The following, mostly random quotes are from Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters.
"{I am informed, by the self-appointed Critic who reads over my shoulder as I write, that I have already committed an error. If those seemingly simple English words do indeed imply that which I am told they imply to the vulgar, I must in justice to Evelyn find other phrasing.}"
"I sat up and, with a shout, reached out for the thing. I do not believe in apparitions. I wanted to get my hands on it, to feel the warmth and solidity of human flesh. Unfortunately, I had forgotten the confounded mosquito netting."
"My parasol was standing in the corner. I went and got it." Next page - "He was an agile fellow; he jumped nimbly back as I tried to bring the parasol down on his head, and when I raised it for a second attempt, Evelyn caught my arm. 'Pray don't break a good parasol,' she said, with a curling lip. 'He is not worth it.'"
"She was too kind, and too truthful. Both, I have found, are inconvenient character traits."
"His brother's danger and Evelyn's unexpected appearance had turned the poor boy's brains to mush. I realized that I must take charge.... I jabbed him with my parasol. He started, turned, and began to run back in the direction from which he had come."
"'There is absolutely no limit to this man's arrogant stupidity,' I exclaimed, as Walter came rushing to us. 'Fetch Michael and help your brother back to bed, Walter. And for pity's sake,' I added angrily, as Emerson's unconscious head rolled against my breast and bristly black hairs scratched me through the fabric of my bodice, 'for pity's sake, get rid of this beard!'"
"'That is the most ridiculous remark you have made as yet,' I said. 'And many of your remarks have been extremely silly.'"
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
A Round of Interesting Blog Posts 15.
I had a busy, rather stressful day yesterday so this is only twenty-four hours late. *rolls eyes* Anyway, let's see what you've all been blogging about!
Ruth over at Booktalk and More has a fun movie review to share with us.
Jane over at Reviews by Jane has a fun book review up.
Casey over at Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One also has a book review up.
Rachel over at The Inkpen Authoress has a wonderful short story to share.
Katie over at Maria Shiphrah Dalton Publications has a new blog for college-age readers!
The gals over at Young Ladies Christian Fellowship have a thoughtful post on our influence over brothers.
Holly over at In The Bookshelf has a grand book review.
My friend Gabrielle over at Hellwig Family Blog shares her brothers' reactions as hurricane Irene rolled in.
Ashely over at The Epic Reader has a wonderful review on a Joshua Harris book.
Jody over at The Corner Bookblog has a lovely book review to share with us.
And there ya are my fine people! Keep blogging!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday Blurbs ~ Seventh Edition.
Today is Monday, isn't it? Oh well, doesn't matter. My family and I watched an unusual low amount of movies/shows this past weekend so this'll be a short {ish} post.
On Friday we watched....nothing. On Saturday we watched a re-run episode of Psych. In it Shawn and Gus take a missing person's case as a favor to Juliette and go to a Comic Con where they run around tracking down the missing guy's two buddies and talking about a random movie one of the participating speakers made and which received a lot of bad reviews. On Sunday we watched another re-run episode of Psych in which a tennis player turns up missing so Shawn and Gus go bouncing around looking for her and then, when they can't find her, go tracking down her mystery boyfriend. Meanwhile, Shawn's dad and the head detective what's-his-name go fishing together which gets Shawn all distracted. In short, two random episodes from a show I rather like.
Now, what I would have enjoyed watching this weekend is still waiting to be picked up from the library. I hope we get it tomorrow cause I so want to watch it! A friend recommended it to me. *winks* It's North and South. Starring Richard Armitage {way cool!} and made in 2004, this mini-series looks grand and is based off of Elizabeth Gaskell's book by the same title. I intend to read that as soon as I get hold of a copy.
Catch ya later!
Now, what I would have enjoyed watching this weekend is still waiting to be picked up from the library. I hope we get it tomorrow cause I so want to watch it! A friend recommended it to me. *winks* It's North and South. Starring Richard Armitage {way cool!} and made in 2004, this mini-series looks grand and is based off of Elizabeth Gaskell's book by the same title. I intend to read that as soon as I get hold of a copy.
Catch ya later!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Matthew 24, NKJV.
"Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
And Jesus said to them, 'Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.'
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'
And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you.
For many will come in My name, saying "I am the Christ," and will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Therefore when you see the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place' {whoever reads, let him understand},
'then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
Then if anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or "There!" do not believe it.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
See, I have told you beforehand.
Therefore if they say to you, "Look, He is in the desert!" do not go out; or "Look, He is in the inner rooms!" do not believe it.
For as the lightening comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
So you also, when you see all these things, know that is it near - at the doors!
Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
But even as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
But if that evil servant says in his heart, "My master is delaying his coming,"
and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,
the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
And Jesus said to them, 'Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.'
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?'
And Jesus answered and said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you.
