Books I read in February 2018

The photo above is art made by Jane Mount and you can purchase prints of her work and even create a customized bookshelf for yourself. Just go to her website:  Ideal bookshelf


The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley (library) loved it, the latest Flavia de Luce.
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan (library) A futuristic Scarlet Letter. I enjoyed it.
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory (library) I saw this book recommended in several magazines, it was highlighted at my library....It is just a romance, nothing special. No Time Traveler's Wife or even a Nicholas Sparks....just a standard romance. *sigh*
Unaccompanied Minor by Hollis Gillespie (library) This was a fun book. The daughter of airline family is basically "homeless" and gets around by non-reving around alone. She knows all the ins and outs of the airports and airplanes. And then a flight gets hijacked and she is there to save the day!! It is quite silly, but much of the airline stuff was real and true. It was written by a former flight attendant.
Light it Up by Nick Petrie (library) Loved it, the latest Peter Ash book.  I like these, they can be compared to the Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels. Action, Adventure etc.
Sixpence House by Paul Collins I loved it. Reminded me of Bill Bryson, I laughed out loud several times and I want to read portions of it to friends over the phone!! I might have to buy a copy to have at home to reread.
Contents May Have Shifted by Pam Houston short stories.essays? about life and love from a traveler. On the whole, I enjoyed the book, but I am a person who loves travel and travel writing. Many of the essays were quirky at best. So not for everyone.
The Woman in The Window by A. J. Finn (library) I liked this one so much more than Girl on a Train or Cabin 10 or whatever. It does have an unreliable narrator, which is all the rage, but I loved that this character was addicted to old black and white movies, thrillers.  This book reeks of Gaslight and Rear Window. I am sure it will be a movie soon also. I really liked it. I might have to buy it to read again and again.I want to see if she really did leave any clues in the writing to justify the twists and turns!
Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks (library) short stories and very good. That character in You've Got Mail who is obsessed with typewriters....I think now it might have been based on Tom Hanks himself!! LOL
Lessons from the Mouse by Dennis Snow Applying Disney's secrets of success to your life.
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena Thriller about a couple whose child is abducted when they are at a dinner party next door (their babysitter had cancelled and they took the baby monitor with them.
The Oysters of Locmariaquer by Eleanor Clark I love oysters and I really wanted to love this book too. It was just okay. If you are an oyster fan, give it a go, but if not, don't bother. 
Heather, the Totality by Matthew Weiner (library) short novella really, I thought I had it figured out, but it did end differently than I thought.
On Secret Service by John Jakes (library) I learned a little bit about the beginning of the Secret Service in the USA. Not as riveting as I thought it would be.
H is for Hawk by Helen MacDonald  I learned a lot about hawks and I learned a lot about the book by T. H. White called Goshawk. It did have some great imagery. I had read a lot of great reviews about the book, and it was nice. okay.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (Audiobook) So this is narrated by Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey fame. I just got this to listen to Dan Stevens read to me.  I am still on the waiting list for  his version of Murder on the Orient Express and I got this to tide me over. I listen to these in the car when I am driving around.



To be Read:
The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirdhk
The White Van by Patrick Hoffman
Her by Harriet Lane
Dear Mr. You by Mary Louise Parker
Chasing Monarchs by Robert Michael Pyle

2018 Postcard: Sydney, Australia

Another example of friends who travel to far flung locations sending me postcards of their travels, they are so appreciated, I thank each and every one of you! And of course, I try to send you guys cards from my travels too, Ryan and I plan to go to Sydney in March, so look for postcards!!

2018 Postcard: The Movies

If you know what a big movie fan I am, you might send me a postcard like these. Yes, some of my friends know me well. 

2018 Postcard: Love from Maryland

Just in time for Valentine's Day, love from my friends who live in or visit Maryland

2018 Postcard: Lake Tahoe

Considering I have friends who live at Lake Tahoe, it is not surprising that I get postcards from Lake Tahoe. If you sent me a card in the past couple of years from where you live, you will probably see it pop up on this blog this year. 

Books I read in January 2018

The photo above is art made by Jane Mount and you can purchase prints of her work and even create a customized bookshelf for yourself. Just go to her website:  Ideal bookshelf



Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books by Gary Paulsen (library) After reading his memoir last month, I wanted to read more about Gary Paulsen.
Theodore Boone: The Scandal
Theodore Boone: The Fugitive by John Grisham (library) Grisham's young adult series of mysteries featuring a young man whose parents are lawyers, he wants to be a lawyer and he basically acts as a kid version of a lawyer for his friends. I have really enjoyed the series. The Fugitive was fun because they leave his small town and go to Washington, DC on a field trip.
Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig YA thriller about a missing girl (YA means Young Adult)
Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson the Moomins find a magical top hat. I am acquainting myself with these interesting children's books.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson rereading this one in anticipation of our trip to Australia later this year
Artemis by Andy Weir (library) I did not enjoy this one as much as The Martian. Once you get past all the technical living on the moon stuff, it is just a murder mystery crime novel.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Whohlleben (library) recommended by a friend. I learned a lot about trees.
Fall of Giants by Ken Follett (library) very epic story of WWI, lots of Downton Abbey-esque moments also. I really enjoyed it
The Mediterranean Caper by Clive Cussler (library) Ryan and I watched Sahara, the movie, the other day, which inspired me to read the Clive Cussler Dirk Pitt novels.
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green (library) Now I know everybody loves the Fault in Our Stars, but I was not a huge fan. It was okay, just another YA book in my opinion. Now this one, I liked a lot better. I thought Turtles was really good and it helped me to see mental health issues in a new way.
The Hidden Life of Animals by Peter Whohlleben (library) since I enjoyed Hidden Life of Trees, I thought I would try this one too! And I really enjoyed reading it
The Enchanted Places by Christopher Milne (library) After watching Goodbye, Christopher Robin, I decided I needed to read more about the life of Alan and Christopher Milne. loved it
Come on Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All by Christina Thompson (library) a story of New Zealand. I loved it. Part History, Part Memoir. very enjoyable look at Australia, New Zealand and the Maori.
Stars over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner (library) fun hollywood story, I really liked it and would recommend
Goodbye Christopher Robin by Ann Thwaite (library) This book is basically the movie tie-in.



To Be Read:

The Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme Simsion

Dead Guy's Stuff by Sharon Fiffer

Finding Fraser by K. C. Dyer
Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson
Tenth of December by George Saunders

2018 Postcard: The Alps

At first, I had named this post Switzerland, but then I realized that some of the cards were actually from Italy and France, so I changed it to The Alps.  Now who could have been sending me postcards from the Alps? 

2018 Postcard: Alaska

Everyone I know has been to Alaska on a cruise except for me. I have been to Anchorage and I loved visiting. I hope I get to go on an Alaska Cruise soon, if not this year, maybe next year!! 

2018 Postcard: Vermont

All postcards this year will be from friends and family that have sent them to me, so sometimes the photos will reflect that, they are smudged with ink from the postal machines or they show definite wear. Sometimes folks will write on the cards, pointing out where they are or personalizing it in some manner. But I hope you enjoy the cards this year and if you sent me a card, it will probably show up!

 

2018 Postcard: Aloha from Hawaii

This year I am highlighting postcards that my friends and family have sent me for the past couple of years. I get lots of postcards (and everyone knows I love postcards!!) So if you sent me a card, you might see it here on my blog this year!!

2017 Reading List December

                                  Carl Larsson (Swedish)   Portrait of Dora Lamm, c. 1900


Eastern Sun, Winter Moon by Gary Paulsen (library) a Memoir by this children's author about his family time during and just after WWII. Not for children.
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old by Hendrik Groen (library) I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone. It is a diary of a man who is living in an old age home in Amsterdam. My friends who love Amsterdam, please read, my friends who are staring old age in the face, please read, it is an awesome book. 
The Maid's Version by Daniel Woodrell (audiobook) This is what has been playing in my car while I go to and from work all month. It is about an explosion at a dance hall in the 1920's and chronicles all the victims and the aftermath of the event. I really enjoyed it. This author also wrote Winter's Bone. 
Lit Up by David Denby (library) About how current teenagers are not readers and what some teachers are doing about it. How they are inspiring young people to put down their devices and read for pleasure. I really enjoyed it. Total wake up call as to what is happening to this emerging generation. 

Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner (library) I really enjoy this author and I am working my way through all her books. This one was about 2 sisters who were separated during the Blitz in London (WWII)
The Midnight Line by Lee Child (library) the latest Jack Reacher novel. He tries to trace the owner of a West Point ring, that he sees in a pawn shop window.
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
Theodore Boone: The Abduction
Theodore Boone: The Accused
Theodore Boone: The Activist by John Grisham (library) Grisham's young adult series of mysteries featuring a young man whose parents are lawyers, he wants to be a lawyer and he basically acts as a kid version of a lawyer for his friends. I have really enjoyed the series.
The Toxic Solution by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno (library) another book about how chemicals and pollutants are making us sick. Sorry guys, but this is a hot topic for me since we had those toxic uniforms at American Airlines. I am continuing to read up on this stuff.
See What I have Done by Sarah Schmidt (library) a fictionalized retelling of the Lizzie Borden story. I enjoyed it
Cocoa Beach by Beatriz Williams (library) From driving an ambulance in WWI to dealing with bootleggers in Florida, this book spans a couple of decades and keeps you on your toes. I liked the Florida locale.



To Be Read:

Neptune Noir: The unauthorized investigations into Veronica Mars edited by Rob Thomas
The Oysters of Locmariaquer by Eleanor Clark
Shadowland by William Arnold
Last Seen Leaving by Caleb Roehrig
Beautiful Cigar Girl by Daniel Stashower

2018 Postcard: Happy New Year from Hong Kong

Happy New Year and to start the new year off with a bang, I thought I would showcase postcards that have been sent to me over the years from all of you! My friends and family. These Hong Kong postcards remind me of New Year's Fireworks with all their bright lights and colors. 

