Haiku Amy

Just in Time Books - Hot New Titles for your grade school kids

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 19:42:00 +0000

I am happy to share news of a new series of books for 3-7 grade readers called the Just in Time series. I happen to know the illustrator, Manelle Oliphant, so I wanted to put the word out. The books are co-authored by Carol Lynch Williams and Cheri Pray Earl. The books are about twins that travel back in time to rescue their parents who have been lost in time. The first book is titled The Rescue Begins in Delaware. The second book is titled Sweet Secrets in Pennsylvania.

In conjunction with the book release here are some great upcoming events for the book lovers that may still read this blog. If you happen to live in Utah, here are some events you may want to check out.

This is happening soon:
The illustrator, Manelle Oliphant, will be at the Fort Union Barnes and Noble this Saturday the 14th signing Just in Time books as well as some other books she has illustrated from 2-3pm. She says other authors will be there as well, but didn't know which ones.

Keep this on your Calendar:
Both authors and illustrator will be at The King's English on Saturday November 2nd for a presentation and book signing.
The time wasn't specified. You may be able to find more information on The King's English website when the event draws nearer.

And for anyone else not in Utah you can visit Manelle Oliphant's website for a fun giveaway. She is giving away some board books she has illustrated so head on over to http://manelleoliphant.com/book-giveaway/ to enter. Please check the official rules before entering to make sure you qualify to win.

Now for some haiku - How Amy views a new book.

inky stained smooth clean

unlocked secrets lie in wait

devoured in a day

March of Dimes March for Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:21:00 +0000

Hi friends of Haiku Amy
Sorry I haven't been around awhile. Less than a year ago our family received an amazing gift with the birth of a new baby. This was nothing short of a miracle for us as my pregnancies tend to give little support to the developing fetus. This special boy was born at 34 weeks weighing only 2 lb 13 oz but thanks to care of Dr's and nurses he thrived in the NICU for 3 weeks and was able to come home with us. I have joined March of Dimes this year to help raise money for the health of premature babies and prevention. I posted the button above if any are interested in donating. Here is the link to my March for Babies profile.

Thanks for your support!

Cat's Hats Candy Corn Hat Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 18:51:00 +0000

Hi all. I just wanted to share a giveaway. If anyone likes handmade items, particularly crocheted hats, and has a cute kid to wear such finery then head over to The Worsted Crochet Blog for a Candy Corn Hat Giveaway!!!! Plus its fall and I love this season. I should share a haiku.

Cute, trendy, fuzzy.

Warming ears and noggins too.

Win a hat from Cat!

Books for Christmas and a Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:51:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Since I am always pleased to receive books as gifts - that is pretty much what I got. This year I mostly bought my own presents or told hubby what to buy. I received:

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Zombie Haiku by Ryan Mecum

Mini reviews

Lola - I loved this book so much I spent all day after Christmas reading it. I loved Lola because she likes to costume herself. It's an art form. She goes for themes and goes all out including wigs and making her own clothing. I am so not like that, but if I had an alternate personality or a limitless shopping account I could imagine myself like that.

Zombies - First off I have wanted to read this book since hearing about it some time ago. I even wrote my own zombie haiku - Spam is Good Brain Food. I saw the book at B&N while Christmas shopping and bought it for myself. I must say it was exactly what I expected and beyond. Yes, I admit it grossed me out just a bit. A lot of it was quite humorous though. It's a quick, fun read, but maybe better if you're not eating something while reading. If you are squeamish I probably wouldn't pick it up. Lovely visuals (pictures of scary zombie people) and faux blood-splattered pages too. I am inspired. Maybe I should write a haiku book...only less gruesome.

I haven't read Touch of Power yet, but I can't wait. I haven't read a book by Maria Snyder that I didn't love.

Which books did you receive for Christmas?

Fandom Quilting

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:20:00 +0000

Hi Bookish Friends.

