The Daughter's Walk tells the life story of Clara Estby, beginning in her late teens when her mother drafts her to accompany her on a trek from Spokane, Washington to New York City in a bid to win $10,000. The walk takes place in the late 1800's and the money is meant to save the Estby family farm. Sadly, because of Mrs. Estby's inability to stick to schedules and avoid side trips the women arrive in poor condition, Clara very ill and on the verge of death and out of time. They do NOT receive the prize. When they arrive home there are surprises waiting.
The second half is truly engaging and takes place AFTER Clara leaves home. Why does she leave? What does her mother confide on the walk that changes Clara's life in unexpected and irreversible ways? How does Clara survive after she leaves home?
Grab a copy of The Daughter's Walk, something warm and tasty to sip, curl up by a cozy fire in your favorite pajamas and enjoy the suspenseful tale!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Fresh Brewed Life ~ A BookSneeze Review
I have been a fan of Nicole Johnson for years and yet, somehow, until this revised and expanded edition of Fresh Brewed Life was released I had not heard of this terrific book. I am glad in some ways that I didn't discover this book until now, because I am at a place in my life where this book has been a tremendous help and a real encouragement, relevant to now rather than file for later in my memory bank.
Each chapter focuses on a different section of a woman's life, from relationships to the workplace to spirituality and fulfillment. They encourage the reader to sip slowly and savor the wit, wisdom, and sometimes hilarity you'll find. I could not put this book down, however, because I needed cupfuls-no, make that full pots-of freshly brewed relevance and insight and that is exactly what I got from Fresh Brewed Life.
Anyone picking this book up for themselves should definitely get a second and maybe even a third copy, because you are going to find yourself thinking of at least one, and maybe two or even more close girlfriend's who really really could use a new cup of life...the Fresh Brewed kind...and you won't want to part with your copy. One of my greatest joys is passing a fabulous book on, but this has become, like my Bible, a "purse pal" that goes with me everywhere. I find myself calling friends and saying, "You have GOT to hear this!!" at least three times a day.
Everyone I've shared this with has been thrilled and wowed with the passages I've passed on and I am making this one of my go to Christmas gifts this year!
Go get yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, a copy of Fresh Brewed Life, and sit, sip, and savor...beverage AND book! You will truly enjoy it.
Each chapter focuses on a different section of a woman's life, from relationships to the workplace to spirituality and fulfillment. They encourage the reader to sip slowly and savor the wit, wisdom, and sometimes hilarity you'll find. I could not put this book down, however, because I needed cupfuls-no, make that full pots-of freshly brewed relevance and insight and that is exactly what I got from Fresh Brewed Life.
Anyone picking this book up for themselves should definitely get a second and maybe even a third copy, because you are going to find yourself thinking of at least one, and maybe two or even more close girlfriend's who really really could use a new cup of life...the Fresh Brewed kind...and you won't want to part with your copy. One of my greatest joys is passing a fabulous book on, but this has become, like my Bible, a "purse pal" that goes with me everywhere. I find myself calling friends and saying, "You have GOT to hear this!!" at least three times a day.
Everyone I've shared this with has been thrilled and wowed with the passages I've passed on and I am making this one of my go to Christmas gifts this year!
Go get yourself a cup of your favorite beverage, a copy of Fresh Brewed Life, and sit, sip, and savor...beverage AND book! You will truly enjoy it.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Rained out at Piscataquis Valley Fair 8.28.11
Well, today was supposed to be the great end to a terrific year at the Piscatquis Valley Fair. Thanks to Irene, we're a total wash out. Everyone was asked to pick up their exhibits, entries, and animals before noon. We got there at 11:20 and most of Smokey's midway was already down because of the weather. It was torrential downpour while we were there.
Sadly, today was the day we were waiting to go because we only had the money and time away from the farm for one day...and its a washout. SO, we're hanging out at McDonald's in Dover drinking LOTS of coffee ($1 a large and free refills!) and blogging, getting my school stuff done, all that awesome jazz. Things are really looking up for me and mine and I'm so thrilled about that. Missing my kids like crazy but I've said in the past that I'm NOT going to blog about that situation.
Because of building the house, clearing out our woodlot, the firewood business, and my schooling I didn't enter nearly as many things in the fair as I would've liked to, but what I did enter did spectacularly! I was really, really thrilled and surprised at my winnings. I didn't expect to get anything because this years' entries were ALL made last minute. I wish I could enter some pics here for you but I don't have a working camera (again!) which will be remedied next month. I can't start a phot biz with no camera, after all.
Winnings this year:
First Place: Needle and Fancywork for my Tropical Citrus Burst goats milk soap. It was a glycerin based soap infused with coconut oil and sweet orange, Tahitian vanilla, and lime fragrance oils. A lovely woman who has multiple chemical sensitivity was one of the exhibit leaders and was there when I dropped the entries off. She reacted in no way to it except for being able, after many years, to ENJOY the soap!! I gave it to her. Hopefully that will me get my Borealis Beauty line off and running again.
