Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: What would you say is the best children’s book you’ve ever read?


Today I am going to answer the random question: What would you say is the best children's book you've ever read?

I would have to say that my favorite children's book was actually a compilation of stories and poems called "The Bumper Book" written by Watty Piper, illustrated by Eulalie and published in 1946 by Platt & Munk.

 I absolutely loved this book -- especially the alphabet rhyme and the poem "Vespers" also titled "Christopher Robin is Saying His Prayers" by A.A. Milne.  It is a poem to his son, Christopher, who is, of course, Christopher Robin of Winnie the Pooh fame.  I had the poem read to me so much as a child I memorized it and can recite it to this day.

This book was so dear to me that I have spent a good deal of money procuring copies for my grandchildren so they could have the same joy from it that I have always felt. 

Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: What do you do with your books once you’ve read them?


Here I am again with my Musing Mondays post.   I am going to respond to two of the prompts today.

The first prompt is -- "I'm really upset by...."

The fact that I seem to have lost a book and can't find it anywhere.  I am looking for the next title in the Elm Creek Quilt series and I have it marked in my little book that I own it but I can't find it.  I feel like I bought it some time ago but it is nowhere to be found and I have now destroyed all four of my bookcases looking for it.  Blah.  I also remember marking my list that I "owned" one of the books when I really didn't and now I wonder if it was that one.  Ah, an ageing mind is a sad, sad thing.

The second prompt is -- "What do you do with your books once you've read them?"

Well, for the most part they go back on the bookshelf.  Sometimes, however, if it is an author I am not partial to or a title I just didn't enjoy that much I will sell them at my neighborhood Half-Price Books (which don't pay much on the $, BTW) or I will donate to the Watauga Library because they accept donations with great gusto.  However, there is a new, independent book store opening here in Fort Worth and they also accept used books so that might be another option to me.

So, that is my musing for this Monday!

Musing Mondays

Musing Mondays (Jan.18)

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

• I’m currently reading…
• Up next I think I’ll read…
• I bought the following book(s) in the past week…
• I’m super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I’m really upset by (book/author/bookish-news)…
• I can’t wait to get a copy of…
• I wish I could read ___, but…
• I blogged about ____ this past week…

THIS WEEK’S RANDOM QUESTION: Do you have any particular “quirks” when it comes to reading? (eg. taking notes while reading, etc)


Here is my Monday Musing response to "I blogged about _________ this past week".


I blogged about a lot of things this week -- nothing earth shattering or particularly interesting but things that were impacting me personally. 

I remember when I first learned about blogs.  My son's friend, Mundee, had a blog.  I asked him what that was, he told me, and I immediately decided I wanted one as well.  I was intrigued.  I like to write so I decided this would be a perfect outlet for me.  I discovered almost as immediately that some days there was just nothing to write about.  I also discovered that was ok.

Then came Facebook and I got hooked into that.  It is fun and yet it is just a bit evil.  It allows me to keep up with family and friends that I don't see often.  It also allows me to waste lots and lots of time.  I find it depressing a lot of the time because there is so much sadness and anger expressed there.  That might work for some but not for me. 

So, I have come back to my blog and I have discovered that I need to write something, anything, every day.  I try to do pictures.  I try to do memes like this when nothing is going on but I do try to be present every day.  I have a very small following and that is fine with me.  I correspond with my followers on a regular basis and call them friends.  So, while my writing doesn't span the vast horizons, it has allowed me to create my little corner of the world with like minded people and I can escape to this corner whenever I want and it brings me comfort and joy.

With that, I invite you to join me at boyett-brinkley.blogspot.com.

29 September 2014


I haven't participated in the Musing Mondays meme for a while.  It is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  Basically, it is a place for you to talk about your reading, with or without prompts.

I thought that today I would share what has caught my attention in the literary world recently.   Of course, I obtained my copy, the day it was released, of Jan Karon's new title "Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good".  It is the next in the Mitford series, the first in a while after her two fantastic reads in the Father Tim series.  I can't tell you how it feels to read Karon's Mitford series books.  You feel like you are going "home" or to a different time/place (although they are very contemporary).  The books all take place in the fictional town of Mitford and, like all small towns, it has a cast of very colorful, loveable and not so loveable characters and there is always one you can identify with or say you know somebody "just like that".  This is the sort of book you can settle in with and just lose yourself for a while.  Yep, they are that good. However, if you are just beginning with the Karon series please start at the beginning with the first one.  They will make much better sense that way!

