I love to shop for clothes. I like to take my time and look and try on things to my hearts content. However, when I went shopping the other day, I found that my regular size is tight on me due to holiday eating and the sitting around that takes place in the winter months.
Well, I am not happy about this at all, so as of today, I am on a diet! I have ordered some diet pills to help curb the hunger pangs and to boost my metabolism. I have also vowed to get on my treadmill daily and walk for half an hour. You can believe me when I say that if I make up my mind to do something like this, I do it. The next time I go shopping for clothes, I expect my regular size to be a little on the big size.
Until next time,
Mary
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Take advantage of the money crunch
With gas as high as it is and the price of most everything going sky high, one would think that it's a time to stay home and watch television.
Not so!! I have been searching travel sites online and I have found that many resorts and vacations spots are offering luxury vacations with discounts on activities and attractions. It stands to reason that this would be a perfect time to get some good prices on vacations, so rather than staying home, what a great time to go see and do.
Happy vacationing,
Mary
Not so!! I have been searching travel sites online and I have found that many resorts and vacations spots are offering luxury vacations with discounts on activities and attractions. It stands to reason that this would be a perfect time to get some good prices on vacations, so rather than staying home, what a great time to go see and do.
Happy vacationing,
Mary
Ponderings.........born in the wrong century
I have always enjoyed reading historic novels, and have decided that if I had a time machine, I would don my renaissance clothing and head for a time of castles and kings. What an exciting time that must have been. Gallant men, and ladies who knew that to be a lady was a very special thing.
The clothing of that era is what I find particularly appealing. Those beautiful dresses, the jewels and hairdo adornments were just spectacular. Whenever we have an occasion to dress up, you can be sure that I look for a costume from the renaissance period. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw a costume party.
Until next time,
Mary
The clothing of that era is what I find particularly appealing. Those beautiful dresses, the jewels and hairdo adornments were just spectacular. Whenever we have an occasion to dress up, you can be sure that I look for a costume from the renaissance period. Just thinking about it makes me want to throw a costume party.
Until next time,
Mary
A joyful event
I am so excited!! My daughter is expecting a baby. It's her first, so she and her husband, his family and our family are all beside ourselves with excitement and anticipation. It's a little early to buy things for the baby, so I have decided to buy some maternity clothes for the mother to be.
When I was an expectant mom, there was so little available. I made a lot of my own maternity clothes. Today, however, there are so many cute outfits for pregnant women. The styles and variety are amazing. I think I'll take the mom to be with me. We'll go to lunch and make a day out of it. I can hardly wait.
Until next time,
Mary
When I was an expectant mom, there was so little available. I made a lot of my own maternity clothes. Today, however, there are so many cute outfits for pregnant women. The styles and variety are amazing. I think I'll take the mom to be with me. We'll go to lunch and make a day out of it. I can hardly wait.
Until next time,
Mary
Thursday, May 29, 2008
The Value of the Classics
I have blogged about Pearl S Buck before, but feel that this author is worthy of mention on a regular basis to make sure people consider reading her books.
I have several first editions by Ms. Buck and have read them all. It's been many years since I read most of them, though, so am going to go back and read them again. In the 20 or so years since I read Pavilion of Women, for example, I have grown and changed. I'm not the same person I was then, so will look at the story through new eyes.
More recently, I read the "House Of Earth" trilogy by Ms. Buck. I you only get "The Good Earth" and read it, you will be richer for the experience. It is the first novel in the trilogy, and gives us a heart wrenching look into what life is like in other countries. Her novel takes place in the 1930's, but sadly, the conditions that she writes about in China in the 30's, still exist in countries recently in the new for earthquake and cyclone disasters. It's hard to believe that there are countries today that are still under such oppression and whose people live in a state of unbelievable poverty.
I truly think that "The Good Earth" should be required reading in High Schools. Our young people need to learn these lessons of what life has been and is like for others. A sense of outrage at the inhumane way human beings live and are treated in other countries should burn in the hearts of us all.
I highly recommend Pearl S Buck's books to you all and hope that for summer reading you will consider her books as well as other classics. There is much to learn from all of them.
Until next time,
Mary
I have several first editions by Ms. Buck and have read them all. It's been many years since I read most of them, though, so am going to go back and read them again. In the 20 or so years since I read Pavilion of Women, for example, I have grown and changed. I'm not the same person I was then, so will look at the story through new eyes.
More recently, I read the "House Of Earth" trilogy by Ms. Buck. I you only get "The Good Earth" and read it, you will be richer for the experience. It is the first novel in the trilogy, and gives us a heart wrenching look into what life is like in other countries. Her novel takes place in the 1930's, but sadly, the conditions that she writes about in China in the 30's, still exist in countries recently in the new for earthquake and cyclone disasters. It's hard to believe that there are countries today that are still under such oppression and whose people live in a state of unbelievable poverty.
