Shaiha's Ramblings

Sneak Peak

2012-02-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

The Conference of the Birds by Habiballah

Page from a manuscript of the Mantiq al-Tayr (The Language of the Birds) of Farid al-Din `Attar

ca. 1600; Safavid Iran (Isfahan)

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, gold on paper

10 x 4 1/2 in. (25.4 x 11.4 cm)

Fletcher Fund, 1963

I just love this piece of artwork and it is the inspiration for the February Art Bead Scene challenge. I kinda knew what I wanted to make but it didn't work out. Obviously I needed some new beads to inspire me so I went shopping on Etsy and found a new to me lampwork artist Rosemarie Hanus and her wonderful shop Spawn of Flame. I mean look at these beads that I picked up! How can I not be inspired.

As soon as they arrive and I make my pretty I will be sure to share it with you all.

Book Review: The Department of Magic

2012-02-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

Magic is nothing like it seems in children’s books. It’s dark and bloody and sexual – and requires its own semi-mythical branch of the US Federal Government to safeguard citizens against everpresent supernatural threats.

Join Jasmine Farah and Rocco di Angelo – a pair of wet-behind-the-ears recruits of The Department of Magic – on a nightmare gallop through a world of ghosts, spooks, vampires, and demons, and the minions of South American and Voodoo gods hell-bent on destroying all humanity in the year 2012.

Only Rock and Jazz, in the company of a ragtag team of urhobos – homeless guardians of the District of Columbia – can prevent it by resurrecting “Goddess America” in a mystical ceremony on the Fourth of July.
It’s all just a normal day on the job at The Department of Magic – where new employees entering its offices are never seen again, while mysteriously continuing to draw full salaries and benefits, sometimes for decades or even a century after.

With a magical cast of characters and a wry insider’s view of the US Federal Government, here at last is a Harry Potter for grownups.

* * * * *

Despite the deaths, murders, and various paranormal nasties that abound in THE DEPARTMENT OF MAGIC, I found it to be a fun, lighthearted read. Perhaps it is because is difficult to take the book seriously which is a good thing especially if you have trouble sleeping. This book also explains the rather strange layout of Washington DC’s streets and the fact that it has some of the better weather to be found in that part of the country.

The author, Rod Kierkegaard, Jr. does a great job of hooking the reader right in the beginning with the murder of Farah and Rocky’s employer. One just has to keep reading to find out just what they got themselves into. And what that was is a life filled with magic and far too many paranormal creepies. In fact so many that I had trouble keeping up with them all. I was pulled out of the story a few times trying to remember just what they had discovered about this or that creature.

I did enjoy the character development shown by Farah. She grows from a spoiled fashion chit that was part of the beauty queen pageant to a caring woman that can be counted on in any situation. Not that she ever grows out of using her beauty to get her own way at times. Rocky however seems to be stagnant. Possibly because he just tends to go so much with the flow that he really doesn’t have obstacles to overcome that would force him to change.

I will admit that I did have problems finishing THE DEPARTMENT OF MAGIC which is disappointing when you consider that it started out with such a bang. Instead towards the middle it really started to drag as Farah and Rocky move from one theft to another, from one disaster to another. And the ending was more of the same.

This book might appeal to readers looking for a lighthearted fast paced paranormal but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I rate it a 2.

***I did receive this book from NetGallery for a limited time in exchange for the review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

Three Pounds of Beads

2012-02-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

Sound and look enticing? Then hop over to Copper Diem to enter the contest.

Guilty Pleasures

2012-02-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

My guilty pleasure this week is tea. Now of course that is also an everyday pleasure but this is special. I join the Insider Club at Golden Moon Teas. For this club the owner will choose a batch of excellent tea and share it out thru the club. Now these are teas that don't make it to the regular marketplace as there just isn't enough of that particular harvest available. Definitely more expensive but it is a great way to check out some of the world's greatest teas.

Book Review: The Last Beginning

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Though she's always hated being a phoenix, Sadie has to admit immortality has its advantages. She's seen and done more in the last 150 years than she'd ever dreamed of, but she can't get past the fact that Osiris has done nothing but manipulate her and her fellow phoenixes.

Or that, when her last incarnation as a phoenix comes to a fiery end, the fire slowly begins to consume her body.

