I show you my books, you show me yours... vol.23

Jana & Steph are bringing us book lovin' bloggers our favorite day of the month again - Show Us Your Books day!

Here's what I've read since the last link-up:

1.  Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo -  a delightful little book that is nominated for Best Middle Grade/Children's Book on Goodreads Choice Awards 2016. 4/5

2.  Tequila Sunset by Sam Hawken - Don Winslow's The Power of the Dog & The Cartel may have ruined all other fiction books about the drugs, gangs, and violence on the U.S./Mexican border (because they were just SO good.)  That being said this was still an entertaining enough read.  3.5/5

3.  The Girls by Emma Cline - DNF - Rebecca Jo mentioned something last month about wanting to drop kick a book that she didn't like.  That's how I felt about this pretentious, try-hard story.  I didn't even make it to Evie joining up with the cult.  I couldn't get there.  I used to not quit books, but my book lovin' blogger friends have taught me that if something ain't workin' for me, then it is just fine to move along.

4.  When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi -  

I know that people have fled war torn countries for ages, but this book feels timely and relevant. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but anyone that wants to close borders or not help refugees should read this heart-wrenching book.  4.5/5 5.  Cross the Line by James Patterson (Alex Cross #24) - There are better Alex Cross books than this one, but it still (as Steph says) passed the time just fine. 3.75/5 6. Blood Wedding by Pierre Lemaitre - A bookstagrammer (is that what we're calling these folks) that I follow gave a glowing recommendation for this one, so I picked it up, and I'm glad I did.  There's a whole lotta crazy goin' on in this book.  If a quick-read crime/mystery/thriller with crazy ass characters is your thang, then I recommend this book.  4.5/5 7.  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein - What I loved about this book: strong female characters, a depiction of the important roles that females played during WWII, and a strong female friendship.  Because of those things, I really wanted to love this book, but for some reason, I just liked it.  Maybe it's timing.  I'm busy.  I'm distracted.  My mind is going a million miles a minute with lots of things going on..  So, maybe I wasn't able to get absorbed by the story the way I needed to be.  3/5 8.  Escape Clause by John Sandford - I'm a John Sandford fangirl.  I've read every book in the Lucas Davenport series, and now every book in the Virgil Flowers one.  As most series go, some are better than others, but for me, they've all be enjoyable.  Sandford's characters are truly, well, characters. Currently reading:  Plan B by Jonathan Tropper Now is the time that I pimp my book challenge.  Many of you know it, but just.in.case you don't, check it out - Book Challenge by Erin.  Kick off your new year by reading books amongst a community of supportive, encouraging book lovers.  Click the links below: Our goodreads group Our facebook group Hooray for books!!!!

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.102

'Tis the season that I send several overseas packages. 

This is one of the libraries I frequent. Ain't too shabby. 

Christmas drinks with my fellow Texas A&M grads at Blu Bar (level 36 of the Shangri La hotel.)

These were our views....

...Sydney was really showing off her beauty this week. 

Christmas drinks turned into Christmas shenanigans. 

Worked 6 days this week with long hours, but I still managed to get some presents wrapped too. 

Expativersary

Eight years ago, I landed on Australian soil and began my life as an "expat".  Honestly, I'm not sure that I even knew the term "expat" then.  What I did know...this was going to be a massive life change and challenge with new adventures in store for me. 

The term "rollercoaster ride" is often used as a metaphor for life when we experience peaks and valleys, highs and lows, twists and turns, fear and exhilaration. The last 8 years of my life could be described by all of these things and more. 

And, would you look at that. Bon Jovi has a song on their new album titled "Roller Coaster", and it's one of my faves.  How fitting.   

Happy "expativersary" to me!

A Different Way to Celebrate December

You may have heard me mention jenn (she likes lowercase) around these parts before.  She's the only blogger buddy that I know and am friends with in real life, or as the kids say it "irl".  Like, we've shared a meal in person kind of friend.  (Not that I wouldn't be happy to do so with many others of you...there's just this thing called an ocean that separates most of us.)  In fact, I've known her since before the world of blogging...way before.  We shared the same homeroom from 9th through 12th grade. 

