Monday's Beginnings (2)

This is the beginning of a new week!

So, I am wondering: Where you are in your books or are you starting a new book for the new week? The beginning of the week always seems to be a great time to start anew. To me it seems to be the way Monday goes is a sign of how the week will follow. Have you been able to get much reading time in today? Or are you going to be rushed all week to get everything into the short 24 hour day?

I am still adding numerous books to my reading list. I think this week it has grown by four or five books. This really is a wonderful thing! You are all helping to keep me out of trouble and these wonderful authors in work.

Well, for me today:

I am still in my wonderful read of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Yes, I know you are all probably tired of seeing this book on my site. I am sorry. I am reading slowly to enjoy and savor every word. Okay, I am just a slow reader... But I have slipped another great book in to break this one up some, The Crown Conspiracy, (the review is listed here further down if you would like to read it). I am reading The Name of the Wind with others for over at the Barnes and Noble bookclub, so this being said we have stopping points which we stop reading and discuss the book thus far. This does not help with my slow reading syndrome.

Anyhow, as for how the reading is going today... Very well. I got my lunch hour reading in and a few hours of reading this evening. Even though our bathroom is not yet completely back together, I feel this is going to be a wonderful week for reading. To me this week has started off at a wonderful pace (maybe that was the week off of work last week that has helped with my view...).

Let me know how the week is looking for you and enjoy your books.

Create Your Own Cover!

Thanks to Alexia over at Alexia's_Books_and_Such I got to do this fun exercise, creating a book cover. There are a few cool covers floating around... Very fun! Give it a try, here's how:

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1. Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/

The name that appears is your author name.

2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml

The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.

3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php

Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.

4. Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put it all together.

Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.

5. Post it to your site along with this text.

Este Blog Investe e acredita na...

I would like to thank Deb at Bookmagic for this lovely award. I do feel greatly honored to receive this award. Please, if you haven't already, stop over at Debs' blog as she has wonderful information to share with everyone who is willing to read it.


Being a recipient of this award affirms that this blog invests and believes in the Proximity - nearness in space, time and relationships. This blog receives this great award as a further way to reiterate that it is excedingly charming, and aims to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give mor attention to these writers!


I would like to pass this award onto a few fellow bloggers:

Michelle at The_Book_Addict

Nikola at Nikola's_Book_Blog

Please give these blogs a little extra look when looking around the blogspace.

The Humane Award

I have just received this award from Michelle of at The_Book_Addict. Thank you Michelle!

The Humane Award is to mention and honor certain bloggers, whom I believe are wonderfully kind people. They visit my blog regularly and leave wonderful comments. I know myself, I enjoy reading and leaving comments, and these people seem to share in the same thoughts. I want to thank them all for visiting my blog and hope our friendship here in the blogging world will grow even more.

As it appears, three people I would give this award to have already received it, but I will mention them anyway: Ryan at Wordsmithonia, Krista at Life_or_Something_Like_it..., and Michelle whom presented me with this award. Please stop by and check this blogs out. They have a lot to share with us in the way of books and fun.


Now, I will present this award to bloggers whom deserve it:

Alexia at Alexia's_Books_And_Such...

Celi.a at Adventures_of_Cecelia_Bedelia

Thanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving your wonderful comments!!!

The Crown Conspiracy by Michael J. Sullivan

The Crown Conspiracy

Author: Michael J. Sullivan


Genre: Fiction


Publisher: Aspirations Media Publication


Cover Art and Map: Michael J. Sullivan


Publication Date: September 2008


Recommendation: Yes!


Summary from the Book:

Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats in the murder of the king.


Trapped in a conspiracy to overthrow the monarchy and sentenced to death, they have only one way out...

My summary and review:
Mystery, Adventure, and Epic. If you like these three things in a book, this is the book to read. There are Kings, Thieves, Wizards, Monks, Dwarves, and Elves... Then you have Murder, Lost Magic, History, Religion, Politics, and Rivalry.


I don't know about you, but many times at the start of a new book I am slightly lost until I figure out the world I am in and the characters it's about. Michael Sullivan has made the beginning easier on me and I LOVE it. The book starts right out with the deception and conniving of the Noble world along with action that introduces you to the characters and the world gently, yet pecks your interest. With most of the Noble world looking to help themselves to better land and holdings this leaves a job opening for Royce Melborn and Hadrian Blackwater to do what they do best... Steal.


