tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71019342419571598142024-03-06T00:32:24.351-05:00Little Bird Readsbook reviews, crafty goodness, lifeJennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.comBlogger429125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-24852905670516843162016-12-15T13:06:00.002-05:002016-12-15T13:07:38.632-05:00MONTHS laterBlogging has REALLY fallen off my radar lately. I just haven't had the time or the desire to do it lately. Plus, I haven't been reading near as much as normal. I've just been busy and I think I just fell into a bit of a rut. The last few books I've read haven't entertained me too much, and then I just kind of lost interest.<br />
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qI2RzRlzL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51qI2RzRlzL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="132" /></a>I recently just picked up <i>The Couple Next Door</i> by Shari Lapena and it has ignited in me the desire to actually seek out books and read again. Seems like a bunch of duds put me in a reading slump. I'm about halfway through <i>The Couple Next Door</i> and I am really enjoying it. I have a few others, like <i>The Woman in Cabin 10</i> and <i>Dark Matter</i> on hold at NYPL and am excited to get those to read. I've heard really good things there.<br />
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In other news, I signed up in September to be a Jamberry Independent Consultant! I am now selling Jamberry and I absolutely LOVE it. I will probably start sprinkling in some nail stuff on here too. Below are a few of my recent Jamicures!<br />
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If you have any interest, you can check out my site here: <a href="http://www.papajm25.jamberrynails.com/">www.papajm25.jamberrynails.com</a><br />
Or my Facebook page here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/papajm25/">www.facebook.com/papajm25/</a><br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-38683432096483933332016-12-15T12:47:00.001-05:002016-12-15T12:47:26.594-05:00The Theft of Memory<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCl8JFOcGIjr0TxoqYjUDj-_ohn1nvNg-ZwsiRcyH0BdYiTgzid7RZ4Ck6aTjBzR53PHIYD3aZLaTCrmXxSSNFqO6FR4mlxqAFF5cOPaaAcO74OKe0yUCPzX8pdM5wlNzhnt43BywZHQ/s1600/3star.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCl8JFOcGIjr0TxoqYjUDj-_ohn1nvNg-ZwsiRcyH0BdYiTgzid7RZ4Ck6aTjBzR53PHIYD3aZLaTCrmXxSSNFqO6FR4mlxqAFF5cOPaaAcO74OKe0yUCPzX8pdM5wlNzhnt43BywZHQ/s1600/3star.bmp" /></a><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41eh%2B2buLGL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41eh%2B2buLGL._SX324_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="209" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Brandon Text", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Theft-Memory-Losing-Father-Time/dp/0804140995">The Theft of Memory: Losing My Father, One Day at a Time</a></i><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Theft-Memory-Losing-Father-Time/dp/0804140995">By Jonathan Kozol</a><br />
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I love memoirs and biographies, so I thought this would be a book I would find interesting. I'm always very interested in the brain and how it functions, so it fit well with that as well.<br style="color: #555555; font-family: "Brandon Text", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Brandon Text", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I have to admit that it took me a long time to get this read. I put it down multiple times just because it didn't hold my attention. However, I did complete the book- which is not something I always do with books that I am struggling to focus on.</span><br style="color: #555555; font-family: "Brandon Text", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: "Brandon Text", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Overall, I enjoyed the book. I thought it was an interesting story and I really liked the way that the author wove in personal and professional tidbits from his fathers life.I would certainly recommend this book to those who like memoirs or biographies, as well as to those who are interested in studying the brain or Alzheimers more specifically.</span><br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-90380708076007805582016-05-17T10:15:00.002-04:002016-05-17T10:15:35.335-04:00Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderland-Coloring-Inspired-Alices-Adventures/dp/0399578463/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1463494051&sr=8-4&keywords=alice+in+wonderland+adult+coloring+book"><i>Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures</i> by Amily Shen</a> is an absolutely beautiful coloring book! It is whimsical and beautifully detailed.<br />
Not only is it a coloring book, but it is also a story - something that I really appreciate seeing during this giant surge of adult coloring books. The story adds the perfect touch of something "extra" to make this coloring book stand out. Now, I could show you every page (because I <b>really</b> want to!) but that would spoil all the fun! All I will say is that the pages are fun, detailed, well drawn, and vary in their scale and scope throughout the book. I was impressed with the uniqueness of the illustrations, as well as the story. I can't wait to color this book! I really think this is one of the better adult coloring books I have seen on the market so far!<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
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<i>FTC: I received this coloring book through the Blogging for Books program in exchange for a fair and honest review.</i>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-8297182068731501172016-05-09T08:00:00.000-04:002016-05-16T10:13:54.025-04:00BoB16 Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://i.imgur.com/q5ighFP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bout of Books" border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/q5ighFP.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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Welcome to my <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/">Bout of Books 16</a> Update Home!<br />
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Here you'll find my daily stats, links to posts and challenges, and other info that pops up throughout the readathon.<br />
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I'll also likely post my thoughts on the day, and maybe some pictures too! (we all know I am snaphappy)<br />
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<b><u>Day 1 - Monday 5/9</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 3<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>The Sound of Gravel</i> by Ruth Wariner<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> Intro challenge #insixwords (completed on <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">instagram</a>)<br />
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I didn't really read today... when I got home from work we immediately started working on expanding the chicken coop run. By time I got to sit down and read, it was bedtime and I was exhausted. Made it through 3 pages before falling asleep (to only be woken by the hardcover book hitting my face).<br />
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<b><u>Day 2 - Tuesday 5/10</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 42<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>The Sound of Gravel </i>by Ruth Wariner<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> Shelfie challenge (completed on <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">instagram</a>)<br />
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<b><u>Day 3 - Wednesday 5/11</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 39<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>Rarity from the Hollow</i> by Robert Eggleton<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> Top 5 (completed on <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">instagram</a>)<br />
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I picked my top 5 psychology books (that I had on hand)</div>
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<b><u>Day 4 - Thursday 5/12</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 35<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>Rarity from the Hollow</i> by Robert Eggleton<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> nope!<br />
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<b><u>Day 5 - Friday 5/13</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 0<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> nope<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> nope<br />
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I didn't read at all Friday... I had a busy day at work then came home and our new bed was delivered! Bear was helping a ftiend move, so I unloaded the bed and built the box spring... then had to take my baby girl to the vet. Bear and I then had a nice little date night at Los Tapatios, a delicious authentic Mexican restaurant!<br />
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<b><u>Day 6 - Saturday 5/14</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 22<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>Rarity from the Hollow</i> by Robert Eggleton<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> nope<br />
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Another busy day! Woke up early and loaded the Jeep with construction debris and did a dump run... then spent the day finishing the extra coop run. Afterwards, Maddie came over and we went to TRex Planet (awesomesauce!) & dinner. Super good day. Tons of TRex Planet <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">pics on my insta</a>... go check them out.<br />
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<b><u>Day 7 - Sunday 5/15</u></b><br />
<u>Pages read:</u> 58<br />
<u>Book(s) read:</u> <i>Rarity from the Hollow </i>by Robert Eggleton and <i>Mindsets in the Classroom</i> by Mary Cay Ricci<br />
<u>Challenges completed:</u> free day- no challenge!<br />
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Had a relaxing Sunday.... did some things around the house, work for my PLC group and some grading. Got to read a little from a pleasure book and from a work book study book.<br />
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<b><u>Bout of Books Recap:</u></b><br />
Well, Bout of Books has come to a close. I didn't get nearly as much reading as I had hoped, but that is okay. It turned out to be a much busier week than I had originally anticipated. I finished a book I had started earlier this month (<i>The Sound of Gravel)</i> and really enjoyed it. I am 35% finished with <i>Rarity from the Hollow</i> (finding this more difficult to get through than I had expected) and I also read a bunch from my work bookstudy, <i>Mindsets in the Classroom</i> (a book I am thoroughly enjoying).<br />
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>>> Overall, I read <b>199</b> pages in 3 different books. I finished <b>3 challenges</b>.<br />
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So, how did you all do with BoB16? Even with my lackluster reading performance, I am still glad to have participated!<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i><br />
<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-25141218252666245432016-05-08T17:51:00.001-04:002016-05-08T18:08:05.434-04:00BoB16 is near!!<br />
