Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Where Is Your Bookmark? (07/29/2014)

As seems to be my habit, I completely forgot to acknowledge the anniversary of my blog last week. I began blogging on July 23, 2006. That makes it 8 years.  I have seen book blogging change and grow, trends come and go as well as fellow book bloggers, and somehow I am still hanging on.  My blog has under gone a few transformations as my life outside of blogging has changed.  I am ever grateful to those of you who take the time to read my thoughts and especially to those of you who comment (I still feel a rush of excitement when I see a comment pop up).  Thank you for your support, whether you are a new friend or visitor or an old one!

*          *          *
Thunder storms and flash flood warnings are the weather report of the day.  I wish it would rain where I live.  It seems to be falling all around us, but not in my town.  Not that the rain will help keep water restrictions at bay any longer.  The most recent "joke" (or it would be if it weren't actually happening) is how people are being fined by the city for having browning grass in their yards while at the same time being fined by the water company for watering lawns as usual.   Hopefully someone will get that ironed out soon.   


On another note, someone dropped a box of puppies off at a coworker's house this weekend, and she is frantically looking for homes for them. She brought them to work yesterday in hopes some of us would find it in our hearts to bring them home. She knows my situation, about how my dog passed away last year and how I go back and forth about wanting another one. She cruelly set one in my arms during her visit yesterday and then walked away, leaving me holding this adorable little puppy who promptly fell asleep against my chest. *Sigh*

As much as I wanted to, I did not bring her home. As much as I miss having a dog in the house and as cute as that puppy was, the timing is not right. One of my other coworkers argued that the timing is never right to take in a puppy--you just have to do it. And I would. If I wasn't working long hours, if I was home more, if I didn't have a husband who doesn't like dogs, if my daughter was a little older, and if I was not already having to spread my attention between two cats who I already feel get the short end of the attention stick. You get the idea. I am hoping all those adorable puppies find homes--and from the sounds of it, they will--because it will make me feel better about saying no.

Enough about the weather and dogs, and onto ghosts!  I began reading Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo recently and am quite taken with the novel.  The novel is set in colonial Malaya, with one foot in the afterlife, and I'm loving it so far.  I mean really loving it.  I hope it continues to be this good.

What are you reading at the moment?  Is it something you would recommend?





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.



The opening paragraphs from Ghost Bride by Yangszee Choo:
One evening, my father asked me whether I would like to become a ghost bride.  Asked is perhaps not the right word. We were in his study. I was leafing through a newspaper, my father lying on his rattan daybed. It was very hot and still.  The oil lamp was lit and moths fluttered through the humid air in lazy swirls.
"What did you say?"  
 Would you continue reading?


Mouse with my copy of Further Out Than You Thought by Michaela Carter


© 2014, 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.

50 comments:

  1. The cover of The Ghost Bride is beautiful, and I am intrigued by the teaser you posted. :-)

    Good for you on standing your ground on the puppy -- I probably would have caved. :-) But it will be easier acclimating to a new member of the family and training it when your life has settled down a bit.

    Congratulations on 8 years of blogging!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Irene - The cover is what first drew me to the book. :-)

      I think if it wasn't for my husband, I probably would have caved too. Still, like you said, it really is better to wait until we are in a better position to take in a dog. Puppies especially require so much time and attention, and I want to be able to give any dog we take in that, no matter the age.

      Thank you for the anniversary wishes. It's hard to believe it's been so long!

      Delete
  2. WHAT kind of person would drop off a box of puppies at someones doorstep -- crazy. You used good restraint Wendy:)

    I like that intro a lot and would keep reading.

    BTW - congrats at 8 blogging years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane - Those poor puppies! I wonder if the person figured my coworker was the kind who would try to find the dogs good homes? Makes me think it was someone they know . . . They were so adorable, Diane. I so easily could have fallen in love with that little puppy I held. I wanted to. :-(

      Thank you!

      Delete
  3. Happy blogiversary!

    We miss having a dog too but feel the timing isn't right for us either.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathy - Thank you!

      You and I will have another dog in our lives when we are ready. :-)

      Delete
  4. I would keep reading. I want to know what is a Ghost bride.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tea - Being a Ghost Bride is evidently a rare occurrence, but one that did exist at one time. The book is really interesting so far.

      Delete
  5. Definitely. I've wanted to read this for a while.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah - I had only heard of it recently and am surprised it hadn't been on my radar before now. I love books like this.

