Category Archives: Reading

Contests, Reading

Don’t purple jersey sheets mean spring to you?!

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Fricknits is holding a fundraiser for a new Ravelry server. Every $10 you donate to the “Ravelraiser” between now and April 25 is an entry into the prize drawing – and some pretty cool prizes have already been donated.

Becka’s having a “Knit-Tit-Along” – check out the details on her blog. She’ll randomly select participants in the along to receive prizes on May 4.

Reading Update
A Quick Bite, Love Bites, Single White Vampire, A Bite to Remember, Bite Me if You Can, The Accidental Vampire, and Vampire, Interrupted by Lynsay Sands. Um, in one week I read seven of the nine Argeneau Vampires books… They’re somewhat predictable paranormal romances with the occasional massive internal logic breakdown, but I obviously enjoyed them, eh?
Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris. Really, the only reason I read the Betsy Devonshire Needlecraft Mysteries is that they’re set in Excelsior, Minnesota, and occasionally have amusing in-jokes.
Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich. This is a totally silly romance that Evanovich wrote 18 years ago. A very light, fast read.

Signs of Spring
Saturday was mostly sunny and in the mid-60s and the snow but a memory. I awoke Sunday morning with “Must. Change out. Flannel. Sheets. Now.” flashing through my brain. So, after the usual 3 or 4 hours it takes to do that task around here, I’m sleeping happy in my spring/fall “transitional” jersey sheets. Ahhhh. Now, if only something green would grow outside…

“I have you trapped, big kitty! Bwa-ha-ha!” -Mayhem

“Curses. Why did Mom decide to trim my claws this weekend?!” -Chaos

Randonymity, Reading

Of a contest won and… more snow

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Amy’s having a blogiversary contest that involves revealing your “heart list.” There will be yarn, food, and a “dog prize” (although it’s unclear to me whether you actually receive a dog for that last). Winner will be selected April 4.

The Yarn Harlot returns to the Twin Cities on April 10! Alas, I’m not able to attend this time around, but if you’re going and you’re interested in meeting up with some local knitters for dinner beforehand, check out this Ravelry thread.

Reading Update
Steward of Song by Adam Stemple. The sequel to Singer of Souls is another well-written urban fantasy from Stemple, but it sadly lacks the intensity of the first book.
The Dead Girls’ Dance: The Morganville Vampires, Book Two and Midnight Alley: The Morganville Vampires, Book Three by Rachel Caine. This teen-oriented paranormal series has quietly sucked me in…
T is for Trespass: A Kinsey Milhone Mystery by Sue Grafton. What can I say about Grafton’s Kinsey Milhone series? Always a good read, although I do wish Grafton had a lighter hand with the foreshadowing.
Over Hexed by Vicki Lewis Thompson. Pleasantly distracting trashy paranormal romance – no vampires or werewolves. 🙂
Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. I’d heard mixed things about this novel, but I enjoyed it and didn’t untangle the heart of the story on my own.
Dingo by Charles de Lint. De Lint’s latest is a solid young adult novel set near Newford.

Non-Reading Update
Recently, I won a contest over at Brigitte’s and the prize package arrived in record breaking time (we suspect that someone usually just walks the mail to Minneapolis from Toronto).

“Oh, what’d Gandalf send me?! That little hottie…” -Mayhem

“Simmer down there, Mayhem. Hmm, I wonder what Mae’s included for me, since I know she thinks I’m the cat’s meow.” -Chaos

A new kitty toy, a black cat Pez dispenser, a thrummed mitten kit (yay!! For thrums, I’ll knit thumbs), tea, a Toronto travel mug, some Green & Black’s cocoa, yummy chocolate, and my all-time favorite gluten-free crackers – thank you so much, Brigitte!

“Mom, is chocolate really bad for cats, or do you just want to keep it all for yourself?” -Chaos

Darn it – busted! 😉

Oh yeah, and it snowed yesterday. By the time you read this, we may have had seven or eight inches of snow! Nope, this is not an April Fools joke, alas.

“If I tip my head just so, the flakes sort of look like birds…” -Chaos

Contests, Reading

Monday, Monday

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Jane’s celebrating her blogiversary with a contest – leave a comment before 3/25 to participate.

Cosmo is home!

