Five Bookish Bad Habits

1. Library Fees - Please tell me I'm not the only one who has trouble remembering to take library books back when their due?! I am forever thinking I've had them for way less time and forgetting they were due last week. So far, my library has been nice (except for the fee part, which, to be fair, is supposed to be a punishment I assume) and has not revoked my library card as of yet.....

2. Not Reading - Wait wait! Before you get confused, this goes in conjunction with #1. I check out a lot of books from the library, but somehow never get around to reading all of them. (Somehow I get distracted with other books. Go figure.) In fact, I've had to renew and renew and renew and then finally say forget it, I'll try again another time. I only pick books that sound good or that I've been looking forward to and I'm too embarrassed to admit exactly how many books I've checked out multiple times before actually reading them.

3. Continuously Adding To My TBR - I've decided that I'm a bit like Amber, my eyes tend to be bigger than my mind (or something like that). I have bunches of books on my shelves at home and on my kindle, that I have yet to get around to reading. I'm always distracted by another book that's newer, shinier, or prettier. Silly me.

4. Not Writing Reviews - If you follow me on Goodreads, you may have already noticed this. But I've got several books that need reviewing right now. They are great stories and deserve their time to shine on this little blog of mine. Plus I want to encourage y'all to read them! :) One of the reasons why I haven't gotten around to them yet, leads me to Bad Habit #5...

5. Time-Management - I am terrible at this! Trying to find the time to read and comment on all my blogging friends posts, catch up on twitter, READ BOOKS, type up my reviews, type up any other post, watch a show or movie, eat, work, live life in general....I struggle with fitting it all in. And I'm positive I could do way better if I'd just actually plan out my days and organize myself better. Clearly I'm not so great at that either.

Well! That's enough depressing thoughts for today! If I only tried working on those five habits for the next month, I don't think I'd get anything else done. I covered a wide range of my life up there! ;) What about you? Do you have any bookish bad habits to share? (Or should I say, that you're willing to share?)

Goodnight Dear Void...

Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void.

This is for Amber, who says she's known at the "You've Got Mail" Quoting Queen! :D (Which totally makes sense. I mean, this movie is simply so quotable!)

A List...

• Good things will happen.
• Tea is perfectly delightful.
• I heart bookstores.
• And libraries!
• Former co-workers can become close friends.
• Bad days come to an end.
• Scroll through Pinterest funnies on those bad days. Smiles guaranteed.
• Unexpected packages in the mail make me happy.
• The minute a favorite song comes on the radio, my day gets a bit better.
• People's stories are always worth listening to.
• Ordinary life can be beautiful.
• Library book sales = happiness
• Planning trips brings anticipation and hope.
• Therefore, plan more trips.
• It's ok to not have it all figured out.
• Food makes my tastebuds happy.
• Free wifi is awesome.
• Sometimes stuff I think I need turns out to be stuff I don't.
• Sometimes it's just "stuff".
• Sentimentality isn't all it's cracked up to be.
• But I still treasure the crocheted tablecloth my grandmother made.
• Moments of joy can be found in even the yuckiest of days.
• Inspiration comes in unexpected moments.
• Poetry that rhymes makes me happy.
• Silly and crazy are some of my favorites things to be.
• I can smile for days about one single compliment from a friend.
• Sometimes I get "peopled out".
• Solitude resets me.
• My thoughts tend to never shut up.
• I think way more than I say.
• Falling in love with a new book is indescribable.
• Words bring life.
• Friendships bring joy.
• Smile.
• Breathe in.
• Breathe out.
• Just breathe.
• Live.

A Piratical Blogathon & Review: Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

Ahoy, matey! Aye, tis Talk Like a Pirate Day! An' me kind friend, Hamlette, is havin' a party to celebrate. Ye better be headin' right on over there and join in! Or stick around these parts and meet a privateer by the name of Captain Smith who might try an' hornswaggle ye, ifen's yer not careful-like. Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum. Weigh anchor and hoist the mizzen! (And whatever else an actual pirate would say.) (Also, if you're in need of some help in the "pirate speak" department, I discovered this helpful little website.)

