(horse)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoroughbred

I've also read Fool Moon by Jim Butcher. After a slow start, I have well and truly fallen in love with my kindle.

Suddenly, life is good and I have so much to smile about. I wish you all the same :)

So your horse's pedigree is actually German? I worked in a stable during one of my school holidays many years back and I loved riding some of the horses every morning and grooming them. My cousin in Australia has 5 beautiful horses (I forgot what breeds they are) that her daughter and husband ride in endurance races.

#175

Her pedigree from way back is german, yes, but she was born in Ireland, we believe. It's all very complicated, not helped by the fact we don't have a confirmation on her parentage. She's illegitimate, poor girl!

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well, Jenny!

I stumbled on your thread, and find that you have been....having a lot going on. You look well, and your horse ( you got a horse!) is beautiful! She is very lucky to have you :)

Another beautiful picture! How did you enjoy the Brandon Sanderson books, Jenny? I'm reading his Elantris right now and loving it.

Congrats on the horse: she's beautiful.

I love horse talk :) it's obvious you ride hunt seat, will you use her for dressage? Warmbloods are my favorite but I never developed much nerve for higher jumps :) and I love *all* of Brandon Sanderson's books!

Beautiful beautiful new horse, my dear! Congratulations!

Like beeg, I'm interested in how you're going to ride her too. I had never even heard about "Warmbloods" until the sister of my best friend bought a Hanoverian from Europe.

I'm hoping to event her, information on which is here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eventing

It's basically all three major disciplines combined into one event. Dressage, which is kinda like horse ballet, cross country which is jumping logs and 'fixed' fences, and showjumping which are the stripy knock down fences.

We're not to that stage yet, doing training at home and then she'll start going out and beginning to learn some things. Once she's got a bit of the world beneath her belt, she'll then be able to start her competitive career.

I'm probably going to do two years of competition with her and then put her into foal so I can have a baby Connie for my best friend :)

I love watching those kinds of horse shows. I don't have cable, but I get a station from Canada that shows some of the bigger events starting about now. I'm going to go update my TIVO to make sure I'm not missing those.

Jenny, I've been so behind on your thread recently (amongst many others), but am now caught up and this is FANTASTIC news - how wonderful to have your own horse/Connie! She looks beautiful.

I love the image of dressage as horse ballet ;o)

Three tips to those biblioholics who have a book-buying/reading problem.

To prevent yourself buying and reading too much:

1) Get a horse and have no more time to read
2) Get a horse and have no more money to buy books
3) Get a horse and have no more energy to read

I believe the same applies to having a baby??

However, have been reading some stuff, though no idea what number I am up to!

Grave Peril
Summer Knight
Death Masks
Blood Rites all by Jim Butcher

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay (reread)

Magician by Raymond Feist (reread)

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Nethergate by Norah Lofts

Think thats it! To be honest, who knows, all information soon leaves my head apart from that pertaining to my horse. I feel like a new mother :/

I believe the same applies to having a baby??

Not if you're nursing! Nursing alone gives you plenty of time on your butt, and I for one couldn't stand to watch tv. Toddlers, on the other hand, will keep a person on his or her toes.

Having fun with your horse? ;)

Sorry to be so behind on your thread, Jenny! Congratulations on the beautiful horse (she looks like she has quite a personality!) and on the currently happy life! It's great to see you smiling!

#187: LOL! Thanks for the word of warning. I think I'll skip both the horse and baby. I mean, they're both cute and all, but only when they belong to other people. Glad to hear your horse is keeping you happy/busy, though! :)

Hey, Jenny! Glad to see you are getting in some reading, Connie notwithstanding.

You say this, and then list 8 books in quick succession!

Glad you're enjoying life as a horse owner! ;o)

Having babies did slow me down for a while but not now.

I've been so behind and just now caught up on your thread - congratulations on your girl! The tack set is really cute; did it come as a big set? I have to hunt down just plain blue and green items, and can't imagine trying to find and match a color like purple! It looks like you guys are enjoying each other already; how's it going now that the honeymoon period is winding down?