I was not lost at all in the book. By page 50 the main characters have fallen into the main course of hot water. By page 105 you have touched on the history and details, starting to see a bigger picture of the mystery along with much more details of the history and happenings of the world.


One rule Royce and Hadrian live by is to not take a last minute job. They need to do their backgound checking on the job and people to do the job properly. However, Hadrian whom has a big heart and seems to be pulled to do good deeds agrees to a last minute, simple job of removing a valued sword from an empty room. Then this easy job goes awry, there is no sword to steal and they find something else, or I should say someone else... This is where they are caught and the mystery of who done it and why starts.


You meet the Prince, Alric Essendon, who is now King and the Princess, Arista Essendon. The Prince believes the thieves should be publicly tortured and executed, yet the distrought and emotional Princess has her wits about her better than others realize, believes their story. Now, Royce and Hadrian need to escape and protect the young, new King.


While Royce, Hadrian, and the new King Alric travel they find crafty ways to escape death from whoever wants the new King dead. This journey is not drawn out to unnecessary lengths, it is just right. On this journey a lone, brilliant monk, Myron, is encountered and convinced to return with the new King.


Once you are aware of the truth the momentum of the story keeps going, if not picks up more speed. Are the two thieves, Royce and Hadrian able to help the young new King save what is left of his family and stabilize th government again in Melegar... Or will the realm fall under a new Empire and spread across to the other Realms in Avryn?


I enjoyed this book very much. I do still have questions on some mysteries introduce, but this series is to be a multi-book series of six books. I look forward to reading more on Royce, Hadrian, Esrahaddon (Yes, I have not mentioned this name till now. You will have to read the book to see who he is and why I am interested in him. I am sure you will be too.), and the monk Myron along with the two churchs.


After reading through the whole book I have realized there is much more going on in the underlining of the book than I realized while reading. My mind just raveled at the many possiblities and questions. There are many stories left to be told here and I will be waiting to get to them.


I have the second book, Avempartha, and will move it closer to the top of my to be read pile then be awaiting the third, Nyphon Rising, to come out October 2009. If you would like to learn more of Michael J. Sullivans series of the world of Elan stop by his website at http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/index.html.

Word Verification Balderdash (2)

Word Verification Balderdash is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.
This is very easy to do. If you comment on blogs you can do this too. Write down all the word verifications you get while posting comments on other peoples blogs. You then play Balderdash with them. In case you don't know how to play, you take the made up word and come up with an authentic sounding definition for it.
Do this for a week and then post your best or favorite ones every Thursday.
Here are mine for this week:

Madippr - the Madhatters brother whom runs around with a ladle (hence dipper).

thedness - the darkness you feel or see when you wake in the middle of the night and have lost where you are for the moment.

glancr - the quick third glance you do when you see someone you thought you knew from years ago or that person you really didn't want to see, yet you are not 100% sure.

PolyT - name of a new tea shop chain that will be opening in a neighborhood near you, which serves a multitude of different flavored teas.

brizatur - the bra wedge you get when you turn with your hands full and stretch to far to reach something and the bra shifts. (usually can thank the kids for this one-they have you going in 30 directions.)

Okay, now its your turn! Lets see what you got...

Book Giveaway: Fire by Kristin Cashore

Froggaritaville's_Bookcase is giving away Fire by Kristin Cashore!! This is the following book after Graceling.

The contest ends October 3, 2009 and the winner will be announced on October 4, 2009.

I have not yet read the first book, but it is on my to read list and I can not wait to get to it.

Click on Froggaritaville's_Bookcase name here or on my sidebar! Good luck to all!!

Extravagant Bingo Bookcase Giveaway

You have to stop by and check out this contest!!

Wonderful bookshelves are up for the giving!!

Click on the link and take a look...

--BOOKIN' WITH BINGO is having an EXTRAVAGANT BINGO BOOKCASE GIVEAWAY sponsored by CSN STORES who sell everything from fireplaces to office furniture. Stop by and enter by 6 PM, EST, on September 26th.

Teaser Tuesdays (3)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event.

Sponsored by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 "teaser" sentences from anywhere on the page.

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away) Just enough to pique our interest.

List the book and author so other participants can get their hand on it if they choose to read it as well.

This week:

They came to Aleph, and he touched them. He touched their hands and eyes and hearts. The last time he touched them there was pain, and wings tore from their backs that they might go where they wished.

