If you haven't already, be sure to enter my Anniversary Giveaway! The deadline to enter is August 6th.
© 2011, 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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
It is Kay's Turn to Ask Me a Question!
I like to talk about myself. All bloggers do to some extent. Why else blog? Even if you are writing about books or politics, mathematics or French cuisine you end up revealing quite a bit about yourself. I thought it would be fun to reach out to you and find out what you wanted to know about me for a change. My Random Acts of Reading was kind enough to take me up on my offer. Here's what she wanted to know:
1. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
Such a tough question! That's like asking me what my favorite color is. It's ever changing. When I lived at the old house, I was a frequent visitor to the nearby Dairy Queen where I experimented with all the different kinds of Blizzards. My ultimate favorite was the Brownie Batter Blizzard but I was also partial to the Banana Cream Pie. I am sad to say I don't live close to a Dairy Queen anymore. No more Brownie Earthquakes or Peanut Buster Parfaits.
There was a time when I only ate frozen yogurt, and I probably should get back into that habit. There are two shops not too far from my new house after all. But Cold Stone's been calling to me a little too often . . . I'm actually not a big Cold Stone fan but I do like their ice cream on occasion. Mint Mint Chocolate Chip is a current favorite, although I really do like the Peanut Butter Cup Perfection. Or the Birthday Cake Remix (with an addition of white cake) . . .
My favorite ice cream, however, is Baskin Robbins. I love their Peanut Butter & Chocolate ice cream. There's just something about peanut butter and chocolate together that I find irresistible. There mint chocolate chip is to die for as well. But then there's Rocky Road ice cream . . . So good!
Kay's favorite is Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia and I can't fault her there. Ben & Jerry's is a real treat in our house because it isn't easy to come by. There are many flavors I would love to try but can't get my hands on, I'm sad to say. Of those I have enjoyed, I think my favorite of theirs would have to be Everything but the Kitchen Sink.
I love ice cream. Way more than is healthy for me, I confess.
2. What's you favorite ride at Disneyland?
My husband and I are big fans of Disneyland. We used to have season passes and will likely be indulging in them again once Mouse is old enough. It isn't just the rides and idea of Disney that we love, it's the park itself--and the park's history.
I don't especially like roller coasters but I do love the ones at Disneyland, Space Mountain in particular. I love racing through the dark, not sure what's around the next bend. I haven't had the opportunity to visit the park since the ride was last remodeled, but I still consider the ride my favorite. Small World is another favorite--the detail that went into the costumes of the dolls is amazing. I see something new every time. And it's such a relaxing ride! It's a nice break for those sore feet! Perhaps though my most favorite ride of all is a toss up between the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Haunted House. I wasn't too jazzed about the "updates" made to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride several years ago--the attempt to make the ride more politically correct. I don't think the attempt worked, but who am I to say? It's still a fun ride. And I just love the eerie feeling of the Haunted House!
I have never been to Disney World. Maybe one day.
Such fun questions! Thank you, Kay!
What about all of you? What is your favorite ice cream? Have you been to Disneyland or Disney World? Do you have a favorite ride?
1. What is your favorite kind of ice cream?
Such a tough question! That's like asking me what my favorite color is. It's ever changing. When I lived at the old house, I was a frequent visitor to the nearby Dairy Queen where I experimented with all the different kinds of Blizzards. My ultimate favorite was the Brownie Batter Blizzard but I was also partial to the Banana Cream Pie. I am sad to say I don't live close to a Dairy Queen anymore. No more Brownie Earthquakes or Peanut Buster Parfaits.
There was a time when I only ate frozen yogurt, and I probably should get back into that habit. There are two shops not too far from my new house after all. But Cold Stone's been calling to me a little too often . . . I'm actually not a big Cold Stone fan but I do like their ice cream on occasion. Mint Mint Chocolate Chip is a current favorite, although I really do like the Peanut Butter Cup Perfection. Or the Birthday Cake Remix (with an addition of white cake) . . .
My favorite ice cream, however, is Baskin Robbins. I love their Peanut Butter & Chocolate ice cream. There's just something about peanut butter and chocolate together that I find irresistible. There mint chocolate chip is to die for as well. But then there's Rocky Road ice cream . . . So good!
Kay's favorite is Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia and I can't fault her there. Ben & Jerry's is a real treat in our house because it isn't easy to come by. There are many flavors I would love to try but can't get my hands on, I'm sad to say. Of those I have enjoyed, I think my favorite of theirs would have to be Everything but the Kitchen Sink.
