Thursday, July 18, 2013
a letter to a friend (on dating)
This is a letter I wrote to one of my younger friends who had questions about dating.
Dear Amy*,
Here is the list of relationship books I promised you. I hope this will help you with your questions. They have certainly helped me!
The most important things to remember are these: to above all, trust God. (This is the hardest thing, to let God be in the driver's seat, and to let Him take us where we're supposed to go. We keep on wanting to take the wheel, or at least get a peek at the road map! But remember that His timing is perfect.) Next, trust your parents. I personally went through a lengthy rebellious stage, especially when they told me they didn't like the young man I liked. But I eventually came to see that they were right. (God let me take the hard way in order to work on my stubbornness.) You and I have both been blessed with godly parents, and they really do love us and have our best interests at heart. Third, never let anyone push you to do something you know is wrong. Always value yourself and know you are an incredible young woman, and God wants the very best for you! And fourth, be yourself. When talking to young men, don't overanalyze (guys are usually pretty blunt). However, guard your heart, because not everybody else has 'what's best for you' in mind. More often than not, they have 'what's best for ME'!
Anyway... here are the best relationship books I know of. I hope they help. And if you ever have questions or anything you would like me to pray for, just let me know.
1) Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. The basic message of this book is that women need love and men need respect. It doesn't mean that women don't need respect and men don't need love. Instead, it takes a good hard look at giving one's spouse what may not come naturally for you to give. It can be difficult for a man to communicate REAL love to a woman, just as it can be difficult for a woman to respect a man (especially if she )is mad at him). Also talks about communication (an essential in any relationship).
2) Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel. This husband-and-wife team talk about men and women's differences in communication with a clever food analogy. Men are like waffles because they tend to compartmentalize, or put things in 'boxes' (like the squares on a waffle). Women are like spaghetti because everything in our heads is connected, much like spaghetti noodles all touching each other. These two were guest speakers that I was privileged to see once, and they were so fun and helpful. Their message has stuck with me ever since, and it has REALLY helped me! They also wrote a book for married couples called Red-Hot Monogamy. I haven't read it yet, but I plan to after I am married.
3) For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice. I own this book, so you are welcome to borrow it anytime. Basically it demystifies guys chapter-by-chapter, and explains them really well. I referred to it a lot as a teenager whenever I was trying to figure out why a boy did something. (And there were a lot of those times, because I was boy-crazy!) There's another book too, For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, which I have also read. It's basically the same thing except it's intended for married women, because it talks about sex. It's not graphic that I remember, but it is honest.
4) Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. This book is actually about raising boys, so you wouldn't think that this book belonged in a list of books about relationships. But actually, it really helped me 'figure out' guys so much better. I read it in college, but I think it helped me get... well, less silly. Maybe it won't help you as much as it did me, as you have more brothers and may already know these things, but I'll include it anyway.
5) I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. Also I Gave Dating a Chance by Jeramy Clark. I read them both before I actually started dating, and they were the subject of much controversy. I came away from them both even more confused, since I was in unknown territory, and decided "not to knock dating until I've tried it!" They were both helpful to my understanding, however, and helped me on my way to figuring out what I was getting myself into.
6) The Stork is Dead by Charlie Shedd. This oddly-titled book was published in the 1960s, during the 'sexual revolution' (which has messed everything up). It was written by a pastor to teens, and it is EXCELLENT. You will probably have trouble finding it--it's likely out of print. But... I own it, and you may borrow it! It's short, full of clear, direct answers, and I highly recommend it. (It's about sex, but not graphic at all, just very honest. Includes lines guys use to try and lure you, etc. Good for helping keep your guard up!) My mom recommended it to me.
7) The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This book is about how you feel loved, and how to make your spouse feel loved. Loving someone truly is great and good, but sometimes it can be hard to actually show love to them. My top two "love languages" (how I feel loved) are without a doubt 'quality time' and 'physical touch,' but the book also includes 'acts of service,' 'gifts,' and 'words of affirmation.'
8) Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. Remember Jim Elliot, the missionary who got killed in The End of the Spear? Elisabeth was his wife. Okay, I'm not even done reading this, but this book is SO good I have to tell you about it! I was a little wary at first, since I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but it's great. My neighbor recommended it. When I first opened it, I was like, "Oh great, this is one of those 'wives submit to your husbands' kinds of books," but as I got into it I thought, "Oh, this is actually pretty good." It's about letting the man do the chasing and taking the initiative, but so much more... Elisabeth has also written Passion and Purity, Let Me Be a Woman, and The Mark of a Man. I haven't read them yet, but I'm definitely going to!
9) Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. The companion book to Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (also recommended). What it means to be a woman (or man) in God, how God meant us to be. Take these books with a grain of salt, but they are still pretty good. I own Captivating as well, but Wild at Heart was my favorite of the two. That's probably because I was more interested in learning about men than I was in learning how to be a woman, but learning about both is kind of essential. :)
So that's the list. There are many, many more that I have read, including secular books on dating, but these are the ones I found most helpful. The best of the best, if you will. I have sifted through a lot of information, because I personally want to be the very best wife and mom I can possibly be. It's hard to be patient when I have this desire, but I know that if God wants me to be married, it will happen at the right time. (Our timing isn't always 'the right time' even if we feel ready. Maybe the person we're supposed to be with isn't ready yet! The best thing I have found during these times is to pray for my future husband.)
The last things I would like to share with you in this letter are two sayings that have been a great comfort to me over the years.
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
(Let it sink in...)
"It's better to be single and wish you were married than be married and wish you were single."
These have come back to me over and over, and I hope that they will help you if you ever need them. :)
So, my sister in Christ, you are wonderful and I am praying for you! Hope this letter helps!
Note: names have been changed to protect privacy.
Dear Amy*,
Here is the list of relationship books I promised you. I hope this will help you with your questions. They have certainly helped me!
The most important things to remember are these: to above all, trust God. (This is the hardest thing, to let God be in the driver's seat, and to let Him take us where we're supposed to go. We keep on wanting to take the wheel, or at least get a peek at the road map! But remember that His timing is perfect.) Next, trust your parents. I personally went through a lengthy rebellious stage, especially when they told me they didn't like the young man I liked. But I eventually came to see that they were right. (God let me take the hard way in order to work on my stubbornness.) You and I have both been blessed with godly parents, and they really do love us and have our best interests at heart. Third, never let anyone push you to do something you know is wrong. Always value yourself and know you are an incredible young woman, and God wants the very best for you! And fourth, be yourself. When talking to young men, don't overanalyze (guys are usually pretty blunt). However, guard your heart, because not everybody else has 'what's best for you' in mind. More often than not, they have 'what's best for ME'!
Anyway... here are the best relationship books I know of. I hope they help. And if you ever have questions or anything you would like me to pray for, just let me know.
1) Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. The basic message of this book is that women need love and men need respect. It doesn't mean that women don't need respect and men don't need love. Instead, it takes a good hard look at giving one's spouse what may not come naturally for you to give. It can be difficult for a man to communicate REAL love to a woman, just as it can be difficult for a woman to respect a man (especially if she )is mad at him). Also talks about communication (an essential in any relationship).
2) Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti by Bill and Pam Farrel. This husband-and-wife team talk about men and women's differences in communication with a clever food analogy. Men are like waffles because they tend to compartmentalize, or put things in 'boxes' (like the squares on a waffle). Women are like spaghetti because everything in our heads is connected, much like spaghetti noodles all touching each other. These two were guest speakers that I was privileged to see once, and they were so fun and helpful. Their message has stuck with me ever since, and it has REALLY helped me! They also wrote a book for married couples called Red-Hot Monogamy. I haven't read it yet, but I plan to after I am married.
3) For Young Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice. I own this book, so you are welcome to borrow it anytime. Basically it demystifies guys chapter-by-chapter, and explains them really well. I referred to it a lot as a teenager whenever I was trying to figure out why a boy did something. (And there were a lot of those times, because I was boy-crazy!) There's another book too, For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn, which I have also read. It's basically the same thing except it's intended for married women, because it talks about sex. It's not graphic that I remember, but it is honest.
4) Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. This book is actually about raising boys, so you wouldn't think that this book belonged in a list of books about relationships. But actually, it really helped me 'figure out' guys so much better. I read it in college, but I think it helped me get... well, less silly. Maybe it won't help you as much as it did me, as you have more brothers and may already know these things, but I'll include it anyway.
5) I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. Also I Gave Dating a Chance by Jeramy Clark. I read them both before I actually started dating, and they were the subject of much controversy. I came away from them both even more confused, since I was in unknown territory, and decided "not to knock dating until I've tried it!" They were both helpful to my understanding, however, and helped me on my way to figuring out what I was getting myself into.