The Name of the Wind
By Patrick Rothfuss

Monday's Beginnings

This is the beginning of a new week!

So, I am wondering: where you are in your books or are you starting a new book for the new week?

The beginning of the week always seems to be a great time to start anew. To me it seems to be the way Monday goes is a sign of how the week will follow. Have you been able to get much reading time in today? Or are you going to be rushed all week to get everything into the short 24 hour day?

See, I am unfortunately a slow reader. I'm not a speed reader like many of you out there in the blogoshere. LOL! I see many excellent books on all of your sites and have added them to my to be read pile which is growing by leaps and bounds. This really is a wonderful thing! You are all helping to keep me out of trouble and these wonderful authors in work.

Well, for me today:
I am still in my wonderful read of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I really am enjoying this book, and savoring every word read. I am not even half way through yet, but a little over a third of the way, don't worry I plan on doing a review of the book when I am through. As for how today is going for reading... well, that may fall in the category of - yet to be determined. We, my family, are on vacation this week. BUT, this is a work vacation - we are working on remodeling our bathroom and with the way things have gone today it will take all week. So, my reading time for the day has not happened yet and I am hoping for some reading time tonight.

Let me know how the week is looking for you.

The Lemonade Award!

I think this is my fourth award... Keep the awards coming.

These really do make one feel special (even though we are all special). This award is the Lemonade Award. I received this award from Michelle at her blog The_Book_Addict, thank you for this award!! Do make sure you stop by Michelles' blog!

The Lemonade Award is a feel good award which shows great attitude or gratitude.

Here are the rules:

• Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post.
  
• Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.
  
• Link your nominees within your post.
  
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
  
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

So, here we go.... drum roll please...

I would love to give this award to Michelle over at Book Addict, but seeing as she has received this award already I will move on to the list.

Deb at BookMagic

Alexia at Alexia'sBooksandSuch...

Kelly Moran at AuthorKellyMoran'sBlog

Nikola at Nikola'sBookBlog

Cecelia at AdventuresofCeceliaBedelia

There are others I would love to award this award to, but I can not be selfish and award to all as then others will have no one to give the award to. So thank you everyone for being so kind here in this wonderful world of the blogs.

Super Comments Award

This award has the most adorable picture. I just LOVE it! This lovely award was given to me by Krista over at her gorgeous blog Life_or_Something_Like_It.... Don't forget to stop by Kristas' wonderous blog and say hello. This blog was awarded for Super Comments.

Now, I feel, half the fun of blogging is the comments you get to leave on anothers blogs.
Everyone's site I visit makes this very easy as you all have wonderful blogs to comment about!

Well, on with the show I guess... My nominees for this award are as follows:

Deb at Bookmagic

Nikola at Nikola's_Book_Blog

Try to stop by these wonderful bloggers blogs. They both strive to comment on you blogs and to respond to commenters on their blogs.

Book Giveaway: Confetti Cakes for Kids

I have not read this book yet, but it does look like a tasty way to spend a Saturday afternoon with my son.

Shauna at Book_Giveaways is giving the delicious book away!

Here a discription of the book from Shauna to give you the scoop on the book:

Elisa Strauss of Confetti Cakes has created confections as elaborate as a platter of sushi, a wine bottle in a crate, and a designer handbag. Now she focuses her talents on her younger fans with this enchanting collection of cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for kids. Strauss starts readers off with 20 delicious recipes and all the basic techniques needed to complete any project in the book. Then she offers step-by-step instructions for 24 jaw-dropping designs that can become the centerpiece of any celebration. Projects span the imagination--from a charming sock monkey, to an MP3 player, to playful hula gingerbread girls and boys--and will appeal to anyone looking for the perfect way to thrill a child with a delectable, spectacular creation.

Word Verification Balderdash (1)

Word Verification Balderdash is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

This is very easy to do. If you comment on blogs you can do this too. Write down all the word verifications you get while posting comments on other peoples blogs. You then play Balderdash with them. In case you don't know how to play, you take the made up word and come up with an authentic sounding definition for it.

Do this for a week and then post your best or favorite ones every Thursday.

