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    I don't know about you, but 2017 has been a particularly challenging year so the thought of a bright and shiny new year is intoxicating. Although I realize that 2018 will not be much different in the realm of MS for me, I can always hope. One thing I have come realize is that I control the direction of my MS more than anyone or any thing else. No, I cannot control the progression of the disease, but my attitude lies solely in my own hands. Recently I have kind of lost the motivation to assume the drivers seat in conducting this silent symphony of neurological drama. I have abandoned my morning exercise routine, I have consumed far too much processed sugar, and I allow tears to rule my world.  Because my resolutions as with most of Americans normally fall moot very quickly, I will NOT claim to become super woman in 2018. I am not going to promise to adhere to the rules of promised physical and mental perfection. My bikini body will remain the same as it is and I most likely will

    I don't know about you, but 2017 has been a particularly challenging year so the thought of a bright and shiny new year is intoxicating. Although I realize that 2018 will not be much different in the realm of MS for me, I can always hope. One thing I have come realize is that I control the direction of my MS more than anyone or any thing else. No, I cannot control the progression of the disease, but my attitude lies solely in my own hands. Recently I have kind of lost the motivation to assume the drivers seat in conducting this silent symphony of neurological drama. I have abandoned my morning exercise routine, I have consumed far too much processed sugar, and I allow tears to rule my world.  Because my resolutions as with most of Americans normally fall moot very quickly, I will NOT claim to become super woman in 2018. I am not going to promise to adhere to the rules of promised physical and mental perfection. My bikini body will remain the same as it is and I most likel

I don't know who I was kidding, but let me take the weight of my fib. Why I though I could complete this trip is even more ridiculous than the decision to to begin it.  I'm sure I have read multiple books that represent every state in this country as well as all the countries and continents on this planet. At last count (fifteen plus ears go) I kept a diary (multiple) of every book I rad. Sometime I wrote descriptions, some times not. The point is that I was at one time extremely organized in my reading.  I am still reading. Do't get me wrong. I read every day ,just not in a regulated manner as Read Across America requires. The original purpose of this blog was to connect with other acquaintances with the MonSter. That has somehow shifted in focus as I attempt to but that demon aside . But he invades my personal space uninvited and reminds me that attention is needed. that I am not a normal person. This morning I arose early to work on my NaNoWriMo assignment, as I oily hav

I don't know who I was kidding, but let me take the weight of my fib. Why I though I could complete this trip is even more ridiculous than the decision to to begin it.  I'm sure I have read multiple books that represent every state in this country as well as all the countries and continents on this planet. At last count (fifteen plus ears go) I kept a diary (multiple) of every book I rad. Sometime I wrote descriptions, some times not. The point is that I was at one time extremely organized in my reading.  I am still reading. Do't get me wrong. I read every day ,just not in a regulated manner as Read Across America requires. The original purpose of this blog was to connect with other acquaintances with the MonSter. That has somehow shifted in focus as I attempt to but that demon aside . But he invades my personal space uninvited and reminds me that attention is needed. that I am not a normal person. This morning I arose early to work on my NaNoWriMo assignment, as I

Yes, I am a bit late, but my NaNoWriMo word count began November's National Novel Writing Month challenge at an impressive number, so I might not have been reading but I  certainly have been writing. Somewhere along my reading journey I have developed a sincere love for true life adventure. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson fit the bill perfectly for a visit to the state of Maryland. Bryson had me as soon as I saw the book cover. Who says you can't judge a book by its cover? A Walk in the Woods stirred a longing for just that. A long walk mid the flora an fauna of my Appalachian home land. Or, in my case, a comfy chair and a cup of tea to accompany a pleasant afternoon read. MARYLAND OHIO I kind of got lost in Ohio, but I did discover my new favorite author. No, I haven't had the opportunity to actually read all of these books, but Jeffrey Eugenides and I have a standing date for post-NaNoWriMo. Yep, Jeffrey and    are going to be spending some time together come December.

