tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-938069494015352832024-03-17T20:01:45.556-07:00Jon Bear and Carlyn Girl's small adventuresMy name is Jon Bear and my friend is Carlyn Girl.We have decided to create this blog in an attempt to explore our inner desires/personal drive and create a list of goals which we hope to achieve throughout the year. These are not necessarily overly ambitious goals,thus our small adventures.Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-15220417263209950472023-07-20T19:59:00.004-07:002023-07-20T20:00:28.236-07:00Words on Bathroom Walls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K3tdT0vqogMIMeeQcCTqNDgBiTgME45DLcmzIzRMZHhEJwyDtak9FSNmoBONbhJwDi6AjnGvdOCjwUkBpkrkl4m74X7bPoX3YSj4lUDWjbovoZt6eSxLfUCPrJUtn57WI_7bKsvZmNRlhNHkzIeKBRUK1soNy-8GB_QF3-LT9TbULD3izu57fX63FaGu/s384/Words_on_Bathroom_Walls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K3tdT0vqogMIMeeQcCTqNDgBiTgME45DLcmzIzRMZHhEJwyDtak9FSNmoBONbhJwDi6AjnGvdOCjwUkBpkrkl4m74X7bPoX3YSj4lUDWjbovoZt6eSxLfUCPrJUtn57WI_7bKsvZmNRlhNHkzIeKBRUK1soNy-8GB_QF3-LT9TbULD3izu57fX63FaGu/s320/Words_on_Bathroom_Walls.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Words on Bathroom Walls is an American drama (2020) about a
teenager named<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam Petrazelli (Charlie
Plummer) who suffers from schizophrenia. He moves to a new school after a
psychotic break which leaves him alienated from his peers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adam’s constant
companions are his imaginary friends Rebecca (Anna Sophia Robb ) a hippy who
wants him to be in tune with his feelings,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>the bodyguard (Lobo Sebastian) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>who
protects him, Joaquin ( Devon Bostick) a sleazy bro and the darkness (Jared
Bankins) a dark mist of negative energy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Adam tries his best to ignore his imaginary people as they
hinder him from being present in his everyday life. Adam is able to relax from
his mental illness when he’s cooking. His dream is to go to culinary school to
become a chef. He makes a friend at his new school called Maya (Taylor Russel)
who has her own secrets. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed watching this movie and thought it handled the
subject matter sensitively. I hadn’t thought about schizophrenia before and how
it could affect a young person. In the movie, Adam tries his best to ignore his
delusions, but the other characters can see that he’s distracted. I can see how
difficult it would be to ignore delusions and pretend that everything is okay. It
would also be difficult forming relationships because you would be worried if
they will accept you. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought the performances in this movie were wonderful.
Charlie Plummer played Adam with a realistic vulnerability and had great
chemistry with the rest of the cast. All the characters were complex and played
brilliantly by the actors. Taylor Russel and Charlie Plummer had great
chemistry. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I think this movie would be suitable to watch with family
with older children or teenagers. As an educator, I would suggest it for a book
and film study for English or wellbeing course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4E1-RnpOe8Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="4E1-RnpOe8Q"></iframe></div><br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-85410250823239626372023-06-18T14:25:00.001-07:002023-06-18T14:25:00.168-07:00X0 Kitty <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7nqUbkeBVr6pNbQqadEdn4FJkNTsrja_q4t_Yc0R3TDcAThbA63dBYa710NEsjLnwlwo06CZj7eTLBi8YV62ajZChYKO7BLwg-AZriSiCRdAPPnoBu20SycUhA53UOVN86GjCC2CMXUcJUH1UqtoxsAkgI4oLAP-SrjBsmY4Q8VDtqeLVi3b2HbPWA/s1156/photo-1598899134739-24c46f58b8c0.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="1156" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7nqUbkeBVr6pNbQqadEdn4FJkNTsrja_q4t_Yc0R3TDcAThbA63dBYa710NEsjLnwlwo06CZj7eTLBi8YV62ajZChYKO7BLwg-AZriSiCRdAPPnoBu20SycUhA53UOVN86GjCC2CMXUcJUH1UqtoxsAkgI4oLAP-SrjBsmY4Q8VDtqeLVi3b2HbPWA/s320/photo-1598899134739-24c46f58b8c0.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@grstocks?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">GR Stocks</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/q8P8YoR6erg?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">XO Kitty is a spin off series from the movie series, To all
the boys that I loved. The series stars Anna
Cathcart as Kitty, a Korean American who goes to boarding school in Korea. She
goes to boarding school to learn to learn more about her deceased mother who
went to the school and be with her long-term boyfriend Dae-heon Kim (Choi
Min-young). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn1CylVGIM2NAiisYZ-bMWJuntgy44BJfiWj9ROeyu31pfckAeMSt8S4zUq_5f-fL2pH1u1-HqBT36ZHbz3CHhtB7o7fRnP6Yl7pFhXMIvut24pSb-BZwgsHHLWp_FWIwUeveOye_yXpij86exjgcudkB2_pzbkaIm-0N48lA1SZXik68Tm_7nX6cJg/s2222/KITTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2222" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn1CylVGIM2NAiisYZ-bMWJuntgy44BJfiWj9ROeyu31pfckAeMSt8S4zUq_5f-fL2pH1u1-HqBT36ZHbz3CHhtB7o7fRnP6Yl7pFhXMIvut24pSb-BZwgsHHLWp_FWIwUeveOye_yXpij86exjgcudkB2_pzbkaIm-0N48lA1SZXik68Tm_7nX6cJg/s320/KITTY.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">imdb.com</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s a cute series that’s perfect for binge watching. I love stories where the characters are in
boarding school. I think it’s something about being with your friends 24/7 and
being independent at a young age. It’s fantasy viewing with the eye candy cast
members and cool clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The only criticism
that I have is that the series had the ‘I can explain trope’ where there’s a
big problem and one of the characters refuses to listen. All their problems
would be solved if they would hear them out instead of storming off. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m not sure if there’s going to be season 2 but I will
watch it if comes out. </span><o:p></o:p></p></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vP9C33H6G3E" width="320" youtube-src-id="vP9C33H6G3E"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-80391037336838440812023-06-02T13:47:00.005-07:002023-06-02T13:47:35.591-07:00June Happenings <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsnsZ1GtQs23JaVu2CI47N1zRfP9WcwVxilI_gH1V39e3F4QbJNXdV9u5ef-9vxJrDeSvWVk3tbegLnhQhEATM627O5iTp8N0wARm4f4NEZzTACHSEP9k9lTw8zCjJnND5uKp81OSmO1vWZCrKaZuueLU4B9r4NB0IzmzDVU-t-wiU3ryCrO0_EVUqGQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="2976" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsnsZ1GtQs23JaVu2CI47N1zRfP9WcwVxilI_gH1V39e3F4QbJNXdV9u5ef-9vxJrDeSvWVk3tbegLnhQhEATM627O5iTp8N0wARm4f4NEZzTACHSEP9k9lTw8zCjJnND5uKp81OSmO1vWZCrKaZuueLU4B9r4NB0IzmzDVU-t-wiU3ryCrO0_EVUqGQ" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@giulia_bertelli?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Giulia Bertelli</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/2OU30mdtseY?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Life </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My life has changed so much since I last wrote a blog post.
