Brown Eyed Girl's Book Club Etc....

Where's my Book?

2012-03-25T18:21:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong, I love a deal. I have often ordered and happily received a book from Amazon that's in good, even great condition. Granted it does take a whole lot longer to hold the book in my hands than downloading it on my Kindle, or running down to my local book store. Buying a book on Amazon is usually a whole lot cheaper, and because I procrastinate, my book club buddy has surely run down to the local library to get the only copy on hand of the next book we are reading.

So I was feeling great that I got our new book club selection for $2.00 (plus shipping, of course). I was also feeling kindly in that I pick a vendor that was new and felt good helping someone out towards making their first book sale. But I'm still waiting for my book :/ Amazon had to contact me to tell me - Hey, where's your book? Do you think you might want to e-mail the seller and ask them? Well, not really- I just want to order my book on my phone while I'm waiting in the truck for my husband to pick up some more paint for the house, and several or more days later open my mail box and get all happy that I have a new book to read!

Well, I did e-mail the seller and no response to date. Yes, I'll get my money back and be a little more careful about picking a seller, even if I have to pay a few bucks more. Our book club meets on April 21st, so I'm pretty sure I'm adding a new selection to my Kindle very soon.

By the way, the book club selection is "The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai. Here's a 2006 New York Times review of the book by Pankaj Mishra http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/books/review/12mishra.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Great gift for the 90 year old socially conscious guy that has everything

2012-03-23T19:53:00.001-07:00

My 90 year old uncle hardly gets out these days - but when he can - you can find him and my Aunt on Fridays nights at a busy corner of our town, holding protest signs against the wars in Afganistan and before that Iran. Our family runs the gamit from extremely conservative to extremely liberal, so driving past them is either inspirational to some or frustrating to others.

I heard everyone was getting him a gift card for his birthday (they don't have much room in their house for much). Considering his socially conscious leanings, I decided to go with a Llama, well not exactly a Llama - a contribution to http://www.heifer.org/ . I think he will apreciate that I made a donation in his name so that a family will receive a llama and be taught how to raise it and earn funds to help support themselves.

Book club eats from IKEA

2010-06-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

Book club met - great meeting - good food

IKEA is the place to go for food that fits with a Swedish theme - love those meatballs!

Not sure if there was a consensus about the book we read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Vintage). Some loved it and are now reading the second novel The Girl Who Played with Fire (Vintage). I have to admit I am now only just finishing the book myself :( but would recommend it. Some thought it was too violent, but hey we can't close our eyes to something that women experience all over the world. It was a great who done it.

Gardening book over load!

2010-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Today I received two books by Gayla Trail - You Grow Girl and Grow Great Grub in the mail (a belated Mother's Day gift) . I barely started to look through them when my "Tia" (she is actually my husband's Aunt) came by to give me a two volume set of Success with House Plants. She got it at a yard sale for two dollars! It's so cool, I learned on http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/book/msg0310340925932.html that what she bought was probable published from 1985-1993. By monthly subscription, cards /pages were issued to be placed in the binders. They are printed with pictures and description of plants and their care. We found that some cards are missing, but the person who owned the binders must have been pretty diligent about collecting their plant cards. We could have sat for hours browsing through the cards, but we headed out doors so that I could show her the latest additions to my vegetable garden. In one day I collected quite a bit of info to help me in my quest to be a successful gardener.

God's Mountain - Read it

2010-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Babysitting this weekend, won't have time for much. Started The Girl with Dragon Tattoo last night. A Brown Eyed member text me yesterday that she finished the book. It's not like me to wait until the last minute to read the book club selection, but I have been running into books, that after I start a few pages I keep reading until I'm done.

I read God's Mountain by Erri De Luca over the last few days, but I would have like to have read it in one sitting if I had the time. I checked Amazon to see if it's available in Italian and would have liked to buy it for my friend who has learned to speak Italian over the past few years, but the Italian copies I found must be first editions because they were way too expensive for me. Translated I found it so well written, I feel certain it becomes even more eloquent read in it's original Italian. A coming of age tale I would highly recommend to anyone.

So you want to know about the Book Club

2010-05-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

So Nilki, you want to know how our book club works...well not like other book clubs I have heard or read about (they appear to be a lot more organized , but maybe not as much fun). A friend of mine who lives 300 miles away and has attended a few meeting over the years has told me she wishes she was close enough to attend regularly. So that says something about our little club! We do meet every 6 weeks or so, we focus on fiction, and food is mandatory. Beyond that, there isn't too much structure try as we may. But I do think the the following applies ( to date):

1. We have known each other for many years, some as far back as kindergarten.

2. We only have Latina women members with brown eyes, though we have never formally indicated it should be limited as such (regarding eye color, sex, or ethnic origin).

