The Ins and Outs of Housesitting

After two rather eventful years of consistent housesittings, I can confidently share some of my knowledge.

For your convenience, I have compiled this list of very valuable questions for you to ask a homeowner if you are ever in the market for a housesitting gig:

1. Are there any pets? This may seem like a strange question to have to ask as there are usually hints around a house which will help you to know whether or not there is a domesticated animal present. I have been to the current house I'm sitting approximately 5 times before and I still didn't know the face of the adorable little dog who inhabits the property. If you would like to avoid the awkward "I didn't know there was a dog" conversation, ask the question.

2. Can I have friends over? Some homeowners will not only approve, but entirely encourage gatherings. I have many times been told I should have friends over;  followed by a noting of the location of extra beds and bedding. If you would rather have permission to invite all your Mennonites over for a week long party, ask the question. 

3. Where is the electrical box and main water shut off? Now, let me tell you about the looks I get when I ask this question. Apparently, it is not normal for a woman of my age to entertain ridiculous ideas such as being able to keep a house in one piece, should a disaster of a sort occur. Also, if you are a homeowner and you don't know where these things are, you should probably figure it out. Ask the question (if not for your sake, then for that of the homeowner).

4. Finally, how much WiFi do you have? You may think it is more important to ask what the password for the WiFi is, but these homeowners look at your age and assume you will need your technology to survive. I would be more concerned they won't have enough WiFi to support your cheapo filippo Mennonites who NEED to stream the baseball game, right. now. If you're more interested in your guests all around enjoyment than friendly interaction, ask the question. 

Now that you are aware of the all important questions essential to the operation of a pro-housesitter, you are all set to embark on a housesitting venture of your own!

Fly my dear grasshoppers! this is t-bear signing off

QOTD

Consistent bloggers should never cease to blog, for fear of constant, aggressive harassment. 

this is t-bear, signing off

Thank You

Dearest People of this Earth:

Birthday's are so weird.

The Facebook once brought to my attention the significance of the balloon, via: "Happy Birthday, here's a plastic sac of my breath." If that doesn't make you feel special, then I don't know what will.

One of my anxieties is being the centre of attention. I want my voice to be heard, but please don't know that it's me using the voice. I rather adore the anonymity of a pseudonym.

As is usually the case, I don't appreciate the big deal that is made of my ability to add another year to my age. Therefore, I do my best to keep the knowledge of my birthday a secret until the actual day, when the Facebook ruins it. (I really need to take my date of birth off that social media goon.)

Most people wouldn't even know when my birthday is without Facebook. I often find it strange when that one person you haven't seen in five years takes the time to profess their congratulations for your not dying over the course of the last year. For at least five seconds they were thinking of you, and only you. Creepy, but also special.

Unfortunately, even if Facebook didn't tell people when my birthday is, there are too many humans on this earth who already know; and will gladly make sure that everyone else in the room is fully aware.

I did my very best to convince you people that my birthday wasn't special, that it was just a normal day in my life. 

I told my mother that all I wanted was crepes for supper and ice cream cake for dessert. She was appalled that I wouldn't ask for gifts and, therefore; took it upon herself to gather a few items that she knew I would love to receive.

It's not that I hate to receive gifts. Who doesn't want a beautifully wrapped piece of someone's fabrication? It is rather the fact that I have come to find what is more important in life than items of physical being. 

So, I guess I have to say thank you. For your Facebook posts, your loud exclamations in Tim's and Ronald's, and your non-four-part-harmony singing. (And you call yourselves Mennonites.)

My birthday is no longer about me feeling special for turning another year older. It is now about me feeling special for the opportunity to have so many of you wonderful people surrounding me with your love. You have no idea how much I thank God for all of your pieces that make the puzzle that is my life. 

Stay golden,

t-bear

The Blue Bus

You know when things get quiet and your mind begins to wander? When you find yourself thinking of your childhood and you start to get all emotional? You begin to think of all those happy times and become sad, because they are over and you will never be able to replicate them.

If you don't normally experience this sort of nostalgia, then you are probably in some serious walk-down-memory-lane withdrawals. Hans Zimmer can assist with a blast from the past if you are struggling to flashback Thursday.