For many will come in My name, saying "I am the Christ," and will deceive many.
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Therefore when you see the "abomination of desolation," spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place' {whoever reads, let him understand},
'then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
Then if anyone says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or "There!" do not believe it.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
See, I have told you beforehand.
Therefore if they say to you, "Look, He is in the desert!" do not go out; or "Look, He is in the inner rooms!" do not believe it.
For as the lightening comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
So you also, when you see all these things, know that is it near - at the doors!
Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
But even as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
But if that evil servant says in his heart, "My master is delaying his coming,"
and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,
the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'"
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck Book Review.
Title: The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck.
Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo.
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Sequel.
Plot: Eighteen year old Charlotte Beck is in London with her stepmother Gennie preparing for her New York début. She’s spent the majority of her life trying to convince people {mostly her father} that she’s a mature grow-up young woman while her actions speak otherwise. At a formal ball hosted by the wealthy Earl Hambly, Charlotte manages to nonchalantly fall out of a window and land in the arms of the Hambly heir. She doesn’t learn till later that there are two Hambly sons, twins; Martin is the heir but his time in the war so marred his mind that he is incapable of succeeding. Thus the burden of heir and firstborn falls on Alex’s shoulders. He didn’t want it, he didn’t ask for it and he’d much rather study the stars than play the role of his brother at social meetings but he accepted it without compliant.
That is, until Charlotte Beck landed in his arms late one night when he was escaping from the stifling atmosphere in the ballroom. His meetings with Charlotte soon lead to a black eye, a stack of ruined research notes, a bent telescope and an arrangement of marriage with the wild girl in question that he can’t refuse. Charlotte, ever the schemer, gets a shock when Alex declares he doesn’t want to break off the marriage and she sets about to find a way out of the inconvenient marriage.
Likes/Dislikes: The beginning half of this book was delightful, with a humorous undercurrent to the story. From one misadventure to the other I felt I was enjoying a real treat. And then the second half came along; I was hoping for the same bouncing, happy undercurrent but it wasn’t there and I quickly lost interest after the wedding. I really lost interest when Alex and Charlotte got caught in a snowstorm and had to take shelter in an abandoned cabin. I knew where that scene would go {thankfully the father bounced in before it got too far} and I was mentally screaming, “No! Don’t do that, don’t go into that cabin! What’s wrong with you people?!” I really didn’t enjoy the second half; the first half was grand though. And then the whole hinted conspiracy concerning Charlotte’s mother was a deflated balloon.
Rating: PG-15 and up for suggested suggestive content and reading level.
Date Report Written: August 27, 2011.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
Friday, August 26, 2011
1,000 Blessings: 136-185.
- Windows Media Player.
- Playlists.
- Favorite songs.
- Scriptural songs.
- Dish soap.
- Rubber gloves.
- Laptops.
- Wireless internet that actually works.
- The ability to send things lightening fast.
- Peppermint leaves.
- Peppermint tea.
- Fun phone calls.
- The joy of crafting a new story.
- Inventing characters.
- Microsoft Word.
- Automatic spell checkers.
- Dictionaries.
- Encounter Magazine.
- Fun movie lines to quote.
- The simple joys of life.
- My siblings.
- My Dad’s wisdom.
- Headphones.
- A fondness for organizing.
- Bookshelves that don’t break.
- Chris.
- Weather reports.
- Crackers.
- Chips.
- Sourdough bread.
- Pasta.
- Apples.
- Fingernail polish.
- CAKE!
- Giggling.
- The anticipation of getting a letter in the mail.
- The words “The End.”
- Denim.
- Ankle length skirts.
- Long sleeved shirts.
- The ability to rhyme.
- Poetry.
- The ability to write poetry.
- Aspirin.
- Word count counters.
- Hot water.
- Showers.
- A working sink.
- Bales of straw.
- Bloggers.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Two Random MercyMe Songs.
I was "breaking in" a couple new CDs today and I loved these two songs so I'm sharing them with you. Happy Random Thursdays folks! ;)
And...
And...
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck Excerpt.
Alex watched the slips of paper float from her fingers into the flames and thought of the report he'd stayed up most of the night rewriting because of her.
And the dented telescope.
And the black eye that was fading far too slowly for comfort.
The Beck woman paused in her efforts and seemed to be gazing at the flames. Slowly she knelt to retrieve a pale blue scroll of rolled fabric and held it at arms' length. From where he stood, Alex could see a bit of lace and a tangle of ribbons wrapped around it.
"Stupid corset." Miss Beck lifted the frilly item over her head and threw it into the fire. "Burn," she said as she reached for the poker and stoked the flames. "Figures the awful thing would be fireproof."
With a cry akin to a cat being skinned, the earl's granddaughter raised the poker and speared the burning corset with the skill of an Olympian. In an instant, the heat in the room became unbearable.
