First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 1/18/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

Fellsworth School

Surrey, England 1817

Mrs. Brathay's shrill voice shattered the late-morning silence like a warbler's call unsettling dawn's still mist.

 

 Page 56

 
Places have memories, Miss Creston.  Do not doubt it.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/17/19

 

~I'm not feeling very well today and am not feeling very thankful :(  My fibromyalgia is flaring and I'm sore.  However, I "am" feeling so for that I can be thankful!


~One of the reasons I'm not feeling very well is that I exercised yesterday and I'm feeling it today!  I'm glad that I was feeling well enough to walk 1 mile with my Leslie Sansone DVD :)  It felt good at the time.  HAHA


~Kaylee finished my painting!  It is a beach scene with my very favorite teals and blues and aquas.  I'll get a picture posted soon.  She did such a good job on it.  I love it!


~The hubby and I help with the Church Youth Group and we're planning a bowling night!  I haven't been bowling in years but am excited about going.  Right now we're in the "gathering info" stage but I'll be sure to let you know when we go :)


~As I've mentioned before, Kaylee has her driver's permit and we've been practicing her driving skills.   (Hard to do in the middle of winter!)  Last Friday, I had to go to Wal-mart which is about 30 minutes away to pick up a few things and Kaylee drove me there.  This was a big deal because she had to drive though "city-ish" traffic.  Her first time ever!  I was more than a little bit nervous but she handled herself and the car well.  I was so proud :)


What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/16/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

Wednesday, January 16th, is National Do Nothing Day!! National Nothing Day was proposed in 1972 by columnist Harold Pullman Coffin. This day has been observed annually since 1973. Of course, the way to celebrate it is to do nothing! 

1.  To commemorate Do Nothing Day in SOME way, tell us something about your life (or the life of someone close to you) in 1973!! 

I wasn't born until 1978...so...my mother was a Senior in High School in 1973.  By 1973, my father had gotten out of the Army and was working as a Master Tire Builder.

2.  Now that we are thinking back, please tell us what your favorite past time was as a child.

Reading!  And it still is :)

3.  What is the best way to cheer you up on a bad day? 

Snuggles and lovin's always cheer me up on a bad day!

4.  How old were you when you first started dating? Do you remember your first date?

My first date was when I was probably 19 or so.  I remember my first date although I'd rather forget it and focus on my first date with the hubby...


5.  Today is also National Fig Newton day.  Do you like figs/Fig Newtons?

I could choke one down if I had to but I'd rather not!  lol

6.  Tell us something random about your week.


Today is my cousin's 31st birthday!  She's more like a sister to me than a cousin.  Happy Birthday, Steph!

Colletta

Book Review ~ Close To You by Kara Isaac ~ GIVEAWAY!!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 Blurb:

 

Allison Shire (yes, like where the Hobbits live) is a disgraced academic who is done with love. Her belief in “happily ever after” ended the day she discovered her husband was still married to a wife she knew nothing about. She finally finds a use for her English degree by guiding tours through the famous sites featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. By living life on the road and traveling New Zealand as a luxury tour guide, Allison manages to outrun the pain of her past she can’t face.

Jackson Gregory was on the cusp of making it big. Then suddenly his girlfriend left him—for his biggest business competitor—and took his most guarded commercial secrets with her. To make matters worse, the Iowa farm that has been in his family for generations is facing foreclosure. Determined to save his parents from financial ruin, he’ll do whatever it takes to convince his wealthy great-uncle to invest in his next scheme, which means accompanying him to the bottom of the world to spend three weeks pretending to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, even though he knows nothing about the stories. The one thing that stands between him and his goal is a know-it-all tour guide who can’t stand him and pegged him as a fake the moment he walked off the plane.

When Allison leads the group through the famous sites of the Tolkien movies, she and Jackson start to see each other differently, and as they keep getting thrown together on the tour, they find themselves drawn to each other. Neither expected to fall in love again, but can they find a way beyond their regrets to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?  

 

My Thoughts:

 

Reading this book was an adventure!  It took me to New Zealand, then a pit stop in Iowa and a lovely trip to England.

The majority of the book takes place in New Zealand on a LOTR (Lord of the Rings) guided tour of the filming sets.  It was a completely intriguing look into the LOTR books and movies along with drama and, of course, romance.

The book is written in two POV's (my favorite!), that of Jackson and of Allison.  Their characters were amazing!  They started off hating each other.  Actually, through quite a bit of the book they couldn't stand either other.  The back-and-forth banter was hilariously amusing.

The quirky characters on the tour made the book even more delightful to read.

This book was an amazing trip to the other side of the world!

