I had an extremely busy month, but I have to say that my hard work during the day was rewarded with some excellent books in the evening. If you are looking for some good books to read for the summer, the list below will offer romance, history, biography, historical fiction, and it will take you all over from Mexico to France to England to Ireland. It will reacquaint you with WWI, artists, musicians, authors, lawyers, IRA, and many more. So, without delay, here is the list:
1. The three kings by Alisa Valsdez-Rodrigues
An amusing romance, bubbly and funny, but with a moral in the end. Easy read, and excellent for a day at the beach.
2. Fall of Giants by Ken Follet
The latest from the author of The Pillars of the Earth and World without Ends. It deals with the events and lives of people during WWI. The author unfolds the evens of the war by following the lives of four families as they deal with the war. The families live in different countries, respectively England, Germany, Russia, and USA. It is as usual more than 1000 pages, but a delight to read. It took me three days (or better say nights) to finish it. It pulls you with its history, romance and ideals found in each character. It is the first of the Century Trilogy. I guess he will do WWII, and then the Cold War followed by the fall of Communism. And because this is set as a trilogy, he will be following the same characters and their offspring throughout the century. I can't wait. Needless to say, I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.
3. The Last time I saw Paris by Elizabeth Adler
There is a book with the same title that just came out this month, so I immediately put it on hold. The book that just came out deals with an American lady just arrived in Paris at the moment that Hitler takes over. So, I was very excited to read about Paris as well as continue my love of historical fiction with a story about WWII. Unfortunately, the book I put on hold wasn't what I expected. Nevertheless, aside from my expectations, this book, being light and entertaining, was a good follow up to my long Ken Follet one. It tells the story of middle aged woman, who is in search of an identity after having spent a lifetime taking care of her children and being there for a husband who puts his work and career before his family. She has scheduled a second honeymoon for her husband and her in the city of love, Paris, to rekindle love and bring passion in their marriage. Her husband isn't able to understand her need for love and dedication, and tells her he can't make it because he has a very important conference to attend. The wife decides to revisit Paris on her own, and as she does she experiences beautiful events and meet special people on the way to self discovery. The author focuses a bit on Paris, but I love her descriptions of Southern France, with its pleasant countryside and gorgeous Riviera. Another one to take to the beach this summer.
4. Three lives by Gertrude Stein
I had just checked out the Autobiography by Gertrude Stein, and I thought I better read a few of her writings before I learn about her as a person. Just like her co-patriots who left America for Paris, she has a genius in dealing with the written word that is hard to be found nowadays. Three lives deals with three different characters, and takes you through the journey of their lives. Simple people on the outside, but made extraordinaire and complex in the inside by the pen of this great author. If you are in the mood for a classic, this one is very entertaining, short and interesting.
5. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein
Gertrude Stein was asked to write her biography several times, and this very funny rendition of her life is what the public got. She wrote it in the voice of her housemaid, and retold many stories and events that took place in Paris at that time. Stein had become a matron of arts in Paris and would throw many parties for the many famous artists. Besides being a writer, a poet and a speaker, she became also an art critique and art lover. This book describes the many friendships and relationships she had with the great authors of the lost generations, the cubist artists, and the stream of conscientious authors. An interesting read.
6. The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey
What's not to like in a story about a feisty Irish love triangle, fight for independence, and search for meaning? I finished this book in one day. I really enjoyed the characters, the plot, the back story, and of course the Irish passion, whether that be in love or war. The story takes place in a small village in Ireland, and deals with Irish Independence, WWI, and having hope for a better future. It was a very enjoyable historical fiction.
7. The Greater Voyage by David McCullough
As soon as the email arrived from Barnes and Noble that McCullough's latest book was out, I went and got it without delay, especially when the book deals with America's greatest minds of the 1820s experiencing Paris. What a great book. I'm not quiet finished with it, since I just got it, but so far, this book is as well researched as all of McCullough's books, and as well written. I have enjoyed reading about the great minds such as Cooper, Morse, Healy, Sargent, Cassat, Holmes, Twain, and many more, and how they were transformed by the city of lights, and how they, in return, transformed America and its culture. This book is for everyone from the devoted art lovers (McCullough has brought to life Impressionism for me by describing the artists and their lives behind those precious works of art) to history junkies. This book was a treat!
Enjoy your reading!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Major recap
Wow! We've had a full and absolutely packed two weeks. I don't even know where to begin, and of course no matter where I begin and where I stop, lots of fun events, sayings, jokes, and opinions stated will have undoubtedly been forgotten. That's the problem with not recording each day while what the kids say and do is still fresh in mind. I will not attempt then to recover those lost in time, instead I will just write what my calendar and pictures tell me.