Not so very long ago I came across a website run by Jennifer Ofenstein called SewHooked. It featured quilt block patterns in the medium of paper piecing, among other things. For those of you who don't know what that is, its just a way of assembling a quilt block where you actually sew your fabric to the paper. Once your block is created you rip the paper off and throw it away. Not too long after I found SewHooked, Jen created a new website called Fandom in Stitches. This is the perfect place for book lovers as she has many blocks for popular book series as well as some video games, sports and movie themed blocks. The patterns, created by a team of designers, include Harry Potter, Twilight/Vampires, Hunger Games, Glee, Legend of Zelda, Disney, Sci-fi and more.
Also for your enjoyment, the Fandom in Stitches Flickr group.

This year SewHooked featured the Harry Potter Project of Doom. Each week a new pattern was revealed for 30 weeks until the final quilt came together. I didn't participate, but have enjoyed viewing all the blocks.

The next project of this magnitude is There and Back Again. This is a block of the month mystery quilt based on The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien. It is scheduled to start in October, so I wanted to let anyone know about it who may be interested in joining. Go check out Fandom in Stitches for more details. Anyone else out there enjoy fan-themed projects?

Where Am I? - Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:07:00 +0000

Whence dark den removed

Twixt track, town, and fruited fen

Box, garage, and van.

Reading Journal March to May 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 06:39:00 +0000

Just a few books I have read lately:
Evidences of the True Church by Dennis K. Brown - Non-Fiction
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo - Non-Fiction
Forest Born by Shannon Hale - Bayern Books #4
River Secrets by Shannon Hale - Bayern Books #3
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - Nightshade #1
Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr - Wicked Lovely #5
Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Smokescreen by Traci Hunter Abramson
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder - Glass Books #3
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan - The Heroes of Olympus #1
Fallen by Lauren Kate - Fallen #1
The Lost Saint by Bree Despain - Dark Divine #2
What the Doctor Ordered by Sierra St. James

Attempted or skimmed but didn't finish:
I'll Hold You In Heaven by Jack W. Hayford - Non-Fiction
The Memory Bible by Gary W. Small - Non-Fiction
The Autoimmune Connection by Rita Baron-Faust, Jill P. Buyon - Non-Fiction

I keep thinking I am missing some, but my brain truly cannot dredge up any other titles. Sorry, no reviews, recaps, summaries etc. I am severely lacking the interest right now, but thought I would jot down titles for my record. If I had to pick a top 3 favorites from that list, however, I choose Anna and the French Kiss, The Book Thief and The Lost Hero. Happy Reading Everyone!!

Reading Journal February 2011 part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 18:07:00 +0000

This is pretty funny. After I posted the last reading journal I went way back and checked some of my older posts. Ha ha, I already mentioned once I had read Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan. Oh well, I got a little more detailed this time.

At any rate, I remembered one other book I read awhile back, and thought I could add books for the remainder of February.

Saphyre Snow by Marcia Lynn McClure - I only gave this 2 of 5 stars. It was just o.k. for me. It is basically a retelling of Snow White with an added love story. Saphyre Snow is the princess whose step-grandmother tries to kill her. She runs for her life, but ends up in an abandoned fortress of some sort. There she discovers a band of misfit men. They let her stay and keep her safe while trying to figure out what her step grandmother is up to. They suspect the evil queen has a hand in the mysterious deaths of Saphyre's grandfather and mother and the illness of her father. Of course it is inevitable that Saphyre falls in love with one of the men, and he is the surliest one of them all.

Sabotaged (The Missing Book #3) by Margaret Peterson Haddix - This may contain spoilers from previous books. Jonah and Katherine are going back in time with Andrea, another of the missing children from history. Her true identity is Virginia Dare, the first baby born in the New England colony of Roanoke. When they arrive in the 17th century there is no trace of anyone, and they lost the elucidator (the only contact they had with the future and JB). The only thing they have to go on is a couple of tracer natives and Katherine's vague recall of what she learned in history class. They soon realize that they are following the instructions of a man called Second who they believe is trying to sabotage their mission.

I didn't enjoy this installment quite as much as I enjoyed the first two, but things got a little more exciting at the end. At the most it left me wondering what is going to happen in the next book. Which means eventually I will continue on with the series. I gave this book 3 of 5 stars.

