Song of the Week – Falling Slowly

In hopes that I will vary up my playlist, I have decided to post the song of the week that has captured my attention. Usually, this song will be played over and over again throughout the week thus earning its high rotation status. Sometimes the same song stays in this status for longer than one week. So, a week or two may go by without me posting another song of the week.

Last Sunday, in the very wee hours of the morning, I watched one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen, Once. At the end of my viewing, I knew I loved the movie. What I did not know was how much the movie would resonate with me throughout the week.

From my viewing of Once, I was introduced to Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova. They are a fabulous match, not only did they play the leads, they also composed and performed the music. Ahhh…the music, my gosh, I absolutely LOVE the music. It is beautiful, and soulful, and I seem to not be able to get enough.

Not only have Hansard and Irglova composed the music for Once, they teamed up for The Swell Season. Hansard is also the songwriter/singer for the group The Frames.

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova have quickly become one of my favorites.

My song of the week is Falling Slowly.
It is one of the first songs that I have heard from the pairing of Hansard and Irglova.

Falling Slowly Lyrics

Okay…I must share one more song from the Once Soundtrack – Lies.

Lies Lyrics

How about you, do you have a song of the week?

The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism by Areva Martin, ESQ.

The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up for Your Child with Autism
by Areva Martin, ESQ.
Copyright 2010
Pages: 282 (reading pages)
Source: Purchased Book

Inside Flap:
If you have a child with autism, you need to be more than a parent; you need to be an advocate. You don’t have to protest or petition, but you do have to take a stand to safeguard your child’s rights to treatments, services, and-sometimes- basic human kindness. Throwing up your hands is not an option. You are your child’s lifeline to a world from which he might otherwise be cut of.
As an individual rights attorney and the parent of an autistic child herself, Areva Martin knows intimately the daily joys and challenges you face….

Recently, one Saturday morning I was home from work to tend to some IJ issues. While home, I was watching an early morning news program on my local channel. During this program, Areva Martin was a guest. When I heard that she was there to speak of an advocacy book that she wrote, my ears perked up. I was riveted to the tv screen, and that does not happen much. Ms. Martin briefly spoke about why she wrote the book, and her passion for parental advocacy was incredibly apparent. Once the brief interview was finished, I looked at my husband, and told him; I need that book. Folks, I always am wanting a book, and buy way too frequently, that is a weakness of mine. This time, however, it was not only that I *wanted* the book, I *needed* book. I just knew, by the way Ms. Martin spoke, that this book would be helpful, that I would glean information, and insight. I *needed* the book.

The next day, The Everyday Advocate was in my hands, my eyes were fixed on the pages, and I devoured the words. This book became apart of my thinking; I made notes on the pages, and highlighted passages. I shared my findings with my husband, and Jody. I was excited, I was thrilled to have found a source that has given me much to glean.

Okay…Okay…what exactly have I gleaned? What is the nuts and bolts of this book that excites me so? First, it is how Areva Martin writes. I feel like she is speaking to me, not at me or around me, but to me! She explains the need for parent advocacy (no brainer for me), and how to go about advocating…okay, that is where she got me. How can a parent effectively advocate for their child, most especially when parents do not know the ways of the system? Seriously, that is a huge sticking point for me. Now, I have been in this system of special needs for almost five years, and I still feel like I only scratched the surface of what I should know. It is hard for parents to gain the information, discern, and make decisions. It is hard for a parent to stand up for your child when you are surrounded by 7-9 professionals in an IEP meeting, and they are telling you what they think your child needs, and you do not agree. It is hard. Ms. Martin does a fantastic job breaking down the different areas of advocacy. She does a fantastic job giving practical advice on how a parent can proceed in advocating for their child.

Ms. Martin writes about not only the need for advocacy, but also goes into the other principals of advocacy. This book is packed full of information, and I simply cannot describe all that it contains. I cannot do it justice. However, I will try to give a glimpse.

