tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41246813127328686542024-03-13T15:03:48.611-04:00You've GOTTA read this!A testament to a life-long obsession with reading...Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.comBlogger1618125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-82178909574599291162015-02-22T15:52:00.000-05:002015-02-22T15:52:52.076-05:00Sunday Salon: Time to Say Goodbye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good afternoon my friends. Have you ever heard the song "Time to Say Goodbye" sung by Sara Brightman and Andrea Bocelli? Gorgeous! I never get tired of it. Anyway, that title came to mind when I started writing this post. Because I think it is time. It has been brewing in my head and heart for awhile, for a number of reasons, but <a href="http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/2015/02/and-they-lived-happily-ever-after-end.html">Michele Jacobsen's post</a> inspired my action. <br /><br />When I started blogging, I immediately jumped into a daily posting schedule, reading and writing like a madwoman. I made friends (lifelong ones I hope) and our blogging community was small and warm and intimate and invigorating and innovative. We had things to say, we supported one another, we gave each other awards, we met in person. But over time it changed, it got crowded and competitive and sterile and a bit...juvenile. My kids became teenagers, and slowly I trimmed down my pace to four days a week, then twice a week, and now I only post on Sundays. My posts are starting to sound like a broken record...I'm busy running around, my reading is in a slump, blah blah. I'm bored with myself and I'm sure you are bored with me too!<br /><br />And recently we got Brody, and what attention and time I had is now devoted to him. OK, let's stop for a couple of pictures. </span><br /><br /><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also realized that what I DID say on the blog, I said it on Facebook as well. My Goodreads "reviews" (if that is what you want to call them) post on Facebook, my pictures all get posted there, the movies I see get posted there on Letterboxd, and if there is something really on my mind, it gets discussed there. <br /><br />So what's the point?<br /><br />I still plan on roaming around and reading a few of your blogs, because I do still want to know all the shiny new pretty books I need to read. And I care about what is going on with all of you.<br /><br />So on that note, I'm going to sign out here, take my current book that I'm averaging 5 pages a day on, and sit in the sun with my dog and read until I fall asleep. </span></div>
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-44678875386790149452015-02-15T11:11:00.000-05:002015-02-15T11:11:18.483-05:00Sunday Salon: I blinked...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow! What a week we've had! Now I'm determined not to glorify the busyness, but we were seriously on-the-go this week. (No wonder I'm wanting a nap!) <br /><br />Brody had his first puppy school Monday night. He will have five of these sessions, learning to focus, sit, down and other puppy duties. I intend to keep him in classes as long as possible. This dog needs his brain exercised. He also had his second set of puppy shots and his first vet visit since we got him. <br /><br />My parents returned from their trip to Arizona and California, just in time for my sister from Minnesota to visit. We had absolutely gorgeous weather while she was here, which she completely soaked up. We went out to lunch and dinner on several occasions (taking the dog when we could), we saw a play of "To Kill a Mockingbird", we went to the farmer's market and shopping in Winter Park, she cooked Chinese for us (she is a master since she studied there for over a year), she came with me to the trainer a couple of times, and we watched some movies. We saw "Birdman" at the theater, and watched "Under the Skin" and an old Polanski movie "Cul de Sac" here at home. And of course we did lots of romping with the dog.<br /><br /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately while my sister was here, my kids, husband and dad all had the crud. I'm waiting for it to swing my way, but I hope not. That kept us from ever doing something together, the seven of us. <br /><br />I don't have much to report on reading unfortunately. Things should settle down a little bit now, and I'm hoping to get some momentum. Currently I've started the audio "Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy" by Karen Abbott, as well as "You" by Caroline Kepnes in print. Both great reads, just need some down time. I'm really getting antsy because I've really got a wonderful TBR stack going right now, including some recent purchases from our wonderful new indie bookstore in town called "<a href="http://www.writersblockbookstore.com/">Writer's Block Bookstore</a>". I got "Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins for my next book club. I got "Her" by Harriet Lane, "Redeployment" by Phil Klay, "Finding Florida" by T.D. Allman, and "From Hell", an Alan Moore graphic novel about Jack the Ripper. I also got "In the Heart of the Sea" by Nathanial Philbrick at Costco (impulse), and the ARC of "The Precious One" by Marisa de los Santos from the most awesome Jill Broderick. OMG people! I NEED TO GET READING!!!<br /><br />So on that note, I'm off to shower and...do something. Grocery store, helping my daughter with SAT studying perhaps, and maybe a little of that rare gem called reading.</span></div>
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-78484459625253208792015-02-08T13:08:00.000-05:002015-02-08T13:08:58.991-05:00Sunday Salon: The Social Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We are now just wrapping up our first week with Brody. We are exhausted, but so in love with him. Our breeder told us that to properly socialize a dog and make sure he is well-behaved and adaptable, he needs to meet at least 100 people before he is four months old. He also needs to get used to being groomed (something that will take up more and more time as he gets shaggier) and get used to the leash. We took our mission seriously, so we had a busy week. He has had play dates, gone in the car on errands and to pick up my son every day, gone on walks, been to my husband's office twice (once for family game night), gone out to dinner with outside seating, met the folks at the neighborhood fire station, met the ladies at the pool store, and helped me with yard work. He is such a good boy, sleeps through the night in his crate without crying or messes, and is happy to just hang out even when there are screaming kids or loud music and chaos. He can already sit and down, tells us when he needs to go out, and can walk on a leash. He goes to puppy school tomorrow night...that should be interesting! We couldn't be happier with him.</span><br /><br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sooooooo...reading? Not so much. I did finish "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1187025893">Everything I Never Told You</a>" by Celeste Ng on audio (thank God for audios) for one of my book clubs. I didn't love it like so many people. It has plenty to talk about, but I can't say I enjoyed the listening experience. It was very heavy, and I felt agitated with the parents in the story. I just recently started "Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy" by Karen Abbott for my other book club. <br /><br />In print I started "You" by Caroline Kepnes on the way to North Carolina and back last weekend, but once I got home I haven't read a single word, as you might imagine. It certainly isn't because of the book, I just have been chasing my toddler-in-a-dog-suit. I'm hoping I will get a minute or two today to dig into it a little more.<br /><br />Exciting week coming up...my sister is coming down from Minnesota for four days or so. It's been awhile since I've seen her so that will be fun. I'll fill you in on our activities next week. Hope you all have a great Sunday! </span></div>
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-61725323014897625412015-02-01T17:50:00.000-05:002015-02-01T17:50:47.236-05:00Sunday Salon: Puppy Breath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good afternoon bloggy friends! I have been way off the radar this week, preparing for the arrival of The Fluffy Sweet One. It was hard for me to concentrate. I worked out, did some yard work, a doctor appointment or two, a meeting at the school for the son (you know, because it isn't a good school year without a couple of these!). My daughter, husband and I took off Friday morning for North Carolina (ugh, 9 long hours, I'm not a good road trip person), and got there around dinner time. The puppy nanny and her daughter came to our hotel so we could meet Brody and his siblings. On Saturday morning we went to the breeder's house to absorb a million tips and facts about these dogs, get a grooming lesson, and away we went. The ride back took a little longer because we stopped at Starbucks and subsequently my daughter had to stop and pee about 5 times. But sweet boy was great. He just passed out in the back seat and slept the whole way. Little puffy pumpkin butt.</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has done very well so far. He slept through the night in his crate without a peep, and has only had a couple of potty accidents. Today we met some of my friends and played with a friend's dog. I'd forgotten about how puppies are like toddlers and get into everything! My daughter is so good with him, though, and has been a huge help.<br /><br />Are you tired of hearing about the dog at this point? LOL. <br /><br />As you can imagine, if I've been distracted before now, at this point I'm totally over the edge. I was barely able to get this written! Things will settle down eventually, once he gets older and in a routine. I look forward to long walks with him, which will help with audios! <br /><br />I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1179131080">A Man Called Ove</a>" by Fredrik Backman on audio this week, and it was very sweet. It was sort of a nice mix of humor and poignance. It had some very serious, sad issues but you finish the book feeling warm inside. I'm now just starting "Everything I Never Told You" by Celeste Ng for one of my book clubs this month.<br /><br />In print I finally finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1159811093">Where All the Light Tends To Go</a>" by David Joy. This was an excellent debut novel about a 19 year-old boy living in Appalachia. Extremely dark and heartbreaking, but what do you expect with that setting? I've now started "You" by Caroline Kepnes, a really twisted story about a stalker. Really intriguing and easy to read though! <br /><br />We are headed out to a Superbowl party tonight, and while it is a fun event, it is hard to really focus on the game because there are so many people. And I'd rather hold my puppy and watch at home but we must make an appearance. <br /><br />Bear with me on the obsessive chatter about the dog, and the lack of visitation to your blogs. I'll get there! Hope everyone has had a great Sunday! </span></div>
