Arghh...Twilight!!!

It's the eve of Twilight, the movie, and my Maude has absolutely driven me CRAZY this last week. Now, don't get me wrong, I adore the fact that this book has gotten teens to pick up books in general, stop texting and start reading, but seriously??? No, really, seriously?? It was ok, it was entertaining, perfect for the genre it was written for. But these nutsy Twilight moms???? What on earth is that all about? There are old ladies, yeah, that means they are my age, drooling over this fictional character, who, in my opinion doesn't have a tenth of the depth of Mr. Darcy. But, that's a whole other ball game. Well, I guess it's not really, you see Mr. Darcy was written I think, (and humor myself) for the more mature mind. And really, Edward...really? So, my question is, are there honestly that many middle aged, miserably married, longing for the teenage twitters of years gone by women??? Apparently so. It has been my finding (yes it was a very extensive research project-not) that the women (and that's what we really are ladies, grown women)who didn't fall deeply in love with Edward and said books, are educated, well read, and pretty happy. (of course I found that, since I fit into that group.) But that's just me. All the rest of you...well you seem a bit unhinged to me. It's terribly odd. And that, my now much offended friends, is what drives me batty about Twilight.

That being said, I will let you know if the movie is better than the book (I think it will be) because I am taking Maude tomorrow night. Pray for any crazy Twilight Moms that I may encounter, and maybe, just maybe I will hold my tongue and only smile sadly at them. :)

Post Election Thoughts

Well, finally a week ago it was over! Didn't it seem like it was the longest election ever? Even my kids got into it, asking me the week before who I was going to vote for, and then telling me who'd they vote for. As with anything that involves children, there was a great deal of humor! Sprite cannot say Obama, she came home from school wanting to know if I was 'going to vote for that Oakabama guy.' We all laughed and laughed, so now she won't quit saying it! On election day itself, the kids all inquired had we voted, yes of course, early voted in fact, (bad move, we had to wait in line for an hour and a half) Squash and Sprite were so relieved at this. Now, what kind of mother would I be if I didn't take this golden opportunity and mess with Sprite a bit? After all, she had been so very serious about this election, as involved as a child could be. So naturally, I asked her had she voted today? Oh to see the look of panic on her little face, priceless! She stammered on and on, 'teacher didn't tell her too', 'she didn't know where she was to have voted', 'could I still vote?' Now, Squash being a very decent older brother, told her 'we all voted in the lunch room, didn't you?' Sprite lost it, started crying and wanted to get back to school to vote. At that point Squash was rolling and I told her it was all a joke. Squash gently told her 'duh, we can't vote until we're 18!' Isn't he the best brother in the world? Truly a tribute to all big brothers.
That evening we all gathered around the ole telly and watched the results roll in. The kids turned it into a game of sorts, some choosing the 'blue' team others the 'red' team. And then the results were in, we had a new president. It was really great to be able to explain the whole process to them. However, the three younger children learned something they had never noticed before-that there was a difference between white & black people. Truly, they had never noticed it. Yes, they noticed different skin colors, but we've long told them God loves all colors, so he makes people just as colorful as nature. They where told by there dad, see how McCain skin is white, and Obama is darker? That's what the news people are talking about, that's why they keep calling him black. Sad. How sad. They honestly never knew any of the race stuff that we grew up with. And so with the media going on and on about how monumental it was that perhaps the race barriers were finally down, they managed to put up a few more with children that had never even known they existed. Brilliant.

On the writing front, still editing what the computer tried to kill, and it's actually going really well. Plus I found parts of book 2 in an email I sent to my mom, thank heavens for moms, so after I polish book 1, I have the pieces of book two to start with. Reading....ahhh, finished Sense & Sensibility, which was good, not as good as Pride though. And of course, as I was wondering the Library, I sorta got sucked into the isle with Binchy, so I am reading a bit more of her.

It is feeding time at the zoo, and there are terrible screeching noises coming from the kitchen...as the zoo keeper I am obligated to check this out!

