Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Ready . . . Set . . . Read! . . . . starting tomorrow :-)


This is just for November 2013.

Books must be freebies, or nearly (under $5) and they want reviews. Well, there are PRIZES and you get entries when you link up your reviews!

Sign up with a list of books on November 1st, for now, sign up your intentions here.

Go here to link up reviews

There are several levels, I'm going for . . . Lightly Clean . . . and hope to read 1 - 5 books, only because it is for one month and they want reviews.

I don't even want to count the possible books I have for this but know that I got NINE last week and that was before I went through the "Top 100" freebies!

 ~ Possible Books ~

1. Sweet Tea and Secrets (An Adams Grove Novel) by Nancy Naigle ($2) - from 2013
2. *Rise Headless and Ride (Sleepy Hollow) by Richard Gleaves (free) - from 2013
3. Flash by L. E. Modesitt (free) - from 2008
4. Four and Twenty Blackbirds by Cherie Priest (free) - from 2008
5. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (free) - from 2008 Dang, I have the print too!
6. In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea
7. Soul by Tobsha Learner (free) - from 2008
8. Orphans of Chaos (The Chronicles of Chaos) by John C. Wright (free) - from 2008
9.  A Shadow in Summer (The Long Price Quartet) by Daniel Abraham (free) - from 2008
10. Old Man's War by John Scalzi (free) - from 2008
11. Spin [Kindle Edition] Robert Charles Wilson (free) - from 2008
12. Crystal Rain [Kindle Edition] Tobias S. Buckell (free) - from 2008
13. Lord of the Isles [Kindle Edition] David Drake (free) - from 2008 
14. Through Wolf's Eyes [Kindle Edition] Jane Lindskold (free) - from 2008 
15. The Faceless One by Mark Onspaugh ($2.99) - New Release
16. Dark Earth [Kindle Edition] Jason Halstead (free) - from 2011 
17. Shelter (Blood Haze: Book One) A Paranormal Romance by Tara Shuler (free) - from 2011
18. Fanged Love: The Prequel by Ally Thomas (free) - from 2011
19. The Vengeful Vampire (The 'Serenity' Series) by Marissa Farrar (free) - from 2011
20. Thirst (Ava Delaney #1) by Claire Farrell (free) - from 2011

okay, that's enough, looks like there are a couple thousand to choose from!

just bought one . .
21.  The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett, Stephen Baxter ($1.99) - from 2013

need to read for another challenge. .
22. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanie Frost ($1.99) - from 2011

*Includes the full text of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving











copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Purr-sday - Halloween edition












just a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;) Don't forget to head over to The True Book Addict because Michele has a meme going. With links and everything!

~*~*~*~*~
Third Sentence Thursday!




Hosted at Proud Book Nerd, I hope
1. Take the book you are currently reading and post the third sentence.
2. Share your thoughts on the sentence.
3. Post a link to your blog post in the link list. If you don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments here.
4. Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentence.



Apparently a seventeen-year-old pup could take more travel abuse than a thirty-two-year-old were.
Werewolf in Seattle
Vicki Lewis Thompson



~*~*~*~
On to the pictures. . . .


found on Pinterest
found on Pinterest

Sneakers had claimed the blanket I won during Dewey's Read-a-Thon - this from a cat who doesn't do boxes!

Sneakers decided he'd fit on my lap along with the laptop - luckily he's mostly on the arm rest

Sneakers and Frisky watching the world go by

Not much of a Halloween post but they were (mostly) black cats :-)

Oh! here . . .


Happy Halloween!

Be safe out there

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Night Huntress Read-Along



Night Huntress Read-Along
a series by Jeaniene Frost
November 2013 - January 2014

Hosted by All Things Urban Fantasy
Schedule can be found here

The last book in the series is due to be released in January (1-28) so we're reading/re-reading the series with discussions every two weeks. There is a break over the holidays.

I have "Halfway to the Grave" on my Kindle so I will be reading that one.


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

RC: New-to-You Authors


New Authors
Reading Challenge
2014

hosted at Literary Escapism
more information and sign ups, here
Twitter: #NewAuthors2014
I'm going to try to read . . . 15 . . . new to me authors

Anthologies are a great way to try someone new, but only a third of your new authors can be from short stories/novellas or anthologies

Link up reviews and author's blogs/websites.

