LadyD Books

Birthday Party

2012-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Little "me" walking down a country road.

So, I'm heading up north for the weekend because I have a birthday coming up on Tuesday. Thought it would be nice to leave the ranch for awhile since the weather has been so lovely here in southern California, especially for January. How I love to celebrate life!

Do you remember your first birthday? What about that party dress? Mom always turned my hair into pretty ringlets. Maybe that's why I grew up and wanted to be like Cher! :=)

Remember all the prep work? There were birthday invitations to purchase and send out. You had to make or purchase some birthday decorations. Then there was that gorgeous cake. Someone had to bake or cake for you or else one was ordered.

Fun times to read birthday cards and now we receive ecards. There were pretty packages to open. Some lovely birthday presents you received or perhaps you found a coupon inside that said "Free car wash!" How nice that people love giving and think you're special... and you are. (me, too!)

As each birthday came around, did you have a party theme? Were you just so pleased to have a sleepover or perhaps go to Jack-in-the-Box and a movie with some friends?

"Huggin' Cousins!"

I am so fortunate to have a loving, supportive family. (daughters and son and in-laws). I think you already know how much I enjoy being a "YaYa" and go absolutely bonkers being a grandmother of four. Indeed I am blessed to be with the same handsome man for 40 years. My gosh, where does the time go? Speaking of the journey through all the seasons, I sincerely hope you will slow down, reflect and then grow some more... as I plan to do. After all, we are created for a purpose.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for being the special online friends that you are.

Love,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Cooking The South American Way

2012-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like watching the sunset along the shore, whether it's Mexico or Hawaii. The view is beautiful, peaceful and serene in "manana land." Viva Mexico!

I'm linking up to SkyWatch Friday.

Book Beginnings
http://mixedbookbag.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-beginnings-on-friday-january-27_27.html

"If you were to create a meal featuring a dish from each country in South America, you'd be savoring some of the best food in the world. The variety of spices, tropical fruits and vegetables, and international influences in South American cooking makes it difficult to label as one cuisine. Each region offers its own special foods to the mix."

-- I love how the book introduces you to Turnovers at the very beginning because they are so popular in South America and quite delicious. They can be filled with beef, chicken or fruit!

Cooking the South American Way (Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks)

Page 56

"These tiny tidbits can be as much fun to make as they are to eat. You can garnish them with almost anything you like, so use your imagination."

-- From Cooking The South American Way (easy menu ethnic cookbooks, revised and expanded to include new low-fat and vegetarian recipes) by Helga Parnell

I'm linking up with The Page 56

Here is an easy 30 min. prep recipe that serves 6 from the book, found on page 56.

Finger Sandwiches/Bocaditos (Argentina)

12 thin slices French bread
1 3-oz. container whipped cream cheese with chives
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
4 to 6 precooked shrimp
4 cherry tomatoes
4 pimento-stuffed olives, sliced

1. Trim crusts from bread.
2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on bread.
3. Garnish with cucumber slices, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and/or olives.

Looking for South American crafts? You'll find some here.

Plus, you might be interested in some South America songs.

The homemade kazoos were received well by the kindergarten class. The children loved to hear the sounds of their voiced being altered. I can't wait to bring them some rainsticks made with an empty paper towel roll, aluminum foil inside and a little bit of rice. Be sure and seal off the ends. I used duck tape!

Follow Friday

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all cost and why?
A: Murder Mystery... just too darn scary and I have a wild imagination, so it's better for me to stay in the land of children's picture books! lol

Happy Friday! LadyD Books is linking to the following sites,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

While We Were Shopping

2012-01-25T07:53:00.000-08:00


Wordless Wednesday

Casa Azul Barrio Nuevo for REDnesday

While some of my family were south of the border( it's so pretty there), having a little rest and relaxation, plus doing a little shopping in beautiful Puerta Vallarta, we were waiting for the announcement of the Newberry Awards. I was delighted to receive this note from Kristen Lemire of Open Road Media:

"Because you cover children's and young adult literature we're sure you are anxiously awaiting the announcements from the American Library Association on Monday, January 23rd, designating who will be the next winners of the Newbery Award and so many other awards that can change the lives of the recipients.

This video from Open Road Integrated Media captures Newbery Award-Winning authors Virginia Hamilton and Jean Craighead George talking about how those awards (for Julie of the Wolves and M.C. Higgins The Great respectively) changed their lives. Hamilton was the first African American to win the award and George saw the view of children's literature change to "something important instead of something second-rate.”

For the past 90 years, the ALA has awarded the Newbery Medal, sometimes called the "Oscar" of children’s literature, to an author in recognition of the year’s most distinguished children’s book. Open Road Media proudly presents eight Newbery Award winning and Honor Books in its growing catalog of children’s books."

Please feel free to share with your readers this honest, insightful video from two of the greats in children's literature:

http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/virginia-hamilton.aspx

The American Library Association announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults at its Midwinter Meeting in Dallas. Here are the winners:

John Newbery Medal

Dead End in Norvelt

Newbery Honor Books

Inside Out and Back Again

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“A Ball for Daisy," illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, is the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner.

