All the Light We Cannot See

When I photographed the above group of books, I planned on writing a bit about my eclectic taste in literature, and briefly sharing thoughts on each title.  As usual, I am little behind.  The book I had planned on ending with, and profess to be the best book I read in 2014, has won the Pulitzer.  Wow...need I go further?

Congratulations to Anthony Doerr on winning the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

There are so many summaries and reviews of All the Light We Cannot See,  I am seriously out of my league.  But, you know I'm going to jump off that cliff anyway.

Doerr transports us into the horrors and devastation of World War II with vivid detailed motion, alternating the stories of Marie-Laure and Werner Pfennig.  The young blind Marie-Laure, and her father leave Paris just as the Nazis enter the city.   Seeking refuge with a great uncle in the seaside town of Saint-Malo,  they carry with them a possession the Nazis are desperately seeking.

 Werner, an orphan, is recruited to join the Hitler Youth academy.   When it is discovered he is an expert at building and repairing radios, he is sent on special assignment to track the opposition.  In the field, Werner witnesses the heinous acts man will commit during war.  Following radio transmissions, he is brought to Saint-Malo where the two stories cross.

All the Light We Cannot See is definitely the best book I've read in awhile. 
What I liked:  The intense escalating narrative and well developed characters.
What I wanted:  More.

  If you haven't read it...pick it up at your local bookstore/library, set aside a day or two,  grab your favorite snack and beverage, and get comfortable.  Once drawn in you will lose all sense of time and space.  Have I convinced you?

Have you read All the Light We Cannot See?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

I'm reading Sandford Friedman's Conversations With Beethoven, and getting ready to pick-up  My Sunshine Away, M.O Walsh this week.

What are you reading?

Have a lovely week!

Thank you!

Thank you for the comments on my previous post.   It was a piece I wrote spontaneously after hearing of Cathy's death.  I thought of deleting it, but felt I needed to put a small part her story down in writing.  She is an extraordinary example of character and courage.  Thank you for allowing me to share.

I've fallen behind once again.  Over a month ago Julie at Monkey Grass Hill introduced Living Life on her blog with the 

So much was going on I am not for sure I ever gave her a proper thank you.

This recognition is given to those of us who have a following of less than 200...
or is it 150?

When I began this journey I never imagined I would have a large following.  I am always amazed and flattered when a new face appears on my "followers" line.  I am having the best time meeting and getting to know people from around the world.  You continually educate, entertain and inspire me.   I love receiving your comments and equally enjoy commenting on your pages.

Julie, thank you!

AND...

Heidi at HH Photography has challenged me to give you five random unknown facts about myself.  I must say I am having a difficult time with this one.  I would love to have some jaw dropping secrets to reveal, but I am pretty much one of those "what you see is what you get" girls.  Being always up for a challenge I will try to surprise and amaze you...ha!ha!

...  I was (and still am to a degree) painfully shy as a child and young adult.  To many's surprise it is a battle I still fight daily.  

... I have incredibly curly hair.  We are talking, "Little Orphanie Annie" curly.  I have a love/hate relationship with my hair.  I would post a picture, but remember, I'm a little shy (actually I don't have a picture of it at it's curliest).

... I am a chameleon.  I change and adapt to my surroundings often without being aware.  I can become so caught up in a book I will begin using language patterns spoken in my readings.  Several years ago I began reading Lee Smith's novels set in the Appalachian mountains.   It was during a conversation with a friend I realized I had actually adopted Appalachian English.  Oh, my I am presently reading Faulkner.

... I have always wanted to name my little piece of property.   I am thinking "Weeping Maple".  Does that sound a bit morose?  I gather Japanese maple "starts" from underneath my fully matured trees each spring and pot them.  I put them in planters;  I have several in my yard, and I freely give them away.   I am serious...I have handed them out to my plumber, my air conditioner service man, a landscaper and to many friends.  These trees will never mature the same as a nursery purchased maple.  They bend a little like a Weeping Willow.  I have named them Weeping Maples.  How does "Living Life at Weeping Maple" sound.   Am I reading too much?

...  I do not have a "bucket list".  While I love making lists and understand the concept, there is always something new and unexpected around the next turn I am most certain I will want to experience.  I have dreams of visiting Wales (I'm Welsh), but I may find myself in Argentina instead.


Thank you both Julie and Heidi for highlighting "Living Life".  I am loving this ride.

The Art of Receiving

I love to give gifts, especially random gifts.  I am energized by the search; and, delighted with the discovery of the perfect gift for a special person.  I am thrilled when I am successful. 

I equally enjoy receiving gifts, although I do not always find it as easy as giving.   I am always touched when someone thinks of me and takes the time to pick out something just for me.  I have never been one to want to peek or hurriedly open presents.  I am perfectly happy just looking at or holding a package knowing someone thought about me.  For me, it truly is the thought.  

