Scribble and Scrambles - Top O' the Birthday

...twenty-five

...a quarter of a century

...a dozen eggs plus a baker's dozen donuts

...my son

...the number of zoos we've probably visited in his lifetime

...the number of hours I was in labor (okay, not actual labor....but close)

...percent of my hair is gray (8 percent attributed to him)

...reasons I love him

...reasons I'm proud of him

...one-liners, inside jokes and laughs involving him that sneak up on me and bring me a smile.

...candles

Happy Birthday son of mine. First born male who rode the wave of his parent's dysfunction and survived. Dad and I are so proud of the young man you've become.

You've added color, sound and fragrance (mixed blessing) to our lives. Thank you for being such an incredible guinea pig and all around fabulous first child.

"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you In the palm of his hand."

Serials and Scenarios - How to Get Your Husband to Listen

I told ya'll that this was a big book week. Whoee. And I did it. Don't even ask me about the state of my laundry room. : ).

I kind of get into the marriage and family books, so when I was offered a chance to read this over, I jumped on it. I didn't expect to find so many takeaways.

You can read a bit more about the authors at Novel Journey (3-14-08) if you'd like.

My Review:

Do you struggle in your marriage? Maybe your husband makes no sense whatsoever to you, almost like he not only speaks a different language but he also doesn't speak any known tongue. Not only that, what you say meets with a large wall or a huge glistening iceberg, no way over it, under it or around it so you are forced to fire up the wrecking ball and go through it, just to get your point across. If this sounds even remotely like your marriage AND if you want to fix it, make it better or change it, then get this book.

Ladies, this book will step on your toes and go against your survival instincts. But, if you are willing to make some changes, you could have the marriage you've always wanted but have given up on.

Cobb and Grigsby deliver hard-hitting advice and facts that go against all the fairytale drama we've come to embrace as reality. But what they offer is a set of blueprints to real love and communication to counteract the shadow of romantic notion and mountains of frustration. The authors have lived where their readers reside. They've struggled and learned and are willing to pass along the keys to communication and a healthy marriage.

The only women who should not read this book are those who embrace the philosophy that others must change and bow to her will or a relationship isn't even worth her time. That's a lonely road. My Way or the Highway is a lonely road, and if you are on it, then don't even crack the cover because the advice and wisdom within will be nonsense to you. If you think the Bible or God is a bunch of dusty, old-fashioned hogwash, ditto, don't even go there because this book will do nothing but frustrate you.

But, if you are sick and tired of being sick and tired in the most valuable and important relationship on the earth...if you are open to making changes because your marriage is worth it...if you are willing to put selfishness aside and do what's best for your marriage, then invest the $14.95 in this book. For just a little more than the cost of a movie and fast food dinner for one and you might find the key that will help you continue to be part of a duo til death do you part.

Or if you are looking for Mr. Right or engaged, check it out. The authors tell the truth about the most intimate and challenging of relationships. What you learn now may save your future marriage before it starts to stink.

I don't know if I would have been open to the wisdom from Cobb and Grigsby during my dark days of marriage. When I gave up wanting to manipulate and play the same games...when I was sick and tired of myself and the way I treated my husband and the way he treated me, this book would have given me much of the truth I needed that I ended up learning the hard way.

Question: Do you know a definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Question: Is the same old, same old in your marriage insane because it's not going to change until you do? And do you want to remain there? If not, borrow or buy this book.

Serials and Scenarios - Sweet Caroline

Rachel Hauck has been here before. Click here to read it.


My review:

Sweet read.

Hauck is an honest and engaging author who creates living, breathing blemished characters and who is quickly moving up on my favorite author list.

Chick-lit lovers, low country fans and quirky character collectors should find much to love in Caroline's journey throughout the pages of this novel.

I do hope that Sweet Caroline is just the beginning of a long, long series. There is another book in Caroline, at least one in Hazel and who knows how many in Elle.

Keep 'em coming, Rachel.

Serials and Scenarios - The Perfect Life

Click on the book cover to visit the Amazon page for more info and more reviews of The Perfect Life. Robin Lee Hatcher has visited the Dregs before. Click here for her interview.

My Review:

The Perfect Life is a drama involving a woman's crash into the reality of the fallen world. Even more difficult is the fact that she faces the brutal truth that Christianity is not a promise of the sweet life. Her struggle to survive, accept and overcome her rude awakening, winds through the novel and is told through both first person and supporting third-person characters.

The drama unfolds a lot like the story of Job with much inner soul-searching and lamenting on the part of Katherine.