I have also been reading M. C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series.  I started out reading her Hamish MacBeth series and then started following her on Facebook and decided to pick up one of the Agatha Raisin series and give it a go.  I started at the beginning with the first one and was instantly hooked.  I am now on my third and don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  These are delightful little mysteries, quick reads, engaging and humorous.  They are being made into a tv show in the UK -- I certainly hope we get to see it here in the States!

Happy Fall!

Musing Mondays (Apr. 28)

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

The Library

Every week or so we take our granddaughter to the library.  She loves the library.  In fact, we took her to our local used book store the other day and she thought she was at the library and gathered herself up quite a stack of books.  Ha! That is another post.

However, as we were standing in line at the LIBRARY I noticed a lovely mystery book on one of the display shelves close by.  It is "Death Comes to the Village" by Catherine Lloyd.  Being the sucker for covers that I am, I snatched it up and brought it home.  It is the first time, in a very long time, that I have checked out a library book for myself and I was surprised at the exhilaration that came over me -- just like when I was a kid.  The library was one of my favorite places and I could lose myself there for hours and that was exactly how I felt this time.

I brought home one book that grabbed my attention, not a stack of random reads off a sale table.  I was excited to read this one book, not just put it on the shelf for "someday".  It brought back many great childhood memories.  I didn't realize that just one borrowed book could do that.

So, my thought of the day is that maybe it is a good thing that the B&N near me closed.  I have often said that the library is under utilized, under respected and should be protected. Maybe I need to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.  The library near my house is a short car ride away, much closer than B&N, maybe I should be going there instead.  I sure did like the way it felt.

 

Musing Mondays (Apr. 21)

April 21, 2014

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

 Confession of a Bookaholic --

Honestly there should be a twelve step program for people like me.  I am a hopeless, weak individual completely taken in by the glitz of a cover or the promise of an alluring dust jacket synopsis.  I should be ashamed of myself.  Really.

Here we are, on the morning of the day we are planning to build yet more book shelves for our ever growing collection and I just can't help myself.  I have had one of each generation of Nook -- each bought with the idea that the new one had more upgrades and features and by using an e-reader I would somehow purchase fewer physical books to add to our ever-expanding library which could be considered a public library branch in size.  So, considering that we are planning this bookcase for the last remaining piece of free wall space in our little house, I thought I should possibly pay closer attention to the e-reader so I went exploring Barnes and Noble's Nook Book section and much to my horror -- there it was --a  virtual sale table.  OMG -- there is a page of books under $2.99 --- some free.  

Have you ever had a moment that you lost control and couldn't stop it, somewhat like Alice falling down the rabbit hole?  Yes, there I was.   I now have about a half dozen new books on my Nook.  Wellllll, I whine, isn't that was it was for? To reduce the number of physical books?  Ugh.

I have come to the conclusion that there is no help for people like me, no solution.  I just have to accept myself as I am, a weak individual, a wimp, when it comes to printed material.  It is part of who I am, right?  Is it really so bad, though?  I could have a weak desire for other things much worse, right?  Designer handbags or shoes.  Jewelry, Yachts and houses in the Hamptons?  Ok, not quite the same thing but you see what I mean -- having too many books, too little space to put them and not enough time to read them is hardly the worst of the problems that I could have.  

So I guess it isn't such a terrible affliction after all.   I mean, too many books could be useful -- to share with others, to use as decoration, to prop up table legs -- or to keep me current, to keep my mind sharp and to give me something to fill the hours and take me to places/situations that I would never dream of being.  Such a wonderful escape -- books.  

Yes, I don't think I feel bad at all about my lack of control in procuring books of any sort -- physical or virtual.   They bring such pleasure -- if even just looking at the cover art.   What have I learned from this?  That if I talk to myself long enough, I just justify almost anything!  

Musing Mondays (Apr. 14)

Musing Mondays asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it! 
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

Today I am just going to talk about childhood and my books.  A little sentimental for some reason so I thought it appropriate.

When I was small I was fascinated that people could actually read words and there was meaning.  I remember, quite distinctly, sitting on the sofa (it was a brown tweed, modern affair with one arm) next to my mother as she read the newspaper and asking her what it felt like to be able to read.  It was a skill I longed for because instinctively I knew that if I could read I could know anything I wanted to know.

