Monday, July 26, 2010

Summer

This year I decided that I would actually take the summer off.
In the past I've used the summer months to host classes, to take on projects around the house, to tackle previously put-aside crafts, or to catch up on schoolwork with the kids.

Not this year.
After losing my mom this past spring I decided that I wanted to use these few months to just rest.
To think.
To remember.
To reflect upon.
To write.
To read.
To watch.

I really believe that sometimes we just need a season to rest and regroup.

So that's exactly what I've been doing.
I've been reading old favorites (deserves a post of its own), writing down my thoughts and memories (not quite ready for public display though, sorry) and watching some awesome television series.

And just what have I been watching?

Well I have some more to share with you!
here we go ...

Foyle's War. You may be familiar with this one if you're a fan of Masterpiece on PBS. This show has everything I enjoy. Mystery, history and engaging main characters. I love the setting and costuming of the WWII era. And Michael Kitchen as Detective Foyle is outstanding!



I always love a show that has a good mix to it. The drama keeps me interested and the comedy makes me laugh out loud. Cold Feet is a show I stumbled across at the library and I'm so glad I did. It reminds me of Friends with a British twist. And I found another favorite actor to follow in James Nesbitt.




I don't even know how to describe the show Cracker. And I don't know why my typing is now showing up underlined. ???? I don't know how to make the line go away. I hope it's not linking to something. Eeek!

Cracker, yes that is Robbie Coltrane, aka Hagrid from Harry Potter. He plays a psychologist who smokes too much and drinks too much and messes up his own life in many ways but is so brilliant he can tap into the mind of even the darkest of criminals and help the police solve cases.
I must issue a parental warning here though ... this show isn't for my younger readers. The subject matter, language and violence are pretty intense.


Clatterford ... ok another one of those shows I happened to stumble across. Talk about cute, heartwarming, charming and hysterically funny. Do not try to drink iced tea when you're watching this or you risk blowing it out your nose! This show has an assortment of women brought together by the local woman's club. You just have to get to know them and see what I mean.



And of course I couldn't leave out a Scottish pick for you. Rebus is the series based on Scottish author Ian Rankin's detective books. My mother's maiden name was Rankin, so I could quite possibly be related! I'm looking into that. I've read a couple of his books but I love the series even better. Mainly because actor Ken Stott is exactly how I saw Rebus in my head when I was reading. I love when they get casting right. So again, a little mystery, a crime to solve, an endearing yet flawed main character, and it's Scottish ... need I say more?




And finally ... Murphy's Law. Remember James Nesbitt from Cold Feet up above? Here he plays an undercover detective with a very sad past. He is charming and witty, but also tough and troubled. I've only been able to get Season 1 from the library, but it was enough to suck me in and wanting to see more.

Disclaimer:
(viewer discretion advised for all of the above mentioned shows ... teens have your parents preview first, and parents don't call me to complain ... be cautious is all I'm saying if you have young 'uns in the house)

So that's what I've been watching this summer.
Oh and I started doing Yoga too!
Yes, another post for another time.
:-)

Happy Summer!



Friday, June 11, 2010

Where oh where ...


... has my little blog gone?

Yes, I'm still here.
But I haven't been keeping up on this blog very well.
Life got busy.
Big time.
The last few months have been difficult. I'm doing OK though. Don't worry. I just haven't had the desire or the time to really think about my blog. And when I did, I really didn't know what I wanted to say. I still don't. But I'll be thinking about it.
And I'll get back to you.

In the meantime ...

Enjoy your summer.
Enjoy time.
Enjoy the time you have with those that are with you.
Make memories.
Take pictures.

Love life!

Friday, April 16, 2010

My Mom



Claudene Harland
3/4/1934 - 4/13/2010

Sunday, April 11, 2010

For My Mother

You are the strongest, bravest, most generous, loving,
kind and caring soul I've ever known.
You have shown me what it means to be a true woman of faith.
Life hasn't always been fair or easy,
but you have handled it with dignity and grace.
You have fought the good fight ...

So Mama, it's okay now to let go.
I pray for you to finally be free.
Eternal peace, love and healing ...
is waiting for you
in God's loving embrace.

We will be fine.
It won't be easy.
We will miss you so much.
And we will always love you.
But we will be okay.
I promise.

Friday, February 26, 2010

What I've Been Watching ...

Do you remember my obsession with this ...

You know ... Scottish, castle, quirky and lovable characters ... cute laird.
My kinda show. Well I'm up to season 5 now.
And then I got sidetracked a little.

With this ...


... Irish, quaint village, quirky and lovable characters ... cute priest.
How come I didn't know about these shows when they were actually on television? I'm just so glad I found them now. I'm really enjoying them.

I actually purchased the DVDs of Monarch of the Glen. But I went a different route with Ballykissangel.

I went here ...


My local public library. About a mile from my house.
I can check out Ballykissangel ... for FREE!

Not only that, I have checked out tons of movies. Yeah, all FREE!
Well, except when I'm a day or two late returning them and have to pay the 25 cents a day fine. But it's still better than renting or buying.

And they have pretty much everything I've been looking for. If it's not at my local branch I can request it. I really haven't had to wait more than a week or two to get most of the DVDs I want. I keep a running list of titles I'm interested in and I add a few more to my queue every week. And then I get a phone call when they arrive at my local branch. I've done this for several years with books. As homeschoolers we're always requesting various books to supplement our studies. I guess it just didn't occur to me to put DVDs on hold. I'm sure glad I figured it out!

It's been fabulous!

In my next post I'll tell you about a great mini-series I stumbled across.

So stay tuned ...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Do You Miss Me?

I know ... it's been ages since I've blogged.
I don't know why.
I think about it. I create posts in my head. I get on the computer and check other blogs. But I never get around to writing my own.

I'll try and get back in the swing of things here. Soon.

In the meantime ...
I entered Pioneer Woman's canine photo contest.

I couldn't resist.
I'm not a great photographer ... but I love this photo of Tonka.
Makes me smile every time!