Dreamin'

If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear I was transported back to a fab party scene in the 1960s. Black lights and neon fluorescents, psychedelic music, bitchin’ rags, a hallucinogenic giant walking telephone and dancing fireplugs, and wildly distorted feats. But rest assured … no wacky tobacky was involved. Instead, my niece and I spent the afternoon enjoying the second show of Broadway Grand Rapids’ 2009-2010 season.

Cirque Dreams Illuminations was an entertaining display of circus-meets-Broadway-style theatrics.  There were wire walkers, aerialists, jugglers, acrobatics, and even a vaudeville-style clown. The latter starred in the most hilarious sketch (my fave!) when he pulled people from the audience and used his mime skills—and an obnoxious whistle—to direct them in a silent move. I laughed so hard I cried.

The show was much better than I thought it was going to be, in fact a downright gas. We both had a really boss time. Who knew contortionism could be so much fun?

PJ Day

We have come to the confession portion of this blog.

Today I did absolutely nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Nunca. I spent the entire day in my pajamas and, if truth be told, didn't even shower. And yes, I loved every minute of it! I suppose I should feel somewhat guilty, but sometimes we have to—and should—self-indulge. Today was one of those days.

Admittedly I’m not much of a TV watcher. I’m usually just too darn busy to spend hours on end glued to what has proven to provide little to no entertainment. But this past week I contacted my cable company to cut back my expanded basic service and ended up with a less expensive six-month promo for digital classic. Holy smokes are there a lot of channels that I never knew existed! I didn’t even think my dinosaur television set went beyond Channel 99, but with the addition of a cable box I now get nearly 200! Needless to say, I parked my rear in front of the boob tube, snuggled in for the day, and spent hours on end channel surfing. National Geographic and The Science Channel, DIY and HGTV, Fine Living and Style, Encore and the Hallmark Movie Channel, Exercise on Demand and FitTV (okay … I glossed over those two), and the Lifetime Movie Network (hours of chick flicks make a girl giddy!). And no, as much as I wanted to, I didn’t break down to consume eight bowls of popcorn drowned in butter and salt nor toss back a liter or two of Pepsi. I managed to squeeze in a 30-second jaunt to the mailbox (in leopard PJs and bunny slippers, no less … much to the amusement of my neighbors, I’m sure) and had time to snap today’s photo in the side yard. All in all, I’d say the day was a huge success!

And now I’m ready to again tackle the real world. Bring it on!

Mr. and Mrs.

"I started wishing upon a star, then I found you and wished no more."

The flurry of nuptials in my circle of family and friends may have ended years ago, but tonight was the night my cousin Sally’s dreams finally came true.

Tim and Sally’s story has a shitty beginning. No, really. I mean that literally, not figuratively. They met at work … a business which provides portable restroom and septic services! Sally was initially hesitant because she had a steadfast rule about not dating a co-worker, but Tim’s persistence and charisma eventually won her over. And they haven’t thought twice since!

What a wonderful ceremony and festivities! It was great to catch up with family and celebrate the beginning of this new journey of husband and wife. Tim and Sally have found the love of their life in each other and are perfectly suited.  A good marriage may be built on a foundation of love, but the bricks and mortar that rest on that base—communication, respect, spending time together—take effort after you say, “I do!” Both Tim and Sally have been bestowed with excellent masonry skills, and I have no doubt they will enjoy a long faith-filled, faithful and fruitful life together.

Congrats, Tim and Sally! Blessings and love!

Um, now that you’re done with that wishing star, do you mind if I borrow it?

A Grave Situation

I hope I’m not being too morose, but I happen to find cemeteries fascinating. The architecture of the moss-covered stones and patinaed markers which lie behind iron gates and brick walls is not only beautiful but revealing as well. The monuments are filled with interesting art and also tell a history of the people in a community.

While roaming up and down a graveyard, my imagination wanders through a haze of time. Who were these people and what were their lives about? Sometimes a few words on a headstone can suggest an entire story, yet other times I don’t discover anything beyond a name and dates. Nonetheless, even if my own relatives are not laid to rest there, a cemetery teaches me about those who went before me. It is not only interesting, but also a great source of tranquility and solace.

And blanketed with a quilt of winter white, it is especially lovely and peaceful.

Charmed, I'm Sure

Whenever I travel I like to purchase one fabulous piece of jewelry as a memento of my trip. A Murano glass necklace from Italy, koa wood bracelets from Oahu, a jade bangle from China.  My favorite accessories, however, are those which bear a collection of memories from my journey through life.

Remember back in the day when your local savings and loan would give you some fabulous gift for banking with them? Sign on the line and a calendar, a commemorative piggy bank or a toaster was yours. I’m not sure when my first account was opened for me by my parents, but I do know that was where my first charm bracelet came from. It all began with four Michigan-specific charms and took off from there.

We were fortunate as kids. While growing up we were afforded many opportunities to travel. Some years it was a long journey, like all the way to Florida—with grandma!—in the station wagon. Other times it was just an overnighter to the nearest amusement park. But every year, without fail, my parents would pack all of us in the car and we’d hit the road.

Those expeditions not only shaped fond memories, but also opened my eyes to what could be found beyond my own backyard, likely spawned my passion for travel, and provided opportunities to add more charms to my bracelet. Every place we went I scoured souvenir shops and eagerly awaited our next Stuckey’s stop to purchase the perfect remembrance.

Ahhhh … Stuckey’s, the roadside oasis of every great family vacation. Pecan log rolls, keepsakes, restrooms! Sing it with me:

Make a Stuckey’s stop

Make a Stuckey’s stop

Take a five-minute stretch

Or browse for awhile

Relax!

