Q is for Quest. Is it ironic that I have been quietly questing and questioning what to write about for some of the more challenging letters (like Q) since taking on this challenge? After picking Quest, I began questioning what to write about, and decided to return to my quest to live the happiest life I can, and offer my children the same.
My quest has taken many forms in the last few years.I have ventured into freelance writing, blogging, book reviews, and increased my reading somehow. I have found, and found a way to pay for, a preschool for the kids that I trust and the kids love. They have each grown and learned so much since starting. I have changed my cooking and eating habits to offer my family the healthiest food I can. I think we have been successful since my kids prefer fruits and veggies to just about everything, except maybe bread. My husband is off all medication for diabetes, which he was diagnosed with prior to our diet changes.
My quest has taken turns in the last two years, increasing my gardening and home made health and beauty products, which I talked about yesterday, so I will not bore you with more about that. However, I have been making efforts to grow more and more food and herbs, and doing so in green and creative ways. In turn, those quest efforts have fueled more writing, and more ideas, which in turn fuel more articles. It is a fun cycle, but one I do not always take full advantage of.
My next step in the quest to have a fulfilling life and secure the same for the rest of my family? Continuing on and seeing where it takes me. When everyone is in school full time, should be September of 2013, I can step up my endeavors to earn money while doing what I live. Perhaps more library hours, perhaps going back to school, perhaps writing more, perhaps making more candles and skin care products or jewelry to sell, or maybe it will be something new by then. Much can happen in a year and a half.
What is your current quest? Where do you think it will take you?
Book Review: The White Oak by Kim White
The White Oak by Kim White is the first book in the new young adult series, Imperfect Darkness. The story opens with Cora Alexander and her twin brother falling into their fathers grave during the funeral, but it does not end there. The ground gives way sending Cora into the network of caves that lies under the hill, and ultimately to the Underworld. There she is faced with untrustworthy guides and challenges she could never have anticipated. Minotaur is her official guide, sent by a mysterious authority figure, who is a creature of artificial intelligence on a mission. Sybil is the underworld librarian and keeper of the books of life, who's gift to Cora should give her the ability to write her own future. The only ones Cora can fully trust are herself and the shade of her brother Lucas. However, something is happening to Lucas that even his computer skills leave him unable to fully understand. Will Cora be able to get out of the Underworld at all, and if she does will it be with her life intact.The White Oak holds a lot of promise. Cora and Lucas have a family that is believed to carry a curse, which centers on bullying and being mean to those closest to them. They have struggled to overcome the family legacy, only to literally succumb to their father's less than loving influence as thy are buried with him. The twins are very close, and have spent time examining the caves in order to spend less time under their father's thumb. The background is woven into the story well, and important.
The world building in the Underworld itself, and those that reside there, is extremely complicated and well executed. Now, there were also some things that seemed so well layered, that I felt like I might be missing something or waiting for something that had not yet been uncovered. I felt like there were important things hinted at due to names or references to mythology that never came to the forefront. There are switches of perspective through out the story, and it sometimes got a little confusing, but for the most part that was handled well. Then there was the huge cliffhanger at the end, that left nothing resolved for me, if felt like there should be another chapter or that the book had gotten too long when being written, so it was decided to stretch it into a series. I did enjoy the book while I was reading, but was disappointed when I put it away.
I recommend The White Oak to readers that enjoy young adult novels with a technical, and mystical, twist. The story is very involving, but I felt like there was potential for it to be even better. I think that most of my disappoint with it came from how excited the idea of the book had me, and how much potential I saw in it rather than any actual fault in the story itself. I do think that this book was a good read, and do recommend it. However, you might want to wait until the sequel, Sword of Souls, is released in August of 2012 so that you do not become frustrated with the ending of The White Oak.
P is for Patience- A to Z Challenge
P is for patience, something I lack. I often am too eager to hear the end of a story, to know than answer. Too eager for my kids to get dressed, eat, or sleep. Too eager to finish getting my thoughts onto paper, or saved into the computer. Too eager to get everything done all at once, usually resulting in frustration or something going wrong. The only thing that does not leave me impatient is books, usually. I like the unfolding of the story and only skip to the end if the book is one that I am not planning to read or cannot make myself finish.
My children are the tools that are finally teaching me to master my lack of patience, and daily testers of my limits. My son speaks slowly, repeating the first part of a sentence a few times, before getting to the point he desperately wants to share. my daughter mumbles. She will talk softly into her hand, or facing the other way, or in some other manner that makes it impossible to figure out what she is saying. They both like to tell stories and make up words, making communicating all the more difficult. Although, when I actually hear all of the parts of their stories I am typically highly entertained.