1. Lara by Bertrice Small . . . review . . . author's website
2. Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell
3. The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie
4. Zero Day by Mark Russinovich
5. Ten Busy Brownies by Talia Haven
6. Hold Me Together by Felice Fox
7. Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick
8. Love and Other Foreign Words by Erin McCahan
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
~Challenge Complete~
date

The Dalai Lama's Cat by David Michie
Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Clean out your eReader!


This is just for November 2013.

Books must be freebies, or nearly (under $5) and they want reviews. Well, there are PRIZES and you get entries when you link up your reviews!

Sign up with a list of books on November 1st, for now, sign up your intentions here.

There are several levels, I'm going for . . . Lightly Clean . . . and hope to read 1 - 5 books, only because it is for one month and they want reviews.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

RC: To Be Read challenges


 To-Be-Read
Reading Challenges

All of these boxes contain books. Okay, one has my 5 (yes, 5) work-in-progress manuscripts but there are how-to write books with it. I can say that not all of the books are unread, just too many of them. I need to redo a couple of bedrooms and bring these home so I can read them.

I'm hoping a couple of challenges will help!


Bookish

Challenge: TBR Pile
Dates: 2014
Hosted by:
For more information and to sign up click here

Basic Requirements: Read the unread books already on your shelf. Nothing from 2014. No ARCs. Any format, any length.

There are six levels, I'm going for . . . First Kiss . . . and hope to read 21-30 books.



Challenge: Mount TBR
Dates: 2014
Hosted by: My Reader's Block
For more information and to sign up click here

Basic Requirements: Read the unread books already on your shelf. No ARCs, no library books, no re-reads. Make a list-or not. You can move up but not down.

There are eight levels, I'm going for . . . Pike's Peak . . . and hope to read 12 books and jump to Mt. Vancouver (36 books).



Challenge: The TBR Triple Dog Dare!
Dates: Jan 1 - Mar 31
Hosted by: Ready When You Are, C.B.
for more information and sign up, click here

Basic requirements: read only books you already own or have requested at the library. Exceptions can be made for book clubs, ARCs, school reading, or just-published-but-forgot-to-preorder-it books.
One year I lasted until the first week of March and one year I didn't even make it to February.  I'll also make exceptions for re-reads and new ebooks (hey, some have just published discounts!)


Challenge: The Rewind Challenge
Dates: 2014
Hosted by Coffee Been Bookshelf
for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic requirements: Read and Review books published before January 1, 2014. ARCs do not count. Any age group, format, genre.
And there are prizes!
I'll post my reviews on my blog at the minimum and will go for 12 books read and reviewed.


Challenge: Dusty/Buying Ban
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Mini Challenge
Hosted here
for more information click here
to sign up click here

Basic Requirements: Go as long as possible with buying new print books (pre-orders okay) and read from the pre-2013 shelves.


2014TBRbutton

 Challenge: The 2014 TBR Pile

hosted by Roof Beam Reader

for more information and to sign up, click here

Basic Requirements: Make a list of 12 books (and two alternates) that have been on your list or pile for at least a year and were published before 1-1-13. 

Books must be reviewed. Final list linked by 1-15-14.




~ Books Owned before Jan 2013 ~
1. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
2. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
3. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
4. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
5. Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

The Red Pyramid - print 2010, ebook 2013


Books Published before Jan 2013 List ~
don't forget to link reviews! 
1. Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne (2011)
2. The Hot Zone by Richard Preston (1995)
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)
4. The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler (2006)
5. Happy Hour by Michele Scott (2009)
6. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (2009)
7. Eragon by Christopher Paolini (2003)
8. Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper (2009)
9. It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale (2009)
10. Elantris by Brandon Sanderson (2007)
11. Fangs for the Memories by Kathy Love (2007)
12. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (1996)

A1. The Girl of Legare Street by Karen White (2009)
A2. The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)


~ Books Read ~
don't forget to link reviews!

1. Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne
2. Blackberry Summer by Raeanne Thayne
3. Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh
4. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh
5. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
6. Seaview Inn by Sherryl Woods (cheating . . . purchased 12-30)
7. Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
8. Heart Fortune by Robin D. Owens
9. The Affair by Lee Child
10. Through the Red Door by Devon Rhodes
11. Zero Day by Mark Russinovich
12. Promise Canyon by Robyn Carr
~ Woo Hoo! Made it to Pike's Peak ~
June 23
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
~ {blush} Had my First Kiss ~
date






copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday Weirdness

Turns out I've been blogging a lot longer than I thought! I have more than one email and found blogs connected to some of them. I'd like to clean things up but they aren't book related so what am I supposed to do? :-) I'm hoping to find something to tie the weirdness together as a header. . . for now, you'll be reading this over and over and over . . . this one is from Jun 2009.

back story: I started a blog, Crafty Book Dragon, because I really do do more than read. I have a friend who works at a semi-local hospital (QV) in the baby ICU. The idea is to make a small size blanket for pictures that the parents can take home. Sometimes all they get is a blanket, picture and paperwork.

On to the post. . . .

My First Blanket . . . and the aftermath
 


My first blanket for QV. I used baby yarn, a small-sized hook and a single crochet stitch. Small, small, small and it was taking FOREVER! And to top it off, I made it longer then necessary. This picture has one full skein plus the start of another. I bought four skeins and it was looking like I would need another & maybe two on top of that. Dang, this yarn was expensive and I just didn't want to do it.









Enter baby soft but Thicker Yarn and his friend, Bigger Hook. Also entering the picture at this time is Bigger Stitch. I grabbed a new skein and started crocheting the two together. NICE!

sigh, except I over estimated the thin yarn and made my new blanket too long, again! This was my only skein of baby soft Thicker Yarn so I took the blanket apart.....











This is not a great picture, but you can see the blanket on the end of the couch and a pile of yarn on the floor. What you can't see is the ball of yarn that was the other skein and the light fixture I'm using to separate the two.














For a while, Sneakers sat on the floor watching the yarn move and the pile grow...



But finally decided that it wasn't worth the wrath of "she who gives me treats" to mess with it. He still watched, just didn't threaten!





I'm on the third skein of the thin baby yarn (made it too long again!) but adding a second skein of thicker yarn should get me TWO blankets!








copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, October 28, 2013

What are you reading?


  
  
What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!





Finished:
The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
One Fine Fireman by Jennifer Bernard
Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz
Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan
Sex and the Single Fireman by Jennifer Bernard
The Groom Wanted Seconds by Shirley Jump
Soldier Mine by Amber Kell
Duke Betrayed by Amber Kell
Einstein the Lazy Kitty by Renae Rae 


Books stacked by my reading chair:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
The Reluctant Santa by Sylvia McDaniel
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
. . . and about 16 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard
Finding the Voice Inside You by Jill Birth
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Marilyn Monroe On the Couch by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.



Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, October 27, 2013

RC: Trying to read 36 or more library books in 2014

 
I had so much fun doing this, let's do it again!
I Love Library Books
Reading Challenge
2014


hosted by me :-)
sign- up here


Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but we also need space to keep them. I've started using the library (again) but couldn't find a challenge to help me. Here it is. There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!



Requirements:

  • choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
  • check books out of the library
  • books may overlap with other challenges
  • any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
  • reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is.
  • a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in
I made it to Young Adult (24) during 2013 but I'm not sure I'll complete the Adult(36) level before the year is over :-( I'm currently reading #30 and the rest are here, I just don't know if I'll get to them.

So, for I'm going for Adult, again, and hope to read 36 books that I've checked out of the library. . . I've already got several requested with a vacation hold until Jan 1 :D


Books Read
1. Lara by Bertrice Small
2. Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
3. The Forgotten by David Baldacci
(three books in three months does NOT put me on schedule for reading 36 this year)
4. Worth Dying For by Lee Child
5. A Wanted Man by Lee Child
6. Jack Reacher's Rules compiled by Val Hudson
7. Never Go Back by Lee Child
8. Pete at the Beach by James Dean (Pete the Cat)
9. How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron
(nine books in five months STILL doesn't put me on schedule for reading 36 this year)

Need to read four books a month for the rest of the year!
~ June ~
10. Lost Cat by Caroline Paul (Jun 1)
11. True Love by Jude Deveraux (Jun 11)
12. Otherwise Engaged by Amanda Quick (Jun 17)
13. Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Rooney Doland
~ * ~
14. Kiss of Fire by Deborah Cooke (Sep 9)
15. The Seduction of Sebastian Trantor by Stephanie Laurens (Oct 7)
16. High Heat by Lee Child, a Reacher short (Nov 14)
17. Second Son by Lee Child, a Reacher short (Nov 14)




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2014

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to September's host Notorious Spinks Talks ~ Thanks to Bob at Beauty in Ruins for being a great back up host

Our October is . . . ME! I'm just a little excited. Bob is still back up host in case something goes wrong with my linky.

