Emily Winfield Martin: The Black Apple Shop

I came across the work of artist Emily Winfield Martin through a post by blogger extraordinaire Victoria Smith over at sf girl by bay.  I wondered over to the artist's etsy shop, the black apple, and as I scanned her collection of prints all of her inspiration from folklore, carnival life, and classic literature was apparent but whimsically and humorously portrayed.  Her work has originality and beauty.  It is slightly creepy (but in a good way).  If you haven't discovered Emily Winfield Martin yet, I invite you to take a look!

There is much more to see, so go over and visit the black apple.

Have a fantastic Day everyone!

Out of Print and The Incorrigible Children

outofprintclothing.com

When my husband and I were recently vacationing near the coast I went exploring in a local book store and found these really great t-shirts.  I had to have the Jane Eyre one (It is my favorite book and I even wrote my thesis on it) and when I went online to check out the website I found many more items that I would love to own, including the "Poe-ka-dot" pouch--how funny is that!

Out of Print t-shirts by desertgirls on Polyvore

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn / Alice in Wonderland / Pride and Prejudice / Moby Dick book cover t-shirt | Outofprintclothing.com / Goodnight Moon book cover bodysuit | Outofprintclothing.com / Poe-ka Dots / Jane Eyre canvas pouch | Outofprintclothing.com
Another store that I came across carried these books, "The Incorrigible Children."  The front cover caught my eye because it is just so adorably illustrated.  I have never read one of them but maybe you could tell me if they are as good as the front covers?  They seem to be in the same vein as Lemony Snicket's "Unfortunate Events" books; that's my guess anyway.

barnesandnoble.com

barnesandnoble.com

We arrived back from our beach vacation yesterday and we are about ready to start back to work and school.  My daughter is starting kindergarten on Thursday(sniff sniff) and she wants to go help daddy in his classroom today.  I am going to take the opportunity to spend a nice day with my son.  He has requested BJ's Restaurant for lunch.  Anyway, I hope you all have a nice day!

Literary Crushes and a Few Good Pins

Hello, friends!  It is hard to believe that this week is already half way over, but I have to admit that I am ever so glad that it is- 3 day weekend, here we come!  I, for one, am looking forward to sleeping in.  I miss sleep.  It's my own fault for not getting enough.  Well, mine and my cat Taylor- it's her fault, too, since she has taken to using one of my beside lamps as a scratching/rubbing post and nearly causes it to fall over every morning at about 3 or 4 a.m.  I have to figure out a way to anchor it down to the table (I'm thinking earthquake putty), but I also have to figure out a way to anchor the table- she has almost caused that to crash and fall, and it would be horrible, because it is a mirrored side table.

Source: rofloffice.com via Lori on Pinterest

So, anyway.  Wednesday means a link up at The Vintage Apple.  And I am going to attempt to do my little assignment for the Preview to Summer Blogger Book Swap.  I have to say I am glad I participated in this swap; it has been fun reading other bloggers' posts covering different literary topics, and exchanging book packages via the mail was fun too- I can't wait to share what I got from my swap partner!  (And I can't wait until I have time to dive into my new reads!)
For this week's topic we could choose between Literary Soundtracks or Character Crushes.
Every time I attempt to answer these questions, my brain turns to jelly.  I feel like I haven't read anything besides young adult fiction (with my students) in forever, and the books I have been reading don't really lend themselves to crushes (Hitler, anyone?!).  So I have to try to delve back into my past and think of some characters I fell in love with.  Or think of some songs that just scream soundtrack to a certain book.
And since my brain has kind of been fried lately with tons of end of the year projects and grading and drunk men on my porch, I am going to give you the opposite.  I am going to give  you a list of anti-crushes.  These are horrible characters the likes of whom should be avoided by women (and men!) at all costs.
1. Dorian Gray.  What woman doesn't love a narcissistic, egotistical maniac who  not so secretly prefers men over women?!  He may be hideous on the inside, but come on, we all know that it's what's on the outside that really counts, right?!

Source: doctormacro.com via Lori on Pinterest

2. Alex, from A Clockwork Orange.  Have you ever read this novel?  On the one hand, I recommend it, as it is a classic piece of literature, but on the other hand, I say stay away from it, as it is so very, very disturbing.  This book is the kind that stays with you, even when you don't really want it to.  It's like gum on your shoe.  Alex and his droogs are perhaps some of the most despicable literary characters that I have ever come across in my life. Even the author said something to the effect that this book would follow him all his life, and not in a good way.

Source: nickdrake.tumblr.com via Gustavo on Pinterest

Okay, enough with the bad boys whom I think you should stay away from. How about a good guy?  How about (drum roll, please...)
1.  Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables.  He's just so good to Anne, despite her many rejections and flaming red hair.  (Just kidding about the hair!)  He is steadfast and makes sacrifices for her even when she doesn't know that she wants him.  He waits for her and he loves her as she is.