I am usually the most lacking in patience for myself. My own failings leave me frustrated and readying to stop trying. But then I tell myself the same thing I find myself saying to me son. Things that are difficult take time and practice. Just like he should not give up on jump roping after five minutes, I should not give up on myself for procrastinating, or eating too much chocolate again, or taking on too much at the same time. I need to keep trying to be the best I can, and grant myself the same patience that I try to give the people around me.
What tries your patience the most? Do different things test your patience in others than in yourself?
My children are the tools that are finally teaching me to master my lack of patience, and daily testers of my limits. My son speaks slowly, repeating the first part of a sentence a few times, before getting to the point he desperately wants to share. my daughter mumbles. She will talk softly into her hand, or facing the other way, or in some other manner that makes it impossible to figure out what she is saying. They both like to tell stories and make up words, making communicating all the more difficult. Although, when I actually hear all of the parts of their stories I am typically highly entertained.
I am usually the most lacking in patience for myself. My own failings leave me frustrated and readying to stop trying. But then I tell myself the same thing I find myself saying to me son. Things that are difficult take time and practice. Just like he should not give up on jump roping after five minutes, I should not give up on myself for procrastinating, or eating too much chocolate again, or taking on too much at the same time. I need to keep trying to be the best I can, and grant myself the same patience that I try to give the people around me.
What tries your patience the most? Do different things test your patience in others than in yourself?
O is for Options- A to Z Challenge
O is for options. Lately I have been pondering options, and taking steps to make the most of the opportunities those options allow me. I have the option to sit on my tush doing nothing, or reading, or writing, or crafting, or whatever (between taking care of and playing with the kids). I have been focusing on the reading and writing- but I am branching out. I am taking more time to explore my crafting options- though I am still writing and reading.
I have been experimenting with greener options for feeding my family, hair care, skin care, and cleaning products. As my garden of viable herbs and skill at creating increases, so does my drive to do more. Between experimenting with creating products for myself and writing articles about the recipes that I have been working with, an I getting set to ramp up production. So, I am stocking up on oils, wax, and other supplies to start selling on Esty and possibly in a local health food store that works with local vendors.
Every time I consider all the options, I start to get overwhelmed. There are so many herbs, flowers, and trees I have access to that smell great and have beneficial properties. There are so many ideas in my head. So, I write them down. I list my options and try to start small, but the ideas keep getting out of control, since there are so many options. Then, reality enters and I think about the little things that I need to do before getting lost in the more entertaining big things. Before creating lip balms, hand cream, candles, and such that are coming into existence around me I need to take care of practical matters like a name and labels. And again, the options multiple and need to be written down and organized. (I am thinking of a play on at least one of my kid's name in the name, but still playing with it.)
Every time I think I am out of options, or have the viable ones organized, new ones can be found. I just need to look a little harder. The harder options are to find, the more likely they are sitting right in front of me, but frustration, depression, or grief are hiding them from view.
I have been experimenting with greener options for feeding my family, hair care, skin care, and cleaning products. As my garden of viable herbs and skill at creating increases, so does my drive to do more. Between experimenting with creating products for myself and writing articles about the recipes that I have been working with, an I getting set to ramp up production. So, I am stocking up on oils, wax, and other supplies to start selling on Esty and possibly in a local health food store that works with local vendors.
Every time I consider all the options, I start to get overwhelmed. There are so many herbs, flowers, and trees I have access to that smell great and have beneficial properties. There are so many ideas in my head. So, I write them down. I list my options and try to start small, but the ideas keep getting out of control, since there are so many options. Then, reality enters and I think about the little things that I need to do before getting lost in the more entertaining big things. Before creating lip balms, hand cream, candles, and such that are coming into existence around me I need to take care of practical matters like a name and labels. And again, the options multiple and need to be written down and organized. (I am thinking of a play on at least one of my kid's name in the name, but still playing with it.)
Every time I think I am out of options, or have the viable ones organized, new ones can be found. I just need to look a little harder. The harder options are to find, the more likely they are sitting right in front of me, but frustration, depression, or grief are hiding them from view.
Book Review: Courtney Crumrin Volume 1 by Ted Naifeh
Courtney Crumrin Volume 1: The Night Things Special Edition by Ted Naifeh is graphic novel suitable for older children, young adults, and adults. Courtney's parents are simple, they just want money and a little power but are clueless about everything else. When they have spent all their money and stretched their credit to the limit they decide to move the family in with Great Uncle Aloysuis under the premise that they will be taking care of him in his old age. The family house is creepy and full of secrets, which Courtney discovers fairly early on. She is an outspoken and sassy character that does not fit in, and refuses to be like her parents. As she discovers the hidden world around her, Courtney gains some control over that world.