(I contemplated trying to write this entire review in pirate speak, but alas, twas a bit too hard for me. So regular old English will have to do! ;)

Fun! That was the first word that came to mind once I closed the final pages of this book. As a Jane Austen fan, I've read several sequels and retellings of her stories. Some better than others, I admit, but I've read a couple by Ms. Louise before and enjoyed them immensely. So when I got the chance to read this one, I was rather thrilled! And I found it to be a quick and fun bit of Austen-themed fluff. Great for a moment when you're seeking some Jane-related goodness, along with mindless entertainment.

Based around Pride and Prejudice (as if you can't tell, right? ;), the story starts off just after Elizabeth has refused Mr. Darcy's proposal. And proceeds to venture into a completely different storyline from there! This is Mr. Darcy as you've never seen him before. Who would have thought he'd have a bit of pirate inside him? From mistaken identities, rope-swinging across ships, meeting Mr. Bennet's sister and her family, real pirates out for revenge, a possible suitor or two vying for Lizzy's hand, sword fighting and kidnappings, as well the search for a proper pirate crew, and everyone fighting for their lives, the swashbuckling adventure never stops. Ms. Louise packs quite a bit of storytelling in just one little book!

If you enjoy pirate stories, Jane Austen sequels, a bit of both, or are just looking for something a little different, this is the book for you. A bit silly in moments, but who wouldn't want to sail on the high seas with "Captain Smith" along? So just sit back, grab a bowl of popcorn, and let the adventure begin!

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes and Noble

"Oh, thank you, so much!" Mrs. Dillard exclaimed. "I do not know whether I am more uncomfortable from being so hungry or soaked from the rain!"
The ladies laughed as Timmons turned to leave, but he abruptly stopped. Elizabeth looked up when she heard a gasp and saw four men standing menacingly at the entrance to the cave. She felt a great sense of foreboding as the men suddenly drew swords, muskets, and pistols from their belts. She shuddered as she noticed their glaring looks and threatening posture.
"Pirates!" Mrs. Joyner screamed and crumpled into a heap on the ground.

Or should I say: I'm shovin' off!

Explaining My TBR Pile...

via

I think a year or more ago, I wrote a post comparing my moods and what I read. I'm too lazy to go searching for it now, but I know it was quite a while ago. So I decided that made it okay to venture into this topic again! Sorta.

Really, what sparked the thoughts in my head were a few things that happened recently.

1. I saw a friend of mine in Barnes and Noble the other night and in the midst of me recommending this book and that book to her and her recommending this book and that book to me, I mentioned how I'd heard of several books, wanted to read them sometime, but it hadn't happened yet. I think I said something along the lines of "Do you ever not feel in the mood to read a certain book? Like you really want to, but you can't get any enthusiasm for it right this second? So you keep looking at it and thinking about it and planning for that someday when you actually will read it, because you'll be in the mood?" She very kindly responded, "I have no idea what on earth you're talking about, you crazy person." (It must just be me then.)
2. I finally read Cress (which I had been anticipating for an entire year when I purchased it) a few weeks ago, after having it in my possession for months and months and months.
3. I took a look at my bookshelves recently and realized that I have loads of books that I haven't read yet. I see people talking about one measly shelf of to-reads? I'm thinking I have a double-stacked shelf-full, if not an entire bookcase! (They're all spread out, so I haven't actually counted.)
4. Liane mentioned via twitter, that she's been hesitating to read certain books (which she probably has very valid and reasonable logic for) and I thought, "Man, does that sound familiar." (while I do not have valid and reasonable logic at all).

The dealie-bob is, there is absolutely nothing wrong with these books. (Else they wouldn't be on my bookshelf, now would they?) They truly sound all kinds of awesome to read. So why haven't I read any of them yet? That......is a very excellent question.

When I see them in the store, I'm terribly excited to read them. That's why they make their way in my arms up to the cash register, into a bag, into my car, and then onto my bookshelf. So what changes between picking it off the store shelf and placing it on mine? And it's also true of books that I do not own yet! I look at them in the store and really want to read them sometime. So why don't I? Why do I leave them there? Why do I hesitate? Why does my mood change?

