Book Review-I Loved You In Paris by Juliette Sobanet

A few days ago I finished reading Meet Me In Paris by Juliette Sobanet and was blown away at this candid memoir from this romance writer about her divorce and her all consuming affair with a married man. You can read my review of that book here.  In that book she shared a handful of poems she wrote to describe the feelings and thoughts she had during this painful period of her life.

I Loved You In Paris is her companion book that contains a collection of more of those poems she wrote during this time.  The raw emotion in these poems shows through in each stanza.  The book is divided into 3 parts representing each relationship at this time.  The first is called A Mistress and Her Lover, the second is A Wife and Her Husband, and the final part is simply titled A Women.  I could feel her pain, anger, love, depression, acceptance and finally the awakening where she finally realizes that the only place she can truly find happiness is within herself.

I Loved You In Paris is a must read if you have read Meet Me In Paris.  In addition if you have been in a painful relationship or even if you have had your own awakening, you will enjoy this collection of poems.  I have many favorite passages from these but I think one of my top ones is from the poem called Start Again

One day, your heart beats faster

And no longer does it feel

Like a blade has carved out the good parts

And left you for dead

Instead, this beating drum is so very alive

So very full of love

Not for the ones who broke your heart

Or for the ones who shattered it

But for yourself

And My Favorite Book From 2015 Is..... Big Magic!

No book gave me a feeling this past year like Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert did.

I've never considered myself a creative person, but I love to write. Once I find something to write about, I am in my "zone". Where I stumble is finding something to write about. I always had this big road block in my mind that who really cares about what I have to say. Even though I write basically for myself my hope is that maybe one other person in the universe might like what I have to say.

This is why Big Magic spoke to me. Whatever you passion is, painting, writing, interior decorating, ice skating, or finding passion in your everyday life, you can find those hidden jewels of creativity within yourself. When you do find them-that's big magic.  Elizabeth Gilbert shows us how to dig deep, encouraging like a cheerleader to work hard, practice your craft, and let go of the fear that is holding us back. I honestly am able to let go of the idea that my writing does not have to be perfect, after all I'm not giving up my day job....at least not yet! 

A Fine Fall Sunday For Reading And Reflecting

Sunday's in my house are usually pretty laid back.  Today is no different and since the cool fall temps are upon us, it is an even better reason to curl up on the couch. Two things are consistent on a fall Sunday, one-if the Packers are playing, they will be on in our house and two-you can pretty much find me with a book in my hand.  If I'm watching the game I am usually multitasking and reading at the same time.

My book of choice for this Sunday is Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I preordered this book on Amazon and was happy to have it show up on my doorstep the day it was released. I'm almost finished with it and I have to say I am in love with this book!!!! Anybody who struggles with wanting to live a more creative life definitely should read this book.  As someone who loves to write I struggle with not being good enough and I think why would anyone ever want to ready anything I wrote anyway?  After reading this book, I don't really care!  As long as I am doing something I enjoy, I don't really care if anyone reads it.  I am just writing for myself and if anyone else reads and enjoys what I wrote, well that's a good thing.  It may inspire me to write and actually publish more blog posts, but  I won't stop if no one ever reads anything I write.  I know I will most likely never make a living at writing, so who cares.  Bottom line is, if you have a fear of creating something whether it is a blog post, a painting, a symphony, or a wreath to hang on your front door for whatever reason, you can overcome those fears and just do it.

This book is my new favorite thing.  I will no longer let the fear of what other people think deter me from doing what I love to do.

Thank you Elizabeth Gilbert for giving me permission to create, even if it is just for me

A Parents Guide To YALLfest

If you are not familiar with YALLfest you are probably asking yourself

What is YALLfest?

YALLfest 2014 and Blue Bicycle Books

YALLfest is one of-if not the largest young adult book events in the country.  It takes place in Charleston South Carolina every November.  It is put on by a fabulous little bookstore on King Street called Blue Bicycle Books.  Last year, there were approximately 60 authors that took part.  There are book signings, panel discussions and other fun events crammed into a two day event.  YALLfest is THE place to be if you are a book nerd or generally consider yourself a fan of the YA genre. Last year there were literally thousands of book nerds that attended. It is honestly something to see!