Refresh!

Refuel!

(Should I be worried about the things from my adolescence which remain trapped in my mind?)

But I digress. Over the years my bracelets were also supplemented with charms for many of life’s milestones: birthdays, holidays, accomplishments. And then, at some point, the whole notion seemed to fade and was replaced with an obsession to accumulate lapel pins. I forgot about charms … until I recently went into clean and purge mode.

Tucked away in one of the drawers of my jewelry box were not one, but two bracelets … and more charms to add to them. Over the years I’ve lost a trinket or two because the bracelets tend to snag on things and pull the jump rings apart. I decided a while back to have all the charms soldered, but it had been years since I had last done so.

Many jewelers now want an exorbitant $20+ per charm to secure them with 24-carat gold.  Whoa! I don’t need anything that fancy; I just want to make sure I'm not going to lose my precious mementos. I finally happened upon a jewelry hospital that would complete the task for just $5 per charm. Perfect! When I went to pick up the completed project, the oh-so-friendly jeweler told me he didn’t see many charm bracelets anymore, but loved to look at them to decipher the stories they tell of their owners. How did my chronicles read?  Crazy but fun!

Two bracelets are now full, and I’ll have to order a third for the remaining 5 of 80 charms I rediscovered hidden in that jewelry box drawer. My days of lapel pins are over. They may also provide great memories of places I’ve been to and things I’ve celebrated during my lifetime, but I’d rather sport the mini scrapbooks than tuck the recollections away. Sure the charm bracelets are heavy, loud and somewhat obnoxious, but I love wearing them. They have once again become just the thing to remind me of all the crazy and fun things I’ve done in my life.

Battling the Brrrrrrr

It’s 25 degrees outside.

It’s snowing.

It’s still winter.

Know what? I don’t care. I’m parked in front of a roaring fire with a bottle of wine and a book. Can’t think of a better way to spend a winter evening. (Well, actually, I CAN think of a better way, but this household is fresh outta a loaf of bread and a thou.)

I know. I know. My wine snobbish friends (you know who you are!) will tell me that red is the only way to go. But I’m a white girl (my wine preference, not a reference to my ethnicity or the way I dance). And I love, love, love local wines. The Winter White from Leelanau Cellars, “a taste of Northern Michigan,” is one of my faves.

“Winter White is lightly fruity and semi-sweet [kind of like me, huh?]; this wine is perfect for light afternoon luncheons or fruit, cheese and sausage trays, or as an aperitif.”

Forget about serving this before the meal … I’m thinking this might have to BE dinner. It’s warm and cozy and the read great. I really have no intention of moving from this spot for a while. The book may be skinny, but draining an entire bottle is definitely in order!

*raising glass*

To Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and drunkenness! Yiamas!

Tomatoey and Tasty

It happened just like they said it would. The temperature has drastically dropped and the ground once again snow-covered. It’s definitely still winter. I hate when that happens.

It seems as if Mondays have become the day of divulging my weight loss progress and a yummy healthy recipe. Well, it’s Monday. If you were hoping for something unusually witty and entertaining, you should probably try back tomorrow … though I ain’t promisin’ nuttin'!

In light of the fact that I’m still trying to ward off a chill, I thought a hearty soup would do the trick. In attempting to eat better these days, I’m really trying to abide by the “eat more fruits and vegetables” rule. Fruit? I’ve never met an apple, orange, peach, plum, pear, banana, mango, berry or melon that I didn’t like. Veggies, on the other hand, are a problem. I just don’t care for them. But Lord knows I love a challenge.

I can’t remember where I found this soup recipe, but have to admit … even though it’s chock full o’ veggies, it’s pretty darn tasty. It also contains cannellini (white kidney) beans, so it’s a good source of protein as well. It’s easy peasy to whip up and can be thrown in the freezer for a later date.  (I have a feeling these cold, wintry days are far from over …)  I like to use the Italian style diced tomatoes; the rich tomato taste with flavors of garlic, oregano and basil is just perfect for this recipe. Served with a couple of breadsticks and fruit du jour, it totally works for lunch or dinner.

Oh, that’s right … I have to reveal the weight thing too, don't I?  If you’ve been placing bets as to when I would fall off the wagon, the last five days would be it. Can I plead a helluva week and a roller coaster of emotions? Amazingly, I still lost another 2.6 pounds despite the fact that I only exercised two out of six days and pretty much ended up not eating much at all.  Don’t be too quick to applaud. That isn’t the right way to do it and, if truth be told, I don’t feel on top of my game. I guess the only saving grace is that I didn’t turn to the usual comfort food of French fries, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, and a large quadruple cheese pizza and two liter of Pepsi in time of crisis. Even the best laid plans get interrupted by life at times (read: shit happens); things are back on track this week. I’m not going to lose (any more) sleep over it.

In fact, I think I’m going to indulge in a hot bubble bath and spend the rest of the evening reading. I deserve it, no? In the meantime, you really should try this soup. I guarantee you’ll say, "That was delish!"

***

VEGETABLE SOUP

4 servings
Serving size ~ 1.5 cups

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 box organic vegetable broth
2 cans diced tomato
1 small can tomato sauce (optional, use to thicken sauce)
2 medium zucchini (or other veggies of choice), chopped thick
1 c diced onion
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed

Method

In Dutch oven, sauté garlic, onion, zucchini (or other veggies) in olive oil until tender but crisp

Add vegetable broth and diced tomatoes; boil for 10 minutes

Add cannellini beans and tomato sauce; boil for an additional 10 minutes

Enjoy!