For starters, I have moved back to my hometown, and I have a new job. I teach
at the local school. It’s been a bit of learning curve for me as all schools
have different ways of doing things. I also had some high behaviours in the
class which made me rethink my decision to move back home. Thankfully, I have supportive
admin who were able to help me, and the class is going as it should. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiikEIcQsxdmsCK1qONgssMkKLe4ZKTP4HlFn9KcR734q4FxNqND8-8CxDe0rZJ2bSonkYfB2KjzilpcqTHC3GSIkgGNhL17EmIEc7MW1x98DdaDskxD8uLDIOf3MbSF4yWZFchrDGP5rSydxFZ3GgDY1U5XiJWRk_-IJMtCv6a5_NhfsjwvGz-N-7r_Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="1172" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiikEIcQsxdmsCK1qONgssMkKLe4ZKTP4HlFn9KcR734q4FxNqND8-8CxDe0rZJ2bSonkYfB2KjzilpcqTHC3GSIkgGNhL17EmIEc7MW1x98DdaDskxD8uLDIOf3MbSF4yWZFchrDGP5rSydxFZ3GgDY1U5XiJWRk_-IJMtCv6a5_NhfsjwvGz-N-7r_Q" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cdc?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">CDC</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/gsRi9cWCIB0?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Watching </b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m currently binge-watching Sea Change. It’s an Australian tv
show from 1998-2000. Sigrid Thornton stars as Laura Gibson, a city lawyer who
moves to a small coastal town to be the magistrate. She must deal with
adjusting to life at a slower pace and the kooky town folk. I can relate to
being in a small town, having lived in a few of them. I would agree that
there’s never a dull moment in a small town. I also get nostalgia from looking
at old fashion and technology. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yoVZ-eo4bRI" width="320" youtube-src-id="yoVZ-eo4bRI"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Reading</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m still reading Piranesi by Susanna Clarke which Jon gave
me for my birthday last year. It’s an interesting story. It’s about this man
named Piranesi who lives in this strange endless house which he believes is the
world and there are marble statues everywhere. The only interaction he gets is
from another man who is called the Other. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFIwxrJMWNFmHCtf2raqAvXAtriclJzrYvIxoUNjGWL8_-m__rUfJbxb_GeIvFOZxoEqVQ_rTuqOXLspZwWsrwKBNlA91h7d2MUuCBkzg9rSHlTcrhxVxCVYHnUKemxY0-6JxRjpUknH2TqAiJ9-ogenVgEZos6G7J63McJaZS24ZzX6OiWoMu5z7ong" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="185" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFIwxrJMWNFmHCtf2raqAvXAtriclJzrYvIxoUNjGWL8_-m__rUfJbxb_GeIvFOZxoEqVQ_rTuqOXLspZwWsrwKBNlA91h7d2MUuCBkzg9rSHlTcrhxVxCVYHnUKemxY0-6JxRjpUknH2TqAiJ9-ogenVgEZos6G7J63McJaZS24ZzX6OiWoMu5z7ong" width="173" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wikepedia.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-43495272459674608192022-01-06T21:26:00.002-08:002022-01-06T21:26:51.997-08:00Carlyn's Diary: January 2022<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiKgfOv1WYA-mkh36OE2IgnyiMwSwjrmUiUIQNRF-GtGTLW2tDHQ9I8MrY1Ke2josxZED-ddzJQcrso5eJBaaQQSaOOOLQJZY5lvheqasqP2RjTXu_wLujSlSdI_N05C_bTLwKm9SAUw96t9HMvOPKE1NZvsDcqvM3P0dCKeiohCbAC5WbdE35jYLLDQ=s622" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiKgfOv1WYA-mkh36OE2IgnyiMwSwjrmUiUIQNRF-GtGTLW2tDHQ9I8MrY1Ke2josxZED-ddzJQcrso5eJBaaQQSaOOOLQJZY5lvheqasqP2RjTXu_wLujSlSdI_N05C_bTLwKm9SAUw96t9HMvOPKE1NZvsDcqvM3P0dCKeiohCbAC5WbdE35jYLLDQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">My best
friend is getting married! I’m a bridesmaid and helping her with the wedding. She’s
still in the early stages of planning. It’s been fun looking at dresses and
shoes. I’m currently thinking about what to include in my bridesmaid’s speech. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4a5lKPodDOI/YdfOSkJDJ9I/AAAAAAAACpQ/BtxsEnPEEaIMn3gIeRdL6VhsFIeJh4oSACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="867" height="214" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4a5lKPodDOI/YdfOSkJDJ9I/AAAAAAAACpQ/BtxsEnPEEaIMn3gIeRdL6VhsFIeJh4oSACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/5VhSc5jCA2g">source</a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reading<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am
reading Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer. It’s a retelling of the book Twilight
by Stephanie Myer from Edward’s perspective. I like the different perspective
as it adds more to the original story. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZU1dtWaY7s/YdfOyq6WncI/AAAAAAAACpg/Xuwua9U4DcEpLmjw7NQ947Bc9jiYdsedwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="257" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZU1dtWaY7s/YdfOyq6WncI/AAAAAAAACpg/Xuwua9U4DcEpLmjw7NQ947Bc9jiYdsedwCNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="159" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amazon.com.au" target="_blank">source</a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have also
subscribed to Audible and I have listened to many novels. It’s a great way to
catch up on books. I like to listen to audible when I’m doing chores. The book
I’m currently listening to is I can’t make this up by Kevin Hart and Neil
Strauss. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o2xUgi05Lic/YdfOioK1m4I/AAAAAAAACpY/KDe01TtJSCM75zD-jMtwjU7JeKa6GLAkACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o2xUgi05Lic/YdfOioK1m4I/AAAAAAAACpY/KDe01TtJSCM75zD-jMtwjU7JeKa6GLAkACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="158" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/i-can-t-make-this-up-kevin-hart/book/9781471174001.html?source=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw9qOBhC-ARIsAG-rdn7Q35uR87kk8pHxcYNagvpfeHBBzNXhS_oSzxvK1omi2eIB39jSmPEaAqQiEALw_wcB" target="_blank">source</a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Watching<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m loving The
Princess Switch movies starring Vanessa Hudgens. Vanessa Hudgens plays three
characters, Princess Stacey, Queen Margaret and Miss Fiona Pemberly who all
look alike and switch places a lot. The Princess Switch is a fun Christmas movie.