The Everyday Advocate covers principals of advocacy for your child, advocacy to your family, and advocacy to your child. She discusses how you can protect yourself from burn-out, how to deal with a teenager with special needs, what lingo you need to beware of when talking to professionals, when to back down and when to push forward, understanding the law in basic terms, and information regarding IEPs. Those are just brief examples. What is very cool about this book is that Ms. Martin gives me, the parent, action steps-concrete ways to help my child, and my family. Another huge point that she makes, husbands and wives must protect their relationship. They must rely on one another, and take care. Raising a child with special needs puts a stress on the whole family, this must be taken into consideration when decisions are needed to be made.

For me, one of the most powerful statements that I read in this book resonates, and maybe it will with you as well:

Intensive, well-designed, timely intervention can improve the prospects-and the quality of life- for many children. Without it, they are significantly at risk for cognitive, social, or emotional impairment.

That is a huge statement for me. Huge!

From the get go, it was apparent to me that every parent of a special needs child, regardless if their child has autism or not, would benefit from reading this book. Of course, the amount one benefits would vary depending on the parent, and where they are in their journey, and their child’s exact issues. I truly feel that any time the author relates to autism, you can replace that disorder with any other disorder.

I would recommend the following to those parents with autistic children; read this book, buy it! To those parents with special needs children who have other disorders; read this book , but maybe borrow it from the library first.

Side Note:
The Everyday Advocate includes the following sections in the back of the book:
A Glossary of Key Terms - this is a helpful section.
Acronyms - Abbreviations, abbreviations…there seems to be so many of them in the world of Special Needs. This sections truly is helpful.
Appendices - Recommended Reading List, and Sample Letters.

For me, this book is a goldmine. It is going on my list of recommended resources for parents of a child with special needs. My plan is to compile this list, and distribute it to those professionals, such as our family pediatrician, who should be aware of said resources because they have contact time with those families who need guidance. From my experience, it is a sad, sorry shame that parents have to research and weed out information on there own. It is amazing to me how easily and often these children are looked at as parts instead of a whole. In other words, so many specialties– so many pieces - yet no one to truly put the pieces together. It is up to the parents; the more resources and information that they aware of….the better it is to advocate.

A Few Tips that are helpful to us:

1. a nice old lady tries to prompt your nonverbal (my addition - or limited verbal) child to talk, you can say, “He doesn’t talk to strangers.”
My thought: very cool way to end an awkward moment without going into details…this is something I struggle with a lot.

2. When the autism (me - insert any disorder here) card is dealt, it’s dealt to the family unit as a whole, and everyone in it is going to have to make some adjustments. If one child is always given consideration above everyone else, resentment and conflict are inevitable.

3. A critical thinker takes those gut feelings into consideration as well, but takes the time to find out more, to examine the pros and cons and to check out the source before making a decision. If after gathering the available information you still don’t know what to think, do not hesitate to say, “I don’t have enough evidence to make a judgment about that yet.” It is a sign of a careful thinker.

4. Critical Thinking Skills

• Listen carefully
• Question deeply
• Never settle for generalizations
• Work to understand the specifics
• Consider the source

5. The concept of advocacy is not about changing who you are. It’s about taking specific actions that will help you achieve well-defined results.

Parenting Blunder….Ouch!

This morning I made a parenting blunder which traumatized my 6-year old son. Did I feel bad? Better believe it, I certainly did.

Background information: IJ is on a medication that requires two doses per day. The first is in the morning, and the second dose is around 4 pm. IJ is not always easy-going about taking the medication. However, I have realized that I must give him time. In other words, when he purses his lips, and shakes his head, I then must back up and give him time. I then reapproach him a tad bit later. Again, her refuses. Again, I must bid my time. Usually, by the third approach he will swallow the tiny pill without hesitation. However, sometimes this process can take up to a half-hour. Other times, he will put it in his mouth only to spit it out which then means the medication is wet and dissolving. Other times, I am just not patient to plays this all out.

The scenario: This morning, IJ pursed his lips and shook his head no. Oh, his eyes, they speak volumes and they were vehemently saying no. The pill went in, he spat it out, I was yucked by the dissolving pill, he crossed his arms over his chest and pursed his lips down even more, I asked him if I needed to give the med to him like I would for a dog, his eyes pierced my eyes, I shoved the pill down his throat….yes, I did shove it and did not feel bad until….I saw blood.

