Turn the Page

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-02-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest series I've got my daughter reading.....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2012-02-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

This recipe is all the rage on Pinterest right now so I thought I'd spread it around a little more...Besides, who doesn't love a treat like this?! Just not sure I want to share any with anybody else!!

******* Brownies

1 Box of cookie mix, 

1 Box of brownie mix, 

2 Eggs,

2 Packs of Oreos (double stuffed ones are even better if you can find them)

Some oil 

& your favourite ice-cream (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350°F, 180°C, gas mark 4.

Line a baking tray with grease proof paper.

Follow the instructions on the cookie mix box & stir furiously until you have gooey cookie dough, I usually add a little extra water and oil to what they suggest, it just keeps it moist as you'll be baking it for longer than suggested. An extra teaspoon of each is just right. 

Squidge (technical term) the cookie dough into a lined baking tray, until it covers the bottom.  

Cover this layer with your Oreos. Don't use the broken ones, eat them as you go. This recipe is too glorious to use substandard Oreos.  

Mix up your brownie batter. Just stick to the recipe on the box for this one. 

& pour over your Oreos. 

Bake for 30mins. 

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

When its still a little bit warm, use the paper to lift your creation out of the tray and rest it on a chopping board.

Use a large, sharp knife to cut it into manageable chunks, sections, slabs... depending on how many calories you think you can handle in one sitting.

Drop onto a plate and scoop on your ice cream.

Enjoy, and don't forget to lick the bowl!

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2012-02-09T09:51:00.001-08:00

We're gonna all be so smart!!

adjective

not easily stirred or moved mentally; unemotional; impassive.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2012-02-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to What's in your Library Bag Wednesday!!! I know I missed last week, but have a few thoughts I'd like to share with you this week.
I am just finishing up Brothers Blood by Scott Cawelti that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. It's only taken me so long because I shared it with my husband and his parents first, since I was in the middle of a historical romance that I was really enjoying by Christina Skye, but that's a story for another day.
Back to Brothers Blood. As you know, it's a story about a murder that took place in Cedar Falls in the 1970s and for that reason if for no other, I am glad to be reading it. I think it's good to know about this major crime in our area's history even if I wasn't old enough to understand at the time.
The major comment I have about this book is it's writing style. Scott Cawelti, if I remember correctly, is or was a professor in journalism and this novel reflects that. In the introduction, he tells the readers that he had to fictionalize some parts of the novel in order to make it more of a story and more enjoyable to read. And he does do that. But, the sentences flow like journalistic writing. They aren't exactly short and choppy, but they have the feel of newspaper writing. One chapter, he'll be talking about Jerry Mark, the murderer, and he'll be telling of a song he was humming while he drove his motorcycle along I-80. The next chapter will then start out with the facts of the story as they stand at this point. So, it kind of goes back and forth between more of a newsy feel and a more story feel. This style doesn't always hold my interest; it makes me want to skim as opposed to reading word for word. However, it did make the actual murder seem, "less", so that made sleeping at night easier which I was worried about at the beginning. So, it's a good style for the type of book, but not necessarily a good style for my reading tastes.
What do you think?? Have you read it yet? Does this type of style interest you? Let me know...

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-02-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a true story full of hope...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2012-02-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us!!! What are you going to eat?! Cause it's all about the food, right?? Oh, and the commercials of course...

Here's a couple snack ideas to get you started:

Buffalo Chicken Poppers with Avocado Bleu Cheese Dip

Makes 16 poppers

Ingredients:

4oz cream cheese, softened (can use regular, whipped, 1/3 less fat, etc.)

3 teaspoons ranch dip mix, divided

1 large chicken breast, cut into small pieces

3-4 Tablespoons buffalo wing sauce

1, 8-count tube reduced fat crescent rolls

Avocado Bleu Cheese Dip

1 avocado

1/3 cup bleu cheese dressing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven according to crescent roll package directions. Mix together cream cheese and 2 teaspoons ranch dip mix in a small bowl. Season chicken with remaining teaspoon ranch dip mix, and cook in a non-stick sprayed skillet. Toss with buffalo wing sauce, and set aside to cool.

2. Lay crescent rolls out flat, and cut each triangle in half with a pizza cutter. Gently flatten each triangle, and place 1 teaspoon cream cheese mix in the center. Top with a spoonful of chicken. Bring all three sides of the crescent roll triangle to the top, then pinch all three seams to seal. Place on a baking sheet, and bake according to crescent roll package directions.

3. While the poppers are baking, mash avocado until smooth. Stir in bleu cheese dressing, and serve with poppers.

Or, how about.....

Pizza Dip

A layered, hot cheesy dip with all of the great pizza flavours including pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, olives and green peppers.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded/grated
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
2 tablespoons green pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons black olives, sliced

Directions

Mix the cream cheese, sour cream mayonnaise, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano and spread it across the bottom of a pie plate.
Spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, green pepper and olives.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven until the cheese has melted, bubbling and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Or....

Marshmallow Popcorn

3 bags popcorn (pop and take out extra kernels) 2 sticks of butter 16 oz bag of marshmallows 1 cup brown sugar Microwave butter, marshmallows, and brown sugar for 2 1/2 min. Take out and stir. Microwave again for 1 min. Repeat until thin sauce. When done pour over popcorn and mix. YUM!

Enjoy the day and the food!!!

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2012-02-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I admit I am obsessed with Words with Friends...and I never realized how many "Q" words didn't need a "u"....The word for today is:

Qat (variant of khat)

— n
1.	a white-flowered evergreen shrub, Catha edulis, of Africa andArabia, whose leaves have narcotic properties
2.	the leaves of this shrub, chewed or prepared as a drink

[C19: from Arabic qāt ]

kat or kat

— n

[C19: from Arabic qāt ]

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

Today, instead of a book trailer I thought I'd put up this youtube video of Elmo's parody of a popular LMFAO hit song....Enjoy!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2012-01-27T10:50:00.000-08:00

Janette took me out to lunch the other day and we'd both been wanting to try fried pickles, so we shared a basket. Can I say Yummy?!! Janette doesn't like dill pickles in the first place, but she agrees that fried dill pickles are totally yummy!! But really, what's not yummy when it is batter dipped and fried??