The particular series of memories that I'm thinking about delivers these exact feelings. 

It is the end of an era with a rather unfortunate finale, but we won't talk about that part.

Sunday, March 6, 2016 marks the day we lost a dear 14 year old family member. Although the circumstances of the loss are not particularly wonderful, the health of the family member had me threatening euthanasia for the past few years. 

Now, I realize that I have been leading you to believe that we lost a living, breathing creature; but this is not the case.

On the aforementioned Sunday, there came about a vehicular crash wherein we were disposed of our dear  2002 Dodge Caravan. 

As the nostalgia has been strong, I have compiled a short list of memories of the minivan to share with you. Unfortunately, I can't share it all. Probably mostly because I moved on from the van about eight years ago. You really can't expect a teenager to choose a minivan over a Volvo. It just isn't done. 

Cue the memories:

- Carpool throughout all four years of high school. There are a lot of memories within this statement, but I just can't possibly summarize them into one.

- That one time that Pa said we weren't allowed to wash the van anymore because all the dried mud was holding the frame together. (The big guy got rather rusty near the end.)

- The most recent adventure involved us traveling to the airport and the upper rad hose protesting. We should have known better than to take such a long (three hour) trip in the old guy.

- This one time (maybe even the last time) we were traveling to Chesley Lake when Pa went over a bump as Syd was taking a drink of water. She dumped the whole bottle of freezing cold water onto herself. I still remember the look on her face as the water doused her. 

- When we were in elementary school, if the buses weren't running because of snow or fog; the Blue Bus was always running. 

Hairs to the future! this is t-bear signing off

Lavender

Let me explain this whole "ecocube" business to you. 

One day, you may be searching through the beautiful Chapters website looking for a $10 item to add to your order to receive free shipping. (Free being the Mennonite way) All of a sudden, you stumble upon a collection of ecocubes that promise a future of flowers. 

Each ecocube comes fully loaded, flower already planted in the soil. All you have to do is water the cube and let it bask in the sunlight. How hard can it be?

Well, the cube suggests that it should take approximately 2 weeks for the dear plant to arrive above the soil. I had almost lost hope in my plant nurturing abilities, when I discovered a little leaf poking through about 4 1/2 weeks after beginning germination. 

I feel I was quite justified in my lack of hope. Our humble abode is a rather difficult place to grow and maintain the life of a houseplant.

If you Google "who can't keep a houseplant alive", I guarantee Google Maps will zero in on our humble abode.

Now, I don't blame the humble abode. I blame the people. I would like to say that it is just our generations but I fear we acquired such a trait from Oma. 

I am happy to report that the lavender is still alive. A mere inch above the soil, it towers over the three-legged table it rests upon.

Every day the lavender gets to take a trip from its three-legged table by the east window, to the dining room table at the west window. Sometimes I really wonder why people buy homes that don't have southward facing windows. 

Whatever the case, I feel that I have taken our inability to grow plants and turned it a couple degrees to the positive. I feel it's too early to declare a full 180.

Brought to by 11 degrees Celsius at 9pm on March 8/16, this is t-bear signing off

How to improve your Sunday.

Some of you may be sitting around thinking that your Sunday is already as good as it's ever going to get. This is why I feel it is my obligation, as a fellow human being, to give you some hints as to how you could improve your Sunday. 

I always start my Sunday off with a little Jesus-ing at our lovely local Mennonite church. Now, I'm not saying that you are required to check into a Christian establishment, but you might want to take some spiritual time on your Sunday morning. I guarantee it will brighten your week. 

If you didn't have plans for lunch before your morning activity, find plans. Good food is just around the corner. Also, it's really wonderful when you bring friends along to add conversation. People just look at you funny when you start to get really into your own conversation. Helpful tip; if you are going alone, bring a novel. 

Once you have finished your meal, acquire half a dozen sugar coated donuts. Don't question it, just do it. Careful where you set the bag, the grease may be seeping through the bottom. Not to worry, it's just a confirmation that there is goodness in the bag. 

When you finally arrive home after the events of the morning/early afternoon, pick up a book, "watch" golf, or maybe sit with a nice chocolate martini and a jello cup; and catch up on a television show. I would also recommend family board game time. The enjoyment is endless. Relationships will seriously be tested. A good time will be had by all!

