Thursday, December 31, 2009

Dragon's Loyalty award

Dragon's Loyalty award

Thanks to Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Names
and
Thanks to Colette of A Buckeye Girl Reads


Rules:
If you have a blog, post it on your blog with a link back to the site who gave it to you.

Leave them a comment on their site, email, etc. to let them know.

If you don’t have a blog but have a website, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or other type account, post there with a link back.

Pass this on to 3-10 loyal fans.


Elnice of Ellz Reads

Kals of At Pemberley

Ladybug of Escape in a Book

Mary of Mary Anne DeBorde Writes

Polish Outlander


*this is the last of the awards for my December Awards.

Thanks again to the lovelies who sent them my way!


Flamel dress

If books were dresses...

(a weekly post where I create fashionable wear with book cover art)

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott:
The Alchemyst
The Magician
The Sorceress
The Necromancer - released May 25, 2010
The Warlock - 2011
The Enchantress - 2012

This week is a series themed dress. My interest was peaked by a coffee cup sleeve.

The teaser was:

Sometimes legends are true...

with symbol images from the first three books in the Nicholas Flamel series.

Got me missing the end of the Harry Potter series.

Back of coffee cup sleeve advert:

Visit SecretsofNicholasFlamel.com
to read excerts from the novels and to play the game!




Description from wikepedia:
The main story arc charts the adventures of fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh Newman, whose regular lives working at their summer jobs (Sophie works in a coffee shop, Josh works in a bookstore) are turned upside down by the arrival of Dr.John Dee. Dr.Dee engages the bookstore owner Nick Fleming in a battle of magic in attempt to steal an ancient book, The Book of Abraham the Mage (aka the Codex) from him. Dr.Dee snatches the book from Josh's grasp but Josh manages to retain two pages. Dr Dee also kidnaps Nick's wife Perry in the melee and imprisons her on Alcatraz Island.

After the battle Nick Fleming confesses to Josh and Sophie that his real name is Nicholas Flamel, that he is the French alchemist from history, that he is also immortal, and that the twins, himself and Perry (his immortal wife, Perenelle Flamel) are in grave danger. Nicholas tells the twins that he believes them to be mentioned in a prophecy within the Codex, and that the fate of the world as they know it could depend on his success in getting their latent magic awakened. He also tells them that without the Codex, both he and Perry will die within a month, as their immortality depends on a recipe for a special elixir found only within its pages.

Meanwhile Dr.Dee has found out that he is missing two very vital pages from the Codex. The pages are the Final Summoning, needed by him to return his masters, the Dark Elders to the face of the earth ... and so begins a fast paced race as Dee pursues the twins, Nicholas for the pages of the Codex, whilst Nicholas aided by Scathach and others race to get the twins latent magical auras awakened, to get them schooled in the use of the elemental magics, and to rescue his beloved Perry.

The stories criss-cross the globe featuring well known places and sites, such as; San Francisco, London, the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge and the Golden Gate Bridge to name just five that have featured thus far. Many characters from history and mythology help both sides pursue their goals. In the first three books alone; Hekate, the Witch of Endor, Niccolo Machiavelli, Bastet, William Shakespeare and Mars Ultor were just some of the characters that had entered this series.

FYI: Movie for book one, The Alchemyst, is in development and may be out 2012.

Have you read this series? It's a new one for me and I'm curious to know what you think of it.

*on my want list ;-D

*source for silhouette

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Zombie Chicken award

Zombie Chicken award
Thanks to Zombie Girrrl of Crakin' Spines and Takin' Names


The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

b-sol of Vault of Horror

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Gnoe of Graasland

Natasha of Wicked Pixie

Ryan of Wordsmithsonia



*part of my December Awards



SRR Outlander Reading Challenge


SRR Outlander
Reading Challenge
hosted by JennJ
November 17, 2009 to November 17, 2010
signup & review links


Series Reading Order
:
books by Diana Gabaldon

1. Outlander
2. Dragonfly In Amber
3. Voyager
4. Drums of Autumn
5. The Fiery Cross
6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes
7. An Echo in the Bone
Optional: The Outlandish Companion

This is a series of time travel, romance and history is one I've been meaning to re-read and catch-up with for like, ever.

