omg, it's been so long!

Can't believe how long it has been since I've been on this blog. I've been crazy busy. New job (woohoo!), taking Spanish at night (yeehaw!) and trying to fit in some reading every now and then.

But the cool news is that my new job is all about books. School library. Elementary. I love it!

So I'm recommending 2 children's books that are amazing.

One is a great book to read with kiddos and to teach tolerance. When kids are harassed by bullies, they learn that they can stand up and say, "No, I won't let someone treat me that way." I know it's easier said that done, and that it doesn't always work. But this book is a start. Plus, if read to young kids, it might cause a potential bully to realize how words can hurt someone. Anyway, it's a great book, and the artwork is beautiful even though it's minimal.

Even better than One, but you need to read One to understand Zero. I've felt like Zero more times than I can count, but I know I have value. It just took some time to figure it out. Zero reminds me of my journey, but it does so in a way that is refreshing. If you've ever felt like you were less than nothing because you aren't like everyone else, please read Zero and realize just how much value you really do have.

The Omnivore's Dillema: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

Just as the drought hits the rest of the nation and sends corn prices skyhigh, I put this audiobook into the player. I mainly picked it up because it is read by Scott Brick, and he totally rocks (sorry for the 80s vocabulary, but he's an amazing narrator). While listening, though, I started to think about things. When I was a kid, we ate mostly farm food because my grandparents had a farm with produce, orchards, and livestock. Just about everything I ate, excluding Ding Dongs and Dr Pepper, was raised by them. So I always knew where my food came from. However, I had no idea where the food my friends ate came from.

This book answers the question that many people ask: what are we eating anyway?

I am excited about Polyface Farms in Virginia and have been exploring options available locally because they do NOT ship their food. It would defeat the purpose of a local farm. I find myself looking at just about everything I purchase now to find out where it is from and what is in it. If there are more corn products than anything else, I pass. Except for Dr Pepper because I am seriously addicted to the stuff.

I'll never forget when my grandparents gave me and my brother a calf, Harry, for Christmas one year. He was a beautiful calf, and he would eat grass from our hands and let us pet him on the head while he licked his nostrils with his nose. A gentleman, he was not. But he was a gosh-darned great calf. He stayed at their farm, and we visited him when we visited the grandparents. I knew where meat came from, but I didn't realize that Harry had a purpose in life greater than cleaning out his own nostrils. One day, my dad piled us into the car and said we were going to pick up Harry. I had no idea where he would ride in the car, but I had faith that he could sit in my lap. Yes, I was young and naive. Harry came out of a building, but he came out in little white packages stuffed into boxes. Not the future I had envisioned for my beloved calf. I didn't eat meat for a year.

I later learned to appreciate the flavor of grass-fed beef, pastured chickens, and fresh produce. When I got married and began buying everything at the grocery store, I quickly realized there was no flavor to anything I ate. I have rediscovered grass-fed beef and eat it when I can afford it. And I love the Farmer's Market that shows up on Saturdays in a parking lot down the road. One day, I hope to find a place like Polyface Farms where I can get to know the farmer and have complete confidence in the food I am eating.

So if you're interested in what is on your plate and in your stomach, read this excellent book. I recommend the audio version because Scott Brick is a very talented narrator. I know people who listen to all his audio books no matter the author or subject. Michael Pollan, the author, is also great. He definitely gets you to think about what you eat and why. I enjoyed getting to know him as an author through reading this book.

Teenage Paparazzo (film)

Teenage Paparazzo (film)

So I've never seen Entourage, which means I had no idea who Adrian Grenier was until I saw this film. Yikes, I feel a bit out of touch tonight. However, watching Grenier's film about this 14-yr-old paparazzo (Austin) was a powerful experience. Adrian decided to start learning more about the paparazzi life by spending time learning from a teenager who photographs celebrities. Adrian becomes a paparazzo himself for a while to see what the life is like. He tries to encourage Austin to expand his horizons into something more meaningful, perhaps photo-journalism. His guidance is quickly interrupted by another celebrity siting, so Austin has to leave to get photographs of another star. Throughout the film, Austin grows up and begins to reflect on his life and his actions. Adrian becomes sort of a mentor to him as well as a friend. Both learn a little bit about each other and are able to accept the relationship they have.

