End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 31 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 31

Total minutes read: 44

I am going to add some pics again this time...not sure if I'll be doing one every hour but we'll see....

Introduction Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
The Woodlands, TX

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton & Lily Dale : Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Onion Dip with Ruffles

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I spent yesterday shopping for books at a local used book stores book sale & then scrapbooking - two of my favorite things.

I'll be reading with my husband, my best friend and all our kiddos (cats) - all my favorite reading partners.

I'm slightly behind on my reading goal for the year so this is a great chance to get back on track.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

This is my 10th read-a-thon.  Usually I read and then do the introductory meme after the firt hour so already I am switching things up!  Last read-a-thon my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancner the week before and we went out to meet her for lunch the day of the read-a-thon.  The chemo is done, the surgery is done and my mom is in the midst of recovery and we'll be staying in for lunch this time.  Let the reading begin!

Getting read for the Read-a-Thon & My Read-a-Thon Pile

The next read-a-thon is tomorrow, October 13!  Life has been pretty busy so this is the first I have had time to post about it (I just got home now from a day of book buying and a scrapbook crop).  This will be the 10th Read-a-Thon Richard and I have taken part in.  I can't wait!

The books I have picked out to read from are....

Furthur Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes - I was actually reading this at the time of the last read-a-thon.  It usually stays in my girls room and I read it to them.  I have less than a hundred pages to go in it.

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - I'm currently reading this one, almost half way through.

Lily Dale: Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub - I read the first of these earlier this year and loved it.  I really had to search to find this and can't wait to read it.

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - Nancy and I will be reading this one together!

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot - It's on my list to read this year.

Sabine's Notebook by Nick Pantock - I read the first in this series a few years ago.  It was unusual and interesting and not a long read so perfect for the read-a-thon.

I'm also cheering for four hours for team Sweetarts.  Look for me to be cheering you on as you read too!

I'm off to bed now to get some sleep before it's time to start reading.

September Reads

In September I read five books.

I read.....

3rd Degree by James Patterson - 4 stars - I really love this series.  I am emotionally attached to all the characters and love the storylines.  This was quick paced, emotional and a great mystery. This was a great entry in the series.

Matched by Ally Condie - 5 stars - Wow! I absolutely loved this book. It drew me in and I just couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and appreciated that they all felt real to me. I was reading with tears in my eyes at points and gasping in surprise at others. Drama, revolution, mystery and romance...they were all here. Definitely one of my all time favorites.

101 Things To Do Before You Turn 40 by Kristin McCracken - 3 stars - This was the perfect book to have in the car. Some of the suggestions were pretty dumb in my opinion but it was light and interesting.

The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming by Jennie Nash - 5 stars - A touching, well written book that made me laugh and cry.  This was a very personal book for me as my mom was diagnosed with an almost identical diagnoses in April.  I happened upon this book just weeks before my mom was due for surgery.  It moved me and prepared me for her surgery in ways no talk with a doctor ever could.  For that I'll always be grateful.

The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen - 4 stars - I got to see Tess Gerritsen speak this month and get her latest Rizzoli and Isles book.  She signed both that and my copy of The Surgeon.  She was fun, interesting and one of the best authors I have had the privlege of hearing speak.  This book was so creepy but was also really well written and had some interesting twists and turns. I love when their are plot points I don't see coming. Tess Gerritsen manages to scare me once again and make me like it!

August Reads

In August I read three books.

I read.....

Virgin River by Robyn Carr - 5 stars - I have had this book for a few years and hadn't gotten around to reading it.  I am so glad I did!  It was such a good book! I loved all the characters and can't wait to read more about them. It made me want to move to the mountains and live away from a city. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Awakening (Lily Dale #1) by Wendy Corsi Staub - 5 stars - Fun! This one kept me guessing and it was well told. I really enjoyed it. I really wished I had the second one in the series as I could have just kept reading.  This was the first book I have read by this author. I have quite a few of her adult books and now can't wait to get to those.

3rd Degree by James Patterson - 4 stars - I just love this series so much.  The women are strong and smart and it's just enjoyable.  This one was sad but also quick paced, emotional and a great mystery.


I also tried to read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa and gave up on it.  I read the first chapter and just didn't like it.  I skimmed through the book a bit and feel safe in saying it's just not my kind of book.