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous - This book is about a teenage girl circa 1970's. It is basically her diary; she talks about feelings of loneliness, weight issues, family troubles and being inadequate. During the story she goes to a party of a popular girl and finds out it was a drug party after she drinks a coke laced with LSD and goes on her first trip. This is the beginning of her life with drugs. This is an eye opening book that I believe can be a good talking point between teens and parents about drugs. I gave this book 5 of 5 stars.

Jane by April Lindner - This is a modern day retelling of Jane Eyre. Jane Moore becomes a nanny working for the famous rock star Nico Rathburn. A romance ensues with the suggestion of a mysterious past. Well, if you have read Jane Eyre then you pretty much know what happens after that. I thought this retelling was pretty straightforward. I liked it because it was like revisiting an old friend who'd had a makeover, but nothing to drastic. I also like this book because there are a million retellings of Pride and Prejudice, and this is the first I have ever encountered with Jane Eyre. I gave it 4 of 5 stars.

Poem - I Saw Your Name

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:06:00 +0000

I saw your name today
They weren't your words
A comment on a blog
Not your face
A random image
Just your name
Spelled like yours
As if you were saying hi
From where you are
You must have known
I needed you today

Reading Journal February 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:15:00 +0000

I just thought I would jot down some books I have read recently before I forget them altogether. My mind is like a sieve.

In no particular order:
Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2) by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia - Lena's sixteenth moon has passed and she wasn't chosen by light or dark. It appears she is in charge of her choosing on her seventeenth moon. However the events of her 16th birthday leave her lost and grieving from her Uncle Macon's death and things with Ethan are getting too complicated. Ethan feels like he is losing her as Lena spends more time with her cousin, Ridley, who is a dark caster, and an incubus named John Breed. Ethan fears Lena is going to choose to be a dark caster, but believes he can save her from that path.

Found (The Missing #1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix - Jonah was adopted and the information regarding his adoption has always been closed. Now he is getting disturbing messages in the mail, and he finds out his friend, Chip, is also adopted and receiving the same messages. They finally get some clues as to where they came from, but the FBI is keeping it very hush hush. Something is very mysterious about it, and all they have are a list of 36 names of adopted kids their same age that all live in the surrounding area. Jonah, Chip, and Katherine (Jonah's sister) are about to go on a wild adventure that involves finding out the mystery of their adoption.

Sent (The Missing #2) by Margaret Peterson Haddix (I am detecting a theme here - books by authors named Margaret??) - *SPOILERS from Found.* Chip and Alex are brothers from the fifteenth century. Their real identities are King Edward V of England and Richard Duke of York respectively. Jonah and Katherine went back with them in time to try to fix the ripple and return Chip and Alex back to the 21st century without dying in history. The problem is every time they do something that didn't happen in the past it rewrites history. Not to mention Chip and Alex are becoming too much like their original personalities and just might stay in the 1400s. Things are definitely getting complicated.

Matched by Ally Condie - Loved, Loved, Loved. I believe this was the last book I read of 2010. It's about a girl named Cassia who lives in a utopian like society. The society does everything for the greatest good of the people. This includes matching each person with their perfect mate. At her matching ceremony she is matched with her best friend Xander and can't believe her luck. That is until she opens the computer file of her match and sees another face on the screen. His name is Ky and she knows him as well. The society tells her it was a glitch and to just forget about Ky, but she can't help but wonder if Ky is her true match. This book is amazing! I want the next book so bad.

Blind Side by Clair M. Poulson - Noletta Fahr is hiking in the mountains when she stumbles across a murder. She gets a glimpse of the perpetrator, but gets shot when she tries to escape and loses her sight. Several years later she is again a victim when someone breaks into her house and steals her seeing eye dog; she suspects it may be related to the murder case, and that her life is in danger once again.

The Kings of Clonmel (Ranger's Apprentice #8) by John Flanagan - Halt, Will and Horace take a visit to Halt's brother, who just happens to be the King of Clonmel. The King is a little lazy, which is why he allows a false religion to lay waste to his kingdom. These bandits raid farms and towns, then send in their prophet to drive away the bandits. In reality they are the same group using fear to dupe people out of their money. Halt confronts the prophet, Tennyson, and causes a stir among the royal family and it's subjects.

