Carol's Notebook – Page 534

Another Monday

March 28, 2011March 28, 2011 by Carol17 Comments

I received one book in the mail this week, a signed hardback that I won at Books, Thoughts, and a Few Adventures. Thanks, Patty! A World I Never Made by James LePore Pat Nolan, an American man, is summoned to Paris to claim the body of his estranged daughter Megan, who has committed suicide. The body, however, is not Megan's and it becomes instantly clear to Pat that Megan staged this, that she is in serious trouble, and that she is calling to him for help. This sends Pat on an odyssey that stretches across France and into the Czech Republic and that makes him the target of both the French police and a band of international terrorists. Joining Pat on his search is Catherine Laurence, a beautiful but tormented Paris detective who sees in Pat something she never thought she'd find--genuine passion and desperate need. As they look for Megan, they come...

Meet Scorch

March 27, 2011March 25, 2011 by Carol14 Comments

I don't know if he's cute exactly, but he is fun to watch. He's a bearded dragon, probably only about four or five inches long right now, but I have little doubt that he'll grow quickly....

Review: Muppet Snow White by Jesse Blaze Snider

March 26, 2011March 25, 2011 by Carol4 Comments

(Suggested Reading Level: Grades 4 and up) Last time I reviewed a Muppet book, I forgot to mention a few things on my list of belongings. I have six glasses with picture from The Great Muppet Caper that McDonalds was giving away back in the 80s, a bunch of Sesame Street beanie babies, a couple Pez dispensers, and a fabric Kermit book we got when Amber was a baby. Oh, and a Kermit the Frog puppet. I think that's it. I adore the Muppet remakes of classic stories. This time it's Snow White, and I do think that Miss Piggy is perfect as the evil stepmother. Of course the story has a few Muppet twists and I just flat out enjoyed it. It's light-hearted and funny. I read it with Amber - yes, comic books are really tough to read aloud, but that's life. It's worth it when the story's good. You may think you know the Snow White story, but not the...

Flash Fiction: Another Arrow, Another Dead

March 25, 2011March 27, 2011 by Carol10 Comments

I'm not a fiction writer, as much as I wish I was. However, Dottie at Tink's Place has a Monday Morning Flash Fiction challenge that I'm giving a shot this week. Thanks to Blodeuedd for bringing my attention to it. Each Monday a new picture prompt will be posted and if you choose to participate you post your story on Friday - 350 words, give or take. But when you read mine, remember it's the first piece of fiction I've written in years. Another Arrow, Another Dead 359 words Carra contemplated the battle still raging in the valley below, just visible through the mist. She nocked an arrow and chose her target. He was one of the few invaders still mounted. Even from her height, she realized that he was a leader, directing his forces as much as possible in the chaos. She aimed deliberately, released the arrow, and held her position until she saw the man fall to the...

Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

March 25, 2011 by Carol10 Comments

I've been searching for signs of Spring this week, but it hasn't really sprung here yet. And it's been a cold, rainy week, which hasn't helped either. This forsythia at the edge of our yard isn't in bloom yet, but I do adore forsythias. The bright yellow when everything else is still dull just makes me smile, especially the ones that are allowed to grow more or less wild with branches shooting off in all directions, a riot of flowers....

Friday’s Tale: Puss in Boots illustrated by Fred Marcellino

March 25, 2011November 15, 2011 by Carol11 Comments

Puss in Boots is a character I was familiar with but I don't remember ever reading the actual fairy tale. The tale was first published by Charles Perrault in 1697. It's a quite entertaining story of a very special cat. The picture above is the cover of the version I read, Puss in Boots translated by Malcolm Arthur, illustrated by Fred Marcellino. Isn't it gorgeous? The cat looks mysterious and intelligent. The title of the book has been relegated to the back cover, so tit doesn't distract from the image. The story begins with a dead miller's estate being divided between his three sons. The oldest gets the mill, the middle gets the donkey, and the youngest gets the cat. The youngest is disappointed, of course, but the cat tells him not to worry. The cat requests a pair of boots and a sack, which the young man gives him. Since this is a fairy tale a talking cat is not remarkable. Puss...