Love those pics! Wanna digi LO with them? too cute!!

I'd like to re-read Tigana, but need to wait til we get our stuff out of storage -- should be less than a year now :) Woohoo!

Hey, Jenny, we miss you--but hope your girl is absorbing all your energy and that you are enjoying her immensely.

Hello everyone.

I know I haven't been here at all, but I am still reading, I just haven't got time to write about the books! I thought I'd stop by and share with you some of what we've been up to.

We've been dressage for the first time, where she came 2nd and 3rd, and then did our first one day event yesterday where she was a superstar. Didn't get placed but I was really really pleased with her.

So here are some videos of our performances :) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9sXK5jajFs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMypHVWzDc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtA2AQCP6yo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEOAXBURsEc

You and your horse looked great. I Tivo all the equestrian events on my nearest Canadian channel and just saw a huge international freestyle dressage event--amazing! Did you watch it too?

You both looked great! :)

Thanks for sharing the videos, Jenny! You and Connie looked terrific!

Great videos, Jenny! And congratulations on her excellent performances; I'm sure that this reflects the time you spent with her.

I was just thinking about you the other day when I realized I hadn't read any posts from you in a long time, but I completely understand life getting away from you. I'm glad to hear your horse did well in the dressage events!

Wonderful news Jenny! I was wondering how you're feeling -- sounds like you're doing okay. I'm glad and hope it only gets better!! xoxo

Connie is a beauty! I can see where LT time isn't going to be able to compete with her. You two look great together. Thanks for the videos.

Just dropping in with an update from me and, as ever, it can't possibly be boring!

Seems my accident prone streak has struck again, and this time made me marginally famous. I had an accident on tuesday that resulted in me getting impaled on a fence with a metal spike in my neck!!

Thankfully it missed all vital bits, and after emergency surgery I was home the next day. Am now sore and bored to tears by being at home and not being able to work or see Connie. But so very very lucky that I came out of it in one piece.

article about the accident:

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/miracle_escape_for_stablehand_impaled_through_neck_on...

and picture

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m119/skylightmoon/metalspikeneck.jpg

Good grief, Jenny! I am thrilled that you didn't suffer any serious or long term injury as a result of this accident. I think that God was looking out for you that day. Far better to be bored to tears than...!

Oh, boy. Miracle escape is right. Glad you're okay!

May I recommend that you never try that again?! Wow!

!!! I don't know what to say. That's crazy. I'm glad you're okay. I regret looking at the picture.

#208

Stasia, I shall definitely take your advice and NOT do it again. Standing in a muddy field still attached to a fence and calling for help was not the most fun thing I've ever done.

Thanks for the sympathy....that's exactly what I came here for. That and I need some people to bother, it's boring at home!

Thank goodness you're physically OK! It's easy to forget how incredibly strong horses are until you're in the way of a desperate or spooked horse. Yikes! I'm still feeling sick, thinking about the possibilities. So glad you had your cell phone!

Hi Jenny-- Just wanted to say I'm glad that your ok and hope you heal fast!!! I'm sure you were quite shaken up, but you have to be proud of yourself. You were able to handle the situation and make the call. You are a strong person!! Always remember that!!! --Tammy

Oh Jenny, thank goodness you're all right. Wow... I'm not even sure what to say, except that I hope you heal quickly.

Oh my goodness! What a crazy accident - I'm so glad that you're okay!

Wow, Jenny, that is absolutely amazing! NOT the way you want to make the news, though. Poor Connie, I'm sure she's missing you as much as you are missing her. Get well quickly--I'm sure you will.

Whoa Jenny--You are incredibly fortunate--you must have nine lives lunacat.
Hope you are all healed soon.

Best wishes for a quick recovery! You sure know how to keep your guardian angel on her toes!!!

Holy Cow, what a freak accident. So glad you're okay. Just thinking about it gives me the shivers. When will you be able to start riding again?

