Book Club

I am going to pick a day each week to discuss various books that I have read.  Reading is one of my favorite things to do. I much prefer reading to TV or movies.  I feel I can totally engross myself in the plot of a book and go to fabulous places. I often feel sad at the end of a book because it is like I am breaking up with the characters.

I do not discriminate among books. I will read fiction, nonfiction, chick lit, classics, mysteries, etc.  Actually I lied...I do have some boundaries.  I will not read romance novels or those stupid sci fi novels. That is just not me. I like my books to be a little more realistic.

I recently finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  It was a delightful book that took place shortly after the 2nd World War on a French Island. The book is all letters between the protagonist, Juliet, a 33 year-old writer and her publisher and various friends. Juliet is someone to immediately have affection for. She is witty and smart and compassionate. She has a mind of her own and does not coform to society as most women of her time did. 

She is trying to start on a novel after completing column on the War for a London paper. She becomes aquainted with a group of islanders by mail. She goes to visit and learn more about her potential book subject and becomes enamored with the community and the people. Most importantly, she becomes close with a little girl whose mother was sent to a conentration camp and killed. She ends up adopting the girl at the end of the book. She also falls in love with the quiet Dawsey. It was cute to watch her fall in love...it took her a while to realize it. She always wrote of him in her letters so it was pretty obvious they would get together.

Anyhoo...it is a delightful book. I am moving on to my next venture and cannot make a decision. I have South of Broad by Pat Conroy, a chick book and one about how randomness rules our lives. I will let you know next week what I pick.

Any suggestions?

Happy Sketchtober!

My friend Rachelle and I found ourselves using the word "sketchy" all too frequently our freshman year of college so we implemented "Sketchtober."  That was six years ago and now we still wish eachother a happy Sketchtober every year!

Anyhoo...I am not in my usual jovial mood so instead of griping and complaining about all the things that are annoying me..I am going to make a happy list! I find this sometimes helps a little bit.

A- art!  I am going to take an art class this month and learn how to use water colors! It is a six week course and I am super excited.
B- bikes and Brandi Carlile!  I love my bike and the solitude it provides me. Brandi is my favorite artist. she makes my soul feel good with her awesome voice.
C- cheese! I just love cheese. Maybe that is what I am missing in my life today!
D- dogs! I have been seriously thinking about getting a dog. I really want one. Any thoughts?
E-europe!  So much cooler than here.
F-friends! My old friend Preston is cooking dinner for me and my friend Jen tonight! very exciting because he is a fabulous cook!
G-giving presents!
H-hiking! I went hiking with my boyfriend this weekend and being outside in the clean air is one of the best feelings ever.
I- icecream!
J-jokes!
K-kisses!
L-listening to music! Especially now that i have really cool iPod speakers!
M-marty! My fabulous boyfriend
N-napping!
O-opening presents!
P-pandas! I want one
Q-quiet time!
R- reading! I love reading so much- it provides a great escape.
S-shoes and swimming!
T-traveling!
U-umbrellas! i hate using them, but i like the way they look. i have a really cool shirt with umbrellas on it.
V-vincent van goh! I literally couldnt think of anything else and he is pretty cool.
W-wine!!
X-xylaphones?!
Y-yole! My 14 year old dog that is truly the s***
Z- zebras! I couldn't think of another Z and zebras are pretty cool.

Well, I feel a little better...

Here goes...

Today is the first day of fall! My favorite season. If only the weather would cooperate so I could get out and play! Instead we are in the middle of a tropical depression and if it doesn't stop...I will be joining the storm in being depressed. 

Anyhoo! I am not exactly what the theme of my blog will be yet. I am just going to write and let it transform itself. I am sure that I am the only one who will be reading it, but it is satisfying my desire to write. I used to write all the time and it was a good outlet for me, but lately I haven't felt like I've had anything to say or that anyone would care as my life is not overly interesting.

I am doing a short triathalon on Sunday and am very nervous and excited. I hope I enjoy it so I can continue to do them.  I have found so much joy in setting goals for myself and then acheiving. I am referring to physical goals. Trying new activities and pushing myself is beginning to be a thrill and ego booster for me. 

I am very excited about the All Local Farmer's Market in the morning. There are always cool vendors there with yummy veggies and food along with arts and crafts people's creationd. It always makes me feel good inside being around natural food and cool handmade art and jewelry.  I guess I just dig the market's way.  It is not very Columbia which might be one reason I like it!

I am getting ready to make a big order for yarn so I can start knitting scarves for the winter. I absolutely love a scarf! If anyone has a request...I would be glad to make one for you. My goal this winter is to knit a blanket.  Maybe a baby blanket! I have never been the same since I lost my baby blanket "Baba" when I was 17.  It was all down hill from there! YES! I will recreate Baba in a mod, hipster fashion...just a plain yellow blanket with satin trim to hold against my face!

Well! Off to work for the day. More later.  Was this terribly boring? Anybody?  Bueller?