Friday, January 20, 2012
What I've been reading.
I haven't been posting much lately because I haven't been reading any specific piece that was long enough to bother you with. I've been reading the newspaper. So that's what I recommend to you for today. Pick up your local newspaper and take a look at what they've decided should be important to you.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Vampires take Vacations Too!
It seems that these days supernatural themes are very popular. That, and I really enjoy reading about monsters and that kind of thing. So today we're looking at a short piece that seemed to hold promise.
101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire
Joleene Naylor
24 pages
This short piece has a highly humorous tone to it. I'm guessing though, that rather than being a stand alone short, it was intended to be a supplement to the authors other work. Which annoyed me slightly. I had no idea when I added it to my reading list that it was going to give me more questions than answers. Yes, I am being honest when I say that it annoyed me slightly.
On the bright side there's enough cute funny tidbits to make it worth reading. For example:
^_~
101 Tips for Traveling with a Vampire
Joleene Naylor
24 pages
This short piece has a highly humorous tone to it. I'm guessing though, that rather than being a stand alone short, it was intended to be a supplement to the authors other work. Which annoyed me slightly. I had no idea when I added it to my reading list that it was going to give me more questions than answers. Yes, I am being honest when I say that it annoyed me slightly.
On the bright side there's enough cute funny tidbits to make it worth reading. For example:
"Before you buy your vampire friend an undead rubber ducky, make sure they have a sense of humor."All in all it honestly wasn't bad. But previous exposure to the authors works may be beneficial in order to fully appreciate the piece. Though I can't give a rating for her other work, this piece is appropriate for a general reading audience.
^_~
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
More Online Storybooks For Kids
I enjoy reading all sorts of things. I'm not ashamed to admit that I enjoy children's books as much as some adult books. Why? Because many of them are illustrated. They have vibrant colors or simple stories that intend to offer advice, or teach some sort of lesson or another. So I enjoy them for what many of them are, guided works of art. As well as entertainment.
Today I'm recommending the following link: http://www.magickeys.com/books/
The site has a nice mini library of books available. This time they are pieces that YOU read to the kid yourself, or have them read them to you. rather than something you hit play and let them watch.
I really enjoyed Little Miss Mary and the Big Monster Makeover. The poetry was cute, and it was neat to see someone use pop culture, and "fancy" fashion as a hook in point to make their story fun. Little girls would probably enjoy it, but I doubt that little boys would. There are books for both boys and girls though, and the themes and type of art varies, helping to make it a nice mini digital library to explore.
Today I'm recommending the following link: http://www.magickeys.com/books/
The site has a nice mini library of books available. This time they are pieces that YOU read to the kid yourself, or have them read them to you. rather than something you hit play and let them watch.
I really enjoyed Little Miss Mary and the Big Monster Makeover. The poetry was cute, and it was neat to see someone use pop culture, and "fancy" fashion as a hook in point to make their story fun. Little girls would probably enjoy it, but I doubt that little boys would. There are books for both boys and girls though, and the themes and type of art varies, helping to make it a nice mini digital library to explore.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Are We Eating Meat?
Or something else? We all have heard rumors about places serving meats other than the kinds we're accustomed to, but what if someone was intentionally serving this and making sure you didn't know? What if that sweet meat was something, deviously acquired?
I'm guessing a lot of you have seen the movie "Sweeney Todd". So the idea about eating human flesh isn't unknown, or a rarity. But in this hard copy book, the author gives it a twist.
Ambrosial Flesh
Mary Ann Mitchell
391 pages
This book takes a rather gruesome look at a church practice that has been around for a long time, communion. And that's just when the book starts. We're let into the world of a young boy, his happiness, and fears and wonders. But when denied action that he's been trained to perform, he makes a decision that effects the rest of his life, as we find out as the book goes on.
He chooses to nibble at little pieces of his own skin. Eventually progressing to nibbling bits of other people that were consenting. The premise of the story is fairly believable, although eventually it takes a turn into the absurd that most horror does.
Not a book for those with weak stomachs, or that get queasy at the thought of blood. Aimed more towards mature audiences. I enjoyed it because it's very different from some of the books I've read in the way that we see it end. I'll just say, it is unexpected but definitely a good choice.
I'm guessing a lot of you have seen the movie "Sweeney Todd". So the idea about eating human flesh isn't unknown, or a rarity. But in this hard copy book, the author gives it a twist.
