Musings of a Bookish Kitty: BeyondBooks

Showing posts with label BeyondBooks. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 06, 2016

Beyond the Books: My Inspiration

Every Thursday Karen of KissinBlueKaren hosts Beyond the Books, at which time participants are given a topic and asked to write about it on their own blogs. They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about Post four things that are currently inspiring you.

1. My daughter inspires me to be a better person--a better woman really, to live in the moment, enjoy the small details, to take time out to play, and appreciate what we have. It comes in the form of her smile and laughter, even her tears. She forgives so quickly and accepts me for who I am--loves me for who I am. It comes out in her words and her actions. There are days I wish I was more like her. Days in which she reminds me of what is most important.

Mouse Riding Her New Bicycle

2. My husband's ability to make me laugh as well as be honest with myself, how supportive he is and the time he takes to listen to me (even when it's to rehash a book I have just read to get my thoughts about it out of my head), the notes he writes on my sandwich bags that I find when I sit down at work to eat lunch, the way he makes me feel beautiful even when I'm feeling at my worst, and how good he is with our daughter are just a few ways in which my husband inspires me. My husband is also my best friend.

My husband and I at Disneyland in October 2015

3. My mom is an amazing woman--so generous and industrious. She is extremely active, volunteers to tutor, substitutes as a teacher and acts as an aide for a special education class at the school she used to teach at full-time, she travels and seems to live a full life. I can only hope to be like her when I am her age--and wish I had even half her energy and enthusiasm for life in the present day.

My mom reading to Mouse - December 2015

4. Books. For those of us who are readers, this one is rather self-explanatory, I imagine. Books have opened so many doors for me, challenged me, gave me pause for thought, helped me cope during the darkest of my days, cheered me up, made me sad, given me release and hope, and helped me see what was, what is, and what could be. Books have inspired me in a myriad of ways. Books are so much more than just words on a page.

Float at the Rose Parade 2016

What or who inspires you most today?

© 2016, 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.

Wednesday, December 02, 2015

Beyond the Books: My Bucket List

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about what is on my bucket list.

I do not actually have a bucket list nor really want to make an official one. I am not sure things like seeing my daughter graduate from high school and college and get married (if she wants to) count. I can easily think of things I want to do but will never do. Like learn how to fly a helicopter and play the violin. Yes, maybe I could do these things if I was motivated enough to learn how, but I am not. I accept that and have no regrets. So, what do I hope to do before I kick the bucket?

1. Get my passport.

2. Travel overseas.

3. Learn how to crochet. (I've tried, but so far to no avail. I took a class; I tried to teach myself both by You-Tube and by book); and a friend tried to teach me.--Maybe I should accept that it's not going to happen.)

4. Renew my vows to my husband.

5. Read all of my TBR books (does this mean all the TBR books I currently have or does it include all those plus the ones I will acquire at some point in the future? Hmm.)

6. Attend Major League Baseball games in at least three different states.

7. Create and grow a garden in my backyard. (Not being a fan of gardening, this one will be tough.)

8. Keep a plant alive for more than a couple weeks.

9. Reach my goal weight (again).

The first time

10. Read the Harry Potter series with my daughter.

11. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Hollywood.

12. Overcome by phobia of fire.

13. Roast marshmallows over a campfire as an adult.

14. Make a photo book for my daughter for every year of her childhood (I've only managed to do the first one so far).

15. Visit Alaska.

16. Dye a section of my hair blue.

Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things you would like to do before you die?

© 2015, 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.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Beyond the Books: What I Am Most Proud Of

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about what I am most proud of.

I once ate an entire medium pizza by myself. I was about 15 or 16 years old. I can't remember exactly.

Seriously though, my first thought when seeing today's topic was my family. I am most proud of them. We are not perfect, but we love each other dearly and are there for each other. My husband is an amazing man. Hardworking, generous, and loving. My daughter is kind and thoughtful and yet not afraid to speak her mind. They know how to make me laugh. I feel very lucky to have them both in my life.

A friend and I had a conversation about this a few months ago, and she would not let me get away with just saying my family. She wanted to know what accomplishments of my own I am most proud of. To be honest, I have not led a very adventurous or exciting life. I have no regrets about that; it just means I do not have any exceptional stories to tell. Nothing out of the ordinary that would make me stand out or earn me a medal of any sort.