If he needed any proof for calling Charlotte Beck scandalous, it lay before him. In her agitated state, the American was likely to do anything. Someone should intervene. Find a servant or the earl himself to see to her. Failing that, perhaps move her gently away from the inferno and see her resting on the pillow-filled settee until help could be summoned.
Unfortunately, all Alex could do was laugh.
~ Excerpt from The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo.
And the dented telescope.
And the black eye that was fading far too slowly for comfort.
The Beck woman paused in her efforts and seemed to be gazing at the flames. Slowly she knelt to retrieve a pale blue scroll of rolled fabric and held it at arms' length. From where he stood, Alex could see a bit of lace and a tangle of ribbons wrapped around it.
"Stupid corset." Miss Beck lifted the frilly item over her head and threw it into the fire. "Burn," she said as she reached for the poker and stoked the flames. "Figures the awful thing would be fireproof."
With a cry akin to a cat being skinned, the earl's granddaughter raised the poker and speared the burning corset with the skill of an Olympian. In an instant, the heat in the room became unbearable.
If he needed any proof for calling Charlotte Beck scandalous, it lay before him. In her agitated state, the American was likely to do anything. Someone should intervene. Find a servant or the earl himself to see to her. Failing that, perhaps move her gently away from the inferno and see her resting on the pillow-filled settee until help could be summoned.
Unfortunately, all Alex could do was laugh.
~ Excerpt from The Inconvenient Marriage of Charlotte Beck by Kathleen Y'Barbo.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Round of Interesting Blog Posts 14.
Greetings, greetings bloggers! Let's see what you've all been blogging about, shall we?
Ruth over at Booktalk and More has a fun book review to share.
Jody over at The Corner Book Blog also has a fun book review to share.
Casey over at Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One has a book review as well.
Noah over at Books I Recommend has a fun review on a soundtrack for a wonderful movie.
Rachel over at The Inkpen Authoress shares a beautiful poem she wrote with us.
The gals over at Young Christian Ladies Fellowship share some wise thoughts on courtship.
Rachel over at Loyal Basileians has a fun character tag up for our amusement.
Tarissa over at In The Bookcase shares her Favorite Finds with us.
Charles over at Strictly Speaking shares a Southern spin on the Ten Commandments.
My friend Chelise over at Eyes Like Raindrops has posted her third chapter!
My friend Gabrielle over at Hellwig Family Blog shares an amusing account of her younger brothers playing doctor.
Till next week, keep blogging folks!
Monday Blurbs ~ Sixth Edition.
Yes, yes, it's not Monday. I actually honestly forgot to post at all this weekend {not that I had a book review for Saturday mind you but I did have a nice Scripture passage I wanted to post; I'll have to do so next week}. So, I'm doing a little catch-up. *wink*
On Friday my family and I watched Shout. Made in 1991 and starring John Travolta, this movie was categorized as a musical. I was sorely disappointed however to find that it was just a movie about music, not an actually musical. The plotline of wayward boys in 1955 Texas was interesting {the boys' hairdos were distracting though *wink*} but the rock 'n roll side of things seemed unreal. My folks and I agreed that they really didn't dance or behave that way in the 1950s, sorry. It seemed more 1990s to us. And what was with the camera shots of the girls' skirts at the big "dance" scene at the end?! Not what I expected and not what I wanted my brothers to watch. As a side-note, I'm glad I never watched Grease or Grease 2 with my brothers.
On Saturday after a wonderful phone call with a good friend of mine, I watched Singing in the Rain. This classic comedy/romance/musical was made in 1952 and stars Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds. It's about two silent picture stars {one is Kelly, the other is a hilarious blond named Lina who has a very squeaky voice} who have a difficult transition from silent to talking pictures. With the help of his buddies Cosmo {O'Connor} and Kathy {Reynolds}, Don {that's Kelly ya know} perks up from the depths of despair and saves the movie he stars in and while working together on the set, Don falls in love with Kathy. This was a genuine musical and I loved some of the numbers {although that one at the end which is supposed to be a number in the movie they're making came across as random to me although I did enjoy most of it}, especially the one where Cosmo and Don are messing with the voice trainer. The girls' costumes were a little tough to watch though. Bleh. But overall a fine, wonderful movie I shall certainly watch again!