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It's that time again! Time for the no-pressure <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/">Bout of Books</a> readathon! I absolutely adore Bout of Books readathons because they are chill and give me a nice little reading boost.<br />
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The readathon starts tomorrow (Monday the 9th) and runs until Sunday the 15th. There are twitter parties, challenges, and fun ways to interact with other book lovers.<br />
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If you haven't signed up yet, head over to the <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/">Bout of Books homepage</a> and get on that list!<br />
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Once again I am not setting goals. I've learned now that no goals is what works best for me. I tend to always have them in the back of my mind if I set them, so this time around I'm going no-goals again. I will complete daily updates though, just because I find it fun. As always, you will find me <a href="https://www.instagram.com/papajm25/?ref=badge">primarily on Instagram</a>, so if you have IG lets hook up!<br />
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Happy Bout of Books 16!<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-33863676260378091732016-05-05T14:23:00.001-04:002016-05-05T14:23:56.324-04:00Quality of Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDUYbfOYrapmVVWCnY49ovqeWUC6RnH1AEqhZxAg8DekGoHkweyu_8ADHlXKob9eSsFBZ7WmQAKJ1RZ3OlV2GOfoY3_AaS7G4uNguwfzIOGaSvUOYbtXoMaXfmhs8s1bOrAmZXN5s0vI/s1600/IMG_20160423_082830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDUYbfOYrapmVVWCnY49ovqeWUC6RnH1AEqhZxAg8DekGoHkweyu_8ADHlXKob9eSsFBZ7WmQAKJ1RZ3OlV2GOfoY3_AaS7G4uNguwfzIOGaSvUOYbtXoMaXfmhs8s1bOrAmZXN5s0vI/s320/IMG_20160423_082830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1101903678/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0349408122&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H3Y9MQVPFGK22MFRGDZ"><i>The Quality of Silence</i> by Rosamund Lupton</a> is <b>phenomenal</b>. It is rare that I ever find a book (outside of Harry Potter) worthy of 5 stars, but this one fits the bill.<br />
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A little about the book - The story follows Yasmin and her deaf daughter, Ruby, as they travel across Alaska in search of Matt, her husband (and Ruby's father). Matt is a wildlife photographer and was meant to meet his family at the airport to join up for the upcoming holiday. Unfortunately Matt doesn't show. The police are convinced he is dead. Yasmin is convinced he is alive. Who is correct? Yasmin is determined to prove she is right. <i>The Quality of Silence</i> follows her as she tries to uncover the truth.<br />
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I read this book in a day (during my readathon) and it was so wonderful. I was emotionally invested and completely interested from the get-go. I liked how thrilling the story was throughout, holding my attention during an all-day readathon (which as anyone knows, is difficult). Even with some plot points that seemed a bit obvious to me, I was still enthralled by the novel. Like I said, I don't give out 5 stars lightly.... there was just something about this story. I can't put my finger on it- but it did leave an impact on me.<br />
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Highly recommended book, that will make you want to binge watch reality TV about Alaska.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvspFCM6NiE7VRxONCP1wzvutXuCkLE0Mwq7DzG04_rui40ZxiWixDkbUV3u7V86OYULEFfuWi1h1XVuAyBchB9cI_JbVFfFDURuzgc79KGeSL_71zdHybnndhMHBpfA2kMOe9giB0bes/s1600/5star.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvspFCM6NiE7VRxONCP1wzvutXuCkLE0Mwq7DzG04_rui40ZxiWixDkbUV3u7V86OYULEFfuWi1h1XVuAyBchB9cI_JbVFfFDURuzgc79KGeSL_71zdHybnndhMHBpfA2kMOe9giB0bes/s1600/5star.bmp" /></a></div>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
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<i>FTC I received this book via the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review. </i>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-10832974284232668432016-04-06T14:37:00.003-04:002016-04-06T14:37:45.894-04:00The 24 Hour Readathon -- soon!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv51bgs6r4pES7HzHh7G6bUjWpBs_XSkSVog-UkDWOkVhqYAmS3eaAijCplwdeZVAR3M58NOUzPgMbok4_yjS4-xWPxaZ-q-Ezqm33G90lrZxEHilOtORCiwQeymDyIh0sWjGqRmb6M_s/s1600/DEWEYs.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv51bgs6r4pES7HzHh7G6bUjWpBs_XSkSVog-UkDWOkVhqYAmS3eaAijCplwdeZVAR3M58NOUzPgMbok4_yjS4-xWPxaZ-q-Ezqm33G90lrZxEHilOtORCiwQeymDyIh0sWjGqRmb6M_s/s320/DEWEYs.png" width="320" /></a>Whoa. Is it seriously time to start getting prepared for <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/">Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon</a>?? April 23rd, 2016 is the day... I put the readathon on my calendar as soon as the date is released and I try to plan around it so that I have an entirely free reading day.<br />
This upcoming readathon, I am free (at this point!). We have no family plans or other engagements. It is our weekend with Madeline so knowing Bear, he will plan a full day of out-and-about fun with her (he does this for himself too when he is home during a readathon!).<br />
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I really don't have any plans for this one- I will make a stack of books and buy snacks, but I am planning to be low pressure again. Not setting goals of blog posts, interactions, books/pages read, etc makes me enjoy the readathon more, so I am sticking to that format!<br />
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So... who is all joining in the fun? <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/?p=5904">Sign ups</a> are open, so go mark your calendar and get joined up in the fun! Hope to see you all around for the readathon!<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-36535777821800702272016-04-04T12:58:00.000-04:002016-04-04T12:59:53.199-04:00Tales of a curly girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5OnGrhsr6Uvev8MnGuV5vSp-Hr8AIHPnd-IzPv9Cga5a8lSU17vBuyIKo6o00kAcpwhJKdlNARsAQYLOgrGkPEoVarJtIk2k_AOsYnBdwYcav1xXrIDIE57nqkX698Khyphenhyphenb8tB5Qr-5w/s1600/IMG_20160325_163605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5OnGrhsr6Uvev8MnGuV5vSp-Hr8AIHPnd-IzPv9Cga5a8lSU17vBuyIKo6o00kAcpwhJKdlNARsAQYLOgrGkPEoVarJtIk2k_AOsYnBdwYcav1xXrIDIE57nqkX698Khyphenhyphenb8tB5Qr-5w/s200/IMG_20160325_163605.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I am a curly girl. I have naturally curly hair, that is a mile long. Throughout the years I have tried what feels like very product on the market that is made for curly hair. I've found products that I love, and have a pretty good regime down. Through the VoxBox program with <a href="http://www.influenster.com/r/535562">Influenster</a>, I received a new curly hair product - <a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/hair-care/products/cleansing-conditioner/hair-expertise-evercurl-cleansing-balm.aspx">L'Oreal Cleansing Balms</a>. As a curly girl, they sent me EverCurl #CleansingBalm to try. The Cleansing Balm is a 6+1 product, designed specifically for curls and made to be easy and quick. EverCurl is meant to cleanse, condition, treat, detangle, soften, and add shine. It is also sulfate free, which is incredibly important for healthy curls.<br />
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When I first opened the box, I was impressed by the product and skeptical at the same time. Obviously, I've heard this all before. I used the product alone first (no after shower product and care) and was seriously impressed. In the shower, I used 12 pumps (it suggest 8 - 10 and more depending on length) and was able to easily and efficiently get through my knots. I had just spent a few days at at a waterpark, so my hair was even more knotty than usual, and I felt like the EverCurl got through it really well. I will be honest, I didn't like the smell. It is coconut mint... however, it felt so clean and treated, that I can totally get over the smell. And really, I am getting used to it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMsp4WWPHSwtuOJQiq-dONXPjcqQzb8nCUCNx6Un-73dcJGqWQ7miB33lPHNZtgQaQhITtcuJeR31pd5OcSOWkLqzpaKDVa9NlQi0G7alIPRlQwDChOmcMVCwhm99z_9FcLTGOeRP0C0/s1600/IMG_20160326_145228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMsp4WWPHSwtuOJQiq-dONXPjcqQzb8nCUCNx6Un-73dcJGqWQ7miB33lPHNZtgQaQhITtcuJeR31pd5OcSOWkLqzpaKDVa9NlQi0G7alIPRlQwDChOmcMVCwhm99z_9FcLTGOeRP0C0/s200/IMG_20160326_145228.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First wash, no after care products</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhl_bS_vK2KnUpug26IKF-zLEIwI24jcSBkjwMaoZCGNpHdVi4BVNWUxdPgh5gUbbT4ix5KNt4XKNmZq8S0sl13okJkhyTRpnk2ZoUQQSmGET1BBpZx_3shHvBZXGGGxgF_AEFIllZzI/s200/IMG_20160328_150940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With frizz free after care product</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhl_bS_vK2KnUpug26IKF-zLEIwI24jcSBkjwMaoZCGNpHdVi4BVNWUxdPgh5gUbbT4ix5KNt4XKNmZq8S0sl13okJkhyTRpnk2ZoUQQSmGET1BBpZx_3shHvBZXGGGxgF_AEFIllZzI/s1600/IMG_20160328_150940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>After my first wash, my hair was frizzy once it dried. Like I said though, I didn't use product after. The second wash, I used my DevaCurl frizz free foam. Between the two, my hair was MAGIC. I was SO pleased with how beautiful my curls were and how simple it is to do my hair. Now I just use EverCurl and a frizz free after shower foam, instead of a shampoo, conditioner, leave in treatment, detangle spray, and foam.<br />
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I <b>highly</b> recommend this product for other curly girls out there. It is simple and effective. Especially if you are already a well versed curly girl (don't use towels!, don't touch your hair!, plop at night!, pineapple your wet bun!, etc..)<br />
Seriously, I fell in love, hardcore.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px;" /></a><br />
<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
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<i>FTC: I received this product for free for testing purposes from <a href="http://www.influenster.com/r/535562">Influenster</a> and L'Oreal, in exchange for a fair and honest opinion. All conclusions and opinions are my own.</i><br />
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ps: If you think reviewing products is something you're interested, just use <a href="http://www.influenster.com/r/535562">this link here</a> to sign up with me at Influenster!<br />
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Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-597896580166746332016-03-15T15:44:00.000-04:002016-03-15T15:44:27.118-04:00Coming Soon!!!! -- Rarity from the Hollow <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B017REIA44/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzXC8V5NvPIbBHqsQrZVY52ulOFHac_M9RS6LOWtgh1Swz_fwW6mAO8DRdV4WggcOFeRhNi8BUCfJU-mClJ3XgrbJqoMohWfBj0ndtWd9qv0WT8Z1NHdIhcFG9SDOPkTXDwOIcCWW04E/s320/raritycoverwmidlines.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Hey everyone! Today I am really excited to share with you a teaser for a book I will be reviewing soon!<br />