Here's a recipe from www.allrecipes.com to try at home...

Super Easy and Spicy Fried Pickles

Rated:

Submitted By: SHUNPR

Photo By: Soup Loving Nicole

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Ready In: 15 Minutes

Servings: 8

"Super easy, spicy and tasty fried pickles for the pickle lovers among us!"

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups peanut oil for frying, or as needed

1 (32 ounce) jar dill pickle slices, drained

1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 eggs, beaten

1 (8 ounce) bottle Ranch dressing

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
2.	Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, black pepper and garlic powder. Dip pickle slices into the egg, and then coat with the bread crumb mixture.
3.	Fry the pickles in the hot oil, until golden brown on each side, turning once. Transfer to paper towels, and serve hot with Ranch dressing.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 1/27/2012

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2012-01-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

So, I've been playing Words with Friends, which in case you don't know, is an app where you play scrabble with friends via the internet. Sooo addicting!!! Anyway, a very high scoring word happens to be Qi. I've used it but had no idea what it meant. I mean it's perfect, right? You get to use a Q with a U!! Today, I thought I learn what it meant and figured I might as well share with you guys...Here you go...

World English Dictionary

qi (tʃiː)

— n
	a variant of chi

chi , ch'i or qi ² (tʃiː)

— n
	( sometimes capital ) (in Oriental medicine, martial arts, etc)vital energy believed to circulate round the body in currents

[Chinese, literally: energy]

ch'i , ch'i or qi ²

— n

[Chinese, literally: energy]

qi , ch'i or qi ²

— n

[Chinese, literally: energy]

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2012-01-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday. Well, it's actually Thursday, but Blogger obviously didn't save what I typed last night so I am rewriting my thoughts today. So it's now time for What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday(Thursday)?? Today, I have the book Brother's Blood by Scott Cawelti in my bag. That's the recent book written about the Mark Murders that took place in Cedar Falls in the 1970s.
I am not old enough to remember the circumstances surrounding these murders, but hearing all of the talk and being from the area, I thought I should acquaint myself. Also, the author, Scott Cawelti was a professor at UNI when I was there, so that makes it more intriguing to me. Scott has been visiting a lot of local libraries talking about his book; he was at the Shell Rock Library last week and Clarksville before Christmas...From what I've heard, people have enjoyed his visits and book, learning things they hadn't remembered. I know it includes statements never before released that add to the understanding of the crime...At any rate, I am curious, so when my hold finally came up, I decided to give it whirl and checked it out. I've barely started, only getting as far as the morning of the crime and the background on the investigators...I'll let you know, but maybe you'd like to try it for yourself and see what you remember. Or perhaps, you're like me and just need to be informed. Better yet, maybe your favorite book to read is True Crime!! This is the story for you! Call us and we'll add your name to the list, 319-352-1223!!

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-01-23T13:11:00.000-08:00

Here's the book trailer and....

Here's the movie trailer....

It seems all good books go to movies sooner or later....Which do you prefer?

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Saturday edition!

2012-01-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

I've been loving the magazine Simple & Delicious by Taste of Home. I'm not sure if it was a special edition or if it will come every two months, but I love it! Every recipe I've tried so far has been easy and my whole family has told me they liked it!! That's practically unheard of!!

So, we tried this first recipe...and the beauty of it was that the second recipe was right next to it so that you could make it with the leftovers. Brilliant!!

My family loved both!! The magazine is just chock full of good stuff! I have more recipes that I am going to try next week!! Actually makes me want to cook!! Go Figure!

Honey & Spice Baked Chicken
Prep/Total Time: 30 min. Serves: 5 plus leftovers

3 tsp. garlic powder
3 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 1/2 tsp. paprika
3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5 oz. each)
6 T. honey
2 tsp. cider vinegar

Combine first six ingredients; rub over chicken. Transfer to a greased 15 in. x 10 in. x 1 in. baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Combine honey and vinegar; baste over chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Save three chicken breast halves fro the chimichangas or save for another use.

Chicken Chimichangas
Prep/Total Time: 20 min. Serves: 6.

3 Honey & Spice Baked Chicken breast halves, cubed
1 C. refried beans
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
6 flour tortillas (8 in.), warmed
3/4 C. shredded cheddar cheese
Oil for deep-fat frying

Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa con queso dip, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and sliced seeded jalapeno pepper.

Combine first seven ingredients in a small microwave-safe bow. Cover and microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Spoon 1/3 cup off-center on each tortilla; sprinkle with cheese. Fold up edge nearest filling; fold in both sides and roll up. Secure with a toothpick.
Heat oil to 375 degrees in an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer. Cook chimichangas until golden brown, turning to cook all sides. Drain on paper towels. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2012-01-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Here's the word of the day from Dictionary.com!!! Check it out!

shiv

\ shiv \ , noun;

A knife, especially a switchblade.

Definition of shiv| See synonyms| Comment on today's word| Suggest tomorrow's word

Quotes:

Then this one cop, the guy, he pulls out a picture,shows me a photograph, see, of my shiv . Now, Igotta tell ya, this shiv of mine's no ordinary blade.

-- Ashok Mathur, Once Upon an Elephant

“Why would he wipe the shiv ?” Decker said.“Supposedly it was his shiv , not hers. Of course itwould have his prints on it. Seems to me he'd juststick it back in its sheath and leave.”

-- Faye Kellerman, Milk and Honey

Origin:

First used in English in the early 1600s, shiv is ofunknown origin, but it may be related to the Romanyword for knife, chiv .

