Waffle stitch crochet project

As I have been a little "under the weather" for a while now, my mother-in-law has been staying with me to help out with the ordinary day-to-day stuff that still needs to go on.  During this time she has taught me to crochet.  And I love it - it is so relaxing and you can do it from bed listening to an audiobook!  Great!!

Since then I have been searching YouTube and found some wonderful video by Bella Coco (love her channel).  One being this waffle stitch tutorial - caught my eye immediately.



Once you get the hang of it, it works pretty easily.  Here is my effort so far.  I might be "frogging" it later today as it is a bit big.  Might have over estimated when I started it a week or two ago.  I will start a new one immediately, just smaller in size.

Audiobook review: You're never weird on the Internet (almost)

Title: You're never weird on the Internet (almost)

Author: Felicia Day

Genre: Biography Memoir

Publication date: 

11 August 2015

Narrated by Felicia Day

Blurb (from Goodreads)

From online entertainment mogul, actress, and “queen of the geeks” Felicia Day, a funny, quirky, and inspiring memoir about her unusual upbringing, her rise to Internet-stardom, and embracing her individuality to find success in Hollywood.

The Internet isn’t all cat videos. There’s also Felicia Day—violinist, filmmaker, Internet entrepreneur, compulsive gamer, hoagie specialist, and former lonely homeschooled girl who overcame her isolated childhood to become the ruler of a new world…or at least semi-influential in the world of Internet Geeks and Goodreads book clubs.

After growing up in the south where she was "homeschooled for hippie reasons", Felicia moved to Hollywood to pursue her dream of becoming an actress and was immediately typecast as a crazy cat-lady secretary. But Felicia’s misadventures in Hollywood led her to produce her own web series, own her own production company, and become an Internet star.

Felicia’s short-ish life and her rags-to-riches rise to Internet fame launched her career as one of the most influential creators in new media. Now, Felicia’s strange world is filled with thoughts on creativity, video games, and a dash of mild feminist activism—just like her memoir.

Hilarious and inspirational, You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now—even for a digital misfit. 

My thoughts:

I am not very familiar with Felicia Day but I really enjoyed this audiobook.  She narrates the book herself and based on this work, I am sure she will be able to add narrator to her career choices.  She was amazing!

She has lived a very dysfunctional life starting with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks, gaming additions and eventually an emotional breakdown.  I have a lot of respect for someone this famous revealing so much of herself.  It is wonderful what one can accomplice even with such obstacles if you just put your mind to it.

The audiobook flows beautifully into each new chapter and Felicia's voice (and squeals) made it very enjoyable.  

I would recommend this one even if you are not a big fan.

Kill Me Three Times (2014) - Movie thoughts

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While on a seemingly routine job, a jaded hit man (Simon Pegg) discovers that he's not the only one with his target in the crosshairs.

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I absolutely loved this movie!  
Simon Pegg is a hit or miss actor for me.  I loved Shaun of the Dead but some of his other efforts just do not strike my funny bone.  In this one, he is the perfect creepy hitman.  It is really all just a "comedy of errors" for almost all the characters.  Murphy's Law is real!  
Just on a side note, I have to mention that it felt like the same creepy song played in the background through-out the movie.  This just elevated it a little more for me.  Thought it was a nice touch.  
Don't go into this expecting a mind blowing action movie and you will love it like I did.
Recommended! 

I will walk with you . . .

I was unable to find the original source. (originally from Facebook)

Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge completed

I completed my goal for the Goodreads challenge (my biggest goal yet)  :)  I am so happy.  Now it is all plain sailing from here.  I love keeping lists, so the only problem was that I wanted to be free if health wise I need a little more time.  Although an audiobook is a wonderful thing at 3am!

Out of the the 50 read, 40 was audiobooks.

Unfortunately this year has only brought me six 5-star reads so far.  So sad.

  

Would love to hear any of your favourites so far this year.

San Andreas (2015) - Movie thoughts

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A seemingly ideal day turns disastrous when California's notorious San Andreas fault triggers a devastating, magnitude 9 earthquake, the largest in recorded history. As the Earth cracks open and buildings start to crumble, Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), an LAFD search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, must navigate the destruction from Los Angeles to San Francisco to bring his estranged wife (Carla Gugino) and their only daughter (Alexandra Daddario) to safety.