On Sunday, having missed the NASCAR race, my Dad watched Nick of Time. Made in 1995, this dramatic crime thriller stars Johnny Depp. Now, I didn't actually watch all of it with my Dad but what I did gather was that it's about a guy who has to kill the California governor Eleanor Grant within a certain time-frame or his six yr. old daughter would be killed by the bad guys. I looked it up on IMDb and that's basically what the general plot is. Depp spends about an hour and a half running around trying to figure out who he can trust and how to get himself, his daughter and the innocent governor out of harm's way. Pretty intense if you ask me. *wink*
And in the evening we watched Sherlock: The Great Game. In it, the 21st century detective is bored. So bored in fact that he's introduced shooting holes in Mrs. Hudson's wall, much to Watson's annoyance and confusion. When a bomb goes off, blowing in Holmes' windows, he's intrigued but not enough so to investigate. His brother Mycroft pops in with a case which Holmes flatly refuses. Things really pick up and get interesting when a mysterious someone sends Holmes a message: solve the puzzle or someone dies. The end, sadly and frustratingly, is a total and complete cliffhanger. Thus we must wait impatiently for season two to start in {hopefully} the spring.
And that, folks, sums up what my family and I watched over the weekend. Catch ya later!
On Friday my family and I watched Shout. Made in 1991 and starring John Travolta, this movie was categorized as a musical. I was sorely disappointed however to find that it was just a movie about music, not an actually musical. The plotline of wayward boys in 1955 Texas was interesting {the boys' hairdos were distracting though *wink*} but the rock 'n roll side of things seemed unreal. My folks and I agreed that they really didn't dance or behave that way in the 1950s, sorry. It seemed more 1990s to us. And what was with the camera shots of the girls' skirts at the big "dance" scene at the end?! Not what I expected and not what I wanted my brothers to watch. As a side-note, I'm glad I never watched Grease or Grease 2 with my brothers.
On Sunday, having missed the NASCAR race, my Dad watched Nick of Time. Made in 1995, this dramatic crime thriller stars Johnny Depp. Now, I didn't actually watch all of it with my Dad but what I did gather was that it's about a guy who has to kill the California governor Eleanor Grant within a certain time-frame or his six yr. old daughter would be killed by the bad guys. I looked it up on IMDb and that's basically what the general plot is. Depp spends about an hour and a half running around trying to figure out who he can trust and how to get himself, his daughter and the innocent governor out of harm's way. Pretty intense if you ask me. *wink*
And in the evening we watched Sherlock: The Great Game. In it, the 21st century detective is bored. So bored in fact that he's introduced shooting holes in Mrs. Hudson's wall, much to Watson's annoyance and confusion. When a bomb goes off, blowing in Holmes' windows, he's intrigued but not enough so to investigate. His brother Mycroft pops in with a case which Holmes flatly refuses. Things really pick up and get interesting when a mysterious someone sends Holmes a message: solve the puzzle or someone dies. The end, sadly and frustratingly, is a total and complete cliffhanger. Thus we must wait impatiently for season two to start in {hopefully} the spring.
And that, folks, sums up what my family and I watched over the weekend. Catch ya later!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A Round of Interesting Blog Posts 13.
Well, I was depressed yesterday {long story} and didn't get a whole lot done; thus explaining why this post is a day late. Hope you all don't mind too much. *winks*
Noah at Books I Recommend has the first book review for us on a book especially recommened for teens.
The Authoress has a humorous opinion on emoticons that we should all ponder.
Ashley over at The Epic Reader has a grand book review to share with us.
Amber over at Seasons of Humility has a fun book review up.
Ruth over at Booktalk and More has a grand book review for us with some interesting thoughts.
Casey over at Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One has a fun book review.
Kathleen over at Shieldmaiden of God shared one of my poems on her blog which was very nice of her to do.
The gals over at Young Ladies Christian Fellowship have a good post on procrastination.
Charles over at Strictly Speaking has a few things to say on understanding our Bibles.
Tarissa over at In The Bookcase has a cool monthly blog post to link up book-related posts to where we can find fun new blogs to chill out at.
Holly over at The Bookshelf has a fun book review to share with us.
My friend Ella over at Legend of a Seamstress has the cutest model ever!
My friend Adelii over at Letters of Askpen has a fun character tag to amuse us with.
My friend Chelise has posted the first chapter of her epic novel at her new blog.
Keep blogging folks!
Monday Blurbs ~ Fifth Edition.
I was at a friends' concert on Monday and was depressed yesterday, thus explaining the lateness of this weekly post. I think I should type these out on Sundays. Anyway, let's take a look at what my family and I watched over the previous weekend. *smiles*
On Friday we watched a 1940s Sherlock Holmes film entitled The Woman in Green {1945}. Starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson, this was an interesting movie to watch. I wasn't, however, too fond of the hypnotism part of the plot. The end was humorous though and I love Holmes and Watson's combined dry sense of humor. *winks*
On Saturday my sister and I watched Another Cinderella Story. Made in 2008 and starring Drew Seeley as singer/dancer/teen celebrity Joey Parker, Selena Gomez as Mary {a.k.a. Cinderella}, and Jane Lynch as Dominique {the stepmother}, this is a fairly fun movie. However, I simply cannot stand Gomez! Bleh. But Dominique, Tami, Dustin, the step-sisters Brit and Bree, and Joey are all very humorous characters and I like a couple of the dance scenes. My mom doesn't like this movie however; apparently the {often outrageous} teen humor doesn't appeal to her, which I can understand.