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2012-01-18T18:00:00.000-08:00

Hellooo!! It's time for the latest edition of What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday!! I just gotta say, sometimes you just need a good fluffy book. Janette will tell you this is true...This year so far has been like that for me! I have all of these great books at home that I want to read, but I just can't get in to any of them right now. I don't know what my problem is. I love to read; I just haven't been interested in much of anything. Except,...Fluff.
I had a historical romance sitting on my bedside table that I had taken from the exchange shelf here at the library months ago. Side note here, I always have a book stashed somewhere. I check out books and then I have paperbacks sitting around for when those don't interest me and I have favorite books of my own. Anyway, when I went to tuck my son in, I grabbed that paperback and started reading. Totally,1600 Scotland, Highland warrior, time travel, fiesty heroine, romance, FLUFF!! It was the best. It sucked me right in and made everything else just fall away. Perfect escape. I didn't have to think about it; I could fall asleep and if I lost my place, it didn't really make much difference; it was funny...Great Fluff!!
The book was Warrior of Highlands by Veronica Wolff. A Harvard Master's student Haley Fitzpatrick is called through time by a witch to help the Campbell thwart Alasdair McColla. In a twist of fate, love wins and Campbell himself gets thwarted. Haley is a fiesty opinionated 20th century gal who takes Scotland by storm. Alasdair McColla is a true Highland Warrior and loves the strength Haley demonstrates, but does have to reconcile some of her opinions....It all adds up to fun and Fluff!!!
So if you find yourself in a reading rut, try some fluff! It'll get you out of your funk! Promise!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2012-01-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

While browsing Pinterest...Have you tried Pinterest yet?? YOU NEED TO!! Anyway, what I was saying was that while browsing Pinterest and starving for supper, I found this yummy looking recipe for Mexican Stuffed Shells that I want to try....along with the million other recipes that I've pinned to my Food! Food! Food! board....It's an addiction. I know it. You should try it. Then we can be addicted together....

But for now, just try this recipe....

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:
1 lb. ground beef
1 package low-sodium taco seasoning ( or better yet use this Taco Seasoning!)
4 oz. cream cheese
14-16 jumbo pasta shells
1.5 cup salsa
1 cup taco sauce
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup monterey jack cheese
3 green onions
Sour cream

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a frying pan cook ground beef; add taco seasoning and prepare according to package directions. Add cream cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Blend well. Set aside and cool completely. While ground beef is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to directions; drain. Set shells out individually on cutting board/baking sheet so that they don’t stick together.

Pour salsa on bottom of 9×13 baking dish. Stuff each shell with the meat mixture. Place shells in 9×13 pan open side up. Cover shells with taco sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, add shredded cheese and bake for 10-15 more minutes, with the foil removed. Top with any condiments you’d like (green onions, black olives, etc.) Serve with sour cream and/or more salsa.

ALERT!! ALERT!!! ALERT!!!

REMINDER: Our Annual Photography Contest is going on RIGHT NOW!!! We are still accepting submissions until 5 p.m. on January 20, 2012!!! Bring in you favorite 8x10 mounted photos for a chance to win 1 of 6 different prizes, 2 in each category...Adult color, Adult black and white, and Youth. Photos on display from now until middle of February...Enter and check out the rest!!

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2012-01-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

I ran across this one while I was reading a magazine article on photography and art. I thought it was a good word for today...

ubiquitous [juːˈbɪkwɪtəs]

adj

having or seeming to have the ability to be everywhere at once; omnipresent

[from Latin ubīque everywhere, from ubī where]

ubiquitously adv

ubiquity , ubiquitousness n

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?...

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?? Supposedly, today is the end of our nice weather....we'll see. Either way, it's a good time to start a new book. January is kind of a hum drum month, so what better time to find a new favorite author.
Have you ever heard of Regency Fiction? I had a patron come in the other day asking about novels that included England and balls with ball gowns, etc. In searching for some books and authors that I knew of in particular, I discovered that this is an entire genre called Regency Fiction.
Wikipedia gives a good overview here.
I, personally, have read a fair amount of historical fiction, which is where this genre falls. I liked Amanda Quick and Mary Balogh immensely. Also, within this last year, you know a few of us librarians read Jane Eyre which I believe also falls into this category. Not my favorite, but still a worthwhile read. Another author I thought looked pretty interesting to try was Georgette Heyer.
Whatever you are looking for, Regency Fiction might satisfy. Stop in to the library and give it a whirl. We'll beat those January HumDrums.

DON'T FORGET THE LIBRARY'S ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW. BRING IN YOUR 8X10 MOUNTED FAVORITES BY JANUARY 20 AND ENTER TO WIN ONE OF 6 PRIZES BEING GIVEN AWAY!!!

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-01-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

Here's another book being made into a movie this year....

Book first.....

Movie second....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2012-01-06T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a yummy punch recipe to try on game day with your friends....

Lime Sherbet Punch

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen

Prep Time:: 5 min
Inactive Prep Time:: --
Cook Time:: --

Level:: Easy

Serves:: 18 to 20 servings

Ingredients

2 quarts lime sherbet
2 liters ginger ale
1 (46-ounce) can pineapple juice
Lemon slices
Lime slices
Maraschino cherries

Directions

In a punch bowl, add 2 quarts of lime sherbet. Then add ginger ale and pineapple juice. Decorate with lemon and lime slices and some maraschino cherries.

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2012-01-05T11:32:00.001-08:00

Go forth and learn!!!

gasconade

\ gas-kuh-NEYD \ , noun, verb;

Extravagant boasting; boastful talk.

verb:

To boast extravagantly; bluster.

Definition of gasconade| See synonyms| Comment on today's word| Suggest tomorrow's word

Quotes:

The British officers laugh, because they are wellarmed and many, and Kemal's men are pitifully few,but they enjoy and admire Kemal's swashbucklinggasconade , and they let his party pass.

-- Louis de Bernières, Birds Without Wings

The papers, barely days old, were full of boastfulmalarkey and gasconade , but of much more evidentvalue when it came to information about the state ofthings in France, and in the local area.

-- Dewey Lambdin, Troubled Waters

Origin:

Gasconade originally referred to people who were fromthe Gascony region of southwest France, borderingSpain. Gascons reputedly boast and exaggerate theirsuccess, and their toponym took on a life of its own. It became common in English in the early 1700s.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday...