There's much more on the list! Go see! http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2012/01/yma

Congratulations to all the winners. I have some great reading to look forward to this year!

Have you read some of these books? A Ball For Daisy, a children's picture book of course, is the only one I know about.

I'm off to the library now. Happy Wednesday!
Today LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Squirrel Day in Paradise

2012-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Today is National Squirrel Day! I have a blogger friend who is really into squirrels. Her nickname is SquirrelQueen and honestly, I go nuts over her blog, Thru Squirrel Eyes.

Quote It Saturday at Freda's Blog

A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit!
Sarah Jessica Parker

If we had a keen vision of all that is ordinary in human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which is the other side of silence.
George Eliot

Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel for example - I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation.
Nazim Hikmet

The idea is that there is a kind of memory in nature. Each kind of thing has a collective memory. So, take a squirrel living in New York now. That squirrel is being influenced by all past squirrels.
Rupert Sheldrake

Birds of Paradise

Flowers on Saturday at Ewa's Blog

Also known as Crane Flowers, these exotic plants grow everywhere on my property. They definitely represent a brightly colored bird. They are fan-like, take lots of sunshine and they have banana shaped leaves. Birds of Paradise are native to South Africa. I'm so lucky to step outdoors and see them. Perhaps I'll cut some today and put in an elegant glass vase.

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Rhino in the Sky

2012-01-20T04:43:00.004-08:00

SkyWatch Friday

Over in the upper left hand corner, I see a rhino in the sky! Perhaps one is roaming in the valley down below. You can listen to rhino voices at www.thewildones.org/Conflict/rhino.html

With the storm clouds heading eastward towards Arizona, it looks like Southern California will be getting some "free water" from a little storm heading down our way from the Bay area.

Oops! I'm so in the habit of writing the old year instead of the new one! lol You definitely can see the storm is moving away from us. As avocado growers, we welcome the next storm, estimated for Saturday. After all, it is January and our rainy season but it still looks pretty dry out there. Oh, Ireland with all its wearing of the green. How I am longing to see green hills!

For more spectacular sky shots, head on over to SkyWatch Friday.

For ages 10 an up, by Mary Kay Carson, a hardcover book.

Book Beginnings (Katy)

"A group of people crowded around a tall woman with long hair. She was dressed in scrubs, like a surgeon, and stood next to a computer. Everyone moved in for a closer look when the woman pointed to the screen. On it was a fuzzy picture called a sonogram. the blurry black-and-white image was of a baby still inside its mother. It wasn't yet ready to be born."

EMI and the Rhino Scientist [EMI & THE RHINO SCIENTIST] [Hardcover]
(affiliate link)

What I love about this children's picture book is that Dr. Terri Roth is working with a small rhino named Emi at the Cincinnati Zoo to help save Sumatran rhinos from extinction!

Page 56 (Freda's Voice)

"Take part in the International Rhino Foundation's North American Save the Rhinos campaign. This campaign will aid the three most critically endangered rhino species - Sumatran, black, and Indian rhinos - by protecting their wild habitat and supporting captive breeding."

Learn more about rhinos from visiting these websites:

International Rhino Foundation

SOS Rhino

Asian Rhino Project

Rhino Resource Center

Follow Friday (Alison)

Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A: I am fortunate to have a book store right next to our local library. So, all I have to do is squat down to the bottom shelf where the children's books are located. You'll find me on the floor, if not oredering books online.

I'll be stopping by some friends today. Won't you join me? Happy Friday!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Photo Punctuation

2012-01-18T04:15:00.002-08:00

A picture really is worth a thousand words! I remember using this fun activity. First cut out and laminate a high-interest magazine picture (or use a personal photograph). Attach the picture to the top of poster board. At the left end of each line, write a punctuation mark. Challenge each student to write a sentence that relates to the picture and contains the punctuation mark. Use the sentences to write your own story about the photograph. This is a great review of punctuation usage and writing complete sentences! Ready to give it a try?

Hey buddy, got any fish?

There is a cute children's book called "Pelican Pete" and more Pelican photos that you can read from an older post of mine here.

What a beautiful day!

"A young boy, who has never seen the sea, asks his mother to describe it. From there, Zolotow carefully chooses her words to create a poem full of the colors, sounds, and sights of a day at the beach. Minor's softly detailed renderings reinforce the gentle mood."

The Seashore Book


"Folks, we have reached our cruisin' altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off."

Gweneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis - Cruisin

Visit my friends, by clicking on the logos below, who are hosting the Wordless Wednesday meme, Rednesday and Outdoor Wednesday!

InLinkz.com

I have met 80 nice folks who have taken the time to read what I share and I just want to say, "Thank you, dear readers!"

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Quote It Saturday: C. Drew Lamm

2012-01-14T07:48:00.002-08:00

Flowers on Saturday (meme)

Wish I knew the name of this plant. I found it heartily growing outside my neighbor's property while taking a brisk walk yesterday. I want to call it a sword plant because that's what it looks like to me. I don't think it's a rubber plant because the leaves are not thick and green. Plus, I'm wondering if this particular species ever flowers. So, inquiring minds want to know. Any help from my gardening friends is deeply appreciated.