Yes, I am a bit late, but my NaNoWriMo word count began November's National Novel Writing Month challenge at an impressive number, so I might not have been reading but I  certainly have been writing. Somewhere along my reading journey I have developed a sincere love for true life adventure. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson fit the bill perfectly for a visit to the state of Maryland. Bryson had me as soon as I saw the book cover. Who says you can't judge a book by its cover? A Walk in the Woods stirred a longing for just that. A long walk mid the flora an fauna of my Appalachian home land. Or, in my case, a comfy chair and a cup of tea to accompany a pleasant afternoon read. MARYLAND OHIO I kind of got lost in Ohio, but I did discover my new favorite author. No, I haven't had the opportunity to actually read all of these books, but Jeffrey Eugenides and I have a standing date for post-NaNoWriMo. Yep, Jeffrey and    are going to be spending some time togethe

As with any road trip, some of the most exciting parts are the un expected side trips. Today I should regaling Pennsylvania, but instead find my way to one of the biggest book shows in the nation. My reviews will have to wait until my return. A return I will make with my arms full of BOOKS!

As with any road trip, some of the most exciting parts are the un expected side trips. Today I should regaling Pennsylvania, but instead find my way to one of the biggest book shows in the nation. My reviews will have to wait until my return. A return I will make with my arms full of BOOKS!

New Hampshire: The Virgins by Pamela Erens, set in an elite East Coast boarding school, is the story of Aviva, a young Jewish beauty and Seung, her Asian lover. Or at lest that is the rumor around campus. While the unlikely couple float in a healthy sea of exaggerated assumption of their love life, Aviva and Seung are more accurately caught in the net of confusion and unrequited lust. Pamela Erens sets the  bar high for any future boarding school legends with this honest coming of age venture. I thoroughly enjoyed my stop in New Hampshire, even if it meant reliving memories of early romance and heartbreak.  A New York Times Editor's Choice selection * A Chicago Tribune Editor's Choice selection * A Best Book of 2013, The New Yorker * A Best Book of 2013, The New Republic * A Critics' Choice selection for 2013, Salon * A Best Indie Title of 2013, Library Journal * One of Redbook's "Top Ten Beach Reads of 2013" * One of O Magazine's "Ten Titles to Pick

New Hampshire: The Virgins by Pamela Erens, set in an elite East Coast boarding school, is the story of Aviva, a young Jewish beauty and Seung, her Asian lover. Or at lest that is the rumor around campus. While the unlikely couple float in a healthy sea of exaggerated assumption of their love life, Aviva and Seung are more accurately caught in the net of confusion and unrequited lust. Pamela Erens sets the  bar high for any future boarding school legends with this honest coming of age venture. I thoroughly enjoyed my stop in New Hampshire, even if it meant reliving memories of early romance and heartbreak.  A New York Times Editor's Choice selection * A Chicago Tribune Editor's Choice selection * A Best Book of 2013, The New Yorker * A Best Book of 2013, The New Republic * A Critics' Choice selection for 2013, Salon * A Best Indie Title of 2013, Library Journal * One of Redbook's "Top Ten Beach Reads of 2013" * One of O Magazine's "Ten Titles to

As I continue my journey across the country, I begin to realize to fully appreciate the beauty of our country's literary history we must allow ample time in order to completely enjoy  the talent in America. Thus, my stay in New Hampshire is taking a bit more time while I read The Virgins by Pamela Erens. Basically: I am not finished with this interesting look into the promiscuity of our youth.   So, while you awaiting my thoughts on this particular novel, let me share my latest review for Readers Favorite. We Were Ghosts is a disturbing story that many might not appreciate as much as this former educator. Children are more often than not forced to hide secrets of horrors that occur behind closed doors.  Home is supposed to be a sanctuary, a safe place for children, not a place to fear. I believe that We Were Ghosts to be one of the most important writings ever to be shared with the public.  Why?  Because it is truly an accurate depiction of the dark reality faced by so many young p

As I continue my journey across the country, I begin to realize to fully appreciate the beauty of our country's literary history we must allow ample time in order to completely enjoy  the talent in America. Thus, my stay in New Hampshire is taking a bit more time while I read The Virgins by Pamela Erens. Basically: I am not finished with this interesting look into the promiscuity of our youth.   So, while you awaiting my thoughts on this particular novel, let me share my latest review for Readers Favorite. We Were Ghosts is a disturbing story that many might not appreciate as much as this former educator. Children are more often than not forced to hide secrets of horrors that occur behind closed doors.  Home is supposed to be a sanctuary, a safe place for children, not a place to fear. I believe that We Were Ghosts to be one of the most important writings ever to be shared with the public.  Why?  Because it is truly an accurate depiction of the dark reality faced by so