Halt's Peril (Ranger's Apprentice #9) by John Flanagan - Halt and company are still chasing Tennyson and his disciples as they head to another gullible village. Halt wants to stop them before they reach Araluen. Unfortunately the prophet's bodyguards are lethal assassins and hit Halt with an unknown poison. It is up to Will and Horace to save Halt and defeat the false prophet once and for all.

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare - Tessa goes to England to find her brother, only he isn't where he said he'd be. Instead some women that call themselves the Dark Sisters convince her to go with them, but keep her captive inside their creepy home. They teach her a power she never knew she had and now she wonders what kind of creature she really is. That is when Will and Jem, a couple of Shadowhunters, save her and take her back to the London Institute while they figure out who the Magister is and what he wants with Tessa and her ability. The Magister is the leader of The Pandemonium Club. It's a Downworlder club that brings in Mundanes and is related to some mysterious deaths. Tessa's brother, Nathaniel, disappeared and was last seen as a visitor to The Pandemonium Club. Oh good golly miss molly! I need the next book ASAP! So awesome, and the first book I read of 2011. Though I really miss Clary and Jace, it is fun to see some new characters as well as some old ones. Hello Magnus! Wahoo, my greatest wish will be realized, another Mortal Instruments book coming soon - City of Fallen Angels book 4. City of Lost Souls is book five, and City of Heavenly Fire is book 6. We also get to look forward to the sequels to Clockwork Angel - Clockwork Prince book 2, and Clockwork Princess book 3. Yeah! So many book to read one day.

Since my mind was otherwise occupied for the past couple of months, I haven't done a Reading Journal since September 2010. Shoot, now how will I replace those missing months? I am hoping I didn't forget a book, but honestly I didn't do much reading the latter part of the year. If I truly forgot a book that I have read, it must have not left a lasting impression.

My newest love

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 07:21:00 +0000

I have a new love around the house. I am officially team electric blanket. Yes, it needs it's own team. At first I was team Snuggie, but then it just wasn't good enough. No, you see I live in the basement, and while summers are preferable down here, winters are definitely a hardship. So goodbye team Snuggie and hello team electric blanket. Hey! Do you think those two teams could reproduce and become team electric Snuggie? Maybe Snuggie already has done that? Who knows...

I want to tell you two things I love about my new blanket. First - it was 30% off at Target. Gotta love the sale! Second - it's made of that really soft, fuzzy, micro-fleece stuff that doesn't get instant pills on it the first time you wash it. There is nothing worse than pilled fabric when you have sensitive skin like I do. Now I think I shall end in a tribute to my new love.

Winter's bitter chill

Will not reach my pinkie toe

Blanketed with heat

Not a Bloggiesta Post

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:32:00 +0000

Sadly this is not a Bloggiesta Post. I kind of ~~wanted~~ needed to participate in that for the sake of my blog. Dear little blog, whatever will I do with you? Anyway, just thought I would check in since it's been a month since my last post. My how the time flies. So hi Blogger universe, I am still alive, still reading, and still wondering if people are actually reading this. Have a great week.

Master of disguise
Randomness, haiku, or books?
Blog of many types

Friendship Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Here is a long awaited post on my Friendship Quilt. In July of 2009, a group of ladies from my church ward got together to start this quilt project. The idea is to have a quilt block made by everyone in the group.

Step one: Choose your fabric
Step two: Choose a block pattern
Step three: Make your block pattern out of your fabric
Step four: Pass your fabric to the next person in the group. Receive fabric from another group member.
Step five: Make your block pattern using your friend's fabric.
Step six: Keep passing fabric and making blocks until you get your fabric back

We had 12 ladies in our group, and made one block a month. Then after receiving our fabric back we pieced our quilt together and made it unique. I wish I could have gotten pictures of some of the other quilts, but here is mine.