Author, C. Drew Lamm

This plant reminded me of this darling children's book that my Grandson loves, Woodchuck at Blackberry Road. Are you familiar with the author?

Quote It Saturday (meme)

“But we made a pact that night to try. To stay true to ourselves and each other. It's what you have to do when you're a girl. Stick together. Remember what you love. And stay true.”

― C. Drew Lamm

LadyD Books is linking up with the following sites,

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Fire Dragon Sky

2012-01-13T06:20:00.003-08:00

Fire Dragon Sunrise

How quickly the sky changes

Photography Meme
SkyWatch Friday

I took these photos with my D200 @ 5:00 a.m. looking towards the south east... amazing! What a contrast with the palm trees and overhead power lines.

For ages 5 and up

Book Memes:

Book Beginnings

My Mom Is a Dragon

How cool is this title?!! I love this book. I went to our local library yesterday and found this sweet, little hardcover book written by Tricia Morrissey, called "My Mom Is A Dragon And My Dad Is A Boar." The calligraphy featured in this book are created by calligrapher and artist Kong Lee. The pictures and descriptions are celestial and majestic, so perfect for introducing children, (and adults) to Chinese traditions about the zodiac. (Twelve Lunar Animals)

Page 56

Year of the Dragon (2012)

"Explosion and excitement follow the Dragon wherever she goes. With a hasty temper and shrewd confidence, she throws caution to the wind. The dragon is whimsical, wild and unstoppable. She pays no attention to mistakes, but blazes forward with mighty enthusiasm. Do not get in her way, but enjoy her from afar with wide open eyes."

For more information about Asia and Asia-related activities for kids, visit ThingsAsian.com

You'll find a friendly coloring page dragon, here. Plus Chinese New Year Craft Books.

So when does Chinese New Year begin? January 23, 2012

I love learning about other cultures. How about you?

Please click on the buttons below to follow great memes!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Wheels on the Bus

2012-01-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Bus in Mexico

My contribution to Rednesday is a photo that my daughter took while on vacation in Barre de Navidad, Mexico while enjoying their Christmas break from work and school. I'm new to Rednesday but I understand they are celebrating their third anniversary here.

One of my favorite songs that is a hit with the Kindergarten Music Class and my Grandkids, is "The Wheels on the Bus." The piano chords can be found on my other blog here.

If you're looking for books and activities centered around the bus, (I know these are mostly for September), visit my Barefoot Books site here.

LadyD Books will be visiting these wonderful blogs today!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway: Win an iPad & Kindle Fire

2012-01-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Happy New Year from Rafflecopter HQ! To start 2012, you’ll have a chance at winning an iPad2 or one of two Kindle Fires in what we’re calling the ‘Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway’! This giveaway is open for the US and Canadian residents and will close February 9th at 12:01 a.m. EST.

It can be a bit intimidating to host a giveaway, especially if you're new at blogging and hosting giveaways. I used Rafflecopter on my Collageit-photo-collage-maker Giveaway. When I first signed up, they required approval to get a membership.

Well, Rafflecopter is going live now. It's a free service and they have a great giveaway going on for the launch party! The prizes are an iPad and a Kindle Fire You can enter the giveaway right from this post. Good luck everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Winter Paper Whites

2012-01-06T18:30:00.001-08:00

A happy patch of Paper Whites in Winter.

Flowers for Saturday

These clustered flowers, springing up in my front yard are powerfully fragrant and last for quite awhile indoors.

I often reflect on the purity of the color, along with the sweet smell of this flower and focus on being 'other-centered' (instead of its original meaning of self centered).

Have you found a new, refreshing release within, knowing that it truly is a blessing to give to others? Tell me about it and please, dear women, stay away from those narcissistic men!

“If a man finds himself with bread in both hands, he should exchange one loaf for some flowers of the narcissus, because the loaf feeds the body, but the the flowers feed the soul”

-- Muhammed

© Photographer Jakezc | Agency: Dreamstime.com
http://www.dreamstime.com

Quote It Saturday

"Encircled by her arms as by a shell,
she hears her being murmur,
while forever he endures
the outrage of his too pure image...

Wistfully following their example,
nature re-enters herself;
contemplating its own sap, the flower
becomes too soft, and the boulder hardens...

It's the return of all desire that enters
toward all life embracing itself from afar...
Where does it fall? Under the dwindling
surface, does it hope to renew a center?"

-- Rainer Maria Rilke

© Photographer Barbara Van De Velde | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Free Stock Images

Narcissus is a category of mainly hardy, mostly spring-flowering, bulbs in the Amaryllis family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. There are also several Narcissus species that bloom in the autumn. For more information, visit Wikipedia.org

“Narcissus does not fall in love with his reflection because it is beautiful, but because it is his. If it were his beauty that enthralled him, he would be set free in a few years by its fading.”

-- W.H. Auden

The word Narcissus is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning numbness or stupor. To learn more about this and facts where Narcissus grow best, stop by The Flower Expert.

