I find that it is very difficult when you have fallen in love with a particular set of works by an author (typically a series) to branch out to their other works. You run the problem of the other books either being derivative (such as Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich), or being radically different from what you fell in love with (such as anything by Rita Mae Brown that was not co-authored by Sneaky Pie Brown). I can only think of one adult author who have found this type of transition with, and that is Christopher Moore. (Children's authors are another matter, there are a loads of them where I managed this such as Elizabeth Enright, Beverly Cleary, and Richard Peck just to name a few).
I bring this up because I just read Deanna Raybourn's latest book The Dead Travel Fast, and while I liked it, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as I enjoy her Lady Julia Grey series. This really surprised me since I love Ms. Raybourn's blog which covers a huge range of topics. However, I think it is more that I don't truly enjoy Gothic novels. I like elements of them, but generally find that even the best ones tend to be over the top and many of the characters a tad absurd.
That being said, I did enjoy TDTF. I read it in one day and was left with the simultaneous reaction of "what?!!! and "but of course!!!" This reaction is the hallmark of a good mystery novel to me and she really hit the mark. However, I don't think I can give it a complete and caveat free endorsement. If you aren't a big fan of Gothic novels you might want to look elsewhere. Other than that, but especially if you LOVE Gothic novels, give it a whirl.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Mixed Media Round Up
Here are some of the things I have been enjoying lately.
A Century of Quilts is a dvd of a PBS broadcast that profiled quilts and quilt makers featured in a quilt show of the 100 best quilts of the century. It doesn't sound terribly exciting, but the work is absolutely incredible. If you enjoy art and aren't a snob about your definition of art it is well worth watching. You will be amazed by what was accomplished with cloth and thread.
Offbeat Brideis a blog that was started years ago to advertise a book by the same name. It has evolved into something much more than that though, creating a space for individuals who, for whatever reason, don't adhere to traditional expectations. It is such a positive site and Ariel, the woman who runs it, gives absolutely fabulous advice on so many things. I love, love, love Offbeat Bride. Certainly not everything featured on their site is up my alley, but the levels and varieties of creativity that are featured will blow you away. It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways people have come up with to celebrate their unions. Obviously it will be of greatest interest to those folks who are getting married and want to do something out of the ordinary, but it is a pleasant diversion for anyone who enjoys creative displays and love stories. And if shows like Platinum Weddings and Bridezillas turn your stomach like they do mine then Off Beat Bride will provide a much needed balm.
Life in Cartoon Motion by Mika. I had thought I had lost this CD and recently found it in a basket full of cards. Just really fun music.
A Century of Quilts is a dvd of a PBS broadcast that profiled quilts and quilt makers featured in a quilt show of the 100 best quilts of the century. It doesn't sound terribly exciting, but the work is absolutely incredible. If you enjoy art and aren't a snob about your definition of art it is well worth watching. You will be amazed by what was accomplished with cloth and thread.
Offbeat Brideis a blog that was started years ago to advertise a book by the same name. It has evolved into something much more than that though, creating a space for individuals who, for whatever reason, don't adhere to traditional expectations. It is such a positive site and Ariel, the woman who runs it, gives absolutely fabulous advice on so many things. I love, love, love Offbeat Bride. Certainly not everything featured on their site is up my alley, but the levels and varieties of creativity that are featured will blow you away. It never ceases to amaze me how many different ways people have come up with to celebrate their unions. Obviously it will be of greatest interest to those folks who are getting married and want to do something out of the ordinary, but it is a pleasant diversion for anyone who enjoys creative displays and love stories. And if shows like Platinum Weddings and Bridezillas turn your stomach like they do mine then Off Beat Bride will provide a much needed balm.
Life in Cartoon Motion by Mika. I had thought I had lost this CD and recently found it in a basket full of cards. Just really fun music.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
New Who!
As you can see there are two important details about this blog post. 1)I have modified my display name to be less sexually charged, and 2)this is the first post in over a year!!! Yes, I took slack blogging to a sloth inspired art form, but a lot happened last year and I chose to not be introspective at the time. (That and Facebook gobbled up a great deal of this sort of thing). I really did miss this, and now I have a much clearer focus for the direction I want this blog to go in.
One of my more ambitious projects for this year is to attempt to read 100 books. 10 books in 10 categories in 2010. I can't take credit for the idea as I read about it in a online article for Library Journal. I like the challenge aspect of it and it gives me a way to focus my obscenely large to be read pile. (It really is rather out of control; if I actually owned or had all of the books on the list an entire room in my house would be needed to store them. But I digress). At any rate, I am going to hone my book reviewing skills here. I'm also thinking that I will post roughly twice a week to begin with and see how that goes.
So there you have it. The blog won't be exclusively about books, but I intend that to be my main focus, at least for now.