This was the first book I've read by Kara Isaac, but I hope not the last.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I loved this book so much that I'd like to give my gently read copy to one of my readers!

SO....

To Enter:

1 Entry ~ Leave a comment telling me if you enjoyed the LOTR series (whether books or movies) and an email to contact you if you win

2 Entries ~ Follow my blog (GFC, email, facebook, etc) and let me know how you follow in the comments

The giveaway will be open until Monday, January 21, 2019 at 12PM EST.



Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 1/14/19

Today I'm reading:

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady yet unexciting role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would provide her a steady environment to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father’s death.

The unexpected arrival of a striking stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel’s small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family’s invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with mysterious rumors and ominous folklore—along with whispers of something far more sinister. And perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde, Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it—in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

What are you reading?

Colletta

Make It Monday ~ "Popcorn Hearts" & "Striped Flower Garden" ~ 1/14/19

The very first Block-a-Week 2019 hosted by Julie Yeager is also a pattern by Julie Yeager!  The square is called "Popcorn Hearts" and was a bit challenging.  In fact, I wimped out on the "Berry Stitch" and improvised the last few rounds.

These squares are going to be an afghan for Laken as she picked the colors. 

MOOGLY CAL 2019 #1



The first block for the Moogly CAL 2019 is by Jessie at Home and is called "Striped Flower Garden."  The Moogly CAL is hosted over at www.mooglyblog.com .





I like the 3-D effect of the center flower.  Overall this pattern was easy if a little too easy, but enjoyable :)

I need 25 squares.  there will be 2 a month from the BAMCAL, 4 a month from the BAWCAL, and 2 a month from the Moogly CAL.  So it should take me approximately 3 months to finish the blocks and then do the border.

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 1/13/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; He brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?


Psalm 118:5-6 NIV

Colletta

Song I'm Loving ~ You Say by Lauren Daigle

I haven't posted a "Song I'm Loving" in a while so I thought I'd share one of my newest favorites by Lauren Daigle.  I love Lauren Daigle :)



 

 Colletta

Weekly Weigh In ~ 1/12/19

Well, my grand start to the New Year has not been so grand :(:


I turns out that just because the calendar changes, bad habits don't magically disappear.


My word for the year is discipline and I confess that I have not had much discipline so far this year.  I hope to change that.


Persistence; not perfection.

On to the WEIGH-IN:



Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

1/11/19   ~  282.6  ~  -0.0

 
Total:  -  14.4

 
How was your week?

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 1/11/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

The pathetic state of Allison Shire's existence was perfectly summed up by the size-twelve prosthetic feet mocking her from the floor of the Mercedes minibus.

 

 Page 56

 
"That girl is going to send me to an early grave."  Beth's consternation showed in her face.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/10/19

 

~I finished my first book of 2019, "Amelia and the Captain"!  It was a bit silly but enjoyable :)


~I'm up-do-date on all three CAL's (crochet-a-longs) I'm participating in.  There will be 2 in the beginning of the month:  BAMCAL 2019; 1 a week:  BAWCAL 2019; and 2 a month for the Moogly CAL.  So far, so good :)


~The hubby and I are starting to think about vacation for this year!  We want to take a couple long weekend trips and are still debating on a full week vacation.  We haven't pinned down anywhere specific except to visit the hubby's family in York, PA.  I'm excited :)


~We're having Revival Services at Church with Buck Ryan who used to be our preacher.  Of course, Sunday morning was a big crowd and we had a nice crowd on Sunday night.  The services were through last night.  It has been nice catching up with Buck and his wife, Sandy :)


~Today is my Uncle Charlie's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Uncle Charlie :)


What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/9/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

1.  It may be a little shocking, but National Static Electricity Day is January 9!!  Do you often get shocked often when you touch metal?  Here are some things to avoid!

How to Avoid the Shock of Static Electricity

• The drier air of winter months is a better insulator than the more humid air of summer.  To help prevent static electricity, use a humidifier to put moister back into the air in your home during the winter months.
• Our skin is drier in the winter months, too.  Putting on moisturizer before getting dressed is recommended.
• Synthetic fabrics are better insulators than natural fibers. Wearing materials made from natural fibers such as cotton will help reduce the amount of static electricity that’s stirred up.
• While walking around the house, at work or shopping, holding a key or a metal pen in your hand will help discharge the build-up of static electricity painlessly.
• Switching to leather soled shoes versus rubber-soled shoes will help reduce the amount of static that is built up.

It seems like some days are more "static-y" than others.  Great tips!

2.  There are actually two "National" days worthy of mention! It is also National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  Our men and women working in many areas of law enforcement put their lives on the line for us daily.  Do you know someone working in law enforcement who you can thank today?

