Audiobooks for Christmas...

So, for the last couple years I was all about the sales at Bookcloseouts.com. I even did a vlog! This year I checked and checked making sure I caught the sale right away... And, well, I was disappointed. Then I got an email about the Audible Black Friday sale. The guy kind of thinks I have too many physical books anyway; so when I told him I wanted ones that wouldn't take up any space he jumped at the idea. It just kind of means I got my present early... The problem with electronic books, I guess. (Not my first choice for that reason....) Here is what I picked out:

~~The Privilege of the Sword by Ellen Kushner~~
-- This is not the first book in the series, but I have wanted to read it for a while and Memory recommended it. So, I will get the rest of the trilogy with my credits.

~~Mystic and Rider: The Twelve Houses, Book 1 by Sharon Shinn~~
-- I have been aiming to catch-up on Sharon Shinn books and thought this was a good chance to get to this series.

~~WWW: Wake by Robert J. Sawyer~~
-- This trilogy has been on my wish list for a while so why not go the audio... I am looking forward to it!

~~Blackout by Connie Willis~~
~~All Clear by Connie Willis~~
-- um, duh? I have heard really good things about this coupling and you can't been like 10 bucks for two books. They were the two in my wish list that I was most excited to see in the sale!

~~The Serpent Sea by Martha Wells~~
-- I have really wanted to read Martha Wells for a while, so I couldn't resist this one! It is actually book 2, but I will just use a credit for book 1.

~~Memory and Dream by Charles de Lint~~
-- I have to have any and all Charles de Lint...

~~Sing Them Home by Stephanie Kallos~~
-- I have wanted to read this for ages! I can't even really remember what it is about any more, but it was on my wish list!

~~Dust and Shadow by Lyndsay Faye~~
-- I have been hearing good things about Lyndsay Faye lately and this was a good chance to add her to my TBR pile.

~~The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin~~
-- This is my one reread. I want to read the rest of the trilogy and this is a chance to refresh my memory.

~~Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews~~
--I am enjoying this series on audio so far so thought I would grab this one ahead of time!








I definitely have some good times ahead! I think I will likely leave these until after the holidays just because they are part of my Christmas present, but it is fun to have! What would you start with?

I Am Thankful For...

Even though it is not Thanksgiving in Canada, I have had a post about being thankful in my head... I wasn't really blogging all that much when the Canadian Thanksgiving came around; but since I am keeping up a bit better now I thought I would write the post that has been running around in my head.

This all sort of started when I was trying to find a picture from a year ago on my Instagram for one of my photo-a-day challenges. I wound up looking through a bunch of old pictures and it made me think how lucky I am to have a guy that accepts my strange quirks. There were so many days on there that I was behind on photo-a-day and he would drive me around so I could snap a few pictures. He even went out and got a camera. Then, when we were getting ready to move into the new house he was not thrilled about my books. We had only ever had two bookcases at the apartment and the rest of the books were in my mother's basement. But, he found room for all of my bookcases and ordered books online for me to replace some of the ones that got wet from the move. And that is just the beginning. I mean, he also drove me to the store the other day to buy an Elf on the Shelf, which he thinks is the stupidest thing ever, and has been helping me come up with strange locations for the Elf. I just wanted a fun Christmas tradition that we could share. I am just breaking the conventions of what the Elf on the Shelf normally is about.

Other things I am grateful for are:
1. My Keurig. I love starting my day off with a coffee (or two) and a few moments of quiet time.
2. The Munchkin aka Casey. She is a constant source of entertainment and I think a household with an animal is a more balanced one. I am glad she is back living with us.
3. All of you. Let's face it, my blogging and reading have been sporadic the last couple years and I often considering leaving the blogging entirely, but I stick around for the people I have met through blogging. For me, blogging has always been about the community and less about the popularity.
4. My camera. I love seeing the world through my lens and stopping to appreciate things that I may have overlooked otherwise. I have also enjoyed the learning experience and really need to get back at it.
5. Instagram. Since joining Instagram I have learned to notice things that I never paid attention to before.  I also have met people on there, enjoy the chances to be creative, and love playing with all the photo apps out there.
6. Books! Um, duh. Reading may not be my primary hobby any more, but I am glad to have the opportunity to visit the written world and it has got me through a lot in my life.
7. My quirks. I love doing photo-a-day. I love that I finally threw convention out the window and got an Elf on the Shelf. I love doing Project Life, even if I am way behind. I love taking random pictures of the red Poppet I got from Carl ages ago. I love reading photography books and magazines. And, I love that I am always looking for a new project...
8. Sending and receiving postcards. Getting mail is so fun! In this digital age it is the best feeling to open the mailbox and get something that isn't a bill. I think it has given me a chance to get to know people better, too. Now if I could just get back in the groove!
9. Friend and family. They are an important part of life.
10. Audiobooks. This has been the year of the audiobook for me. Without them I hardly would have read anything, so I appreciate a new medium to get that chance.