I can't imagine being a famous person. I would hate to be followed by people who think it's okay to stalk a person every moment of the day or night and take photographs. I would also hate to be the person taking those photographs. Even though there is a lot of money at stake, is it really worth it? I used to be a royal watcher and bought magazine after magazine to find out everything possible about Princess Diana. Then she died in a tragic wreck that was most likely caused in part by the paparazzi. It was only then that I realized how much of an invasion of privacy celebrities experience. It took the death of a woman who was trying to make the best of her situation to cause me to wake up. The photographs of Princess Diana comforting land-mine victims made headlines, yes. But they were nothing compared to the photographs of her dancing with John Travolta or sulking at a dinner after a fight with her ex-husband. I am embarrassed to admit that I wanted to know all the lurid details about her life, and the good things she did such as touching an AIDS patient when that was considered really taboo in the 1980s weren't even on my radar.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm guilty of feeding the paparazzo culture myself. A lot of us are. I don't watch the celebrity sighting talk shows anymore, nor do I read the gossip magazines. I am sad that it took the deaths of three people to get my attention too. This film, Teenage Paparazzo, shows how quickly and easily we can become obsessed with celebrity, and how much we have begun to feel we have a right to be involved in these people's lives.

Watch the film. You won't look at the magazines in the checkout aisle the same ever again.

After Ever After

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick

Sonnenblick's novel about a junior high student struggling with life after cancer made the Texas Lone Star Reading List. Jeffrey and his friend Thad are at the center of this story about childhood cancer survivors. Both boys are struggling with school, standardized testing, relationships, and the after-effects of cancer treatments. When Thad's cancer returns for the third time, their trust in the world is tested. Thad's scathing wit carries the story while Jeffrey grounds the reader with the reality cancer survivors go through.

This book is a frank look at childhood cancer and relationship issues. I was touched, yet I also found myself giggling sometimes, mainly when Sonnenblick portrayed the teachers. Great book, timely topic. I feel it deserves its Lone Star distinction.

Movie: The Descendants

  Okay, so I picked this film up because it had George Clooney in it. I admit it. I had no idea what to expect with this film other than what I saw in the previews. I must say I was wowed. I don't want to give plot lines away, but this movie hit home with me. I love the fact that Clooney's character Matt had a chance to vent his rage to his wife about how he had been hurt even though she was unaware of what was going on. In a way, it may have given his character some closure.

You will cry. A lot. If you have parents, you will cry. If you have children, you will cry. If you are or ever were married, you will cry. Basically, it's a tear-jerker of a story. But don't let that turn you away. The film has some hysterical moments though such as when Matt asks Sid, "Do you get hit a lot?" This movie explores family relationships, husband/wife relationships, and even delves into ethical issues without preaching. This could be anyone's family because of the problems with which they are trying to cope. We could all learn something from viewing it.

And George Clooney is still quite a selling point if you ask my humble opinion.

Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

 Another amazing title. I really believe that all humans should read this or at least check out some of it. The idea that all of us no matter our religion or lack of religion can still be good and should still be good is one we must all take to heart. Just because someone does not subscribe to any religion does not mean that person is not ethical and does not have good in them. Instead, it shows us that being religious or pious does not necessarily mean we are actually good people.

His Holiness encourages all of us to find the good in others, to seek to leave the world a better place that it was when we entered it, and to demonstrate compassion and love to others. Lately, that seems like quite a chore for many people. Some are vehemently opposed to accepting others who may have differences, but the good news is that there are still people on this planet who are ethical. I hope I can always say I am one of those people.

I plan to practice some of the mindful meditation techniques His Holiness discussed near the end of the book. I feel that by finding focus on something other than myself and my problems, I will remember to take care of the world and its inhabitants better than I have been doing lately.

Another Earth -- film

I haven't posted about films yet, and I promised I would. I think it's appropriate to start with Another Earth (2011). The film stars Brit Marling as Rhoda, a teenager who is involved in a horrific accident on the night that a second Earth is discovered. Rhoda pays her dues to society and finds a job as a school custodian. She eventually tries to make amends with the man whose life she destroyed, while at the same time, she is trying to win a contest to visit the second Earth.