Reading Update
Glass Houses: The Morganville Vampires, Book One by Rachel Caine. For some reason, I kept thinking about the bit in the movie The Lost Boys when Grandpa says, “One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach, all the damn vampires.” Yup. That’s the situation in Morganville.
New Moon and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. More vampire novels! 🙂 Although I really wish Bella wasn’t so passive, the second and third books of the Twilight Saga totally sucked me in. I spent the last 45 minutes of Eclipse trying to read while crying. *sniff* I’m glad to see that the next book (Breaking Dawn) will be out at the beginning of August.
Dream Chaser (A Dream-Hunter Novel) by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Not exactly a Dark-Hunter novel, but since Acheron is in it…

Snow Update
It snowed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Good thing it snowed lightly, or we’d be totally buried! This picture from Friday morning could’ve been taken either Saturday or Sunday, too.

Check out the cute snow bunny that Limedragon saw!

But hey, at least the first day of spring (last Thursday) was pretty sunny, right?! (Help me out here, folks…)

“Mmmm… sunbeams…” -Mayhem

Reading

A book review: The Happy Tabby

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Recently I was asked to review The Happy Tabby: Develop a Great Relationship with Your Adopted Cat or Kitten by Susan C. Daffron. This is a well-written book on the basics of kitten and cat care, focusing on the special needs of rescued animals. Daffron writes in an extremely friendly and comfortable style that made this book enjoyable to read. However, had I not been approached to do the review, I’m not sure I would’ve pulled this book from the shelf – calling it The Happy Tabby (although logical as explained by Daffron in the book) seems to distance it from its subject of selecting and understanding a (rescued) cat of any sort, not just tabbies.

The book begins by asking some basic questions that anyone who is thinking about getting a cat should consider, starting with whether cats are the right pet for you. Daffron then provides an overview of the different sorts of rescue organizations and shelters so you know what to expect and of what to beware.

Beyond the information for those just getting started with their own cat(s), I think this book is particularly useful for those of us who puzzle over why our cats do certain things – things that obviously make sense in their furry little brains! I’d especially love to ask Susan Daffron what might be going on in May’s furry little brain as she presents herself to be petted, then proceeds to wag and lash her tail throughout the petting session as if she’s the most annoyed cat ever – but she sticks around to be petted…

I also think this book would be helpful for people experiencing feline behavior problems. As Daffron notes regarding changing feline behavior, “The trick is that you have to make them think that the change was their idea the whole time.” It’s also informative about what vaccinations cats usually receive and why, as well as what health issues they may be prone to throughout their lives.

Brief tales of Daffron’s own cats add a pleasant personal touch to the book. Sometimes the asides were directly related to the particular topic or section of the book, but when they weren’t, I spent some time trying to make connections that didn’t seem to be there.

Additionally, the book provides excellent information on how to acclimate your cat to claw trimming, although I would add that only giving your cats treats after claw trimming really changes their attitude toward the whole process. Sometimes Chaos even purrs while I’m trimming his claws. (I know he’s thinking “TreatTreatTreatTreatTreatTreatTreatTreat!”) However, I’m not sure I’ll ever be brave enough to attempt to bathe him, even with the tips in this book! (I mean, look at yesterday’s picture – would you try to bathe that cat?!)

“Those poor unadopted kitties. I’m glad Mom adopted me! Even if she does have lots of unreasonable rules about not napping on the kitchen table and stuff like that.” -Mayhem

Contests, Knitting, Reading

Expanding Options

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Ali’s having a spring 2008 knitting goals contest. Let her know what your spring knitting goals are, and you could win Blue Sky Dyed Cotton and more. Contest closes at midnight CDT, March 20.

Janet’s having a seven weird things contest – if you’ve already done that meme, you can leave her a link to your list or you can leave your list in her comments. She’ll randomly select a winner to receive a gorgeous skein of Manos Silk Blend on March 21.

Yay! Cyn’s black kitty Cosmo is doing better!