You'll notice I made four extra blocks, because I wanted to do this quilt layout called Medallion style. I also did something called prairie points on the binding. That is the little triangles around the quilt that make it look like it has a pinked edge. I didn't make my quilt to go on a bed specifically. It is 70 inches square. I had toiled with the idea of hanging it on the wall. However, currently I have no such place to do that. Maybe one day when I have a house of my own I will be able to find a great place for it.

Here are the individual blocks. I don't know the names on most of these. Oh well. I am a little too lazy to hunt them down.

Show Me the Reviews!

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:39:00 +0000

Oh Reviews, wherefore art thou? *Cough, Cough* Is it getting a little warm in here? Actually, the lack of reviews or Reading Journals or what have you is due to the fact that I am actually not reading. Not a thing. Ok, that's a bold faced lie! I am still reading picture books to my son and trying to get in some family scripture study. I did read a book a few weeks ago. Gosh, I just must be in a reading slump. I had Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl out from the library. Alas, it was only a two week check-out, and I didn't even finish the first chapter. I mean, I really want to read it, but for some reason right now is not the time.

The last book I actually finished was Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. It was a rather fun paranormal read. I was rather happy to have received it as a birthday present. If you haven't checked it out, you simply must. I know that is not much of a review. Perhaps I will get to that later. However, since discovering this spunky little author I have been following her blog. Seriously, she is so fun to read. You should all check out Kiersten Writes.

That wraps it up for now. I have a post in the works for what I have been doing recently. If I am truly motivated I will have it out soon.

Thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:20:00 +0000

I was able to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (say that five times fast) on Saturday. I would give it an E for Exceeds Expectations. While there were a few huh moments for me, I was overall most pleased with the quality of acting, especially coming from Hermione. Emma Watson gets my most improved player award.

*WARNING*
If you haven't seen the movie yet and don't want to be spoiled or have never read the books, there will be some plot point spoilers following.

Seriously though, can you believe how pasty white Dan Radcliffe is? The seven Potter's scene was pretty good, but I was having some flashbacks to when Rob Pattinson takes his shirt off in New Moon. I understand Rob's was partially make-up for the vampire look, but I can't help but notice two pasty, white British boys. LOL

So here are my "Huh" moments. This info is obvious to anyone who has read the book, but completely out of nowhere for someone who hasn't.

Number 1: All of a sudden, Harry is carrying around this shard of mirror and spending multiple scenes staring into it. We all know it is a piece from Sirius's two-way mirror, but there has been no previous movie explanations for this.

Number 2: Did anyone notice the obvious close-up of one strand of Bellatrix's hair falling on Hermione's chest during the Malfoy Manor scene near the end? Obviously it is necessary for the next movie, but I bet most people didn't catch onto that.

Number 3: The doe Patronus that leads Harry to the Gryffindor sword was a small unsolved mystery to me. There was a small discussion about it, but I guess the movie goers will have to wait for Part 2 to find out who sent the Patronus (or just read the book - lol).

I personally didn't remember this from the book so I asked hubby. He said it belonged to...now you didn't really think I would tell you did I? 10 Points to the House who figures out the answer.

Number 4: "Oh hi, I'm Bill Weasley. You know, Ron's brother whose wedding you'll be attending? Of course you know my bride-to-be, Fleur, from the tri-wizard tournament. Don't mind the scratches on my face; I'm a werewolf you know." Thus concludes our quick introduction to Bill Weasley.

Other than those few weird moments, the part that bothered me the most is Harry's lack of knowledge about what the remaining Horcrux items are. If the producers had been thinking, they would have included some of this knowledge in movie 6. However, at the end of movie 7 part 1, Harry still has not gotten any clues to what they might be. I am pretty annoyed by this and am wondering at what point and how is he going to figure this out in Deathly Hallows Part 2.

