Back of the Book: In her haste to flee the palace before the magic of the fairy godmother loses effect, Cinderella leaves behind one clue to her identity. Pages: 44 Published: 1974-09-12 Format Read: real book The very worst thing about this book is that they eliminate the first shoe shattering. That was one of those “oh no!” moments in the movie that really worries us as youngsters, but they didn’t include it in the book. :-( The very best thing about this book is the simplicity of it. It’s enough to hold the attention of a two-year-old (or a 27-year-old – me) because the story is fun, but simple. I read this to my niece twice last week before her naptime and she loved it! So did I, for that matter! She was even more excited that the copy I read to her was hers to keep. :-) What can I say? My girl takes after her Aunt Lishy in her love of books!!!
Back of the Book: Brace yourself for a shocking secret. Two hidden artifacts have been found. Three more remain unrecovered. More preserves face destruction as the Society of the Evening Star relentlessly pursues new talismans. Reading in Patton s Journal of Secrets, Kendra learns the location of the key to a vault housing one of the artifacts. In order to retrieve it, the Knights of the Dawn must enter a death trap a dragon sanctuary called Wyrmroost. The mission cannot proceed without stealing a sacred object zealously guarded by the centaurs. Anybody seen Seth? The race is on to acquire all five of the artifact keys to the great demon prison. Will the Knights of the Dawn conquer Wyrmroost? Who can stop the Sphinx? Can Vanessa be trusted to help? What artifact will be found next? Find out in Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. Previous books in this series: “Fablehaven” & “Rise of the Evening Star” & “Grip of the Shadow Plague” Pages: 535 Published: 2009-03-24 Format Read: ebook The very worst thing about this book is that Seth still is dashing off into trouble. True, he thinks things through a little better this time, but he still isn’t listening to his elders… It’s a bit frustrating that one of the messages seems to be that “as long as you can justify it and it turns out okay, you can break the rules.” The very best thing about this book is Gavin. This was completely unexpected for me, although Raxtus’s big part felt a little rushed.
Back of the Book: Very strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem early, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long. In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice — but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information that could lead to a cure — but can she be trusted? Meanwhile, Kendra and members of the Knights of the Dawn must journey to a distant preserve and retrieve another hidden artifact. Will the Society of the Evening Star recover it first? Will the plague eclipse all light at Fablehaven? Previous books in this series: “Fablehaven” & “Rise of the Evening Star” Pages: 487 Published: 2008-04-21 Format Read: ebook The very worst thing about this book is that some scenes are a bit more rushed than I would like. The very best thing about this book is Patton and Lena. I can’t say more due to potential spoilers, though.
Back of the Book: At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother Seth find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists — a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper — to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble? DeLaina’s Review on Goodreads.com: The themes in the book are excellent too. For example, the girl is a rule-keeper and the boy is a curious mischief-maker, and one of the central themes is obedience. At the end you figure out that a measure of disobedience was necessary to set in motion the events that eventually lead to the ultimate demise of evil, which could not have happened otherwise. Fascinating!!! (read the entire review here) I chose this book, obviously, because it’s the second in the series I’m currently reading. (The first is reviewed here.) Literary Merit: The conversations and the way the dialogue is written is wonderful. The books are written pretty well in general, but the conversations come across as genuine. There’s nothing unusually stilted about the relationship between Kendra and Seth. In fact, half of their conversations remind me of conversations I’ve had with my siblings. The detail of the world tends to vary, in my opinion. There are times when I can clearly picture the scene as it unfolds, and other times when it’s not so