<br /><br /><br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-60663024757240939542015-01-25T16:24:00.003-05:002015-01-25T16:24:29.743-05:00Sunday Salon: T-1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy late Sunday afternoon friends! I'm rolling in at this hour because I have to wait for my weekly dog pictures which are the last ones I will get before we to pick him up next Saturday. I love the one of him reading. And when I say I love our breeder, I mean, she and the puppy nanny are amazing. They take the puppies on field trips, make sure they have exposure to other dogs, cats and people, and they read to them and play music. They potty train and crate train them, and get them used to the leash. This week I got to Face Time with Brody for the second time, so I could see him running around doing his thing. <br /><br /> </span><br />
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<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a full week. Mid-week my back felt better, and I was able to go back to the trainer but I did spend many hours on the heating pad! I should be close to 100% when I go tomorrow. I'm really happy with these people, they aren't messing around. I'm walking around like I've been riding a horse and can barely get in and out of a chair! Haha! <br /><br />I had a book club meeting to discuss "Me Before You" (my choice because I want as many people to love this book as I did). Did you know it was going to be a movie late this summer? A friend's son had confirmation. Did some work in the yard - the weather has been gorgeous. We attended a wine and food tasting with silent auction on Saturday night, which was hosted by my friend that owns a wine store. That was fun. I had hoped today to relax, read a little, take a nap, but in fact it was opposite. I've been on the move all day, so after I finish this post, it is the shower and the comfy chair for me for a little bit. My husband and my dad are out right now riding in an old B-17 bomber, so in the back of my mind I will be saying a few safe flying prayers. Sheesh!<br /><br />I continue to read a few pages here and there on "Where All the Light Tends To Go", which really has a wonderful voice of a 19 year old boy in Appalachia. Dark and murky but also with a tiny bit of hope. And I HOPE I can finish it this week. On audio I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1168384642">Ordinary Grace</a>" by William Kent Krueger, a coming-of-age tale set in a small Minnesota town in 1961. Incredible literary voice and story. I had my quibbles, but still a fantastic listen. I'm now a couple of hours into "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrick Backman, and it is funny and sweet about a curmudgeonly old man.<br /><br />Hope everybody has a great Sunday, what is left of it. After I shower, I will be roaming around on the blogs a bit. See you there! </span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-44936718643438803512015-01-18T19:24:00.000-05:002015-01-18T19:24:02.790-05:00Sunday Salon: Best laid plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good evening...little late today. I wanted to wait until I got the latest pictures of the puppy. Of course. He is 6 weeks old now, and we will pick him up in two weeks. It is like we are anticipating a baby. We are crazy. Last weekend we actually got to FaceTime with Brody and his nanny. We have the best breeder ever. He is definitely on the heavier side of a six week PON. The cats are just going to LOOOOOVE him.<br /><br /></span><br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the week started out good, or normal at least. I was doing my thing, running here and there, going to the new trainer. Then on Wednesday I casually picked up a small weight and completely threw my back out. Man, it sucks being old. So I've been laid up a bit...two trips to the chiropractor, lots of moaning and groaning, a heating pad and Advil. Blah. I'm going to try to get back to the gym tomorrow. We will see how that goes. <br /><br />Now that the Oscar contenders have been announced, we (primarily defined as my mom and I) are on a mission to see as many of the movies as possible. This week we saw "The Imitation Game", "Ida" (nominated for Best Foreign Film and is Polish) and "American Sniper". All great movies but "American Sniper" kinda blew us away. <br /><br />On the reading front? Eh. I did start reading "Where All the Light Tends To Go", and is a troubling but easy read. I am hoping to make some progress on it next week if I can stay away from that damned Wordbrain game. On audio I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1159809923">Lock In</a>" by John Scalzi. It was genius as far as world-building but the plot was a bit convoluted. It still was pleasant to listen to Wil Wheaton narrating. I'm now about halfway through "Ordinary Grace" by William Kent Krueger. I intentionally didn't read the synopsis, so I have no idea where it is going, but I'm enjoying it so far as a coming-of-age tale.<br /><br />Tonight we are eating food that is bad for us and watching playoff football games. Go Colts. The kids have tomorrow off, so that takes some of the Sunday night pressure off the table. What has everyone been up to today? </span><br /><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-5336171556892500742015-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:002015-01-11T07:00:01.299-05:00Sunday Salon: New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wRcDC65qVY/VLGfrhdHkUI/AAAAAAAAL9s/u3xVdt0DGAQ/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4wRcDC65qVY/VLGfrhdHkUI/AAAAAAAAL9s/u3xVdt0DGAQ/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Howdy guys! What do you know, I'm up and on my game this morning. I was thinking about my week, and decided it was definitely a good one. I read a post yesterday (OK I read A LOT of posts yesterday as I've been really slacking and had to catch up) that reminded me to shut the hell up about being busy. It isn't about being busy, it is about managing my time more wisely. I have plenty of time to sit down and read or chill out, but I don't because that is the way I am. In fact, I'm thinking that my word of the year should be something along these lines...CHILL. Lest I give myself heart failure.<br /><br />Lots of "beginnings" to the new year this week. I had my first Polish class of the year on Wednesday evening. It was nice to see some of my new friends again, and I'm hoping with the arrival of the puppy in a few weeks, I can keep this up. It is good for my brain. Speaking of the puppy, gratuitous weekly photo: </span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The puppy "nanny" who helps the breeder texted me this picture on Friday afternoon. Made my day. I love these women. He is getting bigger by the day, and is so precious - look at that expression. Makes my heart swell. I should have my Sunday update pictures soon, and when I get those I'll post on FB.<br /><br />Also had my first Heathrow Literary Society meeting of the year on Wednesday as well, discussing "Orphan Train". That was such a good book but I read it so long ago. I brought my mom with me, and I think she enjoyed it. This group always reads the book and has lots to say.<br /><br />I also think I found a new trainer to replace Andre. I was a little bereft at the beginning of the week without my regular flogging, but tried a new place on Friday with a couple of my workout ladies, and we had our asses kicked thoroughly. As in, I can't move, even today. This is a good thing. I'm going to give it a month and see how I do.<br /><br />I'll need to do some extra working out next week because we went to a seafood buffet Friday night and out for my hubby's birthday last night. Today will require bread and water I think.<br /><br />I'd love to tell you that I did all kinds of reading, but I did not, at least in print. I am totally addicted to a game on my phone called "Wordbrain", and until I conquer it, which will take awhile, I may be on a reading hiatus. Ha! (If you see me posting about the game on FB, it is because I am pimping myself out for hints to help me in the game.) However, I did finish "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1148259539">Amy and Roger's Epic Detour</a>" by Morgan Matson and in a word? Perfect. I claim to have started "Where All the Light Tends To Go" by David Joy but I haven't really started it in earnest. <br /><br />On audio, I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1144311764">Blue Lily, Lily Blue</a>" by Maggie Stiefvater, the third installment in the Raven Cycle series, and it was very good. Love this series, and I'm totally hyped for the fourth and final book. This is a minor miracle, considering my general attitude towards YA. I'm now about halfway through "Lock In" by John Scalzi (and narrated by Wil Wheaton - woo!). Apparently Audible has a corner on this audiobook. Even libraries aren't getting it, which is annoying, so I nabbed it with an Audible promotion. It is good - creatively genius - but not the easiest thing to understand. I'm wondering if this is going to be a series? It could be.