I'm so bored of sitting at home now, and falling asleep when I don't want to. You'd think that I'd appreciate the rest but.....no. I'm regretting the events that led me there now!

It's not healing as well as I'd like, and having penetrated some muscle, it's causing me some pain. I know that I should be considering myself so lucky that I am not hurt worse but it's tedious now. I want to be up and about and not having to consider every movement I make!

Still, I've polished off Harry Potter and am now considering various other books to read. Although I'm ashamed to admit TV has been the thing I've mostly occupied myself with.

Going up to see my pony tomorrow which will be great, can't wait to see her, I miss her so much. Roll on being able to ride again!! Sorry for my whinging but I'm so fed up. If anyone would like to come up with ways to cheer me up, I'd appreciate them :)

Oh, my, Jenny! Someone mentioned your accident in another thread. I'd lost your thread for a while, but sorry to be prompted to find it in this particular way! I am very glad that you're going to be OK. What a horrific experience!

Well, Jenny, it's good to hear from you again, even though the circumstances are regrettable. Really, there are easier ways to get attention!
I've missed hearing from you. You and your horse look gorgeous. I hope your neck heals well. I will be thinking of you!

Hi Jenny! I'm afraid I've never posted on your thread (shame on me, and we share quite a lot of books in common!) but I wanted to say that I'm glad you are okay. That sounds so severe, and I can't deny having giggled to myself a little when I read how casually you posted about it in post 205. :)

Hoping you can heal quickly!

Jenny
Stasia mentioned your accident when she called me yesterday. You are one very seriously lucky young woman! I shudder to think what could have happened.

Hugs and prayers!

Wow! I am so glad that you are okay. I have never heard of a fence attacking an innocent bystander! Seriously, best wishes healing quickly. Maybe you should carry a rabbit's foot with you at all times....?!

Ye gods Jenny! Thank goddess for cell phones and miracles eh?
Sorry that you are having pain, but VERY happy it wasn't worse..

take care

Oh my, that sounds terrible. I'm impressed with your presence of mind in dealing with it, though. I hope you're feeling better and out riding again soon!

Jenny, this might be a good time to explore the games on Facebook, like Bejeweled Blitz or Farmville, as mindless fun that takes up way too much time. I'm not surprised you are sore, but am sure you will heal quickly. So glad you get to see Connie tomorrow--I know she misses you as much as you miss her!

#205: made me marginally famous

Uh, congratulations? :o Hopefully, that'll be your only 15 minutes of fame! :) No repeats, my dear.

Thank you everyone for all your well wishes

I went to see Connie yesterday and was surprised by how much it took out of me. Suddenly I'm very unfit, which is a horrible feeling when compared to my usual self. I've also got insomnia because I'm not doing enough, and pain is getting me down as well.

Today I went to the hospital and got some bad news: the wound is infected and I might need to go into hospital tomorrow for 48hrs of IV antibiotics. It's also caused some nerve damage in my jaw and throat, and swallowing is more difficult as well.

The doctor also told me that the edges of the wound have roughened, and he had to cut the stitches in order to pack the wound with antiseptic gauze to try and avoid a hospital stay, so the scar will be bigger and uglier. I know I shouldn't be worried about vanity after such a close escape but I admit its a bit of a worry.

So, fingers crossed for no hospital stay and that I start healing well. I have been catching up on history programmes on my laptop, and they keep me interested and stopping thinking about the pain!!!

Thanks again everyone: at this rate, I'll be hanging around here a lot more, though I'm soooooooooooo out of the loop it's terrifying.

Oh, Jenny. I hope they get this all sorted out very quickly. I think it is normal to think about the cosmetic impact of a wound and not vain at all. Get better soon and allow yourself to rest.

Hi Jenny - Oh wow, hope that you can turn that infection around. Nothing worse than being confined to one place and bored. Maybe it's time to hire a Wii or Xbox for a few days and try out some console games. Take up knitting?

