Whisper1 (Linda) thread number 8

Here are previous postings:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/73888
http://www.librarything.com/topic/71387
http://www.librarything.com/topic/67336
http://www.librarything.com/topic/64108
http://www.librarything.com/topic/61185#1249403
http://www.librarything.com/topic/58570
http://www.librarything.com/topic/51585

Wow! 8 threads for the year. You are one popular lady :)

Stasia, as the saying goes: It takes one to know one!

Yeah, right. I am too cranky to be popular. I am a curmudgeon. You, on the other hand, are a sweetheart.

Looks like I need to get to Sherman Texas fast to give you a touch of reality! You are kind, warm, sensitive and loving...And, that's a fact!

Well, I am up and you are up, so come on down! lol

"I am too cranky to be popular." I have yet to see that.

Hi Linda!

Luxx
two little ones is enough to make anyone cranky. But, you come across sparkly in your posts.

Waving back.

Got you starred. Happy Holidays!

Woo Hoo, I found you!

hello hello hello! *star*

Hi Linda! I'm looking forward to reading your reviews for December. You have read some great books this year!

Eight is GREAT! Got ya *starred* Linda :)

I'm currently reading Dark Places and I highly recommend it. It is the kind of book that you don't want to put down and want to finish in one sitting. Alas, I had to work today and had to stop reading it. I awoke early this morning before work simply so that I could read a few chapters.

Thanks to ProfilerSR (Sher), Mike Draper and tloeffler (Terri) for recommending this one!

Ooooo. the tags sound rather frightening. But if you highly recommend it, Linda as well as other LTers, I'll put it on The List.

that cover looks frightening as well! reminds me a bit of the Deathly Hallows adult cover with the Slytherin lock on that dark surface. (stone?)

>15 Whisper1:: We read this one and also Sharp Objects by GillianFlynn for our Missouri Readers group. Both books were ones I wouldn't typically have read, but I found them compelling and well written.

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

This murder mystery is not for the squeamish. It is, in fact, written in a clear, concise, haunting and somewhat brutal manner.

The characters are flawed and few of them could be considered as redeemable. Yet, despite the terrible crime, the nasty actions and despicable personality traits, the author shows us the dark places that form people and thus the reader cannot help but gawk and slow down at the roadside as we pass the terrible, tragic accident that was the Day family.

In 1985 Little Libby Day was only seven when her mother and two older sisters were violently killed in their poverty stricken shack in rural Kinnakee, Kansas. The two survivors were Libby, who frantically crawled out a window, and her brother Ben, who, accused of the murders, received a life sentence in jail. It was Libby who testified against her brother.

Shifted from many homes, Libby was a very angry, violent child who grew to a depressed, angry, shiftless adult. Libby capitalized on the deaths of her family, but now she is 32 and the well is dry.

Enter the "Kill Club" a group of freaky people who are obsessed with unsolved murders and offer money to Libby to help dredge the details of the horrific, brutal murders to support their belief that Ben was not the murderer.

Strapped for cash, Libby uses the group, and in the process begins to take a journey into the dark places of both her mind and that of others associated with the Day family.

The writing and character studies are wonderfully written in a complex, haunting fashion. This is not a book of gore for the sake of shock value, but rather it is a tale of a family struggling, of choices made with harsh consequences.

Highly recommended!



It is a fascinating book that had me turning the pages long after midnight.

Wow... though not typically my kind of book, the description makes it sound quite fascinating. I'll definitely be adding this to the list. :)

See, we do read some good books in our MO group! Aren't you glad you're joining us?

Linda, Dark Places looks good, great review. Onto the TBR mountain it goes. Thanks

I already had it in the BlackHole, but if I did not have it there already, I would be adding it!

Hi! I have starred your thread, thumbed your review of Dark Places, and also put it on my every-expanding wishlist.

Great review! Even though it's not the kind of thing I usually read, you make it sound so good....

I've got a copy of Dark Places and am really looking forward to it. I thought the writing was just superb in Sharp Objects.

Surprise--another hot review! Congratulations :)

Hot review! Cool!

> 19 I love your review of Dark Places. It made me re-experience the shivers all over again! Congrats on the hot review!!!

Dark Places sounds fantastic. Thanks for a captivating review - it's going high on my list!

Thanks to all for stopping by. I'll be in Dayton, Ohio until next Tuesday and may be out of touch.

I'll miss the lively discussions and supportive friendship that I've found here on LT. But, I will get to see my twin grandsons and lovely little granddaughter in their Christmas show and I am very excited!