Reading Update
Falling into the World by Karen Brichoux. I loved Brichoux’s novel Coffee and Kung Fu and have kept up with her writing since then. In this novel, she explores how the death of a woman’s mother six years ago has affected and trapped her, her sister, and their father.
Bowled Over by Kasey Michaels. Mystery author Maggie Kelly’s Regency hero stepped out of the pages of her novels and into her life; the shenanigans continue in the latest book in this series (#6). I just wish the book didn’t have distracting asides into the “mind of the killer.”
The Myth-Hunters (Book One of the Veil) and The Borderkind (Book Two of the Veil) by Christopher Golden. These were well-written contemporary fantasies and I’m looking forward to the third and final book when it comes out next month.
Babel-17 by Samuel R. Delany. This book was formative for me. I read it in elementary school, and the powerful message it conveyed about how the language you know shapes the way you are able to think affects me to this day. It’s science fiction, won a Nebula Award, reads more like poetry than prose at various points, and isn’t for everyone – but if it’s for you, it’s powerful.
Holy Smokes (Aisling Grey, Guardian, Book 4) by Katie MacAlister. More light’n’fluffy paranormal romance from Katie MacAlister.
Big Boned: A Heather Wells Mystery by Meg Cabot. The most recent mystery featuring former teen singing sensation and inadvertent sleuth Heather Wells moves her story along in a most satisfying fashion.

Knitting Update
I finally talked myself into ordering a set of KnitPicks Options interchangeable needles. I haven’t used them yet, but I have plans to. As have so many others, I thought the case that came with the needles was totally fugly, so I’ve commissioned a case from ZKnitter, using some funky retro black kitty fabric.

“Well, at least it isn’t more socks.” -Mayhem

“Do you think if I do my best Vanna impression, KnitPicks would hire me to be their spokeskitty?” -Mayhem

“You don’t? Well, pooey. I’m outta here.” -Mayhem

Contests, Randonymity, Reading

Randumbs

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Valerie’s having a blogiversary contest – you have until the end of March to post about some of your favorite things around your home and then send Valerie the link to your post. A random winner will be selected on April 2 to receive sock yarn or spinning fiber.

Pam’s having a monkey naming contest. Leave your suggestion by 11:59 pm EDT, March 16, and you could win a $20 WoolGirl gift certificate!

Yikes – Daylight Savings Time (DST) starts this weekend for the US and Canada. Have I mentioned more than 50 times how much I hate springing forward?! Kitty Absolute Time (KAT) does not formally recognize DST as anything other than an attempt to starve and torture kitties.

I never did make it to the Cloud Cult video shoot on Sunday – I was just way too comfy on my couch, reading and knitting with Chaos snuggled up against me… But I did win Jenn’s contest to guess how many WIPs she was going to take with her last weekend!!

Black kitties working in tandem – beware!

Oh oh – do you think I need to have “the talk” with Mayhem?

Check out these great/scary pictures from Saturday’s Polar Bear Plunge on/in Lake Calhoun, which isn’t terribly far from where I live. Please note that I did not participate! Those people are nuts.

Reading Update
You Slay Me, Fire Me Up, and Light My Fire by Katie MacAlister. Books 1-3 of the Aisling Grey, Guardian, series were very light and amusing paranormal romances with nary a vampire in sight.
The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint. This is a Newford novel about a teenage girl who manages to attract the attention of not only the high school bullies, but also a ghost and some malicious faeries.
The Used World by Haven Kimmel. This is the second of Kimmel’s novels I’ve read; the first was The Solace of Leaving Early, which I also enjoyed and need to reread because I remember nothing of it. In The Used World, Kimmel skillfully weaves past and present together to create a powerful story of being an outsider.

Random Photo Update
*makes mental note to not use this elevator without having cell phone in pocket*

I went to the dentist yesterday (just routine x-rays and a cleaning, thanks) and noticed they had a gallon of Listerine in the bathroom. For some reason, I found that extremely amusing… (Dude, that’s some seriously bad breath!)

Yesterday Evanrude wanted to know more about Chaos’s Feline Universal Theory (FUT).

“Well, Evanrude, as you correctly surmised, FUT does indeed include elements of String Theory – I sure do love playing with those strings! It also includes many elements of Chaos Theory, but no elements of Mayhem Theory.”* -Chaos

*Please note that the Mayhem Theory link has sound!

Contests, Randonymity, Reading, Tunes

Let us bow before the Goddess of Girlie Drinks

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How many projects will Jenn take to her weekend knitting retreat, out of her 40 WIPs? Email your guess by 4 pm CDT, March 2, and you could win a mysterious prize.

If you live in the Twin Cities, you could be in a Cloud Cult video shoot (beware – link has sound) at Como Park this Sunday! (Thanks to Van for the heads up.) I might be there – I’ll be the one trying to knit while wearing mittens and dork boots.

I am so ready for this week to be done! Work has been busy. While the book scanning project was great fun, it disrupted my regularly scheduled relaxation – I haven’t knit since Sunday night. (Good timing on the Guilt-Free Fiber Dispensation, Trek – thanks.)