      Delete
  6. What an intriguing excerpt! I do want to know more...and I'm curious about what happens to those puppies, too, but I am a person who cannot have pets now, either. But it's hard not to feel a tug of warmth when seeing them.

    Here's mine: “EVERGREEN”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurel-Rain - I'm afraid to ask my friend about the puppies yet. I heard a couple people who said they might want a couple changed their minds. :-(

      I am really enjoying the book so far.

      Delete
  7. No the timing is never perfect to take on a puppy but it sounds like the time really isn't right for you! Puppies can be challenging with the toddler set as well but yeah I can see how it would be hard to not take a snuggled up sleepy puppy home! 8 years of blogging! That's impressive! Ghost Brides sounds interesting. I like the excerpt so I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katherine - Although not quite the same, I know puppies can be like having another toddler in the house. :-) My cats are such attention hogs and cuddle loves. I love it. It's not the same though as having a dog.

      I like Ghost Bride quite a bit so far. I'm nearing t the half way mark and hope to make more progress today.

      Delete
  8. So sad about the puppies! We used to do animal rescue and still have the very elderly population of dogs and cats living with us to prove it. I wish every single person recognized that dogs live a long life and are not a temporary distraction. Kudos for realizing you can't give one the proper care. We have a new dog (14 month old, so not much trouble) living with us since last week, but he is my young adult daughter's "baby" and will be moving out next year when she moves out. If he had been a small bundle of fur I would've put my foot down.
    The cover of your book is magical. I don't know anything about a ghost bride or what direction this plot will move in, but if I saw it in the library I would definitely check it out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rita - I would love to do rescue--maybe when I retire. :-) I'm with you about the commitment involved with adding a dog to one's family. It isn't something that should be taken lightly. My cats are very much a part of my family as was my dog. We worked through the rough times and created many wonderful memories. Someday we'll be ready to add another dog to our family, but I really do want to make sure it is the best decision for us and the dog.

      It's going to be hard to say goodbye to your daughter and her dog next year. :-)

      Delete
  9. Great beginning to The Ghost Bride. I'd have to keep reading to find out if Dad was making a joke or if he was serious. I love the description of the hot summer evening.
    You made the right decision about the puppy. So many people consider pets to be disposable, rather than a commitment for all their lives. Sounds like you definitely love dogs and take that responsibility seriously. Shame on your co-worker for trying to make you feel guilty!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra - I am really enjoying Ghost Bride so far.

      Thank you. As hard as it is to resist such a cute face and cuddly puppy, I know it was the right decision for me at this time. I really do wish my coworker hadn't done that. I know she means well, but it does make me feel guilty.

      Delete
  10. The puppies are adorable and very tempting, but a huge commitment! I applaud your knowing the time is not right. We have too many puppies at the shelter because a decision was made on their cuteness! The opening is very intriguing.

    My Teaser

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nise' - Aren't they cute? So cuddly.

      There was a small fire at a house a couple miles from where I live in which they found 61 dogs living. Can you imagine? They've all been removed from the home and are up for adoption. I wish we could take one of those dog in, but we can't right now. So many dogs in need . . .It hurts the heart to think of it.

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. Sarah - I had never heard of the custom before reading this book, but evidently it isn't that common.

      Delete
  12. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile! I like the opening....now just to find the time!
    Thanks for stopping by!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim - I hope you are able to find time to read this one. It's worth it! I know what you mean though--so many books I want to read. We just have to find the time to actually read them all!

      Delete
  13. Happy 8th anniversary! You're still going great. I can understand -- a puppy is a huge commitment. They have a lot of energy so being at work for long hours won't work. You decided correctly it sounds like. But what's this about your husband not liking dogs? Oh no!! We are big dog people ... having one fun loving Yellow Lab so we can't imagine that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra - Thank you!

      My husband was raised with cats and is definitely more of a cat person. While he came to love our dog, dogs are not his preferred animal to have in the house. :-( He's not completely closed to adopting another dog at some point, especially since he knows how much I like dogs, but he is reluctant.

      Delete
  14. Congratulations, 8 years is a long time. I do like the beginning, I'd read on for a bit anyway. Kelley at the road goes ever ever on

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelley - Thank you! The time has flown by.

      The Ghost Bride was such an interesting read. I finished it last night. :-)

      Delete
  15. It would be hard to resist that opening! And if you are loving it so far, that's a pretty strong recommendation. Having a puppy means taking on a lot of responsibility at a time when you don't need any extra to be responsible for.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jenclair - I actually was able to finish the book last night without being interrupted! A rare occurrence. :-) I liked the ending quite a bit.