6) The Stork is Dead by Charlie Shedd. This oddly-titled book was published in the 1960s, during the 'sexual revolution' (which has messed everything up). It was written by a pastor to teens, and it is EXCELLENT. You will probably have trouble finding it--it's likely out of print. But... I own it, and you may borrow it! It's short, full of clear, direct answers, and I highly recommend it. (It's about sex, but not graphic at all, just very honest. Includes lines guys use to try and lure you, etc. Good for helping keep your guard up!) My mom recommended it to me.
7) The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. This book is about how you feel loved, and how to make your spouse feel loved. Loving someone truly is great and good, but sometimes it can be hard to actually show love to them. My top two "love languages" (how I feel loved) are without a doubt 'quality time' and 'physical touch,' but the book also includes 'acts of service,' 'gifts,' and 'words of affirmation.'
8) Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot. Remember Jim Elliot, the missionary who got killed in The End of the Spear? Elisabeth was his wife. Okay, I'm not even done reading this, but this book is SO good I have to tell you about it! I was a little wary at first, since I didn't know what I was getting myself into, but it's great. My neighbor recommended it. When I first opened it, I was like, "Oh great, this is one of those 'wives submit to your husbands' kinds of books," but as I got into it I thought, "Oh, this is actually pretty good." It's about letting the man do the chasing and taking the initiative, but so much more... Elisabeth has also written Passion and Purity, Let Me Be a Woman, and The Mark of a Man. I haven't read them yet, but I'm definitely going to!
9) Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. The companion book to Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (also recommended). What it means to be a woman (or man) in God, how God meant us to be. Take these books with a grain of salt, but they are still pretty good. I own Captivating as well, but Wild at Heart was my favorite of the two. That's probably because I was more interested in learning about men than I was in learning how to be a woman, but learning about both is kind of essential. :)
So that's the list. There are many, many more that I have read, including secular books on dating, but these are the ones I found most helpful. The best of the best, if you will. I have sifted through a lot of information, because I personally want to be the very best wife and mom I can possibly be. It's hard to be patient when I have this desire, but I know that if God wants me to be married, it will happen at the right time. (Our timing isn't always 'the right time' even if we feel ready. Maybe the person we're supposed to be with isn't ready yet! The best thing I have found during these times is to pray for my future husband.)
The last things I would like to share with you in this letter are two sayings that have been a great comfort to me over the years.
"What is popular is not always right, what is right is not always popular."
(Let it sink in...)
"It's better to be single and wish you were married than be married and wish you were single."
These have come back to me over and over, and I hope that they will help you if you ever need them. :)
So, my sister in Christ, you are wonderful and I am praying for you! Hope this letter helps!
Note: names have been changed to protect privacy.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Brood (baby bees)
Monday, July 1, 2013
Mint
Mint is quite easy to grow in a container. In fact, it might even be preferable. Mint will take over everything, so by putting it in a container you can limit it a bit and keep it under control. The roots are quite invasive, and the plant will also send out 'feelers' to find new places to put down roots. Choose a container based on what type of mint you have. In the above photo, spearmint is growing tall and straight and thrives in this teacup-shaped ceramic container. Below, chocolate mint has more tender stems than the spearmint. Since it tends to drape over the sides of the pot, I put it in a hanging basket. Especially in the summer, there's nothing more refreshing than being able to pluck a few leaves and brew a delicious cup of mint tea!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Capping comb
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos, also called Devil's Ivy, is a houseplant that thrives on neglect. It prefers bright indirect light, and it's probably best to water it once a week or so, but this plant will survive on less (or more) water and light. It's perfect for anyone who wants a houseplant, but is worried about killing it, because it will pretty much tolerate anything you do to it. It's also very easy to propagate, so once you have one, you can get more from the same plant if you would like. The trailing vines need to be given a 'haircut' every now and then to keep them from getting out of control. This was my first houseplant. As you can see from the photos, which were taken one year apart, it is a very good plant for beginners!
Above: Golden Pothos when I first got it in 2012. Below: The same plant one year later, vigorous and thriving. The leaves are bigger, and I've had to prune it a couple of times.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Strawberries!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Phalaenopsis Orchids
Phalaenopsis Orchids, also called Moth Orchids or Phals, are the most tolerant orchid and also the most commonly avaliable for purchase. Contrary to popular belief, these are quite easy to care for (I myself have six). Don't be alarmed if it's dropping its flowers, especially in the summer-- as long as the leaves are glossy and dark green, the orchid is healthy.