Second Place: Needle and Fancywork for my black beaded earrings. The earrings are another Borealis Beauty item and look like jet beads but are actually native Daylily seeds.
Second Place: Needle and Fancywork in the photography category subcategory animals. I entered a sweet pic I took of one of our banty hens standing in a pile of hay watching a bug. Shocked because it was a totally candid shot.
Thirds Place: Needle and Fancywork in the crocheted category subcategory tableclothes and runners I made a table runner or placemat out of bits and pieces of yarn I had leftover from other projects. It took me a couple hours and definitely wasn't my best work and I am rather surprised that it won at all because there was some gorgeous needlework there!
The real kicker was taking first place in TWO baking categories, muffins and quick breads. The recipes were BOTH made up on the spot and I baked them in a not really spectacular oven. It tends to get a little warmer in the middle sometimes then on the edges and as a result things can burn if you don't keep close watch. Fortunately I did and even though three of six muffins got the living daylights burned out of their bottoms the other three, right next to them, cooked perfectly!
Total wins for the fair this year: $28 in Needle and Fancywork and $16 in baked goods. Wasn't expecting anything and since I didn't have to buy anything to make the entries aside from a $1.50 picture frame I did really good.
Sadly, today was the day we were waiting to go because we only had the money and time away from the farm for one day...and its a washout. SO, we're hanging out at McDonald's in Dover drinking LOTS of coffee ($1 a large and free refills!) and blogging, getting my school stuff done, all that awesome jazz. Things are really looking up for me and mine and I'm so thrilled about that. Missing my kids like crazy but I've said in the past that I'm NOT going to blog about that situation.
Because of building the house, clearing out our woodlot, the firewood business, and my schooling I didn't enter nearly as many things in the fair as I would've liked to, but what I did enter did spectacularly! I was really, really thrilled and surprised at my winnings. I didn't expect to get anything because this years' entries were ALL made last minute. I wish I could enter some pics here for you but I don't have a working camera (again!) which will be remedied next month. I can't start a phot biz with no camera, after all.
Winnings this year:
First Place: Needle and Fancywork for my Tropical Citrus Burst goats milk soap. It was a glycerin based soap infused with coconut oil and sweet orange, Tahitian vanilla, and lime fragrance oils. A lovely woman who has multiple chemical sensitivity was one of the exhibit leaders and was there when I dropped the entries off. She reacted in no way to it except for being able, after many years, to ENJOY the soap!! I gave it to her. Hopefully that will me get my Borealis Beauty line off and running again.
Second Place: Needle and Fancywork for my black beaded earrings. The earrings are another Borealis Beauty item and look like jet beads but are actually native Daylily seeds.
Second Place: Needle and Fancywork in the photography category subcategory animals. I entered a sweet pic I took of one of our banty hens standing in a pile of hay watching a bug. Shocked because it was a totally candid shot.
Thirds Place: Needle and Fancywork in the crocheted category subcategory tableclothes and runners I made a table runner or placemat out of bits and pieces of yarn I had leftover from other projects. It took me a couple hours and definitely wasn't my best work and I am rather surprised that it won at all because there was some gorgeous needlework there!
The real kicker was taking first place in TWO baking categories, muffins and quick breads. The recipes were BOTH made up on the spot and I baked them in a not really spectacular oven. It tends to get a little warmer in the middle sometimes then on the edges and as a result things can burn if you don't keep close watch. Fortunately I did and even though three of six muffins got the living daylights burned out of their bottoms the other three, right next to them, cooked perfectly!
Total wins for the fair this year: $28 in Needle and Fancywork and $16 in baked goods. Wasn't expecting anything and since I didn't have to buy anything to make the entries aside from a $1.50 picture frame I did really good.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Thunder Dog: how four paws saved three lives on 9/11
I could not put this book down. Thunder Dog is a simply riveting narrative of Michael Hingson and his dog, Roselle, who saved his life and the life of a co-worker on September 11th, 2001 at the World Trade Center. That morning began somewhat strangely for Michael and Roselle. Roselle, you see, is terrified of thunder storms and one struck around the Hingson's New Jersey home around midnight. Michael got up to help Roselle get through the storm, doing some work from his home office and listening to the news on the radio. Once the storm passed the two went back to bed for a few hours before getting up and starting what seemed like a routine day. After their morning routine and getting to the WTC's Tower B things became anything but routine for this incredible pair. While setting up a presentation with a colleague, David, who had flown in from California, there was a sudden lurch and the building tilted alarmingly. Both felt they were about to die when suddenly, the building rights itself and they start shutting down electronic devices. That ladies and gentlemen just sums up the first two chapters of this fabulous book! If you want to see how Roselle helped Michael and David get down over 1000 stairs, 84 floors, and out of the building just moments before its collapse, you need to get a copy of Thunder Dog and read it for yourself. An amazing insiders point-of-view on the unbelievable bond between a man and his seeing eye dog Thunder Dog helps those of us on the outside learn what we've always wanted to know but most of us were to shy to ask.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
††† ~ IMAGINE ~ ††† Women of Faith Fall 2011
The sender was "Women of Faith" and the subject line simply said "Hello, BookSneeze Friend!" Well, BookSneeze is a book reviewing program I am part of. Basically if you have a blog and love to read, you can sign up with BookSneeze. You then can pick one book at a time from their review copies which they will send to you absolutely free provided you write a review of the book you received on your blog, on a retailer website, and on their site. So easy!! After those reviews are posted through the BookSneeze site you pick another book and the cycle repeats. It is AWESOME!
