Book Review #1

For those who know me well, I like to read. A lot. And I’m constantly searching for a good book. One of my besties, Misti, and I try to read one book around the same time so we can discuss. And I was in a book club for a long time. I miss it. So, every once in a while I hope you’ll amuse me and let me post my opinion about a recent read here.

I’m currently listening to a book on tape called Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts. Nora Roberts is one of my favorite writers. Her work falls into three categories. Gratuitous romance novels, crime drama with a little romance thrown in (mostly written under her pseudonym, J.D. Robb) and the occasional beautifully written story about a family and their dynamics. Montana Sky is one of those, and the first book I ever read by Nora Roberts. Chesapeake Bay is one of her newest. It is the fourth book in the Quinn Brothers series, and while the other three were great this one is the best. I’ve read the book itself, and love listening to the audio book.

The imagery is beautiful, there are times when I swear I can smell the ocean. Her point of view varies from character to character, and each is developed in a way that allows the reader to experience the true emotion of the character. There’s a little heartbreak. And a little love. And a picture of a family I’d love to be a part of. While some readers may find the story skims the surface, if you really think about the issues that are addressed, it isn’t surface. It deals with rejection, making changes in your life for the better, regaining trust in human nature, regardless of your history, and ultimately the never yielding love of family.

I give this one 5 stars!

I’m trying to keep my shelfari list (on the left sidebar) up to date. If you have a book you love, tell me about it!

Blue Skies....

A little cove near Myrtle Beach. Isn't it gorgeous?

Dreamy Room

So, I can’t let the week go by without sharing this fabulous, fabulous photo. I want a room like this one day. Found this photo on I Suwanee.

Financial Peace

So, I’m on a new adventure helmed by Dave Ramsey. I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from close friends about how following his Financial Peach University has really made a difference in their lives, I had to jump at the opportunity to take the classes. I do have to admit, it took me a while to be at the “:jump” part. There was a huge part of my brain that screamed that it was too good to be true, a hoax, an emotionally affecting message that didn’t really change the situation, just the mindset. And I did actually have the thought that even though it worked for so many other people, it surely wouldn’t work for me.

As far as money is concerned, it has always been a taboo subject. A conversation to be reserved for only the most dire of situations. And even then, it’s cloaked in mystery and shrouded by embarrassment. And to be honest, any conversation regarding money sends me into embarrassment, panic, agitation, and a general queasiness in the stomach that puts me off my game for several hours. Serious stress. And heaven forbid that conversation involve anyone saying they don’t have money. That sends me into overresponsibility, guilt, and the burden of trying to come up with money for them, or at least the mental responsibility and stress of it all.

And now, thanks to this class, I have to look it straight in the eye. And come to conclusion that the only way things will change is if I change. If I change how I look at money, if I stop being embarrassed, if I stop trying to hide what’s happened in my past, and change how things will be in the future. It’s a heady feeling. Empowering. Frightening. Gut-wrenching.

I have to say I am in far better shape than I have been in years past. Historically bad decisions, family woes, even more bad decisions have affected my life for years. And I’ve paid the piper. And I’ll continue to pay the piper for some time to come. But now, I’ve got hope that eventually the piper will pipe himself right out the door and no longer have control over my life and emotions.

Whew – all of this after only 3 weeks (and I even missed a session). I can’t even imagine how I’ll feel when it’s all over. Probably more of the same. But I’m so happy to be doing it. Even if it’s a little painful J

Have you attended Financial Peace University? And? Tell all……

I'm ready to plug the Cricut back up....

So, every once in a while I stumble upon a blog or website that just amazes me.  And I found one today.  I've heard of Patricia Zapata a few times, but didn't know she was the owner and sole designer of A Little Hut. 

 

Check it out.  I love, love, love these custom designs, but my mouth fell open at these cards she created using her Cricut.  I am totally impressed with how something so simple can have such  graphical impact.  And using a tool I own!  And after this creative drought, I finally have ideas swirling around in my brain!

 

She's also just put out a book called Craft, Paper, Scissors. It's so on my "to be read" list!