3. Members take turns hosting the meeting at their home, though not everyone does (and that's O.K. they have their reasons).

4. The eats are potluck and the food is often connected to the book being discussed, though this isn't mandatory....any and all food is appreciated.

5. The host usually supplies the beverages and an appetizer - cleaning up is work enough!

6. Each year around Christmas time we meet at a location where we can have tea ( Huntington Library, The Biltmore Hotel, Trump International, Chado tea, Vintage leaf and others) and exchange small gifts.

7. One member selects a book we will read and discuss. We have been working on how to best do this for years, but I think (hope) we have it down now. Alphabetically, each member chooses a book we will read at the next meeting. The books we read are fiction, and though we do often read popular or best selling novels, each person can select the book they wish to read. We have had our discussion/arguments about length, and content, etc. but if you pick it, we should read it is my motto. For the last selection a member offered up three books she would like to read, and the rest of us voted on which of the three we would ultimately read - The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

8. How we discuss our books is another area of contention - as we come hungry - we meet around the dinner hour and chowing down takes precedence above all else. The problem is that we talk and eat, and eat and talk and laugh, talk and eat ..... you get the picture ( it can be loud and not usually an evening you will find my husband at home when it's my turn to host). Before you know it were full of food as well as drink (usually wine) and several hours have passed.

When we finally get to talking about the book, it may not be as involved and as detailed as it should. At the last meeting, I made sure to say that dessert would be served after the discussion, so we started a little sooner and had a lengthier and more interesting discussion.

Most discussion leaders use questions from the authors website if available, and we go from there. The friend that I mentioned previously, told me that she had tried to join several book clubs in her area that were more on the formal side and super cerebral, and not exactly to her liking. Well, not to say that we don't have our moments of literary enlightenment, but no one would feel intimidated by our book discussions or with our company...or at least I don't think they would.

So there you go, The Brown Eyed Girl's Book Club established in December 2002 and still reading and meeting!

I myself would be interested in hearing about how other Book Clubs came to be and if they have just as much trouble balancing the social and literary portions of their meetings as we do.

Art in San Pedro Ca.

2010-05-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm really hoping that I'll be back in shape by the weekend as I still plan to visit as many Art studios in San Pedro that I can on Sunday May 16, 2010. 50 Artist will open the doors to their studios located at Angels Gate Cultural Center. There will be free workshops, performances, demonstrations and munchies as well. There is a lot going on at Angel's Gate all year long and worth checking out, especially this weekend.

The open Studio event will take place in conjunction with a San Pedro Studio Tour. Artist with Studios located from 3rd Street to 15th Street will also open their doors to the public. It's a big day for Art in Pedro. For more info and a map go to http://www.angelsgateart.org/blog/.

Having enjoyed visiting quite a few Studios this past Thursday night in San Pedro, I'm feeling ready for more. On the First Thursday of each month, many of the same Artists that will open their doors this Sunday do the same. In addition to the studios and galleries that are already there, businesses on 6th and 7th street participate by lending space to artists to show their work, and others provide music and special activities. Things get started at 6:00 p.m., and we were lucky to find parking when we arrived 30 minutes later. If you live any where near the Port of Los Angeles, save the first Thursday in June to get a taste of Pedro and the Art it offers.

Backache and Brida

2010-05-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! I strained my back a few days ago and my life is out of sync. Everything has suffered, my body, my garden, my social life and this blog! Just sitting here is starting to get painful, so I'll make it short. I finished reading Brida by Paulo Coelho. Along the way to becoming a witch Brida learns about herself and the importance that love has in fulfilling her destiny. "finding one's Soul Mate was, after all, a divine mission in every one's life. Even if, one day, you were forced to part, love for your Soul Mate-according to both traditions-would always be crowned with glory, understanding, and a kind of purifying nostalgia." Those words and many others throughout the book touch me as truths, and make what is supposed to be fiction very real. I'm planning to read The Witch of Portobello soon, also written by Coelho. The Brown Eyed Girl's Book Club will be meeting at the end of this month, and I have yet to start the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - I must get started soon. I know it's a popular read but I haven't felt too excited about reading it, I best just jump in and hope for the best!

Dora the Explorer in Arizona - It's Cinco De Mayo!

2010-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

They got Dora! Man Arizona aint bullshittin with this new law.

Thought I would post this picture a friend text me the other day.

It's Cinco De Mayo, and tons of people (of all races and nationalities) in the U.S.will be drinking a whole lot of tequila tonight to celebrate a Mexican Holiday, while many people in Arizona have to worry because they are Mexican, documented or not. It's a twisted world!

