Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Books, books and more books.............


FINISHED READING:
1. Non-Fiction 
I didn't get a lot of reading done with company here but it's been awhile so I have some books you haven't heard about yet.
I wasn't really "looking" for a book about sociopaths but our library has a table with new books on it as you walk in and this one grabbed my attention.  I think there is spiritual guidance in every moment of every day and I have gotten pretty good at listening to mine.  I picked it up.  I'm so glad I did because after all the years of having a lot of rejection and betrayal and never an apology for any of the mistreatment or criticisms....I finally got closure!  I attract them like flies! LOL!  It doesn't bother me anymore but I've always been curious as to why and usually looking at myself for flaws (oh, I have them alright) but none to explain the relationships or treatment I received by people who supposedly "loved" me.   It had me flummoxed to be sure.  I knew some of it was jealousy and envy but there were also those that just plain wanted to break my spirit from the time I was little.  This book gave me the answers.  I have always been the one to speak up and say "the emperor isn't wearing any clothes" and for that I was shunned, criticized and blamed.  For awhile I was starting to believe everything WAS my fault but then I got sick...very sick and was also going blind (literally).  I had to sell my farm, give up my career and come down here where the doctor said the climate would be better for me.  During this "exile" to Arkansas,  I came to the realization that THEY were all wrong about me and I was wrong about myself too.  I had allowed people to convince me that everything was my fault.  Since then I have listened to my spiritual guidance and have healed both body and soul.  This book just gave me an explanation. I have never been happier!  I deserved so much more and now I have it.....peace, happiness and a love for all regardless.  "Forgive them for they know not what they do" has been my mantra and I also look at rejection as not only protection but direction.  I highly recommend this book.  It's great information by qualified individuals and there are great resources in it also.
2. Fiction
This was a Pulitzer Prize winner?  Really?  I'm not even going to "review" as there was no plot and it was more like a documentary in words about fictional people....very strange. This was my audio book last month and it is going, going, gone!  LOL!
3.  Fiction
Someone recommended this author and boy am I glad I picked it up!  She is an Australian writer and does a superb job of story telling, suspense and fascinating characters.  It was one of those books where you can't wait to go to bed so you can pick it up again.  The great thing is she has written quite a few so the love affair can continue!
A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book—a beautiful volume of fairy tales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-first birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. Her quest leads her to Blackhurst Manor on the Cornish coast and the secrets of the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell’s death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled. A spellbinding tale of mystery and self-discovery, The Forgotten Garden will take hold of your imagination and never let go.
CURRENTLY READING:
1.  Non-Fiction
This book is a collection of newspaper articles that Gladys Taber wrote for the Cape Cod Oracle in her town of Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.  It was what she was working on just months before her death in March of 1980.  The book is a years worth divided into "monthly" chapters.  She writes about her friends and animals, of nature both human and Mother and it is the gentlest, kindest thing to read before going to sleep at night.  I'm on October right now but I can see keeping this on my nightstand and reading the corresponding month at the beginning of each month throughout the year.  A gentle reminder of the gifts of each season.
2.  Fiction
Another Kate Morton book!


3.  Audio - Fiction
This is the book that made her famous.  Unfortunately, having 2 of her books going at the same time can be confusing so I'm not sure this is going to work out.  I may have to stop reading one of them.  I'm getting "character confusion"! LOL!
Here's an update on Miss Peeps.  She has grown as you can see and she is long and lean.  She is in the "terrible twos" right now.  She is part goat and part monkey even though she looks like a cat do not be deceived!  She can climb walls, cupboards, lamps and windows.  She can leap tall buildings in a single bound!  I am so grateful for my porch where she gets "timeouts" and also where she sleeps at night so we can all get some rest! LOL! 

Here she is with her big sister.........
YESTERDAY I:
cleaned the tub
cleaned up the house
blogged and read some blogs
vacuumed the living room
watered outside
changed the sheets
picked, hung and washed a load of laundry
called Dish on problems with t.v.
made bread
knitted some
finished crocheting squares for Dottie Angle blanket
It's a beautiful day here and I hope you're enjoying yours!
Happy Trails!








17 comments:

  1. WOW your "done" list from yesterday is inspiring! You were one busy gal! First book on your list is very interesting. I am not sure I am ready to read it yet, but I am making a note of it. I went to our library last Wednesday and brought home a bag of cozy mystery paperbacks. 2 down, 1 only made it to page 4, and ready to start the next one.

