The Cross-Country Quilters (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Another satisfying book from Jennifer Chiaverini. As you read them, they are books that you can soak up and enjoy!

Julia, Megan, Donna, Grace, and Vinnie meet at the Elm Creek Camp to enjoy a week of quilting. Julia is an actress, attending camp because she needs to learn before her next movie, Megan & Donna are online friends who have never met,Vinnie is a regular to camp, whilst Grace is an old friend of Sylvia's.

As the week of the camp draws to a close the five women have formed a friendship,race,religion and geography can not affect. Pledging to return next year and complete their friendship quilt.

This book, is essentially about love,mothers & their children, and most importantly, friendships.

Snaffled from pookledo and

tiggsybabes

1. Where were you 1 hour ago? In the study, talking to my boss

2. Who will be your next kiss? Peck or tongues? From Stuart when he comes home this evening

3. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you? yes, mobile & slippers

4. When is the last time you went to the mall? Before Christmas

5. Are you wearing socks right now? No pink slippers

6. When was the last time you went out of the state? I went to Cornwall about 3 weeks ago for a meeting

7. Have you been to the movies in the last 7 days? No.

8. What was the last thing you had to drink? Cup of tea

9. What are you wearing right now? Blue jogging bottoms and a green top

10 Last food you ate? grapefruit & orange segments

11. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week? No.

12.Do you have a pet? Yes

13. What's the last sporting event you watched? I endured watching some fishing with Stuart

14. What was your favourite class in high school? History & English Lit

15 What is the last thing you purchased online? Book from eBay

16 How old are your parents? Approaching 60

17. Are you in love? Yes

18. Do you miss anyone? Yes, Stuart & my family in Australia

19. Last play you saw? The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in London about 10 years ago

20. Ever go camping? Not if I can help it - where would I plug in my hairdryer?

21. Were you an top set student in school? Yes. - History & English

22 Are you wearing any perfume or cologne? No.

23 Do you have a tan? No.

24 How old do you want to be when you have kids? 30s

25. Do you collect anything? Books, Early royal commemoratives & fishy things!

26. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over? It's never happened

27 Have you ever drank your soda from a straw? No

28. Last time you took a shower? 6.30am

29 Are you someone's best friend? Yes

31. What's the last TV show you watched? Sky News at 8am

32. Do you own a Britney Spears C.D? No

33. Are you a Lost fanatic? No.

34. Have you ever eaten an entire pint, or more, ice cream by yourself? No

35. Do you sing obnoxiously in the car when you're driving alone? I sing badly whenever I sing!

36. Have you ever liked a girl/boy but didn't ask her/him out because you were afraid? Oh yes!

37. Have you ever written a poem/story about your love life? No

38. Do you eat all the servings in the food groups on a daily basis? Yes

39. What's the current ringtone on your cellphone? Harry Potter music

40. When you open your closet, what is the dominant colour of your wardrobe? dark - black,brown,navy & dark green

Monthly Reviews - January 2007

January seemed to go on forever. Despite being busy, it seemed a dreadfully long month. Several things happened I went to my endrocrinologist appointment last Friday.

We heard from two friends, one in New Zealand and One in Australia that they had, had new additions to their families, strangly enough both girls!

Mum and I spent several hours sorting out her pension arrangements for Feb, which she reaches the big 60! There is lots of form filling and each wretched form has to be accompanied with her birth certificate, which means they have to go, one after the other, which is understandable, but irritating!

I managed to keep up with my journaling for several projects, and the weekly journal over at

journaleers

Work is becoming more and more emotionally draining. I have an especially unpleasant situation happening at the moment. My CPD folder is in a mess and I am dreadfully behind writing everything up.

I reduced the ring pile from 10 at the start of the month. If I am totally honest, I've had a succession of books here, totaling between 7-10 since October! It has now reached the dizzy number of one book and I am almost done with it.

January was a month of reading, I read a total of 15 books, including 4 books scoring a 10 and several 9s. Actually there wasn't much I didn't enjoy. Here is my list, culled from my web page reading list.