<br /><br />I'm not sure what is on the agenda for today. I'm afraid to speculate reading, because while that would be great, I'm usually offered other suggestions. Sundays are for family. It will be a surprise! See, I'm chill. <br /> </span><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-48031009442739487082015-01-04T18:01:00.003-05:002015-01-04T18:01:44.281-05:00Sunday Salon: New Year, New Dog, New Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good evening friends! I actually missed last Sunday...first time in so long. The day just got away from me! Holidays are a tough business. I need a vacation from the holidays. But I'm back in business now. The kids go back to school tomorrow (woo hoo!) and I can go about starting my new year. <br /><br />The first major change is that Andre the Trainer...you know, the one I've been going to for over three years...has shut his doors, as his building is being sold. He doesn't seem to have any plan of when or if he will be back in business, so I'm going to have to find an alternative plan. This is equivalent to finding a new OB-Gyn or hairdresser, and it is distressing. I'm on a mad search.<br /><br />And I better search quickly because my Lord, the eating and drinking that has been happening lately. None of my clothes fit. Something must be done soon.<br /><br />We DID have a nice Christmas and New Year celebration. It was dialed down a bit from earlier years but that didn't really seem to bother anyone. Just having the time off (except from the cooking!) and spending it with family and friends was all that was needed.<br /><br />And the new puppy! The highlight of my life at the moment. We are naming him Brody and have selected him from the litter of four. Here he is at four weeks: </span><br /><br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will pick him up on January 31st in North Carolina. For those that weren't around when I originally talked about him, he is a Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Prepare to be barraged with pictures forever.<br /><br />Reading was pretty slow. I'm not sure why I think I'll get all this reading done when everyone is underfoot! I did finally finish the true crime novel "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1123568282">Monster</a>" by Steve Jackson, and it was really what true crime should be. Horrifying, fascinating stuff. I'm now about halfway through "Amy & Roger's Epic Detour" by Morgan Matson, <a href="https://rhapsodyinbooks.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/review-of-amy-rogers-epic-detour-by-morgan-matson/">a YA recommendation from Jill</a>. A little sneak peek on my opinion of this one...simply wonderful. Maybe not totally groundbreaking material, but a balm for the soul. <br /><br />Audio! Not sure where I left off two weeks ago (and I'm too lazy to look) but I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1123423096">Empty Mansions</a>" by Bill Dedman for a February book club meeting, and I enjoyed it. This is a true story about a very wealthy, eccentric heiress and her disappearing millions. I also blew through a quick one called "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1134856305">Detroit: An American Autopsy</a>" by Charlie LeDuff. Again, more good non-fiction from a investigative journalist who sets out to poke around the ashes of a once-great city to learn where it all went wrong. I decided it was time for something not-real so I'm listening to installment three of the amazing Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater called "Blue Lily, Lily Blue". Such an escape for me, with incredible narration.<br /><br />This upcoming week will bring the start of new Polish classes, as well as a book club meeting on "Orphan Train". Back to the damned doctor appointments. And to golf or not to golf? I'll have to see how everything works out. Happy Sunday, what's left of it! </span><br /><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-22488755253456959842014-12-21T17:35:00.002-05:002014-12-21T17:35:29.984-05:00Sunday Salon: Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good afternoon friends. Late again. Just plan on it from here on out! Had a good, busy week. My parents arrived from Indiana for the winter. The kids were in their last week of school before the break (the daughter had mid-terms - drama!). I finished the last bit of shopping and found an adorable local indie bookstore that just opened (our only one). We had a book club meeting discussing "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell. So much love for that book! We had an impromptu Christmas gathering at a friend's house last night. My daughter got two free tickets to this Ice exhibition down at the Gaylord Palms resort, which gave us a taste of winter and froze our noses. <br /><br />The kids tell me I need to get a life, but the highlight of my week really is the update on the puppies. I know, call me lame. They are now two weeks old, their eyes are open, they are starting to play with each other and make noises, and their pigment is starting to come in on their little noses. <br /><br /></span><br />
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<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, so this is a book blog I guess, except I'm not reading much. Still. I did actually finish "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1123423096">Empty Mansions</a>" on audio this week. It was a fascinating piece of history about a lost fortune and a reclusive heiress. I'm now about halfway through "Detroit: An American Autopsy" by Charlie LeDuff. This is a grim, gritty sketch of a city gone to hell. I guess I've had the need for some non-fiction lately!<br /><br />Speaking of non-fiction, I'm also reading "Monster" by Steve Jackson, a true crime story about a sadistic serial killer of women. I've been reading this one for awhile, but it IS good. I hope to have the time to finish it soon. <br /><br />I cannot believe that Thursday is Christmas. It has totally snuck up on me! Tonight we will have to do some hard core planning of the meals, including our traditional Polish feast called Wygilia, on Christmas Eve. I wish all of you a wonderful week and look forward to seeing what Santa brought you all.<br /><br />Peace! <br /><br /> </span><br />
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Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-2653894506819371502014-12-17T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-17T06:00:02.548-05:00Best of 2014: Audiobooks<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot express the right words for how passionate I am about my audiobooks. There are days (weeks!) when I don't look at a single printed page of a book because I'm running around like my hair is on fire. But audios I can do...in the car, cleaning the house, doing yard work, cooking, walking. A well-narrated audio can be the most incredible experience...in some cases the entire story comes to life and feels like a movie in my head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">I can't vouch for these books in print. But in my ears they came alive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Five Days at Memorial - Sheri Fink (narrated by Kirstin Potter):</b> This is an absolutely riveting and horrifying story about the events that transpired at Memorial Hospital in New Orleans after Katrina hit. No electricity, a failed generator, and hundreds of critically ill and elderly patients too frail to evacuate. In a move that was highly controversial, decisions were made to euthanize the most helpless patients with lethal doses of painkillers. It is hard to imagine such events occurring today, and brings up some highly discussable topics. Perfect for book clubs. Kirstin Potter is a wonderful narrator, but the real attraction here is the facts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>In the Kingdom of Ice - Hampton Sides (narrated by Arthur Morey):</b> This bit of history about an ill-fated Polar expedition in the late nineteenth century reads like a thriller. An eccentric playboy benefactor, incorrect maps and misinformation, starvation, frostbite, a breached hull, trudging for hundreds of miles in the frozen tundra, madness...it just doesn't get any more fascinating than this. Like "Five Days at Memorial", the narration was well-done but the facts are self-sustaining. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is the Story of a Happy Marriage - Ann Patchett (narrated by the author):</b> Before I listened to this audio, I would have sworn that I wasn't into "essays". But Patchett's, written for magazines over the expanse of her career, are ones that will touch on something that will move you. MOST of them moved me. Stories about writing her first book, about her dog, about her failed first marriage and her successful second one, about relationships with family and friends, opening a bookstore, being persecuted because of the content of her books...it is absolutely perfect in every way. Patchett is so natural in her narration too. This is one audio that I want to purchase in print to keep forever.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Fiction</u></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Native Son - Richard Wright (narrated by Peter Francis James):</b> This story knocked the wind out of me. Set in 1930's Chicago, it tells the tale of Bigger Thomas, a young black man that makes a series of bad decisions that drags him into a downward spiral. It is gut-wrenching, and shows the desperation and hopelessness of the black man during that time. I suspect the novel in print would have an equal impact, but the narration is superb. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We Are Water - Wally Lamb (narrated by Wally Lamb, George Guidall, Maggi-Meg Reed, Tavia Gilbert, Richard Ferrone, Edoardo Ballerini, Cynthia Darlow, Therese Plummer):</b> If you asked me to list my top 10 audios EVER, this one would be one of them. Lamb is a hell of a storyteller, in this case covering everything from a modern family and their individual struggles, gay marriage, pedophilia, racial prejudice...oh yeah you get it all here, as is Lamb's way. But the narrators? That is a loaded cast of voices, and they made this audio completely unputdownable. It unfolded like a movie right before me, truly some of the best narration I've heard. We read this in my book club, and some of the members refused to read it because of the pedophilia. It's too bad because while that was very hard to listen to, I believe it to be one of the best books written this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Someone Else's Love Story - Joshilyn Jackson (narrated by the author):</b> Most of you know this, but I refuse to read a JJ book in print. All of her books but one are narrated by the author herself, and she is marvelous. Her stories are marvelous too...quirky, usually dysfunctional, Southern, and all center on very strong women. In this novel, she also throws in autism and a love triangle of sorts. And a girl who got pregnant without having sex. You have to read it to believe it. It is classic Joshilyn Jackson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Every Day - David Levithan (narrated by Alex McKenna):</b> While this book officially fell under the YA genre, it gets serious credit for tickling my brain and presenting a very unique premise (something you don't get often in ANY genre). Every day "A" (a spirit? a soul? a male? a female?) wakes up in a different body. A is at peace with its existence, and lives by the rules of not interfering or causing attention in its subject's life. Then A meets and falls in love with a girl. Suddenly every day is a mission to get close to her, which is difficult when each day A is a radically different person. It sounds a little wacky, but it works. It is beautiful. And very beautifully narrated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Martian - Andy Weir (narrated by R.C. Bray):</b> If you've been anywhere near a book review this year, you will recognize this one. This book was all the rage! This won't be the only list you will see it on, particular in audio form. About a wise-ass brainiac that get accidentally left on Mars during an exploration mission, it makes science fiction accessible and LIKABLE by one and all. The narration of Bray provides the perfect snarky voice of a guy who is basically screwed but uses his last wit to stay alive. Oh and by the way, it's going to be a movie starring Matt Damon. Yep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Silkworm - Robert Galbraith (narrated by Robert Glenister):</b> If you thought J.K. Rowling shot her wad on Harry Potter, you were wrong. This series started with "The Cuckoo's Calling" and set the groundwork with a protagonist who is a rumpled but genius private investigator, and his cute ambitious assistant. I felt that Cuckoo's mystery was a tad pedestrian and one-dimensional, but she let out all the stops on this one. The cherry on top was that the mystery occurs butt-deep in the publishing industry. Robert Glenister's narration is simply as good as it gets. He is amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>World of Trouble - Ben H. Winters (narrated by Peter Berkrot):</b> This book is the third installment in The Last Policeman Trilogy, and yes, it is extremely unusual that the final book would be the mind-blower but it was. The premise of the trilogy is that a very large asteroid is going to hit the earth and end civilization as we know it. As time ticks down, people hunker down, pursue their bucket lists, kill themselves, get stoned on drugs. But Detective Hank Palace (a little on the spectrum I think) continues to solve murders, chase down missing persons, and try to save his little sister. The first two novels are good, but this one is remarkable. Not too many people can pull off the end of the world quite like this. The narrator isn't the best in the business, but his voice became Hank Palace and I was glad they kept him through the series. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-30945595229779761422014-12-16T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-16T06:00:07.825-05:00Best of 2014: Graphic Novels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So Graphic Novels! This has been a more recent love that I acquired as a result of blogging. I didn't read that many this year, but the ones I read for the most part were outstanding. Here are my favorites...I'm quite pleased at how different each of them are from another. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Watchmen - Alan Moore:</b> I read this at the behest of my son, and I thanked him afterward. This is so much more than a comic. It is a mystery, it is layered and complex, it folds in history and politics and made my brain tingle! This is what all "comics" and superhero lore should strive to be. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Blankets - Craig Johnson:</b> I'm a little late to the party on this one. I'd heard so much about it over the years, so I finally ordered it from the library. It is a whole different type of GN than Watchmen. It is a autobiography about Johnson's life, starting with some traumatic incidents in his childhood, a first love he meets at camp as a teen, and his life as a young adult. He struggles with love, loss and religion and is heartfelt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Palestine - Joe Sacco:</b> This GN was recommended by a whole list of other GN authors as being one of the best. It is different from the other books listed here in that it is gritty, investigative journalism put into illustration. We always hear stories from the Israeli point of view in our media...here is a chance to see things from the other side of the street, from the perspective of the common Palestinian. This book is used in university classrooms, and with good reason. I'll be rereading this one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Saga - Brian K. Vaughan:</b> I had to give this series special mention. None of the three installments have received more than 4 stars from me, but as a whole, they are a wondrous diversion into fantasy. It is hard to describe the bizarre setup, but Wikipedia states it is a cross between Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and Romeo & Juliet. So there you go, I'm sure that cleared things up! It is a classic story of revenge, warring ethnicities, and forbidden love. The imagery alone is worth your time. Even if none of this sounds the least bit interesting, give it a shot. You may find yourself getting sucked in just like me.</span></div>
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-86643236541016748412014-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:002014-12-15T07:00:10.699-05:00Best of 2014: Fiction and Non-Fiction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm still not sure what to think of 2014. I definitely read less books than I have in awhile (90 total, 52 of them audio). I always tend to blame myself...I say that I was moody and distracted, which was true. But I think that if the books in general had been more compelling, I would have pulled out of those funks. As a result, the lists are much shorter! <br /><br />Here is how I'm going to break down my genres. Today I'll talk about Fiction and my one lonely Non-Fiction book, all of them scored at 5 stars. Tomorrow I'll talk about a few Graphic Novels that impressed me. And finally I will go over my favorite Audiobooks, which are both Fiction and Non-fiction. Just FYI, these books were not necessarily published in 2014, I just read them this year. <br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>FICTION</u></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel:</b> This girl has hit her stride. Don't let the phrases "traveling performers" or "post-apocalypse" scare you off. This is a story of humanity rising above the need to just survive after an epidemic wipes out 99% of the population. It has gorgeous writing, the random human connections like little Easter eggs hidden within the story. She didn't win the National Book Award this year, but give her time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wool - Hugh Howey:</b> I'll be the first to admit that I don't like Science Fiction, so that should tell you how absolutely mind-blowing this book is. Again, post-apocalyptic, and a world-building that is phenomenal...unique and fully-developed. I've just read nothing like it. (Even more amazing, this guy started out as self-published until someone discovered him.) And there are two more books in the series that I'm dying to read! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty:</b> I've been a fan of this author for several years, and she just keeps getting better and better. I love her for several reasons. First, she just GET'S IT. Being a woman, a mother, and wife. And while she may come across as fluffy chicky lit, she digs into some serious territory. In her latest book, she nails the whole parent/student dynamic at a small elementary school. I feel like I've lived this. Her setup and pacing is perfect, and is the fastest long book you'll ever read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>We Were Liars - E. Lockhart:</b> This is another very fast read with a twisty plot and an unreliable narrator. It is officially deemed a Young Adult book but it is suitable for anyone. Not only is it twisty but so accurately captures magical summers and coming of age. I laugh every time I think of one girl in my exercise class that was exercising and reading this at the same time because it is unputdownable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wolf - Mo Hayder:</b> I am completely addicted to this murder mystery series starring Detective Inspector Jack Caffrey, a guy who is damaged (of course, they all are). The series is incredible dark and disturbing, and has been stringing us along on a few things. Our protagonist gets some answers here, as well as a horrendous case. It is the stuff of nightmares and I love it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Wicked Girls - Alex Marwood:</b> This was a recommendation from Uncle Stevie, and I trust his sense of the macabre. It was a well-told story, very fast-paced, very dark, but at this point, I don't remember a whole lot of the details. So I'm not sure it belongs in the five star category but that is what I gave it at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NON-FICTION</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Devil's Knot - Mara Leveritt:</b> I've always been a little creepster about true crime. I love analyzing the crazies, I love how you can Google the details, and it is terrifying because it is real. This story? As good as it gets. Small town, a brutal murder of three little boys. The local police go on a witch hunt and arrest three teens based on little more than rumor, prejudice and the coerced confession of one of the teens who is mentally handicapped. The corruption goes all the way to the judge and the jurors, and these boys are convicted and serve FOR 17 YEARS before released. This case is appalling, and if you need more, there are several HBO documentaries that allow you to see it all in it's full glory. Doesn't matter if you are a fan of true crime or not, this is one you have to read.</span></div>
