Whatcha Reading? Whatcha Listening to?

Reader’s!

Whatcha Reading?

Right now I am reading four books at one time. Crayzzzz. I know. Luckily three of them are by the same author and about the same topic.

Crazy, Sexy, Cancer

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Crazy, Sexy, Diet

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Crazy, Sexy, Kitchen

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So as you may have guess they all have a common theme. Cancer and food. I am really enjoying all of them. Kris Carr is a Sexy Cancer Survivor. I am praying to be just like her!

The Leftovers

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For those of you who have HBO you may have seen the commercials for a new series they are showing in June. I had come across this book in the past and walked on by. It wasn’t until I saw the commercial about the new series that I decided to give it another look. I am half way through the book and I am enjoying it. Here is the premise:

Author Tom Perrotta is a master at exposing the quiet desperation behind America’s suburban sheen. In The Leftovers he explores what would happen if The Rapture actually took place and millions of people just disappeared from the earth. How would normal people respond? Perrotta’s characters show a variety of coping techniques, including indifference, avoidance, depression, freaking out, and the joining of cults. Despite the exceptional circumstances, it’s really not unlike how people respond to more minor incidents in their lives (excepting cults). The result is a novel that’s a slow burn yet strangely compelling, one that leaves the reader pondering the story long after it’s over. In vivid and occasionally satiric prose, he takes a bizarre and abnormal event–the Rapture–and imagines how normal people would deal with being left behind. –Chris Schluep

Recent books I have read or at least tried to:

The Fall of Giants & Winter of the World by Ken Follett- I loved these two books. Thanks Geri for the recommendation! And it sucks i have to wait till September to read the third!

Since I like his other two books I had read I finally gave in and started The Pillars of the Earth. I was about 3/4 the way through it when I gave up. It is just to much of the same BS over and over and Over again. Ugh. Maybe when I have absolutely nothing else to read I will go back and finish it.

Maggies Man-Lisa Gardner- I gave up about 30 minutes into this one. Ugh. Annoying.

Chestnut Street-Maeve Binchy- I am about to stop reading this one. It better start getting good or it too will bite the dust. It is not grabbing me and pulling me in. More like repelling me.

I read a four book series by Jeffrey Archer. Only Time Will Tell, The Sins of the Father, Best Kept Secret and Be Careful What You Wish For. There is another one due to come out next year. They were good. No where near as the Ken Follett series but they were entertaining.

Whatcha Listening to?

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St. Paul & The Broken Bones- Half The City- My Leg Doctor aka Prothetist (I have a problem saying this word and always end up say Proctologist. Eeeck! For the record, I have never gone to see a Proctologist. So I just call him my Leg doctor, which is kinda funny since I am missing my leg!) told me about this band at my last appointment. They are from Birmingham, Alabama, and are really good. When Rusty, My Leg Doctor, first showed me their video I was like, they could all be on the Big Bang Theroy! They are kinda of a nerdy bunch. Then the lead singer opened his mouth and I was like, He’s white? This man is total soul. WOW. He grew up in a super religious family (his mom threw his Nirvana CD away) and the only music he was allowed to listen to was Motown and it shows. I totally suggest you check them out.

Whatcha Reading? Whatcha Listening to?

 

 

Whatcha Listening to? Whatcha Reading?

Whatcha Listening To?

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Band of Horses-Live at The Ryman

We have been big fans of Band of Horses for years now. My Man and I have seen them about four times and The Boy has seen them once. Last month when we went to Nashville and visited the Ryman, we saw that they had played a show there recently. I was super excited when about a week ago I saw that they released an acoustic album of the songs they played there over two nights. I LOVE this album. I love the reworking of the songs especially The Funeral and Older. So, so good. I also love how after almost every song they are like “thanks y’all! or Thank you so much!.” Such nice boys. Check it out!

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Hoizer-Take Me to Church EP

I know nothing about Hoizer. Well, I just google him and apparently he his from Ireland so I know he has one hell of a sexy accident. That counts for something right? Anyway, I heard his song Take Me to Church on XM radio and really liked it. The EP contains a total of four songs and I like all of them! From what I read, it looks like he is hitting it big in Ireland and starting to tour in Europe as well. Maybe he will soon hit the states and release a full length album. So far I like what I hear!

