on the nightstand

I met the Friends' president last week to show her how to log into the website, constant contact account and our yahoo email account. We went over a few details and have agreed that we will meet again to create the May newsletter later this month. The best way to learn our emailed newsletter service is to use it, so that is what we will do.  I can also have her edit the website at the same time.

This is all in preparation for IF I return to work full time. If I don't, well, it is always good to have a backup person.

While I was at the library waiting for her to arrive, I found three books to check out. "The Thirteen Hallows" by Michael Scott and Colette Freedman, "A Parliament of Spies" by Cassandra Clark, and "Death of Kings" by Bernard Cornwell.

I adore Cornwell's historic novels and for some reason, the name Cassandra Clark is ringing a bell with me. I may have read another book from her, once I dive into the new title, I might recall which one.  Lots of reading to do in the next 14 days!

Enjoy the week. Going to be a crazy one around here. Happy Monday.

the new TBR pile

I made it to the library last week and checked out three books and then while I was working the book sale on Friday, I managed to find four books I wanted to read.  So, by TBR pile is again a force to be reckoned with on my small nightstand.

Up first is the latest Harry Dresden adventure from Jim Butcher. I adore the Dresden stories and this one is no exception.

Following my foray into a magical version of Chicago, I will travel east to see what is up with Stephanie Plum in Janet Evanovich's latest, "Smokin' Seventeen."  Yep, old Steph is up to trouble as she always is! Fun stuff.

Then I selected a historical fiction novel from John Smollens titled "The Schoolmaster's Daughter." Brand new author to me, so that is always exciting.

From the sale I came home with:
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - a current book club favorite.
The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho - enjoyed The Alchemist so figured, why not.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman - decent movie, the book has to be better.
Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart - I liked the snowy road featured on the cover.

So, there you have it, what will keep me busy in my 'spare' moments for the next several weeks.

Happy Monday!

the to be read pile

I am over half way through "The Betrayal" by the husband and wife writing team, Michael and Kathleen Gear. I also made a trip to B&N over the weekend and picked up the debut YA book "Strange Angels" by Lili St. Crow. Plus, I got a Carrie Vaughn "Kitty" book, only to realize that I missed one in the series. So, I will be back to B&N to find the missing book!

Lots of books on my TBR pile and for the moment not a lot of time to do any reading. That will change in the next 24 hours....and I'll be ready to find a comfy chair and do some serious reading.

next up, urban fantasy

I managed to leave the library with three urban fantasy books yesterday. I found Kim Harrison's latest release, "White Witch, Black Curse," which made me very happy as I thought I might have to buy it in order to read it. I also left with "Embrace the Night" by Karen Chance and "At Grave's End" by Jeaniene Frost.

If that isn't hitting the jackpot, I don't know what is!

The oldest daughter, the Romeo and Juliet reading one, asked for the movie "Shakespeare in Love" which I was also able to find. We will sit down to view it over our three day weekend. She was quite impressed by the number of Academy Awards the movie earned. My fave part is Judi Dench's amazingly short but amazingly crafted portrayal of Queen Elizabeth, for which she won a coveted little golden man.

The wind is blowing and the dark gray clouds are moving quite rapidly across the sky. Not sure if we will see rain this morning, but it looks like a very typical Good Friday outside right now. I hope Easter Sunday is bright and cheerful....this pattern of gloom/sun/gloom/sun needs to be broken.

Enjoy the weekend.