If I were a kid, I’d probably watch it nonstop. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-WBhj57fHeI" width="320" youtube-src-id="-WBhj57fHeI"></iframe></div><br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-26671544629104692122022-01-04T17:58:00.000-08:002022-01-04T17:58:04.505-08:00The Babysitter’s Club BSC Forever : Everything Changes by Ann Martin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fr0VnScHKqY/YdT63uwNTFI/AAAAAAAACpI/-WRg91aTuj49dhC2Gle0oRjpZUI6xj2rACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fr0VnScHKqY/YdT63uwNTFI/AAAAAAAACpI/-WRg91aTuj49dhC2Gle0oRjpZUI6xj2rACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="160" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com">source</a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I’m
obsessed with The Babysitter’s Club series. When I was a little girl, I thought
they were the coolest books ever. I always look for the old books when I’m in a
thrift shop. The series has been republished but I like the old books from my
childhood. I have a big collection of Babysitters Club books and I hope to
collect them all. I haven’t read all of them yet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The BSC
Forever series is a spinoff of The Babysitter’s Club which focuses more on the
girls rather than babysitting. This series also concludes The Babysitter’s Club
story, with the girls moving on to high school having other interests. This
book is a special edition where there are several story lines, told in letter,
email and diary format by different characters. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book is
set during summer vacation and the girls don’t babysit in this book. Kristy is at
summer camp, Maryanne is at home, Claudia goes to Monhegan island with her
family and Stacey goes to New York to spend time with her dad. The other
babysitter club members are mentioned but don’t feature much in this book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don’t
think this special was as good as others in the series. The characters usually
are more connected and communicate with each other more. In this book, the
characters mostly interact with their closest friends rather than as a whole
group. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristy <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristy’s
story was mostly told through diary format and letters. I didn’t like the diary
format because of the abbreviations. In a diary, Kristy abbreviates her friends
names and as A. for Abby, MA for Maryanne. I understand that it makes the diary
entries more authentic because diaries entries are meant to be a stream of
thoughts. You might shorten things to save time or use code words for secrecy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristy’s
storyline was about her dismay about The Babysitters Club falling apart. In the
book, several characters want to pull out of The Babysitter’s Club to focus on
other interests. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Claudia <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story I
did enjoy was Claudia visiting Monhegan island with her family. Monhegan Island
is located near Maine. It’s a small little island know for its artists colonies
and fishing. I liked reading the descriptions of the island and how Claudia was
enjoying hiking, painting, and drawing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stacey<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stacey is
New York to spend time with her father as her parents are divorced. She’s 13
and dating someone who is 15. The dad doesn’t like the age difference and her
father doesn’t want her to spend too much time with him. I thought there would
be more fighting about this but Stacey handles it maturely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maryanne<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maryanne is
living with her family in a temporary place since their house burnt down. Her
grandmother comes to stay with the family. Maryanne is also feeling smothered
by her boyfriend Logan for trying to support her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little tedious reading Maryanne’s storyline.
Maryanne is a very timid character, and she doesn’t resolve anything by the end
of the book. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-72903587641953689802021-06-26T17:06:00.000-07:002021-06-26T17:06:12.396-07:00Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell - book review by Carlyn <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Vc4k8qi4Rw/YNfAXaPkkXI/AAAAAAAACnc/iE_Np-h5PvYZlIRItO84u6cgXKZIEx_kwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img data-original-height="177" data-original-width="118" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Vc4k8qi4Rw/YNfAXaPkkXI/AAAAAAAACnc/iE_Np-h5PvYZlIRItO84u6cgXKZIEx_kwCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" title="Eleanor and Park" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit to amazon.com<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Eleanor and Park is a coming-of-age story set in the
late 80s. The teenagers meet on the bus on Eleanor’s first day of school. She
is the weirdest girl that Park has ever seen, and the other kids aren’t kind to
her. Park lets her sit with him begrudgingly and over time they form a
relationship.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Eleanor and Park come from different backgrounds but
share a love of comics, music and science fiction. Park is half Korean American
and lives with a loving family while Eleanor is the eldest in a large and poor family. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The couple overcome many obstacles to be together.
Eleanor is bullied at school for dressing weird, being overweight and poor. While
Park struggles with being a minority, fitting in at school and his relationship
with his dad. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had read so many reviews about this book when it
first debuted. It’s a book that I had wanted to read for a long time. I was
interested in the book because I learnt that the protagonists were different to
the norm. Eleanor is plus sized, and I hadn’t heard of many books that had a
plus sized heroine. In addition, Park is half Korean and half Caucasian. The
book chapters also alternate point of view between Park and Eleanor. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m Asian and plus sized so I was very interested in
reading this book. I could empathize with the characters. I grew up in a very
white neighborhood and there were very few Asian people represented in the
media at the time. I wish there were books like this one to read when I was
younger. I recommend this book for
anyone who enjoys Young Adult fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<br /></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-81548907072498078572021-01-08T19:41:00.003-08:002021-01-08T19:42:19.189-08:00Mary Anne and the Memory Garden by Ann M. Martin <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KW54URpGXdU/X_klk5gte1I/AAAAAAAACj4/Rj_Q9xKooSUVpkWQEWKNMJTOoypBLGDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="220" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KW54URpGXdU/X_klk5gte1I/AAAAAAAACj4/Rj_Q9xKooSUVpkWQEWKNMJTOoypBLGDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Babysitters Club is a series of books about a group of girls who babysit. It
was published in 1986-2000 and there are over 100 books, including spin offs of
the original series and film and television adaptations. The Babysitters Club
books follow the lives of the girls. They have normal issues like friendship
dramas, romances, worrying about school and babysitting. There are also books
which feature more sensitive or heavier themes or topics. For example, there
are books on racism, ableism, dealing with medical issues such as diabetes and
asthma.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: medium;">This book
was written in response to fans writing to Ann. Martin about how to deal with
losing people and drink driving. I think Ms. Martin handles the matter
sensitively in a way that will engage with young readers. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this
book, Mary Anne grieves over her friend Amelia, who died in a car crash.