Courtney Crumrin is a fun and creepy graphic novel, with some very dark aspects fairy tales. Courtney is struggling in a culture that is all about money and status when she does not care for any of that. She, instead, gains knowledge and a little power in the world that most everyone is ignoring. Children disappear in the woods, and no one seems to care. I think this is more about people only seeing what they want to see, rather than them ignoring the fact that goblins have eaten their child. How many people today are more focused on status than what their teens, or younger children, are doing?
Courtney Crumrin is a dark but very interesting graphic novel. The artwork is unique, and does a good job or portraying Courtney and her uncle as separate from the rest of the characters. The only thing that could have made this a better story, is further development and detail abut Uncle Aloysuis and the relationship Courtney has with him. However, reading the summaries for the volumes that follow this, I am confident that this does take shape in the series. I will definitely read the future volumes to see where it goes.
Courtney Crumrin is a fun and creepy graphic novel, with some very dark aspects fairy tales. Courtney is struggling in a culture that is all about money and status when she does not care for any of that. She, instead, gains knowledge and a little power in the world that most everyone is ignoring. Children disappear in the woods, and no one seems to care. I think this is more about people only seeing what they want to see, rather than them ignoring the fact that goblins have eaten their child. How many people today are more focused on status than what their teens, or younger children, are doing?
Courtney Crumrin is a dark but very interesting graphic novel. The artwork is unique, and does a good job or portraying Courtney and her uncle as separate from the rest of the characters. The only thing that could have made this a better story, is further development and detail abut Uncle Aloysuis and the relationship Courtney has with him. However, reading the summaries for the volumes that follow this, I am confident that this does take shape in the series. I will definitely read the future volumes to see where it goes.
Early Book Review: Alphabet Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman
I highly recommend Alphabet Everywhere to libraries, schools, and personal libraries. This collection of photographs of letters found our surroundings will inspire you, and the children that look at this book, to look a little closer at their surroundings. Perhaps it can spark a discussion about looking deeper, or the start of your own game of searching for things that look like letters in your own backyard or during a walk or car ride.
N is for Noise- A to Z Challenge
N is for noise. On this first day of spring break for my preschoolers, I am in for a week full of noise. I am steeling myself.I am already home with them three days a week, sometimes more, so I am used to the chaos, but I enjoy the rare moments when they are at school and I am home. Every day is noisy already, and each day holds its own kinds of noise. There is the noise of trying to get everyone ready to leave the house, including the daily argument of one copying the other with their choice for breakfast. There is the arguing over shows and snacks and games to play. Then the sounds of playing and singing and whatever .It is just constant noise of all kinds.
To fully understand the joy, you must have had small children. Mine are only 21 months apart and look like they could be twins. My son, the oldest, is five and was a late talker. Since he was with family most of the time he had no need to talk, since we often anticipated his needs. It was only when he was forced to use his words, and his younger sister started talking a mile a minute, that he finally relented and began to use his words. Now, neither ever seems to stop talking, singing, screaming, muttering, you get the idea. In some sort of cosmic revenge, my son has started making up randoms songs and singing. This is revenge because my father and uncle often entertained me when I was little by doing the very same thing.
This constant noise from my children sometimes fades into the background and barely registers. There are other moments when I cannot even think because of the overlapping chatter. Since the noise comes from my children, I cannot put in earplugs or earbuds to listen to music or an audio book- because I do need to hear the rises and lulls in conversation that signal that my full attention is required. The funny thing is that I do not function well in complete silence, I need music or the television on for background noise to get serious work done.
What are the most frequent causes of noise in your life that distract you? Do you work best with background noise, or in complete silence? How do you deal with trying to work in less than your optimal work conditions.
To fully understand the joy, you must have had small children. Mine are only 21 months apart and look like they could be twins. My son, the oldest, is five and was a late talker. Since he was with family most of the time he had no need to talk, since we often anticipated his needs. It was only when he was forced to use his words, and his younger sister started talking a mile a minute, that he finally relented and began to use his words. Now, neither ever seems to stop talking, singing, screaming, muttering, you get the idea. In some sort of cosmic revenge, my son has started making up randoms songs and singing. This is revenge because my father and uncle often entertained me when I was little by doing the very same thing.
This constant noise from my children sometimes fades into the background and barely registers. There are other moments when I cannot even think because of the overlapping chatter. Since the noise comes from my children, I cannot put in earplugs or earbuds to listen to music or an audio book- because I do need to hear the rises and lulls in conversation that signal that my full attention is required. The funny thing is that I do not function well in complete silence, I need music or the television on for background noise to get serious work done.
