Today is Elijah's grandmother's birthday. We all call her Grandma, and she is much loved and respected by everybody. I admire Grandma tremendously. She is one of those many women who could have become anyone with power and fame, but instead choose the quiet road of motherhood. Today, she is a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother, and she cherishes these roles dearly. She is a great example to me. Grandma is talented and strong, hard working and ethical, generous and kind, and always thinking of others. We were able to go to her birthday party last year, but this year we are so far away. So I'm wishing Grandma from my heart a beautiful birthday and a wonderful year. Thank you for making me feel part of the family. Here is Grandma with her son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren showing them the house in which she was born:
On the last day of the month, I try to look at my book reading schedule. Most of you know I try to read around 100 books a year, and sometimes I achieve that goal, and sometimes I don't. But I always try, without sacrificing quality for quantity. I'll be noting the titles of the books I have read each month on the last day of the month, and hope you will let me know what good books you have read lately as well. The list for the month of January and February is a bit short, since I did have to move cross-country and settle in a new area. Here is the list:
January:
The Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (Hilarious and quick read)
Forest Born by Shannon Hale (Beautifully written and interesting story)
Three lives by Gertrude Stein (Thought provoking and unique style)
February:
The Phoenicians by Elsa Marston (Quick and interesting)
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding (Funny and sad, quick and entertaining)
Around the world series (junior history) (it gives you a quick overview of what happened throughout the known world in that specific century):
300 B.C by Pamela F. Service
800 by Linda S George
1200 by Alexandra and Pamela F. Service (quick, easy read, and informative)
The Epic of Gilgamesh (one of the earliest writings known)
Sahara by Clive Cussler (Bad writing, but interesting story)
So what have you guys been reading, lately?
Since it's Sunday, I want to close this post with a spiritual note. I would like to share one of the verses I liked from my reading tonight. If you happen to see scripture verses in the end of any of my posts, just know I'm sharing my favorite verses for that day. Here is tonight's verse, found in 1Nephi 1:20 in the Book of Mormon:
"...But, behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Hello Melita! I am enjoying your blog and reading up on your family. I am glad that things are going so well for you guys in CA and that you are already throwing parties. I remember your fun Valentine's Party from last year. I especially loved the poem David wrote for me too. Thanks for that extra push for him to do it for the party! I'll be showing the kids your blog too. They'll love to see their cousins.
ReplyDeleteFor a theatre history class, I've been reading a lot of plays, some quite remote (at least, I'd never heard of them before). But as far as books go, I recently finished Dan Brown's third installment in the Robert Langdon adventures, "The Lost Symbol." Follows his typical pattern of suspense and thrills... some interesting ideas that can be tied back to gospel principles, but overall I didn't love it. Have you read it? Angels & Demons is still my favorite by far!
ReplyDeleteI liked "Angels and Demons" better than the others. I didn't like the movie, however. I love plays. What kind of plays have you enjoyed reading? Besides Shakespeare, Moliere and Ibsen are two of my favorite play writers.
ReplyDeleteHi Melita! So happy to be able to stay connected to you through a beautiful blog! My latest reads: The Parents We Mean To Be - the best parenting book I have ever read. The Absolutely True Diary of A Part Time Indian - a book I didn't love, but really enjoyed discussing at my book club. And I am just starting The People of the Book and so far it is wonderful. Thanks for your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteOedipus Rex (for the 5th time), Second Shepard's Play, Matsukaze (very old, very short ancient Japanese play), Medea (saw a very interesting production of this one as well... still depressing as ever though), Everyman, Dr. Faustus (I really like this one), School for Scandal, as well as a few Shakespearean pieces and... Tartuffe! A couple of months ago I read an interesting book called "The Hurried Child" in my Educational Psychology class. I also recently finished "Six Thinking Hats" by de Bono - that one taught me a lot about the different styles of thought that people have.
ReplyDelete