I love ice cream. Way more than is healthy for me, I confess.
2. What's you favorite ride at Disneyland?
My husband and I are big fans of Disneyland. We used to have season passes and will likely be indulging in them again once Mouse is old enough. It isn't just the rides and idea of Disney that we love, it's the park itself--and the park's history.
I don't especially like roller coasters but I do love the ones at Disneyland, Space Mountain in particular. I love racing through the dark, not sure what's around the next bend. I haven't had the opportunity to visit the park since the ride was last remodeled, but I still consider the ride my favorite. Small World is another favorite--the detail that went into the costumes of the dolls is amazing. I see something new every time. And it's such a relaxing ride! It's a nice break for those sore feet! Perhaps though my most favorite ride of all is a toss up between the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Haunted House. I wasn't too jazzed about the "updates" made to the Pirates of the Caribbean ride several years ago--the attempt to make the ride more politically correct. I don't think the attempt worked, but who am I to say? It's still a fun ride. And I just love the eerie feeling of the Haunted House!
I have never been to Disney World. Maybe one day.
Such fun questions! Thank you, Kay!
What about all of you? What is your favorite ice cream? Have you been to Disneyland or Disney World? Do you have a favorite ride?
© 2011, 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.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Celebrating 5 Years of Blogging
For several years before I jumped into blogging, I had kept a reading journal. Nothing fancy. It was just a place where I could keep track of what I was reading, writing down my thoughts, however brief. Then, with the encouragement of my husband, I took my reading journal public. Musings of a Bookish Kitty was born. Today is the 5th anniversary of this blog.
What began as a reading journal eventually blossomed into something more. My quiet existence on the internet slowly grew as I discovered other book bloggers, joined reading challenges, participated in memes and began making friends. I remember the thrill of receiving my first comment, a feeling I've never quite lost with each new comment I get. I squealed with the delight the first time an author commented on my blog--and again when I was offered my first book for review. Over the past five years my blog and I have gone through many changes. I experimented with formats, backgrounds, topics and features. My readership grew. I count many of you among my friends. We've shared more than just our love for reading and books.
It hasn't been without its challenges, however. There were several times I considered giving up blogging for one reason or another. I have seen my share of ugliness among book bloggers, something I sometimes found extremely disheartening. Early on I think I just took it too personally--even though it wasn't aimed at me directly. Nowadays I roll my eyes, think "not again," and move on. Most of the time. Perhaps my biggest hurdle, however, which I still sometimes struggle with, is being overwhelmed. When my blog was at its height, I suddenly found myself struggling to keep up. I had trouble finding a balance between all the review books coming in, responding to comments and visiting other blogs. I could not keep up no matter how hard I tried. And that made me feel guilty, of course. I do not feel like I ever completely recovered.
Somehow I have stuck through it all, and I am so glad I did. There are many aspects of book blogging I have come to love. The community being top among them. The best part of all is the friends and acquaintances I have made. I am not sure I would have continued so long without you all. Reading is a solitary activity; it's just the book and the reader (maybe the author too). But when you add book blogging to the mix it becomes so much more than that. I also have enjoyed being able to meet and interact with authors, the people who create the stories and characters I love. And of course the books! The books! Thanks to you, I have learned about so many more books than I ever knew about before. You have expanded my reading horizons. I have discovered new authors, traveled to places via the pages of books I never imagined I'd go, and I have grown as a person--not just as a reader.
Because of recent life changes, book blogging has taken a relatively low place on my priority list. I have only recently begun to jump back into it, even if in a limited capacity. I miss the writing aspect of blogging more than I thought I would. Last year when I learned I was pregnant, I went back and forth about whether to continue blogging. I decided that if I did, Musings of a Bookish Kitty would not change. It would be all about the books. I am a relatively private person and that suited me fine.
The closer it came to the birth of my baby, the more I let my personal life spill out onto my blog. I couldn't help it. I was going through a lot of changes and writing about it helped ease some of the pressure. Many of you have been with me through it all, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude.