Unsprunging Spring

I love waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of a rainstorm pitter-pattering on the roof. And then in the morning the sun bursts through the drizzle and the temps climb to 45. Ahhhhhhhhh … spring is in the air.

 
Wait. It’s still January, isn't it?  Is Mother Nature once again teasing us with a mid-winter thaw?
 
Yup, that appears to be the case. The 10-day forecast predicts a plummeting thermometer and a return of the dreaded S word by the end of the week. Tell me again why I still live in Michigan …
 
If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can find cheap airfare to some place warm and tropical …

Sisters??!?!?

Though there is only an 11-month age difference between my sister Deni and I (my folks, those crazy kids, what WERE they thinking???), we are like night and day. Black and white. Apples and oranges. Good sister, bad sister (I’ll let you surmise who is who). We don’t act alike and we certainly don’t look alike. She’s a brown-eyed brunette and I a blue-eyed blonde. Contrary to popular belief, I was not spawned by Stan the Mailman. You gotta wonder, then, how on earth the same two parents produced entirely different individuals. Were they facing east instead of west while in the throes of passion? Was there a full moon one night but not the other? Did it have something to do with eating kielbasa and sauerkraut?

I spent a good portion of the day with dear friends Perry and Cherri, who have two of THE cutest kids you’ve ever seen. Like my nephew, Olivia and Sarah are “plain five.”  As an aunt, it is my duty to teach them the same important things in life as I do my sisters’ and brother’s kids.  They must know how to hold up two fingers and yell, “Groovy!” and after finishing a yummy meal declare, “That was delish!” And, of course, they must tolerate being spoiled rotten.

The perplexing polar phenomenon is again noted in these sisters … and they are twins! Olivia looks like Mommy. She’s animated, a born entertainer, and has been dubbed the Fashion Girl. She can sit for hours and leaf through catalogs (a girl after my own heart!). She walks better in stilettos than I do and, trust me, won’t hesitate for a second to give your outfit the “thumbs down” if she disapproves. Sarah, on the other hand, looks like Daddy. She’s more timid and apprehensive. She is a nurturer, and also has an innate aptitude to play the piano and downhill ski (watch out Lindsey Vonn!). Her giggly laughter is as endearing as her pigtails. Good thing I’m not supposed to play favorites … I could never choose one over the other. I love both of my nieces to pieces!

We’re all born with different traits which coalesce to form our uniqueness. Know what, though? I don’t think I’d want it any other way. How boring would it be if we were all alike?  As they say (even though I have no idea who "they" are), variety is the spice of life!

Willpower

My Nissan was due for an oil change. This time around, instead of demanding a loaner for the day, I decided to wait out the 30-45 minutes it would take to service my vehicle. As I entered the lounge, I noticed a fellow customer scarfing down a majority of the complimentary baked goods. It’s a good thing I’m developing the wherewithal to resist temptations of all varities or I would have had to wrestle the bad boy for the chocolate chips. He was as hot as the aromatic freshly baked cookies. A diversion was in order.

It amazes me that free wi-fi is provided everywhere these days: Cafes and coffee shops, restaurants and bars, hotels and airports, book stores and supermarkets, libraries, RV parks, and, yes, even my state-of-the-art dealership. Rather than yield to aforementioned distractions, I instead whipped out my laptop and checked in with the internet world. This also kept me from bee lining into the nearest sales office to bargain.

No. 31 on my bucket list is “own a fire engine red convertible.” Right outside the door, in my direct line of sight, was an attention-grabber of another kind: the sweetest Pontiac Soltice. It was definitely my kind of car, and I envisioned myself motoring down the open road in the ragtop while sporting oversized designer sunglasses, flashing a brilliant smile and oscillating my best parade wave to those I zoomed by.

Enough daydreaming; back to reality. Suffice it to say that even though the crimson beauty flaunted a sales tag, No. 31 still remains unchecked. Some day, just not today.

But all was not lost ... they washed my trusty Altima!

Philately

What do NASA astronaut Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., former world chess champion Anatov Karpov, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Lennon and I have in common? We’re all philatelists. No, that doesn’t mean we belong to the same mysterious cult which monophonically chants in candle-lit spaces. Rather, we share the same passion as millions of others all over the world. We are stamp collectors!

Philately, the collection and study of postage stamps, has been around for more than 150 years. Great Britain issued the first adhesive postage stamp to prepay for the delivery of mail in 1840. The Penny Black was the idea of Sir Rowland Hill, whose standardized postal rates would be determined by weight, not distance.

My fascination with the pastime began a wee bit later, in 1969, when I was only ten years old. Ask a myriad of collectors why they collect stamps and chances are you’ll get a myriad of answers. I am motivated by no more than the joy of collecting. I still get just as excited today as I did then when a letter or package arrives adorned with one of these unique, colorful works of art.

Stamps are like the Readers Digest Condensed version of books. They allow us to relive history and meet famous people of the world. The persons, places and events they honor provide a wonderful source of enlightenment. And just about any interest you could possibly think of is depicted on stamps. From A to Z, architecture to zoology … there’s something for everyone!

I Am the Child

No, you haven’t been drinking (or have you?). You did just read a post about Caleb three days ago. We may have celebrated on Sunday, but today is the day he actually turns the big 1-4. With that, him being my favorite American-born nephew, and the following note I read on Facebook, he definitely warrants a repeat. And yes, I’m back on my soapbox.

I Am the Child

~Author Unknown

I am the child who cannot talk. You often pity me; I see it in your eyes. You wonder how much I am aware of—I see that as well. I am aware of much—whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love and desire, or if you are just doing your duty by me. I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do.

You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, or comments about the world about me. I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards—great strides in development that you can credit yourself; I do not give you understanding as you know it.

