Update on the Kindle

I guess that I should say that part of the reason Clyde got me the Kindle is that I am reading 1 or 2 novels a day because I am trapped in the recliner with my 'Dyna-splint' until my left leg gets straight for 8 hours everyday. That could be anywhere from 3 weeks to 2 more months! Clyde was tired of taking me to the library a couple of times a week and they rarely had what I wanted (we have a very small branch library) and so then we would go to Barnes and Noble. That was getting expensive and our tiny apartment literally has floor to ceiling bookcases in every room - including the dining room. Our living room is now down to two recliners and my burgundy rocker because the bookcases crowded out the couch. The hope is that the Kindle will satisfy my reading needs and get the books out of the house! I just gave the library 5 books (they were books that weren't worth sharing with the family) and I have a stack to go to the girls plus I currently have books strung out all over the ward that people are borrowing. Last night I was going through the Top 10 best sellers and I had read most all of them but "The Shack" and I am not interested in reading that. I have tried and I am not going to waste my time. The book I did choose was in the 90's of the bestsellers - so not bad. I am still loving it and really excited about having it. I wonder what my next book will be?

My Kindle

My husband completely surprised me for my birthday with a Kindle. For those of you that don't know what a Kindle is - it is an electronic reader. It holds tons of books and you read it like a book, clicking a tab on either side of this device to turn the page. It is about the size of a stenographer's notepad and weighs about as much too. It is the width of pencil. I am in love with it. I downloaded a book called "The Friday Night Knitter's Club" and I am thoroughly enjoying the book and the experience of having the Kindle. I had been looking at the Kindle and trying to think how I could get Clyde to get us one. He thought I had guessed what it was but he had phrased his sentence with 'them' in it so I was thinking I was getting 2 gifts - which completely threw me off. My friends have been listening to me go on and on about the Kindle and all it could do and laughing because Clyde had told them (he was very excited about this - as excited as I am!). I was seriously considering getting Clyde one for his birthday or Father's day. Now I don't have to. I am just thrilled. Some people I have spoken with think they would miss the experience of holding a book - but I am finding that I don't. Since I can adjust the font to a larger size - it makes reading easier and more comfortable so I think I might even like it better. After I got into the rhythm of it I realized I wasn't even thinking about hitting the tab to turn the page and frequently - especially at night - books so heavy they actually hurt me to hold them. I definately won't have that problem with this. I really think this is going to be fun! The real plus for this is that the most I pay for even a best seller is $10. Some books are free and the prices drop from $10 so I will actually be saving money. This is a good thing all around. I was shocked how quickly I received my book once I ordered it. It was about 30 seconds! So I am in love with my present. Look at the blurb about it on Amazon.com and you will see better what I am talking about. This will save us having to get more bookcases and having to try and store more books - which we definately do not have room for. That right there makes it worth the cost!

I have to say that this has been one of my most fun birthdays I have had in a long time. Last years was fabulous because I was with 6 out of 8 of my grandchildren (I guess we count that Dutch was there since Pam was there with Dutch in her belly!). I was really kind of dreading this birthday but friends have remembered me, I got my Kindle and last night Heather and I figured out how to set up the video camera! After almost a year I was able to see Bella and Evie again. So all and all this was a fabulous birthday. I don't mind at all turning 56 or having my knees still being out of whack. There is hope that someday soon my left knee will be straight and as soon as I start working out again, I think I can strengthen both knees so I won't have to have surgery on my right knee. At least I can remain optimistic and hope to get my life back. 56 looks much better than 55!

Yesterday

Yesterday was Taylor Halverson's 9th birthday. She invited me to go with her and her mom, sister and best friend to Build-a-Bear and then to dinner. We had a wonderful time. Sarah Workman (Taylor's best friend) turned 10 on February 16, so I had already given them their birthday presents. They both wanted the Webkinz 'pink glitter fish'. Taylor named hers 'Lovely' but Sarah can't decide between 'Beautiful' and 'Belle'. Both of these girls are in my 'Girl's Achievement' class at Church so I love them so much anyway but for some reason these two especially have a special place in my heart. Yesterday, Taylor decided that she is going to call me 'Grandma' from now on. Fine with me. Ashley and Taylor are both like granddaughter's to me.

Ashley and I built a bear for a new sister in the ward, Bryn Booker, that is having a baby any day now. I can't go to her shower tomorrow because of my leg being in the brace but I will send it with Ashley's mom, Karyn. We had a great time building the bear, putting the heartbeat in it and dressing it. I was very glad I had Ashley there to help me. I know that it will eventually be this new little boys favorite bear.