I finished my Spring Cleaning! After several days of hard work, I was able to take care of four bedrooms, five book shelves, six closets, and got rid of seven garbage bags full of stuff. We did eight loads of laundry on Saturday, washed several of walls on Monday, and vacuumed myriads of times every day. I still have to tackle the kitchen, but my kitchen is so small that I decided to let it go this time instead of getting frustrated with the little space. I feel liberated, and now I can actually dedicate some time to getting ready for my trip and the whole summer.
Work wasn't the only thing that we did here during these two weeks. In between cleaning, I hosted a little get together for my friend, watched a bunch of movies with the kids and my husband, read some absolutely fabulous books (four in a week and a half), organized and hosted several play dates for my older children, listened to French and German CDs in an attempt to revive whatever is left from those languages in my brain, went on a field trip with my kids, had fun with friends, played several games of soccer, and attended James' graduation. No wonder I haven't had the energy to write on my blog. That, and the trouble with the Internet connection that is driving me crazy.
On May 19th, I left my younger kids with friends (thanks to Tammy and Amy for watching James and Charlton), and drove several of Gillian's classmates and her teacher to their field trip, Lawrence Hall of Science. In addition to being Gillian and Jefferson's mother, I took the role of chaperon, friend, and photographer for the day. All of the three charter school classes had a combined field trip, and I would have random kids from various classes come and ask me if I could take a picture of them with their best friends. It was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed watching Gillian play with her friends reminding me so much of myself at that age. She has the craziest imagination, and her friends, boys and girls, were all ears and had a look of amazement on their faces. I had no doubt Gillian loved that. Here are some of those memories:
On May 20th, some friends of ours, the Websters, invited us to spend a couple of hours with them at their vacation home located on the California Delta. They have people over quite often I heard, and I was happy that they shared their time and home with us. We all had fun, but I have to say the kids had an exceptional time. They went boating, tubing, attempted swimming, blew bubbles, flew kites, had an adventure going down the zip line, built a fire, roasted marshmallows, and had a blast playing with friends on a spacious and quiet backyard. Living in California has only one bad side; we are far away from Elijah's home where peace and quiet is the order of the day. We miss taking time off and driving down to Georgia, and enjoying the quiet life that the countryside has to offer. Everyone needs time off such as that to relax and examine life.
On May 26, Elijah, Gillian, Jefferson, Charlton, and I attended James' graduation from Pre-K. He had told Elijah that he would really appreciate it if his father attended his function. He also told me that he would love it if his older brother and sister were there as well. So, that's what we did. Elijah took a couple of hours off from his job, and I pulled the kids early from school. As I watched the program that James' teacher and class had prepared, I couldn't believe how much my little James had grown. He felt very comfortable singing, talking, and showing his skills.
After some refreshments, James was eager to show us places he played while in preschool, the rabbits they helped raised, the chicks that they named, the tomato plants they planted and took care of, and of course his teacher and the work he had accomplished while at school. Good job, James! You are one smart and fun boy to be around.
I finished my Spring Cleaning! After several days of hard work, I was able to take care of four bedrooms, five book shelves, six closets, and got rid of seven garbage bags full of stuff. We did eight loads of laundry on Saturday, washed several of walls on Monday, and vacuumed myriads of times every day. I still have to tackle the kitchen, but my kitchen is so small that I decided to let it go this time instead of getting frustrated with the little space. I feel liberated, and now I can actually dedicate some time to getting ready for my trip and the whole summer.
Work wasn't the only thing that we did here during these two weeks. In between cleaning, I hosted a little get together for my friend, watched a bunch of movies with the kids and my husband, read some absolutely fabulous books (four in a week and a half), organized and hosted several play dates for my older children, listened to French and German CDs in an attempt to revive whatever is left from those languages in my brain, went on a field trip with my kids, had fun with friends, played several games of soccer, and attended James' graduation. No wonder I haven't had the energy to write on my blog. That, and the trouble with the Internet connection that is driving me crazy.