Here are some other "Moments" I liked from the movie.
Funniest moment: I really liked the scene where they had to flush themselves down the toilet to get into the Ministry of Magic
Scariest moment: Tough one, but probably when the snake shoots out of Bathilda Bagshot and attacks Harry.
Saddest moment: Dobby's death scene. I had tears rolling down my face.
Most Awkward moment: Harry and Hermione dancing in the tent. You call that dancing?
Best Acting moment: The first scene at Malfoy Manor. Holy cow, Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy did such a great job in that scene. I think the best thing about it was mostly in their facial expressions. They didn't really say all that much, but you could almost tell what was going through their minds by looking at them.
Best Chase scene: Ministry of Magic, or ooh, I almost forgot the chase with Hagrid and Harry on the flying motorcycle. That was intense. Too hard to choose.
Most Boring moment(s): all the passing around of the locket and listening to the radio in the tent got a little too snoozy for me. Also, whenever one of the trio was just sitting around outside pondering the meaning of life and other things. Mostly all of the tent scenes.
Most dramatic moment: When Ron and Harry fight leading up to Ron leaving! Gasp!
Worthy of a Soap Opera moment: Ron imagining Harry and Hermione making out.

I think I am just making up moments so as to mention every scene in the movie. Ha ha. It's actually kind of fun.

That concludes my thoughts on the movie. Anyone else want to share?

Reading Journal - September 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 23:24:00 +0000

It was a slim month. I read a total of 3 books and 1 graphic novel. They are as follows.

It Sucked and Then I Cried by Heather B. Armstrong

Heather is the blogger of Dooce.com. This book is the story of her pregnancy, birth, and getting over postpartum depression. It was pretty humorous, and I think anyone who has ever been pregnant can relate to this book. It does have a bit of language and some parts that are...how do I say this..brutally honest about anything to do with body parts and bodily functions. Those are some of the funniest parts I think, but just not stuff you would normally talk about with anyone but your bff. I think it is a worthy read.

Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of 50 Yrs of To Kill a Mockingbird by Mary McDonagh Murphy

This is a collection of interviews and thoughts on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I thought I would read this for the 50th anniversary. I did read it in high school, but honestly didn't remember much from that reading. I rather liked it, and of course my favorite character was Scout. If you don't know anything about To Kill a Mockingbird, here is the description from Goodreads.

Lawyer Atticus Finch defends the real mockingbird of Harper Lee's classic, Puliter Prize-winning novella, a black man charged with the rape of a white woman. Through the eyes of Atticus's children, Scout and Jem Finch, Harper Lee explores with rich humor and unanswering honesty the irrationality of adult attitudes toward race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s.

Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, Illustrated by Nathan Hale

This was a nice sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge. It shows about Jack's troublesome past in the city and how he ends up in the west. See what happens to Jack's city when he returns to help his mother.

Something New

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Do you want to see something new? Go to Shannon Hale's Squeetus blog and see a picture of her newborn twins. Oh so cute! Congrats Hale Family!!!

Little Boy Reactions

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:48:00 +0000

Face tight, furrowed brow

Saw Mrs. Jumbo tied down

"This movie is sad."

Pink elephants dance

Bubbles, music, Dumbo flies

Smiling, laughing son.

Reading Journal - August 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:02:00 +0000

The exciting books I read in August 2010 are as follows:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. This book was, in a word, EPIC! There is a lot of debate about the ending to The Hunger Games trilogy. I think overall I was o.k. with the way things ended up. That's not to say I didn't have my problems with it, but the events were believable. Let's just face it, this trilogy is about war, and war is ugly. To read all about people's thoughts on Mockingjay, visit the Mockingjay discussion post over at Maw Books. P.S. That post includes spoilers, so only visit if you have read the book.

The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan. This is Ranger's Apprentice book #8. I just never get tired of these Ranger's Apprentice books. They are always action packed, and those Ranger's are pretty inventive. It's amazing the pickles they can get themselves out of. I am already on the waiting list for Halt's Peril, Ranger's Apprentice #9.

A Crimson Frost by Marcia Lynn McClure. This is a sweet little romance about a Princess and the King's first knight who have to go into hiding while their kingdom is at war. I rather liked it, but it is no secret that McClure is one of my favorite romance authors.

Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely #4) by Melissa Marr. I liked this one. I didn't know if I would like it as much as books 1 and 3, because the story focuses on the characters of the Dark Court and the High Court. My favorite court has always been Summer court. I was happily surprised to find that I enjoyed this one. I really like Ani's character, and was surprised by the outcome.