Ambrosial Flesh
Mary Ann Mitchell
391 pages
This book takes a rather gruesome look at a church practice that has been around for a long time, communion. And that's just when the book starts. We're let into the world of a young boy, his happiness, and fears and wonders. But when denied action that he's been trained to perform, he makes a decision that effects the rest of his life, as we find out as the book goes on.
He chooses to nibble at little pieces of his own skin. Eventually progressing to nibbling bits of other people that were consenting. The premise of the story is fairly believable, although eventually it takes a turn into the absurd that most horror does.
Not a book for those with weak stomachs, or that get queasy at the thought of blood. Aimed more towards mature audiences. I enjoyed it because it's very different from some of the books I've read in the way that we see it end. I'll just say, it is unexpected but definitely a good choice.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Irregular posting all of a sudden?
No, not really, but kind of. Sometimes I don't have the time to read. Not because I don't want to read, but because I have another obligation that may be taking up my time. These include a variety of things. Work isn't necessarily the biggest culprit either, though it can be a factor at times.
There are plenty of other things that I enjoy spending time doing. An example of this that has been taking up some of my time recently is game nights. Sometimes we play cards, or board games, or even video games. I never really realized before how much time a video game eats up. But I started paying attention recently, and realized that some sessions can last 3 hours! But what do I gain from gaming?
I get a sense of belonging. I spend time interacting with like minded people in an activity that we enjoy. True there are some gamers that rage when things aren't going their way. But more often than not, I play with people that are playing simply to enjoy the game.
I'm going to be blunt though. I won't play a game if I can't enjoy it. I value my time enough that I know there's no point in using my time to play something that I'm not going to at least have fun with. but yeah, I'm not slacking, I just haven't read as much recently. Though I am reading! Honest.
I just need some "social" time now and then to stay sane.
There are plenty of other things that I enjoy spending time doing. An example of this that has been taking up some of my time recently is game nights. Sometimes we play cards, or board games, or even video games. I never really realized before how much time a video game eats up. But I started paying attention recently, and realized that some sessions can last 3 hours! But what do I gain from gaming?
I get a sense of belonging. I spend time interacting with like minded people in an activity that we enjoy. True there are some gamers that rage when things aren't going their way. But more often than not, I play with people that are playing simply to enjoy the game.
I'm going to be blunt though. I won't play a game if I can't enjoy it. I value my time enough that I know there's no point in using my time to play something that I'm not going to at least have fun with. but yeah, I'm not slacking, I just haven't read as much recently. Though I am reading! Honest.
I just need some "social" time now and then to stay sane.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Steampunk/Romance/Murder/Mystery
Ok yeah that's a mouthful. I know it sounds kind of odd too. But all those are valid descriptions of what the book I'm blogging today is about. I decided I wanted to start looking into a variety of types of books, and explore outside my "zone" of horror and fantasy.
Viridis
Calista Taylor
330 pages
"A Steampunk Romance"
Interestingly this book starts off describing a mans dead body, and the place where the detective presumes he had spent his last hours before his death. It may not be a new idea, but it's nice to have the period style descriptions. Not only that her presentation of t he period, and the steampunk technology is lovely.
Viridis, in the book, is not just the name of a club, It's also the name of a non-alcoholic herbal concoction. It's described at least twice, and it's affects are also described thoroughly. It's the wonderful detail throughout the whole piece though that helps guide the readers imagination to set up the vibrant colorful character filled environment.
The language is beautiful, helping to make the characters believable and life like. A polished piece as a whole, its pacing varies. The content though keeps the reader interested, giving them a reason to continue reading. You learn about the difference between classes, and how it's causing rifts in society. It's almost a social commentary piece, what with the ideas of tinkerers and lords, and them not seeing eye to eye. Oh and the government issues as well! Secret service type stuff, it's great!
The end is very unsuspecting, and as a spoiler alert, you may not want to continue past here.
I was intrigued that the author used a gay couple as a focal point. At least, the alternative lifestyle turned out to be the reasoning. The matter of accepting people for who they are is what was the driving part of the whole book.
So, my end thought is that this is a wonderful read for a mature audience. Yes there is sex. Yes there is violence. But the details, the full world is fantastic.
Well, we're going to get back on the ball now I think ^_^ Hope you read something great this weekend!
