Happy Mother's Day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

To all my friends...I hope today is filled with love and joy!

First Line Friday & A Few Other Things

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author 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. So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book. Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

"On Wednesday, July 10 1910, as a light fog drifted along the River Scheldt, Cap. Henry George Randall prepared his ship, the SS Montrose, for what should have been the most routine of voyages, from Antwerp direct to Quebec City, Canada."
Thunderstruck
Erik Larson

This is a very descriptive first line because it hints at what's to come. The words "for what should have been the most routine of voyages" tells me this voyage will be anything but. Although, I know the stories and the outcome, I look forward to see how Larson weaves them together.

I've wanted to read this novel for a while. I loved "Devil in the White City" and have heard great things about this novel. It's the seperate stories of how Guglielmo Marconi invented the telegraph as well as Dr. Hawley Crippin's flight from justice after murdering his wife. The stories come together as the new invention is used to capture Crippin and his accomplice... his lover, Ethel le Neve, who posed as his son on the trans-Atlantic voyage.

I have to say, also, that I love the cover. It's dark and foreboding with a lightning bolt (divine justice, perhaps?) looking like it's hitting the ship. As I love novels set in the early 20th century, the cover is also appealing because it is a photograph so it's historically accurate.

Larson's note to reader's before the novel begins also struck a chord because he quotes from a wonderful mystery we just read and discussed for my book club... The Murder Room by PD James. She is an author that I had read years ago and truly enjoyed but had not read recently. Several women also agreed with me and we all decided she is an author whose books deserve a re-read. So, to read his note just solidifies that I will most definitely pick up another Dalgliesh or Cornelia Grey in the near future.

The last sentence of his note is genius. It reads, "If, for example, you learn more than you need to know about a certain piece of flesh, I apologize, though, I confess I make that apology only halfheartedly." I can just imagine Mr. Larson at his keyboard, typing that. What a way to suck the reader in! I'm really not one for "gore" but I know that he researched the subject and felt it was necessary to include. Authors like that are what make reading, even reading the gory parts, so worthwhile.


Today, I will carry my Dooney & Bourke Medallion Satchel. I'm wearing a silk shirt with multicolored threads sewn throughout. The colors in the bag are a perfect complement to the shirt. The inside of the bag is sky blue and makes me happy every time I open it.

Because the title of my blog is Bags, Books & Bon Jovi...
Because I've already discussed both... bags and books...
Because I haven't blogged about Bon Jovi in a while...
Because I recently found this picture...
And because it just makes me VERY HAPPY...

Teaser Tuesday

I LOVE 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.
You also need to 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!

"Florence and Warren brought in a fresh pot of coffee and a large plate of sugar cookies. Betsy knelt on the floor and poured coffee for everyone as she and Ted kept talking about their experience at Time."
page 94
Fast Copy
Dan Jenkins

I found this book in the Friends of the Library bookstore with the first cover. I was definitely intrigued but being the financially responsible (read...cheap...lol) person that I am, I went to the stacks to find it. The library edition had the white cover. Honestly, I judged this book by its cover. Had I seen the white cover first, I probably would not have even picked it up. It's interesting, though, Texas during the Depression.

I pulled out another "vintage" Dooney bag today. It's an iconic Dooney color... British Tan. It's so small, compared to what I now normally carry. I could only fit my wallet, keys, phone and, of course, my ever-present chapstick. I know that is what most women carry in their bags but I'm old-fashioned I still carry a day planner. I have a "smart phone" but cannot bring myself to use the calendar in it. I know I should but I would feel completely lost without my planner.

First Line Friday and Lost &Found

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...
First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author 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.
So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book.
Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

"Maisie Dobbs, Psychologist and Investigator, picked up her fountain pen to sign her name at the end of a final report that she and her assistant, Billy Beale, had worked late to complete the night before."
Among The Mad
Jacqueline Winspear

This sentence is very straight forward...much like the novels, themselves.

