The Inner Circle

I know it's early, but this is my favorite Christmas Carol

2008-07-10T21:24:00.001-05:00

Beautiful..

2008-07-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

Muscatine Lights

2008-05-24T15:14:00.001-05:00

My quilting...

2007-12-08T17:04:00.000-06:00

So I realized that I haven't sewn in over a year. That sucks. I have blocks prepped, but no ambition to work on them. Hopefully I can get my act in gear and figure out what to do next. Mom has been great and has finished several of my quilts for me that I was stalled on.

Check out my Webshots for some of the quilts I have finished, and some of my Dear Jane blocks.

This has been a rough week...

2007-12-08T16:50:00.001-06:00

I am constantly amazed by the inconstancy of people. People say one thing to me, but then do the complete opposite. I never know who to truly trust, or even how to figure anything out. I am tired of being beat down by so many, and not truly having anyone in my corner. Maybe I just need to be stronger, and rely on myself more. I can't even trust that sometimes though. I just want to do what I like, and not to have to worry about how that will be perceived by everyone else.
But I guess that't just me holding a pity party, and I will eventually get over it.

bruce

2007-12-08T16:48:00.001-06:00

October 2007 book list -- 3699 pages

2007-11-17T16:36:00.000-06:00

Irresistable by Mary Balogh
The Scottish Companion by Karen Ranney
Her Only Desire by Gaelen Foley
Secrets of a Proper Lady by Victoria Alexander
Reckless by Shannon Drake
The Dangers of Deceiving a Duke by Julia London
Me & Mr. Darcy by Alexandra Potter
Sin & Scandal in England by Melody Thomas
Bedding the Heiress by Cathy Maxwell
Highlander Unchained by Monica McCarty

September 2007 book list -- 4130 pages

2007-11-17T16:33:00.000-06:00

Surrender to a Scoundrel by Julianne Maclean
How to Teach Filthy Rich Girls by Zoey Dean
Hidden Gifts by Rick Hamlin
The Pleasure Trap by Elizabeth Thornton
The Marriage Wager by Candace Camp
Beyond Seduction by Stephanie Laurens
Highlander Unbound by Julia London
Heart of a Warrior by Johanna Lindsey
Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty
Highlander in Disguise by Julia London
The Parting by Beverly Lewis

August 2007 book list -- 2960 pages

2007-11-17T16:31:00.000-06:00

The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh
The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Indiscretion by Jude Morgan
The First Commandment by Brad Thor
Simply Magic by Mary Balogh
A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Petersn
Dress Maker by Elizabet Oberbeck
Challenge to Honor by Jennifer Blake

July 2007 book list -- 4320 pages

2007-11-17T16:29:00.000-06:00

Causing Havoc by Lori Foster
Country Brides by Debbie Macomber
The Draycott Legacy by Christina Skye
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
The Great Scot by Donna Kauffman
Web of Love by Mary Balogh
Hour of the Rose by Christina Skye
On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
The Cinderella Rules by Donna Kauffman
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

June 2007 book list - 5164 pages

2007-11-17T16:26:00.000-06:00

Never Lie to a Lady by Liz Carlyle
The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Anette Blair
Sins of a Duke by Suzanne Enoch
Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James
Rogue's Salute by Jennifer Blake
The Lost Van Gogh by AJ Zerries
The Viscount in Her Bedroom by Gayle Callen
The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
A Wicked Gentleman by Jane Feathers
The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
Ever After by Karen Kingsbury
The Millionaires by Brad Metzler

May 2007 book list -- 4639 pages

2007-11-17T16:24:00.000-06:00

The Big Shuffle by Laura Pedersen
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson
Dark Seduction by Brenda Joyce
Susannah's Garden by Debbie Macomber
The Perils of Pursuing a Prince by Julia London
Blow Me Down by Katie MacAlister
Blowback by Brad Thor
Dawn Encounter by Jennifer Blake
Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor
Second Sight by Amanda Quick
Take Down by Brad Thor
Beware a Scot's Revenge by Sabrina Jeffries

April 2007 book list - 4868 pages

2007-11-17T16:22:00.000-06:00

It'a In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Chasing Shakespear by Sarah Smith
Reality Check by Leslie Carroll
Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund
The Stolen Bride by Brenda Joyce
Highlander in Her Bed by Allie Mackay
Even Now by Karen Kingsbury
State of the Union by Brad Thor
Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella
Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor
Potent Pleasures by Eloise James
Book of Fate by Brad Metzler

Pencilmation

2007-06-12T21:11:00.001-05:00

This is great!