She created this super clever, creative, fun scavenger hunt of sorts that helps put some positivity, goodness, and kindness out into the world.  Here's a recap of her November adventures.  She's doing the same for December.  I know, I know.  Decembers are crazy busy for all of us.  But, I'm going to try to squeeze a few of these activities into my month.  Why don't you join us?

From jenn's post:  ten things to celebrate in december: a scavenger hunt

December 1, 2016

it's ten this time because a) time, b) money and c) it's my bloggy and i can if i want to. mental floss compiled a list of fourteen days to celebrate in december. i'm using some but not all because of the aforementioned reasons. if you choose to blog about this, photos are required, but they don't have to be selfies (see reason c). you can do them in any order you'd like. they do not have to be tied to their day. you've until december thirty-first to complete this thing.

one. december first. national pie day. also national eat a red apple day. buy, or if you're feeling especially awesome, bake an apple pie and take it to the servers of a favored restaurant. they bring you food and drink at your beck and call. be sweet and bring them some treats.

two. december second. national salesperson's day. i've done more than my share of time in retail hell. i know how dreaded this time of year is for the gals behind the counter. when you're out shopping for those special gifts, ask an associate what a good pick-me-up would be. what can you do to put a bright spot in her day? chances are good it'll be a simple as a cup of starbucks or, in the case of one of my manager friends, a route forty-four diet coke from sonic with hardly any ice in it.

three. december fifth. bathtub party day. things are about to crazy, yeah? or maybe they've done so already? all the shopping and the baking and the trimming of the tree... treat yourself to a time out. snag a favored scented shower gel from bath and body works (or wherever you go for that stuff... i'm partial to bodycology's white gardenia, which can be found at the grocery store for like four bucks), pour a glass of wine, put on some music or listen to a bit of an audio book you've been dying to read but haven't had the time. give yourself a blessed hour. your family will probably thank you for it.

four. december sixth. st. nicholas day. surely you know a nick or a nicholas (or maybe a nicole?). take some time out of your day to send a special note to that person. 'tis the season...

five. december tenth. nobel prize day. here's a list of the laureates in literature. choose one and share a line or two from a work you admire.

six. december twelfth. poinsettia day. pick up one of these gorgeous creations and take it to a friend you've not seen in some time.

seven. december thirteenth. national cocoa day. take a breather from the christmas shopping. treat yourself to a cup of hot chocolate.

eight. december fifteenth. cat herders day. surely you know someone who's got one too many cats in his or her house. and surely those cats are wreaking havoc on the christmas decor. find a cute cat card and send it their way. they may be needing the reminder of why they love the things right about then.

nine. december twenty-first. winter solstice day. the longest night of the year. the hardest time of the year for some. there are those who are grieving. there are those who are in the throes of some pretty wicked depression, and this time of year is NEVER good for them. find a way to bring them some warmth, to shed some light. check with your local service organizations and see what you can do to help those in need. take some flowers to a senior living facility. treat a friend who may be grieving to lunch or a movie. or just sit with them for a while. listen.

ten. december twenty-eighth. national card playing day. we spend so much time on our phones or sitting at computers being "sociable". try getting a group of friends together for a game of hearts or spades, uno, skip-bo or phase ten. turn the television off. sit at a table and enjoy each other. have a game night. unwind.

My mother as a pin-up

I've been on a roll with tattoos lately.  I'd had a "wishlist", and I've been knocking those out since finding my little superstar of an artist, Melanie Milne.  In October, I got a tattoo in honor of my dad, and I mentioned one was in the works in honor of my mom too. 

My mother taught baton twirling in my early childhood.  She can still pick up a baton and do some pretty impressive tricks with it.  She taught me in my early years.  We marched in parades and went to competitions.  She was/is energetic and enthusiastic, and everyone loved/loves her.

Me...during my baton twirling career

Rewind to times before my childhood...and before she was my mom...this woman was a drum major during the 1960s.  Not just any drum major, but she led a band of over 300 members, and this band's claim to fame during their tenure was they played the National Anthem during the opening of the Houston Astrodome. 

I used to work with a guy that went to high school with my mom.  He told me that when she took the field that all eyes were on her.  He may have been slightly infatuated all those years later. 

Fast forward...I'd always wanted a pin-up of some sort, and I wanted a tattoo inspired by my mother.  Drum majors, majorettes, baton twirlers, and even pin-ups are "Americana" identities.  It just seemed to work together.  In fact, when I told my tattoo artist my idea, her reply was "that is sooo American, and I love it!"

