October 2014 Wrap-up and Monthly TBR

Hop on over to Booksessed to participate.

October's TBR Pile (6/10):

1. J’s pick: Dune by Frank Herbert √
2. J’s pick: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
3. Book club selection: Expecting Adam by Martha Beck √
4. MVPA Book club selection: I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai √
5. Feminist Book club: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. Series pick: Entwined by Kristen Callihan √
7. Book to movie: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
8. Dystopian: Divergent by Veronica Roth
9. Reread: The Awakening by Kate Chopin √
10. Fantasy Pick: Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan √
11. Favorite: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin
12. Short Story Collection: The Mad Scientist’s Guide to World Domination
13. Zombie Pick: The Living Dead
14. Steampunk Pick: The Mammoth Book of Steampunk

Picture Book Roundup (I'm not planning on reviewing the picture books we read, but I do plan on recording them monthly for my reading challenge)

1. The Chicken of the Family by Mary Amato
2. Monsters Love Colors by Mike Austin
3. Martin on the Moon by Martine Audet
4. Sheep in a Jeep by Nancy Shaw
5. One, Two... Boo! by Kristen L. Depken
6. I Love You, Little Pumpkin by Sandra Magsamen
7. Spooky Spooky Spooky by Cathy MacLennan
8. The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
9. Me and My Mom by Alison Ritchie
10. The Apple Pie Tree by Zoe Hall
11. I am an Apple by Jean Marzollo
12. Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by Herman Parish
13. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur
14. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
15. I Really, Really Need Actual Ice Skates by Lauren Child
16. Oink-a-Doodle Moo by Jef Czekaj
17. My Octopus Arms by Keith Baker
18. Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies by Carolyn Crimi
19. My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis
20. Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger
21. The Treasure Bath by Dan Andreasen
22. He's Been a Monster All Day by Denise Brennan-Nelson
23. Farmyard Beat by Lindsey Craig
24. Socksquatch by Frank Dormer
25. Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert
26. Ten Little Beasties by Rebecca Emberley
27. Big Bad Bubble by Adam Rubin
28. Apple Farmer Annie by Monica Wellington
29. Little Goblins Ten by Pamela Jane
30. My Bus by Byron Barton
31. E is for Echidna by Bronwyn Bancroft
32. Ann and Nan are Annagrams by Mark Shulman

1,000,000 Page Goal

Monthly Total: 2326 pages
Pages Remaining: 816,393 pages

Current Read - Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer

Books Won (0)

Books I Gave Up On (0)

Challenges Completed  -- None this month

Comments - Not a ton of books, but a decent showing given my life lately.  Unfortunately November is going to be a a bit of an issue.  We are officially moving at right before Thanksgiving and then Arthur and I are going back to Indiana. Hopefully I can still find some time for reading...

November's TBR Pile:

1. Nonfiction: Living History by Hilary Rodham Clinton
2. Book club selection: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (iPad)
3. Carry-over: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
4. Series pick: Evernight by Kristen Callihan
5. Random pick: Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer
6. Series Ender: Acceptance by Jeff Vandermeer
7. Mystery Pick: Authority by Jeff Vandermeer
8. Fantasy Pick: A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

FF #40: Fairy Costume

As it's Halloween, I thought I would do my own version of a fairy costume.  I love the layers on these dresses, but I couldn't decide which one to choose.  So, I decided to feature both of them! The accessories are just icing on the cake. Plus, check out those crazy ass shoes.

Burberry tulle dress

burberry.com

Burberry tulle dress

burberry.com

Giuseppe Zanotti peep-toe boots

shopbop.com

Alexander McQueen strappy high heel sandals

bysymphony.com

Vince camuto crossbody

shoptheshoebox.com

Tassel handbag

blackfive.com

Victorian necklace

$152,630 - bentley-skinner.co.uk

Crown jewelry

1stdibs.com

Ashley pittman jewelry

stanleykorshak.com

Tai cuff jewelry

lastcall.com

Necklace

callitspring.com

Shyla bracelets bangle

$35 - oliverbonas.com

Thank You Thank You Thank You

1. Peet's Coffee -- For fueling my coffee addiction and giving me a place to escape and blog for a bit.

2. The Awakening by Kate Chopin -- For getting my reading mojo back. I was in a reading slump, but I'm excited for my next book and to finish the year off right.