I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE the Maisie Dobbs series! I bought this book a few weeks ago but it's still on my TBR pile. Although, it's been "bumped" for other books, I know it'll be a real treat when I do read it. These books are, quite possibly, in my top five favorite series. Maisie is an amazing character but, better than that, the novels are so well-written. Jacqueline Winspear is an extraordinary storyteller. I blogged a while back that she was in town and I was going to see her. Luckily, I've seen her before because, I completely forgot to go. HUH? I am a slave to my day planner and it was written down. I could not believe that I had forgotten... it was in my day planner :o)

I met a friend for lunch today. I hadn't seen her in a while even though our kids are in the same class. We had a fun lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. It was not without a little drama, though. As I was getting out of my car, I felt the chain of the necklace I always wear fall away. I found the chain but could not find the Cross that was on it. After tearing my car apart, I started thinking it probably fell in my bra. Yeah, very surreptitiously, I checked...no luck. I was almost in tears. At home and after another thorough search of my car, I finally found the Cross in the pocket of my jeans.

I carried my black woven tote today. Even though it's huge and M says (every time...lol) "I can put my whole body in here", it's one I use a lot. My everyday bags have to be big enough to carry my book and this one could carry all the Harry Potter books with Gone With The Wind thrown in. Yes, its contents were dumped TWICE in the search for my Cross pendant. Had it been smaller, i would have probably felt the need to only check it once :o)

Waiting on Wednesday

I know the rule for Waiting on Wednesday is to talk about a book that I am waiting to be published. I've done it before and, now, I'm doing it again :o) My WoW is a book that I'm on the waiting list at my library.

"Schemers" is the latest "Nameless" Detective novel by Bill Pronzini. There are forty titles in the series and I (think) I've read them all. They are written in first person so the narrator never reveals his first name. It's not gimmicky. He's not trying to hide it. Because of the first person narration, he says things like," I gave him my name" or "I introduced myself". It's very natural and I never felt like I really needed to know it. Or maybe it was like a good friend's name... you know it but don't feel the need to use it all the time.
Bill Pronzini is married to Marcia Muller. She writes the (also fantastic) Sharon McCone mysteries. They collaborated on "Double"... a mystery told from each detective's point-of-view. In that book, "Nameless" was called "Wolf" by Sharon because he's a "lone wolf". In some of her novels, Sharon mentions "Wolf". I love things like that. I feel like the authors are "thanking" the readers for reading both series.
My bag today was a Bath & Body Works pale turquoise bag. I kept the sides zipped so it carries more like a purse as opposed to a tote bag. I bought one for M to carry to school. She has decided that tote bags are very "7th grade" and as a 5th grade fashionsta, she must be on the cutting edge :o) I "borrowed" this picture because I'm lazy and the internet is easy.

I had my hair highlighted on Saturday. It looks great even though it's two shades lighter than normal... very summery! The new buzz word at the salon was sulfate-free (or is that two words?). I guess sulfates are very damaging to color-treated hair. I've tried salon brand shampoos and have never been impressed. So now, I'm looking for a moderately priced sulfate-free shampoo. I think I'm heading to Target tomorrow and trying L'Oreal Ever Pure shampoo. If anyone uses any other great sulfate-free shampoo, let me know!

Teaser Tuesday

I LOVE 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.
You also need to 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!

"You took a pill at lunch, remember?"
"That was for my heart."
page 95
Thanks for the Memories
Cecilia Ahern
I loved "P.S. I Love You" (the book, not the movie...never saw it. I'm not a Hilary Swank fan). I'm not too far into this but so far, I'm liking it. It's a light fast read.

First Line Friday, Gerald Kolpan & Thanks!

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...
First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author 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.
So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book.
Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

"Among all the other things her father liked to call her, he could now add "thief".
Etta
Gerald Kolpan

This is a great first line! Not only did I hear it read by the author (more on that later), but, my first thought is that almost no daughter would want her father to know that she's a thief. As I'm sure you have noticed, I am very excited to hear this book. I'm getting highlights tomorrow. It's a long appointment and I'm going to read this fantastic book during most of it!

Gerald Kolpan did a book signing last night at a local independent book store. I love signings and try to attend when it's an author I love or, like last night, a new author I am excited about.

He is a great speaker... funny, engaging and informative. He allowed the audience to choose the two passages that he read. As he read, he almost "acted" the scenes. It was a refreshing change from some authors who deliver a very stilted read. As at most signings, the "movie" topic came up. While joking that he had not thought about the casting, he mentioned several names under his breath :o) So, while I'm reading this novel, I will try to picture Charlize Theron as Etta, Johnny Depp as Sundance, Christina Ricci as Della Rose, and my personal favorite casting... Giovanni Ribisi as Kid Curry.