Amelia’s family was driving home and hit by a drunk driver. Mary Anne becomes
overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Fortunately, she goes to a therapist to help
her cope. I liked how the books illustrated grief and that Mary Anne recognized
that she needed more help. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span lang="EN-US">The
Babysitters grieve in their own way. Kristy is overwhelmed and channels her
grief in starting a chapter of the organization called Students Against Drunk
Drivers which is a real organization. The organization was started in 1986 but
is now called Students against destructive decisions </span><a href="https://www.sadd.org/"><span lang="EN-US">https://www.sadd.org/</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> .<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have been
a fan of The Babysitter’s Club since I was a child. I’ve been collecting the
books and this was the first time I read this story. Reading these books makes
me nostalgic. The book that I have is second hand and there is a little page there
is a little questionnaire page that readers can fill out. The page had been filled
out by an eleven-year-old girl named Johanna in 1996. I hope she enjoyed the
book as much as I did. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6hH3BYI5DNo" width="320" youtube-src-id="6hH3BYI5DNo"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-9488096736555082012021-01-01T22:31:00.007-08:002021-01-01T22:33:00.536-08:00My goals for 2021<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POslONlkcKg/X_ATBah3tAI/AAAAAAAACjU/Kp0o3QbkKlMHExMp-NFjytdGkFX4Xwo2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jordan-wozniak-xP_AGmeEa6s-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POslONlkcKg/X_ATBah3tAI/AAAAAAAACjU/Kp0o3QbkKlMHExMp-NFjytdGkFX4Xwo2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/jordan-wozniak-xP_AGmeEa6s-unsplash.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"> Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@j_wozy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Jordan Wozniak</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/dawn?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></div><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1. Read
all the unread books on my bookshelf. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have
about 30 books that have been collecting dust on my shelf for years. I have
thought about donating them, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I keep thinking
that if I do throw them out, I will miss out on learning some important or
meaningful. Maybe I should mark 2021 as the final year I can hold onto them,
either I read them or donate them. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2. Read
new books<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While I
already own books that I don’t read, I’d like to add more to the pile! I buy my
books from the thrift store and most are old titles. I would like to read
something more recent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3. Be
positive and have fun. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have to
remind myself to stop and enjoy the moment. I am usually the one making sure
everything runs smoothly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-9364880328056674712020-12-27T22:46:00.001-08:002020-12-27T22:46:05.711-08:00Carlyn Diary: December 2020<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s622/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m at home with my family for the holidays. I haven’t
been home since January because of travel restrictions. It’s been great
catching up with everyone and visiting old haunts. I’ve also been stocking up
on my favourite things to take back to my own place. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Reading<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m catching up on reading the Babysitters Club. I
love those books and my collection is at my parent’s house. I’m also still
reading Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It’s a book I’ve been reading on and off
for the past few years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Next year, I
want to finish up the booklist that Jon and I created back in 2011! I have
three books left. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watching<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I live in a remote island for work and I don’t get to
watch a lot of tv. So whenever I come back to my family home, I always try to
catch up on tv. I’m currently watching Star Trek Discovery. I have been a Star
Trek fan since I was a child and I’m always delighted when there’s a new series
or movie. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oWnYtyNKPsA" width="320" youtube-src-id="oWnYtyNKPsA"></iframe></div><br /><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Century",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><p></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-17667400403918247442020-10-09T15:15:00.004-07:002020-10-09T15:15:46.282-07:00Super Con-nerd by Oliver Phommavanh - Review by Carlyn <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avsOC5Kl3-s/X4DglLFavgI/AAAAAAAACiY/AzptUV3otIQQbBEc60aaTgfWFuETaOSrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s280/connerd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avsOC5Kl3-s/X4DglLFavgI/AAAAAAAACiY/AzptUV3otIQQbBEc60aaTgfWFuETaOSrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/connerd.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Super Con-nerd by
Oliver Phommavanh is the sequel to Con-nerd written by the same author. The
book is about twelve-year-old Connor known as Con-nerd by his friends. He’s a
Chinese Australian boy who has just started high school and is obsessed with
drawing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In this book,
Connor makes it into a selective high school where all the students excel academically.
It is an adjustment for Connor to not be the smartest in the room and to
struggle with some of the schoolwork. Connor also has to contend with a bully who
competes to the be the best in every subject and constantly tells him that he does
not belong in the school. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Connor finds
solace in drawing his comic The Fireproof Knights. However, his mother wants
him to study more so he can have a good future.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I enjoy reading
this book. It made me think about when I first started high school. It was a
very long time ago, but I remember what an adjustment it is from primary
school. I could relate to Connor feeling sad about drifting apart from his primary
school friends because they went to different high schools. Connor tries to
keep in contact with them but conflicting schedules and changing interests made
it difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was also
reminded about bullying. I could sympathize with Connor’s feelings of isolation
and self-doubt. I work in a school and I do have to deal with cases about
bullying. I know how stressful it would be to have to see your bully every day.
Fortunately, Connor stands up for himself and has friends who support him. I think
that older children will enjoy this book. There is lots of things they could relate
to and funny moments. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-11918554616489617862020-07-10T15:30:00.001-07:002020-07-10T15:30:50.678-07:00Con-nerd by Oliver Phommavanh- Review by Caryln<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwUqUnuk55I/XwjqyMm6AJI/AAAAAAAAChg/QEi2KKvgeGoE6tZ84TCE-J5etTWitGzCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s462/con-nerd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwUqUnuk55I/XwjqyMm6AJI/AAAAAAAAChg/QEi2KKvgeGoE6tZ84TCE-J5etTWitGzCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/con-nerd.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.penguin.com.au/books/con-nerd-9781760890896" target="_blank">source</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="arial" size="5">Con-nerd is
about a twelve year old Chinese Australian boy called Conner who dreams of
being an artist. His mother thinks drawing is a waste of time and wants him to
study to become a doctor. Connor thinks all he does is study and wants to be
regular kid. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="arial" size="5">Connor is
concerned about being a nerd and wants to be accepted by his peers. His mother has a lot of control of his life,
from the friends he has, to the music he listens to and what he does in his
free time. I felt bad for him to have that helicopter mother. I could
understand from the mother’s perspective too. She wanted what was best for her
son after sacrificing to come to Australia. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="arial" size="5">I used to
work in a tutoring company and Connor reminded me of those kids. Most of my students were Chinese and their
parents worked very hard to give them a good start to life. A lot of them
wanted to go on to selective private schools. One of my students had an extracurricular
activities almost every day. She went to tutoring two times a week, piano
lessons, tennis lessons and Chinese lesson. The only day off she had was
Sunday. She had moved from China with her mother to continue her education
here. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="arial" size="5">Connor
faces typical preteen issues, such as wanting to fit in with peers, burgeoning
romantic feelings and fears about the future. I work as a teacher and this book
reminded me of being a preteen. There have been times that I have been
dismissive about things children face. However, I know that while something may
seem small to me, it may be a big concern for a child. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><font face="arial" size="5">I also
loved the descriptions about Connor’s drawings. There are little sketches so
that you can flick through the pages like a flip book. I would have liked to
see more pictures but Phommavanh did a great job describing his character’s passion
and talent for drawing. <o:p></o:p></font></span></p>
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><font face="arial" size="5">I am excited that there are books that have character’s
from different backgrounds. I wish that there had more books like this when I
was a child. I thought this book was cute and entertaining read. I look forward
to reading more of Phommavanh’s work. </font></span>Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-74897213452730453482020-04-24T19:14:00.003-07:002020-04-24T19:14:46.414-07:00 Mary Poppin by P.L Travers review by Carlyn<div class="MsoNormal">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers, Mary Shepard (9780544439566) - PaperBack - Children's Fiction Classics " src="https://www.dymocks.com.au/Pages/ImageHandler.ashx?q=9780544439566&w=&h=310" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dymocks.com.au/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I have a terrible habit of starting books and not
finishing them. I decided that since I had a lot more time due to the Corona
Virus, that I would finish Mary Poppins by P.L Travers. It is a book that I started
reading in 2018. I found it in an old box when I was doing some cleaning.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Mary Poppins by P.L Travers is a book about a magical
and mysterious nanny named Mary Poppins. She is looks after Michael, Jane, John
and Barbara Banks who live on 17 Cherry Tree Lane, London. Mary Poppins takes
the children on adventures like going on a trip around the world using a
magical compass, having tea parties on the ceiling and meeting talking animals.