I would totally be worried about how the scar will look! I completely understand. Maybe they can do something for the scar after you are better...you know, to make it less noticeable. My friend was in a car accident and had some minor surgery on her scar later on. Whatever happens, take care of yourself!

232- Just wanted to add that I do have a pretty nasty scar on my ankle from when I broke it in 2008. I'm not self conscious about that scar at all - in fact, it's a badge of honor of sorts! As if to say "Look what I recovered from!" Maybe you'll feel that way about your scar in the future.

I can't say that I am surprised that it is infected...
But I hope that is gone soon...

You will be back to your old self again before long, you know.. so try not
to worry about that. Your poor body has suffered a terrible insult, and needs some time to heal. Just allow it to happen and do whatever need be done ..
Try to find something to do with your down time that you enjoy..

sending a hug your way..

I'm sorry to hear about the infection and the possible nerve damage, Jenny. Hopefully the nerves and surrounding tissue are only inflamed and not damaged. I think that you have every reason to be concerned about the wound's cosmetic appearance and the extent of scarring that may result (which will hopefully be minimal once the infection resolves).

Please keep us posted, and I'll definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

I hope your recovery from the infection is swift, Jenny!

Sending hugs. Scars? Pfooey. As long as you are fine, the horse is fine -- that is all that matters.

It's completely normal to fret about this stuff, but that's for down the road. I know, it's all about what you are used to... My mother had thyroid surgery (scar at the base of the throat) and open-heart surgery. The scars from the latter no one sees if she's dressed (and as a friend of mine once told me, if you're undressed, it's usually in a situation that no one really cares what scars you have); the latter scar was inflamed and apparent for a while, but now she is the only one who is aware of it at all. And if it turns out to be disfiguring, stuff can be done.

For now, relax, absorb the antibiotics and focus on getting well so you have the time and energy to fret about scars and other superficial stuff. *hugs*

Hope the infection is under control Jenny, and soon completely gone.

What everyone else said about the scars: it's perfectly normal to worry about scarring, it probably won't be as bad as you think, you will get used to the scar being there, and if it is bad something can probably be done to improve it.

(((Hugs.)))

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!! Hope things are getting better!!--Tammy

Is it too much to ask for a smooth recovery? NO!!! We are all asking on your behalf and it is going to go better now. : ) Hope you don't need the IV antibiotics, but if you do, they will do the trick. Worry about appearances later. Scars always look better once they are not new and angry. Good luck!

Well, I'm not in hospital yet!

Continuing on oral antibiotics, but having to go back to the hospital every day for the 'hole' to be cleaned and packed with new gauze. It's certainly not the most pleasant of experiences, having a ribbon of fabric stuffed into an open wound, but if it does the trick, I don't mind.

I looked at it for the first time today when the dressing was off and it's pretty gross, not exactly pleasant. So I'm really hoping it will clear up soon, as whereas I'm not usually squeamish and don't flinch at blood or stuff with horses, pus in my neck is pushing my boundaries a bit!!

So, please fingers crossed that I carry on not needing to be in hospital :) Come on immune system, get going ;)

Jen

While the thought of hospitalization isn't pleasant, in some cases it is what is needed. You might get good care and you might heal faster.

Hugs

*Types with fingers crossed*

Jenny, scars are conversation starters, badges of honor, and proof of survival! Wear yours proudly -- and get rid of that infection soon. You'll feel so much better about everything. Sending some prayers across the pond to you...

Neck pus definitely crosses some line, somewhere! Particularly when it's one's own neck...

"Begone, neck pus!" (picture me waving wand, Harry Potter-style...)
"Function, immune system!"

What Suz said!

Get a little behind on my thread-reading, and I miss a lot!

Jenny, OUCH! I am so glad for your clear-mindedness and bravery! I am praying for your immune system to kick out that infection, and for you to be better than ever!

Karen O.

popping in to check up on you ......

Hope you heal quickly! My sympathies for the neck pus - it's so much more gross when it's your own instead of the day-to-day animal blood and guts.