3. Sleep training -- For getting Arthur back to some sort of sleeping schedule after a bit of a hiccup.

4. Kaiser Permanente -- For keeping all my medical records and automatically assigning me my old doctors. It made changing insurance (again!) just a little less crazy. We switched on Friday and had Arthur's 12 month appointment on Monday.  Easy peasy!

5. My fellow members of the MVPA Social Committee -- For helping to throw an awesome fall social/Halloween costume party for the littles. Despite having a weather hiccup and a few mishaps here and there, I think we pulled off a great event.

Quote Wednesday -- Gruber

A book is a lovely thing -- a garden stocked with beautiful flowers, a magic carpet on which to fly away to unknown climes. -- Frank Gruber

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Title: The Awakening

Author: Kate Chopin

Publisher: 1899

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 190

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; 52 Books -- W44; Monthly Motif -- Oldie but a Goodie; Rereading; Classics -- 19th Century

When first published in 1899, The Awakening shocked readers with its honest treatment of female marital infidelity. Audiences accustomed to the pieties of late Victorian romantic fiction were taken aback by Chopin's daring portrayal of a woman trapped in a stifling marriage, who seeks and finds passionate physical love outside the straitened confines of her domestic situation. Aside from its unusually frank treatment of a then-controversial subject, the novel is widely admired today for its literary qualities. Edmund Wilson characterized it as a work "quite uninhibited and beautifully written, which anticipates D. H. Lawrence in its treatment of infidelity."

I first read The Awakening my sophomore year of high school.  It opened up my world. Because of its influence, I went on to major in Women's Studies with a specialization in women in religion. This was my seminal work.  But would it stand up almost 20 years later? (I have read it off and on during the in between years, but the last time was almost 5 years ago)

The answer is yes!  I still adore this book and the character of Edna. I understand her seemingly trapped position in life. I get how revolutionary this was publishing a feminist novel in 1899.  I wish Edna had been able to make a different choice, but understand the one she made. I still get very emotional as the end nears. Chopin's slim volume has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf.

Music Monday - The Avett Brothers "Ballad of Love and Hate"

Every time this song pops up on my shuffle, I can't help but stop and sing along.  Love it!  And the live version is definitely always the right choice. 

FF #39: Whimsical Garden

I stumbled upon this dress and had to create an outfit around it.  The dress reminds me of beautiful fall garden full of mums.  The dress is a complete work of art. I wanted to go simple with the accessories, but I found these great interesting pieces and had to include them.  Those shoes are a work of art all by themselves.

Tabitha Simmons zipper sandals

$1,125 - montaignemarket.com

Jigsaw red handbag

$79 - jigsaw-online.com

Oscar de la Renta flower ring

shopbop.com

Odds and Ends

My random thoughts from this week:

• I see the light at the end of the tunnel crafting wise... at least for October.
• Cows are really big.  Being two feet from one made me feel small. And Arthur was not exactly thrilled.
• Watching three episodes of Doctor Who in a row makes my head spin, but also love Peter Capaldi even more.
• Looking forward to me few hours off Arthur watch next week. I desperately need to organize my blogging schedule and posts.
• Christmas in Indiana is coming and I'm getting excited!
• Really hope my Halloween costume comes today. Our event is Saturday.
• Still haven't put away the party supplies from Arthur's party almost two weeks ago.
• Changing medical insurance is a pain, but Kaiser thankfully makes appointments and prescriptions easy with their online system.
• It's hard to imagine Arthur as a 2 month old now (new baby in the parent's group is 2 months old!)

Quote Wednesday -- Williams

There is a time for departure even when there's no certain place to go. -- Tennessee Williams

Top Ten Tuesday - New Series I Want to Start

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join.  If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth -- The first book has been sitting on my iPad for awhile now.  I really want to dive in...

2. Parasitology by Mira Grant -- Loved the Newsflesh series, been meaning to pick this one up.

3. Diviners by Libba Bray -- Such rave reviews, I need to read!

4. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay -- Looks like a fun YA series.

5. Seven Kingdoms by Kristin Cashore -- A YA series that's been sitting on my shelf for forever.

6. The Finishing School by Gail Carriger -- Another series set in the same world as The Parasol Protectorate?  Yes please!

7. Rome by Kate Quinn -- Haven't read much historical fiction lately, but this series looks great.

8. Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan -- Loved the Percy Jackson series, intrigued my a Egyptian myth series.

9. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld -- Need some more Steampunk.