Viridis
Calista Taylor
330 pages
"A Steampunk Romance"
Interestingly this book starts off describing a mans dead body, and the place where the detective presumes he had spent his last hours before his death. It may not be a new idea, but it's nice to have the period style descriptions. Not only that her presentation of t he period, and the steampunk technology is lovely.
Viridis, in the book, is not just the name of a club, It's also the name of a non-alcoholic herbal concoction. It's described at least twice, and it's affects are also described thoroughly. It's the wonderful detail throughout the whole piece though that helps guide the readers imagination to set up the vibrant colorful character filled environment.
The language is beautiful, helping to make the characters believable and life like. A polished piece as a whole, its pacing varies. The content though keeps the reader interested, giving them a reason to continue reading. You learn about the difference between classes, and how it's causing rifts in society. It's almost a social commentary piece, what with the ideas of tinkerers and lords, and them not seeing eye to eye. Oh and the government issues as well! Secret service type stuff, it's great!
The end is very unsuspecting, and as a spoiler alert, you may not want to continue past here.
I was intrigued that the author used a gay couple as a focal point. At least, the alternative lifestyle turned out to be the reasoning. The matter of accepting people for who they are is what was the driving part of the whole book.
So, my end thought is that this is a wonderful read for a mature audience. Yes there is sex. Yes there is violence. But the details, the full world is fantastic.
Well, we're going to get back on the ball now I think ^_^ Hope you read something great this weekend!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Importance of Amusement
So today I was reminded how important true amusement can be. I sat here and laughed, true laughter laughs, till I cried. And I feel so much better afterwards I'm surprised.
So with that In Mind I'm sharing a funny Video today, for no real reason. Just to help share the laughter today.
back to usual scheduling soon. Thanks for being understanding.
So with that In Mind I'm sharing a funny Video today, for no real reason. Just to help share the laughter today.
back to usual scheduling soon. Thanks for being understanding.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Villains Children Know
So in the new year I'm sure we all have been watching the news, and their always trying to paint various people in a villainous light. And I'm seeing a trend. Kids have a habit of turning people they don't know into villains. And today I've got two such stories to share with you about kids and their villains. Neither are very factual, but they are both enjoyable shorts. Just a bit of fluff to lighten things up.
_________________
The Pumpkin Eater
Justin Cawthorne
18 pages
This unique seasonal story looks at the kinds of stories that parents tell children.(You know, if you don't behave the boogeyman will get you" type of stuff) The made up things, like how flashlights scare away monsters. This one is set in October on Halloween and examines what happens when a boy heads somewhere that is frightening. Yet he is determined to trick or treat the place anyway, to prove something to his friend. We learn something very interesting about the person who lives there though, he's not your everyday neighbor.
A fun read for most ages, though an adult should pre-read it to determine if it is appropriate for their child. It isn't traumatizing, but it can seem scary to very young kids.
_________________
The Demon of Walker's Woods
Dan Dillard
79 pages
This story is a much more grim look at the way children demonize older people that they do not know. It also examines the reactions that children have when something awful happens to someone that they are close too. You're shown how they progress to various levels, pushed by curiosity, only to have their fears confirmed. Recommended for and teens and up, children should only read this piece at an adults discretion. As it may be crueler than most can stand.
_________________________
Well, Happy reading folks! Hope you have a great day and I hope the new year is going well for you ^_^.
_________________
The Pumpkin Eater
Justin Cawthorne
18 pages
This unique seasonal story looks at the kinds of stories that parents tell children.(You know, if you don't behave the boogeyman will get you" type of stuff) The made up things, like how flashlights scare away monsters. This one is set in October on Halloween and examines what happens when a boy heads somewhere that is frightening. Yet he is determined to trick or treat the place anyway, to prove something to his friend. We learn something very interesting about the person who lives there though, he's not your everyday neighbor.
A fun read for most ages, though an adult should pre-read it to determine if it is appropriate for their child. It isn't traumatizing, but it can seem scary to very young kids.
_________________
The Demon of Walker's Woods
Dan Dillard
79 pages
This story is a much more grim look at the way children demonize older people that they do not know. It also examines the reactions that children have when something awful happens to someone that they are close too. You're shown how they progress to various levels, pushed by curiosity, only to have their fears confirmed. Recommended for and teens and up, children should only read this piece at an adults discretion. As it may be crueler than most can stand.