The other day I had a thought that perhaps I should start a second blog, one of a more personal nature. I do not care if anyone reads it. I just want to write. Then Jennifer of Tropical Fruit Bowl suggested I could combine the bookish talk with the personal. I immediately thought of Florinda of The 3 R's Blog: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness and Trish of Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity, both bloggers whom I admire and respect. It makes more sense. Especially given how difficult it is for me to write about personal stuff sometimes. Plus, do I really have time to keep up two blogs? I can barely keep up with one right now. And if I did mix more personal with bookish topics on a regular basis, would I have to change my blog name? I don't know. I am just thinking out loud--or rather in writing. I hate to ostracize my readers who would prefer I stick to bookish topics. Regardless of what I decide, I am not ready to give up blogging any time soon. I just may end up taking a break now and then.
I have seen the book blogging community grow by leaps and bounds. It is a wonderful thing. It is also impossible to keep up with it all. My blog is just one of many, but it is my home. I don't go in for pretense or formality. I like to think of it as that proverbial kitchen table where we sit down for an afternoon snack and refreshment and chat about books and about life. I hope you will join me!
What began as a reading journal eventually blossomed into something more. My quiet existence on the internet slowly grew as I discovered other book bloggers, joined reading challenges, participated in memes and began making friends. I remember the thrill of receiving my first comment, a feeling I've never quite lost with each new comment I get. I squealed with the delight the first time an author commented on my blog--and again when I was offered my first book for review. Over the past five years my blog and I have gone through many changes. I experimented with formats, backgrounds, topics and features. My readership grew. I count many of you among my friends. We've shared more than just our love for reading and books.
It hasn't been without its challenges, however. There were several times I considered giving up blogging for one reason or another. I have seen my share of ugliness among book bloggers, something I sometimes found extremely disheartening. Early on I think I just took it too personally--even though it wasn't aimed at me directly. Nowadays I roll my eyes, think "not again," and move on. Most of the time. Perhaps my biggest hurdle, however, which I still sometimes struggle with, is being overwhelmed. When my blog was at its height, I suddenly found myself struggling to keep up. I had trouble finding a balance between all the review books coming in, responding to comments and visiting other blogs. I could not keep up no matter how hard I tried. And that made me feel guilty, of course. I do not feel like I ever completely recovered.
Somehow I have stuck through it all, and I am so glad I did. There are many aspects of book blogging I have come to love. The community being top among them. The best part of all is the friends and acquaintances I have made. I am not sure I would have continued so long without you all. Reading is a solitary activity; it's just the book and the reader (maybe the author too). But when you add book blogging to the mix it becomes so much more than that. I also have enjoyed being able to meet and interact with authors, the people who create the stories and characters I love. And of course the books! The books! Thanks to you, I have learned about so many more books than I ever knew about before. You have expanded my reading horizons. I have discovered new authors, traveled to places via the pages of books I never imagined I'd go, and I have grown as a person--not just as a reader.
Because of recent life changes, book blogging has taken a relatively low place on my priority list. I have only recently begun to jump back into it, even if in a limited capacity. I miss the writing aspect of blogging more than I thought I would. Last year when I learned I was pregnant, I went back and forth about whether to continue blogging. I decided that if I did, Musings of a Bookish Kitty would not change. It would be all about the books. I am a relatively private person and that suited me fine.
The closer it came to the birth of my baby, the more I let my personal life spill out onto my blog. I couldn't help it. I was going through a lot of changes and writing about it helped ease some of the pressure. Many of you have been with me through it all, and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude.
The other day I had a thought that perhaps I should start a second blog, one of a more personal nature. I do not care if anyone reads it. I just want to write. Then Jennifer of Tropical Fruit Bowl suggested I could combine the bookish talk with the personal. I immediately thought of Florinda of The 3 R's Blog: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness and Trish of Love, Laughter, and a Touch of Insanity, both bloggers whom I admire and respect. It makes more sense. Especially given how difficult it is for me to write about personal stuff sometimes. Plus, do I really have time to keep up two blogs? I can barely keep up with one right now. And if I did mix more personal with bookish topics on a regular basis, would I have to change my blog name? I don't know. I am just thinking out loud--or rather in writing. I hate to ostracize my readers who would prefer I stick to bookish topics. Regardless of what I decide, I am not ready to give up blogging any time soon. I just may end up taking a break now and then.
I have seen the book blogging community grow by leaps and bounds. It is a wonderful thing. It is also impossible to keep up with it all. My blog is just one of many, but it is my home. I don't go in for pretense or formality. I like to think of it as that proverbial kitchen table where we sit down for an afternoon snack and refreshment and chat about books and about life. I hope you will join me!