When I started with the series I read books 1 to 4 consecutively and then waited for the release of book 5 in 2001. Got book 5 and then started reading. I got to the third chapter and realized I wanted to re-read the previous books to get back in touch with who's who and what's what. Since then book 6 and 7 have come out.

Also, picked up the Outlandish Companion which I've poked through, but not seriously.

Next year will be a good time for another Outlander marathon of reading before I get too far behind. Plus, it will be more fun with others reading along.


The 12 Blogs of Christmas - ends


The 12 Blogs of Christmas ends tomorrow!

Visit each blog below and enter to win their contest.


Twelve - vampire diaries (to sink your teeth into) by The Page Flipper

Eleven prizes for 11 winners by The Shady Glade

Ten - book and bookish goodies by vvb32 reads

Nine - Borders gift card by Shooting Stars Mag

Eight - books and swag by Princess Bookie

Seven - an invisible bookshelf (ooo) and books (of course) by Luxury Reading

Six - choose from 50 books by Book Rat

Five chances to win 5 prizes by Ellz Readz

Four fun from the Blood Coven series by Bites

Three winners (with 4 books each) by Library Lizard Lounge

Two - fantasy and paranormal by Literary Escapism

One amazing contest (with 9 winners) by The Neverending Shelf


Good Luck!


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Splash award

Splash award
Thanks to The Bookologist
and
Thanks to Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Names


The Splash Award, it is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs.

Rules:

Put the logo on your blog/post.

Nominate & link up to 9 blogs that you pick for this award.

Let them know that they have been splashed.

Remember to link the person that nominated and awarded you.

Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Eleni of La Femme Readers

Elnice of Ellz Reads

Heather of Gofita's Pages

Misty of Book Rat



*part of my December Awards


Don't Call Me Katie Rose by Lenora Mattingly Weber

Don't Call Me Katie Rose
by Lenora Mattingly Weber

First Published: 1964
Image Cascase Publishing edition: 2000
Genre: Coming of age, Romance, Vintage YA
Paperback: 302 pages
Rating: 5

Description from publisher:
Katie Rose Belford is in her first year at Adams High. She is intent on being called Kathleen and takes on a sophisticated image in order to impress Bruce Seerie, a star athlete of Adams High. "Kathleen's" emotions and finances become quite strained as she lives beyond her means. Does the pressure become too stressful?

My two-bits:
In-a-word: petunia

I loved this book for its fresh and innocent characters of the 60's. This is a tale of the awkwardness of being a teen and then coming-of-age. Romance, crushes and heartache come into play for the main character, Katie Rose. But lessons are learned and good things prevail in the end.


Side note:
This is the pivotal book in my life. I first got turned onto reading from this book. It was the summer of 1981 when I discovered this book while vacationing with my cousins. One of my cousins picked the book up from the library and the cover and title intrigued me. I didn't even read the book jacket description, but felt the need to read the book.

When I got home from vacation, I went to my local library and got the book. I devoured it within a week. I was hooked by the magic of books and reading. I went back to the library to find more books to enjoy and haven't stopped reading since.


Katie Rose Belford Series:
Don't Call Me Katie Rose
The Winds of March
A New and Different Summer
I Met a Boy I Used to Know
Angel in Heavy Shoes


Zombie sighting(s):
These were all Katie Rose's reference to her friend, Miguel.

Zany as a zombie! (page 24)

You're zany as a zombie. (page 12)

There was her zombie. (page 44)

Imagine Kathleen being uneasy about the impression her zombie from Mexico would make at Adams High! (page 67)

Get out you zany zombie. (page 292)


And found a fair sprinkling of velvet adjectives.

Along with tracking zombies and velvets in the books I read, I get especially jazzed when I see something from the Philippines.

Filipino sighting:

The following Monday, when a quiet, polite boy from the Philippines (also in French II) came in alone and looked shyly about, Miguel called, "Over here, George." (page 71)


*i got my copy from the amazon but you can go to image cascade to get vintage YA from the 1930s to 1960s.


