A Pinteresting Valentine's Day

Source: etsy.com via Kara on Pinterest

Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you're single or have a significant other, I hope you're Valentine's Day is awesome. I actually don't have any plans myself. But I'm not complaining!  :)

Have a great day and eat some chocolate. Everything's always better with chocolate around. Or if things are already going well, then chocolate will just make it more splendiferously terrific. :D

I thought I'd share some pins I've found that made me laugh and hopefully you will too. So that's your only warning that the rest of this post will be pictures. Enjoy!

Source: imgfave.com via Renee on Pinterest

Yeah!

Source: displaypicks.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Who doesn't love to eat?

Source: weheartit.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Again with the eating. (I'm sensing a pattern.)

Source: slowrobot.com via Tessa on Pinterest

Point is definitely made. :D

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net via Tessa on Pinterest

How very, very true.

Source: readerecards.com via Kristen on Pinterest

Also very true. What about you?

Source: gocomics.com via Kara on Pinterest

Yay for librarians! :)

Source: Uploaded by user via Kara on Pinterest

I think this is going to be me. ;)

And now I'm off to enjoy my own Valentine's Day. 

Toodle-loo kangaroos! :D

Review: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

For Darkness Shows the Stars

About the Book:

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth--an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret--one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.

My Thoughts:

A futuristic re-telling of Jane Austen's Persuasion? As soon as I heard that description, I knew I'd want to read it. Why then did I wait so long to pick it up? I have no idea, but I want to smack myself. This story is incredible! I think one thing that made me hesitate was I had tried reading the first couple of chapters, and they just didn't draw me in like I was hoping. In fact, it took several chapters before I was hooked. But I did enjoy the set up simply because it was fun to try and figure out who each character represented from Persuasion. There were a few that took a little longer, but mostly I would read and think, "Oh! That's Harville!" or "That's Benwick!" and so on. Ms. Peterfreund did a marvelous job adapting the Austen novel into her futuristic world. Like Anne in Persuasion, we spend a great deal of time in Elliot's head. She is such a strong and responsible young woman. We realize that while she has regrets, she also has heavy responsibilities on her shoulders. These responsibilities help us understand why she made the choice she did, four years ago. Kai though, he doesn't understand and has been nursing a bitterness against her, which he gladly tells her pretty much as soon as they meet again. Oh those two silly people. Misunderstandings abound between them, but once we finally get to that wonderful letter (yes, that letter!) we are cheering for them to finally see one another clearly. Letters have been a part of their relationship from the beginning, in fact we get a few chapters consisting of the letters they exchanged over the years, and it's fitting that such a lovely one is part of their story now. I was hoping Ms. Peterfreund would do it justice and she did not disappoint. So heart-meltingly wonderful. You should read this story just to get to it, because it's so perfect and right and.....sigh. I can't explain it, it needs to be read! :)

But this story is so much more than just a re-telling. It is its own story also and one that you don't realize is coming. So there I was, reading along and enjoying all the references to Persuasion and then suddenly there came a twist I was not expecting! I had to go back and read it again, it surprised me so. But in a good way! I won't spoil it for you, but it was definitely a unique plotline. Once I read that, there was no way I was putting this book down until I found out how Ms. Peterfreund was going to bring it all together. Which she did beautifully. If you've read Persuasion, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one. If you haven't, I'm pretty sure you'll like this one anyway. It really is just that good! :D

A Passage For You:

"He waved his hand. "Don't worry a bit. The sun-carts make great time when the weather's as clear as today's. Even my horses could hardly keep up. We haven't seen a flicker of your father yet, but your sister Tatiana's been, ah, entertaining us while we waited for you."
Elliot could only imagine. Well water perhaps, from tin cups? She wouldn't put it past her sister.
"Come in and meet the Fleet," he said, bustling her into her own house.
"The whole Cloud Fleet is in my parlor?" Elliot asked with a smile. "Very impressive, sir."

Toodle-loo kangaroos! Happy reading! :)

A "Love"-ly Wednesday Hodgepodge

1.  This week marks the beginning of Lent...will you be giving something up or adding anything to your life during this season of the year?

Nope. Not planning on it at this point in time.

2. The day before Lent is Shrove Tuesday... tradition states you eat pancakes on this day. In some parts of the world Shrove Tuesday is actually known as 'pancake day'. How do you like your pancakes? Or don't you?

I love pancakes! And my favorite kind is cinnamon. Mmmmmm. But back in VA on a certain weekend in October every year, a firehouse has a pancake breakfast that my family usually went to. (They still have it I believe, but I haven't been in years. That's what I get for moving out of state!) There were huge crowds of people there, meaning we stood in line a long while, but the pancakes were always worth it! It's probably the sentimentalist in me, but I don't think any pancakes taste as good as those. I have such great memories of those Sunday's in October. :)

3.  I'm sure there are many, but what's one love song you really love?

Yes, there are several. But I do really like "Save the Last Dance For Me" by Michael Buble



4.  What are some things you do to let others know you love them?

I tell them. Often. (For example: since I live so far from my parents, I end every conversation with "I love you".) I talk with them and spend time with them. Just being there for them, whenever I am able. Sending a note or card just because. Lots of things! :)

5.  Roses...red, pink, or do you prefer another color? Can you recall the last time someone gave you flowers? Given your choice would you like to open the door and see a dozen red roses, a dozen purple tulips, or a dozen pink peonies?