Sun god Osiris is ashamed of his role as ruler of the Underworld, but he unless he can figure out how to save Sadie, that's exactly where she's going to end up. Permanently. Terrified he's going to lose her, he takes her on a hunt for The Book of the Dead, which is the only way he knows he can save her-even if it means she'll hate him forever.

* * * * *

When I requested this book I didn't realize that it was the third in a series. That however shouldn't really have mattered as all books in a series should stand find on their own. I was rather confused at the beginning of this book as it assumed that I would know characters from the previous books.

I also found that the main characters could really stand to be fleshed out more. Yes I know that Osiris really wants Sadie but what else makes him tick. We are shown that Sadie is holding a grudge against him for both recent happenings and also things that happened 150 years ago but we are told that she isn't one to stay mad at someone for that long. I really need to know more about her to be able to understand why.

This isn't a bad story and it is a quick read. It's just that I feel that it has the promise to become a really good story with a few changes. As it is I only rate it a 3.

**I received this book free thru NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

Beautiful Things

2012-02-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Now I am sure that not everyone would consider this pic to be a beautiful thing but I just love clouds. Probably a good thing considering the fact that I live the Puget Sound region. Besides it struck my fancy when I was looking for a pic to share. I have a lot on my camera but I refuse to d/l any of those until I get the ones that I have organized with Lightroom. Good thing that I have a large sd card in it.

It's been utterly gorgeous weather here the last couple days. I need some of those in the winter to help chase away the blahs and the fibro.
I cleaned out and organized my tea cabinet. I gave away a huge basket full of teas so that someone else could enjoy some of my older teas. That or the ones that just didn't sync with my tastes. I also managed to find some of my favorite teas that I lost in the move. I am just hoping that they aren't too stale though even if they are they will still taste good. Just not as good.
Went to Imbolc last Sunday and it was truly a blessed events. Beautiful ritual and good friends. We had in the church were we hold the Witch's Ball. It might seem strange to folks to have a pagan ritual in a Christian church but the space is truly sacred regardless of the religion holding the ceremony.

Contest: Ssh-oes

2012-02-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

One of the things I really missed when I messed up my back was the ability to wear heels. And I don't mean the sensible ones. I am short so I really like the 4" heels. Well the good news is that my back healed up enough that I can wear them but after a full day my tootsies sure are sore. Well now a company has addressed those issues. Be sure to stop by BLOGGING GOOD NEWS! to find out more about the shoes and a wonderful giveaway involving those shoes.

Excuse my germs

2012-02-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

I really did have plans today. I was going to run by the bank and then head out to a friend's house to work on a book and enjoy the group's company. Instead I wake up with a headache and nausea. There ought to be a law.

Random Thoughts

2012-02-03T20:52:00.000-08:00

Bejeweled 2 (Photo credit: PB-PSBear)

· It’s totally dead at work which makes for a very long day.

· Starting a blog calendar to make sure that I kinda plan out postings.

· Starting working my way thru the training book I got for Lightshop. Just on the first chapter but I am amazed at what I can do with it. I love all the effects. Hopefully that will improve my pics.

· Just occurred to me that since I don’t have a big enough table for my light box and a tripod that I can kidnap the husband’s. He has a tall one.

· Already started planning out my entry for the ABS Challenge. Actually thinking about 2 entries since they popped into my head.

· If I keep entering these challenges then I will really start building up some stock to sell.

· Sometimes I feel like I need to write everything down. Was told of a great place that does consignment locally and I forgot to write down the name.

· Decided that Angry Birds is not for me. I am more a Bejeweled kinda girl. Wonder what that says about me.

· I HATE having to get dressed up for work but we had some bigwigs coming into today so I had to get moving early to actually apply makeup and a skirt. Actually gauchos and boots.

· Need to get my roommate to finish putting up the shelves in my studio. Then I can finally stop restraining myself when I find goodies that I want to buy.

· Bored bored bored.

· Oh I entered another challenge. This one based around music. It is being hosted by Erin of Treasures Found.

· Can’t wait to get home. Wonder if anyone would notice if I snuck off to my studio.

Guilty Pleasures

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am a pagan and I am a Cancer. All signs point to me be associated to the moon and the moon's metal is silver. All well and good. I am very much a moon child. But I look like crap in silver. Now mind you I do love silver. My favorite colors are silver and black. But my skin tone doesn't agree and if I don't want to look like death warmed over I do need to listen to it some times.