So, there are some of the things I am thankful for. What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!!

In Which I Blog...

Hey, look, I am writing a blog post. Amazing! I have hardly blogged in two months. My last post was back in September in any case.

So, just in case you think I dropped off the face of the planet, I am still here. I seem to have lost my blogging/reading mojo this year. I have struggled all year, but now I just cannot seem to get into any sort of groove. And, I have so many wonderful books that I want to read! It is devastating to me that I can't read. (Especially because the guy knows I am not really reading and he might not let me have my Book Closeouts shopping spree like last year... Not that I need that shopping spree because I am not reading...) Then there is TLC Book Tours. They are going to not want me on their tours any more because I dropped the ball this month. And, then there are all the other review books that I promised to read and haven't even cracked the spine on. It's all rather upsetting to me. I am not me when I don't read...

Some things I have been doing:

- Working. My new schedule is partly why I am not reading...

- Day trips. We went to Dingle Tour in Halifax, Nova Scotia for example:

- Exploring My Own Area: Aka, The Pumpkin People Festival:

The theme is Pixar/Dreamworks.

- Looking Up. I Have a Thing For Sunsets:

I think there were better pictures from this night, but oh, well...

Taken out the car window driving 80 km/hour.

- Cleaning. I have been doing some heavy duty 'get rid of stuff' cleaning.

I have also been keeping up with my day-to-day journal that I started at the end of April. To celebrate I went out and bought pretty pens... I did not take a recent picture...

- Casey is Still a Constant Source of Entertainment and Cuteness:

This seems blurry. I didn't notice on the little screen on my phone...

- I Have Continued on with Photo-a-Day:

Picture I Used for 'Red'

- I Finally Got My Health Plan Straightened out and Celebrated with New Glasses:

- There Have Been a Few Karaoke Nights:

The guy on the left and two of his friends.

And, there has been music. Chris from Stuff as Dreams are Made on has been sharing his favourite songs with a few of us via email. I have also sent a few songs in return. I am behind now...

One of my favourite songs Chris has shared:


- Etsy. I Have Started Christmas Shopping via Etsy. I made two orders last night and plan another on Friday. I am excited! And can't share pictures because people read my blog... Expect some after Christmas. There is one gift where Casey explored the gift. It's hilarious. I think I am going to frame it and include it with the present. I am sure the person will be thrilled...

So, that's what is new here... What's new with you?? Fill me in with comments. 

Pinterest and Snapshot Saturday - May 5, 2012

First up, I am going to repost my #photoadaymay pictures from the last few days on here for Snapshot Saturday.

Day 1: Peace

Day 2: Skyline

Day 3: Something You Wore Today

Day 4: Fun!

Other pictures from the last few days:

"My mouse went under there..."

"Why aren't you getting me my mouse?"

Happy Birthday to the CC!

I guess it was good...

Skyline picture taken from a camera instead of a phone.

Casey, her mouse, the flashlight to see when it goes under the couch (etc), and the two objects used to dig it out.

When the humans get mad that I am in the way of their 'mouse hunt' I look down on them instead.

Another picture from 'peace' day.

And another one...

And another...

Another picture from 'skyline' day.

Then, for the Pinterest Challenge, I have started things but not had time to finish them... But, I did find a box for my calendar/journal, so I suppose I did accomplish something!

It is a terrible picture. I have to find a way to take an effective one...

Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce from At Home With Books and The Pinterest Challenge is hosted by Trish.

Happy Birthday!

It is the guy aka The Charming Comedians birthday. So, Happy Birthday to the Charming Comedian! (I am not even quite sure why I still call him that... It started out as a joke and I just keep saying it.) Anyway, you don't generally read my blog unless I tell you to, but I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge it in some capacity. Plus, this video is different!

Teasing the cat

"But I want that one"

"You should give it to me..." (Sorry, she moves too much for my phone...)

"That was tiring. I need a drink!"

"Night, night!"
'And I suppose Happy Birthday! Whatever that means..." 

Week in Review (15)

Random Thoughts

It is hard to believe that 100 years ago today the greatest marine disaster of the 20th-century occurred. The Titanic sank off the coast of Newfoundland and people are still caught up in the story today. I was just searching through the Kindle books on Amazon and it is overwhelming how many there are to read about the Titanic. The Titanic graveyards are an hour from here and they were quite the happening place this weekend. The city is responsible for their up-keep, so they were pulling out all the stops in the hopes of a good tourist market. I would judge it was a success judging by the news stories last night. I chose to be a bit quieter and just read books.