Great Aunts and Irish Bands

So, it's been ages, but since I am the only avid follower of this thing, I suppose it doesn't really matter! As the title reveals, we had a visit from my great Aunt, who is well into her 80's, and I must say, a wonderfully charming lady. She is a retired librarian, so as you can imagine, topics were not scarce between us. She had dinner at our house with us, and she and I talked and talked. Ma and Pa scurried her off home, and at about the time I was closing the front door, it occured to me that I had just met my future self in my 80's, no wonder I liked her so well! Super Spouse is always teasing me that I get on better with the elderly, which is probably true, so he just loved this moment. Apparently I am an 80ish old lady trapped in a mid 30's body. Go figure. (don't worry, the body is doing it's darnedest to get to 80 faster than I'd like)

On the reading front, I just finished off 3 more Maeve Binchy books, quite addicting those, and I've started, then stopped, then started Austen's Sense & Sensibility. I really do love Binchy, although, since her books tend to be so full of life, even the icky parts, they tend to get me down. The upside is, it's like being able to slip over to Ireland at any given moment, which if you know me at all, is truly a dream come true. So, I think I'll put Binchy aside for a bit, fatten myself up on some flowery Austen, and then get back to the business of writing. One I seem to have totally neglected. Hear one, hear all, I do solemnly swear to begin again. Since the laptop crash book one really needs to be repaired, and patched up, as so much was lost, and you know what they say...there is no time like the present! The wind went out of my sails as I watched a year of work wither away, got me down, but I'm up now so why put it off right? Right. I wonder, as I get the book back into shape, would it be a grand idea to put bits of it here? Hmmmm, have to think that one over a bit. I was awfully secretive with it, only a select few have been allowed to read it, but now I find I really don't care. At first I thought it only confirmed that I was indeed a raving lunatic, but now, I learn it actually happens to other people-stories playing on in their heads that is. So, anyway, I'm more comfy in my new skin, so to speak!

The animals in the Zoo are wonderful. All reved up for Halloween. The excitement gets a bit contagious. Super Spouse & I got to go to a NBA game last night with Pine Nut & Angel, which was fun. But as usual, I enjoyed the people watching far more than the game. Apparently it's catching, this people watching, even Super Spouse got in on the action! He leaned over and said, 'So do you think that couple is married, or just flirting like mad? There not sitting with each other, and the little girl with the man, I'll bet she is telling him she's going to tell mom.' I had to laugh, as that's just the thing I'd have said. People are the best subjects to study, next to music & nature they are the best muse's.

Speaking of Super Spouse, he rode in on his white stallion and presented me with the latest Snow Patrol album the other day, which was quickly added to my Ipod and has been playing ever since. It's wonderful. Truly. There's music, and then there's music that beats in tune with your own heart beat, and this is that for me. Lightbody's (lead singer) voice once again wraps it's self around you, carrying you away into the music. So really, you should give it a listen. My fav tracks are 'Crack the Shutters' and 'If there's a rocket Tie Me To It'. Overall, it's a great album with so much depth. Oh, and did I mention, they're an Irish band? No, well they are, so that makes it perfect, lol. The Irish have a way with music and story telling. So, go give it a listen!

Computer crashes & Mono invasion

What I'm reading: Just finished Quentins, by Maeve Binchy (adored it, my favorite yet of hers). Halfway through Jane Austen's Mansfield Park. And recently read: Tara Road, The Glass Lake both by Maeve Binchy, and Pillars of the Earth finished. (yeah, so I'm on a reading binge of sorts, so kill me!)

I am officially the worst blogger on the face of the earth. Fortunately, no one really reads this, so the fact that I haven't written in weeks will go unnoticed! However, I have numerous spectacular excuses. Such as: every one of us got a terrible stomach flu, except Maude. Then when Sprite got it, she also got strep throat followed a few days later by a Mononucleosis diagnosis. Then, my lap top crashed, fizzed, committed suicide, you get my drift. Did I mention I lost everything that was on it? No? Well, I did. Including my books. It's true. Fortunately, book one was on my zip drive. Wish I could say the same for the beginning of book two, but I can't. I'm still numb with grief over that one. But book 2 was just started, and book one was complete, so I suppose it was the lesser of two evils. (sorta like the upcoming presidential election?) So really, when you look at the pretty much crap month I've had, I think it's all quite excusable. That being said, let's get down to business.

