Books

Toad

A smattering of recents

Since our last rendezvous, some things have happened. 1) BOOKS When it comes to books these days, I am insatiable. I absolutely devoured “The Hunger Games.”  This series is all the rage, and I know that a lot of you have read them.  No spoilers here, except to say that I have not enjoyed a…

Read More »

How to write a Nicholas Sparks novel

First, set the scene: waterside. Next, choose a random hobby – coin collecting, or stained glass windows, or composing music.  This hobby will help create a narrative arc that will act as a metaphor for deeper emotional storylines. Now, take an unlikely couple.  At first, they don’t like each other, because they’re just too different. …

Read More »

From Head To Foot

You know my friend Annie Downs? Of course you do.  She is famous in the blog world, famous in Nashville, famous in my heart, and now, famous in honest-to-goodness book print. When I first met Annie several years ago, she was in the beginning stages of writing a book.  She wrote and wrote and wrote,…

Read More »

Not-so-guilty / non-pleasures

Not-so-guilty pleasure I’ve had my eye-rolling moments in the past, but I have to admit: Taylor Swift is getting better and better.  On her latest record, “Speak Now,” her songwriting has exploded, without forsaking the catchy hooks she’s so known for.  Judge if you want, but I can’t stop listening. The only thing that I…

Read More »

We all need a Sam

“It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are. It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back…

Read More »

Portland, Oregon

What a place, huh? Last night, I zig-zagged the downtown streets on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of Stumptown.  Seattle may be my first love – but I have a warm, fuzzy fondness for her hippie kid sister. Eventually, I wandered into Powell’s Books (how could I not?), and spent way, way too…

Read More »

Life and books and such

Wow. Ever since last Monday’s blog, you have returned day after day, expecting to see something new posted. But NO.  Here a crotch, there a crotch, everywhere a crotch, crotch – day after day after day. My most sincere apologies for the assault on your eyes for an entire week.  Last Monday night brought some…

Read More »

And now, for some good things

I forgot to mention that I am now outfitted for Colorado. This is called the Lodge Parka, which is most appropriate for me, since I’m not really a “winter sporter” (not that I’m really a “summer sporter” either).  But a lodge?  That I can do. Has anyone read “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen?  I…

Read More »

Late Wednesday

Well, well.  You people sure love your grilled cheese. Thanks for all of the suggestions – I can’t wait to try them! Now… any chance you have ideas for oatmeal?  My requirements: not from a packet, low in sugar, tastes good.  Anyone? – – – – – – – – A quick update on the…

Read More »

A collection of thoughts

Controversial foods that I happen to love: Olives Mushrooms Beets Controversial foods that I happen to hate: Tuna Pickles Cauliflower Cauliflower is the worst. It makes me think of cauliflower ear. I have a serious addiction to chewing gum, but I ran out about 8 days ago, and have yet to buy a new pack….

Read More »