Last month, though, BookSneeze sent me an email. A terrific email with the chance to register for an opportunity to receive a FREE registration to a Fall City for the Women of Faith Conference. The closest to me is Hartford, CT. I have never been to Connecticut...not even to pass through it. But I said, "Well, Moira, fill out the form. There are many more excellent bloggers out there than you and you probably won't get picked anyway." So, I did...and yesterday found out I WAS CHOSEN!!!
That started me on a total in-depth viewing of the Women of Faith site, the info for the Fall conference, called Imagine, hotels in the area and the biggie, checking out Greyhound fares. That's the other thing I haven't done in my life yet...I am a little nervous (hey, anyone who's seen the movie Dogma would be a little nervous to get on a Greyhound, lol!) but also excited.
I will be receiving a small living stipend back from my college financial aid and it will not only go towards building our house but to helping me achieve a dream I've had since I was a teenager.
Check out the following video for an exciting sneak preview of what it will be like at one of the Fall Cities for the Women of Faith conference:
You can come join the fun as well just follow the link below!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The One-Day Way ~ A Blogging For Books Review
I can't say much more than WOW. Chantel Hobb's book was a mixture of inspiration, motivation, and how to. With stories I could relate to and practical advice, as well as DELICIOUS recipes I am hooked.
I’ve only had the book a couple of months now but I have lost, in those two months, FOUR SIZES!! I was wearing a size 24W and I simply felt awful about myself. I weighed close to 230 pounds; I couldn’t walk 100 feet from my front door to the car without getting winded or, on hot days, lightheaded. I now weigh 180, which is what I went into my last pregnancy at back in early 2004. My husband and I took the canoe out on July 4th and paddled 24 miles. We’ve never been able to do that!
The weight came on gradually over 11 years and I thought I would take me at least three or four years to get it all off. The One-Day Way has shown me that I can do it much faster but that it will not happen overnight, either. What I’ve learned is that moderate weight loss is much better than rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss is usually the result of a ‘crash diet,’ so called because you eliminate certain foods or ingest shakes or supplements and eventually, you WILL ‘crash and burn.’ Rapid diets are not healthy, they’re not sustainable, and they certainly aren’t long term changes.
Chantel tells us right on the back of the book that yesterday’s mistakes and choices are past! We cannot change them now nor do anything today to successfully change yesterday’s results. We have to live one day at a time and make choices each day, each moment, yet at the same time have a plan in place and remember what’s coming later.
I used to go to McDonald’s a couple times a week and tell myself that eating two double cheeseburgers was just fine and wasn’t hurting me because I wasn’t having fries and a soda with it. Now I think about healthier options. I usually get a four-piece McNuggets, a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette and a sweet tea. I am fuller and satisfied with my healthy choice, the food tastes better because I sit there with a good book or my laptop and eat it slowly instead of inhaling driving down the road toward home because I want the food gone before I get there, that way I don’t have to explain why I stopped at McDonald’s. Going out to eat is becoming a pleasure again. I am making healthy choices in my home cooking and I am becoming much more active.
All these changes are the result of what I’ve learned from The One-Day Way.
The Seraph Seal ~ A BookSneeze Review
Wow! What an exciting book. Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner really and I mean really did a stunner of a job on The Seraph Seal. I really enjoyed the Left Behind series and while I was reading those I thought no book could ever come close to being as amazing as they were. I received The Seraph Seal from BookSneeze in review for my unbiased opinion. I am very glad I chose this book to review!
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It managed to do in one book what Left Behind didn’t manage in a dozen. The Seraph Seal is superb. The characters are so real, so well developed and given terrific back story it seems like you are reading a biography or a historical account, not fiction.
The central themes throughout this engaging novel, which I read in one eleven hour block, is end time prophecy and the fulfillment of that prophecy, specifically the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. With a dizzying spate of worldwide travel seeking clues and information interwoven with a touching love story, political intrigue and flat out murder this suspenseful mystery kept me thoroughly engaged the entire time.
The four horsemen are symbols of prophecy and agents of God to fulfill His prophecies. They are tied symbolically to the four elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. One December night, thirty years before the ‘current events’ taking place, there were nine births. Eight babies were all born with a symbolic birthmark, one of the symbols of the elements to mark them as one of the horsemen. Paul Binder was the ninth baby born and just before his birth his mother received a very special gift, an antique key and a note telling her to name the baby Paul. Paul is to grow up and have a very special place in the end times.
If this review has intrigued you, get your hands on a copy because I can honestly say this is the best Christian fiction I have read in a very, very long time!
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