New book I am reading ( to go along with other books I am)

I have started reading a new book, which is widely known.   Its a book by Ransom Riggs. Yep that is his name.
I had head about this book before but when Tim Burton's trailer for the movie for it I was more intrigued. Its about a boy name Jacob whose grandfather would tell him fantastic tales of being sent by his parents to an orphanage in Wales during the war.  To get away from the monsters his grandfather said and he would describe these beasts and always adding in more and more detail.  If one knows their history it does not take long to figure out who the "monsters" really are.  Yes the Nazis and the boys Grandfather was the only one to escape Poland- the rest of his family died in concentration camps. The book shifts to what it was like for the grandfather to be in the orphanage on a remote island, run by Miss Peregrine. A Peregrine is a type of falcon. If you have seen the trailer you know how fitting her name is, if not I wont tell you now.   Jacob's Grandpa (who is known as Grandpa Portman) and other kids were there, and they are not your average kids. Jacob's grandfather described them and how they had very interesting abilities, almost too interesting to be believed. Jacob had his doubts because the whole thing everything seemed to fantastical.

However his grandfather shows him an album of old photographs of these children, doing and looking how his grandfather has described. They were all sent to this remote island in Wales to the orphanage too.  Could his Grandpa be telling the truth this whole time? Do these unusual kids still somehow exist? Does this place exist still where his Grandpa went?   I have not finished the book, and so I am still finding out those answers. It all means but it seems like a very interesting book and there is a follow up book which I intend to find and read called Hollow City and one after that too. There seems to be a series perhaps, ( a trilogy already) in the making and one which so far is interesting to me, its not quite a mystery like I love but yet it is, where not everything about the book is pure fiction ( There were real monsters called Nazis and they did do horrible things to people) It will be interesting to read and see if Grandpa Portman saw and was with these kids he said was or if it was something he made up to get away from the fact he was stuck in a orphanage far from his home. We shall see which is true. 

Place used in the film for the orphanage.

From Tim Burtons movie, some of the cast

Stormy weather

I woke up this morning and the sky was rather dark like this. I could not see Timp very well, it was obscured by dark clouds. There were patches of the mountains you still could see, with the snow still on them. We are expecting more snow but it will not be a lasting snow this time as we have had temperatures in the 60's before . Spring is a bit unusual in  Utah.  Its a mix of things and then Bam! Its summer time.
Like these clouds, there has been a lot of political unrest right now as it is election time. Who should be elected next? Who should we trust?  There have been rumblings and clashes like flashes of lightening. For me I still dont know exactly who I would want to be President but I can rule out some.  There are other contenders on each side of the major parties other than who is doing the best in the polls. Sadly they are not doing as well as the ones who are the forerunners. Their number of delegates are not as many as they need and they dont seem to be getting any landslide votes.
The Utah caucus is coming up and I shall be voting. I shall have to think about who I wish to vote for.
Its important to not get too caught up in the whole political circus which has been brought to us. Do we want to be one of those angry people?  I admit I am fed up with what has been done with the country under our current president. I never was very impressed with him.  His Golden Boy status that the media gave him- seemed more like leaf gold than real which has peeled off to reveal the true nature of him.  Still I am not out for a fight, I dont want to cause contention with those I know who may have a different champion than me.  The phrase " Cant we all just get along?"  seems like something which would be really nice, if only we knew how to do it.

Its been awhile...

March 11, 2016

I nearly forgot I had a blog, till I was watching some YouTube folks were talking about their blogs and it occurred to me I should get back to writing on mine.   So what is new or has been new?  Well lets see.   I am still working for Stevens Henager, or Independence  University,

This will be my 5th yr.  I am about ready for a change though but not sure what change I should do.  I have many interests. I like mystery books and I am reading a good few. I am currently reading Brass in Pocket.  Its by Welsh  author  Stephen Puleston. He is a new author to me, I have 3 of his books.  So far I am liking the books except for some bad language which I take my trusty pen to. 

 It is set in North Wales. I will have to finish reading it to get a full opinion of it.  Other things I am up to are I am interested in doing things in Graphic Arts, I am interested in making jewelry and  have done but not as often as I like.  Many things I am doing. I have started to remember my daily scripture study as I should. I decided to read the Doctrine in Covenants because in Gospel Doctrine we are reading the Book of Mormon.

So now that I have remembered my blog and bookmarked where it is, I shall be a more frequent writer and use this to tell about the interests I have, reviews about books or places I go. 

One of the Kitty Collages I do.