Maine is a large state to get lost in, especially at the time this memoir was written. Imagine a world without our 21st century conveniences, rig down to indoor plumbing and that all might refrigerator. Louis Dickinson Rich managed to survive without internet, Walmarts, or sometimes even human companionship. While in her early thirties, Rich and her husband found their livelihood in the remote settlement of Middle Dam, Maine. Louis tells of the wide array of loggers, fishermen, campers, and thrill seekers that make their way to her small community in search of sustenance and oft times shelter from the harsh Maine snow storms in which they  find themselves.  The author refers to her home as remote, calm and timeless,  "that makes the scramble of ordinary life seem like a half-forgotten and completely pointless dream."     For an advocate of getting lost in fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the woods with Louis Dickinson Rich.  We Took to the Woods is a MUST READ an

Maine is a large state to get lost in, especially at the time this memoir was written. Imagine a world without our 21st century conveniences, rig down to indoor plumbing and that all might refrigerator. Louis Dickinson Rich managed to survive without internet, Walmarts, or sometimes even human companionship. While in her early thirties, Rich and her husband found their livelihood in the remote settlement of Middle Dam, Maine. Louis tells of the wide array of loggers, fishermen, campers, and thrill seekers that make their way to her small community in search of sustenance and oft times shelter from the harsh Maine snow storms in which they  find themselves.  The author refers to her home as remote, calm and timeless,  "that makes the scramble of ordinary life seem like a half-forgotten and completely pointless dream."     For an advocate of getting lost in fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in the woods with Louis Dickinson Rich.  We Took to the Woods is a MUST READ

Upon looking for an e-mail that I never received, I decided to search my trash; and guess what? Not only did I find the missing e-mail, I also unearthed quite a treasure.  As a novice essential oil advocate, I am not unfamiliar with coconut oil, but the link below provides a wide world of uses that will keep you reading and pondering for days. But do not be overwhelmed. Grab your jar of coconut oil and experiment.  I can absolutely attest to the cosmetic value of coconut oil. After only three days of moisturizing with said product, my skin is amazingly soft. I haven noticed the disappearance of some fine lines around my eyes and mouth and my complexion has actually "evened". I am hoping that further application will eliminate that wobbly neck age forces upon us. I apply the oil to my face and neck every morning and evening after a quick cleanse and let it dry. I also massage a little (and that is all you need) into my feet and heels. Guess I will have sandal feet all winter!

Upon looking for an e-mail that I never received, I decided to search my trash; and guess what? Not only did I find the missing e-mail, I also unearthed quite a treasure.  As a novice essential oil advocate, I am not unfamiliar with coconut oil, but the link below provides a wide world of uses that will keep you reading and pondering for days. But do not be overwhelmed. Grab your jar of coconut oil and experiment.  I can absolutely attest to the cosmetic value of coconut oil. After only three days of moisturizing with said product, my skin is amazingly soft. I haven noticed the disappearance of some fine lines around my eyes and mouth and my complexion has actually "evened". I am hoping that further application will eliminate that wobbly neck age forces upon us. I apply the oil to my face and neck every morning and evening after a quick cleanse and let it dry. I also massage a little (and that is all you need) into my feet and heels. Guess I will have sandal feet all

      Last week I announced my plans to red my way across the country in lieu of actually setting foot on the soil of individual states. Since then I have decided that I am glad I did not actually get behind the wheel of a car, because there is a key element missing in my intention. I did not plan . IN my excitement to share this project I did not think through my journey. The reading teacher in me grabbed on to the alphabetical order of states without realizing that out country is not arranged in ABC fashion. So, as I scrambled to acquire an Alabama title, I did not take into account the logistics of beginning my journey in the awkward location that Alabama provides in a road adventure.  I mean...where do I go from there? My need for order demands that my travels adhere to some type of sense. I suppose I could begin the South, but why not set off from Florida and work my way up and out? I really do not want to back track in my quest to collect all fifty states and not begin a big fan

      Last week I announced my plans to red my way across the country in lieu of actually setting foot on the soil of individual states. Since then I have decided that I am glad I did not actually get behind the wheel of a car, because there is a key element missing in my intention. I did not plan . IN my excitement to share this project I did not think through my journey. The reading teacher in me grabbed on to the alphabetical order of states without realizing that out country is not arranged in ABC fashion. So, as I scrambled to acquire an Alabama title, I did not take into account the logistics of beginning my journey in the awkward location that Alabama provides in a road adventure.  I mean...where do I go from there? My need for order demands that my travels adhere to some type of sense. I suppose I could begin the South, but why not set off from Florida and work my way up and out? I really do not want to back track in my quest to collect all fifty states and no