Phalaenopsis orchids usually need to be watered about once a week. Some people like to use the ice cube method, which is merely placing three ice cubes on top of the moss and letting it melt. I have heard this works well for some people, but personally I prefer not to use this method. Instead, I just give my orchids a quarter cup of water about every week and a half. I also keep clear plastic liners underneath the saucers, which I sometimes fill with water to increase humidity. Misting the roots occasionally is also a good idea. The important thing is to avoid overwatering your orchids, as the roots like to have a lot of air.
Don't re-pot your orchid until after it is done blooming, as this may impair the bloom cycle. Phals like a nice coarse potting mix, as this will help the roots get the air they need. Phalanopsis orchids originate in Indonesia, where they grow on the sides of trees and get lots of air and moisture. If your Phalaenopsis puts roots over the side of the pot, don't cut them off-- this is just the plant's way of getting more air.
If you find you need to trim your orchid, use extreme care. Use clean tools and make sure you wash your hands. Orchids are very susceptible to disease, so use sterilized shears or scissors, wear sterile gloves, and be careful what you cut. If you are worried about disease, you can put a little cinnamon on a freshly made cut to help keep the plant healthy. Refer to a professional if you have further concerns with the care of your plant.
Overall, following these steps will help keep your orchid looking beautiful for months!
A useful link for Phalaenopsis Orchid care:
http://www.repotme.com/orchid-care/Phalaenopsis-Care.html
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Holding hands.
When we took out the frame this morning, the bees didn't want to let go of each other. It was kind of cute.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
a conversation with God
I grew up in a Christian home, but I was coming back to my faith from agnosticism at the time this conversation happened.
me: ...I just want to be in a relationship and have my love actually be returned, you know?
God: Yeah. I totally know.
me: Hey, wait a minute there-- I was talking about having a boyfriend.
God: I'm better than any boyfriend. I made you. I know you. And it's Me that made you to crave love, the way you are right now.
me: So basically You are telling me that You are everything I could possibly want?
God: Yep.
me: Well... I don't know. I mean, do we actually have anything in common? I have no idea how to even have a friendship, let alone a relationship, with someone I can't see and don't have anything in common with! I mean, this music I'm listening to now. Alternative rock. Do you like this? I never hear this in church. Church music is boring!
God: You are aware that I invented music, right?
me: uh, yeah...
God: You are made in MY image. I made humanity to enjoy music. I delight in My creation's joy in My gift. I gave you the ability to make music. If you are enjoying my gift, as long as it honors Me, it could pretty much be said that I enjoy all types of music.
me: Whoa... okay then. What about The Lord of the Rings? What do you think of that?
God: Well, I made J.R.R. Tolkien. And I gave him the talents he used to make The Lord of the Rings. I made C.S. Lewis too, in case you were going to ask me about that.
me: um yeah... I was. So basically You're telling me that everything I'm interested in and enjoy... You made.
God: (laughs) Yes.
me: Stop laughing at me. I guess I knew that, I guess I just hadn't thought about it in those terms before... that I can't help but have common interests with You because You made me, and everything I enjoy. That I'm made in Your image and not the other way around. (pause) You're a lot more, a lot deeper than I realized, God. You don't fit what I thought about You at all.
God: That's because you were putting Me in a box. I'm bigger than the box.
me: Wow. That's too deep for me. I need to think about this some more. Let's talk later.
God: What's the problem?
me: (pause) ...Ummmm... I guess I'm scared.
God: I gave you courage. Don't be scared of Me. It's time to stop running. It's time to get closer. But I want you to come to Me.
me: Okay. I'll come back in a bit. I just need to process this.
God: I'll be here. I am always here.
(a little while later)
me: So basically, this 'made in Your image' thing would also mean that you have a sense of humor, right? I mean, when something ironic happens to somebody, they say "God has a sense of humor," but what they really mean is "the gods are laughing at me." But we wouldn't enjoy humorous things unless You did, right? Because humor couldn't exist unless You knew what it was.
God: (laughs and smiles indulgently) That's right.
me: Stop laughing at me. This is so weird.
God: (laughs) But it's a good weird.
me: Yeah, it's a good weird.