*part of the Rosie Riveter at Booklust - check out my guest post on Katie Rose




Monday, December 28, 2009

Superior Scribber award

Superior Scribber award

Thanks to Charlotte of Book on the Hill
and
Thanks to Jo of Once Upon a Bookcase
and
Thanks to J.T. of Bibliofreak
Rules:

1. Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

3. Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

And these are the 5 blogs I'd like to pass this award to:

Gnoe of Graasland

Meredith of Austenesque Reviews

Misty of Book Rat

Sophie of So Many Books, So Little Time

Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Brains



*part of my December Awards

Steampunk Weekly - 13



created by Dr. Grymm (U.S.)
Steampunk Exhibit

October 13, 2009 to February 21, 2010

Museum of the History of Science



Check out their blog.


Check out their commissioned Steampunk Comic strip of Lovelace and Babbage by Sydney Padua.


Take a look inside the museum:





uhh, i think i need a plane ticket to england, pronto

passage on a dirigible is good with me too ;-D

*** My Steampunk Giveaway ***

Holiday Box o'Goodies
includes some of my faves:
austen, japanese, steampunk, vampires, xmas, YA or zombies
-offer ends: December 31, 2009


*my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)


*totally inspired by steampunk posts written by Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia



Sunday, December 27, 2009

Super Comments award

Super Comments award

Thanks to Laura of Laura's Reviews
and
Thanks to Kals of At Pemberley
and
Thanks to Celia of adventures with cecelia bedelia

These bloggers leave awesome comments – they make you laugh, think, and offer encouragement and support. In other words, they’re freaking awesome.

Brizmus of Brizmus Book Blogs

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Faye of Rambling of a Teenage Bookworm

Freda of Freda's Voice

In The Hammock

Ladybug of Escape in a Book

Maria of Fantasys Ink

Mary of Mary Anne DeBorde Writes

Nina of J'adore Happy Endings

Ophelia of Karissa's Reading Review


*part of my December Awards

In My Mailbox - 24


Received in my email box:

I Want You Back!
(chapters 1 to 4)
a free E- chapter book (with illustrations)
by E. Van Lowe

Description from author:
I Want You Back! is a funny, thrilling paranormal YA novella. It is the story of 16 year-old Emy Grant, who uses magic to ensnare the boy of her dreams. The illustrations are being done by my good friend, artist, Tatiana.

Excerpt:
To begin with, I'm not a nice girl. Don't get me wrong , I used to be a nice girl. I used to be kind and helpful, considerate and thoughtful. The kind of girl who went to all of her boyfriend's games, even thought she hates basketball; the kind of girl who helped her boyfriend study for his English final while she should have been studying for her own calculus final — and maybe she would have done better than that C; the kind of girl that the boys at school lovingly call, oh, what's that cut little name they have for us again? Oh, yes — Doormat.

That was me six weeks ago. A doormat. Someone to be stepped on and walked all over. And trust me, my former boyfriend, Devin, put my doormatedness to full use. But not anymore. Nice girls finish last, and Emy Elizabeth Garnett is a winner.

Did you get your copy?
If not...
Sign up to get your free copy.

AND

Read about Easter Eggs in Tatiana's artwork.

AND

Be on the lookout for E's New Years Free Book Giveaway!


*** My Giveways ***

-these all end on December 31, 2009

Day 10 - 12 Blogs of Christmas prize

Rot by Michele Lee

Hunger Games book 1 or 2 or 3 by Suzanne Collins

Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford

Robots & Donuts by Eric Joyner

I Kissed A Zombie And I Liked It by Adam Selzer

-these offers end next year:

Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Jane Austen and Steve Hockensmith
-ends March 24, 2010

Book from your wish list
Mad Men Challenge
-offer ends November 30, 2010


*In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via mailbox, library, store, etc.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Be Friends award

Be Friends award

Thanks to Laura of Laura's Reviews
and
Thanks to Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Names

The award is for:
Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to 8 bloggers.

