An incomplete opinion

I think some of my other twenty somethings will appreciate what I'm currently reading because they have read it before. It's called Saving Grace by Lee Smith. It tells the story of Grace Shepherd, daughter of a Holiness preacher. Without having finished it yet, I think it could be called a coming of age story, which is odd because I usually really enjoy those stories. This book is going slowly for me because I'm not motivated to open it. I think it's because I find the narrator's voice unappealing. There are certain aspects to like such as the lyrical writing and the sense of place. I'll withhold any more judgement until I finish it. I'm a little over halfway, so watch for my full opinion on my personal blog in a few days.

Cheers!

Granny Eyre

Catch-up

Sorry y'all. I've been super behind on my photos. Luckily only one final stands between me and my freedom. It's tomorrow morning. I'm pretty pumped to be almost done. My last summer of freedom from school! I'm going to take a short time off from work and go home, maybe get some substituting jobs. Then, I will be joining my fellow Twenty-Somethings on our annual camping trip at the end of the month. I don't really have any other big summer plans, just working and hopefully some fun, spontaneous trips locally. But, enough about my summer plans. I want to share some photos with you..

Mum:
I neglected to get a photo with my Mum on Mother's Day, or with her when she just came to visit (today and yesterday). So I'm sharing an old photo. She's the best...I could go on about how great she is, but most of you already know. haha

Mom, Aunt P & I in Hawaii..I wanna go back!

A Smile: 
I love smiles. Monday was a difficult day to smile though, I had two stressful exams back to back on Tuesday morning and I was studying for them all of Monday afternoon. But I took a selfie and smiled for this post. Also..one of my favorite authors recently posted a link to a short little story by Lee Smith. I read it, and it made me smile. I really enjoyed the intensive writing class in undergrad that I took which focused on reading and writing about Lee Smith's work, so reading this took me back to that class. It's called, Hillsborough writer Lee Smith explores her mother's recipe box (link is in the title). Plus, the short story include recipes, sentimentality and eating..all of which I enjoy. I hope you read it and smile too.

And...I'm sporting the shirt
Miss Ellaneous gave me..its comfy!

PJ's: Photo to be taken
Town I live in: I love this little town. It's cute, the people are so friendly and interesting, there are so many different ways to shop local (from food, to jewelry, to gifts (so many handmade items!)). When my Mom came to visit yesterday, we got to go to the Tuesday Farmer's Market. She bought some Clementine's bread (one loaf for me!) and we got to share a homemade pretzel and beer cheese. We also got a little Kentucky Colonel Spearmint plant that we're going to share. My herb collection is really growing! After getting all these goodies, we walked around Old Town. Today we visited Tater Knob, a studio and shop, in the valley of the mountains, where they make really neat ceramics. When we were there, the people were oh so friendly. They demonstrated for us, chatted away with us and even gave us mugs of coffee to drink while we watched her throw some bowls on the potter's wheel. It was great! Mom helped me purchase a beautiful Spoonbread/cake/anything ceramic baking dish. She owns one herself that my grandmother bought her from there; she loves her dish. It wasn't a cheap piece, but it is something I know I will treasure. Places like that little ceramic studio and the Farmer's Market are things that I adore about this town.

There was also this cat at Tater Knob which was picture worthy. I guess it really liked this dish and laid there often, because there was asign in front of the dish that read: "Kitty Cat isn't very friendly, so please don't pet"

Book Swap Reviews

Since we had our book swap during the camping trip I have been able to read two of the books I borrowed. I thought it would be good to review the books here.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
There are some books that you wish would never end. This is one of those books. I became so attached to the two main characters, Angel and Michael, that I wanted to see more of their life. The book is loosely based on the book of Hosea in the Bible, evidenced by Michael's last name. After the initial rescue of the prostitute and the fact that she runs away and he retrieves her, there is little to compare. It's set during the Gold Rush and centers around a girl who is sold into prostitution after her mother dies. Angel comes to believe that is she's worth and forgets about the little girl Sarah of her past. Michael, a quiet farmer, sees her in town and hears from God that he is to marry this prostitute. The book follows their marriage, her resistance to love, and Michael's obedience to God.
I found the book realistic to emotions, even though I have no idea how it feels to be a prostitute. The book paints a picture of how love can break down even the toughest walls. It's also a testament to the importance of following God; Michael hesitated to marry Angel but because of his obedience Sarah resurfaced and many other girls were saved from prostitution.
I know it's fiction, but I think there's a lot of truth in this book.
Thanks for letting me borrow it, Farmer's Daughter!


The Last Day the Dogbushes Bloomed by Lee Smith
This was a book of emotions, beautifully written and truthful. It follows one summer of the nine-year-old Susan, who's family is falling apart in the middle of her coming of age. The story begins cute with her descriptions of her family and friends. It's a close neighborhood and a time when kids roamed free outside. Throughout the story, Susan learns more and more about life when her family has more trouble and the kids form a club.
Smith writes in such a way that I felt that I was in Susan's head. The descriptions and feelings felt real. I have experienced divorce and I think I had some of the same naivety that Susan experienced. The difference was though that Susan didn't feel close to her mother from the beginning, evidenced by the fact that she called her the queen who lived in the castle. The character is interesting and could be a psychologist's field day.
Thanks for letting me borrow it, Martha S.!

What have y'all been reading?