If you are feeling super adventurous, figure out where the neighbourhood Mennonite people are hanging out, and get yourself an invite. If you are that influential person who gets the group together; make the plans, invite the people. 

Your Sunday may just be a variation of the above activities, but it will still be a successful time. Don't forget to document and share on various social media sites so that everyone will know that you didn't just sit at home the entire day.

Happy Sunday! this is t-bear signing off 

Carnival Dream - 2016

Ten things you should know about my 2016 southern vacation;

1. If you are sister, Syd, people will gawk at your McDonald's grade soft ice cream twirling. I was rather jealous myself.

2. Hot tubs in the Caribbean are a wonderful idea. Especially in the sun. Especially on a Monday.

3. It was discovered that walking down the cabin-only decks feels like walking to China and back. The Youngest Cousin will gladly let you know how much he absolutely hated the walk from fwd. to aft.

4. If you wake up at 8:04 am to the sounds of the cruise director, Jase, letting you know that there has been a medical emergency and you are pulling into port; you just might be arriving in Cozumel four days earlier than you should be.

5. Serenity (the 21+ deck) is a very serene place to sit and write in your travel journal with Ma, Pa, the Aunties and sister, Syd.

6. The people of Honduras are a wonderfully humourous group of people. The only thing they lack is height, but don't let that take away from their ability to successfully run a zip-line course through the canopy a trees.

7. Following the visit to Belize, I have adopted such phrases as "Unbelizeable" and "Belize you me". Tour guide, Jeff, is the instigator of that escapade.

8. Tour guide, Jeff, inherited some beautiful sunglasses. In completely unrelated circumstances, I purchased new sunglasses in Cozumel. 

9. The dining room is always a lovely place to try new and delectable foods. However, I didn't find myself trying alligator fritters or frog legs like The Youngest Cousin. I felt so honoured to be sitting beside such interesting foods.

10. If you questioned whether or not 14 people (our 13 plus the driver) and, approximately, 18 bags/pieces of luggage could fit into a 10 seat van, don't anymore. It was a tad bit squished, but hey, we're all family!

this is t-bear signing off

Free dollars are the best kind of dollars.

As you all know, books are a rather large part of my life. This automatically creates a strong love for bookstores.

If you are a frequent spender at Chapters, then you will probably know what Plum Rewards are, and how to collect them.

One day, as I was working in Kville, minding my own business, I received an email from the lovely people of Plum Rewards. To that day, I had collected $20 worth of Plum Rewards.

This rather spectacular email was sent to inform me that I was the lucky participant of an optional top-up of points. If I so chose to, I could collect $50 of rewards, but there was a four day limit. I requested the opinion of my dearest lawyer friend, Liz, and was happy to hear that I should definitely do it. 

Do you think I was going to say no to 50 Chapters dollars?

Absolutely not.

Upon arriving home after a long afternoon stuck in a pizza smelling office, I took to the computer, with supper in hand, to purchase some books.

After I carefully selected three novels, two of which were on my wish list, I added an ecocube to my cart. 

People, I will not let this lavender die!

Actually, the lavender hasn't sprouted yet. I have been moving it from the east side of the house to the west every day to see if the sun will shine. The day the little guy pops out of the dirt will be a day of miracles. 

Growing up with my mother, I soon learned that we are better at killing indoor plants then keeping them alive. This, I will change. 

So, while I sit comfortably knitting, in a living room that isn't mine, and watch my lavender germinate; I look forward to a fantastic year of growth and prosperity.

11 days, 19 hours, this is t-bear signing off

PS - M says hi!

2016

Here we are, 9 days in, and not a post to be found.

You may not be surprised to discover that I don't really know what to write about. For the past year I have been writing the thoughts that cross my mind while reading novels. Now, I really have no direction. This should be interesting. 

So far in 2016:

- I have been to a yoga class that didn't involve yoga-ing by myself in my bedroom. This took place at an actual studio. Fancy, I know.

- I have been to McDonald's more times than I can count on one hand. Shamefully? Yes. Deliciously satisfied? Absolutely. 

