Book Report: Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

A friend of mine let me borrow the book, Relic. Again, I discover it's an old title! So what, I'm behind. But, I have to say, it was well worth the wait. An awesome book, with an intriguing storyline, plot, and characters. I was hooked from page 1.

The story was told from the angle of every character. There is a lot of field jargon, but it didn't hamper my interest any at all. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved the drama between the characters. I loved the book. I can't do nothing but rave!

And I'm thrilled to discover that there is a movie: The Relic. I'm psyched to see it! Although, I am a little skeptical because of my bad rendezvous with the movie for My Sister's Keeper. Which, I will get to that in another post!

Put to the Taste---- verdict: loved it!

Book Report: Reunion at Mossy Creek by several authors

If you like down home type of characters and small town business--mystery in this case---then you'll like Reunion at Mossy Creek. Apparently not the first in the Mountain town series, I enjoyed the read. It did strike me as odd that it had about 8 or so authors for one book. But, I guess this attributed to the multi-character POV way of telling this reunion mystery.

The book is all about the mystery of the high school fire 20 years ago. The gossip columnist decides to send out a survey, asking "nosy questions" in honor of the "Burning Anniversary." It was homey feeling and the characters were down to earth. Each character told you all about themselves with a simple story that gave you a glimpse into the life of Mossy Creek, Georgia and a connection to the mystery. It was also humorous. Especially, the bit about Orville Simple and the Beaver!

The only complaint was the myriad of typos I came across while reading. Other than that, I would suggest it to anyone on a lazy afternoon.

Put it to the taste. Verdict: give it a shot, you may have a few chuckles.

P.S. And since the town actually exists, you can make a vacation of it!

Mossy Creek Festival

Mossy Creek Smokehouse Grill

Book Report: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

I know this isn't a new book, but I did say I was dusting off my bookshelf. I give this book a major thumbs up! I loved it! So, without further adieu...

This book is about a girl named Anna, who was created to be a genetic match for her sister. The sister has a rare form of leukemia. All that was needed is the umbilical cord at birth. Nothing else. But it doesn't stop there. Then, Anna decides she wants it to end. She files for medical emancipation from her parents when they want her to donate a kidney. The only catch is that her sister will die from kidney failure.

I really like the author's style. She writes from the perspective of each character. There is even a side story with the lawyer. It's a very emotional story. I didn't think I would like it. It ended up being that I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried. It was great. Now, I want to see the movie. I'm glad I read it first. I want to discuss how some things in the book pulled at my heart strings. I hope I don't give too much away.

On Having Children:
From Sara's perspective (the mother)

I realize then that we never have children, we receive them. And sometimes it's not for quite as long as we would have expected or hoped. But it is still far better than never having had those children at all. "Kate," I confess, "I'm so sorry."
She pushes back from me, until she can look me in the eye. "Don't be," she says fiercely. "Because I'm not." She tries so damn hard. "It was a good one, Mom, wasn't it?"
I bite my lip, feel the heaviness of tears. "It was the best," I answer.

This sums up a lot about the way a parent feels. I've always wondered how I ever lived without my children. Oddly enough, before I had them, I lived. I was more free to do things. Came and went as I pleased. Slept in. Went to the bathroom by myself. But I always think, "How did I ever exist without them?" I know I did. I remember life before children, but I don't understand it anymore. I am complete now, whereas before I wasn't. I just didn't realize it. Which is why Sara's realization that we receive children hit home. They are gifts. Gifts to teach us about ourselves, life, our spouse, our parents, and love. I learned to see myself as a child through my parents' eyes--- the love and joy they felt, to feel how they loved their child. I loved my grandfather in a new way when I seen myself in my child. I realized then how much he loved me. That's a wonderful gift: to love a child at the same time as feeling loved as a child. It's like coming back on yourself, a circle, completion. I thank the Lord so much for the gift of knowing my grandfather in that way. Having your child(ren) is the best blessing. I wouldn't change anything about my life, not one heart ache or screw up, because I wouldn't have Gina and Lolly.