So I have been looking for a pentagram in gold. And I think that I have finally found one thanks to Yasmine Galenorn. She posted about a gorgeous pent that she had ordered and I just had to check out the jeweler.

Mark Defrates has some beautiful designs and they aren't all pentagrams. Looking for a dragonfly? He does them. How about a Tibetan Knot ring? He does those too.

Now what I am looking for is the 14k gold Pentagram with a diamond in the center. Of course. Now does anyone have an extra couple thousand laying around?

Beautiful Things

2012-01-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I really think that moving this to Sundays was one of my best decisions yet as far as regular postings in my blog. It gives me the opportunity on Saturday nights to reflect on the past week.

Massages. Need I say more? Due to the weather and work schedules I ended up going three weeks without one. So on Wednesday I was finally able to make it back in. At least I can move again though it looks like it is going to take a couple weeks to get my neck working again.
I changed my primary care physician and I really like her. When you are dealing with chronic illnesses it really helps to have a doctor that will actually listen to you.
I was able to find a bracelet that I swear the pixies kidnapped. One of my roomies asked if I could make some changes to her bracelet I made and also make her a matching necklace. Easily enough done as they were both primarily chain. I worked on the bracelet first and then set it aside to do the necklace. The darn bracelet disappeared. I tore my studio apart looking for it all to no avail. Thursday it suddenly reappeared on the mat where I do most of my work. Just one of those things that makes you go 'hmmm'.

Review: The Iron Duke

2012-01-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power — and fear — of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

Mina can’t afford his interest, however. Horde blood runs through her veins, and despite the nanotech enhancing her body, she barely scratches out a living in London society. Becoming Rhys’s lover would destroy both her career and her family, yet the investigation prevents her from avoiding him…and the Iron Duke’s ruthless pursuit makes him difficult to resist.

But when Mina uncovers the victim’s identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans — and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

* * * * *

I first ran across Ms. Brook in an anthology that had one of her steampunk novella and was rather impressed so I immediately put this book on my wish list. When I first started reading it however I was disappointed. The beginning was rather slow and well dragged. It wouldn't be the first time that an author does really great novellas but are not able to translate into great novels.

However this is one of those times that I am really glad that persevered. Once this book picked up it really picked up. The story became fast-paced with all kinds of twists and turns. I really enjoyed reading about some of the inventions in this world such as the metalmen and the butterflies.

But what really made this book was the love story between Mina and Rhys. He was all ready to go full steam ahead and possess Mina but was willing to slow way down and help her conquer some pretty severe fears. For a man that had no idea about the softer emotions, he really impressed me by his willingness to learn.

The ending was satisfying as far as Mina and Rhys' story arc. However there were a lot of loose ends that weren't tied up. I am hoping that those will be addressed in a future story. I do feel that this is an interesting world however for the reasons that I already noted I can only rate this book a 3.

*This book is one that I purchased.

Book Review: Dark Sins and Desert Sands

2012-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

When a mythical creature arouses the minion of a dark god, no passion can be denied, no secrets left hidden....

Escaping a hellish Syrian prison, U.S. serviceman Ray Stavrakis emerged with uncanny mind-control powers and an eerie ability to morph into a mythical Minotaur. As a half man, half bull, Ray had legendary power, but only one woman could prove his innocence.

The woman who’d driven him to the brink of insanity with her cool-eyed interrogation and her hot-blooded sensuality. But Vegas psychologist Layla Bahset had no memory of Ray or her past. Only a feeling of being stalked by a nonhuman predator. Was it Ray…whose eyes condemned her soul even as his hands ignited her body? Or was another evil force at work? But nothing could stop Layla from remembering what she was…and what her evil creator had planned for her and her soldier lover…

* * * * *

Ms. Draven has created a world that very closely resembles our own except for the fact that the Gods walk among us as well as other creatures out of legends. And it could be possible as I am positive that there are more things out there then we have discovered as of yet. I found this world to be interesting and it does cause one of wonder if the war in the desert has been going on for long due to a God's interference.

I found DARK SINS AND DESERT SANDS to be an interesting book with very personable characters and a good plot. It does make for an enjoyable book to curl up with. And most definitely not one that I regret reading. However it was missing that unexplainable spark that is needed to lift it out of the pack of other paranormal romances. Perhaps it was the fact that I felt that the pacing was slightly off in places. It almost felt as though the author was trying to race through portion of the story yet in others it seemed to drag. Because of this, I am only rating this book a 3.

