Latest Books

In case anyone's interested, and you're a fan of urban fantasy (if you're not, please don't tell me), here's a quick list of a few favorites I read in the last couple of weeks.

I just finished reading Jim Butcher's anthology of short stories in the Harry Dresden series Side Jobs. Serious greatness. Plus, I'm now super excited and totally nervous (i.e. slightly dreading) the release of Ghost Story coming out in a few months.



Patricia Briggs and the Mercy Thompson series may be my favorite right now. I love Mercy and am a big fan of where the series is headed.



I love the Hollows series but the last couple of books haven't been my favorites. This one was similar and I'm not sure I like the direction of the series. It's not a big enough issue to stop reading (in part because I have a series book monkey on my back) but I'm hoping they eventually get back to somewhere I want it to go.



My comments on Late Eclipses are the exact opposite. I love where this series is headed and Tobey Daye becomes a more compelling character with each book. The amount of research that must go into the this series is a little staggering but I'm completely appreciative and these books are fantastic.



Rob Thurman rocks the Cal Leandros series and this was no exception. Loved it and was ready for more way too quickly. I'm pretty sure I read this in one day and drove the hubby nuts. Her dedication also made me all teary eyed before I even started.



Ok, I'm done and would've posted all the new books coming out that are exciting the book monkey but I'm tired and doing all the links would push me to the edge. May be later this week. Hope everyone had a terrific weekend.

Pretties and a small post

The studio clean up is going pretty well. I'm actually at a point where I can see pretty things like this again. Once it's all back in order, I'll post pics. In this case, no before images will be shown.



I got this on a trip back home to Missouri last fall - and it doesn't matter how long we live in Texas, back home will always mean Missouri - and I love him. He hangs above my dresser with my growing rosary collection (some are in the studio) and a few favorite necklaces. Originally I had planned to hang him in the kitchen but he never made it.



Necklace I re-worked. It had been strung on a cord with swarovski beads but it was too fussy for me (shocking I know!) so now it's back to simple chain with clasp. Much better for layering.



Happy Tuesday! I'm off to catch up on junk TV before Rolland makes it home. He doesn't complain too often but if I can get it out of the way so he doesn't even have to tolerate it, even better!

Quick Weekend Update

So far the weekend has been pretty good but busy. I did a local market on Saturday with a friend basically selling jewelry I like but don't really wear anymore and a few quick pieces I made last week. Had a fairly decent take rate and discovered everyone loves a set! Earrings, earrings, earrings. Now I know for next time!

I've been loving the chunky necklaces I'm seeing everywhere and decided to use some of my splurge finds. These are large amethyst stones and a silver clasp I got a couple of years ago in Omaha. Wired together a la silver 20 gauge wire and now I've got a lovely necklace of my own. Awesome for spring and summer but I think it will look terrific mixed in with a lot of the gray pieces I own.



I'm also working on a spring cleaning of the studio which is only slightly less of a disaster now. I can't complain too much since hubby's tackling the garage. :o

Happy Sunday Guys!

Baking and Stuff

I've been doing a lot of this lately.



I find it incredibly relaxing to bake and have the house smell yummy. There's a reason I love Julie & Julia so much - Nora Ephron really got it right that it's such a comfort to know mixing eggs and chocolate will thicken. It really is a law of the universe. It's reassuring to know if you follow instructions, have a little patience and a really good mixing bowl that lovely baked goods will emerge. This is not always true for the rest of the outside world. I prefer to stay all hermit like in the house.

Except for last weekend. I went to the Bishop Arts District with a friend to check out what's new. We found this incredible shop (I saw it on Unique Eats on the cooking channel) that I couldn't believe was in Dallas.



I highly recommend a visit. They let you sample everything and really know their stuff. A chocolate and foodie lover's paradise.

A nice view of downtown and the Pegasus way off in the distance.



Love the Belmont Hotel perched high up on the hill. I'm dying to try Smoke right next door.



I've got big plans for some bread baking this weekend.