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Who should come to mind?
Jun. 8th, 2011 12:26 pmSo. We have a very popular local author here in Culpeper. She has self-published a book "about" the Civil War, a historical romance, fictitious, that has very good reviews on Amazon. Otoh, to talk to a few of the more cynical locals, I'm told that it is very dry, and more fictitious than historical. I have not read the book myself, but I have read the synopsis, and it doesn't sound like something that would appeal to me. The story is about how a spunky Southern belle falls in love with a Northern officer.
Still, having not read the book, I shouldn't pass judgment. And Culpeper did change hands several times during the course of the Civil War.
However, I was reading some of the Amazon user reviews. One of the less favorable reviews said the reader stopped reading when "the incredible young heroine meets the 6'2" hero . . . "
My first thought?
"Oooh! Jensen!"
Followed by imaginings of Jensen in a Union uniform.
Yeah.
(I have long thought that Jensen and Jared would look great in period costuming, and in my head, I always put Jensen in blue and Jared in gray.)
If I keep Jensen in mind as the hero of the story, maybe I could convince myself to read it.
Still, having not read the book, I shouldn't pass judgment. And Culpeper did change hands several times during the course of the Civil War.
However, I was reading some of the Amazon user reviews. One of the less favorable reviews said the reader stopped reading when "the incredible young heroine meets the 6'2" hero . . . "
My first thought?
"Oooh! Jensen!"
Followed by imaginings of Jensen in a Union uniform.
Yeah.
(I have long thought that Jensen and Jared would look great in period costuming, and in my head, I always put Jensen in blue and Jared in gray.)
If I keep Jensen in mind as the hero of the story, maybe I could convince myself to read it.
Words of Wisdom
Mar. 16th, 2011 07:39 amDo not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act. ~Prov. 3:27
( A month of Proverbs )
( A month of Proverbs )
I'm getting ready to read the first pulp fiction I've ever read. Pulp fiction is one of Geo's favorite genres, and Jonathan Latimer is one of his favorite authors in the genre. Geo tells me that Solomon's Vineyard is one of the best pulp novels he's ever read. So I'm looking forward to it.
( It should be a movie. )
( It should be a movie. )This and that
Aug. 23rd, 2010 10:14 pmAs is probably evident, I haven't felt much like writing the past few days. There's been good and there's been frustrating, and I'm on that med cycle again that knocks me into a coma on a daily basis.
( First, the frustrating )
( The pretty good )
( And in the interest of completion . . . )
( The musey, she is silent )
( First, the frustrating )( The pretty good )( And in the interest of completion . . . )( The musey, she is silent )Nature Girl, by Carl Hiaasen
Jun. 28th, 2010 02:22 pmFinished my vacation book yesterday. Nature Girl, by Carl Hiaasen. (Can someone please tell me how to pronounce his name correctly? I fear I'm getting is wrong.)
( I have an odd relationship with Hiaasen's books. )
( I have an odd relationship with Hiaasen's books. )Death's Pizza
May. 30th, 2010 08:47 pmI've been wanting to write about a lot of different things recently. A review of the latest SPN tie-in novel. I wanted to write a review of it the way I do after an ep. Then I realized that only a handful of peeps would know what I was talking about.
I've wanted to write about the medical/bebe situation, for my own journaling if nothing else. It's a constant struggle with the timing of everything.
Musey is toying with a gonna-be-Gambled (are things Gambled now? Or are they still Kripked?) scene of Sam and Dean getting back together.
And I've really wanted to write about a play I'm hoping we do at church. "Mountaintop." A one act, four person play about Abraham and Isaac, and paralleling it to the crucifixion. I directed it a long time ago, and I re-read it the other day. And I cried. I love this play. I cannot tell you how much I love it.
Oh, but about the pizza.
The Chicago deep dish pizza that Dean and Death shared made me hungry for pizza. But I'm not real keen on Chicago-style pizza. I'm much more of a New York style pizza person. But still, that pizza looked good. So ever since then I've had a hankering for homemade pizza. And tonight we finally got around to it. I haven't made homemade pizza since I was 16. And tonight I even made the dough from scratch (with my new KitchenAid mixer w/dough hook \o/). And let me tell you, it was de-lish. And yes, it needed a fork and knife to eat it, because the way we load the toppings on a homemade pizza? Yeah. You need the extra help.
Tomorrow we're having people over for the first cookout on Geo's new grill. We did corn yesterday; tomorrow will be burgers and brats. And I've got some citrus sangria, and I made some strawberry & berry blue poke cake, which poke cake is one of my favorites. We're having several people over. The only thing missing is a swimming pool. (And the parade, but I won't get into that right now.)
I've wanted to write about the medical/bebe situation, for my own journaling if nothing else. It's a constant struggle with the timing of everything.
