Ted Kennedy

I was very hesitant to write about Ted Kennedy primarily because he is a well written about topic both in astrological circles and non astro circles.

But on Friday when I watched the memorial I was struck by one thing. I just kept FEELING Jupiter.

Ted's indulgences, yes, but also a largeness in general to his spirit. Many people talked about his unexpected appearances at the funerals of friends' parents, or following through with notes and cards to his constituents, long after a senator would be expected to correspond. His ability to treat all people the same no matter what their station. And of course, the mistakes in his youth that later beget a desperately needed wisdom that would only come with age. And finally his dedication to his Catholic faith. All of this felt Jupiter. And then when his niece Caroline spoke of the big star in the sky, I knew she was describing Jupiter (which she did reveal as being Jupiter) and how that star reminded her of Teddy. No kidding...Jupiter all the way!

Anyway, it is NO surprise to this little astrologer that Ted had Jupiter in Leo in the 7th house.
Jupiter in the house of 'others'---the house of 'relating'.

My own Sun/Saturn in Sag in the 9th could feel that pronounced Jupiter. Also, I have Jupiter in the 7th---It is big...drives my own husband nuts.

Rest in Peace, Teddy.

Review: Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

Title: Elsewhere
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Format: Hardcover
Genre: YA/Afterlife/supernatural
Perfect For: Those who enjoy reading the many definitions authors have of life after death

Liz is dead and in the beginning, it isn't very fun.

Elsewhere really surprised me. This book was sitting on my bookshelf being unread until I was bored out of my skull and had nothing else to read but it. I'm very happy to have had to chance to read this strangely amazing book. Yes, it took a while to get used to the voice and at one point in time I wasn't quite sure where the plot was, but it was one of those books I just couldn't put down.

The book deals with acceptance, love, and the issue of moving on. It's funny, sad, and a very different view point of Heaven than past books I've read.

Here's the deal: Give Elsewhere I try. It's one of those you'll either love or you'll hate. But it's definitely worth a look.

Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Format: Hardcover
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Girl Power/Adventure/Romance
Perfect For: Those suffering the 'Post Twilight Blues'

Graceling, written by a debut author, was a page-turner. Katsa, the niece of one of the Seven Kingdoms, has been Graced with the ability to fight, wound, or kill anyone in any element. It is a Grace her uncle takes full advantage of. When a prince from another kingdom enters Katsa's life making her wonder if there could be more to her life than being the kings thug, everything changes and loads of action, adventure, romance, and girl power ensue.

Graceling had me hooked from start to finish. The world in which the characters live is unique and written so the reader doesn't feel overwhelmed by the universe the author created. The characters are likable and engaging. Cashore did a great job weaving all the elements together, making the transitions between fighting scenes to romantic scenes believable.

A quick word of warning--This is a YA book and does contain some parts that are more suitable for older teens than pre or young teens. The romantic scenes that take place in this book are not vulgar or crude in any way and are probably more innocent than you'd find in current popular teen fiction.

Overall, I really liked Graceling and recommend it to both teens and adults.

The Last week of August---The FDIC Report

Last weekend the Sun moved out of dramatic, showboaty Leo into discreet, quiet Virgo.

But please remember ---Quiet does not mean ---less lethal.

On Thursday---under the influence of Wednesday's Mars opposition Pluto, The FDIC released their quarterly report---Grim is the word.

So far, 81 banks have failed this year, including 45 in the second quarter.
That, in turn, has put enormous stress on the government’s deposit insurance
fund, which is supported by fees charged to the banks regulated by the
F.D.I.C.
Its second-quarter reserve of $10.4 billion compares with $45.2
billion a year earlier.
Most of the decline comes from money that the
agency has set aside to cover the cost of bank failures, and Ms. Bair said
the fund had ample resources to cover all insured depositors.
But the levels are so low that
F.D.I.C. officials said Thursday that they would
consider imposing a special assessment on the banks, on top of elevated
insurance fees, toward the end of the third quarter. Through similar
actions, it added about $9.1 billion. It also will begin to recover some
money by selling the assets of banks that it seized.
Ms. Bair said
she did not anticipate having to immediately tap an emergency
credit line run by the Treasury Department, although she did not rule it out. “I never say never,” she said.

I would like you all to remember this posting. I think it could be important as planets begin to gather towards the cardinal grand cross in 2010.