What? His front tooth is loose, and well… I, lets say, encouraged his front tooth to fall out sooner that later. Trauma to the boy? Yes, you most certainly can say he freaked out by the sight of his blood, and I felt incredibly horrible. Into the bathroom he went, spitting blood out. Upon inspection, I decided, for the bleeding to stop, the tooth must come out. I yanked, he hollered, I backed off….already caused enough damage. He sat back down in his bed, with a towel on his tooth, and finally came to me with the front tooth dangling. I pulled ever so slightly and out the tooth came…trauma over, and excitement of what’s to come commenced. Whew!

I sent a prayer out that our Tooth Fairy does not forget to pay a visit tonight. You know, we have been shafted here in this part of the country because our Tooth Fairy sucks. She is constantly forgetting my kids’ teeth. Sometimes, it takes upwards to a week or two for her to make an appearance. So yes, after the mommy inflicted trauma, I am praying that tonight, of all times, that our Tooth Fairy does not forget. The boy knows that the Tooth Fairy equals money, and the boy does obsess over money….a big deal this is.

Take Away: The trauma, in the scheme of life, was small. But, at the moment I felt horrible while he cried. He is fine, he harbors no ill feelings (at least he never displays that he does).
I must remember, for sure on the nights that I work, to give out a prayer for patience in the mornings. Maybe even chant something about being patient, you know, so that it permeates into my soul while I am sleeping, therefore the virtue of patience will be with me without any thought. Hmmm…
I must also remember that IJ has *not once* failed to take his medication, albeit his time-frame for taking the med does not always match with mine. I must remember that utilizing the giving-pill-to-dog route should only be resorted to when he is running out of time to be somewhere.

What about you? Any parenting blunders that you are willing to share?

Side note: Parenting blunder #2 is about to occur and all before the hour of 0900. GD is going to be late for Vacation Bible School. On the whole, my children do not like to be late, especially when the late arrival is caused by their Mom (that would be me). A problem for me, a blunder that repeats. hmmm… bye, must run!

Personal Tidbits…

It has been a bit since I have written about anything that has been going on in my very tiny corner of the world. What has happened? A lot has happened and nothing has happened.

Benjamin:

Benjamin has finished his first semester at ISU, and he did a very well. During this semester, Benjamin turned 20 years old, on March 20th to be precise. His golden year.

He continues with his photography, skateboarding, and has started cycling which I think is very cool. He and I have cycled together several times, and I do enjoy this time with him. The summer has brought him back to his K-Mart job and two math courses which he is taking at our local community college. This coming fall, Ben will be returning to ISU…returning to his classes towards his accounting major. Oh yes, must not forget, Benjamin is still dating Randie-Lynn…a very lovely girl that we greatly enjoy having in our lives.

EM

Eva-Marie is almost 15 years old and very antsy for driver’s ed. Hmmm…did she get the memo that once she obtains a driver’s license that she then will be responsible for paying her portion of car insurance and gas? I think she did get that memo, but chooses not to worry about that fact, not yet anyway. Okay, beyond telling you about driver’s ed… EM is private, and private she shall remain.

ED

We think Elizabeth Diana may be a vampire. The only thing that convinces us that she is not is the fact that the sun does not effect her at all. What do I mean by all this vampire talk? This girl stays up alllll night. My gosh, it is like once school is over her body is signaled to stay up through the night, and sleep during the day. She seems to thrive this way. I think she is nuts. She, however, has always been a night owl…from the moment of her birth, and most likely even before that. I was telling Robert the other night that I hope EJ finds an interest in life that allows her to work the third shift. Seriously, she would do well. All that aside, I am trying to get her to compromise….stay up late, not too late, sleep and wake before noon. ahh…that compromise only works when I am actually at home to get her butt up and moving. Beyond her sleeping cycle, ED is into all the chatty girl stuff…music, texting, hanging out with friends, texting, computer stuff, texting, watching tv, texting, swimming, texting, texting.

EJ

Elliana Jillian, of course, is still reading and drawing away. There is not one day that goes by that she can be found without a book, pencil and paper in hand. She is very lovely, sweet, and beautiful. She truly is a joy.