Brass in Pocket

Good music

I recently had a debate with someone I have known for along time, about good music- good role models who produce or make music.. And I could not totally agree with their view. They suggested if I buy someone's music who had morals which are not mine or lifestyle is not mine.. that I contribute to the problem we have today with the influence of artists who are outside my values.....
Well for starts some of these guys and gals are made to be what they are.  You have to be pretty established to be your own style, your own sound.  At least in many cases.  Blame the producers and record labels they are the ones behind the awful artists we see today for the most part... 
That being said, if a artist I like does not talk about things which are negative, or cursing, and in general just stuff I want to stay away from... should they be in a lifestyle I am not I will not hold against them- I evaluate what they are singing, what is the message, what are saying to me. What do the instruments sound like... what they do with their lives is not my concern as long as it does not wreck what I am listening to. I am not going to have them over to dinner or be close pals.   I like music all across the board.  I do not know what their private lives are about for many of them nor do I concentrate on it. I did not buy their album for that. 

That being said,  I have discovered some really excellent music groups of many kinds. I love for example the Black Keys.

  Now why do I?   They have an awesome sound, real guitar, real drum beat and some interesting lyrics and style. You might think that the lead singer was African American from his voice alone, I did at first.  He is the dude with the beard there.  He has a southern style to his voice and man these guys can play!
 On the other complete opposite side of the spectrum-  I have discovered such ambient bands like Solar Fields, and this group: 

Totally relaxing, calming music.   Yes this same person likes a totally different stuff. I dont think I am unique in that though.   Now back to the arguement- am I the consumer responsible for these bad groups being bad influences if I buy the music. I really dont think so because they will have their image,and style wither I purchase anything of theirs or not- like I said, for those in the Bieber catagory and even those I Like- alot are not at the stage they can decide on their own what they sing, or look like and personal lives have nothing to do with my life unless they actively are against things I find are important to me- which for my life- does not happen and if does I often dont care what their personal opinion is. Does it effect the music I hear?   If not, why should I care? I know my rule stick I go by for things and I can judge it good or not, I wont be listening to Satanic, demonic stuff, or demoralizing, gang promoting artists and albums-- No, I wont.

A New Venture

I have decided to go into the jewlery making business..  I have made quite a few things, making more all the time. My little web store That's my link to my little "store". Just like it is is how you get to it.  You really can buy the things which I have posted and I can remake things which get sold out.  Have a look around there and if you see something you like you can pay through Pay Pal.  It's safe and secure and my prices are pretty reasonable, I dont wish to charge a lot, only if they become popular would I need to increase any prices. I need your help to advertise my site though.  Its not well known right now.  I will do my part and keep making things and post them for you and others to see.   There is no pressure to buy, only is you like what you see and want to but a little word of mouth telling people about my little business would be great!

 Its hard to believe that a whole year has gone by and its time to make New Resolutions. I would like to rename time  New Year Habits to incorporate into my life.

1) I want to treat my body better than I do.  Not skip meals like I sometimes I do especially breakfast and then feel not so great.  I want to loose  a little bit of weight just some, 5-10 maybe 15 pounds.

 2) Try not spend so much time worrying about things. Decided what is important to worry about and what really isnt- dont spend so much time on. ? ? ? ? ?
3)  Spend more time on spiritual things, watch  Mormon channel videos and similar channels... Spend time reading the scriptures and Ensign.

4) Read more, when  I  dont Have to be on the computer ( work) or spending Some time on social media and other sites,  Read.  I think 4 is good for now, 4 I can handle...

About time for a new post

Well its only been about a year since I decided to write here, and yeah let say in fine alot happened.

SHARC, one of  SHC/IU's logos.

I have been working for Stevens Henager/ Independence University for 2 yrs! Yeah!  You can say what you like about them they gave me employment and education.  Its not working in a cafe or or a farm like BYUH either- though when I was doing those things, I was happy to be working,  However it was not doing what I learned. This job I am nearly every day and I don't need to go anywhere.   You wont get that every day.   Nope so I consider myself pretty fortunate, and well there is talk of good changes happening. I am not going to mention them right now.  Not sure when it will be or details.  Hopefully soon though as that will be good for us in so many ways.

Lets see Mom and Dad got to go to Germany! Where my brother Chad is and his wife and 2 kids for 3 yrs.   They are having alot of fun.    I am glad they got the opportunity to go. 

(Yes I borrowed this picture,) That's my other brother Joe who happened to be on business when Mom and Dad went so they all got to be together for a couple days.

Ok there is a brief update on whats going on..