Living in a fictitious world

I just went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and I'm not too sure where my head is at right now. There's just something so perfect in seeing everything you imagined come to life. I was not disappointed, at all. 

Seeing a movie like that just made real the part of my life that I spend in fictitious places. When I read, I read 90% fiction. I find something so relaxing and compelling with reading fiction. Some people say it's not worth much because you're not learning. But I think they're wrong. There's so much to learn from fiction.

I believe that people who read for fun and read fiction have a greater developed range of emotions and are more capable of experiencing empathy and understanding others. I find it very easy to relate to people, to see many sides of a story and to adapt to different situations with ease. I'm not saying all of that comes from just reading, but I think it's helps.

But with an addiction to reading comes the inevitable down fall: the fact that you cannot spend all your time reading...work certainly gets in the way. I would love so badly for my career or my life to revolve around reading. Is there a job were you just read for a living? Were my childhood dreams of becoming a librarian really actually worth something? Or am I slated to be a closet fiction addict my whole life?

Needless to say, all I want to do right now is curl up in bed with my Kindle and new stack of Christmas books and read my hours away. But, alas, I must away to do some laundry and be practical for the work week is upon us.

Besides, I need to catch up on American Horror Story: Coven this afternoon!

Other Worlds

I have been reading a lot. Not a lot in the writing department but a lot in the reading department. For my 25th birthday at the beginning of August, my sister bought me a Kindle Fire. There has been a big inner debate for myself on whether to give up and just purchase a Kindle or to hold out and continue to schlep my lovely, heavy, bulky books everywhere with me. 

Sadly and not-sadly, the Kindle won.

I was always under the impression that purchasing an e-reader meant giving up on books altogether but I have vowed that when I read a book I like, I will TWICE support the book by purchasing it for my Kindle then purchasing a hard backed cover for my ever-growing library. I want to be able to pass down books to my children and my grandchildren. I'm just hoping they have my taste in books!

Along with reading a lot for me comes the influx of creative ideas. I've been thinking more and more how I want to write a book someday. I think it would be a sort of historical fiction or fiction or something loosely based on my life. I am slowly compiling a little book of ideas for myself to keep track of the people I meet, the places I go, the names I like for characters, etc. 

I recently have developed an obsession with a house in Rogers, AR that I want my book (or one of the books I write) to take place in. I have also started jotting notes down about people I've met in the past and people around me now for characters. I'm continuing my journey through life and through this moving a lot process with an open mind. I think these years is what will make my book freaking awesome!

While I have updated my reading list, (check out that page here), I have read a few certain things recently that I enjoyed:

I really liked this book. It was the first one I bought on my Kindle for my birthday and I really liked it. It's just a series of little stories and personal adventures from Kaling but I found it enjoyable to read and easy to read. It was nice to see that someone so famous now had a pretty normal (or I guess abnormal in a funny way) upbringing. I think it makes celebrities more relateble and likable when they share their upbringing, especially one like her's which is full of mistakes and screw ups  It makes me feel like I'm right on schedule!

Being such a huge Hunger Games fan, I tentatively jumped on this bang wagon. But I'm glad I did! I read a lot of (or have starting reading a lot of) dystopian society books, mainly because I really feel that we will get there someday and by reading these I will have advance knowledge on how to handle situations like this (haha yeah right!) This series is both very similar and very different to Hunger Games. It's a bit more modern and addresses some societal flaws that I think are a little closer to home then those in Hunger Games. But don't get me wrong...I am forever faithful to Katniss and The Hunger Games family. 

I just started the second book in this series, City of Ashes. And I'm actually currently update because I was reading the books before I saw the movies (because, common, who doesn't do that?!) and I'm been trying really hard not to see any pictures or trailers from the movie while I'm still reading the books. I like to have my own images in my brain of what characters look like, etc. And by Googling for this picture, I totally saw some stuff I did NOT want to see!

But regarding the book itself, I'm starting to enjoy it. I dislike the main girl right now, Clary. I think she needs to grow a pair. But I think I just have a beef with most female leads in books. I always find them a little annoying, but it's not stopping me from liking the story. The idea that we're surrounded by people/worlds that we cannot see is really interesting to me. I like the concepts of the marks and the magic and am interested to see where it goes! But I've heard the movie is shit...so...we'll see! I'll still see it :)

That's what have been on my plate reading wise lately! Any suggestions??

Beautiful Creatures.

Last week, I finished a book series that I absolutely adored. 