The film is deep, and I can't stop thinking about it. I want Rhoda to have a normal life, but I understand that she will never have that chance again just like the people involved in the accident will never have the life they planned either. When it is discovered that the second Earth is a parallel of this planet, Rhoda's desire to visit the second Earth grows even more. What will she find there? Will she be able to change her own destiny? Should she?

After watching the film, I visited the message boards at www.imdb.com (Internet Movie Database) because I had a lot of questions. I didn't ask any questions, but I just perused the ones that were already posted. What I read made me want to see the film again because the other viewers started some interesting discussions.

Check it out and watch it twice. You'll enjoy it.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

Can I just say that I adored this book? I adored this book. There, I said it. I picked it up from work on Playaway because I wanted to listen to it as I exercised, and I am glad I got to listen to the narrator. Edward Herrmann brought the characters to life, and I loved listening to his adaptations of their voices.

The story of the Misty the pony is one that I will treasure because it is a true story of young innocence, sacrifice, love, and lessons learned. The story is told in a way that appeals to all ages and audiences, and I feel that I experienced a good down-home tale of two children who wanted a pony, worked hard for that pony, and realized that Nature still has a plan.

If you love horse stories, try Misty of Chincoteague. You will not be disappointed.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls is a tough read, but it is honest and bold. This young adult novel speaks volumes to anyone who loves someone with an eating disorder, a skewed self-image, or an addiction. Instead of being told from an outside point of view, Anderson brings the reader into the mind of Lia, a young girl who believes she will never be the thinnest.

After the death of her friend Cassie, Lia seems lost yet unable to stop hurting herself even though she knows that an eating disorder is the reason for Cassie's early death. Lia's family is at a loss how to help Lia through Cassie's death and also through her struggle with her weight. Lia seems to resist any help and support from anyone because she just doesn't see how her disorder affects anyone but herself.

Lia says it all when she mentions that when she gets to be 100 pounds, she'll need to weigh 90. When she gets down to 90 pounds, she'll have to weigh 80 and so on until she is finally down to 0. The fact that she is unable to live a normal life eludes her because to her, this obsession is normal. The compulsion to purge and harm herself is Lia's normal just as it was Cassie's normal.

Anderson's book is written not just for people with eating disorders like Lia's. It is written for their families as well. It is written for anyone who wants to understand why. Even though the question is not fully answered, the reader gains some insight into how a disorder can control a person and affect everyone around that person.

Even though the book gives a harsh reality, Anderson does allow the reader to feel some hope which is comforting. I listened to the book on Playaway, and I think hearing a young girl read it made it seem even more poignant. At the end of the novel, Anderson gives an interview that is exclusive to the audio recording, so do check it out sometime and hear her inspiration for the books she writes.

Story of a Storm

Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson. I was not sure what to expect from this book about the Galveston hurricane. I listened to it on audio and expected to just catch bits and pieces as I focused on driving instead of on the book. All expectations were wrong. Larson's book is engrossing. I learned so much about the storm and its aftermath, and I found myself listening to every word of the recording. That is quite a feat for me.

The book is a non-fiction account of the Galveston hurricane, and it focuses mainly on Isaac Cline, a meteorologist. The reader is presented with Isaac's decisions and the consequences of his actions in a manner that makes one sympathize with Isaac while at the same time, the reader is angry about the outcome. Stories of the dead and living bring history to life, and the storm is described well using eye-witness accounts.

I chose a good time to listen to this audio-book as it is the beginning of hurricane season here in the U. S. If you are interested in storms or Texas history, this is the book for you. It is well-written, and the meteorological information is not too difficult to understand by an average person like myself. The reader Edward Herrmann reads at a good pace with a clear voice. He's very easy to listen to, and that is so important in an audio-book.

I am editing this post (6/7/12) to add some information my mom gave me when I told her about the book. Apparently, her great-aunt's husband Oscar evacuated from Galveston when the storm approached. According to the family story, he packed up his mother and his invalid sister, and they all came north to the Fort Worth area where they stayed. He needed someone to look after his sister, and that is how he met Great-Aunt Gordie. Like most family stories, there may be some elements of exaggeration, but I like the idea of a lovely outcome from this terrible storm. 

Go Green!