Those who avoid novels with a lot of introspection may struggle with the slower moving format of a woman devastated and her plunge into self-preservation.

However, sticking with the story and following the heart-breaking progress from broken dreams to hope is very much worth the trip.

Serials and Scenarios - The Next Level

Click on the book cover to visit the Amazon page for more information and reviews.

Book Description:

Business degree in hand, Logan enters the immense Universal Systems building and is hired as an organizational analyst — a trouble-shooter. His job: evaluate the company’s five divisions, each on a separate level and each operating on startlingly unique principles. Which set of principles is successful? Why is most of the company’s profit generated by one tiny division? What is real profit, anyway? And who is the enigmatic executive that Logan ends up reporting to?

Logan engages in a life-changing pursuit for The Next Level–a fascinating parable that will help you answer some of life’s most perplexing and vital questions. Joining Logan in evaluating each level’s approach, you’ll be inspired to consider the big picture of your own life from an entirely different perspective — one that holds the key to life’s ultimate purpose. No matter where you are now, get ready to embark on your own passionate pursuit of The Next Level.

Review:

I haven't read David Gregory's previous books, but I got the set for Christmas. After reading The Next Level, I'm looking forward to reading Dinner with a Perfect Stranger.

The Next Level is an allegory/parable set in the corporate world. In simple story-telling third person voice Gregory takes the reader through the ranks of a large corporation. Each level contains it's own surprises and lessons learned.

The Next Level is a very quick read so it would be great for shorter attention spans. The lesson/moral drives the story but the author makes the message low-key enough that the story can be enjoyed without a the sensation of having survived a power preaching session. Both thought-provoking and entertaining, fans of Gregory should enjoy this short novel. Others who might enjoy it, those facing life changes, graduations, job shifts and spiritual crossroads.

Scribbles and Scrambles - Top o' the Monday to You.

Iowa is oozing Spring.

Gross imagery, but true. The air is heavy with humidity and the ground, swamplike.

Lest you think my taste leans to the Shrek, let me continue my thoughts.

Today, the sky produced monochromatic shades of Robin's egg blue and the sun shone. So much so that the cats called a truce and shared the four p.m. stripe on the living room carpet.

So, I've decided that today is as good a day as any to embrace the adventure that God is providing.

Have I mentioned that He has been bestowing much attention on our previous prayers for growth, change and health? If you know God well, you know He doesn't work in any prescribed format. Nor does He provide a suggestion box. Oh, I know He listens to me, but asking Him to get involved in my life is akin to praying for patience. I'm going to get the opportunity to stretch some muscles.

Today, I'm working on thanking the Lord for the IRS. This may take awhile, and it may be the reason my entire neighborhood was swathed with the hint of spring...because Kelly's inner Pollyanna really could use a blast of awesome nature to begin to warm to the idea of embracing taxes.

If nothing else, this week I'll have the opportunity to at least avoid thinking about taxes for a bit since I have two books to read and three to review this week.

Scribble and Scrambles - Smokin'

My aunt and nephew/cousin dropped by for a visit last night. After laughing at the ping-pong dogs we settled in for a chat.

Rob arrived shortly after that and with him came some serious campfire scent. N/C questioned the smell. Apparently, (I must confess that I only half-listened...as long as he's not spurting blood, I don't take work mishaps too seriously since there's hardly a day without one) the wood burning unit in the shop decided to back up and pump smoke into the building. Blah. Blah. He got it all taken care of and the only lasting consequence was the odor.

When people come over to sit a spell ya gotta offer them food. I had a partial bag of Valentine triple chocolate yum kisses I'd been hoarding, so in classic Martha Stewart hostess mode I tossed the opened bag on the table and told them to help themselves. (In defense of my hospitality skills, I did get my aunt water -- with ice.)

There was more chatter about fires and smoke. My aunt probably told the story about Scar Pie. (I was editing my N/C's work in progress.) Scar Pie, for the curious, was coined a couple of decades ago during a trip to Colorado. While we were enjoying a meal in a nice restaurant, a man at the next table lit up a cigar. Known the world over for our strong family trait of sarcasm, one aunt leaned toward the other and asked if she was enjoying her Cigar Pie. However, in the clinking of glasses and conversation, all that was heard was Scar Pie.

As the fire/food talk died down last night, my aunt, who's very polite and always shares chocolate and coffee, leaned over and offered a candy to Rob. "You want a smokin kiss?"

Now, I tell you, I've never had a woman ask my husband that while I was sitting right next to him. And my own aunt at that!

In some families, a person who made a verbal faux pas would blush and flee. Nope, in mine we will refer to it again and possibly even blog about it. You never know.