There are two derivations of the name. One is that of the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus, who, in at least one of many variations of the tale, became so obsessed with his own reflection as he kneeled and gazed into a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. In some variations, he died of starvation and thirst from just sitting by the edge of the pool until he gave out, gazing at his reflection until he died. In both versions, the Narcissus plant first sprang from where he died.

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/narcissus#ixzz1ijWRYytb

“Narcissus so himself himself forsook,

And died to kiss his shadow in the brook.”
-- William Shakespeare

John Williams Waterhouse: Narcissus -1912

"Narcissus is another example among several of a beautiful young man who spurned sex and died as a result. As such, his myth has much in common with those of Adonis and Hippolytus. In the Roman poet Ovid's retelling of the myth, Narcissus is the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. Tiresias, the seer, told his parents that the child "would live to an old age if it did not look at itself." Many nymphs and girls fell in love with him but he rejected them. One of these nymphs, Echo, was so distraught over this rejection that she withdrew into a lonely spot and faded until all that was left was a plaintive whisper. The goddess Nemesis heard the rejected girls prayers for vengeance and arranged for Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection. He stayed watching his reflection and let himself die. It is quite possible, however, that the connection between Echo and Narcissus was entirely Ovid's own invention, for there is no earlier witness to it.
An important and earlier variation of this tale originates in the region in Greek known as Boeotia (to the north and west of Athens). Narcissus lived in the city of Thespiae. A young man, Ameinias, was in love with Narcissus, but he rejected Ameinias' love. He grew tired of Ameinias' affections and sent him a present of a sword. Ameinias killed himself with the sword in front of Narcissus' door and as he died, he called curses upon Narcissus. One day Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a spring and, in desperation, killed himself.
Both of these stories give an origin to the narcissus flower, which grew where Narcissus died." Encyclopedia Mythica

Narcissus stationary can be found here, Free Download

LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Ribbon in the Sky

2012-01-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ribbon in the Sky

Host: Skyley

Does this look like a ribbon in the sky or a 7 layered cake?!

Camera: Nikon D200
Location: My View

I took this photo around 5:00 a.m. and I'm learning about dusk and dawn lighting. A friend mentioned that one should focus on the ground before aiming up at the sky and the same with taking pictures at the beach, mostly water shots.

So, I wanted to ask, why? Could someone explain the reason behind this... thank you!

I love the color orange. Feast your eyes with gorgeous photos from Luna Miranda

I also love Stevie Wonder! Do you have a favorite song of his? There's too many to choose from... so talented and a great artist!

Ribbon In The Sky lyrics
Songwriters: Stevie Wonder

Oh, so long before this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day

Well, ribbon's in the sky for our love

If allowed, may I touch your hand
And if pleased may I once again?
So that you too will understand

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

Do do
Do do do do do
Hmm hmm

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what it is that was always meant

Is our ribbon in the sky for our love, love

We can't lose with God on our side
We'll find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and I

And our ribbon in the sky
Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love

Do do
Do do do do do
Hmm hmm

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love
Lyrics

Book Beginnings
Hostess: A Few More Pages

Hardcover Book, Publisher: Thomas Nelson

"Come in, come in and make yourself at home. I'd like to invite you to walk with me through the rooms of a very special house-a house designed to embrace your heart, comfort your soul, challenge your mind, and delight your eye."

This book is encouraging, refreshing and inspiring. I love this one and the illustrations are so charming!

Page 56
Hostess: Freda's Voice

"Remember to welcome strangers, you just might welcome an angel."

Love In Every Room (The Heartbeat of the Home)

LadyD Books is linking with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Family

2012-01-03T19:14:00.002-08:00

Lovely mommy and daughter

Rednesday

Cousins meet for the first time

After having a wonderful, cozy Christmas with family (there were 14 of us this time and some were in Mexico), I reflected on all the videos I took, along with 300+ photos. The thought crossed my mind on having a back up plan. You know, some type of storage. Thinking about it and having my computer crash on me once, I was hurrying to get all my photos on discs. Where do you upload or download your photos to save them?

Here's some ideas:

1. http://www.savemymemories.org/

2. Scan old photos before they fade and copy them onto a disc.

3. http://www.picnik.com/

4. http://www.flickr.com/

5. http://www.facebook.com/

6. http://picasa.google.com/

7. http://www.shutterfly.com

8. http://picturetrail.com/

9. http://www.winkflash.com/

10. http://www.shutterfly.com/photoworks/landingpage.jsp

LadyD Books is linking up with the following blogs,

InLinkz.com

A favorite site for free downloads regarding family books to
make with children, can be found at
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/familyandfriends/

Happy New Year! I really hope you had a great time and are already enjoying 2012 which is going to be full of exciting news... stay tuned!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: The Master of Kelmar

2012-01-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Book III The Master of Kelmar (Description)

With a victory in the Worlds Triad War, Carmen Fox and her Souls of Destiny have brought Kelmar and the worlds of the afterlife back into harmony with one another. But soon after the war’s end, a vengeful dark sorcerer returns to power in the Kelmarian Parliament, and his reign threatens the very existence of the realm, and all who inhabit it.