Here are mine for this week:

neurgan - The neurological path of the synapsis from the brain to the organs.

unessess - The feeling of uneasiness you get when you know something is off cue but have no physical proof.

tribiz - trivial tidbits on show business, which you get online at the web pages.

shnortsq - the short, quick snores your significate other does while sleeping that makes you wonder if they can catch their breath.

thbonses - a form of self hypnosis, when you stare off into space in an awaken daze.

Now it's your turn. Let's hear what you have!

Teaser Tuesdays (2)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event
Sponsored by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here is how it works:
Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)
Open the book to any random page.
Share 2 "teaser" sentences from anywhere on the page.
Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!
(Don't Give Too Much Away) Just enough to pique our interest.
List the book and author so other participants can get their hand on it if they choose to read it as well.
This week:

Kote Gave Chronicler a look of profound disdain. "What gives you the slightest impression that I would be here when you come back?" he asked incredulously. "For that matter, what makes you think you're free to simply walk out of here, knowing what you know?"

The Name of the Wind

By Patrick Rothfuss

B-I-N-G-O Beautiful Blog Award

This is the BINGO Beauty Award. I have been awarded it from Nikola over at Nikola's Book Blog. Thank You Nikola!! Now, since Nikola has been awarded this award by another I am not able to pass it on to you again, but would like to note your blog does fall into this category for me as well.


This award means that this blog is:

B: Beautiful

I: Informative

N: Neighborly

G: Gorgeous

O: Outstanding

Krista on her blog Life or something like it... at http://carmen-krista.blogspot.com/

Ryan on his blog Wordsmithonia at http://wordsmithonia.blogspot.com/

Michelle on her blog The Book Addict at http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/

Deb on her blog Bookmagic at http://bookmagic418.blogspot.com/

Please take careful look at the above blogs as they are, for sure, the resemblence of the BINGO meaning.


If you can, take care in finding blogs that you feel also exemplify these standards and pass this wonderous award along to them.

The Sword of Shannara Review

The Sword of Shannara

By Terry Brooks

Summary on the book:

Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford Knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.


Thus begins the enthralling Shannara epic, a spellbinding tale of adventure, magic, and myth...



My Review:


I was intrigued by this book because of the diverse creatures and cultures that live in this world along with the different lessons which seem to be imbedded in the storyline. Even though this book is of a fantasy realm there seem to be issues we see from our world mixed in. I feel there is a trace of politics and prejudice in the book. The politics are on the level of what is best in the way of ruling the world Terry has created in order for it to function smoothly. Then, you see how the different cultures (which in the very distant past were all mostly related, and the evolution of this amazing history is given within the book) have separated themselves from each other. They have become through time unaware and unwilling to help each other. This separation of the cultures is where the prejudice and politics come in to play. This, however, is just a part of the book.


The story is of how a brave group of men band together to save themselves and the world. This may sound like many other books, but in this classic these men need to know, believe in, and trust themselves along with each other on their amazing journey to find the talisman (which only one of them will be able to use) created lifetimes ago and destine to save the world. These men have grown to care for each other along with all the other cultures in the land. While on this wonderous journey of lifes lessons these men get separated; either due to an accident or intentionally to go to battle elsewhere. This is when these great men start to shine like the bright stars they are.


In reading this book I enjoyed the adventure of the characters, yet I had a few moments of going astray. This is the first book of the series, and in my short period of reading, it seems the first books have moments of slow periods. To me these slow periods are where details are given of the characters or of the world to help create a better visualization of what is going on or the feeling behind the events. But, in these moments my mind started to drift off and I had to keep pushing on.


The character building was very detailed and wonderfully done. I felt an amazing connection with the characters of the crew on the journey; even the mysterious Druid, Allanon. The only character I didn't feel a strong connection with was whom I had thought would be the main character of the story, Shea Ohmsford. The story seemed to be more centered around the other characters of the group more than the boy who was destine by bloodline to save the world. I was a little surprised at this angle of the storytelling. Shea is the only character I felt came up short in my expectations of the book, yet the angle of the storytelling works very well. And it leaves lots of room to grow this character in the next book. (which I am looking forward to getting into for this exact reason.)


My opinion is just of one persons, you may think differently on the character building and story line. Did you enjoy the book? How did you feel? I do feel there are lessons to be learned from Terry Brooks. What do you feel the lessons are? Please share your thoughts.

Zombie Chicken Award

I just have to say off the bat here, this is a wonderfully hilariously named award. I just love it. Yet there is some serious meaning behind this award. I am sure many of you have seen this award floating around and being awarded to people. I do agree with the meaning behind this award as for it is very true.