(a little while later)
me: So God... if You're bigger than the box... and You want a relationship with me... then let me ask You a big question.
God: Yes?
me: What exactly do You want from me? I mean... I have talents and gifts and stuff... like writing, art, discernment, stuff like that. But what exactly am I supposed to be doing with them? 'Cuz I don't think I am doing it now.
God: Well, you'd have to go deeper with Me to really understand the answer. But I want you to use those talents to tell others what you've found out about Me tonight.
me: To get You out of the box?
God: Yes, that's partly it. To show others that a relationship with Me is the only thing that will fulfill them in life. There's a lot more, and I can only show you a glimpse right now. But I will tell you, I promise, if you seek Me.
me: Hmmm... okay. Thanks.
(a little while later)
me: God, does this relationship thing mean I have to stop being myself? I mean, people say you have to lose yourself in God. But I like me. I don't want to unlearn what I learned without You. I don't want to go back to being judgmental and holier-than-thou and boring and puritanical, because being that way sucks.
God: You know perfectly well that Christianity isn't supposed to be like that. Some Christians you've met might be, but not all of them are. Anyway, you're just making excuses now.
me: Yeah, I am. You're right. It's just that this is weird... and hard... and scary.
God: Only because it's new. Courage, dear.
me: Did You make me the combative type so that I could handle this? (weak laugh)
God: No, I made you the COURAGEOUS type so that you wouldn't be afraid to speak the truth. I made it so that you would get used to dealing with unpleasant situations so that you wouldn't place the opinions of the world above My own. Because you're going to speak for Me, dear heart, and it's not going to be an easy road.
me: My mom would say that bluntness is not a virtue.
God: Are you going to listen to what your mom says, or to Me?
me: (taken aback) Well... You, I guess. That's a weird thing for God to say-- 'don't listen to your mom.'
God: Only because you're using it as another excuse. Back to the box again.
me: Yes, yes, the box.
God: Obey your parents. Love your parents. But your HIGHEST calling is to Me.
me: Oh, yeah... I knew that. I mean, it was there as head knowledge, but I'm not really sure I understood it before.
And God smiled.
me: ...I just want to be in a relationship and have my love actually be returned, you know?
God: Yeah. I totally know.
me: Hey, wait a minute there-- I was talking about having a boyfriend.
God: I'm better than any boyfriend. I made you. I know you. And it's Me that made you to crave love, the way you are right now.
me: So basically You are telling me that You are everything I could possibly want?
God: Yep.
me: Well... I don't know. I mean, do we actually have anything in common? I have no idea how to even have a friendship, let alone a relationship, with someone I can't see and don't have anything in common with! I mean, this music I'm listening to now. Alternative rock. Do you like this? I never hear this in church. Church music is boring!
God: You are aware that I invented music, right?
me: uh, yeah...
God: You are made in MY image. I made humanity to enjoy music. I delight in My creation's joy in My gift. I gave you the ability to make music. If you are enjoying my gift, as long as it honors Me, it could pretty much be said that I enjoy all types of music.
me: Whoa... okay then. What about The Lord of the Rings? What do you think of that?
God: Well, I made J.R.R. Tolkien. And I gave him the talents he used to make The Lord of the Rings. I made C.S. Lewis too, in case you were going to ask me about that.
me: um yeah... I was. So basically You're telling me that everything I'm interested in and enjoy... You made.
God: (laughs) Yes.
me: Stop laughing at me. I guess I knew that, I guess I just hadn't thought about it in those terms before... that I can't help but have common interests with You because You made me, and everything I enjoy. That I'm made in Your image and not the other way around. (pause) You're a lot more, a lot deeper than I realized, God. You don't fit what I thought about You at all.
God: That's because you were putting Me in a box. I'm bigger than the box.
me: Wow. That's too deep for me. I need to think about this some more. Let's talk later.
God: What's the problem?
me: (pause) ...Ummmm... I guess I'm scared.
God: I gave you courage. Don't be scared of Me. It's time to stop running. It's time to get closer. But I want you to come to Me.
me: Okay. I'll come back in a bit. I just need to process this.
God: I'll be here. I am always here.
(a little while later)
me: So basically, this 'made in Your image' thing would also mean that you have a sense of humor, right? I mean, when something ironic happens to somebody, they say "God has a sense of humor," but what they really mean is "the gods are laughing at me." But we wouldn't enjoy humorous things unless You did, right? Because humor couldn't exist unless You knew what it was.