2007-04-30T19:02:00.000-05:00

March 2007 book list: 7216 pages

2007-04-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Real World by Carole Matthews
The Plot to Save Socrates by Paul Levinson
The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
On A Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens
Masquerade by Brenda Joyce
The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig
Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards
A Woman's Place by Lynn Austin
The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson
The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd
Ex, Why and Me by Susanna Carr
Love With the Proper Husband by Victoria Alexander
Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James
The Trouble with Harry by Kate MacAllister
Patriot Hearts by Barbara Hambly

February 2007 book list: 4361 pages

2007-04-20T09:42:00.000-05:00

The Gilded Web by Mary Balogh
Unconquered by Hannah Howell
Angels All Over Town by Luanne Rise
Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella
Candle in the Window by Christina Dodd
The Stranger in Her Bed by Janet Chapman
Whisper of Winter by Tracie Peterson
Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella
The Passion of Mary Magdalene by Elizabeth Cunningham
When We Touch by Shannon Drake
Christmast Letters by Debbie Macomber

January 2007 book list:5703 pages

2007-04-20T09:39:00.000-05:00

A Lady at Last by Brenda Joyce
Duchess in Love by Eloisa James
What Price Love? by Stephanie Laurens
Kiss Me Annabel by Eloisa James
The Taming of the Duke by Eloisa James
An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Daughter of the Shining Isles by Elizabeth Cunningham
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Much Ado About You by Julia Quinn
To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh
Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh
Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh
Under the Northern Lights by Tracie Peterson

December 2006 book list - 5966 pages

2007-04-20T09:36:00.000-05:00

The Scroll of Seduction by Gioconda Belli
A Woman Scorned by Liz Carlyle
Your Wish is My Command by Donna Kauffman
A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies by Eileen Cooney
The Bachelor's Bargain by Catherine Palmer
Pope Joan by Donna Cross
Treasure of Khan by Clive Cussler
Mistral's Kiss by Laurell K Hamilton
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
The Man Who Loved Jane Austen by Sally Smith O'Rourke
Beguiled by Shannon Drake
False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
Dear Prince Charming by Donna Kauffman
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James
The Duke & I by Julia Quinn

November 2006 book list: 8265 pages

2007-04-20T09:32:00.000-05:00

An Unforgettable Rogue by Annette Blair
An Unmistakable Rogue by Anette Blair
An Undeniable Rogue by Anette Blair
Looking for A Miracle by Wanda Brunstetter
A Merry Heart by Wanda Brunstetter
The Brethren by Beverly Lewis
The Pursuit by Johanna Lindsay
A Christmas Baby by Annette Blair
The Affectionate Adversary by Catherine Palmer
Something Sinful by Suzanne Enoch
No True Gentleman by Liz Carlyle
Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh
The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
A Woman of Virtue by Liz Carlyle
Lady Rogue by Suzanne Enoch
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh
Not So Snow White by Donna Kauffman
Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh
Slightly Wicked by Mary Balogh
Summer of the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson
Queen of Swords by Sara Donati

What will I be reincarnated as?

2007-01-17T19:35:00.001-06:00

jen is going to be reincarnated as...

A new disease

'What will you be reincarnated as?' at QuizGalaxy.com

So am I a lemming???

2007-01-14T15:48:00.000-06:00

To answer my own question, probably. Everyone at work seems to have a MySpace page, including some people I didn't think would ever have one. I had one from a few months ago--mainly so I could look at Kat's site. So lo and behold this morning, I actually did something with it. I know, I know, I know...what a conformist. But what's the point of having it if you aren't going to at least make it look pretty?

Speaking of looking pretty.....I need to post November's & December's book lists yet. Maybe that will get done today, when I get done doing the work I brought home...

Because I want to vent...

2007-01-14T15:43:00.000-06:00

Why do people see the need to "inform" you of their beliefs? I am sitting at Subway at lunch today, minding my own damn business, reading my book and eating my lunch, when the lady at the table next to me says "Ma'am?". I look up and say "Yes." She says "I just wanted to tell you that the Lord loves you. Has anyone ever told you that?" "Yes," I reply and go back to eating. "We have been told by our minister to tell people that the Lord loves them. I just see something on your face and I don't know what it is, but I wanted to tell you that the Lord loves you." "Thank you," I say and begin to ignore her.

Man, that just pisses me off. More than likely, what she saw on my face was my increasingly cynical expression that said "I can't believe someone actually has the nerve to say this to me." It's not that I don't know/care that the Lord loves me. I do, really. I just don't really want to hear it from people in a restaurant when I don't even know them. I don't want to be preached to while I eat. If I wanted to be preached to, I know who to call, believe me!

Grumble Grumble Grumble

My Weekend

2006-11-05T15:58:00.000-06:00

So it's Sunday. Usually not that big of a deal. Well this weekend has kind of sucked. Yesterday, we decided to hold off on our adoption plans indefinitely. That pretty much means that it won't happen anytime in the next 5 years, I think. Our foster care license is under assessment, as to whether or not we want to renew it. DH just has issues with the amount of time kids take, and whether or not we can give a child the amount of attention they need--and not be raised by day care. I agree, but it's still hard to hear that coming from the man you love.

So I did a little retail therapy, but have come to regret two purchases, so they will be going back to the great mecca of shopping---Target! My flash drive may be going back to Wally World if it doesn't start acting right. I don't think I did anything to mess it up, I just think it's retarded. It works one week, but not the next. Duh.

I went to see "Marie Antoinette" yesterday. I thought it was interesting, if a little slow at times, and pretty much shallow all the time. I thought the cinematography, costuming and music was good, though.

I am supposed to be reading "Broken Windows, Broken Business" for work this weekend, but can't bring myself to start it. It's supposed to be good. I guess we will see.

You wanna know what has made my weekend worth it? The fact that no matter what is going on, my animals will crawl up on my lap when I am on the couch and snuggle with me. When the puppy knows I am sad, he comes and sits in front of me and tries to comfort me. The unwavering devotion of an animal can truly bring everything together. They seem to understand what is wrong and just want to make it better. Of course making it better usually means that you have to pay attention to them, but at least they are there, not making emotional demands on you; they don't expect anything beyond a scratch behind the ears or an occasional pet. This weekend, my animals have been my lifeline.