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<br /><br /><br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-86758684773473748862014-12-14T15:33:00.000-05:002014-12-14T15:33:34.198-05:00Sunday Salon: All About That Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpgn-YGy504/VI3v2eR3jKI/AAAAAAAAL7k/jkOaQwHVl4U/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpgn-YGy504/VI3v2eR3jKI/AAAAAAAAL7k/jkOaQwHVl4U/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" /></a> <br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I'm late again today. That will probably be the way it will be forever. Gone are the days of organization. Oh well.<br /><br />This was a pretty normal week. Holiday hair cut (<i>after</i> the parties LOL), one doctor appointment, and a Polish feast to celebrate the end of my Polish class. I will be re-enrolling again in January though since I'm still useless. A little more shopping, wrapping, and getting my mom's house ready for their arrival tomorrow.<br /><br />But the real focus has been the puppy. It's all about the puppy. The breeder contacted me mid-week and told me there was a National Dog Show here in Orlando that we could attend, meet the puppies' "nanny", as well as some of the other dogs and breeders. We went Friday and today, and it was a blast. If any of you have ever seen the movie "Best of Show", well, there you have it. We also got our weekly e-mail with pictures. Resign yourself to these updates. We are like new parents. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the reading front, I finished nothing! Ha! I made progress with "Monster" by Steve Jackson, a true crime novel about a serial murderer. (I know, I am such a creeper.) On audio I continue to listen to "Empty Mansions" by Bill Dedman, which is fascinating non-fiction about a reclusive heiress. <br /><br />Starting tomorrow, I will start posting my favorites lists for 2014, starting with print Fiction and Non-Fiction on Monday, Graphic Novels on Tuesday, and audios on Wednesday. It's more work than I've done on this blog in ages! It has definitely been a slower year than most on all fronts. <br /><br />Not much left of this Sunday, but it still may include a nap and some reading. Just have to get my comfies on...</span></div>
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-2416465207126265392014-12-07T13:01:00.000-05:002014-12-07T13:01:26.469-05:00Sunday Salon: We're Expecting!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shJdhkL_7L0/VISM4OjK2nI/AAAAAAAAL30/R_mtN4eKfkM/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shJdhkL_7L0/VISM4OjK2nI/AAAAAAAAL30/R_mtN4eKfkM/s1600/Sunday%2BSalon.png" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Expecting a dog, that is. (You didn't think it was that kind of expecting did you? May the good Lord have mercy on my soul.) If you have been around long, you know about my love affair with animals. We have six cats, but haven't had a dog for 10 years. I've been begging for one, my the husband was the holdout. I'd always said that God would bring us a dog when the right time came, and I guess now was the time. Hubby seemed only amenable to one particular breed, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog (called PONs which stands for Polski Owczarek Nizinny), because it is a breed from his Motherland and is not widely bred in the US. I reached out to a couple of breeders...only a couple dozen in the country...and one in North Carolina called me and told me her female was in the process of having puppies. And that was all she wrote.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G14NC6lbYqc/VISNQ8kOmzI/AAAAAAAAL38/HJecaQbCOBc/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G14NC6lbYqc/VISNQ8kOmzI/AAAAAAAAL38/HJecaQbCOBc/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once they get a little older and their temperaments established, we will decide which one we will get, but will most likely be a male. We will pick him up around the end of January. They are very smart dogs, they don't shed (although require a lot of brushing), and only get between 30 and 50 pounds. We are besides ourselves, and feel like we are having a baby.<br /><br />Anyway! That was the excitement and the distraction this week! I had my last Polish class (although a new class starts back up again in January), had two doctor appointments, did A LOT of Christmas shopping, did yard work, had a book club meeting, and had two Christmas parties. Whew! Oh! AND OUR WALL GOT FIXED! This is the wall that was crashed into by a car last April. We still have to do the landscaping, but this is progress. I think things should be easier from here on out. Maybe. <br /><br />My reading has been shite as usual. I did finally finish Uncle Stevie's "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1103918515">Revival</a>" and it just didn't meet my expectations. He's always good at telling a story, but it was slow. Then I picked up "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy but I just couldn't get into it. It was strange. So I put it down and waffled about what to read. I finally started a true crime novel called "Monster". True crime always works for me when I'm in a fug.<br /><br />My only audio this week was Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher installment "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1122234203">Personal</a>". Maybe it was my mood or maybe I'm just tired of the same old thing, but the book bored me to death. Jack needs to change things up, find a girlfriend or something. I've now started "Empty Mansions" by Bill Dedman for book club, and it is fascinating and very well-narrated. <br /><br />With all the focus on year-end lists this week (and authors who have a rage when they don't end up on them), I've been contemplating whether I should do mine. I think I will, they are fun to do. I just feel like this year might be slim pickings. We will see. Look for them soon.<br /><br />We are off today to watch a pro golf tournament. After the weekend we've had I really just need a nap. Hope everyone is starting to feel the Christmas spirit and is enjoying their Sunday!<br /></span></div>
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-20612890177019277282014-11-30T13:18:00.001-05:002014-11-30T13:18:22.418-05:00Sunday Salon: Turkey and football and cars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hey, it's the afternoon! How about that. But I'm here. The entire week has been one of low-key sluggishness. No Polish classes, no doctor appointments, kids were home most of the week. I did move a little. I got the tree up, got my Christmas cards done and sent (despite the fact that my kids refused to take a formal picture), and cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner for the four of us. We went over to friends' house for dessert. It was a good day. I was dragged out early on Black Friday by my daughter, which was not optimal. Massive crowds, rude people, listening to "All I want for Christmas is you" at least two dozen times. I did a good deal of online shopping, my preferred method of spending money. I'm slowly getting my ass in gear.<br /><br />My daughter's high school played football Friday night and won by one point in a triple overtime to become the Regional 5A champs. If they win next week they will go to the Citrus Bowl to become state champs. Very exciting stuff! They haven't had a season like this since 1970.<br /><br />My husband is slowly coming around on the idea of a dog. I'm not sure if it is because my kids are older and aren't very lovable, or maybe the hormones, but I really NEED a dog. We will see if he talks himself out of it. I'm holding my breath. I need to mother something.<br /><br />My husband and I maintained a long-standing tradition and went to the International Car Show yesterday to scope out my next car. Realistically, I may never get another new one, with all the musical cars we are playing with our driving age children, but it is fun to look.<br /><br />Mid-season finale of The Walking Dead tonight! OMG! I can barely think of anything else.<br /><br />Oh yeah, I guess this is a BOOK BLOG! Huh, you'd never know it. I did finish "Wildlife" by Fiona Wood on audio this week. I have yet to write it up on Goodreads, but what a wonderful YA book. It really captured the essence of friendship, grief, and dealing with sexual pressure from the perspective of the 16-17 year old. It is refreshing when an author takes this topic seriously and is responsible with the messages. I have yet to start another audio yet...I needed to listen to music for awhile. I'm thinking I'll start the latest Jack Reacher today when I'm finishing the decorating. <br /><br />In print, I'm so freaking pathetic. I'm still reading Stephen King's "Revival" and while it isn't horror like I thought it would be, his storytelling is good. I just am disengaged in general with the idea of sitting down quietly and finishing it. I'm close though.<br /><br />I also have to say this about "The Paying Guests" by Sarah Waters, which I talked about last week. While it didn't blow me away like some other of her books, I am STILL thinking about it. The characters and the plot keep bouncing around in my head. So you all really should read it. That is the magic of her writing. <br /><br />I'm not totally looking forward to this week, but it must be done. Back to the doctor appointments, Polish classes, a book club, and two Christmas parties. In my heart, I am a homebody. Too much running around makes me irritable even if individually these events are fun. But I'm just going to put my head down and plod through it, and I'm sure I will have a good time. <br /><br />As for the rest of the day, I'll finish decorating, maybe wrap some gifts. Finish Revival? Nap? Yes all around. Hope everyone has an awesome Sunday and upcoming week.