Carmen’s oath to protect her world is put to the ultimate test, as she leads a massive rebellion to overthrow the Head of State, and prepares for a new role in the leadership of Kelmar. Her duties as Guardian take her on an epic journey across the realm, where friends and enemies ultimately collide in the greatest conflict in magical history--and the stakes have never been higher.

Can Carmen discover the courage and power she needs to lead her allies over their strongest opponents yet, and conquer the last challenge standing in her way of securing her destiny? The final battle to save Kelmar brings the young sorcerer’s adventure to an extraordinary conclusion.

My Review

People are celebrated in our culture for accomplishing something special, like George Washington winning the Revolution. In the world of fantasy, Laura Sepesi, the author of the Kelmar Trilogy, creates a spectacular conclusion for the main character, Carmen Fox, whose destiny and purpose is fulfilled in saving magical Kelmar from the forces of evil. If you like powerful battle scenes with dynamic spells and charms, plus a brilliant story line woven around parliaments, pyramid cities and interaction with unicorns, dragons and the souls of destiny, add this one to your library because you won't be able to put it down. Book 3 is a real page turner, highly imaginative, where you visit another place and time. I am a huge fan of good over evil, reunions taking place in heaven and on earth. Laura Sepesi's writing will leave you speechless because this is not your typical "The Good Knight" and "The Evil Dragon" fantasy.

Wow... Courageous and Impressive! ***** stars!

I look forward to reading more from this brilliant, young author.

The Master of Kelmar (Volume 3)

My other reviews, you may be interested in, can be found here:

1. Guardian-of-Kelmar

2. Secrets-of-Kelmar

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

What's Cooking?

2011-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

A Cooking Sky!

SkyWatch Friday

Waking up one morning, I looked at this gorgeous view and wondered, "What's for breakfast?" It seems my photography experiences always remind me of a story. There's a pro whom I've met online and admire his work. If you have the time, visit http://sparepartsandpics.blogspot.com

So many experienced photographers share their proud photos at http://skyley.blogspot.com/

If you would like to sell your photos, visit http://www.dreamstime.com

You know how I love cookbooks! A wonderful present from my cousin!

Book Beginnings

"I LOVE TO COOK. Cooking has never been a chore, but a passion in my life. Though it's my chosen work, I've always kept it in perspective. It's not a rocket science after all. Cooking is a way to connect with others while enjoying one of life's daily pleasures-food!"

From: Cooking in Everyday English by Todd English

* I am thrilled to add this great cookbook to my library. It's perfect for the novice cook to the pro chef. This hardcover book, filled with gorgeous illustrations and simple recipes, will grace your table with good tasting food.

Page 56

"Oh boy, do I have opinions on crab cakes! I think a good crab cake is loaded with crabmeat and just barely bound together by other ingredients like mustard, herbs and crumbs."

-- Cooking in Everyday English: THE ABCs OF GREAT FLAVOR AT HOME by TODD ENGLISH

I always enjoy stopping by http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com to see what my friends are reading. Hope you'll join us this New Year!

So, looking back over the year, here are my top 5 posts:

1. Quote It Saturday: The Universe

2. Secrets to Tutu Making Success

3. Children's Book List For Special Needs Children

4. 1001 Books You Should Read

5. Real Solutions for Busy Moms by Kathy Ireland

Follow Friday

I have 3 New Year resolutions in the blogging world:

1. Are you in my Google Circle? LadyD Books

2. Looking for photos for your blog? http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos

3. To invite you to ShopSquad, the Shopping Website, http://www.shopsquad.com/invited_by/LadyD

LadyD Books is participating in today's memes:

InLinkz.com

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year!

Love,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: I Know I've Been Good

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

What Do We Love About Christmas? What do we love about Christmas;
Does our delight reside in things?
Or are the feelings in our hearts
The real gift that Christmas brings. It's seeing those we love,
And sending Christmas cards, too,
Appreciating people who bring us joy
Special people just like you. By Joanna Fuchs

My grandson is patiently waiting on the ranch for his cousins to arrive. He has been my helper all day. I know he has been good!

It will be a very fine day for us all. Are you ready for all the festivities? From our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Garmann's Secret

2011-12-20T05:42:00.001-08:00

Book Description

Garmann is back for another story in this follow-up to the acclaimed books Garmann’s Summer and Garmann’s Street. And he’s joined once more by some favorite characters from the original book, including the twins Hannah and Johanna.

"They’re like two peas in a pod," adults whisper about the girls. But Garmann knows that they aren't. Then one day Johanna takes Garmann into the woods to show him a surprise, and the two find a secret world full of imagination and discovery.

Award-winning author and illustrator Stian Hole has once again created a book filled with wonder that will delight fans of Garmann.

About the Author

Stian Hole is a Norwegian author and illustrator. His picture books include Garmann’s Street and Garmann’s Summer, which won a BolognaRagazzi Award, a Batchelder Award Honor, and an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The book also was recently named to the IBBY Honour List for 2010.