Hopeajämien dyykkausta jälleen

Kaivelin taas hopeajämäkippoa ja sieltä löytyi pikkupätkä paksua ketjua, jota käytin tässä. Saksin nuo kohtalokkaat viisi lenkkiä ja taivuttelin takaisin muotoonsa. Aloin pyöritellä niitä kapean hopeaputken ympärille ja kukkahan siitä muotoutui. Kiveksi istutin rhodoliittigranaatin, joka on kooltaan 3mm. Riipus on pieni vaikka kuva antaa vähän toisen kuvan. Ehkä jalostan tätä vielä eteenpäin, mutta olkoon nyt riipus toistaiseksi.


Sitten vielä hopeajämistä valamani sydän, jonka kaverina tällä kertaa pinkki ametisti. Vähän jää kiven kauneus laihaksi tässä kuvassa.

Erikoinen kahden päivän kestänyt koruripuli on nyt ohi ja on aika nauttia viikonlopusta. Mukavaa viikonloppua ihan jokaiselle!

Swarovskeja

Näistä kristalleista tykkään, ovat muodollisesti päteviä ja kruunaavat tynnyriketjun täydellisesti. Oikeen sopivaa askartelua illalla tv:n ääressä.



Taitokoruista löytyy syksyn korumuotia maailmalta. Voi jumankekka Marnin värejä, kolahti aika kovaa...

Sometimes it hurts the most to be who you are

Hi everybody.

Olen tässä tällä hetkellä viiden päivän lomalla koulusta, koska meillä ei ollut tänään koulua, eikä huomenna eikä maanantaina. :) Huono puoli siinä on vain se, että on vähän tekemisenpuutetta, joten nyt olikin hyvä hetki postata.

Viimeviikon lauantaina pääsin sinne Kuopioon shoppailemaan Allun kanssa. Oli ihanan lämmin sää, ja oltaisi vielä voitu shopata pari tuntia enemmän, mutta piti kuitenkin lähteä kun kyyti lähti. :D Rajoitetusta shoppailuajasta johtuen emme tietenkään käyttäneet aikaa sellaiseen asiaan kuin syömässä käymiseen, joten oli ainakin kotiin tullessa nälkä. :--D
Olin muuten edellisenä iltana piirtänyt kartan Kuopion kirppareista, joten nyt on hyvä juttu kun tiedän että missä esim. City Pörssi on.

Tässä kuitenkin shoppailuasu, neule kyllä lensi laukkuun.

♥ paita: Carlings
♥ tyllihame, neule & ballerinat: H&M
♥ laukku: lahjaksi saatu
♥ helmet: Cailap
♥ panta: Accessorizes
♥ korvikset: Glitter
♥ mustat helmet ranteessa: kirppis
♥ pinkit helmet ranteessa: itsetehtyjä

Tein muuten varmaan ennätyksen Kuopion shoppailuista, koska en ostanut yhtään vaatetta! Kahdet kengät kylläkin ostin, nimittäin Fiorellasta!! Ihan outoa, mentiin sinne ensinnäkin vähän sattumalta. Kierrellessä löysin nämä kengät, jotka olisivat maksaneet 10€, mutta jos osti kahdet kengät ne sai 15€:lla. :---)) Aika hyvin.

Näissä toisissa kengissä ei ollut hintaa, ja kokeilin näitä ekana läpällä, mutta sitten ihastuinkin näihin ja menin kysymään hintaa, ja sain sitten tietää tuosta tarkouksesta.

14cm korko 4-5cm platformilla. :---) Korkeimmat korkkarini ikinä! Pitäisi opetella kävelemään näillä luontevammin.
Tässä muut ostokset, joihin kuului yllätykseksini monta sormusta. Sormusten lisäksi ostin kultaista ketjua ja "rinkuloita" että voisin joskus tehdä koruja, panta H&M:ltä ja ihana niittiranneke Lindexiltä, jollaista etsinkin! ♥
Nämä kolme sormusta H&M:n lastenpuolelta.
Vaaleanpunainen 0,4€:lla kirppikseltä, kaksi muuta H&M:ltä.
Sunnuntaina en tainnut tehdä muuta mainitsemisen arvoista kuin että katsoin Wild Childin. XD Ihan ok teinileffa, ainakin kunnon hömppä.