Linda- I didn't know you started another thread! Wow! Gotcha now! Dark Places sounds good, I've taken note! Have a good safe trip to Ohio! Spoil them grand-kids!

Ho hum...just ANOTHER hot review. Good job Linda.

Another great review - congrats! I really liked Sharp Objects but somehow Dark Places keeps getting dropped back in the que. I'll have to move it back up. Have a safe, fun trip Linda!

Joanne

Wishing you safe travels, Linda!

Have a wonderful trip, Linda!

whew.... been too busy to get on LT lately and had a couple of hours free this raining evening in Tokyo, so I'm busy catching up.

I loved your review of Dark Places ... i have to look out for it at the library when I get back.

Safe travels, Linda.

Safe and happy travels!

Great review of Dark Places.

Hope you're having/have had fun with your grandchildren!

hi linda,

I've decided to start adding your threads as books I've read. Dark Places looks good.

Hi to all from Dayton Ohio where my grand daughters Christmas pagent was wonderful and where I'm enjoying my twin grandsons! While it is cold here there is no snow but when I called home today I learned that there is about an inch of snow on the ground!

Thanks to all for stopping by and for the good wishes!

Sounds like you're having a wonderful time with your family, Linda. Yes, it is cold in the Buckeye state but still great weather for visiting. Safe trip home.

I just picked up Sharp Objects by the same author.

Two books read

Hens Dancing bt Rafaella Barker and a smaltzy Christmas book called Zanna's Gift: A Life In Christmas by Scott Richards

Reviews to follow when I'm back home.

Linda..I like this part of Ohio. People are very friendly.

Mac, When you are finished with the book, .I'm anxious to hear your comments re. Sharp Objects

>44 blackdogbooks: ooh, Sharp Objects is fantastic!! Creepy, but fantastic.

Rachael, I note that Hens Dancing is in your library. What did you think of this book?

It sounds like I need to get to the library this week to check out Sharp Objects

Linda, I read it in May - thoughts on my thread here, but the executive summary - it's not the sort of thing I usually read at all, but I quite enjoyed it: a nice light, amusing read, even if the whole setup is light years away from what I consider "normal". I really liked the way she wrote about the children.

Rachael

Your review was the epitome of my feelings re. the book. Two or three times I vowed to put it down and call it fluff reading. I kept coming back to the book, simply for the wonderful way in which she wrote about the children. I did wonder about the lifestyle and its affordability. At times I was bored because the plot was lacking, but in the end I finished it and I'm glad I did.

As I remember, I obtained the book from bookcloseouts.com for a small amount of money. I confess, I was enamoured by the beautiful cover.

Happy Holidays to you!

Hugs,
Linda

>49 Whisper1:: I'm glad to hear that I am not the only one who succumbs to beautiful book covers; i.e., The Mermaid's Chair and some others I can't recall right now.

Have fun with those grandkids! We'll be heading up to K.C. in less than two weeks to spend the pre-Christmas week end with ours.

See message 48, posted by Rachael. Her review is a great one and capsulizes my thoughts and feelings re. this book. The plot was light and breezy re. a woman living in the English countryside with three young children. A few times I put it down because it didn't hold my interest, but it was so delightfully charming that I couldn't resist finishing it.

-------------------------------------------





While having a wonderful festive holiday with my family in Ohio, I obtained this book on a sale table. It was a great read after decorating the Christmas tree when sipping hot chocolate, eating Christmas cookies, and watching the sparkling ornaments.

A sappy book about a family who suffered the loss of a beloved son and a young sister impacted by the death. It is charming and worth the short time it takes to whisk through it.

----------------------------------------------------------





Obtained for a very reasonable price at Bookcloseouts.com, this one was sitting on my shelf for awhile and because I recently ordered many more books from this company, I was prompted to read at least one of the books I previously purchased.

Outrageously funny, witty, and poignant, this is true-life stories written by Ralph Helfer, who spent many years as an animal trainer who supplied elephants, lions, snakes, ostrich and other exotic animals for Hollywood movies.

His book is sprinkled with wonderful stories of animals and a celebration of their impact on our lives.

Recommended

I think I'll leave the second one for after the holidays - I need something lighter & happier right now!

Eliza

Please post your address on my LT home page and I'll send a happy book to you!

Happy Holidays.

Linda

>51 Whisper1: very sweet of you to say so! Sometimes you need a light read... and I prefer this kind of escapism to the boys-shoes-makeup-handbags kind.