**I did receive this book from NetGallery for a limited time in exchange for the review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

Guilty Pleasures

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Here is the Seattle area we have been dealing with a lot of snow and rather cold weather for us. This has me dreaming of the tropics. And since I don't want to go thru the hassle of getting a passport I am thinking the US Virgin Islands would be a great place to spend a bit of time to warm up.

It is just a beautiful location and while you could just spend time of the beach, there is so much more to enjoy. And I have to admit that while lazing on a beach sounds wonderful about this time, I tend to burn to easily so I am more apt to check out some of the culture. I would definitely want to experience the local foods and hit up some of the artisan markets. And let's not forget the music. I am probably not up to dancing anymore however I wouldn't mind sitting in a bar, having a MaiTai and enjoying the music.

So has anyone been there and what did you think of it?

World Rare Disease Day

2012-01-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

World RARE Disease Day will be on February 29th! 1 in 10 Americans are affected by a RARE disease and more than 350 million people are affected worldwide. 75% of RARE diseases affect children and 30% of children with a RARE disease will die before their 5th birthday.

The Global Genes Project is a grassroots effort to bring more awareness to the rare disease community to secure funding for developing treatment and ultimately, a cure. Currently only 5% of rare diseases have any sort of treatment.

-Join the “1 Million for RARE” movement and like the Global Genes Project Facebook page
-Tweet @GlobalGenes. Use #1Mil4RARE
-Spread the word!

Please share this post......

Thank you Jolly Blogger for providing the post.

http://roxannajolly.com/2012/01/world-rare-disease-day/#more-3332

KitCat

2012-01-23T21:03:00.000-08:00

I promised that I would get a picture of the new cat. She doesn't really have a name yet as we are waiting to see what she responds too. In the meantime
I have been calling her KitCat. I started that both because of her size (which is tiny..maybe 4 pounds) and her coloring. Kinda reminds of the wrapping on a KitKat bar. She is a little demon cat. Even though she is older than most of the kittens I adopt as she is about 7 months old, she has NO manners. We are having to teach her the word NO and that it applies to
counters and the table. And she is running my poor male kitties ragged.

Beautiful Things

2012-01-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

Well I survived the Seattle snow storm of 2012. My only regret is that I didn't get out and take some picture to share it with everyone. But I am a warm weather creature so I spent most of my time hibernating. Anyways I wanted to share a picture of bright colors and happy plants. This pic was taken at the Seattle Center last October. I just love the hot colors in it. Almost enough to warm a person up. So now onto the week's beautiful things.

I was lucky enough to be able to take some vacation during this snow storm;. So for the most part I got to appreciate how pretty it was without worrying about getting stuck anywhere. My SUV handles well in the snow but it is so light that it gets stuck easily.
My husband had to rescue our dogs on Tuesday. Apparently the wind blew the door open and they were all outside. So he went out in the snow to call them. Barefoot. Since then a toe on each foot started turning black. This had happened late last year also and the doctors just blew him off. This time around we went to a different doctor and we finally got a diagnosis. He has Raynaud's Disease which can be easy to control once we get it back under control. He just has to keep his feet warm.
Our new kitten is settling in well and is definitely a daddy's girl. Now we just have to figure out a name for her. She came with the name of Mangle which doesn't fit. Besides since we already have a Monster, folks will start to wonder if we run a little house of kitty horror.

Monthly ABS Challenge

2012-01-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

One of my goals this month is to enter the monthly challenge at Art Bead Scene and I just finished making this bracelet for the challenge. Every month they post a picture for inspiration. Then you make a piece of jewelry or whatnot using art beads. Here is the picture that I took my inspiration from.

I love the color combo of the greens and peach. Also the trellis. I used pearls and jasper to mimic the leaves and then used art beads from Studio Juls to bring the peach of the flowers.

I have to admit that I am pretty happy with the bracelet if not the photo. I am experimenting with the new light tent.

Hot Tea Month

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Image via Wikipedia

This entire month is a holiday that I can really get behind, Hot Tea Month! Of course I am personally I am pretty sure that every month is a month for hot teas.

Anyways to help celebrate this month I wanted to share some of the tea shops that are online that I frequent. And these are in no particular order other then alphabetical.