Whatcha Reading?

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Cockroaches- Jo Nesbo

I know I have mentioned Jo Nesbo before on a pervious Whatcha Reading. Since he is originally from Norway not all of his books get released in English in order. He became pretty popular in the US when Snowman came out and since then they have been translating his older books in the Harry Hole series. Cockroaches is one of them. I am about half way through and am enjoying it just as I have all of his books. Even with all his faults (he has many) Harry Hole is a character you can’t help cheering for.

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Still Life with Bread Crumbs- Anna Quindlen 

From Booklist

Rebecca Winter was once a famous photographer, and, with any luck, she will be again. Having achieved surprising early success with her feminist “Kitchen Counter” collection, Rebecca, now 60, finds herself on fame and fortune’s flip side. With her former torrent of royalties dwindling to a trickle, Rebecca has been forced to give up her perfect Manhattan apartment for a paltry upstate cabin, and with marauding raccoons, stray dogs, and trigger-happy hunters, life in the country is proving to be no walk in Central Park. Luckily, Rebecca still has her camera, and she soon finds inspiration for new work in unexpected places, often in the company of a bird-watching roofer named Jim, whose quiet companionship proves to be just the balm she needs to fully embrace her unfamiliar surroundings.
What got me to read the book in first place was that the main character was once a famous photographer. Being that many moons ago I dreamed of being a famous photographer, I thought it would be a good read. And it was. Don’t think it is all about photography, it is a story of a woman, in her 60’s (she is not written like any 60 year woman I know) trying to kick-start her life again. Who of us hasn’t had to do that two or three times?

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Stella Bain-Anita Shreve

From Publishers Weekly

Shreve’s 17th novel is a tragic yet hopeful story of love, memory, loss, and rebuilding. A young woman wakes up with amnesia in a battlefield hospital tent in Marne, France, in 1916. She thinks her name is Stella Bain, and she thinks she knows how to nurse and drive an ambulance. As she recovers, she returns to duty in this new environment, caring for the wounded and dying. When she arrives in the city exhausted and destitute, she’s discovered in a park by a doctor’s wife, who takes her in. The doctor, Augustus Bridge, is a cranial surgeon with an interest in psychiatry. Stella becomes a €œquasi-patient€; he finds a way to get her into the Admiralty, and, when a former friend recognizes her by name, her memories return, including the fact that she has children—and the reason why she left them. The amnesia and its cause are only part of the story; the lack of understanding at the time of the consequences of witnessing the horrors of war, for both men and women, also plays a key role.
I love reading historical fiction and this one did not disappoint!!
Readers, what album can you not stop listening too? What book can you not put down?

Whatcha Reading? Listening To?

Whatcha Reading Reader’s?

Here are some of the books I have read over the last month or so.

The Last Anniversary- Liane Moriarty–A good, fun, fast read with a little mystery.

Summer People- Elin Hilderbrand–A good, fun, fast read.

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The Blue Bistro-Elin Hilderbrand–A good, fun, fast read.

The Beach Club-Elin Hilderbrand–A good, fun, fast read.

White Fire-Preston & ChildThis one took awhile to get into. I did enjoy it but I don’t think I will read any others in the series.

The Secret Keeper-Kate Morton–I have read all of her books and while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t my favorite.

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I just started listening to How to Flirt with a Naked Werewolf by Molly Harper via Audible. I have listened to a few of her books before and loved them. The narrator is Amanda Ronconi and she does a wonderful job. The book does have a werewolf in it but it isn’t a super natural book. It just happens that one of the guys is a werewolf. It is a very funny read and I suggest it and her the “Nice Girl” series. Molly Harper is also the narrator the series and does a fantastic job.

What am I listening to?

Arcade Fire- Reflektor–It is ok. Not my favorite of theirs. To be honest I was kind of disappointed. No need to rush out and get it.