For roses I'd probably prefer red. Given my choice, I'd open the door to see a dozen gerber daisies! They're my absolute favorite flower. I'd prefer them in yellow or orange, but any color is beautiful. The last time I received flowers was a couple years ago on my birthday. I had the day off work, so I didn't hurry out the door first thing. But when I headed to lunch with friends, I opened my front door to see a huge bouquet of flowers sitting on our front sidewalk! My dear friend had dropped them off the night before and there they sat so bright and cheery. It was a wonderful surprise. :)

Aren't they beautiful? She knows me well! They were the best birthday present. :)

6.  President's Day will be celebrated in America next Monday. Does US Presidential history and trivia interest you?  Many Presidential homes are open to the public and offer guided tours...Monticello (Jefferson's home), Mount Vernon (Washington's home), Montpelier (James Madison's home), Hyde Park (FD Roosevelt's home) and The White House (home to the sitting President) to name just a few. Of those listed which would you be most interested in touring?  Why?

History of any sort interests me! :) I've been to Monticello several times. (It helps to grow up in VA and thereby be a popular field trip spot.) Also toured The White House once, although it was years ago, so I wouldn't mind going back there again. Surprisingly, I've never been to any of the others. I wouldn't mind going to all of them someday. Do I have to pick just one? Can't. Sorry.

7.  Are you good at keeping secrets?

I like to think so.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

So I don't know if you've ever played Bunco before? It's a dice game that women play (not trying to leave the men out, but it doesn't seem like a guy game to me ;), and I'm actually in a group that meets every month. It's all close friends of mine and a lovely excuse to leave men and children at home for one evening and catch up with each other again. Life gets so busy that friends can tend to take a backseat if we're not careful. :) Anyway, Monday evening I was a substitute for another group. One of the ladies couldn't make it, and it's nice to have 12 people to play. I went and had a grand time! Even though I was the young squirt there, as all the rest of the ladies were at least 15 to 20 years older than I.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Kara on Pinterest

I have this much to say about those lovely, lovely ladies. They like to play bunco! Oh my stars! I knew I'd have fun, but I wasn't expecting the oldest ladies there to be the loudest at cheering when they got a great roll. Believe me, there was nary a quiet moment the entire evening. I think I spent the whole time laughing. These ladies know how to have a good time! And I love it! :D I hope I'm half as awesome and cool as they are when I grow up. :)

Toodle-loo kangaroos! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. :)

Review: Picture Perfect by Janice Thompson

Picture Perfect (Weddings by Design #1)

About the Book:

Feisty wedding photographer Hannah McDermott has dealt with her share of difficult brides. But none can compare to the ultimate Bridezilla she's dealing with now. Still, she's trying desperately to impress Bella Neeley, Galveston Island's most sought-after wedding planner, so she can take the top spot in Bella's list of recommended photographers--a spot currently occupied by her arch-rival, Drew Kincaid. What she doesn't count on, however, is falling head over heels for the competition. 

My Thoughts:

It was soooo good to get back to Galveston again! I loved the Weddings by Bella series, and it was wonderful to pick back up in Bella's life a few years down the road. Of course, we only see Bella's quirky clan from Hannah's perspective, but Hannah spends a great deal of time with Bella as they are working together. And since she befriends Bella, that means she instantly befriends the rest of the crazy crew, including the Splendora Sisters. Most all of the characters we loved from the first series make a visit or two here and there and it was terrific to see them again. I had forgotten how much Ms. Thompson's writing makes me laugh. Hannah's thoughts are just as funny as Bella's were! She is so relatable because who doesn't think one thing in their head but (realizing that it may not the best thing to say aloud) actually says something more appropriate? (And when those reactions include instant attraction to a certain competitor.....well.) She also starts out in a place of focusing a lot on herself and her perceived "problems", but with some time and great advice from her friends, Hannah learns to trust God more fully with herself and her life. And then there's Drew. I didn't think any other male could hold a candle to DJ's swooniness, but I was wrong. Drew's a keeper! He's a genuinely nice guy who just happens to be pretty attractive and quite fascinated with Hannah. But he also has to have lots of patience with Hannah, because as I said, she does have some things to work out. He's a patient guy though and he doesn't give up easily. That's another thing I really enjoy about Ms. Thompson's books, the hero is always worthy of being called a hero by simply being a nice, stable guy who will do what it takes to win over the girl. And it doesn't take much, believe me! ;) Also, Hannah is Irish, so there are lots of great quotes her grandpa Aengus used to say, along with several unique stories of the McDermott clan from her father.

There aren't any major surprises here, but just the loveliness of being back in the world of Galveston and all the enjoyable people who live there. You're guaranteed to laugh a lot and sigh over the fluffy and sweet romance and simply have an awesome time! This one is going on my shelf and staying there while I impatiently wait for book two. And if you haven't read Bella's series, then what on earth are you waiting for? This story can be enjoyed even if you haven't read the others, but there will be some inside jokes you won't notice that the rest of us did. Regardless, read it, read it, read it! :)

A Favorite Passage:

"Long, but my appointment with Bella went all right. I think everything's going to turn out okay with Sierra's wedding. I hope so anyway."
"Glad to hear it. You know what your grandpa Aengus would say right now, don't you, Shutter Speed?"
Um, no. but I have a feeling you're about to tell me.
"As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way." My dad grinned and gave me a kiss on the cheek. "Remember, darlin', some banisters are slipperier than others. Just hang on for the ride, even if you do come in contact with a few splinters."

Why yes, I did get a signed copy from the author. Why do you ask? :)

Toodle-loo kangaroos! And remember "give a man a match and he'll be warm for a minute, but set him on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life." ~via grandpa Aengus :D