Call Me Crazy

I always feel a loss when I reach the end of a good book.

I am sad to let go of the friends I have come to know through the story but am thankful for what they have taught me about love and hate, fellowship and aloneness, courage and fear.

I long to continue the exploration of distant regions of the world. While I read the world shrinks; I feel closer and more connected to others.

I miss the stirrings of awareness I feel of my own existence, sensations, thoughts, and surroundings.

So go ahead; call me crazy, but it is true.

I Love This

"We are Virginia Tech"

I love this; it is beautiful. Through the words and spirit of English professor and author, Nikki Giovanni, I was moved beyond the tears and sadness of yesterday's heart-rending events on the Virginia Tech campus to a firmer belief in love and hope for humanity. The response of the crowd made me rejoice; I wanted to stand with them.

My deepest sympathies to all of those who have lost loved ones. May you find a source of strength to rise above the tide of this moment.

Classic Literature Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your First Lines?

We all know there are many readers, but few true literary geniuses. For a little fun, join me in a "Classic Literature: How Well Do You Know Your First Lines" quiz. Not your idea of fun??? Humor me and take the quiz anyway like; it will help me justify the afternoon I spent ignoring my children creating this quiz.

Have fun and good luck. Please post your results.

Go take the quiz.

(Information used to create this quiz was taken from 100 Best First Lines on Litline.org)

Proof That I Am the Best Mom In the World

My kids love popsicles; love them! I hate them: they stain, they are sticky, and they never stay on the stick. I have tried to convince them that popsicles are a warm weather food that should only be enjoyed where they can be followed by a serious hosing. However, this week, after much begging and pleading from my four loud and persistent children, I purchased popsicles, allowed them enjoy their treat in the kitchen, and resisted the urge to chase them with a warm, wet rag.

Alec, who has recently begun guitar lessons, is determined to master power cords in record time. When he asks me to listen to him play his cords one more time, I smile and listen with the patience of Job, although I am sure he could not have noticeably improved within the last 3 minutes.

This week I purchased the much coveted 2 pack of sparklie panties for Madison and Ashlyn instead of the bland, economical 6 pack I usually get.

When Caedon unabashedly shared with me that he has found the girl he is going to marry when he is old enough I resisted the urge to laugh and just shared in his joy.

Against all natual inclination, I put down the book I was reading and read to my daughter when she asked me to.

And, as if you needed any more evidence, my 6 year old daughter has officially declared me to be "the Best Mom in the World".

1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

I am loving "librarything" (thanks, jayme!!). For those of you who don't know yet, LibraryThing is an easy to use resource that allows you to create a library-quality catalog of all your books (here is a link to my catalog). To get started, or for more information, take the tour. It would be fantastic to be able to compare one another's catalogs for books we share as well as new reads.

Some of the other perks of LibraryThing are: book recommendations, connection to people with similar libraries, and participation in book groups. I particularly like the latter; it allows me to participate in or follow book dicussions without the discomfort of social interaction (wink) and time restraints.

"1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" is one book group that I have joined. The group got it's name from the book, "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die", by Dr. Peter Boxall. Boxall is a lecturer in English Literature at the University of Sussex; He has published widely on twentieth and twenty-first century fiction and drama. I would love to have ya'll join with me and take the challenge of reading those 1001 books before we die (note: no time restraints :))

Madison's Baptism

Getting ready! Caedon gave the baptism talk and did a fantastic job, although he forgot his notes in the car. Once he composed himself, Caedon was able to give his whole talk from memory.

Dressed and ready to go! Alec gave a very sweet opening prayer.

Dad, Mom & Me before my baptism.

The family.

Grandpa, Grandma & Me before my baptism.

New Beginnings: Part 2

Ok, Ok...so Jayme called me on it! APRIL FOOLS DAY!!!

We are all so very excited to share with ya'll that we will soon be welcoming another new, little one into our family!! She/he should arrive around the first of November! We will keep ya'll posted on all the good news!