clear. Individual characters are usually detailed fairly well, while a setting not so much. This is understandable and allows my imagination to fill in the blanks, so to speak, but it seems inconsistent because other settings are extremely detailed. Plot: The plot is simple, but strong. For adult readers, you can usually see where the story is going, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment. Younger readers, for whom the story is intended, shouldn’t have that problem which will make the twists and turns extremely exciting! Characters: Kendra is one of the main characters. She’s about 15 years old in this book (maybe 14, but I’m pretty sure it’s 15) and she’s a goody-two-shoes. She’s also a tattle-tale, a bookworm, and fairykind. (Read the books and you’ll understand that last part.) Seth is Kendra’s little brother. He’s around ten or eleven years old, and he’s a bit of a dare-devil. Courageous, reckless, and somewhat self-centered, he tends to cause a ton of trouble. He is almost the opposite of his sister, but he does have a good heart. There are tons of characters in this (and the other) books, but I’m not going to list [read full post]
Back of the Book: For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most. Pages: 351 Published: 2006-06-14 Format Read: ebook The very worst thing about this book is that the main characters tend to cause their own problems. If they simply followed the rules, there would be many fewer problems… But, then there would be no book! The very best thing about this book is the way Mull writes conversations. They come across, usually, as very realistic. Well, assuming you aren’t taking into account the content! :-p
This book is mostly about pedophiles, sex dolls, and pheromones. I’m just going to leave it at that… Oh, and there are two not-so-surprise endings at the end! :-p Pages: 36 Published: 2011-08 Format Read: real book
We learn a bit about alternate realities in this book. And we see a zombie fall in love and watch Rumble Bee team up with a not-quite enemy again. Pages: 32 Published: 2010-08 Format Read: real book
Soo, there’s a little hanky-panky going on between enemies, some Mexican wrestling, and giant armed panda bear. If that isn’t enough to peak your interest, Randy reveals a secret about heaven on the last page! ^_^ Pages: 40 Published: 2009-08 Format Read: real book
First of all, I love the opening page. Randy opens up with a horribly awesome joke, a red guy, a blue glowing man, and a green goblin thing. That one strip alone was worth the purchase price to me! This particular page is available on the Super Stupor! website, by the way. Also, Arch-Angela is amazing! She cracks me up more than any other character. Except, maybe, Punchline. Pages: 20 Published: 2008-08 Format Read: real book
I feel as if I’ve been in a super stupor for the past few days. I’m lethargic, brain dead, and just sort of floating along. Last night was inventory night at work. For over 11 hours we scanned, counted, uploaded, caffeinated, audited, rescanned, re-uploaded, and finally finished. I won’t lie, I could do inventory all day every day and not be bothered. My problem was that we had to do it overnight! I’m getting on in years and I’m just too old to be staying up all night! Yes, all night. From 5:45p Tuesday evening to 5:00a Wednesday morning we were inventorying. On the plus side, I think we did well. :-) Anyways, this post isn’t supposed to be about my super stupor. This post is about Randy Milholland‘s Super Stupor comic books! In case you haven’t heard of Randy (in which case, shame on you), he created the Something*Positive webcomic. I recently bought the four pack of comic books and finished reading them a little earlier today! They were incredible! Funny, obscene, interesting, a little disturbing… In short, everything I expect and love from Randy! ^_^ I won’t lie, I’ve only occasionally read the Super Stupor comics that are available online. I’ve been meaning to read through them all, but never found the time. That being said, the comic books don’t disappoint! Here are a few mini-reviews about each book! Updated – 2012/01/12 I forgot that I had promised myself that no matter how short the review was they would all get their own post. So I just split them all into their own posts… Click the cover pictures below to read them all. :-)