The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by coosing unwisely or not choosing at all.


I have come across a few, well more than a few, outstanding blogs which I am now following. The bloggers I would like to award this award to are as follows:

Nikola's Book Blog at http://cunninghamfan.blogspot.com/

The Book Addict at http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/

SciFiGuy.ca at http://www.scifiguy.ca/

I know there are only three blogs here but there are additional bloggers I would have loved to award this to; however, they have already received this award from others and I can't give this award to everyone otherwise there would be no one left to award to. So, I will be on the watch for the zombie chickens as they may be looking for me...

Let's Be Friend Award

I know, I know... I have posted this award before but now I would like to make it official of who I am awarding this award to. At the time I first posted this award my award winner did not have a blog up and running yet. Now she has a wonderful blog with loads of information on books and movies.

Blogs that receive the Let's Be Friends Award are excedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.

I do agree with this whole heartedly as I have found many new kind people (whom I would like to call friends) through this award and wonderful blogs of the same interest as I. Now, the winner of this award is (drum roll please) ........

Krista at Life or something like it http://carmen-krista.blogspot.com/

I would like to thank Krista also for all the help she has offered and given when I was in need of on the sites. Thank you again Krista!

Teaser Tuesdays (1)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here is how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 "teaser" sentences from anywhere on the page.

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away) Just enough to pique our interest.

List the book and author so other participants can get their hand on it if they choose to read it as well.

This week:

At last it was decided that both the captive and the stones should be taken to the main encampment at Paranor where higher authorities could be consulted. The Gnomes dragged their captive to his feet, cutting the thongs that bound his legs, and proceeded to march him northward, pushing him from time to time when he slowed from exhaustion.

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Who has not been caught up in the world of Harry Potter? Most of the people I know, adults with and without child, have been caught up in the schooling years of Harry Potter at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I have to admit, here in our home we are mesmerized by the fascinating world of Muggles and Magic folk.

We, my father, my son, along with myself, went to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this afternoon. This in the sixth movie to hit the theaters for the series. I do know the movies are based off the books, which I have not read yet; therefore, I don't know how true they are to the books.

If you have been following the Harry Potter world (in movie that is) you are aware of the ending of the fiveth movie (book), Harry and Dumbledore are leaving the Ministry of Magic after vanquishing Lord Valdemort. This is where the movie picks up, as Harry and Dumbledore leave the Ministry of Magic with the photographers of the news papers trying to get their snapshots of what is going on. Then, you jump to just before the next school year starts as Dumbledore is now taking Harry with him on an exploration, for help. After this trip with Dumbledore you met up with the well known characters of the series: Hermonie, Ron, and also the loving Weasley family. Before you know it the small crew of three are getting into mischief by seeing something they should not be, then they are on their way to school once again. You meet up with Draco Malfoy here and see he is dealing with some sort of issue. The question is what? (You will get your answer at the end of the movie.) And once again chaos happens at the Hogwarts and Harry, Hermonie, and Ron are there to witness it and be stuck in the middle. You start to see a touch of a love story starting to brew now, not much but it does surface since they are older. Harry is again searching for what he knows happened but not believed by others.

The movie was filled with loads of information on the characters and what is going on in the past for some and the present for many of the others. There is so much information, from the beginning to the end, questions are posed in my mind then answered and again questions posed in my mind. It is almost an information overload, I just know I missed some important details. I am in need of a Harry Potter day, to watch movies one through five then go see this one again. There are smaller details in dicussions I would like to hear again to help me piece a few things together. I love when I have a good movie with lots of details to try and piece things together. The ending has left me with more questions than I started with and I may just have to pick up the last book and read it, I don't think I can wait till the next movie comes out.

I do have thoughts on what is going on. I think there is one person who was forced by their faith to make a promise to do something they don't want to do, but will have to do for the greater good. (Can you guess who?) There were times where I thought, if I were reading this in the book I would need tissues.

My son posed the question to me of who is the Half-Blood Prince. Now, this question is answered in the movie, and we both understand this along with what a Half-Blood is (muggle and magical heritage). But his question was more in reference to the Prince part, why Prince. I stopped for a moment, then said I have to think on this one. Is he a Prince of some sort or is it just a name he has given himself? I will have to think and search on this thought for my son.