God: (laughs and smiles indulgently) That's right.
me: Stop laughing at me. This is so weird.
God: (laughs) But it's a good weird.
me: Yeah, it's a good weird.
(a little while later)
me: So God... if You're bigger than the box... and You want a relationship with me... then let me ask You a big question.
God: Yes?
me: What exactly do You want from me? I mean... I have talents and gifts and stuff... like writing, art, discernment, stuff like that. But what exactly am I supposed to be doing with them? 'Cuz I don't think I am doing it now.
God: Well, you'd have to go deeper with Me to really understand the answer. But I want you to use those talents to tell others what you've found out about Me tonight.
me: To get You out of the box?
God: Yes, that's partly it. To show others that a relationship with Me is the only thing that will fulfill them in life. There's a lot more, and I can only show you a glimpse right now. But I will tell you, I promise, if you seek Me.
me: Hmmm... okay. Thanks.
(a little while later)
me: God, does this relationship thing mean I have to stop being myself? I mean, people say you have to lose yourself in God. But I like me. I don't want to unlearn what I learned without You. I don't want to go back to being judgmental and holier-than-thou and boring and puritanical, because being that way sucks.
God: You know perfectly well that Christianity isn't supposed to be like that. Some Christians you've met might be, but not all of them are. Anyway, you're just making excuses now.
me: Yeah, I am. You're right. It's just that this is weird... and hard... and scary.
God: Only because it's new. Courage, dear.
me: Did You make me the combative type so that I could handle this? (weak laugh)
God: No, I made you the COURAGEOUS type so that you wouldn't be afraid to speak the truth. I made it so that you would get used to dealing with unpleasant situations so that you wouldn't place the opinions of the world above My own. Because you're going to speak for Me, dear heart, and it's not going to be an easy road.
me: My mom would say that bluntness is not a virtue.
God: Are you going to listen to what your mom says, or to Me?
me: (taken aback) Well... You, I guess. That's a weird thing for God to say-- 'don't listen to your mom.'
God: Only because you're using it as another excuse. Back to the box again.
me: Yes, yes, the box.
God: Obey your parents. Love your parents. But your HIGHEST calling is to Me.
me: Oh, yeah... I knew that. I mean, it was there as head knowledge, but I'm not really sure I understood it before.
And God smiled.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Book Review: The Sandman series
Neil Gaiman's Sandman books have been widely regarded as some of the best comic books in existence. Intrigued, I decided to check them out for myself. This series breaks the comic book mold and probably had a hand in shaping the concept of the graphic novel. The characters include the Endless: Dream (also known as Morpheus, King of the Dreaming), his older sister Death (cute, cheerful, pragmatic, and instantly likeable), Destiny, Despair, Desire, Destruction, and Delirium (who used to be Delight). The Endless are not gods--rather, the personification of ideas of the human race. Each of the Endless have their own realm. It's as much fun to see Dream learn about himself and grow as it is to watch the antics of his wonderfully dysfunctional family. However, a word of warning. The books are listed at my library as being a 'young adult' series, but they are actually for 'mature readers' (read: adult). While the overall storyline is intriguing, there's a good deal of nudity and graphic violence throughout these pages. Some of the stories within the Sandman collection are excellent, but several are nightmarish. Watch out for blood, violence, and sexual content in what is otherwise a stellar tale.
The Sandman books:
1. Preludes and Nocturnes
2. The Doll's House
3. Dream Country
4. Season of Mists
5. A Game of You
6. Fables and Reflections
7. Brief Lives
8. World's End
9. The Kindly Ones
10. The Wake
11. Endless Nights
Pictured above: Dream and Death, my two favorite characters from the series.11. Endless Nights
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Book Review: Sunshine
You wouldn't ordinarily think that vampires and dessert would mix well, but somehow in this book, they do.
Rae Seddon, nicknamed Sunshine, is the baker for Charlie's Coffeehouse in vampire-infested New Arcadia. When she is kidnapped by vampires, her entire world changes, and she must learn to adjust.