I am happy to say I am definitely back in a reading mood and am loving the books I am reading now!

July Reads

In July I read 2 books.

I read.....

Aunt Dimity Takes a Holiday by Nancy Atherton - 4 stars - A fabulous book! I loved all the characters and the mystery kept me guessing. A perfect example of why I love this series.  A really enjoyable read.

Aunt Dimity Snowbound by Nancy Atherton - 3 stars - A wonderful mystery with some colorful characters added. Reading about being snowed in while I'm trying to survive a Texas summer was strange. This book was sad in parts but also hopeful and funny. "Where there was love, let their be love still."

June Reads

In June I read 4 books.

I read...

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris - 5 stars - Charlaine Harris is back in form!  The last few Sookie books have been so so.  This one rocked!  All the intrigue and emotion were back and I was hooked.  One of the best books I have read by CH in a long time.  I can't believe there is only one book left.  

The Dead and The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 4 stars - I did not like this one as much as the first in the series but it was still a very good book. Part of that might be because it was a male protagonist in this one who admittedly made me a bit crazy at times but it was also a much darker book. There are a few scenes from this book that I fear will haunt be forever.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 4 stars - Depressing...interesting but really sad.  The third in the series and they just keep getting darker.

Aunt Dimity Detective by Nancy Atherton - 4 stars - A perfect example of why I love this series so much. It was funny, sweet, intriguing and just plain enjoyable.  A nice change of pace after the darker books I have been reading.  

May Reads

In May I read 3 books.

I read...


Secrets Volume 6 by MaryJanice Davidson & Others - 2 stars - I actually only read the short story by MJD.  It was the very first story in the Betsy series so I had to read it but it just wasn't my style.  Glad I read it though so I have the back story on some of the characters.

Secrets Volume 8 by Mary Janice Davidson & Others - 2 stars - Again, I only read the MJD story.  I much prefer her supernatural stories to her romance.

What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando - 5 stars - Wow, I loved this book! Having never read this author before I had no idea what I was in for. I'm so glad I gave her a try. It was so good mostly because for me it was so realistic. The friendships and the relationships really rang true to me. So often how I feel about a book depends on whats going on in my life and this is definitely true here.  There is a moment where two friends reconcile in this book and it brought tears to my eyes.  I have been going through some rough things right now and am so blessed that aside from my wonderful husband I have an amazing best friend who is always there for me.  I could just feel myself in that moment when I was reading it.  I would love to read more books by this author.

April Reads

In April I read four books.

I read....

Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 5 stars - I loved this book.  It was exciting, nerve wracking and heart breaking.  I did not want it to end.  I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo - 4 stars - I adore Beth Pattillo.  Her words just feel like they wrap me in a warm, fluffy blanket.  I just loved 2/3 of this book, the last 1/3 didn't seem as strong.  But over all I loved it.

The Most Important Thing I Know by Lorne Adrian - 3 stars - An interesting collection of quotes on success from different people.  There were a few that really grabbed me and made me think which I love.  I read this during the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon.

The Chick and the Dead by Casey Daniels - 3 stars - Light and funny.  This was so much better than the first in the series.  There was definite growth seen in Pepper, the main character and I like that.  Doing what she does (seeing the dead and helping them with unfinished business) it makes sense she would learn to be less self involved.  I definitey liked her a lot more in this book than I did in the first.

Spring into Horror Wrap Up

Well I didn't get as much read as I hoped but this week (like this month) was insane.  I finally finished the one book (The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels) I was reading last night, (sadly after the deadline) around one in the morning.  I will say I focused more one book because of this read-a-thon and it was fun.  I would definitely do it again, just need life to be a little calmer next time!

Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon Update

Still moving along on The Chick and The Dead.  Of course this week is crazy and I have had no where near the time to read I would like.  But I'm reading and getting through the book (which is so much better than the first!) and considering the week I am having that is an accomplishment.

Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon Update & Mini Challenge

So I am chugging right along on the read-a-thon.  HOOK of a BOOK is hosting a mini challenge and asked us to discuss a book we were reading and why.  I'm reading The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels.  This is the second in the series.  I read the first two years ago and honestly it started out as just OK.  Then right near the end the author surprised me and threw a curve ball I didn't see coming.  So I thought maybe I would read some more...but not too soon.  Then last year a good reader friend of mine mentioned this series and how she thought I would like it.  So since I hate to quit on a series I have started and since I really wanted something I little lighter than the current Faye Kellerman mystery I was reading I picked the second book in the series up. So far it's world better than the first.  I have a lot more hope for the rest of the series.  Happy Reading!

Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon Starting Post

Well after just finishing the Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon I am starting another!  This time a much more layed back one.  I have a week to read as much as I can including at least one scary book.  As luck would have it I am already reading a paranormal book, The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels.  So I'll be keeping up the reading on this book and hopefully moving onto even more books.  Let the reading continue!

Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon

Read one book that's horror, mystery, thriller, paranormal and the rest of the time read whatever you like!

All our books

All the books Richard, Nancy and myself read (some finished, some not).  I hate seeing a read-a-thon end.  Can't wait for the next one!

End of Event Meme

Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour Seventeen

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo (especially if you are a Jane Austen fan)
The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Nope

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
This was not a normal read-a-thon for me as this last week and other things that are going on in my life really threw everything off.  A change of scenery really helped.  Going out to eat and read at the same time works well for me.  This read-a-thon we met my mom for lunch so didn't read then but did at dinner and it worked well.  Also Starbucks trips are a must.

How many books did you read?
Finished one, Read from a total of three

What were the names of the books you read?
The Most Important Thing I Know by Mult Authors
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo
The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels

Which book did you enjoy most?
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All

Which did you enjoy least?
All were good

If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
Maybe split the alphabet up a bit more.  I cheered for quite awhile and never made it through my list.  I know my husband and best friend didn't get much cheering on their blogs so maybe if each cheerleader had a smaller list to handle more people would get support.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Definitely!  I'll be here reading and cheering.

End of Hour Nineteen

This hour I read:

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 10 pages

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 248

Total minutes read: 438

Books Finished - 1

And that is gonna do it for me.  I finished one more chapter and that's going to have to be it.

Clara says goodnight....

And Grafton does too

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 8 pages

I read for 23 minutes

Total pages read: 238

Total minutes read: 414

Rollo says it's getting late...not sure if I will be reading anymore or not....this past week has really caught up with me.

End of Hour Seventeen

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 2 pages

I read for 10 minutes

Total pages read: 230

Total minutes read: 391

Books Finished - 1

Slowing down and not much reading getting done...

For some reason Nancy and I took a pic of our feet on our first read-a-thon together and have taken one every since.  So here is this RAT's foot pic!

End of Hour Sixteen

Another hour cheering.  I got to visit 15 more readers.  I love seeing all the readers out there!

Gotta get some caffeine in me (Sweet Tea) as I am gonna try to read some this hour...

End of Hour Fifteen

No reading this hour.  I was busy cheering on other readers.  I cheered for 10 different readers.

I even managed to cheer with Muzzy on my chest!  (But I'm blaming any typos on her.)

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

1The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 15 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 228

Total minutes read: 381

Books Finished - 1

Had some yummy pizza and still got some reading done.  Yae!

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 4 pages

I read for 9 minutes

Total pages read: 213

Total minutes read: 337

Books Finished - 1

Most of this hour was spent making a stop and getting settled in at the restaurant.

MidEvent Survey

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?
Not tired, though I am looking forward to a change of scenery.

2) What have you finished reading?
The Most Important Thing I Know

3) What is your favorite read so far?
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All

4) What about your favorite snacks?
Animal Crackers

5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!
Book Drunkard http://virginiebarbeau.wordpress.com/

End of Hour Twelve

This hour I read:

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 15 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 209

Total minutes read: 328

Books Finished - 1

Major distractions this hour from the cats.  Heading out to grab some dinner in just a few once I do the MidEvent Survey.

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

The Most Important Thing I Know - 29 pages - Finished it!

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - 10 pages

I read for 38 minutes

Total pages read: 194

Total minutes read: 285

Books Finished - 1

I finished The Most Important Thing I Know and it was quite interesting.  Some quotes were really meaningful, some not so much.  I started The Dashwood Sisters Tell All which I have really been looking forward to.  I finished the first chapter and I love it already.

One of the quotes I liked...

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

The Most Important Thing I Know - 62 pages

I read for 42 minutes

Total pages read: 156

Total minutes read: 247

I switched things up this hour and read a different book.  This one is full of world leaders, company owners, athletes and others words on excellence.