All the adventures are episodic and leaves you wanting more. My favourite
chapters were the one about a cow who couldn’t stop dancing and John and
Barbara who are babies talking to a crow. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I think one of the intriguing things about Mary
Poppins is her mysterious character. She never explains the weird stuff that
happens and even denies that it happened at all. The children are left not
knowing what to think. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I also watched the movie for the first time and I
thought it was magical. I can see why it’s a family favourite for many people. There
are many more Mary Poppins books but I’m not going to go out of my way to read
them. If I find one at a secondhand bookshop, I’ll give it a go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this book is great for children, it
would be easy for children to read by themselves or have an adult read to them.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-37893846116295944692020-04-12T22:05:00.000-07:002020-04-24T19:11:11.157-07:00Pride and Prejudice: Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith- Review by Carlyn<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pride and
Prejudice: Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith is the sequel to Pride
and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith. The book is a
parody of Pride and Prejudice with zombies added for fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The sequel picks
up where the last novel ended. Elizabeth and Darcy are newly married and adjusting
to living with each other. Elizabeth is discontent with being a gentleman’s
wife and discarding her warrior duties for the sake of decorum. When Elizabeth
and Darcy go on a leisurely stroll to discuss matters, Darcy is bitten by a
zombie. Elizabeth turns to an unlikely source to help her find a cure for
Darcy. She must set aside her morals to help the man she loves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I really
enjoyed reading this book. It’s a lot of fun. You have to embrace the
ridiculous premise to enjoy it. What makes the novel entertaining is the humor.
I don’t think there’s any laugh out loud moments but there’s plenty of
ridiculous characters and situations that make the story entertaining. There’s
always a surprise zombie attack that makes all the villagers run for their
lives and the Bennet girls spring into action. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I liked how
all the Bennet girls are skilled warriors. It was kinda like they were
superheroes because they had to hide their fighting prowess as it would be
considered unladylike for that time. While the villagers run off screaming from
a zombie horde, the Bennet sisters race into action. There’s also ninjas in the
story which add to the fun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I thought
the side plots with Mary and Kitty were more interesting than the main story
that featured Elizabeth. It was interesting for them to go on their own
adventures and love stories. I would love to read more stories where they are
the main characters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There’s a
never a dull moment in this book. The blood and gore isn’t too graphic. I don’t
enjoy horror unless it’s horror comedy so I found this book just right. There
is a prequel to this book called Pride and Prejudice: Dawn of the Dreadful by
Steve Hockensmith which will probably be more action packed as it will show the
beginning of the undead plague. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-11351282909243416472020-01-18T22:07:00.001-08:002020-01-18T22:11:12.062-08:00Life Update 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m a schoolteacher
living in the Torres Strait which is a cluster of islands near Far North
Queensland and Papua New Guinea. I have been teaching in the Torres Strait for one
and a half years. Teaching in the Straits is a challenging and rewarding
experience. The Torres Strait is made up of 274 islands and fourteen of these
islands are inhabited. All the islands are unique. There are different
languages and dialects spoken on each of the islands and the environments
differ according to whether it is a central or outer island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The new
school year is about to begin so I’ve got to set up my classroom. I’m teaching
a new grade this year so it will be a learning journey for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Books<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wclEFDar9BQ/XiPx3dNyRwI/AAAAAAAACfU/Atrdx8GiouMYYnpR7NJbPFLSj0wMrgO9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/8718281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="295" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wclEFDar9BQ/XiPx3dNyRwI/AAAAAAAACfU/Atrdx8GiouMYYnpR7NJbPFLSj0wMrgO9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8718281.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: goodreads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m currently
reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After by Steve
Hockensmith. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is one of my favourite books. I was entrigued by the idea of zombies entering England in the Regency period. This book is a prequel to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame Smith and Jane Austen. You can read my review of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame Smith and Jane Austen <a href="https://jonbearandcarlyngirl.blogspot.com/2012/07/pride-and-prejudice-and-zombies-by-jane.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> This book has been on my bookshelf, gathering dust and unread for
many years. So I finally decided to read it. I thought it would be a good
distraction for me while I was flying to the island that I am currently living
on now. I had to board a small plane to get to my island. The plane could carry
around ten people. There is no inflight entertainment or air hostess. I felt a
bit scared at times from the turbulence and the view of the vast ocean.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watching <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7L36wb-w0CA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7L36wb-w0CA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am
watching The People vs. OJ Simpson. It’s a miniseries depicting the trial of
O.J Simpson as he was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her
friend Ron Goldman. I remember watching the car chase and seeing the trial on
the news when I was a kid. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-40664232576754519402019-04-27T13:36:00.001-07:002019-04-27T13:36:12.402-07:00Life Update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo97vtb1pDs/XMS81DXRWtI/AAAAAAAACdw/U5JjgaiG8zYzTW95bgnMVkUq3t2C3AO7QCLcBGAs/s1600/53046565_2191471404503169_1539882737828102144_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo97vtb1pDs/XMS81DXRWtI/AAAAAAAACdw/U5JjgaiG8zYzTW95bgnMVkUq3t2C3AO7QCLcBGAs/s320/53046565_2191471404503169_1539882737828102144_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pictures from the island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It’s been a while since I last updated the blog. I’m
still teaching in the Torres Strait which is a group of islands near North
Queensland. I have the same class from last year which is good because I know
how to run the class and I know all the children. Four new students enrolled
last week and I’m eager to see how they will add to the class dynamic. It’s
common for families to move from island to island. I’m not sure how long the
new students will stay.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I moved into a new apartment and now I have a
roommate. I was apprehensive about moving at first and having a roommate. There
isn’t many options available when it comes to accommodation here. All the
teacher accommodation is managed by the government. I had to move out of my old
place because it was only meant to be temporary accommodation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My new roommate is a fellow teacher. We get along
great. I feel very comfortable living with her. It’s been wonderful having
someone to talk to and understand what I’m going through. She’s like the sister
I never had. We’re both alone in the Torres Strait so it’s good we have each
other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I want
to do differently this term is make more time for my hobbies. It’s very easy to
work all the time because there’s isn’t much to do on this island and the workload
for having a multi grade class is huge. However, I try to be mindful not to
burn out. I am more aware of when I’m starting to exhaust myself. I remind
myself that not everything has to be perfect and things can be done later. I
try not to make school my entire life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otRCeJyBl6M/XMS9KlW8u2I/AAAAAAAACd4/2-DnRdw-3JgArr47WzQQPzDOPQJbIpXmACLcBGAs/s1600/52663204_400508923857378_1150661750513729536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otRCeJyBl6M/XMS9KlW8u2I/AAAAAAAACd4/2-DnRdw-3JgArr47WzQQPzDOPQJbIpXmACLcBGAs/s320/52663204_400508923857378_1150661750513729536_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Besides teaching, I have re-enrolled into university
to continue with my Bachelor of Arts degree. I dropped out of it midway last
year. I regretted dropping out as I really missed my courses. I didn’t think
that I could study and work full time. I just squeeze in my study with my life.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jon has decided to stop blogging until the mood hits
him. We still keep in regular contact on Facebook. He’s posting a lot more on
that now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I measure my time by terms which are every three
months. We’re at the start of Term 2, I’ll update again when the term finishes.