Especially when it comes to a story I'm really excited about? Where does my enthusiasm go? Take Cress for instance. It was just as much fun as I'd anticipated it would be, yet I procrastinated for months before I finally read it clear through. And I knew the entire time while I was hesitating, that I was bound to really enjoy it! So what gives?

1. I like to wait forever before reading awesome books? {absolutely not}
2. I'm too lazy? {um....maybe}
3. Fear that my anticipation and hope would be disappointed and let down? {quite possibly}
4. I just like the feeling of hope and anticipation of a wonderful story? {getting warmer, I think}
5. I have absolutely no idea at all. {bingo}

I cannot explain it. I only know it's true.

But the happy truth is! I do whittle down my TBR pile. Very slowly sometimes, but it happens nonetheless. Whatever my mood, this one fact remains the same. I. LOVE. TO. READ.

"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book. When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library. ~ Jane Austen

 

 

Audiobook Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Well, no doubt about it. Ms. Meyer has done it again! As with her previous installments, she skillfully combines great characters, fascinating storylines, and fun world-building. I don't think it's possible for anyone to read this series and not get swept up in delight! Because that's the word that always comes to mind once I'm finished reading one of her books, delightful. And I'm constantly intrigued with how she has this ability to take a fairytale that we all know well, and twist and turn it until it's recognizable, yet all her own creation.

Poor Cinder never seems to catch a break! I confess I am so ready for things to actually go her way for once. (Although, there are a few sweet moments for her this go round. So yay for that!) As for Cress, it took a little for me to warm up to her. While she was by herself at the beginning I enjoyed her conversations with Little Cress a lot, but once she connected up with everyone else, her naiveté frustrated me. Granted, it did make sense when you consider that she'd spent the last several years alone. (But this is a fairytale! Anything's possible in a fairytale, right?) I guess I just wanted her to be a little bit more smarter in a few situations. (I got spoiled with Scarlet's awesomeness!) Regardless, she and Thorne had such cute interactions and by the end I was happily enthralled with their story.

This installment does not scrimp on the action scenes let me tell you! From attempted rescues, to several kidnappings, to the final climactic fight with the Thaumaturge, Ms. Meyer keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. And you love it! ;)

Action, adventure, romance, this series is wonderful. But for all the goodness that lies therein, I do have to admit that I felt the cast of characters (while I love them all!) was getting a little large. There were so many different things going on and I felt some of the storylines didn't get as much attention as they needed, simply because there wasn't the time. I'd've loved to get a few more details on certain scenes, but the action just flew on. So while I loved the story, Scarlet still remains my favorite of the series so far. Perhaps Winter will change that though. (Although the excruciating wait we have until it comes out is so not cool!) Also, the narrator of the audiobook, Rebecca Soler, is amazing! I've said that with every book so far, but she has yet to disappoint me with her skill with accents and voices. I'd highly recommend it just for her alone.

Goodreads :: Amazon :: Barnes and Noble

He leaned forward to inspect her closer. "Is that all hair?"

Sudden, overwhelming panic clawed up Cress' throat. With a squeak, she ducked out of view of the camera and scrambled beneath the desk. Her back struck the wall with a thud that rattled her teeth. She crouched there, skin burning hot and pulse thundering as she took in the room before her— the room that he was now seeing too, with the rumpled bedcovers and the mustached man on all the screens telling her to grab her imaginary partner and swing them around.

"Wha—where'd she go?" Thorne's voice came to her through the screen.

"Honestly, Thorne." A girl. Linh Cinder? "Do you ever think before you speak?"

"What? What did I say?"

" 'Is that all hair?' "

"Did you see it? It was like a cross between a magpie nest and ball of yarn after it's been mauled by a cheetah."

A beat. Then, "A cheetah?"

"It was the first big cat that came to mind."

Stories, Classics, & YouTube

Yep! I'm going to talk about some of the YouTube sensations in this post. You know what I'm talking about....