So, here we are.  She's working.  I'm wincing (in pain).  We're both singing to Eagles Greatest Hits vol.2 and talking about her recent trip to New Zealand.

And...the finished project...I just love her!  (her as in the tattoo, my mom, and Mel, my artist)

My mom has her own sound when she sends me a viber message.  I heard it as I was getting the tattoo.  She asked what I was doing.  So, I sent this in return.  Let me clarify, my mom doesn't like my tattoos, so I had to tell her to not be mad.

Her response was that it was "nice", but she hoped the picture was just a drawing on paper and not on my body.  Ha! 

What do you do that drives your mother crazy?

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.101

This red velvet donut with buttercream icing and candy cane decorations was as sensational as it looks. 

I might've got carried away with tree decorations this year...my back patio trees even have lights. 

I love the jacaranda tree in front of my house. I don't love sweeping up after the jacaranda tree. 

I had a realization that yes, I am old, when I walked through H&M and decided everything was crap. 

A book & my snuggly boys ... Not a lot of things that are better than this. 

Street art in Newtown

Sunday brunch with a girlfriend was a great way to end the week. 

 Happy weekend to you!

Book Challenge by Erin 6.0

I host a book challenge on facebook.  If you've read this blog for any amount of time at all, you know I love books.  I read.  I like to talk about books.  I'm a sucker for book challenges.  I started my own challenge a couple of years ago hosting it through this facebook group page.  My thought was this: if I host it through facebook, that's another venue to talk about books with my fellow readers.  I am already in a few challenges that link back to blogs, but not facebook.  I'm pretty happy and proud of the group I've got happening on facebook.  It's so fun to see a collection of readers that are my high school friends, friends of friends, friends around the globe, all coming together for a mutual love of books.  If you're a reader, please join us.  Even just join the group to follow along with the fun.  Or jump in and rock the challenge!

If you aren't a facebooker, that's okay too.  I have some that participate through their blogs and others through goodreads.  Participation is encouraged as much or as little as you choose.

I attempt to be a stress-free, no-pressure kind of host.  This is about loving books, supporting readers, and encouragement for all who express an interest.

We now have a goodreads group too.  It's in its infancy, and Jenn at Optimization, Actually has been kind enough to join me as a moderator to help organize it.  Just trying to create enough options for those who want to participate can in the easiest medium for them to do so.

Warning:  this may be the longest blog post I've ever published, but it's easy to skim.

Book Challenge by Erin 6.0 - General Rules

·         First and foremost, have fun. Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome.

·         The challenge will run from JANUARY 1, 2017 to APRIL 30, 2017. No books that are started before 12 a.m. on January 1 or finished after 11:59 p.m. on April 30 will count.  (We live in different time zones – follow this according to your own time zone.)

·         Each book must be at least 200 pages long.   Audio books are fine too.

·         A book can only be used for one category, and each category can only be completed once. If you want to switch the category of a book, or change the book you originally chose, no worries. 

·         You can read your books in any order you choose.

·         Rereads can be used only once.  If a book you love fits into a category, go ahead and visit it again.  Read it in its entirety.  But, only do this once for the challenge.

·         There will be a photo album for each category with links to books chosen.  Please comment on the photo for each of your books when you finish reading them.  A comment can include a review, a rating, a recommendation…other readers want to hear what you thought of your choice.  (if you need help with this, let me know…or there is a file attached to our group explaining what to do.)

·         There will be 10 book categories with a possibility of earning 200 points.   That’s 10 books in four months.  For some of you, this will be a BIG challenge; for others it will be easy peasy.  It’s all for fun, remember!

·         Book categories will be posted December 1st to give you time to gather books in preparation. 

·         After the categories are posted, please post a preliminary list with books of your choice according to their categories on the facebook group page by December 15^th (if possible).  If you need help with a particular category or want a book suggestion, we as a community of reading enthusiasts can help each other.  (Late entries will still be accepted.)

·         The first three people who finish the challenge will be invited to contribute a category for the next challenge. The following will get a small prize from me (1^st to complete 1st round; 1^st to complete both rounds; most points accumulated; and WILD CARD random draw – all who finish the 10 book challenge will qualify as an entry)!  If the same person wins all categories, then I’ll move to the 2^nd finisher, then 3^rd, and so on.  Plus, everyone who completes the challenge will gets all sorts of recognition and support!