One of my more ambitious projects for this year is to attempt to read 100 books. 10 books in 10 categories in 2010. I can't take credit for the idea as I read about it in a online article for Library Journal. I like the challenge aspect of it and it gives me a way to focus my obscenely large to be read pile. (It really is rather out of control; if I actually owned or had all of the books on the list an entire room in my house would be needed to store them. But I digress). At any rate, I am going to hone my book reviewing skills here. I'm also thinking that I will post roughly twice a week to begin with and see how that goes.
So there you have it. The blog won't be exclusively about books, but I intend that to be my main focus, at least for now.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
In defense of vanity
Let me begin by saying that I am not talking about narcissism or self-absorption here. I am talking about your garden variety vanity. Frankly, I think it gets a bum wrap. Many of the things we do that will help us to live healthier, longer lives are really outgrowths of vain behavior.
For instance, say a woman is concerned about sun spots and wrinkles. She therefore uses a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, tries not to tan, and regularly visits the dermatologist. These behaviors will help prevent skin cancer and/or catch it in an early, preventable stage.
Another example would be that a man who is concerned about getting paunchy, so he watches what he eats and goes to the gym. These behaviors help reduce, among other things, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
I think we all need a little vanity in our lives. After all, if you don't care about how you look, well, then frankly, no one else will care about you either. Harsh, I know, but true.
For instance, say a woman is concerned about sun spots and wrinkles. She therefore uses a moisturizer with sunscreen in it, tries not to tan, and regularly visits the dermatologist. These behaviors will help prevent skin cancer and/or catch it in an early, preventable stage.
Another example would be that a man who is concerned about getting paunchy, so he watches what he eats and goes to the gym. These behaviors help reduce, among other things, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
I think we all need a little vanity in our lives. After all, if you don't care about how you look, well, then frankly, no one else will care about you either. Harsh, I know, but true.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
And now for something (slightly) different.
As my friends continue to point out, I am indeed most slack about this blog. Therefore, I have worked to devise a plan of recourse. On the one hand, one of my new year's resolutions is to try new things, which should provide some excellent fodder for posts. On the other hand, I intend to focus on doing short recommendations of various forms of entertainment that I have enjoyed. I'm not quite sure how this will all work out, but do intend to try.
So to start the recommendations off on a great foot I am going to start with something very old school. Home Entertainment Center by Steven Banks. I sadly do not own this in it's original format. However, someone has very kindly put it up in it's entirety on YouTube. Years and years ago, my sister's high school boyfriend had taped this off of HBO and it stayed at our house for roughly a year, during which time I watched it repeatedly. It is hysterically funny. If you don't think so then 1)something is wrong with you and 2)what on earth are you reading my blog for? Click on the link only if you have time to watch the whole thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62EePXzshX8
So to start the recommendations off on a great foot I am going to start with something very old school. Home Entertainment Center by Steven Banks. I sadly do not own this in it's original format. However, someone has very kindly put it up in it's entirety on YouTube. Years and years ago, my sister's high school boyfriend had taped this off of HBO and it stayed at our house for roughly a year, during which time I watched it repeatedly. It is hysterically funny. If you don't think so then 1)something is wrong with you and 2)what on earth are you reading my blog for? Click on the link only if you have time to watch the whole thing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62EePXzshX8
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Pithy observations
1. There is no dignified, let alone graceful, way to exit the back of a mini-van as an adult. Once you are too tall to stand upright in it and walk out you proceed into the realm of comedy.
2. Knee highs are the single most unattractive article of clothing that is regularly worn. Sure, sock garters are seriously dorky, but really, who actually wears those? And don't say panty hose because have you seen some of the styles in the Victoria's Secret catalog? Oh my! No, it is the knee high that wins the most unattractive award.
3. I wish there was a way to fast forward hair growth. I am currently trying to grow out the previously mentioned pixie cut and it is taking forever! And what is worse, there is the danger of developing a slight mullet. Alas and alack.
2. Knee highs are the single most unattractive article of clothing that is regularly worn. Sure, sock garters are seriously dorky, but really, who actually wears those? And don't say panty hose because have you seen some of the styles in the Victoria's Secret catalog? Oh my! No, it is the knee high that wins the most unattractive award.
3. I wish there was a way to fast forward hair growth. I am currently trying to grow out the previously mentioned pixie cut and it is taking forever! And what is worse, there is the danger of developing a slight mullet. Alas and alack.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
5 by 5
Five Things that I am really tired of:
1. Hot weather. It is almost Halloween, and the temperatures in the afternoons here are in the 80s. It's not like I live in Miami! Let it be fall good and proper, and not just in the mornings. Please!
2. Cooking for one. This is maddening. Even if you cut recipes in half it still makes too much. Fresh fruit and other produce tends to go bad before it can be eaten. So aggravating.
3. Mosquitoes. This goes along with the hot weather. They are a scourge. If I could keep a bat house I would, but they aren't allowed in the city limits. The Old Farmer's Almanac has promised a cold, severe winter. Bring it on and kill these nasty things.
4. Tooting your own horn. I know, I know, this isn't supposed to be a bad thing. But it always feels weird to me, and sadly it has become a necessity where I work.