2017 Monday's Postcard: Alpine Children

Merry Christmas!! And here are some postcards from my grandmother Arkebauer that depict some Alpine Children/Dolls in various poses. This is my last post this year from the Box of Postcards that my cousin Holly sent to me. I hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I did!!

2017 Monday's Postcard: Space Shuttle

These cards date from 1984 to 1993 during the Space Shuttle Program at Kennedy Space Center

2017 Christmas Ornaments

Many many of my ornaments come from my travels and since I don't stop traveling, I always have new ornaments for my Christmas Tree every year!     

From Yosemite, this was actually a keychain. I did not like any of their ornaments for sale in the shops or I thought they were too expensive, so I got this keychain and repurposed it! 

                            

This fish from Portugal was also not a traditional ornament. I think it was meant to be a sachet for your closet or drawers. 

I did a lot of wine tasting in 2016 and this ornament was purchased during one of those trips. 

Now Shenandoah NP had some lovely Christmas Ornaments! It was difficult to chose just one to bring home. 

This little painted snowman is from St. Petersburg, Russia

This metal ornament from Germany unfortunately blends into the tree and does not stand out very much. I have to remember where I placed it, or it might get left on the tree when I put everything away in January. 

I have several of these ornaments now. They come from a gift shop in my neighborhood. They are made from old photographic slides. A piece from a Christmas card is cut to fit where the photo was and they are bedazzled with glitter and a bauble attached. I think they are so clever! 

I have not visited the Almanzo Wilder Homestead (yet), but my friend, Lea did and she gave me this ornament as a memento

2017 Monday's Postcard: Lutheran Churches

My Arkebauer family is Lutheran and it seems that Lutheran Churches in America produce lots of postcards!! And of course my family would send these postcards.

2017 Monday's Postcard: Vancouver, BC

The 1980's in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Gorgeous!!

And of course, I am a huge fan of the Pacific Northwest! Keep those postcards coming!!

2017 Reading List November

                      Artist Unknown (French)  Portrait of a Lady Reading, sixteenth century




Killer Stuff by Sharon Fiffer (library) This was a fun murder mystery.  A mysterious "American Pickers" or "Antiques Roadshow" and add a dash of romance. I'll be reading more by this author.
Deep Freeze by John Sandford  (library) A Virgil Flowers book, I love these, because I love the characters. The mystery is now secondary to me, although this one moves fast....I just like the interaction between Virgil and everyone else.
Shark Club by Ann Kidd Taylor (library) basically a romance novel with a love triangle and lots of shark info. I liked it well enough. Ann Kidd Taylor is the daughter of Sue Monk Kidd
Second Life by S. J. Watson (library) Julia's sister has been murdered and when Julia tries to get answers as to why, she finds out that her sister had a secret life and there are questions as to what kind of life Julia has been leading also...I liked Before I Go to Sleep better than this one by the same author.
So You've been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson (library) How we now use social media to publicly shame people, and how this is becoming a norm in our society now.
Wear No Evil by Greta Egan (library) Very interesting book about paying attention to where and how the clothes you wear are being created. This book hit home after the uniform fiasco we are having at American Airlines. And actually because I do purchase the majority of my wardrobe from consignment and resale stores, I feel that I am already doing a great job at this....also recycling by donating or reselling the clothes that I no longer wear!!
Flight of the Gin Fizz by Henry Kisor (library). I absolutely loved this book about a deaf pilot who re enacts a 1911 coast to coast flight in his Cessna 150.  The obstacles he overcomes just to get his pilots license and the things he has to do to make this journey are amazing.  I really enjoyed this and I might have to buy it now so I can read it again!
Die Trying by Lee Child (audiobook) while driving in the car, I always like a book that I have read before because I don't have to pay too much attention to it, I can still concentrate on driving! LOL
Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it's Luster by Dana Thomas (library) really enjoyed this one about how Luxury Goods are now not so much....when everyone can buy a Dior pair of sunglasses or a Chanel knock-off. The history of luxury goods and duty-free shopping etc was really interesting to me.
Mr Monk Goes to Hawaii by Lee Goldberg a novelization of the Monk TV show. I really enjoyed the TV show and the books are just as much fun. There are several titles in this series.
Comet in Moominland by Tove Jansson This is a children's book from Finland. Tove Jansson and the Moomin are like national treasures there! I had no idea when I first visited Helsinki, but they are very popular characters and there is even a theme park in Naantali, Finland. So I have been telling myself that I need to read one of the books. The Moomin have all kinds of crazy adventures and are worried that a comet is going to hit the earth.
Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton (library) this series is coming to an end and I am still enjoying it....twice in this book there were instances where things were sort of expected or I just saw them coming....I mean how many times do you have to see Vultures circling in the air and not think that a dead body is going to show up??? But all in all, I enjoyed it!





To Be Read:
The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
Storybook Travels by Colleen Dunn Bates and Susan Latempa
Boon Island by Andrew Vietze and Stephen Erickson
Tea at the Blue Lantern Inn by Jan Whitaker

2017 Monday's Postcard: New Orleans

These New Orleans postcards are all from the 1980's