Maanantain asu näytti omaan silmään tylsältä, mutta oli pakko pukeutua lämpimästi kun menin mopolla.

♥ huppari, t-paita, farkut & No more mondays -laukku: Seppälä
♥ korvikset: Indiska (Allulta)
♥ ristikoru: kirpparilta

Maanantai oli siihen asti tylsä, kunnes sain kuulla että velveni oli ostanut itselleen auton! Veljeni täytti heinäkuussa 18, ja hänellä on inssi perjantaina, joten toivon että hän saisi nyt myös kortin. :D Auto on muuten vuoden -88 Volkswagen Golf ja musta. :) En ole vielä päässyt sen kyytiin, mutta eiköhän tuokin asia korjaannu. Oli kyllä mukava ylläri, kun luulin että hän ei saisi edes autoa hommattua kun ei ollut ainakaan minun tietääkseni sellaista aktiivisesti etsinyt, mutta sitten isäni ja veljeni olivat nähneet sen sattumalta jonkun autokaupan pihassa.

Maanataina alkoi myös Salkkarit (kuten varmaan kaikki tiedättekin), ja taitaa tälläkin kertaa asia olla vain niin, että joka arki-ilta TV:n kanava taitaa kääntyä Kolmosella puoli kahdeksalta..

Tiistaina oli päällä kiva asu, ja taas tuo örkkipaita-Edgar kun se vaan on niin ihana. ♥

♥ Edgar: Carlings
♥ huppari: H&M (Vilulta)
♥ leggingsit: Seppälä
♥ helmet & "sienipanta": Cailap
♥ korvikset: blogiarvonnasta
♥ niittiranneke: Lindex

Keskiviikkona katsoin vuonna -86 tehdyn Pretty in Pink -leffan, oikeastaan tuon nimen takia. XD Vähän tylsä, mutta kyllähän sen katsoi.
Eilen alkoi myös odotettu BB, johon muuten pääsi Ragnar, jonka blogiakin seuraan. :) Outoa tässä jutussa oli se, että olin jotenkin ihan varma että hän pääsee BB-taloon jos sinne vain hakee, koska hänestä on välittynyt blogin kautta niin rempseä kuva. :D Mielenkiinnolla seurailen BB:tä siis tänäkin vuonna, kuten jo kolmena aikaisempana vuonna (ekaa kautta en katsonut). Viime vuonna taisi koko juttu mennä niin, ettei minulta jäänyt yhtäkään jaksoa katsomatta, ja kaksi vuotta sittenkin varmaan vain peri... Paljastuksena myös se, että kaudella kolme olin todella suuri BB-Sauli-fani. :---DD Kaikkea sitä..

Nyt kuitenkin eilisen eli keskiviinkon asuun.

♥ mekko (oikeasti hame, nostin sen vain ylös ja kiristin vuöllä:) Tuo on myös minun ja äitini yhteinen): Aleksi 13
♥ neule: H&M
♥ laukku: Cittari
♥ vyö & rusetti: äidin vanhoja
♥ kaulakoru: Seppälä
♥ siipikorvikset: Vilulta

Meinasin tähän samaan postaukseen laittaa osan kuvahaasteen kuvista joita olen kuvaillut, mutta postauksesta olisi tullut mielestäni liian pitkä. Sen takia teen vaikka huomanna tai näiden vapaapäivien aikana part ykkösen siitä haasteesta, koska en ole vielä kuvannut esim. kouluamme tai jääkaappimme sisältöä. Kuvausideoita saa siis vielä laittaa. :)

Jos asut olivat mieleesi, niin mikä oli kivoin? =)

Np: Hawthorne Heights - The Business of Paper Stars

PS. Arvatkaas mihin törmäsin pari päivää sitten! No nettisivuun, jossa on kolme Suomessa esittämätöntä Muumijaksoa! Muumit ovat alkuperäisiä ja japaniksi puhuttuja, mutta joku ihana on suomentanut ne. :--) Rakastan Muumeja, ja olen nähnyt Suomessa esitetyt jaksot miljoonaan kertaan, joten oli ihanaa nähdä materiaalia jota ei ole koskaan aiemmin katsonut. TÄSSÄ linkki, enjoy! Varsinkin tuo pikku Myy -jakso on luv! ♥

Sormien venyttelyä

Kaikenlaista kiirettä on elokuu pitänyt ja sama tulee jatkumaan vielä ensi kuun puolelle. Muutama helmipaketti on ollut matkallaan pari kuukautta ja varastossa ei ole oikein mitään - ei varsinkaan mitään inspiroivaa. Kertaakaan ei ole kolmen vuoden aikana paketti kadonnut, mutta nyt näyttää jo vähän epätoivoiselta. Mutta saahan niistä yksittäisistäkin, unohdetuista helmistä jotain aikaan :) Alkaa jo syksyä näkyä näissä kavereissa.