Sunshine tends to be a little wordy, and there's some brief sexuality. Aside from that, this book is very interesting, and will make you hungry. Frequently. Sunshine's gothic-named desserts sound amazing: Cinnamon Rolls As Big As Your Head, Sunshine's Killer Zebras, Bitter Chocolate Death, Lemon Lust, cherry tarts, the dramatic pudding known as The Death of Marat, and Sunshine's Eschatology are just a few of the bakery offerings for which you'll want the recipe.
iced tea how-to
I've liked hot tea--a lot--for about about seven years. I have an entire kitchen cabinet devoted to tea. As the weather has lately been growing warmer, I've been experimenting with iced tea. What kinds taste the best? Suprisingly, some of the teas that I enjoy hot don't make good iced tea, and some of the teas I don't like hot make wonderful iced tea. On with the experiment!Top photo: Making several kinds of sweet tea at once. From left to right: orange pekoe, orange pekoe & raspberry zinger, chai, and vanilla chai.
Bottom photo: Sweet tea ready for the refrigerator. (The two kinds of chai on the right have milk added.)
Experiment conclusion:
Orange Pekoe is the basic tea used for sweet tea, so it was good.
Orange Pekoe & Raspberry Zinger was my experiment at making raspberry iced tea. It didn't taste quite right due to the hibiscus flavors in the Raspberry Zinger, so wasn't my favorite. Chai was suprisingly good, but Vanilla Chai wasn't. I'll definitely be experimenting with other flavors!
Want to make your own iced tea? You will need:
-One canning jar, with lid
-Two tea bags, preferably of the same kind of tea
-Sugar (if you want sweet tea) to taste
1. Place tea bags in clean canning jar.
2. Boil water and add to jar. Let tea steep for about five to six minutes (or a couple minutes longer, if you want it to hold up when you add ice).
3. Remove tea bags.
4. While tea is still hot, add sugar to taste. (I usually add about six tablespoons to a canning jar, but you can use more or less depending on your preference.) Stir the tea until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Wait until the tea cools a bit, until it is somewhere between warm and room temperature.
6. Put on the lid, and then put in the refrigerator.
7. Wait until tea is completely cold (about two hours, give or take) before serving.
Tip: It is very likely that the lid of the canning jar will be stuck to the jar at first. If this happens, don't worry. Just unscrew the outside ring, and then use a butter knife to gently pry open the lid. It should pop right off.
8. Serve in a glass with ice, and enjoy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Book Review: Pegasus
This relatively new book is very similar in style to Robin McKinley's early works...until you get to the end.In the world created within these pages, it is traditional for two peoples--the humans and the pegasi--to create a bond between carefully selected individuals in order for the races to better understand each other.
This is the story of a princess and her pegasus, and the secret that they uncover.
I didn't care for the ending at all--it was too abrupt, and didn't fully resolve things--but it was interesting until that point. However, the ending makes all the pages before it seem like wasted time, so I can't recommend this one wholeheartedly.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Book Review: The Blue Sword
Those of you who love Robin McKinley are no doubt already acquainted with The Blue Sword, as it is one of her very early works. However, I had the opportunity to discover it for the first time this past December, and fell completely in love.This high-adventure tale has all the elements neccessary for a really good story: swordfights, kidnapping, danger, excitement, romance, and compelling characters. I loved it so much, I bought a copy online before I'd even finished reading the library copy. Highly recommended.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Book Review: Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits
Another excellent story collection by husband-and-wife team Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson, Fire brings together tales of such things as salamanders, hellhounds, and the Phoenix. Some of my favorite short stories included Dave's Wood (Dickinson), Hellhound (McKinley)--possibly the best story in the book, and Salamander Man (Dickinson), although I enjoyed them all. This one also includes a story about McKinley's Damar, entitled A Pool in the Desert. This anthology is even better than their previous endeavor, Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits!Sunday, January 1, 2012
Book Review: Water: Tales of Elemental Spirits
This four-star collection of six short stories by husband-and-wife collaborators Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson is imaginative, satisfying, and extremely well-told. The tales are filled with mer-folk, sea serpents, water horses, and more, however, these are not your average mermaid tales. The rendering of the various worlds of the merfolk abound with rich descriptions, satsifying plots, and variety. Personal favorites among these stories included Water Horse (McKinley), Kraken (Dickinson), and The Sea-King's Son (McKinley). This last one surfaces as an unusual retelling of McKinley's favorite fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. Excellent! [266 pages.]
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Book Review: The Door in the Hedge
This collection of four short stories is great to curl up with on a rainy day with a good cup of tea. Along with two original tales by Robin McKinley, it also has her renditions of "The Princess and the Frog" and "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Very enjoyable!
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