A snow day!! The schools are closed! Let me explain...J and his carpool friends, D and H were discussing the possibilty of having today off school if the forecasted blizzard hit. H, who reminds me so much of M, is a cute and sassy girl who makes the rides so much fun. She told the boys that the only way to guarantee a snow day is to sleep with your pajamas on backwards and a spoon under your pillow. Huh?!? Well, she must have done it because at 6:30 this morning, we received a call from the district saying school was cancelled. Too bad it wasn't a little earlier...J had showered, dressed and was eating breakfast. It was confirmed on the local TV station. On our way, back to bed, I looked out the window. There was no snow anywhere to be seen. We were saying that it had better snow or the district would have a lot of explaining to do. The street was barely wet. By the time, I got back out of bed at 10 am :o) it was a fullblown blizzard. I cannot even see across my street to my neighbor's house.
It's kind of nice, though. We have no plans other than shoveling. So, we'll have a cozy day at home.
J and J are very excited. We're forecast to get 8-16 inches while the mountains are measuring in feet. They are definitely heading up this weekend for boarding and skiing.
Teaser Tuesday~ ~Grab your current read ~Let the book fall open to a random page ~Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. ~Share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. ~Please avoid spoilers! I bought "Very Valentine" a few weeks ago and wanted to hold off reading it but, it's been calling to me :o) So, I started it a couple of days ago.
"Vecharelli & Son is a three-story stone on the end of the street, with a similar set up to our shop at home. The main entrance, used for business is a wide wooden door under the portico." page 245
I absolutely love the anticipation of starting a new book. Like most bibliophiles, I have my "TBR" (to be read) pile on my nightstand...and on my bookshelf...and on my other bookshelf...well, you get the picture. After I finish a book, I savor choosing my next literary adventure. I have a few rules that I stick to when deciding what to read. I won't read two books in a series back-to-back. I won't read the same author back-to-back. I won't read the same genre back-to-back. It would seem that my choices would be limited but, because of the variety of my TBR pile, it's usually quite the opposite. I love reading first lines, also. I heard an author, once, sadly I can't remember who, say that writing the first sentence is, by far, the most difficult part of writing a novel. The reasoning was that a first sentence can make the reader continue reading or cause the book to be tossed aside. I've been so intrigued by that comment that I will stand in a bookstore and read first lines from random novels.
I cannot even believe this but twenty five years (yes, a quarter of a century) ago today, J and I met. It was a Saturday night and my friend and I went to Thirsty's... a very popular 3.2 bar. He asked me to dance to "Burning Down The House" by Talking Heads. Ahhh...memories :o) I carried my Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Speedy today. Although, I have the more iconic monogram Speedy, I've noticed I've been carrying this bag more. I think it's because, even though it has the LV monogram, it's a little more subtle and not as recognized. I just wish it came in the 35 or 40 size. I guess I could pare down what I carry but then...I wouldn't need a new bag :o)
I've seen this on a few blogs and thought it would be fun.
~Grab your current read ~Let the book fall open to a random page ~Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. ~Share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given. ~Please avoid spoilers! The Murder Room by PD James. I'm reading it for book club in a few weeks.
"He had booked a corner table at the Ivy for nine o'clock. They would have a late dinner and plan the weekend together." page 126
I just started reading this a few days ago and haven't read to this page yet. So, I have no idea who "he" is and "they" are. I'm not sure how to avoid a spoiler, as the instructions say. If I've not read that far, I have no idea if it's a spoiler. I'm pretty sure that teaser isn't one but, hey, maybe the murder is solved at that dinner. Now, I'm kind of curious.
I'm listening to this in my car. It's about a female private eye in 1943 NYC. I'm not quite sure if I like this yet or not. The narrator is good, which is paramount when I'm listening to book, but there is a lot of 1943 slang. So much so that it's almost distracting. I'm not "getting" if it's the way the author wanted the main character to speak as it's told in first person or if the she (the author) did so much research that she felt obligated to use it all.
