The Rent Collector

SOL Day 13

Yesterday was one of those days.  It didn't start out that way until I thought I would read for a just a little while.  I had just started The Rent Collector by Camron Wright the day before, and since  the weather wasn't all that nice, I thought why not spend a small amount of time reading.  Well, I could not put the book down!  I kept saying, one more page, one more paragraph, one more chapter. . . and before I knew it I was saying, only 100 pages left, only 50 pages left, heck I'm almost done!  If you have not read this book, I highly recommend it!  A beautiful story which parallels life with the meaning of Literature.  Such a powerful story, and the characters, left me in awe!  One word . . . AMAZING!

Book Club

SOL Day 12

When we moved out to New Mexico almost 2 years ago, we decided to have a "get to know your neighbors" get together.  The night of the event we asked if anyone was interested in joining a co-ed book club.  We had several people that were interested and in time a few more joined giving us a group of about 10-14 people. The great thing is we have become good friends with most of the people, getting together socially for other activities besides book club!  We meet about every 4-5 weeks to discuss the book, share a meal together and just enjoy each others company. We have had some very interesting conversations/debates and last night was no exception.  Our book was The Dinner by the Dutch author, Herman Koch.  We all agreed the book was quite dark, but the discussion became quite lively with the question, "how far would you go to protect your child even if he/she did something unspeakable?"  In the end, we all agreed thank goodness none of us had to carry out how we felt.  But it really had me thinking . . . what would you do?

Plant Clean-Up

SOL Day 11

The weather has been just glorious since returning from California!  I'm definitely getting the planting itch! So yesterday I spent a good part of the day "cleaning up" my house plants.  A local nursery emails a weekly newsletter and they suggested this is the time of year for this "chore".  I love plants and flowers so it's not a core for me, but rather a very relaxing way to spend a few hours.  I have a variety of houseplants from orchids, numerous types of succulents, a pencil cactus tree, African Violets, a bamboo plant and a fairly new addition- air plants.  If you are not familiar with air plants, they really are quite unique.  The only thing they need to grow and flourish is air, and a good soaking in water once a week for several hours. I highly suggest that if you love plants but don't have good luck with potted plants, air plants are for you!  If you aren't able to find a good variety in your local nursery here is the website that I have used and have been very satisfied with.  www.airplantshop.com  Here are a couple of mine!

Mahjong Anyone?

SOL Day 10

A few years ago my sister taught me how to play the Jewish tile game called Mahjong. Four players, play with a card which has various numbers and colors on it.  The card is what you use to make your "hand".  The tiles are "suited" in Craks, Bams and Dots and they are what you use to make your hand.  Mahjong is a great exercise game for the brain and is amazingly fun!  We started a Mahjong group with some of our neighbors since moving here.  We get together once a week and spend about 3-4 hours playing.  Now that everyone is getting more skilled we can actually have a conversation!  We taught my niece and her boyfriend and now they play with their friends! One can never say that they are too old to play,  just go to a Mahjong tournament and you will see women in their 80's that can play without the use of the card!  Many communities have park districts that teach you how to play.  So if you ever have a chance to learn, I highly recommend it!

My sister won this game at a tournament, that's why her name is the "joker"

Reflections . . .

SOL Day 9

Now that we are about a fourth of the way through this month's challenge I thought I would take a few minutes to reflect.  I am continually blown away by the slices I have been reading. The ones that are so heartfelt I actually get goose bumps, the slices that make me smile and the ones that make me sit back and just think.  I try to read any where from 8 to 10 slices on most days and only wish I had time for more . . . sometimes I do!  I am also so appreciative of those who take the time to read my slices and for the generous comments that are left for me.  It's a wonderful way to stay connected with my friends, even though there are many miles between us, as well as getting to know so many of you as you share parts of your life.  So thank you to all, and especially to the ladies that created this awesome writing community!