The Circle of Life:
From Anna's perspective

Ask any kid who's made it through the fourth grade and they can tell you: water never stops moving. Rain falls, and runs down a mountain into a river. The river finds it's way to the ocean. It evaporates, like a soul, into the clouds. And then, like everything else, it starts all over again.


This is life, some would say. I like circle of life better. It makes it easy to understand our path. Where ever we go in life or whatever we do, brings us back to ourselves. Brings us back with a lesson. Someone named Kelly once told me that the only way she could get over something bad was to figure out the lesson she was meant to learn from it. I have found that is easier said than done.

Me as a waitress:

From Sara's perspective (the mother)

You get to know them (the nurses in the hospital) as they know you, because they take the place of friends you once had in a previous life, the one before diagnosis. Donna's daughter, for example, is studying to be a vet. Ludmilla, on the graveyard shift, wears laminated pictures of Sanibel Island clipped like charms on her stethoscope, because it's where she wants to retire. Willie, the male nurse, has a weakness for chocolate and a wife expecting triplets.

I realized some time ago that we have regulars not just because of our food but because the waitresses comfort the people who come in to eat. I help wake up part of Greensboro. I become part of their routine. If I'm out for a length of time, I get the third degree, so to speak. People come in and ask about me. They ask me about other girls. They know things about us. Like Mrs. Wilhoit, for example, loaned me this book to read because she knows I like books. I'm friends with several diners on Facebook. Mr. Covington brings me newspapers from the cities he delivers to in his truck. Marty brought me a shirt back from Florida and gave me a pin that represents his racing horse. Mr. Soprano tells me about his racing greyhounds. Mr. Leonard gave me his favorite old TV. The list goes on in this manner. I couldn't possibly list them all!

Besides all the extra stuff I added on to this "book report," this was a really good read. I suggest it.

Verdict: Read it!

Veggie Kabobs

I was shopping in Harris Teeter for picnic food when I came across a lovely jewel---veggie kabobs. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but when I think of kabobs, I usually think of chicken. How awesome! These have squash, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, I can't remember all, but VEGGIES! So, Poison Ivy, here is a great recipe you can do yourself and engage the kiddies. Experts say kids are more likely to "try" their own creations.

Ways to Eat 'Em:
1. Dribble Olive oil over them and sprinkle some salt. After done add a dash of herbs and splash on some red wine vinegar.

2. Brush on some BBQ or Teriyaki sauce for excellent flavor.

3. Raw: just dip in Ranch!

Tips:
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for a bit. I think these directions are on the skewer package.

2. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep from charring. If you do wrap 'em, this is a great opportunity to add lots of flavor. Examples are butter (I know..), Italian Dressing, use your stomach's imagination!

Found Some Recipes:
A Food-Networker: Veggie Kabobs with Herb and Garlic Marinade
not all veggie--fruit too, and some tofu

One from Care2--has a pic that looks like mine!

Simple but Good----plus has the skewer tip on there!

Recipes from Around the World----A Greek One


Hope these are helpful and yummy for ya.

Book Reports!

I got this lovely idea from a fellow blogger I am now following: Dusting Off Your Bookshelf!!!!. Her idea is for her cookbook shelf, but mine is for my general bookshelf. I go to a local bookstore called Edward MacKay's (a.k.a. Ed MacKay's) and find these sweet little freebies in their free book section! I have so many books....its just so sad that I go to the library, buy more books, or get more freebies....because I let them collect dust. So, I'm dusting off my bookshelf, folks. I am going to read and report. And I have to admit I've cheated and planned to report on some books I have already read. ha ha. I'm also using this "cheat" to give you an idea the variety of books I like to read. I do prefer metaphysical, self-help, comedy, and mystery to romance, sci-fi, history, and bibliographies. I do hope you find my book reports entertaining or useful, at the least. I'm going to have fun. And what books I don't like, I'm donating to the library. The ones I love, I will keep. And the ones I find to be a good read, but not re-readable, I will give to friends. Ta ta for now!


Fellow Blogger I got idea from:
http://walkingtheveganline.blogspot.com/2009/01/dust-off-shelf-uncheese-kitch-maximus.html

Tip of the Day

I'm chock full of ideas!