This book (CD) reminds me of another series that I LOVE...the Paige Turner series by Amanda Matetsky. Yes, her name is Paige Turner...it's all explained in the books. These are set in NYC in the mid 50s with a female "sleuth" (I just love that word...lol!). Although, this series also uses a lot of period "slang", it doesn't seem as forced as the one I'm listening to, maybe, because I read those first, I don't know. I did find out, much to my disappointment, that she ended the Paige Turner series with the fifth book. They are, definitely, worth re-reading. They're a quick, fun read. Being that today is St. Patrick's Day, it should be no surprise that I carried a green bag. I pulled out a "vintage" Dooney and Bourke All Weather Leather satchel. I love all my Dooney bags (and there are quite a lot of them...lol) but the AWL bags are probably my favorite of them all. They are just classic handbags that will last forever. Hopefully, M will come to appreciate her Mom's vintage bags and carry them, as well. They look great brand new and, almost, even better when they've "aged". The leather turns into a beautiful honey patina...just gorgeous.
I'm sitting here watching "Unfaithful". While I can appreciate how hot Olivier Martinez is in this movie, I watch it for Richard Gere. He was and always will be Zack Mayo in "An Officer & A Gentleman".
I'm reading the new Jeffrey Archer (love him!) novel. It's a novel based on the life of George Mallory titled Paths of Glory. He may have been the first man to summit Everest in 1924. According to many sources, Mallory is famously said to have replied to the question "why do you want to climb Mt. Everest?" with the retort: "because it is there", which has been called "the most famous four words in mountaineering". There is compelling evidence even though it is generally thought that Sir Edmund Hillary summited first in 1953. Even though, I know the outcome and next to nothing about mountaineering, it's an interesting read. I'm sure it's a combination of George's compelling story and Archer's writing talent.
M is studying the Pilgrims at school. She was assigned to "be" Elizabeth Tilley. While she is studying the Pilgrims, she has to behave as if she is Elizabeth and interact with her classmates as the Pilgrims they are assigned. To that end, she has asked us to please call her Elizabeth :o) Elizabeth was actually a name I thought about naming her so I'm doing it. Although, because I wanted to call her Libby, I'm using that nickname. She tends to leave me notes detailing "instructions" for her morning routine...what outfit she has chosen, what time she'd like to be woken up, etc. So, now she signs them "Elizabeth Tilley". She drew a picture for me tonight and signed it as her alter ego.
I carried a Paisley laptop bag today. I don't have a laptop but it's a great size bag. It came with a zippered patent "sleeve" that attaches to the bag. I put my wallet and keys in it. I even thought about using it as a clutch.
I am really, really mad that ABC cancelled "Life on Mars". It's a FANTASTIC show. I'm hoping there will be some sort of reprieve... not holding my breath, though. J and I watch it every Wednesday night and not only discuss theories about Sam's "travels" but reminisce about our memories of that era.
My favorite character is "The Loot"... 1973-speak for Lt. Gene Hunt. He's not only a great character played by one of my favorite actors, Harvey Keitel, but he has impeccable fashion sense :o)
I have never watched an episode of "Dancing with The Stars"... ever. I did, however, flip between that and a new show on TLC tonight. What made me watch... Melissa from The Bachelor is a last-minute replacement. Yes, I watch that trainwreck... faithfully, even... almost every season. Melissa was my favorite this season from the first episode. Although I had read all the spoilers, I still was so sad for her when that p***k broke up with her on national TV, then "made out" with the other girl. What a low class jerk. I truly hope Karma bites him in the ass. I had no fairy tale illusions for them. I figured they'd go the way of all Bachelor couples and break up a few weeks after the show. The way he handled the situation is SO indicative of his moral fiber...or lack there of.
I'm not sure I'll keep up with it. I cannot stand the female host but I'll read about it and hope that Melissa goes all the way.
The other show I was flipping between was "Little People: Just Married". What a cute couple. They are so in love yet get on each other's nerves... just like the rest of us. When Bill was going into hip replacement surgery and Jen started crying, so did I. That's a show I'll definitely keep up with. I know I'm not supposed to end a sentence with a preposition but I just did :o) I'm such a grammar rebel!