Fall

Sain eilen joltain anonyymiltä seuraavanlaisen postausidean: "Mulla olis postausidea! Syitä odottaa syksyä, eli minkä vaatteiden, kenkien ja takkien ja muiden syksyyn kuuluvien asioiden käyttöönottamista odotat."

Syksy ei todellakaan kuulu lempivuodenaikoihini, koska vihaan kylmää, pimeää ja märkää. Tekee kuitenkin ihan hyvää minullekin miettiä syksyn positiivisia puolia, ettei menisi pelkäksi masisteluksi. Siksi yritän nyt keksiä parhaani mukaan niitä hyviä puolia syksystä, muitakin kuin pukeutumiseen liittyviä.

1. Pääsee käyttämään joitain kivoja vaatteita, mitä ei kesällä voi käyttää. Tästä hyvänä esimerkkinä pipo, joka pelastaa hiusten laittamiselta tai huonolta hiuspäivältä.
   
2. Ei ole ainakaan koskaan liian kuuma.
3. Rupeamme lämmittämään taas takkaamme, jota minä ja koiramme rakastamme.
4. Syksy tuo tullessaan uuden lukuvuoden koulussa, joten se tarkoittaa että on lähempänä valmistumista. Koulussa näen myös Allua.
5. Tulee pukeuduttua joka arkipäivä muuhunkin kuin yöpukuun, kun pitää siellä koulussakin käydä. Tämä on myös hyvä blogini kannalta, koska kesällä päivänasuja tuli esiteltyä harvemmin kun kävin aika harvoin jossain.
6. Joulu on taas lähempänä.
7. Jotkut hyvät ohjelmat palaavat kesätauoilta.
8. Ei ole ötököitä.
   

Syksyn kunniaksi päätin myös tehdä kaksi syysaiheista kollaasia, toisen H&M:n ja toisen Wet Sealin valikoimasta.

Pinkkiä, mustaa, leopardikuviota, niittejä ja (teko)nahkaa=me likes. ♥__♥ Kommentoidakseni tyon kollaasin tuotteita tarkemmin, voisin sanoa että että tuo laukku olisi voinut olla pinkimpi eikä noin korallinvärinen, mutta en halunnut kokonaisuuteen liikaa mustaa, joten koralli sai kelvata. Leopardikuvioiset housut näyttävät täydellisiltä, ja olisin ne ostanutkin jos niissä ei olisi ollut niin tyhmän korkuinen vyötärö.

Wet Sealin kokonaisuudessa on kahdet leggingsit, koska tarkoitin ne käytettäväksi siten, että nuo pinkit olisivat noiden mustien reikäisten alla. Halusin myös asuun muutakin väriä kuin pinkkiä ja mustaa, joten synkkiin syksyn päiviin keltainen on mitä parhain piristysruiske pinkin lisäksi. :) Tässä setissä niittien lisäksi myös vetoketjuja. Mm. tuossa pannassa oleva sykerö on vetoketjusta.

Mitäs pidit kollaaseistani? Ja mitä itse pidät hyvinä puolina syksyssä?

FearMongering---Saturn Oppose Uranus

On September 15--Saturn in Virgo will Oppose Uranus in Pisces for the third time since last November. We will have two more rounds of opposition but only one more will be in these signs (next spring).
Virgo rules health and hygiene and Pisces rules Medicine . No shit, Sherlock that the health care reform bill has been front and center since the last Opposition in February. Between now and the 15th I expect to see one hideous fear mongering health related story after another as these two energies are pulled and stretched.
Today I came across this story and thought----"Oh, there is the opposition!"