Product Details

Hardcover: 50 pages
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (March 15, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802854001
ISBN-13: 978-0802854001

This talented author and illustrator, Stian Hole, has written Garmann's Street, Garmann's Summer and now Garmann's Secret. I didn't know what to expect when I had received the children's book from Library Thing for review. This was new territory for me. Let me share my discoveries with you.

Book Review

The children's book, Garmann's Secret by Stian Hole is available for purchase in March of 2012.
The illustrations are an interesting blend of photographs, collages and paintings. The illustrator-author creates a story of wonder and the book begins with the main character Garmann finding a world full of imagination and discovery, along with the twins, Hannah and Johanna.

The setting of the playground shows the diversity of children and their unique interactions. The dialogue between the identical twin girls reveals a contrast in their personalities. The story moves along nicely when Garmann and Johanna take a walk through the forest because she has a secret to share with him. It is at this point of the story that I love the universal hook because, after all, everyone has a secret. The forest scenes are wonderfully filled with warm earth tones and the children come across an old, abandoned space capsule. The plot unveils a fantastic journey of so many wonderful imagining places, along with a sweet foundation of reality and play, kids growing up in wonderment of the creator of planet earth... This is a great book. I recommend it with 5 *s.

Garmann's Secret

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Five Vine Tips

2011-12-16T17:37:00.000-08:00

Crawling Vine

I'm learning photography by practicing with my cousin's D200.
I love nature with all the varieties of plants, seeds, and flowers you find on display. For wonderful professional photos, visit Ewa Kelly who hosts Flowers on Saturday

Also, stop by Weekend Flowers

Photo Credit: Graphics Fairy

I love reading quotes from fellow bloggers. You really learn so much from their choices that they want to share with us. Freda is the host of Quote It Saturday

Photo Credit: Graphics Fairy

Vine Quotes

"Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table."

-Bible (Old Testament)
Psalms128:3

"Botanically speaking, tomatoes are the fruit of a vine, just as are cucumbers, squashes, beans and peas."

-- Horace Gray

"George of the Jungle is a cartoon. He's a guy who swings around on a vine all day. Are you not buying that?"

-- Brendan Fraser

“You should realize that the community with which you deal is not the one of 42nd Street and Broadway, or Hollywood and Vine. These are the crusts on the great American sandwich. The meat is in between.”

-- Fulton J. Sheen

"I took my troubles down to Madame Rue
You know that gypsy with the gold-capped tooth
She's got a pad down on Thirty-Fourth and Vine
Sellin' little bottles of Love Potion Number Nine."

-- Performed by The Clovers, Written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

You know, there are oodles of quotes about the vine from the Bible... really, there are a lot!

Tips on Growing Vines

1. Be sure the vine has a strong enough support to climb on. Some vines grow very aggressively, and they can actually damage structures and become quite dangerous as they mature, if they’re not properly supported.

2. Some of the best structures to let vines climb on are solid wood arbors or pergolas. Any solidly built structure will usually work well though, such as a storage shed, carport, or part of your home. Be aware of what type of vine you allow to climb along the walls of your home though, because some can completely destroy the structure over time.

3. Vines are tolerant of a variety of soil types; moist, well-drained soil is the best. The amount of light is important, not enough can reduce flowering. Most flowering vines require at least six full hours of sunlight. Flowering vines will also require watering. The key to proper water management is to water deeply. Avoid watering flowering vines too often as this can stress or even kill the vine. Instead, allow the soil to dry out in between watering intervals. Trimming in late winter or early spring is imperative and should be done in order to help keep flowering vines within their boundaries as well as to encourage ongoing health.

4. Some types of vines you might want to try growing include grape vines, passion fruit vines, and rose vines. There are also Morning Glory vines and wisteria, which are both favorites across the country. Another popular vine is honeysuckle, because it grows quickly and puts out a wonderful sweet scent too.

5. If you love growing roses, you might try planting some climbing rose vines too. Most grow quite quickly and will attach themselves to a structure fairly easily too. Other types of vines which are wonderful to grow include clematis, black-eyed susan, bougainvillea, and jasmine.

Do you have a favorite vine? I have the last two mentioned above on my property. Plus, Joseph's Coat roses and Cecile Bruner climbing roses. We look at the morning glory vine in the front yard and have a beautiful wisteria over the arbor near the view. I have been thinking of getting a trumpet vine in 2012.

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

A Shakespearean Scene

2011-12-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Shakespearean Sonnet

Here is a particular scene I want to write about. The natural scenery may inspire a few lines!

SkyWatch Friday

Book Beginning

"There is no one way to write a poem. Nor is there a magic formula or process that, when followed precisely, will automatically transform a series of words into poetry."

This is a wonderful book and I ma learning so much. Writing poetry is one of the most difficult and demanding skills in all arts.

The Friday 56

"Images are different from ideas and words because images are full of sensory information."

-- How To Write A Poem by Margaret Ryan

Follow Friday!

Question of the Week: When you've read a book, what do you do with it? (Keep it, give it away, donate it, sell it, swap it..?)

Answer: I keep them and dream of a warm reading room, with window seats, soft cuddly cats about, while listening to running water and reading about fabulous adventures off the print!

