Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Where is Your Bookmark?

Many thanks to everyone for their prayers and kind words and thoughts these past couple of weeks.  As many of you know, I had to say goodbye to my dog, Riley.  I picked up his remains this past Friday.  The poor lady at the animal hospital was almost in tears when I told her why I was there--it set me off crying again. Everyone at the specialization hopsital was so kind to me and Riley right from the start.  You can tell the people who work there love their jobs and believe in what they do.  My husband and I are talking about spreading his ashes in our backyard.  I'm not sure when that will happen, but that's okay.  There's no rush.

Meanwhile, the cats are being spoiled and enjoying the extra attention.  Anya, my younger cat, sticks close to my side when I'm home.  Parker has been mewing more for attention in the evenings than usual.  And Mouse, well, she's been asking the inevitable questions.

This weekend was easier than last, emotionally.  We had Mouse's soccer practice Saturday morning and the weather was so warm that afternoon we broke out the pool.  Mouse still loves playing in the water.  She practically jumped into her bathing suit, unable to contain her excitement. Sunday was Mother's Day and my husband and Mouse let me sleep in.  They treated me to lunch out and then home again for some more pool time.  Anjin made me a special dinner to cap off the day. It was very nice. 


I haven't felt much like doing anything blog related, much less write reviews.  I felt guilty cracking open a book the day after Riley died, afraid if I stopped thinking of him I was being disloyal.  Obviously that was completely irrational thinking.  I'm past that.  I have kept to the lighter reads mostly though.  I haven't listened to Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed since I last mentioned it here.  I recently finished reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz and Never Tell by Alafair Burke.  One a steampunk/paranormal romance novel and the other a mystery.  I had planned to start The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag, but I thought I'd take a detour and slip in another escapist urban fantasy type read, Jamie Quaid's Boyfriend from Hell first.  I'm loving the little kitten who Tina has befriended in the book. 

What are you reading right now?



Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts 
First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where  
participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a 
book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.

Over the door, the tin scales of Lady Justice dipped ominously to the wrong side as Andre Legrande strolled into Bill's Biker Bar and Grill.  The boss had been up to no good again, and our miniature Lady Disaproved.

Personally, I thought the dipping scale meant the little statue knew Andre was a fraud, but I was keeping my head down and my mouth shut these days.  Rather than feed my boss's arrogance by admiring his assets, I propped my corrective boots on the stool rung and leaned over my tally sheet, pushing my cheap, black framed reading glasses up my nose and letting my overlong bangs hide my face. 

The weird anomalies--like moving statues--that had begun appearing in the Zone after the first chemical spill ten years ago now seemed an everyday part of my life.  I'd taken a job in this South Baltimore neighborhood two years back when no respectable place would hire me.  That's pretty much the story of everyone in the Zone. 
And so begins Jamie Quaid's Boyfriend from Hell (Saturn's Daughter series).

Would you continue reading?


© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

28 comments:

  1. This intro has me curious; I'd read a bit more. Thanks so much for joining us this week Wendy.

    May each new day lessen you pain about Riley's passing.

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    1. Diane - Thank you, Diane.

      I'm enjoying the book. I wasn't really sure what to expect going in, but it's really interesting!

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  2. Having had to say goodbye to several of our furry friends I know just what its like to lose a member of the family like this. My thoughts are with you and yours.

    Intrigued by your teaser, Boyfriend from Hell sounds interesting.

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    1. Tracy - Thank you.

      The book is a fun one. Definitely an escapist read. :-)

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  3. I'm certainly thinking of you at this time, Wendy. Our pets hold such special places in our lives. Take your time getting back into the swing of things. Do what makes you happy. Riley would most definitely want that. :) Hugs for you.

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    1. Andi - Thank you. Luckily, I had written a handful of posts before everything happened, so I have that to fall back on until I'm ready to jump back in.

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  4. I've been thinking of you and hoping that your family is healing.

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  5. Such a hard thing to let go of a member of your family - praying for comfort for you all. And I totally understand not feeling like reading or blogging right now!

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    1. Carrie - Thank you. I appreciate the prayers and kind thoughts.

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  6. Don't feel guilty, you are thinking of him enough that you're *allowed* to read :) That said, it is difficult, you guys are in my thoughts. I would continue reading the book because I like the writing style.

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    1. Charlie - Thank you. :-) I know it's silly to think that way.

      I like the writing style too, especially the humor.

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  7. So sorry about your loss. The book you're reading has a very catchy title. Thanks for hopping by my post.

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  8. Hope you enjoy this book and it helps you jump back into reading.Here's Mine

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    1. Paulita - I finished the book last night and did enjoy it, fortunately. I am debating whether I want to stick with light or try something a little more serious now . . .

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  9. It's hard to get back into your old routine. I catch myself every now and again looking for Bruce. Sometimes I allow myself to just cry and other times I'm able to laugh at memories of him being goofy and bossy. Time...give yourself plenty of time.

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    1. Staci - It really is. I find myself starting to do things out of habit, forgetting Riley's not here anymore. I'm not crying as much, but sometimes something will trigger the tears at inappropriate times (when I'm at work). I've been able to choke them back, but I don't like those moments. And there are certain things that have gotten easier with him gone--I feel guilty for admitting that, but it's true. But I am able to laugh at some of the memories I have of him. And that's a step in the right direction!

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  10. So sorry to hear about your loss. Don't think I've ever read urban fantasy, but this has me curious. I hope it helps you ease back into things.

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    1. JoAnn - Thank you, JoAnn. I know not everyone likes urban fantasy, but it's one of my go to comfort type reads. :-)

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  11. I'm so sorry to hear about Riley! My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I'm glad to hear you had restful Mother's Day and that you are reading. And you know, Riley will love you :)

    Julia-Yen

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    1. Julia - Thank you, Julia. I appreciate the prayers and kind thoughts. Yes, Riley will always be in my heart. :-)

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  12. I'm so sorry to hear about Riley. Hugs...

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  13. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on A Conspiracy of Alchemists as I really enjoyed it! The second book is up on NetGalley and I couldn't resist requesting it :) I'm also looking forward to your thoughts on Boyfriend From Hell because this is a series that I've wanted to try. Enjoy!!!

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    1. Samantha - You made me go look and request it too. LOL I should be posting my review of A Conspiracy of Alchemists soon. I'm so behind with my writing. :-S Same with Boyfriend From Hell. I did like both though!

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