What are the most frequent causes of noise in your life that distract you? Do you work best with background noise, or in complete silence? How do you deal with trying to work in less than your optimal work conditions.
Early Book Review: Color Game for Chester Raccoon by Audrey Penn
Color Game for Chester Raccoon, written by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson, is a cute board book. It is scheduled for release on May 15 20212. Chester and his friends take part in a rhyming I Spy game. They find some wonderful items in the natural world, and show counting and color recognition skills. The group of animals is well varied, and have fun with their finds. The illustrations are adorable, with fun cheerful faces and good detail work. The book is cute, short, and sweet; like any good board book should be.
M is for Mistake, A to Z Challenge
M is for mistake. I am good at mistakes, I make plenty of them and always have. But, I like to think that I lear from them and find new mistakes to make. The only exception to this is spelling. I have never been good at spelling, ever. But I have learned how to recognize when I have made a spelling mistake and keep the tools to fix those mistakes handy. Spell check and a little dictionary on my desk at home work wonders. But for some reason there are words that I have misspelt a million times, and will do the same a million more. With some, I know I am spelling it wrong as I type, but continue to type. I go back and make the same corrections every time.
I make some other mistakes repeatedly, like trusting in some people to come through for me this time, or being lazy in my connections with friends and relying on electronic communication instead of paying them a visit. Some of this is optimism, some of it is my introverted tendencies keeping me in the safety of my home, and sometimes it is just me being lost n a book or my own own head. I know that these are my issues, and I work towards battling them regularly, but they seem to stick with me.
Do you have a mistake that you keep repeating? How do you try to move forward?
I make some other mistakes repeatedly, like trusting in some people to come through for me this time, or being lazy in my connections with friends and relying on electronic communication instead of paying them a visit. Some of this is optimism, some of it is my introverted tendencies keeping me in the safety of my home, and sometimes it is just me being lost n a book or my own own head. I know that these are my issues, and I work towards battling them regularly, but they seem to stick with me.
Do you have a mistake that you keep repeating? How do you try to move forward?
L is for Lost- A to Z Challenge
L is for Lost. Have you even woken up feeling lost and listless? There are days when I get up and go about doing all the things I need to do to take care of everyone else, but would much rather go back to bed. There are days when I lose interest in the books I wanted to read so badly the day before, the ideas I had been eager to write down, the crafts I had planned, and so on. These are the days that I feel lost. How do you manage those moments?
I typically will skip over the book, project, whatever, that I had planned on doing and shift gears. Instead of reading, I will write. Instead of writing I with crochet or sow. Instead of gardening I will jump in the kitchen and bake something or play with my oils to create new skin or hair care products. Sometimes none of things work and I need to try something new, like trying to learn a new skill, like knitting. On the days that the kids are home with me, rather than at school, I am often prevented from doing any of these things and let the kids pick an activity for the day (within reason of course). Often, just letting go and having fun with the kids will be enough to help me. Letter and other learning games with the kids help me the most, because we are having fun and I feel like I am accomplishing something.
There are days when looming (often self-imposed) deadlines drive me to work through the lingering feelings, but I do not trust the quality of projects finished in this state, which tends to bog me down even more. Lost and depressed I often find myself falling into the chocolate trap, which I can avoid if I pick up a project that keeps my hands busy- the real reason I learned to crochet.
Do you go through lost moments? How do you go from the land of the lost, to really feeling like you are living life to the fullest? Does reading, writing, or work help or hinder your efforts?
I typically will skip over the book, project, whatever, that I had planned on doing and shift gears. Instead of reading, I will write. Instead of writing I with crochet or sow. Instead of gardening I will jump in the kitchen and bake something or play with my oils to create new skin or hair care products. Sometimes none of things work and I need to try something new, like trying to learn a new skill, like knitting. On the days that the kids are home with me, rather than at school, I am often prevented from doing any of these things and let the kids pick an activity for the day (within reason of course). Often, just letting go and having fun with the kids will be enough to help me. Letter and other learning games with the kids help me the most, because we are having fun and I feel like I am accomplishing something.
There are days when looming (often self-imposed) deadlines drive me to work through the lingering feelings, but I do not trust the quality of projects finished in this state, which tends to bog me down even more. Lost and depressed I often find myself falling into the chocolate trap, which I can avoid if I pick up a project that keeps my hands busy- the real reason I learned to crochet.
Do you go through lost moments? How do you go from the land of the lost, to really feeling like you are living life to the fullest? Does reading, writing, or work help or hinder your efforts?
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