I don't know anyone personally, but I'll take this chance to say "THANK YOU"!

3.  At our house right now it is all about football.  Joe's Philadelphia Eagles barely won their game on Sunday to move forward in the playoffs and another chance to play in the Super Bowl this year.  Do you have a favorite team in the playoffs or does football make you yawn?  Is there a Super Bowl party in your future, no matter the teams playing?

My team, The Pittsburgh Steelers, are out of the running.  My husband likes the Ravens, but they lost this past Sunday, so now I'm just routing for anyone but the Patriots!  lol  Probably no Super Bowl Party but I will watch.

4.  Speaking of parties, there is always lots of food at parties I attend.  Tell us a weird food combination that you really enjoy (or have enjoyed).  It doesn't have to be party food.

This is weird but I like to crunch up potato chips in my mac-n-cheese!

5.  Since we are on games and parties, what game have you spent the most hours playing?

We try to have family game night a few nights a month especially as the girls are getting older.  It is good quality family time.  The game that takes the longer is by far Monopoly and the misc. variations of it that we have...Dogopoly, Disneyopoly, etc.

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far.

My cousin is off work this week.  That means I get a week off too.  (I babysit her little boy.)  I'm finding it relaxing yet a bit boring.  I am getting lots of reading and crocheting done though :)

Colletta

Book Review ~ Amelia and the Captain by Lori Copeland

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  

 Blurb:

 

The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man in less time than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they're about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Fortunately for Amelia, she finds herself hanging on for dear life to the dashing figure of Union Captain Morgan Kane. But when she confesses she's running from the law, he drops her off in Galveston, only to come to her rescue later, in more ways than one.

No sooner does Amelia arrive at the Port of Galveston than she falls into the clutches of a shadowy villain intent on selling her to the highest-bidding privateer. Taken aboard a ship with ten other female captives destined for slavery, can Amelia count on the cunning Captain Kane to swoop in and save her...again? And if she somehow survives, what becomes of her heart?

Only God has the answers that Amelia seeks, but is her faith strong enough?

 

My Thoughts:

 

I'm so exited to be writing my first book review of 2019!

This book is the 3rd book of the Mercy Flats series by Lori Copeland.  I have not read the first two books and it didn't hinder my enjoyment of Amelia and Morgan's story.

There were times when I thought Amelia was an absolute "ninny" (Elizabeth's word for Amelia!).  She was so naïve at times and reckless!  But her heart was always in the right place.

Captain Morgan Kane (a Union spy) was the epitome of a hero.  Always in the right place at the right time.

I enjoyed getting to know the other women that were being rescued with Amelia and also the crew of the Mississippi Lady.

"Amelia and the Captain" was a fun, quick, silly read.  Perfect for getting started on a new year!



Colletta

What I Am Reading ~ 1/7/19

Today I'm reading:

The three wily and beautiful McDougal sisters can swindle a man in less time than it takes to lasso a calf. But their luck is running out, and they're about to be hauled off to jail. When the wagon carrying them falls under attack, each sister is picked up by a different man.

Fortunately for Amelia, she finds herself hanging on for dear life to the dashing figure of Union Captain Morgan Kane. But when she confesses she's running from the law, he drops her off in Galveston, only to come to her rescue later, in more ways than one.

No sooner does Amelia arrive at the Port of Galveston than she falls into the clutches of a shadowy villain intent on selling her to the highest-bidding privateer. Taken aboard a ship with ten other female captives destined for slavery, can Amelia count on the cunning Captain Kane to swoop in and save her...again? And if she somehow survives, what becomes of her heart?

Only God has the answers that Amelia seeks, but is her faith strong enough?

What are you reading?

Colletta

Make It Monday ~ "Eye of the Beholder" & "Origami Flower" ~ 1/7/19

The BAMCAL 2019 Group on Ravelry started last week with the January Main Square:  "Eye of the Beholder".

This was a great pattern to work on.  The instructions were very well written.

I'm working these squares in green, purple and peach of Redheart Ombre.  So no two squares will have "exactly" the same color shades.  I'm really excited to see how the colors change as I go.  I'll be edging each square with soft white.

The January BAMCAL 2019 Members Choice  Square is Origami Flower.  Here's my square:

Also, as I was scrolling through Ravelry.  I happened to come across one of the groups I'm a part of hosted by Julie Yeager. 

Julie will be hosting a Block-a-Week CAL starting January 7th.  That's right.  The first block releases TODAY!

Each block will be 12" when crocheted with worsted weight yarn.

To give myself time to get the block done, I'll be posting the previous week's block each Monday.

