Two blog posts in one day - CRAZY talk, I know.  But I would be remiss if I didn't tell you:

Happy Leap Day!

How exciting is today?  Pretty darn!  I mean REALLY ... it only comes around every four years.  You would think they would make it a national holiday or something.  But alas ...

And a big ol' shout out to those of you who were born on the 29th of February.  Today's your day.  Celebrate like you mean it. 

Well, I thought I would post this lovely photo from last summer's garden - peaceful, serene - a sleeping lenten rose ... wait a minute, is that a weed?!!! In the words of the wise ol' Pooh, "Oh bother ... "  

I don't want to be a book snob.  Not ever.  I think books of all sorts and varieties have the potential of being keepers.  And throw-back though I may be, I believe it's important to read current books as well as the classics - for hopefully, we still posses the soul and ability to write something beautiful and lasting. That said, I finished my 11th and final Hornblower book and was ever so excited to begin The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett.   After all, I've seen so much about the sequel ... and Pillars has achieved #1 International Bestseller status.  So it had to be GREAT.  Egads.  I'm dyin' here people ... it's taken me a good month to get to pg. 262.  The sad thing is I really was excited after reading the Prologue.  It seemed well written and kept you in suspense.  But now, I'm not quite sure what the dilemma is, but it ain't right.  Perhaps the excessive use of odd verbiage.  I mean really, did they say "dick" in the twelfth century?  This I don't know, but it bugs me.  [If it was common speak, and you know this for a fact, do let me know so I can put it to rest :)]  Needless to say, I'm putting the book aside.  I'm sure I'll finish at a later date - after a bit of a reprieve. 

In it's place I'm reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.  Sigh.  The prose is so beautiful - even while the subject matter is heart wrenching.  The lovely language - the way the words are put together, like a dance, nearly makes me giddy.  That said, I may have a wee streak of snobbery ...

Speaking of The Kite Runner ... here's an interesting take on the 10 commandments from the main character's Baba:  "... there is only one sin, only one.  And that is theft.  Every other sin is a variation of theft."

Talk amongst yourselves ...

First off, let me just say I LOVE Dear Frankie.  It is a beautifully portrayed story of love, hope, and second chances.  I'm telling you this now - before anything else - just in case you get bored and move on before you truly understand that you MUST see this movie!

Genre: Drama

The gist:  Nine-year-old Frankie (Jack McElhone) moves from place to place, along with his mum (Emily Mortimer) and grandmum (Mary Riggans). Seems the only constants in his life are the letters he receives from his estranged, sailor father.  The letters speak of far-off lands and great adventures at sea.  But the letters are not really from his father; it is his mother who writes the letters.  She writes them to save her son from the horrible truth that they are running from his father.  She writes them to receive his replies and "hear his voice."  When the ship his mother made up is set to dock in seaside town where they are living, his mother must make a choice:  tell Frankie the truth, or hire a strange to pose as his father (Gerard Butler) for a day.  Her decision will change all their lives forever.     

My take:  Have I mentioned that I love this movie?  Sigh.  Seriously.  Everything from the screenplay (Andrea Gibb) to directing (Shone Auerbach) is wonderful.  The writing is heartfelt and uplifting.  Even the scenery/settings reflect the overall feel of the movie.  It was obviously made with great care and deliberation, and it shows.  All the actors/actresses do a superb job.  Of course, I love Emily Mortimer and Gerard Butler - but Jack McElhone deserves special mention due to his wonderful portrayal of young Frankie.  I would - and do - HIGHLY recommend this movie.  To pretty much everyone.  

An aside:  I've heard a nasty rumor "they" are planning to make an Americanized version of this movie.  Personally, I hope the rumor is some sort of cruel joke and therefore simply is not true.  For one, Americanized movies are rarely as successful as their foreign counterparts.  Secondly, why?!  It's in English for crying out loud. Granted, English with Scottish accents.  But still.  And since I'm sure EVERYONE reads my blog - I'm just gonna say it ... if you're thinking about doing it, don't.  Back away from the remake ... there can be but one Dear Frankie.    

So.  I didn't think I had QUITE enough categories; therefore, I'm adding a new one.  Photo Fridays.  That's right, every Friday, starting Friday, I will posted a new photo.  The pic will be the main attraction mind you.  Sometimes it will be serious, sometimes not.  I may even solicit ideas for a caption. 

I know, I'm excited too ...

Disclaimer1: this particular post is Boise-area-centric.  Though I would still recommend the read (and not just because I wrote it).  Think of it as a travel post - a tidbit for for future travel agendas. And you still want to ignore ... at least read the last section.  

Disclaimer2: If you do live in the Boise area - and happen to know me - no doubt you've already heard me go on about this particular topic.  Possibly several times.  HOWEVER, it's come to my attention that a bit of clarification is in order.

So, without further ado ...