On May 19th, I left my younger kids with friends (thanks to Tammy and Amy for watching James and Charlton), and drove several of Gillian's classmates and her teacher to their field trip, Lawrence Hall of Science. In addition to being Gillian and Jefferson's mother, I took the role of chaperon, friend, and photographer for the day. All of the three charter school classes had a combined field trip, and I would have random kids from various classes come and ask me if I could take a picture of them with their best friends. It was a lot of fun. I also enjoyed watching Gillian play with her friends reminding me so much of myself at that age. She has the craziest imagination, and her friends, boys and girls, were all ears and had a look of amazement on their faces. I had no doubt Gillian loved that. Here are some of those memories:
On May 20th, some friends of ours, the Websters, invited us to spend a couple of hours with them at their vacation home located on the California Delta. They have people over quite often I heard, and I was happy that they shared their time and home with us. We all had fun, but I have to say the kids had an exceptional time. They went boating, tubing, attempted swimming, blew bubbles, flew kites, had an adventure going down the zip line, built a fire, roasted marshmallows, and had a blast playing with friends on a spacious and quiet backyard. Living in California has only one bad side; we are far away from Elijah's home where peace and quiet is the order of the day. We miss taking time off and driving down to Georgia, and enjoying the quiet life that the countryside has to offer. Everyone needs time off such as that to relax and examine life.
On May 26, Elijah, Gillian, Jefferson, Charlton, and I attended James' graduation from Pre-K. He had told Elijah that he would really appreciate it if his father attended his function. He also told me that he would love it if his older brother and sister were there as well. So, that's what we did. Elijah took a couple of hours off from his job, and I pulled the kids early from school. As I watched the program that James' teacher and class had prepared, I couldn't believe how much my little James had grown. He felt very comfortable singing, talking, and showing his skills.
After some refreshments, James was eager to show us places he played while in preschool, the rabbits they helped raised, the chicks that they named, the tomato plants they planted and took care of, and of course his teacher and the work he had accomplished while at school. Good job, James! You are one smart and fun boy to be around.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Goodbye mom, and hello laundry!
My mother left yesterday. She spent her whole day cooking meals for me, some to eat that day, and others to have for later. I told her not to worry so much; sooner or later I'll have to get back in the swing of things and start cooking myself. She felt that by cooking a bunch of meals, she was easing me gradually to that process. I personally felt she just didn't want to have time to think and realize that she was leaving. Goodness, she is coming back next year, and as I told her it's not as if she is going away to some hard life. She is traveling Europe for the next three to four months some with her son all over Scandinavia, some with her best friend who is visiting her in Stockholm, and some with relatives in Paris. Hard life, indeed. Her response was that she would rather spend time with her little boy, Charlton, who has totally stolen her heart, than do all of that. As for me, that's one part I'm happy about her leaving; that boy has been so spoiled that it will take me another four months or more to undo what she did. She literally had tears on her eyes when I told her those things. She was worried that I'm going to mistreat or forget about Charlton. As if Charlton isn't my son!
It has been great having her with us these past four months. She has helped with cooking, laundry, and babysitting. She was a good friend to have around when I needed to talk, and she was always willing to listen. Having had her for four months has had its disadvantages as well. I seemed to split my time between my husband, my children, and my mother. Sometimes, she needed more time than the rest of them combined, and that was something that gave me trouble. I also didn't seem to have privacy and quiet time for my thoughts and hobbies. And then, her lack of discipline toward Charlton made me very upset at times. But I didn't have the heart to tell her hands off with my child, because she seemed so attached to him almost as if he were her son. However, all of these concerns appeared small as I observed the love and relationship that was being developed between my children and their grandmother, a connection that knew no language boundaries.
We took some pictures before she left, and then headed off toward the airport. I brought all the kids with me, and we waved goodbye to her as she entered the security area. I'll be seeing her again very soon in a month or so when I visit my brother, but my children won't see her till next April. Jefferson was very adamant about her attending his baptism, and making sure she knew his birthday date. We will all miss her, but I think it was time for me to have my family back.
Today, I have been working on switching Gillian back upstairs. I thought this was a good time for Spring Cleaning as well. All of her furniture, books, clothes, toys, and whatever else was in her room or my mother's was scrutinized in detail, and I felt happy when some was thrown, some was bagged for Good Will, and the rest organized in the neatest system possible. Two more bedrooms to go, as well as a bunch of closets and bookshelves scattered throughout the house.
This evening we attended an open house for our older children. Gillian was very excited to show us everything artsy that she had made. I love her imagination and skill. We were able to read a lot of her writings, and since that's the area I emphasize with Gillian, I was happy to see their awesome outcome. While the rest of us walked around the classroom to check Gillian's work, Charlton found his own favorite place to be, near a computer. That's how early technology creeps into the life of this generation!