The Beauty of the Beasts sounds very good Linda. Onto The Pile it goes.

I think The Beauty of the Beasts would be a twofer in my house - Jane and I would both like it. Onto Project Wishlist it goes.

I too recently placed a large order with bookcloseouts.com. That sale was irresistible. I limited myself to only things from my existing wishlist and still came away with A LOT of books.

Thanks Linda, I just registered with Bookclosouts.com so that I can be in on their next big sale. Will they send an email when they offer a new promotion?

Linda thank you so much for offering to do that, you are so kind! However I am on holiday now and will get home only after the holidays which would kind of defeat the point of your wonderful wonderful offer! :)

Happy reading to you and hope you are enjoying the cold festive month of December!

Lynda

My experience is that once you have registered your email and/or purchased items, they send email notices to you.

Right now they are offering Christmas/holiday books at 50% off, plus free shipping if you spend $35 on their site.

Linda - Welcome home! Nice reviews ... and I've got nothing to add to my wishlist from you today for a change. Those 2 are already in my TBR tower. I had started to read Beauty of the Beasts at the bookstore and couldn't resist taking it home with me.

I am adding Beauty of the Beasts to the BlackHole - I already have Hens Dancing there. Thanks for the recommendations, Linda!

Just stopping by to say hi! :)

(I am way behind on threads again . . . )

The Beauty of the Beasts and Dark Places have both been added to the ever growing TBR pile. Thanks for reading such great books!

Ooh, The Beauty of the Beasts sounds just like my kind of book... onto the list it goes!

You seem so much less dangerous to my TBR list when I read your thread more frequently. Coming off of a wicked week of working and finding myself behind, I end up with multiple books on my list instead of one at a time.
Sigh.

Hey, Linda! I just found your new thread. I'm glad you had fun in Ohio! Can't wait to see what you read next.

Hi Linda. Glad your trip was so much fun. The Beauty of the Beasts sounds great. Thanks!

My reading has slowed. Work is very busy and holiday preparations are in the way of reading time. I've started three books, but finished none.

I haven't even had time to check threads. Hi to all and thanks for stopping by.

I've kind of gone in the other direction, and am burying my denial about the need to tidy, clean and wrap til my fingers ache in a book... Not sure it's entirely working.

**waves Linda**

I understand, Linda! This time of year is crazy. I haven't been reading as much, either, especially because I've been spending a lot of time I normally would spend reading knitting, attempting to finish presents in time for Christmas. Hope you are having a great holiday season!

I've been working off and on with a cross stitch for my mother in law for the past two years! Anyway, I was determined to have it done for Christmas, but alas, the time line has now been pushed to January - in time for her birthday. It Will Be Done!!!!

The Concubine by Norah Lofts

I've long been fascinated by the impetuous, strong willed, stubborn, intelligent Anne Boleyn. Since the early years of the 1500's, she has remained a historical figure portrayed in many different ways. Was she a scheming, cantankerous shrew who brought about England's break with the Catholic church? Or, was she a misguided victim of Henry VIII who used her and cruelly discarded her, then ordered her death by the French sword, after which her body was hastily packed in an arrow box.

The facts bear that Henry was initially so enthralled and enchanted that he remained celibate for nine years, divorced Catherine of Aragon, a woman he loved, sent loyal friends and powerful people to their death, and placed his soul in peril by the huge rent in the fabric of the Catholic domination of England by breaking with the Pope and claiming himself supreme head.

The facts also show that after Anne's capitulation to Henry, and her inability to produce a male heir, he lost interest and like a spoiled brat, he cast her aside like a toy he grew weary of playing with and promptly broke to move along to a brighter, newer package.

I've read many books regarding the Tudor period of history. This book is one of the best. Anne is portrayed in a very human manner. While she isn't made into a hero, she is definitely likable and admirable.

Highly recommended.

#73: I have never read anything by Norah Lofts. It looks as if The Concubine would be a good place to start. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Linda!

Excellent review of/post on The Concubine! I really loved that book and I'm so glad that you did too.

The touchstone for The Concubine is not working. Here is the link:

http://www.librarything.com/work/173484/book/53932306

Ashley, I saw that you read this book, but could not find your comments. Please direct me to them. I believe you read this book this year.

Excellent review of The Concubine, Linda. I have never read Loft before and I will certainly add her to my wish list. One question, how would you compare Loft's writing style with Philippa Gregory? Since your knowledge of Tudor history is more impressive than mine I trust your opinion greatly.

