Alyssa Goodnight's Blog, page 22
April 7, 2011
Do You Know What Happened To This Bird?
Found: Dead Bluebird. Looks like he could be playing dead, but I suspect not. I do suspect foul play...just not sure what type. Stacy suggests a basilisk may be slithering through my neighborhood in the hours after dark. A squirrel, sprawled on his stomach, found last week only three houses down from this bluebird seems to suggest a pattern... I am on the case!
April 6, 2011
Book Review Club ~ April 2011
While pressed for time, I don't want to miss this month's Book Review Club, so I am reviewing a book that I haven't yet finished. However, I'm liking it so much that I have no doubt I will greatly enjoy the pages I have left. The book that's encouraged me to jump the gun?
VIENNA WALTZ by Teresa Grant
(Isn't the cover divine?)
Back of the book summary: Nothing is fair in love and war. . .
Europe's elite have gathered at the glittering Congress of Vienna--princes, ambassadors, the Russian tsar--all negotiating the fate of the continent by day and pursuing pleasure by night. Until Princess Tatiana, the most beautiful and talked about woman in Vienna, is found murdered during an ill-timed rendezvous with three of her most powerful conquests...
Suzanne Rannoch has tried to ignore rumors that her new husband, Malcolm, has also been tempted by Tatiana. As a protégé of France's Prince Talleyrand and attaché for Britain's Lord Castlereagh, Malcolm sets out to investigate the murder and must enlist Suzanne's special skills and knowledge if he is to succeed. As a complex dance between husband and wife in the search for the truth ensues, no one's secrets are safe, and the future of Europe may hang in the balance. . .
This book is fascinating on two separate levels. On the one hand, it is an eminently readable lesson in history, with a great many real historical figures featuring as characters in the novel. On the other, the author-created characters have been given such detailed and mysterious personal histories that they bring the story completely alive. Each time a hint is dropped about these characters' pasts, my curiosity is further piqued, and I'm frantic to keep reading, to discover the mysteries, the secrets, the intrigue!
The husband and wife team, neither of which are historical figures, themselves have a very curious relationship. You get the impression that theirs was a marriage of convenience...and yet it's not. Deeper feelings are lurking beneath the surface on both sides, but everyone is keeping secrets...
With the historical figures taking such prominent roles, I've been inspired to look them up so that I can picture them in my mind as I'm reading (even through the descriptions are superb)... All hotties, right?
Metternich (Austria)
Talleyrand (France)
I'm not yet sure what role Franz Schubert will play, but I'm anxious to get back to it. I will let you know...
Tsar Alexander I (Russia)
Franz Schubert
[portraits via Wikipedia]
For other, no doubt complete, reviews, head over to Barrie Summy's blog for a varied list!
VIENNA WALTZ by Teresa Grant(Isn't the cover divine?)
Back of the book summary: Nothing is fair in love and war. . .
Europe's elite have gathered at the glittering Congress of Vienna--princes, ambassadors, the Russian tsar--all negotiating the fate of the continent by day and pursuing pleasure by night. Until Princess Tatiana, the most beautiful and talked about woman in Vienna, is found murdered during an ill-timed rendezvous with three of her most powerful conquests...
Suzanne Rannoch has tried to ignore rumors that her new husband, Malcolm, has also been tempted by Tatiana. As a protégé of France's Prince Talleyrand and attaché for Britain's Lord Castlereagh, Malcolm sets out to investigate the murder and must enlist Suzanne's special skills and knowledge if he is to succeed. As a complex dance between husband and wife in the search for the truth ensues, no one's secrets are safe, and the future of Europe may hang in the balance. . .
This book is fascinating on two separate levels. On the one hand, it is an eminently readable lesson in history, with a great many real historical figures featuring as characters in the novel. On the other, the author-created characters have been given such detailed and mysterious personal histories that they bring the story completely alive. Each time a hint is dropped about these characters' pasts, my curiosity is further piqued, and I'm frantic to keep reading, to discover the mysteries, the secrets, the intrigue!
The husband and wife team, neither of which are historical figures, themselves have a very curious relationship. You get the impression that theirs was a marriage of convenience...and yet it's not. Deeper feelings are lurking beneath the surface on both sides, but everyone is keeping secrets...