2012-01-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

Well, it's Wednesday my reading friends and I'm not reading anything special to talk about. Bummer. I'm waiting on the last book in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. It's currently overdue and I am itching to get my hands on it. UGH!! Case in point: This is why I never read series before. I'm kind of obsessive and once I start a series I want to finish it. I don't want to read other books in between and I am usually a faster reader than whoever is in front of me. I just am.
But, on the flip side, it has given me time to do some things I always said I didn't have time for...like creating a mailing label list on the computer. (Yes, I still hand write all of my Christmas cards). And I am trying to be more organized with meals to save some stress, so I've been working on that. And I have a New Year's Resolution that I am going to try this year. I've decided that I want to learn something new. At first, I thought I'd learn to play the guitar or relearn my clarinet and then I decided that that might be beyond me right now, so I thought, "Hey. I'm already taking pictures and I got a new camera and I'm always saying that I know nothing about editing photos...and...and...and...And so I am going to learn Photoshop Elements better by editing one photo a week. That's doable, right? And I have a friend is who helping to teach me and also therefore keeping me accountable. I'm not usually very good at resolutions, but this hopefully is doable and something I've been thinking about and of course avoiding so I'm gonna go for it!
Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Are you able to keep them? I know that Janette usually says she is going to read one more book this year than she did last year....This seems like it would be fun to keep!! I love to read! How about you? Maybe your resolution this year involves losing weight or exercising. The library is initiating a 100 day challenge for exercising this year. If your resolution involves getting fit and healthy, we may be able to help...Head on over to our facebook page and check it out!
The library can probably help with many of your resolutions!! Even if you don't make resolutions, we are here for you! Stop in and check us out!

Book Trailer Monday...

2012-01-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

First, always first read the book....

Then check out the movie!!!

From our recipe box to yours...

2011-12-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

These looked fun to have on New Year's Eve....

RaSpBeRrY FiZzLeR

Rated:

Submitted By: CaItLiN

Photo By: CC♥'s2bake

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Ready In: 5 Minutes

Servings: 2

"This recipe, made for kids, is a fruity-good drink. Raspberry juice is blended with raspberry sherbet and carbonated water. You can try cranberry-raspberry, or apple-raspberry juice!"

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups raspberry juice

3 scoops raspberry sherbet

1/2 cup carbonated water

DIRECTIONS:

1.	In a blender, combine raspberry juice, raspberry sherbet and carbonated water. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Printed from Allrecipes.com 12/30/2011

Don't forget that we are closed on Sunday, January 1 in observance of the New Year's holiday!! We will resume regular hours Monday morning.

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2011-12-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a word for this lovely Thursday...

interpolation

\ in-tur-puh-LEY-shuhn \ , noun;

The act or process of introducing something additional or extraneous between other parts.

Something interpolated, as a passage introduced into a text.

Mathematics. A. The process of determining the value of a function between two points at which ithas prescribed values. B. A similar process using more than two points at which the function hasprescribed values. C. The process of approximating a given function by using its values at a discreteset of points.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday...

2011-12-28T17:06:00.000-08:00

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?!!! I am still reading the Cassandra Clare series, The Mortal Instruments. I am on book three, The City of Glass, and it just gets better and better. Much like the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning...The first books are good, but the last ones??...Definitely the best and worth the wait. Kind of a catch, you have to read the first ones to really "get" the last ones, but boy oh boy, the last ones in the series out do themselves and make you think you didn't need the first ones to begin with since these are soo good!! If you are a fantasy reader at all, you should enjoy the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare!!
What I really wanted to ask was if you ever read poetry? To yourself or to your children?? I remember being in school and enjoying writing my own poetry, but I don't remember reading much except for Shel Silverstein. I still don't read much on my own, but a few years ago, The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis came out and I received it as a Christmas present. It's a great collection from short Emily Dickinson poems to verses from the Bible. I really enjoy reading just a few here and there, flipping through until one catches my eye.
My children especially like to listen to poetry, grabbing the book from me and taking turns reading. We enjoy a lot of Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky along with the selections from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Even my youngest has his eyes light up when he sees me bring a poetry book in before bed.
What I'm saying is, check out a book of poetry today and explore the possibilities either on your own or with your children. You'll be glad you did.

A parting poem for you....

Snowball
by Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snow ball as perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet and let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas and a pillow for it's head.
Then, last night it ran away.
But first -- it wet the bed.

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-12-26T16:04:00.000-08:00

Not coming out until next December but definitely one to watch for!!...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-12-22T08:33:00.001-08:00

Here's a new word for today!

ab·scond/abˈskänd/

Verb:

Leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest.
(of someone on bail) Fail to surrender oneself for custody at the appointed time.

Synonyms:

flee - escape - run away - elope - get away

More info »Dictionary.com - Answers.com - Merriam-Webster - The Free Dictionary

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-12-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Wednesday before Christmas! Are there any of you who are all done with your shopping, cleaning, wrapping, etc. and are able to sit down and enjoy a good book? I, for one, am not. I do, however, manage a few pages before I fall asleep each night! Pathetic, I know.
I was thinking of asking you what your favorite book from 2011 was, but then I wasn't sure I could name just one for myself. I loved the Hunger Games series, Divergent, Anita Blake, series, Shiver, Linger and Forever....I don't think I read or started to read as the case may be, too many that aren't worth mentioning....I can't remember all of them though...Maybe I should keep an ongoing list to look back on like Janette does?...Something to think about for a New Year's Resolution....
So, if you've got a favorite book for 2011 please share!! Leave a comment and let us all know what we should be reading in 2012...

Otherwise...
What's your favorite Christmas Carol? Again, I can't name just one. Mine include:

1. We Three Kings of Orient are
2. Mr. Heatmiser by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
3. Jeannette Isabelle by Manheim Steamroller
4. The First Noel
5. Away in a Manger
6. Jingle Bells
7. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-12-19T17:53:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for Holiday stories....Here's a new one that looks good...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-12-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

I recently asked my coworkers what their favorite Christmas candy was. I got all kinds of answers from fudge to candy canes to nut clusters and pecan tassies. But, the one candy that got more than one vote was Sarah's peanut butter balls!! She has a baking thing going here and probably doesn't even know it!!!

So here you go...

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS

1/4 to 1/2 lb. melted butter (if the batter doesn't seem moist enough, add more butter!)
2 C. peanut butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
3 1/2 C. Rice Krispies, measure than crush

Melt 1/2 to 3/4 bar paraffin wax with 12 oz. chocolate chips in a double boiler. Shape and dip peanut butter balls in chocolate. Cool on wax paper.