End of Hour Nine

No reading this hour.  I was busy cheering for other read-a-thon participants.  I cheered at 17 different blogs.  I just love seeing what others are reading.

My fellow cheerleaders.  They offer more cuddle factor than pep.

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 15 pages

I read for 30 minutes

Total pages read: 94

Total minutes read: 205

I am not doing the best with concentrating and I thought that may be the case.  But hey, that's ok.  I am going to do a little cheering this hour and come back to a new book and hopefully feeling a little refreshed.

End of Hour Seven

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 16 pages

I read for 26 minutes

Total pages read: 79

Total minutes read: 175

Had to make a quick stop at Lowes for some light bulbs (we were down to one in our kitchen!) and then headed to Starbucks for some drinks and reading.

End of Hour Five and Six

No reading this hour as we were having lunch with my mom.

Turn to Page... Mini Challenge

"I would rather read than look like a full-blown nutcase any day!"

Page 32 of The Chick and the Dead by Casey Daniels

Hosted by http://www.reflectionsofabookaholic.com/

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 14 pages

I read for 32 minutes

Total pages read: 63

Total minutes read: 149

Heading out to meet my mom this next hour so I won't be doing any reading.  I'll be back though.

Grafton wondered why on earth I had to move when she was comfy?

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 14 pages

I read for 40 minutes

Total pages read: 49

Total minutes read: 117

Hmmm, not getting an awful lot of reading done.  The kiddos have gotten a lot of lap time though.

End of Hour Two

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 14 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 35

Total minutes read: 77

Ate some breakfast and did my morning check into Cafe World this hour.

Introduction Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
The Woodlands, TX

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Cheese and crackers

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!
Books are one of my very favorite things.  They are a comfort, a challenge and a necessary ingredient to my happiness.

I'm reading with my husband and best friend.

I love cats.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?
I have participated in every read-a-thon except the very first one.  I have had one of the worst weeks of my life.  I am hoping this read-a-thon will be a good distraction,  but also know my concentration level may be a bit off.  As there is so much going on I am really not putting any expectations on myself, just looking forward to a distraction.  I'm also going out to lunch with my mom today, something I don't normally do during read-a-thons.

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - 21 pages

I read for 52 minutes

Total pages read: 21

Total minutes read: 52

I am going to try and take a pic every hour.  This one features Grafton enjoying some lap top and Muzzy's bowl in the background.  Time to grab some breakfast.

My Read-A-Thon Book Pile

As always I have way more books than I will ever get through but I like to have choice.

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman - Already Reading, not sure I will read any of this in the read-a-thon as it's pretty dark.  I am in the mood for much lighter books right now.

The Chick and The Dead by Casey Daniels - Already Reading this one.  Light and funny.

Furthur Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes - Already Reading this one.  It's lots of little essays and short stories.

What I Know Now Letters to My Younger Self - Looks interesting and not too long.

The Most Important Thing I Know - Shared wisdom from others.  Short.

The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer - Just read the first in the series and loved it.

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer - 3rd in the series.  Don't think I'll get to it but you never know.

The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo - I love this series so much and desperately wanted the third.  My sweetheart took me out and got it for me.

Secrets Volume 6 - Short stories, including one my Mary-Janice Davidson that's in her Betsy series

Austenland by Shannon Hale - Short, looks funny

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot - Meg Cabot is on my list to try this year.

What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando - Short and interesting

The Third Day, The Frost by John Marsden - I love this series but haven't read a book in it for a few years. I have been wanting to start up again.

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton - Short and a new author for me

Not Pictured is Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich  Last read-a-thon Nancy and I both read One for the Money.  Not sure we will read it but it's there if we want to.

Getting ready for the read-a-thon

April 21 is the next read-a-thon! I am still working on what I want to read.

Pics of my book pile to come soon.

Why not sign up and give it a try? It's so much fun!

March Reads

March was a crazy month! The Houston Livestock and Rodeo was going on and we wound up going to it on five different nights. We saw Alabama, Blake Shelton, Reba, The Band Perry and Brad Paisley in concert and enjoyed them all. Add in the fact that we have been at the vets for one of the kids every week for 4 weeks straight and you kind of see the insanity of March. It was a fun, tiring, stressful month. So having said all that I read three books in February.

