Something good to read

"Knowing you have something good to read before bed is among the most pleasurable of sensations"

Off to read some more...

Downton Abbey daze/craze

Hello!  Was intending to post about the Rose Parade (or perhaps finally post about my cousin R's wedding - lots of photos!), however, I am in the midst of a Downton Abbey marathon.  Marathon of dvds as well as reading (re-reading) also being sure to AVOID THE INTERNET because Season Four starts on Sunday night and I really want to have ZERO spoilers -- looks like an achievable goal for the premier but I don't know if it will last all season...

As mentioned one of my favorite Christmas gifts was a 2014 daily desktop calendar about Downton Abbey (sometimes photos of the show, or quotes, or behind-the-scenes information/period information)... Received a NYE gift of a book based on the historical figure of Cora Cash -- who in real life became a duchess yet in Downton Abbey is the mother/wife/female head of household/Lady Cora/Countess Cora...

Anyway, am halfway finished with the book at 3am on January 2nd and it is a novel/historical fiction -- enjoying it so much so that I have paused in between episodes of Downton Abbey (all of season one complete; over six episodes of season two complete as of this moment) to begin/continue reading the book.

The American Heiress (in real life, Cora Cash -- taken from real life,
placed into Downton Abbey as the Countess Lady Cora)

Unknown to me, the bookstore (chain store, barns. and.noble) which was only a short drive away was set to close for good on NYE. Luckily I found heard in time and instead of fighting holiday traffic decided to hop online and use my Christmas giftcard on the website instead -- Season Three has been shipped and will hopefully appear SOON -- but if it does not appear by Saturday evening I think I shall record the season four premiere instead of watching it live as currently planned

Tracking currently shows that Downton Abbey s.3 should arrive in time to be re-watched however, so I will have well over twenty hours re-watched between all three seasons!  For those who are not avid watchers, you should know that season one came out in the US in 2011, so it is not unreasonable at all for me to want/have a marathon prior to the fourth season arriving : )

Oh!  I also have a great book that I found just before my 30th birthday called "While. We. Were. Watching. Downton Abbey " -- the three female characters all have their own storylines/are in different modern-day "classes" of society but all recently moved into a new building where once a week the concierge decides to have a Downton Abbey showing (the book follows season one on dvd, then "live" season two weekly episodes)... Wonder if I have a photo of the book --

"While We Were Watching Downton Abbey" I absolutely recommend to anyone -- particularly any females who are interested in reading a book about contemporary women with various life problems who will easily relate to the three female characters whose current life stories happen to make them an unlikely trio of great friends -- due to watching a television series together! Life with heartbreak and love, family and loss, and of course, Downton Abbey thrown in.  One of my favorite new books in the past five years (as a bookworm that is saying alot!!)

Seven Identical Doors

"You find yourself in front of seven identical doors. A voice from above tells you 'These seven doors lead to seven places: Narnia, Neverland, Wonderland, Hogwarts, Camelot, Middle Earth, and Westeros.' Which door do you go through? Why that door? What happens?"


Found this online and LOVE IT! Problem is I could never choose just one door... I might be able to settle for three of them, is that okay? What would you do?? Also please do not say you have no idea where any of the doors go, it would hurt my book-loving heart! : )

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (October 29th)

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans

As I was putting away various books I read, I found this story on one of my bookshelves.  I have read it perhaps only three times but re-reading it this week really reminded me how lucky I am to have people who love me.  This is a very short book, but it is absolutely not one I would suggest for people who have experienced any type of child loss.  It takes place (obviously?) just prior to Christmas and love is very apparent throughout the story. Basically it reminds us to not take life for granted. To love and enjoy and appreciate the time we have, particularly with infants/toddlers/young children -- most especially if they are our own.  Do not let time slip away -- reminds me of a quote. Something along the lines that we only have "sixty diamond minutes set in one golden hour" -- time is precious and life goes by faster than we think

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (October 1)

Welcome to another Monday update on what I have been reading!  This past week I ended up re-reading two different book series.  I also found a few images online that I am going to try to remember to use at the top of book entries.  These particular "problems" amused me because they are about/refer to books!  Today is Nerd Girl Problem #45 (no clue about the numbers nor where these came from - but I can relate to them!!)...
"Having to put a great book down to do things like sleep or eat"

This first book series is by Laura Ingalls Wilder, often referred to as the "Little House" books.  The series is written primarily about herself, parents (Pa and Ma), older sister Mary and younger sister Carrie. The books cover roughly Laura's life story from the 1860's through the 1880's giving a wonderful personal history of pioneer life.  One book (Farmer Boy) is a glimpse into her husband (Almanzo Wilder) childhood home.  The books also eventually include her youngest sister Grace, how Almanzo courted Laura, and the start of their life together - including the birth of their daughter Rose.  Laura started writing the series when she was sixty years old and passed away quietly a few days after her 90th birthday in February of 1957 (Almanzo had also passed away quietly in their home, eight years prior).

This second book series was written by Maria V. Snyder -- I do not have the details of her life as many do about Laura Ingalls Wilder but that is only to be expected! This series was introduced to me by an old friend, and I believe Maria has another series (however since I do not have them I shall have to take a trip to my local library and look there -- it is too bad they closed the local Border's store last summer!)... Anyway, the books in this trilogy are: Poison Study, Magic Study, and Fire Study.  All three surround Yelena, a girl who was sentenced to die but was offered the position of food taster.  Her journey wanders from learning to identify poisons in food, to espionage, to discovering she has magical powers... it continues to follow her journey learning about herself, her family, and the unexpected magic (and human) surprises life brings!