Thanks so much for all the great comments, head over to Crystal @ I totally paused! for November!






~ here are the new books in my house this week ~
Deliveries started on Monday this week :-)

The Summer House Cat by Michele Granger ~ amazon link - RL 2.6
Charlotte is thrilled to find the little yellow stray kitten at her family's vacation home. When it comes time to go home her Dad puts his foot down. Just when it seems the family has convinced him to change his mind, the cat disappears!



The Litter of the Law by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie ~ publisher link - cozy mystery, animals
The newest Mrs. Murphy books has Harry and Fair taking a scenic drive. Bucolic views are all well and good, but Harry’s nose for trouble leads her straight to a cornfield’s macabre scarecrow—an all too real murder victim that frightens all but the noisy crows.

This accountant’s gruesome death is only the first of many disturbing events in this normally pastoral corner of the world. While Harry tends her beloved grapes and sunflowers, a killer edges closer. It’s up to her vigilant four-footed companions to make sure that the unearthing of this plot is not Harry’s last act.


~FrightFall Read-a-Thon winner~


The Last Lord of Paradise: Generation One by Vivian LeMay ~ amazon link -
Jeanne was only sixteen when she met Anton. They wed quickly and weeks later Anton was called to war. Now it has been nine years with a few letters during the war, the troops came home but not Anton. There has been no word at all for the last five.

Now, a letter inviting her to join him in the wilderness of Canada at a secret settlement called Paradis. The letter said nothing about where he's been but he's alive. "He still loved me and wanted me with him. I thought only of Anton and the future as I packed my trunk that very day."




So far, I haven't received the other review book I'm waiting for, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, some were even free


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)

The Elusive Wife by Callie Hutton ~ publisher link - Historical Romance
The Earl of Coventry, needs to discreetly locate his unwanted and abandoned bride among London society to request an annulment. Too bad he can't remember what she looks like because he was blind drunk at his arranged wedding and hasn't see her since. In the meantime, his wife is appalled to discover that her own husband doesn't even recognize her. She's not about to tell the arrogant arse she is his wife. Instead, she flirts with him by night and has her modiste send her mounting bills to him by day.


Saved by the Rancher by Jennifer Ryan ~ publisher link - book 1 of The Hunted
Jenna is on the run from her ex-husband, he's been hunting her for the last two years. The newest safe place is Jack's ranch where Jack, a military medic, tends to her wounds. He's also offering the love, family, and home she thought were out of reach.

I've already finished this one!



New Year Island by Paul Draker ~ amazon link - Psychological Suspense
Chunkster (724 pages) puts the reality back into the survivor show
Ten strangers, recruited by an edgy new reality show and marooned on an abandoned island overrun by wildlife. . . One dies in a horrible accident. . . .Nine realize they are all past survivors, alive only because they've beaten incredible odds once before. . . One by one, their hidden secrets are revealed.

 
 
The Seventh Victim by Mary Burton ~ publisher link - Romantic Suspense
It's been seven years since the Seattle Strangler terrorized the city. His victims were all young, pretty, their lifeless bodies found wrapped in a home-sewn white dress. But there was one who miraculously escaped death, just before the Strangler disappeared. . . and while Lara has only hazy memories of her attack, she does have a home, a job, and a chance at a normal life at last. In Austin. Then Texas Ranger James Beck arrives on her doorstep with shattering news: The Strangler is back. He's in Austin. . . and he wants what got away.



and NINE others that were free at the time :D


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Saturday, October 26, 2013

I Love Library Books Reading Challenge




I Love Library Books
Reading Challenge
2014


hosted by me, here at Book Dragon's Lair

Sign- up below

Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but some of us also need space to keep them. I had so much fun with this challenge last year. Let's do it again!

There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy!

 Requirements:
  • choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down.
  • check books out of the library
  • books may overlap with other challenges
  • any format allowed (print, ebook, audio)
  • reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is. (post with review linky is coming)
  • a blog is not necessary, just comment that you want to join in.