I read.....

Undead and Undermined by MaryJanice Davidson - 3 stars - I really got into this series last year and was reading the books back to back. I think I kind of burnt myself out on them. I took a break and enjoyed this book after having had some time away. The one complaint I have is for me these books are light and fluffy and as the books have gone on they have gotten less and less so. I still enjoy them but they are a lot less fluffy now.

Must Love Lycans by Michele Bardsley - 2 stars - Ugh. I loved this series until this book. It annoyed me to no end. I get that these are Paranormal Romance but there was way more romance in this one than paranormal and it annoyed me to no end. I felt like it went from love scene to love scene with a little supernatural happenings in between. So not my style.

Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont - 4 stars - I read a recomendation for this a few years ago and got this book because of it. I am so glad I did as it was such a good read. I loved the descriptions of nature in the book and how being in a different environment changed how the main character, Sydney felt about so many things. I, who do not camp, was sorely tempted to spend a night outdoors (I resisted the urge.) One warning I should add is that this book does deal with some controversial issues, namely abortion.

One interesting note on my reading is usually I read the most when I am deeply engrossed in a series. I can happily live in that world and just go from one book in the series to the next until I run out of books. With the exception of Nancy Atherton and Susan Rogers Cooper (who both write series I have been reading for years) so far this year the opposite is true. Most of the books I have really, truly enjoyed this year have been stand alone books or books by authors I haven't read before.

February Reads

So in February I read 3 books. I hit a bit of a slump, reading wise. February was a crazy month, with some wonderful times and one absolutely, break your heart time so it wasn't great on the reading front. But I'm still on track for my reading goal for the year.

I read.....

The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society by Beth Pattillo - 4 stars- I just love Beth Pattillo. There is something about the way she writes that makes you feel you really know her characters. Easily my favorite book I read in February.

Death Gets a Time-Out by Ayelet Waldman - 3 stars - An interesting read and it kept me guessing. Even though it wasn't at all long it felt like it could have been shorter. No idea why that is but it felt like it went on and on. I do like Ayelet Waldmans book because I usually do learn something (in this case about repressed memories) but they just never draw me in as much as I think they will.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson - 3 stars - I love Maureen Johnson. She's quirky and clever and her books usually just thrill me. This one did not. If this had been the first book I read by her I probably wouldn't be inclined to read any of her other books. Luckily it wasn't and I adore the other books I have read by her. This one just didn't grab me. I did like the way things worked out in the end though.

January Reads

So in January I read 5 books, the most I have read in January since I started keeping count. Go me! This was definitely a month of good books for me as you can tell by my ratings. One new author for me this month (Carolyn Parkhurst) and 4 I have read before.

I read....

Aunt Dimity's Christmas by Nancy Atherton - 4 stars - I barely started this in December. It was a great book, not just as a Christmas book but as a mystery as well. It reminded me why I love this series so much. It had been a few years since I read it and I am so glad I got back into it.

Don't Drink the Water by Susan Rogers Cooper - 5 stars - So, so good! SRC is my favorite mystery writer and this was one of her best. I have tried to space out her books as there are only a few left in the series (she doesn't just churn them out like some authors) and I am down to two left now.

Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst - 5 stars - I heard a recommendation for this book a few years ago and am so glad I listened. This book just sucked me in. It was funny, heart wrenching, thought provoking and an all around great read.

2nd Chance by James Patterson - 4 stars -I read the first in The Women's Murder Club series last year and was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked it. This one was very good too. For personal reasons there was a story line in this one I didn't care for but that's just me. It was a really good book, very entertaining and kept me guessing.

Aunt Dimity Beats The Devil by Nancy Atherton - 4 stars - I started and finished the month with Ms. Atherton. This was a wonderful book that made me laugh and also was quite emotional. I figured out some bits but others just threw me for a loop. Another great addition to the series.

Happy Birthday to me and here's my word.

Happy Birthday to me! Today's my birthday and I love it. I have had two days of early celebrations and today is the big day. It's been great so far.

So I still hadn't picked a word for this year. I kept thinking maybe it would be trust again. And then today I was thinking about how blessed I was and started looking for a quote to share. The quote I found made it clear to me what my word needed to be. First, the quote:

"Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows, and the more power you have to use it on your behalf. If you do not practice gratefulness, its benefaction will go unnoticed, and your capacity to draw on its gifts will be diminished. To be grateful is to find blessings in everything, This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything."