What I give you is so much more valuable—I give you instead opportunities. Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. I am the child who cannot talk.

I am the child who cannot walk. The world seems to pass me by. You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. There is much you take for granted. I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, and oh I've dropped my fork again. I am dependent on you in these ways. My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. I feel not so much envy as desire; desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. I give you awareness. I am the child who cannot walk.

I am the child who is mentally impaired. I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick, what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts of a more complicated life. My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. I give you the gift of simplicity. I am the child who is mentally impaired.

I am the disabled child. I am your teacher. If you allow me, I will teach you what is really important in life. I will give you and teach you unconditional love. I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. I teach you giving. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. I am the disabled child.

boke-uh

Did you ever take a picture of something and then, after reviewing it, think, “Hey, this would be pretty good if the background wasn’t so blurry.” Don’t be so quick to push that erase button. Believe it or not, that type of image is something many photographers deliberately try to capture.

In my recent research on various photography techniques, I’ve discovered the world of bokeh. The term bokeh (pronounced “boke-ay” or “boke-uh”—I prefer the latter), is an adaptation of the Japanese word boke, meaning “blur” or “haze.” In photography, bokeh is the blur, or the aesthetic quality of the blur, in the out-of-focus area of an image. It can be used to help draw your eye to the subject of a photograph or can be the subject itself.

Take my friendly neighborhood weed, for example. The picture would be much less interesting if the entire field was in focus. In this case, however, is showcased just what I wanted to highlight by utilizing a fuzzy and indistinct background. A much more interesting shot of a blah wintry field, no?

Bokeh is one of those things that are easier explained than done. Much of getting just the right effect has a lot do with aperture and shutter speed, both of which seriously make my head swim. I’ve been trying to take pictures without the safety net of my camera’s auto function and frog around more with the manual settings. It’s a lot of trial and, in my case, a lot of error. Most of the time I end up getting a great shot by accident. If I could just remember how I did it, I’d be a much better photographer! But that’s the beauty of digital photography; we are only limited by our memory card’s capacity. In a beginning photography class I took last year, my instructor told us that if we want one great shot we need to take twenty! Yeah. Try telling that to your impatient traveling companion. Trust me; I’ve been there.

I hope to explore this effect in subjects more colorful than mundane Michigan landscape, and I challenge you (especially my photography-loving friends) to also experiment when taking your pictures. See if you can’t come up with a really great bokeh shot, too!

Keepin' Warm

A pot of black bean chili is simmering on the cooktop.  Boy does my house smell good right now!

I’m into week three of the “exercise more, eat less” thing and down another 3.6 pounds. That’s 8.8 total! I’ve still got a way to go, but feel so much better by getting my rear into gear and eating healthy on a daily basis. Not one soda or French fry has touched my lips in 14 days, and I'm slowly but surely reclaiming my girlish figure. Amazing, huh?

It seems as if I’ve always known the answer, but never was able to keep it in motion. Not sure what is different this time around, but I suspect it’s because I now have someone to whom I must be accountable. I think I’m up to six blog followers. Woo hoo! Seriously, even if no one is reading this, it is giving me purpose and direction. That’s all I really needed.

But if anyone actually is paying attention here, maybe some of my motivation will inspire you as well. This chili is oh-so-easy to make, oh-so-yummy to eat, and the perfect meal for a January day.  I suppose I shouldn’t taint this post or a great healthy recipe by bringing up the painfully obvious, but this stuff will warm you inside and out, if you know what I mean. I suspect my house won’t smell quite so lovely in a couple of hours, but I live alone. I’m just sayin’ that you may end up sleeping on the couch. Be forewarned … but enjoy!

***

BLACK BEAN CHILI

4 servings

Serving size ~1.5 cups

Ingredients

1 c diced onion

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 c water

1 tsp dried oregano

2 14.5 oz cans Spartan southwestern diced tomatoes with cilantro and lime*

1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed well

1 c frozen corn

1 6-oz can tomato paste

1 c diced green pepper

1 c diced red pepper

Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

* Spartan is a store brand. If you can’t find something comparable to southwestern tomatoes in your local grocery store, instead substitute two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of chili powder, give or take, depending on how much you want to spice it up.

Method

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook onion in oil until tender. Add remaining ingredients except cheese.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Top with cheese and serve with whole wheat crackers.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

In many respects Caleb is a typical 14-year-old. He loves The Three Stooges (guy thing!) and his dog. He’ll scarf down pizza, but won’t touch carrots. He plays baseball and is studying junior high Spanish (and acing the class, I might add!). “Parents!”—accompanied by an exasperated eye-roll—is a part of his daily vocabulary. And he also confesses to having a crush on many girls. What a stud muffin!

But, unlike your average 14-year-old, Caleb also has Down syndrome.

I’m not sure when he morphed from a chubby bundle which fit neatly onto my lap into a pubescent teen; it must have happened when I wasn’t looking. (Does this mean I’m getting old?) Nonetheless, he is THE coolest kid and my favorite American-born nephew.  (My other nephews hail from Russia, China and South Korea so, rest assured, I’m not giving him (too much) preferential treatment.) Sure he can be Mr. Grumpy Pants (can’t we all?), but Caleb is a joy to be around and never ceases to amaze me. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, and he constantly reminds me that the simple things in life are the best and most rewarding. I can’t imagine my world without him.

When presented with the query of, “Hey Caleb! Do you know you have Down syndrome?” he’ll reply, “Yeah.”

“Do you care?”

“No.”

Then why should we?  I wonder what would happen if we all embraced differences and accepted everyone for who they are instead of discounting them because they aren't something we want them be? 