To complete the couch potato experience, I watched the premiere of "Castle". It sounds like something I'd enjoy... a mystery writer helps the NYPD solve murders. It was OK...not bad but not great. With my luck, this will be a monster hit while a truly creative show like "Life on Mars" is cancelled. I carried a black satchel bag with a lot of silver hardware. I call it my "Rocker Chick" bag. I can even say that without laughing. Granted... my "chick" days are far behind me but I feel a little edgy when I carry it...even it's just doing "Mom" things ;o)
I had lunch today at Panera. It's probably my favorite "have lunch by myself" restaurant. I always order a half Caeser salad/half broccoli cheese soup combo. To sit with that lunch and a great book (A Rather Lovely Inheritance by CA Belmond) makes me very happy. Although today was a gorgeous spring day, I had to sit inside as all the outdoor tables were already taken. I guess I wasn't the only one with the same idea :o)
While I was there, I sat across from a mom and her daughter. The girl was probably 7-8 years old. She asked her mom if she could have some Dr. Pepper. Her mom said no, that they hadn't paid for it. A few minutes later, the little girl got up from the table, walked to the pop dispenser, looked to see if her mom could see her, filled up a water glass of Dr. Pepper, turned her back, drank it down in one or two gulps and, with a smile on her face, walked back to the table...her mom none the wiser. I watched all this with mixed thoughts...as a mom, I thought that she was a rather disobedient little girl. On the other hand, I had to laugh at that little smile.
I skipped book club tonight to attend the PTA meeting. Our new Principal was introduced. While I am optimistic for next year, I was a little disappointed that his answers to our questions seemed a little cliche. I will give him the benefit of the doubt and write tonight off to nerves.
I've been looking for a black & white purse for a while now. I found this bag yesterday at TJMaxx. I carried it today but started thinking that it might be too "young" for me. Are peace sign purses just for girls M's age and her friends? Or can a "hip" (if only in my mind) mom carry it and not look like I'm trying too hard?
This entry is for Lori... Purple lovers are generally blessed by a true sense of values. Here genius is often found, but genius that never promotes itself. One of their greatest charms lies in the sublime quality of their minds: an abiding wisdom which they never attempt to force on others. - Faber Birren
M spent the night at my Mom's last night so J, J and I tried a new restaurant. It's called Sporting News Grill. We figured it would have basic "bar" food. We were pleasantly surprised. The decor was very upscale with big boothes next to a water wall. The bar was a dark wood with leather bar chairs and a stone wall behind it. Of course, there were big plasma TVs but the overall feel was more like a fine dining restaurant than a sports bar. J (husband) had fish and chips but, instead of "chips", he had onon rings. They were really good! I am an onion ring "snob". I only like the onion rings from Winsteads, a restaurant in Kansas City. So, I very rarely even try onion rings from a restaurant because I know they won't meet the Winsteads "standard" :o) However, I tried these and, yay...they were pretty good. I told J & J that on a scale of 1-100 (Winsteads being 1000 (not a typo), of course...lol), those onion rings were about a 75. Not bad...I'd probably eat them again.
I carried a purple Vera Wang Hobo bag. It's very slouchy and has great silver hardware. I also wore a purple scarf and gloves. At this time of year, I love wearing scarves. I need to figure out more ways to wear them, though. It seems that I only know about three ways.
I was "googling" things last night and found this really cool peace sign. I'm trying to figure out how to put it under my blog title box. So, Lori (or anyone who knows), if you're reading this, let me know how to do it. I want it to look like the book widget at the top of your blog.
I just read that the Rocky Mountain News will cease publicaton tomorrow. We have two newspapers in our city and the best one will be gone.
I'm a little bit of a news "junkie". I love to read the paper with a cup of tea to start my day. Besides just being a better paper, editorially, and more in line with my views, it's printed "tabloid" style which makes it so much easier to read. I love the style section, especially, Evalinda and Judy's column, "Style Matters". The Rocky's cartoons are far better than the other paper's. I guess I'll go online and read "Baby Blues". My favorite section, however, was the "Your Hub". It is a weekly insert focusing on our neighborhood. Readers were encouraged to submit articles and photos. It wasn't uncommon to see people that we knew...kids from school, Girl Scout troops, etc. On Thursdays, it was the part I read first.
Our subscription is, supposedly, being transfered to the other paper, as the two have had a Joint Operating Agreement for a few years. We'll let it lapse and just get the news online and on television.
This really makes me sad...not just for all those who have lost their jobs but for the piece of my day that will be lost. Wow, I sound like a cranky old lady. Well, right now, I guess I am.
I've been on the waiting list at the library for the new Adriana Trigiani novel,"Very Valentine". Today, my friend, Lori, emailed me and said that she's enjoying it as much as "Lucia, Lucia"...yay! Just what I wanted to hear. Lori has almost the same taste in novels that I do...with one glaring exception...lol...so, I knew that if she liked it, so would I.