All in all I rather enjoyed the movie. The mystery is built for the next movie and I just can't wait.

Lets Be Friends Award

I have just recently received the award "Lets Be Friend Award" from Ryan at Wordsmithonia. I want to first off thank him for this award. For being new to the blogging idea and all I really do appreciate it. I have posted this award on my page as a reminder.

There was a quote with this award on Ryans' site. I would like to quote it here:

"Blogs that receive the Let's Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers."

I do quite agree with this quote. I have found new bloggers to follow through this award, by looking around at other sites awarded. This is nice to see what others think on; books, movies, and such, all of what I also do or may like to read or see. These people all are very nice on their sites and have the same goals as the rest of us. We all hope to share wonderful information with each other and have fun while doing so. I have found many new sites I love to visit now.

I would love to pass this award on to another, but I do not have many followers with a blog since I am new. I have a new friend I would like to mention, and if she had her own blog going I would put her here but... I would like to mention Krista.

So again I just want to thank Ryan for his gesture of kindness and friendship. I am also glad to see the award being passed around so kindly, these people receiving the award do seem kind people.

I have attached a few pictures just for fun for me. I hope you enjoy them, I am no professional photographer so the quality may be a little less than perfect.





First I have attached here is a picture of the Wright Brothers plane. I was amazed at the whole section in the Air & Space Museum dedicated to the Wright Brothers. There was an original cloth and the propeller in glass cases, which were used by the Wright Brother. There was so much information on the Wright Brothers, how they tested several different scenarios before flying the first plane to get it to work and stay in the air. Amazing is all I can say...









These 2 pictures are for all of you kids out there and for the ones with children, though I don't know if children watch them anymore. Meet my good friends that I met at the American History Museum, Oscar the Grouch and Kermit the Frog.

Taking this picture I got the chills. I loved the Wizard of Oz growing up. I was so awed to see a pair of size 5 felt soled Ruby Slippers which wereworn by Judy Garland in the making of the movie. Wow... Just a tiny tidbit, which I did not know, was the magic slippers in the book were silver. Wild.

For anyone who is into Star Wars like my son, whom begged for this picture even though I wanted it too. (Please don't tell him.) I have the C-3PO costume which was worn by Anthony Daniels in the 6th episode.

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I do. They really hold a lot of memory for me now, more than just the meaning of the movie or shows they were in but the childhood memories I associate with them and now sharing them with my child.

Washington DC

I have just returned yesterday from a short trip to Washington DC. My intentions on this trip were to visit monuments and a few museums. I knew in making this trip I would not even come close to seeing all the sights in Washington DC, and I was more than ever true. I think I could be there for a week and not even see all there is to be seen.



I went on this trip with my husband and son. Actually my 10 year old son was part of the inspiration to go on this trip. He has been very interested in history, more so in American Indian history but all American history included. I wanted him to experience some of the free benefits available by our country and the Smithsonian Institute. (Thank you by the way.) And yes I said free. Of course the monuments are free to get into but the Smithsonian Museums are free also.



I do have to say I was extremely pleased with the trip and not at all let down. The room we had was wonderful. It had enough room to it we did not feel as we were sitting on top of each other. It was very clean in our room along with the halls and the remainder of the building as well. And I do have to say there is a lot to be said for a comfortable bed. When you have spent all day on your feet walking to all the monuments and through the museums it is amazing to come back to a cozy room with a comfortable bed. I have been in hotels that the bed just was miserable, but not this one. Aaahhh. The people in our hotel, on the streets, and the museum workers were exceptionally nice. Even the other tourists were very pleasent. Our first night there we were lost for finding a place to eat. There was a kind person from DC who saw our lost looks and asked if he could help. He pointed us into the direction of a place to eat. Thank you for the help!! See there are still kind people out there in the world today. But, this brings me to my one downfall of the trip, places to eat. We could not find many places in town to eat, which were sit down restaurants. We are more the kind to go to a sit down restaurant and have a peaceful dinner, not the fast food of McDonalds or Subway. I would strongly suggest, if you are making your first trip to DC like we did, to look on line and through pamplets to find restaurants to eat at and where they are so you can work them into your trip.



We did only make it to three museums, which was wonderful for us; American Indian Museum, American History Museum, and Air and Space Museum. Now, I did take a bunch of pictures of our trip but I will only post 5 here to the next post.