Aimee of My Fluttering Heart

Eleni of La Femme Readers

Lauren of Shooting Stars Mag

Milka of Read Read Read

Ophelia of Karissa's Reading Review

Ryan of Wordsmithsonia

Terra of Terra on the Bookshelf

Titania86 of Fishmuffins of Doom


*part of my December Awards

Mad Men xmas


Twelve Days of Christmas for Mad Men
found this on AMC Mad Men Talk

On the first day of Christmas, the Ad Gods gave to me:

A new advertising agency

Two secretaries

Three fountain pens

Four ringing phones

Five new accounts

Six martini lunches

Seven Lucky Strikes

Eight bags of Utz

Nine nights at Hiltons

Ten flights to Reno

Eleven shirts from Menken's

Twelve hot new girlfriends

and a new advertising agency!



*source image from Dyna Moe

*don't forget to join my Mad Men challenge, you only have to read ONE book from the list




Friday, December 25, 2009

Lemonade award

Lemonade award
Thanks to Kals of At Pemberley

The Lemonade Award is a feel good award that shows great attitude or gratitude.

Rules:

- Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post.

- Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude.

- Link your nominees within your post.

- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

Nominees:

Elnice of Ellz Reads

Gnoe of Graasland


*part of my December Awards

Merry Steampunk Xmas


Have a Holly Jolly!



*source image

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Beautiful Bingo award


Beautiful BINGO award
N - Neighbourly

Thanks to Terra of Terra on the Bookshelf


This award was started by Bookin With BINGO and here are the rules:
This "B-I-N-G-O" BEAUTIFUL BLOG AWARD means that this blog is...


B: Beautiful = Gnoe of Graasland

I: Informative = Natasha of Wicked Pixie

N: Neighborly = Sherry of Flipping Pages for All Ages

G: Gorgeous = Colette of A Buckeye Girl Reads

O: Outstanding = b-sol of Vault of Horror


*part of my December Awards

Knife dress

If books were dresses...

(a weekly post where I create fashionable wear with book cover art)

Knife (UK title)
by R J Anderson

-aka Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter
(US title)
-first book of a series



Description from the amazon:
Forget everything you think you know about faeries. . . .

Creatures full of magic and whimsy?

Not in the Oakenwyld. Not anymore.

Deep inside the great Oak lies a dying faery realm, bursting with secrets instead of magic. Long ago the faeries mysteriously lost their magic. Robbed of their powers, they have become selfish and dull-witted. Now their numbers are dwindling and their very survival is at stake.

Only one young faery—Knife—is determined to find out where her people's magic has gone and try to get it back. Unlike her sisters, Knife is fierce and independent. She's not afraid of anything—not the vicious crows, the strict Faery Queen, or the fascinating humans living nearby. But when Knife disobeys the Faery Queen and befriends a human named Paul, her quest becomes more dangerous than she realizes. Can Knife trust Paul to help, or has she brought the faeries even closer to the brink of destruction?

Talented newcomer R. J. Anderson creates an extraordinary new fantasy world and weaves a gripping tale of lost magic, high adventure, and surprising friendship in which the fate of an entire realm rests on the shoulders of one brave faery rebel.

*I'm getting this as an xmas gift for the daughter - who loves fairies.

*Also, preparing for the Fae who will be visiting my blog in February. Hope you all join me for that wondrous event.

*don't piss off the fairies

*source for silhouette

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Humane award


Humane award

Thanks to Ladybug of Escape In A Book
and
Thanks to Celia of adventures with cecelia bedelia


This award is to honor certain bloggers that are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendship through the blog world.

Rule: Nominate 10 bloggers you feel deserve the Humane Award.

Aarti of Booklust

Brizmus of Brizmus Book Blogs

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Elnice of Ellz Reads

Kals of At Pemberley

Rebecca of Everything To Do With Books

Sophie of So Many Books, So Little Time

Titania86 of Fishmuffins of Doom


*part of my December Awards


Waiting on Wednesday - 26


I'm waiting for...

Fever series
by Karen Marie Moning

5th book - Shadow Fever will be released in 2010


-because A Buckeye Girl Reads says...

Swoonworthy Meter: Extremely High

Sigh Meter: High (This may be renamed the Barrons sigh meter!)