I truly think that "The Good Earth" should be required reading in High Schools. Our young people need to learn these lessons of what life has been and is like for others. A sense of outrage at the inhumane way human beings live and are treated in other countries should burn in the hearts of us all.
I highly recommend Pearl S Buck's books to you all and hope that for summer reading you will consider her books as well as other classics. There is much to learn from all of them.
Until next time,
Mary
Monday, May 26, 2008
"2nd Chance" by James Patterson Commentary
"2nd Chance" is another in the "Women's Murder Club" series. In this novel, our heroine, Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco, Ca police department is once again at the top of her game. As always she is joined by her friends and support group, Jill who is assistant D.A., Claire who is Medical Examiner, and Cindy who is a reporter assigned to crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle.
The ladies of the club have a sharp shooter serial killer on their hands who appears to be a member of a white supremacy group. The victims all lead back to the police department, as they are either on the force or beloved family of past policemen. Someone is targeting the families of their own and that gets the S.F.P.D. on edge.
The novel takes some twists and turns and our author once again takes us on a ride of uncertainty. As a woman, I found myself holding my breath when our heroine goes into a maximum security prison to interview one of their most vicious killers. Although they have this thug chained and guards standing at the ready with tazer guns, we know that if she gets too close he could still hurt her easily. She has been warned to not get close.
"2nd Chance" has a surprise ending and kept my interest, but I didn't feel that it was as good at "1st to Die" or "Along Came a Spider". I'm growing a little weary of the characters so am not sure I will read any more of the "Women's Murder Club".
I would still highly recommend this author's books for entertainment and "page turn-ability", though.
I just started a new Michael Connelly mystery and will let you know what I think of it. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. My husband Gary really liked this novel, so that's one vote so far.
Until next time,
Mary
The ladies of the club have a sharp shooter serial killer on their hands who appears to be a member of a white supremacy group. The victims all lead back to the police department, as they are either on the force or beloved family of past policemen. Someone is targeting the families of their own and that gets the S.F.P.D. on edge.
The novel takes some twists and turns and our author once again takes us on a ride of uncertainty. As a woman, I found myself holding my breath when our heroine goes into a maximum security prison to interview one of their most vicious killers. Although they have this thug chained and guards standing at the ready with tazer guns, we know that if she gets too close he could still hurt her easily. She has been warned to not get close.
"2nd Chance" has a surprise ending and kept my interest, but I didn't feel that it was as good at "1st to Die" or "Along Came a Spider". I'm growing a little weary of the characters so am not sure I will read any more of the "Women's Murder Club".
I would still highly recommend this author's books for entertainment and "page turn-ability", though.
I just started a new Michael Connelly mystery and will let you know what I think of it. I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them all. My husband Gary really liked this novel, so that's one vote so far.
Until next time,
Mary
Saturday, May 24, 2008
"Women's Murder Club" TV Series
I work for Mahalo.com writing pages for them. I just finished one on "7th Heaven: Women's Murder Club". I never got a chance to watch the TV series staring Angie Harmon, though I like her as an actress and meant to watch it. I guess it's on at the same time as one of my other favorite shows.
Anyway, in doing this page for Mahalo.com, I found out that the "Women's Murder Club" series has been canceled. BIG BUMMER!!(<------------ages me a tad. I know) I never even got a chance to check it out.
Well, I will continue to enjoy James Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" book series. I'm almost done with "2nd Chance" so will review it for you in a day or two.
Meanwhile, I can't recommend an author more highly. James Patterson has a real gift for writing page turners. I love books like that. They grab you right at the start and keep you hooked until you read the last page. It's not a lot of work, just sheer entertainment. I like that in a book!!
Until next time,
Mary
Anyway, in doing this page for Mahalo.com, I found out that the "Women's Murder Club" series has been canceled. BIG BUMMER!!(<------------ages me a tad. I know) I never even got a chance to check it out.
Well, I will continue to enjoy James Patterson's "Women's Murder Club" book series. I'm almost done with "2nd Chance" so will review it for you in a day or two.
Meanwhile, I can't recommend an author more highly. James Patterson has a real gift for writing page turners. I love books like that. They grab you right at the start and keep you hooked until you read the last page. It's not a lot of work, just sheer entertainment. I like that in a book!!
Until next time,
Mary
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
"Along Came A Spider" by James Patterson
This is such a great book. Truly a page turner. My husband and I both read and enjoy the same genre of books, as a rule. If one of us reads a good one, we hand it over to the other to put in the stack of "to be read" books. Gary just finished "Along Came A Spider" after only a couple of days of reading. He highly recommends it as well. So, there you have the male and female vote for this one.
"Along Came A Spider" tells the story of the kidnapping of two children of celebrities in the Washington D.C. area. The kidnapper secures a job as a teacher at this exclusive private school, and in doing so catches everyone off guard and enabling him to take the children and hide them before anyone realized what happened.