Source: anneofgreengables.com via Karah on Pinterest

2. I also love Snape.  That's right.  Severus Snape.  I love him for loving Lily as much as he did.  Ahhh, Snape, you greasy haired softie, you.  Love him.

Source: Uploaded by user via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Okay. Done. I guess I could mention more. I would not be opposed to meeting one of the male leads from a Sophie Kinsella novel, for instance. Or a certain Mr. Darcy, of course.
Now, on to some random pins for Wednesday Pinsday.

Source: theeverygirl.tumblr.com via Lori on Pinterest

I adore this lamp.  And pretty much everything else on that desk.

Source: rstyle.me via Lori on Pinterest

Yes, please.

Source: bunnyvictorious.com via Lori on Pinterest

I hope you are all enjoying your week!

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover. Unless Its Really Cute.

Today I am linking up with the Preview to Summer Book Swap and Nicole at Three 31 to talk about judging a book by its cover.

1. Do you judge a book by its cover?  I'm not going to lie.  Sometimes I do judge a book by its cover.  I find that as I get older, I have had the tendency to do this more and more.  If a book looks aesthetically pleasing, I am more likely to pick it up and read the back cover to see what it is all about.  My eye is drawn to pretty, people.  Case in point- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  

   

   buy it here
2. How important is cover design to you?  Like I said, I do sometimes judge a book by its cover, but it won't stop me from reading something just because I don't like the way it looks.  
3. Share your favorite book cover.  Yeesh.  This is tough.  Favorite book cover.  Hmmmm.  Sorry, don't think I can answer this one.  I have no idea. 
4. What book surprised you the most, despite its unappealing cover design?  I once read a book called Magic Kingdom for Sale, Sold.  I found it at the library one summer when I had nothing to read and just grabbed random books off the shelf without looking.  I'm glad I did; on top of the stupid cover, it had an even worse title!  But I actually really enjoyed that book, and the rest of the series, too.  And another series by the same author, Terry Brooks.  

   

   So lame!  Sorry, Terry Brooks and your
   cover art guy.
   Buy it here.

5. In your opinion, what makes a book cover intriguing?  Again with the hard questions.  I don't know!  I'm not very good at this.  

   

   image via

   I love the graphic look of the old Penguin books, even though that image above is not an actual book.  It is a painting by Harland Miller.  

Source: amazon.com via Random House Books on Pinterest

I also like weird cover art, apparently. I wanted this book based on the picture and the title.

Source: keenfootwear.com via KEEN on Pinterest

I also chose this book based on its cover. That is why I picked it up to begin with, and then I found out that it is by the lead singer of The Decemberists. It isn't a bad book, but it is a little wordy. Sometimes my kids and I (I read it in 6th grade reading club) were kind of like, "Get to the point already!"  

joannagoddard.blogspot.com via Angelique on Pinterest

Of course I had to include this.

Source: amazon.com via Stewart on Pinterest

Love this one too. I love me some silhouettes. Alrighty. That's about all for now. What are some of your favorite book covers?

Obligatory Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 desertgirls

1)whimsy animal corkscrew /5) The Gospel According To Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's... / 6)Jayson Home Q&a A Day /2) ReForm School: Ryan Gosling Coloring Book / 4)rifle paper company /3) CHIFFANY ROUND NESTING BOXES

I felt it necessary to do a Mother's Day gift ideas list. It seems compulsory. Mandatory. I hear, and I obey, oh internet. I guess my little list is not for your typical mom, but I am loving more than one item on the list. So let's talk about each, shall we?
1) Have you seen cuter corkscrews in your life?! That seal and ball is my favorite, but I love the bull too. I saw those and I fell in love; they are so clever and practical; what more could a mom ask for?! Plus, hello, they lead to the consumption of wine. And every mother needs that at one time or another.
2) Now, I'll admit, I am not a huge Ryan Gosling fan.  He's cute, I get it, but I have another confession- I never saw The Notebook, so I never really got on that bandwagon.  Having said that, I know you don't need to have seen that movie to appreciate his abs.
This coloring book would be perfect for the mom who likes to spend time with her little ones, but has grown tired of, say, coloring in shapes and farm animals.  The kids never have to know the real reason mommy started coloring with them so often.
3) I think these Tiffany blue nesting boxes are gorgeous, and any chic mom who likes pretty things and/or organization would love these.  Or, if you're like me, you love storage like this that is functional and beautiful and capable of hiding junk all at the same time.
4)  Of course these are on here.
5) We could all use a little Coco Chanel in our lives.
6) I include this book on a lot of my gift lists because it is that good.  I love it, and I think it would be a wonderful gift for Mom; it is so personal and easy and such a nice way to keep track of our ever changing lives.

Well, that's it for now, friends.  I spent the whole weekend painting (with help from my own fabulous Mom on Saturday), and now that it is Monday, it is back to the real world.  We have just a few weeks of school left, so things are about to get crazy busy around here.
I hope you all have a fabulous week!