Times the color pink was mentioned: Too many

if you're interest is peaked check out her reviews here

on my want list ;-D


* Waiting on Wednesday
was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Heartfelt award

Heartfelt award

Thanks to Charlotte of The Book on the Hill
and
Thanks to Jo of Once Upon a Bookcase
and
Thanks to Laura of Laura's Reviews
and
Thanks to Polish Outlander
and
Thanks to Zombie Girrrl of Crakin' Spines and Takin' Names

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

Rules:
Put the logo on your blog/post. Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside. Be sure to link your nominees within your post. Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog. Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Nominees:

Kim of Chapter Chit Chat

Meg of Yesterday's Tuna

Meredith of Austenesque Reviews

Milka of Read Read Read

Nat of In Spring it is the Dawn


*The image for this award used to be an cute animated mouse popping out of a tea cup. You can view it here.

*part of my December Awards




Invictus (2009)

Invictus (2009)

Director: Clint Eastwood
Writers (screenplay): Anthony Peckham
Based on book by: John Carlin
Rating: 5

Description from imdb:
Nelson Mandela, in his first term as the South African President, initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Tagline: His people needed a leader. He gave them a champion.

Starring:
Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela
Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar

Trivia:

The actors playing the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, had to learn the traditional Maori war chant, the Haka, which is performed at every game to intimidate rival teams. Out of a sense of verisimilitude and respect, the crew contacted the New Zealand Rugby Association to make sure the Haka would be done correctly. They sent over a Haka expert named Inia Maxwell, who assisted in Haka/rugby training and was present when the Haka was filmed so that it was portrayed accurately. (source: image)


My two bits:
I've turned into a rugby fan ;-)

The hubby went with me to see Young Victoria (my review). And, I went with him to see Invictus. Both are MUST SEE movies.

I didn't really know what I was getting to with this movie other than the title and that it was related to rugby.

invictus = unconquered

The movie was excellent! It provided some insight to what it means to be a true leader.

I find that I must read up on Nelson Mandela. He is an amazing leader and continues to be an inspiration. Below is a copy of the poem that Mandela refers to in the movie. These words helped him get through the days he was incarcerated on Robben Island.


Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.


From wikipedia:
"Invictus" is a short poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley. It was written in 1875 and first published in 1888 in Henley's Book of Verses, where it was the fourth in a series of poems entitled Life and Death (Echoes). It originally bore no title: early printings contained only the dedication To R. T. H. B. -- a reference to Robert Thomas Hamilton Bruce (1846-1899), a successful Scottish flour merchant and baker who was also a literary patron. The familiar title "Invictus" (Latin for "unconquered") was added by Arthur Quiller-Couch when he included the poem in The Oxford Book Of English Verse (1900).

Playing the Enemy
by John Carlin

Description from the amazon:
A thrilling, inspiring account of one of the greatest charm offensives in history—Nelson Mandela’s decade-long campaign to unite his country, beginning in his jail cell and ending with a rugby tournament

In 1985, Nelson Mandela, then in prison for twenty-three years, set about winning over the fiercest proponents of apartheid, from his jailers to the head of South Africa’s military. First he earned his freedom and then he won the presidency in the nation’s first free election in 1994. But he knew that South Africa was still dangerously divided by almost fifty years of apartheid. If he couldn’t unite his country in a visceral, emotional way—and fast—it would collapse into chaos. He would need all the charisma and strategic acumen he had honed during half a century of activism, and he’d need a cause all South Africans could share. Mandela picked one of the more farfetched causes imaginable—the national rugby team, the Springboks, who would host the sport’s World Cup in 1995.

Against the giants of the sport, the Springboks’ chances of victory were remote. But their chances of capturing the hearts of most South Africans seemed remoter still, as they had long been the embodiment of white supremacist rule. During apartheid, the all-white Springboks and their fans had belted out racist fight songs, and blacks would come to Springbok matches to cheer for whatever team was playing against them. Yet Mandela believed that the Springboks could embody—and engage—the new South Africa. And the Springboks themselves embraced the scheme. Soon South African TV would carry images of the team singing “Nkosi Sikelele Afrika,” the longtime anthem of black resistance to apartheid.