With the historical figures taking such prominent roles, I've been inspired to look them up so that I can picture them in my mind as I'm reading (even through the descriptions are superb)... All hotties, right?
Metternich (Austria)
Talleyrand (France)I'm not yet sure what role Franz Schubert will play, but I'm anxious to get back to it. I will let you know...
Tsar Alexander I (Russia)
Franz Schubert[portraits via Wikipedia]
For other, no doubt complete, reviews, head over to Barrie Summy's blog for a varied list!
April 4, 2011
Not flippin'...clickin'
Some days I find that even if I have a few quiet minutes, I don't feel like reading a book. On those days, I like to turn to glossy magazine photos for a little visual inspiration. If I don't have a magazine on hand (so many of the good ones are no longer being printed...), I tend to visit pretty blogs with lots of pictures, or Pinterest, where there's so much to see you could lose HOURS in there.
But I love how all kinds of online magazine are cropping up everywhere. They're the perfect little break from writing...or life, with gorgeous photographs, fun party ideas, yummy-sounding recipes, and interesting articles. If you haven't checked them out, you should...just for the fun of it.
But I love how all kinds of online magazine are cropping up everywhere. They're the perfect little break from writing...or life, with gorgeous photographs, fun party ideas, yummy-sounding recipes, and interesting articles. If you haven't checked them out, you should...just for the fun of it.
March 31, 2011
The Power of Book Blogs
Once upon a time I considered this somewhat of a book blog. It is, first and foremost, an author blog, but it is the blog of an author who, like most, loves books. Wants to gush about books, and covers, and really cool metaphors. (Or maybe that's just me.) Anyway, I said 'once upon a time.' Why? Because I've recently come to the realization that this is not a book blog. Not in the way that some blogs are book blogs.
[via]A couple of weeks ago (you may remember), I signed up to participate in a blog hop, hosted by two book blogs: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Books Complete Me. Over the course of that experience/experiment, I discovered several things:
1. Book Blogs have a LOT of fans and a LOT of traffic...they can drive pre-order sales (not to mention post-launch sales).
2. Book Blogs are strictly about books. They hype new releases, host a crazy number of giveaways, interview authors, share the love with other book bloggers... You name it.
3. Book Blogs participate (and host) blog hops and book tours.
4. Book Blogs post an astounding number of reviews, some of them for ARCs donated by authors and publishers
5. Book Blogs host and advertise book clubs and hold (and promote) contests
In fact, Book Blogs are one-stop-shopping as far as books are concerned. You can find out about new releases, read reviews from reviewers you trust, *win books* and other book related paraphenalia, read author interviews, and get in the loop on all the latest hype.
In my 'research,' I've discovered that the bulk of the big Book Blogs tend to be focused on either YA books or paranormal, or both. Which is understandable, given the current trends in publishing right now. But if you look, you can probably find Book Blogs dedicated to any genre you're interested in...like say, Jane Austen fiction...or chick-lit, should you be so inclined. These Book Blogs wield a lot of clout with a LOT of readers, so no author...and no reader should be unaware of such an awesome resource.
[via]A couple of weeks ago (you may remember), I signed up to participate in a blog hop, hosted by two book blogs: I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Books Complete Me. Over the course of that experience/experiment, I discovered several things:1. Book Blogs have a LOT of fans and a LOT of traffic...they can drive pre-order sales (not to mention post-launch sales).
2. Book Blogs are strictly about books. They hype new releases, host a crazy number of giveaways, interview authors, share the love with other book bloggers... You name it.
3. Book Blogs participate (and host) blog hops and book tours.
4. Book Blogs post an astounding number of reviews, some of them for ARCs donated by authors and publishers
5. Book Blogs host and advertise book clubs and hold (and promote) contests
In fact, Book Blogs are one-stop-shopping as far as books are concerned. You can find out about new releases, read reviews from reviewers you trust, *win books* and other book related paraphenalia, read author interviews, and get in the loop on all the latest hype.
In my 'research,' I've discovered that the bulk of the big Book Blogs tend to be focused on either YA books or paranormal, or both. Which is understandable, given the current trends in publishing right now. But if you look, you can probably find Book Blogs dedicated to any genre you're interested in...like say, Jane Austen fiction...or chick-lit, should you be so inclined. These Book Blogs wield a lot of clout with a LOT of readers, so no author...and no reader should be unaware of such an awesome resource.