October book list----6216 pages

2006-11-05T15:54:00.000-06:00

Bad Boys in Kilts by Donna Kauffman
Beauty Queen by Julia London
The Dangerous Gentleman by Julia London
Slightly Married by Mary Balogh
More Than A Mistress by Mary Balogh
The Invisible Ring by Anne Bishop
Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Tulle Little, Tulle Late by Kimbery Llewellyn
One Night for Love by Mary Balogh
By A Lady by Amanda Elyot
Un-Bridaled by Eileen Rendahl
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasma
The Regime by Tim LaHaye
The Rapture by Tim LaHaye
Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury
Widow's Kiss by Jane Feathers
The Last Cato by Matilde Asensi

What is it about fall?

2006-10-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

My animals are nuts this weekend, my house is either too hot or too cold, and it is getting dark so early I might as well not even bother doing anything. And of course, it's like 30 degrees outside and Eric is out playing paintball in the dark. What is the friggin' point?

However, the leaves are pretty, the deer are out and playing (nevermind that they could get killed by a hunter at any time), and I can finally dig out my sweaters and sweatshirts. Of course, this is also the only time of year that the kittens want to snuggle with me all day long.

And even better, it's almost fall sweeps on TV, so all my fave new shows will have new episodes (ER, The Bachelor, etc.).

I am trying to determine if I am going to do trick-or-treat. I don't really think there's a point in doing it if I am only doing it so my nephew has somewhere to go, and maybe to see Em & Owen. Kids from all over town come to our neighborhood for t-or-t, so they really are a bunch of vultures. Last year, I had 4 bags of candy and they were gone in 15 minutes. Ack....bah humbug.

This is freaking Hilarious

2006-10-22T19:49:00.000-05:00

September 2006 book list---7331 pages

2006-10-07T11:49:00.000-05:00

I Went to Vassar for This? by Naomi Neale
The Measure of A Lady by Deanne Gist
To Distraction by Stephanie Laurens
Black Wind by Clive Cussler
Seducing the Spy by Celeste Bradley
Countess Confidential by Barbara Dawson Smith
Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake
Dinner with Anna Karenina by Gloria Goldreich
My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair
The Last Ten Percent by Michelle McKinney Hammond
The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick
The Hazards of Hunting a Duke by Julia London
The Alchemist's Daughter by Katherine McMahon
A Summer to Remember by Mary Balogh
The Troubadour's Quest by Angela Hunt
Dawn's Early Light by Nancy Kralik
Only a Duke Will Do by Sabrina Jeffries
Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King
The Seduction of His Wife by Janet Chapman
Ingram of the Irish by Angela Hunt

August 2006 book list---6804 pages

2006-10-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick
The Amber Room by Steve Berry
Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas
Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught
Until You by Judith McNaught
The Devil to Pay by Liz Carlyle
Circle of Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini
A Deal With the Devil by Liz Carlyle
Lilah by Marek Halter
No Man's Mistress by Mary Balogh
The Devil You Know by Liz Carlyle
Carly by Lyn Cote
What Happens in Paris (Stays in Paris) by Nancy Robards Thompson
Something Wonderful by Judith McNaughts
The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
The Bishop's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
The Duke in Disguise by Gayle Callen

Update

2006-10-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't written much, things have been really crazy around here. Our foster son left in late August, after being with us for 2 months. That was really hard. It seems as though they never truly prepare you for that when you are in the training. And it is especially hard when the child fits in so well with your family. But the goal is not what the foster parents want, it what is best for the child. You almost have to continually tell yourself that. It's not all about us, is it?

Work has been all over the place---busy, slow, steady...no rhyme nor reason. And when that all happens, where do I find refuge? In a good book. I have read more in the last few months than I have in a long time. I'll post my book lists today for the last few months so you all can see what I am talking about. Of course, I have no idea if anyone really even reads this thing, but it makes me feel good to get some things out in the open.

I also have been sewing more lately. That's a good sign. I had kind of reached a point where I just wasn't interested in it. I guess I just needed a break. And even more good news, art classes are starting back up at the Art Center, so I will be taking those. There are several I am interested in. I realize that they are for kids 6-14, but they still let me take them, and it gives them an extra hand in the classroom as well. The one next week is basket weaving...I can't wait.

I wanted to take art classes at another museum in the area, but they are more expensive, and they expect you to bring your own supplies. Now seriously, why would I want to do that? What if it's something you don't know if you will be interested in? Why would you go and buy a bunch of stuff and then take 1 class and never use it again?

Eric has been getting ready for hunting season again. It is bow season for deer, so he is trying to bow hunt this year. They will be allowing bow hunting in some of the city parks this year, so that ought to be interesting. Dad said that he's heard that someone has gone around to the parks that will be open and put out "No Hunting" signs all over. I think that's ridiculous. Let's see what they say when those people are driving by those parks during the rut this year and they run into a deer because of the over population.

Anyway, that's about it.