1. KNITTING RULES! by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *
2. YARN HARLOT, THE SECRET LIFE OF A KNITTER by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee *
3. THE MANGO SEASON by Amulya Malladi
4. FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND by Sarah Challis *
5. SAM’S LETTERS TO JENNIFER by James Patterson *
6. THE BIRTH ORDER BOOK by Dr Kevin Leman
7. TESTIMONY OF AN IRISH SLAVE GIRL by Kate McCafferty
8. THE JASMIN MOON MURDER (A Tea Shop Murder Mystery) by Laura Childs
9. NO! I DON’T WANT TO JOIN A BOOK CLUB by Virginia Ironside
10. (UN)ARRANGED MARRIAGE by Bali Rai
11. WILL YOU BE MOTHER?: WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO SAY NO by Jane Bartlett
12. CROW LAKE by Mary Lawson
13. BOUND FOR MURDER by Laura Childs
14. THE QUILTER’S APPRENTICE (Elm Creek Novel Book 1) by Jennifer Chiaverini
15. ROUND ROBIN (Elm Creek Novel Book 2) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Round Robin: (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

The story continues from book one. Elm Creek Quilt Camp has been running for two years, and even though the Camp is successful, each of the Elm Creek Quilters struggle with their own personal crisis or upset. Each member of the group relies on their resilence to deal with the problems and the wonderful friendship of the complete group. This is a book of friendships,past & present;past history and moving forward....and what better way to cement and honour friendship, than to make a quilt.

The Quilter's Apprentice (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

What a fabulous book, I thoughly enjoyed the gentle storyline, with rich characters and descriptive scenes of learning how to quilt.

Sarah meets Sylvia after moving with her husband's job. Initially, it doesn't look as though Sylvia & Sarah are going to get along, but they do and Sarah commences work for Sylvia sorting out Sylvia's family home that she left suddenly as a young woman. Sarah meets some of the local quilting group and together with the help of the group & Sylvia, she makes a quilt for for Matt her husband.......

This was a story of starting over,friendship,regret,forgiveness and a new beginning.

Birth Month Means.....

Your Birth Month is October

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can. Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you. Your soul reflects: Gratitude, comfort, and true love Your gemstone: Tourmaline Your flower: Cosmos Your colors: White and yellow

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Bound for Murder by Laura Childs

Started yesterday while at the hospital for an appointment and finished today. I love these books, they are easy and enjoyable reads.

I've read book one of the series, but not book two, but nonetheless, the story was easy to pick up. Carmela is still married to Shamus, and is slightly considering divorce, she now has a delightful dog call Boo, who dedicates his life to sleeping and being cute! This was a page turner, I simply had to find out who was responsible for the murder of Jamie and was surprised with the ending, I didn't see it coming......I do hope there is a 4th book in the scrapbook mystery series, and Carmela's scrapbook store sounds delightful!

LJ Spectral Meld

Get your own spectral analysis from Area 23®

Crow Lake by Mary Lawson

Written in almost a matter of fact style, Narrated by Kate with a flash back to her childhood and the events that took place.

Set in an isolated farming district in Canada, Kate lives with her baby sister,two older brothers and their parents. Upon hearing the news that their eldest son has been accepted to train as a teacher they venture into town to purchase a suitcase. They have a car accident and suddenly they are gone leaving four stunned children.

Written from Kate perspective, about her relationship with her siblings and how they cope and the sacrifices they make to ensure they stay together and manage to survive. This was an emotional story, yet written in such a style that there was no real emotion displayed by the narrator.

There were several loose ends, and I would like to have had a couple more chapters whilst the author developed the relationship between Matt and Kate, once Kate discovers that her relationship with her brother has become the way it has.

Nevertheless, it was a pager turner, and I read this as a bedtime read over the last two nights.

Will You Be Mother?: Women Who Choose to Say No by Jane Bartlett

As I got about a third of the way through I kept getting the feeling that I had read this before. I had a rummage in the study and sure enough I read this as part of a course that I took in 1995 at Kingston (upon Thames) Uni.

At the time, I was reading with academic purpose and had not made any choices one way or the other. Having been married for about nearly 13 years we are at the point of accepting that we are more than likely going to remain childless, not through design, but sometimes it is the way life works out. Having been married for such a while without children, I feel that we have become selfish at how our lives have evolved.

I guess though, we are all in a position to make choices about this issue, and feel that we should accept the choices others have made for themselves. The article, which was included with the book, was an interesting one. In the 21st Century, we are in a society where women, can have a career and a family. Sure there is lots of juggling and financial issues but lots of women do hold down demand jobs and have a family. I am sure that there is real potential to look at the types of jobs those women do, as some jobs are more flexible for dual roles, but that is another subject!

(Un)arranged Marriage by Bali Rai

The page turning story of Manjit or as he preferred to be called Manny. Set in Leicester and the Punjab region of India. Manny is unhappy, born in England, he does not feel such a link to the Punjabi culture as his parents,including the issue of arranged marriages for his brothers. He wants peace to be his own person. His home is full of noise as his family becomes more extended. He is subjected to more than sibling teasing from his brothers, and some physical abuse from his father.

