Oh Reviews, wherefore art thou? *Cough, Cough* Is it getting a little warm in here? Actually, the lack of reviews or Reading Journals or what have you is due to the fact that I am actually not reading. Not a thing. Ok, that's a bold faced lie! I am still reading picture books to my son and trying to get in some family scripture study. I did read a book a few weeks ago. Gosh, I just must be in a reading slump. I had Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl out from the library. Alas, it was only a two week check-out, and I didn't even finish the first chapter. I mean, I really want to read it, but for some reason right now is not the time.
The last book I actually finished was Paranormalcy by Kiersten White. It was a rather fun paranormal read. I was rather happy to have received it as a birthday present. If you haven't checked it out, you simply must. I know that is not much of a review. Perhaps I will get to that later. However, since discovering this spunky little author I have been following her blog. Seriously, she is so fun to read. You should all check out Kiersten Writes.
That wraps it up for now. I have a post in the works for what I have been doing recently. If I am truly motivated I will have it out soon.
December 7, 2010
Show Me the Reviews!
July 24, 2010
Because it's been exactly one month
I wasn't going to post anything yet, because I just spent over and hour skimming (yes, only skimming) Google Reader. I finally caught up on all you dedicated posters, even if I admit I only skimmed most of it. I just had a stray thought to check when I actually posted last. Lo and behold, it was exactly one month ago. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity, even if I have nothing valid to say.
Today is a state holiday for us Utahns. It marks the day the Latter-Day Saints came into the Salt Lake Valley. We get all crazy going to the biggest parade this state has, with the most elaborate floats, and even those crazy marching bands. I mean who would be crazy enough to march and play an instrument in this weather? I'm not making fun of bands, because I used to be in one or two. I was just never a fan of marching in parades, but I admit that I can't enjoy a parade without one. How is that for hypocritical? LOL
Anyway, here is some better info on the Days of '47 holiday that I snagged from Wikipedia, because they put it much more eloquently than I ever could.
On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young and a company of Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois and other locations in the eastern United States. Pulling handcarts or driving wagons with oxen or horses, thousands of pioneers carried a firm commitment to America's belief in freedom of religion as they made the trek across the plains to a vast desert landscape that became known as the Utah Territory.
According to Days of '47 Inc. "This trek of the early Utah pioneers exemplifies the courage, foresight, and faith that continue to inspire modern-day pioneers. By remembering those remarkable 1847 pioneers and all those who followed, The Days of '47 seeks to make their accomplishments and hardships live today through a variety of activities and celebrations each year. We believe the example of past and present pioneers' courage is a beacon to the world."
Speaking of holiday festivities. We, here in Utah, get a second special day in July to light fireworks. I convinced my hubby to buy some this year, even though we don't have much of a budget for that sort of thing. Anyway, he went to the local TNT stand, and after careful review of the interaction, figured out that the guy ripped him off on one account with an attempt at rip off with another account. The dumb thing is, there is no way to verify, hours later, that we were ripped off, because they don't do an itemized receipt. So I am pretty ticked off right now. The thing that makes me extra mad about it, is this guy gets to pocket all the money he rips off from people. What a jerk! So I hope this guy gets some other form of bad karma, or just realizes what he did was wrong and has to feel guilty about it. Does it make me a bad person to wish him ill? Perhaps, but it's the only satisfaction I get.
Now I am not discouraging you from buying fireworks, or even buying them from TNT, but just as a cautionary tale to be extra alert on labels (TNT does many of their items buy one get one free) and check-out time.
Well, on that note, it is time for me to get to bed so I can fully appreciate the festivities of the day. Yes, it is early, about 2:00 am. I am insane, but have a happy weekend. My next post might even be about books!
November 20, 2009
Check out the Button!
Trin from Bloody Bad Books was super nice and made a button for my blog. I think it looks amazing! Thank you so much Trin. So if I added the widget right and the html is working in my favor, you should be able to snag my button. I am going to attempt more haiku in the next little while. I know I haven't paid much attention to that recently, and I am saddened. I've got to live up to my blog title after all.
