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Poem(s) and a lil' Pumpkin

10/9/2012

10 Comments

 
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I am eager (and hesitant) to stretch and move outside of my blogging comfort zone. It is one of the main things that I'm hoping to achieve through participating in Blogtoberfest. And so, based on today's prompt I bravely share two poems I composed this morning.

Pumpkin Patch

In the pumpkin patch
beneath the harvest moon
the soil packed firm from the summer’s rain
I think of you and wonder

Pie or Muffins?

Word Story

Words swirl
Like a tornado I see them


Ubiquitous azalea stunning flamingo transcontinental sea-glass magician fireworks

Together I worry they mean nothing
Make no sense

And yet they are
Part of me
Subconscious

What is their story?

What is my story?


Today's post is part of Blogtoberfest. Click on the picture to find out more!

I'm also linking up with Nicole who reminds us when things are crazy to Keep Calm and Craft On!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. If you like the little pumpkin, check back later and I'll tell you all about it!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
10 Comments

On Reading, Crochet, Blogging and Balance

5/31/2012

4 Comments

 
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This is the one I just finished,
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what I'm reading now, what's next,
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and the cardigan that never ends!
This week I've found myself reacting (over reacting if I'm honest) to my frustration with a new computer as well as with Facebook and social networking in general.  See here's the thing - I want to be part of this world wide web, but I'm struggling with it.  It seems to be consuming me in a way that feels unhealthy.  I sit poised in front of the laptop for hours at a time - shoulder burning, wrist hurting yet I can't pull myself away!  I thought I was getting better, but lately I'm certain that's not true.  I enjoy my time on the computer, but I'm neglecting other things that I have always loved - like my family!! How important is it that I have a perfect Facebook Page? (like that's even possible!) Or that I tweet multiple times a day? Or that I read my feed updates the moment the come in? Or that I too have hundreds of things pinned on Pinterest? It can't be so important that I stop doing the things that brought me to begin blogging in the first place!
So today I make a decision.  To set some limits.  Computer work in the morning.  Crochet in the evening and family and reading in between.  Will I succeed? Who knows! But writing it down gives it meaning and importance, and I'm fearful if I don't I might suffer some unpleasant consequences!

Although I'm not sure how, I have gotten a fair amount of reading done lately.  Earlier this week I finished Crystal Gardens by Amanda Quick.  If you're not familiar with Ms. Quick here's a bit of back ground: It's actually a pseudonym for Jayne Ann Krantz.  As is Jayne Castle. What?!? One person with three names? Yep.  It took me a while to figure her out but I finally got it straight. 
Amanda Quick writes novels set in the past.  Jayne Ann Krantz writes in contemporary times and Jayne Castle's novels take place in the future.  She usually writes in series (often trilogies) with one book by each author making up the group.  Confusing right? The thing that makes it all okay for me is that I enjoy her books.  Not so much things in the future, but the others always seem to work, so I'm willing to accept her multiple personalities. Her formula is pretty consistent - murder/mystery, a love story, and paranormal energy / psychic talents.  This book is no exception.
The Crystal Gardens is the first book in the Ladies of Lantern Street series.  (I expect that there will be three, but I'm not sure and I couldn't find any info from the usual sources).  Set in a time that is unidentified, but clearly the past, in Little Dixby which is "far from the streets of London", we are introduced to Novelist and Professional Companion Evangeline Ames.  Ms. Ames has taken refuge in a rented cottage to mend and restore her well being following an attempt on her life. 
Lucas Sebastian is the new owner of Crystal Gardens, and Ms. Ames' landlord.  The Gardens, which he inherited from his recently departed uncle, possess mystical powers and energy that draw the two toward it (and each other) while terrifying the townspeople.  Following a second attack Ms. Ames takes shelter in the Garden.  Together she and Mr. Sebastian attempt to determine who is trying to murder her and why.
In addition to this main story line several sub plots develop creating unexpected twists, an interesting blend of intrigue, romance and paranormal treasure hunting!  So what did I think?  I enjoyed it.  It felt a bit familiar, but I've read many of her books - and being predictable isn't always a bad thing.  It's light (well for murder!),  it's easy and kept me interested all the way through. A good escape from the everyday and I'm sure I'll read the next in the series.
With Crystal Gardens finished, I immediately dove into The Lost Years by Mary Higgins Clark.  Another mystery, this one involving murder, adultery and a parchment thought to be the only know writing of Jesus Christ! Be sure to stop back and see how I liked this one.