On Sunday we watched Sherlock: The Blind Banker. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as Watson, this contemporary retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries is a treat to watch. When a banker and a reporter are both found shot dead in their locked apartments, Holmes is called in to investigate {well, he invites himself to the party sorta} and the energetic consulting detective uncovers a Chinese smuggling ring operating right in London. However, the smugglers are aware of his presence and snoopery, putting both himself and Watson in danger of losing their lives. Epic! I love this show!
And that concludes what we watched over the weekend. My mom recently downgraded our satellite channel package due to the outrageous {I love that word!} price so we'll have to resort to our collection of DVDs and the library for our movies once more. Catch ya later!
On Friday we watched a 1940s Sherlock Holmes film entitled The Woman in Green {1945}. Starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson, this was an interesting movie to watch. I wasn't, however, too fond of the hypnotism part of the plot. The end was humorous though and I love Holmes and Watson's combined dry sense of humor. *winks*
On Saturday my sister and I watched Another Cinderella Story. Made in 2008 and starring Drew Seeley as singer/dancer/teen celebrity Joey Parker, Selena Gomez as Mary {a.k.a. Cinderella}, and Jane Lynch as Dominique {the stepmother}, this is a fairly fun movie. However, I simply cannot stand Gomez! Bleh. But Dominique, Tami, Dustin, the step-sisters Brit and Bree, and Joey are all very humorous characters and I like a couple of the dance scenes. My mom doesn't like this movie however; apparently the {often outrageous} teen humor doesn't appeal to her, which I can understand.
On Sunday we watched Sherlock: The Blind Banker. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock and Martin Freeman as Watson, this contemporary retelling of the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries is a treat to watch. When a banker and a reporter are both found shot dead in their locked apartments, Holmes is called in to investigate {well, he invites himself to the party sorta} and the energetic consulting detective uncovers a Chinese smuggling ring operating right in London. However, the smugglers are aware of his presence and snoopery, putting both himself and Watson in danger of losing their lives. Epic! I love this show!
And that concludes what we watched over the weekend. My mom recently downgraded our satellite channel package due to the outrageous {I love that word!} price so we'll have to resort to our collection of DVDs and the library for our movies once more. Catch ya later!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Blog Award!
Great was my surprise to come home from church today, turn on my computer, log into my blog and find that the Inkpen Authoress had awarded me with a blog award! {Here's the link to the original post: http://inkpenauthoress.blogspot.com/2011/08/liebster-award-and-several-other-things.html}
The goal of the award is to spotlight up and coming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers. The rules of the award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have fun!
Hmm, I can do that I think. *winks*
1. The Inkpen Authoress Rachel and Sarah have a grand blog where they post poetry, encouraging snippets of wisdom and updates on Rachel's novel, Puddleby Lane. Something good and edifying is always up at The Inkpen Authoress' blog. *grins*
2. Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One Casey's blog always has good book reviews up and she also puts up grand encouraging posts too! It's fun and colorful with lots of giveaways going on as well.
3. In The Bookcase Tarissa's blog! Book reviews abound here and her writing style is fun. Plus, she has a monthly post where readers can link their book related posts too. What a brilliant and original idea! *grins*
4. Booktalk and More Ruth's delightful blog! Wonderfully written book reviews, grand movie movies with all the spoilers I could want without the movie actually being spoiled and lots of other things! This is definitely one of the blogs you'll want to haunt!
5. Legend of a Seamstress My good friend Gabrielle's blog! All about sewing and wonderful crafts and projects that you can do at home just like Ella! Plus she needs more likeminded followers. *winks*
Well, that was a lot of fun! I'll see ya around. *winks*
The Liebster award to be precise.
The goal of the award is to spotlight up and coming bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers. The rules of the award are:
1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have fun!
Hmm, I can do that I think. *winks*
1. The Inkpen Authoress Rachel and Sarah have a grand blog where they post poetry, encouraging snippets of wisdom and updates on Rachel's novel, Puddleby Lane. Something good and edifying is always up at The Inkpen Authoress' blog. *grins*
2. Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One Casey's blog always has good book reviews up and she also puts up grand encouraging posts too! It's fun and colorful with lots of giveaways going on as well.
3. In The Bookcase Tarissa's blog! Book reviews abound here and her writing style is fun. Plus, she has a monthly post where readers can link their book related posts too. What a brilliant and original idea! *grins*
4. Booktalk and More Ruth's delightful blog! Wonderfully written book reviews, grand movie movies with all the spoilers I could want without the movie actually being spoiled and lots of other things! This is definitely one of the blogs you'll want to haunt!
