Book Give-away

This summer I discovered a new to me author, Robyn Carr. My friend Brenda lent me the first book of the Virgin River series. It had the charm of Debbie Macomber books and Jan Karon books. I've spent the summer reading the entire Virgin River series, about 10 books. I've just started the second book in the Grace Valley series. Ms. Carr's books are a great summer read! Her books containe lots of characters. Characters who are forced to grow to achieve happiness.

In late July, DH and I made a long, quick road trip to Louisiana and back. The book that I brought with me to read in the car was not holding my attention. It was one that I had to read for my book club (Mennonite in a Little Black Dress). On one of our refueling for gas/bathroom breaks, I ran to the Walmart next door. I was frantic for something to help pass the endless hours in the car. I purchased Summer in Sonama by Robyn Carr. My problems were solved. I was totally immersed in the book and happily made it home.

Several bloggers are paying it forward and re-gifting books that they have won from other blogs. My problem is I haven't finished the books that I won. My solution is to share Summer in Sonoma.  Leave a comment on the post for a chance to win. I'll pull a name next Wednesday, August 25th. I'd love if you left me a title of a book that you enjoyed in the comments. I'm always on the look-out for something good to read:)

Schizophrenia or Multi-Tasking?

I've heard about quilters who begin a project and don't even purchase fabric for the next project until the project is complete. I've admired and longed for that single-minded focus. It's just not me. Not only do I have many works in progress, I seem to make the best progress by working on several projects at the same time. Case in point, this week I sewed the rows on my red, white, and blue Firecrackers top, pinned the rows to the Autumn Ridge top and pinned parts of the 16 patches on my blue and white Strawberry Pie. Sometimes, all three projects were under the sewing machine needle as I chained sewed.

I seem to buy items in multiples, too. When shopping if I find a shirt or pants that fit, I almost always buy two of the item. If I really like it, I go back and buy two more in other colors or prints.

It struck me that I have the same pattern in my reading. This week I was following three different story lines. First, there was the book that I read in the evenings before going to sleep, Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber. I started bringing a book to son's swim meets. I don't want to bring a book from the library in case it gets wet. I grabbed a paperback copy of Quentins by Maeve Binchy to read just at the swim meets. I like to listen to music, podcasts or aubio books while sewing. I like to listen to something that I've already read so I don't have to follow the plot too closely. My choice this week is At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. The Mitford series is one of my favorite "comfort" books. About once a year, I read or listen to the entire series again.

The thing is that this ability to work on many projects at one time is a big strength in my job. We definitely multi-task.There are times when our school media center library is a real three- ring circus. I thought I had adapted for the job, but maybe I've structured the job to my personality. Strength or weakness?

At Home in Mitford

Most folks can name their comfort foods without a thought. One of my  comfort foods is ice cream especially chocolate chip :)  I've met a good number of  readers who  have what I call "comfort reads."  A comfort read is a book or series that the reader will read again and again. I had a student years ago who would check-out Running Loose by Chris Cruther once a year. He said it helped to keep him focused. I have several comfort reads. My current comfort read is The Mitford books by Jan Karon.  I have read the entire series four or five times. I've listened to the audiobooks a couple of times.  I especially like to listen to an audiobook when I'm sewing. I don't have a TV or computer in my sewing room. Listening to a book on CD especially one that I already know the plot helps when I am sewing.  I'm currently listening to book three in the Mitford series  These High Green Hills. My drive to school is 45 minutes.  Lately, I've started bringing my Ipod and listening to my current audiobook while driving home in the afternoon.

What is your favorite "comfort book" ?