James Patterson weaves a story that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat, wondering if the children are alive or dead, giving us occasional glimpses into the terror that they are feeling, and an occasional glimpses into the extremely sick mind of their capture.
Earlier on in the story than one would expect, the kidnapper is captured and jailed, but the children remain missing.
Thus we hang suspended. Will they find the children in time? Is the killer really a victim of multi-personality disorder or is he conning everyone? Plans and leads continue to be set up and go awry getting the readers hopes up only to fall flat again...but then, there is a thread that keeps you hanging on and believing that all will work out in the end.
Someone wrote regarding this book, that "James Patterson does everything but stick your finger in an electrical outlet to keep you shocked". That pretty well sums it up.
I hope I have whet your appetite to read this novel. You'll enjoy it and if you aren't one already, you'll find yourself becoming a fan of James' Patterson. We are. I'm reading the "Women's Murder Club" series. Excellent reads too.
Until next time,
Mary
"Along Came A Spider" tells the story of the kidnapping of two children of celebrities in the Washington D.C. area. The kidnapper secures a job as a teacher at this exclusive private school, and in doing so catches everyone off guard and enabling him to take the children and hide them before anyone realized what happened.
James Patterson weaves a story that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat, wondering if the children are alive or dead, giving us occasional glimpses into the terror that they are feeling, and an occasional glimpses into the extremely sick mind of their capture.
Earlier on in the story than one would expect, the kidnapper is captured and jailed, but the children remain missing.
Thus we hang suspended. Will they find the children in time? Is the killer really a victim of multi-personality disorder or is he conning everyone? Plans and leads continue to be set up and go awry getting the readers hopes up only to fall flat again...but then, there is a thread that keeps you hanging on and believing that all will work out in the end.
Someone wrote regarding this book, that "James Patterson does everything but stick your finger in an electrical outlet to keep you shocked". That pretty well sums it up.
I hope I have whet your appetite to read this novel. You'll enjoy it and if you aren't one already, you'll find yourself becoming a fan of James' Patterson. We are. I'm reading the "Women's Murder Club" series. Excellent reads too.
Until next time,
Mary
Monday, May 12, 2008
"1st To Die" by James Patterson, a commentary/review
I have been reading James Patterson's books lately and am really enjoying his narrative style of writing.
"1st To Die" introduces us to the "Women's Murder Club" which is made up of our heroine, Lindsay, who works for the FBI, Cindy, the reporter, Jill, the prosecutor, and Clarie, the medical examiner. These characters have become the central figures in a TV series called "The Women's Murder Club".
In this novel, there has been a brutal killing of a bride and groom, up in the bridal suite. The killings are heinous and sexual in nature which suggest a serial killer. This turns out to be the case, when a second bride and groom are killed and a little later a third bridal couple.
The added twist to this story is the fact that our main heroine has been diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder that can be fatal. Ah but our sturdy Miss Lindsay doesn't let that stand in her way of chasing down leads, carrying on a love affair with her new partner, and then solving the case.
James Patterson has a gift for keeping you on the edge of your seat, and never misses the opportunity to throw in the unexpected just when you think you have it all figured out.
I don't want to tell you too much or to spoil this for you. I hope that if nothing else, I have whet your appetite for more. Get the book and read it.
I'm reading "2nd Chance" by this same author, and once again, he has me hooked. I'll report back in on it when I am finished.
Meanwhile, let me know if you have read or are reading "1st To Die" so we can discuss it here.
I think it would be fun to have an online book club/discussion group. More on that to come.
Until next time, happy reading.
Mary
"1st To Die" introduces us to the "Women's Murder Club" which is made up of our heroine, Lindsay, who works for the FBI, Cindy, the reporter, Jill, the prosecutor, and Clarie, the medical examiner. These characters have become the central figures in a TV series called "The Women's Murder Club".
In this novel, there has been a brutal killing of a bride and groom, up in the bridal suite. The killings are heinous and sexual in nature which suggest a serial killer. This turns out to be the case, when a second bride and groom are killed and a little later a third bridal couple.
The added twist to this story is the fact that our main heroine has been diagnosed with a very rare blood disorder that can be fatal. Ah but our sturdy Miss Lindsay doesn't let that stand in her way of chasing down leads, carrying on a love affair with her new partner, and then solving the case.
James Patterson has a gift for keeping you on the edge of your seat, and never misses the opportunity to throw in the unexpected just when you think you have it all figured out.
I don't want to tell you too much or to spoil this for you. I hope that if nothing else, I have whet your appetite for more. Get the book and read it.
I'm reading "2nd Chance" by this same author, and once again, he has me hooked. I'll report back in on it when I am finished.
Meanwhile, let me know if you have read or are reading "1st To Die" so we can discuss it here.
I think it would be fun to have an online book club/discussion group. More on that to come.
Until next time, happy reading.
Mary
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