When we arrived at Jefferson's class, he immediately took control of the visit. With a clip board in his hands and a list of things to see, he directed us around the classroom toward his accomplishments. His handwriting isn't that great because he is always in a rush to write as much as possible. He has an amazing imagination and loves to write and illustrate. I was also in awe of his art portfolio. While Gillian's art is very modern and surreal, border line cubism, Jefferson's art is precise and real. He seems to have an understanding of the spacial relationship between objects. Even though there was no computer nearby, Charlton was able to find his own entertainment here as well.
It has been a long and tiring day for me, carrying various pieces of furniture up and down, organizing closets, shelves, dusting, vacuuming, and many more. However, seeing my children's progress and their art and science portfolios, brightened my day. School is so much fun! I'm glad that my children love learning. Since I have taught and guided them toward a love of learning and education in the early years of their life, from now on is smooth sailing when it comes to their desire to read and learn new things each day. They crave it, want it, and enjoy it. I think it's one of the most precious gifts we as parents can give to our children. Seeing this magnificent light in their eyes as they shared what they had learned, studied and created made my heart rejoice.
"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." ~Clay P. Bedford
It has been great having her with us these past four months. She has helped with cooking, laundry, and babysitting. She was a good friend to have around when I needed to talk, and she was always willing to listen. Having had her for four months has had its disadvantages as well. I seemed to split my time between my husband, my children, and my mother. Sometimes, she needed more time than the rest of them combined, and that was something that gave me trouble. I also didn't seem to have privacy and quiet time for my thoughts and hobbies. And then, her lack of discipline toward Charlton made me very upset at times. But I didn't have the heart to tell her hands off with my child, because she seemed so attached to him almost as if he were her son. However, all of these concerns appeared small as I observed the love and relationship that was being developed between my children and their grandmother, a connection that knew no language boundaries.
We took some pictures before she left, and then headed off toward the airport. I brought all the kids with me, and we waved goodbye to her as she entered the security area. I'll be seeing her again very soon in a month or so when I visit my brother, but my children won't see her till next April. Jefferson was very adamant about her attending his baptism, and making sure she knew his birthday date. We will all miss her, but I think it was time for me to have my family back.
Today, I have been working on switching Gillian back upstairs. I thought this was a good time for Spring Cleaning as well. All of her furniture, books, clothes, toys, and whatever else was in her room or my mother's was scrutinized in detail, and I felt happy when some was thrown, some was bagged for Good Will, and the rest organized in the neatest system possible. Two more bedrooms to go, as well as a bunch of closets and bookshelves scattered throughout the house.This evening we attended an open house for our older children. Gillian was very excited to show us everything artsy that she had made. I love her imagination and skill. We were able to read a lot of her writings, and since that's the area I emphasize with Gillian, I was happy to see their awesome outcome. While the rest of us walked around the classroom to check Gillian's work, Charlton found his own favorite place to be, near a computer. That's how early technology creeps into the life of this generation!
When we arrived at Jefferson's class, he immediately took control of the visit. With a clip board in his hands and a list of things to see, he directed us around the classroom toward his accomplishments. His handwriting isn't that great because he is always in a rush to write as much as possible. He has an amazing imagination and loves to write and illustrate. I was also in awe of his art portfolio. While Gillian's art is very modern and surreal, border line cubism, Jefferson's art is precise and real. He seems to have an understanding of the spacial relationship between objects. Even though there was no computer nearby, Charlton was able to find his own entertainment here as well.
It has been a long and tiring day for me, carrying various pieces of furniture up and down, organizing closets, shelves, dusting, vacuuming, and many more. However, seeing my children's progress and their art and science portfolios, brightened my day. School is so much fun! I'm glad that my children love learning. Since I have taught and guided them toward a love of learning and education in the early years of their life, from now on is smooth sailing when it comes to their desire to read and learn new things each day. They crave it, want it, and enjoy it. I think it's one of the most precious gifts we as parents can give to our children. Seeing this magnificent light in their eyes as they shared what they had learned, studied and created made my heart rejoice.
"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives." ~Clay P. Bedford
Saturday, May 14, 2011
I need a definite answer!
According to my calendar, it is supposed to be spring. Everywhere I look, I see signs of spring, beautiful flowers in bloom, people dressed in pretty pastel colors, sun shining brightly, and children playing outside. Why don't I feel warm, then? I have on socks and sweaters in the mornings, and blankets piled up on me as I read in the evenings. And I know I'm going to be called a wimp when I let you in my little secret, but this morning I had my fire going in the fire place. A girl must feel comfortable when she reads about Paris (since Elijah bought me the ticket to go to Europe this summer, books that involve Paris have been appearing on my night stand out of nowhere; it's bizarre.)