Musey is toying with a gonna-be-Gambled (are things Gambled now? Or are they still Kripked?) scene of Sam and Dean getting back together.
And I've really wanted to write about a play I'm hoping we do at church. "Mountaintop." A one act, four person play about Abraham and Isaac, and paralleling it to the crucifixion. I directed it a long time ago, and I re-read it the other day. And I cried. I love this play. I cannot tell you how much I love it.
Oh, but about the pizza.
The Chicago deep dish pizza that Dean and Death shared made me hungry for pizza. But I'm not real keen on Chicago-style pizza. I'm much more of a New York style pizza person. But still, that pizza looked good. So ever since then I've had a hankering for homemade pizza. And tonight we finally got around to it. I haven't made homemade pizza since I was 16. And tonight I even made the dough from scratch (with my new KitchenAid mixer w/dough hook \o/). And let me tell you, it was de-lish. And yes, it needed a fork and knife to eat it, because the way we load the toppings on a homemade pizza? Yeah. You need the extra help.
Tomorrow we're having people over for the first cookout on Geo's new grill. We did corn yesterday; tomorrow will be burgers and brats. And I've got some citrus sangria, and I made some strawberry & berry blue poke cake, which poke cake is one of my favorites. We're having several people over. The only thing missing is a swimming pool. (And the parade, but I won't get into that right now.)
What I'm reading . . .
Jan. 21st, 2010 02:21 pmI'm in the process of reading Logan's Run. How very, very different from the movie. It's the same basic premise, some of the same characters and scenes, but so very, very different. And I can't say that I like one over the other.
( Beware the Spoilers beyond this point. )
( Beware the Spoilers beyond this point. )Yo, California Cuties!
Feb. 20th, 2009 11:15 amThat's right. I'm lookin' at you three. Uh-huh.
So, who wants to go on a treasure hunt? 'Cause if any of y'all could find this mag, I'd be very, very grateful. (FIVE pages of interview! Two amazing pics! *wants*)
I just found out about it today, and since we're at the end of February, I don't even know if it would still be on the news stands. But hey, I thought I'd ask.
:-)
ETA: Problem solved, thanks to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
smalltwndreamer. Muchas thanks, hon!
ETA 2: Gah!!!! Billie Piper is listed among the profiles/interviews!whitemartyr, I'll see what I can do about getting a copy of that to you, either electronic or (less likely) hard copy, if you're interested.
So, who wants to go on a treasure hunt? 'Cause if any of y'all could find this mag, I'd be very, very grateful. (FIVE pages of interview! Two amazing pics! *wants*)
I just found out about it today, and since we're at the end of February, I don't even know if it would still be on the news stands. But hey, I thought I'd ask.
:-)
ETA: Problem solved, thanks to
smalltwndreamer. Muchas thanks, hon!ETA 2: Gah!!!! Billie Piper is listed among the profiles/interviews!
whitemartyr, I'll see what I can do about getting a copy of that to you, either electronic or (less likely) hard copy, if you're interested.We Have Always Lived in the Castle
Nov. 10th, 2008 06:31 amLast night, I finished reading the Shirley Jackson novel We Have Always Lived in the Castle. What a bizarre little book. Told in the first person, We Have Always Lived in the Castle follows the strange, isolated daily lives of Mary Katherine (Merricat) Blackwood, her reclusive sister Constance, old Uncle Julian, and Mary Katherine's cat, Jonas. Living in their large family home, the Blackwoods keep to themselves, the objects of mystery and scandal, fear and fascination for the neighboring villagers. Merricat uses her fanciful imagination and personal magic to protect her much loved sister, fearful of change, and particularly upset when estranged Cousin Charles comes to visit.
I don't want to say too much about this, as it is a wonderful read that unfolds bit by bit and page by page as Ms. Jackson slowly reveals the secrets of the Blackwood family. Neither am I certain how to classify the book--not really "horror" in the classic sense, still it gives the reader a certain sense of unease as the family secrets come to light.
Shirley Jackson is an author who really must be experienced to be appreciated. Her writing is rich and textured, but as a storyteller, she gives her readers only just enough and leaves you unsettled and wanting more.
If anyone does decide to give the book a try, I'd be interested to know what you think. 'Cause I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it.
I never did get around to my review of The Haunting of Hill House. Another excellent book, and very interesting in terms of contrast with the movie made off of the book, The Haunting.
I don't want to say too much about this, as it is a wonderful read that unfolds bit by bit and page by page as Ms. Jackson slowly reveals the secrets of the Blackwood family. Neither am I certain how to classify the book--not really "horror" in the classic sense, still it gives the reader a certain sense of unease as the family secrets come to light.
Shirley Jackson is an author who really must be experienced to be appreciated. Her writing is rich and textured, but as a storyteller, she gives her readers only just enough and leaves you unsettled and wanting more.
If anyone does decide to give the book a try, I'd be interested to know what you think. 'Cause I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it.