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    1. Oh, I love "cozy mysteries". You are aware of the Cozy Mystery Club, I hope. I can't link here in the comments but just Google it and I'm sure you'll find it. It's a great site!

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  2. I loved TheForgotten Garden. I really do need to read the rest of the Kate Morton books. I'm so sorry to hear you have been badly treated in the past.

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    1. My theory is "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" and I have been blessed with strength "unbeknownst to man"! LOL! Others have had it much worse than I.

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  3. That first book may be one I should read. You seem pretty normal to me, and it is way to difficult to figure some manipulators out...I have given up and ignore them but I still wonder why too?
    Miss Peeps is sure long and thin... she will fill out in time...Terrible twos...Yes they can be a pain in the neck at night!
    You had another busy day! :)

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    1. I usually don't look to the past other than to not make the same mistakes but like you I like to know reasons and truths. I don't have a "victim" mentality but I thought it might help others so I wanted to share it. I had a good friend years ago who had her PhD in psychology and after years in private practice she told me...."if you knew how many people were angry and disturbed you would be afraid to walk out your door in the morning." I think it's very sad but it seems to be playing itself out in the news most days. You hit the nail on the head too! There are many with "hidden agendas" and when you're an honest, up front person they can sneak up on you with no warning.

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  4. Kate Morton is one of my favorite authors! I read everything she writes and always give them 5 stars! I want to read the first book you mentioned. I've had some problems along that line and I'm sure I would learn something from this book. I'm glad it helped you. What a strong and good woman you are. What a shame anyone has ever made you feel less. I like you list of what you did today. I might start doing that soon. Hugs, Diane

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    1. I was pretty sure you were the one who recommended Kate Morton and I'm so glad I took your advice! I was hesitant about posting about the first book but then thought if it helps others then it is worth it. Thank you for the compliment and your friendship.
      I've found listing what I've done instead of what I need to do makes me feel lots better! LOL!

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  5. Love your book reviews. I'm going to read that first one on your list. You have me intrigued. Your list of things accomplished puts me to shame. Sometimes just a call to a place like Dish can seem to take a half day!

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    1. Hi Anita! I think we all have long "to-do" lists but while I'm doing other things your house probably looks lots better than mine! LOL! I live alone so I can ignore a lot of things! I try to do my big priorities first because if I waited until all my "household chores" were done I would never get to them. I can always squeeze in the others plus the weather has a lot to do with it. Isn't it great right now?
      Yes, Dish or internet problems can take a 1/2 day all by themselves! LOL!

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  6. That first book sounds pretty interesting. I have stacks and stacks of books to read and never enough time to read them. You inspire me with your list of tasks finished. I've been so lazy this summer. Enjoy your books.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. You are NOT lazy! You had surgery and are still recovering! Take good care of yourself!

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  7. I definitely think I'll have to find a Kate Morton book to read soon. I've not heard your story before, but I'm so glad that you've found a way to heal from your years of mistreatment.

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    1. Yes, I was extremely confused for a very long time! LOL! I only wish I could share the strength that the good Lord gave me as it is a blessing for sure. Show me someone who has overcome adversity and/or hard times and it will be someone I admire and respect. Self-pity or whining is not attractive that's why I was hesitant to write about it but I also didn't want to keep that book to myself if it could help someone else. Knowledge is a wonderful thing!
      I think you would love her books! They're not prissy or full of romantic drool which at my age I really have no use for but they are great, interesting mysteries with fascinating characters. Let me know what you think.

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  8. I love you, Sam, and everything you wrote in #1 is spot on. "Rejection as protection and direction" ... if only others, especially kids who are bullied, would learn that lesson early on. Self-care and self-love are so important. Kate Morton's books sound interesting. I've been doing more reading of late. A little here, a little there, between magazines and books. "character confusion" had me laughing. As did your description of Miss Peeps. :)

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    1. I love you too, Tammy! You are a gutsy, self-aware and fascinating, strong individual and I have the greatest admiration for you. Kindred souls we are! I was very fortunate to have some wonderful role models growing up and I wish that for all children.
      Yes, Miss peeps keeps us all on our toes around here for sure! LOL!

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  9. Okay, the epiphany you just had was amazing! You go, girl! I'm glad you realized it wasn't you. I only know you through blogging but I like you and think you are awesome. Just keep keepin' it real. Be yourself. If ppl can't hang with that, cut them out because they don't deserve to be around you and you don't need to waste time on them.
    I read The Forgotten Garden some time ago. It was quite a twisted tale.

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Thank you so much for stopping by and for commenting. Comments are "grist for the mill" and I appreciate each and every one of them!