I’m behind in my blog reading. I’ve only read one book, and it was one of those “so horrible I have to keep reading to see if it can redeem itself” kind of books. The answer? Not even close. The book? Dancing with Werewolves: Delilah Street, Paranormal Investigator by Carole Nelson Douglas. I really can’t remember the last time I read a book that bad. If there was an editor involved in the project (doubtful), he or she should never be allowed to work again. Gee, Chris, what did you really think of the book?! 😉

I’m enjoying my ASL class and even learning a bit, but it sure leaves my brain tired. (Stop giggling at me, Fraro!)

“I hope your class is also covering the more important KSL,* Mom, because the big kitty and I are getting plenty tired of having to communicate with you via these photo captions!” -Mayhem

Is it the weekend yet?! All hail the Goddess of Girlie Drinks! Worship amongst yourselves as you see fit…

*Kitty Sign Language

Knitting, Randonymity, Reading

Peeking under my bed

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Filled with “Must Have Cardigan” fever, Jeanne and I each ordered a copy of Street Smart to get the pattern. (I was extremely impressed with the service we got – Jessica of Weaving Rainbow even checked to make sure I’d meant to order two copies; she’ll have more copies of Street Smart soon).

“You’re boring me, Mom.” -Mayhem

“Does that come in black?” -Chaos

I realize my pictures of the CueCat barcode scanner yesterday didn’t emphasize its feline qualities, so here it is with a similarly shaped cat carving from MamaTulip:

“Now this is much more interesting!” *sniff sniff sniff* -Mayhem

*sniff sniff sniff* -Chaos

“Mmmm…. cord…” -Mayhem

Looks like I need to get the bitter apple out again, doesn’t it?!

Last night I finished scanning my books, other than the odd copy that I’ve loaned out and some knitting books/booklets that don’t have barcodes or ISBNs. For the morbidly curious, you can take a peek at my library – I recommend filtering by a keyword tag, such as “knitting” or “cycling.” (Yes, Van, you will find something if you filter by “zombies.”)

I was even inspired to pull out the boxes of books from under my bed! Wanna take a peek?

Perhaps you need a bit more info about what you’re seeing (beyond that I have enough wrapping paper for the next five years)? About eight years ago, my brother helped me build a queen-size futon frame (well, ok, he did 95% of the work – thanks, Matt!). This particular frame turns all the space under the futon into dust-free storage – I can fit a total of 24 copy paper boxes under the frame, with space on top of the boxes for a layer of luggage, ski poles, wrapping paper, snowshoes (on the other side, sorry) and a broomball stick (helpfully keeping me from being crushed by the futon as I rummage around). The amount of storage this adds to my wee condo is considerable and much appreciated. When in use, the futon rests on two removable slatted sections:

Sorry the picture is blurry – I was attempting to balance on one foot and take the picture while using my other foot to prevent the futon from falling back into place. It didn’t go so well, but I think the bruising will be minimal. 😉

Contests, Randonymity, Reading

Mayhem meets Chappy!

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Jen’s having a contest to help her friend choose kitchen cabinet hardware. Weigh in with your opinion by 8 am EST, February 29, and you could win some kitchen cotton.

Reading Update
Housekeeping vs. the Dirt by Nick Hornby. Really, I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed Hornby’s books about reading. Hornby is very, very funny and most of his insights are spot on. This was a particular favorite: “But please, if you’re reading a book that’s killing you, put it down and read something else, just as you would reach for the remote if you weren’t enjoying a TV program.”
Unshapely Things and Unquiet Dreams by Mark del Franco. A promising new urban fantasy/mystery series set in Boston about Connor Grey, a druid who lost most of his powers in an accident.
Three in Death by J.D. Robb. This book contains three Eve Dallas/Roarke novellas that have been published elsewhere: “Interlude in Death,” “Midnight in Death,” and “Haunted in Death.”

Recently, I won a contest over at Chappysmom. Deb sent me some gorgeous purple Zephyr and one of her cute Chappy cards – thank you, Deb!

“That Chappy kitty has a very long nose and ears! What do you mean, he’s not a kitty? What else is there?!!” -Mayhem

“Oh! Laceweight yarn! My favorite!” -Mayhem

“I’m sure Mom won’t even notice if I steal a ball or two of this. It’s not like she’s knitted any lace that I can remember.” -Mayhem