Books I have read recently

  • Shirley by Charlotte Bronte — I'm reading a giant biography of the Brontes "Wild Genius on the Moors" By Juliet Barker (amazing!! but I'll post on that when I finish) So I'm reading each novel as it's discussed in the book. I loved Shirley. I have to agree with the critics that it is a slow painful start and it does take about 150 pages till we meet the title character Shirley. But besides that, it is so well written. Caroline Helstone’s angst is beautiful and poignant. And knowing that the last third of the book was written after Emily & Anne died explains so much about the change in the book. Charlotte likes to fix her world by writing about it and in her version the sick heroine recovers where her sisters did not. I definitely recommend Shirley for the Bronte fan. Don’t skip it.
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas --- It took me a couple chapters to really dive in but after that I was in love. I had read somewhere that it was based on Beauty & the Beast, which is great. What I did not know is that it is a retelling of one of my favorite fairytales: East of the Sun, West of the Moon!!! What a treat when I discovered that. I love that story. It's whimsical and the girl saves the day which I love love love. Sarah does a beautiful job of it and I can't wait for the next one!!
  • Miss Buncle’s Book by D. E. Stevenson —What a little treat. My mom gave these books to me for my birthday and there are so much fun. It’s a light easy read and it made me chuckle.
  • Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder— I adore her soul finder books. I’ve been reading them for years. She builds beautiful strong women and sweeping romance. Her magic system is unique and I want to live in her world.
  • The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr and E. B. White — A must read for every writer. Thanks to Stephen King for the recommendation. It has all those little things that I had questions about and answered them quickly and succinctly. It’s not the funnest read but it’s helpful.
  • Click of Titles to go to the book's Amazon page

Friday, March 30, 2007

The end result



Matt is a lot like Harrison in at least one way: They are like Midas. Everything they touch turns to gold. Every project they attempt is met with such success that on many occasions those around actually gasp.

"You wrote that?"
"You made that goal with a broken foot?"
"You got 130% on your test?"
"You painted that?"
"You got a tip of how much?"
Each statement is then finished with something like "Amazing" and some thoughtful noises.
So it is not so hard to assume why at times i am reluctant to play games with either one. Even if you challenge them to Disney Scene It, they will win and make you want to cry with the unfairness of it all.
Why do I blog all this? Because Matt said I should use my paint and canvas (Christmas present) and paint something. I had to first stop looking at the amazing painting he gave me (so i didn't get too discouraged even before I started) and started painting. I'm not so embarrassed by the work so far. Mind you I have a lot more Friday nights to go, which is the only time of the week I can dedicate to my art. So I decided to share my progress with all of you.





Here is where I got my idea.










Here is what I have done so far
The only area that is fairly finished is the sky. Now imagine the castle right there in the light area. Now imagine purplely/blue clouds over the first layer of white. Also imagine the whole bottom area filled with little houses with yellow windows. Hmm this leaves a lot of the imagination. Looking at this picture now is slightly depressing but I've done all this blogging. To the untrained eye it may seem like handfuls of finger paint and to the trained its flaws must shout like a beacon. But it me it is quite all right and to my mother it puts Michelangelo's chapel to shame. I don't really care what anyone thinks as long as they don't comment on it's horror or genius.


So it is very late and I've got a lot of sleeping in to do tomorrow. Good night

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

hahaha I know!! They should never be allowed to play our favorite games. It's almost guarenteed that we will get all the rescuers down under and tres amigos movie questions.
-britt

Harrison said...

wow. that looks really good. like, i am very pleasantly surprised. i wish i could paint or do anything artistic.

and for the record, i totally won at disney scene it.

Anonymous said...

That is right, your mother thinks you are the best and the brightest painter ever. You have an eye for the magical!
Momma