As their surprising string of victories lengthened, their home-field advantage grew exponentially. South Africans of every color and political stripe found themselves falling for the team. When the Springboks took to the field for the championship match against New Zealand’s heavily favored squad, Mandela sat in his presidential box wearing a Springbok jersey while sixty-two-thousand fans, mostly white, chanted “Nelson! Nelson!” Millions more gathered around their TV sets, whether in dusty black townships or leafy white suburbs, to urge their team toward victory. The Springboks won a nail-biter that day, defying the oddsmakers and capping Mandela’s miraculous ten-year-long effort to bring forty-three million South Africans together in an enduring bond.

John Carlin, a former South Africa bureau chief for the London Independent, offers a singular portrait of the greatest statesman of our time in action, blending the volatile cocktail of race, sport, and politics to intoxicating effect. He draws on extensive interviews with Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and dozens of other South Africans caught up in Mandela’s momentous campaign, and the Springboks’ unlikely triumph. As he makes stirringly clear, their championship transcended the mere thrill of victory to erase ancient hatreds and make a nation whole.

Let me know if you've seen the movie or read the book.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Honest Scrap award


Honest Scrap award

Thanks to Jennifer of Between the Lines
and
Thanks to Meg of Polish Outlander
and
Thanks to Meredith of Austenesque Reviews


The Honest Scrap award is for those bloggers who write from the heart.

The rules are to pass it along to 7 bloggers and then list 10 honest things about myself.

Here are those deserving of this honor, bloggers who write from the heart and touch me because of it:

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Faye of Rambling of a Teenage Bookworm

Gnoe of Graasland

In The Hammock

Ladybug of Escape in a Book

Laura of Laura's Reviews

Milka of Read Read Read

~*~

My short-n-sweet honest tidbits:

1. Along with books, I like movie versions of books

2. Favorite actor - Ewan McGregor

3. Favorite actress - Nicole Kidman

4. Favorite movie released and watched 2009 (to date) - Bright Star

5. Current favorite hot drink - Espresso chocolate truffle

6. Hamburger and fries (with ketchup) are a weakness

7. Current favorite dessert - Haagen Dazs chocolate almond ice cream bar

8. Dream of travel - San Diego for Comic Con

9. Dream of travel - NYC for Book Expo America

10. Dream of travel - South Africa for World Cup next year

* more Honest Scrap about me

* part of my December Awards

Steampunk Weekly - 12

Steampunk: Histórias de Um Passado Extraordinário
edited by Gianpaolo Celli
first anthology of Brazilian steampunk
contains 9 stories from Brazilian writers

Beyond Victoriana blog interview with Bruno Accioly on Brazilian steampunk
Excerpt:
Hi Bruno, and welcome to Beyond Victoriana! So, to start off, can you speak a little about the history of how interest in steampunk developed in Brazil?

I guess interest in SteamPunk came long before the term originated in the late 80s, when people read Jules Verne and HG Wells. The sense of wonder present on their books and on the movies and TV adaptations of their work imprinted many of us as it did people in other countries.

When on 21st century we found out people were mimicking Victorian sci-fi works, the interest was already embedded into us and it was easy to feel compelled to like it.

Particularly, Conselho SteamPunk was born on 2007 after a conversation between myself and Raul Cândido, both of us had blogs on SteamPunk. I was in Rio de Janeiro and he was in São Paulo and the organization was created over a series of telephone and G-talk conversations
.
read more here

First review from OF Blog of the Fallen
Excerpt:
In many senses, steampunk is the one of the first truly "international" subgenres of speculative fiction, as its appeal quickly spread from one country to the next, without a single country or language region dominating the literary landscape. In the past twenty years or so, ever since K.W. Jeter's use of the term "steampunk" in a 1987 letter to Locus to describe this nascent movement, steampunk literary and fashion circles have sprung up in cities all across the globe. It truly is an international movement, one that adapts to fit the needs of each country's literary scenes.