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<i>Rarity from the Hollow </i>by Robert Eggleton is an important novel. It is "a children's story for adults". That alone is intriguing, right? How about the fact that author proceeds from the novel are <i>donated? </i>Yes, you read that right. <u>Author proceeds from this novel are donated!</u> Robert is donating <b>his </b>proceeds from the novel to child abuse prevention. That in itself is enough to make me purchase a novel - you all know how near and dear that topic is to me considering my field of work.<br />
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Now, without further ado- the details about <i>Rarity from the Hollow:</i><br />
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<u><i>About the book</i>: </u><br />
Lacy Dawn's father relives the Gulf War, her mother's teeth are rotting out, and her best friend is murdered by the meanest daddy on Earth. Life in The Hollow isn't great. But Lacy has one advantage -- she's been befriended by a semi-organic, semi-robot who works with her to cure her parents. He wants something in exchange, though. It's up to her to save the Universe.<br />
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To prepare Lacy for her coming task, she is being schooled daily via direct downloads into her brain. Some of these courses tell her how to apply magic to resolve everyday problems much more pressing to her than a universe in big trouble, like those at home and at school. She doesn't mind saving the universe, but her own family and friends come first.<br />
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Will Lacy Dawn's predisposition, education, and magic be enough for her to save the Universe, Earth, and, most importantly, protect her own family?<br />
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Rarity from the Hollow is adult literary science fiction filled with tragedy, comedy and satire. It is a children's story for adults, not for the prudish, faint of heart, or easily offended.<br />
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<i><u>Author Info:</u></i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02pMfTvd_ObCAgkN2tX0-VqkMOgJl11PHyG665BuTycGfxtAwUmpz3uf3XobAWz3rtqF-2GrVO_nghFLt4BA6y7j9L5Ns5t628xWLjV0gq5qqLXNOvK6fkZQLZKcBtoc6DutBDSqpPvU/s1600/roberteggleton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02pMfTvd_ObCAgkN2tX0-VqkMOgJl11PHyG665BuTycGfxtAwUmpz3uf3XobAWz3rtqF-2GrVO_nghFLt4BA6y7j9L5Ns5t628xWLjV0gq5qqLXNOvK6fkZQLZKcBtoc6DutBDSqpPvU/s1600/roberteggleton.JPG" /></a>Robert Eggleton has served as a children's advocate in an impoverished state for over forty years. He is best known for his investigative reports about children’s programs, most of which were published by the West Virginia Supreme Court where he worked from 1982 through 1997, and which also included publication of models of serving disadvantaged and homeless children in the community instead of in large institutions, research into foster care drift involving children bouncing from one home to the next -- never finding a permanent loving family, and statistical reports on the occurrence and correlates of child abuse and delinquency.<br />
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Today, he is a recently retired children's psychotherapist from the mental health center in Charleston, West Virginia, where he specialized in helping victims cope with and overcome physical and sexual abuse, and other mental health concerns. Rarity from the Hollow is his debut novel and its release followed publication of three short Lacy Dawn Adventures in magazines: Wingspan Quarterly, Beyond Centauri, and Atomjack Science Fiction. Author proceeds have been donated to a child abuse prevention program operated by Children’s Home Society of West Virginia (<a href="http://www.childhswv.org/">http://www.childhswv.org/</a>)<br />
Robert continues to write fiction with new adventures based on a protagonist that is a composite character of children that he met when delivering group therapy services. The overall theme of his stories remains victimization to empowerment.<br />
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Okay guys, can you see why I <b>had</b> to have this book?!! I can't wait to dig in and find out what happens with Lacy. I hope you guys find this inspiring and I encourage you to check out the book over on Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton-ebook/dp/B017REIA44/">find it here</a>).<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
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<br />Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-47154439284409827482016-03-08T09:54:00.000-05:002016-03-08T09:54:55.604-05:00Harry Potter in the ClassroomAs many of you know, I purchased a thematic book unit of Harry Potter that was aligned to the Common Core for grades 5 - 8 and have been steadily working my way through the books with my classes. Overall, it has been a hit.<br />
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I had a few false starts because my class roster changed dramatically (and quickly) but have finally gotten in a groove with my current group. We have finished years 1 through 3 and are starting year 4, Goblet of Fire this week. The kids go through phases (as all kids do) and got a bit bored with Prisoner of Azkaban in the beginning. Once we got to the "big reveal" though, they were super interested and it got to the point where they were asking to continue reading (instead of one chapter at a time). We finished it last week and of course had our Harry Potter party to celebrate. We watched the movie, enjoyed snacks, and had a sundae bar. The kids also turned in their final projects and completed a comprehension quiz. After the movie screening, they did a compare/contrast activity between the film and book.<br />
Here's our party in pictures:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3WLkgkFTGewXUD6FORCUNC694KT-qe6nLsn3ZJk1f0jYOjlkqdu53Lzg-JvAQopWIHgfEi_pXG9XDGX0I6GBdaJbxRJmcssUlDdScLWjKgHh1pyZKNN_kR8-sIEijKsF4Kr6E7Jxmpc/s1600/IMG_20160304_122932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3WLkgkFTGewXUD6FORCUNC694KT-qe6nLsn3ZJk1f0jYOjlkqdu53Lzg-JvAQopWIHgfEi_pXG9XDGX0I6GBdaJbxRJmcssUlDdScLWjKgHh1pyZKNN_kR8-sIEijKsF4Kr6E7Jxmpc/s320/IMG_20160304_122932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the projects completed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvtcV9oAw7Ql0E-j8r1mZij0uhj6cmYkQSaaBuYzQf-PxO4oMgWZwQ3W93Mw5aFwH4h47X0_vVje_WjHcwOedB6ZJpBEUGXYdHO2PJs8_ugoBrTDDs_PFBkhcx-YT6tahHuz9-GSgNy0/s1600/IMG_20160304_111511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvtcV9oAw7Ql0E-j8r1mZij0uhj6cmYkQSaaBuYzQf-PxO4oMgWZwQ3W93Mw5aFwH4h47X0_vVje_WjHcwOedB6ZJpBEUGXYdHO2PJs8_ugoBrTDDs_PFBkhcx-YT6tahHuz9-GSgNy0/s320/IMG_20160304_111511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of each book they get a certificate for completing the book</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4RCRh5dzpj4YKvNsvLgKU5aWMLPQ37hjLNmodkAD5ZAsgiv0-rDloi0JmVyNwbwkHenEMIpXk1FD94OgxylAB1Q2A0C-n6XdRlu8cuuhEt-bIaGCY5xNAysr2rB2ume_zr61CSO3fiM/s1600/20160304_084359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4RCRh5dzpj4YKvNsvLgKU5aWMLPQ37hjLNmodkAD5ZAsgiv0-rDloi0JmVyNwbwkHenEMIpXk1FD94OgxylAB1Q2A0C-n6XdRlu8cuuhEt-bIaGCY5xNAysr2rB2ume_zr61CSO3fiM/s320/20160304_084359.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found this on Pinterest and printed it - the kids loved it. <a href="http://www.piecesbypolly.com/2014/01/harry-potter-valentine-printable.html">Here's the link</a> to make your own</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwyj4zF8ZY7BOLxghd1_TiyWykT4Ty7gqcRw-2NDhszYDMOQMr3jRkHIhSLJaGxbu8nye2fYJGjKqu47dvR_4qeWB6veCdcM5Tg_IPmpeeTHbbnu6IM_CDeb8OlCsKVolakPzyJVcEGQ/s1600/IMG_20160304_130715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwyj4zF8ZY7BOLxghd1_TiyWykT4Ty7gqcRw-2NDhszYDMOQMr3jRkHIhSLJaGxbu8nye2fYJGjKqu47dvR_4qeWB6veCdcM5Tg_IPmpeeTHbbnu6IM_CDeb8OlCsKVolakPzyJVcEGQ/s320/IMG_20160304_130715.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kitchen staff is amazing and set up this awesome sundae bar for the kids</td></tr>
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The party was a hit, the kids made awesome final projects, and they did great on their final assessments. I am always so proud of the work and effort they put it!<br />
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So now, it is on to year 4. We have previewed the book and I've shown them the covers from around the world, including the many variations by Scholastic and Bloomsbury. They're excited for Goblet of Fire, but are a bit apprehensive due to the pure size of this one. It may not be one of my favorites in the series, but most people <b>love</b> it and I have no doubt that the class will soon realize it is one of their favorites because of all the Quidditch and the entertainment in the Triwizard Tournament.<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-83552318833573259762016-03-07T10:46:00.000-05:002016-03-07T10:46:12.779-05:00Madeline is TEN!Whoa now, see that headline?... my stepdaughter turned 10 on the 2nd. Where has the time gone?? I met her when she was a wee little thing (five and not yet even in kindergarten!), which means this is a milestone for me as a stepmom too - I've been in her life for (a few months shy of) <b>half</b> of her life! This may not seem like big or interesting news to others, but it is for me. The significance is huge- this little one stole my heart and I have committed my life to being the best Stepmomma I can be to her. She is an amazing girl and I am proud and honored to wear the title of "Stepmom".<br />
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This weekend, we threw her a big birthday bash - the theme this year was a painting party! I'll let the pictures do the talking....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC06cPfxgPPsrEh5fnuI7cip0b7TPUDfONKFFJdJ1k0l-nmfS01QRJSpPoC0K7aZgdRGix7UC9eOo3UeC0YJY1Tfdd6bIaCnHmFDa1JZBlxZugl98sJuEKAgTp1wCdvIPoWfLPzqxj9P0/s1600/IMG_20160305_163355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC06cPfxgPPsrEh5fnuI7cip0b7TPUDfONKFFJdJ1k0l-nmfS01QRJSpPoC0K7aZgdRGix7UC9eOo3UeC0YJY1Tfdd6bIaCnHmFDa1JZBlxZugl98sJuEKAgTp1wCdvIPoWfLPzqxj9P0/s320/IMG_20160305_163355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "melted crayon art" cake we made</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oIiwtBYYXHCtXViFVNHBELwUgzHCZHu-Z00fKUy-uMAeePp5KJhxvPb8nl-3fgBkm8Jzxs8cptHzbmDy5MXtdDkNYPYOjBkCsFdriPkT6__Atf53cWRKkLXJ-gmuTv0fZ7n08MrUZw0/s1600/IMG_20160305_163745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oIiwtBYYXHCtXViFVNHBELwUgzHCZHu-Z00fKUy-uMAeePp5KJhxvPb8nl-3fgBkm8Jzxs8cptHzbmDy5MXtdDkNYPYOjBkCsFdriPkT6__Atf53cWRKkLXJ-gmuTv0fZ7n08MrUZw0/s320/IMG_20160305_163745.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids making their initial art</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgt2ISOHdhPCDxhyphenhyphenRpOR60AZeX85MLXlVOXoaZFEeWZQvbn67aXiGikVcxXsmbwVegzqIlGtihLTyRGRUeelFmpHtnYY7ron3eN4agSEklkgLiD-fUVvdPSJdPkc4BG7uKwu_c9tZHVg/s1600/IMG_20160305_170422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgt2ISOHdhPCDxhyphenhyphenRpOR60AZeX85MLXlVOXoaZFEeWZQvbn67aXiGikVcxXsmbwVegzqIlGtihLTyRGRUeelFmpHtnYY7ron3eN4agSEklkgLiD-fUVvdPSJdPkc4BG7uKwu_c9tZHVg/s320/IMG_20160305_170422.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Initial artwork!