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?

Currently...linking up vol.9

Counting.....  down the days until our shop closes.  I'm sure I'll write a post of my mixed bag of emotions about being a small business owner closing our store and tackling new adventures in the future.

Feeling..... the Christmas spirit a little more this year.  I think it's a combination of knowing that I won't be working Christmas Eve for the first time in years and having friends coming to visit from Texas.  It's got me all the more excited this year.

Doubting..... that my tree is going to make it this year.  It's not even December and branches are bent with ornaments falling off.  "Why?" you may ask.  Because out of our 3 cats, one considers himself an expert tree-climber...or he wants to be one of the decorations.

Planning.....  fun stuff for my friend that is visiting.  She and her 11 year old son will be here Christmas through New Year's.  Their excitement for this trip is contagious.  We're going to the beach, to the zoo, camping surrounded by Australian wildlife and more!

Appreciating.....  how sweet my stepkid can be.  We've been talking a lot about my friend and her son visiting and the fun things we have planned.  He asked me "what are you the most excited for?", and my reply was "all of it!"  I asked him the same, and his reply was "I'm just excited to meet them."  How sweet is that?

Applauding..... my husband.  While buying a coffee this week, he witnessed this lunatic of a woman spewing racial rants to people.  She had a Chinese girl in tears.  She told an Indian man to "go back where (he) came from" and that he stinks.  She told the Chinese coffee shop he also "should go back" where he came from.  When my husband confronted her, she called him a "nazi" and to mind his own business.  The coffee shop owner and my husband both called security, so as she was leaving and throwing out more racist vomit, my husband followed her until security caught up with her.  Oh, and by the way, this ain't her first visit into the land of being a disgusting racist and menace to society.  She's even on youtube for it.

Wondering..... what is wrong with people??

Moving..... to a happier topic:  How is it that I've never heard about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library?  An organization supported by one of my favorite people (DOLLY!) giving books to children?!?  What's not to love?  Jana mentions it (or has a link to it) in this post.  Oh, and by the way, if you haven't read Jana's post, you should.  The initiative "delivers a quality, age-appropriate book once a month direct to children at home from birth to 5 years old in targeted communities. Our vision is that all children start school ready to read and learn so that they can succeed in life."  There are programs in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the US.  Take all my money.

Promoting..... my book challenge: Book Challenge by Erin - you can check out our facebook group where most of the activity goes down or this page on my blog.  Categories are announced December 1st, as in tomorrow (if you're in my part of the world).  That's why this post is going live today.  What a great way to kick off 2017 - reading books!  Won't you join us?

Reading.....  Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein...just started it last night.  I'm pretty sure I'll like it based on those that have recommended it to me.

Listening..... to my personal mix of Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, and Butch Walker.  I dumped all other songs from my ipod shuffle at the moment and have just been listening to these faves for the last week while I'm commuting. 

Learning..... where bears live in North America.  Why?  Because Steph mentioned seeing bear poop, and I know Steph lives in Pennsylvania, and I had no idea bears lived there.  Then, I found this map and learned there are even bears in Florida?  And Louisiana?  Am I the only one that didn't know these things?  Yep, I'm feeling pretty dumb right about now.  See how educational blogging can be?

Source

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

Linking..... with  Kristin:

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.100

This happens often...I start out the day with cute shoes, but I end up in flip flops soon enough. 

Friday beer day to watch football and celebrate Thanksgiving...

...which turned into 11 hours of drinking and this picture I don't remember taking. I'm too old for that nonsense. Ha!

Saturday night included dinner at my fave - I was so preoccupied with the good food that I took no pictures except this one when I was leaving. 

After chasing Ricky out of the tree...

...and chasing him away from the ornaments...

...I got our tree up!

Hope you had a fab holiday weekend!  Are you getting ready for Christmas?

Thankful

I realize that I'm often a lame blogger as I have admitted in my "Confessions of a lame blogger" post.  In all my lameness, I realized I had no Thanksgiving post ready today.  So, here's a list of things I'm thankful for today...as I sit here...and try to type this post in between customer interruptions and job responsibilities.

I'm thankful for the Thai massage last night.  I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy a masseuse digging into my back, shoulders, and neck with their elbows, knees, fingers, and toes.  Yes, I said toes.  I love it.  And, the stretching at the end is sheer bliss. 

I'm thankful for technology.  Sometimes, social media drives us all insane.  But, I'm thankful for all the ways to keep connected to friends and family.  This week - I used viber to text my mom in Texas and one of my bestest gal pals in Italy; I used skype to chat with my dad and stepmom; I received a picture of my nephew at his first varsity basketball game via email; I shared that pic with a couple of close friends via facebook messenger; and I look at all the Instagram pics of yummy Thanksgiving food and families.