It is fun to have grandchildren even if I can't get close to my own. But after an afternoon like yesterday it really makes me lonesome for my own. I kept thinking about our experience at Build-a-Bear almost exactly one year ago to the day and how much fun yet how chaotic that was! Made for an even more bittersweet experience yesterday.

Rita Mae Brown

I really enjoy Rita Mae Brown's books. She writes mysteries as well as biographical fiction. She is from Virginia and since I have lived in similar areas to where she places her characters or have visited the areas - it makes it very easy for me to envision what and where the events are happening. I have become very fond of her two most prolific female protaganists - Harry and Sister. Harry (whose given name is Mary) is now almost 40 and has a knack to get into trouble. Sister (whose given name is Jane) is in her early 70's and is really a prim and proper Southern Lady. I love them both and love reading the books. But then I have never been disappointed in a Rita Mae Brown book yet and I have read most all of them.

Hero Monday

Todays heroes are the Raposa's. Greg is Clyde's second counselor in the bishopric and Sheila is the Education counselor in ther Relief Society Presidency. Sheila is also my 'birthday sister' in that we share the same birth date (we were both born February 26). The Raposa's are the most Christlike people I have ever met. I would say that 85% of the good works that no one knows about in the ward, are because of the Raposa's. They just quietly do. Before Greg was called into the bishopric even more of their good works went under the radar. A lot of the people in the ward don't even know who they are or have an inkling that they have such and such because of the Raposa's. I only know because my sweetheart occasionally tells me. I doubt I know half of their good works. Greg is in pain all the time because of physical problems but he knows that if he prays and puts his mind to it that he can control the pain without meds. He is amazing to watch.

Both of the Raposa's literally pulled themselves up from the 'projects' and became educated. Sheila just retired as one of the area Vice Presidents for one of the East coasts large banks. She is still sitting on the boards of the charitable groups and working with the organizations she was involved with while working at the bank. She finds time to come in and teach the Faith in God girls the importance of money quarterly. Sheila is also a temple worker and helps the regional employment. The more I get to know this couple, the more I realize how lacking I am in the gospel and the more in awe I am of them. They are truly some of the most Christlike people I have ever met in my life. I am grateful to be able to associate with them and call them my friends.

The Winding Ways Quilt

"The Winding Ways Quilt" is my favorite of Jennifer Chiaverini's books since "The Quilter's Apprentice". I love the way she devotes a chapter to 'our friends' that we have made through the years but tells us new things. Yet you could pick this book up if you have never read any of the other books of the series and still enjoy it. Jennifer Chiaverini always tells a delightful and sweet story. I look forward to her next one.

Last night Clyde and I went to see the movie "Inkheart" finally. We had to go clear to Seekonk, Massachusetts (sounds a long way but it was 40 minutes) to see it but it was worth it. It was moving from the first minute the movie started and didn't stop until the credits came up. It is - at best - loosely based on the first two books of the series. The movie was well done and for once Brendon Fraser did not play Brendon Fraser but actually played Mo. This could also be because Cornelia Funke wrote the character with Brendon Fraser in mind. The biggest flaw to my mind was the character of the author of Inkheart in the movie. In the book he was a sweet almost care-free person. In the movie he was a curmudgeon and a tattletale. If anything that was the biggest flaw of all. The movie left no openings for a sequel but then if it does exceeingly well I am sure there will be one. I don't think the theaters will allow that. In our area there 14 theaters and it is playing at 1. From the people I have spoken with that is the only theater it has played in all along. So maybe it will do better on DVD.

Hero Monday

When I was Senior in High School, I was asked to give a talk at a regional conference in Berchesgaden, Germany for the LDS Church. Sitting waiting to give my talk, I had a full fledged panic attack. Elder Haight, was sitting next to me. He was the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He leaned over and gently layed his hand on me. He then said, "Remember everyone here loves you and wants you to do well." This immediately calmed me.

I still remember I started my talk by repeating the first verse of "I Am a Child of God" and then going into the rest of my talk. I ended with the third verse of "I Am a Child of God". I have to say that to this day, it is one of the best talks I have ever given.

After the talk, a sister from the congregation came up to me and told me all of her sons failings. Then she said, "What do I do now?" She was kind of poking me and really in my face. The only thing I could think to say was, "Love him." She said, "That won't work. It can't be that simple." I said, "Yes it is, just love him." She doggedly followed me, challenging me that it couldn't be simple. I remember thinking, 'I am 17 years old. How can I help her?' Suddenly my dad and the Stake President intervened and gently guided her away from me.