In honor of the 5th anniversary of Musings of a Bookish Kitty, I am giving away a gift card to a bookstore (winner's choice between Powell's, Amazon or Book Depository). The giveaway is open world wide. There are a couple of catches though! First, you must have a valid e-mail address. And second, please share with me something you especially like about my blog, whether it be a favorite feature, post, or the way I always use the phrase "swept off my feet."
Just fill out the form below and you'll be entered in the drawing for the gift card! The winner will be chosen at random and notified by e-mail. Deadline to enter is Saturday, August 6th.
Just fill out the form below and you'll be entered in the drawing for the gift card! The winner will be chosen at random and notified by e-mail. Deadline to enter is Saturday, August 6th.
© 2011, 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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
From the Archives: Mini Reviews from May 2005 (part 3)
I began keeping a reading journal several years before I began blogging. I find it interesting to sift through my thoughts of books that I read back then. My reviews were often brief and contained little substance, but I thought it'd be fun to document them here on my blog as well as share them with you. Here are a few from May 2005:
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
Island Books, 1989 - Crime Fiction (S/T) - 515 pgs
When books are made into movies, there are several reasons I prefer reading a book before watching the movie. I first like to be able to soak in the words on the pages of a book, use my own colors and shades to paint the scenes in my mind’s eye. There is a freedom in that which is lost if I’ve seen the movie and the characters, setting and story are locked into their places. With a book, I am able to look into nooks and crannies that are often left out of the movies because of time constraints and even that which may put a movie going audience off. In some ways, my enjoyment of a movie based on a book is enhanced because I am privy to the little tidbits of background that just couldn’t be fit into the movie when I have read the book first. I like to see the differences and similarities and compare the two, always cognizant of the fact that both forms of media have their own strengths and weaknesses.
In the case of A Time to Kill, I saw the movie first—many years ago. It made an impact on me, being one of my favorite movies based on a John Grisham novel brought to the big screen. As I read about Jake Brigance, defense attorney, I couldn’t help but picture Matthew McConaughey; and Carl Lee Hailey, the father on trial for the murder of his daughter’s rapists, resembled and acted much like Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the movie. I found that a little off putting through the first half of the book because as I read, I was thinking of the movie.
Moving on to the book itself, A Time to Kill takes on the controversial issues of vigilante justice, racism, and on a lesser side, corruption. True to John Grisham’s author’s note at the beginning of the novel, I felt that the author rambled on at times. The book really picked up for me about 300 pages in. I thought that the argument of racism throughout the book was underplayed and as a result, it detracted from the gist of story, including taking some of the significance out of the reasoning behind the jury’s verdict. I did enjoy the book overall and plan to read more by Mr. Grisham in the future, however. My favorite parts of the book perhaps were Mr. Grisham’s descriptions of and looks into the lives of the ordinary town people throughout the novel. It added depth and complexity to the story, which helped bring it to life for me.
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty
Hyperion, 2003 - Fiction, 291 pgs
The Center of Everything is about Evelyn Bucknow, a typical teenager growing up in Kansas during the 1980’s. The story begins when Evelyn is 9 years old and spans through her teen years up near her high school graduation. She is raised by her single mother and has a brother with special needs. She faces challenges that are very common for young people today and comes into her own with each new experience. The author Laura Moriarty’s novel is simple in its presentation, narrated by young Evelyn. Ms. Moriarty has created a true to life story that could be about anyone anywhere. I enjoyed reading The Center of Everything.
Misery by Stephen King
Signet, 1987 - Horror, 352 pgs
The popularity and hype of author Stephen King kept me away from his novels for many years, however, I finally decided that I would give him a try. A fellow booklover recommended her favorite, Misery, and so I decided to start with this one. I had seen the movie several years ago and enjoyed it, and so imagined it was a safe bet. Misery is the story of an insane fan who nurses her favorite author, Paul Sheldon, back to health, terrorizing and tormenting him as he is held prisoner in her Colorado home. Mr. King is a wonderful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. He kept the suspense up and the novel was at times heart wrenching and chilling.
Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think?