American Tea Room They carry a wide variety of teas that are always top drawer. They do tend to be a more expensive then other vendors on some of their teas but I have found that when I want a special oolong for a treat this is where I go.
Butiki Teas This is actually a vendor that I haven't ordered from as of yet however I have tried out some samples. They carry the Kenyan Purple Teas as well as the Kenyan White Whisper which are all delicious. I have to admit that the White Whisper is my new favorite white tea.
Canton Tea Co. This is one that I don't order thru directly simply because they are in England but I do get their Mi Lan Dong Cong thru a local vendor that carries their stock. An oolong to sit and savor and one that resteeps beautifully.
Life in Teacup They are actually on holiday until January 27th but they are worth the wait. This is one of my go to spots for excellent oolongs.
Norbu Tea Company This is the other vendor that I tend to get my oolongs from. I have never been disappointed.
The Persimmon Tree They are a newer addition to my list but they have the best coconut tea that I have ever had the pleasure of trying. Also they always have free shipping no matter the size of your order which makes them really accessible. And right now they are running a sale of 20% off all teas.
White August Tea Company They have some interesting blends but what really keeps me coming back is that they have the best iced tea blends. That only makes sense for a company based in Arizona.

Well that's it for my list. If you try out any of these vendors let me know what you think. Also if you have a vendor that you think that I should try be sure to let me know.

Book Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin

2012-01-19T10:36:00.000-08:00

Meet the Blackthorn Brothers—three unrepentant scoundrels infamous for being mad, bad and perilous to love.

Handsome as the devil and twice as tempting, Robin “Puck” Blackthorn lives for the pleasures of the moment. His only rule—never dally with an innocent woman. But when an encounter at a masquerade ball leaves him coveting the one woman who refuses to succumb to his charms, Puck realizes hat some rules were made to be broken…

Scandalized to discover that the masked man with whom she’d shared a dance—and a forbidden embrace—is in fact the ton’s most celebrated rake, Regina Hackett vows to keep her distance. Yet when her dear cousin vanishes, it is to Puck that Regina must turn. And as they embark on a dangerous journey through London’s darkest alleys, Regina will discover that beneath Puck’s roguish facade lies a man who will stop at
nothing to protect her—or to convince her to take a chance on an unrepentant sinner.

* * * * *

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SIN is the second book in the A Blackhorn Brothers series and is about the second brother. Puck is actually the youngest which makes sense in a lot of ways considering his outlook on life. No matter the situation he sees the best in life and enjoys it. That's an attitude that a lot of us should strive for.

One thing that I really like about Ms. Michael's romances is her heroines. None of them seem to the 'norm' for young ladies of that time period and Regina is no exception. She is over-educated for the time, brave, stubborn and willing to disregard society's strictures if needed. In other words, someone that I could really relate too. Her and Puck are just perfect together.

This is the second book of Ms. Michael's that I have had the pleasure to read and I have to say that I am sold on the author. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SIN has wonderfully developed characters, snappy dialogue, taut pacing and an interesting story line. What more could a person want?

I recommend this book to any lovers of historical romance and rate it a 4.

* I did receive this book from NetGallery in exchange for the review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

Guilty Pleasures

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

My guilty pleasure for this week is one that I do indulge in fairly regularly. So why is it a guilty pleasure you might ask. Well because I do feel guilty simply because I have so many loose teas that I could and should make up and ice. Especially since I have a lot that will be getting stale here pretty soon. But there are some times that the convenience of sticking in a K-cup just overrides the should dos.

So what is your guilty pleasure for the week?

Book Review: One Hundred Candles

2012-01-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

It’s taken a long time for me to feel like a normal teenager. But now that I’m settled in a new school, where people know me as more than Charlotte Silver of the infamous Silver family paranormal investigators, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with a popular football star like Harris Abbott? After all, it’s not as if Noah is anything more than a friend...

But my new life takes a disturbing turn when Harris brings me to a party and we play a game called One Hundred Candles. It seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until spirits unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now my friends and family are in very real danger, and the door that I’ve opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

* * * * *

It is really starting to look as though 2012 is going to be a good year for books. And I am very glad that I got the opportunity to read and review ONE HUNDRED CANDLES.