Levels:
  • board book - 3
  • picture book - 6
  • early reader - 9
  • chapter book - 12
  • middle grades - 18
  • Young adult - 24
  • adult - 36
  • just insert IV - 50 
Ready?



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Friday, October 25, 2013

Around the World or across the Country

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyMZA-VZB5SX6KA8on3uG_vHNivZGbdoWRgtPBDDWYy0vmfoJ2XNYj13nlhRev7-o5-jk-XmbxEK4dTSAFguXjU-eh7wWSMVI3umQzAU7QNB2FN5tfjEWx29zfCD1bbVs3J25h6baCo4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-12-18+at+10.41.24+PM.png


Challenge #1
The USA Fiction Challenge asks you to read your way across America. Read just one novel from each state - you choose whether the link is the setting or the author. You choose whether you confine yourself to a particular genre or not. Join the challenge using the Mr Linky provided. Come back to record each book you read in the Mr Linky for that state.

Time frame: now to December 31, 2014

sign up here




Challenge #2

Where are you reading? gives bonus points for locations outside the States and includes non-fiction.

Time frame: 2014

for more information and to sign up, click here








Alabama -
Alaska -
Arizona - Ty Hard by Laura Harner
Arkansas -
California - Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh
Colorado - Christmas in Snowflake Canyon by RaeAnne Thayne
Connecticut -
Delaware - Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick
Florida - Seaview Inn by Sherryl Woods
Georgia -
Hawaii -
Idaho -
Illinois - Fur and Flightless by Joyee Flynn
Indiana - Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake
Iowa - A Wanted Man by Lee Child
Kansas -
Kentucky - Sawyer by Lori Foster
Louisiana - Yes, Sir by Ellis Carrington
Maine - Foster Family by Jaime Samms
Maryland -
Massachusetts - For All Time by Jude Deveraux
Michigan -
Minnesota -
Mississippi - The Affair by Lee Child
Missouri -
Montana - Here Kitty, Kitty by Joyee Flynn
Nebraska - Worth Dying For by Lee Child
Nevada - Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell
New Hampshire -
New Jersey -
New Mexico -
New York - Following His Footsteps by T. A. Chase
North Carolina - The Best by Tinnean
North Dakota - possibility:  Rigged by Jon Grilz
Ohio -
Oklahoma - Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
Oregon - Their Dragon by Joyee Flynn
Pennsylvania -
Rhode Island -
South Carolina -
South Dakota - 61 Hours by Lee Child
Tennessee - Fire and Ash by Gabrielle Evans
Texas - Fairy, Texas by Margo Bond Collins
Utah - The Mormon and the Dom by Nix Knox
Vermont -
Virginia - The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
Washington - From Pack to Pride by Amber Kell
West Virginia -
Wisconsin -
Wyoming -

Washington, D. C. - International Kittens of Mystery by Chris Dolley




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Fitness Friday

After my summer health scare, I've had to reevaluate how much I read. I know there is life outside of books but dang it, a week in ICU was not a good way to hit me upside the head with it.

Oh, wait. Maybe it was.

The good news is that except for meds and being afraid to really push it at the gym, I seem to be back to the way I was. I'm working on the afraid part.

So to help with the health issues and keep all my stuff in one place, Friday is going to be an off topic day of health, food, exercise, goals . . . stuff like that.

I'll find/make a cute picture to bring it all together but for now you'll have to make do with text.

New plan: M heads upstairs to bed about 9 p.m. I usually go too but change into sweats and go back downstairs and read :D The new plan is to change clothes and go to the gym.

Monday: made it to the gym but felt wobbly so I tested. How in the world did my numbers drop to 46?! Had some chocolate (didn't have juice with me and I'm not going to explain the chocolate) but my numbers only went up to 58 so I went home. I did eat a granola bar when I got to the car but didn't go back inside.

Tuesday: yoga with Sam planned. We met at 7 p.m. and did 1.17 on the treadmill but there was a bleeding issue so we didn't do yoga. I know that 1.17 miles isn't far and doing it in 25 minutes is kind of slow but I'm super happy with my progress.

Wednesday: I had a plan to walk to M's meeting but ending up attending a meeting of my own. I tested low when it was time to head to the gym and ended up not going.

