Little Thoughts About Books and Stuff

Engulf,  verb: (of a natural force) sweep over (something) so as to surround or cover it completely. Fearful,  adjective: feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety, causing or likely to cause people to be afraid; horrifying. Grimace,  noun: an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement; verb: make a grimace. “…and this year’s top marketing rep is, Cassie Roberts!” Mark’s announcement was met by applause and eyes all turning in my direction. I forced a smile onto my face and hoped it looked like a smile and not a grimace. Each new set of eyes was like another wave of panic as I slowly stood and walked towards the stage. The further I walked the deeper I became engulfed in the panic that had started at a slow boil when I learned I was even in the running a few weeks ago.   Later Derek would tell me that he might have been the only one to recognize that the look in my eyes wasn’t a happy glint but a fearful pleading ...

Backbone,  noun: spine, spinal column, vertebral column, vertebrae; back, mainstay, cornerstone, foundation, chief support, buttress, pillar, tower of strength, strength of character, strength of will, firmness, resolution, resolve, determination, fortitude, pluck, pluckiness, nerve, courage, mettle, spirit, moral fiber, guts, spunk, grit, true grit. Cheapen,  verb: demean, debase, degrade, lower, humble, devalue, abase, discredit, disgrace, dishonor, shame, humiliate, mortify, prostitute, reduce, lower (in price), cut, mark down, discount, slash. Dangle,  verb: hang (down), droop, swing, sway, wave, trail, stream, wave, swing, jiggle, brandish, flourish, offer, hold out; entice someone with, tempt someone with. Becareful Andrew, I’m coming for your job. Keep an eye on me, because there is only so much you can take back promotions. Notice me and accept me as an equal in the office. Cheating me out of my due is only hurtful to you and each person who has thought less of me...

The feeling of being startled awake only to awaken into complete silence is disturbing. I lay there for a moment wondering what really just woke me up. Was it really a sound or just my dream that sent my eyes snapping open and my heart racing? I strain to hear a sound, any sound when I hear it, the district sound of heavy furniture being moved over wood floors. It’s a dull screech in short bursts as whatever piece she is currently moving is too heavy for her to easily maneuver. I swing my legs out of bed, fumble on my nightstand for my glasses and shuffle my way into my mother’s room. There she stands in the middle of the room, hands on her hips, clad in only in her nightgown staring at the chair that used to be on the other side of the room. “Mom.” I say it quietly, I don’t want to startle her. “I didn’t like it over there in the corner, I think it works better by the window, but now I can’t get around to my side of the bed and I can’t sleep on your father’s side of the bed that just ...

Weekend Cooking is hosted by  Beth Fish Reads Every year I try to change up the calendar hanging in our kitchen. Just before Christmas we were in Bed, Bath, & Beyond and I saw this really neat looking calendar that had a recipe for each month.  Christmas morning it was under the tree for me! January was: I used Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder, a too big pinch of salt, and had to switch pots half way through (started out with one that was too small) but I have to say it turned out really yummy.  Since it was a lot for just me I stored it in a mason jar and enjoyed hot cocoa a few days and then mixed it equal parts with coffee for a few days of mochas.