REMEMBER: We are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Closing at 5:00 p.m. on New Year's Eve and Closed on New Year's Day!!! Enjoy the Holidays with your family!!

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2011-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:00

I just keep running across such fun words in my reading lately...

adjective

lustful or sensual.

eagerly desirous.

Origin: 1400–50; < Latin concupīscent- (stem of concupīscēns, presentparticiple of concupīscere to conceive ardent desire for),equivalent to con- con- + cup- (stem of cupere to desire) + -īscent-, variant of -ēscent- -escent

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-12-12T14:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a book to change your life and how you view this season of giving....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....

2011-12-09T09:16:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to share a family recipe with you. Last week, the librarians all got together and made goody trays for the other city departments. We each brought or made a recipe of our own. Our director, Sarah, brought her mom's recipe for coconut balls and they were a huge hit!!! So, I thought I'd share it so you could try it this Christmas season with your own families....

Sarah's Mom's Coconut Balls

Filling:
1 bag coconut flakes
1 bag powdered sugar
1 stick butter
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Coating:
1 bag dark chocolate chips
1/3 to 1/2 block Gulf paraffin wax

Combine filling ingredients and roll into small balls. Melt chocolate chips and wax together in a double boiler. Cool slightly then dip the balls until totally covered. Let cool and harden on wax paper. Voila!!! Yummy coconut balls. Store refrigerated or out on your freezer in the garage! :)

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-12-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Wow! These young adult novels are really getting me!! Love looking up words and learning new things!! This week's word comes from City of Bones by Cassandra Clare....

adjective

adverse in tendency or effect; unfavorable; harmful: aclimate inimical to health.

unfriendly; hostile: a cold, inimical gaze.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?... To get you in the mood....

2011-12-07T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hey it's Wednesday!!! What's in Your Library Bag???? I thought I'd include this famous poem today to help get you in the mood for this holiday season...if you are anything like me, you don't have lots of extra time to read, but this is a fun poem to share with your family...

Twas the Night before Christmas Poem

by Clement Clarke Moore

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

I always seem to be a day late, But...here's a cute You Tube Video to get you in the spirit!

2011-12-06T09:42:00.001-08:00

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-12-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

I know that my co-worker Janette reads these entries and thinks that her whole recipe box goes on this blog, but she always has such yummy, good ideas I can't help myself!!!

Here's what's in my crock pot as we speak...Thanks Janette!

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos...

4 chicken breasts
1 can chopped tomatoes
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Low 4 to 6 hours. Breasts can be cut up or whole and also can be frozen. Serve with tortillas, hard shells or chips. Garnish with cheese, lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes as desired!!

Another co-worker, Kate, makes this same thing only her recipe goes like this...

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Kate Style....

1 lb. chicken (frozen is fine)
1 can chicken bouillon
1 pkg. taco seasoning

Low 4 to 6 hours. Kate says she always makes more than 1 lb. of chicken and then freezes her leftovers in all of that liquid and it heats up wonderfully for a meal on another night when she is too rushed to cook!!

It's so fun to work with such great cooks!

Thoughts on a Thursday...

2011-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

I ran across this book within the first chapter of the latest young adult selection I am reading. Funny thing, I've run across more interesting words this last 6 months that I want to look up and learn in young adult titles than adult books. What does that say exactly?

in·sou·ci·ant (n-ss-nt, s-syä)

adj.

Marked by blithe unconcern; nonchalant.

[French : in-, not (from Old French; see in-¹) + souciant, present participle of soucier, to trouble (from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *sollictre, alteration of Latin sollicitre, to vex; see solicit).]

in·souci·ant·ly adv.

insouciant [ɪnˈsuːsɪənt]

adj

carefree or unconcerned; light-hearted

[from French, from in-¹ + souciant worrying, from soucier to trouble, from Latin sollicitāre; compare solicitous]

insouciance n

insouciantly adv

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003

ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms

Adj.

insouciant - marked by blithe unconcern; "an ability to interest casual students"; "showed a casual disregard for cold weather"; "an utterly insouciant financial policy"; "an elegantly insouciant manner"; "drove his car with nonchalant abandon"; "was polite in a teasing nonchalant manner"

casual, nonchalant

unconcerned - lacking in interest or care or feeling; "the average American...is unconcerned that his or her plight is the result of a complex of personal and economic and governmental actions...beyond the normal citizen's comprehension and control"; "blithely unconcerned about his friend's plight"

insouciant

adjective nonchalant, casual, carefree, gay, sunny, buoyant, airy, breezy, unconcerned, jaunty, untroubled, happy-go-lucky, free and easy, unworried, light-hearted He worked with insouciant disregard for convention.

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-11-30T16:56:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday my blog reading friends!! And I'm here to ask you What's in Your Library Bag this Wednesday? I missed last week with the Thanksgiving holiday, but I'm back and ready for your suggestions this week!!
For whatever reason, I haven't been reading as much as I normally do, but I did finish the newest Jeaniene Frost book, One Grave at a Time. It was nice to catch up with Cat and Bones again and Ms. Frost added an interesting twist by giving ghosts the ability to take solid form while introducing a new character heading Cat's old team that doesn't like her much as well. Dealing with both of these has Cat and Bones with their hands full. Cat's old best friend, Denise, makes an appearance as a shapeshifting dragon, too. Lots of paranormal, lots of mystery, lots of fun!!
There is a new book that looks intriguing that I recently placed a hold on: 11/22/63 by Stephen King. I have read Stephen King's biography, On Writing, but I haven't really read anything else of his. I know his writing is kind of fantastical, but seemed kind of weird.... This new one sounds intriguing. Here's a clip about it from goodreads.com...

November 22nd, 1963 was a rapid-fire sequence of indelible moments: Shots ring out; a president slumped over; a race to the Dallas hospital; an announcement, blood still fresh on the First Lady's dress. But what if President John F. Kennedy didn't have to die; if somehow his assassin could have been thwarted? For Maine schoolteacher Jake Epping, those hypothetical what if's become real possibilities when he walks through a portal to the past. Without special skills and still unfamiliar with his new/old surroundings, he struggles to discover a way to change the history he left. Like its Under the Dome predecessor, Stephen King's 960-page novel shows that this master of suspense is back at the top of his game.