Alan Cohen

That hit so close to home for me. I think I'm a pretty grateful person. I try to look for the good in things but I do let things get to me more than they really should. I, like everyone else, have not had a perfect life. I have had struggles and dark times and suffered loss. But oh the joys I have had and continue to have. If I stop and think about it I truly feel amazed. And all those struggles and hardships got me to where I am. They molded me and shaped me. If I had a pretty uneventful life I don't think I would even halfway appreciate what I have today.

So this year my word is gratitude. I am going to work on being grateful, in looking for the blessing in everything, in not letting little things get to me so much. Because no matter what happens I have a life so full of love it takes my breath away.

My Reading Goals for the Year 2011 Recap and Reading Goals for 2012

So my goals in 2011 were:

1. Read 40 books - Surpassed it by reading 43 books

2. Read mostly from my 2011 box of books (Picked out ahead of time) - For the most part, yes.

3. Finish all books carried over (I actually already completed this so yae me!)

4. Try some new authors - Yep, I read book/stories by 12 new (to me) authors in 2011.

So going forward, my reading goals for 2012 are:

1. Read 45 books

2. Read mostly from my 2012 boxes of books (Picked out ahead of time)

3. Finish all books carried over (Down to one and that one may take awhile as it's a short story/essay book which I am taking my time with).

4. Read a lot from series I have already started.

5. Try some new authors I already have books by. I actually have authors & books picked out for this. They are:

Allison Brennan - The Prey

Wendy Corsi Staub - Don't Scream

Tami Hoag - Ashes to Ashes

Robyn Carr - Virgin River

Mariah Stewart - Dead Wrong

Kay Hooper - Touching Evil

Lisa Gardner - The Perfect Husband

Lisa Jackson - Hot Blooded

Elizabeth George - A Great Deliverance

Meg Cabot - Queen of Babble

Looking forward to the year of reading ahead!

I reached my goal!

Woohoo! I reached my goal of 40 books with time to spare. I have set this goal three years in a row and never reached it. Considering how this year started out with the move and all and me barely reading I didn't think I would get close. Honestly I would have been happy to get to 36 books the same as the past few years. But I have been on a bit of a consistent of role of reading since this summer and suddenly the goal didn't seem so impossible. I still have a few books I am reading I would like to finish off and I have a reading day planned with Richard and Nancy to finish the year off, but whatever I read now is gravy. :)

Words

I try to have a word of the year, something to focus on.

In 2009 it was embrace. I think that had a lot to do with losing My De the year before. I really

wanted to hold onto things, to fully take part in things, to embrace moments and experiences and really take them in.

In 2010 I think it was supposed to be balance but I don't feel I really ever got it, as the year turned out to be so crazy. With all the uncertainty with Richard's job and the possible move life was just a daily guessing game.

In 2011 I didn't choose the word, the word chose me. I would have chosen something like peace, tranquility, maybe try out balance once again. But instead the word that was thrust on me was trust (For the record, I hate the damn word. Look up trust issues in the dictionary and my picture will be there.) With all the chaos of the move and nothing of that going easily I had a choice of worrying so much I made myself sick or trusting that all the people I loved were doing the best they could and God would get us through to where we needed to be. It was a battle but I think I did better than I thought I would or even could do in the situation I was in. Did I pass with a gold star? Probably not. But I passed and sometimes that's enough.

2012's word will be....I'm not sure yet. I'll keep you posted.

End of Event Meme

Which hour was most daunting for you?

Hour 19 & 20..I was really fighting to read.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

One for the Money for Janet Evanovich, MaryJanice Davidson's Queen Betsy series

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Nope

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

Everything...I especially enjoyed all the cheers and comments I received. For myself, reading a book at the same time as my best friend, Nancy was a lot of fun and encouraged me to finish it.

How many books did you read?

I finished three, two I had started before and one I started and finished during the read-a-thon. I also read a small amount in a fourth.

What were the names of the books you read?

Frill Kill by Laura Childs

Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Which book did you enjoy most?

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - It was a hoot!

Which did you enjoy least?

None really. They were all really good books.