I decided to buy the book instead of waiting. I had a 40% off coupon and a $10 gift card to Border's. Doing the math, I figured the hardcover would cost me less than $8...great deal! Or so, I thought...the coupon expired yesterday. I called two different Border's to see if they have a "grace period" but no luck. While one manager who I spoke with was very polite and explained their policy, the other manager was rude and snippy. So, I took my business to their competitor, Barnes & Noble. I called and was told that their copy was 20% off with another 20% for members because it was in hardcover. Again, doing the math, this was a great deal as I had a $25 gift card. When, I got the book, however, the sticker said "20% off/ members save another 10%". As I checked out, I told the clerk that she should tell the staff that they're giving out incorrect information on the phone. She apologized and offered an extra 15% coupon that she had laying by the register. Cool! So, it was even cheaper. I can't wait to start reading it. The other new book I received is a galley copy of Lisa See's newest novel, "Shanghai Girls". I signed up on a publisher's website and get new books every once in a while. Makes my day to see the packages by the door.
I also received the zebra print bag I ordered from Ebay. it's perfect! While I wanted this bag, I knew it was very trendy. I definitely did not want one that had colored trim. So, it took a while to find one but I did and I love it. It's huge, of course, and as plain as a zebra print purse can be :o). I've said it before, but a bag like this is the perfect "pop" for a solid color top and jeans. Split decision, though, on whether it's liked or not. M doesn't like but my husband does. The other kid, J, my son, could not care less!
~I now have a purple glitter computer keyboard and mouse. M and I were at Claire's and the set was on sale for $5. I LOVE anything purple so I bought it. J and J think it's crazy but it's actually a great set. The keyboard is very quiet. My last keyboard was very loud...all the keys "clicked" when hit. My only complaint is that it lays flat so I propped a book under it and it's good to go!
~I am starting to be obsessed with blog backgrounds. I, seriously, could change it everyday. There are so many great ones! I even found a Bon Jovi background but I can't figure out how to add it.
~We play an online game called "Bookworm", usually scoring about 250,000 points. Last night, J and I played a game and when it finally ended, we had scored over 2,640,000 points. We started at about 9 pm, J went to bed at 1am and I went to bed at 2:30 am. I actually left the computer on last night because you can't "save" the game. I played this morning until I finally lost. I have a feeling that game was a fluke and I'm hoping that we won't try to better that score any time soon.
~I ordered a really cute purse on Ebay last week and can't wait to receive it. I already have the outfit I will wear with it planned. Yes, I do that :o) More often than not, I will choose a purse first and then plan my outfit around it. I have tomorrow's outfit planned starting with the bag.
~I read a lot of blogs mostly "Mom" blogs and adoption blogs. I read somewhere that 36 million women blog. I think that number may be high but what an interesting concept blogging is. It amazes me how open some people are about very intimate details of their lives...and then strangers (me and many, many others)can read all about it. I blog "surf"...going from one blog to another that is linked from the first. Usually, I choose a title that sounds interesting and go from there.
~Speaking of blogs, I completely understand how a lot of blogs are all about the children. It's a 21st century way of keeping family informed of what's going on. I'm trying, though, to make my blog about me. Is that selfish? Probably. Does that make me a bad Mom? I don't think so. Even though I have my blog set to "private', I don't want strangers knowing a lot about my kids. Of course, I will mention them...but I won't post pictures or even write their full name. That, however, has more to do with my laziness (not wanting to type it out) than secrecy :o) Also, those who know them...know what they look like and what their names are.
~ My husband's name also starts with a J. I think it's fairly easy to figure out who I'm talking about.
~I can't think of anything else to write about and I'm tired so I'll end this here and blog again another time.
We received a note in M's Friday Folder that her elementary school will finally have a new Principal starting next year. We've been subjected to a "lame duck" principal for two school years and, believe me, the school has suffered because of her. There is, literally, not one nice thing I can say about her. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!
Our new principal is the current assistant principal at a nearby junior/senior high school. This school has an exemplary reputation and has to hold a lottery because so many people want their children to attend. It was also recently in the news as the best school in Colorado. So, his reputation proceeds him. I hope he'll do good for our school. Even though M will only be there for his first year, it's a neighborhood school so, even without students in the school, we are still "invested".
