The Cossacks & the Raid Review

This is my latest review for the classics club. The Cossacks and the Raid is the first book by Leo Tolstoy that I have read. Actually, the book consists of two stories and not just one, they are also part of his earlier works. While I didn't dislike either story, at the same time I didn't love them either. The first in the book is The Cossacks, which tells the story of a small village of the everyday life, soldiers lives, and the people of it as well. Since I am not that familiar with the history and different groups that make up Russia, it was a tad confusing trying to figure out the various people (who liked who, what side was fighting against the other). Some parts there was long stretches with no dialogue, which normally do not bother me, but in some areas it was very repetitive. The ending was a let down I thought, as I felt there was more that could be said. The Raid is a very short story (50 pages or so), and in some ways I enjoyed it better than The Cossacks. In the beginning it made you think about courage and war, but mostly focused on a battle and a few soldiers. One character got on my nerves with his attitude. This story was another that did in some ways leave more questions than answers. I hope this isn't a trait of Tolstoy's work, in that the endings seem short, as I have a few of his other works to read. I am going to rate both books 2.5, as I am glad I read them but do not see myself reading them again. I feel that a author does a disservice to the reader when they leave so many things unanswered. Next book to read: Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott

Love You More review...

I was given a copy of this book free from the publisher by BookSneeze, and am in no way obligated to give a positive review. These opinions I express are my own. I read Love You More: The Devine Surprise of Adopting my Daughter by Jennifer Grant. The book tells the story of Jennifer and her family, that consist of her husband and their three biological children. They decide to adopt a child from Guatemala, and the book is about that process. I really thought that I would enjoy this book and would feel some type of connect with the author, alas it was not meant to be. I felt that the book was choppy and jumped from place to place, anywhere from the past, to present and future. I felt that I was trying to spend half my time trying to figure out the exact order of the book. In some cases I felt that the author came off as being a little uppity, which was a huge turnoff for me. It took me a really long time to finish this book, even though it is a very short read. I rate this a 2 and a half.

Homemade Pizza!

I made some homemade pizza, which I have never made my own dough before. I think it came out pretty good, there are just a few things that I would change, such as adding more sauce and toppings.

WIPocalypse 2013

Another craft challenge I plan on joining for next year, some of you crafters have probably seen the challenge on other blogs this year. I have some ideas for projects that I was not able to either finish this year or even start. However, I do know that I might need to add more projects to participate for the whole year. I will show my list later on, probably at the beginning of the year. Follow the link to join!

Skirts and Dresses..

I have made clothes on my own, just one skirt with the help of my mom. Lately, though I have wanted to make my own skirts and dresses. Mainly for a few reasons; I am very picky on my clothes, my size is not always in stock, and the prices now are getting out of control for a nice skirt or dress. Here is some fabric that I have chosen;

I plan on making this navy flower fabric into a dress.

Normally I am not a pink person, but thought the fabric was cute with the green. This will be made into a skirt.

I love blue, as you can probably tell, so far I cannot make a decision if I want to make this into a skirt or a dress. I guess it will depend on if I have enough fabric to make it into a dress or not.

I started taking some classes over on Craftsy. I want to make an A-Line skirt , I will probably make mine longer, and the retro bombshell dress as well. Later on I hope to get some fabric to make a blouse.

Future Cross Stitch Projects.

I purchased these cross stitch projects, and hope to start them in the future. These will not be a gift or anything. I specifically purchased these in mind to make for our house and my sewing/craft room.

Grandmothers Flower Garden...

This is part of the 2014 raffle quilt that my guild is making. I made this part as my contribution for it.

Wives & Daughters December Readathon

Amy from Yet Another Period Drama blog is having a readathon this month for Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. So I am going to join her and some of the other classic clubbers in reading this book. I have never read the book before, but I vaguely remember watching the mini-series. I do have this on my classic club challenge list, so I figured might as well join the readathon. I am still currently reading The Cossacks & the Raid by Leo Tolstoy.

Classic Club Readathon

Join me and the other classic clubbers in enjoying a readathon on Jan. 5th. Book a classic book and start reading for all day! Course a mini break maybe needed every now and then, but it sounds great. Not sure what book to pick for the readathon though, probably one of the bigger books on my list such as War and Peace. Join the 24-hour Readathon

Making A Difference 2013 Challenge

Do you want to make a difference in someone's life or in the world? I am starting a challenge for 2013. Here is the rundown every month post a charity that you want to help, include how you plan to do this (donating money or making something), and if there is a charity that holds a special place in your heart. You can choose to help the same charity every month if you prefer. Every 1st of the month, use the link below for us to see your post. Join me in trying to make a difference!

Period Drama blogs.....