This is truly amazing

2006-10-07T11:23:00.000-05:00

I read this on time.com and think that it is quite honestly, beautiful in many ways. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1543658-1,00.html

Twins separated at birth now reunited

2006-08-20T12:45:00.000-05:00

This is a great story. Unfortunately, with the children situation in China, this may happen more than we know. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0608200381aug20,1,5394589.story?page=1&track=rss

July 2006 book list---3735 pages

2006-08-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

Born to Rule by Julia Gelardi
The True Darcy Spirit by Elizabeth Aston
The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig
The Secret Supper by Javier Sierra
White Rose by R. Garcia y Robertson
The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
Ordinary Heros by Scott Turow
In the Bed of a Duke by Cathy Maxwell
English Ivy by Catherine Palmer
Something Borrowed by Alexandra Marshall
Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypass

June 2006 book list --- 5991 pages

2006-08-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

An Invitation to Sin by Suzanne Enoch
Fangs But No Fangs by Kathy Love
Temperature's Rising by Karen Kelley
One Little Sin by Liz Carlyle
That Scandalous Evening by Christina Dodd
A Well Pleasured Lady by Christina Dodd
Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas
A Well Favored Gentleman by Christina Dodd
One Night with A Spy by Celeste Bradley
Two Little Lies by Liz Carlyle
The Lord Next Door by Gayle Callen
Secrets of A Summer's Night by Lisa Kleypas
Three Little Secrets by Liz Carlyle
Leigh by Lyn Cote
An Unlikely Governess by Karen Ranney
A Knight to Remember by Christina Dodd
Lady Robyn by R. Garcia y Robertson

Wow........

2006-07-08T11:13:00.000-05:00

You have got to check out this movie: Summer Silenced

Super Hero Top Gun Volleyball

2006-06-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

2006 Paducah Quilt Show

2006-06-01T18:16:00.000-05:00

Check out the artistry on these quilts: http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2006/winners.php

The Library

2006-05-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

Is it a bad thing when you have 33 items on hold at the library and they start coming in like 6 at a time? I don't really know. I get to putting things on hold, and next thing I know, there's over 30...silly me, I think they will come in a bit at a time, but no....my luck will hold and they will all come in at once.

Two weeks ago, I went in to pick up one or 2 books that were on hold for me. I walked out with about 12 books. I have only read about 1/2 of them. Some I thought sounded good, but I couldn't get past the first few pages. Mainly, I didn't like the voice of the book. The one book How to Seduce A Ghost sounded interesting from the jacket, but the narrator was so ANNOYING I wanted to kick her across the room. So I skipped to the very end, figured out who the mystery person was, and called it done. Needless to say, I didn't count that on my book list.

There was one book that I just turned in a while ago, that I think was like 10 days overdue. My overdue charge was only 80cents! I think they don't charge for days they aren't usually open (like Sundays), even though they are open on Sundays during the school year.

Anyway, I love my local library...the people there are nice, and since they are part of a group, I can get books from lots of different places. Plus, it's air conditioned and comfortable to spend time in there out of the heat!

Support your local library!

May 2006 book list --- 4465 pages

2006-05-31T21:23:00.000-05:00

Get a Clue by Jill Shalvis
It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas
His Wicked Kiss by Gaelen Foley
Spin Doctor by Leslie Carroll
The Pregnancy Test by Erin McCarthy
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsay
Fangs for the Memories by Kathy Love
Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda
Knight Errant by R. Garcia y Robertson
Bette by Lyn Cote
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

My favorite new quote

2006-05-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

Nothing is easier than self deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true. Demosthenes

April 2006 book list - 4789 pages

2006-05-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

Moscow Vector by Robert Ludlum/Patrick Larkin
Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
Highland Vow by Hannah Howell
Never Seduce a Scoundrel by Sabrina Jeffries
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
Scandal's Bride by Stephanie Laurens
The Third Secret by Steve Berry
The Silver Rose by Susan Carroll
The Archimedes Effect by Tom Clancy
The Storekeeper's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda Brunstetter
What She Left for Me by Tracie Peterson
The Bookseller's Daughter by Pam Rosenthal

Memorial Day

2006-05-27T17:01:00.000-05:00

I happened to catch a glimpse of this editorial on the Washington Post website and it pretty much summed up what my opinion is of the current Memorial Day observance.

Check it out: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/26/AR2006052601547.html

I love watching this guy on Food Network

2006-05-14T19:07:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen Duff on Food Network? His stuff is awesome! Here's his website: http://www.charmcitycakes.com/

Man, if I lived in the area, I would so be getting cakes from Duff!! They don't even seem that expensive.

some people need to get a life

2006-05-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

I liked He-Man as a kid, but this is too much.....

http://www.okcupid.com/tests/take?testid=12145670836713551829

I'd forgotten how much I liked He-Man as a kid

2006-05-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

My thoughts on Easter

2006-04-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

Although I can't eat the chocolate bunnies, what if they really did have secret chocolate bunny language???

My latest fave TV show

2006-04-16T15:48:00.000-05:00

Dead Famous--Ghostly Encounters
http://www.biography.com/dead_famous/
I don't know whether to laugh or be freaked out. The premise of the show---these two people go hunting for famous people's spirits in places they may have hung out in. While I don't think they actually ever "find" anyone, the ancillary stories they come up with are great! The show about Rita Hayworth had this menacing person named Jack who was haunting the Downtown Palace Theatre and they talk to him using a ouija board. It was great!