I just happen to have a 16 year old book nerd living under my roof. My daughter read about 130 books last year alone so I think she qualifies for the queen of book nerds if there is such a title. She LOVES books and I guess when other girls her age obsess over clothes and boys, she spends all her money on books.  This is not a bad thing. In fact, being a reader myself, I love the fact that my child spends all her free time reading. There are worse things she can be doing.

So, getting back to YALLfest. Coming from Wisconsin we decided to fly to Charleston because of time restraints.  The only problem with that was we were carrying about 50 hardcover books with us to be signed by various authors.  Yes you heard me FIFTY books!  Because of weight restrictions we divided those books up into 2 of our large size suitcases.  Thank goodness we were not gone for a week since we had little room left for clothes. By the way, did you ever try lifting a suitcase containing 30 hardcover books? I said a little prayer of thanks to the people who came up with the wheels on the bottom of the suitcase! I think the shuttle driver at the airport threw his back out lifting those suitcases.

This brings me to my first piece of guidance for the YALLfest parent.....you are there for 3 reasons

1) To transport books back and forth that have been signed or need to be signed to your hotel/vehicle/vacation rental. Some people do not do this. They just wheel their large suitcases with them all day from event to event. This is not such a bad idea since your suitcase can make an excellent place to sit when you back needs a rest from all that standing in line.

2)  Be a body to stand in line for your child as they go from book signing to book signing. While they are standing in line at one signing, you are instructed to stand in line at another signing or to get wristbands for a big named author signing or panel discussion.

3) To bring food to your child as they stand in line.  There will be no time for an actual meal during the day. You either have to have a food runner (said parent) or go without food all day. Side note:  Charleston has the most excellent food! Especially little hole-in-the-wall bakeries!!!!

Believe me this 2 day event is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, exhausting, and worth every minute of it!

My daughter Megan and her friend Grace waiting in line for a book signing

If as a parent you think you will have time to fit in a little sightseeing or shopping, you might have some time. We arrived in Charleston late Thursday night and I had most of the day on Friday, and although there are events going on Friday, I was free to explore on my own.  I could not be in such a beautiful city such as Charleston and not see things.  Saturday morning I went to the farmers market and made some purchases, but by around 10:00 I joined the ranks of parents as official line standees.

Even I got to meet my favorite YA author Rainbow Rowell

The last piece of advice I have is to either stay at a hotel downtown, or find an awesome vacation rental if you are traveling from out of town. You can do this through VRBO.com or airbnb.  We found a cute little 1 bedroom villa through VRBO right off of King Street. It was perfect!  It was an easy walk from all the events which basically all take place on or around King Street. I walked back and forth during the day all weekend exchanging books, dropping off purchases and just to use the restroom and have a 5 minute rest.

YALLfest has become so popular that they added another event for the west coast appropriately titled YALLwest for this year.

The best part...sharing fun times with your daughter

This years YALLfest takes place in Charleston November 13th and 14th. Follow YALLfest on Facebook for all the latest info plus see pictures from last years event.  I hope to see you there!  One last piece of advice, have fun, after all you are sharing something fun to do with your book nerd! Oh and make sure and wear comfy shoes!!!!

Meeting some of Megan's favorite authors

Tuesday Travel Snapshot-Peace and Tranquility

Why a road sign?  This picture may not mean much to anyone else, but to me I look at it and am transported. Taken back to two weeks ago when I was relaxing with a book in my hand at my campsite on Big Arbor Vitae Lake. I passed this sign everyday when I went for my 2 mile stroll.

For one week every July since my daughter Megan was about 3 years old, we have joined my parents on their yearly trip to first northern Michigan then northern Wisconsin. This has been a yearly ritual for me since I was about a month old.  

The first years Megan and I joined my parents were filled with days at the beach, day trips all over northern Michigan, and a trip to Mackanaw Island

. These last couple of years, now that Megan is a teenager,  are more relaxing since she likes to just stretch out on the zero gravity lounger like Mom and read. About the only time she leaves is to go fishing with Grandpa after supper till after dark, then their traditional dish of post fishing ice cream after. 