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Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon- Mechanical Bull- I am very happy to say, I love this album! Not as good as Only By The Night but very a close second. Check this one out!

What are you reading? Listening to?

 

 

She did it!!

Readers!!

Poppy

Poppy

She did it! She did it! Poppy walked up the plank and into the coop by herself. I still had to talk to her and block with the rake for a bit but she did it. Turbo had to go up and down the plank about three times to encourage Poppy to come in. When she finally got onto the plank, Turbo nudged her up and past her into the coop. She then followed her up. Now, I am sure I will have to continue to go up there for a few nights block her from going under the coop but I think they continue going in on their own. I don’t mind since I love to watch them wiggle on up! So proud!

New Pool Cover

New Pool Cover

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Today the guys from Aqua Vision came and winterized our pool and put the new pool cover on. This is the first time in nine years that we have closed and covered the pool. I am so happy we finally did this. No more raking out the gross leaves or finding dead things in the drains. EECK!

Whatcha Listening Too

I started a new audio book called The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. It is narrated by the author which is something you do see often. It takes place in England sometime in the 20th century, not to sure when. I am 1 hour and 32 minutes into it and so far I like it and think Gaiman is doing a good job. After I finish it, I will listen to Mr. Penubra’s 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan. Has anyone read these two? What did you think?

Squawk!

Boo.

Boo.

Today I took The Boy to see Monsters University at the local dollar ($1.75) theater. We stopped at CVS to grab some candy and got a bottle of water and a small coke (which was actually small) to drink at the theater. The movie was good. I liked the first movie and had actually been looking forward to seeing it. The Boy enjoyed it too. The head dean of the character is kinda gross. Kind of a cross between a cockroach and centipede. ICK!
IMG_3037Two minutes after this was taken, Panny reached our and touched Timber. I thought “They will snuggle now!” But Timber got up moved. I don’t know who was hurt bummed more, Panny or me.

The Girls

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It has been almost two weeks since The Girls have moved into their new coop/run. I think they are loving it! The love the hay I put in there and have made a few nests in it under the coop. This where Poopy and Turbo have been laying their eggs…not in the three nesting boxes I had made. Ok, then. Whatever. I have had been going up in each night at dusk to show them that they need to walk up the plank and go inside and roost at night. Well, the last few days at dusk Turbo has marched her sassy little but up the plank and gone on in. There is a reason she is head hen. Then we both start talking to Poppy. You should hear Turbo yell at her. I use a rake to make sure Poppy doesn’t go under the coop and use a soothing  tone to encourage her to walk on up. Tubor just yells. Then after a bit she (Turbo) walks back down and squawks at her more, gets all in her face. Finally I pick Poppy up and put it her in. Pickles. They squawk a bit while they make themselves comfortable and then they sleep! I am hoping that it clicks for Poppy soon.

Podcasts

Reader’s, do you listen to any Podcasts? Do you have any favorites? What are they? I am always looking for new one.  I start my day refreshing my podcasts to see if any have been updated and then listen to them while drinking coffee, checking/updating my e-mail, FB, Quicken and starting my work day. Here is what I am listening to:

NPR: Pop Culture Happy Hour

NPR: Fresh Air

60 Minutes

NPR: All Songs Considered

NBC Nightly News ( I end up watching Fox with My Man, so I watch “left” news to make sure I stay in the middle! :) )

NPR: Hourly News Summary

NPR: Books Podcast

Song of the Day

PRI: Arts & Entertainment

School Run French (This is geared for 5 to 10 year olds, so it is right up my alley!)

Live Your Life Now- (I just started it today.

I am always looking for new one, so please let me know which podcasts do you listen too.

Have good evening Reader’s!

 

 

I’ve Got Friends…

Hey Y’all!