This is my second year doing this challenge, and I fell two short. I was a little disappointed, but I did my best. :-) #1 “Changelings” by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough #1 “Maelstrom” by Anne McCaffrey & Elizabeth Ann Scarborough #2 “Lost Love, Last Love” by Rosemary Rogers #2 “Bound by Desire” by Rosemary Rogers #3 “Bumped” by Megan McCafferty #3 “Wither” by Lauren DeStefano #4 “The Constant Princess” by Philippa Gregory — recommendation #5 “The White Plague” by Frank Herbert #5 “Johnny the Homicidal Maniac: Director’s Cut” by Jhonen Vasquez #7 “Disney’s Alice In Wonderland the Graphic Novel” by Alessandro Ferrari #7 “Urban Gothic” by Brian Keene #8 “This World We Live In” by Susan Beth Pfeffer #8 “Savage Desire” by Rosemary Rogers #9 “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” by J. K. Rowling #9 “Dark Fires” by Rosemary Rogers #10 “Sweet Savage Love” by Rosemary Rogers #10 “Wicked Loving Lies” by Rosemary Rogers #11 “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” by J. K. Rowling
I finished this challenge with four extra books. I love the dystopian/post-apocolyptic genre. There’s just something about it that speaks to me… My list of nineteen books is under the challenge logo. I enjoyed every one of those books at least a little if not a whole lot. I would say that they’re all worth a read! “The White Plague” by Frank Herbert “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer “The Dead and the Gone” by Susan Beth Pfeffer “This World We Live In” by Susan Beth Pfeffer “Feed” by Mira Grant
I didn’t finish, but I did better than I thought I would, actually. #1 “City of Fallen Angels” by Cassandra Clare #2 “Johnny the Homicidal Maniac: Director’s Cut” by Jhonen Vasquez #3 “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer #6 “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J. K. Rowling #7 “The Last Battle” by C. S. Lewis #9 “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare #10 “Shiver” by Maggie Stiefvater
I read exactly one book for this challenge. :-( I originally chose the challenge because I liked the idea of it and figured that I would finally read some nonfiction. Well, I didn’t. And the one book that I read for this challenge was read for another reason. It wasn’t until I was preparing the wrap-up that I realized I had read one of the books that was on my list. :-/ “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan
I really just couldn’t bring myself to read any Nicholas Sparks book. I’m disappointed in myself for that because I have several both in print and on my nook, but I was never in a mood to enjoy one. :-( I will, however, make a point to read (at the very least) “The Notebook” sometime this year. Maybe…
Today was not just the first day of 2012, but also mine and Jaime’s first anniversary!
It was an interesting day. We slept late, we watched a couple movies, and I lost his card. Yep. I lost the card I bought for our first anniversary.
Chasing Cars Calligraphy Lyrics
In my defense, though, I bought the card before we ever got married because it was just too perfect to pass up! I can’t believe I lost it… I had it a month or so ago. :-( Well, I’ll find it sooner or later.
So, I’m off for the next two days, and I’m hoping to get in plenty of reading time and work on some posts for my site. I know I’ve been extremely neglectful of both my sites and the challenges, but I’m going to do what I can.
Sorry this is late. I babysat for my sister after work and couldn’t find a working/charged/accessible computer at her place.
But, I promised this post would be up today, so it will be up before the day is done! ^_^
So… “What have I been up to,” I ask myself.
“Not too much,” I answer.
Hahaha! Okay, I’m not going to do a pretend dialogue with myself. Well, not today, anyway. :-p
Chunk and Minou
Chunk (my nephew Chase) has a new best friend. I realize the picture is crappy, I took it with my phone, but that little cat followed him around waiting to be picked up by her whiskers, her back legs, and her tail. I was in shock that she didn’t attack when that happened (and I fussed at him each time) but she pretty much launched herself at him and into his hands. It was precious. :-) Also, that’s the only picture I took while babysitting. :-( My phone sucks as a camera, obviously, and I was having too much fun falling off the hammock and playing with my kiddos to try to get a decent shot. Oh, and yes, he’s wearing his sister’s jacket. :-p
I haven’t been doing too much besides reading and watching stuff on netflix while I compute. On netflix, though, I’ve recently watched every episode they have of Futurama, South Park, Pair of Kings, and JONAS. I’ve started, but not yet finished, Ancient Aliens and Family Guy.
Also- Don’t judge me!