Emma Approved! Frankenstein MD! Welcome to Sanditon! The Autobiography of Jane Eyre! and the best for last.....THE LIZZIE BENNET DIARIES! (Plus a few others.)

In the last couple years, video storytelling has blasted off into the sky with much fanfare and from the looks of it, no chance of dying out anytime soon. Which is great! Because I've really been enjoying all the different stories we get to be a part of.

And that? Is exactly what (or part of what) makes these videos so popular (in my opinion). The viewers get to feel like we're part of the story. And if you ask any avid book reader, I imagine you'll get very similar responses. We like to feel like these characters are actually real people and we could be best friends with them. We get sucked into their lives and feel like we're literally in the story with them. That's one way writers hook us in, after all. By dragging us into the action and refusing to let us go back to real life until they decide when. So when stories that we may or may not know well get put into video form, with real people playing the characters and then talking directly to the viewers (and using transmedia {instagram, tumblr, and twitter for example} to interact with us as well), we like it. We flock to it. We obsessively search out every single detail about said characters and real life actors and......or wait, is that just me? ;)

Regardless, whatever the formula for hooking viewers, it's clearly been working. Much to my delight! (Because you know what that means? More awesomeness to come! More stories getting told! Always a good thing in my book.) (Pun not on purpose.....but I like it so it's staying.) (Although not really sure it's actually a pun?) (Nonetheless. It's staying.) (And that's all I'll say about it.) (Promise.)

So! The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was the beginning of it all and what a beginning it was. Talk about a high standard to live up to! Arguably the best of them all so far (I say arguably because some people probably agree with that and some people probably don't.) (But surely we can all agree that it was certainly a phenomenon!) (Still is for that matter), the producers, writers, and actors of the show caught everyone by surprise and made a huge splash the world over. Literally! I remember watching it faithfully and seeing all sorts of languages in the comment section under each video.

Then there was Welcome to Sanditon. And The Autobiography of Jane Eyre started up around the same time The LBD finished (about which I have a few thoughts, so a more detailed post may come later.....maybe). And we then had Emma Approved come on the scene. Also can't forget the newest, Frankenstein MD (Victoria talks a mile a minute, which is good since she always goes above my head with all that science mumbo jumbo. And Iggy is great!) Now there are multiple others on YouTube. I haven't watched very many of them, although I did try the first few episodes of the New Adventures of Peter and Wendy (which is quite adorable and fun!). I've also watched a couple episodes of Nothing Much To Do. As well as heard of Classic Alice and Green Gables Fables (neither of which I've watched). I'm sure there may also be a few others that I know nothing about.

That's one thing I think is pretty awesome about it all. That these great classic stories are getting known in the minds of teens today! Of people in general! It may even spark some of them to want to read, which would be amazing. Now granted, all these stories are updated into modern times, but they are still getting put out there. Reminding people of how fabulous they are. That they're classics for a reason! And that maybe, just maybe, they are worth taking a second look at, instead of dismissing as just some old story that's probably boring. (I admit, I wasn't so thrilled to read them when I was a teen. But I have since changed my mind. Quite happily I might add! :)

And isn't that the goal of any writer? And the dream of every reader? To have these stories out there for people to consume and enjoy and talk about? So whether you're a purist or not, I think it's pretty wonderful that these stories are getting refreshed. (Plus, since I've not ever read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, I'm intrigued to watch a story that I know nothing about.) And as a Jane Austen fan, I am beyond thrilled that her stories are getting told again. I never tire of watching and reading about her regency (or modern!) heroines! :D

Have you been watching any of these? Why or why not? Any thoughts to share? Anyone? Hello?

Top Ten Underrated Authors

Hello my lovelies! I decided to join in the Top Ten Tuesday mayhem this week. Usually I struggle coming up with a complete list, which is why I rarely participate. But not this day! This day......okay yeah. Enough with the movie quotes. (If you know that small reference though, kudos to you!)

Top Ten Tuesday originates over at The Broke and the Bookish, where those ladies love lists. (Who doesn't?!) And today's topic is underrated books or authors in ____________ genre. So yeah, I had to vary that a little bit. I couldn't come up with a list of ten under just one genre, so......