I love the BBC period dramas, and own several of the movies. I think this is mostly due to my love of history and the dresses. Most of the period dramas I have yet to actually read the books, although they are on my classic club list to read soon. I recently found the following blogs, and wanted to share:

Not enough room for a Christmas tree?

Or do you know someone who is a fan of the Charlie Brown Christmas movie? I got this small little Charlie Brown Christms tree at the grocery store. It even plays the theme song as well, besides having Linus's blanket it has an ornament. As you can see it doesn't take up much space either.

Books to read and staying organized.....

I recently purchased these books below, and can't wait to start reading them. The Wolf Hall book will be a part of the historical tapestry challenge.

On another note, I really want to stay organized next year. So I have purchased a daily planner. I think it will work out great, as it has a lot of space and added features. I am hoping that my starting early before the years end, by time next year rolls around, I will already be in the habit of using the planner.

Books I want...

Here is a few books that I would like to read To Marry an English Lord and Lady of the English. I might end up adding them to one of my challenges for next year.

What books are you wanted to read, but have yet to purchase?

Another Reading Challenge for 2013..

Do you love historical novels? If so check out this challenge for next year. Click on the button below to see Historical Tapestry's blog to join the challenge. My goal will be Victorian reader, so by the end of the year I will have finished 5 bookd. Perhaps I may read more, although as you can tell I belong to several reading challenges.

Someone wanted to say hello...

although he is a little bit shy. When he can't be found anywhere else, this is the most likely place to find him.

This is delicious, healthy, inexpensive, and it is good as a main meal or side dish. Great thing is each person can make their own version of this with their favorite toppings.

What You Can Do — QuiltForChange.org

 

Do you like to help others and are a quilter?  I just found the website so I am looking into all of the various charities. Use the link above to get more information about several non-profits and how you can make a difference.

What You Can Do — QuiltForChange.org

Recent Block Exchange

For the month of November I have made the following quilt blocks below for the block exchange. The two members picked the patterns and the fabric they wanted us to use. I really liked the Churn Dash block. The next blocks I have to do for the monthly quilt block exchange is Card Trick and Double Wedding Ring.

Review of The Children by Edith Wharton

I have never read any books from the author Edith Wharton. It appears that perhaps The Children by Edith Wharton isn't one of her most famous books. The book takes place after WWI. The main character in the book is Martin Boyne who is in his 40's. One day while on a trip by boat he happens to meet a variety of seven children; some are full siblings, some half-siblings while the others are step-siblings or no relation at all. Turns out the eldest teenager of the group is Judith who is 15 almost 16. He happens to know both of her parents before the arrival of any children. Judith's parents had gotten divorced, remarried and then married each other again. Sound complicated? It is, and keeping track of who all the children belonged to was as well. Judith and all of children want to stay together, and Martin wants them to be able to stay together as well. The parents either seem neglectful, selfish or see their children as perhaps a bargaining chip against an ex-spouse. Martin sees Judith as sometimes as a child, while other times as a grown woman. Considering the time of the book, Martin brings up several times what will become of the children, since Judith is probably thinking of marriage soon in the near future. I never really got the impression that Martin was in love with anyone. To me he either seemed to be rather nostalgic of what could have been or about the past, and he seemed to want to be protective and care about people but the way he goes about it comes out wrong. This book was a easy read, although at times I was mad at certain characters, and had mixed emotions sometimes about the people. The first 100 pages it doesn't have a lot of dialogue which does take some getting used too. I do plan on reading more books from Edith Wharton. Although, this book isn't one that I will re-read over and over again, it did keep me guessing as to what would happen in some parts. I rate this book 3 out of 5.

Swoon.....

Normally I am not a person that cares about fashion, although I do love some of the vintage clothes from various periods. I found this website that has 20's, 40's and 50's clothing. I LOVE some of the dresses, some of them are not too badly priced, however quite a few to me are formal (which I currently have no use for). Hopefully, I will be able to purchase a regular dress soon. Ceck it out! www.bluevelvetvintage.com/

Book Challenge for 2013

I am an avid reader of Book Vixen's blog and she has quite a few book challenges going on for next year. I am going to sign up for the 2013 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge. The level I will be trying to acheive is Breaking a sweat, which means I will be reading 11-15 books next year. Actually I hope to read more, but we shall see. Click on the button below.

Fun tv Projects...

I like to work on a variety of crafts while watching tv. Although I haven't done it in ahwile. I started working on a 30's Grandmothers Flower Garden (GFG), so far here is the very small progress I have done.

Here is more fabric that I will be using, 30's fabric is one of my favorites.

I love the GFG pattern so I even have more fabric for a future project.

I have been working on a Double Wedding Ring (DWR) table runner, so far I have only completed about six of the rings.

