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Karen J’s last login was 6 days ago. « hide recent activity
Karen J is now reading Honeymoon in Tehran: Two Years of Love and Danger in Iran.
Karen J is now reading Persian Girls.
Karen J is planning to read The Heretic's Wife.
Karen J has read In the Garden of Beasts.
“ I would rate this as 3.5. Very readable and Dodd, the ambassador is interesting. His daughter was annoying and vapid and detracted from the story. ”
Karen J added Honeymoon in Tehran: Two Years of Love and Danger in Iran.
Karen J has read Lipstick Jihad.
“ Not to sound too New-Agey, but I ended up liking this book since her move to Iran contributed to her growth and maturity. ”
Karen J is planning to read Titanic love stories.
Karen J has read Nomad.
Karen J is planning to read Nine Coaches Waiting.
Karen J has read Mennonite in a Little Black Dress.
“ Had its funny moments but I find these intellectual snobs in their ivory towers pretty loathsome. I thought she was looking down her nose at the Mennonites most of the time and it rubbed me the... ” (see full review)
Karen J’s last login was 6 days ago. show recent activity »
Rated 4 stars
Rated 5 stars
Read the review for The Black Echo
Read the review for The Kennedy Women
Read the review for The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Read the review for Colony
Read the review for 102 Minutes
Read the review for Haunted
Wonderful! I will check out yours too! Best way to find new books!
Hi Karen,Let me know what you think of Garden Of BeastsI've enjoyed his others....just haven't gotten around to this one.
I hope you enjoy Gifts From the Sea, it is beautifully written and filled with wisdom. I think it was a favo for me last year.
Hi Karen I enjoyed browsing your shelves. We seem to have the same taste in books. Want to be friends?
Hi theregood to hear from you.Nothing really planned to read Shattered yet. I still haven't found the book, but will look into it. I'm giving a bit of a break on TC at the moment, though, but will get back to it soon. When are you planning on reading it?
Definitely have read Milton's Marilyn. A new Marilyn book was just published and is on my "to buy" list. It is suppose to be of her private letters. I flipped through it; and you know, I wonder who rakes in all this money on her behalf. Someone out there owns her trust. It used to be her psychiatrists family; I wonder if it still is.
Oh, my gosh! I was so addicted to Knots Landing! Could not miss it...used to have get together's with friends on premiere nights...And I'm not a soap person...ok...at least not during the day...but I loved Knots. I would love to see those again...see all the hair, make-up and clothes that I used to think was the absolute coolest. Abby.I am so glad that homeschooling is working. And it really seems for Lindsey that it is the best thing to happen for her. Imagine a few years down the road and she's struggling because of something she can't control...can't describe and NO ONE is watching? That's a teacher's job...to work with the parents and make sure a child is reaching their full potential. Haley was the same way...would spend most of her days in "Haley's World"...we finally had her diagnosed with ADD. We put her on Foculan (sp?), which is non-habit forming, doesn't accumulate in the body...she focused much better...but her grades were never bad so we didn't see a lot of difference there. I don't like medicine...and I do think people are so quick to slap ADHA, ADD, etc... on kids these days...but they did help Haley focus. But after a while we noticed, even after upping the dosage, they had leveled off and we pulled her after a couple of years. Now, in the meantime, she had developed better study habits so we're happy with the decision we made. But we still notice her drifting sometimes while working on homework. But I know you'll make the best decision for Lindsey, there's no right or wrong answer here.Check out this blog...pioneerwoman...you've probably even heard of her. But she homeschools and has a homeschooling section on her blog with a lot of really interesting ideas. But she is more "freestyle" so some things may not work for you but that's the beauty of homeschooling, you do what works for you and your kids. I think of homeschooling often...I just don't think I'm cut out for it.So you got a chance to check out the blog? I'm still getting used to it...it's a lot different than writing to someone and knowing who that person is that will read it. I hope I find a grove and the writing gets smoother. But I've only been blogging for 2 weeks and I have no idea if these numbers are good or not, but I've had over 1000 hits. Most have been from PTI (my favorite stamp company) and 9 followers. But almost no one knows I'm even blogging so I like those numbers. And should get a makeover this week...those pumpkins are driving me nuts! But I'm glad you like it...that means a lot. You know writing. You read more than I do! :)I would love to read that memoir...and I can definitely imagine Lita cutting you before she would take any crap from you! She was a fantasy of Patrick's back in the day... I haven't seen the movie...but I've been meaning to check Netflix for it...have to remember again.And reading for me has kind'a been the same...here and there...when I get a few minutes. I really think it's the weather...cold and dreary...I just want to sleep. I can't wait for Spring! We did have 60's this past weekend...but another cold front coming in tomorrow. Hopefully we're done with snow though. I've seen enough this year...I think most people have. What happened to Global Warming?I'm about to fall asleep I'm so tired...so I will be back!