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Title: I am Malala

Author: Malala Yousafzai

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2013

Genre: Memoir

Pages: 327

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Nonfiction Adventure; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W43

When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, when she was fifteen, she almost paid the ultimate price. She was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school, and few expected her to survive.

Instead, Malala's miraculous recovery has taken her on an extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she became a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I'll admit that I was a bit unsure about reading this one.  I haven't had the best track record when it comes to memoirs/autobiographies from younger people.  Glad I was wrong.  This book was a special treat to read. I loved hearing about Malala's childhood.  Her love of her homeland shines through. We get to see Pakistan through her eyes and it is beautiful. Every once in awhile we get the noticeably different voice of her co-author, journalist Christina Lamb. Those parts had more of a newspaper article feel to them.  While informative about some of the larger political and social events, I kept wanting to hear more from Malala. Overall, an amazing read.  Recommend to all!

Music Monday - iPod Shuffle

Three random songs from my iPod.  Eclectic selections as usual...

Fall Out Boy "Just One Yesterday"

Jason Mraz "Unfold"

Simon and Garfunkel "Mrs. Robinson"

FF #38: Pattern Play

Burgundy top

$37 - glamorous.com

Topshop cotton vest

vestiairecollective.com

Topshop cotton trousers

vestiairecollective.com

Converse kohl shoes

$72 - coggles.com

Bohemian backpack

modcloth.com

Video Basket

Crazy giant list of random facts! 

Bo Burnham is amazing!

They are too adorable!  Makes me want to watch all my crazy 90s Nick shows.

Intriguing...

Want to see this...

This little girl is crazy!

Looks pretty interesting...

Quote Wednesday -- Thoreau

Morning is when I am awake and there is a dawn in me. -- Henry David Thoreau

Arthur: 1 Year Old!

A busy pre-birthday week!  We had so much fun!

Likes: Pumpkins and gourds; chocolate cupcakes (birthday treat); mud

Dislikes: Eating what I actually put on his tray; when daddy is gone

Sleeping: We are doing very well. Sleep training paid off big time.  Down at 7pm, up at 6am, no waking in between.  Naps are usually 1-3 hours right after lunch.  It's been awesome!

Eating: When he's actually hungry, he eats anything and everything that I put in front of him. If he's not that hungry, most of it goes onto the floor. I am encouraged by his willingness to try new foods.  Just hope he becomes a little less destructive with the food.

Just born

Playing: So much with all his friends! His favorite game right now is to play peek-a-boo with friend E.  They are too adorable together!

Medical Milestones: 

• Babies usually range from 27 3/4" long and 18 lbs to 30 1/3" long and 23 lbs. -- Check!  Arthur's right about 30 inches long and 24 pounds.
• Showing his independence -- Check!  Even if he can't speak, Arthur lets me know what he wants and when he wants it.  I've been giving him small choices (holding up two different snacks) and letting him choose. Seems to make him happy.
• Scribbling with crayons -- Not yet. Maybe I should let him try...
• Drinking cow's milk -- Not yet. We've had a crazy week, but this is next on my list.
• Fussy eating -- Check! Right now his favorite feeding activity is to throw food on the floor.  He still eats, but my goodness, some days it is a struggle.

Schedule:Our usual activities with a few hiccups along the way. Check out our fun below.

Out and About: Crazy week past!

• Monday we visited the pumpkin patch with some mom friends. Arthur especially loved the hayride.
• Tuesday we ended up at the VW dealership for almost 3 hours. So of course we missed storytime and playground visit!
• Wednesday we made it to Rengstorff for playdate.  The ground was very wet and Arthur ended up covered in dirt.
• Thursday we walked Shoreline with friends.
• Friday was preschool playdate at Janine's house.  We had an awesome time learning about leaves and pumpkins
• Saturday was party day!  Arthur ended the party covered in dirt and chocolate.  I'd say that is a sign of a great party.  Tons of friends came and shared in his special day. Even when I twisted my ankle falling a hole, the party went over great. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of the party ready to show yet.
• Sunday we had brunch at Olympus Cafe in Mountain View so that mom could lead a info meeting. And then he spent the rest of the day with dad while mom went to a movie.