Here is the back of the ring, showing my hand piecing. If you have never done hand piecing or hand quilting I highly recommend. It is fun and relaxing.

A furry friend wanted to keep me company.

Now back to watching Burn Notice!

Changes.....

As you can tell I have changed the background of this blog and am loving it so far. I have always loved antiques and items of the past. I think that is why I love history, reading about the past lives of people, as well as doing crafts such as hand quilting or crocheting. It gives a sense of connection with the past. I felt a change was needed especially since more of my posts are not just craft related. What do you all think, do you like the new look?

Block Exchange

A few of us in the quilt guild that I belong to participate in a monthly block exchange from October to April of each year. Tonight I turned in these two blocks for the other members projects.

What a Bargain!

Earlier today I was at the campus bookstore and noticed they had various books on clearance. I ended up getting four classic books for only $1 apiece. Can’t beat that! I lucked out earlier in the week as well, since I was at the county library and got The Outsiders by SE Hinton and The Queen’s Rival: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger for only 50 cents apiece. Here is a pic of the books I got today, I only kept one Howard’s End for myself. The other three books I gave to a friend.

Why I Read The Classics.....

Well, for a number of reasons, but the simpliest one is that I gradually over the years purchased so many of them. A few of the books I got because I had seen the movie version and enjoyed it, so I wanted to see how the book would compare. Some books piqued my interest, especially those focusing on society or social issues.  I am a huge fan of history so perhaps the books which focus more on society kind of go hand in hand with my wanting to know more. Besides who could tell a story better about how a society was/is than a book which was written in that same time frame? Anyways, of course other times people have mentioned a few classics to me that they enjoyed. I look forward to finding new authors and books that I may not have otherwise found. I enjoy also finding the lesser known books from famous authors that are just as good, as the celebrated works. It is a shame though when that happens, that some people will only read the famous works of authors and not try to read some of the lesser ones.

Next book on the List...

of the classic book challenge is The Children by Edith Wharton. I started it today and I am enjoying it. As I am just getting into the various characters that are being introduced it is a little hard to remember who is who. In case you do not know anything about the book, it is about a man named Martin Boyne who is in his 40's and on a ocean voyage when he mets the Wheater children (who are a mix of siblings and step siblings). That is as far that I have gotten so at around 25 pages.

Pat of Silver Bush Review

I have finally finished reading Pat of Silver Bush by LM Montgomery. I have mixed feelings about the book, first off it took about 100 pages in for me to start enjoying it. The book starts out with Pat being 7 and living with her family in a rural community from Prince Edward Island. Besides her immediate family she has no friends. She believes in fairy tales and such almost until the age of around 12 or so, even after getting a few friends named Jingle and Bets. The latter half of the book was a lot more interesting, as it focuses more on Pat's relationships. There is a sequel to this book called Mistress Pat, but I am unsure if I will read it or not. Although I do want to see what happens to Pat in the end, so perhaps I will.

Starting on design...

finally of my June 12for2012 project that I am working on for my sister. This is what I was able to accomplish over the past IHSW weekend. I am so excited that I am finally working on the actual design instead of just the wording and border.

Crochet and I items I got today...

I have tried to learn how to crochet and my issue is being able to keep the edges straight. I had heard this book was really good to learn crochet and had lots of pictures. I plan on practicing and practicing until I get it right. Earlier today I did pick some this lovely varieated crochet thread (perhaps it could also be used for tatting?). I also got some good movies at the clearance section, a John Wayne collection that includes 25 of his movies with a documentary for only $4.99! Can't beat that. It will be a gift for my dad as he loves John Wayne. Also for $4.99 I got the movie Raising Arizona, love that movie. I used to watch it all the time as a kid. See pics below! By the way I am going to be participating in the IHSW so will post progress pics later.

Check In for The Classics Club

Well, I haven't gotten very far as I would have liked too. I am still on my first book, Pat of Silverbush by LM Montgomery. It wasn't until around page 100 that I felt the book became interesting. I am not even halfway through and hope to be able to read more soon. I am really excited to start reading some of my other books, but if I do this I fear I will not finish them all. Since joining this club, I have looked into other books that I think might be good, which has led me to buy a lot more books. I don't plan on reading them though until after I have reached my goal for this challenge (around 67 books or so).

Cross Stitch Pattern Haul

I know that I have not yet posted by progress for this past IHSW, but I plan on doing that later tonight. Today, I got a huge cross stitch pattern haul come in the mail. Sadly, earlier this month the designer Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum who made patterns for Told In A Garden, Lavender & Lace, and Butternut Road passed away. I noticed that 1-2-3-Stitch was having a sale on some of her patterns, and I love most of them, so I could not resist purchasing my favorites that they had.