St. Paddy's Day Thought

I wonder if there are more Google Images searches today for

"four leaf clover" than any other day.

It would make sense.

I did it.

Library Haul: A Murder of Manga

It's time for a look at my Library Haul, the tower of goodies I picked up during my weekly trip to the libraries (TL, ML, and CL). Sideways are borrowed, upright are purchased used from library Friends.

Here is this week's haul:

Highlights:

• ML must've gotten a grant or something, because that added at least $10,000 worth of new manga, with more on order. It was like Christmas! I had to limit what I took to only the ones I really wanted to read, and left at least another stack like this behind. TT I'll get to read them sooner or later though.
• Excited to finally continue Black Butler! Luckily I don't need Volumes I & II because I still have every Yen Plus magazine, where it was originally serialized. While the same could be said of Pandora Hearts (originally serialized in Yen Plus), I think I still need a few earlier volumes before I can read what I have right now. :(
• Almost didn't get Bride's Story Volume 1, but now I'm glad I did. For a simple story, it's fascinating. I now know why it won an award.
• Snagged Doctor Who Series 4 & 5 - to re-watch the River Song episodes. Now that I know who she is, I want to see all the clues again!
• Hugo finally came in. I'll be interested to see what the actual plot is (I could never bring myself to read the book) - they never really say in the previews, just show the dazzle.
• Watched Mayor Cupcake last night. It's a cute and fun movie, and if you haven't seen it, maybe give it a try. Real politicians could learn a thing or two about getting out of debt.
• Main Street appears to be the independent movie of famous people that no one has heard about (Colin Firth, Orlando Bloom, Amber Tamblyn - I could go on). It will be interesting to see how good it is - but how can it not be with such amazing actors?
• David Guetta's newest CD arrived. And I have finally truly discovered Erin McCarley. Where has she been all my life?
• Picked up P.D. James' Talking About Detective Fiction. I don't write or read all that much detective fiction (watch a lot though), but it sounded like a good read.

So what did you pick up from your local library lately?

Reading, Writing, and Exciting News

(Apologies for the absent Library Haul this week - I had a Wordsmythes meeting!)

It has been a crazy few weeks. Between work & ailments & sick dogs, finding time to respond to emails and blog has been extremely difficult. Do forgive!

Writing

Project V is coming along, slowly but surely. I have finally reached the point in my brainstorming where I can begin writing again - namely, re-writing what I already have. As of today, Chapter 1 is done! *throws confetti*

The brainstorming went extremely well, and included a short backstory piece explaining how the actual novel story begins. I look forward to posting it someday after the first book comes out - it's quite good, if I do say so myself. ;) The brainstorming itself brought in two new characters to ground the main character more, as well as a greater understanding of said main character, the antagonist, and the fascinating organizations involved. Overall the fact that I have not become bored and instead maintain a steady interest in the story despite many, many attempts to be distracted by other stories tells me I am in for the long-haul on this one - which excites me to no end! XD

Wordsmythes

My writing club, Wordsmythes, had their first "official" meeting Saturday afternoon, which mainly consisted of us chatting and getting to know each other better. We've got some great ideas for the blog, and hope to have something up next month. Don't forget to Follow!

Reading

I am re-reading the Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger, working my way up to the latest and last in the series, Timeless. I have finished the first book, Soulless, and even though I'm always singing the series' praises I was surprised at just how good it really was (and, ahem, how racy and descriptive it can get at times). I also purchased Soulless the Manga, and it is quite good as well.

I have taken a break from the series, however, to read Partials by Dan Wells. He is a magnificent writer (even if I can't get through his second Serial Killer book because it freaks me out), but with the first chapter of Partials behind me, I must say that I am not impressed. I will, however, give it several more chapters to redeem itself - Dan deserves that much.

Exciting News

I end with exciting news: I got a ticket to (most of) the San Diego Comic-Con! XD It was a pure and utter nightmare to acquire (the stress about laid me out for the day - thank goodness for my club meeting), but I eventually learned that I was a very lucky girl to even get one ticket, let alone three days' worth. So for now I shall be in attendance Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and although the fact that I shall be absent Saturday (the most important day) fills me with despair, I am making plans to do something even more spectacular and fun and be like, "Take that, Comic-Con! I can have fun without you!" *shakes fist* I'm extremely excited to attend because the lovely and amazing Gail Carriger will be in attendance, and I shall finally get to meet her! XD

Now to get the hotel... *gulp*

Health & Happiness, the Matsuri Way

Instead of my usual library circuit Saturday afternoon, I attended the Arizona Matsuri for a few hours. Although unseasonably warm for winter, it was a pleasant, clear day (when the breeze graced us with its presence here and there). The line for my Melon-pan, standing under the direct blaze of the sun, was a little torturous though.