I wanted to give you a heads-up in case you want to join along!  It is going to be so much fun :)

Colletta

Scripture Memory Verse ~ 1/6/19

This Week's Memory Verse:

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.


Psalm 90:12 NIV


Colletta



Weekly Weigh In ~ 1/5/19

It has been a slow start to my goal...


On to the WEIGH-IN:



Highest Weight Ever ~ 297.0

1/4/19   ~  282.6  ~ -0.2lbs

 
Total:  -  14.4

 
How was your week?

Colletta

First Lines Friday and 56 ~ 1/4/19

Today's "First Lines" and "56" are from:

 

 

What she was looking at was definitely not what she wanted to see.

 

 Page 56

 
One evening after supper Marco and Rachel were sitting outside on their own.  The night was icy and clear, the moon not yet up.

 

Colletta
 

Also linking up to:

 

Thankful Thursday ~ 1/3/19

 

~"singing"  The kids went back to school today!  I love having them home but by the end of break, I'm ready for some normalcy.  Laken and Dex weren't thrilled with getting put early (neither was I) but it had to be done :)


~The hubby went back to work yesterday.  I was off almost 2 weeks and we got so much accomplished!  He built two closets in our bedroom, one for each of us, and rearranged the Family Room.  We organized bins and dressers and I love it!  The Family Room seems so much bigger with the way we have the couches/chair situated :)


~We spent New Year's Eve at home playing games and watching movies.  We were supposed to go to my brother's house for shrimp but he got sick :(  So, Plan B came about.  I ended up taking a nap at 9pm and then getting back up at 11:30pm to finish out the year.  The hubby set off fireworks and we watched the ball drop before heading back to bed.  Oh, and I got my New Year's kiss :)


~New Year's Day was pretty laid back.  We slept in, of course!  Then we went just up the road to my aunt and uncle's house for lunch.  We had the traditional pork and sauerkraut to start the new year off right :)  After that we came back home and hung out.  The hubby and girls played PlayStation and I started reading my First Book of 2019.


~Finally, I'm so excited to once again endeavor to read the Bible from beginning to end this year.  I'll be reading The One Year Chronological Bible in the New Living Translation along with Wendy Pope and the other Read Thru the Word participants.  You can read more about this program at www.wendypope.org .  I hope to stay on track this year :)




What are you thankful for today?

Colletta



Wednesday Medley ~ 1/2/19

Come join Terri @ Your Friend From Florida every Wednesday.

Today is  NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

National Science Fiction Day is celebrated annually on January 2nd by millions of science fiction fans across the United States.  The date of January 2 was chosen for National Science Fiction Day as it corresponds with the birth date of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.   National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

Watch some classic science fiction t.v. shows or movies.  Start reading a science fiction novel. Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.

1.  Will you observe National Science Fiction Day as recommended above?  Do you even like science fiction?

I am not a huge fan of Science Fiction.  I can watch a movie now and then but I don't think I've ever read a Science Fiction book.  So, no, I'm not planning to observe Science Fiction Day.

2.  Have you chosen a "word" for 2019?  Many people do. THIS QUIZ might help you find your word!!

I have chosen my "One Word" for 2019.  My word for the year is "Discipline".  There are many areas in my life where I need more discipline  including but not limited to diet, exercise and Bible reading.

3.  Did you stay up to see the new year in?  Are you happy or sad to see 2018 go?

As I'm writing this on Monday, I can't say for sure if I'll stay up until midnight tonight but I plan to.  I'm always excited to ring in a new year.  I look forward to a fresh start and getting a new wall calendar!

4.  I really enjoy the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year's Day but rarely get to sit and enjoy the entire parade because I am cooking.  Did you watch the parade?  Did you cook/eat the traditional foods (pork, black-eyed peas, kraut, greens...) to begin the new year?

I've never heard of the Tournament of Roses parade...  On New Year's Day we always go to my aunt and uncle's house for dinner and have the traditional pork, and sauerkraut along with mashed potatoes and sides.  My Mom always bakes a Banana Cake for dessert.  Yummy :)

5.  I have to ask... Resolutions.  Did you make any or set some new goals for 2019?  Or do you even think about it?

My goals follow along with my "One Word" of discipline.  I want to have more discipline in my life and actually follow through with my goals or resolutions.  I'd like to lose 50 lbs this year which needs me to be disciplined in my diet and exercise.  I also want to read through the Bible in 2019 which will take tons of discipline!

6.  Tell us something random about your week

I just want to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a very happy, healthy and blessed 2019!  Happy New Year!

Colletta

Happy New Year ~ 2019

I'd like to take a moment to wish all my readers a very

I'm wishing you the very best!

Colletta