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnSXRbSnhFdAOuZaYR_4CxQ36mzQdRfznkGsdOHKsAS8g26hqbk79rIJH0O30hOGJlEQxZVD7WarS6QjMhaJem00SzBvfI4NGDDl_r0kfF77oqo_8Znbl0INkjCojMNlu7QT3nviTxJ0/s1600/IMG_20160305_170025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnSXRbSnhFdAOuZaYR_4CxQ36mzQdRfznkGsdOHKsAS8g26hqbk79rIJH0O30hOGJlEQxZVD7WarS6QjMhaJem00SzBvfI4NGDDl_r0kfF77oqo_8Znbl0INkjCojMNlu7QT3nviTxJ0/s320/IMG_20160305_170025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie blowing out her candles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCFBwSKZBPWiPmnQPrarnv5JGIVb62_3b-koELU0Phz-S4vp-TTs1gkzui5tIopB2ZPZp_-CZcTxkROol-7Q6Sijwxs9dsnPBogxw4W9A1CbwSY-7RVkH_C-nMlPUXxvsjJLNeAdhdoU/s1600/IMG_20160305_165438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCFBwSKZBPWiPmnQPrarnv5JGIVb62_3b-koELU0Phz-S4vp-TTs1gkzui5tIopB2ZPZp_-CZcTxkROol-7Q6Sijwxs9dsnPBogxw4W9A1CbwSY-7RVkH_C-nMlPUXxvsjJLNeAdhdoU/s320/IMG_20160305_165438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 candles for our sweet girl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaj6tTMVK5CXbUoEF5kGw7AQLwUvfg4rzInXyRMFLjSGIL88rYAyF4CtWXX7yCuhi3M6aqS3Wzw26OPmodsKQlC3J3b8Vd1ieMOs7y7gx7bCxfAYFFpadCRQUd5GqFTXgw-Id4yZPg4U/s1600/IMG_20160305_163938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaj6tTMVK5CXbUoEF5kGw7AQLwUvfg4rzInXyRMFLjSGIL88rYAyF4CtWXX7yCuhi3M6aqS3Wzw26OPmodsKQlC3J3b8Vd1ieMOs7y7gx7bCxfAYFFpadCRQUd5GqFTXgw-Id4yZPg4U/s320/IMG_20160305_163938.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg paint bombs!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlrBsO43CGjyPZhaoxPlQLlj-lyenlxsA0jO6MlpGjgkFbuB90Z93xxrJGtnLUrWlun-vhzSbrsZCNofkfwqhR20bYwnZgxUvK7QCEyOb6FJw-HHE5BJNI4XJLpCpm-O8g8XbauSqQBI/s1600/IMG_20160305_165309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlrBsO43CGjyPZhaoxPlQLlj-lyenlxsA0jO6MlpGjgkFbuB90Z93xxrJGtnLUrWlun-vhzSbrsZCNofkfwqhR20bYwnZgxUvK7QCEyOb6FJw-HHE5BJNI4XJLpCpm-O8g8XbauSqQBI/s320/IMG_20160305_165309.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collaborative egg bomb painting... SUCH fun to create </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNeisdmqpf1VazVL0xlrDu4JLUQPQ0AmmXN8VznAjr42iMdyWgZw5kN9gob-M2LX2qa7hR0-NwmOgFhKRJXg56VaRCwWxldHHcdb5D5vgch_76l6yuW6J_39DERCMIJaNRdYolUQ4yCM/s1600/IMG_20160305_163528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNeisdmqpf1VazVL0xlrDu4JLUQPQ0AmmXN8VznAjr42iMdyWgZw5kN9gob-M2LX2qa7hR0-NwmOgFhKRJXg56VaRCwWxldHHcdb5D5vgch_76l6yuW6J_39DERCMIJaNRdYolUQ4yCM/s200/IMG_20160305_163528.jpg" width="200" /></a>Everyone enjoyed themselves and created some fun art. We munched on mini pizzas, veggies, and snacks. At the end, all the kids went home with an artsy goodie bag (paint, brushes, and a mini canvas) and a paint brush cake pop my mom had made for us. I am so pleased with how fun the party was... definitely one of our best!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23rRw3Xutl8a2AbPK6r_vg-ZlWDLl5ASbGjMU4bOdOqyhSq98GP3RIGzqBIHhZ2vBVrUXhVlIQEi7VX0OIiqVPPfkke0i_ZrzSjfvb93-WCSMFjQObRHNHVtpnYAkWtNdcWbiwJckSSQ/s1600/IMG_20160303_191609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23rRw3Xutl8a2AbPK6r_vg-ZlWDLl5ASbGjMU4bOdOqyhSq98GP3RIGzqBIHhZ2vBVrUXhVlIQEi7VX0OIiqVPPfkke0i_ZrzSjfvb93-WCSMFjQObRHNHVtpnYAkWtNdcWbiwJckSSQ/s320/IMG_20160303_191609.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-28059660373580994432016-02-18T12:37:00.001-05:002016-03-17T10:26:08.829-04:002016 Reads2016 Reads<br />
goal: 85 books<br />
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1. <i>The Girl With No Past </i>by Kathryn Croft<br />
2. <i>Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire</i> by JK Rowling<br />
3. <i>Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix </i>by JK Rowling<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-45990100094561672262016-02-17T11:30:00.000-05:002016-02-17T11:57:48.485-05:00DNF<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61O8UBdL1AL._SX322_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="207" /></div>
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Rarely do I DNF a book, but <a href="http://www.amazon.com/J-Novel-Howard-Jacobson-ebook/dp/B00N6PD31E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1455727662&sr=1-1&keywords=j+by+howard+jacobson"><i>J: A Novel</i> by Howard Jacobson</a> was one of those. I really have very little to say. I didn't finish and I was wildly disappointed... getting less than 50 pages in.<br />
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<i><u>My thoughts:</u></i><br />
I don't even know what the hell happened with this one. The synopsis described this book as something to compare with 1984 and Brave New World... two of my favorite books. Well, J failed to deliver. This book made the "did not finish" list. I could barely get past the first 30 pages, let alone finish the book. The cover and the synopsis of this book made it seem like a winner, one I would truly enjoy.... unfortunately, I was very wrong. I wouldn't recommend this one.<br />
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<i>I received this book for a fair and honest review from <a href="http://www.bloggingforbooks.com/">Blogging For Books</a></i><br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-81018897678872102532016-01-11T22:43:00.000-05:002016-01-11T22:43:05.775-05:00Bout of Books Update Hub<br />
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<a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Bout of Books" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlN7jszJmDCz4yMFiGL3rLpa0FXaGl1hQKQ6mE5JSU=s200-no" /></a></div>
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Welcome to my Bout of Books Update Hub! Here you will find <b>just</b> my daily updates!<br />
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<u><b>Day 1: Monday 1.4.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading: <i>10 minutes</i><br />
Pages read: <i>12</i><br />
Book(s) read: <i>The Girl With No Past by Kathryn Croft</i><br />
Challenge Completed?: <i>yes #insixwords on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LittleBirdReads">twitter</a></i><br />
Bookish <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">IG posts</a>: <i>nada</i><br />
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<u><b>Day 2: Tuesday 1.5.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading: <i>40 minutes</i><br />
Pages read: <i>35</i><br />
Book(s) read: <i>The Girl With No Past by Kathryn Croft</i><br />
Challenge Completed?: <i>yes - <a href="http://papajm25.blogspot.com/2016/01/would-you-rather.html">would you rather</a></i><br />
Bookish <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">IG posts: one</a><br />
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<u><b>Day 3: Wednesday 1.6.16</b></u><br />
<i>No reading for me today - I binge watched Downton Abbey. I decided to re-watch ther series during my Christmas break since the new (and final!) season released this week. Of course, I didn't get through all 5 seasons during break... so I'm trying to finish season 5 so I can start 6 now that it is out!</i><br />
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<u><b>Day 4: Thursday 1.7.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading: <i>45 minutes</i><br />
Pages read: <i>38</i><br />
Book(s) read: <i>The Girl With No Past by Kathryn Croft</i><br />
Challenge Completed?: <i>nope</i><br />
Bookish IG posts: <i>none</i><br />
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<u><b>Day 5: Friday 1.8.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading:<i> 25 mins in the car</i><br />
Pages read: <i>18</i><br />
Book(s) read: <i>The Girl with no past </i><br />
Challenge Completed?:<i> yes, on Twitter </i><br />
Bookish IG posts: 0<br />
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<u><b>Day 6: Saturday 1.9.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading: <i>40 mins in the car</i><br />
Pages read: <i>35</i><br />
Book(s) read:<i> The Girl With No Past </i><br />
Challenge Completed?: <i><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BAVoT08nGZr/">yep - on IG</a></i><br />
Bookish IG posts: 1<br />
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<u><b>Day 7: Sunday 1.10.16</b></u><br />
Time spent reading: <i>2 hrs</i><br />
Pages read:<i> 110</i><br />
Book(s) read: <i>The Girl With No Past </i><br />
<strike>Challenge Completed?:</strike><br />
Bookish IG posts: <i>1</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-91151019458747519612016-01-05T12:48:00.000-05:002016-01-05T12:48:34.329-05:00Would You Rather?Time for today's Bout of Books challenge! This challenge is hosted by <a href="http://www.writingmyownfairytale.com/">Writing My Own Fairy Tale</a> and is a fun little game of <a href="http://www.writingmyownfairytale.com/2016/01/05/bout-of-books-challenge-bookish-would-you-rather/">Would You Rather.</a><br />
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All you need to do is pick one or the other... that's it! Easy peasy lemon squeezy!<br />
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<b><u>Would you rather:</u></b><br />
<b>Lend books to someone who dog-ears pages or to someone who reads with cheesy Cheetos fingers?</b><br />
<i>Dog-ear pages for sure! I am a person who dog-ears *hangs head in shame* BUT I never ever ever dog-ear a book that is not mine.</i><br />
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<b><u>Would you rather:</u></b><br />
<b>Be able to meet one character of your choice or meet one author of your choice?</b><br />
<i>I would absolutely pick author... JK Rowling, obviously.</i><br />
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<b><u>Would you rather:</u></b><br />
<b>Never be allowed in a book store again or never be allowed in a library again?</b><br />
<i>Library - and only because I can use overdrive to still at least access the library and borrow ebooks.</i><br />
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<b><u>Would you rather:</u></b><br />
<b>Have to choose one of your favorite characters to die in their book or have to pick one of your favorite couples to break up in their book?</b><br />
<i>I'd rather someone break up - I'm not a huge romantic when it comes to reading anyways.</i><br />
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<b><u>Would you rather:</u></b><br />
<b>Be required to read Twilight once a year for the rest of your life or The Scarlet Letter once a year for the rest of your life?</b><br />
<i>The Scarlet Letter without a doubt. I would probably off myself if I had to read Twilight once a year.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-26973802470481996032016-01-03T22:41:00.004-05:002016-01-03T22:41:48.503-05:00Bout of Books 15<br />
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<img alt="Bout of Books" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XlN7jszJmDCz4yMFiGL3rLpa0FXaGl1hQKQ6mE5JSU=s200-no" title="Bout of Books" /></div>
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Is it seriously time for the first readathon of 2016?!<br />
Obviously, I'm game. I love readathons and having one start the first week of January is the perfect way to ring in a new year of bookish fun!<br />
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I've been a BoB participant for years. It is one of the best because it is low-key, no-stress, and great fun!!<br />
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For those of you who need some more details- here's the official word from the <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/">Bout of Books</a> site:<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #f3f3f4; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.48px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: rgb(250, 232, 178); border-radius: 15px; border: 2px solid rgb(0, 169, 172); color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.48px; orphans: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 4th and runs through Sunday, January 10th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. <b>For all Bout of Books 15 information and updates, be sure to visit the <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #00a9ac; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bout of Books</a> blog. </b>- From the Bout of Books team</blockquote>