_________________________
Well, Happy reading folks! Hope you have a great day and I hope the new year is going well for you ^_^.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Learning Poetry
I happen to like a lot of different kinds of written work. As you've well noticed I'm sure if you're a regular reader, if you're not, welcome on board ^_^.
When I was in college I was introduced to something called Poetry Slams, the idea of which puzzled me slightly. Why would people be slamming poetry? And then we watched some video footage, and I was amazed! This was something new, and wonderful to me.
I was blessed to have the chance to see one of the artists perform live at my college. (And some of his work is amazing, just from a literary appreciation view, so seeing it done live and seeing what it was meant to sound like in person was great.) Today I figured that I'd start rounding this blog out, into a more cross genre creature (slowly as it may be) by adding one of his books of poetry to the mix.
What Learning Leaves
Taylor Moli
74 pages
I've had my copy of this book for 6 years. I've shared it with a few people, but it ended up in storage at one point and it recently came out. The poetry contained between the pages covers a variety of topics, but the ones that most people will relate to or understand are the ones concerning school.
"Like Lilly Like Wilson" is one of my favorite poems in the book. It looks at the way people use the word like, even when it isn't necessary. Teenagers will likely find amusement in the words, and an understanding as well. That sometimes, there's a limit.
Taylor Moli has put out more poetry since then(of course) and has his own website, If you're intrigued or even just a bit curious please head on over and take a look. http://www.taylormali.com/index1.html
When I was in college I was introduced to something called Poetry Slams, the idea of which puzzled me slightly. Why would people be slamming poetry? And then we watched some video footage, and I was amazed! This was something new, and wonderful to me.
I was blessed to have the chance to see one of the artists perform live at my college. (And some of his work is amazing, just from a literary appreciation view, so seeing it done live and seeing what it was meant to sound like in person was great.) Today I figured that I'd start rounding this blog out, into a more cross genre creature (slowly as it may be) by adding one of his books of poetry to the mix.
What Learning Leaves
Taylor Moli
74 pages
I've had my copy of this book for 6 years. I've shared it with a few people, but it ended up in storage at one point and it recently came out. The poetry contained between the pages covers a variety of topics, but the ones that most people will relate to or understand are the ones concerning school.
"Like Lilly Like Wilson" is one of my favorite poems in the book. It looks at the way people use the word like, even when it isn't necessary. Teenagers will likely find amusement in the words, and an understanding as well. That sometimes, there's a limit.
Taylor Moli has put out more poetry since then(of course) and has his own website, If you're intrigued or even just a bit curious please head on over and take a look. http://www.taylormali.com/index1.html
Monday, January 2, 2012
The Goblins Goals
To do List.
~post at least 200 times in 2012
(should be easy enough right? but darn that sounds like a lot of content to read) 2/200
~make 12 goblins. (which equates to one a month... how hard can that be?) 0/12
~make 36 Teaghans (this might be a bit much.....) 0/36
Jewelry project minimums for the year
~ make 12 necklaces 0/12
~make 12 bracelets 0/12
~make 6 pairs of earrings 0/6
Other aims
~ take 365 photos that I'm willing to share. 1/365
~send 12 postcards 0/12
~get sewing machine fixed (no numerical value)
~get projects organized onto a schedule (no numerical value)
~keep apartment clean (shouldn't be too hard)
~post at least 200 times in 2012
(should be easy enough right? but darn that sounds like a lot of content to read) 2/200
~make 12 goblins. (which equates to one a month... how hard can that be?) 0/12
~make 36 Teaghans (this might be a bit much.....) 0/36
Jewelry project minimums for the year
~ make 12 necklaces 0/12
~make 12 bracelets 0/12
~make 6 pairs of earrings 0/6
Other aims
~ take 365 photos that I'm willing to share. 1/365
~send 12 postcards 0/12
~get sewing machine fixed (no numerical value)
~get projects organized onto a schedule (no numerical value)
~keep apartment clean (shouldn't be too hard)
There Once was a Huntsman...
I love love love love love love Fairy tales ^_^. Have I said that before? Hrmm... Well now you know that I do. Why does it matter you wanna know? Well, for one thing, there are a lot of different takes on fairy tales. there are many perspectives and presentations, all vying for our approval and readership.
This time I found a Gem. (Do I say that too much? hrmm... I like shiny things, I can't help it!)
Unicorns Walk Among Us
Sg Lee
35 pages
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
This particular story looks at how people 'hunt' unicorns. Not only that, it contemplates the repercussions that the action can have.