I'm thankful for Ellen DeGeneres.  What Barack Obama had to say when Ellen received her Presidential Medal of Freedom had me in tears.  I was thinking of an aunt who came out to her parents (my grandparents) in the '70s.  There was no one like Ellen in the public eye.  Her positivity is infectious.  A friend of mine shared this on facebook:  Ellen shows "how normal we are. She didn't hide her sexuality or her life, she just talked about Life. and for years she sat on Daytime television just being herself. Being Funny, talking about the trials and tribulations of marriage. She got political, but never preachy. She epitomizes so much in how we can change hearts and minds not through yelling or anger, but through kindness and humor."

I'm thankful for this guy who has been dubbed the "Aussiest.  Interview.  Ever."  Seriously, if you like to watch video clips for a laugh, please watch this one.  Plus, he shares sound advice: "If you do good for your mates, they do good for you."  Or something like that.  I was crying with laughter, and I love the feeling of finding something so joyful and funny that you're crying and laughing at the same time.

I'm thankful for public libraries - free entertainment!  I'm thankful for book challenges (of course, the participants in my own Book Challenge by Erin hold a special place in my heart).  I'm thankful for Jana and  Steph hosting the "Show Us Your Books" link-up and all the book-lovin' bloggers that I get to book chat with each month.  I feel like the last few years, my love of reading has been rejuvenated, and the library, book challenges, and the link-up have all been full for that fire.

I'm thankful for my fur babies.  The unconditional love that they show with cuddles from the kitties and slobbery kisses from the doggies. 

I'm thankful for gift-giving.  Look, I ain't gonna lie, I enjoy receiving gifts too, but I really, really do like giving gifts.  I like shopping for them.  I like wrapping them.  I like giving them.  And, this time of year over any others, I get to give lots of gifts.

I'm thankful for these guys that I talked about in a 2014 Thanksgiving post.  I'm thankful to feel so much love from a family that it causes me to miss them so much, especially during holidays like this.

I'm thankful for my Australian family.  I feel loved.  I feel valued.  I feel challenged.  I feel appreciated.  I feel like I'm in an equal partnership with my husband.  Those are all feelings that I'm thankful for. 

And, thank you for spending some time with me in this little corner of my world.  I appreciate the interactions, the laughs, the lessons, and the stories that we share in the wacky world of blogland. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Decades Playlist by Jana and Erin: the 1970s

A lot happened in the 70s. Some of it good, some of it bad, some of it in the middle. However, most notable is the fact that this is the decade in which Erin and I were both born! Yay for 70s babies! Granted I have approximately zero memories and I don't think Erin's are that clear but still. WE WERE THERE.

You know what else was there? Great music. The dawn of punk, the dawn of rap, the abomination of disco, the big sounds of arena rock and so much more. In fact, this was the most difficult playlist we've put together because we seriously didn't know where to stop. This is actually our biggest playlist at 39 songs (and that's with leaving off a lot) and we've linked to the whole list at the bottom, with our favorites highlighted below.  Enjoy!

"Closer to the Heart"--Rush. As you all know, this is Jana's favorite band. Picking one song was a challenge but this one was selected specifically because of the poignancy and significance and relevance to the current state of politics in the US. (ex., "And the men who hold high places must be the ones who start. To mold a new reality. Closer to the heart.")

"Dream On"--Aerosmith. There are A LOT of 70s Aerosmith songs that I (Erin) love, but the quintessential song that still gives me goosebumps that still has a powerful message "Dream until your dreams come true" is this one.

"Prelude/Angry Young Man"--Billy Joel. Like Rush and Aerosmith, HOW DO YOU PICK JUST ONE?! Well, you pick one with his incredible piano playing that's also fun to sing along to and one you never, ever tire of hearing.

"Dance the Night Away"--Van Halen. Again, A LOT, because I'm (Erin) a DLR fan over Van Hager fan and this one started my love of "rock music that you can dance to".

"Who Are You?"--The Who. So, it's one of my parents' favorite stories to tell about me (Jana) and how I used to walk around at the age of 3 or 4 singing this song. Specifically, the "who? who?" part, like a fucking owl. Also fun to know is that they say "who the fuck are you" in the song so it's pretty evident where my love of that particular word comes from.

"Crazy on You"--Heart. Heart Those fucking Wilson sisters broke so many glass ceilings proving that women rock just as hard as men (we actually have a whole badass women playlist. The Wilson sisters are on it. Obviously). 