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder. I loved Snyder's Study and Glass trilogies. I knew Inside Out was going to be more dystopian in nature, so I wasn't sure if I would like it. To my surprise I didn't like it, I loved it. I honestly couldn't put this book down. It is about a girl named Trella who is a scrub (meaning she lives in the lower levels). The scrub's main purpose in life is to clean and provide for the Uppers. Trella is small, so her job is to clean the pipes. She is also known as Queen of the Pipes, because she has spent so much time exploring them. It is probably for this reason she ends up starting a rebellion. If you haven't read this book, then go get it right now...seriously run, don't walk.

Re-read: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. I thought I would refresh my memory in preparation for Mockingjay.

I think that is all. As always, my memory fails me. I think that is a pretty healthy list for a month's reading (at least for me) so I don't believe I've left anything out. When I wasn't reading I was catching up on last season's Glee. I can't wait for Season 2. Any Glee fans out there?

Writing for Charity Event - Attention Utah

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:04:00 +0000

I was made aware of this event, and asked to spread the word. It is a great charity event to get books to disadvantaged schools in Utah. The charity wants to give 6,000 books to 6,000 students from authors here in Utah. Here are some details.

When: Saturday, August 21 (that is this Saturday folks)
Where: Waterford School Performing Arts Building, #800
1700 East 9550 South Sandy, UT 84093
What: Day Event - Writing Workshop 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Expect workshops with a ton of great authors
Evening Extravaganza - 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Music by Nancy Hanson, improv comedy by troupe Divine Comedy, and author panel by some great YA authors.
Who: Anyone 12 and older are invited to attend the day event, and all ages are welcome to the evening extravaganza.
Cost: $70 for the Day Event, $10 per person for the evening or $25 per family. $75 if you register for both events.

Don't forget there is also a silent auction with some great auction items. The list is over on the Writing for Charity website. Please also visit to check which authors will be there, and for any information I may have missed. You can also register online, or make a donation.

July 2010 Reading Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:20:00 +0000

Just a few books that I can remember reading in July:

Gone by Michael Grant - This is what happens when everyone over the age of 15 disappears. This book was long. I thought it would have a definitive ending, but apparently it is part of a 6 book series. I am debating on continuing on. It was definitely action packed. A bit like Lord of the Flies, if you ask me.
Spells by Aprilynne Pike (Wings book #2) - This was a great second in the series. It will be a long wait for the third. Thankfully there are always good books to fill the void.
Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice #7) - This is a backtrack from books 5 and 6. It tells the events leading up to Will earning his silver oakleaf. Let's just say that I could really empathize the time spent in the sweltering heat and sand when I went camping at Lake Powell a week after reading this book. I got my minivan stuck in the sand. It was a nightmare.
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff (um, I didn't finish this, the language was horrible) - This book actually had two separate stories. One was, I gathered, a murder mystery involving a polygamist family. The other was a story of Brigham Young's 19th wife, Ann Eliza Young. I didn't read the murder mystery story past the first chapter, because the language was so filthy I couldn't stand it. I thought the Ann Eliza stuff was interesting, so I read all those bits. Then I figured out at the end, that those parts were fiction as well (however, based on historical people and events). Sadly, I kind of wished I hadn't wasted my time on that one.
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain - This was a pretty intriguing book. It has some paranormal, a little romance, and a lot of mystery. The ending was pretty surprising too. All in all, I thought it was great. I will be waiting for the second book.

Summer heat and sun

Endless day, forever play

School will soon begin

Because it's been exactly one month

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 08:08:00 +0000

I wasn't going to post anything yet, because I just spent over and hour skimming (yes, only skimming) Google Reader. I finally caught up on all you dedicated posters, even if I admit I only skimmed most of it. I just had a stray thought to check when I actually posted last. Lo and behold, it was exactly one month ago. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity, even if I have nothing valid to say.