Thursday: I was going to say I don't remember today (as I type late Friday) but I got up early to go to a Weight Watchers meeting, had lunch with a friend and took a nap. Getting up at 6 p.m. threw off any idea of a schedule so no, I didn't get to the gym today. I did test about 9:30 and it was 107. Thought that was too low for me before a workout. Didn't think to have a snack and then go.

Friday: Once again I didn't make it to the gym today. M and I went to California Adventures and as I did just shy of 14,000 steps, I'd say I got my walk in. :-)

Saturday:late lunch/early dinner at my parents. I thought it would just be my brothers but Dad invited friends, neighbors and other relatives so we had a crowd. I did get a walk in but I'm not sure how long it was. I didn't even keep track of the time.

Sunday:  . . . so how's that new plan working for you? What's the plan for next week?
New plan isn't working at all but I'm ready to keep trying! I really need to use a daily planner to keep track of stuff.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Wednesday Weirdness

Turns out I've been blogging a lot longer than I thought! I have more than one email and found blogs connected to some of them. I'd like to clean things up but they aren't book related so what am I supposed to do? :-) I'm hoping to find something to tie the weirdness together as a header. . . for now, you'll be reading this over and over and over . . . this one is from Jan 2010.

Goals/Plans



It's not that I don't do mornings, it's that, most days, I see the sunrise before going to bed!

I want a regular 9-5 life!




This isn't the balcony but it's close! We're going to the beach house again in August. I NEED to see some improvement!











Plus I want a new swimsuit!

Oh, sure, I'd love a bikini but even something like this - if I look like this would be great.















Happy Anniversary to Me! It will be 25 years in August. M's taking me on a cruise in September!













Long, long ago, I wanted to do a marathon. I've mostly changed my mind.

1st goal: 5k in 45
2nd goal: do a 10k

Be sleek, fit, SEXY and healthy!

3rd goal: do a hm
4th goal: marathon - or at least be FIT enough to do one ;D



Those were my plans THREE years ago and not much has changed. The cruise was fantastic. The beach house was fun (no improvement, no new swimsuit). I still don't do mornings and there are new health issues. I'm currently taking six medications. I'd like to get off all but one of them. As for running. . .

I want to be able to go the marathon distance but what I'd really like to do is run 50k for my 50th birthday/30th anniversary. 50k is close enough to 30, right?


New, realistic goals. Off my meds (all but one). Strong, fit, healthy! Notice there is no weight goal, no clothing size. Sure I'd love to see my wedding weight again but muscle does weigh more than fat and what I'd rather do is be able to wear my wedding dress.



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Fall into Reading Progress report


Fall into Reading

September 22 to December 22

hosted by Sandra at The Musings of a Book Addict
filling in for Katrina at Callapidder Days

Sign ups and more information are coming soon (Sunday?). 


I was looking and looking before I remember Sandra did the Spring Reading Thing. Here's hoping all is well with Katrina.



Goals
  • 2 review books
  • 2 library books? check
  • 2 TBR books (pre-2013) - from the pile, not the list
  • 2 non-fiction
  • 2 challenge specific books
  • 2 new purchases (I'd like these to be over 100 pages)? check
  • 2 from the stack next to my chair  
  • 2 "up next"

~ Books Read ~
library - One Shot by Lee Child
library - The Hard Way by Lee Child
new purchase - Christmas on 4th Street by Susan Mallery
review book - Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg
new purchase - Mistletoe Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
TBR - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Terrific Tuesday

A Tale Dark & Grimm

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

Once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome. I know, I know. You don't believe me. I don't blame you. A little while ago, I wouldn't have believed it myself. Little girls in red caps skipping around the forest? Awesome? I don't think so.

But then I started to read them. The real, Grimm ones. Very few little girls in red caps in those.

Well, there's one. But she gets eaten.
A Tale Dark & Grimm
Adam Gidwitz






Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
1. Grab your current read Open to a random page
2. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page ~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!~ make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
3. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This one is for the 10 and up crowd and was really fun to read. This is actually the narrator interacting with us as the reader.

Are there any small children in the room? If so, it would be best if we just let them think this really is the end of the story and hurried them off to bed. Because this is where things start to get, well . . . awesome.

But in a horrible, bloody kind of way.

A Tale Dark & Grimm
Adam Gidwitz



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, October 21, 2013

What are you reading?