      Yes, I really don't need any extra responsibilities right now. Too much going on. I think I'm ready to let another dog into my heart finally, after having lost Riley, which is a good first step--but everything else needs to fall in line too.

      Delete
  16. Happy Blogversary! Awesome! Isn't it fun to look back on how blogging and the literary world have changed? When I first started my book blog, I didn't have an e-reader and they weren't as popular yet I don't think.
    Awwww about those cute puppies. They are hard to resist aren't they?
    I've seen The Ghost Bride around blog land and it looks very good, I'd keep reading.
    And Mouse is too cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Naida - Thank you! When I think back to those early days, I am just amazed at how much has changed. Book blogging has exploded.

      I remember thinking I would never be able to read books on an e-reader when I first heard about them. I even remember testing one out at the L.A. Times Festival of Books and thinking the pages didn't turn fast enough. Haha! Now I do most of my reading on an e-reader.

      I found out this morning that all the puppies have homes, which is good because I might have caved still if they hadn't been. Even though I know adding a dog to our family isn't the best idea right now, I was still wavering.

      Delete
  17. 8 years! That is such an accomplishment! I have no idea how you managed to say no to a puppy...I have no self control when they are tiny like that. Ha! I don't blame you though because those are all reasons why we aren't getting another dog ourselves! Your book sounds really good. I will be looking forward to your thoughts on it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Samantha - Thanks, Sam! In just another two years I'll be able to say I've been blogging for a decade. :-)

      It was hard to say no to the puppy. I'm still sad about having to. I know it is for the best though.

      Delete
  18. Happy Blogoversary! It does go fast, doesn't it?

    Great teaser!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne - Yes, it really does. It doesn't feel like it's been that long at all.

      Delete
  19. Happy Bloggiversary, Wendy!
    I think the blogging community is great and that it keeps growing! I've got to know many book lovers around the world and I'm so glad we're friends, Wendy! :)

    I really look forward to reading The Ghost Bride; and the cover is simply gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melody - Thank you! I am glad we are friends too. :-) I still remember when you asked me my name. :-)

      I hope you like The Ghost Bride as much as I did, Melody!

      Delete
  20. Wow, eight years of blogging! Congratulations! I've been blogging for two years, and I feel like the book blogging world has changed a lot even in that amount of time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A.M.B. - Thanks! It's amazing how fast things change, isn't it?

      Delete
  21. Wow, how you resisted a puppy, your so good lol. Happy bloggaversary :D

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lainy - It wasn't easy, but I somehow managed to resist. :-)

      Thank you for the anniversary wishes!

      Delete
  22. Congratulations on 8 years! I still enjoy your blog even though I am horrible about commenting these days!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kathleen - Thank you! I'm not the best at commenting these days either, so I understand. :-)

      Delete
  23. Happy blogiversary! I also forget my blogiversary all the time! Worse, it comes right in the middle of December holidays. And oh those pups! They look so adorable. I know you must have struggled to restrain yourself from taking them home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Athira - Thanks! I am glad I am not the only one who lets my blog anniversary slip by. I can see why a December anniversary would be hard to remember. It's such a busy time of year!

      Delete
  24. My parents still have our Max and it looks like it is a permanent solution. My mom likes to say that they are now claiming him on their taxes! I miss having a dog, but think waiting til Gage is 6ish is probably our ideal time. I couldn't handle Gage and a puppy right now :)
    I applaud your self control. It's hard to resist a cuddly puppy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacy - It sounds like Max is doing well with your parents. :-) A puppy and a toddler does seem like too much, doesn't it? I think six sounds like a good age.

      Delete
  25. Happy blogiversary! Oh those puppies are adorable but puppies are so much work and do need/deserve a lot of attention. You'll find a better time and there will always be cute puppies to choose from.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa - Thank you!

      One of my coworkers who took in a puppy posts pictures of her on Facebook regularly, so I still get to see at least one of them now and then. :-) They all seem to have gone to good homes. Better than the one I can provide right now.

      Delete

Thank you for taking the time to visit Musings of a Bookish Kitty. Don't be shy! I would love to hear from you. Due to a recent increase in spam, I will be moderating all comments for the foreseeable future. Please be patient with me as it may take a few hours before I am able to approve your comment.