- I have completed the "scarf" that I began knitting in 2014. It really is just one line of knitting. Nothing too fancy, yet the beginning of a knitting career.

- I have visited the uncharted waters of the yarn section at Walmart.

- I have learned how to cast off. 

- I have decided to knit myself an infinity scarf. 

- I have begun planning, with two of my friends, for a 3 week adventure through Europe. 

- I have been told to save a date. Rather strange that they ask me to save such a date as I will be standing beside them on the date. I mean, do they really think I'm going to decline?

- I have been given $50 from Chapters by way of topping up my Plum Rewards account. Yes, I am currently waiting for the arrival of new books. :)

- I have witnessed a roosting cat. Her name is Garfield. The basket is clearly too small for her. She is the only one who doesn't realize this.

I am not one to make resolutions every year. I do have future plans that I hope to implement throughout the year, but there won't be any sort of resolution to hold me to such a task.

As I plan to devote more time to writing this year, I definitely won't be reading as much. This isn't a problem though. There are always books to read if I decide that I am missing their beautiful pages. 

In case you are wondering, right now I'm reading The Illegal by Lawrence Hill. This is a book that appeared in my church mailbox one Sunday. I greatly enjoy that my pastor sends me mail in the form of books. She knows me so well!

21 days, this is t-bear signing off

WE MADE IT!!

Just a little faith, trust and pixie dust; and we've made it a whole year! Isn't teamwork magical?

After such a busy year, I really don't see how I've read 52 books and not become a hermit. I am sure there were times when you feared for me along the journey. I must admit, I feared for myself here and there.

I worry I will break hearts with this next part; I will not be able to participate in the 2016 Annual Reading Challenge. There, I've said it. 

I know you have all been waiting for the first week of January when I would post the first book review of the year. Sadly, and not so, I have decided to spend my time in other ways, rather than just reading.
Oma believes there are more important things in life than reading. I made sure she knows that there are some more important things, but not many.

For those of you who haven't been following 100%, or have maybe got lost in the middle but found your way back; here is the list in full.

1. A book with a one-word title - Light by Michael Grant

2. A book from an author you love that you haven't read yet - The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

3. A book set in the future - All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

4. A book a friend recommended - hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

5. A book by an author you've never read before - Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement

6. A mystery or thriller - The Last Juror by John Grisham

7. A trilogy - The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

8. A nonfiction book - The Treasures of William Shakespeare by Catherine M S Alexander

9. A book you can finish in a day -  Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne

10. A book at the bottom of your to-read list - The Fault in our Stars by John Green

11. A book with a number in the title - 1984 by George Orwell

12. A book with antonyms in the title - My Life in Black and White by Kim Izzo

13. A graphic novel - The Sky Goddesses of Dryden by Laura Konrad

14. A banned book - The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

15. A book by a female author - Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

16. A memoir - Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

17. A book more than 100 years old - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

18. A Pulitzer Prize-winning book - The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

19. A book based on or turned into a TV show - Hemlock Grove by Brian McGreevy

20. A book that made you cry - We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

21. A book by an author with your same initials - Medicine River by Thomas King

22. A book published this year - Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

23. A book based on a true story - Freedom Writers Diary

24. A book with a colour in the title - Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

25. A book with nonhuman characters - Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

26. A book that was originally written in a different language - Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

27. A book with a love triangle - The Host by Stephanie Meyer

28. A book of short stories - The Edge of Spider-Verse

29. A book from your childhood - Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

30. A funny book - Alice in tumblr-land by Tim Manley

31. A book you started but never finished - The Fairy Tales of the Grimm Brothers

32. A book that scares you - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

33. A popular author`s first book - Harry Potter and the Philosopher`s Stone by J.K. Rowling

34. A classic romance - Persuasion by Jane Austen

35. A book set in a different country - Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

36. A play - The Tempest by William Shakespeare

37. A book you own but have never read - The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancy

38. A book that became a movie - Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

39. A book by an author from your hometown - Lorelai, You'll Never Die by Laura Konrad

40. A book recommended by your sister - Crazy Love by Francis Chan

41. A book set in high school - Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

42. A book you pre-ordered - The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

43. A book with magic - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

44. A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

45. A book your mom loves - The Villa by Nora Roberts

46. The largest book you own - Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan

47. A book with more than 500 pages - Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

48. A book that came out the year you were born - Junie B. Jones and some Sneaky Peeky Spying by Barbara Park

49. A book written by someone under the age of 30 - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

50. A book set during Christmas - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Now, as we close off another year, let's remember to continue reading in the future. While reading 52 books in one year may take a lot of time and dedication, reading one a month hardly takes any amount of brain power.