Kind of time travel/fantasy, alternate history....I'll try it and let you know....

What are you reading or putting holds on??? Do you have a long list of titles that you want for Christmas?? Chime in and let me know....

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-11-28T16:06:00.001-08:00

Here's an up and coming teen selection!! They say it's as good as Twilight...And there's a movie being made...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!!! Now what to do with all of that leftover turkey??? I usually go to Thanksgiving dinner, so I don't have any leftovers, but a coworker of mine was telling me about this yummy leftover turkey recipe she heard about and it made me wish for leftovers.....Let's see what you think...

THANKSGIVING STROMBOLI

by Rachael Ray | on 11/21/07

INGREDIENTS

1 tube refrigerated pizza dough, such as Pillsbury brand
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornmeal
1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
3 cups leftover turkey, shredded
2 cups leftover stuffing
2 cups aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 cups leftover gravy

Serves 4

PREPARATION

Pre-heat oven to 400°F

Break open the tube of dough and remove it from container. Dust your hands and lightly coat the dough with flour or cornmeal, then roll it out onto work surface. Stretch the dough out gently so that is an inch larger than when you first take it out of the roll (but in the same rectangle shape that it has initially). Spread the cranberry sauce in an even layer over the dough, making sure to leave an inch border around the circumference of the rectangle.

Layer the turkey and stuffing down the middle of the dough going from one corner to the opposite corner in a diagonal line. Cover the turkey and stuffing with the cheddar. Bring one corner of the dough up over the turkey mixture, then roll the dough on an angle to make a long roll that is thick in the middle and thinner on each end. You should have turkey mixture running down the middle with some filling exposed at each end.

Brush the stromboli with EVOO, then sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and pat them into the dough. Place onto a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until evenly golden. Serve with leftover hot gravy alongside.

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun word....

knavery

\NEY-vuh-ree\ , noun;

Unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest dealing; trickery.

Action or practice characteristic of a knave

A knavish act or practice.

Quotes:

Knavery may serve for a turn, but honesty is best in the long run.

-- Aesop, Aesop's Fables

Yes, I took the brunt of it but not because there was a ballot on it but because I know knavery when I seeknavery. Plus underhandedness and mischief.

-- Gordon Lish, Collected Fictions

Origin:

Originally from the German word knabe meaning “boy or lad,” knavery has been used to imply deceitful intentions since the 1200s.

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here's one that hits a little close to home....Do you remember this crime??

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-11-18T11:13:00.000-08:00

I made this great recipe this last weekend that I found on Pinterest!! OMG! It only has 2 ingredients and my kids loved it!!!

Are you ready? Here goes....

PUMPKIN MUFFINS

1 yellow cake mix
1 can pumpkin

Bake at 350 for 15-17 minutes.

That's it!! Yummy!!!

I actually added some chocolate chips to guarantee my kids would eat them and then we served with whipped cream on top!!! Awesome Awesome!!!

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-11-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

Well, blog friends, What's in Your Library Bag this Wednesday? I have a couple of different books just waiting to be read, but with the holidays and my birthday fast approaching, I'm trying to plan a party and get Christmas cards done. So, I'm unfortunately not getting much read. I have been able to squeeze a few new movies in, though. That got me to wondering, are you not the big reader that I am? Do you keep coming back hoping that I will eventually suggest something that strikes your interest? How about movies? You know you love to watch movies? And I'm sure you always here that the book is better than the movie...maybe you aren't convinced.
Here's a list of movies slated to come out in 2012. We have all of these books in the Library. Find one that sounds interesting and check it out. Then check back with me after you've seen the movie and let me know...was the book really better than the movie??

Hunger Games
One for the Money
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Great Gatsby
Fahrenheit 411
Breaking Dawn
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
War Horse
Sherlock Holmes: A game of shadows
Invention of Hugo Cabret
Admission
Anna Karenina
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire hunter
Odd Thomas
The Dogs of Babel
The Hobbit
The Lorax
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
The Perks of Being a Wallflower

It's Tuesday!!

2011-11-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's Tuesday...but I can't resist!! I saw this trailer on facebook and I LOVED this trilogy!! Kinda hard to get into the beginning, but after that!! Awesomeness!! The movie looks very exciting!! Check it Out!!

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-11-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

This happens to be the trailer for the new movie coming out but it will make you want to read the book AND see the movie!! It's a must see! Can't wait til January!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

So, here's a recipe that I found on Pinterest and I am so intrigued by that I am going to make this year for my contribution to Thanksgiving dinner. Maybe you would like to, too....

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Time: 15 minutes prep + 4 hours refrigeration

Yield: 15 servings

Recipe adapted from my dear friend Heather Peterson

PRINT RECIPE

1 12 oz package fresh cranberries

1/4 C green onion, chopped

1/4 C cilantro, chopped

1 small jalapeno pepper

1 1/4 C sugar

1/4 t cumin

2 T lemon juice

dash salt

2 8 oz packages cream cheese

1. Put your cranberries in a food processor. I used my mini chopper (one batch of CranberryWoodChipDelight was enough for me. The blender and I aren't speaking to each other at this point....) You could also, just chop them up.

2. Chop up your green onion, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper into small pieces. Careful of the seeds now. Throw on a pair of rubber gloves or something, please. The seeds are the hot part of the pepper. If you don't like a lot of heat on the old pallet, just leave the jalapeno out.

3. Add all ingredients (but the cream cheese and the wheat thins) into a bowl. Mix them all together, cover and store in the fridge for at least 4 hours. The sugar needs some time to soak in to the cranberries and break up their bitter taste.