March 29, 2011
Poems...for Everyone!
Reading to my boys from Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein last night. It has probably been thirty years since I've read those poems--I remember loving them the first time. We only read a few because it was almost time for bed, and we realized we were missing Dancing With the Stars (which they love to watch with me--how about that Daniel Laruso!), but these were my favorites from last night:
LISTEN TO THE MUSTN'TS
Listen to the MUSTN'TS child,Listen to the DON'TSListen to the SHOULDN'TSThe IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TSListen to the NEVER HAVESThen listen close to me--Anything can happen, child,ANYTHING can be.
MAGIC
Sandra's seen a leprechaun,Eddie touched a troll,Laurie danced with witches once,Charlie found some goblins' gold.Donald heard a mermaid sing,Susy spied an elf,But all the magic I have knownI've had to make myself.
Then found this picture today, and it made me this of this second poem all over again...
[via]
LISTEN TO THE MUSTN'TS
Listen to the MUSTN'TS child,Listen to the DON'TSListen to the SHOULDN'TSThe IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TSListen to the NEVER HAVESThen listen close to me--Anything can happen, child,ANYTHING can be.
MAGIC
Sandra's seen a leprechaun,Eddie touched a troll,Laurie danced with witches once,Charlie found some goblins' gold.Donald heard a mermaid sing,Susy spied an elf,But all the magic I have knownI've had to make myself.
Then found this picture today, and it made me this of this second poem all over again...
[via]
March 25, 2011
Working on the book...
I'm in a visual mood today. So, I give you the inspiration for the hero of my current WIP...
That's
[via]
He's working out great so far. :)
** Just realized I never announced the winner of my Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway. Congratulations Jennifer Hedger!! Enjoy your gift card! **
That's
[via]He's working out great so far. :)
** Just realized I never announced the winner of my Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway. Congratulations Jennifer Hedger!! Enjoy your gift card! **
March 22, 2011
Hitchcock's Genius
Still a little bit on a movie kick...and since I don't actually have any of Monday's Disney movies in the house...I pulled out a favorite Hitchcock: To Catch A Thief. Got my Cary Grant fix...my Grace Kelly fix...my French Riviera fix...
I had imagined I was quite the Hitchcock connossieur, but when I actually went to look up all the movies Alfred Hitchcock produced/directed on Wikipedia, it was clear I have a good amount of viewing still to do. Not a problem.
[via]
A few of my favorites:
1. Rear Window
A photographer based on Robert Capa, must temporarily use a wheelchair; out of boredom he begins observing his neighbours across the courtyard, and becomes convinced one of them (Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife. Stewart tries to sway both his glamorous model-girlfriend (Kelly) and his policeman buddy (Wendell Corey) to his theory, and eventually succeeds
What I love: the cinematography is wonderful, the idea is clever, and Grace Kelly is divine.
2. North by Northwest
In North by Northwest, Cary Grant portrays Roger Thornhill, a Madison Avenue advertising executive who is mistaken for a government secret agent. He is hotly pursued by enemy agents across America, one of them Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), who turns out to really be an American double agent.
What I love: the confusion, the danger, the tension...that scene where Cary Grant is nearly mown down by a crop duster!
3. Dial M for Murder
Ray Milland plays the scheming villain, an ex-tennis pro who tries to murder his unfaithful wife Grace Kelly for her money. When she kills the hired assassin in self-defense, Milland manipulates the evidence to pin the death on his wife. Her lover, Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings), and Police Inspector Hubbard (John Williams), work urgently to save her from execution.
What I love: the utter audacity of the crime, Grace Kelly's fighting spirit, the scissors!!
4. To Catch a Thief
(pairing Cary Grant and Grace Kelly...clearly, Kelly is a favorite, both of mine and Hitchcock's.)
Grant plays retired thief John Robie, who becomes the prime suspect for a spate of robberies in the Riviera. An American heiress played by Kelly surmises his true identity, attempts to seduce him.
In my mind this isn't exactly classic Hitchcock, but it's got so much to love...a visual feast...
So...what's your favorite??