I have thought of selling some online and donating books to our local bookstore. Some make very nice gifts, too. So, what do you do with your books?

Happy Friday!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: The Egret Visit

2011-12-14T05:31:00.000-08:00

We really wanted to put our outdoor Christmas lights up but we received an unexpected visitor... nice egret! So, we'll wait til he leaves. How about you? Are your decorations and lights up?

Of course, this children's book came to my mind:

For ages 8 and up

Poems and photographs take readers up close to observe the daily life of the extraordinary Great Egret. A Great Egret rarely rests. This majestic bird, with its big feet, even bigger beak, and breathtaking lacy wings, is a treat to watch. With his camera, photographer Jason Stemple takes us close to these magnificent creatures to witness their physical - and quirky - beauty as well as their daily habits and behavior - soaring, hunting, preening, nesting - which most of us never get a chance to see. Meanwhile, celebrated poet Jane Yolen offers her keen observations in carefully-crafted poetry that is at once whimsical, thoughtful, and thought provoking. Interesting facts about the bird accompany each poem.

An Egret's Day

LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Review: Owlkids-Animal Babies

2011-12-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

For ages 4 and up

Book Review:

Animal Babies is the best educational, engaging and entertaining book about the birth and growth of animals! Everyone will enjoy pulling all of the tabs, flaps, and touch-and-feel illustrations that connect with excellent reading content, written in simple text by Pascale Hedelin and Stephanie Herrbach.

Whether you are studying science, love animals or have traveled the outdoors, Animal Babies is an excellent, quality book published by Owlkids that is a must for all home and school libraries. You will spend hours interacting and learning about the birth of elephants and giraffes, how a dolphin breathes and what animals do once they have grown up.

My favorite parts of the book are touching an alligator's skin and finding sea turtle eggs in the sand. For an added bonus, you will receive a huge pull-out poster with life-size images of baby animals in the African Savanna, included with book purchase. ***** stars! I have never seen such an amazing book before and highly recommend this one to you!

Lift the Flap and Learn: Animal Babies

Thanks Owlkids for the opportunity to review this marvelous book. It is a treasure to share with my grandchildren.

With appreciation,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The African Daisy

2011-12-10T02:18:00.001-08:00

Flowers for Saturday is a weekly meme hosted by Ewa Kelly

We have a lot of open fields around our place, so we are always finding banks of African Daisies. They burst into color anytime of the year here in southern California. Do you have them where you are?

African daisy is a summer-flowering plant with flowers like daisies that bloom in white, blue and shades of pink. Some kinds have a ring of contrasting color right around the yellow center.

How To Grow African Daisy

Quote it Saturday is a weekly meme hosted at Freda's Voice.

I just love Maya Angelou. She has so many wonderful sayings that it's difficult to pick one but here's one of my favorites to share with you today. Do you have a favorite?

"Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it allows me to survive, and better than that, to thrive with passion, compassion, and style."

-- Maya Angelou

South African Sweet Potato Fritters

1 egg — beaten
1 teaspoon Salt, freshly ground black pepper — to taste
1 tablespoon Peanut oil for frying
1 lb sweet potatoes — peeled and p; cut in 1/2
0.5 cup flour

In a heavy saucepan or fryer, heat 2 inches of oil to 375 degrees. Grate the sweet potatoes into medium-sized bowl, cover them with boiling water and let them stand for 15 minutes. Drain off the water and slowly add the flour, egg, salt and pepper, stirring to make sure that they are well mixed. You should have a thickish paste that will hold its shape when picked up in a tablespoon. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of warm water. If it is too thin, add a bit more flour. Drop the mixture, a few tablespoons at a time, into the hot oil and cook the fritters for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface, turning them once to make sure that they are slightly browned on each side. Drain on absorbent paper and serve hot. For variations of this dish throughout the continent combine the sweet potato, a New World tuber, with an African culinary technique. One of the tricks to great fritters is to use clean oil and to make sure that the oil is hot enough before beginning. These fritters can be accompanied by a spicy hot sauce when served as an appetizer course. Alternatively, they can be lightly dusted with sugar and served as a dessert. Daisy Recipes

I love sweet potatoes! Have a yummy recipe to share?

LadyD Books is participating in the following,

InLinkz.com

Have a great weekend,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Paper Galaxy

2011-12-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

Paper Galaxy: Out-of-This-World Projects to Cut, Fold & Paste

The Friday 56

"Refer to the General Instructions section of the book for copying patterns."

Book Beginnings

"Welcome to the Paper Galaxy. With the patterns and instructions in this book, you will be able to make fantastic three-dimensional creations using only paper, scissors, and glue."

After I build these stars, I will have my own paper galaxy!

SkyWatch Friday

Are you a fan of origami? Yes, folding paper!

Follow Friday

Q. Keeping with the spirit of giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and and if you could, you would buy for it for all of your family and friends?

A. The Kelmar Trilogy by Laura Sepesi

LadyD Books is participating in,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

20 Cool Book Club Trends You Should Try

2011-12-08T04:54:00.001-08:00

Larry Dignan contacted me regarding an article that I'm very much interested in and that is, book clubs. I wondered if you are a part of one in your local community or perhaps have joined online? Here's a few highlights from this great article...

