Songs That Feel Like Home

No, this isn't a Christmas song. But somehow, Russell managed to set my iTunes settings to Random and this song began to play. There was one point in my young life, where I would play this song almost five times a day and I am still in love with it. When I hear it I think about my family, my life as well as the places and people I have learned from. There are some things that I wish I was mature enough to have done differently but I have accepted the fact that I didn't but now I can. It's amazing what feelings this little song can conjure up and it almost always makes me teary eyed. Are there any songs that do this to you?

-J

Book Review: The Sisters Brothers

I just finished The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt and was very pleased with the overall experience of it. Set in 1851's American West, it tells the story of Eli and Charlie Sisters, two fiercely loyal and flinty brothers, whose affinity for killing has garnered them, not only a notable reputation, but a permanent position as assassins for the local bigwig. The book starts out with the brothers setting off to kill a man named "Warm" who has unluckily somehow offended their well paying employer, "the Commodore." Eli is the narrator and supposedly "softer" of the two brothers in manners and temperament and I found myself trusting in his rustic charm and sometimes poetic judgement. However, it soon becomes apparent, as the brother experience varying challenges and memorable characters along the way, that Eli, too, is not to be trifled with. The casual manner of the brothers' violence is juxtaposed with their filial love and allegiance for each other while their dark humor reflects the case hardened reality of their existence. I found myself laughing along with them one moment and being disgusted with them the next.

At first, I perceived the chapters to be a little choppy but that quality seemed to lend itself well to the journey feel of the book. Stop, go. Stop, go - as though imitating the bumpy ramble of a horse.

I was also surprised to discover that the book reads very much like a movie - and a good movie, at that - if it were to be treated correctly. It reminded me very much of the Cohen Brothers' interpretation of "True Grit" and I would not be surprised if a screen play were to emerge in the near future as it has all the elements of a Hollywood blockbuster: love, hate, violence, humor, redemption and a bit of mystery. Mix those ingredient with the blood and dust of the old West and you'll not only have a hit on your hands but maybe some manure too.

Overall, it was a great read and I would recommend it but with a warning that this book isn't for everyone - especially those with an aversion to strong language and violence.

Has anyone else read this book? What are your thoughts?

-J

Merry Craftmas

I am not a terribly crafty person but when someone sets up an craft event and provides all the supplies and direction...I'm there! I made this with a few ladies from church and think it's pretty cute.

If you're wondering how to make your own (or something like it), it would probably be pretty simple, although you may need to borrow someones Cricut or Silhouette machine to cut out the vinyl. Then you just need some transfer paper, an ordinary floor tile and voila!

Have fun crafting!

-J

The weather outside is frightful...

As we travelled down the highway at a snail's pace, barely able to see two cars lengths in front of ourselves because of the blustery snow, Ken and I had a simultaneous epiphany: let's cancel our plans and just have a cozy night in . As much as we were looking forward to those plans, a stressful night in the snow seemed a good reason to reschedule. So we made a very cautious u-turn and hightailed it home to some delicious Indian food and a warm house.

Then, since we were already snowed in, we decided to finally switch out our old chandelier in the kitchen for a much nicer, updated, yet economical replacement. My "before" and "after" photos got all mixed up and I'm too lazy to reload them so I'm going to spoil the surprise and show the "after" first.

AFTER: Lovely

BEFORE: Eighties Monstrosity!

A closer look at the blight on my kitchen.

Doesn't it remind you of a flying saucer?

I am so happy with the end result! However, now I want to switch out the table too...haha. It's a slippery slope this home improvement/decorating thing.

Now it's time to whip out the hot chocolate, gaze upon the beautiful Christmas tree and enjoy a classic family film that just so happens to be on TV tonight: Uncle Buck! Oh John Candy, you are a comedic genius!

-J