·         Lastly, have fun.  Don't stress. No one is being judged, graded, or penalized. Even if you finish only one book the entire challenge, if you enjoy it and it's an accomplishment for you, then that's awesome.  Wait, I’ve read that somewhere before…Good luck!

Now that the rules are outta the way, here's the fun stuff:

Book Challenge by Erin 6.0 - Categories

·         5 points:  Freebie – Read a book that is at least 200 pages.

·         10 points:  Read a book that starts with the letter “W”.

·         10 points:  Read a book with six words in the title.

·         15 points:  Read a book that has a (mostly) green cover.

·         20 points:  Read a book with a homonym in the title (inspired by the book Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin that I read last challenge with a character who is obsessed with homonyms.)  Only one word in the title needs to be a homonym.  Helpful link:  https://www.cooper.com/alan/homonym_list.html

·         20 points:  (Submitted by Linda) Read a book by your favorite author.

·         25 points:  (Submitted by Christina) Read a book set in the city/town/state/territory/county/province where you live.  To help with books set in certain U.S. states, this link should help:  https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1152882-where-we-ve-been-master-list  To help with international locations, try with this list:  https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1152745-where-we-ve-been-previous-years-master-list

·         30 points:  (Submitted by Peggy) Read a “Rory Gilmore” book.  The character of Rory from the Gilmore Girls was shown reading over 300 different books throughout the series.  Choose one of them from this helpful link:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/krystieyandoli/all-339-books-referenced-in-gilmore-girls

·         30 points:  (Submitted by Stef)  Read a book from a genre that you’ve never read (or rarely read.)

·         35 points:  (Submitted by Ferne) Read a book with time travel.  Helpful link:  https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4018.The_Best_Time_Travel_Books_of_All_Time

If you are stuck on any of these categories, ask for help or recommendations!  GOOD LUCK!

Anddddddd..........here's my preliminary list (which can also be found on goodreads):

• 5 points:  Freebie – Read a book that is at least 200 pages:  The Girl Before by Rena Olsen - Micah sent this to me, so it is waiting on my bookshelf for me.
• 10 points:  Read a book that starts with the letter “W”:  Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight - I picked this up at a discount bookstore after reading good reviews...still need to read it.
• 10 points:  Read a book with six words in the title:  Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil by Melina Marchetta - I love this author and looking forward to reading her most recent release.
• 15 points:  Read a book that has a (mostly) green cover:  Trail of Broken Wings by Sejal Badani - I had a few books with green covers on my tbr, and this is the one that intrigues me the most.
• 20 points:  Read a book with a homonym in the title:  Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (homonym: some=sum) - I bought this book (quite possibly) over a year ago when bloggers were talking about it in Show Us Your Books.  Still haven't read it.
• 20 points:  Read a book by your favorite author:  How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper - I have enjoyed every Tropper book I've read, and I will read everything he publishes.  I'm slowly but surely making my way through his back catalog.
• 25 points:  Read a book set in the city/town/state/territory/county/province where you live:  I Came to Say Goodbye by Caroline Overington - I think Sanch (a blogger that participates in the challenge who just moved from Sydney) read this last book challenge, and it interested me enough to pick it this time.
• 30 points:  Read a “Rory Gilmore” book:  The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - it has been on my tbr for years, and I picked it up at a secondhand bookstore.  About time I read it, don't you think?
• 30 points:  Read a book from a genre that you’ve never read (or rarely read):  Pines by Blake Crouch - I looked up a list on goodreads for "science fiction" books because that is definitely a genre that I rarely read.  Other book lovin' blogger have raved about this author, so I'll give it a shot.
• 35 points:  Read a book with time travel:  A Murder in Time by Julie McElwain - this category could double for the one above because I avoid "time travel" books.  I didn't even like The Time Traveler's Wife.  But, I enjoy that these challenges push me out of my comfort zone.  This book was nominated for a Goodreads Readers' Choice Award, plus Olya said she didn't expect to enjoy it as much as she did and rated it 4 stars.  Seems like a good pick for a somewhat challenging category for me.

Are you still with me?  Will you join us for Book Challenge by Erin 6.0?  Have you read any of my choices?