Plus: attention all Blogger users. Now you can easily make a label cloud. Just go to your Layout page and edit your labels. You can choose to have your labels in a cloud and even hide labeled posts you don't want readers to see. I did my labels in a cloud, even though I think the words are too closely spaced. That will be an issue to address on another day.
November 11, 2009
Reading Journal October 2009
Here I am partway through November, and I almost forgot to do my Reading Journal for October. I didn't really read all that many books in October. Actually, I am struggling to remember if I read more than the two classics I finished.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas (this one actually spanned a few months)
Shudder by Jennie Hansen
I guess that pretty much sums it up. Three books in a month. I don't quite know what to think about that. Life just gets busy I guess. At this point it doesn't look like November is faring any better.
I did complete the classics challenge, so that is something I am proud of anyway. Here are the books I had planned to read on my Classics Starting Post. I read 7 books. I stuck pretty well to the list except I read Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson instead of Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte. I still have some classics on my shelf that I am attempting to get to.
Books Finished for Classics Challenge
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
- Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
- The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
October 14, 2009
The Story of Meeting Kaleb Nation
I was exited to learn about a month ago that Kaleb Nation (aka The Twilight Guy) was going to be on a book tour for his book, Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse. One of his stops was Salt Lake City, which is nearby where I live. I really wanted to go, even though I hate going to these things alone, and I'm pretty sure my friends and family would not have been interested. So I braved going alone with the hope of meeting another book blogger, Natasha of Maw Books, who had interest in going. Sadly, Natasha couldn't make it, but I did.
October 12, 2009
I had a babysitter, and a stomach full of nerves. I was on my way, but not before having to settle down my child with dinner and a movie. That made my getaway time a little delayed. Being a stay at home mom, I am not used to the usual commute, and I totally forgot about all the insane road construction plaguing most of my intended route. I didn't factor in extra driving time, so I ended up being a little late. Shoot!
I finally found The King's English Bookstore where the event was to take place. This was my first visit there. It is literally nestled in the middle of a residential area in Sugarhouse, which coincidentally made me clausterphobic. Seriously, the streets in this part of the city are very narrow. I found a parking spot and proceeded to hike down the hill and around the block.
Now picture this: I just bought the cutest clogs the other day at Kohl's. They make me a little taller, they also make it a little more difficult to walk, and they tend to click-clack rather loudly. What didn't make my late entrance any easier is that the King's English has hardwood floors. Yikes! So not only am I late, but I'm making my grand entrance very noisily. Distraction #2: the only available seats are on the other side of the room, so in order to get there I have to cross in front of everyone and their cameras. Not that any of those people read this blog, but I am really sorry if I messed up anyone's video!
What I missed: Kaleb talking about his experience with writing his book. However, I did make it just in time to hear him read the prologue of his book. It was good, and he is a good reader. I just wish the backdrop wouldn't have been shelves full of books, because I got a little distracted with looking at book covers and titles. I guess I must be more of a visual learner, because honestly I was having a hard time. I found the same thing to be true when I listened to The Three Musketeers as opposed to reading it. I caught a lot more details while reading. I think it is interesting that I found that out about myself, but I digress.
Next Kaleb answered questions about being an author and the process of writing. Some questions addressed how he found his agent. He suggested an online site, which I believe he used Agent Query (Kaleb, if you are reading this feel free to correct me). He also talked about how he overcomes writer's block. He said he watches author signings on YouTube to get inspiration from other writers. How cool is that?
He was asked what his favorite books are and he answered Artemis Fowl, The Twilight Saga, Looking for Alaska by John Green, and I think there was another book he mentioned that I can't remember. Rats! I hate when I am forgetful like that. Surprisingly he has never read the Harry Potter series. He said not to hate him, he has just been busy, and that he'll find time to read them eventually.
He was asked a few questions about the characters of the books. I have a hard time remembering those answers, because I have not yet read the book. So the actual character names are still new to me. Kaleb relates himself mostly with the main character, Bran, because he was 14 when he started writing the book, and Bran is 14. He was also asked if any characters were based on people he knows. He answered that some of the villains are based on people he has known, but he wouldn't name names of course. He said it is his way at poking fun at them. That gave the room a good chuckle.