4. When you are ready to serve, place your cream cheese bricks on a plate.

5. Spread the cream cheese out as evenly as you can.

6. Pour your cranberry mixture over the cream cheese.

7. Spread it all around.

8. Serve immediately with Wheat Thins, Ritz Crackers or Tortilla Chips.

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-11-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

I am just running across all kinds of interesting words in my reading lately...This one comes from James Patterson's A Christmas Wedding which you should read today!!!

dirndl

Syllabification:

Entry from World dictionary

Pronunciation:/ˈdəːnd(ə)l/

noun

1 (also dirndl skirt)a full , wide skirt with a tight waistband.
2 a woman’s dress in the style of Alpine peasant costume, with a dirndl skirt and a close-fitting bodice.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-11-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hey! Happy first day of snow!!!! I know, I know. Most of you are more upset by the snow than happy about it, but to see the joy on my kids' faces this morning made it all worth it!! Besides. It's mostly melted by now...
Since it is Wednesday again, I'm here to ask you What's in Your Library Bag this Fine Wednesday? I have recently finished Divergent by Veronica Roth. This young adult novel was very similar to the Hunger Games trilogy. This novel takes place in Chicago; not the Chicago of today, of course. The government is based on factions. For example, there is the Abnegation faction where you strive to be selfless; many of their jobs deal with helping the factionless or poor and fixing the city for the rest of the factions. This one is where the city's leaders come from.You also have the Candor faction where everyone always tells the truth completely as it is no matter what. There is the Dauntless faction where the members are dauntless and daring and jump off moving trains, etc. This is where the city's protectors come from. You get the idea. Anyway, when a child reaches the age of 16, they must choose a faction. They go through a series of aptitude tests that tell them which faction they lean towards, but ultimately they choice is theirs. They can choose to remain in the faction of their parents or they can choose a new one. If they choose a new one, they forsake their family. The term, "faction before blood" has great meaning in this society.
So, the story begins where a young Abnegation girl, Beatrice and her brother Caleb, must figure out what they'd like to be. After the odd results that Beatrice receives and her choice during the ceremony, the novel takes you on the initiation journey and what it means to be Divergent and Dauntless and a 16 year old girl.
Beatrice or Tris as she renames herself, learns a lot about herself and her fears. She figures out a lot of things about their government and in the end leaves you the reader, with lots of questions about her and what's going on.
Absolutely. Can't. Wait. for the next novel and it doesn't come until next year!!! I don't remember enjoying George Orwell's 1984, but these new books on society seem to be just the thing for me.
This particular novel flowed a lot easier than the Hunger Games did. At no point, did I want to put it down and read something else. If you are looking for something new a different try crossing over into the young adult section and see what goodies you can find. Divergent is a great starting point!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-11-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Since the weather is turning a bit it's making me feel like eating soup!! I thought I'd include this chili recipe today because it's so different. Everyone knows how to make chili, but this one has a chocolate bar in it!! The only other thing I will say is that if you like things spicy, this recipe needs a little extra oomph!! Otherwise, yummy!

Cincinnati Chili taken from A Man and His Pan by John Boswell

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 can (28 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1/2 C. beef broth
1 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 chocolate bar (2 oz.) like Hershey's (no almonds)

In your nonstick frying pan, cook the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic over medium high heat, stirring often to break up lumps of meat, until the beef loses its pink color, about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Add the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar, and chocolate; cut up the tomatoes while cooking with a pair of kitchen scissors. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer 1 hour, adding more beef broth if the chili gets too thick.

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Boy this Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn has really got me!! How about this word??

kvetch (kvch) Slang

intr.v. kvetched, kvetch·ing, kvetch·es

To complain persistently and whiningly.

1. A chronic, whining complainer.

2. A nagging complaint: "a rambling kvetch against the system" (Leonard Ross).

[Yiddish kvetshn, to squeeze, complain, from Middle High German quetzen, quetschen, to squeeze.]

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-11-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday again my reading friends! And I am curious, what's in your library bag this crazy Wednesday? Can you believe there is a chance of snow??!!!
Anyway, I am so excited! I have a book in my bag that I've had on hold for quite some time now...Divergent by Veronica Roth. It's supposed to be very like The Hunger Games so I am expecting a bit of a slow start, but an awesome read thereafter. What about you? Do you have a book that you've been dying to read?
I did want to chat a little bit about something else that's been on my mind...What's with all of these joint authors anyway? Seems like everyone's doing it: James Patterson, Clive Cussler, Dick Francis...I just don't get it. Are the big name authors trying to write more books and can't accomplish them on their own? Are they trying to take a new author under their wings? Are they using their name to sell books for the little guys?
How does it work really? Does the big name come up with the idea and outline and then the "understudy" so to speak, actually writes the novel. Or does it go the other way around?
I tell you what. It kind of makes me mad. If I pick up a book by James Patterson, I want to read a book by James Patterson, not James Patterson and some other guy I don't know. I'm not looking to read 3 and 4 books a year by my favorite authors. I am happy when they write a great, well written novel that keeps me wanting more and waiting for that next one, whenever that happens to be. Even if they are trying to give new authors a start, I still think that the novel selling should be by whom it is by, not selling because it has a big name author attached to it, who may or may not have actually written the story.
I may be wrong. These novels may actually be a collaborative effort where each author is contributing equally and just writing together. That also begs the question, "Why" when James Patterson, for example, already has so many bestsellers to his name.
I don't know. I just don't know. Where do you stand on the subject?

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a brand new one by Maggie Stiefvater, author of Shiver. Can't wait to check this one out!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-10-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Another yummy snack mix from our contest...

Chex® Tin Roof Crunch

Prep Time:15 min
Start to Finish:15 min
Makes:24 servings (1/2 cup each)

5 cups Rice Chex® cereal
2 cups Cocoa Puffs® cereal
1 cup dry-roasted peanuts
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

Variation
For more chocolate flavor, use Chocolate Chex® cereal in place of the Rice Chex® cereal.
Substitution
Omit the peanut and chocolate chunks. Stir 2 cups of chocolate covered peanuts instead of the chocolate chunks.

1. In large microwavable bowl, mix cereals and peanuts.
2. In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, peanut butter, corn syrup and butter uncovered on high about 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until smooth and bubbly. Pour over cereal; stir until evenly coated.
3. Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool. Break into bite-size pieces; stir in chocolate chunks. Store in airtight container.

Thoughts for a Thursday...

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting word. Fun to say and fun to read! My kids and I ran across this one while reading Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? by Dr. Seuss...