So what does this have to do with Hero Monday? In this little memory there are three great men that slipped in to save me all within a matter of moments. Elder Haight saved me from having a panic attack. If I had been as nervous as I was when I was panicked, my talk would not have gone as well or as smoothly. Obviously it touched hearts. This poor sister was distressed but I was not the one to help her. President Cottle and my father - who was one of his counselors in the stake presidency - were there to help. They began counseling her and then her family during that conference.

Three great men, honoring their priesthood. Three great men fulfilling their responsibilities with love and compassion. Three men epitomizing what a true hero is.

A Memory

The other day I was talking to some sisters at Relief Society and I remembered the funniest thing about Pam. When we first moved to Kerrville, Texas - all of her sisters were in school. I was still unpacking boxes, so we had just barely moved into the house on Sherwood Lane so that would make Pam 4 years old. The phone rang and I tripped and twisted me knee, so Pam ran and answered it. She didn't say hello or anything she just said, "I think my mom has broken her leg and we are going to have to shoot her." I got up and hobbled to the phone, praying it was someone friendly. It was our single Relief Society President that was in her early 70's. When I answered the phone she said, "My what a sweet child." I just wondered if I was going to be turned it to Child Social Services. Fortunately the Relief Society President DID have a sense of humor. I still blame Clyde for this because his favorite saying is "he broke his leg, so we shot him". So what else would a 4 year old think!?

Quotes

The other day whey I was in the DR's office to have him check my knee (the brace is straghtening it nicely!) Clyde read me a quote from a book of C.S. Lewis' letters. I loved it so much I had to share it.

"Have you awakened and suddenly wondered why you haven't bought such and such a book long ago and then decided that life without it will be quite unbearable?" C. S. Lewis (age 16)

Yes, as a matter of fact I have! I think for those of us that read and love books there are books that we have to have and love to read.

I love the 'Quilt Books' by Jennifer Chiaverini. I am reading her latest one, "The Winding Ways Quilt" that I just checked out from the library. At the beginning of the 'quilt camps' there is always a candlelight ceremony to get to know people. In this book there is something that really hit me. A very shy woman introduced herself and said, "Honestly, if I can't make friends among quilters, then I must be a hopeless case.... I'm going to to try my best, but I have a favor to ask of all of you.... I know it's easy to forget outsiders when you are having so much fun with your old friends, but please be aware of the people who sit outside your usual circle a bit to let in someone new."

In response to that the next camper said, "Thank you, Marcia, for reminding us that all circles can exclude as well as include."

I have pondered this. How well do I include? Do I see someone at Church and automatically conclude that because they are holding back they are snobbish and don't want to be included? Or do I realize that 99% of the time they are shy and really don't know how to be included? One of the beautiful things of the Newport Ward is that when new people come to the ward, they are made welcome. There are probably a few that fall between the cracks, but I hope not. As I am writing this a baby shower is being given for a sister that is due in 5 weeks. She has been in the ward 3 weeks. She seems like she is quite shy but now that she knows people and knows that we love her, she is comfortable being with us. I love the sisters of Newport Ward for being that way. I am glad we are a sisterhood that includes in our sisterhood instead of excludes.

Book Review

My book review this time is my yearly visit to "Mrs Mike". I have been reading this book since I was 11. My father bought a bunch of second hand books from a library when we first moved to Washington DC. He gave me 50 cents for each book I finished ($5.00 for Gone with the Wind). That was the easiest money I had ever earned. In the collection was this book and it became my most favorite book ever. I have never read a book that I want to go back to and read like this one. It is a true story. Katherine Mary O'Fallon was born in 1890 in Ireland. Her family immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts when she was so little she really didn't remember doing it. At 16 she traveled to live with her uncle in Calgary, Alberta, Canada because of pleurisy. In 1907 she met and married Mike Flannigan. As far as I can find out they only had 2 children of their own but raised many of their friends children to adulthood. Mike died in 1933. Kathy died in Vancouver on Aug 8, 1954.

I find that I usually read this book in the coldest part of the winter when my S.A.D. is getting me down. The book always lifts my spirits and makes me realize that if she could possibly live the life she lived - what do I have to complain about. Benedict and Nancy Freedman wrote the book from a series of interviews with Mrs. Mike. It was originally published in 1947. The Freedman's have written other books such as "The Search for Joyful" which is also well written. Of course I recommend this book. It is my most favorite book ever!

Monday's Hero and Heroine

Before I get started I need to say thank you to my granddaughter Anneke. She and her mommy, Heidi set up my background. Anneke is now in charge of my background (just ask her).