For many reasons, I am NOT impressed with Phillippa Gregory. She has a cookie cutter approach to history...lots of sprinkles (floury words signifying a lot of fluff but not too much substance) , the use of margarine instead of butter (a lot of contrived, un real happenings, playing with history loose and lightly) and not enough baking soda added, making the end result of a flat, tart (she peppers her books with what I believe to be gratuitous sex without feeling) work of distaste.

Can you tell I really don't like her books? In my opinion Earthly Joys was one of her worst.

oo, I think I really turned up the heat in your oven this morning : P I appreciate your truthfullness. Have a great day.

My disappointment is in myself because even thought I didn't like her books, I kept reading them.

Yes, I did read The Concubine this year. My comments on The Concubine are here:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/74396#1613389

And if that doesn't go right to the correct post, then just go to post number 60, book #185 of my second thread (which is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/74396)

My comments are pretty brief though, I'm afraid.

Nice review, Linda! I'll look for this one after I've completed—or broken—my upcoming book diet.

#77: Count me in among the Philippa Gregory haters. Read one, thought it was dreck and vowed never to read another :)

Linda, both yours and lexleg's review have gotten me interested in this book. For some reason the Tudor era never really grabbed my attention so I never read anything about the period. Maybe this is a good place to start?

Linda- Just swinging by to say hello! Hope you are having a great weekend!

Eliza, be forewarned. The Tudor period is filled with fascinating people and events. 35 years ago I picked up one book regarding Anne Boleyn and it led to reading as much as possible regarding the lives of Elizabeth I, Mary Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, a host of books on Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, Thomas Moore, Cromwell, Cardinal Woolsey, Catherine of Aragon, Ferdinand and Isabella, Hans Holbein, Catherine Parr, Catherine Howard, Anne of Cleves, Jane Seymour, The War of the Roses, Mary Boleyn and many others.

Hi Mark! Thanks for stopping by!

Linda, just a head's up: on scohva's thread he/she mentioned that there is a planned sequel to Wolf Hall tentatively titled The Mirror and the Light.

Thanks Stasia!

No problem.

As a bit of a Tudor groupie I tried The Other Boelyn Girl, and was very sorry I did. The Concubine sounds very interesting, though - adding it to the tower. Thanks!

I've always found the saga of Henry and his wives to be one of the more tragic and fascinating topics in history -- a case of truth being stranger than fiction. Anne B. has always held a special fascination. This sounds like a book I'd like to read -- and our public library has it!

Linda, you've added one more book to my wishlist! (And one more obstacle to my books-off-my-shelf challenge. :)

Interesting to see the reviews on a Norah Lofts book. Haven't seen her for years - she was pretty ubiquitous when I was growing up. My daughter has been asking about historical novels, regency romances, - I recommended Georgette Heyer and now I will pass on Norah Lofts' name.

Have to agree with Luxx' comments (#90). Thanks for sharing it with us.

Hi Linda,

After reading and loving Wolf Hall, I'm ready for more Tudor reading and The Concubine sounds very good. So onto The Pile it goes.

Great review of The Concubine Linda!

I'm with you and Stasia on Philippa Gregory - I can't stand her books. Way too loose on the history and she doesn't develop characters beyond the surface. I've read 2 of her books and have easily walked past her titles in bookstores without so much as a second look.

Great review of The Concubine. I'll have to add this to my wishlist.

I don't mind Gregory. THough I know her books are not necesarily accurate, I usually still like the story.

Count me among the Anne Boleyn fans- I am actually her fan on Facebook, no kidding. I am adding The Concubine to my reading list, where Wolf Hall is also waiting.

I am also looking forward to Alison Weir's new nonfiction book on Anne; reviews are saying it is really good. I have read other nonfiction books by Weir and really liked them.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

This is a beautiful, imaginative, insightful and endearing book. It is listed in the library of FlossieT, womansheart, alaskabookworm, booniebooks, allthesedarnbooks, coopers, seasonsoflove and stasia. I also believe I saw it mentioned by avatiakh.

With so many of those whom I respect that have read this book, I knew I could not go wrong.

A big thanks to all.

This is more than a coming of age YA story. Without preaching and over dramatizing, the author weaves a tale of how kindness can heal and how small petty, nasty words and actions can harm. If you liked A Wrinkle in Time, you will enjoy this book. And, even if you've never embraced the wonderful creativity of Madeleine L'Engle, you will appreciate the journey of 12 year old Miranda Sinclair, a New York City latch key child of a loving single mom.