There was a neighborhood toy store by the name of Ann and Tom Brown.  It was located several blocks from my house, still within walking distance although it was a long walk, and we visited there often.  It was a wonderful toy store with all manner of things.  I remember being completely in awe of the marionettes and their assortment of Vogue dolls.  I also remember their novelty items like these big balls of crepe paper which, upon being unwound, were found to contain small trinkets and tokens.  Great fun.  

I remember one day, in particular that my mother and I were there.  We went to buy a book.  My mother decided I was old enough for a chapter book that we would read together.  I hadn't learned to read yet so I must have been about four.  The goal was, since naps had ceased, to use the book for rest time.  We chose The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Apparently the Oz books were her favorites growing up. I remember her reading the book to me in the afternoon and I could just picture the characters and the scenery.  It was a good time and something I tried to repeat with my own children--they were great fans of the Bunnicula books.

Now I have the privilege of caring for my youngest grandchild -- the loveable Bean.  Now that nap times are quickly becoming a thing of the past but rest is still needed, I decided to return to the scheme my mother began with me.  Tomorrow we will start reading The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

I went to B&N a couple of days ago and purchased a leather bound, hard back copy for her personal library.

 B&N has a lovely collection of classics for children, reprints of older editions and I think it would make a lovely series to collect.  When we get finished with Oz, we might move on to Peter Pan or Alice in Wonderland although I get a bit itchy with Alice long around Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum time.  

So, tomorrow we will be taking flight on a cyclone and visiting Munchkinland and getting to know all the characters.  I am anxious to see how Bean does -- if she has the patience to stay with it or if her 3-year-oldness takes over.  At any rate, I am sure I will enjoy it.

Musing Mondays is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.  This morning's "musing" is a bit involved but here goes.

3 Books That Have Impacted You

The Good Master
The Kitchen House
A Woman of Substance

3 Books Currently on Your Wishlist

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker
The Screwtape Letters
The Great Gatsby (no, I didn't read it in high school much to everyone's shock)


3 Books You Have Purchased in the Last Six Months

French Women Don't Get Facelifts
The Christmas Candle
Nancy Drew, The Bungalow Mystery

3 Books You Can't Help But Recommend to Others

Folly Beach
A Woman of Substance
The Aunt Dimity Series

3 Books With Amazing Covers

Ok, this is my weakness because I tend to buy books by their covers so I don't know if this answer is going to reflect amazing covers or just covers that appeal to me.

I love the covers of the Jan Karon's Mitford Series as well as the Aunt Dimity Series.  The Elm Creek series has covers that appeal  to me as well although they are a bit whimiscal, like the other two.  Another author that has beautiful covers is Kate Morton. Yes, I know that is more than three.  Sorry.

Musing Mondays -- February 17, 2014


Musing Mondays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  To participate you need to answer one of several questions.  Today I will be discussing what I am reading currently and my opinion of the book.

I am currently reading The Quilter's Legacy by Jennifer Chiaverini.  It is the fifth book in the Elm Creek Creek series.  While you wouldn't have to read these books in order, it is helpful because there is a serial aspect to them.

I have only just begun this book but I am totally into it.  Even though I am more than twenty years younger than the main character -- Sylvia Bergstrom -- I identify with her.  I don't think I am necessarily like her because, in the first book, she is quite gruff but I think I admire her.  In any event, for an octogenarian, she has serious spunk.

I especially love the setting of these books.  Elm Creek Manor is a place I could see myself visiting and probably never wanting to leave.  The thought of having inherited a mansion and then turning it into something like a quilt camp just sounds like a lot of fun. 

Then, there is the quilting.  When I began this series of books, I thought they would be heavy with all things quilting but they aren't.  There is just enough to get me over my "quilting block" and inspire me to get back into it.  I am the sort of person that has to be in the mood to do something and sometimes I need a little push.

The history aspect of these books is very appealing.  If you like history or do genealogy these books will appeal to you.  There is a little of all of it. These books also have a bit of mystery to them so if you like mysteries, there is some of that for you, as well.

All in all, I have enjoyed this series thus far and I am sure my current read will be no different. 

Musing Mondays -- December 16, 2013


Musing Mondays is a meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.  The goal is to answer just one of several questions posed for readers. 

