tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84004554298211666612024-03-05T08:38:10.668-05:00Black-Eyed Susan'sBooks & Other Passionssusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.comBlogger559125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-14041943703570521832010-09-04T13:09:00.004-04:002010-09-04T13:22:23.459-04:00Ushering In A New SeasonEvery kid loves summer vacation but growing up I was also excited about returning to school. Back then I wouldn't haven't articulated it the same way, but I know now that school provided a kind of haven for me, a place where I could imagine and excel. School meant being with friends and supported by adults who cared about me.I see fall as a beginning, a time of year when things are both exciting susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-34636840435825018712010-08-31T07:18:00.008-04:002010-08-31T18:05:24.172-04:00Confession TuesdayAh, confession time. It's fall and I'm looking forward to new beginnings. That's not my confession; my confession is that I've realized it takes me a lot longer to accept change and to adapt despite my belief that I am open-minded and flexible. Clearly I'm not as much of either as I thought. I've been angry and sad for awhile because of some very difficult changes in my life this year. I susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-79488942669365955802010-08-30T07:33:00.008-04:002010-08-30T18:11:12.417-04:00It's Monday, What Are You Reading?Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I've been in a reading drought so I am anxious to learn what's new and what I should add to my tbr for the fall. If you have recommendations, please share them with me at Color Online. I'm building a list.Currently, I'm reading The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar. I'd really like to know if anyone has read this and The Help and tell susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40880474239329279872010-07-27T20:22:00.011-04:002010-07-27T20:52:19.910-04:00Recommded Summer Vacation ReadsA few months back, someone sent me a copy of Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson (See Ari's review). I carried the book with me on my bus commute with the intent to read it over a couple of rides and lunches at work. Well when I got to work, I shared the book with a co-worker whose son is a reluctant reader. She's always looking for something for him. Without thinking, I offered the book. Later susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51347169554663199292010-07-27T19:10:00.004-04:002010-07-27T19:16:42.977-04:00Confession TuesdayArrgggggggggggggg. Cranky, tired and weepy. Why did it take me two days to realize I'm pmsing? Seriously, how long have I had a cycle? I am sick of being suzy downer. Maude, I really can't stand being in this funk- not now.Confession, I've fallen off the book mobile and I feel so ashamed. I'm afraid to step back into the truck. I imagine the driver giving me a look that says, "You've got a lot ofsusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82797995021419758122010-07-25T16:17:00.005-04:002010-07-25T16:25:38.484-04:00Affirming My Whole and Peace-filled SelfHere's what Linda Spangle has in store for us to do today: Tell yourself "I can do it." at least 10 times. Use this to cheerlead yourself through the entire day! In your notebook, write "I can do it because. . ." and then add a few supportive phrases such as "I'm capable of doing anything." Read your phrases often, using them to reinforce your goals and build your enthusiasm. Good luck! Lookingsusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-23155806731992110412010-07-20T22:19:00.005-04:002010-07-20T22:44:39.715-04:00Confession TuesdayWouldn't you know just when I'm finding my groove again, my pc decides to spazz out on me. It was down most of the day and when I could get on, I had a few other writing assignments I wanted to complete. Then I had a community meeting for my apartment complex. Then dinner.I confess I almost bailed. Then I thought how I'd feel if I couldn't get on tomorrow. Nope, do it now.Apparently, I have a lowsusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-40633453237145310462010-07-19T07:26:00.014-04:002010-07-19T08:50:57.384-04:00From Biggest Loser To Injury To 100 DaysBack in April I joined a group of co-workers in a biggest loser weight loss challenge. Eight weeks in, my cousin died. He was the ultimate health enthusiast. He trained every day and was a healthy vegetarian for more than two decades before his spinal injury two years ago and later the heart attack that killed him. Week nine, three weeks before we concluded the challenge, I injured my knee at susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-87355175075796752402010-06-11T07:21:00.004-04:002010-06-11T17:19:41.587-04:00Saying Good-bye: Michael WilsonThank you all for your prayers and thoughts. Services were yesterday. I want to thank two fine poets, January O'Neil and Maya Ganesan. When I'm hurting, I turn to poetry and in your words I found comfort. At the services I recited two works: "Take Care" by January O'Neil from her collection, The Underlife and "Invitation" by Maya Ganesan from Apologies To An Apple.susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17594737764103144002010-06-02T20:20:00.011-04:002010-06-12T09:46:41.207-04:00Summer's Eve and Grief: Michael Wilson (Jan 12, 1962- May 31, 2010)The older I get the more nostalgic I become. I spend more time each year thinking about my childhood summers, revisiting a time when my family was large and I felt secure knowing my family was close and I was loved. This summer's eve marks the year my familial net came undone. My cousin Michael passed away on Memorial Day in the early afternoon.I don't want to be in this space, this time so susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-17677516476879764822010-05-16T17:28:00.017-04:002010-05-16T20:47:27.514-04:00Sunday Salon: The Diva RulesIs blogging like riding a bike? I'm struggling to balance writing and reading and managing my off-line life. I miss being in this space though. Today, I begin again.It's spring so let's talk about cycles, specifically our menstrual cycle. Did you read Eva's post about the Diva Cup and the book, Flow? I still haven't read the book, but I can tell you about the Diva Cup, a wonderful, green way to susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-75698727295485162862010-04-12T07:23:00.000-04:002010-04-12T07:25:36.370-04:00Update: Life InterruptedFriends,I apologize for being MIA. Full week and life in my household is equally challenging. Will update tonight and make my rounds of reading and commenting.If I owe you a book or an article, please drop