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I am sorry but this did not impress me.  It is a really big budget movie with HUGE special effects (and kudos to those involved) but the story is just one more disaster movie.  Don't get me wrong, "end-of-the-world" movies are favourites but I felt just a bit too bored here.  I cannot believe the luck that Ray and Carla had. . . . and driving basically a rubber duck through a tsunami . . . .  yeah.
Anyway, not bad if you are just looking for some very light entertainment.  Take a look and let me know if I am too hard on them :)

Relaxation in front of the TV . . .

I did a little knitting while at school in the 1900's  :) but I am going to start it up again.  My mother-in-law and sister-in-law is going to guide me and teach me the basics again (I have heard that it is NOT like riding a bike!).  My friends are already warning me of lost stitches and wholes . . .

I am not sure that this ever become something I will actually ware . . . this is going to be all about the relaxation that I can gain from it.  I need some hobbies that will calm me.  The medicine I am taking, is making me like a "jack-in-the-box".  I can just imagine that this is what heavy drug users must feel like.  I want to talk ALL THE TIME!

What I am hoping for is that it going to allow me to have a few relaxing hours in front of the TV.  My sister-in-law assures me this is an easy pattern for a beginner and here is a picture . . .

I have chosen this purple-y colour below but I am debating if I should not return it for the blue of the photo above . . . 

I hate reality shows . . .

. . .  and Gordon Ramsay is not my favourite person.  Last night on TV we saw a episode of his "normal" cooking show - HOME COOKING.  And what a difference, he seemed like such a nice person.  Where did all that calm come from!

The episode we watched was supposed to be about "frugal cooking" but he made oxtail for heaven's sake!  Oxtail is one of the more expensive cuts of meat in South Africa (and it is not a favourite of mine).  Besides the point, I know.

He also made eggy bread (called French Toast in our home) with a stewed apple topping.  

Apple . . . once again not a favourite - you might be getting the idea that I am a fussy eater . . . don't care :)  Anyway, I have some apples in the house at the moment, so I will be trying to make the stewed apples - although I will admit making the caramel scares me.  We will see.

I found loads of the Home Cooking episodes on YouTube - go take a look at the one I mentioned below (sorry it did not allow me to add the embedded code for you - just follow the link).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ1ZivXn7LY

What does one call this stitching . . .

Confession time - I totally stole this picture from Coni at SpinsterStitcher 

Last week my radiation specialist told me YOU NEED TO GET A HOBBY.  Yeah, I know (harsh) but she meant it in the kindest possible way.  I am sure they see loads of people just melting away and it came from her concern for me to just get on with it.

I already love hobby-ish things (my husband tends to say "love too much" under his breath when the packages arrive - oh well . . . )

So far my biggest love is stitching-type hobbies - cross stitch and even beading with needle and thread (my great love peyote).  But what about something new?

So as I was telling you guys a few days ago, I have been going through my old blogs and found some web addresses I have saved over the years.  Found Coni again (just love her and her little Jack Russell - go check out her blog!) and I found these type of patterns that she loves.

So now the problem becomes that I cannot search for it . . . yeah, the mind is going.  I know the name of the piece and the designer so finding an online pattern is not my issue.  But what do I tell the girl in my local shop . . . I wanna do this and show her a picture?  LoL

Please help me - what do you call this embroidery?

I f***ed it up again . . .

Sorry guys - wrong button AGAIN!  I just tried to get it somewhat cuter and now it all messed up.

I am definately not techno inclinded.  I will try fixing tomorrow . . . bear with me till then.

And go ahead . . . laugh all you want :)

Edit:  Looking a bit better already :)

Sunshine (2007) - Movie thoughts

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SUNSHINE (2007) 

 50 years into the future, the Sun begins to die, and Earth is dying as a result. A team of astronauts are sent to revive the Sun - but the mission fails.

Seven years later, a new team is sent to finish the mission as mankind's last hope.

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I love science fiction movies especially when space ships and doomed missions are the order of the day.  And this little movie packed a lot of punch.   No all the characters were particulary likeable and although the ending did bring closure, a lot more could have been done.   The all have long lettered degrees after all, they should have had an "ahhhh- haaaa" moment :) 
 Where is John McClane when we need him!
Recommended :)

Graphic Novels are not my thing . . .

