Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Family Pictures

Jane Green has become one of my favorite authors. Her books are light and fun and fast. Plus, she publishes fairly regularly, so I am always able to look forward to a new title for the spring/summer months.

Family Pictures is Green's latest, and came at exactly the right time. I have been on a stretch of non-fiction books, and Family Pictures was the perfect read to follow up these books.  

Sylvie and Maggie are two women living on opposite sides of the country.  Sylvie is happily married to David, her second husband, raising her daughter, Eve.  Maggie has three children she is raising, although her life seems to center around charity events and keeping up appearances.

In one moment both of their lives come crashing down around them - and soon they find out how much they have in common.

The jacket flap of this novel hints at a big surprise, which I won't give away. I was able to determine what that surprise was before it is revealed, but it was definitely worth reading for myself.

Jane Green has published another great read - adding to her already large collection of women's fiction novels. Fans won't be disappointed with Family Pictures.

Monday, April 29, 2013

The J. M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society

Barbara Zitwer, the author of The J. M. Barrie Ladies' Swimming Society was kind enough to contact me and inquire if I would be interested in reading her book and reviewing it.  She was right when she mentioned that it seemed like a book  I would like. 
Her email was not the first I had heard of this book. I had already written down the title in my notebook since I heard of it and read a synopsis.  
Joey Rubin fits into the stereotpye I have of single New York women - a workaholic who doesn't have time for a man or relationship.  She is sent to the Cotswolds where she is to be in charge of the renovation of the home where J. M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan got his inspiration.
While there Joey reunites with her best friend from childhood, discovering that the two don't have much in common anymore.  While Joey has remained single, her friend is the mother of four children and looks like her own mother - the woman they both made fun of when they were children.
And then Joey comes across a group of septegenarians swimming in the icy water one morning and joins them.  She begins to see their friendship and evaluate her own relationships And she begins to look at her own desire for perfection (she hasn't gained a pound since high school) and how these women are comfortable in their own bodies, saggy skin and all.  
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, which was a fun read, yet full of so many messages for women about friendship and self worth, beauty and aging.
Thanks to Barbara Zitwer for the review copy and wonderful retro swimming hat.  (My girls have had a great time making fun of me when I put it on, but I love it!)





Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sunday Salon

I'm typing this post from my driveway where I am relaxing in a lawn chair, enjoying the 75 degree weather. It finally feels like spring!  The rest of this week doesn't look as nice as it is today, so I am taking advantage of the weather while I can.

As the school year is approaching an end - only 5 weeks left - there will be no shortage of things to do.  Soccer for two girls, softball for one, my fitness class, piano and gymnastics seem to absorb our evenings. Add to that spring concerts, track and field day, a talent show, our school's Falcon Fest, and the calendar is jam packed.

My sister-in-law and I will be planting our first ever garden at my mom's house.  We are pondering what things we want to plant, and will be busy getting that started soon.  Last year at this time the farmers were done planting crops. However, we have had so much rain and cold weather farmers are just now getting into their fields.

Today I am busy trying to organize things for a busy week.  My husband has had to cook supper for the girls a few nights last week. They had spaghetti every time.  Although they like spaghetti, this was a bit much for them.  I tried to find a few different choices for him this coming week - frozen pizza, wraps with meat, cheese and veggies and steak seemed like fairly safe choices.

I plan on spending the rest of my afternoon soaking up a little sun and reading The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani which I am thoroughly enjoying.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Lean In

I've been seeing quite a bit of press about Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In.  I did know this was a memoir-type, non fiction book about women in the work force. But, I didn't know that Sandberg was named as one of the top five most powerful women in the world, and frankly, I didn't even know who she was or what she did until I started reading.

For anyone who doesn't know, Sandberg is the COO of Facebook.  She came to Facebook from Google. She and her husband are the parents of a son and daughter, and struggle with the daily challenges that a family with two working parents faces- trying to divvy up the day-to-day tasks to keep their home running smoothly.

Part of Sandberg's book is about women at work, while part of it addresses women at home.  I'm just a few years younger than Sandberg and I can't remember growing up thinking that there were careers that were not an option for me because I am a female. Sandberg's own recollection of her childhood mirror mine.  Although our  mothers and grandmothers felt as though they were paving the way for us, creating new opportunities and helping achieve equality for us, data that Sandberg shares shows that we seem to be at a standstill.  There are still many women who must choose between career or family - simply put- there is no way for us to have it all.

I liked that Sandberg backed up her points with research. And, despite the fact that Sandberg and I are different types of people- she has found a career where she can continue to climb the ladder and be the one in charge - I have found a career in education where I enjoy working with students, not working as an administrator- I totally felt like I could relate to her.

For women reading this who are not in the work force, Lean In may seem irrelevant. But, the parts that Sandberg shares about husband/wife division of labor and marriage and child-rearing are totally relevant and Lean In is full of great advice.