Otherwise, it has been a very quiet week at this blog. I only read 2 books and only posted a couple times. I just wasn't in the mood. Hopefully that has passed and I can get back on track around here. I haven't been doing much better at visiting blogs. I did a bit this weekend, but not as much as I would like. Hopefully the mood will pass and I can get back in the swing of things this week. I have all ready finished a book today, so I am off to a good start!

I couldn't help thinking how this my 15th Week in Review of the year and it is the 15th of April. I notice strange things!

Challenge News

My two books didn't count for any challenges....

Weekly Reads

This book just not work for me. I really enjoyed American Born Chinese, but I didn't love The Eternal Smile and this one was even worse. I hope he can get his momentum back. It is unfortunate when your first book is a huge success because then there is a lot of pressure for the next one. (Library)

I am sort of obsessed with Titanic books right now. Ana, who also blogs at Historical Tapestry, mentioned this on Goodreads and I was immediately interested. It was only 1.99 so I bought it yesterday... And then sat down and read it on my computer. So, I heard of it, bought it, and read it all in one day. There are some advantages of the quick nature of e-readers. This book was very interesting. It is a side of the story that is not often explored and it is written very engaging for non-fiction. I am hoping to review it this week at Historical Tapestry. (Personal/E-book)

Weekly Posts

Week in Review (14)

Buddy Review: Spirits in the Wires by Charles de Lint - Discussion Part 2

March in Review

100 Years Later...

New Additions

I went to the second-hand book store last night and had some fun. I still had credit left, so I got:

The Cosmic Trilogy by C.S. Lewis (I read book 1 for a blog tour that I am posting tomorrow, so I was thrilled to find the other two.)

A Hard Day's Night by Simon R. Green (I really enjoyed the first three Nightside books, but for page length and my reading speed the are not worth buying new. So, I am collecting them second hand.)

Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier (I enjoyed the first 2 books in this series, so thought I should grab this while it was there.

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan (Amanda bragged this book up and I was going to read it through the library, but I couldn't resist grabbing this copy)

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (This has been on my list for ages! I decided to grab it when I saw it.)

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz (I have heard good things about this series.)

Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz

Dreamdark: Blackbringer by Laini Taylor (I know I have heard about this book but I couldn't remember if it was positive thoughts or negative... I took a chance.)

The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman (I have heard a lot about this book and thought I would grab a copy for myself.)

Another new addition. Not mine, but it is part of the reason why my reading was slow this week. For all the annoyance we are going to see Mirror Mirror on Tuesday.

Life, Friday Reads, Tuning in on Thursday, Listening to on Wednesday

Photo Credit

So, today is the closest thing to an anniversary that the charming comedian and I have. It is basically a day to start a new year on. He is working back shifts so we didn't do anything special. Last night (or early this morning rather) I was telling him I looked back on old posts to see the first time I at least tagged that a post contained something about the charming comedian. The following conversation occurred:

CC: You still call me that on your blog?
Me: Yep.
CC: Why? I am not really charming OR a comedian.
Me: That's kind of the point.

Don't worry, I am not really that mean. I did later say something along the lines of 'Just Kidding'.

Anyway, Happy Anniversary to the cc!

Photo Credit

Tuning in on Thursday

For television it has mostly been Star Trek and I did get back to Bones a bit. Our current project is watching Roots because it is the 35th anniversary. I know I have seen it before, and some of it is really familiar, but it has been too long for me to remember the details. It is also Black History Month, so I thought it was a fitting time. I also plan to watch The Color Purple. I read the book a few years ago and then couldn't find the movie anywhere. I finally have it, so hopefully will get to that soon.

I did finally get around to a few movies lately. One I refuse to admit that I watched because it was horrible, but I will admit to 3. 

Just Go With It - The guy really likes Jennifer Aniston, so we usually watch her movies eventually. This one was actually pretty good. She is a good actress and Adam Sandler didn't annoy me so much. His cousin or whatever did, but that is to be expected. I was surprised by the appearance of Nicole Kidman. I had no idea she was in the movie. Oh, and Dave Matthews. The cc wouldn't believe even the credits that it was him so I had to look it up and prove it to him. A keeper.