I'm so looking forward to the English translation of this book.
Brazilian Steampunk online short story in English:
Underground Amazon by Romeu Martins
translated by Ludimila Hashimoto
-read up on John Steam

Another Steampunk first:

Captain Serenus and Mr. Copper in action at the


-read more about it and see pics at Clockworker



Something for xmas:

An adventure by Lord Likely
-an online story you can read

*** Steampunk Giveaways ***

Steampunk Jewelry and Sculpture Giveaway
-take a peek at the site for rings, tie tacks, etc.
-offer ends December 24, 2009


*my weekly post on things steampunk (Victorian sci-fi/fantasy)

*totally inspired by steampunk posts written by Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia


The 12 Blogs of Christmas - Day 10


On the tenth day of Christmas vvb32 reads sends to you...

Ten book and book-ish goodies

~*~

Twelve - vampire diaries (to sink your teeth into) by The Page Flipper

Eleven prizes for 11 winners by The Shady Glade

Ten - book and bookish goodies by vvb32 reads (see offer below)

Nine - Borders gift card by Shooting Stars Mag

Eight - books and swag by Princess Bookie

Seven - an invisible bookshelf (ooo) and books (of course) by Luxury Reading

Six - choose from 50 books by Book Rat

Five chances to win 5 prizes by Ellz Readz

Four fun from the Blood Coven series by Bites

Three winners (with 4 books each) by Library Lizard Lounge

Two - fantasy and paranormal by Literary Escapism

and

One amazing contest (with 9 winners) by The Neverending Shelf


*** Giveaway for 10th day ***

Open to all.

Offer ends: December 31, 2009

2 Winners announced: January 1, 2010

Prize: Holiday Box o'Goodies
each winner gets 5 book or book-ish items in the box

includes some of my faves:
austen, japanese, steampunk, vampires, xmas, YA or zombies


To enter this giveaway let me know your email in comments.

Oh, and how have you been this year?

naughty, nice, or plead the 5th


hosted by Ellz Readz (she rocks!)















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Contest has ended - winner is here

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ohh La La! Award

Ohh la la! award
J'adore your blog!

Thanks to Heather of Gofita's Pages
and
Thanks to Zombie Girl of Crackin Spines and Takin Names


Now I must answer a few questions!

Where is your favorite place to read a book?
comfy couch

Bookmarks or dog ears?
bookmarks
- beware dog ear-ers: folding pages can cause it to tear later in its life

What is the best book you have read so far this year?
I'm picking two that are not part of a series.

for serious - The Road by Cormac McCarthy - my review

for fun - Random Magic by Sasha Soren - my review coming soon, but here's the book fashion dress

Do you like to snack while reading and if so, what is your favorite snack?
I like to have coffee or tea instead of eating a snack while reading.

Book borrower or book collector?
I do both.

Passing this to:

Celia of adventures of cecelia bedelia

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Colette of A Buckeye Girl Reads

Gnoe of Graasland

Elnice of Ellz Reads

J.T. of Bibliofreak

Meg of Yesterday's Tuna

Misty of Book Rat

Polish Outlander

Titania86 of Fishmuffins of Doom



In My Mailbox - 23


Bought:

Preparing for a Fae special. I mentioned that I was highlighting fairies this month in my interview with Scarlett of From the Heart. Actually, it is flying to the month of February.

Faeries of Dreamdark: Blackbringer by Laini Taylor

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston


Received from contest win:


Hello Punk Kitty
designed by fashion designer h. NAOTO

For my Hello Japan! mini-challenge in October, I won this Punk Kitty set! Oh, so pretty!

Thanks to Nat of In Spring it is the Dawn :-D

Coming to me soon from contest wins:


Beastologist
The Flight of the Phoenix
Nathaniel Fludd

Thanks to Rachel of Garden in my Pocket :-D






Battle of the Network Zombies
by Mark Henry
-book 3 in the Amanda Feral series

Thanks to Mark of Urban Fantasy Author, Zombie Enthusiast and Snark Sytlist :-D

I am one of two winners of Mark's ARC contest for this book.

Haven't read the Amanda Feral series yet? Then, pre-order the mmpb of Happy Hour of the Damned, or Battle of the Network Zombies and pick up a copy of Road Trip of the Living dead at the all new BARGAIN PRICE of $6.00 at Amazon


*** My Giveways ***
-these all end on December 31, 2009


*In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via mailbox, library, store, etc.