So, I hope you'll join us! I will make an update hub here on the blog and update my reading progress each day. My goals are simple: read 2 books this week. With heading back to teaching after a week off, a belated family holiday party Friday, and an out of town birthday party Saturday, my week will be full. However, I still love tracking my reading and the mini challenges, so I'm going to just do my best!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-24551652917048509962016-01-03T22:32:00.000-05:002016-01-03T22:32:39.640-05:00Hello 2016Well, I think it is safe to say that 2015 wasn't my best blogging year. It seems that as the years go by, I let the blog fall more and more off my radar, I always say that I will do better next year, and make blogging resolutions and all that... but let's be honest, it doesn't really ever happen for me anymore.<br />
At this point, I feel more connected with my bookish peeps on IG then I do on here, I've also utilized Goodreads more, and I am finding that the simplicity is more my style.<br />
I'm not saying that this blog is going away... I of course love it to keep in touch and do reviews and participate in great fun readathons (like Bout of Books coming up!)... what I am saying is that I'm going to stop putting pressure on myself and feeling shitty when I don't blog. I've spent more time feeling crappy about it and reading books I've gotten for review then I have reading books <b>for me</b> and not giving a damn about writing some long winded review that a handful of people will read. I'm at a point where I'd rather read for me and review books in a simple, short, and sweet forum like GoodReads and Amazon.<br />
I had given some thought to starting a LBR instagram solely dedicated to books and mini reviews... but I am not so sure I would have the stamina for that either- I mean really, the #bookstagram hashtag is ridiculous.... it is beautiful, but I don't have time to perfectly pose photos like that. So really, I doubt I will.<br />
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So, for 2016, I resolve to do what I want. I'll review books I feel like reviewing, I'm going to stop saying yes to every pitch, I'll write about other things and not feel ashamed of that, I'll stop pressuring myself to keep this blog constantly updated, and I'll start reading for me again.<br />
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Oh, and I'll use the hell out of the blog for readathons... as I always do.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-23929090799925349452015-12-09T14:19:00.001-05:002015-12-09T14:19:40.917-05:00If you get, GIVE.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRVGn6RZnkg0KGyIGUtUgztdObS0a_ifSE0MyiejIrXG0iineNDCKV7shFNtgJMcKB2h-mFRzAjLAqoFjmqakkX7WhEmv-jMzYCbpuXyN-aMEyQdMFoqLJJ1EE7OYcWAeQs1ckSIuX_k/s1600/37ec0d471f3bf5ba2ed6292f48206333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJRVGn6RZnkg0KGyIGUtUgztdObS0a_ifSE0MyiejIrXG0iineNDCKV7shFNtgJMcKB2h-mFRzAjLAqoFjmqakkX7WhEmv-jMzYCbpuXyN-aMEyQdMFoqLJJ1EE7OYcWAeQs1ckSIuX_k/s320/37ec0d471f3bf5ba2ed6292f48206333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Giving.</div>
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One of my absolute favorite traditions is buying a full Thanksgiving meal (turkey included!) and donating it to the local food bank through the Thanks-4-Giving food drive hosted by Mix 103.3 radio station with my husband and stepdaughter.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwHouXndPgUkIj9P9vrXcPn3niB27mTDN8oq6m08YIww-ZOiyWiIcAr1keY6JXwKBocrpvHwGfclTFWgTpstwgoeRW58WSO5UlyCuwCVc95kdzmcqYYWcJ2pY5efsQhZayYv5Vz2lWH0/s1600/20151119_200513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwHouXndPgUkIj9P9vrXcPn3niB27mTDN8oq6m08YIww-ZOiyWiIcAr1keY6JXwKBocrpvHwGfclTFWgTpstwgoeRW58WSO5UlyCuwCVc95kdzmcqYYWcJ2pY5efsQhZayYv5Vz2lWH0/s320/20151119_200513.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Thanksgiving meal we purchased and donated to the Thanks-4-Giving food drive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7npBFX8g7ln9Dg9MTWRbOO6GYCp0vCj2yh3vEKNjZhuur4rmgORknR1tT09vFna0B8gnb6rK7GKGZUkzAoCMHquGvLK-skTca9XEAbfbYA6MazDUx-L4vUEgAj-wBX0nszY9AkPntqM/s1600/20151119_201012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7npBFX8g7ln9Dg9MTWRbOO6GYCp0vCj2yh3vEKNjZhuur4rmgORknR1tT09vFna0B8gnb6rK7GKGZUkzAoCMHquGvLK-skTca9XEAbfbYA6MazDUx-L4vUEgAj-wBX0nszY9AkPntqM/s320/20151119_201012.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madeline and Bear handing over our Thanksgiving meal donation</td></tr>
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Since I love doing this with my family, I decided to expand it and do it with my classroom this year. We organized an agency-wide food drive. The kids made and hung up signs and collected food for the food bank for the first few weeks of November. When the day rolled around, we took a field trip to drop off multiple bags and 4 huge boxes of food to the local Thanks-4-Giving food drive.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-AwBHXH8OTU0lDzR7G1RVouhEuVos1T_vUnxqKTe81w7o1jUWBmDzTifMJFe4dUS_1NPzK8zDfR8u_Mu75APbjuKvS2o0OY5zjxlqelV1Cttjgvai25sJekfSk8oL26GVsHjJ14Wnk/s1600/20151103_142434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-AwBHXH8OTU0lDzR7G1RVouhEuVos1T_vUnxqKTe81w7o1jUWBmDzTifMJFe4dUS_1NPzK8zDfR8u_Mu75APbjuKvS2o0OY5zjxlqelV1Cttjgvai25sJekfSk8oL26GVsHjJ14Wnk/s320/20151103_142434.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signage made by the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdE9bvnPESIHCBALILSfbiXUcSyq2gIspOpZQ87DJzTW20ra9fG4zd1lTs0Fj6cjwlHO9o1fz8XLyTnJ2BYtweRx-jwYfpvVw1JeMGGwWVglgUp7bb2BIJ9_CWRAh4Nc0Mu9qJ7X0vV8/s1600/20151120_092601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdE9bvnPESIHCBALILSfbiXUcSyq2gIspOpZQ87DJzTW20ra9fG4zd1lTs0Fj6cjwlHO9o1fz8XLyTnJ2BYtweRx-jwYfpvVw1JeMGGwWVglgUp7bb2BIJ9_CWRAh4Nc0Mu9qJ7X0vV8/s320/20151120_092601.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the boxes/bags we donated - never did get a picture of everything together!</td></tr>
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I also decided to do the Operation Christmas Child with my students this year. For those of you not familiar, Operation Christmas Child is the program where you stuff a shoebox of little toys, novelty items, hygiene items, etc. and they then go to areas of the world where the children can use them. An additional component (it's through Samaritan's Purse) to bringing the shoeboxes is that Samaritan's Purse also sends members to spread the word of Christ when they drop the shoeboxes.<br />
While I personally am not a believer, I <b>do</b> still believe in their mission of doing good and spreading hope. I also believe in giving my students the opportunity to learn and practice faith (or not, if they choose so), so this fits that belief of mine as well. Anyways- ramble over.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXcsecBOy75wvm7zliNg0J0VtTag4SoEE1bAVgHVBccKjZiBvxwdLflj2sUX28tU4MCPYBLQjT7JiXRFT-tUhYjf4eKMPR97Cm6Pn71L3sz82v2zA-jTf7uyf-cLiHcKSf31d6M-gqv8/s1600/IMG_20151123_164359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXcsecBOy75wvm7zliNg0J0VtTag4SoEE1bAVgHVBccKjZiBvxwdLflj2sUX28tU4MCPYBLQjT7JiXRFT-tUhYjf4eKMPR97Cm6Pn71L3sz82v2zA-jTf7uyf-cLiHcKSf31d6M-gqv8/s320/IMG_20151123_164359.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We purchased items for boxes, and each student in my class made one. I did one, as well and my aide, Danielle. My stepdaughter wanted to participate too, so she made one at home that I brought in to donate with our class boxes. In all, we were able to purchase and donate 8 stuffed to the brim boxes. Here's a peek at what a few of the boxes looked like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfD-ImMoOjyHzCHMxXNtGVThMxV5MastHz0DqYSRzEvIEkm3b6lX-n38fnmyzJ-v76CcbYizgXcJfQLdXDBkSYrOd-I3rbUCJMrsh4hSo1xAbMlg1CEhMEWnkWI47acCcXYlpFqvF5BE/s1600/20151120_105028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfD-ImMoOjyHzCHMxXNtGVThMxV5MastHz0DqYSRzEvIEkm3b6lX-n38fnmyzJ-v76CcbYizgXcJfQLdXDBkSYrOd-I3rbUCJMrsh4hSo1xAbMlg1CEhMEWnkWI47acCcXYlpFqvF5BE/s320/20151120_105028.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX7ykghSl0sRMpCGl2IYNqyvRPw6vU86AcUvJyyYp-66EcXULBxPrlZ89VUaApLVQmeg8SJgV8lOJQf-TdPy6VekIlnDNqUbm8SCKAUhBmNM0on46PGLFpkyVO1_PwV2KjYBRwq0vDRo/s1600/20151120_105054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXX7ykghSl0sRMpCGl2IYNqyvRPw6vU86AcUvJyyYp-66EcXULBxPrlZ89VUaApLVQmeg8SJgV8lOJQf-TdPy6VekIlnDNqUbm8SCKAUhBmNM0on46PGLFpkyVO1_PwV2KjYBRwq0vDRo/s320/20151120_105054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7wTSqTed0B8Rm6cuUFuTHffdB6a6_Fl5DUa2Rc0v39v1RPWcq_Y4GFyvIBMNk7I6pwpqaZTecxJv_t9Ujg31485kO6lFVPnr_hteVuT_zZVZNSfVfzv2V8PnNBoWSEiUuI83_rDy8PM/s1600/20151120_105110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7wTSqTed0B8Rm6cuUFuTHffdB6a6_Fl5DUa2Rc0v39v1RPWcq_Y4GFyvIBMNk7I6pwpqaZTecxJv_t9Ujg31485kO6lFVPnr_hteVuT_zZVZNSfVfzv2V8PnNBoWSEiUuI83_rDy8PM/s320/20151120_105110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This experience was incredibly enjoyable for all of us. The kids had a great time shopping and they really liked putting the boxes together. It also seemed to really hit them that there are many children who are less fortunate than they are (which is a hard concept for any kid, let alone my students- kids who <i>have</i> had a rough deck dealt to them). We also got the tracking labels for the boxes, so we are excited to see where are boxes will be going and we will follow them!</div>
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Giving is such a rewarding feeling. I give for the pure reason of kindness. I don't give because because I think I need too or that a God is telling me to. I give because it feels good and because I can. Passing on the love of giving is a gift I want to give to all my students- and one little action at a time is how I plan to do that.</div>
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So, here's two examples of giving that we did this month. (well technically three since I donated to the food drive two times)</div>
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Have you given lately?</div>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-44903444048707047732015-12-09T13:15:00.001-05:002015-12-09T13:15:40.061-05:00Checking InWell hello, blogosphere. It's been awhile.<br />
Things are busy, as always. Like I said, this time of year is notoriously busy.<br />
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I have been reading though! November was a decent month, I read a few books.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliVDjnt-oCC6UCAsckqskBlbm3aws0A8iCdF7M12_ej8nM4tsDEu7HyXDbAZ9Aa5SLO3rMAUuG9onHh-Iy2KGz1Oc5WxYvwhz9Lc0Rl9i6sw-CgLlalrcb17b6jpdXQTbws5EvftOy6Y/s1600/20151107_083300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliVDjnt-oCC6UCAsckqskBlbm3aws0A8iCdF7M12_ej8nM4tsDEu7HyXDbAZ9Aa5SLO3rMAUuG9onHh-Iy2KGz1Oc5WxYvwhz9Lc0Rl9i6sw-CgLlalrcb17b6jpdXQTbws5EvftOy6Y/s320/20151107_083300.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4D8qv7pz0V7Hca-2UvMWgLCqZySKNiDGm28eREg0pAMmMtjERVrF8OV9MbqhanKxNTaJvHH5gpzhV05d-pI3KED1a3t846_ostUDmCrchFV3Nw7ZjNad1BatuRbDjuDitnBu50k7Y08/s1600/IMG_20151128_095945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4D8qv7pz0V7Hca-2UvMWgLCqZySKNiDGm28eREg0pAMmMtjERVrF8OV9MbqhanKxNTaJvHH5gpzhV05d-pI3KED1a3t846_ostUDmCrchFV3Nw7ZjNad1BatuRbDjuDitnBu50k7Y08/s320/IMG_20151128_095945.jpg" width="320" /></a>I finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B009NG312Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478984&sr=1-1&keywords=asylum+series">Madeleine Roux's Asylum</a> and jumped right in to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sanctum-Asylum-Book-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B00H1UDZ40/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478969&sr=1-2&keywords=asylum+series">Sanctum</a>. I loved them both. I also read The Scarlets, an Asylum novella. I was wait-listed for Catacomb at the library, so I didn't get to finish the series in November. (My hold just came in last night though, so I will be finishing Catacomb soon!). I've really enjoyed this series so far. I also finished The Bone Artists last night, which is another novella in the series.<br />