The Lacuna and Frida

2010-05-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

I have been reading The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver a bit at a time for the last 6 weeks (in-between the other books I have been reading). The book's fictional character becomes intertwined in the lives of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and it provides a lot of factual information about them and their work. I'm enjoying the little tidbits of their real life thrown into this fictional account of a boy who grows up to be a writer and the influences these two very strong characters have in his life.
I have always enjoyed Frida's paintings and Diego's murals, and have seen their work in numerous shows and permanent collections at different museums in the U.S. and in Mexico. I have also visited Diego's Studio and the Kahlo home (Casa Azul) in Coyoacan, Mexico. Go there if you can, a real Frida fan will find it magical.

Photo Courtesy of Running Toddler
You can also check out this website, Frida Kahlo's Fans - http://www.fridakahlofans.com/index.html for everything Frida.

A night at the movies

2010-05-01T21:55:00.000-07:00

I finished From the Ground Up The story of a first Garden by Amy Stewart. I borrowed it from the library, but I like it enough to want to have my own copy. Ms. Stewart's road to becoming a Gardener was not only endearing but filled with helpful and usable tips that I plan to use myself.

Reading was held to a minimum last night as I joined a few women folk to see the new Jennifer Lopez movie, The Back Up Plan. It's the kind of movie many critics will likely pan, but I and most of the people in the audience enjoyed it for what it was - a light, and for the most part - humorous romantic comedy. There were many scenes that had us laughing, and ahhing (that was mainly when the cute french bull dog got a close up). Alex O'Loughlin (her love interest in the movie) had abs to admire, and that made up for having to see the unbelievable abs Jennifer is sporting after having twins in real life!

My Edible Garden

2010-04-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

My new Vegetable Garden is planted! Ouch! I can't believe how sore I am from just squatting, bending and kneeling for a couple of days. If all goes well, I should be tasting the fruits of my labor this summer - corn, lettuce, onion, bell pepper, pole beans, eggplant, and strawberries.This in addition to the other vegggies we already planted back in March and are now starting to eat - cucumbers, zucchini and carrots.

When returning some books to the library yesterday I picked up The Edible Flower Garden by Rosalind Creasy. I love the pictures, the easy planting instructions and preparation tips for eating each flower.

I already planted Johnny-Jump-Ups ( tri-color Violas) and placed a large pot in the Garden so that I can plant some Nasturtiums ( both flowers are edible, the jump-ups taste a little like lettuce).
I'm contemplating another area in my back yard to use solely for edible flowers. Who knew you could eat a Tulip or a Day lily? Well, I didn't.

I am enjoying From The Garden Up The Story of a First Garden by Amy Stewart, and after reading the chapter on compost ( don't let the chapter title scare you, it is an entertaining book), I'm considering running out and buying a few more bags. I'm not sure I'm up to the challenge of a composter, but who knows, there may be one in my future.

Short and good.... How else can I read 100 books???

2010-04-28T00:24:00.000-07:00

With everything else going on in my life why did I think I could read 100 books before the end of the year?
Well, I haven't given up, I think I can do it by augmenting my usual reads with some short but good books. I know their out there and though the Brown Eyed Girl's Book Club doesn't seek out books of any particular length ( though some members have thumbs down books for being a little too long, or have requested we give ourselves more time to read before we meet again) we have read books we have enjoyed that have been around 200 pages or less.

Memories of my Melancholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez was a favorite read of mine and provided a good discussion as I remember. We read several of Alexander McCall Smith's books - Tears of the Giraffe, and The Kalahari Typing School for Men, both enjoyable and also what I would consider a fast read. Having read Rudolfo Anaya's Bless Me, Ultima in college as did most of my friends, we were happy to read his Serafina's Stories which entertained us with a number of cuentos/ stories told by the hero of the story Serifina, a Pueblo Indian in 1680 who by entertaining the Govenor with the stories wins the freedom of a dozen Indian prisoners.

So to better my chances of reading 100 books I will include the following books (that I think won't dissapoint) on my to do list:
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Sijie Dai, Shop Girl by Steve Martin, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, and Push by Sapphire.

If anyone can suggest any other fast but very good reads it would be appreciated!

A Day at LATFOB

2010-04-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy myself at the festival . Many people get tickets in advance to see certain authors of interest but unless I really have to see someone, I and my brown eyed buddy check out as many booths as possible, peruse any books that catch our eye, and run into to authors, celebrity/authors, and activities at random.