Hello?Do you remember me?I can't believe I haven't been on here for....2 months!! GASP!Where did time go?Seriously...where?First...I still have your package...it's sitting here with my MIL's Christmas package...I'm doing so good.I actually have some other packages as well...I forget when I'm rushing out the door in the mornings but I SWEAR I will get it in the mail next week. We've got snow (again) right now and I know I won't be getting out tomorrow...teens tonight so the roads will be ice in the morning. We just came off an entire week of snow days last week...preceded by 2 weeks Christmas break...preceded by a week of snow days! And I am half crazy with being confined with the kids while it's COLD outside. I love them...I breathe for them...but we're seriously getting on each others nerves this winter. But I haven't lost any pieces of either of my eyes yet...maybe because I'm staying out reach of the little guy! I'm so dreaming of summer and the heat. Surely it can't be too far away.There's no way I'm going to get caught up on everything...so I'm just going to jump in and try and pick up as best as I can.How were your Holidays? December was a rough month. It's already a tight month because of the Holiday but we had major unexpected's. Car repairs that broke us and then Ryder...well he has had a drinking problem. Milk and juice at night. He wound up having to have dental surgery. That just pushed finances, and my nerves, over the edge. I was so glad to see December end...even though it backed us up for this month as well, not as bad, but I'll be glad to see February. Hopefully we'll be back on track...right in time to start paying $4 a gallon at the pumps. I hated having that car repair on Patrick's truck...was really not prepared for it and it couldn't wait. I actually thought of just trading it off, getting something more economical, but it's paid for! I'm glad I realized that before we did it, so I'm down a couple of thousand instead of $40k...much easier to swallow in the long run. I'm starting a Christmas Club...next year if cars need repairs at the worst time of the year...I'm going to be prepared!How's homeschooling going? I know you were eager to try it. How are the girls doing with it? I actually think I would enjoy it, ok...not so much in the winters...but I don't think I would be good for my kids. They wouldn't learn from me and I know this. I'm too disorganized...there would never be a schedule...and ID channel would run a Deadly Women marathon and they would be on their own...I've gotten seriously addicted to ID. But I hope you are enjoying it...probably taken a while to get a grove going? I follow a blog, Pioneer Woman, love her photography, but she has a homeschool part on her blog with lots of tips and things. She makes it look easy.And speaking of blogs...I started blogging. I still have some tweaks to do on it...design tweaks...and have been waiting but decided to just take the plunge this week and start going for it. I'm hoping with time I get more comfortable and things become smoother, but there's a blog hop next week at my fav stamp co and I want to try and participate. It'll be my first. If you ever want to check it out...itsapatchworklife.blogspot.com is the address. And share your honest opinions...I know you will be honest with me and that's what I want, tell me what I'm doing wrong.Patrick and the kids loved HP (I can't believe it's been this long!!) and are already waiting and planning for the last one! I'm really going to be sad with it. No more books and now...no more movies. I miss the books. I keep hoping she's going to come back for more. I may make that a project this summer, reread all the HP's. It's been a while.Reading the last of my Fae series...came on Tuesday and I'm hoping to finish it tonight, since I don't have to get up early tomorrow. Been waiting almost 1 1/2 years for it...now I just want all the answers. Ok. I know I am no where close to being caught up...please don't let me go this long again. SCREAM at me next time I go more than a week. I'm losing track of time lately...it's going so fast.Hope all is well with all you and can't wait to hear from you.