Saddened by the sudden abandonment of her childhood friend Sal, Miranda slowly opens her heart to other school mates and in doing she is surprised to learn that all is not as it seems and life is not black or white, but filled with shades of gray.

The concept of time travel is woven throughout the book as Miranda learns the power of friendship and sacrifices made for love.

Highly recommended! This book is a sheer delight!

Already on my wishlist.

Another one for the TBR mountain. Thanks.

I loved Wrinkle in Time so chances are... :)

Sounds interesting, Linda. On to the wish list it goes.

>99 Whisper1: Actually, I haven't read it yet - but I'm keeping my wishlist in LibraryThing now, and so many other people had mentioned it positively recently, both here and elsewhere, that I felt compelled to add it! It sounds lovely.

157 books.... wow. And still 9 days of 2009 left!!

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

Just because I finally started using the Wish List feature of LT, does not mean that I have to add every book that you read...

Fine. I added it. ;)

I'm so glad you loved When You Reach Me!!

>99 Whisper1:, 104, Like FlossieT, I haven't actually read it yet, but it is on the wishlist! It will have to move up after your excellent review. :D The Madeleine L'Engle comparison clinched it...

Count me in for adding this book. It sounds great and exactly like something I would enjoy.

Nice review, Linda. Hah, already on my TBR tower.

Great review Linda! You make it look so easy. I'm one of those who somehow missed A Wrinkle in Time but still really enjoyed When You Reach Me.

Man, When You Reach Me just seems to keep coming up again and again! And since I love A Wrinkle in Time I suppose I really ought to check it out.

Finally found, and starred, this Thread..didn't look too closely, though..my TBR pile is going to need its own Zip Code pretty soon

;-}

Hi Linda - Hope you have a happy day and find a little time for your next read.

Merry Christmas to you too, Linda!

Merry Christmas to you, Linda, and a peaceful New Year.

Merry Christmas, Linda!

Merry Christmas, Linda! I hope you and your family have a great day!!

Merry Christmas, Linda! It was really heartwarming to see you spreading the holiday cheer in everyone's threads :)

You are the best!

Linda- I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Day! And yes, you are quite the "cheer spreader"!

Merry Christmas to you and your family Linda and a Happy, Happy New Year filled with many hours of great reading.

Hi Linda, Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Belated Happy Christmas/New Year Linda!

Thanks to all for visiting my thread. I haven't had time for reading. My daughter, son-in law and grandchildren left yesterday, my husband is in the throes of a nasty cold which brought on an asthma attack and I've just learned his cousin (to be honest, not one of my favorite people) is coming to visit tomorrow. I miss my books and the solace they bring!

It has been such a delightful year here on our 75 challenge thread. I've tremendously enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful, kind, sensitive people!

Happy New Year to all!

I hope you survive the cousin's visit!

Thanks Stasia, suffice it to say I do not like self absorbed, negative people. I've known him eight long years. He hates his job (and he has had many of them), He hates his life, He hates the world, He hates people, He hates everything. I grow weary of him arriving late, sitting in my living room for hours not listening to anyone, but simply talking, talking, talking about himself. Thankfully, I don't have to see him often. Certainly, I have my share of weird family members and Will graciously puts up with them, so, for Will's sake, I'll once again entertain Brian.

Hey Linda, I hope some of your cheery disposition rubs off on Brian :)

Sending lots of patience your way (not that you seem to need it, but a little extra never hurts when playing hostess to people you're not fond of).

> 127 Your description sounds familiar. Perhaps you could read to him from A Christmas Carol.

Good luck, Linda. I wonder if Brian has a twin sister in my cousin's wife, Betty. Without the weird family members, we may not appreciate the great ones we have. As long as the great outweigh the weird, we're in good shape. ;-)

Happy New Year to you too, Linda - I hope you can stay positive through the impending visit, knowing that your LT friends are beaming lots of cheerful energy in your direction.

Linda- Brian sounds like quite a trip! I hope his visit is a short one, so you can focus on relaxing and book-reading!

Linda,

Good luck with that cousin. Why is it that the relatives we least like to see make the greatest effort to see us when they're in town? Hmm?

Have a Happy New Year!

Good luck with the dreaded visit! I just got through my own less than favorite family members' visit tonight, so I feel your pain. Hope all goes well! Hapy New Year!

Hang in there! Hope your visitor stays briefly, and you have a happy New Year!