A question about the book series: does he know what is going to happen in each of the books in the series (I think there will be 6, correct me if I'm wrong)? He said he has a huge arc of events of what things will happen in each book, but not the details. Another question regarding the writing of the books was when the 2nd book would be done. He is still writing it and his publisher wants it by early 2010, which will most likely put the book release by the following year.
He also talked about the use of magic spells in his book. I can't remember the finer details of that answer, but having a magic wand definitely makes the spells stronger. His characters can cast a spell without a wand though, and also they have magic words that they use. I think the question was regarding if the spells could be cast internally (like the use of nonverbal spells in Harry Potter), but I can't remember if he said his characters could do that or not. Man, I guess I really should have taken notes. I have a poor memory.
Honestly, that is all I can remember about the question and answer segment. I should have recorded it, but I was too flustered from being late to pull out my camera.
Last, but not least, was the actual book signing. I am always nervous about what to say to an author (or any stranger for that matter). I am typically a shy person, so I tend to stay away from new social situtions. Thus the reason for my nervousness at being there without a buddy. Anyway, Kaleb was really nice. He signed a copy of his book for me, and graciously agreed to pose for a picture. He even put his arm around me; what a cutie! I think I could hear a little bit of a nervous chuckle coming from him, which made me laugh to myself. He must have felt awkward too, putting his arm around complete strangers for pictures. Afterward I thanked him again and expressed that I was glad to have met him. That was that. The only thing left to do was purchase my book, and be on my merry way. Phew! I am glad to have made it through that experience.
I really did enjoy meeting Kaleb. I was introduced to him online through my love of the Twilight Saga. I've been following Kaleb's posts and videos on his Twilight Guy site. He is really funny, and crazy in a humorous way. His vlogs make me laugh out loud. He really is a talented guy, and I am really looking forward to reading his book. As soon as I'm finished I'll be sure to let you all know what I think. One last thing I want to say is thanks to Kaleb for visiting Salt Lake City. It was great meeting you, despite all my embarrassment and awkwardness.
Questions for my readers: "Are you shy, like me, or do you have a more outgoing personality?"
Or: "Have you been to any author signings? If so, who did you meet?"
October 2, 2009
Reading Journal Sept. '09
I have been having a difficult time motivating myself to get a book review done. I am getting pretty far behind. I thought I would try to jot down the books I've read this month. I tried to do this every month since the beginning of the year, but like most of my intentions that plan fell by the wayside by about March.
Here is my list for September:
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Paperquake by Kathryn Reiss
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Freefall by Traci Hunter Abramson
Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Methods of Madness by Stephanie Black
August 20, 2009
Playaway Audio books
I just found out about a new format for audio books. I might be the last one in the world to have heard of them, but I was pretty excited. They are called Playaways. They are basically audio books on their own little MP3 players. My mom checked one out at the library. It is so simple to use, because there is no downloading, syncing, or anything like that. Read more about them on the Playaway website. The only con I noticed is they are extremely expensive. They range in price anywhere from $40 to over $200 for some. I don't know about any of you, but I definitely can't afford that.
Fortunately, Playaway partners with another site called Simply Audiobooks that does rentals similar to that of Netflix. You can pay a monthly fee for between 1 and 3 playaways at a time. When you are done with one you simply mail it back and they will send you then next available book in your queue list.
If that is still too pricey, you can always check your local library for their selection. Anyway, I just wanted to share with everyone about Playaways, because I think they are really cool. What do you think? Have you ever tried a Playaway?
August 3, 2009
An Important Message
Hello loyal readers!
I just wanted to let you know I might have even less time for blogging in the immediate future. The reason for this is because my dinosaur computer might finally be breathing it's last breath. Currently my hubby is backing up all my files on safe mode, but I haven't been able to get it to start normally. My husband does have a laptop, but since he is starting back to work (teaching) in a few weeks, as well as starting back for his master's degree, I have a feeling I won't be getting much use out of his.
