We need a little inspiration...

Which characters have inspired you?  Fictitious or Real, here are some of mine:

Maya Angelou - funny and smart

Tallulah from Withering Tights - The image of her flailing Irish dance makes me smile and not so awkward.

Eliza & Cassandra from The Forgotten Garden - Strength of character and unending passion

Henry & Keiko from Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Young love is real and lasting.

Jon Snow & Arya Stark from A Game of Thrones - Determination and willpower

(You can leave a comment without signing up to be a follower.  I'd love to hear who has inspired you.)

I'm all in a dither...

because I've started too many books at once and they are all fantastic and I just got another from the library today and it looks awesome too!!!!!  So if you are in need of a holiday read in between bouts of shopping, baking and laundering, here's what I'm reading right now:  

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison, which has me speaking in some odd Yorkshire accent (which only comes out right in my head).

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain - Technically it's the January book club pick, but ever since someone whom shall remain nameless borrowed my last copy, I've been dying to know what adventure Ernest and Hadley have been taking.

When Elves Attack by Tim Dorsey - Not your average Christmas tale so far and not for those that disdain of profanity or the art of stealing albeit for a good cause.  But it's a laugh (said in my Yorkshire accent, which I really don't know what a Yorkshire accent sounds like).

Oh and that library book in the mail today...

The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg - I have no idea what to expect but the cover is really cool and it contains snip-its from some of the best authors around!  (Shout out to Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA for making me take note of this one!)

What I should be reading (and yes excited to read)...

Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas by the Maya Angelou (This is the December book pick.)  Can't wait to see where Maya takes us next!

Turkey Day in the USA!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

There are countless things I am thankful for - family, a loving home, supportive and trusting friends, a mom that worries and hugs and a dad that holds my sister and I up, a loving church family, books and adventures, the ocean, clean water, mountains, a good job, a realist hubby who makes me laugh, wise and funny young adults, beautiful niece and hilarious nephew, forgiveness for my sins, a loving God, the Muppets, movies, comfy couch and good wine, plenty to eat, football games and tailgating, freedom - truly blessed! 

Devil in the White City - Erik Larson

Still reading, highlighting, pondering, in awe and anticipation of the rest to come in this brilliant piece of history - just hope I don't dream about it again tonight!

The gray is coming...

Gray hair!!  This is not going to be an easy task and starting to get my first reality checks but I will push forward!!!  Incorporating, business bank account and online bookstore are on the horizon - just need some more finger holds:)

Now how often do you read or hear the word cussedness????  Love it!  Reminds of a few ornery old men.  (top of page 17 of The Devil in the White City - Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson)

Seizure by Kathy Reichs

As next in the series after Virals, Kathy Reichs creates another high-action hit as we see Tory, Hi, Ben and Shelton use their wolf-like senses to hunt down treasure while dodging bullets and crawling into damp, dark places I would never even put my my toe in.  If you have a teenager that likes mystery and adventure, this series is a must.  (Definitely start with Virals.)