Manny has one best friend called Ady and has a girl friend, but as he approaches towards his 17th birthday the issue of arranged marriage raises its head. Manny doesn't want to and feels tore between the issues of a quiet life and rebellion.

Taken to India, on what is a holiday, Manny's family leave him behind and return to England. Manny builds a relationship with his Uncle, who has experienced the same issues and broke away from the family tradtion and helps Manny return to England, where Manny becomes his own person and has the life he wants.

I took this to bed last night, with a cuppa, and thought I would read a chapter or two on an early night. The book was written in such a comfortable, easy reading style that I zipped through the book and finished it just before Midnight! Clearly explaining the issues faced by teenagers, I wondered if this was slightly autobiographical? Like a previous reader I was surprised at the issues surrounding racism in the book, but I felt that the author had dealt with the complexities of the issues very well for a first book.

No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub by Virginia Ironside

Written in diary style, it was an undemanding, but humerous read. It was also though, more than just humour, it was very funny in places, the sort of funny that makes you laugh when perhaps you normally would not, such as a commuter train, so that fellow passengers feel that actually something is not quite right! Full of characters experiencing emotions that we, as readers can identify with. One of my favourite bits was on page 52 "The five ages of man, said James, Lagar,Aga,Saga,Viagra,Gaga"

Christmas Narcissus - Week 4

Christmas Narcissus Week 4
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

Doing well for week 4. Planted 20th December 2006.

The Jasmine Moon Murder by Laura Childs

Another delightful story in the life of the tea shop owner Theodosia Browning. I think this is book 5 of the series and I seem to have missed a few in the middle, but no matter, the thread of the story is easy to pick up and they can be read as stand alone books. As usual I did not manage to guess who did it, and I wish more of these fab books were available in the UK.

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty

A fascinating account on this period of history. Like previous readers I am also blown away by the anguish we impose on others. I hadn't known the issue of Irish Slaves in the US.It was very thought provoking and I agree that the clarity in which the memories are recorded is incrediable.

The Birth Order Book: Why You Are the Way You Are by Kevin Leman

What a fascinating book. Thanks so much for sharing this. I'm going to search for my own copy. I think it is an excellent book for making us, as readers take stock of exactly who we are. I am always fascinated with this subject matter. I am sure that I have mentioned before, possibly in the review of the Kate Fox book, that I was recently asked my boss if I thought in English or Italian? A pondering notion.

Incidently, yesterday I was in a training session and we started off with a glass of water and asked all those present if they were half empty of half full and talked about the consequences of both.

49% Addicted!

You Are 49% Addicted to the Internet

You're somewhat addicted to the internet - but who isn't? You can keep it under check, and you're by no means a hermit.

Are You Addicted to the Internet?

Jacket With a difference!

Another "treat" I recall from childhood was to have a whopping potato done in the oven wrapped in tin foil for an hour or two, then out of the tin foil for about another 20 mins to brown and crisp up, then the jacket potato was served with lashings of butter and grated cheese. Even now, I regularly have these and always rummage at the greengrocer or supermarket for the whoppers!

Jackets with a difference!

* Nothing fancy - simply bake a Jacket potato
* Meanwhile, in a pan cook some mushrooms, bacon and perhaps onion (finely chopped)
* When the potato is cooked scoop out the middle and add to the bacon and mushroom mix. Add some cheese too!
* Give a good stir then place back into the skin and give a sprinkle of cheese on top
* Place under the grill until nice and light brown

From Grandma's Cook Book

All the chat on good_grub has made me think of my beloved Grandmother. I guess she was inspiration to me in the kitchen. Last night, having read through the comments other list members had made, I was thinking about the topic and spoke to my Mum. She managed to give me the details of a few dishes that Grandma liked to cook.

Rasher Pudding

• Mix plain flour and suet together, using water or milk to bind it together.
• Roll out on a floured board.
• Lay the rashers of bacon across and add some chopped fresh parsley.
• Roll it up and put in a pudding cloth and place in a pan of boiling water and cook.
  

Mum has said the cloth would be horrid when taken out of the pan, and remembers being given the job of washing the cloth! and suggests using a more modern steamer would better and safer!

Lambs Hearts

• Buy Lambs Hearts and stuff them with sage and onion stuffing.
• wrap in tin foil and place in a baking dish
  

Serve with potatoes and vegetables

Cheese and Tomato
A very simple dish and one that I often make during the summer and serve with new potatoes and salad.