What am I most proud of? My 17 years of marriage. Being a mother. Getting my Master's degree. Losing 75 pounds. Being a survivor and no longer a victim. My career. My blog. Myself. Sometimes I waver on that last one, but, for the most part, at least right this second, I am proud of who I am.

What about you? What are you most proud of?

Wednesday, November 04, 2015

Beyond the Books: My Bad Habits (That I Refuse to Give Up)

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about bad habits. Share yours and why you won't give it up. Ever.

1. I read too much. I know one or two of you are thinking this cannot possibly be a bad habit--but when it interferes with chores, sleep, encroaches on family time (ever hide in the bathroom to finish the last chapter of a book without interruption? I have.), or been late coming back from lunch because I can't stop reading in the middle of a paragraph (at least not if it's a tense scene), it can be a problem.

2. I watch more television than I should. I get cranky when I fall too behind on my television shows (The Walking Dead in particular), and there are times when I forgo the household chores to play catch up.

3. I talk to myself. I have tried to refrain, but it is difficult. I do not even like the sound of my own voice, so it makes no sense I would do this. But often, in my car, for example, I find myself practicing conversations or composing blog posts out loud.

4. I randomly burst out in song. At home. In the office. At the store. I do not necessarily have to be alone either. I just can't help myself. I am not that great of a singer either, so maybe I should feel bad about this habit of mine. But I don't. Now my daughter does it too. Oops.

5. I am obsessed with chocolate. Dark chocolate, especially, but milk chocolate will do. At least it is somewhat healthy. Maybe just not in the quantities I sometimes eat it.

6. Although it doesn't happen all the time, it happens often enough that I guess the whodunit or motive or what have you in movies I watch and the books I read long before the end. I do not purposely try to figure these things out--it's just the way my brain works. It drives my husband crazy--at least where movies are concerned.

7. I daydream. A lot. My husband thinks this is a bad habit, but I am not sure it is.

What are some of your bad habits you do not want to give up? Do we have any in common?

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Beyond the Books: Anti-Bucket List

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about an anti-bucket list: the things you hope to never do before you die.

Dare I admit I do not even have a bucket list? I imagine my anti-bucket list could go on forever. There are quite a few things I hope to never do before I die. There are the obvious things--the unmentionable things that might include my daughter and husband. That goes without saying. Instead of focusing on the more serious stuff I hope never happens or that I will not do, I thought maybe it would be more fun to keep my list this week light.

1. I hope to never have to go on the Tower of Terror at Disneyland. I'm not sure I would even do it for my daughter. Maybe if someone offered me a million dollars. But what's the chance of that happening?

2. I hope I never have to run away from zombies. Because they would catch me, and I would become a zombie too.

3. I hope I never have to give a speech in front of an auditorium full of people. I hate public speaking.

4. I hope I never get over my love for reading. A coworker of mine used to enjoy reading, but she said she no longer reads for pleasure because she grew tired of it. I don't want that to happen to me.

5. I hope I never NOT cry when I read a really good book--whether heartbreaking or wonderfully happy and sentimental. Some people take pride in the fact they are ~~cold and heartless~~ people and never cry. I like books that draw out strong emotions in me. Although, to be honest, I do cry easily. I get it from my dad.

6. I hope I never stop learning new things. No matter what age we are, we continue to learn. We can never know everything.

7. I am pretty sure I will never have a one night stand, get married in Vegas while drunk or anything remotely along those lines.

8. I will never enter a boxing or wrestling match. Much less win.

9. I will never date or become romantically involved with a vampire. Not one than sparkles or one that drinks my blood. Ever.

10. I hope I never stop appreciating my family--and life. Okay, so maybe this one is on the serious side.

What about you? What would be on your anti-bucket list? (You can skip the serious stuff--all that's a given.)

Halloween at My Workplace

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Beyond the Books: Worst Movie & Children's Halloween Reading

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about the worst movie I have ever seen and why.

I asked my husband this weekend this question because I drew a blank. I thought of three of his favorite movies that I do not like (Lost in Translation, Sidways, and American Beauty--the first two of which I found boring and the third I just couldn't get past the sexual abuse scene that was glossed over), but I am not sure they count as the worst. I can see the artistic merit in all three, even though I didn't like them. And so that leaves a movie like Catwoman, which could have been good with a good script. Catwoman is a great character and this movie failed on so many levels. The CGI could have been better, for one, And where is the character development? Halle Berry as Catwoman was a good choice, but they completely wasted her talent. This movie was embarrassing. I wanted a movie about a strong woman dealing with better thought out issues--instead of a dumbed down plot. It was an insult to women, but I guess good eye candy for men.