Book clubs always have been and probably always will be a ubiquitous way for literature lovers to band together and bicker over their interpretations of reads stunning, horrible and everything in between. Unlike English 101, they offer up an appealingly casual, low-pressure environment in which to dissect the writerly arts, exchange ideas and hopefully promote literacy along the way. But even the most rigorously satisfying book clubs experience lulls, so the following trends might help leaders punch things up a little bit. Some old, some new, some borrowed and some…well…not blue. More like a cerulean or a deep azure. The one thing they have in common (aside from the obvious) is that they add some variety to established and upcoming groups alike.

Online book clubs

Probably one of the most prolific book club trends these days embraces the digital world and brings together bibliophiles from local and distant regions alike. Tech-savvy discussion leaders have a bevy of resources at their disposal, including blogs, social media and mobile devices, among others. A little creativity, a little time, a little advertising and they can reach a far broader audience than hosting meetings at home.

Ebook clubs

Whether run by publishers, book stores or independent bibliophiles, Kindle, Nook and other ebook owners can enjoy talking their chosen reads and their delicious gadgetry at the same time through specialized clubs. Unlike their more traditional paper predecessors, users frequently reap great deals simply for participating. Various literature-related companies offer up different specials, like free downloads for signing up or unlimited books with a subscription fee. Depending on the device, an ebook club could also double as an online one for well-connected leaders and members.

Use recommendation engines

Even more well-established book clubs sometimes experience periods where members struggle with selecting their next reads. Consulting recommendation engines such as the very popular Shelfari, GoodReads, LibraryThing and more will easily jump-start lulls in the decision making process. Depending on preferences, suggestions either come automated or directly from other website participants. Either method, however, opens up book club denizens to literature they might not otherwise know, some of which might prove brand new loves.

Social media book clubs

Facebook, Google+, group blogs, and other social media sites, in the hands of supremely creative, savvy leaders, might prove the best bet for whipping up an online book club. For pretty obvious reasons! Many recommendation engines also serve double duty as social media sites for avowed literature aficionados, making them particularly piquant places to bond with potential members. And, of course, discover some seriously cool reads along the way.

Participate in Twitter chats

Social media and other online book club opportunities may require a little more time investment than some go-go-go readers can muster. The 140-character format Twitter made famous might prove exactly what they want, with a plethora of literary hashtag chats suitable for many different tastes. Some occur monthly, others weekly, so search or ask around when seeking a possibly fulfilling fit.

I've only listed 5 of the main topics here. For more cool book trends you might be interested in, see the entire article at http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com

Happy Reading,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: Over in the Meadow

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ages 3 and up.

Ashley VanEysinga contacted me, asking if I might be interested in reviewing Owlkids Books. I wasn't familiar with them so I was very curious to go online and browse a catalog. I requested a few books and promptly received a a kind, courteous follow up email from Kendal Gerard. In no time at all, I received two beautiful books from the company. I thought Barefoot Books and Candlewick Press offered quality children's books. Now I am pleased to add Owlkids Books with a top recommendation!

First Sentence:
Over in the meadow the sun came up.

My Review:

Not only is the book educational in teaching little ones about rhyming and counting but children will delight in "seeking and finding" baby animals, plus discovering many familiar items incorporated in beautiful, illustrated photographs. I liked Jan Thornhill's unique and imaginative approach to a familiar, favorite story. A vibrant, delightful 'feast to the eyes' (from slippers to brown sugar) and fun time for every preschooler.

***** stars!

Book Description

Everyday objects become a magical world when Jan Thornhill brings her trademark ingenuity and stunning artwork to a well-loved 19th-century rhyme. A forest of broccoli, a beaver dam of pretzels, a dragonfly with paper-clip wings — who would have thought twist-ties and garden gloves could be so delightful? Young readers learn about counting, rhyming, and nature as they pick out everyday objects from ingenious, digitally enhanced illustrations. Pages at the end of the book show the original elements used in the creation of the images, encouraging readers to go back and play "I spy." The lyrical, singsong cadence of Olive Wadsworth's classic rhyme makes this a perfect story for reading aloud.

Product Details

Reading level: Ages 3 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Maple Tree Press (June 30, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1897066082

What Others Say About The Book:

"…a counting book full of surprises. Fans of the Eye Spy series will have a feast identifying the materials used to make this counting rhyme come alive."
— Canadian Bookseller

"Thornhill’s highly original method of illustration has transformed this old rhyme into a fresh visual feast."
— Quill & Quire

"What a wonderful visual experience!"
— Resource Links

"A surprisingly fresh and original take on an old favorite...Youngsters will find it impossible to peel their eyes off the pages of this imaginative book."
— School Library Journal

"Jan Thornhill uses this familiar rhyme to draw children in, mesmerizing them with color, texture and shape."
— Today’s Parent

Thanks Owlkids Books. I look forward to reading more!

Over in the Meadow

Happy Reading!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

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Book Review: Over in the Meadow

My Review:

***** stars!

Book Description

Product Details