I checked this book out from the library, but I thought at several points in my reading that this would be a great book to highlight and take notes on.  Lean In should be snatched up by non-fiction readers, women, and even book clubs could find plenty to talk about and reflect on.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Dirt Work: An Education in the Woods

As a child my favorite past time was reading. This was followed closely by watching TV.  Nowhere in my list of favorite things to do was being outside ever mentioned.  So Christine Byl's memoir, Dirt Work, was not only an interesting look at life as a traildog, but also a far cry from the types of activities I find fun.

Byl admits that many people view the work she does as something beneath them- a last resort of sorts. Yet, for over fifteen years Byl has chosen to return to work on the trail crew - first at Glacier National Park and then in Denali National Forest.  The sheer physical effort and exhaustion that Byl experience in this job are enough to determine that this would not be a career I would have ever considered. However, Byl describes the ins and outs of her job in detail giving descriptions of the various tools of her trade.

Dirt Work is well written, evidence of Byl's own education and love of literature. While I was interested in her story, I felt it hard to connect to her in this book.  There were a few shared anecdotes and plenty of first person knowledge about this career path, and I know my husband would have loved Byl's story, yet for me, I was hoping for more of a connection to Byl.

Dirt Work gives an inside look at a career I never knew existed and a way of life only a few embrace.


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick: The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman
Due out: July 30, 2013

Synopsis taken from Amazon:
In this utterly charming debut—perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern’s P.S., I Love You and Allison Winn Scotch’s Time of My Life—one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.


1. Go to Paris

2. Have a baby, maybe two

3. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger seems to have it all: a plum job, a spacious loft, an irresistibly handsome boyfriend. All in all, a charmed life. That is, until her beloved mother passes away, leaving behind a will with one big stipulation: In order to receive her inheritance, Brett must first complete the life list of goals she’d written when she was a naïve girl of fourteen. Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision—her childhood dreams don’t resemble her ambitions at age thirty-four in the slightest. Some seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other goals (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. As Brett reluctantly embarks on a perplexing journey in search of her adolescent dreams, one thing becomes clear. Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Until I Say Goodbye

I seem to gravitate toward books that would be considered tear jerkers, and Until I Say Goodbye: My Year of Living With Joy  by Susan Spencer-Wendell is definitely a book that could fall under that category.  However, it is also a book that seems hopeful as I was amazed over and over again by Spencer-Wendell's conscious effort to choose to live with joy even while dying.
Spencer-Wendell, a journalist and married mother of three, notices her one hand looks ropy and sinewy one day.  There are a few other physical issue she has noticed as well, and thus begins a quest for answers about what is going on with her body. She is young- in her early forties-and although ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, is mentioned no one can believe that could be what is wrong with Susan.
I'm not giving away any secrets when I tell you that she does receive an ALS diagnosis.  And that Susan's body begins to fail little by little.  Until I Say Goodbye is in part a letter to her children, as Susan recounts her life for them. It is also a chronicle of her life after her diagnosis, a time Susan has chosen to live with joy, traveling with friends and family to create memories with them.
As I read, I had no doubt it would have been easier for Susan to spend her remaining day at home where she would not have to worry about how to get on and off a plane with assistance, use public bathrooms, find foods she could still swallow - but Susan didn't choose to live easily.  She has spent her entire life jumping off cliffs so to speak, so she embraces this life she has left.
I still have Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture, sitting on my TBR pile.  For so long it has seemed too heartbreaking to read.  Until I Say Goodbye is another heartbreaking book as we read about a woman who will not live to raise her children.  But Susan Spencer-Wendell is an inspiration to everyone as she shows us all how to live with joy.

Visit Susan Spencer-Wendell's website.

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Secrets of Happy Families


The Secrets of Happy Families: Improve Your Mornings, Rethink Family Dinner, Fight Smarter, Go Out and Play, and Much More by Bruce Feiler was a great read.  There was a time when I didn't read many self-help books, but maybe I'm getting older and wiser and realizing that there are a lot of great ideas that some self-help books offer.


Feiler addresses issues of parenting and marriage in his book on creating happy families. And, while I wouldn't use all of his suggestions, there are several that I want to try at my house.

Two things I pondered on:

* The importance of eating together. My mother liked to say, "a family that eats together, stays together." Turns out she might have known what she was talking about. Feiler cites research that states that family dinners are the single greatest predictor of a child's success in school. Feiler notes that no longer are work weeks composed of only forty hours, and there are a few modifications we may need to make to our evening meals- like gathering for dessert later at night instead of at the traditional supper time-  in order to accomplish eating together.

* The use of a checklist in the mornings to assist children to get up and ready on their own.  I want to be the mother that Feiler refers to as he visits a family using this system. The mother was able to sit down in the recliner and drink a cup of coffee while her children got ready without her.  