5. Legend of a Seamstress My good friend Gabrielle's blog! All about sewing and wonderful crafts and projects that you can do at home just like Ella! Plus she needs more likeminded followers. *winks*
Well, that was a lot of fun! I'll see ya around. *winks*
Saturday, August 13, 2011
1,000 Blessings: 76-135.
- Laughter.
- Pickles.
- Pumpkins.
- Bales of straw.
- Long skirts.
- Comfortable jeans.
- Long sleeved shirts.
- Gloves.
- My sister's crazy kitty cat.
- Discernment.
- My friends' sense of humor.
- The ability to be random.
- The ability to be myself around my friends.
- Novels.
- Cool, creative book covers.
- Blog followers.
- Chris.
- Soap.
- Facial masks.
- Chocolate cake.
- Cookies.
- PIZZA!
- Bread.
- Sourdough bread.
- A roof over my head.
- The ability to rhyme.
- My church.
- My hometown.
- Geese.
- Ducks.
- Pigeons.
- Pepperoni.
- Sandwiches.
- Goodnatured fun.
- Old books.
- Hair things.
- Special occasions.
- Concerts put on by friends.
- Forks.
- Spoons.
- Knives.
- Plates.
- Cups.
- Bowls.
- Glasses.
- Fun words.
- Funny names for things.
- Dancing.
- Friends who dance.
- Romance.
- The ability to love.
- Dogs.
- My dog.
- The meanings behind names.
- Lipstick.
- Perfume.
- Roses.
- Lilacs.
- Sweet peas.
- Dreams.
Eye-Candy for Booklovers.
Sooo, I don't have a book review to post today. Don't even have a backup book review. But not to worry; I shall simply share with you some books that have recently caught my attention. I love researching books! *grins and rubs hands together excitedly*
This is, apparently, the first book of three about Biblical King Hezekiah. It looks like a really good read!
The book behind the movie! I so have to read this one!
This looks cool; I mean, who doesn't like books about cowboys and Texas Rangers? *smiles innocently*
I've had my eye on this one for awhile so hopefully I'll be able to read it soon.
This cover is gorgeous! I don't remember what the book is about though.
The third book in a super cool trilogy I've been reading!
Mystery and romance; what a better combination? Ooh, it takes place in Regency England!
I don't really remember what this one was about either but it looks cool.
Spies! And that famous painting by that famous guy. *winks*
Epic! Yeah, don't remember what it's about. *winks*
This one sounded intriguing.
So did this one; all about a guy bouncing back and forth between two worlds. Cool.
This book looks really cool; now I just have to figure out how to get a hold of it. *winks*
Thursday, August 11, 2011
1,000 Blessings: 1-75
Please note that all of these are in a totally random order. ;)
- Calenders.
- Calculators.
- Cell phones {my friends' at least}.
- Ink pens.
- Pencils.
- Notebooks.
- The ability to scribble.
- The ability to read my scribblings.
- Biographies.
- Books.
- Researching books.
- The Internet.
- MP3 players.
- CDs.
- Soundtracks.
- The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack.
- Organization.
- Schedules.
- Classics.
- Movies.
- Movie theaters.
- Good friends.
- Chris Smiley.
- Toothpaste.
- Toothbrushes.
- Aspirin.
- DVDs.
- Younger brothers.
- Baked goods.
- CHOCOLATE!
- Google.
- Goodreads.
- Book reviews.
- Movie reviews.
- Drivers' Ed.
- My Dad's sense of humor.
- The joy of dressing-up for a concert.
- The ability to goof off.
- The ability to laugh.
- Sparkling eyes.
- A pair of fine brown eyes.
- Sneakers.
- Sprinklers.
- Potato plants.
- A sense of humor.
- Romance.
- Owl City.
- Paper.
- Journals.
- Multi-colored gel ink pens.
- Stationary.
- Envelopes.
- Stamps.
- Stickers.
- The ability to read.
- The ability to write.
- Letter-writing.
- Pen-pals.
- Australia.
- England.
- America.
- California.
- Mountains.
- Misty Autumn/Spring mornings in the mountains.
- Forests.
- Trees.
- Rocks.
- Pine cones.
- Sticks.
- Firewood.
- Snow.
- Wind.
- Rain.
- Hail.
- The ability to love nature.
Random Annoucement.
I just thought I'd take a moment to randomly announce two things. The first is that I've decided to participate in the 1,000 Blessings Challenge hosted by Carrie over at A Writing Maiden blog.
Catch ya later!
And that I'm also gonna try to do the Inkpen Authoress' new writing contest which looks like a ton of fun! I'm not sure what I'm actually gonna write though.
Catch ya later!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
A Round of Interesting Blog Posts 12.