• Quite simply cut cheese into slices and layer with layers of tomato into a dish
• Place in the oven and cook for about 15 mins until the cheese has melted slightly

The Writer's Block by Jason Rekulak

This was part of my NSSFC pressie. I went through the book a few weeks ago and stuck small post it notes on pages that I felt I could use as journal prompts, or could perhaps use the general idea to journal about. Here they are:

• Write about your pets
• Visit a nearby cemetery and write about the most unusual grave you can find. ( I was planning on journaling with a genealogical theme)
• Write about a time you have been lost
• More than 10 million prescriptions are filled a year incorrectly, write about one of them ( I was going to use this about my pharmacy career)
• superstitions & being superstitious
• Describe the most boring job you have ever suffered through
• write about a black sheep in your family (genealogical theme)
• Trace the journey of a $5 or £5 bill, but through the lives of five different owners
• in laws
• Fertility
• Write about a library or bookstore that has special significance to you
• 911
• write about your favourite childhood toy
• Describe the skeletons in your family's closet
• Tell a story that centres about a recipe
• Write about the most serious injury or health problem you have ever faced
• Describe your most memorable family holiday and what made it special to you
• Write about your earliest childhood memory
• Sue Grafton
• Adoption
• Tidy up your desk
• Vacation
• Write about the most difficult phone call that you have ever had to make
• border
• Write about a dream or goal you failed to achieve. What went wrong? and how did the experience change you?
• Describe the clearest, most vivid memory of your childhood
• Check your horoscope in today's paper

The Journal Entries are HERE

What kind of reader?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Sunday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

As part of my NSSFC pressie I was given a lush Christmas Pud bath bomb. My OH had been eyeing it in the bathroom. Never asking what it was, but you could see the thoughts of "it is another quirky thing of Book Crossing" going around in his head. Anyway, yesterday I ran a bath for my beloved and as a treat I used the bath bomb. Fill the tub then add said Christmas Pud to it and watch it froth. My beloved stood, amazed at the concept and said "am I supposed to get in that?" Bless, his facial expressions resulted in lots of smiles!

Christmas Narcissus - Week 3

Christmas Narcissus Week 3
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

Planted 20th December 2006. They will probably have flowered by next week.

Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

What a beautiful story. Full of rich emotional characters dealing with real issues that we all face in life.

Jennifer has had a tragic and sad past. Her grandmother has been her friend, family, support and her rock. Suddenly, Sam is in hospital, seriously ill and Jennifer has to strong for her grandmother. Meanwhile, Jennifer discovers a series of letters left for her by her grandmother and as she reads them her grandmother's life unfolds along with a few secrets. Jennifer also builds a new relationship with an old friend and as she falls in love, she discovers the course of true love is never smooth and fair. Despite, lots of sad bits there are some happy endings.Thanks for sharing a wonderful book and I shall probably get one for my PC.

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Saturday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

This morning my International Secret Santa arrived, all the way from the US. Inside was a book from my wish list. ~ Yippee!

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Friday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

I had a staff meeting with one of my branches. The branch has been struggling since before Christmas and I am very frustrated with it. So we had the meeting with all the staff and discussed something called SOPs - Standard Operating Procedures. After 30 mins we moved the conversation on to another area of the business then asked for questions. One of the staff members asked the question "who is SOP?" I had to smile at all the raised eyebrows of their colleagues as the question was asked.

Lesson for today, no matter how hard we all work and train, some people just don't get it.

Footprints in the Sand by Sarah Challis

The book was about an adventure. It was full, though, not just of the adventure, but of intrigue,love,grief,friendship,secrets,mystery and in some ways regret.

Written in a sytle similar to Debbie Macomber the opening chapter is almost scene setting, then each chapter is devoted between Emily and Clemmie, and a chapter periodically from Miss Temmis, who qas a life long companion and friend of the cousins great Aunt Mary.

Great Aunt Mary dies and as the family and friends gather at her funeral and then later the wake, Emily experiences the grief at the loss of her aunt, but also that of her boyfriend whom she had recently been betrayed by. During the course of the wake the solicitor tells Emily and Clemmie what their Great Aunt wanted them to do with her ashes. They are to take the ashes to Timadjlalen, in the Saharan Desert. This starts the adventure, why is the first question they ask. Clemmie immediately wants to follow her Aunt's wishes, Emily in contrast is more hesitant, uncertain because of danger but comes round and the two girls embark on their quest and do uncover the reason why they are despositing Great Aunt's ashes in the middle of the Sahara.