<br /><br /> </span><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-48376879979668375572014-11-23T07:10:00.002-05:002014-11-23T07:10:39.033-05:00Sunday Salon: Regroup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Good morning friends! Things are looking up...I'm writing my post before noon! We'll see if I finish before we leave for church. I doubt it, but at least I'm getting started. <br /><br />I'm not really going to say much about the past week. It wasn't good, so I'm just going to block it out and regroup. If we want to count blessings, I will mention that the uber-trainer Andre just had a new baby, and after taking a handful of days off, was back in action this week. His workouts are good for the body, but are also nearly like therapy and I missed them! <br /><br />I also forgot to mention last week that we went to see "Interstellar", which we enjoyed. I wouldn't say that there will be acting Oscars coming out of that movie, but the visuals were amazing! We're really starting to get into the season of good movies and serious Oscar contenders, and we've got our sights set on a few over the next few weeks. If we can motivate the kids to leave their rooms!<br /><br />On the reading front, I've made some good progress on "Revival", and hope to finish that very soon. (Maybe today depending on whether it rains all day.) I'm still not totally sure where Uncle Stevie is going with his story, but I love the journey. I'm thinking of picking up "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy next, after reading that it was one of Uncle Stevie's favorite books ever.<br /><br />On audio, I'm nearly done with the amazing Sarah Waters "The Paying Guests". I've actually gone back and forth between reading and listening on this one and am probably a couple of hours from finishing. She is wicked with the mind screw, and I'm just waiting for the poop to hit the fan on this one. I will concur that the book could have used some serious editing, and there is a huge amount of drama going on, but I'm still enjoying it. Up next is the highly-recommended "Wildlife" by Fiona Wood, which I just downloaded on audio from the library. <br /><br />So the holidays. I've got Thanksgiving sort of figured out. But Xmas is not within reach right now. I've got some work to do on that front. I'm going to be looking for some motivation this week.<br /><br />Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday, whether you are in rain or snow (what seems to be the theme all over the country). And yay! Got it done before church! Hee hee</span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-1800461668057399862014-11-16T14:20:00.000-05:002014-11-16T14:20:35.910-05:00Sunday Salon: ...and the crud stayeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Better late than never I always say. And late has been the theme of the week. Not only did my son and I continue on with the crud (sore throat that morphs into congestion that morphs into cough that morphs into gastro), but my daughter had it too. I don't like this. I can't recuperate in peace, they are demanding and whiny, and also there is stress because of so much missed homework. Pray that next week improves in this category. <br /><br />I did crawl out to Polish class and book club on Wednesday night, despite my hacking and spewing. I wanted to force some kind of normalcy. For this meeting we read "5 People You Meet in Heaven", and most did not likey which made me feel a bit better about my negativity. Such hokey, manipulative crap. Next month we'll be discussing "Eleanor & Park" which should go much better.<br /><br />I cannot believe how the holidays have snuck up on me. Normally, my routine is to mail those Christmas cards out the day after Thanksgiving. Not sure that will happen this year...don't even have a picture! (My kids have an extreme aversion to pictures it seems.) I've done nothing! I guess there has to be a first year to blow my record. I get overwhelmed with all the chaos...do you guys? I have to figure out how to manage it. Downsize, simplify, find peace.<br /><br />So Tuesday I strategically scheduled an eye appointment at Costco with the release of Stephen King's new release "Revival". Very similar to the last time I stormed the store for his latest book, there were none to be seen. The book-stocking girl SWORE there were none, but I didn't take that for an answer. I got the Manager to check inventories, and sure enough, they were there in receiving, hidden in the corner. SCORE! Sadly, I've made very little progress. Not much reading done this week.<br /><br />Audios, as usual, is where it's at more than anywhere else. I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1099937826">The Art of Hearing Heartbeats</a>" for my other book club, and while it was a sweet, sentimental book, it may have been a little TOO sweet for my cynical heart. The story takes place in Burma which is interesting, and is a generational love story (narrated by Cassandra Campbell who excels at stories like this). It just seemed like the author was trying too hard to make me cry, and also threw some pretty obvious twists in there that I think were supposed to be shocking but just made me slap my forehead. I'm now launching into what will probably be a part print/part audio experience of "The Paying Guests" by Sarah Waters. Love her, but I am feeling hesitant because the reviews on this one haven't been stellar. It's a long book, so this will take me awhile.<br /><br />So today (or what is left of it) will probably be spent trying to read "Revival" and doing some child management in the area of overwhelming homework catch-up. I'll be having a cocktail by 5:00 I predict.<br /><br />So tell me...are you ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you excited about the idea of shopping and decorating or not? How do you cope with the crazy schedule? I need tips. </span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-38021368568697646042014-11-09T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-09T10:00:05.909-05:00Sunday Salon: The Crud Cometh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the weather is changing so it was bound to happen. Both my son and I got the crud. I tend to ignore it and try to sweat it out, but being a 15 year old and of the male species, the boy milked it. I'm hoping all of this goes away soon, but odds are the other two members of the family will get it too, and will start that never-ending rotation. <br /><br />Anyway, besides all that, it was a decent week. I'm still enjoying my Polish class, and with the upcoming holidays we are going to be having food parties! Because we must do as the Polish do.<br /><br />I returned to my second book club after a couple of years on hiatus. With the exception of one personality, I really missed these people. They take their reading seriously, and come with notes and insight. This month we read "In the Kingdom of Ice" by Hampton Sides, and was loved by everyone. Here are <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1095707591">my thoughts on Goodreads</a>, but Jill's husband did a wonderful <a href="http://rhapsodyinbooks.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/review-of-in-the-kingdom-of-ice-by-hampton-sides/">review</a> as well. I listened to it on audio, and Arthur Morey narrated. He isn't exactly dynamic, but he's solid and is the perfect voice for non-fiction like this.<br /><br />I also listened to "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1099251895">Five People You Meet in Heaven</a>" by Mitch Albom, against my better judgement. It was chosen by my other book club, and I really had no desire to subject myself to this schmaltz, but I hate going to meetings not having read the assignment. After all, I have no right to bitch if I haven't. The audio made a bad situation even worse, with dramatic music that felt like a soap opera. Ugh. That meeting is next week.<br /><br />I've now just started "The Art of Hearing Heartbeats" by Jan-Philipp Sendker, the selection for next month's book club. It is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, who does a great job with these types of books. It looks like it is going to be a winner.<br /><br />Not much progress on print. I AM halfway through the graphic novel "Watchmen" and it is really a fine example of smart comics. Very well-done. I need to get it finished by next Tuesday, because that is the day Stephen King's "Revival" comes out, and I'll be joining <a href="http://bookchatter.net/2014/10/31/announcing-the-revival-read-along/">Ti in her readathon</a>. I very cleverly scheduled an eye appointment at Costco that day, so I could pick up the book at the same time. Very excited!<br /><br />Not sure what we'll be doing today. It is rainy and chilly, the kids have homework, and I'm feeling crappy. We do want to see "Interstellar" but not sure we'll get there. What is everyone up to today? </span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-36239114263494326812014-11-02T19:23:00.002-05:002014-11-02T19:23:59.741-05:00Sunday Salon: MIA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am pleased to announce that I am not dead! Isn't that great? I never post this late, but I figured the theme of the week was "MIA" so I might as well stay in character. I fell completely off the grid this week. I didn't read blogs. I didn't read anything in print. I only went to Andre's ONCE! There is a myriad of explanations for my behavior. <br /><br />Yard improvement project. A team of workers spreading 20 tons (yes you heard that right) of Seminole rock in my front and back yard, planting plants and installing a new fountain. Fun stuff but these guys require supervision.<br /><br />The Killing. I continue to obsess. SO GOOD, OMG. I am three episodes away from the end. Nothing will continue to be done until I've finished.<br /><br />Cold weather has lured me outside. By "cold" I mean 60's during the day and 40's at night. I don't sweat much in these temps. It is wonderful.<br /><br />And also sick kids, the usual hellish doctor appointments, a broken security system, and a flat tire that occupied a solid afternoon. Also had a fundraiser breakfast and a book club meeting. My son turned 15. Halloween. You get my point. It was one of those weeks.<br /><br />I did listen to audio, praise the Lord. I finished "The Girl with all the Gifts", but I haven't reviewed it yet. I really liked it. It sort of reminded me of "The Passage", and one of the better apocalyptic stories I've read in awhile. I have started "In the Kingdom of Ice" by Hampton Sides, a book club assignment. The audio is 14 discs long and the meeting is Wednesday so I doubt I will finish it by then, but what the heck. I haven't been to this book club in awhile because of some personality conflicts, but I'm going to give it another shot.