This is actually the second book in the Past Midnight series the first book actually called PAST MIDNIGHT. There were enough mentions of what occurred in the first book to make me curious but I didn't feel shorted in the least by not reading it first. I want to give Ms. Purnhagen real kudos for striking that delicate balance as I do tend to be anal about wanting to read books in order.

In some ways this is a typical young adult novel with the heroine facing the dilemmas of what to wear with what, who she was going to the prom with and dealing with the seeming disintegration of her parent's marriage. But then we toss in the Watcher who attacked Charlotte and all the strange happenings in her high school. When you blend it all together the result is a book that I had a hard time putting down.

The characterizations were first rate and the pacing perfect. All in all I was very impressed and do recommend this book to readers of Young Adult and Paranormal. I rate this book a 4.2.

I did receive this book from NetGallery in exchange for the review. No money exchanged hands and all opinions are my own.

Martin Luther King Day

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cover of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let's all take a moment to give pay tribute to a man that was all about equality for all humans. Martin Luther King Jr was able to show the world that it is possible to have change without violence. This rings a bell with me especially now since here in the US we now have another movement for change that is taking the nonviolent route. I can only hope that the Occupy Movement succeeds as well as the one for Civil Rights.

Book Review: The Morrigna

2012-01-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

Maurin Kincaide is a psychometric investigator for Salem's Preternatural Task Force. She’s spent the last few years working crime scenes and using the memory links in fingerprints to catch criminals.
When the current bad guy turns out to be a demon, Maurin must work with Seamus—the task force’s prime suspect for unleashing said demon. She follows Seamus deeper into the supernatural community and discovers there’s a lot more going on than anyone guessed.

Our unique investigator is quickly enlisted from her day job by the Council, a secret governing body of all things Other. They want her to find out more about the abundance of demons in Salem and who might be controlling them

* * * * *

I really enjoyed reading THE MORRIGNA finding it to be a book that I just didn't want to put aside even to sleep. I am really glad that I started reading it on a Saturday night. Ms. Rawlings did a really great job on the character of Maurin making her someone easy to relate with. She is a strong woman in some ways but boy does she have her insecurities. I also found the secondary characters to be rather interesting and they really helped to both flesh out the story and to add comedic relief where needed. There is one thing however...I would have really preferred to have Maurin's love interest fleshed out much more then he was.

This book is set in an interesting world and I would love to see more books in this series. Though I have to admit that after taking on an ancient Celtic Goddess of War, I am really not sure what would top that. Guess that I will have to wait and see.

I rate this book a 3.8 and recommend it to lovers of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romances especially as this book seems to be a blend of both.

*I received this book at no charge from Red Hot Readers. All opinions expressed are my own.

Beautiful Things

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was suggested to me that since one of my goals this year is to improve my photography skills that I really should start showing off some of my pics. Great idea! This is one that I took of an outbuilding at the Seattle Center when I was there for the Northwest Tea Festival. I just love the painting that was on it. Now onto the things that made me smile.

I finished the training this last week. I will now be selling cell phones for a carrier that I don't even use. But it looks to be a lot of fun. I really needed a change and this was a chance to get that change while not changing companies. After all I really enjoy the company that I work for.
One of my on again off again roommates became engaged last weekend. I am so excited for her. The marriage itself won't take place until she gets out of college as she is attending school on VA plan. Besides hopefully by then gay marriage will be legal in this state.
Our new kitty. She is so tiny even though she is a polydactyl and they tend to be large. Came with the name of Mungo which neither myself or the hubby cares for. Have to wait to see what she names herself though.

I hope that everyone has a great week. We are expecting snow here tonight which should prove to make it interesting to get to work on Monday. Aw well.

Shaiha's Ramblings

Sneak Peak

Book Review: The Department of Magic

Three Pounds of Beads

Guilty Pleasures

Book Review: The Last Beginning

Beautiful Things

Related articles

Contest: Ssh-oes

Excuse my germs

Random Thoughts

Guilty Pleasures

Beautiful Things

Review: The Iron Duke

Book Review: Dark Sins and Desert Sands

Guilty Pleasures

World Rare Disease Day

KitCat

Beautiful Things

Monthly ABS Challenge

Hot Tea Month

Book Review: A Midsummer Night's Sin

Guilty Pleasures

Book Review: One Hundred Candles

Martin Luther King Day

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Book Review: The Morrigna

Beautiful Things

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