5. Election campaigns. Why oh why isn't it November yet? I'm so sick of both sides getting up and talking crap. They are all dishonest and overly ambitious. That's why they are politicians. It goes with the territory. The trick is to find the one who is the least dishonest. We desperately need campaign reform that prevents them from a lot of what they do in ads. Makes me sick.
5 things I am enjoying right now.
1. Dillard's. I don't know if this is true at every Dillard's, but the last few times I have been shopping there it has been a wonderful experience. The staff in all of the departments I visited were very helpful and I found a lot of things that I really liked. They even have call buttons in the dressing rooms. It was a lot like the way I imagine shopping in the 50's was, when customer service actually existed.
2. The woman's magazine Lucky. Most magazines that focus on fashion and style are filled with things that normal people cannot possibly afford. Lucky is different. Sure, there are some high end items in each article, but there is a much wider ranges of prices. What's more, they feature clothing that you can actually wear. They also have a whole section in the back of the magazine with the Lucky deal's. These are products or companies that will give you a discount on select merchandise online if you put in the codes from the section. And every issue comes with a sheet of page tabs so that you can mark what you like. How fun!
3.Pushing Daisies. I will admit to having missed the first two episodes of this season because I was watching Bones which airs at the same time. However, thanks to baseball, I was able to watch last night and I was reminded of how much I enjoy that show and how adorable Lee Pace is. Must get my Tivo working!
4. Progressive Dinner. To be fair, it really isn't a "progressive" dinner since we don't advance from house to house. It's more of a communal dinner, but that sounds funny. Recently, a group of my friends started having dinner together once a month. We pick a theme and each party prepares part of the meal. It is a lot of fun, and hopefully we will be able to continue with it. Food prices get a little scary.
5. Pandora. For those of you who don't know Pandora is an online radio station that allows you to heavily tailor the type of music that is played. I absolutely love it and I have found a lot of really cool music through it. It has a few problems; occasionally a song will stop and skip to the next one, and you can't replay a song, and of course, not everything is in their music library. But it is free and totally worthwhile. So thanks Squirrel for telling me about it!
1. Hot weather. It is almost Halloween, and the temperatures in the afternoons here are in the 80s. It's not like I live in Miami! Let it be fall good and proper, and not just in the mornings. Please!
2. Cooking for one. This is maddening. Even if you cut recipes in half it still makes too much. Fresh fruit and other produce tends to go bad before it can be eaten. So aggravating.
3. Mosquitoes. This goes along with the hot weather. They are a scourge. If I could keep a bat house I would, but they aren't allowed in the city limits. The Old Farmer's Almanac has promised a cold, severe winter. Bring it on and kill these nasty things.
4. Tooting your own horn. I know, I know, this isn't supposed to be a bad thing. But it always feels weird to me, and sadly it has become a necessity where I work.
5. Election campaigns. Why oh why isn't it November yet? I'm so sick of both sides getting up and talking crap. They are all dishonest and overly ambitious. That's why they are politicians. It goes with the territory. The trick is to find the one who is the least dishonest. We desperately need campaign reform that prevents them from a lot of what they do in ads. Makes me sick.
5 things I am enjoying right now.
1. Dillard's. I don't know if this is true at every Dillard's, but the last few times I have been shopping there it has been a wonderful experience. The staff in all of the departments I visited were very helpful and I found a lot of things that I really liked. They even have call buttons in the dressing rooms. It was a lot like the way I imagine shopping in the 50's was, when customer service actually existed.
2. The woman's magazine Lucky. Most magazines that focus on fashion and style are filled with things that normal people cannot possibly afford. Lucky is different. Sure, there are some high end items in each article, but there is a much wider ranges of prices. What's more, they feature clothing that you can actually wear. They also have a whole section in the back of the magazine with the Lucky deal's. These are products or companies that will give you a discount on select merchandise online if you put in the codes from the section. And every issue comes with a sheet of page tabs so that you can mark what you like. How fun!
3.Pushing Daisies. I will admit to having missed the first two episodes of this season because I was watching Bones which airs at the same time. However, thanks to baseball, I was able to watch last night and I was reminded of how much I enjoy that show and how adorable Lee Pace is. Must get my Tivo working!
4. Progressive Dinner. To be fair, it really isn't a "progressive" dinner since we don't advance from house to house. It's more of a communal dinner, but that sounds funny. Recently, a group of my friends started having dinner together once a month. We pick a theme and each party prepares part of the meal. It is a lot of fun, and hopefully we will be able to continue with it. Food prices get a little scary.
5. Pandora. For those of you who don't know Pandora is an online radio station that allows you to heavily tailor the type of music that is played. I absolutely love it and I have found a lot of really cool music through it. It has a few problems; occasionally a song will stop and skip to the next one, and you can't replay a song, and of course, not everything is in their music library. But it is free and totally worthwhile. So thanks Squirrel for telling me about it!
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