1. Onions, celery, etc..:
You know those outer pieces of onions that come off when you remove the skin?--instead of tossing them, use them to flavor soups or sauces! For example, in your kids favorite homemade chicken noodle soup (that they want no onions in): use those pieces. Also celery would be great here too. In spaghetti sauce, Alfredo, stocks, vegetable soup...the list goes on. Just freeze your fresh vegetable scraps and use them later. Just don't toss them!

2. Herbal Teas:
Instead of using cold medicines (that only suppress the symptoms), use herbal teas. I know, the FDA does not approve the statements, but years of successful use account for something. I swear by Echinacea and Golden Seal mixed. They even have teas for kids--if you can get them to drink them! I actually got mine the Echinacea and Golden Seal mix in drop form.

3. Tea bags:
Speaking of tea, I have seen many people reusing the same tea bag. Most of the time there is more flavor left in the bag that we toss. Once you have steeped it, just set it aside and make another cup.

4. Laundry and Dish detergent:
This seems like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people don't do this! Use less detergent! Cut back until you reach the level that you can't go past. You'd be surprised how low that comfort level is. You know the saying about how a spoonful of Dawn takes the grease away. Try it and see.

5. Pillow cases:
OK, where am I going with this one? Use old pillow cases instead of buying new ones---DUH. No, really that wasn't it. Use your old pillow cases for trash bags in small waste baskets. A lot of people use the plastic grocery bags, but that is a waste because they can be recycled. Instead use an old pillow case. It can be washed and reused. So you can double recycle here: plastic bags and pillow cases!

Ok, that's all folks. Hope you got something out of it. Please, feel free to suggest stuff to me. I love it!

I will Survive....I hope

Well, to get it over with, folks, I miscarried. Sad, but true. I was 2 months along....anyways. You know me, I'm going to use this time to reflect. Reflecting and thinking is normally done on my other blog, but since I announced my pregnancy here, I thought it would be best to discuss it here. Whoa, that was a run-0n sentence!

My Reflection: Its curious how one gets attached so early on. I mean, is it normal to mourn over such a loss as a 2 month pregnancy? It had hardly begun. How have I become attached? I think about it and I come to a few conclusions.

1. I was pregnant at the same time as others. Now I am not and they are--still. I work with one girl. She was showing me her ultrasounds while I was in the midst of losing my baby. In her defense, she didn't know. I decided to keep mum, so as not to ruin her moment of happiness she wanted to share with me. Another girl in my family-married family- is also pregnant. I was due on February 26. She is due on the 2oth. My baby would have been taken a few weeks early by Cesarean. So now when her baby is born, I will know that my baby should already be alive. And every year that I am invited to its birthday party, I will be reminded of how old my child should be. I also work with another girl who is pregnant, but I don't see her much. I was just invited to a baby shower for a girl who used to work with me. I declined and told her the reason. I'M SURROUNDED BY PREGNANCIES!

2. The Lie I lived. Apparently this was not working out from the beginning. Something didn't develop right. It stopped developing around six weeks. I remember one day copying names and their meanings from a name book. The whole time it was already over. I gained weight early on. I did with my last 2 as well, having to wear maternity clothes around 3 months. My clothes were tight already at 2 months! So wearing maternity clothes was pointless--well, not exactly. My regular clothes are still tight. I bought a high chair and two sleeper gowns. For what? All lies! Deciding names=a lie. Wearing maternity clothes= a lie. Baby stuff=a lie. This part makes me so bitter.

3. Seeing babies--especially boys-- make me so sad. I think of what could have been. The smiles, coos, chubby legs and arms I will be missing. And I was so hoping for a boy this time. I had even settled on a name. But I don't even want to utter it, naming what was never....

4. The pity party that I am receiving. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everyone's care and concern. It makes me feel loved. But at the same time it makes me feel--idk--wrong. I actually told a man today and he acted like no big deal. I appreciated that. He asked me if I was going to try again. I don't know. And he simply said, "You know how you get like that?" I told him I didn't get to ask the doctor. It'll probably happen again, so I'll figure it out. No pity party. Shit happens.

If shit happens, then why I am I so sad?