Side note: I have a serious photo alert. I cannot believe it, but I hardly have any photos of EJ. I have been combing through my 2010 photos and found just a sampling…under a dozen of EJ photos, and of those photos just a few are good. Geesh! Well, now I know who should be my focus, my model, for my photo-of-a-day project.

IJ

Much has happened on the Isaiah John front. If you recall, IJ sustained a supracondylar elbow fracture for which I wrote a post. On May 28th, IJ’s cast was removed. Such relief, but then the hunt was on for proper shoes that the orthopedic recommended. What would those shoes be? None other than Keens, and believe you me, I was not going to rest easy until the boy had those shoes. Lord knows that I was a nervous wreck already with his freshly removed pins and cast. His arm looked a mess, one of the pin sites was infected, antibiotics he started taking, and the infection then ceased to exist. IJ is now sporting Keens, and it took hiding his other shoes and several days of coaxing for him to accept the new shoes. This past Friday, June 18th, was IJ’s follow-up appt with his Ortho. He does not need physical therapy. Oh thanks be to God. Seriously, if he needed PT, I honestly would not know how that therapy would have happened…that is a whole other story for which I will go into in one of my Special Needs posts…soon.
So what is IJ doing these days? Swimming, swimming, swimming. I am so very thankful for our pool as this is one of IJ’s most preferred activities. He is also attending summer school, and so far, so good. Beyond that, IJ is IJ and doing well.

GD:

Grace Darcy is a very fun, sweet, amazing girl, yet…yet…. she is also willful, a wee bit demanding, and a bit of a whiner. All of those last qualities I am addressing fully as they must come to halt. Hmm….so far, she is not truly agreeing with me.
GD amazes me everyday with her thoughts, way of looking at life, her questions, her opinions, her take on how something should be, her caring and love towards IJ, her love and friendship with her cousins (SA, and SM). GD is truly a blessing in many different ways.
I thank God everyday that he saw fit to give us GD even though we were not seeking to have another child. GD turned 4 years old this past May 31st. We had a fun, small family party. She had a great time being the party girl. Grandma, of course, made her birthday cake.
The party guests (children only) painted clay pots, and then planted a flower…this was their party favor.

Robert and Deanna:

This past May 6th, we celebrated our 21st anniversary. Amazing to think that those years have flown by in a flash. Our oldest child is the same age that I was when we married, very weird for me. I clearly remember feeling certain, confident and old enough to marry at the age of twenty. I look at my son, and think, “you are so young.” Robert and I have been through highs and lows with a lot of middle ground in between. We have built a lot of history between us, and with our children. We have fun, we have angst, we have blahs, we have sunshine, we have peace, we have chaos, we have love.

For Robert, what more shall I say beyond the fact that the Blackhawks won the Stanley cup? Well, nothing more. That sums up Robert’s biggest thrill of the last several months. :D

For me, it seems that I have hit a rut with my photography, cycling and working out. A rut that I am determined to bring myself out of starting next week. Beyond the rut, well, there has been much reading, and work put towards IJ’s needs. Small stuff here and there has kept me busy, and entertained. Six months into the year, how are my New Year Goals coming along? Well, okay, I suppose. For sure, I am in super organizing fail mode. There is a small fraction of my life that is somewhat organized, but the big stuff…well…I stare at, ignore it, forget about it…that is until I need it, want it, find it, loose it, forget to do it, etc. Maybe I will never again be organized like I once was, maybe I will, but for now…I am not. I wonder what the next six months will bring.

So that was my cheesy, “Christmas letterish” update. I have realized, my photo blog has taken over a lot of my family, and personal type updates and thoughts. So, if you want little tid-bits here and there, be sure to visit ME every now and then. Of course, ME needs to be updated, hopefully I will get to that by end of the week.

Anything new with you?

Seasons in the Mist by Deborah Kinnard

Seasons in the Mist
by Deborah Kinnard
Copyright 2010
Pages: 318, pb
Source: Purchased book

Back Cover:
Bethany Lindstrom is well on her way to achieving her goals as a graduate student in medieval history when her trip to Oxford goes awry. On an unplanned visit to Cornwall, while wandering around her hostess’s ancient home she stumbles through an unseen portal into the fourteenth century. Stranded in 1353, Beth knows she must find a way back to her own time or face a life of falsehoods and peril. But with the stern overlord Sir Michael Veryan, she is swept into the intrigues of King Edward's court, which will test their mettle and their faith in God to the limits-and forever bind their lives together.