Since I was busy yesterday working and trying not to get myself killed, this post is a little late. ;) Nonetheless, enjoy!
Carrie over at A Writing Maiden has some sensible wisdom for those of us waiting:
Ellie over at The Beggar Who Gives Alms has a few wonderful words to say on heaven: http://thebeggarsalms.blogspot.com/2011/08/time.html
The gals over at Young Ladies Christian Fellowship share with us some delightful quotes:
Ruth over at Booktalk and More has a grand time picking out movies for TCM to show:
Casey over at Writing for Christ ~ The Audience of One has some encouraging thoughts on waiting:
Charles over at Strictly Speaking talks about parental rights:
Jane over at Reviews by Jane has her cute younger brothers helping her out with this particular review:
The Inkpen Authoress has a new contest! *screams happily* Do enter it; it sounds grand:
Ellie over at Unedited Photography has some breathtaking pictures to share:
Carrie over at A Writing Maiden has a good point on writing:
Keep bloggings folks!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Monday Blurbs ~ Fourth Edition.
Aha! It's Monday again and this week I seem to be on top of my schedule. ;)
On Friday we didn't exactly watch anything though I did watch the beginning and end of 17 Again {I was pleasantly engaged in a lovely phone call for the middle of the movie ;)} and on Saturday I watched the middle portion of said movie with my folks. Now, the hard part about watching a movie geared toward teenagers {aside from the fact that yes, it usually is a fairly stupid movie} is that my parents like to talk during the movie and point out how bad or stupid it is. They did that with this movie of course but the difference was that they'd say it was awful and then laugh at a funny scene which sent confusing messages. Anyway, 17 Again is about a thirty-seven year old man who gets a second chance when he is magically changed back into a teenager again. The catch is that he's seventeen in 2009 rather than 1989. The movie really wasn't very good although it was fun to see Zac Efron in something other than High School Musical and I liked that it had a wait-till-marriage message aimed at today's public schooled teens.
In the evening {also on Saturday} my Dad, siblings, and I watched most of Die Hard. Made in 1988 and starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, the wise-cracking New York cop who comes to LA to spend Christmas with his wife. When twelve terrorists, led by Hans Gruber {played by Alan Rickman} take everyone hostage, including his wife; it's up to McClane to stop them. He bounces around the darkened building with various guns, taking out the bad guys one by one and radioing the cops down below who can't figure out who he is. This movie, while bloody, violent and with strong language {the channel it was on muted the worst foul word thankfully}, is a classic and has a good plot. And a must-see if you want to better understand some of the subplot twists in the sequels.
Also on Saturday evening we watched Source Code. Made in 2011 and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this sci-fi, action/adventure, thriller, mystery is a good movie. Colter Stevens {played by Gyllenhaal} wakes up on a moving train with no memory of how he got there; to further complicate his bewilderment is a lovely young woman in the seat across from him who obviously knows him. Eight minutes later the train blows up and Colter finds himself in a capsule of some sort talking to a woman via computer screen and camera. She explains that he has to find the bomb and the bomber who blew up the train before the next attack happens, and sends him back. I shan't tell you anymore though for I plan to write {or at least consider writing} a review on this movie. But it is pretty good, not quite as good as Inception or Prince of Persia but still enjoyable.
On Sunday after church we watched the NASCAR race {we'd also watched the one on Saturday of course} and then, when my Dad got tired of trying to find something interesting to watch and took a nap, my mom and I put Penelope on. Made in 2006 and starring Christina Ricci as Penelope and James McAvory as the hero, this fun comedy/romance is one of my favorite movies! I hadn't seen it in awhile so I'd forgotten how much I like it. Anyway, it's about a young wealthy heiress who is cursed with the snort and ears of a pig. Having been locked up in her own house for her whole life, Penelope is tired of waiting for her mother and matchmaker Wendy to find her a suitable husband. When Max comes along she grows hopeful that he will be the one yet when he tells her he can't marry her, Penelope's heart breaks and she runs away. Her parents, of course, freak out but Penelope has a fine time making two best friends and experiencing new things. It is such a good movie!
And in the evening we watched an enjoyable re-run of Sherlock: a Study in Pink on PBS. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the 21st Century Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, this is an entertaining and wonderful version of the world's greatest detective and his lovable side-kick. In this debut episode Watson is back from serving in the war in Afghan and is looking for someone to share a flat with. Enter Sherlock Holmes who is introduced, much along the lines of the book, in a morgue beating the bodies to study post-death bruising. A series of "suicides" have been occurring and when one victim actually leaves a message, Inspector Lestrade calls in Holmes who drags Watson into the adventure. Very well made, sticking wonderfully well to the book yet throwing in their own twists, and quite simply delightful, I highly recommend this show and can't wait for the second season!