If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

This was my first time cheering and I had so much fun doing it. The only suggestion I have is to somehow keep track of where you are on the list of readers when cheering, so you know where you have been, who you still need to cheer, ect. Enjoy it, it's fun!

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

Definitely! I will be reading again and cheering. I enjoyed both an awful lot.

End of Hour Twenty Two

I am calling this hour early and calling it a night. This hour was basically spent with some housekeeping (updating Goodreads, sorting out Nancy's Goodreads (hee hee)) and talking. I am way too tired to read anymore tonight, didn't do any more cheering which I thought I would (I was too busy finishing One for the Money) and actually stayed up much later than I thought I would. I'll do the wrap up meme tomorrow. This has been a great read-a-thon. Night all!

End of Hour Twenty One

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 19 pages - Finished It!

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 415

Total minutes read: 614

Books Finished - 3

One for the Money was so good! And Nancy and I finished it together...it was so much fun!

End of Hour Twenty

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 17 pages

I read for 48 minutes

Total pages read: 396

Total minutes read: 614

Books Finished - 2

Oh I am struggling...but only 18 pages to go and I will be done with this book.

End of Hour Nineteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 18 pages

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 379

Total minutes read: 566

Books Finished - 2

Wow, I am really slowing down but keeping at it. Gonna stretch my legs a bit this hour.

Mini Challenge Hour 19 Pet Love

My cats love the read-a-thon! They love all the available laps as we read. Nilla, our dog loved the chance to snuggle on the couch. Mostly they haven't been too bad of a distraction but a few times I had three cats trying to get on my lap at once. Muzzy, my 19 year old foster kitty liked to attack my bookmark!

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 24 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 361

Total minutes read: 527

Books Finished - 2

Wow, this book has made me laugh and shocked me at times. I am definitely reading slower but still going....52 pages to go to finish this book.

End of Hour Seventeen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 19 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 361

Total minutes read: 477

Books Finished - 2

Slowing down but I'm still reading! We had a snack of carrots and ranch dip & some Kit Kats and I have my beloved sweet tea. Hopefully that will keep me going.

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 21 pages

I read for 35 minutes

Total pages read: 342

Total minutes read: 433

Books Finished - 2

This book is so good and just keeps getting better! I love it!

End of Hour Fifteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 21 pages

I read for 30 minutes

Total pages read: 321

Total minutes read: 398

Books Finished - 2

Moved to Starbucks for a bit of reading and some caffeine.

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 30 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 300

Total minutes read: 378

Books Finished - 2

Ate dinner at Panera and read while eating

End of Hour Thirteen

Dinner

No Reading this hour

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

2. How many books have you read so far?

Completed two (that I had previously started), Read part of two others

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

Finishing One for the Money and maybe starting the next MaryJanice Davidson book.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

Nope

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

A few, nothing major really. I did have an hour off when we went out for lunch and an hour off for cheering.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

That for me I am more focused on one book, where normally I am a bit scattered, reading from several different books.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Nope

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

As a reader, nothing. As a cheerleader I might like to keep a list of who I cheered for.

9. Are you getting tired yet?

I was, at around hour nine. I'm better now but could definitely use some caffeine.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?

I think planning to read One for the Money with Nancy worked really well, as we were both looking forward to it and have compared notes as we have read (though she passed me when I was cheering.)

End of Hour Twelve

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 28 pages

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 270

Total minutes read: 335

Books Finished - 2

End of Hour Eleven

I spent this hour cheering and made it around to quite a few blogs, though not all, in my assigned letters. I will try and get around to some more later on. I love seeing what everyone is reading.

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 27 pages

I read for 46 minutes

Total pages read: 242

Total minutes read: 335

Books Finished - 2

I'll be cheering this next hour so no reading for me.

Hour Five Mini Challenge

We had to tell our favorite way to share a book. This was my entry...

My favorite way to share my love of reading is to discuss book with my best friend. We shop for books together, try to find books the other needs and today for the first time will be reading the same book during the read-a-thon.

End of Hour Nine

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 18 pages

I read for 25 minutes

Total pages read: 188

Total minutes read: 289

Books Finished - 2

I did a little cheering this hour. Trying to fight off the need for a nap...

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 40 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 170

Total minutes read: 264

Books Finished - 2

Read at Cici's Pizza...loving One for the Money...laughing all the way through it.