The other day I was showing a friend one of the vintage books purchased at Veritas Fine Books & CoffeeHouse.  Said friend - being amongst those in the Disclaimer2 category - has heard me speak the glories of this particular bookstore/coffeehouse since they moved to their new home at 3500 Chinden Blvd. Yet she had no sooner turned the book over in her hands when she exclaimed, "You mean they have nice books?!"  [Exasperated Sigh]

Personally, the first clue for me: Veritas FINE Books.  Of course in sake of fairness, we do live in a world of marketing ploys.  Everyone boast something great and fine - #1, the World's Best, and all that.  So in case of Veritas there could be the slightest chance a couple of yahoos decided to open a bookstore ... and put the word "Fine" in the name just to reel poor, innocent people in, who would then find mounds and mounds of junk. That said, let me clarify ...

Veritas Fine Books & Coffeehouse is a treasure.  The bookstore is Amanda's dream; it was purchased as an act of love by her husband Jared.  And their passion shines through in every detail.

The Coffeehouse

The coffee house is located on the first floor.  Their coffee, served in clay mugs crafted by local artisans, is DELIC!  It's smooth and creamy (okay, MINE are always creamy since I always opt for a mocha :) - and their beans are never burnt ( Unlike SOME coffeehouses ... we won't mention any names ... but you know who you are).  If you want something a little more substantial, you can order that too - from breakfast croissants to decadent sweets from Le Cafe de Paris.   They also host live music on Saturday nights - and any number of other special events.  As an aside ... I love the handsome dragons on their menu board.  But I digress. 

The Bookstore

The bookstore is located on the second floor.  And I don't think I actually need to say it, but I love it.  Sigh.  Now I'm all for supporting independent bookstores.  But let's be serious - some are just plain creepy.  You know the type - where you feel the need to tie a rope around your ankle just in case you don't make it out alive ... Veritas is nothing of the sort.  It's clean and tidy and classy.  And thanks to the spotlight table Amanda has set up I found a great look book called "The Arthurian Book of Days" by Caitlin and John Matthews.  Naturally, it was during a time when she was highlighting books with a medieval bent.  I could have purchased every book on the table, but settled on this one ...             

It's a wonderful book - allowing you to read thru the Arthurian legends every day, the whole year through.  And it's complete with manuscript illustrations.  Such a great addition to my library, yet not something I would have never searched out (for the main reason it's not old :).  Since it was displayed, I found just the book that I didn't know I'd always needed! 

200 more reasons to visit

Moral of the story?  If you haven't been to Veritas Fine Books & Coffeehouse do yourself a favor and stop by for a visit. 

Not in town?  Doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun.  This year Amanda set a goal to read 200 books ... with a baby, and a toddler, and a small business.  Each day she posts an entry on her blog.  Join with her at www.200books.com and celebrate her ups and downs, as well as find books to put on your reading list.  And if you're not big on reading, who knows?  You might just pick up the bug ... 

So.  I'm attending a lady's brunch this morning.  We had just spent a lovely hour chatting and laughing, when I look down and notice I'm wearing two different socks.  Now first off, you must know that the socks were iffy.  For the sake of fashion, I really should not have been wearing said socks.  But, alas, it was FREEZING. I figured if I wore a grey pair they would blend.  So, I put on a couple different socks to see which looked the best.  And here's the pitiful part:  I actually took the left sock off and put on what I thought was the matching pair to the right.  But, as we can clearly see, not so much.  Sigh.  Although, now that the humiliation has settled, I'm beginning to think I may have stumbled upon something.  Just think of all those socks missing a pair!  As my current misadventure proves, they may not be missing a pair at all - they need only find a new!  This novel idea could change lives!!!  Personally I'm thinking of writing a book on the subject - "Turning life's mismatches into fashionable functionality."  I'll keep you posted ... naturally ...

Twenty-nine years ago today my baby brother was born.  And I was mortified.  At five years of age, I had pretty much everything figured out.  I knew what I wanted.  And what I wanted was a baby sister.  I had specifically requested such.  But what did I get?  A BROTHER!  For the love of God and all that is holy, how could that be?

Yeah, I couldn't imagine either; but it seemed MOST unfortunate.  Especially when he lopped Barbie's head off, scribbled black permanent marker all over Chatty Cathy's face, and claimed MY little green army men as his own.

Then there were our different ideas of fun.  For instance, I thought playing school was a splendid idea.  I, of course, would the teacher while wee boys of the family (I was WOEFULLY outnumbered mind you) would be my pupils.  What's not to love about that?  They, however, had other ideas.  While I was painstakingly assigning MOUNDS of homework, they were lassoing my legs and performing run-by-shootings (little did I know, some day that would be school).     

On and on it goes ...

But a funny thing happens the older you get.  Suddenly you realize maybe you didn't have it all figured after all. 

I can't tell you when exactly it happened.  All I know is one day I looked at my brother and realized his smile could light up a room.  I saw his talent for computers and drafting, storytelling and photography and realized he could succeed at anything he put his hand to.  I sensed his humor and realized together we could, quite possibly, be the most hilarious people around!  I realized that of all the people in the world, I'd rather be with my "little" brother than just about anyone.

Don't get me wrong.  I still whine.  Quite often actually.  Only today my whining consists not of having a brother - but that he lives clear across the ocean.  I bemoan - not because I have to spend time with him - but because I must rely upon IM, or email, or the tele to do so. 