[Summaries courtesy of Wikipedia]
I had imagined I was quite the Hitchcock connossieur, but when I actually went to look up all the movies Alfred Hitchcock produced/directed on Wikipedia, it was clear I have a good amount of viewing still to do. Not a problem.
[via]A few of my favorites:
1. Rear Window
A photographer based on Robert Capa, must temporarily use a wheelchair; out of boredom he begins observing his neighbours across the courtyard, and becomes convinced one of them (Raymond Burr) has murdered his wife. Stewart tries to sway both his glamorous model-girlfriend (Kelly) and his policeman buddy (Wendell Corey) to his theory, and eventually succeeds
What I love: the cinematography is wonderful, the idea is clever, and Grace Kelly is divine.
2. North by Northwest
In North by Northwest, Cary Grant portrays Roger Thornhill, a Madison Avenue advertising executive who is mistaken for a government secret agent. He is hotly pursued by enemy agents across America, one of them Eve Kendall (Eva Marie Saint), who turns out to really be an American double agent.
What I love: the confusion, the danger, the tension...that scene where Cary Grant is nearly mown down by a crop duster!
3. Dial M for Murder
Ray Milland plays the scheming villain, an ex-tennis pro who tries to murder his unfaithful wife Grace Kelly for her money. When she kills the hired assassin in self-defense, Milland manipulates the evidence to pin the death on his wife. Her lover, Mark Halliday (Robert Cummings), and Police Inspector Hubbard (John Williams), work urgently to save her from execution.
What I love: the utter audacity of the crime, Grace Kelly's fighting spirit, the scissors!!
4. To Catch a Thief
(pairing Cary Grant and Grace Kelly...clearly, Kelly is a favorite, both of mine and Hitchcock's.)
Grant plays retired thief John Robie, who becomes the prime suspect for a spate of robberies in the Riviera. An American heiress played by Kelly surmises his true identity, attempts to seduce him.
In my mind this isn't exactly classic Hitchcock, but it's got so much to love...a visual feast...
So...what's your favorite??
[Summaries courtesy of Wikipedia]
March 21, 2011
Back to Normal
Whew! That was a wild ride. Never in my wildest imaginings did I expect such an awesome response for this giveaway--that was unbelievable! Clearly there are some book lovers out there who are willing to go the distance to win books or book paraphenalia or gift cards to buy books! Clearly you are a tasteful group!
In terms of a winner, well here's the thing...I am experiencing technical difficulties. The Random Number Generator picked a random number, I cross-referenced it with my spreadsheet, and checked that the requirements for entry had been met...and hit a roadblock. I'm hoping to have this resolved today in order to announce the winner. If I cannot get it resolved, it's back to the Random Number Generator, so stay tuned.
But now it's time to get back to normal here on the blog. Normally, I talk books and whatever else strikes my fancy. And today, I'm talking Disney movies...not the new ones...the oldies. And not the animated ones--the live action ones that were just good, clean fun, minus the special effects. Bascially, the ones some of you have missed out on, and that's a darn shame.
Over the past few years I have systematically been checking out all the old live-action Disney movies that I loved when I was a kid and watching them with my boys. These are kids who LOVE video games and cool special effects. But they also love slapstick humor and out-and-out silliness, and they have loved these. Here are my top five. Please feel free to list your faves in the comments. I'd love to think I've missed one or two...
1. The North Avenue Irregulars...a CLASSIC, full of hilarious hi-jinks
2. The Apple Dumpling Gang...two kooky but loveable small-time thiefs foil some true criminals
3. The Swiss Family Robinson...a shipwreck, pirates, an ostrich race, and a little romance
4. Mary Poppins...practically perfect in every way
5. The Absent-minded Professor...so out of control, it's cringe-worthy
Runners up: The Parent Trap, That Darn Cat, The Shaggy Dog, Candleshoe
Anybody else got a favorite?
In terms of a winner, well here's the thing...I am experiencing technical difficulties. The Random Number Generator picked a random number, I cross-referenced it with my spreadsheet, and checked that the requirements for entry had been met...and hit a roadblock. I'm hoping to have this resolved today in order to announce the winner. If I cannot get it resolved, it's back to the Random Number Generator, so stay tuned.