I told him that I had read a lot of blogs that are raving about this book and even though, I'm in a bookstore or library, regularly, it was through these blogs that I discovered his book. I asked his opinion of this new (at least, to me) way of "advertising". He is happy with bloggers and feels that it is the best way for readers to connect with other readers. While he is very grateful for the wonderful professional reviews, he likes that bloggers are reading the ARCs and, as readers, getting the word out about first novels. He mentioned his website...www.GeraldKolpan.com...which, of course, I checked out. It's a great site with a lot of interesting information.

I have to say a huge THANK YOU to Michele at http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/ She sent an ARC of "Etta" to me. Michele, I didn't even realize that her head was cut off on the cover until you mentioned it. Still a great cover!It must be... it's taking over my blog :o)


I carried a navy blue belted hobo bag by Kathy Van Zeeland today. With the exception of one bag, all of my KVZs are this style. While some are "blingier" (is that even a word?!?) than others, this style is great. The "belt" gives the bag a great shape while holding in my stuff. I wish I say that about every belt :o) I bought this handbag mostly because it's a perfect navy blue. Like another Dooney satchel that I have, it's my "go to" bag when wearing jeans.

Waiting on Wednesday

I know the purpose of Waiting on Wednesday is to blog about books that I'm waiting to be published. One of my books fits that criteria, the other does not. Since, I'm excited for both, I'm including it. I'm such a rebel :o)

Yes, I'm a "Little House on the Prairie" geek. I loved it when I was a kid and I love it now, when I catch the reruns on the Hallmark channels. My kids may not admit it but, they will sit and watch it, too. So, I can't wait to read Melissa Gilbert's memoir...especially as it pertains to LHOTP.


The other book I'm waiting on this Wednesday is "Etta" by Gerald Kolpan. It's the fictionalized life of Etta Place... better known the Sundance Kid's paramour. It's been getting great reviews on book blogs that I read. It's being sent to me by another blogger and I can't wait to read it. I received an email today from a local bookstore that the author is doing a signing. Yes, I will be there!

My bag today was a reuseable grocery bag that my daughter's student council sold. It has the school mascot on the front, too :o) Not the most stylish bag I've carried but since today is Earth Day, I thought it was appropriate and it's PURPLE...how could I resist?!? I hope you did something good for the planet today...and every day!

Teaser Tuesday

I LOVE 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.
You also need to 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!

"I just didn't know where to turn."
Mel shook her head sadly.
page 289
Vigin River
Robyn Carr

This is definitely a "fluff" book and as Seinfeld would say, "Not that there is anything wrong with that." It's the first in a series, and while I'm enjoying this one, I really don't think I'll continue with the series. I started reading it because I was "trudging" through "A Reliable Wife" and needed something easy. I have read nothing but great reviews about "A Reliable Wife" so I'm feeling a little guilty about not loving it. I know we can't all love the same books but I had high hopes for that one. I still have it on my nightstand and will give it another try but, for right now, a little "fluff" is exactly what I want.

I carried one of my favorite Coach bags today. I really need to carry this more. It seems a little fragile because of it's material. I'm not sure what it is but feels almost like silk. Because of that, I am very careful where and when I carry it. Wherever I carry, though, I always get a lot of compliments and people wanting to touch it. What's with that?!? I'm glad you like it but don't touch my bag!!!

Close To Home

Columbine High School is less than five miles from my home.

Please remember the victims, their families and friends on this 10th anniversary of that horrific day.

First Line Friday... Deanna Raybourn

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...
First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author 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.
So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book.
Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

"Well, I suppose that settles it."
Silent in the Sanctuary
Deanna Raybourn

Honestly, not the most compelling first sentence I've read. However, I know this will be an amazing mystery. This is the second in the Lady Julia Grey series. The third one was recently published, so I need to read this one. The first novel, "Silent in the Grave" has one of the best opening paragraphs that I can remember ever reading. Even though, it's not in my TBR pile...:o) obviously. I just want to share.

"To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor."
Silent in the Grave
Deanna Raybourn

Isn't that great! How could you not be drawn in? The entire novel is fantastic read.

This is the cover of the third book and I am really disappointed. It looks like a "bodice ripper". Don't get me wrong...I love a good "bodice ripper". I belonged to a book club where we read and discussed romance novels. However, the Lady Grey mysteries are not "bodice rippers". The covers of these well-written mysteries should be just that... mysterious. While I was "googling" these book covers, I came across other versions. I can see that the publisher is going for a different look. This one, for "Silent in the Sancuary", is defintely a better version of their new concept. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but, I think, this cover will miss the audience Deanna Raybourn is writing for... mystery readers.