Thanks for reading. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-26761869561533984882019-01-26T02:36:00.003-08:002019-01-26T02:36:41.055-08:00The Amish Cooking Class: The Seekers by Wanda E. Brunstetter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEjs2ddzpSE/XEw39cQ0bwI/AAAAAAAACc0/beceFAuIcb8EbfpRoOvV5ofT-vrf2IAmACLcBGAs/s1600/s-l640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEjs2ddzpSE/XEw39cQ0bwI/AAAAAAAACc0/beceFAuIcb8EbfpRoOvV5ofT-vrf2IAmACLcBGAs/s320/s-l640.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ebay.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">After
reading a few sad and grim books, I decided to change pace and read something
wholesome. What could be more wholesome than a novel about an Amish cooking? I’ve
always had a fascination with Amish people, so I was looking forward to this book.
Wanda E. Brunstetter has written numerous novels about Amish people and has some
Amish heritage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heidi Troyer starts a beginners cooking class
to share her love of cooking. She has five students who each have a different
motivation for joining her class. The chapters alternate between the characters.
The characters are Charlene, a young woman who wants to impress her future
mother in law, Loretta, a widow who wants to cook wholesome meals for her
children, Ron, a Vietnam veteran who has a hidden agenda and Eli, an Amish man wants
to learn to cook after his wife died and Kendra, a pregnant young woman needing
to fill in time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really
enjoyed the chapters when the cooking class was taking place. The recipes
sounded delicious and I was thrilled that the recipes were included in the back
of the book. I can’t wait to try them. I didn’t have a favourite character in
this book. They all had some good points. I felt really sorry for some of the characters
and there was one where I wanted a different ending. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing
that I found jarring with this book was the dialogue. I thought the characters
sounded similar and a little too formal at times. I didn’t think the dialogue
sounded natural. I was later surprised to learn that the book was written in
2017. I thought the book was from the 90s from the old-fashioned dialogue. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I still
enjoyed the book overall despite the dialogue. It’s the first book in series so
I do want to read the next books to learn what happens next to some characters.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-51691397994167164352019-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:002019-01-02T11:00:08.616-08:00Beloved by Toni Morrison <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEmSj_ZIFm4/XCmIEIruqwI/AAAAAAAACco/xb-5rrqCO4E63joBJu7GSbn9DZUOkBuQQCLcBGAs/s1600/220px-BelovedNovel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEmSj_ZIFm4/XCmIEIruqwI/AAAAAAAACco/xb-5rrqCO4E63joBJu7GSbn9DZUOkBuQQCLcBGAs/s1600/220px-BelovedNovel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wikipedia.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beloved is a story
about an African American former slave named Sethe who is haunted the ghost of her
infant daughter Beloved. While escaping from her master, Sethe murdered her
daughter Beloved so that she wouldn’t have to live the life as a slave. Sethe
is shunned by her community and lives her other daughter Denver. The two live
an isolated existence with the poltergeist until an old acquaintance called
Paul D. arrives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The book was
inspired by a former slave named Margaret Garner who killed her daughter, so
she wouldn’t endure a life of slavery. It is an interesting and sad case as it
was debated whether she would be trialed as a person or property.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought it was
interesting how the characters embraced Beloved and the different relationships
that they had with her. Denver has a confidant and doesn’t feel so lonely
anymore and Sethe feels like she can make up for what she did to Beloved. Paul
D. doesn’t trust her at all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sympathized with
Sethe. What she did to Beloved was terrible, but I understand that she was in
an awful situation and wanted to protect her children in her own way. Maybe I
would feel differently if she were a real person. The true tragedy of the book
was slavery and the trauma that survivors felt and having to adjust to the
world. It was hard reading the cruelty that happened to the characters in the
book and the racism of that time period. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">This book is not
something I would normally read. I had to read it for a college course that I
was taking in Gothic Literature. I found this book a little hard to read at
first because of the way it is written. I didn’t understand some of the
metaphors and the dialogue at times. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-56199367958756688242018-12-27T14:17:00.002-08:002018-12-27T14:18:22.231-08:00December 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I’m back
home for the holidays and intend to blog more. I got a new job in August which
has kept me pretty busy. I’m a teacher and I went to teach in a remote
location. It was a very rewarding experience, I have lots of good memories
about the people and the place. I’m going back next year once the school year
starts. I hope to make a lot of improvements for next year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One thing
that I want to improve on is giving priority to my personal goals. Before I got
my job, I had started on an Arts degree majoring in creative writing. It was
something that I had always wanted to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dropped out of college when I got my job
because I felt that I would be too busy to do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I missed
writing and having that creative outlet, so I’ve enrolled back into uni. I’m
still working full time, but I’ll make the time for my studies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have a
few weeks of summer vacation which I intend to catch up with friends, go out
and watch lots of movies. What I like the most about being back in city is the
availability of everything and catching up with people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do enjoy living in a remote place, but a
change of scenery is good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Reading</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am
currently reading The First Days of School: How to be an effective teacher by
Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong to get some tips on teaching. I’ve been a
substitute teacher for most of my career but now I have my own class. Subbing
is different from being a classroom teacher. A substitute fills in for a classroom
teacher who is away. Now I have to do some planning. I am looking forward to
seeing the growth of the students throughout the school year, which was
something I wasn’t a part of as a sub. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rI9MUNdd14U/XCVPM95-WAI/AAAAAAAACcc/3npukETJ6TIRsZ2K0K0k8NeUy8WoZZj3wCLcBGAs/s1600/the-first-days-of-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rI9MUNdd14U/XCVPM95-WAI/AAAAAAAACcc/3npukETJ6TIRsZ2K0K0k8NeUy8WoZZj3wCLcBGAs/s320/the-first-days-of-school.jpg" width="279" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-first-days-of-school-harry-k-wong/prod9780976423386.html?source=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIppmQsILB3wIVTa6WCh2I5AM6EAYYASABEgIIg_D_BwE">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am also
reading the bible to better understand the community that I work in. Most of
the community are Christians and the school is sensitive to the culture of the
community despite being a public school. We have a prayer at every staff
meeting and school function. I’m a Buddhist but I don’t have any problem with
learning another religion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In
contrast, I’m also reading The Davinci Code by Dan Brown. Jon Bear and I are
reading the book together and I’ll post a review about it later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watching</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I started
watching The Alienist on Netflix. It’s set in 18<sup>th</sup> century New York
and follows a psychologist, a newspaper illustrator and police secretary who
are investigating serial murders. I’ve only watched one episode and I’m hooked.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q9867sT-Y1M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q9867sT-Y1M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-84637532785293590412018-10-06T14:04:00.001-07:002018-10-06T14:10:20.197-07:00October Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" height="152" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJvMcjRfVec/UZSzLmIbZjI/AAAAAAAAAfY/XGhbsgjD_cMilHWs2OblkGUTDi8z9DAUQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s been a