I’m just kidding, judge away! I don’t care what you think of my netflix choices. ^_^ Those are just the television shows. I’ve also watched a few movies, but I’m too lazy to look up any of the titles except for the two I can remember off the top of my head: “Dragon Hunters: and “The Secret of Kells”. Both of which I really enjoyed and recommend.
As for books, check out my goodreads: http://goodreads.com/alyshadeshae I try to keep the “currently reading” shelf mostly up to date. At this exact moment in time, it is not, but it will be before I go to bed.
Music, though, this will be fun! Jaime recently introduced me to a band called Pop Evil and a song called “Monster You Made” and I love it! Check it out:
I haven’t actually checked out the video other than to find the link/embed code and listen to it while typing stuff to make sure it was the actual song. It sounds fine, though, and I hope it’s not too inappropriate or tacky. :-)
I’ve also been really loving almost everything I’ve heard from Mitchel Musso, specifically “Open the Door” shown here:
By the way, without sounding too creepy, can we say that he is now officially hot? Also, I love the goofy dancing jumping stuff he does in this video. Adorable! ^_^ That video is on his youtube channel, so check out his other songs. :-)
One more thing… HOBO SHOES FOR THE WIN!! Aaaahahaha! You can’t tell me those shoes he’s wearing in the video don’t look like they would fit right in with a hobo costume!
Oh, and heyhihello has yet to leave my playlist since I discovered them months ago!
That’s the first song of just them that I heard. I first learned about them through this awesome Wrock (Wizard Rock for the muggles out there) song:
They’re all just adorable! And I’ve yet to come across a song of their’s that I dislike. :-D Jaime has informed me that they sound like a band/artist called Owl City. I had never heard of them/him before, until I realized that I had sort of come across this apparently very popular song:
I love that song! :-D
So… Now that I’ve overloaded your browser with some very pop-ish music videos, let’s add in one more of a song that I adore even if the video isn’t quite my style:
I really love Manson’s songs, but his videos usually disgust me…
Well, I’ve covered books, netflix, and music. Any other questions? Hit me up in the comments or in the formspring box in the sidebar! Also, please don’t hate me for the videos! :-p It’s the best way to share music, in my opinion!
I honestly can’t tell you what the writer was thinking when they wrote the song, but to me it means many things. It can even mean different things depending on my mood.
Obviously, it’s a daughter singing to her father. Parts of it are extremely simple to understand. It’s starts off telling the father that he can’t blame anyone but himself for what he’s done.
The part about the island and cutting diamonds with a rubber knife is where I differ from most of the meanings I found from others online. I think “come from an island” just means that he’s isolated himself from the majority of people, or alienated them so horribly that they want nothing to do with him. Many people seem to think that “cutting diamonds with a rubber knife” implies sexual abuse. I think it’s simpler and more literal than that. Cutting diamonds with a rubber knife would be pointless; you can’t actually cut the diamonds and you would basically just be wasting your time. I think that part means that his current actions are completely pointless and useless. It can’t change anything but the “rubber knife” has no effect on the “diamond.”
The next verse is kind of cruel because it’s essentially just the daughter belittling the father. “You’re pathetic, worthless, and nothing you can offer me would be yours anyway.”
The fifth verse (as I have the lyrics separated) is both simple and confusing. The first two lines are just saying that the father has changed his tune over the years but it’s a little too late because it doesn’t mean anything any more. The third and fourth lines are where I’m not soo sure. I like to think that the daughter is trying to give him advice by saying that the right words to fix things are still out there, he just has to work a little harder to find them.
The sixth verse is another cruel verse. She only wants whatever material possessions the father has and only after he’s dead so that she doesn’t have to deal with him directly. There is a saying “blood is thicker than water” which usually means that family is there for you no matter what, but, with the third and fourth lines, she’s saying that’s not true in this case.
So, anyway, the song is amazing even if you don’t agree with my interpretation of it. :-)
Don’t blame your daughter that’s just sentimental.