First Sentence:
I wish these clouds would break.

A satisfying story, not perfect, but satisfying.

I do love time-travel novels so my interest in Seasons in the Mist was peaked. The time-travel in this story worked, however, I found the story to be a tad too convenient. By that I mean, all worked out too well. I am not big into stories that tell me what is going on, and that relationships blossom instantly without hesitation. Those irksome things would be my biggest complaint about this story. With that said, I did find myself enjoying the read. It was a perfect choice between my reading of Outlander and The Great Hunt both of which are lengthy and detailed.

Another aspect that I found myself pleased with is how the romance between Michael and Bethany was certainly felt, yet remained clean. I do appreciate a love story where details of intimacy is not laid out, and do not take over the story with the pace of how quickly the characters can get to the next intimate scene.

Seasons in the Mist is considered a Christian novel, and yes, God and faith is mentioned. Ms. Kinnard did a fabulous job instilling Bethany's faith within the storyline. She did this with purpose and intent without it ever feeling like God is being pushed onto the reader nor was God over spoken about. There was a peaceful balance.

The historical aspect of the mid-1300’s, England, was present in that the illnesses, dress, speech, religion, and superstitions of the time where woven into the storyline. Even so, I did feel the historical aspect was a bit weak, which is fine because I think this story is more a time-travel romance versus a historical fiction. I did, however, gain an essence of the environment, and how people of the mid-1300’s lived. Still though, Seasons in the Mist’s focus was on Bethany discovering love, and her purpose in life.

Overall, Seasons in the Mist is a lovely read that provided a nice blend of history, romance, time-travel, faith and God.

Side Notes: I heard about Seasons in the Mist from Katy @ A Few More Pages. You can read her review here.


The Author’s note, found in the front of the book, was interesting in regards to the linguistic transition in England. I did not realize that English was not the language spoken in the court, and that “English speakers were not expected to be literate”.

The Back of the book provides Discussion Questions which are interesting. They would be good to use with a book club, or even with a friend who has read the book.

Along with the Discussion Questions, there is a glossary at the back of the book. I was glad for the glossary as I referred to it a few times.

Bible in 90 Days: The Challenge

While reading the various blogs that are in my GoogleReader, I came across The Happy Housewife’s post on the Bible in 90 Days Challenge. Of course, I read her post, and immediately thought that I should give this a go. It is about time that I attempt to read my bible again, as I do other books which was quite evident to me last week while I was discussing a certain book with my friend, Jody.

Bible in 90 Days is being hosted by Amy of Mom’s Toolbox.
The group will read through the entire bible, and if you use the 90 Day Bible, you will then be reading 12 pages per day. You can use your own bible just download the schedule which is found at Mom’s toolbox.

Challenge starts July 5th and runs through October 2, 2010
There will be weekly check-ins posted on Mondays.
Discussion, sharing notes, etc. will be held on Monday nights via Twitter.

For further details and to sign-up, visit Bible in 90 Days at Mom’s Toolbox.

Song of the Week

In hopes that I will vary up my playlist, I have decided to post the song of the week that has captured my attention. Usually, this song will be played over and over again throughout the week thus earning its high rotation status. Sometimes the same song stays in this status for longer than one week. So, a week or two may go by without me posting another song of the week.

If you read my Music Musings post, it should then be no surprise from which band my song of the week comes from because this band was rated number one on My Top-5 Current Albums list.

Crawl by Kings of Leon is an awesome song full of energy. I love bass and this song feeds that love. Really, this whole song jams.

This YouTube video is KOL’s live performance of Crawl. There is an intro song, the actual song doesn’t start until the 1:09 mark.

This past week had me listening to two songs over and over again, so I am sharing the second one with you.

Cold Desert by Kings of Leon… umm…I did tell you that KOL's is the heaviest rotated album on My Top-5 Current Albums list.