Good luck staying sane. Puzzles? Reading the classic horse books you'd never get to otherwise? Detailing your training or competition plan for Connie? Catching up on TV on DVD?

Have Connie beat up the loose horse for you. :)

Wow! First I've heard of your travail. Hope your up and your old self soon. Then you will have an interesting 'saber wound' and story to talk about forever after. (Maybe 'travail' is not the right word. Somehow after typing it, it looks a little in the childbirth area and that is certainly not right. Change that one to 'crazy, one-of-a-kind, freaking happening'.)

Hi Jenny, I saw on another thread that you had a bit of an accident. Hope things have begun to progress in a positive way. Sending you healing thoughts.

Hi Jenny, so sorry to hear about you being in the wars (as my mum would say). Hope everything heals as it should with minimal scars and you can go riding again soon.

Wishing you a quick recoveriy.

I hope you're doing okay! It's a bit worrying that you haven't posted in almost a week.

I was thinking the same as Zoe...I hope you are well Jenny.

Just stoppping to say HI!

Hope you're doing better, Jenny! We're all thinking about you!

Well, Jenny, you posted on Facebook on Friday about wearing scarves for the foreseeable future, so I know you are still kicking. How about giving your LT family an update? I hope the infection is all gone.

Hiya all

Apologies for not giving an update, but it's been a tedious time, with continuing hospital visits and a lot of lying in bed feeling rubbish!

My neck is healing, but slowly, with still some remnants of infection in it, and I'm pretty much just fed up right now. I'm going to try and go back to work this coming weekend because I can't afford not to, and I'm desperately bored, but I'm going to get some help so it shouldn't be too hard.

So my life has descended into a mixture of pills, dressing changes, reading and naps! Who said being a 24 year old is all parties and fun ;)

Sorry for whining, I know I am very lucky, and I should count my blessings. It's just been a tiring time!

Thanks for posting how you are doing, Jenny. I hope the infection clears soon so you can get up and about!

Relieved to hear from you...
Be careful.. do not try to go back full time right away..
ease into it. You have had a rough time. :(
take care and try to keep us posted.

I'm sorry to hear the infection is still lingering. :( Hope it's soon healing better.

Glad you are getting better, albeit slowly. Hang in there.

Ditto what Stasia, Kath, Caty, and Kim said!

Sweetie...
You are not whining. This is the perfect vehicle to express frustration, boredom, fear, anguish, and lack of patience. I do understand that the healing process takes a long, long time.

"Whine away"...I'll listen any time!

Checking in to check on you... keep us posted when you can please..
>>>sending healing vibes your way>>>>>

Hope you're doing better. Counting your blessings is a great idea, but not always easy! Big hugs!! And I hope you've got a super good book to cheer you. 24 wasn't parties and fun for me. But I enjoyed my 30s quite a bit -- hang in there dearie. xoxoxo

Hi, Jenny! I hope that you're doing better this week.

Yoo-hoo! How are you doing, Jenny? Thinking of you.

*waves hello*

Hope you're healing better and feeling cheerier by now, Jenny. :)

Just stopping by to say "best wishes" and I hope you are feeling better.

Hi Jenny - I've been thinking of you. Hope you are continuing to improve.

Thank you all for the messages :)

Well, today was discharged from hospital after a second operation on Sunday - turns out I had an abscess in the right-hand side muscle of my neck, no wonder it hurt so much! I had pain going from my shoulder up to the base of my skull......soooooo bad.

Anyway, I had a drain in for a couple of days, and then more antibiotics, and it's great to be home. And I'm feeling really good, the most human I've felt since it happened! Looking forward to doing some things with Connie, getting back to work, and restarting my LT time come the new year. I'm simply too behind now!

So fingers crossed this is the end of this specific drama :) The wound had to be left open as it can't be stitched shut because of the drain, so it will still be ugly, but it's so wonderful to feel like a normal human being again!!!!!

Thank you again for all your wellwishes and support, you've been great.