Karen: Regarding "The History of Love"...my reaction exactly. Hope you are enjoying the holidays ;-)
Hi Karen,I've finished the audio of LifeThe last disc also has a photo bonus.I would have to say no stone left unturned.I'm happy I listened.
OK. I'm back! SO much to catch up on!Congratulations! 9 years! In today's times that's like 25 years was 20 years ago. And I just read a report today about how marriage is now longer a necessity in a relationship, like it's actually a dying thing. Without it though, what's to keep one from bolting when things get rough? I know divorce is there, but there's a lot of thought put into that decision, it's not as simple as just packing your bags and leaving. And I have heard of Del Mar! The festival sounds amazing! I love going to those kind of things, I usually find way too many things that I want though. But it's always better if Patrick isn't with me. That way he just never knows... And sometimes, I agree, the "craft" part is not so good. And I wonder how people can make a living actually doing it.Fall Festival over! Thank goodness! It wasn't bad, but not as good as I hoped. Granted, had hoped to sell everything...But I don't know if it was because of where we were in the school or if people just honestly didn't know what we were doing. Since it was the first year doing this, maybe a little bit of both, but I wasn't disappointed. I had thought someone I knew was going to share the booth with me, which we would have split the cost, but she decided not to. She was going to do treats/goodies and I'm really glad she didn't do it afterwards, she may have been taking a lot of it back home and out a LOT of money, but I did decide to do one little goody, hoping to bring people over. Have you ever heard of Cake Pops? It's cake, on a stick, looks just like a lollipop? SO good! And it did bring people over, but I still brought a few back home. Anyway, I sold a few cards and things, have a package for you to take to the PO (which I'm just horrible about getting to), but I'm going to try and get it out, hopefully you'll get it before Thanksgiving. Now, the plus side to not selling everything is that my Christmas cards are all done and Hunter's out of school next week so I am going to get those addressed and ready to send. I was literally still making cards last year on the 23rd so I'm very impressed with myself right now because I'm ahead of the game! But I wouldn't be against doing it again next year, I'm just going to see how the year goes and what all happens. I do know I won't do it if it means a couple of months of busting my a*# like this year. If I don't have a stash already done, I won't do it. But I am glad it's over. And I've been in Christmas mode since then...And the house will hopefully be all decorated by the end of the weekend (except for the outside because Patrick refuses to do that before Thanksgiving!) and I'm getting close to being done with shopping. Hoping to have it finished within the next couple of weeks and then not having the stress of it, can just enjoy the season. We've cut way back this year, and I'm glad. Granted, we have never believed in going in debt for the next 6 months or anything but it's only 1 day and to spend so much on it, I think the real meaning of Christmas gets lost in all the commercialism. I just enjoy having the kids and Patrick home, snuggling up with a big cup of latte and watching the lights twinkling on the tree. I love seeing the kids faces when they open gifts and being with family, but there's just so much pressure! But it's also sad this year because I honestly think this may be the last year with Robert "believing". He was already making comments last year and he's been getting snoopy this year...I don't want it to end! It's magical and I dread the day when they all know and that magic is gone. They're all growing up so fast, the girls turn 13 next week!! Teenagers! And this year has sped by unbelievably fast! I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week!I hope Mondo and Michael get a show! I love them both and Gretchen should NOT have won! Her clothes were so...ordinary. There were a few good pieces but I did not think her collection was good enough to win. Mondo should have won. And I honestly hope Ivy is on the unemployment list for a very long time for all her meanness! That's mean of me, but I can't help it, she was horrible! She was a bad designer and just couldn't accept that, blamed everyone else for her shortcomings, and then was just a horrible person on top of it! I believe in karma too, hope it pays her a visit. And I hope I like the next season's designers better than this one...there were so many I just didn't like.So what's happening with Craig? I didn't realize he was out of work. And you and Kurt did all you could for him. You can't go to work for him so why would he think you two get just get him the job? He has to be responsible for himself and if someone is willing to help, that means *help*, not do it all. Catch me up to date!Patrick is taking Haley and Robert to see HP tonight...and yes. On a school night. But they've been sleeping and I spoke to Robert's teacher today and told her he might be a little groggy tomorrow and she said she would take it easy on him. He went in and told her he was going and she told him he better NOT come in talking about it tomorrow because she can't go till the weekend and she LOVES Harry Potter and he can't spoil it for her. I told him they could talk about it on Monday. He's so excited.OK, caught up for a bit but I'll be back!