If you possibly feel as though I am abandoning you next year, there is a way that you can continue with the reading challenges. Visit this website to see what your future reading could look like: http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2016-39126431

Much love, this is t-bear signing off

The Last Melon

Book 50 - A book set during Christmas

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This may have been the first book that I ever completely decided on, when I was first looking through the different challenges. Many challenges made room for creative thinking, so I had a large amount of books to choose from.

As I read this particular story every year at this time, I had already decided that this would be the final book in the challenge. And what a fitting way to conclude.

My copy of the story is bound in red and boasts, not just, A Christmas Carol, but And Other Stories, as well. This caused my family members some confusion when I put the string at the end of this story and proclaimed it finished. Don't worry, I set them all straight.

If you have never heard this delightful tale before, allow me to synoysis it for you.

Mr. Scrooge, a grumpy old humbug, is sitting in all his wealth and unhappiness on Christmas Eve, when he is greeted by the ghost of his former business partner, Mr. Marley.The ghost of Mr. Marley tells Mr. Scrooge that he will be visited by three more ghosts in the next three nights; the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.

Thus begins the journey of Mr. Scrooge realizing what is so important about having Christmas spirit, and finding out what will happen if he continues down his current path of grouchiness.  

Although the story doesn't give a lot of credit to the fact that Christ is the reason for the season, there are so many good lessons to be learned from Mr. Scrooge's travels with the spirits.

You may think that it sounds wonderful, but feel rather discouraged with the idea that Charles Dickens wrote it. Some people seem to think that he didn't even write in English.

Have no fear, the story is but 87 pages long (in my book) and doesn't require a large amount of translating. Though I may be a bit biased, seeing as I am more familiar with his writing style.

If you have been following me as I travel through this book challenge, then you have five days to complete this masterpiece to be within the year. Good luck!

 

We made it! this is t-bear signing off

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody

Book 49 - A book written by someone under 30

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Once again, I took to my book shelves to find a novel that would perfectly fit the description. Determined to find such a one, I searched through all the books that I haven't already read this year to find the perfect match. 

I interpreted the challenge to mean that the author wrote the novel when they were below that age, not that they are below that age at the present moment.

I was just about to give up hope, when my eyes fell upon this particular treasure; sitting on the shelf of my Hoosier cabinet. How could I have forgotten it in all it's glory?

I quickly took to the Internet to make sure that Mr. Fitzgerald was within the prescribed age when he wrote the novel. To my surprise, and relief, he was at the age of 29 when this fine piece of work was published. 

If you haven't ever read the novel, but have taken the time to view what Hollywood has put together, then you will not be far off. As with any novel, there are parts which have been left out of the film, however; there isn't much to be disputed. Often I find myself leaving the cinema with a completely different story in my head, after seeing a book-to-movie film. I am quite pleased to say that Hollywood has done something correct in the workings of this particular scenario.

If you have never read this novel and are one to dream of what life was like in the early 1900s, then you should probably go out and get yourself a copy to enjoy. A majority of the novel involves the frivolity of the 1920s in the back lands of Long Island, New York. Your New Years Eve party doesn't have anything on their unnecessary wildness. 

I have often wondered at life in such a time, but then I have also spent a lot of hours with Downton Abbey. Though that was in England, there is still something so magical about the past, even if we'd all rather it stay there. 

One for the money, this is t-bear signing off

It's easy when the choice is solid

Book 48 - A book that came out the year you were born

Junie B. Jones and some Sneaky Peeky Spying by Barbara Park

Many of you may look at this book choice and decide that I have turned to ease rather than difficulty. 

Let me tell you about the struggle that it was finding a book that came out in 1994. (I sometimes wonder if the only great thing that happened that year was me...)

Mother can also tell you about the struggle that I had, as she was in the living room when the struggles became huffs and puffs. 