While I anticipated this would be a book full of parenting advice and tips, I was surprised that there were also some tidbits for couples on married life.  Vacations, grandparents and  children in athletics are just a few more topics Feiler hits on.

This is a book I read portions of aloud to co-workers and friends as well as my husband.  Feiler writes of his experiences, but also those of friends and of research he has done in the writing of this book. There is no way I can or will attempt all the ideas Feiler gives, but there are several I am wanting to explore further in my quest to help my family achieve greater happiness.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sunday Salon

It's nearly time to begin our bedtime routine tonight, which means my Sunday has flown by. After church we have spent the entire day cleaning. Ugh.  We are having our house appraised tomorrow since we are refinancing and planning a kitchen remodel. Unfortunately we are not one of those families that has a house that looks like something out of a magazine.  We have too many piles of stuff lying around. I have too many books all over the place. My kids have junk everywhere, despite repeated reminders to put things away.  Clothes need to be folded, bathrooms cleaned, floors mopped, carpet stains dealt with.  We have made a lot of progress. But we aren't done yet.

I can admit this to you since my husband doesn't read my blog:  when he went to town I did rest for a bit and finish off Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg and Until I Say Goodbye by Susan Spencer-Wendell.  At least I have a few reviews I will be able to write this week.  

I made it through five days of Next Level Xtreme Fitness this past week. I didn't work out at all this weekend, which leaves me feeling slightly guilty, but tomorrow is a new day.  Unfortunately because of work commitments I can only make it to the NLXF class three days this week.  There is nothing I can do about this, so I'll have to be OK with it.

Yesterday my dad's older sister and two of her children, my cousins, came to visit my dad. This is the first time they have seen him since his rapid decline. We had a good visit with them, but my dad was removed from the whole situation and spent his time walking around. He doesn't really visit anymore and barely responds to any questions.  

We're down to just six more weeks of school which seems incredible, especially since we woke to a little bit of snow on the ground on Friday.  

I'm hoping to wrap up our housecleaning shortly and finally sit down with Dirt Work, my next read.  
What are your plans for the week?

Saturday, April 20, 2013


The Feast Nearby: How I lost my job, buried a marriage, and found my way by keeping chickens, foraging, preserving, bartering, and eating locally (all on $40 a week) by Robin Mather has given me a lot to think about.
Mather who had lost her job and was going through a divorce all at the same time moves to a cabin she and her husband bought in rural Michigan. Not only must she watch her expenditures out of necessity, she is also trying to eat locally for a year, still creating meals she enjoys. Mather was used to good food, having access to a wide variety of things in her big city life. Now certain items are hard to find and Mather creatively finds ways to cook meals without sacrificing the quality she is used to.

Mather often turns to the recipes of her childhood, noting how many people no longer know how to use rare cuts of meat- we are more used to buying a package of ground beef from the supermarket than to get an entire side of beef from a butcher.  Canning food, appreciating those items she can grow, and also ones she is able to obtain from friends and local vendors allows Mather to eat well.

There were a few tips I felt I could use for my own cooking and plenty I could try in the future (did you know you can freeze egg whites in ice cube trays?). This spring (if the weather ever cooperates and it warms up) my sister-in-law and I will be planting our first garden at my parents' farm.  I haven't ever gardened and am not particularly good at growing things, but am looking forward to having some fresh vegetables this summer. My girls think this will be fun (they haven't weeded yet) as well, and are planning out what they want to see us grow.

Mather's book is full of recipes and I may have to check this book out again from the library since I read it while running on my treadmill - it was not ideal for perusing recipes at all.  My good friend Peaceful Reader  would love this book - I can imagine she and Mather would become  good friends.

Friday, April 19, 2013

He's Gone

I have read all of Deb Caletti's young adult novels and enjoy them a great deal.  When I saw He's Gone, her upcoming book, I instantly added it to my TBR list, only to be a bit surprised to find that it is an adult novel.

Dani Keller awakes one morning alone in bed. The houseboat where she and her husband, Ian, live is quiet. Dani at first assumes that Ian must have gone out to get something, but as time passes and he doesn't return, she becomes more worried.  His car is still at home, but his wallet and cell phone are gone.

Strangely to me, Dani's first reaction is that her husband must have left her. As she recalls bits and pieces of their last night out before Ian's disappearance, they argued briefly about something.  As the story unfolds Dani begins to reveal why she feels that her missing husband has chosen to leave.  Theirs is a second marriage - both having found each other while married to someone else. In fact, their children played on the same sports team.  His daughters have never accepted Dani and his relationship with them has been strained because of it.  Dani questions Ian's faithfulness to this marriage as she recalls him speaking closely the night before he disappeared with an attractive female colleague.

He's Gone is suspenseful in some parts. I really did want to find out what happened to Ian, unable to believe he would have chosen to leave Dani.  However, in my opinion, this novel may  not be a true suspense novel because there is a lot of focus on Dani's thought process and feelings - more introspective than full of action.

