Lisa’s Comments (group member since Aug 16, 2014)

Lisa’s comments from the Once Upon a Time... group.

Yes, we left on the first and are here in England.

I finally finished! There was no way that I was going to get on a plane and leave a book half read. Water Song was a nice, easy read. The frog prince aspect was portrayed in a surprisingly unique way, and I really enjoyed the whole "mysticism" surrounding him. It was just enough to add to the plot and character development without taking away from the things that were actually happening in the story. Really enjoyed this retelling!

I think I have gotten to chapter 5 or 6. I am really enjoying the historical aspect of this rendition, since I like studying history anyway. I like that they referenced the various components of WW1, such as the isolationist policies of the USA at the timeframe. Love her spunkiness when talking to the German soldiers.

Finally came in to the library, so I got to pick it up today. Will start reading tomorrow. I haven't read the Grimm version of The Frog Prince - throwing him against the wall does sound a bit drastic. I have read several other versions over the years and have always enjoyed the humor of them. However, I am expecting Water Song to be much more serious due to the setting.

Still hasn't came in and no one knows why, so putting another hold on it.

That is exactly the procedure that my husband had as well as the scraping (just the word makes me shiver) of the gums and cleaning up of pockets in his gum cavities. A LVN is licensed vocational nurse, which is the same as a LPN (licensed practical nurse), what I am. I still hold inactive licenses in both Maryland and Ohio. I was very fortunate to get my training while in high school and started to get my RN degree, but found I just didn't want to. The main reason that I quit nursing is that I was thrown into supervisory roles, which meant I was spending at least 6 hours out of an 8 hour shift doing paperwork - not the reason I went into nursing. I did really like doing staff relief and private duty, though. Homeschooling is a very personal choice and decision. It's definitely not for everyone, and each family must do what they think is best for their children and situation. We always took it one year at a time with the girls and I do that with Alex, but we are glad I am able to teach him.

Gingivitis causing bone loss has always been the one thing I was afraid of getting. My hubby had treatment for that a few years ago, but hasn't had any problems since. He is super dedicated in cleaning and flossing now, though. I count myself fortunate, since both my parents lost their teeth at fairly young ages, as have my brother and sister. I however, have never had much of a sweet tooth and have always brushed my teeth a minimum of twice daily. I haven't done any nursing professionally for 23 years. Honestly, I became a nurse to please my mother. I am a natural born educator and should have gotten my teaching degree, but never really had the time or money to pursue that. My sister, who is deaf, is associated with an organization that provides interpreters and she convinced me to become a professional interpreter since there was a huge need for interpreters at one of the colleges. After 3 or 4 years there, I took a job as an educational interpreter in the public school system and got my para professional certification (an associate's degree) in special education. I worked in the school system for 13 years. As you know, I home schooled Shanna and her sister when they were young, and now am teaching Shanna's son. If I weren't teaching Alex, I would be working in the school system here or at least volunteering.

I tend to avoid the dentist for a ridiculously long time. I didn't go to a dentist at all until I was 17 and it was required for my nursing school. I had no cavities then and my teeth were in perfect condition. The following year I had two cavities! Again about 10 years later went and all was fine. Guess what showed up the following year - yep, two more cavities! Really can't complain about 4 cavities in 54 years, but I think that the cleaning weakens my natural tooth protection. I just went recently and they were amazed how healthy my teeth and gums were (just need to go back on the 17th to have a cracked filling replaced). I am fully expecting two more cavities to show up within the next year. lol

I like the idea of comparisons, but for this month I doubt I will have time to read another. Too much to do to get ready to leave on March 1.

Good observation, Rachmi! She does have a strong, fiery personality

I finished it Saturday night, and no, I don't quite see why it was Fire Rose either. Rose and the Fire Beast, yes, but not Fire Rose. No matter, though, I loved the book! The ending was great - proving that appearance or other obstacles really don't matter where true love exists.

Agreed - a shorter book will be good. I put in my reservation for it from our interstate library, so should arrive the end of the week or beginning of next week.

I never would have thought to compare it to Jane Eyre, but I can see some qualities of the story that definitely fit that description. I agree with your assessment of the clear magic and how easy it is to picture the elementals and procedures required. I too am looking forward to reading more of this series.

Understandable, Heidi. I think it's just been a crazy busy month all around. I am close to finishing The Fire Rose, but probably won't finish it until tomorrow.

My daughter and son-in-law live in England (he's a Brit) and she has wanted all of us to come visit. She wanted me to come and stay as long as possible while she is on her maternity leave, which started in August when my grand-daughter was born and lasts a year. I knew I wouldn't be able to go until March, so my grandson and I will be over there from March 1 until May 18. My husband and Shanna will be doing over for 10 - 12 days in the middle of March.

Sorry, but I won't be reading Of Beast and Beauty right now. It sounded too Sci-Fi for my tastes at the moment. I was pleasantly surprised by Cinder, since I fully expected to hate that book and actually liked it, just not enough to read any more of the series. It is possible that Of Beast and Beauty would produce the same reaction, but not going to attempt yet.

I think you stated it perfectly, Heidi! There are just so many things that need done in January in general, and our homeschooling portfolio review was an additional task I had to prepare for. I always tell myself that I will have it mostly ready in advance, and I do always have much of it organized, but it always seems to still take me at least 3 full days to fully prepare. The added complications of nasty weather and illness requiring rescheduling and make up work hasn't helped either. I am also trying to prepare what we will need to take with us for our trip to England.

I'm slowly reading The Fire Rose. It seems I have had a lot of other distractions lately, so my reading time has been limited. I am enjoying the book, though, and am so glad it isn't depressing! I love Rose's openness in her conversations with Cameron. The thing I enjoyed the most so far is how she put up with the jerk on the train bothering her, but when he took her book, she went on the attack. I think many of us are like that. lol You can irritate me, but leave my books alone!

I'm thinking that I will definitely have to read the Perrault version. The aspect of deep conversations appeals to me. That was one aspect that bothered me about others I have read. It seems far fetched to me that Beauty would fall in love with Beast just based upon the things he kindly provides for her.