Miss Temmis is a woman with a secret. She believes that the girls will not be able to find the exact spot in the Sahara and the name of the person that is given to them by the solicitor, from Aunt Mary, will be useless to them. However, the name is not useless, and although that particular individual is dead his family live on, and Miss Temmis' secret is no more, although it is not until Emily arrives home is she able to complete the entire story.

I read this in one day, and found it be a page turning story, written in a very comfortable style.

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Thursday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

Simply watching someone, one of the maintance guys at one of our stores. We have had a flood, it involves damage to the branch and the negligence of the water board. The guy was pumping water out of the carpet and leaving the shop and depositing it down the drain. Presumably the same drains that are causing the problem. I had to simple quite simply at the ridiculous situation the branch (and company) find themselves in.

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Wednesday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

I was in the office at St Austell today. I travelled by train, because parking is terrible and the journey is 2 hours by road and train. The only disadvantage is that to get the train home, I had to walk up a hill, but that says more about my fitness, or rather lack of than about the train.
I managed to get a seat this morning. Last week there was only one carriage, it looked like toy town and is rhidiculous. Anyway, the train had got to Ivybridge, where a young lad asked in a fairly rude manner if I could move my briefcase. I did, wondering if I could be bothered to give him the manners cost nothing speal. It wasn't until he got out at Plymouth and I left my seat to visit the bin, that I realised that I had forgotten to move my umbrella when I sat down at Teignmouth and was organised and his rudeness had been evened out with having a rather damp bum!

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Tuesday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

Today I met a colleague and we travelled to work together. We met at the train station where I intended to release a book. I had to sit and wait for about 15 mins for my colleague to arrive, so decided to read and decide where I was going to leave the book. There was a huge queue, eventually the queue disappeared, as people purchased tickets and started their working week, the first proper week since Christmas. There were lots of glum faces! I was just about to remove the book from my back, when a young girl came in moaning about the state of British Rail, (she didn't look that old to remember British Rail!) So, 15 mins later my colleague arrives, and I still have the book. I decide to run for it and hurdled the book onto the seat I had just vacated and left. When I got in the car, my colleague said "Are you OK? Your looking a little flusttered" it made me smile as I pondered why I hate being seen leave books. It is always so much easier in a crowd.

The Mango Season by Amulya Malladi

I finished delightful read last night. Full of genuine and rich characters this is the story of Priya, who leaves India at the age of 20 to study in America. Seven years later she returns to see her family and to tell them that she has fallen in love with an American and she is already living with him and they are engaged to be married. Priya loves her family and does not want to upset them or lose their love, but wants to follow her heart. During her visit she involves herself in family life and we there are fascinating accounts of Indian culture, including potential arranged marriages. Indeed, has Priya become "Americanised"?

Homework, Week 2, 2007: Daily Smiles - Monday

Each day this week I want you to journal about one thing that made you smile for that day. You can be as brief or as detailed as you like. Have fun!

My beloved OH came home yesterday with a tale that made me really smile. There is a staff car park, and some members have permenant spaces. Space A belonged to person A, and B parked in the space belonging to A. Person B was told "don't park there again it belongs to A"
The next day the same thing happened and this was repeated on day 3 too. On the fourth day Person A said to Person B "will you stop parking in my permenant space" to which person B replied "if you arrive earlier I won't be able to"

Cheeky, but it did make me smile!

Yarn Harlot : The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

There is the familiar feel of At Knits End, it is a very comfortable book to read, very humourous and full of interesting snippets and statements.

Knitting Rules! : The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

I really enjoyed this book. Stephanie writes in such a way that is compelling to read. Every page is a pleasure and is so very informative and there is always humour in her books.

Fragments of a Dream by Leopolda z L Dobrzensky

Several years ago I came across a reference in the Hampshire Genealogical Society journal to my Elstone family who migrated from Hampshire to Ontario Canada in 1854. Then over the New Year bank holiday I stumbled across a bookseller in Ottowa who had a copy of the book in stock and who was prepared to sell to me and ship to the UK at a reasonable postage cost. The book arrived today.

From the back cover " Is the story of Dysart pioneers who were lured into the forest wilderness of the Canadian Shield in the 1860s and 1870s by promises of agricultural prosperity. Isolated from the settled parts of Ontario and undaunted by harsh living conditions, these courageous,self reliant men and women succeeded in laying a solid foundation for today's thriving community."

I am so looking forward reading this, but have about 10 books, mostly rings ahead of this.

Look what arrived today.....