long time since I blogged. In August I accepted a new job teaching in the
Torres Strait. The Torres Strait is a series of islands located up north of
Queensland. I live on a small island of 250 inhabitants and I teach primary
school. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The island is very small and it
only takes an hour to walk around the whole island. I’ve really enjoyed the
experience. The people are very friendly and welcoming. It is a bit of an
isolating experience in some ways. Mobile phone reception is limited to a few
hotspots on the island and the internet is slow. This island is not open to the
public as it is a part of the Indigenous Protection zone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve
recently had a short vacation in Cairns. It was refreshing to be back in a city
again. I went shopping and explored the sights. My brother came up from Brisbane
to join me on vacation. I hadn’t seen him since I left. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am
looking forward to the end of the year. There’s going to be a lot of fun events
happening. The school will have a Christmas Concert and the grade six students
will have their graduation. When the students have finished all their
assessments, we’ll play games, do arts and crafts and watch movies. The last
week of school was always my favourite time of year when I was a kid. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpoVPFPo1eM/W7kjULPJZoI/AAAAAAAACcQ/hDWzG5WTVRkbMtrjW0RpNmKBtUV25LV3QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180818_090229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hpoVPFPo1eM/W7kjULPJZoI/AAAAAAAACcQ/hDWzG5WTVRkbMtrjW0RpNmKBtUV25LV3QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180818_090229.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reading</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am still
reading Dracula by Bram Stoker. I think it’s a very exciting book although some
might see it as tame compared to the horror genre in modern times. I think the
story is told in a very interesting way. I like how the story is told through
different viewpoints by diary entry, newspaper clipping and telegrams. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watching</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve
recently started watching Doc Martin. It’s a British drama series about a
cantankerous surgeon who moves to a sleepy coastal town after he develops an
aversion to blood. The town inhabitants get on his nerves with their stupid
questions and beliefs. He is a very serious and blunt person which is what adds
to the entertainment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VTsJV026zzA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VTsJV026zzA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-31729854365726717672018-08-07T14:50:00.002-07:002018-08-07T14:50:51.899-07:00We Bare Bears<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz4tQqpFf9g/W2oTeRbGrFI/AAAAAAAACcE/CSaRWq9aa7QQnTqhJIJrWROIXAO7fI0uwCLcBGAs/s1600/MV5BMjM2NDQ5ODMxOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzc5MDc0NjE%2540._V1_UX182_CR0%252C0%252C182%252C2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="182" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz4tQqpFf9g/W2oTeRbGrFI/AAAAAAAACcE/CSaRWq9aa7QQnTqhJIJrWROIXAO7fI0uwCLcBGAs/s1600/MV5BMjM2NDQ5ODMxOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzc5MDc0NjE%2540._V1_UX182_CR0%252C0%252C182%252C2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://imbd.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">We Bare Bears is a cartoon series about three bears
living in San Francisco. The oldest is Grizz who is a Grizzly bear, then there
is Panda and Ice Bear who is a polar bear. Grizz is an extrovert, who loves
action movies and video games. Panda wants to find a girlfriend and loves
anime. Ice Bear loves to cook and is pretty handy with an axe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The three bears try to integrate into human society
having grown up alone and homeless. They make a few friends along the way but
mostly stick to themselves. It’s a heartwarming cartoon that everyone can
watch. The episodes are the brothers trying new restaurants, going to the
movies, grocery store and then having something go wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think this show is so cute. I’ve watched three
seasons so far. My favourite bear is Ice Bear. He’s the quietest out of the
bears and talks in a monotone. Ice Bear says random one liners that I think are
funny and endearing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">The episodes are about twelve minutes long so it’s
good when you want to something short to pass the time. I like to watch it when
I’m eating or taking a break. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-27273594292886300492018-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:002018-07-01T11:00:11.752-07:00The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m72Ck2PmVkM/Wy38hTdshAI/AAAAAAAACb8/hxYCUZfh4JsUCDygirhvS_Pg6h2jJQy1gCEwYBhgL/s1600/9781784161958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m72Ck2PmVkM/Wy38hTdshAI/AAAAAAAACb8/hxYCUZfh4JsUCDygirhvS_Pg6h2jJQy1gCEwYBhgL/s320/9781784161958.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Travelling-Cat-Chronicles-Hiro-Arikawa/9781784161958">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a story
about a white cat named Nana and his life with his owner Satoru Miyawaki. The
story is told from the cat’s point of view. Nana starts life as a stray but is
befriended by Satoru. They live happily together until something happens to
Satoru. He cannot look after the cat anymore and tries to find a new home for
Nana. The pair go on a road trip to meet Satoru’s old friends who might be able
to care for him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I’m a cat lover and I have a cat. I was thrilled to learn
about this book. I haven’t read many books where the main character is an
animal. I thought that Arikawa did a great job in making a cat’s personality.
Nana was aloof yet loving in his own way, which is what cats are like normally.
I was also interested in the book from a writer’s perspective. I think that it
would be difficult to write from an animal’s perspective. Animals don’t talk,
and a lot has to be conveyed by internal thought and their movement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story is deceptively simple. The friends that Satoru
visits reveal different parts of his life, from childhood, adolescence and
adult life. The stories reveal Satoru’s kind and gentle nature and his love for
his family, friends and cat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I really enjoyed this book. I almost shed a tear at the end. The book has been made into a film! </span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/moPha9Kzyn0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/moPha9Kzyn0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-37608939419938637482018-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:002018-06-20T11:00:09.330-07:00Mind your own business Kristy! by Ann Martin<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YK0T7ruKr5c/Wws78TDWTvI/AAAAAAAACbA/qkMwk0PrIUUA2WXa3xy8su7dFNIbg5YJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Baby-sitters_Club_107_Mind_Your_Own_Business_Kristy_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1086" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YK0T7ruKr5c/Wws78TDWTvI/AAAAAAAACbA/qkMwk0PrIUUA2WXa3xy8su7dFNIbg5YJwCLcBGAs/s320/Baby-sitters_Club_107_Mind_Your_Own_Business_Kristy_cover.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://babysittersclub.wikia.com/wiki/Mind_Your_Own_Business,_Kristy!">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">My guilty pleasure reads are reading The Babysitters’
Club by Ann Martin. There are hundreds of books in the series, I’m not sure how
many exactly. It’s a teen series from the late 80s to early 2000s about a group
of girls who babysit in their neighbourhood. I started reading them in my
teenage years and I still collect them to this day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In this book, Kristy decides to host a softball clinic
for her softball team, Kristy’s Krushers during spring break. The team consists
of some of her babysitting charges who are too young to be in Little League.
Kristy’s brother Charlie volunteers to help her out. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kristy becomes envious of Charlie because he’s able to
coach the children better than her. Her relationship is further strained when
Charlie gets into a relationship with a new girl named Angelica and begins to
shirk his responsibilities with the clinic. Kristy feels that Angelica is wrong
for her brother and does what she can to break them up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wanted the story to go in a different direction than
it did. Kristy took an instant dislike to Angelica without getting to know her.
