Saturday, September 25, 2010

Expressive Photography

I haven't actually finished this book yet but I love it.  I'm taking my time and savoring it.

It's written by a group of women photographers who also contribute to the Shutter Sisters blog.

The pictures are exquisite and the suggestions for improving and being more creative are excellent.

Things have been crazy since school started two days after my mom's funeral.  My father-in-law suffered a mild stroke during the summer and it messed up his short-term memory.  His wife was unable to care for him so my husband flew to Florida and picked him up and he lived at camp with Gary (and me on the weekends) for almost 3 weeks before a room opened in an assisted-living facility. 

On top of that, there are lots of things at school going on.  I have to prepare a presentation on writing for our juniors by Monday Oct. 4th.  Also, our school is due for its ten-year evaluation at the end of October and there is so much to do to get ready for that. 

As if all that wasn't enough, I caught a horrible cold.  Fun, you bet!

So, my reading has really taken a hit.  I'm working on Juliet: A Novel but am having a hard time getting into it.  I don't know if it's me or the book but I'll continue trudging through it.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Think Twice


I had the hardest time reading this book but I also couldn't put it down.  In the beginning the main character, Bennie Rosato, is buried alive by her twin sister.  I'm claustrophobic and almost couldn't breathe when reading those sections.  It gives me goose bumps just remembering it!

But I really enjoyed the book!  Crazy, huh?  Bennie's sister, Alice, has always been the bad seed.  She's jealous of Bennie and impersonates her in an attempt to embezzle all her money.  It made for an intriguing read.

Things have been different around the camp because my husband's father has been staying here.  He had a slight stroke earlier in the summer and his short-term memory was affected.  I'm at home during the week because I have to go to work.  My husband has been staying at camp with him and I join them on the weekends.  Have you seen 50 First Dates ?  Remember ten-second Tom?  Well, it's almost like that!  He's easy-going and takes care of himself pretty much with a few reminders but it's the same conversation all day.  I'm telling you, it's exhausting. 

Other than that, though, this, my last school year, has been going really well, knock on wood!  I'd like more reading time, but...there'll be plenty time for that next year when I'm retired.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Eat, Pray, Love

It took me awhile to get through this book.  Part of it was because I had my mom's funeral to organize (It was absolutely beautiful!) and part of it was because school started last week.  We had two days of teacher workshops and preparation then the kids came in on Wednesday for three days.  And it was so hot!  It was in the mid 90s and humid.  Our school doesn't have air conditioning so it was sweltering.

This book is divided into three parts.  It covers one year in the life of the author.  She spends four months in Italy seeking pleasure, four months in India at an ashram seeking god, and four months in Bali looking for balance.  I enjoyed the Italian part the most but found the Bali section the most informative.  It was a very interesting look at that Muslim island in Indonesia.  The middle section was a bit boring since nothing ever happens but her witty and beautiful writing kept me turning the pages. 

Now, I'm curious to see the movie even though it's getting likewarm reviews.  I'll wait until I can rent it.  Happy reading!