Giving thanks on this American Thanksgiving Day that they found the abscess and "did for it", and that you are now feeling much, much better!

Glad you're doing better, Jenny! Ugly we can live with--Pain, not so much.

Good grief! I'm sorry you had to go through all that, but I'm glad they've now patched you up all over again and you're feeling much better!

I'm glad you are feeling better Jenn!

Wow! I am glad to hear that after all you have gone through you are feeling like Jenny again.

what a horror story! Glad you're home and feeling better!!

Ditto all the above comments! So glad they got to the root of the pain and have finally got you feeling better!

I'm glad they were able to find the problem and do something about it! I hope your recovery goes quickly now.

Jenny--Hope you continue to heal. I'll bet you can't wait to get back to your horse.

Jenny, glad they found the source of some of your pain. Hope you're feeling even better this week.

Checking in, Jenny, to see how you and Connie are doing! Please update us.

Thinking of you and hoping you are recovering nicely now!

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better, I hope things are healing quickly and you feel like yourself again soon.

Jenny

So sorry you are going through all this. I'm so glad that you survived such a terrible ordeal that had potential to be so very life threatening.

Thinking of you and sending lots of healing energy.

Hi all

Well, the drama continues. I'm now home from hospital AGAIN after a week long stay after being hit with septicaemia, which then led to pneumonia. It was an extremely unpleasant few days, including two nights in ICU but I'm slowly on the mend. I'm even reading again!

So, fingers crossed that is IT for hospital stays. I'm up to my eyeballs in antibiotics (so much so that I constantly have the taste of medication in my mouth) but I should be done by wednesday so I'll be on the road to recovery for Christmas :)

It was lovely to come home and see the messages asking how I am. You all mean a lot to me, and I hope you are all in better health than I have been :) :)

'Extremely unpleasant' sounds like an understatement! I hope that really is it now for hospitalisation and antibiotics for you. ((Hugs)) Hope you're soon feeling much better and able to enjoy Christmas.

Eek! Septicemia and a stay in the ICU is quite serious. I'm very glad to hear that you're now doing well, and I hope that there aren't any more setbacks.

If it was up to me I'd have you swimming in an antibiotic bath for the next month.

#288 Oh my! Glad you are home now and really hoping that this will be the last set of complications for you so that you can enjoy Christmas.

And glad to hear you are managing to read again.

Happy to hear you are home and doing better and will be off the meds by Christmas! And that you feel like reading again--that's almost the best.

hi Jenny
I am sorry not responding earlier and I wish you heal up good this time!

Daryl has the right idea. I am so very sorry that you had another rough bout.
I hope this is truly the end of it and that you are on the road to good health and strength once again. This has been a terrible time for you. Good reading and better days is what I am wishing for you. Take care and do check in from time to time to let us now how you are doing.. and remember to find the new group and
start your thread for the new year, so we can continue to watch over you!

That sounds awful. I'm glad you're bad out of the hospital, and I hope you continue to heal. Is Connie enjoying her time off?

Jenny, what an ordeal you have been through! I am glad that it finally looks as though you are done with dealing with this.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Like Kath says, join us for the new year so that we can continue to watch over you :)

Oh, my, Jenny! You have had such a rough time of it, and this latest setback sounds truly, awfully scary! I do hope that this is IT and that you are truly on the road to recovery now!!!

Jenny

I add my wishes to those posted above. I'm sending prayers and gentle hugs.

just don't want to lose track of you...

Jenny, the 2011 group is up and running. When you get a chance, please do join us over there so we can keep our collective eyes on you!

http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin20111#forums

I hope you are much improved. Happy New Year!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/106280

Link here if anyone can bear another year of inane horse chatter ;)

And PLEASE post links to your own 2011 threads, I'm hopeless at tracking everyone down. Thanks!!!

Eeeek, sounds like you've had a horrid time. Glad to see you were up to posting a new thread.

This year there's a wiki including members' threads by username which should help us a lot to find each other.