After I had flipped through ever single children's book that we have on our shelf in the living room, (or maybe Moma just got tired of all the huffing and puffing), Moma took out her mobile device and searched the Google for books that were published in 1994. 

When what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a lovely book about Junie B. Jones. I knew for a fact that I had four of her tales on my bookshelf, but I wasn't sure if this book would be amongst them. 

Here, I thought I had searched through my entire collection and hadn't found anything. Apparently, I didn't look hard enough. 

I took the book to a lovely neighbourhood bakery and sat for my lunch hour to enjoy my readings. Unfortunately, my readings were interrupted by the minute hand approaching the ten. With only three chapters left, I packed up my things and proceeded back to work. 

Not to worry though, I was easily able to finish the reading within ten minutes after arriving to my bedroom after supper. Ease, and yet such a struggle.

I had to wonder at what the other customers at the lovely neighbourhood bakery thought of me as I sat with my little book, giggling. Though I try not to think about such things as I go about my awkward life. 

Phew, only two! this is t-bear signing off

It's harder than you think

Book 47 - A book with more than 500 pages

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

599 pages, to be exact. Which means that I'm now briefly allowed to refer to myself as an overachiever. Look out world!

Let me tell you the spectacularness that is Afterworlds.

Now, I was already a large fan of Mr. Westerfeld before this novel became a thing. He is one of those authors that you just buy the next book he publishes, because you already know that it's going to be a wonderful experience reading all 599 pages within a week. (I hope you are all following the fact that I work 37.5 hours a week and was in Toronto all weekend. Yes, I can read 599 pages much faster than a week. Let's stick with the overachieving idea.)

This novel, is a novel within a novel. (Mr. Westerfeld must be taking a page from Mr. Shakespeare's book. Although in that case we'd be referring to a play.) 

In any case, this novel is based around Darcy who is writing a novel over the course of this novel. One chapter is Darcy and how her novel came to be, the next chapter is the said novel. This continues back and forth through the 599 pages until the very lovely set-up-for-a-sequel ending. Are we complaining? Nope!

Darcy, being the author of the novel, writes about a character named Lizzie. Now, if you have ever even lived upon this earth, then you will know that these two characters are the loveliest of lovers brought about by our dearest, Jane Austen. Let me tell you the shock that Darcy has when she realizes the connection she has created between her name and her characters'. This is something that I love about writing. There is so much room for little clues to be dropped about, just waiting for someone to pick them up. 

Throughout the entire novel, I felt such a connection between myself and Darcy. She is a young author, embarking on the journey that is her first published work. As I have not come to such an achievement in my twenty-one years, I can't entirely relate. Nonetheless, I feel that Darcy and I could have spent a lot more time together. 

Something that I kept thinking about as I traveled from 1 to 599, was that Mr. Westerfeld got to create two lovely intertwined stories within the same hard covers. He got to connect a "real" and a fictional life to make so much more out of the fantastic world that is writing. 

I don't have many other thoughts about the novel, other than the fact that I was right there the whole time. Right in that novel's face. I don't know how I'm suppose to continue on with my life at the moment. I sure hope that I figure it out before work tomorrow morning. 

3 to go! This is t-bear signing off

A hard-to-hold sort of reading

Book 46 - The largest book you own

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan (Illustrated by John Rocco)

In its piddly 387 pages, you may be wondering how this could possibly be the largest book I own; as we all know Les Miserable is part of my collection. 

Today, we choose to look beyond height, to the factors of length and width. 

This book is about 2 Les Mis' long by 2 Les Mis' wide. That is, of course, referring to the copy of Les Mis that I own. (Your estimate may differ slightly depending on the size of your copy.)

If you would be so kind as to turn back and read a few of my posts from the past year, you will note that Uncle Rick is a reoccurring author; and will be sticking around. Please don't ruin a good thing.

I can't remember if I've written about the similar book by Uncle Rick, Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. This one is the same thing, only with heroes instead of gods.

In any case, this book is quite spectacular. Though I'm sure there are areas of each heroes story that are rather fictional, I do believe that I now have a good understanding of the Greek heroes lives. 

Many of them were much more interested in pillaging and plundering than anything else, but they were each able to show some hero-ness at some point in their stories. 