Expecting Adam by Martha Beck

Title: Expecting Adam

Author: Martha Beck

Publisher: Harmony 2011

Genre: Nonfiction - Inspirational

Pages: 368

Rating: 1/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Nonfiction Adventure; Read Your Freebies; Well Read Reader - Memoir

John and Martha Beck had two Harvard degrees apiece when they conceived their second child. Further graduate studies, budding careers, and a growing family meant major stress--not that they'd have admitted it to anyone (or themselves). As the pregnancy progressed, Martha battled constant nausea and dehydration. And when she learned her unborn son had Down syndrome, she battled nearly everyone over her decision to continue the pregnancy. She still cannot explain many of the things that happened to her while she was expecting Adam, but by the time he was born, Martha, as she puts it, "had to unlearn virtually everything Harvard taught [her] about what is precious and what is garbage."

Thoroughly disappointed in this one. I was expecting a feel good, yet harrowing struggle through a difficult pregnancy and subsequent birth of her son.  And yet, I could not find any sympathy for Martha and her struggle.  She whined.  The world revolved around her.  Her life ended with the pregnancy.  Ugh!  Get over yourself lady!  I wanted to read of an honest and brutal account of a difficult time, but there were no good lessons within the book.  And the book wasn't at all about her son Adam.  I can't summon any understanding for a woman who has everything, complains about how life changes, and places blame on others. And don't get me started about the supernatural aspects of the book. No thank you!

Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan

Title: Shadowdance (Darkest London #4)

Author: Kristen Callihan

Publisher: Hachette Book Group 2012

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 427

Rating:  4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Fall Reading Challenge; Mount TBR; 52 Books - W42; Seriously Series

Once a heart is lost in shadow . . .

Life has been anything but kind to Mary Chase. But the Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals has given her purpose. Now she's been tasked with catching a vicious murderer dubbed the Bishop of Charing Cross. But someone is already on the case-and the last thing he relishes is a partner.

Only someone who lives in darkness can find it.

Jack Talent has been alone with his demons for many years. He never expected to have the willful Mary Chase assist him on the Bishop case. Their age-old rivalry reaches new heights-even as their desire for one another reaches a fever pitch. Though he aches to bring her close, Jack's dark secrets are a chasm between them. With dangerous enemies closing in, Jack must find the strength to face the past . . . or risk losing Mary forever.

Another good but not great book in the Darkest London series.  I was never interested in learning more about Mary or Jack from the previous books.  While I may not have loved the characters, the storyline was much better than the previous full novel.  I enjoyed learning more about the Nex and the fallen and the other demons.  I will have to pick up the next volume soon to get my paranormal romance fix.

Darkest London

• #0.5 Ember
• #1 Firelight
• #2 Moonglow
• #3 Winterblaze
• #3.5 Entwined
• #4 Shadowdance
• #5 Evernight
• #6 Spellbound
• #7 Forevermore

Music Monday - Amy Winehouse "Back to Black"

Arthur loves Amy Winehouse.  Really he likes her almost as much as Nina Simone.  Because of this, Amy Winehouse has been on pretty heavy rotation in our house. My favorite: Back to Black. 

Sunday Sunset #29

Book finished: Entwined

Reading: Shadowdance

On the Nightstand: I am Malala; Expecting Adam

Making Lists: Grocery list. Our food situation is approaching critical. Need to get my meal plan in order for this coming week.

Around the house: Dealing with the aftermath that was Arthur's birthday. We didn't have it at our house, but we still have a giant mess to clean up.

On the Web: Following the shit storm from the CEO of Microsoft's comments on gender and raises.  I imagine the Microsoft PR department is scrambling.

Farmer's Market Finds: Kettle corn, sausages for lunch, and German pastries.  Yum yum!

Crafting: I finished all of Arthur's party decorations with time to spare! Now to finish my PL swaps and keep up with my Card a Day project.

Watching: While J was gone on a work trip this week, I caught up on all my cheesy season premieres -- Revenge, Once Upon a Time, Reign, and Sleepy Hollow.  I also rented Pompeii (hilariously bad) and A Winter's Tale (makes me want to read the book, gotta be better right?). Other than those few things, I spent most nights reading, crafting, or hosting a board meeting, so not much TV overall. This weekend we caught up on a few other shoes (The League, Bad Education, Last Week Tonight) and watched the documentary Dinosaur 13.

From Nature: After 90+ degree temps, the weather has cooled back into the low 80s.  Thank goodness!  I don't want it to be 40 degrees, but 90 was a bit much.

Project: Arthur's 1st birthday party is over and a huge success.  Now on to the next big project: Preschool Playdate.  We are hosting this Friday and our theme is apples.  I've got it mostly planned out, but now I need to buy the crafting supplies and ingredients for snacks.  And finally set everything up on Friday morning.

Picture: An angry Arthur selfie.