Thanks so much, I ordered it so it will come soon. Thanks
Hi Karen, I've been pretty swamped with work (and missing my Shelfari time!), but as soon as I come up for air, I'll take a look at my shelf and see what I can recommend as a follow up to "Wild Swans." Hope all is going well in So Cal. Up here in the Bay Area, everyone is going nuts for the Giants. As a big baseball fan, I'm just enjoying the ride ;-)
Hello, I see that u have read Ghost Story by Peter Straub???? IS this a good novel??? Is it scary???
I'm almost done with all of it, and with almost 2 weeks to spare! Still have birthday cards, I want just a few of them, but then I'll be done. I just hope I haven't put all this work into it and can't even break even on booth space! But at least I'll know. If it doesn't do well, then it'll be my one and only. I just enjoy making the cards and lately it's seemed like work and it's tested me. I want it to stay fun. But after the 5th, I'll be so much better at posting!So did you go to the card party? It's how I got hooked. Like I really needed a new obsession...But I really do enjoy it and love it when a project turns out just like I imagined, or even better. Ok, gotta dish on Runway! What did you think of Ivy coming back and starting her trash talk. She is such a sore loser! Big baby! How dare she say Michael was holding her spot! She wasn't any good, NO talent, that's why she was gone, not because Michael cheated. And her karma comment...then hit getting hit with the needle? I don't know if it was edited that way or if it happened that way, but I believe karma did get her! I just wanted to reach right through the screen and slap her though...she irked me to a very high level. And Michael last night? I felt so bad for him, but then he really overreacted. I did think his was better than Andy's though. And really wish they had just decided to put them all at Fashion Week. I'm having a really hard time with this season, none of them have just really fired me up (in a good way) and really I'm kind'a indifferent as to who wins. Mondo probably has a little more for me, I just think he's cute in those shorts and hats, but I can't say I really love his clothes. But he was so brave to come out about his HIV status on national tv, that had to be so hard. And it probably did lift an incredible burden from him. My allergies were so bad, I had an unbelievable headache and was eating Motrin like candy, I didn't got to Audrey. I had some book club friends get my books signed for me. Went on Saturday for just a bit, came home and slept like the dead for a few hours. Not my best weekend. I did buy Mr. Peanut. Had read some reviews on it and it sounded interesting, didn't realize the author was from Nashville. But again, had someone else get my book signed for me. Reading it right now, and very intriguing. I'll let you know when I finish.It's not past Halloween so you should be able to return those costumes! But then again, you'll be prepared for next year...Or maybe a last minute party. I don't know what the boys are going to be, a week till Halloween and I'm not ready! You can tell I'm off my game with this festival thing...I'm always prepared! I still haven't gotten the kids treats done for their classes and I always have them done by the end of Fall Break! Hopefully I'll get those done this weekend.And good luck to Craig! Even though he may not always treat you guys right or always do what in the best interest of someone else, he's your brother and I think it's great that you and Kurt are willing to try and help. And I agree, I think Kurt may be a keeper too. Don't you just love when our guys do something that just make us so proud.Ok, I know it's quick again, but promise, promise I'm almost done! But I had to come on for a bit to try and stay caught up just a bit better!
"Wild Swans" is one of my favorites, Karen. It was one of the first non-fiction books I read about China, and led to many more satisfyling reads, particularly about the transitional 20th century.
I am such a horrible friend to have these days! Every spare minute I can find I'm working on this craft thing, I only have one month from today and I'm cutting, stamping and gluing like crazy. Hope it does well. If not, I will have Christmas cards and tags for the next 5 years! I'm at least hoping to make back the booth rental...And the kids are out on Fall Break for the next 2 weeks so I'm really hoping to have everything finished by the end of break, then my pace will slow down. Though it's then the holidays...But honestly, never been this busy before!Book Festival is this weekend, I look forward to it every year and this year knowing my time is so crunched, I had only planned on going on Saturday, but Audrey Niffenegger is only there on Friday and I have to go for her, she's the one I desperately want to see, so that ruins my Friday. I'm down 2 days of crafting. Until I get everything done for it, I can't think of anything else. If I don't do decently ok, it'll be the one of these I ever do, too much stress.So we're all good, I'm still here, lousy friend, but I will find time to get back on and catch up on everything before the week is out. I miss you!
