Sunday Salon, March 14, 2010

Mystery is doing much better and so am I. I still worry about her, but she is not crying anymore so I know the pain has subsided and medication is helping. Thank dog.

I've been busy reading several books for reviews I have due up. I finished Pieces of Sky, by Kaki Warner, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici, by C.W. Gortner and The Ninth, by Harvey Sachs. These reviews will be posted on my blog once they are published.

For a quick run down, I liked all three of these books and they were are a diverse bunch. Pieces of Sky is a light, romantic, historical fiction novel that takes place out West. This is part one of the Blood Rose trilogy.

Catherine de Medici, by C.W. Gortner, I absolutely fell in love with. Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous!
Based on her life, wrapped around the history of the religious conflict during France in the 16th century this novel captivated my attention from cover to cover. I would naturally fall in love with Queen Catherine because of her indomitable and powerful personality. Gortner outdoes himself with his storytelling genius. Don't miss this captivating story!

The Ninth, Beethoven and the World in 1824, by Harvey Sach reminded me how much I love Beethoven. I have a Bachelor of Music degree and when I studied Music History in college and sat threw my music theory and style classes, Beethoven was and still is one of my favorite composers. Harvey Sachs has written a reflective history along with his opinion of the world that surrounded Beethoven during the year when The Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna. The artistry of Byron, Pushkin, Delacroix, Heine and Stendahl lived during that time and these contemporary creative companions shared the World Stage during what became known as the Romantic Period. Sachs compares their work and their philosophies the world as Beethoven knew at the moment The Ninth was heard for the first time. This is a meaningful and meritorious read.

I started reading The Lotus Eater, by Tatjana Soli today. The story begins in Saigon during the final pull-out after the fall of Vietnam beginning April 28, 1975. It's too early to give you an opinion as I haven't read too much yet. Stay tuned. :)




Happy Birthday, to my cousin Russ!!!

I recently found out that Lisianthus is his favorite flower. I can see why isn't it beautiful? Have a fun day celebrating Russ. Thanks for all your help and the great things you do for me. You are the best! See you soon. :)






I hope everyone has a great week. The wind and rain have been tempestuous at best in New England and my back deck has taken a hit. Fortunately, the only real damage is a broken market umbrella and some broken clay pots that I use for herbs. The yard and street are littered with the broken limbs and leaves of nature's upset last night. More rain is on the way today and tomorrow. On the bright side, we now have another hour of light as Spring nears. As if overnight, the ground can't resist anymore, softening to allow the tender tips of the green flowers to come. I see my timid garden emerging beneath the leaves and autumn mulch. Yippee!!!

How was your week? How was the weather? What are you reading of interest, I would love to know. Hope all is well with everyone. Peace!