I will still try to post every now and then. I am going to keep reading, but I'm not sure how keeping up with book reviews will go. Actually, I've been doing a pretty bad job at that lately anyway. It has been a busy summer. Until next time wish me luck, and maybe I can get a new computer for Christmas.
June 25, 2009
June 22, 2009
I'm still working on my blog
This is a test post to see the new signature I created. How does it look??
My Layout Doesn't Work
For some reason my new layout that I have been slaving over isn't working on Internet Explorer. I use Firefox and everything looks fine. So I am wondering what the deal is? My favicon doesn't show up either.
So here is my question. What browser do you use, and what do you see when you're on my blog?
I guess I may have to rethink this. Thanks for the help.
June 20, 2009
Bloggiesta Update #2 and Wrap-Up
Day #2
Bloggiesta Mini Challenges:
The Book Lady's Blog - Cleaning up your feed reader; I organized all my blogs into folders, and caught up on reading posts. Yeah! The easiest thing to accomplish so far today.
Beth Fish Reads - Write a post and save is for a rainy day. I wrote a list post for this challenge.
Jill from Fizzy Thoughts - Leave comments on 10 new blogs. I have been leaving comments since the beginning of the Bloggiesta on many new blogs. I didn't keep track though.
Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile - List your blog on a directory. I am already a part of Book Blogs Ning. I also submitted my blog for BBAW.
Emily's Reading Room - Set up a Google Alert. I set an alert for Haiku Amy.
Books, Movies, and Chinese Food - Creating an Elevator Pitch. What do you think of mine? It is under my blog title.
I found some blogging buddies from My Friend Amy's challenge.
Other Bloggy Stuff:
I finally, finally got my favicon to work. This was a serious headache all day, but I finally found the perfect site to help me. It is called Blogger Buster, and it was a life saver. The cool thing about it was you don't need a web hosting site to add your favicon. If anyone using Blogger is having troubles with your favicon, click that link. I am serious. There were tons of helpful Blogger posts on there. I will be returning some day.
I re-did my template using my own background photo. Again, I used tips from Blogger Buster. I still need to work with it a little more, but for now it is passable. P.S. the photo I used is from my trip to Yellowstone National Park last year. The water from the hot pool really was that color blue. So awesome.
I tweeted some on Twitter, and made myself a new Twitter widget.
I also went around leaving comments blogs, but I did not keep track of how many. Oh well, it probably wasn't anything significant.
Sadly, I didn't get any more posts written, but I'm glad I got some of the other stuff done. It was needed.
Wrap-Up:
I had a hard time calculating how many hours I spent today, because all morning long I kept getting interrupted. I just didn't seem to get anything substantial accomplished until this evening. I am going to approximate between 5 and 5.5 hours for today. Adding to yesterday that makes a total of 14.5 Hours.
Goals Finished:
I finished all the mini challenges.
I posted two book reviews.
I made a gravatar and a favicon.
I started making labels for my posts.
I changed my blog template.
I wrote one back up post.
I re-wrote my About Me section.
I changed my Twitter widget.
I set up Feedburner.
I changed my name to Haiku Amy.
I set up a Haiku Amy email address.
Good Intentions:
I never made it back to Technorati, although I think this site was still giving people problems.
I didn't get around to adding meta tags to my blog.
I still want to tweek the template a little, but I'll get to that slowly. It's a big job.
I didn't quite get caught up on book reviews. I will work on those in the coming week.
I am exhausted, but I got a lot done. It was also fun meeting new bloggers and visiting your sites. I hope everyone had fun for Bloggiesta, because I sure did. I really learned a lot of stuff.
I want to say thanks Natasha from Maw Books for putting us up to this. I also want to thank the hosts of the mini challenges. They really did a great job. I hope I get to participate in Bloggiesta again in the future.
Bloggiesta Update #1
Is it a sad thing that my arm muscles are starting to ache? One might think I'd been on the computer all day. Total Hours spent: Approximately 9
I going to attempt to list the things I did for Bloggiesta today. I didn't keep great account of what articles I read or blogs I commented on, but here is the other stuff I attempted.