Report:
Swine flu could kill up to 90,000 in U.S.
The H1N1 flu virus could cause
up to 90,000 U.S. deaths, mainly among children and young adults, if it resurges
this fall as expected, according to a report released Monday by a presidential
advisory panel. The report says a vaccine, expected in mid-October, would come
too late to help many victims.

I continue to be bored by these stories as I find them all part and parcel of the hype fear mongering angle of the opposition.

ETA: I totally meant to add---and south node is officially in Cancer which I have written about quite a bit here and on Margaret Wendt's website. South node in Cancer brings out childish fears. This is added to this mess brings out even more ridiculous fears. We should all reach for Capricorn. Wise and Reserved is the key to all.

Review: Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Title: Palace of Mirrors
Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Reader/pre-teen/fantasy/fairytale
Perfect For: Pre-teens or early teens

Pretend you're a peasant who knows that she is much more than a normal girl. Pretend that for years you've been told that danger is out to get you. Pretend that danger has come and the only thing you can do is run towards your true destiny. Cecila is a strong minded girl of 14 who, along with her friend Harper, find themselves in an adventure so important the fate of the kingdom rests upon their shoulders.

Haddix has shown in the past that she has mastered the art of fairy tale and Palace of Mirrors is no exception. Her characters have a well thought out voice and are kept relatable for the preteen/teen audience. This book is funny and endearing. It was hard to put down and should be a quick read for most. What I really enjoyed about this book most, however, was the uplifting story-line and the ease of the writing style. It's not perfect. There are some bits that seem to be slightly rushed and the meaning of the title takes a while to get introduced, but overall, the pro's very much outway the cons.

This book is very much a 'happily ever after' story you don't want to miss!

Review: Need by Carrie Jones

Title: Need
Author: Carrie Jones
Format: ARC
Genre: YA/Supernatural/Romance
Perfect For: Twilight/Supernatural Romance fans

When Stephenie Meyer and Melissa Marr are mentioned in relation to a book, I have high hopes. I expect something with a good story, over the top romance, and a very addictive nature. I was not disappointed by Need. Jones delivers a 'can't put down' read with all the supernatural elements that have made teens and adults swoon since Twilight was released.

Need follows Zara, a girl whose father just passed away and has been sent to Maine to get through her grief. Zara is your typical high school girl-- athletic, sarcastic, and smart. She has some problems-- A) she's still not over her fathers' death and B) she's being stalked. Why and by whom, she has no idea. As the novel goes on, more questions pop up: Do Pixie's exist? Could her stalker be one of them? If they do, what about creatures called 'weres' that can change into animals and are the mortal enemy of the Pixie's? And the biggest question: What does Zara and her past have to do with any of those supernatural (and impossible) things?

Need grabbed my interest right away and didn't let go till I turned the final page. While there were some weak points, overall, I enjoyed the story. Jones did a good job at keeping the story upbeat and quite funny. There were multiple times when I literally laughed out loud b/c of the exchanges between characters. Her characters are distinct and easy to tell apart for the reader.

Weak points of Need? I would be lying if I didn't say that I saw the twists coming from a mile away, but, as with other novels of this genre, I didn't mind much. At this point, it would be hard not to know what's coming with this genre. The ending felt rushed and could have been a little longer for my tastes.

I think that fans of the supernatural genre, will like this YA novel and be clamoring for more by the end. Enjoy the read!

Wednesday --Mars Square Pluto

August 26 4:34 PM EDT--Wednesday



This Wednesday soldier Mars will be in opposition to explosive Pluto. It might be a Kaboom of a day but it is probably more like a day with Cold War salvos. Mars in Cancer is a warrior for his feelings while Pluto in Capricorn expresses NOTHING for Mars' feelings. If someone 'goes off ' on you today your instinct will probably be to do nothing. Stare at them and then walk away. The more emotional they get the colder you get. Or if you are the emotional one don't be surprised if you get all the emotions of Mt Rushmore on the other side of you. Nada.

It is also worth noting that at 12:09 pm Mercury in Libra will be squaring Pluto in Capricorn which just adds more chilliness to relationships.

On the broader picture it will be interesting to see if the square with Mercury and the Mars opposition foretells of our 2010 Summer. As mentioned here many times---Next summer we will have the cardinal climax between Pluto and Uranus and Jupiter and Mars and Saturn all in early degrees of Aries, Libra, Capricorn. The only missing cardinal sign is Cancer. Curiously, having Mercury in Libra square Pluto quickly followed by Mars Oppose Pluto could ring the bell. Take a look at the news on Wednesday and see what energy is out there---and note it may come back and bite us in the ass-pect.