I absolutely, absolutely love this song…it is soulful and man can Caleb Followill sing, the emotion of the song is felt.

How about you, do you have a song of the week?

Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual by Michael Pollan

Food Rules: An Eater's Manual
by Michael Pollan
Copyright 2009
Pages: 139, pb
Source: Purchased book

Back Cover:
Eating doesn’t have to be so complicated. In this age of ever-more elaborate diets and conflicting health advice, Food Rules brings a welcome simplicity to our daily decisions about food…

I first heard of this book from Jen of Devourer of Books. She posted a review, and I thought, "cool, this sounds like an interesting book" considering that it is about food...non-fiction. Finally, my library notified me of its availability, in one day I was able to go through the entire book.

The thing that really struck me about the book is the format. It is straight forth, bullet point sort-of style. The simplicity helped me to focus in on what the author was trying to convey which ultimately is: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." The message was very clear, simply and fit with the my mind as it has already conformed to this thinking.

I appreciated that the book, as the author states "is much less about theory, history, and science than it is about our daily lives and practice." A very doable book, with doable "rules" for which I can see myself applying to my eating habits and the eating habits of my family. These 'rules' should be looked at as a personal policy, nothing hard-fast. "Policies are useful tools....they supply us with broad guidelines that should make everyday decision making easier and swifter." I do believe Mr. Pollan has accomplished this policy idea through his Food Rules book.

I plan on taking Mr. Pollan's advice to adopt at least one rule (policy) from each of the sections in the book. After the chosen rule becomes habit, I will then add on more rules. With this in mind, Food Rules is a book that I will purchase in order to refer back to periodically.

I did enjoy this read greatly because as I have already stated, it is a straight-forth read put into simple terms.

Here are just a few examples of the rules:

* Eat mostly plants, especially leaves.

*Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top three ingredients

* Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk.

* Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself.

* Be the kind of person who takes supplements - then skip the supplements

* Don't get your fuel at the same place your car does.

* Cook

* Break the rules once in a while.

I listed only the rules, Mr. Pollan does goes give a bit more detail concerning the rule...the rationale, if you will.

I must point out, do not skip the Introduction as it contains fascinating information which helps make better sense out of the rules.

I am now psyched to dive further into the realm of eating healthier. I am psyched to read Mr. Pollan's other book, In Defense of Food.

If you cannot already summarize this, I recommend this book for anyone who is looking to eat healthier, looking for a few simple ways to make healthy changes.

Side Notes: I wrote this review in the beginning of March, and now have finally gotten around to posting.

Where am I at now with these rules? Well, I continue to remain conscious of several of the rules in this book, most especially the rule; Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top three ingredients

Have I read any other books? In my defense, I have had a few other food issues to resolve within my family; a certain diet. So, I have not yet read In Defense of Food. However, I do own it, and it sits on my piano awaiting its reading turn which is schedule for some time this summer.

Even though I have not moved much further with Pollan’s “advice”, “suggestions”…. I have been pondering away, and have been trying to be purposeful in choosing foods that are not laden with junk.

I still do find Food Rules to be a doable book for anyone. You can pick and choose what suits you and still win out with a healthy change.

Summer Reading List 2010….

I love making lists, almost to a fault because sometimes the lists are not even worked upon or completed. I will say though, my book reading lists do tend to be accomplished or come very close.

I made up my summer reading list several weeks ago (all jotted down on index cards…do love index cards), and was going to keep it to myself. However, after reading Carl’s post on Stainless Steal Droppings, I was inspired to share my list.

One thing, my list is a bit on the anal side as I have separated my books out to which month I would like to read them, there are **alternatives (the books that I want to read but if I do not get to them…I am okay.) Also, worthy of note, I do suspect that this list will change up a bit as they always seem to do. This will mostly happen because of the the great blogs I read, a book will be talked about, a book that I must read now rather than later. :D

Onward….

June Books

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – own (silly…this is a no brainer)
I am reading this book as part of a re-read held on the Outlander Book Club forum. ummm…this is suppose to take the whole summer, yeah, I will be done with it soon. No worries though, I am still going to participate in the discussion.