A Time to Kill by John Grisham
Island Books, 1989 - Crime Fiction (S/T) - 515 pgs
When books are made into movies, there are several reasons I prefer reading a book before watching the movie. I first like to be able to soak in the words on the pages of a book, use my own colors and shades to paint the scenes in my mind’s eye. There is a freedom in that which is lost if I’ve seen the movie and the characters, setting and story are locked into their places. With a book, I am able to look into nooks and crannies that are often left out of the movies because of time constraints and even that which may put a movie going audience off. In some ways, my enjoyment of a movie based on a book is enhanced because I am privy to the little tidbits of background that just couldn’t be fit into the movie when I have read the book first. I like to see the differences and similarities and compare the two, always cognizant of the fact that both forms of media have their own strengths and weaknesses.
In the case of A Time to Kill, I saw the movie first—many years ago. It made an impact on me, being one of my favorite movies based on a John Grisham novel brought to the big screen. As I read about Jake Brigance, defense attorney, I couldn’t help but picture Matthew McConaughey; and Carl Lee Hailey, the father on trial for the murder of his daughter’s rapists, resembled and acted much like Samuel L. Jackson’s character in the movie. I found that a little off putting through the first half of the book because as I read, I was thinking of the movie.
Moving on to the book itself, A Time to Kill takes on the controversial issues of vigilante justice, racism, and on a lesser side, corruption. True to John Grisham’s author’s note at the beginning of the novel, I felt that the author rambled on at times. The book really picked up for me about 300 pages in. I thought that the argument of racism throughout the book was underplayed and as a result, it detracted from the gist of story, including taking some of the significance out of the reasoning behind the jury’s verdict. I did enjoy the book overall and plan to read more by Mr. Grisham in the future, however. My favorite parts of the book perhaps were Mr. Grisham’s descriptions of and looks into the lives of the ordinary town people throughout the novel. It added depth and complexity to the story, which helped bring it to life for me.
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty
Hyperion, 2003 - Fiction, 291 pgs
The Center of Everything is about Evelyn Bucknow, a typical teenager growing up in Kansas during the 1980’s. The story begins when Evelyn is 9 years old and spans through her teen years up near her high school graduation. She is raised by her single mother and has a brother with special needs. She faces challenges that are very common for young people today and comes into her own with each new experience. The author Laura Moriarty’s novel is simple in its presentation, narrated by young Evelyn. Ms. Moriarty has created a true to life story that could be about anyone anywhere. I enjoyed reading The Center of Everything.
Misery by Stephen King
Signet, 1987 - Horror, 352 pgs
The popularity and hype of author Stephen King kept me away from his novels for many years, however, I finally decided that I would give him a try. A fellow booklover recommended her favorite, Misery, and so I decided to start with this one. I had seen the movie several years ago and enjoyed it, and so imagined it was a safe bet. Misery is the story of an insane fan who nurses her favorite author, Paul Sheldon, back to health, terrorizing and tormenting him as he is held prisoner in her Colorado home. Mr. King is a wonderful storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. He kept the suspense up and the novel was at times heart wrenching and chilling.
Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think?
© 2011, 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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Reading Confession (Anniversary Edition)
I have a weak spot for authors. The kind who take time to respond to a twitter comment or visit me here on my blog. The ones who aren't trying to pitch their books. Well, maybe they are in a way. But they don't mention their books--at least not at first. Their simple act of outreach makes me curious about them--and their books. Maybe it's intentional on their part. Maybe not.
What I do know is that it sparks my interest, and I've been known to seek out and buy the author's book. It may take me a while to read said book given how large my TBR collection is, but it is added to my personal library just the same. If it's a book I am not interested in reading myself, I keep it in mind for others.
Sometimes the attention and kindness an author shows other bloggers and readers has the same effect on me. However, a negative interaction can be a big turn off.
This is just another something I have to be grateful for since I began blogging. Not only am I influenced by other bloggers and their reading recommendations, but I have the opportunity to meet authors as well and check out their books.
Are you more motivated to read a book by a friendly author?
What I do know is that it sparks my interest, and I've been known to seek out and buy the author's book. It may take me a while to read said book given how large my TBR collection is, but it is added to my personal library just the same. If it's a book I am not interested in reading myself, I keep it in mind for others.
Sometimes the attention and kindness an author shows other bloggers and readers has the same effect on me. However, a negative interaction can be a big turn off.
This is just another something I have to be grateful for since I began blogging. Not only am I influenced by other bloggers and their reading recommendations, but I have the opportunity to meet authors as well and check out their books.
Are you more motivated to read a book by a friendly author?
© 2011, 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.
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