Just finished listening to Farewell, My Subaru written and narrated by Doug Fine. I can't say enough about this book. First, I love the desert in southern New Mexico, so I was already sold on the book. Second, I want to live more sustainably and reduce my carbon footprint. So this book was perfect for me. I did have to wade through some politics, but the book was excellent anyway. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, and the sustainable life is definitely hard. However, he ended with hope and happiness. That is the best way to end a non-fiction book if you ask me.

I remember in 1992 or 1993 telling my dad that I wanted to quit college and be a farmer. I was almost a senior in college by then and had way more hours than I needed. Dad packed me up into the car and drove me out to my grandparents' farm. They had downsized by this time and only had a few cows, a few acres, a garden, and some apple trees that were more fertile than anyone or anything I had ever seen by this time. The phone was a rotary dial, and I was not about to try to figure out how to work it. Besides, I would have had to know the area code for my parents, and back then, no one cared about area codes. So I was stuck. Out there in Bridgeport with some cows, some chickens, a truck that I didn't know how to drive (at the time, I hadn't learned to drive a stick shift), and apples coming out of my ears. After three days, I fell in love with the life. I had already fallen in love when they lived in Sunset and had a huge (to me) farm with lots of cows and land. I can still smell the wildflowers today. However, while in Bridgeport, I realized very quickly that the farm life was not for me. Not at that time. I was too young and immature even though I was soon to be a college senior. What convinced me that I was not cut out for it was the apples. I think they only had a few apple trees, but those trees produced enough apples to feed a small nation. I do think I could make a go of it now though. Maybe. If I had blackberries instead of apples. Although apple blossoms do smell lovely, and it's hard to imagine sitting on the porch watching a sunset without the apple blossom fragrance hitting you upside the nose like a smack on the head.

In the meantime, I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint. I hypermile just about everywhere I drive and have reduced my gasoline usage. I unplug my laptop, printer, coffeepot, toaster, and most lamps until I actually use the devices. I don't let the water run in the sink willy nilly anymore. I combine errands in order to reduce the gas I use (saves me money too). I recycle aluminum, donate glass bottles to the craft folks at the senior citizens center, and rarely turn on my lights because the sun is pretty bright in here. I ride the train to work when I can (it's safer to keep me off the road anyway), and I rarely run my air conditioner at my apartment even in the Texas summer when temps get up into the 110s (this place is sealed like you wouldn't believe). Now, if I could just figure out how to grow vegetables on my completely shaded patio, then I'd be doing even more. But that's another project. I tried to grow herbs with the Aerogarden, but the cat kept chewing on the chives. She ended up getting so much cat hair into the motor that it quit working. I'll figure something out though.

So check out the book. Be green about it and borrow it from the library if you can. In the meantime, do everything possible to reduce your own footprint. This is the only planet we have to sustain life at the moment, and we need to pamper it and take care of it like there is no tomorrow. If we don't, there might not be a tomorrow.

Adding some videos

These are just some videos to show what Animoto.com and Power Point can do. And I know the Western video gives too much information. I did it almost as a book report instead of a teaser. 

It's been a while

It has been quite a while since I've been on this blog, but that does not mean I haven't been reading. I have been reading a lot lately, and I am exploring genre fiction now. I've discovered that I love it!

I finished The Bee Keeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King about a week ago. It was very entertaining, and I can't wait to pick up another Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes mystery. I want to learn more about Mary's past now.

I took a class last fall called Adult Programming and Materials, and most of the class was genre fiction. I read Westerns, Romances, Mysteries, Thrillers, and even Horror. I was dreading the Horror week, but I read Joe Hill's Heart-Shaped Box and made it through. Because of this class, I am now a huge fan of Anne Perry's work and am delving into more Agatha Christie than ever before.

Currently, I am reading a Caroline Graham mystery called Faithful Unto Death. Her novels were the inspiration for the Midsomer Murders television show, and both the show and the literature are great entertainment. The problem I'm having is that there are so many books I want to read, and I just don't have the time (or space) for them all. It's hard to prioritize too. I'll pick up three or four books from the library and start one of them. Then I'll get a few chapters into it and start wondering what's inside one of the other books. I should really just get one book at a time. Old habits die hard though. So that is where I have been. I have been busy finishing school and now finding more great books to read. I'm hoping to start getting back into more video book trailers too. I just have to take the time to do it.