Since our son-in-law, Brandon Nordell's birthday is Friday, he will be the major focus of my 'Hero' Monday. I have liked Brandon for years. Heather has followed him around since she was about 15. I liked him then. He was the assitant manager of a restaurant for a while after he graduated High School and he would come out and talk to us whenever we ate there. Heather would always get tongue tied and be bashful - very un-Heather like - if she was with us. But Brandon has always been very personable and likable. I almost blew all chances of Heather ever seeing him though when he came back into her life this last time. Brandon sent his friend to the door to see if Heather was home. Heather had dated Jason and their last date had ended something like Jason saying, "Let's be the kind of friends that don't talk to each other." I was almost slammed the door in his face but my father grabbed the door and welcomed him in MY house! Jason stammered around for a minute and finally got out that he and his friend Brandon were looking for Heather. Well that changed everything. They kept missing Heather for the rest of the day so I finally sent them to where Heather worked (she was working the night shift at a nursing home so I knew it would be OK). After that we didn't see Heather again except when she was sleeping or changing her clothes for the rest of Brandon's leave from Italy. A few weeks after he got back to Italy, Brandon called Clyde and asked to marry Heather. Clyde asked, "Why?" Brandon said, "Because I love her, Sir." I am happy to report that I think by the time Chris asked Clyde - he was finally better about his responses than he had been with Andy and Brandon.

We welcomed Brandon in the family in August - WOW - will it be 8 years this August? When Brandon left to go with Heather on their honeymoon, I said, "Good luck with her." Brandon said, "I am Petruchio and she is my Kate. When you see after we come home from Italy - you won't even know her." In many respects that is true. Heather is a much more mellow person than she was before Brandon and for that I am grateful. Brandon is a patient and remarkable man. He is a great father and husband. I am so thankful he is our son-in-law.

Heather has always told us exactly how it is. She has gotten so much better now but it is funny when Bella does the same things her mother does. Now she has Evie - who is really giving her a run for her money. Heather is definately a night owl. She is at her best after 5 in the evening. She is not a morning person and NEVER has been. She is really the only one in the family that cannot be a morning person EVER. But as with our other daughters' she is an amazing wife and mother. One thing about our daughters' is they are far superior wives and mothers than I ever was. I admire them for the outstanding Daughters of our Heavenly Father they are.

25 Random Things About Our Daughers

Since Carianne tagged me to do something about one of our daughters' - I decided I would do 5 things about each daughter and then 5 things about all of them - to keep it even. I am doing it this way because of time.
Carianne:
1. She is the oldest of our daughters and the oldest granddaughter on my side of the family.
2. Carianne is 25 years younger than me, and 50 years younger than her grandmother and 75 years younger than her great-grandmother.
3. She has a natural ear for music and picks up a tune on the piano easily. (She plays the piano beautifully).
4. Carianne always wanted at least 4 children but has 3 beautiful and healthy children.
5. Carianne is married to a very kind and loving man.
Heather:
1. When Heather was little I was in charge of the nursery at Church. I was aggravated at Heather and asked her to sit on the steps to wait for a minute. 5 other Heathers sat down with her!
2. Heather's father picked out her name - including her middle name.
3. Heather's middle name is after my Aunt Lou and is also mine. Now her oldest daughter has it too.
4. When Heather was little and she would mope around the house, I would call her "Heather Blue".
5. Heather's husband is the most patient man I know. When they got married, Brandon told me that he would 'tame' Heather. That he has done.
Heidi
1. Heidi has always been the most mellow of our daughters.
2. We named her Heidi Noel becase she was born in December, 9 years after we met in Heidelberg, Germany in December.
3. Heidi would collect the money that was left around by her sisters and cousins when people gave the children their change. If they just left it on a table or the floor, Heidi would pick it up and put it in her purse. She did this from a very early age.
4. Heidi has a beautiful singing voice and is a great actress too.
5. When Andy came home off of his mission and hugged Heidi - I knew they would eventually get married because of Deja'Vu
Pamela
1. We had several names for Pam but had never discussed the name Pamela at all. When I looked at her I knew that was her name.
2. Pam's middle name Eloie is for a very special neighbor of my parents that the girls adopted as a grandmother, Eloie Martin. Eloie's birthday was Jan 15 and Pam's is Jan 17.
3. Pam has always acted older than her age because we have lumped her in with her older sisters.
4. Pam has a beautiful singing voice and is great actress too.
5. When Chris came over the house to home teach Pam, I knew they were going to be married some day.
Something about all our daughters.
1. They are all married to wonderful men.
2. They have given us the most amazing grandchildren ever!
3. Growing up - their favorite day at school was the day I let them pick out books from the Book Fair. (We always went way over budget!)
4. They could all swim before they were 3. (And they were good swimmers. Heidi and Pam were actually swimming before they were 1!)
5. Clyde and I are the luckiest couple in the world to be blessed with 4 such wonderful daughters that are filled with the pure love of Christ.