I’ll get off my soapbox now. This one’s all about Caleb, after all.

Happy birthday, buddy! Thanks for letting me celebrate with you today. You rock!

Love you!

Aunt Bootsie

Is It Spring Yet?

Anyone sick of winter yet? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

*raising hand*

Granted we’re only halfway into the first month of the new year, but now that the holidays are over I have no more use for the snow or this weather. It's cold.  It’s gray. It’s blah. It’s non-motivating. And how’s a girl supposed to take captivating outdoor photos?

After my little jaunt over the river and through the woods, try as I might, I just could not get warm. I took a hot steamy shower, donned layers of cashmere and the afghan Mom made me years ago, parked next to the inferno roaring in my fireplace, and downed copious amounts of hot spiced cider like there’s no tomorrow … while the thermostat was pushing 74. So why are my teeth still chattering? Even my menopausal hot flashes aren’t doing the trick.

Let’s try this:

Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun.

Please shine down on me.

Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun.

Hiding behind a tree.

These little children are asking you.

To please come out so we can play with you.

Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun.

Please shine down on,

Please shine down on,

Please shine down on me!

Or should I be more worried that I actually know the lyrics to a Barney song?

Sixty-three more days until spring arrives. *heavy sigh*  Tell me again why I live in Michigan …

TGIF!

When I embarked upon this endeavor to write and take pictures daily, I knew at some point I’d struggle with what to post. I just didn’t think it would happen so quickly. The photo part is easy, the writing not so much. But maybe I’m still getting into the swing of things. I haven’t even crested the requisite 21 days it takes to make this habit-forming. (Patience has never been one of my better points.) Maybe it’s because it was a busy week with work. Or is it just that my life is incredibly boring? I wish I could relay that I did something exceptional like clean out the crumb tray in the toaster. But nope. No hot dates, no earth-shattering news. And Ed McMahon didn’t show up on my doorstep to tell me I won the Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes. Oh wait. He’s dead, isn’t he? Scratch that. It’s just a run-of-the-mill Friday in mid-winter West Michigan. Plain. Simple. Uninteresting. But you’re still with me, right?

*chirping crickets*

*tap* *tap*

Hello? Is this thing on?

The good news, in my humble opinion (though you may not be wildly applauding), is that I am going to forge ahead. I realize I’m not going to be the life of the party every day and something is better than nothing.

At least the photo is kind of cute, no?

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful ... Blame My Stylist!

Contrary to popular belief, I am not a goddess. In fact, if you peel away the carefully constructed layers to reveal me with pillow hair sans makeup, it’s pretty darn scary. Fortunately I’ve implemented a well-formulated plan of attack and have in my arsenal a very significant resource.

Nadene and I go back at least 15 years. I first stumbled upon her salon when it neighbored the fitness center I frequented (which, from my present-day lumpiness, obviously WAS a long time ago). She has since moved three times and I’ve stuck with her the way wet toilet paper will to your shoe as you walk out of a public restroom … but maybe that’s another story for another time.

The chic and oh-so-trendy Envy Salon (derived from her initials, NV; clever, huh?) can now be found tucked away in the annex of Nadene’s gorgeous home on Mennow Lake in Georgetown Township. She’s guided me through years of experimental colors, lengths and styles, and introduced me to the Pureology hair care system (fabulous products; you must try!). She always welcomes me back with a blow dryer at the ready when I waywardly wander into another stylist’s scissors. And let’s not even talk about the millions of dollars she saves me in therapy. (What is it about wanting to confess your sins when you’re being pampered?) She's a great stylist and a great friend; what more could a girl ask for?

Nadene just confirmed this evening that there’s still no gray (thank you, Grandma!). If I could just convince her to leave her husband and four children, and move in with me to make me beautiful every morning, life would be perfect!

Envy Salon

616.662.1010

The Pizza Boys

Alger Heights is like many other downtown Grand Rapids satellite communities. Rows of cute bungalows flank the streets beneath leafy oaks and maples. Parks and a community garden neighbor the school, the library, the bank and the church. The area is well-known for its diversity and without question one of the city’s melting pots. From this blend of cultures has emerged an array of community businesses, local cuisine, neighborhood celebrations, and camaraderie among those who live and work in the area. My favorite place to hang out is with the Pizza Boys.

JB’s Pizza Parlor was founded by Jeff and Sherita and their five daughters in 1998 with the hope of bringing quality gourmet pizza to Alger Heights. Not only does it have a welcoming Mom and Pop ambiance, but an incredible menu as well. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches to die for. And because it’s right out the back door from Mike’s office, not a week goes by that we don’t drop in to indulge. Even in my attempt to be more health conscious, they can accommodate with a variety of delicious salads.  But you know what the best part is? 

Whenever I ask for fat-free dressing, I get an eye-roll and a “Whatever. Like you really need it.”

I heart the Pizza Boys!

JB’s Pizza Parlor

2433 Eastern Avenue, S.E.

452.1022

http://jbspizzaparlor.com/index.htm

Girls' Night Out

There’s nothing better than spending an enjoyable evening with a good friend … especially if it involves discounts and freebies!

Before the holidays I broke down and disclosed my email address to Schuler Books & Music. The holidays were upon us, I was buying books for everyone on my Christmas list, and thought that by signing up for their e-newsletter I might score a coupon or two. I had no idea that other perqs would be bestowed upon me as well. Imagine my surprise when I received in my inbox two complimentary passes from Schuler’s and Gofobo for a sneak peek of The Lovely Bones. (Gofobo is an on-line site which offers free advanced movie screenings to major cities throughout the US; check it out!) My BFF Cherri is a mom to five-year-old twin girls, and eagerly accepted the invitation for a night out as my date for dinner and a movie.