. . . but what about Manga?  I have a very slight YouTube addition and have been watching BookTube for some time.  Recently it feels like I have been seeing more and more about Japanese novels, including Manga.  So how difficult could it be to find one . . . sigh - you had to ask!

Yes, right the first time - I had a terrible time finding one (anyone) that was reasonably priced and then have it shipped all the way accross the ocean.  Today it arrived at last (just took a month this time!).

I have no idea if it is part of a good series or not (mixed reviews) but will be seeing if I like the concept.

It is called Black Butler and I am sure if could seem a little creepy if taken from a certain viewpoint.   We will see . . .

Yes, you have heard it all before . . .

I am staying . . . I am leaving . . . I am staying . . .

Sometimes life just sucks and you have to put on the "big girl panties".

Borrowed from Sue 

With insomnia raging this morning at 3am, I started reading all my old posts from my various blogs of the years (can't believe I have been blogging since 2009!).  Painting, cross-stitching, beading, books, reviews, movies, pets.  What a road it has been!

As many of you know, I am quite ill at the moment so I will be reconsilidating my interests.  One blog - everything on it.

Like I say in my little blogger + thingie in top right corner, whatever is relevant to me on a particular day, will be here.   Even if it is just a rant . . . hopefully I will be able to filter my very huge dislike of the blogger editor but we will see . . . I am hoping that social media will keep me going through this time ahead.

My new home . . .

Wordpress was not all it was cracked up to be (in my eyes).  Maybe I am just not enough of a techie to enjoy their world, so I moved into my new home

Just Reading for Fun

I hope to see you there!

I am moving to Wordpress

I have made the decision to move over to Wordpress as I just cannot get BLOGGER to work for me anymore.  I have been trying for hours to change the formatting of my older posts back to normal but without success.  Please excuse the dodgy (and pink) formatting - LoL

I hope you will join me at my new blog JUST READING FOR FUN.

Book Review: Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

Title: Odd Hours
Author: Dean Koontz
Series:  Odd Thomas #4
Genre: Paranormal Fiction
Publication date: 20 May 2008
Online presence::  http://www.deankoontz.com/
Source: My own audio copy
Narrated by David Aaron Baker
Amazon link:  Odd Hours: An Odd Thomas Novel

Goodreads blurb:
Only a handful of fictional characters are recognized by first name alone. Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas is one of those rare literary heroes who have come alive in readers’ imaginations as he explores the greatest mysteries of this world and the next with his inimitable wit, heart, and quiet gallantry. Now Koontz follows Odd as he is irresistibly drawn onward to a destiny he cannot imagine and to undreamed of places where the perils he will face and the stakes for which he fights will eclipse all that he has known.

The legend began in the obscure little town of Pico Mundo. A fry cook named Odd was rumored to have the extraordinary ability to communicate with the dead. Through tragedy and triumph, exhilaration and heartbreak, word of Odd Thomas’s gifts filtered far beyond Pico Mundo, attracting unforgettable new friends—and enemies of implacable evil. With great gifts comes the responsibility to meet great challenges. But no mere human being was ever meant to face the darkness that now stalks the world—not even one as oddly special as Odd Thomas.
After grappling with the very essence of reality itself, after finding the veil that separates him from his soul mate, Stormy Llewellyn, tantalizingly thin yet impenetrable, Odd longed only to return to a life of quiet anonymity with his two otherworldly sidekicks—his dog Boo and a new companion, one of the few who might rival his old pal Elvis. But a true hero, however humble, must persevere. Haunted by dreams of an all-encompassing red tide, Odd is pulled inexorably to the sea, to a small California coastal town where nothing is as it seems. Now the forces arrayed against him have both official sanction and an infinitely more sinister authority…and in this dark night of the soul dawn will come only after the most shattering revelations of all.
Burnishing Dean Koontz’s stature as a master of suspense and one of our most innovative and gifted storytellers, Odd Hours illuminates a legacy of mystery and hope that will shine on long after the final page.

My thoughts:
Let me start by saying that I love this narrator.  Some books are just better in audio form (I am thinking of THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE) and I think  David Aaron Baker made this book for me.  His calm, smoothing voice just carried the story of Odd Thomas perfectly.  Sometimes Dean Koontz tends to wander off into some beautiful prose but David made it all just seem to flow together – loved that!