Here is my list of Ten Underrated Authors (and/or Books) Who I Do Not Think Get Enough Love (in no particular order):

1- Amber Stokes - Yes, she is a dear friend of mine, so I may be slightly biased. But I still think she has amazing talent for an indie writer. And I think lots more people need to try her stories and be blown away as I am! She's still growing as a writer and I know she'll only get better the more stories she writes. You should definitely check her out! :)

2- Sherwood Smith - Her Crown and Court Duel books are some of my absolute favorites! She's great at fantasy. And her heroines are always lots of fun. WAY more people need to realize her awesomeness.

3- Megan Whalen Turner - Speaking of awesomeness, this lady is AMAZING! She has written some of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. She somehow had the ability to make me start a book that halfway through I thought was 'meh' and be completely enthralled and blown away by the ending!! You may have heard of her, but have you actually read any of her books? If not, YOU SHOULD REMEDY THAT IMMEDIATELY. And trust me. You'll love Gen. He's one of a kind.

4- Donna Fleisher - True. She has only written four books, but first of all it's a series. And second of all, the main character is wonderful! Chris has to deal with pain and emotion and life, and goodness has her life been hard. Being inside her head is painful and confusing, yet strangely beautiful. The first cover makes it seem like it's a military story (which it kind of is, but only kind of), but it is SO much more than that. You need to meet Chris!

5- Jennifer Rogers Spinola - Her southern series is so real. So true to life, yet fun. Watching this city girl from Tokyo handle living in the south, a completely alien culture to her, is amusing. Yet the issues Shiloh has to deal with throughout the series are hard and life-changing. More people should know about this series.

6- Melissa Jensen - Only a couple books to her name, but they're so fun! As someone who loves to read about the regency time period as well as contemporary stories, Ms. Jensen's Falling In Love With English Boys combines the two magnificently. I stumbled across the book on Amazon a few years ago and it still remains a favorite of mine.

7- Erynn Mangum - She started with humorous chick-lit type stories, but tried her hand at YA mystery a couple years ago. And does really well in both genre's! To be able to write different things is a mark of an excellent writer in my opinion. Plus I always laugh during her stories! Seriously, go find a book of hers and try it.

8- Wendelin Van Draanen - Have you read The Running Dream? It is an exceptional story about a young girl who gets part of her leg amputated and must deal with the fallout. It's not easy, yet Ms. Van Draanen writes the hard parts interspersed with moments of encouragement and sweetness. It's an incredible journey to take with Jessica and so worth it!

9- Polly Shulman - Her stories are just sweet and fun, yet have some backbone to them as well. Imagining fantastical things set in the real world and having fun with it all. Enthusiasm is wonderful and The Grimm Legacy intriguing. Definitely check her out if you haven't already!

10- Serena Chase - I have only one thing to say about her. Read her Eyes of E'veria series! Don't wait. Go read them now!


So what about you? Any underrated books or authors that you'd recommend for me? :)

20 Things You Might Not Know About Me

via

The lovely Renee (Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot) tagged me for this fun post a couple weeks ago and then only a day or so later, the delightful Ganise (Reves Bleus) tagged me as well! As I've been out of town recently, as well as life kinda got busy in general, it's taken me a little to get around to writing this. But what fun! I know how y'all adore my chatty posts, right?

...........right?? Ah well. You're getting one anyway. ;)

Onward!

How tall are you?

5'7"ish........I think? I haven't measured myself since high school, okay? But I'm pretty certain that I haven't grown any since then.

Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

Ah.......it must have hidden really well......

What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

I'm not too fond of word verification actually. It's mostly annoying and sometimes I have to refresh it several times before it'll give me a picture I can read. Maybe it's just my computer? Anyway. I'm always happier when I don't have to worry about it while commenting.

What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

Unhappy people taking out their unhappiness on everyone else

What’s your favorite song?

Did you mean my favorite song today? Because my favorite song seems to constantly be changing. But currently, I've been listening to The Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix on repeat over and over and over and over. Yes! I do realize it's not Christmas yet. I'm listening to it anyway. (They're amazing by the way! You should check them out.)