Logan’s Roadhouse … Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Love their buttery yeast rolls; fresh salad drowned in bleu cheese dressing; big, fat, juicy, 16-ounce T-bone steak accompanied by a baked potato with butter for four. But I didn’t have that. I would have regained 5.2 pounds in one fell swoop. I know, I know … there’s just something wrong about going to a restaurant known for its hand-cut beef and ordering from the “Health Nut” menu. But the Health Nut salad and mesquite-grilled salmon served with rice pilaf was delish … and under 550 calories! Once again, it’s about the company and not the food. Toss in a $5 coupon and it was all good!

The Lovely Bones is based on the critically-acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Seabold in which a young girl has been murdered and watches over her family and her killer from heaven; she must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. I actually picked up this book several years ago, but just couldn’t get into it at the time. As a result, I didn’t have high hopes for the film. But it turned out to be pretty good! Directed by Oscar winner Peter Jackson, the visuals in the movie were impressive. From the throwback to the 1970s to the horrific act at the center of the story to Jackson’s interpretation of the “in between,” the film was a combination of humor, suspense and fantasy. Susan Sarandon’s character was a hoot and a half, and I had just seen Stanley Tucci in Julie and Julia. His transition from Paul Child to the creepy George Harvey proves what a versatile actor he is. And I loved Saoirse Ronan; hope to see more of her in the future. My final rating? Three out of five stars. I don’t know that I’d recommend paying theater ticket prices to see it on the big screen, but it’s definitely worth renting once it comes out on DVD.

And I may just have to add The Lovely Bones back onto my reading list again.

The Original White Meat

The first week of “exercise more, eat less” has gone amazingly well. I’ve lost 5.2 pounds! I realize that the more you weigh, the faster you burn fat because you have more fat to lose. And with the intake of fruits, veggies, fish, chicken and lots of water, I’m pooping and peeing up a storm. (Was that TMI???) My body is adjusting, and almost certainly asking, “WTF?” with all the exercise and healthy food consumption. In the first few weeks of dieting I’ll probably lose more weight, and then will level out with shedding just a pound or two a week. And (heaven forbid!) I’ll even likely gain a few as I start to build muscle. As long as I stay focused and committed, it’s all good!

Whenever I travel I take pictures of the local food in which I indulge. Why shouldn’t I use this same idea to share the fabulous fares I discover in my journey through the world of healthy eating? While I’m not quite ready to run out and buy an apron, I’m kinda diggin’ this little experiment of learning new ways to prepare food. Admittedly, I’m still using every pot, pan, spoon and bowl in the kitchen to do so, but yes … even I can manage to put together nutritious and delicious meals. While I don’t want this to become a recitation of what I eat on a daily basis or turn into some type of food blog, I thought I may inspire fellow voyagers by sharing great finds on an occasional basis.

Today I introduce you to Oven Fried Chicken. Serve with steamed greens beans and creamy mashed potatoes (made with skim milk, of course), throw in some fresh strawberries for dessert, and you’ve got yourself one healthily appetizing meal! This recipe serves two, but can easily be halved or doubled if you’re dining alone or have a houseful.

Enjoy!

***

OVEN FRIED CHICKEN*

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

6 wheat saltine cracker squares, crushed

2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp each basil, celery seed, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt

1.5 Tbsp evaporated skim milk

1 Tbsp canola oil

Method

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine cracker crumbs, cheese and seasonings in a bowl.

Dip chicken in evaporated milk and then coat with crumb mixture.

Place in lightly greased shallow roasting pan.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Brush with oil and bake 10 minutes longer.

*Adapted from the American Diabetes Association Month of Meals Planner

Sally

Whenever I attend a family function, it’s a given that good food will be involved. We Polacks know how to cook! (Well, some of us do …) But today wasn’t all about enjoying ham or rye bread or potato salad or that incredible cheesecake I was required to eat. Instead, we gathered to shower Sally with kitchen utensils and love in celebration of her upcoming marriage.

Sally is my second cousin (my paternal grandmother and her paternal grandfather were siblings). Even though we are of the same generation, she is 21 years my junior. Because of our age difference, we never really knew each other growing up. She wasn’t even here yet when I graduated from high school! In more recent years, however, our paths have been criss-crossing, and we’ve really gotten to know one another. I’ve delighted in discovering an amazing young woman who is faithful, caring, patient and kind. Her smile is ever beaming and her laughter infectious. She makes a killer white chicken chili and has a creative crafty streak. And she is a wonderful mother to the most adorable little girl. I am blessed not only to have her as part of my family, but also as my friend.

Tim is one lucky guy!

What a Difference the Sun Makes!

This past week has been a long one in regrouping from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Toss into the mix getting this blog up and running, exercising every day, trying to figure out healthy meal choices, catching up on work, attending book club, meeting a friend for dinner, and fitting the rest of my life in there, too. I’m spent! Admittedly I didn’t surface until nearly noon, and it would have been really easy to stay snuggled under the covers with a good book for the majority of the day. But when I looked outside and saw the sunshine, I knew I should file that plan away for another time. The sky was an incredible shade of blue and just begging to be photographed.  I got dressed, pulled on some (non-cowboy) boots, threw on my parka, grabbed my camera, and headed outside. It was gorgeous!

The subject of the day was none other than the pine tree in my back yard. Conifers can be very accommodating that way. Had I not been so tired I would have ventured a bit farther, but it’s only the ninth day of the new year. There will be plenty of time to explore in the months to come.

