The Results Are In . . .

This is a snapshot of what some of you
are reading or plan to read this summer. 
Thanks for sharing!

The Hunger Games
Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle)
Wayfarer
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga)
The Passage
The Scarlet Pimpernel (Forgotten Books)
The Robe
Abinadi
Illuminations of the Heart (Historical Romance Novels)
The School of Essential Ingredients
Being Sixteen

Whatcha' Readin?

Summer is here in all it's blazing hot glory and I am taking shelter with my books and a good dose of A/C. I'm enjoying The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes at the moment. Its a mystery to me why I haven't read any of Doyle's stories (sorry for the shameless pun) before this point in life. Maybe I mistakenly thought because of how long ago the stories were written, they would be predictable. Not so. Even though Doyle uses the same pattern and even some similar character and motives - the endings are almost always a surprise. Either that, or I'm dense, or easily confused. Really, what I love are enough hints to keep me guessing and few secrets to make the reveal very satisfying.  (I blogged a little more about Mr. Holmes at MMW.)

I'm also reading The Book of Mormon this summer with the youth in our ward. They are challenged to read it before school starts again in the fall. It's an ambitious schedule - one that keeps me on my toes - or rather, in the reading chair. 

Next up when I finish following the sleuth - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I've heard good things about it and will be checking it out soon. 

So what about you? What are you reading this summer? I want to hear all about the good books you've found to stay cool - or rather, distracted from the heat. If I get enough (or any) responses - I'll compile a book list.

Tunes, Anyone?

So I finally added a playlist. I won't tell you how (ridiculously) long it took to figure it out. *Sigh* Playing now is a collection of songs from the same artist -not exactly the collection I was planning before I knew my morning would be half-eaten by setting up free accounts, navigating, deciphering html. blah, blah, blah. Stuff teenagers do at the same time they are writing their English essay and playing the Wii. Sheesh.

Here is what I need to know. Forget, for a minute, the time I spent setting it up and subsequent complaining - Do you like playlists on the blogs you read? When you are reading a post do you like to have background music? I'm asking because I don't want to be annoying. At least not on purpose.
So, here's your chance. Tell me.
To keep the Playlist or not to keep the Playlist.
That is the question. (Sorry, Will.)

Bundle of Joy

No. Not a baby. Just a bundle of only somewhat related items that all make me happy.

1. There are 55 very cool and kind people following my blog! 55!  Some I know in real life - while others I'm not sure I'd be able to pick out of a line-up - which is a creepy thought - but still - I'm very thankful for my followers. I have follower-contest-ideas percolating. Stay tuned.

2. The ladies at MMW did not give me the boot after my first post! Shocking - I know. But that does mean you can catch another post. Today. Because I have the Tuesday slot. So check it out and you know, leave a comment if you like to do that sort of thing. http://www.mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/

3. I used to post something on my personal blog (this one) on or around Tuesday's. So I may adjust that unless I can get super-organized and have my posts prepared ahead of time. Not holding my breath for that. But don't worry, I am not abandoning this blog. That is one of the things I love about blogging - the freedom- flexibility-and very understanding readers.

4. If you happen to be a really nice reader that keeps up with this blog and also checks out my new posts at MMW (Hi Mom!) - I just want to point out that I noticed my first two posts over there had stories with morals and I'm really hoping I haven't come across as someone on a soap box or alway moralizing. It really isn't like me, at least it hasn't been. Anyway, I don't think I'll follow that format every week, so hopefully I haven't turned anyone off . *Big Exhale*

5. Stay tuned for more posts about tapping into your creativity. As soon as I can figure out copyright for bloggers and make sure I don't break any laws and get myself sued. That would kind of take all the fun out of this blogging gig.

There you have it. Consider yourself updated. Have a great day.

I also blog at . . .

Okay, so before I make a little sidebar with the same title and nifty little link, I want to announce it here in a post, with big letters.

I also blog at

Mormon Mommy Writers! 

I'm not usually the shouting kind, but I'm very excited and still can't believe I get to be part of a very cool blogging team of of other Mormom Mommy Writers!! Today is my first official post - I have the Tuesday slot. So please, if you have time, check it out and let me know what you think. I love comments! Also, you might notice on the blog, I have a profile picture with a nickname. Right now that nick name is "word girl." I think that figuring out the nickname caused me more stress than the post. Sad, I know. Anyway, if you have an idea for another nick name - I'm taking suggestions.

Why I really get up

38 today.
No - not pages written,
Years lived.
It's a good day.
I love life.
Yeah, I'm one of those
Birthday lovers.
Not for the reasons you might think.
Not because life is easy or
Things always go as I planned. No.
I've had my share of
I-didn't-see-that-coming moments.
But I've believed for a long time
Life is beautiful
Easy or hard-
Life is a gift.

This year
I am the age
My older brother
Never got to be.
It's hard to care about smile lines
Or grey hairs when I remember him.
Years take on new meanings
when they are etched on gravestones.
If he were so young when he died,
How can I be getting old?

I'm aware my
Age-announcing
Birthday-loving
Blog post
Is a bit unconventional
In our culture of
Perpetually young everything
And maybe some of my readers are shielding their eyes
Cringing for me - did she really put her age on the page?
Yes. I refuse to dread my birthdays,
Or even pretend I'm not really grateful to have another one.

Here's to watermelon and corn on the cob.
Summer nights and star filled skies.
Moving the furniture and turning up the dance music.
And on hard, hard days
Here's to the kind of peace that only comes from prayer
And singing hymns to soothe a broken heart
And knowing life is a beautiful gift.

What is a Blog?

What do I do when life gets too crazy-busy and I still want to post something?
I get philosophical. Okay. Not really. But I did come across this little video where they asked people in time square  "What is a blog?"

It's short. And it may provide some comic relief. Unless, of course, you are a blogger, then brace yourself. I get the feeling we in the blogging universe aren't getting the r-e-s-p-e-c-t we deserve! Oh well.

Oh, and wait for the guy in the blue shirt. Can anyone tell me what it means to be "one third as smart as they really are?" Don't worry. I don't take offense. In fact, if someone needs to find a blog to point and laugh at - they are welcome to use mine!!

Have a great blogging day!