As with all the Odd Thomas books, the people that Odd meets, all have funny little quirks.  I guess that if you are a little funny yourself, you just gravitate towards such.  One of my favourites are the aging film director (actor) that employs Odd.  He lives in the past and through his old movies.  The conversations between him and Odd were just wonderful.

This book does not have loads of action and it all takes place inside of 24 hours.  As usual, not all questions are answered so we will have to see if book 5 and 6 brings everything together. 

I don’t think that any of the sequels of Odd Thomas will ever compare with the first book but the stories give us enough suspense and surprises to keep us reading (listening).

 

 

Blogger has the worst editor . . .

I want to apologize for the formatting on some of my earlier blog posts.  For some reason BLOGGER has changed my settings and removed/changed formatting on the posts.  I have been unable to get it back to normal.  I have even lost some posts.  It has been really fustrating but at this point I am out of ideas . . .

My Spotlight: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

 

 

Expected Publication date:  15 January 2013

Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow prisoners, Felicia passes the endless hours downloading memories and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and the boy she loved, Neil.
Then a girl in a neighboring chamber disappears, and nobody but Felicia seems to recall she existed in the first place. Something is obviously very wrong. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, she learns the truth: a rebellion is brewing to overthrow the Morati, the guardians of Level 2.
Felicia is reluctant to trust Julian, but then he promises what she wants the most—to be with Neil again—if only she’ll join the rebels. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself in the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.

My Spotlight: Crash by Lisa McMann

This book sounds awesome.  Can’t wait!

Expected publication date:  08 January 2013

If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.

Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.
What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.
The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.
In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality.

Super Book Blast: Highland Quest by B.J. Scott

Highland Quest by B. J. Scott

BLURB:

 

 

No longer content in the shadows of his older brothers and on a quest to find his destiny, Bryce Fraser's chosen path is fraught with danger, passion, and decisions. Can his unspoken love for spirited, beguiling Fallon be triumphant in a time of war and uncertainty, or will they both fall prey to the devious plans of a traitorous laird from a rival clan?

 

 

EXCERPT:

Bryce closed the gap between them. She heard his footsteps, felt his warm breath on the back of her neck as he spoke, but didn’t turn around.

“Please dinna be angry with me, Fallon. I could not bear to think you held me any ill will. This is for the best.” He gently touched her shoulder.

“Dinna leave.” She dropped the sack and whipped around to face him, the words escaping before she could stop them. “Why must you go? Why must you risk your life?”

“You know why.” He yanked her against his chest and captured her mouth.

But this time she did not fight his advances. She wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with equal enthusiasm to his kiss. Her lips parted, welcoming the sweep of his tongue. As he deepened the exploration, her knees buckled, and she clung to his tunic as if her life depended on it.

Unshed tears stung her eyes, but she managed to blink them away. This might be the last time they would see each other and she suddenly found herself wanting a memory that would last forever. What she was about to ask was wrong, and could only lead to heartache. While she knew she should fight temptation with her last breath, she was only human.

“Join with me, Bryce,” she whispered against his lips.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

https://www.facebook.com/authorbjscott

http://www.authorbjscott.com/

http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com/

The author will award gifts of swag (including a canvas tote bag, a mouse pad, a pen, book thong, bookmark, can cooler, magnet, and key chain -- US/Canada only) to randomly drawn commenters from this tour and her Virtual Book Tour, and a grand prize of one $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter from this tour and her Virtual Book Tour.

Here is the rest of the tour participants, so lets get commenting!

1. Krystal Shannan - Where Love and Destiny Collide
2. Wicked Readings By Tawania
3. Books and Other Spells
4. JM Stewart
5. Adventure into Romance
6. It's Raining Books
7. Welcome to My World of Dreams
8. Andi's Book Reviews
9. My Devotional Thoughts
10. Wickedly Sexy Writers
11. Sandra's Blog
12. Romantic Historical Lovers
13. Simply Ali
14. Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem
15.  All the days of
16.  Sharing Links and Wisdom
17.  Urban Girl Reader
18.  Realmantic Moments
19.  Sexy Adventures, Passionate Tales