I am of the old school where saying thank you is important.   I enjoy the act of composing a thank you note.  I want the giver to know how much I appreciate the gift and most of all the thought.  With that said, I am embarrassed to say I have been negligent.  Sometimes we forget words of praise or acknowledgement are equally wonderful gifts even though they do not come wrapped in pretty paper and bows.

Several weeks ago Jill at Chillin With Jill and  just this past week Rosemary at  Share My Garden  honored me with the gift of passing an award my way.

I have thanked both individually, but have been negligent in doing so on my blog.  As I told both, I am both honored and humbled by being mentioned on their sites.  I know there are many who do not accept awards.  I think I am in the undecided category.  The best way I know to say thank you is to pass on this award (I will call it an acknowledgement) and hopefully  introduce you to a few of the wonderful blogs I enjoy.   As I have mentioned before I have a difficult time choosing whom to forward awards.   You are all my favorites.

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I have many reasons for selecting and following a blog.  I want to be enlightened, taught and entertained.  I enjoy beauty, creativity  and an ongoing conversation.  I admire strength and commitment.  I look for words that will make me a better me.  I don't ask for much, do I?

Here is only a sampling of those answering my call.

1.  Gretchan at The Jennings Boys.  She is the one responsible for making me believe I had something worth saying.  She was my first follower.  She journals for her boys, and I adore keeping up with this sweet and committed family.
2.  Lana at Life at Wild Berry Cottage.  She delights my heart.  She takes and shares her joy in the simple pleasures in living.  I am almost certain she always has a smile on her face.
3. Faisal at Gardener in the Distance.  He introduces me to fascinating people, extraordinary places and things I have never seen before.  He also writes thought provoking poetry.
4.  Helen at Helen Tilston Painter.  Helen and I only recently became acquainted.  Her paintings are a feast for the eyes.  I look forward to spending more time with her.
5.  My last selection is for Charlotte at Nightbook.   Charlotte and I were in high school together.  I was a year or two ahead of her and I suppose we ran in different circles.  We became reacquainted a few years ago on another site, and found each other's blogs shortly thereafter.  She is an accomplished author and a professor.  She has not posted in several months and I miss her posts.  She always gives me something to think about.  I hope she returns soon.

 Well there you are.  There are so many more to mention.  Please check out my blogroll.

Jill...thank you!  You are a strong woman; I admire and applaud your choosing to adopt two special needs children and your commitment to raising them as strong and capable young adults.

Rosemary...thank you!  I feel as if we are kindred spirits.  If a cottage becomes available near you, please let me know.  I can be packed within the week.  I would love to be your neighbor.  We most certainly need a nice long visit.

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Blogger Business

A few have emailed me they are unable to comment on my posts.  I've been told it is the new reply threads.  I have reported it and have fiddled a bit with my settings.  Please do not stop trying.  I love hearing from you.  Your words and encouragement are important to me; you lift me up.  Thank you!  Bonnie

Thank You!

I just found out Jill, Chillin with Jill, has bestow upon me the "Versatile Blogger Award".  Thank you Jill, you are very kind.  This is the second time I have received this particular distinction.  The first time, I must admit, was at a very busy time in the school year; I just didn't really have time to follow all the criteria.  I am not for sure I will get it all correct this time, but I will try.

I understand many bloggers do not accept awards.  I never turn down chocolate or  a compliment.  You just never know when it might be your last.   There is one thing that makes me uncomfortable and you will discover how I choose to handle it further down.  Jill, I accept with pleasure.

I know I am suppose to tell you seven random things about myself..oh my..what have I not already shared with you?

• I was a barrel racer from a very young age through high school.
• I love college football and Willie Nelson. 
• I  was editor of my high school paper.
• Once upon a time I was a wardrobe consultant...now I can't even figure out my own style.
• I record Masterpiece Theater every Sunday night.  I save it for an evening I want to sit and knit. 
• I have an imaginary butler named George who has been with me for 30 years.  If you ever need him, let me know and I'll send him over.  I know he will work as hard for you as he does for me.
• I never have a problem entertaining myself...I am never bored!

Now, I know I am suppose to send this award to seven bloggers, however, I am unable to choose.  I don't know who accepts and who doesn't.  I don't like rejection...I'm sensitive.  Please check out my blog list (I think the complete list is on my profile)  and visit all of these wonderful sites.  You will find travelers, writers, poets and artists.  There are gardeners, gourmet chefs, photographers and so much more.  So many voices telling their stories.   Some of the authors found me... others I discovered.  Have fun browsing!  Again, thank you so much Jill.