The party sounds fun! I wouldn't go. So out of my element anymore. I used to not shy away from them, but I'm like you, and jeans and t's now and I just wouldn't want to put the effort into it. I'm lazy. But it still sounds like fun. And I have to say, the hairstylist sounds the best! I have never gone and gotten my hair done special for anything, wait! I think I did my wedding, but I'm also thinking I just did it myself...isn't that horrible? I can't even remember! But I do love having my hair played with. And even though those leggings are from the 90's, they're coming back! So you're probably very stylish right now!And he was the perfect Pennywise. He scared the bejeebers out of me! Which was his job, but every time he's on, Patrick just has to give the "Kiss me, fat boy" line. That's when I jumped, and he laughed. And even though it's long, The Stand was good. I catch it on SyFy every once in a while too but never have the time to just sit and watch it all the way through.And I remember Patty Duke, and it seems I heard something about her but couldn't remember what until you said that she was bipolar. Her son was in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he played Sam. One of my favorite movie(s), you have to watch all 3 but the way they were done is like one big one. Kurt had never heard of her? Maybe he just forgot who she is, I thought everyone knew who she is.I hate that Michael D. left, granted his outfit was SO not Jackie O, but I just liked him. I'm so tired of the trio of @itches! Gretchen, Ivy and Valerie, uuggghh! And Gretchen really does think she's it! She critiques everyone! I guess they forgot to tell us that one of the contestants is actually a very famous designer with years of experience and is also going to judge the show! At least she seems to think so...And Casanova had grown on me and I was so sad to see him go. I know he wasn't a good designer, he was never going to make till the end, but I just liked him. And I'm so glad Mondo won last night! I just adore him. And I agree about Andy too, his pants...? Again, SO not Jackie O!! Do you think some of them even truly knew who Jackie O was? She was classic style, how could they ever think for one moment that she would ever consider some of those clothes that showed up on the runway last night?I'm working on my stuff! It'll still be a bit before I get out the package, doing one thing up and then moving to the next, but I'm going to send one, once I get all of that done. I'm making Thanksgiving and Christmas cards, baby cards, gift tags...the list goes on. I won't make any money, but I can hopefully earn some to buy more "toys". This is an expensive little hobby and there's so many stamps I want. Did you see my card on facebook, that I won a contest? One first time entering anything, and I won 1st place! It's Whippersnapper on facebook if you missed it. That was the stamp I used for one of Patrick's Father's Day cards, it's perfect for him. He would rather be fishing, or hunting, or golfing...And enjoy next weekend! I love visiting MI, I just couldn't imagine living there. Too much winter. I'm a Southern girl and I like my winter's short! Is she the friend with MS? Maybe the cooler weather will be better for her, sometimes weather does effect people differently.Ok, short note but I had the time and figured I better do it now before a week passed and no time. Or the stupid internet goes down again! It's doing better, but some days...you never know!