I'm linking up today's post with An Accidental Knitter.  She's been running something called the Thursday Book Challenge.  Although interest may have waned some, I'd doing my part to help revive it - because I think sharing books once a week is  a great idea! If you're interested drop by and give her a nod. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Alrighty friends, that'll do it for today.  So glad you came on by.  Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
4 Comments

New Discoveries

5/21/2012

2 Comments

 
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CraftyRie

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I’m always interested in finding new ways to share my blog with the world, and in finding exciting new crochet, knit and craft blogs to enjoy.  As a beginner in this great big world, I feel like I’m a bit limited in my resources, but I’m always learning!  One of the main things that I look for when I’m visiting someone (outside of the posts I mean) is to see what they have going on in their side bars.  I think that this is valuable real estate in blogville.  I appreciate when people use it to share interesting things with me.  What do I find interesting?  Well, I like to see the groups that they’re members of and badges for any memes (is that right? I’m still struggling to get the lingo down) that they’re taking part in. If they have an Etsy shop I like to see a sample of their wares.  I also enjoy looking at project pictures (wip, fo, spinning, yarn, etc…) It’s important that they have links.  Badges without links are frustrating! Happily most bloggers know this so I don't run into it often! By clicking away I’ve found loads of things to do and places to share my blog.  Of course not everything makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, but that’s okay because if everyone was just like me think how dull the world would be!  Here’s what caught my eye this past week: Creative Friday, The Universal Craft Blog Directory, Crochet Blogs by Ringsurf, and The Blog Guidebook.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with these sites I’ll share a little of what I’ve learned:


Creative Friday – Over at Natural Suburbia Linda has set up a linky for all of us to share our posts about any kind of creative goodness!  There are lots of participants and since I recognize many of the names of people who posted this week I’m betting that there’s lots of visiting and sharing going on. Leaving (and getting) comments is a great way to build your network.  Plus it just feels good doesn’t it??! I’m looking forward to making new friends and learning lots of interesting things!

The Universal Craft Blog Directory – Back in October of 2011 Craftyrie started this linky and it appears to have grown by leaps and bounds!  Tremendously simple to sign up for, it randomly shows all members in one ever morphing list.  I clicked about and found some interesting places, so I went ahead an added my name.

Crochet Blogs by Ringsurf – Now this one I’m not so sure about.  Initially I was lead to a list of over 400 crochet blogs and it was easy enough to click to check them out.  Signing up was challenging.  It seems like I had to enter my name and password multiple times before I was able to add my blog, and then I had to write a rather lengthy description of my site. Maybe I was just tired, but it seemed cumbersome.   I added the badge to my blog and when I tested it I was disappointed to find that several of the sites it brought me to were quite old (one was 2008!).  I’ll give it some time, but if it seems that this is the norm than I’ll probably remove it.  I don’t want to promote something that’s hard to use and has “stale” information.

And finally there’s The Blog Guidebook – This site appears to have a bounty of bloggy goodness along with a place to share your link.  I haven’t listed my blog yet because I need to create my badge.  I want it to be special (since it represents me!) and well honestly I have no idea how to build one! Like so many things on my blogging adventure I’ll figure it out, just not today!  My brief tour through this site proved quite informational and I’m looking forward to spending more time learning ways to improve our blogging experience! Plus I love the way this site looks!

There you have it friends.  I’d love to hear your experience with any of these sites or recommendations for others that you enjoy.

Until next time,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!
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    I'm Robin and this is 
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    My name is Robin.  I am a wife, mother and strong believer in the power of faith.  I'm a maker, a crafter and an artist. I love exploring new mediums and sharing my adventures with you.
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  • About
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  • Robin Reads & Writes
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