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I finished Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - I've been reading it with my students. We started Prisoner of Azkaban and they're really enjoying it. I am doing the free range readalong with <a href="http://www.estellasociety.com/?p=1533">The Estella Society for the Harry Potter reread</a>... I'll be finishing Prisoner of Azkaban and wrapping up the series on my own in December.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsycxBMaQVRmOPVSHMBulbau0hqmdV1cdWgXXvILrbh950xLJ7VXzzDae6RfUGuzXz5RnYeOH63fpbASGbl7VYT9kw554Fpg5GFNc1HeMtXgdL0O35xugmz-zt3RUYRKUz363Vk3MntbA/s1600/IMG_20151122_175118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsycxBMaQVRmOPVSHMBulbau0hqmdV1cdWgXXvILrbh950xLJ7VXzzDae6RfUGuzXz5RnYeOH63fpbASGbl7VYT9kw554Fpg5GFNc1HeMtXgdL0O35xugmz-zt3RUYRKUz363Vk3MntbA/s200/IMG_20151122_175118.jpg" width="200" /></a>I also got my first <a href="https://www.bookofthemonth.com/">Book of the Month</a> box! Woohoo! (I won a subscription during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjT_rfWsM_JAhVC4SYKHZj8C2gQFggdMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.24hourreadathon.com%2F&usg=AFQjCNFoJNc0bLXv16a3hulWB5gkZWauVQ&sig2=g6m9qlB_3wgpkvVa463-fg">Dewey's Readathon</a>) I picked <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Other-People-Lauren-Holmes/dp/1594633789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449684840&sr=8-1&keywords=barbara+the+slu">Barbara the Slut by Lauren Holmes</a> - and it was GREAT. I laughed so hard while reading this one. The short little vignettes were awesome- it was like reading a collection of mini character profiles.<span id="goog_208128135"></span><span id="goog_208128136"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxpR9UCiary4kaki0HBF3t3fLew43ELL0y2XsysYAvENffL5zldmNgX5sMiNtLRHoCgImG27cGG6mHDXzp6GwmcF2MKB0IDC6aEfk1CWWI135PyLB50D1lGDZUKtm3-TjIJCSJHlRA0s/s1600/IMG_20151115_173855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxpR9UCiary4kaki0HBF3t3fLew43ELL0y2XsysYAvENffL5zldmNgX5sMiNtLRHoCgImG27cGG6mHDXzp6GwmcF2MKB0IDC6aEfk1CWWI135PyLB50D1lGDZUKtm3-TjIJCSJHlRA0s/s200/IMG_20151115_173855.jpg" width="200" /></a>Aside from reading, we've just had a busy month. We had our annual cousin cookie baking day! We do this every year and always have a very fun time. We bake, make crafts, decorate cookies, play, eat, and just have a fun family day. Bear and I hosted this year, so we had a packed house!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozOtLxTljK1sr7ExV-d3EhAEXe-V_YB1RSvy2uxW7nIwcSSXWtDO7W6F7IBC1JmgF1ymw0MR494mSAA-Ekg0NiQuVvqAfPLyxziQxHNxZ-N64x9iaWY7ZNhKJ6-dRVYNBOWBVWL84Xzk/s1600/IMG_20151115_173245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozOtLxTljK1sr7ExV-d3EhAEXe-V_YB1RSvy2uxW7nIwcSSXWtDO7W6F7IBC1JmgF1ymw0MR494mSAA-Ekg0NiQuVvqAfPLyxziQxHNxZ-N64x9iaWY7ZNhKJ6-dRVYNBOWBVWL84Xzk/s320/IMG_20151115_173245.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a wonderful day! This was the first year Barrett was able to get the holiday off in the past few, so it was extra nice to have him and Madeline with me once again.<br />
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My good friends, Sue and John got married the day after Thanksgiving too. Their wedding was a beautiful fall affair, filled with great food and fun! Sue looked stunning, and John was handsome! I am so glad to have shared in their day.<br />
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How did November wrap up for all of you?<br />
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<b>November Stats:</b><br />
Books finished in November: 5<br />
Pages read in November: 1,137<br />
Blog posts in November: 1<br />
Bookish <a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">IG posts</a> in November: 10<br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-59587933901581958232015-11-02T13:10:00.000-05:002015-11-03T13:18:09.055-05:00October Wrap-Up and November & December Bookish PlansIs it truly November already? Where in the world did October go?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94qKaQk6ceLebP46iSyHovM5TRUYlRHgVeAaRstCo0i2LfMsJnghUbNv2zrWnbyrqIgffYWAPQr_FJngg0ZeI13Fa0Cv4yhlPGc975zwevQv8WrYdRxsEUJH9omp3Hs6QFA-nZ8AYDfk/s1600/51-qQ2TbIPL._SX323_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94qKaQk6ceLebP46iSyHovM5TRUYlRHgVeAaRstCo0i2LfMsJnghUbNv2zrWnbyrqIgffYWAPQr_FJngg0ZeI13Fa0Cv4yhlPGc975zwevQv8WrYdRxsEUJH9omp3Hs6QFA-nZ8AYDfk/s200/51-qQ2TbIPL._SX323_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq2Ge655FzsLpDwfRp3Y7uovV8fakTXvMAunuBnR60E6UajgdvbjCvuIjyGugXSm4tuBHrKvd-T_G19m_wIoaRyzHwihbI2lD_g60eEWqWhTGVHKhGzUurgLorJ-9nlWEzMfqG6Ii05w/s1600/41-YkFaghDL._SX302_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq2Ge655FzsLpDwfRp3Y7uovV8fakTXvMAunuBnR60E6UajgdvbjCvuIjyGugXSm4tuBHrKvd-T_G19m_wIoaRyzHwihbI2lD_g60eEWqWhTGVHKhGzUurgLorJ-9nlWEzMfqG6Ii05w/s200/41-YkFaghDL._SX302_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="121" /></a>This month was fun and busy! I read 7 books and participated in the 24 Hr Readathon. I read <i>The Poison Tree</i> by Erin Kelly, <i>The Martian</i> by Andy Weir, <i>Station Eleven </i>by Emily St John Mandel, <i>The Pied Piper of the Undead </i>by Michael Whetzel, <i>No Way Out</i> by MJ Ware, <i>Jem and the Holograms #1</i> by Kelly Thompson, and <i>Ghosts of Rosewood Asylum</i> by Stephen Prosapio. I enjoyed most of my October reads - I <b>really</b> loved both <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Andy-Weir/dp/0553418025/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446484079&sr=8-1&keywords=the+martian">The Martian</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel/dp/0804172447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446484117&sr=8-1&keywords=station+eleven">Station Eleven</a> and highly recommend both books.<br />
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I love this time of year, but I also tend to get overly ambitious and wind up stressed. So.. I have a few things planned, but not enough to overwhelm me. If I get to more, then yay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6aMRh8zm0xEGFrLTAIepNFNayQ0hBoBItOuBYaps0FSnEleJYh7UaPVJI2EhRqamRlLR8niBMw3pmTfh8Kxqh9FoUA4MacIGGcrjq_4mkVvtVJ2zV_A3QVSUDlK4UVtod3SXcpNuZPk/s1600/20151101_152243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6aMRh8zm0xEGFrLTAIepNFNayQ0hBoBItOuBYaps0FSnEleJYh7UaPVJI2EhRqamRlLR8niBMw3pmTfh8Kxqh9FoUA4MacIGGcrjq_4mkVvtVJ2zV_A3QVSUDlK4UVtod3SXcpNuZPk/s320/20151101_152243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am currently reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B009NG312Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478984&sr=1-1&keywords=asylum+series">Asylum by Madeleine Roux</a>. I am LOVING it. I just started it yesterday and it is great. I will be finishing this up soon if I keep this pace... and I will likely jump right in to the sequel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sanctum-Asylum-Book-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B00H1UDZ40/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478969&sr=1-2&keywords=asylum+series">Sanctum</a>. The 3rd installment, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Catacomb-Asylum-Book-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B00QQNWECW/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478969&sr=1-3&keywords=asylum+series">Catacomb</a> was just released in September and I am thinking I will be reading that one too. Like I said- I am really enjoying Asylum and Roux's writing style and I think I'll like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_kk_1?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Aasylum+series&keywords=asylum+series&ie=UTF8&qid=1446478871">this series</a> as a whole. These 3 are what I am starting off November with.<br />
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As for the rest of November and December....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1IxOKlVZAAaGckCbPzrszPWN2eHVSUv6z73vGFNTWhyphenhyphenCsotJy-R17rROtIWiYxbrw20lsKY0Evf8PbMrmmKxprVXwDvqxJe97EvIlqA28ozSfLfeaCefj4LM3oLYk7e4-uwz7LWM6E8/s1600/PotterBinge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1IxOKlVZAAaGckCbPzrszPWN2eHVSUv6z73vGFNTWhyphenhyphenCsotJy-R17rROtIWiYxbrw20lsKY0Evf8PbMrmmKxprVXwDvqxJe97EvIlqA28ozSfLfeaCefj4LM3oLYk7e4-uwz7LWM6E8/s320/PotterBinge.jpg" width="320" /></a>I'm (quite obviously) joining in the <a href="http://www.estellasociety.com/?p=1533">Estella Society Harry Potter Readalong</a>. Was it even a question as to whether or not I would join? So, the beauty of this readalong is that it is a "Free Range Readalong" - meaning no time table... just, <b>read</b> Harry Potter between Nov 1st and January 31st. You can also read all or a few. I am going to skip Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets (because I just read both with my students) and will be reading years 3 through 7. I also am putting my own personal goal on this- I want to finish the series reread by Christmas.<br />
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I thought about joining <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWrimo</a>, but then I realized a few things: I don't think I will have the time and I don't work well when I plan to join in something last minute. Which leads to me not meeting a goal, which leads to me being cranky. I don't want to be cranky. So instead of joining NaNoWrimo, I am instead going to set a personal writing goal. I am writing a memoir right now in lots of disjointed pieces... just getting my ideas out in little chapters- basically snippets of time. I want to write up a few specific moments (When My Head Hit The Door, The Second Concussion, Where'd My Windshield Go?, That Time Everyone Saw My Underwear, and Running In Stilettos).... intrigued yet? Hahahah<br />
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I plan to read a few books that were on my pile for October that I didn't get around to (there's quite a few)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/J-Novel-Howard-Jacobson-ebook/dp/B00N6PD31E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444916777&sr=1-1&keywords=j">J: A Novel by Howard Jacobson</a><br />
Compared to Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World, so obviously I need to read it- those are two of my all time favorite books. Literally, that is all I read about J - I picked it up solely based on those comparisons (so let's hope it lives up to those bold statements!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Accomplice-Eireann-Corrigan/dp/0545052386/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444913535&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=accomlice">Accomplice by Eireann Corrigan</a></div>