If you are still unclear about the cardinal climax, HERE is a nice little summery by Robert Wilkerson.

Review: Star Wars Rebel Force #1- Target

Title: Star Wars Rebel Fore #1- Target
Author: Alex Wheeler
Format: Paperback
Genre: Young Reader/Sci-Fi/Star Wars
Perfect For: Star Wars fans of all ages

After years of depressing EU novels, this is a refreshing breathe of fresh air. Rebel Force: Target by Alex Wheeler is a book I am so happy to have given a shot. This series takes place shortly after A New Hope and stars our heroes Han, Luke, and Leia, along with other favorites. The series is a glimpse of what happened to get the group to get them from A New Hope to The Empire Strikes Back.

In Target, Han, Leia, Luke, and the droids are sent to Muunilinst to gather secret funds that Alderaan housed there. With Alderaan destroyed, they need them and need them soon if they are to deal with the Empire, which is on there tail. But there is an unsuspecting traitor in our heroes mist who only wants to please the Empire.

Target has what you've come to expect from Star Wars EU with out the depressing story lines and character deaths. I suggest that if you are a fan of star wars, young and old, you pick this up. Perfect for the age group it was written for (8 to 12), but also perfect for those adult EU fans who don't want to continue past NJO or LotF and want to feel the sense of escapism they found originally in the SW universe.

Review: The Teashop Girls by Laura Schaefer

Title: The Teashop Girls
Author: Laura Schaefer
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Reader/Growing Up
Perfect For: Girls 9-14

The Teashop Girls is about Annie, a girl who loves everything that has to do with tea and the tea business. After years of watching her grandmother run her local tea shop, she believes she is ready to be the ultimate tea barista. Problems arise, however, when the customers dwindle and the bills aren't getting paid. Annie knows she needs to help, but how, especially with her best friendships look like they're about to be pulled apart and barista boy may or may not have a thing for her?

This is a cute, simple story about a girl fighting to keep her passion, as well as her families passion, alive. Also in the mix is the story-line about her friendships changing into something different. On the verge of going into high school, each has their own things going for them, quite different from when they ran the Teashop Girls secret club. A realistic subplot that anyone can relate to.

Although The Teashop Girls is simple and slightly predicable, it is a good example for girls who want to read a book about a strong young teen who knows what she wants to accomplish and tries her best to do it. I recommend it for the young teen audience (9-14). It might be too simple for anyone over that, in my opinion.

Review: The Roar by Emma Clayton

Title: The Roar
Author: Emma Clayton
Format: ARC
Genre: Young Reader/Sci-Fi
Perfect For: Kids 9-14

I'll admit it-- I took my time getting to this book. The cover didn't catch me, nor did the blurb on the back. Months of it hanging over my head, I finally gave in and I'm quite glad I did! This book turned out to be much more than I expected. It was a page turner, despite the lack luster cover.

The story follows Mika, a pre-teen boy who's sister disappeared a year prior and is believed to be dead by everyone but himself, as he finds himself involved in things much larger than he ever expected. Mika lives behind the protective Wall put up fifty years ago to save people from the dreaded and highly televised animal plague. After a new Pod Fighter video game is put up at the local arcade, Mika and his classmates are encouraged to play, as well as take a nutrient drink that is supposed to help them grow big and strong. But for what? That mystery propels this young adult novel. What is behind the wall? What has the government been hiding? What is the purpose of the new 'fit' regime and, most importantly, how do Mika, his sister, and his friends fit into that plan?

I couldn't put this YA novel down and recommend it those who might not be ready for Enders Game, Hunger Games, or The Uglies Trilogy yet, but want something that is fully planted in Science Fiction.

Review: Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Title: Tombstone Tea
Author: Joanne Dahme
Format: ARC
Genre: YA/Supernatural/Fantasy
Perfect For: Teens/Adults

You know you love a book when you read the last sentence and your first thought is 'I really want a sequel'!