So this picture takes me back to peace and quiet. I think everyone has that picture they look back on and are taken back to a peaceful time of their life. It can be a travel snapshot or maybe even a picture of a flower grown in the backyard. 

What's yours?

More Favorite Books Featuring Paris

A while ago I wrote about my five favorite books about Paris.  Honestly who can just narrow it down to just five.  There are a ton of books out that there that choose Paris as the setting of their stories.  I try to read as many of them as I can.  I think for every one that I've read, there are probably ten more out there.  My mission is to read each and every one!I hope I live to be 105 cause that's how long it will take me!!

So from time to time I will share some of my favorites with you. Here's a few more that I'd like to pass along.......

This one is wildly popular and it is equally as popular with me!  The life of Earnest Hemingway and his wife Hadley in Paris at a time when THE place to be for all creative types was in Paris during the jazz age just fascinates me.  Maybe it has to do with my never ending love of Woody Allen's "Midnight In Paris", I just cant get enough of this time period in the city of light.  The Paris Wife by Paula Mclain is an incredible look into the lives of the Hemingway's from the time they met and beyond.  This book is rich in Paris detail.  Could you imagine living in Paris at this time? The cafe culture was alive and even though Hadley and Earnest didn't have much money at the time, it sure seems like their lives were adventurous and full of interesting friends.  Really this is a must read!

 

Paris My Sweet by Amy Thomas is a well done memoir about her year spent in Paris writing ad copy for Louis Vuitton.  How could a girl get so lucky!  If you have a hankering for French pastries, you will love this one.  She takes us along for her trials and tribulations in the city of light, but better yet her description of all the sweet treats she discovers is mouth watering!!

 

Last, but certainly not least are two wonderful chick-lit books by author Juliette Sobanet.  I love how she takes us along with her characters strolling the streets of Paris.  In  Sleeping With Paris, her main character Charlotte, after moving to Paris and getting her heart broken decides to write a blog about her dating adventures with french men and ends up falling in love.

Her next book Kissed In Paris is a fun little book.  Chloe, an event planner who just a week before her wedding in the states finds herself in Paris with no money or passport after a suave con man robbed her. She then goes on a wild chase in the streets of Paris with an undercover agent named Julian to retrieve her things.  All this makes her question weather or not her buttoned up life back in the states is really for her.  I am so looking forward to Juliette Sobanet's new book Dancing With Paris coming out this summer!  You can pre-order your copy on Amazon now!

 

 

 

 

So there you have it.  Some more of my favorite "Paris" books.  I'll keep reading and share with you!  Have you read any good Paris books lately that you'd like to share.  Please leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Where Are You Going In 2013?

Where are you planning on traveling to in 2013?  Are you off to some exotic local where all you do for a week is lie on the beach with a fruity drink in your hand?  Or maybe you are going on your dream European vacation where you try to see everything you can in the span of 10 days and come back exhausted but oh so happy?  Maybe traveling is just something you do for work and never really get to enjoy any destination you are at. Some I'm sure are just planning their annual weekly vacation, same destination every year, where nothing really changes except the cost of getting there.

  Of course travel is also a state of mind.  You don't necessarily have to physically go anywhere to go somewhere if that makes any sense!  I go places, through reading books and blogs, places I would otherwise never be able to travel to.  To me this is a great way to travel if you are on a budget since you don't even have to leave the house.  Heck, books don't cost anything either, with all the free downloads you can get. Plus let us not forget one of my favorite places to go, your local library.  Just spending a few minutes day dreaming can transport you  anywhere.

You can sit down and plan a dream trip.  Get some destination books, map out things you want to see, research, follow favorite travel blogs,  and search videos on You-tube.  Who knows it may inspire you to find a way to make that dream come true someday.

So now I will ask again-where are you planning on traveling to in 2013?  Either physically or mentally my advise is to go somewhere.  It makes life a little easier to cope with day after day if you have somewhere to escape to if even by just turning pages of a book.

Please leave a commment and tell me where you are planning on going  this year.  Doesn't have to be any far away destination.  I love to hear travel stories.  If you travel solo, let me know the best places to go solo!  I'm always looking for ideas!