Saturday, December 19, 2009

One Lovely Blog award


One Lovely Blog award
Thanks to In The Hammock

This award is for 15 new blogs and new blogging friends newly-discovered bloggers by me:

Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I bestow this Lovely Award to:

Aarti of Booklust

Austenwodehouse of Travel, Tomes and Tombs

b-sol of Vault of Horror

Bookologist

Brizmus of Brizmus Book Blogs

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

Heliograph of The Heliograph

Jennifer of Between the Lines

Kim of Chapter Chit Chat

Meg of Yesterday's Tuna

Meredith of Austenesque Reviews

Nat of In Spring it is the Dawn

Natasha of Wicked Pixie

Nina of J'adore Happy Endings

Yv of My Stitching Needle and a Book

Kyoto Temple


The Hello Japan! mini-challenges
hosted by In Spring It Is The Dawn

December's Task
The task for this month is to
choose a temple or shrine in Kyoto
and share what you learned about it.


Per In Spring It Is The Dawn:
The city of Kyoto is full of beautiful old temples and shrines* and numerous scenic spots. It truly is a fabulous place to visit and always my first recommendation if anyone will visit Japan. According to the wikipedia entry on Kyoto, there are some 2000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, and I wouldn't be surprised. Quite a few of the well-known ones are visited by the characters in The Old Capital by Yasunari Kawabata, to admire the cherry blossoms in spring, or to enjoy the view any time of year.

*Temples are Buddhist places of worship, whereas Shrines are Shinto, the native religion of Japan. For more information on Shinto, visit the Shinto page on wikipedia, or this introduction to Shinto from the BBC.


Atop a mountain in northern Kyoto stands this Buddhist temple. Within its grounds is a sanctum where the temple’s followers claim a “demon king” is enshrined. The spirit is said to have come to Earth from Venus 6 million years ago to control the destiny of the human race...

Out of the many venues I selected the Kurama-dera temple to post on based on the description above. I can't help but be intrigued with the idea of a spirit being trapped in a temple on Earth from another planet. So, alien-like. Reminds me of Cthulhu, also an outer space being who is trapped on Earth under water.

This is definitely a place I would like to visit if ever I find myself in Kyoto, Japan. Ah, how my imagination would soar...


*source about demon king
*source temple
*part of my Hello! Japan mini-challenges


Friday, December 18, 2009

Who Loves You Baby! award



Who Loves You Baby!

Thanks to Misty of the Book Rat
and
Thanks to J.T. of Bibliofreak


The Who Loves You Baby! Award is given to those bloggers whom you love and who have awarded you in the past! Pass it on!

Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

In The Hammock

Jennifer of Between the Lines

Polish Outlander

Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Brains

#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#-#
vvb's December awards:

This award kicks off two weeks worth of Blog Award posts to my Blomies (book blogger homies).

I've gathered up my awards since September and will be passing them on.

Hey, it's the giving season and I gives.

Awardees: Grab the award badges and make your blog pretty this week ;-D

*please note: i've tried to be diligent in checking to see whether or not favorite bloggers already received the awards to avoid redundancy. So, don't be discouraged if I haven't sent anything to you this time around. Also, loves ya!

Book Sketches, anyone?


Did you like the Pemberley Ball sketches?



How about the Alice Week sketches at The Book on the Hill?




And sketches for various book reviews on The Book on the Hill?
above pic is for...
LET IT SNOW : Three Holiday Romances
THE JUBILEE EXPRESS by John Green
A CHEERSTATIC CHRISTMAS MIRACLE by Maureen Johnson
THE PATRON SAINT OF PIGS by Lauren Myracle



Well, here's your chance to find out more about the person behind-the-sketches at The Book on the Hill.

While you are there, you can enter a contest and win:

Five Personalized Book Sketches, drawn by The Illustrator, to illustrate five future reviews of yours.

How sweet is that!

*offer ends: January 15, 2010

 
Imagination Designs
Images from: Lovelytocu