Today, I carried my Dooney & Bourke tote. It has a subtle D&B logo and big enough to carry a book (a definite must-have for me. I always carry my book.).

Teaser Tuesday, Deadliest Catch & Decadent Desserts

I LOVE 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.
You also need to 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!

I'm excited to use "Galway Bay" by Mary Pat Kelly as my Teaser. I finally picked it up at the library the other day. I'm not too far into it but it's as good as I had hoped.

"Thousands lined up every day to go through the torturous process. Hundreds never reached the soup caulron-sent away when the official closed distribution at sunset."
page 198
Galway Bay

These sentences make me sad. Although I know the book is set during Irish Potato Famine, it's difficult to read things like this.

We watched the season premiere of Deadliest Catch tonight. We love that show. Our favorite captains are Sig and Phil. I don't eat a lot of crab, but whenever we go to Red Lobster, I think about those guys. They earn every single penny they make...it really is the deadliest job! My favorite thing about the show...the opening sequence. It has the BEST theme song :o)



J and I went to buffet for lunch today. It's probably the best buffet, outside of Vegas, that we go to. I don't eat a lot of desserts, but at this buffet, I definitely do. Okay, I probably shouldn't admit to this, but it was so decadent. I had two chocolate covered strawberries, a caramel apple and as we were leaving, cotton candy. Wow, I'm surprised I'm not in a sugar coma.


I carried a very plain brown suede hobo shoulder bag. Nothing too exciting but it matches the shirt I wore and the lining looks like a striped Oxfrd shirt. I've said it before but it's those little things that make me love a bag.

Happy Easter!

May Easter Sunday be peaceful and blessed with a little bit of fun!

Happy Easter!

First Line Friday

This is the second week of my First Line Friday. If you enjoy it, do it on your blog!The problem of deciding which book from my TBR pile I would use was solved when I came home and saw a package from Stacy. She sent a copy of Harlan Coben's "Just One Look" along with a really cute bookmark. Yes, I'm a book geek...I LOVE bookmarks! Thanks so much, Stacy! I've never read any of his novels. I've heard nothing but great things about them, though. Lori is a fan, so I'm looking forward to reading it.

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...
First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author 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.
So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book.
Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

"Scott Duncan sat across from the killer."
Just One Look by Harlan Coben.

I know nothing about this novel. I haven't even read the dust jacket. This sentence really starts the book off with a bang. Does Scott knows the person is the killer? Who did he/she kill? Is Scott safe or is he being held, against his will, by the killer? For that matter, who is Scott? This is a great first line and I can see why Harlan Coben has a loyal following.


It's all about The Masters at our house this weekend. J is a HUGE golf fanatic...anything and everything golf! So, this is the be-all and end-all for him. Even the kids are fans. My favorite golfer is Rocco Mediate!
Go on, I know you want to say his name out loud! It's the coolest name ever! He's really laid back but can kick ass on the course. I would LOVE to see him take the Green Jacket on Sunday. He's in the clubhouse Friday with a -1, tied for 28th. J doesn't care who wins, as long as it isn't "Loser Lefty".


I carried a silver faux leather woven tote today. It was a Gift With Purchase from Clinique as you can tell from the silver "C" fob hanging from the strap. I wore a black tunic that has silver accents and this bag complements it perfectly. I just wish it had at least one pocket inside. There's nowhere to put my phone so I can find it easily. I also wish it had some kind of closure but, since it was free, I can't really complain. It's cute and goes great with the tunic I wore...so...it's all good!

I'd Like To Thank The Academy

...actually my friend, Lori, said that.


This is a blog award I received from Stacy. She included my blog on her blog roll. Wow, I feel "famous! Thanks again, Stacy. You have a great blog! You can find her here... stacybuckeye.wordpress.com

The Rules:
1) Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude
3) Link to your nominees within your post
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award

Here are my favorite blogs...

Lori... lori-thequeensnewthrone.blogspot.com
Renee... renee-whateverdude.blogspot.com
Karen.... karenintx.blogspot.com
Cyndy... luvmydoxies.blogspot.com


I think I'm on a Dooney & Bourke "spree" lately. I carried another one today. It's another All-Weather Leather vintage satchel. I bought this on Ebay and switched out the handle so they weren't so long. Although the bag looks black in this picture, it's navy blue. It's a great bag to wear with jeans.