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A young adult novel I have had collecting dust for years. Figured it was time to bring it out -- two friends plan a fake kidnapping scenario to gain national attention, but then they get way more than they bargained for.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barry-Trotter-Unauthorized-Michael-Gerber/dp/0743244281/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444913414&sr=1-1&keywords=barry+trotter+and+the+unauthorized+parody">Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody by Michael Gerber</a></div>
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Handed to me by one of my students.... I have never read any of the Harry Potter parodies, so I figured it was about time I did- especially since a student gave it to me to read! I wanted to read this to break up my 24Hr Readathon but ended up not feeling the need to switch to comedy... so, I think it will be fun to read after I finish my Harry Potter reread.</div>
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<a href="http://babylit.com/collections/books/products/emma">Emma</a> and <a href="http://babylit.com/collections/books/products/treasure-island">Treasure Island</a> from the <a href="http://babylit.com/collections/books">BabyLit series</a></div>
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I love these books. They're so cute! Gotta write up a review and post it here soon.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Edgar-Tree-House-Usher-BabyLit%C2%AE/dp/1423640438">Edgar and the Tree House by Jennifer Adams</a></div>
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Another adorable little book that I need to write a review on... it is cute, wait until you see it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1FeIAp0JGfE3bVj7VU7bXKO_uTgCCLpd7wL9h4QOvOC0N4nuH4PtVxFaGYTAeYTZFE9VLB8qRh-0Y1jA5lMxgmUOKhMSYkwIM9H3BLTLPeITDyv5TKz7ZF4kysXtDEM52ByO67YCMcc/s1600/51V5q5TNPtL._SX473_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1FeIAp0JGfE3bVj7VU7bXKO_uTgCCLpd7wL9h4QOvOC0N4nuH4PtVxFaGYTAeYTZFE9VLB8qRh-0Y1jA5lMxgmUOKhMSYkwIM9H3BLTLPeITDyv5TKz7ZF4kysXtDEM52ByO67YCMcc/s320/51V5q5TNPtL._SX473_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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In addition to those above, my NetGalley shelf is pretty full. I am hoping to read a few off my shelf that have been gathering virtual dust. I will likely read the spookier stories that I recently grabbed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZBQNocs6uhvMlso308StsfQ_m21IOz319Fv7s2GSV7ONUWgZHlIElLJm04N8roY6eIOyqTqXcJwIZszUz4jNro3onwiK41JzeDJXBWAUeZJ0bJSYa04KPdJPA734mnEI7Zk6fdJsgm4/s1600/3082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZBQNocs6uhvMlso308StsfQ_m21IOz319Fv7s2GSV7ONUWgZHlIElLJm04N8roY6eIOyqTqXcJwIZszUz4jNro3onwiK41JzeDJXBWAUeZJ0bJSYa04KPdJPA734mnEI7Zk6fdJsgm4/s1600/3082.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a>And last but not least - I really hope to meet my GoodReads goal, but I don't think I will this year. I got pretty behind during summer with wedding planning, the wedding itself, and our honeymoon.... we'll see if I can make it up. I'm currently only at 64%, which puts me "<i>17 books behind schedule". </i>I wanted to read 85 books this year and so far I've only read 54. Not so sure I can read 31 books in the next 60 days, but I'll give it a real effort!<br />
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So, I hope you all have some good bookish plans for the upcoming months! Have a great rest of your day!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i><i></i><br />
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Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-41101948407512201902015-10-17T10:21:00.001-04:002015-10-17T10:21:30.180-04:00Allow me to introduce myself....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello, fellow readathoners!!<br />
Time for introductions!<br />
I'm Jenna - wife, stepmomma, reader, teacher, and Potterhead with an annoyingly inquisitive mind.<br />
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1. I'm reading from the great state of New York... in Binghamton, to be exact. I like it here. Today is looking beautiful with the sun shining on our stunning fall foliage with a nice crisp air. There's rumors though that we may see some snow showers soon!<br />
2. The book I'm most looking forward to is Station Eleven.<br />
3. I'm most excited for my SmartPop. It's always my favorite snack! I'm also really looking forward to dinner... Bear went fishing yesterday and brought home a gorgeous salmon. Can't wait to see what he cold up tonight!<br />
4. I did more prep this year. I prepped my <br />
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log in a notebook to cut wasted time. I'm also not focusing on blog posts. I'll only do a few updates this time.<br />
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Well, that's all for me! Hope you're all having a fun day so far!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-40484260000076698112015-10-15T09:49:00.001-04:002015-10-15T09:49:16.410-04:00Readathon Stack!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night I decided to get my <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/">Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon</a> stack together! It made me super excited... I cannot wait for Saturday!!</div>
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I'm currently reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martian-Novel-Andy-Weir-ebook/dp/B00EMXBDMA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444916801&sr=1-1&keywords=the+martian">The Martian by Andy Weir</a> </i>and hope to finish it tonight... it has been a crazy busy week so I have been falling asleep super early and not reading near as much as I'd like to... on the upside of that though is the hope that all this extra sleep this week will get me prepped to stay up for a full 24 hours on Saturday!</div>
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So, this is my stack for Saturday:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/J-Novel-Howard-Jacobson-ebook/dp/B00N6PD31E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444916777&sr=1-1&keywords=j"><i>J by Howard Jacobso</i>n</a> has been compared to Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World, so <b>obviously</b> I need to read it- those are two of my all time favorite books. Literally, that is all I read about J - I picked it up solely based on those comparisons (so let's hope it lives up to those bold statements!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel-ebook/dp/B00J1IQUYM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444916757&sr=1-1&keywords=station+eleven"><i>Station Eleven by Emily St John Mande</i>l</a> is on everyone's must read list right now. I have had it on the back burner for awhile now. I picked it up because I love stories that tell the tales of society's collapse. I've heard so many rave reviews, I thought it was time to bump it up on the TBR.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Madeleine-Roux-ebook/dp/B009NG312Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444913245&sr=1-1&keywords=asylum"><i>Asylum by Madeleine Roux</i></a> is a book I originally got for my classroom and then snagged for myself. Boarding school meets psychiatric hospital full of dark, disturbing secrets? Hell yeah. Count me in.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barry-Trotter-Unauthorized-Michael-Gerber/dp/0743244281/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444913414&sr=1-1&keywords=barry+trotter+and+the+unauthorized+parody"><i>Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody</i></a> was handed to me by one of my students. He found it in the library and of course thought of me! I have never read any of the Harry Potter parodies, so I figured it was about time I did- especially since a student gave it to me to read! I added it to my stack because I know I am going to need to a little humor to break things up.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Accomplice-Eireann-Corrigan/dp/0545052386/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444913535&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=accomlice"><i>Accomplice by Eireann Corrigan</i></a> is a young adult novel I have had collecting dust for years. Figured it was time to bring it out. I thought this would be a nice addition because it sounds like a quick read - two friends plan a fake kidnapping scenario to gain national attention, but then they get way more than they bargained for.</div>
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Of course, I have my Kindle too. I've got it loaded up with a lot of short spooky stories to break my reading up throughout the day. I find that I always need little breaks throughout the day and short stories really help with that.</div>
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Now, for the fun part... getting my snack stack together! Haha. Variety is key and tomorrow will be shopping day to get lots of goodies to munch throughout the day. Also- GOOD coffee. I gotta grab some different flavors cappuccino for my Keurig, because again- variety is key to <b>everything.</b></div>
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Hope you guys are having fun getting your reading and snacking stacks together!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54493/321/CA17F271D800FCC88E4F8890957628CC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-47241236812156500092015-10-13T11:07:00.001-04:002015-10-13T11:07:33.486-04:00It's almost readathon time!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpJbt6U5gNt6s_Z9_q0rRRh6QBmL59pahwyuDZC5t4XXStldcI1xCaVXAVdeiuZrgLqLCt8uBy_4bTUJrEStlK1OVZvKy3rBGPfEQ0415peo28GcAgJYlpZzJz2NmjJfLmBnmMesYPwI/s1600/deweys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpJbt6U5gNt6s_Z9_q0rRRh6QBmL59pahwyuDZC5t4XXStldcI1xCaVXAVdeiuZrgLqLCt8uBy_4bTUJrEStlK1OVZvKy3rBGPfEQ0415peo28GcAgJYlpZzJz2NmjJfLmBnmMesYPwI/s320/deweys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's almost that very special time of the year - <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/?p=5404">Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon</a>!!! Who else is excited for Saturday?!?!<br />
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I LOVE Dewey's Readathon and participate as often as I can...<br />
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If you don't know- this is a semi-annual readathon, where our big beautiful community of readers spend the day reading, chatting, blogging, and sharing our experiences. We do this <a href="http://www.24hourreadathon.com/?page_id=5">in honor of Dewey</a>, who started the readathon in 2007. Now hosted by <a href="http://estellasrevenge.blogspot.com/">Andi</a> and <a href="http://www.capriciousreader.com/">Heather</a>, the readathon continues to thrive and bring fun and community to readers in a great shared experience.<br />
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This time, I will be participating <b>all </b>day! Bear will be fishing in Pulaski so I'll just be hanging around the house... reading and snacking. Speaking of- if you've never done the readathon before, let me tell you that diverse snacks are as important as diverse books. I'm serious, trust me on this. Coffee is also necessary. Lots and lots.<br />