Hope McKenna's party was wonderful and she had a great birthday! Did your brother come? Or even call?I know I'm so late getting back, internet still giving problems, but also really busy working on some stuff, explain that in a bit!Ivy should have went home Thursday night, why did they keep her? It was her design! Who cares who executed, it was by HER direction! I wanted to reach through that screen and slap her! She's exactly what Michael Kors said, "she's a seamstress". That doesn't equal designer. I can sew, but I can't design and I'm smart enough to know the difference! And her holier-than-thou-I'm-the-best-designer...oh,please! Casanova was not the best designer, I can't believe he even made it that far, but he was so sweet, I hate that he's gone. And the way they talk about Michael C.!! He's not been my favorite, he cries too much for me, but he's not the worst designer and he is willing to listen and learn, which is slowly making me overlook the tears and next week he may be the one I'm rooting for all the way. Just because of the way they treat him. And little Mondo...he was so sweet Thursday night and it took a lot to admit he was wrong and misjudged Michael C., and he didn't throw him under the bus! He is actually my favorite right now just because is so cute and sweet, and after Thursday night, I really hope he gets to the final 3. He impressed me. But I like Andy too, I think he's a good designer. Gretchen...don't like her because she's not all that!Loved IT! The movie and Tim Currie...Patrick still teases me about "Kiss me, Fatboy!", jumped out of my skin the first time we watched it! And I've never liked Tim Currie since. But Stephen King's books are always so much better than any of his movies. My favorite movie of his is actually The Stand, it's the one I felt they did the best job with overall. Still like the book better, but if I had to pick a movie, that would be it.I can't wait for Audrey Niffenegger! There are some other really great authors: Amy Greene (Bloodroot, highly recommend! She's the author I went to hear in a winter storm this past February), children's author Mo Williams, Lee Smith, Jill McCorkle, Fred Thompson(he may not be a great author, but I've always liked him), Susan Gregg Gilmore...there's more, I just can't think. But Audrey Niffenegger is my must see. Hopefully I still adore her after I meet her, sometimes it's better not to meet them...Ok, I have to ask, how did Kurt handle McKenna's comment on "put your husband way in the back"? That cracked me up! But I have to say Haley used to be very similar to McKenna in that respect, but now that she's going on 13, she's discovering boys. My plain, basic, jeans-and-tees, no fuss, basic hygiene girl is changing. I'm excited, but also worried. And all because of boys. She's starting to try out fashion, wants to change her hair beyond the wash and wear style, starting with jewelry, is actually starting to pay attention to her outward appearance beyond "brushed hair and teeth, have deo" good-to-go! Which does excite me, I've been waiting, but also very nervous. Make-up won't be far behind. But hopefully if I give on a few things, a little at a time, she'll ease into it and won't sneak behind my back, which from personal experience is not good. Live and learn. Made so many mistakes when I was her age and my Mom wouldn't give on any of that stuff, so I waited until she wasn't around. And for the future, don't know if Blake has read them, because they're YA, you need to read the Suzanne Collin's series, The Hunger Games. I'm not big into YA but a friend recommended them to me, the 3rd one just released last week I believe, and got them in, it's one of the reasons I haven't been on. Haley read the 1st one first, then I picked it up, could not put it down, even when I had to, all I wanted to do was to able to read it and couldn't wait for the day to be over so I could (because still haven't figured out how to read and drive). Then she started the 2nd but was taking too long so I took it from her last weekend and finished it, went straight into the 3rd. All I thought about was reading these books, loved them! I didn't want them to end. Loved, loved these books. I was obsessed for a week with these books, just wanted to do nothing but read them, now I pay a price because I have a mound of laundry to catch up on, and we won't even discuss the state of my house! I'm not really responsible when it comes to things like this, I WILL ignore work when I am in the middle of a good book. It'll still be there when I'm done, believe me! But I'm recommending them. They are violent, but they don't go into lots of detail to the violence. When you get a chance to read them, we'll talk because as an adult, I see relevance in today with these.Ok, and my 2nd reason for being so long is working on paper crafts. I'm working on some things right now, not as much as I would like but I had those books to read, and you will be getting a small little package when I get a few more things done, so don't be surprised. But you have to tell me what you honestly think because I'm working on this for a craft thingy. Never done anything like this, never thought I would, but Robert's school has a Fall Festival every year and last year I suggested some things (I've been to the same festival for 7 years, nothing ever changes!) and they actually combined a couple of ideas that I gave. So instead of my original plan of just donating, I think I'm going to rent a booth and try to sell some of my paper crafts. Patrick's all for it. Because I won't actually make any money, especially not for my time, but I can make some money to buy more stuff! Which actually saves Patrick money in the long run. Not going to start a business or anything, this is still just a hobby, something I enjoy doing, but it would be nice to maybe make back a little of what I spend on it. There are people who start businesses from it, but very, very few ever actually make money from it, and even then, probably not enough to justify all the work and headache. But I'm going to send some samples so you have to tell what you think.Caught up for a bit, now to housework!
Hi KarenI left this message elsewhere...but here I am again.If you'd like to join us in historical fiction group for The Illuminator...we'd welcome your comments.