To get this definition I went to Urban Dictionary.com. Who knew Dr. Seuss was so hip as to use such slang??:)

piffulous
	small, trite, meager, insignificant. One cannot live on piffulous pay.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

2011-10-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

Hey guess what?! It's Wednesday and time for What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday! Yay!!
I must report, however, that I am still reading the Kitty series and have nothing new to tell you about. I did notice when I came in to work tonight that a lady sitting at a computer had checked out the rest of that series though, so now I must find something new to read. I have The Help in audiobook sitting on my IPOD and I have Water for Elephants in my bag. Maybe, eventually, I will get to these two hugely popular titles. I've only brought them home several times and returned them again as the mood didn't strike me. We'll see what happens this time...
On other fronts, have you heard of the website Pinterest? I am new to Pinterest and in the exploring stage. It took me a long time to get going with Facebook, too, and even now I am a checker of Facebook, but not much of a user. Back to Pinterest, though. It's really kind of cool. Imagine a bulletin board out there in webland where you can "pin" all of those neat things you run across and want to keep/remember where you put. Voila! Pinterest. You get to "pin" to your heart's content and organize all at the same time. And, it's out there in webland, not taking up space or cluttering your own computer/house, if you get what I mean. Online storage for favorite pictures, cute sayings, magazine articles, recipes, recipes, recipes, cute craft ideas, decorating hints, best places to go to buy it, etc, etc. Everything and anything! You can follow your favorite bloggers; you can follow your favorite pinners. You can collect all kinds of cool stuff! And keep it organized, never to go digging for that one picture of that one craft that was a really great Halloween party idea, but must have fallen off its pin and now my house has "sucked" it up! It's all there at your fingertips!
You have to send a request to be invited to join, but I think that's really a formality...Stop in and explore a little bit and soon you'll be "pinning" with the best of them!!

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-10-24T15:23:00.001-07:00

On hold for me...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

2011-10-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

In honor of our Serial/Cereal Killer Snack Mix Contest, I thought I'd start by giving out my recipe...This came in a newsletter from my local lumber yard! Fun! Enjoy!
Autumn Snack Mix

1 box Rice Chex
1 bag Fritos
1 can mixed nuts
2 C. brown sugar
1 C. butter/margarine
1/2 C. light Karo syrup
1 bag M&Ms

Mix Rice Chex, Fritos and nuts together. Heat brown sugar, butter and Karo syrup on stove until all melted. Pour over Chex mix and stir. Bake in 2- 9x13 pans for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. Stir and put back in for another 8 minutes. Cool. When completely cooled, add bag of M&Ms. Enjoy.

Thoughts on Thursday....

2011-10-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a new word for today...

harrowing\HAR-oh-ing\ , adjective;

1.Extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous.Definition of harrowing
See synonyms
Comment on today's word
Suggest tomorrow's word

Quotes:

It was his duty to read the applications from destitutes, reject the undeserving, visit the others to see how deserving or desperate they were, and then, if circumstances warranted it, to write harrowing accountings of their plight, harrowing enough to encourage contributions for the fund.

-- V.S. Naipaul, House of Mister Biswas

After a few minutes of harrowing silence, she said in a smothered voice, “Papa returns tomorrow.”

-- Benjamin Disraeli, Novels and Tales: Henrietta Temple

Origin:

Harrowing is from the Middle English harwen meaning to harass or annoy. It was also commonly used in the church to mean “descend into hell.”

Did you know what harrowing meant??

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??

2011-10-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

     Welcome to What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday!! What a perfect day to stay in side and curl up with a good book! Have you read any lately? Good books that is. Personally, I am stuck in the Kitty Norville series I mentioned to you last week.
     One thing I have noticed about finding good books to read is that you do need to know what it is you like about a book. Just saying you liked the book isn't enough. Dig deeper. Think about it. Did you like the fiesty female lead or do you like a strong male voice? Do you like a series that revolves around community or do you like one that centers on mystery and intrigue? Do you like to really get to know your characters, as in following them as they change and grow in a series, or do you like to read a single story from start to finish in one book? Do you like the romance/relationship aspect or do you perfer a lot of historical background instead? How about dialogue?
     As I type this, it somehow makes it feel like I am giving you an assignment, but one thing I've learned in trying to find books for people to read is that it is important to really listen to what they are saying about the books they are reading. Case in point: there is one series that I absolutely love. I've talked about it before; it's Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. The three biggest characteristics of this series, in my opinion, are 1)the love that lasts through time, 2) the fantasy of time travel and 3) the heavy use of historical background that Ms. Gabaldon incorporates throughout the novels. Now, my favorite part of these novels is the time travel and a love that lasts literally through time. But, I have recommended this series to others who really love a meaty historical novel and they have loved it also. They have gone on to read novels by Ken Follet and loved them, too. Whereas, he has never been on my radar because his ginormous novels focus heavily on the history of the time periods he's writing about, without much romance.
     So, you see, if you really focus on what it is you like in a novel, it's much easier to find one you'll really like or have someone like me be able to find one for you. One thing I really hate is when I suggest a book to someone and I totally get it wrong, cuz no one wants to read a boring book!! The next time you are in the library, stop by my desk and we'll chat so we can hopefully find your next winner.

Book Trailer Monday...

2011-10-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun author whose books always bring a smile...

Turn the Page

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts on a Thursday...

stol·id

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Buffalo Chicken Poppers with Avocado Bleu Cheese Dip

Directions

Thoughts for a Thursday...

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Saturday edition!

Thoughts on a Thursday...

shiv

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?...

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Lime Sherbet Punch

Ingredients

Directions

Thoughts on a Thursday...

gasconade

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday...

Book Trailer Monday...

From our recipe box to yours...

Thoughts on a Thursday...

interpolation

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday...

Book Trailer Monday...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

ab·scond/abˈskänd/

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts on a Thursday...

con·cu·pis·cent

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....

Thoughts for a Thursday...

in·im·i·cal

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?... To get you in the mood....

I always seem to be a day late, But...here's a cute You Tube Video to get you in the spirit!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts on a Thursday...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Thoughts for a Thursday...

knavery

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

It's Tuesday!!

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

dirndl

noun

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts for a Thursday...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Book Trailer Monday...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Thoughts on Thursday....

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??