I didn't realize I felt so strong about that one. Haha

What about you? What is the worst movie you have ever seen?

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Halloween Edition:You're volunteering to read a book to a group of young children at a library. What scary themed book for kids would you read to them?

Such an easy question! I would read Witch on a Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. It's my favorite Halloween book and my daughter just loves it. I can just imagine sitting in the library, with young children gathered round as I tell the story about a witch and the friends she makes on her travels. The scary factor is pretty low, I admit, but maybe just enough for a really young crowd.

What scary themed book would you like to read to a group of children?

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Beyond the Books: My Favorite Food & the Rewards of Being a Book Blogger

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about my favorite food, or share a recipe.

I'm like a teenager. My favorite food is pizza. Just a plain cheese and pepperoni pizza. I'm boring that way. I also like ice cream. And brownies. And pasta. Oh, cheese enchiladas too. A great snack might be a warm tortilla with melted butter and cinnamon. Or cinnamon toast fingers. Yum. I can't leave out chocolate, especially dark chocolate. None of foods are especially healthy, I know.

For a irresistible brownie recipe, check out Sally's Baking Addiction recipe for Chewy Fudgy Homemade Brownies.

What is your favorite food?

What is most rewarding about being a book blogger? (submitted by Elizabeth)

The most rewarding part of being a book blogger is being able to share all my bookish thoughts, eccentricities, and tidbits about life with all of you. Many of you know the reason I began my blog, in part, as a more public journal of my reading. Before I had only kept my notes to myself and sometimes shared them with my online book groups. I hadn't realized just how awesome a community of book bloggers was out there. Being able to interact with other ~~crazed~~ readers like myself is definitely my favorite part of blogging, and what keeps me hanging around. You have introduced me to books and authors I would not have known about otherwise. You understand my love for books like no one else in my life does, and you don't judge me when a book makes me cry like there was no tomorrow. You get my literary jokes and can appreciate my bookish quirks. I appreciate the time we spend together, both here on my blog and on your blogs or other forums where we can share in our love for books. A part of all of that too are the friends I have made through blogging. We support each other through difficult times in life--even those unrelated to books. So, for me, the most rewarding part of book blogging is being a part of such a great community.

What do you find the most rewarding about being a book blogger?

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Beyond the Books: Those Who Inspire and Library Sales

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about my favorite teacher and mentor and why.

I hate this question any time it is asked. I have such a hard time thinking of an answer. I never really had a favorite teacher. Even in my work, I cannot say I have had just one mentor. I picked up lessons and advice to live by from a variety of people over the years, but not one in particular stands out above the others. After spending days trying to decide how best to approach today's topic, four people in particular stood out in my mind as having inspired me, who I think highly of, and admire, and would like to emulate in some way. Mostly because I value what they stand for and admire how they chose to live their lives. True, a couple are not real. But the voices behind them are.

Eleanor Roosevelt

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.”

“I believe anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experience behind him.”

“You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.”

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.”

Maya Angelou

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude about it."

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."

"We have to confront ourselves. Do we like what we see in the mirror? And, according to our light, according to our understanding, according to our courage, we will have to say yea or nay -- and rise!"

"I am a Woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal Woman, that's me."

"Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)

"It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." ~ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” ~ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." ~ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." ~ Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it." ~ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Doctor Who

“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant.” ~ The Eleventh Doctor

“Books! The best weapons in the world!” - The Tenth Doctor

"Let me tell you about scared. Your heart is beating so hard -- I can feel it through your hands! There's so much blood and oxygen pumping through your brain, it's like rocket fuel. Right now, you could run faster and you could fight harder. You can jump higher than ever in your life. And you are so alert, it's like you can slow down time. What's wrong with scared? Scared is a super power! It's your super power!" - The Twelfth Doctor

"We all change, when you think about it. We’re all different people all through our lives. And that’s okay, that’s good, you’ve got to keep moving, so long as you remember all the people that you used to be" - The Eleventh Doctor

“Some people live more in 20 years than others do in 80. It’s not the time that matters, it’s the person.” — The Tenth Doctor

How about you? Do you have a favorite teacher or mentor?

What time of the year does your library have its library sale? (submitted by Elizabeth)

My local library sells books during their business hours year round. There's a room in the library full of books patrons can purchase. I am ashamed to admit I have never been in that room nor have I ever actually purchased a book from our library (although I have donated hundreds of books to them). By the time I started visiting the library regularly, I had mostly stopped buying paper books. If I buy a paper book now, it's usually one I am looking for specifically. I seem to be more prone to impulse buy e-books these days.