Sarah' Key - A Book Review

I just finished reading the most amazing book. This was not going to be the book I was going to review. I hadn't planned on finishing the book in one day. I was very reluctant to read the book in the first place. I didn't want to read another downer book and this book is about the holocaust. It turned it out to be very well written and I literally could not put it down until I finished it.

Until Sarah finds out about her brother the first part of the book switches between the modern protaganist, Julia and the 1942, Sarah. Once we find out about Sarah's brother then it stays in the modern day. I will give too much away if I tell anymore. It is part mystery, which I love and part history, which I also love so this was really my kind of book. It takes place in Paris, somewhere I dream of going someday. Now to just wait for next month and book group so we can discuss it. It was supposed to be February's book but it was loaned out so far that we weren't sure people would be able to get it read (there is a several week waiting list Rhode Island state wide for the book). I went ahead and bought it because I had a 15% discount plus it was discounted on the shelf. Ended up being a good deal.

The book is "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay. There is one word in the whole book that I would say is objectionable and there are no sexual inuendos to offend anyone. I think that this would be a book that even our YA audience could read without offense.

Monday's Heroines

I actually have 3 heroines today - Genevieve Randall, Holly Ward and Marie Hamill. These are all young married women that have lived in our ward but have moved on. I love each of them dearly.

Genevieve had a very rough time getting pregnant and finally she was able to carry Parker and Penelope full term. In fact the twins didn't want to come they were so comfortable in there! But the pregnancy was rough and Genevieve had to have several blessings in order to get the twins here. I admire her courage and faith. She has taught me quiet patience and the gentle love that she always has had with her.

Holly has struggled for years with infertility. I ache for her. She and Nathan desperately want a child. Having been in that boat, I know how they feel. I admire Holly for the fact she is usually upbeat and optimistic. She knows that she will overcome this hurdle and somehow they will be blessed with the family the Lord wants them to have. Holly and Nathan are truly like our own children and of all the people that have come and gone from Newport Ward, I really miss them.

Marie is an amazing person that knows if the Lord asks her, she can do it. She and Adam have an amazing faith that I marvel at and wish I could emulate better. Marie was here several weeks ago with her baby son for a visit. She is still the daughter of our Heavenly Father that would make any of us proud.

All three of these women at one time or another served in our YW presidency. Our YW were extremely lucky to have them. There example is the kind that will serve them well throughout their lives.

25 Random Thoughts About Me

1. My childhood friends were Marabee, Buddy and Squirrel (I still don't know what Squirrel's real name was).
2. I have lived in Texas longer than anywhere else - if you combine all my years there.
3. My 2 food weaknesses are breads and sweets.
4. I loved being pregnant.
5. I love being a mother and a wife (it was what I wanted to be my whole life!).
6. I love being a grandmother!
7. When I was in High School I hoped one day to sing well enough to at least be able to sing in the chorus of an opera. Now I would never dare.
8. I still can't sing the hymn, "Each Live That Touches Ours For Good" without crying because it reminds me of my mother's funeral.
9. I collect Santa Claus figures but I am acquiring quite a collection of Willow Tree figurines.
10. I collected music boxes as my original collection but a lot of them were lost or broken so I gave it up.
11. I love to read - especially mysteries and YA books.
12. Our daughter's friends all called me 'Mom' and never Mrs. Bailey. If they called me Mrs. Bailey it was because they had just met me.
13. When I grew up I loved reading biographies.
14. I love playing Webkinz. I especially love it when I am on the same time as one of my grandchildren.
15. I miss working out every day.
16. I am in a Dyna-splint 8 hours a day.
17. I can understand German but can't speak it very well anymore.
18. I have read the Book of Mormon so many times I have lost count.
19. I was in Melloteens - an elite acapella choir at Frankfurt American High School in Germany my Junior year in High School (69-70).
20. Clyde and I met in Heidelberg, Germany in December 1971.
21. Our daughter Heidi Noel was born in December 1980 - 9 years after we met.
22. My maternal grandmother, my mother and oldest daughter Carianne and I are all 25 years apart. My mother, Carianne and I are the oldest child and oldest daughter.
23. I love dolls - always have.
24. My favorite movies are "The Bishop's Wife" and "Enchanted April"
25. I knew I was going to marry Clyde the minute I met him.