  
  
What are you Reading?

A weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit,visit!





Finished:
Hot Quit by Kathryn Roberts
A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz


Books stacked by my reading chair:
What the Duke Desires by Sabrina Jeffries
The Reluctant Santa by Sylvia McDaniel
Pegasus by Kate O'Hearn
Dragonwriter edited by Todd McCaffrey
. . . and about 16 other unread library books



Latest Review Books:
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard
Finding the Voice Inside You by Jill Birth
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Marilyn Monroe On the Couch by Alma H. Bond, Ph.D.



Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:



Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home; print, electronic and audio. Started by Marcia (who now posts at To Be Continued) the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

Thank you to September's host Notorious Spinks Talks ~ Thanks to Bob at Beauty in Ruins for being a great back up host

Our October is . . . ME! I'm just a little excited. Bob is still back up host in case something goes wrong with my linky

Thanks so much for all the great comments last week.





~ here are the new books in my house this week ~

I have nothing? Not even shopping? Wow. I did add to my ereader, wait. . . is that the doorbell? Yes!

I Kissed a Zombie, and I Liked It by Adam Selzer ~ publisher link - ages 12 and up. High School music critic reviews a band, meets a guy who is goth, "like maybe he was into it back before it was cool". (paranormal challenge)

Heart Fortune by Robin D. Owens ~ publisher link - another Celta/Heart Mate series
Concerned more with getting an adrenaline fix and making money to live on his own, Jace cares little for family ties or matters of the heart. On the other hand Glyssa Licorice, Jace’s former fling and true mate, is both loving and loyal. She is determined to track down her HeartMate and have him claim her.

Final Catcall by Sophie Kelley ~ publisher link - Cozy mystery, cats, a touch of paranormal. Part of a series I'm reading. A local theatre festival relocates to Mayville Heights. Now the town is buzzing with theatre folk, and many of them have their own private dramas with the director, Hugh Davis. -- When Davis is found shot to death by the marina, he leaves behind evidence of blackmail and fraud, as well as an ensemble of suspects. Now Kathleen, with a little help from her feline friends Owen and Hercules, will have to catch the real killer before another victim takes a final curtain call.

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones ~ publisher link - ages 8 - 12. Aidan Cain has had the worst week of his life. His gran died, he was sent to a foster home, and now malicious beings are stalking him. There is one person Gran told Aidan to go to if he ever got into trouble—a powerful sorcerer who lives at Melstone House.

On Pins and Needles by Chloe Taylor ~ pubisher link - ages 8 - 12. Second book in a series. Zoey's blog is taking off, she's entered a sewing contest and her favorite designer is a fan of her blog! But there is friendship troubles in real life and she needs to fix things but still be totally Zoey.

Fury of Fire by Coreene Callahan ~ amazon link - "An extraordinary blend of action, fantasy, and steamy romance, Fury of Fire brings to life a dangerous new world intertwined with the survival of humanity, all while exploring the meaning of honor and the nature of true love."



So far, I haven't received the other review book I'm waiting for, won any contests or received any books as a gift. I have added several to my ereader, some were even free


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)

Three minimalist essay books (check out their blog) . . .
The Minimalists: Essential Essays by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus
Simplicity: Essays by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus
A Day in the Life of a Minimalist by Joshua Fields Millburn


Big is Beautiful by Kelly Martin ~ publisher link - overweight sophomore in High School and being tutored in math by the senior quarterback with a, ahem, witchy cheerleader ex-girlfriend.

Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby ~ amazon link - ages 8 and up. Unending ice, restless warriors, the Crown Prince, "terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst".

Welcome to Last Chance by Cathleen Armstrong ~ amazon link - she's on the run and hoping to slip away unnoticed after her car breaks down and she finds help in "small town America". Set in New Mexico (50 States challenge)

Sweet and Wild by Cerian Hebert ~ amazon link - Western Romance set in South Dakota (50 States challenge)

The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble ~ amazon link - Jenna and her brother Casey crash as she is being rushed to the the hospital. Casey dies but comes back as her guardian angel. They must work together to uncover the truth about her poisoning and what it has to do with their father's disappearance.

Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis ~ publisher link -Adam comes home after a stint int he National Guards and open the door to the past. Holly has learned to never depend on a man but her father is missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she needs a tracker...she needs Adam.


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.