Don’t blame your mum for all that you’ve done wrong.
Your daddy’s not guilty you came out a little faulty.
And the factory closed so you can’t hold them liable.
You come from an island,
You’re cutting diamonds,
With a rubber knife.
Your autograph’s worthless so don’t send me letters.
And dont mail me cash cause your money is no good.
What’s left in your mattress is holes and lack of love left,
Some hair from a horse, but none of it is yours, man.
You come from an island,
You’re cutting diamonds,
With a rubber knife.
And the song you sing today wasn’t always in your head.
The words you try to say are the ones you should have said.
They’re glistening like diamonds, go out and find them,
But don’t blame your daughter.
Read me your tombstone, tell me you’re sorry,
Fax me your will, you owe me something still.
Blood is like water, the bath that you poured me,
Has drained and it’s gone, don’t blame it on your son.
And the song you sing today wasn’t always in your head.
The words you try to say are the ones you should have said.
They’re glistening like diamonds, go out and find them, boy.
The world is full of diamonds, go out and find them,
But don’t blame your daughter.
I’ve had this playlist set and stable for a while now: before Christmas, actually! But if you recall that I had problems posting my Christmas playlist, I had the same problems posting this one. So, it got put on the backburner and I forgot about it. Until now…
I don’t really remember most of my reasons for picking these songs.
I know that “Whatcha Say” is only in my music library because of Imogen Heap. Listen to “Hide and Seek” after listening to “Watcha Say” and you’ll see what I mean.
I know that “You Belong With Me” is on the playlist because it’s a beautiful song and it makes me think of Jaime! ♥
“Hoedown Throwdown” and “Ice Cream Freeze” make me sing and bounce along while driving and I absolutely love those songs!
Eh, that’s enough remembering. Listen to the songs, love them or hate them, and then go read a book – like me! :-p
Today you get a two-for-one deal! That’s right, it’s a “buy one, get one free” kind of day! :-p
These are my two favorite Aaliyah songs. I’m not much of an Aaliyah fan, actually, so quizzing me about any of her other songs would be pretty pointless, but I love these, two.
The videos are pretty cool, too!
Mama always told me to be careful who I love,
And daddy always told me, “make sure he’s right.”
I always had my eyes on this one particular guy.
I was too shy so I decided to write.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
People always sayin’ that I play myself for you,
They say that you don’t even notice me.
Maybe when I get the nerve to come to you,
Promise me that you won’t diss me.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
I’m writin’ you a love letter tonight,
You better keep a watch cause the mailmain’s comin’.
I’m writin’ you a love letter tonight,
You better keep a watch cause the mailmain’s comin’.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
I’m sending him a four-page letter,
And I enclosed it with a kiss,
And when I write him he better get it on time.
If your girl only knew,
That you was trying to get with me,
What would she do?
If your girl only knew,
That you was dissin’ her to talk to me.
She would probably leave you alone,
She would probably curse you out and unplug her phone.
I bet she’d be glad that you was gone,
And then she wouldn’t have to worry.
If your girl only knew,
That I would want to kick it with you.
And if your girl could only see,
How you be calling me, getting fresh with me.
She would probably leave you alone,
She would probably curse you out and unplug her phone.
I bet she’d be glad that you was gone,
And then she wouldn’t have to worry.
She’s crazy to put up with you.
Oh boy I won’t be no fool,
Let you like what you see,
It ain’t easy to get with me,
But it’s dumb to put up with you.
I won’t be no fool,
Let you like what you see,
It ain’t easy to get with me.
She would probably leave you alone,
She would probably curse you out and unplug her phone.
I bet she’d be glad that you was gone,
And then she wouldn’t have to worry.
[repeat...]
If your girl only knew
(What you saying, what you saying, what you saying, huh?)
[repeat...]
And yes, I know, I still haven’t gotten around to hosting the videos myself. I swear I’m going to do it! Soon, I hope.