Today I am going to discuss what I am reading, what I think about it and why I chose it.  I am currently reading "13 Little Blue Envelopes" by Maureen Johnson. It is the chronicle of a young woman, Ginny Blackstock, who is sent on a journey by her unconventional and newly deceased aunt, Peg.  The journey is guided by 13 little blue envelopes containing instructions along the way.  Each envelope contains a destination and a number of tasks to be completed once Ginny is there -- funds are provided by Aunt Peg.  Clearly this is an opportunity for Ginny to discover herself as she is put in situations that she would probably never find herself in otherwise.

The book is reminiscent of "Bridget Jones Diary" (which I never read, I am basing my opinion on the movie) and "Austenland".  It is light hearted yet very deep.  Ginny finds herself in some situations that she handles with much maturity -- more than most seventeen year olds would.  For that reason, I think it is a bit unrealistic but it is a fun read if you don't get too analytical.

I chose it because it is the first on my list in my Nook library.  I keep adding books to my Nook library and then I keep buying physical books so I figured I should start chiseling away at that list.  In fact, that might be one of my own personal challenges for the new year -- read the Nook Books!

I am about half way through the book -- it isn't a long book, I have just been busy, and at this point I would recommend it for something light and quick.  I will review further when I am done.

17 July 2012

Yes, I realize it is Tuesday and I have already done the meme for today but I forgot this one yesterday so I am playing catch up -- not an uncommon activity for me.

The questions this week are -- What are you  currently reading?  Is it any good?  Would you recommend it.

I am currently reading "East End Jubilee"  by Carol Rivers.

I am finding it to be one of those books you can't put down.  It  takes place at the time of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth.  It is about Rose, her husband, his troubles, their children, her sister -- their lives, everyday and how they cope.  It is a bit like watching a family through their kitchen window or over the back fence.

Yes, I would recommend it.  It is a quiet book but it is compelling and I am quite enjoying it.

May 21, 2012

The question of the day is "What do you do with the book before you start reading it".

For the most part, I read the cover.  I am all about covers.  The cover has to grab me first and then when I pick up the book, I read whatever printed word is on it and then I decide if I want to read it at all.  When I decide I want to read it, then I just read it because I will have already done all my preliminary weird stuff.

12 December 2011


Time for another Musing Mondays over at Should Be Reading hosted by Miz B.

Today's question is What kind of books do you like to read?  Why?  Provide specific examples.

I guess I never really thought to analyze my reading preferences but, when asked this question I had to take a long look at my shelves and see if I could see a trend.  Yes, there is definitely a pattern to my reading.  I tend to read books about the human condition, lots of family related books, not without conflict but with a definite happy ending.  I also tend to read series books and once I decide I like an author, I find I read many of his/her books.

I am not sure why I read series books, or books with sequels, so much but, upon further review, I think I always have.  My first "series" books was Honey Bunch's First Visit to Puppyland.

I was quite small when I received this book, I couldn't read it but I remember being read to and liking the concept of "chapters".  As an adult I have collected a few more of the Honey Bunch books.  Nothing like a collection.

Once I began school, one of my favorite things was the "required" book list we received every September.  This was a mimeographed list (anybody remember the purple ink?) of age appropriate books that we were to choose a certain number from, read, and write a book report -- all without prompting from the teacher.  We were just supposed to do it and turn it in on our own.  I think back, then it was called "responsibility".  I don't think it exists anymore.  I digress.  One of my favorite authors was Kate Seredy and I loved the books in the Good Master series.  I loved the covers, the illustrations and the stories.  I read them all.

Another author that I enjoyed as a child was Laura Lee Hope of The Bobbsey Twin fame.  My very favorite book was The Bobbsey Twins at Tower London.  I remember Christmas shopping with my mother, finding the book and she buying it for me.  I was probably too old for it but I loved it anyway.  I guess I was interested in my "roots" way back then, as well, and was always fascinated by all things UK.

Shortly after my love affair with all these children's books (I still love them, honestly) I stumbled across Shirley Jackson's books after seeing "The Haunting of Hill House" in about 1963 or so.  Quite a far cry from The Bobbsey Twins but I couldn't get enough of her writings and while I thoroughly enjoyed "The Haunting" book, I really liked We Have Always Lived in the Castle and have read it more than once.  I thought I had acquired all that Jackson had to offer until recently when I discovered another book called The Lottery, published in 1948.  My copy includes this title as well as twenty four other short stories.  I haven't read it yet because I am caught up in my current series but I think it is the next on my list when I need a break from Aunt Dimity.