me an email if you're concerned. Will mail all books this week.susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-26602705170075354572010-04-06T19:57:00.006-04:002010-04-06T20:59:03.376-04:00Confession Tuesday: An Affair with FoodIt's Tuesday. That means it's confession time. Keeping this short. Dinner's ready. My confession tonight is about why I can’t lose weight. I could name a few reasons but you all would undoubtedly say "lame excuses" and tell me to step away from the table, and I couldn’t argue so I’m going to share the biggies with you and they are big. I don’t care if you agree with me or not.The truth is I susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-43849256181788562882010-04-05T21:04:00.003-04:002010-04-05T21:07:46.921-04:00Little Lov'n Monday It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too."Growing Up Asian American" @ Moms of HueMy parents immigrated from the Philippines in the 70s. Both had three jobs each at susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-51011790546742815702010-04-05T00:09:00.005-04:002010-04-05T00:31:20.582-04:00It's Monday: What Are You Reading?Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Very hectic week. See my Sunday Salon post.Read:The Most Loved In All The World: a story of freedom by Tonya C. Hegamin, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. This children's book tells a compelling story in a way small children can comprehend. It might raise some worry or susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-60208910439963511402010-04-04T16:45:00.008-04:002010-04-04T17:14:03.919-04:00Sunday Salon: Taking Steps To Be Heard for Crohn's & Colitis FoundationIf you noticed the lack of posts last week, it's because I've been busy with off-line activities. In short order: I'm gearing up for an district contest with Toastmasters on Saturday. I'm facilitating our Brown Bag It Book Club at work on Thursday. On Friday, I'm launching a fit challenge with a newly formed club, The First Friday Fit Club. The fit club isn't officially running yet we've signed susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-82104442053842636272010-04-04T00:21:00.001-04:002010-04-04T09:18:59.215-04:00New Crayons: What's New On Our ShelvesRemember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a book at Color Online is a good week.This week turned out to be equally plentiful so I'm blogging here and at Color susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-4594970979761697222010-03-29T06:22:00.002-04:002010-03-29T06:24:38.744-04:00Little Lov'n Monday It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too.Getting Hatemail From Custer at Last Woman: Political & Cultural SnapshotsHow often do we ask young people to work with our susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-45279514854253635082010-03-28T22:44:00.006-04:002010-03-28T23:33:35.454-04:00It's Monday: What Are You Reading?Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Read:Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. Verse novel for younger end of YA. Familiar immigrant story told in a fresh an intimate way. Fits my YA and POC challenge.Wait For Me by An Na. I am biased. I love poetry and Na's prose reads like poetry. This is romantic, susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-63936201509661446832010-03-28T14:14:00.016-04:002010-03-28T14:59:09.894-04:00New Crayons: What's New On Our ShelvesRemember when you were a kid and getting new crayons was a big deal? Getting new books holds the same kind of magic for some of us big kids. Every week on Sunday, I post what's new in our box. I think crayons is a pretty cool metaphor for multicultural lit. Every week we receive a booka t Color Online is a good week.We received so many books that this week I'm blogging here and at Color Online susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-3824550114831944772010-03-26T07:10:00.005-04:002010-03-26T07:31:44.837-04:00Movie Night: Desert FlowerRemember my rambling about other passions? Tonight I'm looking forward to seeing this film. It's silly for me to say that I'm into films by and about women's issues, right? Closing out a great month with this film and you can expect to see more to follow.Oh, this is based on a book. :-) Will report back next week.Desert Flower Plot:Based on the world best-selling book DESERT FLOWER by Waris susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-21340509167892558072010-03-26T07:03:00.002-04:002010-03-26T07:28:10.686-04:00Derrick Barnes at Color OnlineColor Online is asking readers to check out Mr. Derrick Barnes , author of the wonderful children's book series, Ruby Booker. Powers that be don't think Ruby is bringing in enough sales (maybe if there was serious promotion behind the books more readers would be buying and reading) so for those who don't know Ruby or Barnes, Doret took some time to chat with the author. Show some love, susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-217829558489416552010-03-23T18:08:00.006-04:002010-03-23T21:27:51.986-04:00Confession TuesdayIt's Tuesday and I'm in a funk. That means this could be an interesting Confession Tuesday except I'm on serious time crunch. The kidlet is running track this season so I have a parent meeting. Oh, joy. Yes, that is dripping with sarcasm.I'm also on the rag and yes, I said on the rag. I did say I was in a funk, remember. Unlike some of my peers, I find nothing even remotely affirming about havingsusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-16792247102326814682010-03-22T06:38:00.004-04:002010-03-22T06:43:21.125-04:00Little Lov'n Monday It's Monday. It's a day we give a little lov'n. Comments let bloggers know you're reading them. "I like this" in the comment section says plenty. Commit to reading and commenting to 5 blogs this week. Stop by the following links and drop a few links of your choice, too.Rest in Peace, Ai @ PoefrikaAi, who has described herself as 1/2 Japanese, Choctaw-Chickasaw, Black, Irish, Southern Cheyenne, susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8400455429821166661.post-59778411311361292452010-03-22T06:36:00.005-04:002010-03-22T18:36:53.479-04:00It's Monday: What Are You Reading?Each week readers share what they are reading for the week. I joined because there is no way I can review every book I read.Read:Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan. This has been on my tbr for a while. I needed to change things up. I started this last night and finished it on my commute coming home. Blake is funny. Marissa and Shannon are believable and make a good argument that guys are not attractedsusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14924982664582970754noreply@blogger.com16