Do you frequent your library sales?

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Beyond the Books: My Favorite Game & Lost Without A Book

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about my favorite game (board game, party game, or do you hate games?).

My family was big on playing board and card games when I was growing up. My brother and I often played Uno, Sorry!, Candyland, Clue, and Rummikub (my grandparents' favorite). I always wished I had the game Chutes and Ladders, but my parents would never get it for me. Instead I had to play it when visiting friends.

My husband and I played card and board games quite a bit early on in our relationship and marriage. They make for cheap date nights. Somewhere along the way we got out of the habit. It can probably be traced to Netflix, but I am not really sure. Some of my favorite games include Clue Master Detective, Sequence, Hearts, and Cribbage. I still love Sorry!. Apple to Apple is a fun game too if I'm in a bigger group. I'm not good at drawing or acting out scenes or trivia--so I tend to avoid those types of party games.

My husband has let me test play one or two or his games over the years. He's extremely creative and has made a few of his own over the years.

Admittedly, most games I play on my phone, Kindle or, more rarely, my computer. Solitaire, Minesweeper, Sudoku, and CrossMe are particular favorites on my electronic devices.

Mouse isn't yet interested in card games or games that are not more activity based. She has a Dora the Explorer Carnival game we sometimes play, but even then it's hard to keep her playing by the rules. More often than not, we do not bother.

Hungry Hungry Hippo is the most popular game in my house right now. Is it okay that sometimes I let my 4 year old win? Definitely not always though.

Do you have any favorite games? If so, what are they?

Are you ever without a book? (submitted by Elizabeth)

I carry my cell phone just about everywhere, which means I always have access to a book one way or the other. I rarely read on my phone though. I much prefer to read from a paper book or my e-reader. As a result, I often have one of the two (more often than not it's my e-reader) handy as well, unless I know for sure I will not be able to fit in reading time. I think if I didn't have my cell phone though, I probably would take a book or my e-reader with me in those instances too.--you know, just in case.

What about you? Do you always carry a book with you?

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Beyond the Books: Where I Blog & Holiday-Themed Reading

Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is about where I blog. I thought the best way to show you would be in pictures.

One advantage to having a laptop is being able to choose where I blog when I am at home. Occasionally when business is slow at work, I start working on a blog post there, but most of the work is done from one of three favorite spots in my house.

Often on Fridays you will find me in the family room. I set myself up with books and my computer. I start blogging with my laptop on my lap, but it soon moves to the arm of the couch when one of my cats inevitably decides to come sit on my lap. Parker in particular likes to lay on my mousepad when he tires of sitting on my lap. Just so you don't think I am ignoring whichever cat is on my lap, I often stop working to pet them. It makes blogging a slower process, but I don't mind the purrs and cuddles. Sometimes I blog while watching television from this very spot. Occasionally I sit on the floor as well.

My library (aka the living room) makes another good blogging spot. I kick my legs up on one end of the couch, with my computer on my lap and type to my heart's content.

On certain evenings, between my daughter's bath-time and our bedtime, you can find me at my computer desk adding last minute touches to my blog posts. This is actually a more recent development as before my computer rarely got turned on in the evenings. It still is sometimes just a quick stop because any time I spend on my computer at this time of night usually means I am sacrificing quality reading time.

Where do you do most of your blogging?

Do you ever do a review post based on a holiday? For example review Christmas theme books in December. (submitted by Bunnita @ Worth Reading It?)

I do! At least around Christmas time and on the rare occasion Halloween. It isn't something I always do--just when the opportunity presents itself.

How about you? Do you read and review books based on holidays?

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

A Word About Bookish Collections (or lack there of) & Beyond the Books: My Darling Cats

Every Thursday Karen of KissinBlueKaren hosts Beyond the Books, at which time participants are given a topic and asked to write about it on their own blogs. They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Every now and then I get the urge to try a new-to-me meme. I first discovered the Beyond the Books meme on Katherine's I Wish I Lived In a Library blog and decided today would be a good day to jump in and participate. Today Karen's Beyond the Books topic is to talk about our pets. Anyone who knows me knows I love to talk about my furkids.