Thoughts???

Holidays come and they go...same as the weather

2006-04-16T15:40:00.001-05:00

Fortunately for me, most of the time they go pretty fast...today was no exception. Show up, have dinner, hang around for an hour and leave to go back home.

We had some lovely storms here last week. I ended up spending about an hour or so in the basement with the critters. *That* was interesting...corralling 3 cats into a basement with a dog they barely tolerate. Ended up stuffing them in their carriers once I was down there. The hail was lovely...for hail. We had some more hail last night I think. It stormed pretty bad.

Good news?? All my plants in the back yard have made it so far, barring all puppy and storm disasters. Even some bushes we thought were dead weren't--or so we think.

Maybe there are possibilities for enjoyment in the cesspool of life.

The latest entry from G4TV

2006-04-16T15:40:00.000-05:00

this is a pretty cool puzzle

2006-04-11T17:39:00.000-05:00

Try it...it took me a bit to figure out, but once you get the swing of things, it goes pretty easy.

http://www.brl.ntt.co.jp/people/hara/fly.swf

These are hilarious!

2006-04-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

Funny movie...

2006-04-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

The March List-- 2113 pages

2006-04-01T10:38:00.000-06:00

Night by Elie Wiesel
The Romanov Prophecy by Steve Berry
The Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum
The Scorpion's Gate by Richard Clarke
Darcy & Elizabeth: Days & Nights at Pemberley by Linda Berdoll
Arbella: England's Lost Queen by Sarah Gristwold

The February List--1861 pages

2006-04-01T10:36:00.000-06:00

Work picked up....books read dropped...

The Dangerous Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Julie & Julia by Julie Powell
The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
Wise Men & Their Tales by Elie Wiesel

The January book List--4878 pages

2006-04-01T10:33:00.000-06:00

Remember Me by Deborah Bedford
Midnight Bride by Susan Carroll
Night Drifter by Susan Carroll
Invitation to Provence by Elizabeth Adler
My Fair Temptress by Christina Dodd
Rules of Engagement by Christina Dodd
Queen Isabella by Alison Wier
The Darwin Conspiracy by John Darton
The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
Dance of Seduction by Sabrina Jeffries
Lost in Your Arms by Christina Dodd
The Borgia Bride by Jean Kalogridis
Green Darkness by Anya Seton

The December Book List - 4977 pages

2006-04-01T10:29:00.000-06:00

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deanne Gist
Chloe by Lyn Cote
And Baby Makes Two by Judy Sheehan
Somebody's Daughter by Marie Myung-ok Lee
Three Incestuous Sisters by Audrey Niffeneger
The Pattern of Her Heart by Tracie Peterson
After the Abduction by Sabrina Jeffries
My Favorite Bride by Christina Dodd
Rules of Attraction by Christina Dodd
In My Wildest Dreams by Christina Dodd
The Bride Finder by Susan Carroll
Double Vision by Randall Ingermanson
Only With A Highlander by Janet Chapman
The Best Thing That Can Happen to a Croissant by Pablo Tusset
The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis

cartoon uproar

2006-02-05T16:19:00.000-06:00

I finally found the cartoons that have caused such an uproar: http://www.humaneventsonline.com/sarticle.php?id=12146

An awesome artist...

2006-02-04T15:22:00.000-06:00

http://www.vasarely.org/

An Adoption Diary on Slate

2005-12-24T17:45:00.000-06:00

http://www.slate.com/id/2132692/entry/2132693/?nav=ais

considering my own experiences and the fact that we are considering adoption, I have been reading many different people's experiences on international and domestic adoption. This is interesting to me.

Interesting article at Slate "The Earthly Father"

2005-12-24T17:41:00.000-06:00

http://www.slate.com/id/2132639/nav/tap1/

Maybe I am too Catholic to believe this, but you know, I also believe that no one wrote down things as they happened, so everything in the Bible is open for interpretation. The History Channel has had some interesting shows on about biblical texts which never made it into the canon. I know that not everyone believes the same way as I do, but I also think that one should not force a religious viewpoint on someone who is not interested.

just my two cents...

Peace & Happy Holidays.

November's books

2005-12-01T21:16:00.000-06:00

The Present by Johanna Lindsay
A Loving Scoundrel by Johanna Lindsay
The Charmer by Celeste Bradley
Rules of Surrender by Christina DOdd
Just Above a Whisper by Lori Wick
The Rogue by Celeste Bradley
Jumping in Sunset by Dawn Ringling
Beyond the Blue by Leslie Gould
The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll
The Courtesean by Susan Carroll
The Christmas Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
Dragonwyck by Anya Seton
A Day in a Medieval City by Chiara Frugoni
Debt of Bones by Terry Goodkind
War of Eagles by Tom Clancy
Surrender to a Wicked Spy by Celeste Bradley
Julie and Romeo Get Lucky by Jeanne Ray
The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader

Total for November 6191 pages...........
Total for Dec 2004-Nov 2005: 58893 pages....yes, that's 58 thousand.

Man....

Wow....what pictures

2005-12-01T21:15:00.000-06:00

Check these out on a daily basis from the MSN Slate site: http://todayspictures.slate.com/20051201/

sad day for literature

2005-11-17T22:21:00.000-06:00

http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/11/17/literature.text.ap/index.html

grr.....damn movie releases anyway...