For most of the heroes stories, it seemed like if their family hadn't been destroyed, accidentally or otherwise, they really didn't have a standing as a hero. 

More often then not, there was a king whose kingdom needed to be overthrown by a hero. The one and only way for the hero to gain that kingship was to show themselves with a quest. If only showing worthiness was so easy in today's world. I think I could do a decent job questing. 

The stories were, at times, so exciting that I didn't even notice how long I had been perched upon the island stool. Yes, my back was sore the next morning. Yes, it was worth it.

I have to say, I wouldn't recommend reading such a large book all the time; it creates difficulty when trying to  hold the book for a long period of time.

1 down, 4 to go, this is t-bear signing off

Age before me, I suppose

Book 45 - A book your mom loves

The Villa by Nora Roberts

Let's start by discussing the things that we assumed, and then move onto those that were, almost, tear-shocking.

Nora Roberts only writes novels about romance. People, though there was romance within the novel, there was so much more to the story.

Moma's taste in novels is sub-par. Furthermore, we must refrain from such comments as she has now risen in my books.

This book won't set me back in my challenge. 

Now to those things that brought a hand to my mouth and almost made me drop the novel. 

The story line was full of devious secreters and all their lying plots. The only trouble was picking them out of the circle that was the main characters' prestigious family. Yes, you will be surprised by the ending. I didn't see it coming and, after further investigation, neither did Moma. Also, I ended up hanging off a few cliffs. (That did nothing to my already surprised state.) 

This whole time I just assumed that romance novels were nothing but romance, and therefore; couldn't possibly hold a place on my bookshelf.

The pages have turned.

Finally, you can count as well as I can. There are five books left to read, and only four weeks left in the year. I'd also like to mention that I may never get through if people continue in this festive mood of planning parties and get-togethers. (I say that with the utmost quality of love.)

Happy reading! this is t-bear signing off

The Hairy Dog Father

Book 44 - A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

 

You may look at the challenge and argue that the place I have chosen is not real, and therefore; I should disqualify myself immediately.

For those of you out there who are readers, you will understand. Visiting the fantastical places that I have read about in books is definitely not an "out there" desire.

I can't even count the number of years where I have sat around on September 1st wishing that I were on the Hogwarts Express.

Although, I would love to someday visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, it is really just a representation of the movies. The books, as we all know, are just so much better.

If I had to choose my favorite film of the Harry Potter eight, I would have to say that the third rises above.

I loved the emotion of the seventh duo, and the newness of the first tale; but I just can't think about the series without that glorious Prisoner of Azkaban.

It may have something to do with the new Dumbledore or maybe the different set. No matter the reason, something fantastical is the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Lessons from the novel include;

- Hippogriff riding

- Patronus casting (If you don't know what that is, read this novel. The movie questions our belief in alien invasion)

- Don't befriend strange rats just because a Weasley says so

- Hogsmeade really isn't worth sneaking out for

- Black dogs maybe aren't as terrifying as Professor Trelawney makes them out to be

- Maps are sometimes easily concealed

 

Now let's not bring ourselves down by continuing too far with this idea of visiting Hogwarts. After all, we do have reality to look forward to; and that's not always a nice cup of chocolatey chai tea.

 

Farewell for now, this is t-bear signing off

The Chamber Isn't Always Secret

Book 43 - A book with magic

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

 

There is a saying about starting things and never finishing them.

I imagine if you took a stroll through the life of a middle aged man, you would encounter many projects that have been started and never finished.

On the other side of the world, if your 21 year old self claims to have OCD and can't start something without seeing the last something through; then you will understand why I have chosen to proceed in such a fashion.

If you will turn your attention back to the 33rd challenge, you will note that I have, once again, read a chapter from the library of Ms. Rowling.

Harry Potter is one of those series' that should be started at the beginning, and then read all the way through to the wonderfully tragic ending of the seventh and final novel. (You will note that this is not the case for me, and it saddens me greatly.)

As I read the first novel some weeks ago, I felt it was high time I returned to the beautiful pages. Unfortunately, I will not be able to proceed any further than the third novel as the remaining four do not fit into my challenge criteria. (Have no fear, I have plans to continue the party in the new year.)