On the writing front. As you can see by my sub title, I've mostly been reading, not writing for the last little while. But! I have started a new book, entirely different genre than the first two. This one will be chick lit. And it's fun. But, considering my lap top death (no worries, it has been reincarnated) I have loads of work to do on books 1&2. But, I'm in lazy mode right now, so not to much is getting done on that front. Also, I'm feeling a bit self indulgent, and book 3 is curbing that need. So, I'm working, running in place and going no where fast, but such is the life of the tormented artist. Hahaha.

Onto the books I've read. I did finish Pillars of the Earth, and was still not won over by it. However, I do see the need for the coarse way in which it was written, but as I've said before, just not my cup of tea. As stated above, I've taken to Maeve Binchy again. I adore that woman. She writes a most restful book. Warm, inviting, where the numerous characters have such depth. And somehow, even though each book has about 4 plus main story lines and yet, you grow to love each of them and in the end they all tie together. I've read a lot of what she's written and highly recommend her for a good read. She's one of my all time favorites, so give her a try. I have to admit Mansfield Park is not my favorite Austen novel, but, it's still classic Austen, and you really can't go wrong there. Next in line is a refresher of my newly purchased (thank you Pug's wife) copy of Sense and Sensibility. I read it ages ago, but can't really remember it, so I thought I'd give it another read through. Then, as I'm feeling greedy, I have a copy of Maeve Binchy's 'The Lilac Bus' calling to me from the bookshelf, so I'll just have to read that one as well.

As to the fam, we are all finally well! Hallelujah! It's been nearly a month of constant illness here at the Zoo I call home, but I am pleased to say I really think we are all on the mend. Whew. Also in the goings on of the Zoo, I had a birthday come and go, making me older. Unfortunately wiser didn't seem to come along with older for me. Just gray hairs. Super spouse decorated the house for me, and had a take away meal brought in, which he insisted I eat by candle light. Not to mention the lovely bouquet, and numerous cards stashed about the house. And, a mushy voice mail message that I saved for a rainy day. And you wonder why I call him Super Spouse? Mom made me my favorite Red Velvet Cake, which I shared a bit of with the kids, then made quick work of the rest by myself. Sprite is feeling better, she went to nearly a whole week of school this week, and did really well. She just can't play outside or have contact sports (no soccer for her!) as her spleen in enlarged, a side effect of Mono. On the brighter side, Maude finished her soccer season with a win (that's not the brighter side, the finished part is.) so now we will only be having to run her to soccer twice a week, rather than 4-5 times. I'm sure glad we have winter where I live!

So tonight, on this fabulous Saturday evening, Super Spouse is taking me out to dinner with our friends Pine Nut (named himself trying to get into my book-don't ask) and Angel (because she just is, never met anyone as nice as her), then coming back to the Zoo to watch a movie. And on that note, I must go feed the animals as they will not be coming with us.

The Flu

What I'm Reading: Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

So, I've managed to pull my aching body over to the computer long enough to write a quick entry. I've had the stomach flu for the past 24 hours...and it is kicking my butt! I am generally blessed not to get sick when the kids do, but this one got me, and has left me pretty much incapacitated! But, it's another day, and I do feel a lot better than yesterday. Super Spouse once again donned his cape and played Soccer mom for me yesterday, while Squash and I lay prostrate on the floor, moaning in pain. Poor Squash had the back luck of getting sick at the same time as me, so neither of us could take care of the other. There was however the solace of misery loving company, so it wasn't to bad.

On the literary front, I am reading Pillars of the Earth, as a fore mentioned, and really, while it is spellbinding, I have to say I don't like it. It's quite vulgar, written by a man, so of course all the women are sexed up and throwing their selves at the men in the book, or they are getting raped left and right. I know, it's time period is in the 1100's but still, it's so coarse! But, have I closed it with disgust? No, I am 700 give or take pages into it, and determined to finish it. However, I have decided not to read the sequel, Worlds without End. And technically, I could say that reading the book made me sick, so sick that I puked, but that wouldn't be completely honest, since it was a flu bug that got me! So, it's not one that I would recommend.
Also, I read 16 Sandpiper Way in about 3 minutes. Entertaining but not much to chew on literary wise. There are 8 books in that series, and I don't know that I'll read any others there either.