There are lots of things to discuss in this novel - the idea of how much you really know another person, the relationship between Dani and Ian, comparisons between Ian and Dani's first husband, Mark - making it a great book club selection.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

No One Could Have Guessed the Weather

Women's fiction is one of my favorite genres to read. I love reading about women who are juggling work and motherhood and marriage.  No One Could Have Guessed the Weather by Anne-Marie Casey was a book I thought I would love because it seemd to encompass all those things.

Lucy and her husband have had to downsize after the economy tanks. They've traded in their house for an apartment, and the life Lucy has created for herself in New York City after leaving Britain doesn't seam nearly as impressive any more.  She does still have her group of friends, Julia, Christy and Robyn.  Julia is a successful screen writer whose marriage is on the skids. Christy is a trophy wife to a much older man and seems to have everything she's ever wanted. Robyn is busy with child rearing, as well  but finds some satisfaction in sleeping with different men.

I liked all these women well enough. And I liked hearing their stories.  But, it too me a while to be invested in this book. And, it was hard for me to feel as though these women were truly close friends.  No One Could Have Guessed the Weather didn't quite live up to my expectations; with a little more character development it could be a great women's fiction novel.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick: The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane by Kelly Harms
Due out: July 9, 2013

Synopsis taken from Amazon:
A debut novel with huge bookclub potential—about luck and love, and winning a sweepstakes—with a cast of characters who will charm readers from the very first page


The HomeSweetHome network’s Free House Sweepstakes has just announced this year’s lucky winner of a brand-new, fully-loaded dream home: Janine Brown of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

For Janey Brown, hearing her name called on television feels like the inescapable fruition of her Aunt Midge’s endless string of harebrained plans, each of them designed to drag Janey into the world outside the tiny kitchen where she is happiest submerging her anxiety and grief in the pursuit of the perfect pot-au-feu.

Meanwhile, across town, Nean Brown just knows that house is her destiny. When she hears her name, it’s almost not even a surprise. Good fortune took its sweet time showing up in her life, but better late than never. For Nean the house promises an escape from the latest in her revolving door of crappy jobs and drunk boyfriends, from being the kind of person other people look at but don’t see.

Both Janine Browns head for their new hometown of Christmas Cove, Maine to claim the prize, and when their lives intersect, they discover that more than just a million-dollar dream home awaits them at water’s edge. In the vein of Mary Kay Andrews, the Good Luck Girls will win you over.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Eleanor and Park

Rainbow Rowell's novel has left me with another book hangover. After devouring it in a day, I will be recommending it to every teen girl as well as my adult reading friends.

Park is a bit unique because of his Korean heritage. His mom is from South Korea, having moved to the United States with Park's father after the two met while his father was in the Korean War. After nearly two decades of marriage, the two are still very much in love.  Park isn't tough like his dad, and seems to have inherited his mother's more diminutive stature. He loves music and comics.

Eleanor is a girl who attracts attention, despite the fact that that is the last thing she wants.  Her mom has recently remarried, and her stepfather, Richie, is a jerk - and that is being nice.  Her brothers and sister rely on her to help keep them safe, and aside from food, their basic needs often seem to be ignored. This new school that Eleanor attends is different than her last. Here, she seems to be the target of a group of mean girls.

When Eleanor and Park end up sitting together on the bus one day, they don't talk. Yet, as they find themselves sitting next to each other every day, the two eventually read comics together, talk, and finally fall in love.

Their romance is so sweet, yet still so realistic as they try to figure out who they are individually.

This book broke my heart a little bit, and there is so much more to this story than I am able to summarize neatly in a few paragraphs.  I'm already hoping my eleven year old will grow up and read this book in a few years....I can't wait to hear what she thinks about it.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise

In March I started reading biographies about famous women in history to my second graders.  We are working toward doing some research on a famous person later this year, and I have been sharing information with them about biographies in general as well as reading some to them.  
Before we even began, I asked if they knew of any famous women in history. The responses were about what I expected - they could name a few African American women - such as Harriet Tubman and Ruby Bridges, but not much beyond that.  
Today I read Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough and am anxious to see my second grade students again. This biography is a great addition to our work, and it doesn't hurt that it is about a woman who helped create libraries for children, something I can't imagine living without.

Anne Carroll Moore is not a household name.  In fact, I had never heard of her until I read Miss Moore Thought Otherwise.  Now that I know more about her, I am surprised that I have worked in the library field and in a position where my main focus is getting children to read and have access to library books without knowing her name.  
Moore was the youngest and only girl in a house with seven brothers.  She loved being read to but didn't understand why children weren't even allowed inside of libraries. Apparently adults thought children were not responsible enough to take care of their books or return them on time.  Despite the expectation to marry and have children, Moore's life took a different turn with the death of her parent and sister-in-law.  Eventually she attended library school and took her first job in a New York City library.  