Mini Challenges: I looked at 6 of 12, and almost completed them too!
Ruth from Bookish Ruth - I analyzed my blog through Website Grader. My blog received a 67% rating and a reading level Primary. That sounds pretty good to me. I got some ideas there for increasing my rating.
Andrea from Book Blather - Read 5 articles from 27 Must Read Tips and Tutorials for Bloggers (I read 7)
- How to Get Traffic to Your Blog
- First, 10
- 21 Tactics to Increase Blog Traffic
- A Complete Guide to Finding and Using Incredible Flickr Images
- How to Start of Start Over Building Your Personal Brand
- 10 Reasons Readers Don't Leave Comments
- 40 Ways to Deliver Killer Blog Content
Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'? - Gravatars and Favicons. I signed up for a Gravatar, and yippee - It Works! I previously had a favicon, but for some unknown reason it isn't working anymore. Pain! Another roadbump, iconj has been mysteriously doing site maintenance all day today. I guess I'll tackle the favicon problem tomorrow.
Amy from My Friend Amy - Blog Buddies!! I read Find a blog buddy from Pro Blogger. I haven't yet found a blog buddy. I started this one kind of late and figured people would be sleeping. Anyone using Blogger want to be my blog buddy? Just thought I'd ask.
Jen from Devourer of Books - Updating Key Pages or Posts. I updated my About Me section on my blog. Then I started editing and cleaning up my posts. I did the mini-challenge requirement of 5 posts, but I want to eventually get through all of them. Don't worry, I don't have an exorberant amount.
Posts:
I posted a book review for Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain over on The Joy of Reading Book Blog. For those who don't know, I'm one of a group of authors there.
I scheduled a post for Saturday morning on The Joy of Reading Book Blog. That will be a book review of Fairest by Gail Carson Levine.
Bloggy Stuff:
- I tried to register my blog with Technorati. That site was having problems. I guess I'll try that again later.
- I set up Feedburner. I am a newbie at that. They have a lot of bells and whistles. Any tips on how to best utilize that would be helpful.
- Started applying labels to my posts. Yuck, trying to categorize stuff is not my favorite thing. I think I'm about halfway done on that.
- I shall now be known as Haiku Amy. Previously known as Amy Btw M, Amersmiller, or maybe any number of related names.
- Set up a new e-mail address: haikuamy@gmail.com for bloggy related stuff
I hope I have time for Bloggiesta tomorrow. I have a few more book reviews to do, and I'd like to work a little bit on my blog template. Those other 6 mini challenges are calling to me as well. Right now I am pooped. Well, it is 3:15 AM, so technically I am already at tomorrow as I've been calling it. I better go get some sleep. Happy Blogging!
June 19, 2009
The Bloggiesta - A Blog 48 Hr. Blog Challenge
I am joining the Bloggiesta, hosted by the Maw Books Blog. The challenge of the Bloggiesta is to work on improving blog layouts, catching up on posts, and any other bloggy related things. The Bloggiesta starts Friday the 19th at 8 am and finishes Sunday the 21st at 8 am.
Here are my tentative goals:
- Fix my Favicon (because really, what happened to that thing anyway?)
- Write review posts for all the books I have read recently
- Figure out how to make a gravatar
- Figure out a tag system
- Synchronize all my social network names...yeah, I've got an alias. So if I change my name on say...Twitter, I hope I don't confuse you all.
- Back up posts?? Maybe compose some haikus
- I'm not saying I'll mess with my blog template, but I am not 100% in love with it. I am also not sure on how to make my own. Maybe I'll just research that.