The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan – own
A personal challenge…to read all the books in the Wheel of Time series. In the midst of this book, loving it. Read the first book and liked enough to continue on…review is here.

.
Dork Diaries - Tales from a NOT-SO Popular Party Girl – own ARC

by Rachel Renee Russell – finished this read, review is here.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner - own
Book two of the The Queen’s Thief series
In the midst of this read and so far so good.

To Defy A King by Elizabeth Chadwick – borrowed from Alaine
Already finished this read, will post review next week.

Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami - own
I have already completed book one, will hopefully finish the rest of the read this month.

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin - own
The fourth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Will start this one as soon as I am done with Wind-Up Bird….I think.

** In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan - own
I read his book Food Rules and liked what he had to say….look forward to reading this book.

** Every Woman’s Guide to Cycling by Selene Yeager - own
Started this book, about half-way through…need to finish.

**The Everyday Advocate: Standing up for your child with Autism by Areva Martin, ESQ. - own
Currently making my way through this read…a little bit at a time…for now.

July Books

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan – hmmm deciding…own or library???
Book three in the Wheel of Time Series

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – borrowed
On loan from a co-worker who sung high praises for this story.

Dawn on the Distant Shore by Sara Donati - own
Book two in the Wilderness series. I enjoyed Into the Wilderness, book one, very much.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - own
I have heard many good things about this book, and while attending an author event back in April, I picked this book up at the bookstore.

The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner – will own
Book two of the The Queen’s Thief series

** Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien - own
A friend gave us the ARC to this book. It looks interesting, shall see…

** The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood - own
I was set to do a read-along with this book in May, and then life got in the way. I really do hope I get to this book this summer.

**Practicing Hospitality by Patricia Ennis and Lisa Tatlock - own
I tired reading this book last year, could not stick with it.
Tried again with another blog’s read-along…life was crazy.
I hope that I finally do get around to reading this one because I do think that I will glean ideas…thoughts from this book.

**Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon – own (no brianer… hehe)
I will soon finish up Outlander, and the question is…should I read this book now or wait until the Outlander Book Club is starting the read?? Hmmm….I tend to lean towards reading now rather than waiting. I shall see…it is not priority.

August Books

The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan – hmmm deciding…own or library???
Book four in the Wheel of Time Series

The Gatekeeper by Michelle Gagnon - own
A bit outside of my reading genre, but still think I will like this read.

Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson – will own
Book two of the Faery Rebels series. I read book one, Spell Hunter, and really enjoyed that read.
This book is also called, Rebel, in the UK. The cover is different as well. We prefer the UK cover. I often wonder why book titles are changed up country to country…especially when both countries speak English.

The King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner – will own
Book three of the The Queen’s Thief series

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead - own
Book five of the Vampire Academy series.
This series grew on me to the point where book four,Blood promise, became my favorite read out of the series.

** Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger - own
This book has been sitting on my piano for a bit of time…must get to it, at some point.

**Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – will own
Book three of the Hunger Games Trilogy.
Okay…sure, I did not care much for Catching Fire (gasp…I know…I know, I am in the minority here) BUT I sure do want to read Mockingjay…look forward to its release date of August 24, 2010. I have pre-ordered.

Other Potentials

Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell - own
Won this book from Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - own
I started reading but set it aside for another book that needed to be completed. I do that sometimes and it is of no reflection towards the book I set aside…honestly.

Radical by David Platt - own
I won this book from Judy of Seize the Book Blog

Pinball, 1973 by Haurki Murakami - own
I do like this author’s writing style. I am psyched about owning this book because it is hard to come by here in the states. I won it from tanabata at In Spring it is the Dawn

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - own
This is book of the month – June for Outlander Book Club. I would like to read and discuss it with that forum, not sure that I will get to it. Received this book from one of the doctors I work with…she was clearing off her shelves…love it.

Whew!

Here is the breakdown: 17 books I definitely want to read, 26 books that includes the alternatives, and 31 books total…this includes the potentials.

Yeah…a bit ambitious to say the least. Most especially since I have only been averaging 4-6 books per month so far this year.

To check out what others are reading, head on over to Stainless Steal Droppings… read the comments, that is where most of the lists are.