We went on Saturday, and happened upon Jeff Garlin signing his book, My Footprints:Carrying the weight of the World, the Life of Pi Author Yann Martel signing his new book Beatrice & Virgil and Top Chef's Betty, C.J., and Stefan (you know who they are if your a fan of Top Chef on Bravo, like I am) in a quick fire challenge. We strolled through the Children's area, and saw Carl Reiner reading from his book, Tell Me a Silly Story , saw several Wayan Brothers, and Henry Winkler. We sat down to hear two author's speak and only because we happened upon them - Jeffrey Ross talking about his book, I only Roast the One's I love and Louis Gossett Jr. being interviewed by Pat Morrison and her Hat (I'm not kidding but the woman always has a hat on!) about his book, An Actor and a Gentleman. I know it's a take off on his movie An Officer and a Gentleman, but the title fits him to a T. Jeffrey Ross had everyone cracking up. I always feel funny laughing at people making fun of other's, but he is just too good at it!

We left the festival a little tired, but satisfied and ready to read!

Growing Inspiration

2010-04-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

I've search for a book to to read that will compliment my garden activities this week, and I think I found it. From the Ground Up: The Story of a First Garden by Amy Stewart. Though I have a small area of my garden devoted to several types of vegetables, I've prepared a much larger plot and this Sunday I plan to start planting. I know I'll need a break ( probable a few) and that's when I'll start the book.

I stopped by the Growing Experience in Long Beach yesterday for a little inspiration. In celebration of Earth Day, I and everyone else who dropped by were offered delicious appetizers made from the garden produce. There were activities for the kids, and information about the garden and gardening in general. I did speak with Adriana who's blog, Anarchy in the Garden I will continue to follow. I received some bean and marigold seeds from her table, and will incorporate them into my garden along with the suggested corn.

I took a shot of some of their growing greens - and look forward to seeing my own in the near future.

It's Earth Day

2010-04-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

My plans are to head over to an Earth Day celebration at the Growing Experience in Long Beach this afternoon. I got the heads up about it from Adriana at Anarchy in the Garden http://www.anarchyinthegarden.com/. I have been gardening for a while now, but only recently branched out into the world of vegetable gardening. Last year I grew tomatoes,some huge squash ( a little too huge), a few carrots, and a nice variety of herbs and raspberries. So far this year it looks like I have a nice bunch of carrots coming up, a smaller variety of zucchini, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I have prepared an additonal plot of ground that would have been lawn, but now will hopeful produce something more useful. I'm hoping to get some good advice from the master gardeners that will be at the Earth Day event today!

Would a Brown Eye like Olive Kitteridge?

2010-04-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

When ever I finish a book, I consider if I would recommend it to the Brown Eyes - would they like it, find something in it of merit - finish it?We have read many books as a book club, and most of our members are drawn to books that may hold some tragic elements, but don't dwell on the hurts and dissapointments of others.

Though Olive Kitteridge wouldn't be a book I would recommend for our club, I finished it accepting that there wasn't going to be a fix- to tie things up with a pretty little bow for any of the characters. There were glimmers of hope, understanding and even love in the lives described by Strout that were enough to leave me feeling hopeful. Sometimes, as in this case, hope can be better than a happy ending.

Olive is bumming me out!

2010-04-21T00:09:00.000-07:00

Just about finished reading Olive Kitteridge. I had to take a break. It's truly bumming me out, not because it's a bad book, but because I'm reminded on every page of all the ways people can hurt. I have to finish the book to see if anyone is spared from heartache!

Read and take care of a baby?

2010-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

Busy weekend! Hands full with a 7 month old since Friday night. It was hard to give him up - those old maternal gut feelings sprung up ( like "he needs me", and "who will take as good care of him as me") when I dropped him off this morning. His Paternal Grand-Parents have him until Thursday, when his Mom and Dad return from a two year delayed honeymoon. He will be fine - I keep telling myself). I don't know how these blogging mothers find time to read all those books they write about, I only squeezed in about 30 pages myself during the time I had him.

To Kindle or Not to Kindle

2010-04-16T00:42:00.000-07:00

I received a Kindle for Christmas. As I still have in my possession more than several books I have yet to read, I have been going back and forth between the device and the books. I do love the ease in purchasing what I want to read the moment I want to, but it does take some getting use to, or least it did for me. I received it without a cover, so reading from a flat piece of metal, though sleek and light was kind of weird. I now have a cover which makes it easier to handle and I no longer fear it will be scratched. It is great to accumulate a library of books on a device weighing only 10.2 ounces, but I still feel good holding a book, turning the pages, and admiring the cover illustrations that sometimes are the reason I'm drawn to a book in the first place.