So, I have decided I'm not a California girl. I like definite answers. I get along great with people who are committed and constant. I like my weather also to be one kind or another, and not so fickle. Fashion doesn't work well with this kind of weather, either. I detest layers; I think it's a sloppy style. I love summer dresses, but I hate to cover the pretty frilly sleeves with sweaters. I like wearing sandals adorned with jewels and bows and whatever else is my fancy, but then my feet feel cold. What to do?! Elijah has an amazing answer to all my problems: be grateful.
I am grateful that the sun is shinning; I'm grateful that the roses bloom like crazy all over town; I'm grateful for long fancy pants and ballet flats; I'm grateful for dainty short sleeve sweaters with gorgeous colors and designs; I'm grateful for parks, trees and grass; I'm grateful for stunning sunsets that remind me of God's artistic creation; I'm grateful for my children's laughter as they roll on the ground without noticing that it's cold or wet; I'm grateful for friends who come to visit and cheer me up; I'm grateful for delicious fruit that sweetens my mouth with their freshness; I'm grateful for my camera that helps me record as accurately as possible the happiness in front of my eyes.
There. I feel better.
When I sat down to write this post, my intention was to post some fun pictures I took of the children and my mom as we visited Heather Farm Park. As always, I write totally different things than what I have in mind. Nevertheless, since I am talking about Spring and roses and children, these pictures make for a great visual display of my feelings.
While the kids ran, rolled and jumped, I was reminded by what surrounded me that spring is beautiful even when it's not quite warm. I took pictures of colorful roses and pretty flowers:
I followed mom and Charlton behind as they played and had fun with each other:
And my heart rejoiced as my children posed, teased and had fun with each other:
I couldn't leave the park without taking some shots of the pond attended by its usual graceful friends, the geese, ducks and swans. A few of them had their little ones with them and my children wanted to pet them. I was just on time to warn them of the wrath of mother geese.
My mom is leaving for Sweden in a few days, and I thought this might be our last outing with her. So, I gathered the children together and took one last picture with all of them and mom (at least for this year.)
Although it had been a cool afternoon, my children made sure to show me a good time. I had a coat on, and that helped too.
So, I have decided I'm not a California girl. I like definite answers. I get along great with people who are committed and constant. I like my weather also to be one kind or another, and not so fickle. Fashion doesn't work well with this kind of weather, either. I detest layers; I think it's a sloppy style. I love summer dresses, but I hate to cover the pretty frilly sleeves with sweaters. I like wearing sandals adorned with jewels and bows and whatever else is my fancy, but then my feet feel cold. What to do?! Elijah has an amazing answer to all my problems: be grateful.
I am grateful that the sun is shinning; I'm grateful that the roses bloom like crazy all over town; I'm grateful for long fancy pants and ballet flats; I'm grateful for dainty short sleeve sweaters with gorgeous colors and designs; I'm grateful for parks, trees and grass; I'm grateful for stunning sunsets that remind me of God's artistic creation; I'm grateful for my children's laughter as they roll on the ground without noticing that it's cold or wet; I'm grateful for friends who come to visit and cheer me up; I'm grateful for delicious fruit that sweetens my mouth with their freshness; I'm grateful for my camera that helps me record as accurately as possible the happiness in front of my eyes.
There. I feel better.
When I sat down to write this post, my intention was to post some fun pictures I took of the children and my mom as we visited Heather Farm Park. As always, I write totally different things than what I have in mind. Nevertheless, since I am talking about Spring and roses and children, these pictures make for a great visual display of my feelings.
While the kids ran, rolled and jumped, I was reminded by what surrounded me that spring is beautiful even when it's not quite warm. I took pictures of colorful roses and pretty flowers:
I followed mom and Charlton behind as they played and had fun with each other:
And my heart rejoiced as my children posed, teased and had fun with each other:
I couldn't leave the park without taking some shots of the pond attended by its usual graceful friends, the geese, ducks and swans. A few of them had their little ones with them and my children wanted to pet them. I was just on time to warn them of the wrath of mother geese.
My mom is leaving for Sweden in a few days, and I thought this might be our last outing with her. So, I gathered the children together and took one last picture with all of them and mom (at least for this year.)
Although it had been a cool afternoon, my children made sure to show me a good time. I had a coat on, and that helped too.
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