Life has a funny way of turning things around.  Twenty-nine years ago, what I thought to be - quite possibly - God's first mistake, proved to be God's most precious gift of all.  For not only did I receive a sibling, but a friend as well. 

AND, for the record, I did receive my sister.  Just not as I had imagined.  My brother married a wonderful European girl who understands my need for candles and coffee and tea.  She's BEAUTIFUL, smart, funny, kind-hearted, and stronger than she knows.  And we love her.  Sigh.   

You might say I ended up with a two-for-one deal.  And that makes me the least bit unfortunate; that makes me the luckiest girl in the world.

Imagine a boy, born to the rural lands of Pennsylvania.  With little formal education, he did what any teenager in his situation would do - he took up an apprenticeship.  But the print business was not his forte and he was quickly fired.  So he took up another apprenticeship - this time under the watchful eye of a candy maker.  Four years he studied his craft.  Even then he must have shown promise, for his mother's family financed a venture all his own - a Pennsylvania candy company.  For six long years he worked at the business, but to no avail.  Forced to close, he moved out west to Denver. While there he took a position with a confectioner specializing in fresh milk caramels.  Before long he had moved to New York City, where he opened another candy store.  It failed too.  So off to Chicago he set, where he opened yet another candy company, only to find it a failure as well. 

You know what they say, third time's a charm.  But what happens when it's not so much?  What happens when everything you put your hand to fails; when friends and family begin to question your ability?  I mean, let's be serious.  After awhile it gets a bit embarrassing.  Not to mention discouraging.  Do you give up?     

Not Milton Hershey.  Milton S. Hershey forged ahead.  He may have been nearing thirty, and nearly bankrupt, but that didn't stop him.  With four losses under his belt, he tried once more for a win.  Returning to Lancaster, he opened the Lancaster Caramel Company.  This time he struck gold.  His fifth business was so successful, in 1900 he was able to sell it for a whopping 1 million dollars.   All so he could focus on his true passion - chocolate.  Three years later he returned to the place of his birth to open a new chocolate factory.  And the rest is history ...      

So the next time we go to drown our defeat in a large vat of Hershey's milk chocolate, let us think of the man behind the bar.  A man who refused to let his dream die, despite one setback after another.  A man who learned from trial and error, so that every man might be able to enjoy the smooth, creamy goodness of milk chocolate.  A man who used his wealth to build a thriving town, all because he believed his employees deserved better.  A man who thought up the "Great building campaign" to add beauty - and countless jobs - during the great depression.  A man who, though no children of his own, left an ever-growing legacy through schools and educational grants.  A man who proves to us still today, that hard work and perseverance have a funny way of turning life's bitter disappointments to sweet success.        

So, I'm thinking you've probably heard by now - February is Women's Heart Health Month.  If you're like me and you love a good theme, perhaps a heart-happy-charity is the thing for you. And WomenHeart: the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease may just be the ticket.  "WomenHeart is the only patient-led national non-profit organization that educates and advocates for the 8 million American women living with heart disease."  Eight.  Million.  Unfortunately, despite an entire month dedicated to the issue, heart disease amongst women remains largely overlooked.  For that reason alone, we each must do our part to get the word out.  In so doing, don't forget WomenHeart - for our mothers, sisters, daughters - for all the women who hold our hearts.     

Interested in this charity?

• WomenHeart received an overall rating of three-stars on Charity Navigator.  Click here to check out the details. 
• Visit WomenHeart to sign up for a free e-newsletter, find a support group, donate, or discover additional ways you can be a part!
• My personal favorite:  thru the month of February you can log on to Clos du Bois's kiss and tell website.  Tell your favorite kiss story or send a kiss-o-gram to someone special.  Clos du Bois will donate $1 to WomenHeart for each card sent and you could win a trip to Paris.  It's a win-win situation here people!  NOTE:  you must be of legal drinking age (in the US I might add) to participate.  The unfairness of it all, I know ...

Can I just tell you ... I love Valentine's Day.  Sigh. 

Now I know what you're thinking, "WHY?!!!"  But I'm fairly certain the question here should be "Why not?" 

I've never been above a rotic evening (romantic without the man, naturally).  I love pink and candles and having an excuse to eat copious amounts of chocolate.  It is, after all, expected.  I love making a grand feast - and at least attempting to make some fancy dessert ... even if I fail miserably and am then totally irritated.  I love snuggling up with a glass of wine and a good chick flick.  I love toasting all the love that has made its way to my life ...

You see, there are many types of love.  There are family, friends and lovers.  There's love that stays and love that fades.  There's a mad, passionate love and one that is quiet and reserved.  Each and everyone is worthy of celebration - if for nothing else than the imprint it has left on your heart. 

So you're alone on Valentine's Day.  Rather than cursing, drinking yourself stupid, and otherwise having a no-holds-barred-pity-party maybe you should raise a glass to the love that has touched your life.  The love of family and friends who keep you laughing, and keep you going even when there appears to be no hope at all.  The love that has left you, for making you stronger.  And for all the love yet to be ...

Happy Valentine's Day!