While Moore wasn't the only person instrumental in allowing children to access libraries, her story is still remarkable.  At book's end, historical notes containing information about other important dates and people in the development of children's libraries are available to readers wanting a broader perspective.

I've already ordered a copy for my own collection, happy to add a biography about someone so important to my childhood and to that of my own daughters.'

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Sunday Salon

Later today we'll be venturing to Des Moines to see Bon Jovi in concert. The girls and I planned on going to see them with my sister. Unfortunately she was unable to trade her work schedule, but I still wanted to go to this concert.  My friend, Jamie, is going with us instead.  She has seen Bon Jovi several times already, and was more than happy to come along with us.  Not sure what the girls will think, but I have heard good things from everyone else who has seen them in concert before.  

Our weekend has been wet and cold - AGAIN!  I shouldn't complain since I know North Dakota and Minnesota are suffering through another blizzard, but I am so done with winter.  Middle Sister's soccer game was cancelled yesterday and Little Sister didn't have practice or a game this week because of the weather.  My girls are begging to go outside and play every day but don't end up spending too much time outside since it is so cold and damp.

Luckily I can read inside and be warm and happy.  This weekend I finished up a few books that I will review this week, and can't wait to start some new titles.  

We also have been working on cleaning - first because it just needs to get done, but also to get rid of things at our upcoming garage sale. And, we are also planning to remodel our kitchen this summer, so need to have our house appraised. I have been desperately wanting a kitchen remodel since we moved here six years ago, but am slightly overwhelmed by trying to decide what I really want.  We won't be changing things again (at least not any time soon) after the remodel is done, and we have limited space to work with. We're not really wanting the expense of adding on and I also have a huge issue with having so much when so many of my students don't have what they need to survive.  It just seems excessive. I will need to work on some creative ideas for using our space wisely.

I'm off to go finish up Park and Eleanor before running.  Anne Bennett from My Head is Full of Books recommended me setting aside the other books I had started to make sure I got this one done before it's due, and she was right. I'm really liking it.


Saturday, April 13, 2013

Raising the Curve

I have taught at my current school for eight years.  When I first began, we hovered in the mid-60% range for free and reduced lunch.  Four years ago we were closer to 90% for free and reduced lunch. Currently we are at 100%of our student population receiving free and reduced lunch. We have gone from our test scores being mildly concerning to becoming a School In Need of Assistance, and now for the past two years a Persistently Low Achieving School.
A lot of what we are doing is great and we have a lot to be proud of.  But I am always interested in reading books about other schools who are in a similar situation and what they are doing to help raise student achievement.  Some of these books may be a bit dry, but my favorite type are those that share the lives of students, teachers and classrooms.
  

Raising the Curve by Ron Berler is a look inside a Connecticut school very similar to the one where I teach. Berler spent a year in this school as a volunteer in exchange for being able to chronicle his experience. He spends time getting to know individual students and teachers and can write about them and their families with authority because he has taken the time to get to know these people. 

Raising the Curve is not a "how-to" on fixing education, but it did present some good ideas and different thoughts about my current teaching situation.  It is also not a book meant to show that our education system is broken. I felt that the glimpse Berler provides readers was spot-on and quite realistic with what I also see at school.

Raising the Curve could easily be read and enjoyed by those not in the field of education - and provides an accurate portrayal of the urban education system today.

Friday, April 12, 2013

Fitness Friday

As of today I have completed 3 days of Next Level Xtreme Fitness' 10 week session ( had to miss today's class due to work commitment).  I am not new to exercise.  In fact, I have been exercising faithfully for 25 years now.  There have been only one or two times in those years where I didn't work out for a few weeks (like after I had babies), and I don't consider myself out of shape.  But as my friend Tanya says, there are in-shape fat people. Luckily she wasn't directing that comment at me.

I set a goal for 2013 of running 1000 miles, which I think is attainable.  At the end of March I had run 365 miles.  But, with running that much, there is no time for any other type of exercise, and I couldn't really see any weight loss/toning at all.  My friend Heather has taken NLXF before and recommended it. 

I really like it. All except for the fact that it is hard to juggle my schedule to fit this class in. I feel like I am not around very much for my kids and it's not nearly as convenient as exercising in my own home.  My husband is having to do more and not necessarily enjoying dealing with the fighting and whining that goes with parenting. Right now I am telling myself that I am not going to do this for forever, so despite the fact that this class is making things a bit crazy at home, I am going to enjoy my 10 weeks of trying to get in better shape. 

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are kick boxing, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are more cardio- Tuesday focusing on lower body, and Thursdays on upper body.  The MWF classes seem slightly more enjoyable (if they could be called that) than the Tuesday/Thursday ones.  They are all challenging. 