Look what arrived today.....
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

I'd been admiring the book earrings on eBay for several weeks. Then I decided over the Christmas period that I would buy them as a treat to myself. I also spotted the pair in the shape of a fishing creel, so how could I resist?

Christmas Narcissus - Week 2

Christmas Narcissus Week 2
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

Planted 20th December 2006. Look how well they are doing.

Homework, Week 1, 2007: Looking to the future

"Your homework for this week is to once again begin thinking of where you would like to see this group go in the coming year. This is totally open-ended, and I would love to hear from any of you. Some prompts to get you started:

1) What do you like about the journaleers and/or what would you like to stay the same?
2) What would you like to improve or change?
3) Are there new features you'd like to see added to the journaleers?

Don't like my questions? Don't answer them! Tell me, in your own words and your own way what you would like to see from this community in the coming year."

I find the themes very often thought provoking. Even on really busy weeks when I have not been able to sit and spend time on a posting I have seen the question. I have many of them on my to do list, and when I have chance I would like to complete them.

What I would like to improve is my organisation of my time, so I can spend 10 mins making a journal entry to answer the question or pondering of the week.

Introduction to embodiment

I've kept a journal and diary every year since 1982. All my diaries are generally navy blue, creature of habit! while my journals vary, but I prefer blank journals that I can doddle or illustrate if I want to. Last year my journaling reduced significantly, because I felt that my life had become unworthy or recording. Hopefully there will be improvement and I will get back to normal.

Embodiment

I was alerted to the embodiment Live Journal by Live Journal user "heathwitch" my main journal writing has slipped recently, so this is a good attempt to get foucused again.

EMBODIMENT PAPER JOURNAL PROJECT 2007 | LEARN MORE + JOIN

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

A posting to a heritage mailing list that I am on reminded me of the Winter Wonderland that occurs each year at the Model Village at Babbacombe. Despite the rain and horrid wind we decided to vist with Mum. It was well worth the £6.90 to get in and we enjoyed it.

More photos Loaded at Flickr

Not all the models were done in a Christmas theme, but many were and we had a wonder into Santa's groto, Santa of course had fled back to the North Pole! Nevertheless it was a great afternoon, I enjoyed spending sometime with Mum and think we should visit earlier next year - before Christmas.

The Art of Knitting

I saw this Mag & DVD in Dumfries in April. Bought the first issue and set up a subscription & a direct debit. About mid May I received a letter from the publisher saying it was discontinued due to lack of interest. So, imagine my horror and delight to see that it is republished. I'll keep an eye out in Smiths for the rest in the series.

A quick rummage in my very disorganised study and I have located issue one, plus all the wool, needles and the DVD.

Thanks to all my Book Crossing and Live Journal buddies who alerted me to this.

Apple of my Eye by Helene Hanff

I really enjoyed this book, but then I have enjoyed all the Helene Hanff books I've read. An interesting web site about Helene Hanff is Here

In this one, Helene tours New York, and sees places that she has never seen before, despite living in the City. With her she takes a friend, Patsy, who she had lost contact with, but who she had ran into a week or two before, and together, the two of them tour the city and explore their friendship. On page 32 there is a great description of the World Trade Centre, which for those of us who have never seen the building, never will, so the book, in its own way creates a peice of history.

Having read the book, and not knowing New York (although I would love to visit) I've decided to obtain my own copy and read it clutching a New York map. I'm one of these visual people and I want to "see" the areas that Helene and Patsy walk as they prepare for the book.

I especially enjoyed the details about Ellis Island (pg 118-120). Like so many, my husband has relatives that entered the United States through Ellis Island and if you stop and think about it, those who entered into the US through Ellis Island had closed one chapter of their life and were hopefully opening another. An interesting site about Ellis Island with links to search for those entering through into the US is Here

Thanks so much for sharing this book, I loved it!

Christmas Narcissus - Week One

Planted on Wednesday 20th December. Look how well they are doing after just a week.

NSSFC December 2006

What can I say, I am simply overwhelmed at the genorosity of my NSSFC partner - Rillaith. I consider myself very, very spolt

2 books from my wishlist
2 bars of Lindt chocolate
Several smaller bars of assorted chocolates
Christmasy gold coins
M & S small Christmas cake
a packet of Biscotti with chocolate chips
A book - The writer's block
3 bookmarks
various stickers for scrapbooking
a mini keyring torch
a really useful notepad on a keyring
a Lush christmas pudding
small notebook & coloured pencils
Captain Corelli's Mandolin audio edition
bath/shower gel in a plastic champagne bottle
and a fabulous soft heart radio.

