OUT OF LUCK....

I have just posted The Booklist for 2010.....(See Side Bar).
None of mine ....unfortunately, but we do get to read one of Obama's.  (Looks like I'll have to read Sarah Palin's on the sly)

Not a bad collection though I must admit...some even appeal....and if I can get through the lot of them, how much more knowing will I be....(mmm.....don't think I'm gonna make the full list...)

Not even a "Twilight " in sight!..... I'm out of luck.... again    (Have just removed tongue from cheek)

Has anyone read any of these?.....please advise! 

A BREAKFAST TREAT.....

Fresh figs......delicious.....almost dripping with their own nectar.

On this very hot and humid morning.....what a breakfast treat!

They looked so great, I wanted to share them with you all.....

MY VERY FIRST AWARD.....

The Lemonade Award .....

 Imagine my surprise ....and delight....to find that my blogging companion Journaling Woman had thought my blog worthy of this nomination.

This is my acknowledgment of her faith in me as a blogger, albeit a somewhat misplaced one, as I have not posted as often as I would have liked these last months.

I'm rather new to this game...but it is now a special part of my life, as I've discovered just how much alike many of us are, disregarding age, location, family situations and the like. 

The reason I became a blogger was the hope that in the years to come when I am just a fading memory, something of my being would be captured in my musings and would become a permanent memory for my grandchildren who at times seem a million miles away, even though we visit, and talk on the phone. My family is the mainstay of my life.

So thank you Teresa....and all who drop by.....for taking the time to welcome me into your lives....sometimes offering words of encouragement, comfort, joy and laughter......  You are all so very special, and much appreciated.

TIME TO CHOOSE....

 I belong to a Bookclub..... 

 I have been a member of this fascinating group now for over 10 years,
and considering we read one book each month...  (except for the month of January.... which allows us to get into some really trashy reads over the Christmas break  )... a lot of books have been stacked on my bedside table at one time or another!


At this time of year we have to choose the books for the following year.  Much discussion takes place as titles are put forward and rejected...(or accepted).  Considering we have to choose 11 books and we have a membership of around 20, I feel rather elated when I have a book on the list.

Belonging to this club has broadened my reading horizon.....I often have to read a book I wouldn't have chosen in a fit....and sometimes.... to my surprise.... I've really enjoyed it. 

But what I most enjoy are the diverse opinions of our members as the Book of the Month is discussed.  There are usually those FOR and those AGAINST.....and we have one member... (an educated,erudite woman in her  50's ....a writer of scientific texts for University study).... who hardly ever enjoys any of the reads... unless it's a grisly murder along the lines of Silent Witness.   Sometimes these discussions give you a greater appreciation of the novel, and a fuller understanding of the characterisation, motive and plot.   

Such is our group...ranging in age from late 30's to 80's... teachers, doctors' wives, a solicitor, a literary critic, an engineer (male), a scientist....mostly retirees....and me.    I'd say we are a pretty conservative lot.....they don't like too much swearing, sex or other non acceptable behaviour...and to some extent, that's why some of the books I put forward are rejected out of hand !

So I wasn't unduly surprised when I suggested we read Sarah Palin's ' Going Rogue '....." It's a love story"  I said "and it's about a woman who loves to exercise....she's gonna RUN"  ....my humour was lost on the group who gave it the thumbs down.

 I'm undeterred however....I'm trying again to get on the list with the book of the moment.

   

Yes....It's "Twilight"

and don't you just love this pic

(courtesy of "The Weekend Australian Magazine)

It's supposed to be for teenagers..... the answer to Harry Potter

but....

it's Harry Potter on Hormones

and....

It's attracting OLDER WOMEN readers!!

It will be interesting to see whether I make it to the 2010 list !

How do you think I'll go ?

And here I am with some of my Bookclub friends

(No prizes for guessing that I'm the one on the left)

.........

ALAS....ALACK......

Alas, alack....woe is me....I'm too busy.....just too busy to post to my blog....  Just too busy reading what other folks are posting  to attend to my own.   But what a wonderful time I'm having....

It will have to stop.

But how fascinating is this blogging life?..... What wonderful fulfilling lives some people lead..... How many happy.....sad.....insightful....informative....laugh out loud things have I read about that stir my interest... touch my heart....occupy my thoughts?

"You will never be lonely in your old age "  my husband says of this new found interest which has taken up residence in our home.

How sweet is that dear readers......I AM old.......but this blogging life has a lot going for it.  Yay !!!

GIRLS' NIGHT IN.....

"Cant talk too long Mum....lots to do."    My daughter's voice, joyous once again, no longer the measured tone, means that she is feeling well. Oh Happy Day! 

Leith has this window of opportunity ....a few weeks to let her hair down... (what hair you might say...the peach fuzz hiding under her wig is not yet long enough )... and live it up.  Do the Christmas shopping.... look at her garden.... go for walks with the kids in the early evening....get out her cook books....go to the movies......just a few simple pleasures before the fog of tiredness descends once again as she moves into the next stage of her treatment.   


And tonight.... to give thanks to the many dear friends and relatives who have helped her and her family on this journey, she is hosting " A Girls' Night In ".    This is a strictly women only night....lots of fun and food...lots of pink (balloons, champagne, cup cakes, clothing) ...trashy magazines.... weepy movies...you name it, anything goes !  It will be a fund raising celebration for the Pink Ribbon Foundation and will be a great night.


(She did ask her stepson -17 years old and quite a hunk- if he would like to be the drink waiter for the night, but when the words....shirtless...and pink bow tie.... were mentioned, he beat a hasty retreat.  She thought that would do the trick)

As for me, well I'd like to be there to enjoy the moment, but I know there will be lots of photos and stories to tell....so I'll settle down with this great DVD - 13 episodes in the second series of Mad Men....a time of pointy bras, gloves and stockings,cinched waists and flouncy skirts, an era I was part of.....and the words "male chauvinist"  were just blips on the far away radar......

THOUGHTS FOR MY DAUGHTER.....

Today in Australia is National Breast Cancer Awareness Day....and all morning on the magic of radio I've been hearing such inspiring tales from women who have been diagnosed with this devastating condition.   I salute you all... you wonderful women....and I pay tribute to those who did not make it.

Every day we read or hear of new advances being made in the fight against this most insidious disease. Progress is being made, although for those already suffering, time moves so slowly....but it will be wonderful to know  that within a few years ( such a short space of time in the scheme of things,) there may be a simple answer to the problem. We can only hope.....

With this day in mind I would like to share with you all some special thoughts for my daughter....

                                  Be like a very small joyous child

                                    Living in the ever present Now 
                                  Without a single worry or concern
                                   About even the next 
                                  Moment in time.....

                                  Be at peace...
                                  And see a clear pattern and plan

                                Running through your life......

                                  Nothing is by chance.

                                

                                                   (Words by Eileen Caddy)                  .