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So, the October readathon is always extra fun for me because it is my favorite time of year and coordinates well with <a href="http://papajm25.blogspot.com/2015/09/ripx.html">RIPX</a> .. and this year, a new surprise - Andi coordinated a little challenge: <a href="http://estellasrevenge.blogspot.com/2015/09/15in31-starved-for-books.html">15 in 31</a> (to read 15 books in the 31 days of October) and of course I am joining in on that! I need a reading boost.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTBtL2TY-smB1Vk9kKk3drWlu139IKEjrKhk4lg7NwSWxBwDswjKnHJ1uIFvsOo-gXd0POpoFeSa5WGPz6clZh2JDap3xktfDsSFFjxJAcKFoz23tjv8VwNlEQ6f6yLJoVSc71X_vdQo/s1600/15in31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTBtL2TY-smB1Vk9kKk3drWlu139IKEjrKhk4lg7NwSWxBwDswjKnHJ1uIFvsOo-gXd0POpoFeSa5WGPz6clZh2JDap3xktfDsSFFjxJAcKFoz23tjv8VwNlEQ6f6yLJoVSc71X_vdQo/s200/15in31.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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So, all this comes together nicely and my hope is to put a big dent in my RIPX stack and get a bunch of books read for #15in31.<br />
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I plan to update the blog throughout the readathon this Saturday, but sometime it takes too much of my focus away, so I decided to sign up with my focus being on Instagram. I can update quicker on my IG page and still stay connected, so you will find me hanging out there the most. You can connect with me on Instagram (<a href="http://instagram.com/papajm25?ref=badge">papajm25</a>), Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LittleBirdReads">LittleBirdReads</a>), and here on the blog.<br />
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I hope you'll be joining us!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/98BF37F89C9224CDA9FA70AC5B195D88.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-20769789063416622202015-10-01T13:51:00.004-04:002015-10-01T13:51:47.715-04:00Jason and the Draconauts - the sequel!Hey gang - who remembers when <a href="http://papajm25.blogspot.com/2013/07/jason-draconauts.html">I encouraged you</a> all to back the Kickstarter for my friend and his book, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Draconauts-Paul-D-Smith/dp/0615866247/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443721787&sr=8-1&keywords=jason+and+the+draconauts">Jason and the Draconauts</a>? </i>Well, as you know- it got backed... and Paul's first book was published. It is great and Paul continued to write. Letting the series unfold, Paul has finished the sequel to <i>Jason and the Draconauts </i>and he needs your help to make the dream of a sequel become reality!!<br />
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<i>Jason and the Draconauts: The Council of Ancients </i>continues the story of Jason, the dragon Petros, and their allies. Your burning questions from the first novel are answered, but even more questions arise in this second installment. Once again, a great YA novel worthy of getting out there for young fans of fantasy, flight, and fun. I mean really- who <b>doesn't </b>love dragons?!! That is reason enough to back this project!!<br />
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So what are you doing? GO! Run and <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/651841039/jason-and-the-draconauts-the-council-of-ancients?ref=nav_search">back the project</a>!!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/651841039/jason-and-the-draconauts-the-council-of-ancients/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe>
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ps: If you haven't checked out <i>Jason and the Draconauts,</i> you can grab it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Draconauts-Paul-D-Smith/dp/0615866247/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1443721787&sr=8-1&keywords=jason+and+the+draconauts">here</a><br />
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7101934241957159814.post-43077894115504194962015-09-20T17:30:00.000-04:002015-09-20T17:30:06.699-04:00Finding the fountain of youth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOcewidwquGjryvN5hDnxh4OajsfSbK8OHyinTEaWx-vinSA6wAbooK-IQWPBDtzi-ZfAKfFNzKOgqVgJQE6AXGggCP2Vg0VSfaW-17B1w09vyOq3_hgyqdGTkpXTmJWS7ISase-ed9k/s1600/findingforever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOcewidwquGjryvN5hDnxh4OajsfSbK8OHyinTEaWx-vinSA6wAbooK-IQWPBDtzi-ZfAKfFNzKOgqVgJQE6AXGggCP2Vg0VSfaW-17B1w09vyOq3_hgyqdGTkpXTmJWS7ISase-ed9k/s1600/findingforever.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Forever-Deadline-Diaries-Exclusive/dp/0762455942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442782685&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+forever+ken+baker"><i>Finding Forever </i>by Ken Baker</a><br />
Running Press Teens // September 8, 2015<br />
ISBN-13: 978-0762455942<br />
paperback, 256pgs<br />
source: ARC from publisher<br />
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<i><u>About the book:</u></i><br />
In this YA series, Brooklyn Brant is a celebrity news blogger dying to have her big break. Her blog, Deadline Diaries, features the clickbait hook-ups, break-ups, and screw-ups of the Hollywood glitterati, but she has yet to nab the one juicy scoop that will establish her as the ultimate insider.<br />
Actress Taylor Prince is America's sweetheart—beautiful, talented, successful, and sober. With a Golden Globe win, Oscar nom, clothing and fragrance line, and too many magazine covers to count, Taylor is ready to celebrate her sixteenth birthday with a big poolside bash. However, she is not prepared for a police raid and blacking out in the arms of a dangerously handsome stranger.<br />
Brooklyn is called by Taylor's assistant to locate the missing starlet under the radar and on a very tight deadline. And she will need both her sleuthing and journalistic skills to solve the mystery and get the story of a lifetime.<br />
In this suspenseful, dual narrative thriller alternating between the perspectives of Brooklyn and Taylor, author Ken Baker uses his in-depth experience with celebrity journalism and behind-the-scenes truths to explore the ugly underbelly of Hollywood's obsession with finding the ever elusive fountain of youth.<br />
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<i><u>My thoughts:</u></i><br />
This is a series that is NOT to be missed!<br />
Last summer, <a href="http://papajm25.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-i-got-skinny.html">I reviewed </a><i><a href="http://papajm25.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-i-got-skinny.html">How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love</a> </i>by Ken Baker and loved it. I was then offered the opportunity to read and review <i>Finding Forever, </i>the first in his new series, <i>Deadline Diaries</i>. I need to admit, that at first glance I wasn't sure I would love this (and I remember feeling the same about <i>How I got Skinny</i>) but knew that I had previously enjoyed Baker's writing so I wanted to give this a go. I am <b>so</b> glad that I did.<br />
Immediately, I was hooked into the story and the characters, not to mention the format. I didn't feel an immediate tug for Taylor, but I did for Brooklyn. Her opening story just seemed to pull at me. Then, as I got further into the story and learned more about Taylor (and Brooklyn), I found myself rooting for both girls. The remaining cast of characters were also intriguing, especially Simone. I didn't find myself caring much about Brooklyn's just-friend Holden, but I did like how it added depth to her character and it gave her more footing for being relate-able to the teenage reader.<br />
As the characters were quickly developing, so was a major mystery - what happened to Taylor? As Brooklyn, Simone, and Holden dive headfirst into uncovering the truth, the reader has the knowledge of what <i>is</i> the truth behind Taylor's rehab stint. It is nerve wracking (I was thinking often "c'mon guys, connect the dots"!) and terrifying (thinking "seriously, what is <b>wrong</b> with this rehab?!) at the same time. I felt compelled to reach out and give Brooklyn those tidbits she was missing. The book draws you in and keeps your heart racing as you guess at the next crazy turn in rehab and the next twist in the investigative reporting that Brooklyn is conducting.<br />
As I sat on the edge of my seat and furiously turned the pages to find out what would happen next, I never realized, until reflecting on the book, how tongue in cheek this book was. It is a commentary on the reality of stardom, wrapped into a great mystery. I feel like sitting around in a book club with this book, we could discuss for hours the impact of social media on celebrity and society as a whole. As well as fear mongering and the health cult mentality- especially when it swirls out of control.<br />
The book format lent itself to both plot and character development, as well as keeping the pace fast but not so much so that the reader gets lost in a mess of information. It is written in dual perspective- that of Taylor's and Brooklyn's. The girls both have voice and their own way of telling the story. Not only do they have distinctive voices, but the physical look helps too. The girl's voices are split with each coming in under a heading- much like you'd see in social media. It has a date, timestamp, and location. It makes it easy to follow and adds visual interest as well.<br />
The books concludes well too- often times, a series will have poorly written endings for each book which can either intrigue the reader to read on or turn the reader off from exploring more of the series titles. <i>Finding Forever </i>balances a clean ending with just enough to make me want to read the next in the series. Baker gives enough of a hook in the ending to make me want to continue to follow Brooklyn to find out more about her and her backstory, as well as where she is going in the world of investigative journalism. I will absolutely be reading the next in the series, after experiencing how thrilling this title was.<br />
Overall, a highly recommended book. I would definitely offer this up to those looking for a fast paced mystery in the teen market, and will absolutely be suggesting it to my teenage students to pick up. Not only do I think they will enjoy it, I think it could very well inspire readers to pick up journalism. It removes the stigma and adds excitement. This is a great book and I am so glad I got to read it! I'm not a big 5-star giver, but this one certainly earned it!!!<br />
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<i><u>About the author:</u></i><br />
Ken Baker is an E! News Correspondent. He is the author of How I Got Skinny, Famous, and Fell Madly in Love and Fangirl, and his memoir, Man Made: A Memoir of My Body, is the inspiration for the film The Late Bloomer. He lives (and writes) with his family in Hermosa Beach, CA.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/361/98BF37F89C9224CDA9FA70AC5B195D88.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<i>write to be understood, speak to be heard, read to grow</i>
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<i>Cover image, book synopsis, and author information from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Forever-Deadline-Diaries-Exclusive/dp/0762455942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442782685&sr=8-1&keywords=finding+forever+ken+baker">Amazon</a></i><br />
<i>This book was sent to me as an uncorrected proof the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review</i>Jennahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02043051827615766198noreply@blogger.com0