Enough about me, let's turn our minds to the story...

As you won't recall, (unless you are following me in this book challenge and/or have recently read the first novel) we left Harry on his way back to the Dursley's for the summer break. He wasn't happy about it, but he took with him the joyful idea that he would be spending part of the summer at the home of the Weasley's. Don't worry, he is not denied that joy.

As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, he is challenged by some rather large creatures. (Pun entirely intended.)

With the presence of Gilderoy Lockhart, hearing voices in his head, the opening of the Chamber of Secrets and the sad idea that Hogwarts may have to be closed forever; we witness a threatening of the innocence of our dear 12 year old Harry.

If you are also feeling Harry Potter deprived, tune in next time to hear about the Prisoner of Azkaban!

 

Much love, this is t-bear signing off

North Dogs

Book 42 - A book you pre-ordered

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

If you know me at all, then I don't think you need to question why I pre-ordered this novel.

Months ago, while browsing social media, I came upon the cover of this novel and had to check into it. Much to my delight, this novel is the debarkation of a new series; written by our dear Uncle Rick.

I am often concerned about pre-ordering books because I don't know if I will actually enjoy the novel. This is not the case with Uncle Rick. He wouldn't even need to release the name and I would buy the novel.

As you may remember, the trio of novels that I read for the seventh challenge were about Egyptian gods. If we just back up a little further to the second challenge, you will note that that novel was about Roman and Greek gods.

Well, this challenge breaks away from both of those series', however; you will take note of the lovely addition of a beloved female character from the Greek and Roman series'. (I guess he just couldn't help including her.)

Anywho, this novel is about Norse gods (think Odin, Thor, Loki, etc.), however; we aren't talking Hollywood altered story lines. This is the real deal. 

First of all, *spoileralert* (though you will find this out in the first few chapters), the main character dies and is sent to live in Valhalla which is one of the afterlife places to live. He ends up questing with a Valkyrie, a dwarf and an elf, which is a little different from the usual demigod group of questers.

Second, the story doesn't just take place in our world, there are nine worlds, which means that the characters do a little world jumping during their journey. The strangest idea is picturing them climbing the massive World Tree.

Lastly, if you doubted that Uncle Rick would add his usual sarcasm, you will be nicely surprised. The main character shares all of that wonderful sass that just reminds me so much of dear Percy Jackson.

Now, this is normally the part where I would strongly suggest that you read the novel, because it's just such a wonderfully written tale; but I think I'm a bit biased in that area. I can say that if you have read one of Uncle Rick's novels before and enjoyed it, then you will enjoy this piece of awesome.

Winter is coming, this is t-bear signing off

Sarah's Realities

Book 41 - A book set in high school

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Once again, we are privy to the wonderful thoughts of dear Sarah Dessen. 

For those of you who don't recall who Sarah Dessen is, return to Book 22; she is all over that book.

Though I have read this novel before, I haven't ever read it again.

I found that the harshness of the main character's reality makes it hard to put the novel down. With so many of Sarah's novels, I find that the experiences of the characters are so very realistic. I think this is one of the reasons that I choose to re-read her novels so very often.

Without spoiling the story;

We start the journey with sixteen year old, Caitlin, whose family has just learned that their beloved sister/daughter, Cassandra, has run away from home at the age of eighteen. 

As most people have difficulties dealing with being abandoned, Caitlin strives to find a place in her parents' lives after years of feeling overshadowed by her sister. She soon realizes that having all the attention from her parents is not all it's cracked up to be. 

With the addition of sudden telephone calls from Cassandra, the parent's begin to pay less attention to Caitlin. This is where the hard to read part comes in.

Our dear main character finds herself in love and being mentally and physically abused by the person she loves. She knows that what is happening to her is wrong, yet she still hangs on to the relationship because she fears what her life would be like without it.

The entire novel is not a sad tale, but I do find that it is difficult to read at times. You will be glad to know that our dear main character is able to find a happy ending, in her own way.

I do recommend reading this novel. The story is in no way easy to read, but the realness of the character's reactions and feelings are quite powerful to behold. Though this is only my second time reading this novel, I still feel that it is one of my favourites.

Right on schedule, this is t-bear signing off