2005-11-13T14:34:00.000-06:00

So I was really kind of excited to go to P&P the movie this weekend. However, the movie studios have managed to thwart me again. In order to see this movie, I would have to drive to Chicago, somewhere in Nebraska or somewhere in Minnesota....because those are the closest locations.

I have yet to determine a suitable punishment for them....especially considering that HP4 is coming out next weekend.....should I go to the midnight showing? I don't know. I *do* have to work that day.

We were talking movies at work the other day. It was determined that movies such as those made before the 70s would never be made today. Especially those from the 20's to 40's, because then they were viewed as ART, not ENTERTAINMENT. Think of the sets/locations for "Funny Face" or any Fred/Ginger movie. Production companies today have no interest in spending money for things like that because there is no guarantee that they will recoup their costs. How unfortunate for today's movie going public. The only movies that I think even come close are the HP series, "Elizabeth" from a few years ago, the upcoming "P&P" and "Narnia"--of course, the latter two are being considered without being viewed.

What a shame....

Another one of the faceless masses...

2005-11-13T14:26:00.000-06:00

Today was the downtown Muscatine Holiday Open House...an event I usually attend with my family. Not so much for the purchasing of gifts, but because the downtown is currently in a state of flux. However, this year, Mom & Dad went to g&g and frog wasn't going to come down, and hubby had to work....ergo....I go by myself. And once again I am reminded that people judge you based on what you wear. I was dressed comfortably (considering the wind & the fact that it was the weekend) in jeans and a hoodie. Now I don't look like a thug, but I don't look like I have a salary of $50k either. Do you think anyone would even deign to speak to me?

No.

Once again, I am part of the faceless masses yearning to be recognized. Now I will admit that I didn't go out of my way to be noticeable to anyone, but still, one would think that if you walk into a store and you look like you may be looking for something, you may say something...right? Or am I just in the wrong era? Now this happening at N----------, I can understand, but not at a local retail establishment.

Of course, it could just be me. At the place I work, most of the times, the client doesn't even realize I exist--they go right to my partner to tell her things. In all reality, it's fine with me because then I don't have to be bothered. However, it is kind of annoying when they don't even know my name. Part of that could be that I was never introduced to most of them when I was hired, and the other part could be that I am not a smoker, so I don't go out and smoke with them. That's fine...I would rather have my health and do good work than have them know my name, I guess.

Hooray for TB?

2005-11-06T08:06:00.000-06:00

The article linked above is rather interesting...brief and not very deep in its theory, but interesting. The theory is that if Orwell hadn't been so sick with TB that maybe 1984, his great opus of big government wouldn't have been so dark and oppressive. However, he was a kind of gloom-and-doom type before 1984, and his advetures in the Spanish Civil War may have played more of a part in the book.

Personally, I think a chipper, happy-go-lucky 1984 is depressing. Without the overwhelming sense of paranoia of Big Brother, and the sense of confusion with doublethink, 1984 wouldn't be a masterpiece of mid-century writing.

Will it be as good as the Colin Firth version?

2005-11-06T07:49:00.000-06:00

I don't know. But the cast is amazing....Judi Dench, Donald Sutherland, Kiera Knightly and Rosamund Pike. And really, the Colin Firth version was only on A&E, and this is going to the big screen. As long as they are true to the book, and to the spirit of Jane Austen, I don't think we will have a problem.

Enter the librarian...

2005-11-05T10:14:00.000-06:00

Paradise Lost: the movie
Dante's Inferno: the musical
Leviticus: the haiku

I *know* my library doesn't have enough copies...

;)

Tho' the upside to being the closest library to Disney World is that no-one wants books! My beloved patrons arrive in castmember outfits, small black ears, and sensible shoes. The last thing they want is to wander the stacks questing for that perfect bedtable read. They're in, out, and homeward bound. No doubt it's to shed the hawaiian Dumbo shirts and pirate boots... And escape the endless stream of tourists. I know, 'cause I do the same thing (sans uniform, of course).

But it's never the same throng twice.

And it may make me a sick puppy for saying so, but I kindof like it. Not many people can claim to be Ringmaster to a freak show.

For now,
*kat

Paradise Lost

2005-11-03T22:13:00.000-06:00

Wow.....check this out....Paradise Lost by John Milton as a movie! Can you imagine the casting issues? And how about making it accessible to today's audience---most of whom have never read PL, must less heard of PL.

Something to ponder.....

The October List

2005-11-01T18:46:00.000-06:00

My Father Had A Daughter by Grace Tiffany
The Pretender by Celeste Bradley
Amethyst by Lauraine Snelling
Bed & Breakfast by Lois Battle
Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
The Imposter by Celeste Bradley
The Spy by Celeste Bradley
To Wed a Scandalous Spy by Celeste Bradley
The Innocent by Posie Graeme-Evans
The Exiled by Posie Graeme-Evans
Knitting by Anne Bartlett
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
Say You Love Me by Johanna Lindsay

Total: 4721

Bad thing for this month...didn't finish my non-fiction book for the month, so I have to read 2 in November. But October was a crappy month anyway, so I needed the escapist lit.