I then shoveled the front walk, made a pot of vegetable soup, did three loads of laundry, worked on four files, planned my menu for next week, and did a bit of ironing while watching “The Holiday” (the last of this year's Christmas movies).

Isn’t it amazing what great motivators fresh air and a little sunshine can be?

Trees: Nekkid and Sparkly

Because a client needed a file updated on an expedited basis sooner rather than later, I ended up buzzing out to their office this evening to pick it up. While I drive the route weekly, I rarely do so at night. I was delighted to discover that the trees lining the entrance to the Frederik Meijer Gardens were still festively lit. They are always stunning during the holidays, but I often forget to check them out amidst the hustle and bustle. Since I yet again had majorly procrastinated in obtaining today’s photo (do we see a pattern here?), I made a quick U-turn and went back to do a bit of experimenting with night photography.

Let me give you a word of advice. If you’re ever planning to tromp through foot-deep snow to obtain just the right camera angle, appropriate footwear is mandatory. Cowboy boots don’t quite cut it (but they do leave really cute footprints!).

I’m still learning how to use all of the functions on my camera and am really wrestling with lighting. I only had time to fire off about 20 shots before my wet feet got the best of me. I really wasn’t happy with most of the pictures I took, but loved the contrast of the nekkid and sparkly trees in this one.

Obviously, today’s photo is much more interesting than the post …

Down Thighsing

Ex-er-cise

Pronunciation: \'ek –sǝr-sī\

2 a : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ b : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness

I really hate to disappoint Merriam-Webster, but I don't exercise my faculities when it comes to the concept of working out. I was fortunate for the first several decades of my life and didn’t have to worry about things like dieting or exercising. Not sure what’s up with the number 40, but I swear the very day I crossed that threshold it all started going south. Literally. I ignored it and hoped it would go away. It didn’t and now I’m paying the price. The pounds have piled on, shifted and settled in the oddest places. I’m also more easily fatigued. In addition to having to control my weight and improve my stamina, I need to think about things like preventing disease, strengthening and toning, and enhancing my flexibility. If I feel this way now, what’s it going to be like when I’m 75? Do I redeem myself in the eyes of MW by declaring that say I DO want to develop and maintain physical fitness? Yes, simply put, I’m trying to get more exercise.

So where to start? Well, there definitely is varying opinion as to how much, how often. Some say 20 minutes per day and others swear by 60. From everything I’ve read, though, it seems to be the general consensus that at least 30 minutes a day is recommended if you are of normal weight and would like to experience the benefits of physical activity. 30 minutes? That’s only 1/48 of my day! Reduced to those terms it somehow seems less daunting. I HOPE to be of normal weight. Does that count?

My home gym is comprised of a treadmill, stationary bicycle, weight machine, aerobic step, free weights, a balance ball, and a myriad of exercise CDs and DVDs. Impressive, huh? It would be if I ever used any of it. Unfortunately, it garners more dust than workouts. I get bored easily and love to try new things, but realize I can’t do it all at once. I believe the best way to approach this is with small steps, which will turn into big strides with patience and perseverance. Focus is the key!

That being said, I’m going to start by walking. I know I can do that … I go to and from the mailbox each day! My first goal is to run a 5K in May. I’ve never really run before, but an 8-week walk/run plan I’ve discovered on line will help me to build a running base and then transition into a 5K training schedule. Three days a week on the treadmill to start, throw in a couple of days of cross training, and I’m in the zone!

Ready?  Set?  Go!

A Novel Idea

Why do we read?

Books afford us an opportunity to escape our day-to-day lives, and to discover a myriad of people, places and things. They allow us to see life from different points of view and understand the world in which we live. We can travel back into the past or forward into the future.  Reading broadens the scope of our thinking and improves our writing skills. And, in my humble opinion, it is far more entertaining than television … and has fewer commercials! But, as Virginia Wolf so profoundly noted: “The true reason remains the inscrutable one—we get pleasure from reading. It is a complex pleasure and a difficult pleasure. It varies from age to age and book to book. But that pleasure is enough. Indeed that pleasure is so great that one cannot doubt that without it the world would be a far different and a far interior place from what it is.”

I have been an avid reader since my childhood years and have been known to get lost in literature for hours on end. As of late, however, I haven’t found time to turn any pages. It’s time to make time. My goal in 2010 is to read three books a month, one from each of the following lists. Some may think this a bit overzealous, but I look forward to carving out a portion of my schedule and again immersing myself in stacks of books.

Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century. In the spring of 1998, the editorial board of the Modern Library compiled its list of the Top 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. It turns out that the list was highly criticized as it did not include enough novels by women, and not enough novels from outside North America and Europe. Some also contended that it was a sales gimmick as most of the titles in the list were sold by Modern Library. Later in July that same year, the Radcliffe Publishing Course released its own list of top 100 novels, which was put together by students of the course. I opted to go with the latter list. Regardless of which one choses to follow, the goal of the project was to get people talking about great books. It worked for me!

When I compiled my Bucket List in 1999, “Read the top 100 novels of the 20th century” made the cut. In the last ten years, however, I dare to admit that I have only tackled 22; I’ve barely made a dent in my progress to accomplish this task. Granted, some of the classics are tedious at best, and can be difficult to digest and decipher. But I am pleasantly surprised at the content of the selections I’ve conquered thus far. Not only are they great reads with great story lines, but they also contain lessons which often parallel and impact things that presently exist in my life. A quote by Clifton Fadiman comes to mind: “When you read a classic you do not see in the book more than you did before. You see in you more than there was before.” Good stuff!