The writing style is very charming, and it is reminiscent of older stories I have read. The writer also has a website where they are working on filling in various stories. I highly recommend that you check out this short story, and then delve right into their web serial.
http://talesofthebigbadwolf.com/
^_~ Listen to the Goblin dearies, she wouldn't steer you wrong.
This time I found a Gem. (Do I say that too much? hrmm... I like shiny things, I can't help it!)
Unicorns Walk Among Us
Sg Lee
35 pages
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
This particular story looks at how people 'hunt' unicorns. Not only that, it contemplates the repercussions that the action can have.
The writing style is very charming, and it is reminiscent of older stories I have read. The writer also has a website where they are working on filling in various stories. I highly recommend that you check out this short story, and then delve right into their web serial.
http://talesofthebigbadwolf.com/
^_~ Listen to the Goblin dearies, she wouldn't steer you wrong.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year!
Welcome to 2012!
It's been interesting the past few months, sharing what I read with you. And I have enjoyed it. I plan on enjoying it for quite a bit longer in fact. I'm not going anywhere just yet. But I do want to thank those of you that are reading. I am thankful to have such wonderful people visit this page.
Now, I'm going to remind you about a few small things, that I mentioned what seems like eons ago. The reason that I am going to do this is because I feel it's important for anyone who reads to know that there are plenty of options available.
Our current economy, (yes I say Ours, because it effects everyone)means that when we pick something to read we are forced to be more selective. At least, when we are purchasing hard copy media. Digital media abounds in various formats, and there's a large amount of it out there. Various formats and types too.
I personally have found a lot of enjoyment by utilizing my eReader to peruse a good number of pieces, some of which you've learned of, some of which you've yet to be told about. but I want to remind you about the sources I use to get new things to read.
Project Gutenberg. ( http://www.gutenberg.org )
This site has a large variety of different pieces available. A good number of them are pieces that have passed out of print, or their copyright has become null. So you'll find a good number of classic pieces, as well as some lesser known older works here. I like to browse here when I feel nostalgic.
WOWIO ( http://www.wowio.com/ )
This website is nice for people looking for afford-ably priced books. They give out free books now and then as well, and they have a section of pieces they call Brain Bytes that are nice for self educating, or reading to provoke thought. If you enjoy comic books, they have a good number of graphic novels available at their site, some in color, some in black and white.
Smashwords ( http://www.smashwords.com/ )
I LOVE this website. Why? Because you never know what you're going to get. I've found quite a few authors via this site that I positively ADORE. If you're not sure what kind of books you're interested in, you can search by topic. What I also like about this site is the large variety of file types that the different pieces are available in.
It's been interesting the past few months, sharing what I read with you. And I have enjoyed it. I plan on enjoying it for quite a bit longer in fact. I'm not going anywhere just yet. But I do want to thank those of you that are reading. I am thankful to have such wonderful people visit this page.
Now, I'm going to remind you about a few small things, that I mentioned what seems like eons ago. The reason that I am going to do this is because I feel it's important for anyone who reads to know that there are plenty of options available.
Our current economy, (yes I say Ours, because it effects everyone)means that when we pick something to read we are forced to be more selective. At least, when we are purchasing hard copy media. Digital media abounds in various formats, and there's a large amount of it out there. Various formats and types too.
I personally have found a lot of enjoyment by utilizing my eReader to peruse a good number of pieces, some of which you've learned of, some of which you've yet to be told about. but I want to remind you about the sources I use to get new things to read.
Project Gutenberg. ( http://www.gutenberg.org )
This site has a large variety of different pieces available. A good number of them are pieces that have passed out of print, or their copyright has become null. So you'll find a good number of classic pieces, as well as some lesser known older works here. I like to browse here when I feel nostalgic.
WOWIO ( http://www.wowio.com/ )
This website is nice for people looking for afford-ably priced books. They give out free books now and then as well, and they have a section of pieces they call Brain Bytes that are nice for self educating, or reading to provoke thought. If you enjoy comic books, they have a good number of graphic novels available at their site, some in color, some in black and white.
Smashwords ( http://www.smashwords.com/ )
I LOVE this website. Why? Because you never know what you're going to get. I've found quite a few authors via this site that I positively ADORE. If you're not sure what kind of books you're interested in, you can search by topic. What I also like about this site is the large variety of file types that the different pieces are available in.
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