Fav Books for Boys

These are the book series that really helped my oldest monkey start reading constantly everyday. When a new edition came out he still wanted to read the latest version.

He's 13 now and still enjoys these books.

Gone With the Wind

I've had this book laying around the house for years, but I've never read it. Lately I've been reading a lot of classic novels, so I finally decided to pick up this thick book. I'm so glad I did. It's been one of the best books I've read. I feel like I'm back in time like one of those excited readers dying to see the epic film. I can understand now why this film was like the Star Wars of it's generation. The movie is one of my favorites, but the book explained in depth the characters, their challenges, and the customs of the old South. It made me love Scarlette O' Hara even more.

Darcy's Story

It's been snow so much I had to take this opportunity to cozy up with a book and read about my favorite romantic character Fitzwilliam Darcy. If you love Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice like I do. You have to experience this epic love story from Darcy's point of view. I loved hearing his thoughts about Elizabeth Bennet, his struggle with his feelings, and how best to amend his high opinion of himself. It's like enjoying the whole book all over again.

The Red Tent

Wow! What a great read. I've started The Red Tent

several time over the years, but I finally made the effort to read it completely this Christmas. I don't know much about biblical stories, but this is base off of Jacob and his sons in the Book of Genesis. The story is about Jacob's only daughter Dinah, and the ancient womanhood traditions surrounding the red tent. I found it interesting how another culture celebrates among women the traditions of femininity. I embraced the importance of teaching, celebrating, and pass on the beauty of being a woman.

Raw food

My friend Erin asked me to do a raw food diet with her for a week. At first I was a little skeptical that I could get through a whole day without carbs. Boy, was I wrong. I'm so glad I try it. My 1st day I ate strawberries, blueberries, and a banana for breakfast. My morning snack was an apple w/almonds, and raisins. My lunch was a spinach taco salad w/no meat. My afternoon snack was
bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers. My dinner was a spinach salad w/pecans, and fruit. I was amazed that I did it first of all, but how I didn't feel depressed for carbs at all. In the next few days I started to feel lighter, more alert, less tired, my eyes were brighter, and my skin looked amazing. I knew I was on to something wonderful for me. I'm so thankful to my friend Erin for encouraging me to try this. Here's the book she let me read to understand how raw food benefits your body. Check it out.

A New Earth...Awakening to your life's purpose

This is the first book I read that I needed to break out the highlighter. I purchased this book when it first was announced as part of Oprah's book club. I read a few pages, and I thought it was a waste of money. It's been several years now, and I think the problem was I wasn't consciously prepared to read this book. I feel it's given me some insight into my state of consciousness that I am now ready to explore. I love the book, and can't stop highlighting. Great self improvement book.

My Body for Life

I get asked often how I keep in shape. I decided to share 2 books that I use as part of my fitness plan. Since moving back to the high country I've taken up running again. This has help me take off weight. Now I've improved the look of my body by using weights. At 41, I look as great as I did in my twenties, and can still fit into my size 5 jeans! Give weight training a serious try. It will transform your body.

New Books!

I've recently started Cosmetology school, and my days leave me little time for blogger. Here are a few books that I've finished reading a while back, but I thought there were worth talking about.

The first one is Into the Wild. I saw the movie first, then my sister in law Tracy gave me her book to read. The book explains Alex McCandles life in more detail based off the journals, and letters he left behind. His thinking was not conventional. Some believe reckless; however, no one can doubt this young man lived an extraordinary life.

The second is The Reader. My father gave me this book many years ago. I recently read this book again because I was excited that my favorite actress Kate Winslet would be starring in the motion picture. If you want to curl up with a good book. This one is it! I still haven't seen the movie, but hopeful I will soon.

The last one is Women thou art loosed! This book was surprisely a winner for me. I didn't think I would find this book interesting, but once I got through the first few chapters I was hooked. What I loved about this book were the women are dealing with very difficult, and painful challenges in their lifes. Through all their heartaches, and disappointments they continually keep trying to find happiness, and peace. Interesting read. I hope you try any one of these books. Happy reading...

Revolutionary Road and more...

It's been snowing a lot, and my little, white, Mickey Mouse van doesn't drive to well in the snow. I've been doing alot of reading because of it, but I think I've gone alittle crazy about it. I'm a morning person, so most days I'm up at 4 ,or 5 in the morning everyday. It's the best time to read!!! I love having the peace of the house to myself with the comfort of the warm flame to keep me company. In those early hours I've been enjoying books like Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road, and Nicholas Sparks' books. They have been such good reads that I've been able to complete 3 books in a weeks time.
I've been inspired to read Revolutionary Road after seeing the promotions for the movie on TV. It's looks so good, but after reading this book. I was so heart broken for a while after I completed this book. The last few chapters were so difficult to read for me. My sweet, little Kaya was so caring, and kept wiping away my tears. I recommend this book. It's a exceptional read!
Nights in Rodanthe was a love story about hope, forgiveness, and possiblility of love at any age. This was a easy read. I seem to have read much of this book while on the go. Any free moment I had I whip this paperbook out of my bag, and read a few pages. I felt so hopeful after finishing this book. It makes you feel that love, and understanding is the answer. Now I can't wait to watch the movie!