Oprah’s Book Club. Some days I think Oprah’s got it goin’ on and other days I have to wonder. But I do admire the woman, and believe that her idea stemmed from the same desire to motivate people to pick up books. In 1996, she introduced her book club as a new segment on her television show. It focused on contemporary books as well as the classics, and has since proven to be one of the most influential forces driving publishing. Can you say “Oprah effect?” Again, this list is purely subjective, but diversity is a good thing, no?

All Those Other “Must Reads” Everyone Insists I Check Out. Lastly, but not in any way the least important, are all those books that I’ve accumulated from family and friends, received as gifts, or are something that just happened to look interesting. This list is also all across the board, but again that’s the beauty of books. They expose us to a variety of subjects from which we can be entertained and enlightened.

The Top 100 novels and Oprah’s lists follow at the end of this post. My selections for the month of January, from the Top 100 novels, Oprah’s Book Club and the et al lists, respectively, are as follows. The summaries were lifted from the books’ blurbs.  I not only welcome your comments and/or suggestions, but hope that you too will follow suit and decide to read, read, read!

A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

When Adela and her elderly companion, Mrs. Moore, arrive in the Indian town of Chandrapore, they quickly feel trapped by its insular and prejudiced British community. Determined to explore the real India, they seek the guidance of the charming and mercurial Dr. Aziz, a cultivated Indian Muslim. But a mysterious incident occurs while they are exploring the Marabar caves with Aziz, and the well-respected doctor soon finds himself at the centre of a scandal that rouses violent passions among both the British and their Indian subjects. A masterly portrait of a society in the grip of imperialism, A Passage to India compellingly depicts the fate of individuals caught between the great political and cultural conflicts of the modern world.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Born in the town of Sighet, Transylvania, Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were taken from their home in 1944 to the Auschwitz concentration camp, and then to Buchenwald. Night is the terrifying record of Elie Wiesel’s memories of the death of his family, the death of his own innocence, and his despair as a deeply observant Jew confronting the absolute evil of man. This new translation by his wife and most frequent translator, Marion Wiesel, corrects important details and presents the most accurate rendering in English of Elie Wiesel’s testimony to what happened in the camps and of his unforgettable message that this horror must never be allowed to happen again.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Olive Relin

In 1993 a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram Mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitants’ kindness, he promised to return and build a school. Three Cups of Tea is the story of that promise and its extraordinary outcome. Over the next decade Mortenson built not just one but fifty-five schools—especially for girls—in the forbidding terrain that gave birth to the Taliban. His story is at once a riveting adventure and a testament to the power of the humanitarian spirit.

***

Top 100 Novels (as ranked by the Radcliffe Publishing Course)

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

3. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

5. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

6. Ulysses by James Joyce

7. Beloved by Toni Morrison

8. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

9. 1984 by George Orwell

10. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

11. Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov

12. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

13. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

14. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

15. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

16. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

17. Animal Farm by George Orwell

18. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

19. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

20. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

21. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

22. Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

23. Their Eyes are Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

24. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

25. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

26. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

27. Native Son by Richard Wright

28. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

29. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

30. For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

31. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

32. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

33. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

34. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

35. Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

36. Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Baldwin

37. The World According to Garp by John Irving

38. All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

39. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster

40. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

41. Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally

42. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

43. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

44. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce

45. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

46. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

47. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

48. Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

49. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

50. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

51. My Antonia by Willa Cather

52. Howards End by E.M. Forster

53. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

54. Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger

55. The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie

56. Jazz by Toni Morrison

57. Sophie's Choice by William Styron

58. Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner

59. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster

60. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

61. A Good Man Is Hard to Find by Flannery O'Connor

62. Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

63. Orlando by Virginia Woolf

64. Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence

65. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

66. Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

67. A Separate Peace by John Knowles

68. Light in August by William Faulkner

69. The Wings of the Dove by Henry James

70. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

71. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

72. A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

73. Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs

74. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

75. Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence

76. Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe

77. In Our Time by Ernest Hemingway

78. The Autobiography of Alice B. Tokias by Gertrude Stein

79. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

80. The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer

81. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys

82. White Noise by Don DeLillo

83. O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

84. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

85. The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

86. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad

87. The Bostonians by Henry James

88. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser

89. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather

90. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

91. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

92. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

93. The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles

94. Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis

95. Kim by Rudyard Kipling

96. The Beautiful and the Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

97. Rabbit, Run by John Updike

98. Where Angels Fear to Tread by E.M. Forster

99. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis

100. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie

Oprah’s Book Club (listed alphabetically by title)

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Back Roads by Tawni O'Dell

The Best Way To Play by Bill Cosby

Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Book of Ruth by Jane Hamilton

Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat

Cane River by Lalita Tademy

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Drowning Ruth by Christina Schwarz

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Gap Creek by Robert Morgan

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou

Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman

House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio

Jewel by Bret Lott

A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines

Light in August by William Faulkner

Love in the Time of Cholera Gabriel Garcia Marquez

A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton

The Meanest Thing To Say by Bill Cosby

The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier

Middlesex Jeffrey Eugenides

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian

A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes

Night by Elie Wiesel

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcíía Máárquez

Open House by Elizabeth Berg

Paradise by Toni Morrison

The Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett

The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds

The Reader by Bernhard Schlink

River, Cross My Heart by Breena Clarke

The Road Corman McCarthy

Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan

She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

Songs In Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail by Malika Oufkir

Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi

The Storey of Edgar Sawtelle David Wroblewski

Sula by Toni Morrison

Tara Road by Maeve Binchy

The Treasure Hunt by Bill Cosby

Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay

A Virtuous Woman by Kaye Gibbons

We Were The Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates

What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day by Pearl Cleage

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts

While I Was Gone by Sue Miller

White Oleander by Janet Fitch