A surprisingly engaging title! I'm very happy I picked this book up at ALA this year. The story follows Jessie, a sophomore in a new high school, who, on a dare from the 'in' group at her new school, spends a night in an old cemetery. The visit to the cemetery opens a can of worms when her 'gift' of sight makes her quite popular with the residents of the cemetery, especially one very negative spirit. With the guidance of her friend Paul, she faces all her fear about her gift and, in doing so, learns much more than she expects about what being living is all about.

The title and cover brought me in originally, the lyrical text sucked me in, and the unique characters sealed the deal. I loved Tombstone Tea. The characters didn't seem forced and the romance, however slight, was spot on. Jessie's journey from being afraid of her gift to accepting it seemed more natural than other 'ghost seer' titles. Everything just worked.

Fans of Laura Whitcombs, 'A Certain Slant of Light' will most likely enjoy this supernatural tale. Highly recommended.

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
Format: ARC
Genre: YA/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Perfect for: Teens/Adults

The Hunger Games was one of those `can't eat, can't sleep, must finish' kind of books for me, so like many other fans, I could hardly wait to get my hands on Catching Fire, the sequel. I had high expectations and was a little worried about this `middle' book not living up to them. Boy, was I wrong to worry.

Catching Fire surpasses The Hunger Games by a mile. We are brought back to our heroes, Katniss and Peeta, a few months after they won their Hunger Games. If their win had been as past wins were, all they'd need to worry about is getting through the Victory Tour, but unfortunately for them, their journey is not destined to be easy. Before the tour, Katniss learns that the government is mad about the duos actions during the last few minutes of their Hunger Games and is warned that any wrong move will cost not only her, but everyone around her.

What transcends is a novel that truly will surprise you. Collins takes turns that you won't see coming and, trust me, those turns are perfectly executed. Peeta and Katniss are once again joined by a unique group of characters, old and new, in this most recent adventure. Relationships are tested further to the point where, as a reader, you will choose a side. And, again, Collins writes this gruesome reality in a very clean, non-gruesome way.

If you loved The Hunger Games, then I know you don't care if I recommend it or not. You already know to read it, as well you should. This novel is better than is predecessor and highly recommended.

Welcome to the Book Blog!

Welcome, guest, to my newest endeavor--my book blog. Here you'll see reviews, written by me, on various titles in the Juvi/Teen book market. Why Juvi/Teen? I love those age groups. For some reason, even though I'm long out of high school, the juvi/teen scene still catches my attention. With this blog, I hope to let you in on upcoming and new titles, as well as some of the older titles that you might not have picked up yet!

This is still the preliminary stage of the blog, so I assure you, it will get better with time! Comments are welcome and I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks for taking a peek and spread the word, will ya?!

Tuesday---Prepare for a change from Mars

Tuesday August 25 ---

Mars moves from Gemini into Cancer at 1:15p (EDT). Since the middle of July, Mars has been in mental Gemini causing our brains to short circuit about ten times a day and giving us a very sharp tongue. No wonder those town hall meetings have been such a train wreck.

Today Mars the warrior moves out talkative Gemini and into sensitive, emotional Cancer. Watch how your feelings--- which you were freely discussing for five weeks, now clam up and everything feels much more intense. Prepare to cry a bit more as we all get a bit more sensitive. Of course, behind the tears will probably be anger.

Later in the day at 11:57pm, Mercury will square Mars which will make for a tough evening. If you don't mind getting into a big ol' fashion verbal fight with someone then definitely plan a get together in the evening. If you would like to avoid it, get into bed, stay off the phone (and internet) then watch some crime caper on TV and go to sleep. It might be the chicken way out...but so what? cluck, cluck, cluck.

Sun Trine Pluto --Where is your Diamond in the rough?

On Sunday August 23 2:20pm (EDT) The Sun will trine Pluto. As I indicated back in April when we had the other trine between these two (Taurus Sun) this is a great day to go find your "diamond in the rough" and apply pressure. Perhaps there has been something 'off shore' in your mind that you have been wanting to deal with but have not had the time or energy to tackle it. This would be the weekend to finally do it! For many years all of our trines with Pluto took place in fire signs (about 15 years) which activated our inspiration and put a fire in our belly. That was great but now we have 15 years of earth sign trines which means doing the concrete work. Although when it is a trine it does not feel like "Work" with a capital W it is an easy to do work. And the good news is the results will be long lasting. Totally worth it.
So, what is on your calendar this weekend? Make it a good one. We won't have another one of these trines until April 2010.