Crazy. Stupid. Love - I wanted to see this when it was in theatres, but the people we were going to the movies with had all ready seen it. It has been in the back of my mind for a while, though, and I have to admit that we both enjoyed it. I liked how it all came together in the end. I have to admit that I missed a part in the middle, though, so plan to rewatch it soon so I can see the full effect. Isn't Ryan Gosling everywhere lately? A keeper.

127 Hours - I had a vague memory of this movie once I heard that James Franco was in it, but I didn't remember the story it was based on all that well. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the movie because he is stuck by himself. It is hard to make a movie with really only one character. It wasn't terrible and probably captured what happened very well, but I don't think it is something I need to watch again. I would rather read the book. Good, but no need to keep.

Friday Reads

Photo Credit

I am having a quiet reading week. 

I decided to work on this series this week. I read the 7th and have now moved on to this one. It's not the best series ever, but it is good and I do enjoy reading it. It is really all that I have read by James Patterson...

I am still making my way through this book. It is very interesting and I am learning a lot of stuff. I am not entirely sure it is all stuff I had a pressing need to know, but she presents it in a very readable way.

Kobo had this for 99 cents. I don't really know much about it, but I had to get a new phone and joined the Smart phone revolution. I started this book just to see what the e-reader is like on my phone. I will still probably use other methods, but it wasn't that bad for when I am somewhere and I have only my phone to use...

Photo Credit

Listening to on Wednesday

Thanks to Deanna from Polishing Mud Balls I have been listening to NEEDTOBREATHE tonight. They are actually not that bad... I have their newer CD, The Outsiders, playing. I have never heard of them before, but they seem to have more than one CD...

Here is an example of their music: 

Then, did you see that Walk off the Earth has a new video up? I think they are well on the way to being famous. They signed a record label and we heard this song on a commercial today! Yay for Canadian musicians!


More Meme Fun!From Lisa at Books.Lists.Life:

1. Could you eat the same thing for lunch every day? What would it be?
Probably. I hate cooking, so I am pretty simplistic. It would probably be pasta, but then, that can be lots of different kinds of things...

2. How many library books do you have checked out right now?
um, 10, I think.

3. Do you feel strongly about specific music? or more of a music in general type person?
I am a music in general person. I usually have it on in the background when I am on the computer or whatever.

4. What is your favorite brick and morter retail store?
I am not much for shopping either. Probably the local second-hand bookstore. For the guy it is easily Canadian Tire.

5. What is your favorite online store?
Book Depository.

6. What is your favorite moment of heartstopping romantic tension? (Book, movie, music, tv, real life, art, anywhere.)
Oh, wow, I don't know. I don't really think of things like that. See the beginning of my post? That's about as romantic as it gets...

7. What is the first book you remember reading?
Green Eggs and Ham!


8. Are you creative in any way? How so?
Not really...

9. Not counting your family, pets, and vital personal documents/pictures, what one thing would you save in a fire?
My postcard collection. I have old ones that came from my family, people have given me plenty, and then I have all the ones I have received in the mail from friends and family.

10. What is your favorite type of vacation (museums, beach, cabin, mountains, theme parks)?
Oh, that is a hard call. I love museums, but then on the other hand I enjoy theme parks. I prefer to do be doing something when I take a trip, so sitting on the beach doesn't really interest me.

11. What is the most surprising or unexpected thing you've done in the last 12 months?
hm... Well, two days ago I got a Smart Phone. That shocked me!

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Then, since I was doing it I decided to answer the questions from Fizzy Thoughts. The questions originally come from Trish at eclectic/eccentric.

1. What is your favorite piece of art?
I have no idea... Art is not something I have really paid a lot of attention to...

2. What literary character do you think would make an awesome world leader?
um... hm.... This is a bad question from right now because I am in a cranky political mood, so I will pass.

3. What color do you think should be outlawed from clothing?
Anything really really bright. It is hard on the eyes.

4. Hats. Yes or no?
Yep!

5. What contemporary novel should be added to the high school curriculum?
A Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

6. What book featuring real people do you think could work if the characters were switched to animals?
These questions are hard! Anything I can think of other people have all ready said and I don't want to copy, so I have no idea.

7. Genetically designed humans. Hell yes or absolutely not?
Hell no!

8. What book would you like to see get parodied a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies?
NOTHING! Ruins a perfectly good book...

9. What book would you absolutely hate to see get parodied?
The Time-Traveller's Wife. I very randomly really enjoy that book.

10. TV. Awesome source of entertainment or horrifying time suck?
I don't really watch that much TV.

11. What literary character should immediately jump off the page and into your bed?
Something else I don't really think about! The sad thing is that the first thing that popped into my head was Skulduggery Pleasant... But, well, he's a skeleton, so that's a bit disturbing!