And like with any good exercise program, a good diet must go along with it.  The first week hasn't been too bad. I have stuck to my plan of eating things that had a root or face at one time (basically fruits and veggies and protein).  It makes me feel better to eat healthy, even though there are plenty of temptations out there. As part of NLXF we must keep a food journal and hand it in each week. 

As this experience progresses, I'll have to fill you in.  I couldn't bring myself to pose in my jog bra and shorts a la The Biggest Loser for a before photo but I am hoping to at least see results in how my clothes fit.  


Thursday, April 11, 2013

A Hundred Summers

Beatriz Williams' new book, A Hundred Summers, isn't set to be published until June making it a perfect beach read.  However, even though I read it in decidedly un-summer-like weather, I also fell in love with it.

In 1931 two socialite college girls, Lily Dane and Budgie Byrne, attend college football games to watch Budgie's boyfriend play.  Lily meets Nicholsen Greenwald at a game, and the two are instantly struck by each other.  Their courtship is marred by the fact that Nick is Jewish, and when Lily attempts to introduce him to her parents they are adamant that Lily end the relationship.

Things have always seemed a bit easier for Budgie whose boyfriend, Harrison, is eventually cast aside for a different boyfriend, a pattern that repeats itself often in Budgie's life.

Now 1938, Lily is summering at Seaview, the beach house her family has vacationed at for generations.  Budgie will be arriving shortly at her family's beach house, and Lily is nervous for her arrival since the two haven't spoken in years. In addition, Budgie is now Budgie Greenwald, having married Nick, who had once been the love of Lily's life.

The chapters alternate setting between 1931 and 1938 and  I raced through each chapter in order to discover what occurred between Lily and Nick that ended what appeared to be a perfect love affair. As  I read secrets were revealed - enjoyable especially since I didn't foresee any of them in advance. I fell in love with Nick, a gentleman from the book's beginning and wanted both he and Lily to find happiness.

The cover of this book perfectly captures this time period, which in addition to the 1930s setting, also is marked by the Hurricane of 1938 that swept away entire beach communities like Seaview where Lily and Budgie had summer homes.

A Hundred Summers left me with a book hangover; every title I have picked up since hasn't held much appeal.

On an entirely unrelated side note, if you fell in love with this cover like I have and enjoy the retro look of Lily and Budgie's swimsuits, check out Popina Swimwear. I love the look of these suits, and just might have to get myself something new this year.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted  by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick:  Island Girls by Nancy Thayer
Due out June 18, 2013

Product Description taken from Amazon:
New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer returns to her beloved Nantucket in a highly emotional, wholly entertaining tale of three sisters forced to confront the past over one event-filled summer on the island.


Charming ladies’ man Rory Randall dies with one last trick up his sleeve: His will includes a calculating clause mandating a summer-long reunion for his daughters, all from different marriages—that is, if they hope to inherit his posh Nantucket house. Relations among the three sisters are sour thanks to long-festering jealousies, resentments, and misunderstandings. Arden, a successful television host in Boston, hasn’t been back to the island since her teenage years, when accusations of serious misbehavior led to her banishment. College professor Meg hopes to use her summer to finish a literary biography and avoid an amorous colleague. And secretive Jenny, an IT specialist, faces troubling questions about her identity while longing for her sisters’ acceptance.


To their surprise, the three young women find their newfound sisterhood easier to trust than the men who show up to complicate their lives. And if that weren’t problematic enough, their mothers descend on the island. When yet another visitor drops by the house with shocking news, the past comes screaming back with a vengeance. Having all the women from his life under his seaside roof—and overseeing the subsequent drama of that perfect storm—Rory Randall might just be enjoying a hearty laugh from above.


Nancy Thayer’s novel insightfully illustrates how the push and pull of family altercations make us whole. It’s how the Randall sisters come to forgive, and learn to open their hearts to love.



Tuesday, April 9, 2013

The List

The little blurb on the cover of Karin Tanabe's The List calls it a "Smartly Paced  and Dishy Political Thriller," which sums it up perfectly to me.

I loved the fun of this book.  Adrienne Brown has left her job at Town and Country magazine to move back home (at the age of twenty-eight!) to work for The Capitolist, a political publication that causes Adrienne to forego sleep and reduce her income dramatically as she enters the frenetic pace at "the List." 
Adrienne meets a few nice girls at work, but Olivia Campo, who works the White House beat, is anything but nice.  And when Adrienne finds out a few things about Campo, she has a hard time deciding whether to make this knowledge public or keep it to herself.

There's a bit of suspense as Adrienne does some undercover detective work as she is learning things about Olivia that made it almost impossible for me to put the book down.  I love books with a Washington, D.C., setting and Adrienne's journalism career uncovering bits of info on today's politicians proved entertaining. Based (loosely) on Tanabe's own experiences at Politico this is a book that reminded me a bit of The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.  

A very fun and fast read.