<br /><br />Today my son and I went to see "Nightcrawler" with Jake Gyllenhaal and it was absolutely amazing. It made my heart pound, it made me flinch, it made me laugh. Going to write that one up too, at some point.<br /><br />Hope everyone had an awesome Sunday, and why would it not be the best when we gain an hour of time??? I always feel like I don't appreciate it enough, especially when we LOSE that hour in the spring. Did everyone sleep in this morning?<br /><br /> </span><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-10094935729926649492014-10-26T09:17:00.002-04:002014-10-26T09:17:56.895-04:00Sunday Salon: Killing Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Good morning all of you who are left out there! Lately I've been pondering the state of blogging. I love the friends I've made here, lifelong friends that I confide in and have laughs with. But I can't really call myself a blogger I don't think, if I'm only on here once a week. I guess that's OK. I'm not totally sure how many people are left out there who are reading this but I'll take the few I have. However we are now in a world where rock solid book bloggers with a history are being turned down for review copies, when newbies who gush over everything like crazed 16 year olds are getting the marketing dollars of the publishers. I don't get it. But I think my decision to take a back seat was probably well-timed.<br /><br />Last week I mentioned that my daughter had done something to her back. That continued this week. She missed three more days of school before the chiropractor got her back up and moving. My son did not have school Thursday or Friday, so what that means is that I had a kid home with me all week. The three of us had a total of four doctors appointments, so bottom line? NOTHING GOT DONE! Ack! I have got to figure out how to get these doctors out of my life! It is a circle of hell, this sitting in waiting rooms. <br /><br />My son and I went to see "Dear White People" at the movies, which won some awards at the Sundance Film Festival. It was a satire of race relations taking place on a college campus...very smart, hilarious but with some good messages. <br /><br />My daughter convinced me to start watching one of her (many) favorite TV shows "The Killing" which is a Netflix original. My mom was obsessed with it this past summer, but I tuned it out because I don't need another TV obsession! But I guess I should have listened because it is amazing. Thus, nothing is going to get done until I finish it. I hate it when this happens.<br /><br />So again, no print reading. None! It is crazy! I finally chucked "Purge", figured that was my problem. I picked up "House of Leaves" and started picking my way through it but this is a PROJECT people. It's going to take some time. For a short bit of entertainment, I then picked up the graphic novel "Watchmen", my son assuring me it was genius. I'm sure it is. I just need to walk away from these TV shows.<br /><br />On audio, I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/971647724">World of Trouble</a>" by Ben Winters. And WOW. I cannot remember the last time I finished a trilogy/series that rocked my world this way (maybe Harry Potter?). I'm still thinking about it. You know how a scene just sticks in there, and you keep returning to it. I enjoyed all three books, but the final one is a doozy. I'm now about halfway through "The Girl With All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey. Good stuff. Kinda reminds me of "The Passage" by Justin Cronin. Apocalyptic, spooky, touching.<br /><br />My son had another detail with the Orlando Police Department this morning, but he is on his way home from that. The weather is gorgeous, so I predict we will head outside to do something today. Maybe a long walk, or a round of golf. And we've got The Walking Dead tonight, which is something that makes Sundays the best day of the week. What is everyone up to? Any fall festivals? Happy Sunday!</span><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-72427204166071122652014-10-19T08:08:00.000-04:002014-10-19T08:08:19.023-04:00Sunday Salon: The best day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Sunday everyone! If you participated in the readathon yesterday, you probably are sleeping off your book buzz. I'm almost never able to block off an entire day in the fall, but my thoughts are always with you guys. One of these years I swear I'm going to run away to the beach for one of these events. <br /><br />The weather has cooled off again...low to mid 80's in the day and low 60's at night. Major cold front!!! It is a pleasure to go on our walks, or sit out at night with a cocktail. Here is a picture I took on a long walk yesterday, just around the corner from a neighborhood. I love that about Florida. There is nature everywhere. </span><br /><br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a typical week for me this week. My son's first homecoming activities occurred daily (themed dress days, the parade and football game Friday, and the dance last night). My daughter threw out her back somehow, so she has been down for the count for a couple of days. I feel like I am the downtrodden servant! I took a treadmill stress test because I'd been having heart palpitations, and I passed with flying colors. It is nice to know I haven't lost my mojo! So my conclusion is heart palpitations = teenagers + menopause. Something for you young 'uns to look forward to.<br /><br />The best day of the entire week seems to be, without a doubt, SUNDAY! Granted, it is a day full of the kids scrambling to get chores and homework done, but it also includes THE WALKING DEAD. The season opener last week was epic. My daughter and I have rewatched it three times. I have looked forward to today all week. I know, I'm obsessed. So sue me.<br /><br />My reading, at least in print, has been dismal. I can't manage to propel my way through "Purge" by Sofi Oksanen. I have progressed a little but can't get interested. I'll keep trying for a little bit longer, but I'm really dying to read "House of Leaves" and "The Paying Guests", so I'm close to losing my patience. I did take a break yesterday and read "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1083842853">Relish</a>" by Lucy Knisley, which is a short graphic novel. (I read "French Milk" a few years ago, a graphic memoir of her time in France.) Adorable.<br /><br />Audio is the only way I get anything done these days. I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1075449823">The Innocent Sleep</a>" by Karen Perry. It is a domestic drama and mystery about a missing child, but has twists in it that made it a surprisingly intriguing listen. Plus the Irish-accented narrators were incredible. I also quickly got through "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1080068491">The Good Girl</a>" by Mary Kubica which I rated four stars but easily could have been swayed to five. I'm still thinking about it even now...a kidnapping gone wrong, with much more emotion and character bonding than your normal read. Then I FINALLY got "World of Trouble" on audio from the library. I loaded it in about 30 minutes and plunged into the third and final installment of a story about the final days on earth before an asteroid takes it out, from the perspective an earnest police officer. Great stuff!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure what is on the agenda today. Usually I don't have a whole lot of say in the matter. My son is putting in some community service hours with the Orlando Police Department, which is part of his Criminal Justice magnet program at school. Maybe a walk. Maybe some reading. Maybe a little Walking Dead!! Hope everyone has a nice relaxing day to rest up for another week!</span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-52330224395468578502014-10-12T09:53:00.000-04:002014-10-12T09:53:15.597-04:00Sunday Salon: Bring on The Dead!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good morning friends. Slept in this morning...no walk, no church, just laziness and a little breaking news action on the latest Ebola case. I'm not being all hysterical here, but how did this person catch it when they were wearing a Hazmat suit? And hello! Didn't we all read "The Hot Zone" <i>twenty years ago</i>? Didn't we all read "The Stand"? I'm pretty irate that we are only now scrambling for a cure. Anyway. Happy Sunday morning!<br /><br />We saw Gone Girl yesterday afternoon, and what a movie. True to the book and true to the exceptional talents of David Fincher. Outstanding acting and outstanding musical score. Whether you liked the book or not, this is just good theatrical entertainment.<br /><br />My week went like this. Two doctor appointments (love to have a week when I didn't have one, but I think this is our destiny). Back-and-forth communications with the insurance company on the UPS destruction of my yard. We found out we need the neighbor's land survey in order to get a permit to repair our wall, and of course they will never be able to find it, so more delays on that. Meet the teacher night for my son's high school Tuesday night. Also meetings with his teachers on his continuing gifted track for the next four years. Daughter took her SAT, after much gnashing of teeth and tears over the stress. Polish lessons continue on Wednesday nights.<br /><br />Wednesday night we had season 4 premier of American Horror Story: Freak Show. You know, this series, it is sick and twisted and unpredictable and wonderful. I don't think it is for everyone, but wow, if you can handle it, it will blow your mind. And like Ti said, there is a clown here that gives Pennywise a run for his money.<br /><br />TONIGHT we have season 5 premier of The Walking Dead, and I almost can't sit still. My daughter and I have been watching reruns all week on and off, and have been lurking online for various previews and sneak peaks. I'm turning off all electronics and going underground this evening. I will return to discuss tomorrow!