- Check out the Bloggiesta mini-challenges
June 16, 2009
It's What Fun Is
Hi folks. I realize it's been a little while since I posted anything. The thing is, I've been at Lagoon. For those of you who don't know, Lagoon is an amusement park. It is pretty fun for us crazy Utahans. I've spent my entire lifetime going there every summer. I even worked there for 3 summers, and if you would have asked me back then it was the most evil place on Earth. Not now though, oh no...it is happy, fun land now. A great place to take the kiddos when they are bored out of their gourd. Here is something I bet you didn't know. Lagoon boasts the 2nd biggest zoo in Utah. Ha ha ha. Oh, it just kills me, ya know? The Hogle Zoo is the biggest zoo in Utah. I don't believe there are any other zoos in Utah, but I may just be surprised to find out who brags the 3rd biggest zoo. I wonder who it could be? So anyway, if I'm absent from the world wide web this summer, chances are good that I'll be at Lagoon.
Another little known fact: These boats have been pulling the kiddos in a circle since 1963. I wonder what the oldest ride in the park is? *Edit* Hey, I found out the Carousel is the oldest ride in the park. Here is a link to Lagoon park history, if anyone is particularly interested. Where is your favorite amusement park?
Every twist and turn makes ill
One whose stomach flops
May 4, 2009
Back to School Again
I know the title of this post must have you all confused considering the school year is almost over. However, my hubby just got accepted into his Master's program, and he is super excited. He starts in the fall, and hopefully we can manage with seeing even less of him around here (if that is even possible). He will be getting his Master's in educational technology, and the program is for 2 years. Yeah! I'm still a little nervous about his job security at the time being, but we're just going to stay positive for now.
No haiku for now. I'll think of one later.
April 30, 2009
My lucky week
I am either getting luckier, or I am entering a ton of giveaways. I won two more books. One from Goodreads, and another from LDS author Jennie Hansen. Notes from Jennie's desk has giveaways twice a month, and I enter every time. I am super excited. You know what I've noticed though? I never win if it's a book that I am dying to own. Go figure, but hey, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I am happy to win any giveaway. While I'm thinking about it, what would happen if you looked a gift horse in the mouth? Would it eat you? Who came up with that phrase anyway?
What's the best thing you've ever won in a giveaway?
Did you find anything there?
Empty Pinata.
April 23, 2009
I'm still kickin'
What do you know, this post isn't about a giveaway (well, a new one anyway). Actually, I felt the urge to post, even though I have nothing much to post about.
I have been sewing today. I'm making a twin sized quilt for my son. It is Wall-E and Cars themed. I have finished sewing the blocks together. The next step is to find some fabric for the backing and a border around the front. I also will be needing some batting and some yarn to tie it. It will be super cute when it's done. I'll post pictures too, when all is finished.
I am still trying to catch up on my library books. I have quite a few checked out right now, and I haven't been making myself read as much. Bad girl! I have finished City of Glass by Cassandra Clare, and Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I have yet to get my reviews written though. I read Little Women for my Classics Challenge. Yippee! The book I am currently reading is Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke. So far our victim has died. Now to find out how, who, and why.
Entering giveaways paid off for me this week. I won two ARCs from The Bluestocking Society. They arrived in the mail today. Oh the joy! They are titled Rainy Day Rescue by Inda Schaenen and The Quarter Horse Foal by Inda Schaenen. They are part of the Saddle Wise series.
The other giveaway was given by The Epic Rat. It was her Wicked giveaway, and I chose to receive a Wicked Green Elixir Bottle. I think that's the one, but her link wasn't working. That's the only bottle on the site that I could see. Pretty darn cool, right? Hm, maybe I'll take a picture of it when it comes. Woohoo, like I said, I love me some giveaways.
I guess that pretty much wraps it up. Now for a haiku.
Get to your books, they miss you!
Delay your blogging.
April 13, 2009
What do you think?
I've been learning new little blogging secrets. Today's secret is how to create your own favicon. Don't know what a favicon is? Well, I'm no expert. Look up above in the address bar. See the little symbol that used to be the ugly, orange, block with the white B (aka Blogger's favicon)? Now it is a black and pink letter M. I did have a animated favicon, but it's not animating on my browser....so if it is animating it should flash back and forth from Amy Btw to the afore mentioned letter M. What do you think? I was wondering to myself if I liked it.
Let the web know who you are
With a small graphic
***UPDATE #2***
Want to make your own favicon?? IconJ can help you.
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