 

5 Books Every Woman Should Read

I am linking up today with Spillerina to talk about 5 books I think every woman should read.
Interesting topic.  Hard to choose 5.

 But, choose 5 I must.  So here I go.

1.) Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson
I had to read this book for either a psychology class or a women in literature class; I don't remember which.  Maybe it was for a philosophy class.  It was for college; I do remember that much at least.  (It appears I had better start taking a multi-vitamin and some omega 3 pills, because lately I feel like my mind has been going.)
Anyway.  This book was a very interesting look into a culture completely different than my own.  Some have speculated that it is not completely nonfiction (the princess divulging secrets could face death if her identity was discovered), but nonetheless it is a compelling look into what life is like for some women.

2.) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic.  Pure and simple.  And I love that this version is annotated.  I love me a good annotated book, dorky as that may be.  My favorite copy of Alice in Wonderland is the annotated version I bought at the Huntington Library years ago.

3.) The Portable Dorothy Parker
I have an older version of this, but  I should buy the updated version- they've added some more of Parker's work and a mini biography, apparently.  Why should women read this?  Because Dorothy Parker was clever and funny and honest.

 4.) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Another classic.  I don't think this should just be a book every woman should read; I think it should be a book that every person should read.  But I don't think today's kids should read it when they are in the 8th or 9th grade; I think a lot of them are too young to appreciate what a fantastic character Atticus Finch is.

5.)  His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
Maybe this title belongs more to "books every young woman" should read, but I love these books.  The protagonist, who  may be a bit of a brat sometimes, is a strong, smart, clever girl.  Quite a lot of my favorite young adult novels (I read a lot of them, being a 5th grade teacher) happen to be about young men, but this book centers on Lyra and her adventures.  I love that it is a girl who is setting out to save the world.

So, there's 5 of my top choices.  I could add to the list, maybe a little Virginia Woolf or Kate Chopin, but 5 is 5 and I am done.
What books do you think every woman should read at least once?

Wednesday Pinsday and Preview to Summer Swap

Hello, all. Happy Wednesday! Today I will be linking up with The Vintage Apple for Wednesday Pinsday, but I will also be linking up with I Believe in Story's Preview to Summer Book Swap.  I can't seem to get enough of book swaps lately!  I am, of course, participating in our swap with Martha, and I joined another swap too.
(Have I mentioned that I LOVE books?)
So some of my pins have to do with books.  Some don't.  This first one has to do with cake.

Source: Uploaded by user via sfgirlbybay / victoria on Pinterest

Oh, Julia Child, how right you are. And wouldn't just about every meeting be made better if someone brought cake?!

Source: hemingwayandhepburn.com via Lori on Pinterest

Wouldn't you love to just cozy up in that space with a good book and a cup of coffee or tea? So much light! Just gorgeous!

Source: thedaybookblog.com via Lori on Pinterest

I am loving the simplicity of this outfit. That dress! Those shoes! Guess where that dress is from! Give up? Target. Not just Target's regular clothing section, though- Target's maternity section! I love that girl for buying that dress even though she isn't pregnant! (I'm glad to know I am not the only one who has wandered into Target's maternity section and bought clothes from there!)

Okay. Now for the hard part of this post. I had to choose my top three favorite books. Do you know how hard that is?! I have more than three favorites, and for different reasons and different times. I've done my best to narrow it down. (From my list, you would not be able to tell that I was an English major. I have chosen what my favorite professor would refer to as "potato chip" books.) In no particular order...
1.) Harry Potter  Which one, you ask?  All of them.  I'm counting all of them as one choice.  I can't say just one, but if I had to choose... nope.  Can't do it. Well, okay.  Twist my arm and I will say... The Deathly Hallows.  Why?  Simple- I love Snape, and I tear up just thinking about him in this book.

Source: goodreads.com via Desert Girls on Pinterest

2.)  Can You Keep a Secret?  by Sophie Kinsella
I can't help it; this book is one I can grab off the shelf and read over and over again.  It is laugh out loud funny.  The last time I read it was on a plane ride home from Chicago.  I had to watch myself so I didn't wake my fellow passengers with my cracking up.

Source: goodreads.com via Desert Girls on Pinterest

3.) The English major in me wants to say To Kill a Mockingbird or Lord of the Flies or The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  The 5th grade teacher in me wants to say Maniac Magee or The Giver.  But for my third choice, I will stop cheating (The Golden Compass series should also be mentioned) and say Ella Minnow Pea.  I love this book for its cleverness.
But I also have to include The Road by Cormac McCarthy.  I read this book ages ago, and it is still with me.  So haunting.  So amazingly good.

I am such a cheater.  I'm sorry.

So those are my top three... but I had so many more to add to the list, that I wanted to mention.  I feel like I am cheating on my favorites!
Thanks to Michelle at The Vintage Apple and Maria at I Believe in Story for hosting the link ups!