<br /><br />Also got a new iPhone 6 this week. I am definitely not the person that needs the new technology when it comes out, but my old phone held a charge for about an hour or two and was driving me nuts. This phone is bigger but that is better for my withering eyesight. <br /><br />On the reading front, I've not been real productive. In print I finally finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1065104814">All I Love and Know</a>" by Judith Frank, and it was a wonderful drama about two orphans, whose parents are killed in act of terrorism, that are adopted by twin brother of the victim. That brother just happens to be gay and has a partner that factors into the equation. Very insightful, lots of discussable topics. I've now just started "Purge" by Sofi Oksanen, but I'm having a tough time getting engaged. I may try to dig into it today.<br /><br />On audio I finished "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury this week for <a href="http://bookchatter.net/2014/09/01/announcing-the-something-wicked-this-way-comes-read-along/">our readalong</a>, but I haven't written up my thoughts yet because the readalong goes all month. I have mixed emotions about it. Strange prose, confusing literary voice. Is it coming-of-age? Is it horror? More on that later. I'm now about halfway through an audio called "The Innocent Sleep" by Karen Perry. I can't remember why I am reading this, but I'm thinking it was for the Irish narrator! Man, I love those accents. And it is an intriguing story, part marital drama and part mystery about their child that is presumably killed in an earthquake but whose body is never found.<br /><br />No idea what we will be doing today. I'm sure my husband will encourage a round of golf, but it got hot again and I'm not interesting in that misery. I may just putter around the house and try to get caught up on pool maintenance and grocery shopping. Hope everyone has a great day! <br /><br /> </span><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-3738267717296683242014-10-05T10:05:00.000-04:002014-10-05T10:05:40.331-04:00Sunday Salon: New Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up this morning to temperatures in the 50's and went for a long walk with my husband. There is nothing like that first whisper of fall to turn that attitude around and remind yourself that this is a new day.<br /><br />Again, the past week was not one I'm sorry to see go. We buried my best friend's father on Thursday. These folks are extended family to us, and I worry about them. <br /><br />Amidst the nearly foot of rain we got last week, the UPS man decided it would be fun to turn his massive truck around in my yard, leaving deep ruts, mud, and broken irrigation pipes in his wake. (Shockingly, this type of thing has happened before.) So now I'm dealing with their insurance company, quotes and repairs on that. The upstairs air conditioner blew up Saturday morning...always on a weekend, right? Gotta get that guy out here tomorrow morning. (Have I mentioned lately that I REALLY want to move to a condo? At the beach?)<br /><br />Polish classes have been going well. I can't really tell you whether I'm going to learn anything, but we have a real mixed bag of people in there, and it's a hoot. This week we spent a good deal of time talking about Polish food. That was something that ALL of us could get excited about. We all had contributions on that subject! LOL<br /><br />I really REALLY want to see Gone Girl, but our weekends are so busy. My son is the hugest David Fincher fan, but he is always knee-deep in homework and I hate to tempt him away from it. If I have to, I'll go by myself.<br /><br />I've been slightly off my game lately, so my reading has taken a hit. In print, I'm still reading "All I Love and Know" by Judith Frank, and it is really good. I hope I can gain some ground with it next week. On audio, I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1013643368">Dear Daughter</a>" by Elizabeth Little, a book that had been getting quite a bit of buzz. But honestly, I just don't get it. The book seemed very amateur to me, a lot of Nancy Drew clue-finding by a very obnoxious character. I wasn't feeling the love like a lot of people.<br /><br />Now I'm close to halfway through "Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury, which is a <a href="http://bookchatter.net/2014/09/01/announcing-the-something-wicked-this-way-comes-read-along/">readalong that Ti and I are hosting</a> in the month of October. Here are my initial thoughts...I'm not thrilled with the narrator. The atmosphere is very creepy and there are some freaky things happening, but the style of prose is getting on my nerves. If any of you are reading it, what do you think?<br /><br />I am getting revved up for the new fall TV season starting this week, particularly American Horror Story Wednesday night, and The Walking Dead next Sunday night. For that reason alone this has got to be a good week right?</span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-1620209940264564682014-09-28T11:38:00.000-04:002014-09-28T11:38:08.028-04:00Sunday Salon: Stormy weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good morning...finally! Seems like I've not been getting my posts in early lately. It's not easy when you get up and go to 7:30 Mass.<br /><br />This week was definitely one to put behind me. We got over 6 inches of rain (wish we could send some over to our friends in California!). We got no definitive answers from the doctor on my son's weight loss (more blood tests to come). My daughter got her driver's license, and immediately began traipsing around on the busiest and most dangerous highway in the area, therefore I feel sick to my stomach all the time. (Still no parking at the school, but I've found a local business that is willing to let her park in their lot...for now.) And my best friend lost her father yesterday to cancer. It was one of those weeks where you just focus on a distant point of reference and keep walking.<br /><br />But we've got Ryder Cup today. Gone Girl comes out next week in theaters. The new season of American Horror Story and The Walking Dead are coming soon. I've started taking Polish classes on Wednesday nights. An indie bookstore is coming to town soon. And I've been reading some great books.<br /><br />In print I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1058457818">Station Eleven</a>" by Emily St. John Mandel. It truly is an incredible book, and there is no question in my mind why she's been nominated for the National Book Award this year. I'm now about 50 pages into "All I Love and Know" by Judith Frank, insistently recommended by Heather at <a href="http://heatherlo.wordpress.com/">Book Addiction</a>. You would think this was some story about a middle-aged woman having drama, right? But it is most definitely NOT. I'm really hoping to dig in more today.<br /><br />On audio I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1059896005">We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves</a>" by Karen Joy Fowler which was...unique. Very readable, and covers a topic you don't often see (no spoilers). I also blew through Jojo Moyes' "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1061734443">One Plus One</a>" which couldn't be more precious, and an excellent audio production. I'm now a couple discs into "Dear Daughter" by Elizabeth Little. I've been seeing some buzz on this one, and was on the Must list in EW a few weeks ago. It's intriguing, snappy, and the narrator/protagonist is bratty but I think that is the point.<br /><br />For the first time, my daughter is driving herself clear across town for her SAT class, so we lost our excuse for our Winter Park brunches! Guess I'll sit here and worry instead - LOL! Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday, and please let me know what you're up to and what you're reading! </span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4124681312732868654.post-4608454069570736492014-09-21T11:21:00.002-04:002014-09-21T11:21:35.712-04:00Sunday Salon: All I Need<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Better late than never, right? I've already been to church and had a walk, and thought I'd try to bang out a quick update of my week before we have to leave to take my daughter to SAT class. Taking note of my stress level, my husband has silently made this Sunday SAT thing a good excuse for the two of us to have a weekly brunch together, walk around doing window shopping and taking deep breaths. <br /><br />I won't go into detail of my week. You don't really need to hear about it. I will say that I've been working on pulling myself together, and that really friends, Xanax and Tana French are all I need. (Having visions of Steve Martin in The Jerk! LOL). In an act of pure charity, when I expressed a mood that wasn't conducive to book club this week, a small group of friends whisked me out for a more intimate setting of drinks and talking. This stuff is good for the soul.<br /><br />So Tana French. I knocked out her latest release "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1050213909">The Secret Place</a>" on audio this week. While I don't think it was her best work, even then it is better than almost anything else out there. Psychologically twisted, clever and finely-wrought dialogue, and a bunch of fairly toxic girls in a boarding school? It doesn't get any better than that. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, her audios are sheer perfection. After I finished that book, I started "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" by Karen Joy Fowler. TBD on my opinion of this one, but is it narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, whom I love.<br /><br />In print I finished "<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1036346015">Wool</a>" finally, and deem it to be genius. I don't care what your favorite genre is, you are going to love this one. And there is more to come, with two more installments plus a buttload of fan fiction too I hear. I am now about a quarter of the way through "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel. This book was just nominated for the National Book Award and I couldn't be prouder of this little whisp of a girl who writes in a big way.<br /><br />Hope you all have a pleasant Sunday. Make sure you let me know if you have anything awesome going on your nightstand!!! </span><br /><br />
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<br />Sandy Nawrothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00564390728106776030noreply@blogger.com8