The late September list

2005-11-01T18:42:00.000-06:00

A Fine Passion by Stephanie Laurens
Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs
Earthly Joys by Phillipa Gregory
Julie & Romeo by Jeane Ray
Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick
Mr. Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
The Exploits and Adventures of Miss Althea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston
Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife by Linda Berdoll
Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas
Someone to Watch Over Me by Lisa Kleypas
Otherwise Engaged by Eileen Goudge

Total page count: 4827

The Amazing August book list

2005-09-01T20:41:00.000-05:00

Ok folks....6087 pages...a new record!!!

The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsay
Wedding the Highlander by Janet Chapman
Tempting the Highlander by Janet Chapman
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Summer of Roses by Luanne Rice
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Piccoult
Table for Five by Susan Wiggs
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
Wedding Ring by Emilie Richards
Devil's Bride & Rake's Vow by Stephanie Laurens
One Night of Sin by Gaelen Foley
Royal Babylon by Karl Shaw
Moonlight on the Millpond by Lori Wick
The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah

July Book List

2005-08-01T18:35:00.000-05:00

Ok everyone, here's my July book list---5572 pages!

A Caress of Twilight by Laurell K. Hamilton
Seduced by Moonlight by Laurell K. Hamilton
A Season for Scandal by Stephanie Laurens
The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger
Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh
The Secret Wife of George IV by Diane Haeger
One Night With a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries
A Stroke of Midnight by Laurell K. Hamilton
Summer's Child by Luanne Rice
Zipporah: Wife of Moses by Marek Halter
Josephine: A Life of the Empress by Carolly Erickson
Sin & Sensibility by Suzanne Enoch
A Matter of Scandal by Suzanne Enoch
Loving the Highlander by Janet Chapman
The Crown Rose by Fiona Avery

Also, I have decided to sell some books on Amazon, as well as Half.com. We'll see how they go. Some of the books I read because new books in the various series were coming out soon, so I wanted to get caught up. I am sticking with my goal of one "smart" book every month. This month, it was the biography of Josephine Bonaparte. A very good read, but slightly disturbing. She seemed so beaten down. Maybe that's because of her relationships with men and what she had to do in order to survive. Napoleon and his family didn't exactly treat her very well anyway.

That's it for now.

A weekend of efficiency

2005-07-24T21:08:00.000-05:00

So maybe I haven't been the most motivated person the last few months....but there's been a lot going on. Not anymore...I was the model of efficiency this weekend. I read 2 books, started 3 more (not an easy task, I tell you), finished 1 quilt top, another is about 80% done (even with thinking I completely messed it up), AND I still managed to do all the laundry. All in over 100 degree heat. (Ok so I was in the a/c all day long, but still). And I even found time to run all my errands.

My new job has some interesting opportunities. Maybe they will pay off in increases in pay, but anyway you look at it, it will probably advance me some in my career. As long as I stay on top of things and don't horribly mess up, I should be ok. I try to be friendly to people, so that might help.

Goals for the rest of the year...
#1 Lose weight--at least 20 pounds
#2 Work out some everyweek--even it if is just walking the dog
#3 Finish at least 2 more quilt projects--preferably the star quilt & the big siggie top
#4 Get caught up on the DJ BOW & TOW challenges
#5 Go back to church
#6 Pay off credit cards
#7 Increase savings significantly--to get a min of $1000 in each account

We'll see.....

June Book List

2005-07-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

Ok folks, here we go....5483 pages for the month of June...that may be an alltime high!
Princesses: The 6 Daughters of King George 3 by Flora Fraser
The Reasons for Marriage by Stephanie Laurens
An Unwilling Conquest by Stephanie Laurens
Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey
Four in Hand by Stephanie Laurens
Impetuous Innocent by Stephanie Laurens
Light on Snow by Anita Shreve
A Factory of Cunning by Philippa Stockley
A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber
The Revelation by Beverly Lewis
A Horse & His Boy by CS Lewis
Charming the Highlander by Janet Chapman
Reforming a Rake by Suzanne Enoch
A Dangerous Love by Sabrina Jeffries
Opal by Lauraine Snelling
Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop

So what have I realized by looking at this list?
1. I seem to like Stephanie Laurens' books.
2. I like regencies.
3. I have a wide variety of interests.
4. Reading is my escape.

I'm back...

2005-06-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

Not that I really went anywhere, but it's been a bit since I posted. So what's new here??? It's frikkin' hot!

But anyway, I have 4 days left in my temp job. That's good because I would really like to start my new job. I finally got my webshots updated with the quilt blocks I did over the last few months. I was going to put up graduation pics, but I don't like the way I look in them...so no way they are going up.

I bought my journal for my "Women of the Bible" quilt. I think it's cool. So I just spent like 30 minutes gluing things in it, rather than have loose pieces of paper floating around. Now to work on the actual blocks.

Bruce's birthday was last Monday...he got toys. We got lucky because some of the toys we bought him when he was a baby were still available at Petsmart, so we were able to replace the ones that were destroyed. Petsmart is awesome!!!

Why don't I want to do what I am supposed to do?

2005-06-16T21:29:00.000-05:00

The answer---because I tend to find what I am supposed to do not nearly as fun as what I want to do. Why sleep when I can stay up reading a good book? Why learn my Rainbow part when I can watch TV? Why do laundry when I can spend time with my husband? I know, such are the little things in life. But the little things make me happy.