Monday, April 8, 2013

My Voyeuristic Tendencies

I'm not sure what fascinates me so much about other people's lives, but as a fan of memoirs and biographies, it  should come as no surprise that I also love reading blogs that people write about their lives. Sure, I love the book blogs that are on my blogroll and I do read those, but I am totally sucked in to reading some random blogs written by people I have never met and hearing all about what they have going on.
It reaffirms for me that my life is no worse or better than anyone elses.  And, it also entertains me to hear about the daily activities of the average Joe Blow. Big Sister is also into reading blogs, keeping me informed on who is having a baby, trying a new recipe,or going shopping. Her voyeuristic tendencies come  naturally to her. What can I say?

If you are looking to be entertained and read about someone else's life, these blogs are ones you should check out:

Big Mama Blog- written by Melanie Shankel, I am late to the party on this one. Shankel just published her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings which recaps fairly succinctly what she has blogged about up until now.  A Texas native, Shankel talks about her role as a mother of Caroline with humor and also includes a bit of her faith.

Boo Mama- my friend Kristin told me about both Big Mama and Boo Mama - and added that the two women are friends. Well, being late to the party like I told you, I haven't yet figured out the friendship thing. I'm not doubting Kristin, because she loves reading about other people maybe more than I do, but I need to read further back in blog posts.  

I Get To - Darla Baerg presents a funny look at her life as well as takes time to share her faith and her positive life view on her blog. I was introduced to this one a few years ago, and still check in from time to time.

Kelly's Korner- OK, Basically my friend Kristin should have just written this post because in addition to Boo Mama and Big Mama, she also recommended Kelly's Korner as a blog I would enjoy.  And of course, she was right.  If you can't tell what type of blog I enjoy by the previous three choices, by now I hope you are getting the hint.  Kelly is a mom of two girls who shares her daily adventures in parenting, recipes, pictures, and faith.  

Fiddledeedee - Linked to Boo Mama's blog, this is a fun blog by a homeschooling mom. Not so very different from the other blogs I read, but after starting on a blog, I find it hard to not want to know more.  It's like we're family after I've read all about them!

My Fascinating Life - I started reading this blog when Amanda from A Patchwork of Books linked it with her Fitness Friday posts. Caroline is a Florida mom who has lost weight and tries to lead a healthy lifestyle.  I will admit I think her workouts are a bit insane- and only possible because she doesn't have to go to work every day - but I feel like I know her family.

I have tons of other blogs I could share - and probably will at some point.  I am easily sucked in to cooking blogs and had a hard time not including any of these in this post. Are there great blogs that I am missing out on? What blogs do you read (aside from book blogs) regularly?



Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sunday Salon

Oh, where has this day gone?

Well, for starters- church and Sunday School took up most of the morning.  I ran ten miles on the treadmill this afternoon and joined Big Sister at her Girl Scout activity so that Middle Sister and Little Sister could swim for a while.  We ended up trying out racquetball which they loved.  A short stop for fruit and veggies, and here we are back at home at 6:30 PM.

Tomorrow I am starting a Next Level XTreme Fitness class.  This could be a major challenge for me since not only is it a time commitment  (6-7 PM each night) but it is also a lifestyle change.  I attended the orientation yesterday and had them take my measurements. I didn't have them take a "before" photo like on the Biggest Loser.  Maybe I could do that in the privacy of my own home, but no one else really needs to see my fat.  Ugh.  Anyway....the eating guidelines, at least the basic ones - are that you can eat it if it has (had) a face or a root.  We have to keep a food journal and turn it in each week so the instructors can look at it and comment on it.  I'm excited about this but also a little nervous.  I'll have to report back after this first week - if I'm still alive.  The good news was that my husband's co-worker's wife (Heather) is also taking the class at the same time, so I am happy to know someone that will be going through this with me.

I'm getting prepared for a busy week - between my fitness class each day, we also have soccer for two girls twice this week and Middle Sister has her first game on Saturday.  My husband is training for a twelve hour adventure race with some friends and has started running to prepare. His bike is in the shop getting fixed right now, but soon biking will be a part of his training.

On the reading front....it seems I am reading some great books, but not very quickly.  I finished off The List last night.  When I woke up at 2:30 AM to a child who had to tell me about her nightmare, I decided to finish off the last 50 pages. I evens started and ARC of A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams.  I'm loving the 1930's setting and hope to find some reading time after the girls go to bed.

The week ahead looks busy and cold and rainy.  How about you? What do you have planned this week?