But now it's time to get back to normal here on the blog. Normally, I talk books and whatever else strikes my fancy. And today, I'm talking Disney movies...not the new ones...the oldies. And not the animated ones--the live action ones that were just good, clean fun, minus the special effects. Bascially, the ones some of you have missed out on, and that's a darn shame.
Over the past few years I have systematically been checking out all the old live-action Disney movies that I loved when I was a kid and watching them with my boys. These are kids who LOVE video games and cool special effects. But they also love slapstick humor and out-and-out silliness, and they have loved these. Here are my top five. Please feel free to list your faves in the comments. I'd love to think I've missed one or two...
1. The North Avenue Irregulars...a CLASSIC, full of hilarious hi-jinks
2. The Apple Dumpling Gang...two kooky but loveable small-time thiefs foil some true criminals
3. The Swiss Family Robinson...a shipwreck, pirates, an ostrich race, and a little romance
4. Mary Poppins...practically perfect in every way
5. The Absent-minded Professor...so out of control, it's cringe-worthy
Runners up: The Parent Trap, That Darn Cat, The Shaggy Dog, Candleshoe
Anybody else got a favorite?
March 17, 2011
WOW!
This is the most comments I've EVER had on a blog post! Amazing!
Thanks everyone for entering! I hope you'll stick around after the hop to see what's going on here regularly.
*** One more entry opportunity if you want it... ***
Tell me your favorite book blog! (That makes five possible entries!) Good luck!!
Thanks everyone for entering! I hope you'll stick around after the hop to see what's going on here regularly.
*** One more entry opportunity if you want it... ***
Tell me your favorite book blog! (That makes five possible entries!) Good luck!!
March 16, 2011
Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop!!
Just for fun (and because I recently wrote an article for my RWA chapter that highlighted them) I decided to particpate in a blog hop, with giveaways. This blog hop has 242 blogs signed up to participate so there are plenty of chances to win!
The deal is that the giveaway has to be book related, but rather than impose my taste in books (which is undeniably superb) on any entrants, I decided to go with the ever-popular Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card, which will allow you to choose a few books on your own. If you need suggestions, I will be happy to provide them. Or you could just peruse past posts on this blog and find some excellent suggestions.
So...let's work a little trade. I'll keep it simple. For a chance to win a $20 Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card, you can do any one of the following:
1. Follow me here on the blog
2. Friend me on Facebook
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Friend me on Goodreads...I just started with that, and I think it just might become addictive.
And, if you want more than one chance to win, go crazy and do two, three, or all four of them....there's a $20 Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card up for grabs!! Only one comment here is necessary--just let me know how many entries you get. If you're already a follower or friend (depending on the site)--you're awesome (and I will give you two entries if you want 'em)! Just send me a message letting me know you want in on this opportunity. And don't forget to leave a blog link or an email so that I can get in touch with you if you!
The blog hop runs from Thursday, March 17th to midnight on Sunday, March 20th, so hop to it!
And once you've entered, follow the Linky to other book blogs on the hop for more great giveaways! Think of the possibilities...
The deal is that the giveaway has to be book related, but rather than impose my taste in books (which is undeniably superb) on any entrants, I decided to go with the ever-popular Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card, which will allow you to choose a few books on your own. If you need suggestions, I will be happy to provide them. Or you could just peruse past posts on this blog and find some excellent suggestions.So...let's work a little trade. I'll keep it simple. For a chance to win a $20 Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card, you can do any one of the following:
1. Follow me here on the blog
2. Friend me on Facebook
3. Follow me on Twitter
4. Friend me on Goodreads...I just started with that, and I think it just might become addictive.
And, if you want more than one chance to win, go crazy and do two, three, or all four of them....there's a $20 Amazon (or B&N) Gift Card up for grabs!! Only one comment here is necessary--just let me know how many entries you get. If you're already a follower or friend (depending on the site)--you're awesome (and I will give you two entries if you want 'em)! Just send me a message letting me know you want in on this opportunity. And don't forget to leave a blog link or an email so that I can get in touch with you if you!
The blog hop runs from Thursday, March 17th to midnight on Sunday, March 20th, so hop to it!
And once you've entered, follow the Linky to other book blogs on the hop for more great giveaways! Think of the possibilities...