I never did get around to my review of The Haunting of Hill House. Another excellent book, and very interesting in terms of contrast with the movie made off of the book, The Haunting.
HP7 - Spoilery babblings
Jul. 25th, 2007 09:54 pmUm, wow.
Just finished HP7 tonight. Then I had to pull together a meal for some of Geo's work compatriots. So I didn't get to post while I was still on my high.
But wow. That was one wild ride.
So much has already been said about it, my favorite points already pointed out by others. There's just so much to love about this book. And most of the moments I love are character moments.
( My mindset going in )
And I should probably get to bed now.
Having blown through the book in five days, I might have to re-read it soon.
Good stuff.
Just finished HP7 tonight. Then I had to pull together a meal for some of Geo's work compatriots. So I didn't get to post while I was still on my high.
But wow. That was one wild ride.
So much has already been said about it, my favorite points already pointed out by others. There's just so much to love about this book. And most of the moments I love are character moments.
( My mindset going in )And I should probably get to bed now.
Having blown through the book in five days, I might have to re-read it soon.
Good stuff.
HP7 - Just finished Chapter 20
Jul. 24th, 2007 08:43 amJust peeking in on my friends list--reading NOTHING--because you all should be beaten with wet noodles for being able to read so quickly.
I'm a slow reader, speedwise. I always have been. I don't skim. I don't scan. I read. Every freakin' word. And then I go back and re-read. I like to savor. I love to savor the feel of the book in my hand (especially at the point where I am now, where the book is balanced, with equal page weight on either cover), the feel of the pages as I turn them, the texture of the dust jacket. I love the look of the words on the page, and Mary GranPre's illustrations. I marvel at the complexity of the human brain to be able to form meaning out of ink on a page, and to be able to make the ink form pictures in the mind. This is why it can take me so long to read. I get sidetracked by the experience of the reading.
And when I want to completely immerse myself in a book, I need solitude. Can't have the TV on in the background, can't have conversation going on in the room. Because the more I want to focus and lose myself, the more easily distracted I become. And when that happens at a particularly poignant time in the book, the effect is lost. So, anyway . . .
I know someone back in Ohio who is on her 3rd re-through. That's just nuts.
People who know me know I'm "whipping through" the book. I anticipate that, since I'm home alone today, I might finish the book today or tomorrow.
It's a fun read. Heart-clutching moments here, moments of relieved smiles there.( For those who have already read the thing )
But I'm going to go have breakfast now. Then it's shower, dress, and sit down with the book. Then maybe at some point I'll get to organizing the kitchen today. Because I actually do have stuff I need to get done.
I'm a slow reader, speedwise. I always have been. I don't skim. I don't scan. I read. Every freakin' word. And then I go back and re-read. I like to savor. I love to savor the feel of the book in my hand (especially at the point where I am now, where the book is balanced, with equal page weight on either cover), the feel of the pages as I turn them, the texture of the dust jacket. I love the look of the words on the page, and Mary GranPre's illustrations. I marvel at the complexity of the human brain to be able to form meaning out of ink on a page, and to be able to make the ink form pictures in the mind. This is why it can take me so long to read. I get sidetracked by the experience of the reading.
And when I want to completely immerse myself in a book, I need solitude. Can't have the TV on in the background, can't have conversation going on in the room. Because the more I want to focus and lose myself, the more easily distracted I become. And when that happens at a particularly poignant time in the book, the effect is lost. So, anyway . . .
I know someone back in Ohio who is on her 3rd re-through. That's just nuts.
People who know me know I'm "whipping through" the book. I anticipate that, since I'm home alone today, I might finish the book today or tomorrow.
It's a fun read. Heart-clutching moments here, moments of relieved smiles there.
( For those who have already read the thing ) But I'm going to go have breakfast now. Then it's shower, dress, and sit down with the book. Then maybe at some point I'll get to organizing the kitchen today. Because I actually do have stuff I need to get done.
Practicing the link-y thing
Jul. 27th, 2006 09:44 amJust to see if I can get this right . . .
Here's a link to an article I found this morning:
The Aussie Bible
I thought it was kind of interesting, particularly since I read a different article recently about the Bible being translated into Gullah, which is a creole language (though I think of it more as a dialect. I suppose an argument could be made that there's a fine line between "language" and "dialect," but I digress . . .)
The Gullah Bible
Incidentally, we actually do have a copy of The Cockney Bible somewhere in the house.
Here's a link to an article I found this morning:
The Aussie Bible
I thought it was kind of interesting, particularly since I read a different article recently about the Bible being translated into Gullah, which is a creole language (though I think of it more as a dialect. I suppose an argument could be made that there's a fine line between "language" and "dialect," but I digress . . .)
The Gullah Bible
Incidentally, we actually do have a copy of The Cockney Bible somewhere in the house.