I am simply overwhelmed Sally with your kindness.
Your packages were a delight to open.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

I've had a look through the other journal entries and see that there has been a mixed response to this book.

The concept is a clever one, and altough not one of the best books this year, I did enjoy it and found it to be a profound and thought provoking book - who has impacted on our lives and whom have we impacked on. Who would I like to meet again in heaven and who would be there to greet me? Very thought provoking.

Stitch 'n Bitch Handbook by Debbie Stoller

I managed to catch up with my reading this afternoon, and although I had a few others in front of this one, this book had an appeal today.

I really enjoyed reading this one and found that I needed a note book as I was reading to jot down a few web page addresses and some notes. A really useful book and I enjoyed reading it.

Christmas Eve reflections

All the presents are wrapped and under the tree. Stuart keeps having a prod and shake...what a child he is!!!

I finally got chance to ice the cake today, not the best icing I've ever done, but it was tricky with the heating on and the backdoor open to try and keep the kitchen cool, while the oven was on for festive cooking. It didn't help that I had had several glasses of a rather a nice rose from Tesco!



While I was having an icing crisis, Mum was busy making the rum truffles, with the proper stuff, not the cheap essence. Every year, this rather tatty extract from a Woman's Realm Mag appears. I had chance to have a proper glance at it. The receipe is from The Archer's Country Cookbook by Martha Woodford published in 1977.

I can certainly vouch for the truffles!

4oz dark cooking chocolate
4oz icing sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons ground almonds
2 tablespoons double cream
2 tablespoons rum
chocolate vermicelli

Melt the chocolate over a basin of hot water. Beat in the icing sugar,egg yolk,almonds,cream and rum and pound altogether until mixture is smooth, and form into little balls. Roll each truffle in a little vermicelli and coat it.

Happy Christmas

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2007

Agatha Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham by M C Beaton

Another delightful read in the life of good old Aggie!, sorry Agatha!! Only a brief glimpse of James, but there is lots of Charles and a rather dodgy, but eventually dead hair dresser, a rather grumpy,rude vicar and a rather iffy episode with a depilatory cream. Need I say more?

The Coal Tattoo by Silas House

The storyline was wonderful,with beautifully descriptive scenes and written in such a way that there was a genuine innocence about it. In this third book by Silas House, we effectively complete the cirle of the characters from the author's first two novels, and in finishing it there is a sense of completion, but yet I find myself wanting to know if there is addition to the series.

S for Silence by Sue Grafton

I felt that S was written in a slightly different style to previous in the series, and I wondered if the author was intentially changing the writing style, to show that we, as readers were heading towards the end, or if perhaps Grafton was running out of steam.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the book, it had a storyline that jumped from 1953 when Violet goes missing into present day, and thus keeping the reader intune with the storyline, rather than simply devouring.

I enjoyed it and I feel no guilt when I add this to my PC, I'm greedy, I want a whole alphabet of Grafton, to enjoy long after the author gets to Z!

Ohio Town by Helen Hooven Santmyer

What an amazing book,I felt that the book had the feel of a one sided conversation, the sort you might have with an elderly family member, a way of recording the past and bringing it alive. Probably of real interest to those who live in the area, and could identify with the town in reality.....super book

Quilts: a Charm Book by Ljiljana Baird

A super little book of about 120 pictures of quilts; mainly quilts from the US, but other Countries are represented - England,Ireland,Wales,India,New Zealand,Germany to name a few.
Each illustration of the quilt is accompanied by a brief description of the design or patten.
My favourite design is of the Jane Austen Quilt on page 127

Trial by Fire by Benjamin Nicholls

"It is approaching the 400th anniversary of the execution of the witch of Little Foxwood. The whole village is excitedly preparing to mark the occasion with a bonfire party in the square. 14-year old Tom Storey, however, is not. He has just begaun a quest for the truth about some of his ancestors and as a result, his world meets the world of the supernatural head on. The legend of the witch and Tom's own research intertwine and lead Tom to discover a terrible secret of injustice and revenge that has haunted his family for centuries."

I saw a review of this in one of the genealogical magazines, or a family history society magazine and bought direct from the author earlier in the year

I'd been itching to read this one since I bought it. I took it with me on my holiday last month, but didn't get chance to read it then, but recently ceased the opportunity. Started last night and finished this evening....a page turner!

Written in a young adult style, it was the gentle story of a teenager who develops the family history bug. In general the genealogical aspects were well researched, with a little poetic license! Well pulled together and a delight to read.

It is the only copy registered on Book Crossing, and does deserve to be read by others, it may well go out on a bookring before joining my permenant collection. If anyone is interested on a small book ring drop me a note!