Friday, April 5, 2013

So Long, Running Partner


After 3150 miles on my treadmill, we have finally broken down and bought a new machine.  Our first treadmill, a Nordic Track we bought in 2002 after Big Sister was born.  I had no intention of ever running.  Except then I started and became addicted to it.  After breaking three running boards- to the shock of our Sears repairman who thought either my husband or I must be a giant - we bought a new treadmill.  This Pacemaster has been my constant running companion for four years.  We invested money in a lifetime warranty only to have the our running board break the month after the company went out of business.  So.... I have been running on the treadmill with a broken running board for nearly a year.  My husband - who I blame for the status of the running board because of the pounding and speed he runs with- gave me/us this new treadmill as our 15th anniversary present and also as a 40th birthday present to me.  He mostly runs outside, so most of the miles this machine shows are from me.
I'm excited to run on my new machine, but feel a bit sad that this 'ol girl won't be part of my daily routine anymore. And just for fun I looked up the number of miles between New York City and San Francisco and realized I could have run across the entire  United States instead of watching out my window and reading a book while I ran. 

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The Midwife of Hope River

It seems nearly every historical fiction book I read is measured against one of my favorite books ever, The Help.  I loved that book so much and am sure I have elevated it on a a bit over time, but have found it difficult to find other books that match it. And yet, as I read The Midwife of Hope River, I found myself drawn into this story, totally enjoying Harman's tale.

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman is paperback novel set in the 1930s.  Patience is a midwife in a small community where she is eking our her existence as the Depression makes it difficult for any family to find a way to pay her for her services.  Patience is also hiding from her past a bit.  Through her own recollections we learn over time a bit about the two different men she loved and lost as well as the child she lost.  Her life has not been easy. 
Yet, Patience keeps on delivering babies for the local residents.  She forms a few friendships - with the veterinarian, a home health nurse- and even agrees to take in one new mother's hired girl when the mother admits they can no longer afford to keep her on.  This somewhat quirky crew help Patience form ties to the community and feel as though she has made a home for herself.
Atlhough set in the 1930s, race is still an issue, much to Patience's disbelief.  Her friendship with Bitsy who she has allowed to move in with her has definitely caused a stir in the community. I was amazed at the various stories of childbirth (and also thankful that I read this book after I had children already since the stories do depict accurately what childbirth entails) as Patience chronicled each birth in a notebook.  

Harman is a great storyteller, including a few surprises about her characters along the way - all caught me a bit off guard and increased my love of this story.  The Midwife of Hope River isn't receiving nearly the fanfare I think it deserves, and I hope book clubs will select this book to read and discuss since there is plenty to enjoy and talk about.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick:  The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian
Due out: July 16, 2013

Product Description taken from Amazon:
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Sandcastle Girls, a spine-tingling novel of love, desperation, and revenge, set in the war-ravaged countryside of Italy.


1943: Tucked away in the idyllic hills of Tuscany, the Rosatis, an Italian family of noble lineage, believe that the walls of their ancient villa can keep them safe from the war raging across Europe. Cristina, only eighteen years old, spends her days swimming in the pool, playing with her niece and nephew, and wandering amid the olive groves. But when two soldiers, a German and an Italian, arrive at the villa asking to see the old family burial site, the Rosatis' bucolic tranquillity is shattered. A young German soldier begins to court Cristina, Allies descend expecting hospitality, and what was once a sanctuary soon becomes a battleground.

1955: Serafina Bettini, an investigator with the Italian police department, has her demons. A beautiful woman, Serafina carefully hides her scars along with haunting memories of the war. But when she is assigned to a gruesome new case—a vengeful serial killer targeting the Rosati family—Serafina finds herself digging deeper into the past to find out who wants to murder this family in cold blood.

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

The Smart One

Jennifer Close's second novel has made me fall in love with her a bit.  While I loved Girls in White Dresses, I LOVED The Smart One.  
The Coffeys easily represent many American families. Just as Weezy and Will think they are empty nesters their three adult children move back home, each confronted with a challenge they need their parents help to solve.
Martha, the oldest child, struggles with her nursing career. Claire's engagement has just been called off. Even Max, the youngest, and only boy, faces struggles that send him and his girlfriend Cleo back to his parents' house.
Weezy, Claire, Martha and Cleo each take turns narrating various chapters and miraculously I could relate to every single one of these women.  Close accurately captured the family dynamics of the Coffeys- the petty arguments that arise when adult children move back home and feel as though they are children once more.  The worry the parents face as they hold their breath, hoping for their children to find their way once more. The realization that adulthood is hard work.
I debated with myself quite a while about which character Close is referring to in her title  The Smart One.  As I read, I eventually decided that there is more than just one "smart one."  Weezy was always considered the smart one by her father, while her sister Maureen was expected to marry well.  Cleo was always considered the smart one in her family, a girl who followed the rules and did well in school.  Claire is smart in the sense that she is able to take care of herself and is expected to always do well. Martha is smart in school, yet struggles with relationships and relating to people.  
The Smart One is a realistic look at one families ups and downs, joys and sorrows.  There is humor and heartbreak, and I find myself still thinking about the Coffeys and what is going on in their lives.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Blast from the Past

These are my highlights from a decade ago.  Although I read only eight books in April 2003, when I look back all of them were great books.  How about you? What were you reading ten years ago? Last year?