I have to go shoe shopping soon. Most people would think this is a good thing and that it's fun. I, however, HATE shoe shopping. Thinking that someone else may have put their stinky, nasty foot in a shoe that I am going to buy grosses me out.

I have also decided that I need new shirts. I basically have 2 colors...red, black and brown---ok three colors...

anyway, such is life.

Meet the Duchess

2005-06-11T09:43:00.000-05:00

She's the oldest of the three cats and doesn't really like any of the others or Bruce, for that matter. That's why it's so surprising that she is sleeping on his bed. She's a momma's girl...she likes to follow me around and be by me.

This is Scooter

2005-06-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

She's the youngest of the three cats. She and Bruce are attempting to be friends. She likes to sleep by the sliding glass door so she can watch the birds and try to lure them into the house.

This is Harvey

2005-06-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

He's the middle cat, and the most affectionate. We got him when we lived in California. He was such a little thing--all ears and tail. Now he's 12 pounds and still all ears and tail. However, he's allergic to darn near everything in existence, including cat dander, and has to get allergy shots. He's the snuggle bug out of the group.

Times they are a changin...(or at least my job is)

2005-06-11T09:35:00.000-05:00

So I had a job interview on Monday. Thought it went pretty well, but didn't want to get my hopes up. By Tuesday morning at 8:30, I had a job offer! Yeah!!! So this week has been pretty good. I don't start at my new job until July 5th, but that's ok.

Word for the week: xanthophobia: the fear of the color yellow. I don't think I am afraid of the color yellow, I just think it needs to be used in moderation.

Today, I am going to sew. I have to get some stuff done. This is starting to get ridiculous.

peace,
Jennifer

Book List, among other things

2005-06-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

Ok, for May, here is what I read: (yes, there are some "bodice rippers" on here, but I am trying to balance out the fluff with "smart person books")

Love's Proof by Catherine Palmer
Chateau Ella by Hilary Norman
The Marriage Wish by Stephanie Laurens
A Lady of Expectations by Stephanie Laurens
The Shop on Blosson Street by Debbie Macomber
To Pleasure a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries
The Rising by Tim LaHaye & Jerry Jenkins
Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey
Rachel & Leah: Women of Genesis by Orson Scott Card
Tender Rebel by Johanna Lindsey
The Sugar Camp Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

So May was a total of 4238 pages. A little bit less than last month, but that's ok, I've been busy. Still need to get caught up on my Dear Jane blocks (www.dearjane.com), and I have decided to do the Women of the Bible Quilt by Carol Honderich, plus I have several other projects going on. Check out my webshots for more pictures of what I have been doing:
http://community.webshots.com/user/jenpeterson_96

so anyway

2005-05-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

So I graduated....now to find a real job. But since I can't find anything, I am temping at a local company. While it's nice to be working, I wish I could be busy for the entire shift. Oh well...such is the life of a temp.

Ever tried to read 3 books at once? It can be done, but it really depends on the books. Right now I am trying to read a biography of the 6 daughters of King George III, a bio on Catherine the Great of Russia, as well as Jennifer Chiverini's Sugar Camp Quilt. I will have to update my book list here in a few days.

Anyway, that's all for now.....

A Day in the Life

2005-05-13T14:46:00.000-05:00

So what to do.....
Realized today that I needed to get work clothes because I start my new temp job on Monday & since I haven't worked at a real job that required real clothes in a couple of years....must go shopping. Which really isn't my favorite thing to do. So after two hours, I walked away with 2 pair of pants, a skirt and two tanks. Still need shoes, but I think those will have to wait.

Why is it grocery stores are retarded? They didn't ask if I wanted my milk in a bag, kept trying to give me a free thing of salsa--when I already had 2 large jars--and basically crushed all the chips I was buying. Between that and the cashier people at department stores always pushing their store cards it's about enough to make a person go postal.

So now I get to clean my house. What fun...chasing 3 cats around with a vacuum cleaner, the dog around with the broom, and it's raining. Lovely.

Anyway, till later.

Meet "the Bruce"

2005-05-13T14:44:00.000-05:00

This is bruce when he was just 4 or 5 months old--trying to look cute.

Bruce at 8 months old

2005-05-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

isn't he a cute dog? this was when he was still little. he's not so little any more. But he matches the ugly brown carpet so well!

life interferes with fun

2005-05-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

So this is what I have read so far this month:
"Love's Proof" by Catherine Palmer
"Chateau Ella" by Hilary Norman
"The Marriage Wish" by Dee Henderson
"A Lady of Expectations" by Stephanie Laurens
"The Shop on Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber

Right now, I can't find a book to capture my fancy.......so I am going to wait and see if the library gets anything good. But I have one more final to take before graduation, so I had better study rather than read. And to top it all off--I think I managed to catch a cold. I hate being sick. Trying to find a job sucks too. I have decided to do temp work until I find a REAL job, but even that is depressing. Maybe I will just paint for a living.

New New New

2005-05-09T14:46:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I will be using this space for my ramblings, but most importantly, for my list of and comments on books that I am reading or have read.

Just a little bit about me.....
I read a lot (usually over 4500 pages a month), on a lot of different topics. I like to paint and quilt. I also like to keep up with current events, although I don't read a lot in that vein.

I look forward to your comments.