Some of my Matsuri spoils: program, "Good Health" fan,
and black lucky cat for good health (left paw for happiness).

Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival or holiday. Ergo, the Arizona Matsuri is a festival celebrating Japanese culture. They pack the Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix with booths that sell Japanese items (books, jewelry, toys, art) and cuisine, and feature Japanese hobbies (calligraphy, bonsai) and organizations. They also have performers and shows, like swordsmanship and cosplay and ongoing rounds of taiko drummers. You can watch a master candy maker craft sugar sculptures, get calligraphy on a fan, pet some cute dogs, get a beer in the beer garden (if you're old enough ;), and have a generally good time.

One of the many bonzai trees on display.

Danbo from Yotsuba&! XD

This makes my third year in attendance (I unfortunately have yet to see the opening ceremony, though). I purchased my annual origami fish (three this year - I always buy one more than the last year), and my fan (this year: "good health"). I found some sakura chopsticks at a flea market, a few half-priced manga for my overflowing collection, and finally purchased myself a lucky cat! It's black, which is for health (or so they said), and a left paw for happiness.

This little girl kept dancing along
with the taiko drums. So cute!

If you ever get the chance, definitely attend the Arizona Matsuri, held the last weekend in February. It's a lot of fun, usually a relatively gorgeous day, and who can beat free admission?

I include this awesome video of the "dueling taiko drummers" (or that's what I call them) for your enjoyment (the drummers are awesome - not my crummy video skills). You have to wonder how many pairs of glasses they broke before perfecting it.

Flying Books @ the Oscars!

Cirque acrobats weren't the only thing flying around the Oscars last night: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morrie Lessmore won Best Animated Short Film! *throws confetti* It's a fantastical "silent" story about a love of books and rediscovering one's passion and drive for writing. Every writer should watch it.

If you haven't seen it yet, give it a watch:

Comma Confession

My name is Skye, and I do not know how to use commas properly.

I used to know, but for some reason the ability has since come loose and I suspect slid out my ear one night while I slumbered.

While polishing Project SS12 for submission, I found myself disagreeing with several of my Alpha and Beta readers about missing commas. "But a comma couldn't possibly go there!" I would think when they recommended it. "It doesn't sound right!"

Well, sound in music is one thing, but when it comes to proper punctuation, sound is a very different kettle of fish. It all came to a fish-head last night when I had a problem with over half the commas in the first chapter of Soulless. This is a published book from a reputable house - and not only that but I trust the author's punctuation skills. This left only one conclusion: the problem was with me.

So I apologize to anyone I may have led astray with my comma critiques. Do not trust my punctuation judgment at this time - it seems to have wandered off on holiday somewhere and refuses to return my calls.

Now that I have accepted my problem, I am seeking ways to remedy it, lest my writing suffer any more. As it is I am questioning every comma I put to the page. So if you will please excuse me, I am off  to brush up on my Strunk & White, Lynne Truss, and get my hands on a copy of Punctuation for Dummies...

Library Haul: Floors of Breaking Cinder

It's time for a look at my Library Haul, the tower of goodies I picked up during my weekly trip to the libraries (TL, ML, and CL). Sideways are borrowed, upright are purchased used from library Friends.

This week I was on a mission to find a good read to strike my fancy, and scoured the Juv/YA shelves for possibles. Hence, the huge stack of fiction. Here is this week's haul:

Highlights:

• Never did finish The Pledge, so thinking I might. Bliss looked intriguing, as well as Cinder, which I've been hearing a lot about. I read a blog review about Floors and it sounded fun, although I have since read Chapter 1 and haven't been impressed. Alcatraz is a re-read - I never got past Book 2 and want to continue the series, but refuse to continue without re-reading the previous ones first (I'm like that).
• Since watching Going Postal, I've been interested in reading a Discworld book. I've previously tried Color of Magic and couldn't get through it, so I thought I'd just read one that sounded interesting. And why not read Going Postal itself? Unfortunately, I couldn't find a paperback - but I did find Making Money in paperback, which turned out to be the sequel to Going Postal. But I can't decide if I should read Going Postal before Making Money... Decisions, decisions...
• Not that you would know it, but this is my second copy of A History of Ghosts, the reason being that my first copy is a smoker and I refuse to choke my way through it. Happily, this one appears to be smoke-free, so I can continue my research in peace.
• Found a new Blade of the Immortal! Unfortunately, new volumes come out so infrequently that I always forget what's happened until now...
• Although I have already seen it (twice, I believe), I put a hold on Ghostbusters for another watch. Strictly for research purposes, of course. Research.
• Guess who has Breaking Dawn Part 1 and is dreading to watch it? Yeah, that would be me. But there are some things that a girl must do. If she must. I guess.
• Yes, that is Doctor Who Series 6, Part 1. Now to find time to watch it...

What interesting items did you pick up from your last library trip?