I do like my Kindle (Thanks Mom) and will continue to use it, and on occation buy a book, if not only to have a place to put one of my many bookmarks!

The best Macaroons I've ever tasted

2010-04-13T12:39:00.000-07:00

Macaroons....I don't even want to check how many calories I consumed of these last night. I torn this recipe out of a copy of the LA Times Magazine in 2002. Please note the fold lines and wrinkles. I don't bother to copy recipes - I just fold and stuff into my recipe box!

I guess you just can't have one. My daughter made some for relatives on Saturday - at their house. She brought one for me - I ate it - loved it - and couldn't stop thinking (out loud) about how much I wanted to have another one. Thus last night, my daughter in return for helping her prepare for her "simulation", made them for me. ( She is a nursing student and will be examining a newborn today under the watchful eye of a teacher that she is more than a little intimidated by.)
I ate three! I tried to avoid my husbands rolling eyes...but I noticed. But so what, they came out great, and I will only save a few and give away the rest.....I promise.

The recipe came from the magazine article written by James McNair and it's adapted from his book Afternoon Delights Here it is:
Coconut Macarrons
Makes 1 dozen cookies

14 ounces sweetened shredded coconut, about 4 cups
11/2   cups granulated sugar
1       cup egg whites (from about 8 large eggs)
1/2       cup all-purpose flour
2        teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4        teaspoon salt

Line a baking sheet with kitchen parchment and set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and mix thoroughly. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent scorching, until the mixture is fairly dry and stiff, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
Using a #20 (1/4-cup) ice-cream scoop with a release mechanism, scoop up level portions of the mixture and place about 1 inch apart on the lined baking sheet. Transfer baking sheet to a 350-degree oven and bake until the macaroons are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes, then peel the macaroons from the parchment and place directly on the rack to cool completely. (Macaroons may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.)
Enjoy!

The 2009 - 100+ Reading Challenge

2010-04-12T00:14:00.000-07:00

I'm joining my first book challenge! I should have joined in January, but oh well, I have until December to complete the challenge.

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count. Go to Home Girl's Book Blog: The 2009 - 100+ Reading Challenge: Post Your December Reviews to join in.

My Books:
1.The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
2. This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
4.Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

I'll keep adding, but I better get a move on!

Book Selection for May

2010-04-11T16:32:00.001-07:00

After a little bit of back and forth regarding length and interest, the Brown Eyed Girl's Book Club decided that for our next gathering we would read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. I haven't started - I'll wait till it gets closer to our next meeting in May. I just started reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. It's starting out a little dark, but I like dark.

LA Times Book Fair

2010-04-10T19:40:00.000-07:00

Pan Dulce coin purse from Xochico

My only purchase at the LA Times Book Fair last year was this coin purse. I bought three, gave one to my

Mom and the other two went to my Aunts. They loved them.

Seeing Culture Clash was a highlight, especially for my Book Club Brown Eye who accompanied me. She stood in line to get sign copies of several of their CD's. We sat in to hear several authors speak, including Marlee Matlin. She is smart, frank and funny. The thing is I didn't buy one book! We browsed for hours, found a number of books that I knew I would buy in the future. What I came away with - besides the conchas - was real pleasure from being in the mist of so many authors, and thousands of people that share my love of reading.

We will be going to this year's Fair on Saturday April 24th. www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks I'm really looking forward to it.

Saturday's Meeting

2010-04-08T17:07:00.001-07:00

All went well at our book club meeeting this week. No drama....I guess there was enough at the last meeting. Everyone was on their best behavior and seemed to have come ready to enjoy and participate. There was plenty to eat, and the girls seemed pleased with the wine selections. I was glad that everyone seemed pleased with the reading selection (The Help), and had something to contribute to the discussion.

Everyone agreed that they would recommend the book to others, as it was well written with character's and a story line one could connect with on an emotional, sociological and historical level. For us, all being Latina, the book did bring to mind Latina women who even now housekeep and care for the children of other women and continue to experience degrading and unfair working conditions.

One member recalled how her boss had been outraged that the housekeeper who she had let go ( she didn't like her ungrateful attitude) called the house to speak with the children to see how they were. This same women had decided to reduce the wages of her current housekeeper as the housekeeper would no longer have to drive the children to school but yet, asked the housekeeper to do additional chores around the house with the extra time. Another member suggested that someone give her a copy of The Help. I reminded them there would be no guarantee she would connect her behavior with anything she would read in the book. Miss Leefolt sure didn't when she read what had been written about her. The girls agreed.

We all had a good laugh though when the chocolate cream cupcakes were distributed. I can only hope the person who brought them didn't have any hard feeling against anyone there! You would have to read the book to understand.