And that sums up {more or less} my weekend. Catch ya later!
In the evening {also on Saturday} my Dad, siblings, and I watched most of Die Hard. Made in 1988 and starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, the wise-cracking New York cop who comes to LA to spend Christmas with his wife. When twelve terrorists, led by Hans Gruber {played by Alan Rickman} take everyone hostage, including his wife; it's up to McClane to stop them. He bounces around the darkened building with various guns, taking out the bad guys one by one and radioing the cops down below who can't figure out who he is. This movie, while bloody, violent and with strong language {the channel it was on muted the worst foul word thankfully}, is a classic and has a good plot. And a must-see if you want to better understand some of the subplot twists in the sequels.
Also on Saturday evening we watched Source Code. Made in 2011 and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this sci-fi, action/adventure, thriller, mystery is a good movie. Colter Stevens {played by Gyllenhaal} wakes up on a moving train with no memory of how he got there; to further complicate his bewilderment is a lovely young woman in the seat across from him who obviously knows him. Eight minutes later the train blows up and Colter finds himself in a capsule of some sort talking to a woman via computer screen and camera. She explains that he has to find the bomb and the bomber who blew up the train before the next attack happens, and sends him back. I shan't tell you anymore though for I plan to write {or at least consider writing} a review on this movie. But it is pretty good, not quite as good as Inception or Prince of Persia but still enjoyable.
And in the evening we watched an enjoyable re-run of Sherlock: a Study in Pink on PBS. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the 21st Century Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, this is an entertaining and wonderful version of the world's greatest detective and his lovable side-kick. In this debut episode Watson is back from serving in the war in Afghan and is looking for someone to share a flat with. Enter Sherlock Holmes who is introduced, much along the lines of the book, in a morgue beating the bodies to study post-death bruising. A series of "suicides" have been occurring and when one victim actually leaves a message, Inspector Lestrade calls in Holmes who drags Watson into the adventure. Very well made, sticking wonderfully well to the book yet throwing in their own twists, and quite simply delightful, I highly recommend this show and can't wait for the second season!
And that sums up {more or less} my weekend. Catch ya later!
Matthew 6:25-34. NKJV
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
And yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
For all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
And yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
For all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Saturday, August 6, 2011
The Golden One Book Review.
Title: The Golden One.
Author: Elizabeth Peters.
Genre: Mystery, Action/Adventure, Historical Fiction, War Thriller, Egyptology, Romance, Humorous, Sequel.
Plot: Amelia Peabody Emerson and her husband Radcliff Emerson bring in the new year of 1917 on board ship heading for Egypt at the start of a prolonged stay in that country. It’s the beginning of another excavation season and Emerson is keen to get back to work. Also in their party are the Emerson’s grown son Ramses, his wife Nefret and Amelia’s energetic great-niece Sennia, along with her cat Horus. The usual bustle and confusion ensues as they get from one point to the next but they finally arrive at their house in Luxor in one piece and all eager to settle down for the long stay of productive work. However trouble seems to follow the Emersons everywhere they go and this time is no different.
Juggling rumors of a rich find by a wild young tomb robber with whom they have had trouble before, and the standard difficulties of getting Sennia off to private lessons and keeping Emerson and Ramses out of trouble, Amelia has her hands full. Things get even more hectic when Ramses’ unique assistance is required in a secret operation of various military branches stationed in the Middle East. Amelia, being very independent and strong willed, insists on bringing the family {except Sennia of course} along and they settle in a friend’s house to wait while Ramses carries out his mission. While doing so he encounters an old foe and his life is suddenly on the line; Ramses receives timely aid in the most unanticipated form and rushes to get his family out of harm’s way.
Surviving this adventure the family returns to Luxor a little the worse for wear and bring the tri-fold mystery and adventure to a grand finish. But are they really out of the woods or is something more deadly waiting in the shadows to pounce?
Likes/Dislikes: From the first page I was hooked; the writing style is fun, engaging and descriptive without being tedious. In short, it’s the kind of writing style I adore! The characters were all beautifully drawn and wonderfully easy to become acquainted with. Their struggles and thought processes were also highly entertaining. About the only thing objectable I found was a brief scene in which Nefret and Ramses are described as hastily dressing and dashing outside at the dead of night to catch somebody {yeah, I won’t go into any other detail than that for fear of spoiling it} and the language. Emerson is called the Father of Curses by the Egyptians and this title is rightly earned. I didn’t mind most of his British language but I really would have liked if God’s name hadn’t been used as a swearword so often. Btw, this is not a Christian book and the characters are not Christian either, although Amelia does quote Scripture once in a while. This is the fourteenth Amelia Peabody mystery {I always start series in the middle} and I’m looking forward to reading more of them in the near future.
Rating: PG-15 and up for language and violence.
Date Report Written: August 4, 2011.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)