100% English

Liver Journal user LyzzyBee alerted me to the fascinating programme broadcast on Channel 4 yesterday.

The programme synopsis

"Take eight people - all of whom are convinced they are 100% English. Then submit a sample of their DNA to a series of state-of-the-art tests... Lord Tebbit, Garry Bushell and Carol Thatcher are among the participants who have agreed to place their genetic make-up under the microscope."

What was produced was a fascinating and yet controversial programme. What makes us English? If we are born of English parents? That we can trace generations after generation into deep rural England, or perhaps the child of a migrant couple?.....see,all very controversial and definetely verging on being non politically correct.

I was born in England, to an English mother and an Italian father, my older half brother was born in Italy, to Italian mother and father and in the main educated in Italy, but did spend time in England. My younger half brother, born to Italian parents was born in England. His he more or less English than I am?

I guess it depends on your view. I am anglo Italian, and proud of it. The use of DNA is a fascinating one, and as my father comes from Sicily I wonder if there is any Arabic blood in there? given the history of Sicily.

You are only what you feel, and when I am in a mixed group, say at the Italian Procession in Clerkenwell in July, I do feel that I embrace my Italianness!

One point that was raised from several of the 8 people, as they were given their DNA results, they commented if the results indicated a particular comfortableness to a particular country or culture. One was told that there was a chance she had links to the China region and she wondered if this was her interest in Chinese artifcates....an interesting point from the same individual who was horrified her father's off license had become a chinese takeaway and had never had a spring roll!

Much food for thought - thanks LyzzyBee!

Live Journal thread is HERE

Snowball!

My Cousin sent this to me, and I thought it was so nice and wintery, I'd share here!

Pardonable Lies: A Maisie Dobbs Mystery by Jacqueline Winspear

I have been really looking forward to catching up with Maisie, so was delighted when postie delivered it this last Friday.I've got an awful cold, and I felt that I needed a book that I could immurse myself in.

Indeed,another great story from Jacqueline Winspear, which has dealt with the complex post war issues with understanding and kindness.

Uncatalogued:A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

The sixth (and as far as I know), the last in the series. Alex has finally made it to marrying his beloved Sarah, with her secret life, but will they make it through the honeymoon? Alex Plumtree is invited to sit on a Pepys Library committee,and the foundations of the committee is caught up with the events of locating extra's (are they genuine?) to the famous Pepys diary, added to it is the complexities of the Royal Family, and a trip to Dartmouth College where there is more sinister activities. Typically, Alex and Sarah come through in the end in this action packed book.

Unsigned :A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

The fifth book in the series continues with the action,sinister and mysterical storyline of the previous books. In this one there is the added complication in that Alex's fiancee is still missing after her time spent as a hostage in Iraq. Everyone, except Alix believes Sarah is dead, but then he sees Sarah in the street, or does he. Alex learns of a twist in Sarah's life that he never thought possible.

What Should I Do With My Life? by Po Brosnan

mood: thoughtful

Ironically, this book arrived just as I had, had my Performance Review at work. I had been pondering on which way my career should,would & could go in. Having been told that I am ready to go to the next level, I wonder if I really want that, and if I do the impact it will have on my beloved. The one thing that I do know - I don't want to do in totality is go back into pure
pharmacy full time.

The book was an interesting read,one that required me to read chunks then reflect and digest just what I was doing in my life.

Untitled:A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

In the fourth in the series, Alex Plumtree is invited (and accepts)to join the Dibdin Club. Once again, Alex is caught up in the world of under cover book problems going back generations. Another page turner in the series.

Unprintable:A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

In the third book of the series there is more death,corruption and friendship. There is also the rather tenuous romance with Sarah, his dead pals wife.....it all happens at Plumtree Press! Is Alex doomed?

Unbound: A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

More Plumtree adventures in the second book of the series.

Old Uni friend Angela writes a book revealing a series of typographical errors in a previous edition, or is there more to it?

The book is action packed and I am once again plunged into the depth of Plumtree Publishing.....another page turner.

Unsolicited: A Book Lovers Mystery by Julie Kaewert

I really enjoyed this book, first in the series, I decided that I would read back to back and complete the set. I wasn't disappointed with the start of the series.

The cover describes the book as a part mystery/part thriller and a touch of Dick Francis. It is probably an accurate description.

Alex Plumtree inherits the family publishing business and is going to publish a book by a author, who wants to keeps his identity a secret. Alex thinks he knows who the author is, but problems arise when the last five chapers fail to arrive.......