Book Review: The Immortalists

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin... This was a pick for my book club. I probably would never have read this book otherwise. I think I give this book three stars out of five. It is definitely not a favorite and probably not even one that I would recommend, even though it has some redeeming qualities. It was interesting, and I think we will have some good discussion. However, it wasn't a story line that grabbed me. Things I don't find appealing: fortune tellers and their prophesies, magic and magicians, Las Vegas. Those all appeared in this book.

Sometimes I found myself feeling moved or touched; the book brought several questions to mind. I'm interested to see what my book club will have to say about it.

If you have read this book, please tell me your thoughts. Did you love it?

It's finally nice enough to read outside.

Two More Bound and Gagged

...Oops! I mean two more quilted and bound! The first one was made entirely by me. The second one was made by me and quilted by Nanette (binding by me). She has agreed to quilt several of my charity quilts this year. She's a lifesaver!

Olympics Quilt

I finally got inspired to do some machine quilting. Today I finished this Olympics Quilt (so-called because it contains the colors of the Olympics). I am hoping this inspiration continues. Here I go.. back to Sewing Room to start quilting #2.

Blizzard Sewing

While having a spring blizzard, it is very pleasant to stay warm inside and make quilts. Here are some tops I have recently completed, some before the blizzard, some during:

This one is 36" x 36". All the others are lap size/sofa size.

The snow, and it was still coming down. By the end we had about 15 inches.

Book Review: Midwinter Break

Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty is a book I purchased while in the UK. I started reading it right away, and when I got home, I misplaced it. I have a knack for doing that! It's so frustrating. I still have not found it... it's probably under some fabric pile. I wanted to keep reading it, so I finally bought a Kindle version so I could finish the book.

I backtracked and re-read a bit, and I'm glad I did, because I hadn't fully appreciated the quality writing on the first go-around. I was less distracted on the second read and really absorbed it.

A retired couple goes on a short vacation from Scotland to Amsterdam. She is privately considering a big change in her life. Religion is a big part of her life. He is a heavy drinker who spends his days trying to stock up for his next drinks and trying to hide it from her. He has rejected religion. She is fed up with his drinking; he is so sweetly in love with her. There's not a whole lot of action other than where they go and the walks they take in Amsterdam. I loved the beautiful writing, and the quiet reflections of them both. It's both a history of their relationship and a pondering and mending of rifts that can happen. I give it 4 of 5 stars.

Not Very Motivated

For the last year or so I have not felt very motivated to write blog posts. I notice many blogs have either slowed down or stopped completely, so I guess I am not alone in this feeling. Blogs may be slipping into the black hole of "old technology." I'm not ready to stop writing here. But.. just be aware that I probably won't be posting very often. Mostly these days I am posting book reviews.

I will continue to post occasional quilt and people photos as I am inspired to do so. Thanks for hanging in there and continuing to check my blog! I do enjoy having visitors and readers.

I am still babysitting Bonus a few times per month. I hadn't seen him in a long time, because I went to the UK and then I got sick, and it lasted a long time! So he was a little upset at being left with me, because he wasn't used to me any more. But he cheered up in a hurry, and we had a happy day. He is now 2 years old...still as pleasant and nice a kid as always. I call him Mr. Agreeable.

Book Review: Across That Bridge

Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by John Lewis. In this jewel of a book, Rep. Lewis presents several categories which he suggests should be mastered in order to bring about meaningful change - to light the fire of a movement. All of these aspects were put into action in the Civil Rights movement in which Mr. Lewis played such an important role. The aspects include faith, patience, study, truth, love, and reconciliation. I learned so much about the Civil Rights movement, and what's more, the lessons he provides are timely today for the desire for change we see percolating in our society. Reading this book has given me hope and has renewed my resolve to keep working. We have within us the ability to affect change for the better and to live in truth. The tenets in this book can help us achieve our dreams.

my great niece demonstrating for sensible gun laws (I'm so proud of her!)

Can You Hate Something That You Think Is Beautiful?

Isn't this beautiful? I think so. I can still enjoy its beauty. I wouldn't say I hate it, but I am really tired of snow. This and more fell on April 3. *sigh* We had to shovel about 8 inches off our driveway. But I don't hate it, because it's so pretty!

I really am wondering... are the people who really hate this recent spring snowfall not able to enjoy its beauty?

Book Review: Butterfly Sister

Butterfly Sister by Amy Gail Hansen was entertaining. I read it in a day, so I guess it kept my attention, but I do not consider it a great book. The story is too far-fetched. A woman leaves college just before graduating due to a traumatic experience. Then a strange incident takes place regarding a lost suitcase, and the mystery deepens from there. She returns to college, learns about traumas that happened to many of her friends and acquaintances. Everything kind of ties together in way too many strange and coincidental ways. I would have liked it to be more believable and less exaggerated. I can only give this book 3 lukewarm stars.

a library in China