"Bat Out of Hell"--Meatloaf. I (Jana) probably should have picked Paradise by the Dashboard Light because it's one of my all time favorite songs but this one is like the opening line from The Martian. It's unforgettable and makes a statement you never forget. 

"Strutter"--KISS. So many Kiss songs are more well known, but I love this little gem of a song. Fun fact: my Paul Stanley doll was my (Erin) favorite doll as a kid for a while.

"Bohemian Rhapsody"--Queen. Arguably one of the greatest songs ever written. It is still original and unique 40+ years later. Fun fact: It's the only song that was a duplicate from both of our lists. Another fun fact: I (Jana) think of Wayne's World when I hear it. Every. Single. Time.

"Already Gone"--Eagles. I've (Erin) explained the significance before, but I'll say it again - after living in a turbulent relationship, getting married at 19 (with no business doing so), I packed up my white Honda Civic at the age of almost-21 and left that asshole.  When I pulled out of the drive-way, I opened the sunroof, and this song started.  Tears streamed down my face as I sang it at the top of my lungs.  It is "my victory song".

"Horse with No Name"--America. My (Jana) victory song is not from the 70s but here's another embarrassing story about me instead. I called this the camel song for years. No real clue why. Just did. 

"Hot Child in the City"--Nick Gilder. You know how some random memories from childhood are still so vivid?  I (Erin) have a vivid memory of standing on my swing on our backyard swing set singing the song aloud for all the neighbors to hear. (Jana's note: glad to know I wasn't the only weird ass child).

"Good Hearted Woman"--Willie Nelson. He IS Texas to me (Erin)

Okay, so now that you have the highlights, here's the whole list. Let us know what songs from the 70s
you enjoy and we should add!

 

Zoo Parent

I have a "50 Before 50" list.  #10 on that list says "Adopt an animal at Taronga Zoo".  I love zoos, but I will admit that the animal lover in me can get a little sad worrying about the life and treatment of animals in a cage for human beings' enjoyment.  What I LOVE and admire at Taronga Zoo is they are hugely supportive and actively involved in animal health, conservation, education, breeding, and research.

I took this while standing on the ferry dock at Taronga Zoo

It takes less time adopting an animal that it does ordering a pizza online.  Why haven't I done this before? 

Before visiting the "Adopt-an-Animal page" on Taronga's website, I read about Taronga's breeding programs.  I chose to adopt the Tasmanian Devil after reading that these guys and gals are "disappearing at an alarming rate" and knowing they are a unique animal native to Australia.  After reading about the "Devil Facial Tumor Disease" that has infected approximately 60% of this animal's total population, I wanted to support Taronga's breeding program to combat the decline of this animal as it hit "endangered species" status.

photo source

I received this in an email conservation: 

Thank you for supporting Taronga by adopting an animal through the Zoo Parent program. Funds raised by Zoo Parent help to support Taronga's work in conservation, education and research projects here in Australia and overseas. Most importantly, they help us to help provide the best possible care for all the animals here at Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. Welcome to the Zoo Parent family.

Animal: Tasmanian Devils

Again, why haven't I done this before?

I urge you to research your local zoo (if you have one where you live).  Or any animal rescue, animal hospital, wildlife care center.  Take a look to see if they have something in place that is this easy to contribute to the health and care of our furry (or scaly or feathered) friends. 

A "50 Before 50" activity:

Do you like zoos?  Do you have a favorite to visit?

Blogger Love vol.9

I really should do these on a regular basis, but oh well, I don't, yet I'm still going to share the "blogger love".

In case you missed it.  THIS.  I shared it before.  If you read no other link but this one, please read this one.  From Kaity...  He Grabbed Me By The Pussy: My Sexual Assault Story

People are Diverse. Books Should Be Too.  With a title like that, how can Rose's post go wrong?  It doesn't.  It is wonderful.

From Alyssa's prompt "What You Hope Others Receive from You", Megan shared this lovely post.

Speaking of Alyssa, her "Back to Blogging" ended and she wraps it up with this post:  Well, That Was Fun - when you have some spare time, I highly suggest digging into her link-up and posts.  There's some great stuff there.

Jana gives you permission.  Mic drop.

This couldn't have come at a better time:  Tanya's Tired of all the Toxicity? I've Got the Cure: Cute Animal Pictures, Funny Memes, and More!

There have been a lot, and I mean A LOT of posts during and after this Presidential election, but this one gets a standing ovation from me:  Ericka's Dear Mr. Trump

From my personal archives, my feelings expressed in this post from 5 years ago are the same today about Thanksgiving. 

Have any blog love that you want to share with me?