I hope you have been having a great day. Here in the ATL is feels like an overcast October day and I love it! The temp is in the low 70’s and it is not that muggy. It would have been nice for some sun but who cares. I woke up bright and early to get The Boy ready for school. After he and My Man left, I did not have to lay in the fetal position due to the nausea for to long today. Woot! Making progress! I was able to come down around 7:30am and do a little work. I wanted to get an early start since I had a “date” with some ladies for lunch. Rebecca was kind enough to come pick me up and we meet Amy and Devra for a quick-lunch at Mirko. It was very yummy and I ate too much. Towards the end I was getting kinda tired and I am very happy Rebecca drove me home (as is everyone driving on Riverside Drive). I was pretty tired afterwards but it was really nice to get out and feel normal. Thanks Ladies!!!!

Ealier this week I think I mentioned a soup my mom had made for me that I loved. It was a Cold Cucumber and Avocado soup from the cookbook I got from my friends Chad & Kristen.

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Well, I ate that up in a day and a half and have been wanting to make some more ever since. We still had some of the avocados that my FIL had sent us and they were going bad fast. I decided to go all though them and pick out the good parts to see if I have enough to make the soup. I have enclosed the ingredients and directions for anyone who loves cold soup. I kinda went off the reservation when I made my batch. I didn’t make enough for six (or maybe I did) but I added more avocados, salt, lime, cayenne pepper, etc. to mine. I blended and tasted as I went. I plan on having it for lunch tomorrow!

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What am I listening to?

Manchester Orchestra

Manchester Orchestra

I am listening to the Feb Rock Mix I made The Boy

The Boys “Rock” playlist

Forest Whitaker-Bad Books
Back Against The Wall-Cage The Elephant
Virgin-Manchester Orchestra
Crawling-Linkin Park
Ball & Biscuit-The White Stripes
I’ve Got Friends-Manchester Orchestra
Son’s Gonna Rise-Citizen Cope & Santana
April Fool- Manchester Orchestra
Dead Leaves and The Dirty Ground-The White Stripes
Gigantic-Pixies
Hotel Yorba-The White Stripes
Shake It Out-Manchester Orchestra
The Hardest Button to Button-The White Stripes

I have listened to it two or three times, while making my soup and writing this post. Gets me   in a rockin’ mood.

Shout Outs-

Jennifer S.- I LOVED the veggie lasagna and salad! That dressing was very yummy and even The Boy ate the lasagna!

Gerri T.- Love me that soup! Going to have some for dinner tonight. Thanks for hanging out a bit. Someday you will have to come to my house when it is clean!

Whatcha Reading? What am I listening to?

Whatcha Reading?

I found a book to read!! My friend Kristen suggested I check out The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.

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  • The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.—From Amazon.com

I am really enjoying the story but right now I am at the point where the main character has to make a dig decision and I just hope she doesn’t make the wrong one! The book takes place in San Francisco and flash backs to the wine country. This makes me miss our friends Aidan and Kysha and long for good wine, crusty bread and yummy cheese.

Three days later…

I finished the book. I really enjoyed it however there were times that I did not like the main character, Victoria. She makes some choices that I found inconceivable as a mother. Thankfully she realises her faults and makes the best decision. It just takes her a bit to get there. I totally suggest the book!  I need to come up with a rating system… Should it be a Paw rating or Beak rating?  What do you think??

What am I listening to?

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Right now I am listening to the new album by The Civil Wars that came out on August 6th. I have been a fan of the duo when I first heard them interviewed on NPR before their first album came out. I loved their work on the Hunger Games soundtrack and was upset when I read they had broken up. Thankfully they came to their senses and got back together!  After only listening to it a few times, the stand out songs for me are The One That Got Away, a cover of the Smashing Pumpkins song Disarm and Scared Heart which is song by Joy in french.

For those who are not familiar with The Civil Wars here is some information about them.

  • The Civil Wars is a duo composed of singer-songwriters Joy Williams and John Paul White. Williams and White met in 2008 during a song writing session or “writing camp” at a music studio in Nashville, Tennessee. In an exclusive interview, Williams stated that the band name was generated, “As I was driving around town looking at all the Civil War monuments I thought about all the wars that we each face. So the name came about that way.”  According to their website, the group’s name, The Civil Wars, and their song “Poison and Wine,” sum up their thematic direction. They are about the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships.-From Wikipedi, the free encyclopedia

Readers!!! What are you listening too?