Today is a state holiday for us Utahns. It marks the day the Latter-Day Saints came into the Salt Lake Valley. We get all crazy going to the biggest parade this state has, with the most elaborate floats, and even those crazy marching bands. I mean who would be crazy enough to march and play an instrument in this weather? I'm not making fun of bands, because I used to be in one or two. I was just never a fan of marching in parades, but I admit that I can't enjoy a parade without one. How is that for hypocritical? LOL

Anyway, here is some better info on the Days of '47 holiday that I snagged from Wikipedia, because they put it much more eloquently than I ever could.

On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and a company of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois and other locations in the eastern United States. Pulling handcarts or driving wagons with oxen or horses, thousands of pioneers carried a firm commitment to America's belief in freedom of religion as they made the trek across the plains to a vast desert landscape that became known as the Utah Territory.

According to Days of '47 Inc. "This trek of the early Utah pioneers exemplifies the courage, foresight, and faith that continue to inspire modern-day pioneers. By remembering those remarkable 1847 pioneers and all those who followed, The Days of '47 seeks to make their accomplishments and hardships live today through a variety of activities and celebrations each year. We believe the example of past and present pioneers' courage is a beacon to the world."

Speaking of holiday festivities. We, here in Utah, get a second special day in July to light fireworks. I convinced my hubby to buy some this year, even though we don't have much of a budget for that sort of thing. Anyway, he went to the local TNT stand, and after careful review of the interaction, figured out that the guy ripped him off on one account with an attempt at rip off with another account. The dumb thing is, there is no way to verify, hours later, that we were ripped off, because they don't do an itemized receipt. So I am pretty ticked off right now. The thing that makes me extra mad about it, is this guy gets to pocket all the money he rips off from people. What a jerk! So I hope this guy gets some other form of bad karma, or just realizes what he did was wrong and has to feel guilty about it. Does it make me a bad person to wish him ill? Perhaps, but it's the only satisfaction I get.

Now I am not discouraging you from buying fireworks, or even buying them from TNT, but just as a cautionary tale to be extra alert on labels (TNT does many of their items buy one get one free) and check-out time.

Well, on that note, it is time for me to get to bed so I can fully appreciate the festivities of the day. Yes, it is early, about 2:00 am. I am insane, but have a happy weekend. My next post might even be about books!

Getting Lazy and a Reading Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:03:00 +0000

I keep having a battle with myself. I wonder if I really can magage to keep up this blog, because its so obvious that I haven't been. The other side of me says, "Don't stop the blog, it's part of your identity!" I just don't have much time for it I guess. I am going to keep trying, but I'm not making promises of consistency.

So here is a list of books I have read lately, as far as my memory serves.

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr - Very excellent read, as far as I am concerned.
Wings by Aprilynne Pike - Love it! I need the second one.
Operation Yes by Sara Lewis Holmes - I think this was a middle grade. I really enjoyed it.
Into the Wild Nerd Yonder by Julie Halpern - This one spoke well to my nerd side. It had a bit of language though, and some sexual content.
The Fragrance of Her Name by Marcia Lynn McClure - Southern mystery meets romance. I liked it, but I think it was drawn out a little too long.
Sudden Storms by Marcia Lynn McClure - Another romance. Short, sweet, and relaxing read.
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr - I know I mentioned I was reading this in my last post, but I thought I'd include it in the finished list. I liked it alright, but it felt more like a side story than anything. It was a good introduction to the Dark Fey.

So that's it I believe. I hope I remembered them all. If you can believe it, I still haven't finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Hmm, only one month left on the Harry Potter reading challenge, and I still have most of the series to read. I think I 'm going to fail. I hang my head in shame.

Reading Update

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:45:00 +0000

Right now I am reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling. I don't remember that book being so hefty. It is definitely taking great effort on my part to find time for reading.

I recently finished Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr. It was pretty good.

Next up to read is Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews or Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan. I think I might even read these before I finish Goblet of Fire, because they are library books.

Non-reading goals for the week: water storage, resisting all things sugary, and exercising daily. Can I do it? To Be Continued....

noreply@blogger.com (Haiku Amy) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:22:00 +0000

shadowed visage peers

blankly through dark of spring night

downy comfort calls