In every book, there’s some lesson that the reader can take away. I thought it
was going to be that you shouldn’t be quick to judge other people. I thought
that Kristy would learn to let her brother go and accept that he’s going to get
into relationships. Kristy has abandonment issues after her father walked out
on the family. It is a topic that is broached in this book. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I could see that Angelica was going to be the villain
because she’s seventeen and smokes. In a wholesome books series like The
Babysitters’ Club it means you’re a bad kid. I don’t approve of young people
smoking but I don’t think that smoking means you are bad person. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought this book was a little bit more negative
than the other books in the series but it’s obvious from the title. I find most
of The Babysitters’ Clubs books in thrift stores, but you can now buy them new
as they have reprinted them again in bookstores. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-74094300844732348562018-06-18T11:00:00.000-07:002018-06-18T11:00:14.310-07:00Life Updates in June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGVIs81WcNQ/Ud-Y-Evx2ZI/AAAAAAAAAjo/DEMYXJaDOosFtUpWhBSwtzBAQBJV21DqACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="622" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGVIs81WcNQ/Ud-Y-Evx2ZI/AAAAAAAAAjo/DEMYXJaDOosFtUpWhBSwtzBAQBJV21DqACPcBGAYYCw/s320/61b53879-fabb-4263-83da-f767121705b5_zps913410c7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last month,
I started some reading and writing goals. It’s been going great even though
I’ve had a few setbacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reading goal
is to read ten pages a day. It’s not a lot but I find it very easy to manage. I
enjoy reading but I don’t do it as often as I like. I’m one of those people who
read a bit and then not pick up the book for months. It takes me a long time to
finish any book. So I try to read a little bit in the morning. I usually find
that I end up reading more than prescribed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another
goal of mine is to write 100 words a day for my novel. I’m participating in a
100 word for a 100 days challenge<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2018/05/register-for-100-for-100-writing.html">http://goteenwriters.blogspot.com/2018/05/register-for-100-for-100-writing.html</a></span>
. It’s a challenge open to all ages. The challenge has been really good for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am making good progress in my
novel. I’m writing more than what I usually do. Prior to the challenge, I wrote
sporadically whenever I had the time. Sometimes, I would hardly write anything
even though I would spend a long time on the computer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reading</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiOZt3XW7Ng/WyLlVpwLImI/AAAAAAAACbY/7qIHWlvgtEEkbl-xh7ZT06oY9HN3Xz1qwCLcBGAs/s1600/51HEJBC%252B7eL._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="332" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiOZt3XW7Ng/WyLlVpwLImI/AAAAAAAACbY/7qIHWlvgtEEkbl-xh7ZT06oY9HN3Xz1qwCLcBGAs/s320/51HEJBC%252B7eL._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m
currently reading Mary Poppins by P.L Travers. I’ve had that book for four
years, so I figured it was about time I read it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually haven’t watched the movie either. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3_OaoH-1wQ/WyLlqb7U7sI/AAAAAAAACbg/ZWZLdi2YMdE9m-Uus8kIZhUzf6zEmQqCACLcBGAs/s1600/1656001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3_OaoH-1wQ/WyLlqb7U7sI/AAAAAAAACbg/ZWZLdi2YMdE9m-Uus8kIZhUzf6zEmQqCACLcBGAs/s320/1656001.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />I’m also
reading The Host by Stephanie Myer. This book was gathering dust on my
bookshelf for a long time too. I watched the movie adaption some years ago. I
really enjoyed it. I think that if The Host had been Meyer had debut with this
novel, people would have recognized her talent. The writing and the story is
stronger than Twilight. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Watching</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve
started watching the third season of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a comedy series on Netflix about a woman
who gets freed from an underground doomsday bunker. Kimmy tries to rebuild her
life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-41421227120701376862018-06-13T11:00:00.000-07:002018-06-13T11:00:02.148-07:00Please Write Back! : More Letters from Henry and Voula by Maureen Stewart<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Please Write Back! More Letters from Henry and Voula
by Maureen Stewart is the sequel to Henry and Voula. The story about two
teenagers in the late 80s writing love notes to each other. I wrote a review of
the first book <a href="http://jonbearandcarlyngirl.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/henry-and-voula-offbeat-love-story-by.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This book continues from where the first book left
off. Henry and Voula are reunited after the school holidays and continue their
romance. Voula is not allowed to date so they meet in secret in the library and
computer room and pass notes to each other in class. The love affair is very
innocent with a few kisses and handholding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Voula is bolder in the story, initiating more in their
relationship. She becomes resentful of her parents for forbidding her from
socialising with boys. But she doesn’t openly rebel against them. Henry is
still the lovesick fool who gets blotches whenever he’s apart from Voula. It’s
interesting reading about a boy being that infatuated with a girl. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first book and the sequel are quick reads and it
seems like the author could have kept it all as one book. It was a cute story
that makes me nostalgic for young love. It reminds me of high school about
having crushes, getting your friends to play messenger and having fantasies
about walking that person to class or going out with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I just learnt that there is a third book too, Henry Goes Green. As these books are no longer in print, it'll be hard for me to find this one. </span></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93806949401535283.post-89777411100972552372018-06-04T11:00:00.000-07:002018-06-04T11:00:09.719-07:00The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-GBgtkjWzw/WwDY7urV3zI/AAAAAAAACas/Ovfn9csL18oE4S2lpF8Tc68kgmrU2_KZACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/download%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0-GBgtkjWzw/WwDY7urV3zI/AAAAAAAACas/Ovfn9csL18oE4S2lpF8Tc68kgmrU2_KZACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/download%2B%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald is a fictionalised
story of German philosopher Friedrich von Hardenberg (2 May 1772 – 25 March
1801) and his short-lived love affair with Sophie von Kuhn (1782–1797). The two
met when Hardenberg visited her house to meet her father. Hardenberg was
learning to be a salt mine manager when he met Sophie who was twelve years old
at the time. She was an unusual choice for him considering how most thought she
was average in looks, personality and intelligence. Hardenberg was also an
aspiring poet and philosopher at the time, thought she had a special quality
about her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The pairing was considered unusual at the time but not
wrong. He was twenty-two years old at the time, but his intentions were
honourable. The pair got engaged when she was thirteen and they were to be
married when she turned fifteen. I felt sorry for Sophie. In the book, she
seemed very passive. I think as she grew older, she developed some affection
for him but only because she grew up with him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think Hardenberg and Sophie would not have been
happy together if they did get married. In the book, all he did was say
romantic and philosophical things and Sophie never understood them. She was
more interested in playing with her dogs, snow and playing with her siblings,
typical interests for any child. I think she had a lot more growing up to do
and didn’t comprehend the responsibilities that marriage would entail. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Besides the romance, the book also describes
Hardenberg’s family and friends. I felt that all the characters were very
fleshed out. I liked reading about Hardenberg’s family, particularly his
siblings. I felt sorry to learn what happened to them in later life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I thought Fitzgerald captured every day life in the 18<sup>th</sup>
century authentically. I liked descriptions of the relationships between men
and women. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were times when I
didn’t like the dialogue, I thought it was too philosophical and not what
people would say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Blue Flower is not something I would normally
read. Jon Bear and I put it on our booklist when we first started the blog. We
wanted to do a book challenge and read things we had never read before. I don’t
know who picked this book. I think we chose eleven books each. I chose a
selection of books off the bestseller lists and some from my own collection. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoyed reading The Blue Flower. I like historical
books. I thought Fitzgerald’s writing was so good that if I hadn’t known, I
would have thought that the book was written in that time instead of being
published in 1995.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />Carlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01226024126682885326noreply@blogger.com0