Linda-- Here's to only favorite relatives visiting in the New Year!!

LOL - You are so right Bonnie. I wonder if they know we don't like them and do so to aggravate us?

Caught up, Whisp! I fell so far behind with Christmas, being away for part of the hols and all that. Please add me to the Philippa Gregory Unfan club. I've read two of her books, both tripe. Won't waste my time again.
ETA: belated Happy Christmas and how did you survive the little ray of sunshine cousin?

Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks for your support re. the negative cousin in law. He was here today, arrived earlier than expected, brought his mother (a surprise to us) and his girlfriend brought her dog (another surprise)... and as predicted, spent the afternoon and morning talking about himself. After about an hour and 1/2 of the negativity and self absorption, I took my grand daughter to the Crayola factory where we colored, did crafts, bought neat art supplies, laughed and had a wonderful time. She sang, she danced, she made wonderful holiday cards with snowmen and gingerbread men cut outs and she twirled around and smiled and told me what a special time we had together.

My partner can tolerate his cousin much more than I can, so I left him to deal with the dark cloud while Kayla and I had our day of wonderful sunshine.

Thanks to all for letting me vent. Truly, I am usually very understanding and sympathetic, but as I grow older, I don't have patience to tolerate/suffer fools gladly.

It is true that negative people have a negative impact on the soul and positive folk generate incredible, wonderful, rejuvenation!!

I'm jealous of your trip to the Crayola factory... that sounds so amazing! Happy New Year!

Wow - You certainly did make the very best of a bad situation! :)

Happy New Year Linda! I'm looking forward to another great year with this fantastic bunch!

oof I hate it when people bring pets (and other people, but mainly pets - I'm badly allergic) without asking! But it looks like you coped well, and the Crayola factory sounds like a lot of fun. Happy New Year!

Brought their dog! Outrageous. I'm glad you were able to escape and have a wonderful afternoon with your granddaughter. Happy New Year Linda!

On the bright side, undoubtedly the dog had better manners than the cousin. I'm glad Kayla rescued the day for you. I'm looking forward to another year of reading about your life and books, Linda.

Great Plan B, Linda! Took my son to the Crayola Factory about 6 years ago and we all enjoyed it. It's a shame it's not closer to us. Sending Happy waves your way.

LOL ..... I loved Donna828's comment about the dog's manners vs the boorish cousin's.

Linda, I'm glad you managed to salvage something fun out of the day with the time spent with Kayla. That is precious time indeed and it's wonderful that her bright joy chased the toxic negativity away. The nasty cousin's visit is over, hooray, hurrah!

Here's wishing you a positive and brilliant New Year ahead!

Happy New Year Linda!

May 2010 be the best year ever :-)

Anita

I LOVE to color! Maybe that's what the nasty cousin needed--some crayons and a nice coloring book. It's hard to be nasty with a crayon in your hand.

Have a wonderful new year, Linda! I'm looking forward to another fun year of reading with you!

Happy New Year, Linda! Look forward to seeing what you read in 2010!

Hey Linda, Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what you read in 2010 and having more glimpses into your life. You are very special. Hugs!

Linda - Your granddaughter is so lucky! The trip to the Crayola factory sounds like great fun. I'm glad that you had a wonderful time. I wish you many more wonderful moments in 2010!

Thanks to all who posted such lovely, friendly, kind, sensitive messages! I love this group of wonderful folk!

Happy, Happy New Year to all. I am blessed!

Well, dear Whisp, someone had better leave you a New Year's message, after all the cheer you have been spreading. You are the 75 room's Sunshine Faery, with your always kind and supportive messages, and it just wouldn't be the same here without you. I hope the kindness you spread comes back to you a hundredfold. Here's to a good year ahead. Happy 2010!

Happy New Year, Linda! I've really appreciated your friendly comments and great reviews this year, and I'm looking forward to more of the same in 2010!

Happy new year, Linda!

Hi Linda! Hope you have a happy, healthy 2010. I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll be reading this year.

#155: I like that one - Linda as the 'Sunshine Faery!' It so totally fits!




Happy New Year, friend!

Happy New Year, Linda - your boundless generosity is one of the most wonderful things about this group. Looking forward to spending more time with you this year!

Happy New Year! Sign me up for The Concubine as well.

Hi Linda, waving and hoping 2010 is off to a great start for you!

Woo for Crayola and Kayla!

...and it's going to take me a long time to catch up on all the 2010 threads that happened over Christmas, but I've got you starred and I'll be back! ;o)