End of Hour Seven

Lunch Time

No Reading this hour

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - 44 pages

I read for 50 minutes

Total pages read: 130

Total minutes read: 214

Books Finished - 2

This is a pretty funny book!

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - 11 pages

I read 11 pages this hour

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 86

Total minutes read: 164

Books Finished - 2

Finished the first chapter in Blue Envelope. Now it's time for One for the Money....

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Undead and Unappreciated - 10 pages - Finished It!

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - 5 pages

I read 15 pages this hour

I read for 24 minutes

Total pages read: 75

Total minutes read: 133

Books Finished - 2

Spent some of the last hour taking care of Cafe World and then choosing a new book. I've finished both books I was reading before the read-a-thon started. Woohoo! I'll be reading Little Blue Envelope for this next hour and then once Nancy finishes her book we'll be starting One for the Money.

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson- 29 pages

I read for 53 minutes

Total pages read: 60

Total minutes read: 109

Books Finished - 1

I am so enjoying Undead and Unappreciated. I love MJD!

End of Hour Two

Breakfast time

No reading this hour.

Introduction Meme

1)Where are you reading from today?

My House in The Woodlands, TX Will be reading at various eating places in the area as well.

2)Three random facts about me…

1. I started out this year very slowly on the reading front due to a cross country move. I am happy to say over the last few months I have got back into the swing of things on the reading front.

2. I have over a 1000 books to read. Literally.

3. One of my favorite things to do is to shop for books, especially at used book stores and thrift shops. (Thus the 1000+ books.)

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?

14

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?

I want to finish the two books I had started before the read-a-thon (finished one in the first hour), give One for the Money a try and have a lot of fun.

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?

I have taken part in all but the very first read-a-thon, so I a definitely a vet. The best advice I can give is to enjoy it! Don't force yourself to read more just because you think you should. If you need a break, take it. If you need a nap take that too. Enjoy the day and the read-a-thon and do it your way.

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Frill Kill by Laura Childs - 25 pages - Finished It!

Undead and Unappreciated by MaryJanice Davidson- 6 pages

I Read 31 pages this Hour

I read for 56 minutes

Book Finished - 1

Good Morning

I'm up, not bright and shining (still in my jammies) but I'm up and ready to start reading. Let the read-a-thon begin!

My Read-A-Thon Book Pile

Frill Kill by Laura Childs - Already reading this one

Undead and Unreturnable by MaryJanice Davidson - Already reading this one too

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich - For the first time Nancy and I will be reading the same book during at least part of the read-a-thon. Everywhere we went last week people kept raving at us about this series so we decided to try it. I had the first in a box and Nancy went out and bought a copy. We'll see what we think.

Undead and Unpopular by MaryJanice Davidson - I am really into this series right now and can easily see myself wanting to just keep reading in this little world I love so much.

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton - I have never read anything by this author but this one is short and looks interesting.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle - I love Castle! I thought this might be a good read.

The Good Friday Murder by Lee Harris - Again, I haven't read anything by this author but it looks good. I love mysteries.

Flight to Freedom by Ana Veciana-Suarez - This one was in my TBR box and looks interesting.

Kissing Annabel by Steven Herrick - In my TBR box and one I am not too sure about. It's all poetry so I figure I may give it a try and see what I think.

Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood - Also from my TBR box. A YA book that looks interesting and fun.

The Most Important Thing I Know - Words of wisdom from all different people. Looks interesting and quick, perfect for when I need a break from an involved story.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson - I was lucky enough to go to a signing that Maureen Johnson did in Houston a few weeks back and got this on the first day it came out and got it signed. It looks so good!

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson - I got this at the signing too. I loved the first book and can't wait to read this one.

Milk Eggs Vodka - Looks so strange, a book of grocery lists. Interesting.

For the first time ever I am not putting a book I am currently reading on this list. I started Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr on Monday and haven't gotten very far with it and am honestly not sure if I am going to keep reading it. It's an interesting topic but so far his style just hasn't grabbed me. So I'm not planning on reading it tomorrow. I think I have more than enough to read!

I'm Cheering!

For the first time ever I am going to be cheering during the read-a-thon.

It's that time again...

October 22 is the next read-a-thon! If you want to take part head on over to http://24hourreadathon.com and sign up. It's so much fun!