Parker, 14 years old

My beautiful and loving Parker was my very first cat. He was a stray kitten of about 8 months old when he came into my life, having lived in the parking lot of the courthouse where I was working at the time. He fit into our little family quite well, taking to our dog, Riley, and my husband and me as if he had always lived with us. We've been through a lot together. Many changes, including a big move, a baby in the house, and the losses of two of his best friends (Riley and Anya). among other things. He's always so calm and patient: with me and my tendency to maul him with kisses and hugs as if he was a dog, with my husband, and with my daughter as she's grown from baby to preschooler.

Parker and Mouse

Parker is approximately 14 years old. It's hard to know for sure given we don't know his exact birthdate. As soon as I sit down or lay down, Parker is right there, wanting to climb up on me and settle in. He has the sweetest purr. He is my alarm clock in the morning, including when it's not needed. Pluck, pluck, pluck. He uses one of his nails to pluck at my blanket or night shirt to wake me. He'll persist no matter how many times I roll over and try to go back to sleep. He knows when it's time for breakfast--and he makes sure I know it too. Parker has had some health issues in recent years, giving us quite the scare a couple times. Parker is the reason for the title of my blog and my nickname, Literary Feline. Parker turned me, a lifetime dog lover, into a cat person too.

Gracie, 2 years old

If you have ever suffered the loss of a beloved fur friend, you know the hole it can leave in not only your heart, but in your life as well. Two years ago, I had to say goodbye to my sweet dog, Riley, and my precious five year old cat, Anya. They died within two months of each other. It was devastating to not only me, my husband and my daughter, but to Parker as well. I was not sure any of us were ready to take in another animal, at least not for awhile. I knew though that if we did, it would likely be another cat. As much as I love dogs and would love to have another one in my life, careful consideration made me acknowledge that our lifestyles were not the best suited for raising a dog right now.

As Parker sunk into depression and his health declined, his veterinarian mentioned she had a kitten who needed a home. Gracie was the last of her litter who had been abandoned outside the cat hospital waiting for a home. I was told she was the biggest and not the cutest of the bunch, resulting in her being passed over for her siblings. It felt too soon yet, but after talking to my husband, she came home with us for a trial visit. My husband and I knew almost immediately though there was no "trial" about her visit. She'd found her forever home.

Gracie was just what our family needed. She was what I needed to help heal my broken heart. She will never replace Riley or Anya, but she has made her own place in our lives. She is playful and bold (a quality that comes in handy when living with a young child), and extremely affectionate. She loves to hang out with me when I blow dry my hair in the mornings, hoping I'll turn the dryer on her, and she enjoys cuddling on my chest. Parker has taken to her as well--and she to him. Although, I am sure Parker sometimes wishes Gracie wasn't quite so enthusiastic in her play and she probably wishes he would play with her more.

Gracie and Mouse

Both Parker and Gracie are often at the door as soon as Mouse and I arrive home at the end of the day. They take turns receiving cuddles and loves. Many evenings all five of us can be found in the same room, enjoying each other's company. Parker and Gracie are a big part of our family, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

(And would you believe I am allergic to cats? It's true! Fortunately, my allergy isn't terribly bad like it is for some. I take allergy medicine every day. It usually takes me a few weeks for my immune system to get used to a new cat in our home, but if I walk into someone else's house and they have cats, I'm a sniveling, burning-eyed mess until I leave.)

Parker and Gracie

Do you have any pets? Please tell me about them!

Do you collect things that are book related? Like bookmarks, nameplates, 1st editions. (submitted by Bunnita @ Worth Reading It?)

Some would say I collect books given how many I have on the shelves in my house. Not to mention the piles that sometimes sprout up out of nowhere. Well, maybe not exactly out of nowhere. I imagine many of you can relate. I have never been particularly drawn to collect 1st editions or autographed copies (although I do like to go to book signings now and then). I grew up surrounded by books as my dad and mom had shelves of them. I inherited their love of books. I saved several favorites from my childhood which now line my daughter's shelves.

I have a nice sized bookmark collection, which right not is tucked away in a drawer of my desk. I do not actively collect bookmarks anymore, but for many years I did. I still find myself pausing to admire bookmarks when I find them while out and about.

Some of my favorite bookmarks

(the We Love Books one was made for me by a friend.

My name is on the back.)

I do enjoy looking for book and reading related items, but nothing that would qualify as a collection. I have a couple pieces of jewelry which have literary characters or quotes on them. And I am always on the look out for figurines of cats and books combined. I have one of a cat reading a book that sits on a little shelf at my desk at work.

What about you? Do you have any book related collections?