What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?

I've actually only ever bought a couple things on Etsy. One of which is my Persuasion book scarf, which I love! So I'm going to go with Storiarts shop.

What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

Reading of course! Or watching a favorite movie. Sometimes writing is included in this as well. (Clearly I cannot pick just one favorite. ;)

What’s your favorite junk food?

Chips! And chocolate! But chips mostly. I pretty much have to physically turn my head away from the chip aisle at the grocery store, else I'll be guaranteed to find a bag (or three!) to take home with me.

Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

I do not currently have a real pet. But if I did, it would be a dog. I love dogs! I miss my old roommate's dog that I left in California. I fell in love with Cody and hated to say goodbye. *sniff sniff*

What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?

I really can't say that it's my favoritest ever, but it's certainly really high on the list: Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster (fiction)

As for nonfiction, I don't read a great deal of that, so.......I really don't know.

What’s your favorite beauty product?

A washcloth! I so appreciate washing my face and feeling all clean and refreshed. (Makes for a great way to wake up in the morning! ;)

When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

Ahaha! Perhaps a better question is, when was I last not embarrassed. I seem to put my foot in my mouth a great deal. And being of the fair skin tribe, my face tends to glow whenever I get embarrassed. (Actually it'll glow even when I'm not embarrassed, frustratingly enough.) I can glow by just thinking about it, so how about we move on to the next question?

If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tea! Definitely tea.

What’s your favorite movie?

North and South with Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe. I have watched this a multitude of times and fall in love with it again every single time. (This answer should not surprise any of my regular readers, right? I mean, I know I only seem able to talk about this miniseries every other post or so....)

What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

If that's our only choices, I suppose I'll go with loner. Although I did have friends, just not scores of them. I was more the quiet kid actually. On the outskirts of most things, yet not an outcast. Just kind of observing, perhaps?

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I think I'll go with England or Australia. Or Ireland! That way I'm guaranteed to understand the language. But I can't say for certain whether I'd actually want to live there as I've never visited them. I do dream of doing that, however! :)

PC or Mac?

PC

Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

Ha! Next question please.

Favorite celebrity?

I don't know? I don't keep up with anyone obsessively. But I do tend to perk up a little when Richard Armitage's name is mentioned, so maybe I'll go with him. ;)

Or I know! Ashley Clements from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. She just seems so nice.

What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

Rissi and Amber! Both of these ladies are awesome. Plus they just seem like the type of gals that I could hang out with and always have a great time no matter what we were doing. And they're always up for a fun twitter convo or two! (As well as never seem to mind my chattiness whether on twitter, blog comments, or anywhere else. Thanks girls!)


And that's all she wrote, folks! Want to join in the fun? I'm supposed to nominate at least two other bloggers, soooooo.........I'll go with Hamlette and Eva! :)

But truly, anyone is welcome to join in. It's fun! Here's the rules and regulations:

1. Copy and paste the questions below and then answer and turn them into a blog post. Or, record a video answering these questions and upload it to your blog post.

2. At the bottom of your post, tag anywhere from 2-10 bloggers you want to see answer these questions. (I also suggest hitting up your tagged people via social media just to let them know you tagged them to do this tag challenge.)

3. Use the title: 20 Things You Might Not Know About Me Blog Tag. Once you’ve hit publish, leave a comment below with the link to your post.

4. Use the hashtag #20ThingsBlogTag when sharing on social media so we can all find your awesome posts!

Question 1: How tall are you?
Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?
Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?
Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?
Question 5: What’s your favorite song?
Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?
Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?
Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?
Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?
Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?
Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?
Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?
Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?
Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Question 17: PC or Mac?
Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?
Question 19: Favorite celebrity?
Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

I Held My Breath...

I

held my breath

as we do

sometimes

to stop time

when something wonderful

has touched us

as with a match,

which is lit, and bright,

but does not hurt

in the common way,

but delightfully,

as if delight

were the most serious thing

you ever felt.

 

(Portion of "Snow Geese" by Mary Oliver)