Well, that's all I have time for right now. Sprite has decided to return to school, after having me come and get her claiming to be sick. I guess being home wasn't all she thought it would be.

Middlemarch

What I'm reading: Finished Middlemarch...still ruminating on that!

Well, 800 and some odd pages later, I am pleased to say that I have finished Middlemarch! Since hind sight is 20/20 I do have to admit, it is probably one of the best books I've ever read. Seriously. I know, who'd of thunk? Not me, as it took almost 200 pages to really get into it, but it was so beautiful. So full of philosophy, that it has left me thinking ever since I finished the last page. It's one of those books that you actually stop and highlight or mark a clever phrase in it. And besides, it is quite an insight into marriage, which is really interesting considering the author was only married for under a year before she died. The bouncing around from various groups of characters was at first annoying, but in the long run, it did keep hour attention. Also, it was brilliant the way all the characters were ultimately tied together, some without really even knowing the others in the book. And, the heroine....wow she was really something else. Talk about one classy lady! Not to mention the fact that it had romance woven all the way through it, which I adored. So, as I said before, it proved to be one of the best books, although a bit slow at first, that I have ever read. Up next, possibly something by Ken Follett, I hear he's pretty good. Besides, it's probably a good idea for me to come back to my own time period!

Now, as to my book- oh it's still there, and coming along. I am editing it, AGAIN, this is like the 4th time, but perfection doesn't usually come on the first try right? Well, as Winnie the Pooh said, "I have a rumbly in my tumbly." Tata!

Revise!

What I'm reading: Middlemarch, by George Eliot

On the literary front...ever heard the word revise? Yeah, me too. Really stinks, but quite necessary. And so after much thought, numerous rejection letters, and a bit of revelation ;) I have ripped the book apart (not literally) and started the beginning over again. Oh, and the ending as well. Sorta. In all reality, ego aside, I think it will be much better this time around. But, on the up side, the bits taken out should fit perfect into book 2. Which would explain why they never really belonged in book 1. Although it's been a bit of work, I love it. Crazy, but I freaking love it. I hadn't been writing for a bit because of the kidlets being ever present. (Oh dear, my biggest fan, Maude, just read this and is distraught....she loved the book as was...well, she'll like it this way to.) So, I'm back at it, up at 5:30am and writing away, cup o' hot chocolate on the side...it's so nice to be home! Reading wise, I'm still plugging away at Middlemarch, and shocker, I'm enjoying it! It did take a 150 odd pages to get into it properly, but now, it's quite good. I think after that I'll read Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. You do know it's going to be on the telly soon, so I thought I'd give it a read. Besides, I really liked Moll Flanders, and I'm curious to see how different this will be in comparison to that. Silly, I know. (Maude seriously just asked me if vampires (as in..sigh from her...Edward) could taste food. For the millionth time I had to explain that there are NO SUCH THINGS as vampires...thanks Ms. Meyers.)

On the home front....I still can't believe it, the kidlets started school on Monday (woohoo!) and the house is so quiet! I think if I yelled "Hello" it may echo, seriously. That being said, I feel like I've spent the entire week getting the house back in order from a summer of fun. It's almost there! I have numerous little chores set aside for myself when Salsa starts pre-school (or pretty-school as she calls it) next week. So, yeah, I've been happily occupied. The kids all love being back in school, even Maude, who daily tells me how absolutely annoying all seventh graders are, now that she's an eighth grader. Remember those days???(she just started up again, I can't take much more!) So that's about it on the home front. Oh yeah, we did venture up into the mountains last weekend to take the kids hiking. All four of them walked, which is huge, considering for the last 13 years Super Spouse has carried one of them at one time or another. He never realized how easy the hike was with out a child in arms! On the down side, we did encounter a bee hive, and sadly, Squash & Sprite were stung. Maude & I ran quickly, Squash had the misfortune of having a bee fly up his shorts and sting his bum. (I think I made him made because I was laughing so hard) Sprite froze with fear, until Super Spouse swooped down and she clung like a monkey to his leg, while he carried Salsa. That too was funny. So obviously I have an odd sense of humor. Can't help it. Ever since I was small I've always laughed, or tried very hard not to, when someone got hurt. My mom is the same way, it must be a genetic thing.

Well, it's feeding time at the Zoo for my herd!