I was on the selection committee last year and it was, truly, an invaluable experience. We interviewed ten candidates, asking them the same prepared questions. It was eye-opening to say the least. There were candidates that were so underqualified, I felt everyone's time was being wasted. There were also candidates, that while qualified, just weren't the right fit for our school. In the end, the committee could not recommend any candidate and the Community Superintendent decided to offer the position to a candidate that the we (the other parent representative on the committee and I) called Howdy Doody. We were beyond furious! Of all the candidates, he was ABSOLUTELY the worst possible fit for our school. Needles to say, we "sprang into action". We voiced our strong dissatisfaction not only to the CS, but to the Superintendant of the district. We were told that we would have the opportunity to speak to him again and question him but the offer had already been accepted. We came prepared with a list of questions specific to our school and his vision for it. The phrase "guns blazing" comes to mind :o) The meeting was to start at 8:00am. When he wasn't there at that time, I knew something was up. We were told that he had called the CS that morning and declined the offer. My guess is that he was told that there was very strong opposition to him and that his job wouldn't be as easy as he might have thought it would be. Our school is very highly rated and we wanted a Principal who would not only keep it that way but make it even better. When we were told the news, it took everything I had not to jump for joy!! Even though it meant one more year with idiot Principal, it was worth it not to have Howdy Doody as Principal.
I have high hopes for our new Principal. I truly wish him luck and hope he's exactly what we need. On a lighter note, I carried a Liz Claiborne black and white cheetah print hobo with deep red patent trim and handles. While it's a little on the "wild" side, I like to wear it when I wear a lot of black. It adds just the right "punch".
Like every person who's followed the crash of Flight 1549 into the Hudson River, I think Captain Sullenberger is a hero. After watching the 60 Minutes interview tonight, I am in awe of this man. His calm demeanor, presence of mind and abilities during this near-catastrophe only scratch the surface of his humanity. What a remarkable man.
Today is my birthday. I actually received birthday greetings via text message. While I'm not always a fan of texting, it made me laugh to receive them. Thanks, C and D :o)
I am really looking forward to two novels being released soon. There is a new "Maisie Dobbs" book..."Among The Mad". Jacqueline Winspear will be doing a signing here which I'll probably attend. I've seen her two or three times and she is a very engaging speaker.
Also, there is a new Adriana Trigiani novel, "Very Valentine". This is the first in a trilogy that sounds very much like one of my all-time favorite books(by her, incidentally)called "Lucia, Lucia". That's the good news...bad news...the other triology she wrote I hated! I couldn't even finish it. I'm really hoping this triolgy is as good as "Lucia, Lucia". I'm re-reading an old Ed McBain "Precinct 87" mystery. Those were the first "adult" mysteries that I read. I forgot how good they are! I've put a few others on hold at the library. I'm reading "Widows" and it ws signed by Ed MaBain when I met him years ago. It's great to rediscover an old favorite. My bag today was a new black hand-held tote by Vera Wang. It has a very subtle black logo that adds just the right amount of design. The piping and handles are black patent with the hardware in gold. I've come to the conclusion that black bags with gold/brass hardware tend to be more classic while silver/nickle hardware makes a black bag look "edgier". I know I put way too much thought into this but that's a conclusion that I've reached. Even though I have bags that disprove my theory (black bags with gold/brass that are edgy as well as black bags with silver/nickel that are very classic), I think it's mostly true!
Let me preface this by saying I know this is silly... I'm sitting here watching Dooney & Borke on QVC. It makes me very happy to watch this! Had I known, in college, that talking about Dooney & Bourke handbags on TV was a legitimate career opportunity...I would have definitely majored in that!Can you imagine that...getting paid for discussing handbags on TV. The host today was not one of my favorites but I love Susan from Dooney. I could so be her friend!
I feel like a traitor as I watch the D&B presentation. I'm not carrying one of my many Dooney and Bourke handbags today. I'm carrying a Kathy Van Zeeland bag today. It's very "blingy", according M. I only carry it when I'm wearing solid colors. Today, it's a black shirt and jeans. In my opinion, it's just the right amount of bling for that outfit.
If you are interested in...
~ an honest and thoughtful review of your novel... mysteries, historical and contemporary fiction and romance are my favorite genres
~ an interview
~ a guest post
~ a sponsored giveaway
... posted on Bags, Books & Bon Jovi, please email MyHandbagHabit@AOL.com
Who Are These Great People & Why Are They Following Me?
I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles. - Audrey Hepburn
As my blog title says, three of my very favorite things are Bags, Books and Bon Jovi. Of course, family and friends are high on that list, but, not every entry will include them. This is my place in cyberspace...
Posts