I first fell in love with the movie. I rented, and watch this while the monkeys were at school with my sister Carla. We both fell in love with The Notebook. I finally read the book. I thought the book captured the essence of the book very well, but reading this book is something I can see myself doing once a year. It's one of those books you don't pass on to others. It's a book you want to keep for yourself, and read every so often. I would definitely encourage others to get a copy for themselves. Enjoy!

Bringer of Dawn

Last night Dory and Ryan stopped by, and gave us a copy of a Native American Children's book that Ryan has illlustrated named Bringer of Dawn. I was very excited to receive one, and I can't wait to share this book with my monkeys. The pictures are beautiful. I hope you check it out!!!

Deceptively Delicious!

Wow, deceptively delicious is right! This new cook book by Jessica Seinfeld is right up my alley. Easy recipes that I already feed my kids, but with a mother's secret ingredient added Vegetables!!! I thought my baby food pureeing days were over with. Well I thought wrong!!! I couldn't wait to dust off the food processor. I secretly add puree carrots to my monkeys french toast, and scrambled eggs. I waited for them to react, and guess what? No reaction! They didn't even know I tricked them. It made me feel so good, and so bad at the same time. What's up with that? I wonder. Well since I've purchased this book I started making some of the recipes. I really think it's a great way to add veggies, and fruits into your monkey's diet. Nothing beats the really thing, but the recipes in this book certainly help. Check it out!!!


Pureed carrots inside french toast. Shhh... it's a secret.
Coffee cake with butternut squash puree
Blueberry Lemon Muffins with Yellow Squash
Cigar Tortillas filled with chicken, pureed carrots, pureed yellow squash, and melted cheeses. My kids loved these, and I think this one would be perfect for their school lunch.

The Man who Loved Jane Austen

Well this book The Man who Loved Jane Austen by Sally Smith O'Rourke was a surprise! The title of this book interested me, but I didn't think I would really care for this book. I thought it would be a cheap read, but I found myself unable to put it down. If you love the character Fitzwilliam Darcy, and the mysterious author Jane Austen. You might find yourself hoping for a connection between the two besides a fictional character. What if there where a real Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen life? Well this book creates that possibility. Give it a chance, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Baby Books

I'm so excited my sister Carla is going to have her 2nd child. I can't wait!!! I really hope she has a girl! So far, Kaya is the only granddaughter in our family. So you can see why I'm so excited. I'd like to share with you some interesting books that helped me during those early years. I needed baby books because I wasn't one of those children that every had to help with child care, or baby sitting, so my knowledge was very limited in the beginning. My girlfriend Michelle thought it was funny that I had ever changed a babies diaper until I changed her youngest son Zachary. She had to show me how, and I was probably in my late twenties. She thought it was funny when I asked her "How do you know when they are hungry?" Now! I have 11 years under my belt, and I can say I know a thing or two. Here's some books that I refer to often. I used this book for all my monkeys. They are play activities that help them develop. This is a must. My baby Bible. I love this book. It shows you how to make your own baby food for the best nutrient. Great book for a 1st time mom. Organic food for your kids. I still use this book a lot.

I use this as my home school reference. I used many home schooling books, but I like this one the best.

Kite Runner

I recently watched this great film called the Kite Runner. I love movies about love. I found this movie inspirating because sometimes our bad choices can lead to guilty, and shame that can last a lifetime. The only way to rid these demons is to find the courage to say, and do the right thing. After watching this film, I came across a copy of the book at a yard sale (of all places). Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that teaches you about love, and you take a piece of that wisdom with you. I hope you give this book a read.

Favorite books

My father bought me the complete series of Jane Austen books, but I didn't become interested in her until I saw the the BBC film Pride and Prejudice. The first time I saw this epic film I was glued to the couch. I fell in love with Miss Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. I could not wait to read Pride and Prejudice. I raced down to the local library and checked out a copy. I sat in my house night, and day reading. It didn't matter if the laundry was over flowing, or if the kids wanted more candy. I didn't care. I just wanted to get back to my book. After I finished this book, I felt I needed to have more. That's when my dad and I wandered into a book store, and he bought me the entire series of Jane Austen books. It was one of the best gift he ever given me. I enjoy reading these books often, and just recently I read a new book about The lost memoirs of Jane Austen by author Syrie James. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Right now it's one of my favorites. I hope you will try viewing, or reading a Jane Austen story.

Grandma "Mero's" Cookbook

I thought I would share this family cookbook with you Flora's Kitchen Recipes from a New Mexico Family by Regina Romero. John's mother wrote this New Mexico style cookbook in 1997. I was pregnant with my first son Sage, and during this time I was very interested in family history. Since I was getting ready to have my first child, I felt I needed to know more about our family trees. When I first read this book I was surprised to learn about how each one of these recipes was connected to family members, family events, and family stories. I love my mother in laws cooking. I make many of these recipes from this book for my family, but when I do. I often relive, in my head, the cherish family stories of the author Regina Romero. I'm thankful for her efforts to retell her cherish, childhood memories in her cookbook for me to share with my beautiful children, and our future gene pool. On behalf of my 3 beautiful monkeys............ "Thank you Grandma Mero."