As an adult, I still love series books. I have read most of the entire Woman of Substance series as well as Jan Karon's Mitford series.

While I am anxiously awaiting a third book in the Father Tim series, I am enjoying the Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton.  I have never been a huge mystery fan but these are really nice little books and aren't so involved as to confuse this easily confused brain!  There are fifteen books in the Aunt Dimity series and I am on number five.  They are short books and shouldn't take me as long to read them as they do but I am easily distracted.  I managed to space them out so that I am reading the "Christmas" book now -- good planning, don't you think?

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Beverly Lewis and all her books about the Amish community in Pennsylvania.

  I am not Amish nor do I live in Pennsylvania but I find that I really enjoy these books.  I don't know whether it is the inspirational message or the vision of a connected family life that is seems to be diminishing in mainstream American or just the diversion of reading about a culture different from my own but, whatever it is, I find them to be very relaxing reading even though quite predictable.

So, there is my answer -- sorry it is so long!

Today's Question at Musing Mondays over at Should Be Reading hosted by Miz B is "how many books do you read in a week? a month? a year?"

I never kept up with my reading totals before now.  I would just read.  Some books went quickly, some took  forever, and some didn't get finished at all.  However, now that there are a number of reading sites out there which host all manner of challenges, I have become more aware of how much I read.  I rarely complete a book in a week -- I am easily distracted.  Most would be done in two weeks.  I can read a couple of books a month if I put my mind to it and I have read about 18 books this year -- to date.  I had a goal of 25 but it isn't going to happen.  I am definitely not a fast reader but I am, what I would call, a steady reader.

Musing Mondays


It is time for another Musing Mondays hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.  Today's question is -- "Will you be buying books for the holidays, this year.  If so, for whom and why?"

I have already done.  I buy books every Christmas for almost everybody on my list.  My hubby is always looking at some sort of woodworking or barbecue book.  My kids and their spouses read and, of course, there are the children.  I don't think there can ever be enough books in the home of a child.

 24 October 2011

Today's  question is  do you listen to audio books? Why or why not?

I have never listened to an audio book.  I am not sure why but it seems like a great thing to do now when I drive back and forth to my daughter's house -- I might try it!

Musing Mondays -- 17 October 2011

The question today is "do you judge a book by its cover?".  Unfortunately, yes, I do.  I have read some really lousy books that way, too, and I am sure I have bypassed some wonderful books for the same reason.  I can't help it, I love a pretty book!

t

Musing Mondays -- 26 September 2011

What does it take for you to give up on a book you're reading?

It takes a lot, actually, and while I don't usually give up on a book, I will give it a time out and come back to it later.  I don't like to give up on books or feel as if I need to give up on a book.  Having been the sort that did lots of creative writing in school, has taken creative writing courses and such, I know what goes into writing and I appreciate all authors efforts.  However, since people's reading/writing tastes differ, I try to choose books that I know I will finish because not finishing a book, to me, is an insult to the author.

Musing Mondays  29 August 2011


Musing Mondays this week is a meme! Here are my answers to this question --


What was the last book you --

1.  borrowed from the library?  "Sleepy Time"

2  bought?  "Return to Sullivan's Island"

3.  cried over?  "The Memory Keepers Daughter"

4  disliked and couldn't finish?  I haven't had one of these in a while.  The last book that I really disliked but did finish was "Bramwell Valley".

5.  read and loved?  This is hard.  I guess it was "In the Company of Others" but I am really enjoying the Aunt Dimity series as well. 

6.  got for a review?  Never had the privilege.

7.  gave to somebody else?  "Aunt Dimity's Death". 

8.  stayed up too late reading?  I never stay up too late reading -- reading makes me sleepy regardless of how fantastic the book is.


There you go -- my Musing Mondays!

Todays topic is -- Have you ever read a book that inspired you to take up a cause?  What book was it and what was/is the cause?

If you are talking about charitable or humanitarian causes, I would have to say no because I don't read those sorts of books.  I do read lots of history and historical fiction and I would say that those books -- can't really pick one out -- have lead me to be even more interested in history.  I read a lot of culturally religious things (Amish fiction, for instance) which makes me curious so I end up doing research on that and anything that will trip my genealogical trigger will set me off on a genealogical quest.