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. That was some brilliant crime writing and such a captivating story. While the first book was amazing, the second I think was my favorite. The third, obvio, was really good but it went really deep and took a lot of concentrating to get through. However, I do feel satisfied even though it's over, and that's a rare feeling. Usually I feel sad, lost and lonely.

Last Thursday, a student at the dance studio where I work brought me a series to read: Beautiful Creatures. I started reading it on Sunday and am almost done with the first book. It's a really easy read and actually really captivating. Naturally, it has my three vices: magic, tragic love and high school.  

But I think the writing goes a little deeper in places. Reading a chapter (one of many, I stayed up way too late!), it seemed that the writers touched on a subject greater then two teenagers and their forbidden love (and magic, of course). The town in which this story is set is deeply afraid and prejudiced against anyone and anything "different." Maybe it's just where our society is at the moment but I thought this was a really interesting theme of the book. These towns people will go to any length to force a new person, someone who makes them uncomfortable, from their town. 

I'm just getting into the book but I'm hoping to start noticing more deeper themes. I think it has potential. When I'm finished, which I project will be in a month if  spend a week on each book, I'll let you know!

Has anyone read this series?

Mid-Week Stretching.

Oh boy! It's half way through the March break and I'm trying to decide if I've made good use of my time. But according to my white board, I've accomplished a good amount of things.

Paleo apple pie...up soon!

I started 90 Days of Fitness on Monday. I have 100 days until EDC 2013 and my goal it to be comfortable in a swim suit and shorts. I originally gave myself 100 days, none stop but Jake pointed out that sometimes there will be forces outside my control in which I cannot go to the gym. Thus, I gave myself a collective 10 days off. 

We're going on day three and I am the most sore person on the planet. I feel like I'm 90 half the time. But I have high hopes! I think this combined with paleo will be really good for me. I've been feeling good, other then the sore muscles.

But all I've seemed to do this week is cook, go to the gym and blog. In all honesty, however, I've been really enjoying myself. Tomorrow I think I'm going to take some of my older items to a local consignment store for either cash or trade. It's time to let go of my old clothes and look for something better.

So far, it's been a pretty enjoyable week!

Check out my recipe page, From My Kitchen, With Love, for some cool paleo recipes (trying ginger lime shrimp tonight, it'll go up tomorrow if it's any good!) and I also have a new book page where I list the 50 books I want to read this year. I'm open to suggestions! 

Bookcase.

While I think technology is ruining the world, I'm still holding onto books. I refuse to admit that there is anything better then lovely thick pieces of paper, printed with ink and bound together. I love everything about books, especially old books. I love the smell of old books.

Amazing.

I was having a conversation today with a coworker about books. I don't think I will ever succumb to a Kindle or iPad for reading. I don't think I could do that. I need to hold the book. I love to dog ear the pages and crack the spines. Searching for where you left off is part of the magic of reading! If it's a book I particularly love, I'll even highlight passages I like. You can't do that with a Kindle.

When I grow up and have a house of my own, I want a large bookcase. Preferably, I'd have a library with shelves and shelves and shelves, plenty of room to store my babies.

I like to think I have a solid collection of books for my age, but I can't wait to expand it. I have a very extensive cook book collection, thank you to my wonderful grandmother who usually includes at least one cook book at each gift giving event. And I welcome them all with open arms. I think I've tried at least once recipe from each book, except maybe the fine French cuisine but it's on my to do list! I actually miss them, my cook books. I used to go to them for everything but now that they're in storage, I have to refer to the Internet *shudder*.

But I'm constantly having this inner battle with myself about the library. I loved the library when I was a kid. It allowed me access to any book I could literally think of and I read a lot when I was a kid. But now, like, I want a library card but I don't see the point, since I'm a book whore...er...hoarder, I don't want to rent the book, read it, then buy it. I want to straight up buy it. Luckily, however, I am the book buyer that actually rereads books! I think if I didn't then I'd have a problem but I have some books that I've read three or four times! That's the best part about owning books, honestly.

I hope that books stay around forever. As my internship ends, I plan on treating myself to some new books. Well, technically old books. There's a store here called The Monkey's Paw that I want to visit. It's a used book store but it has some really strange books. They also have a book vending machine. That's right. You'll just have to wait to see pictures!

Casual Vacancy.

What I enjoy most about my 2 hour subway commute each day is the free reading time. Time sure does fly when you're nose deep in a good book!

Since I've been in Toronto I've read (or in some cases reread) the following while on the subway:

His Dark Materials

1. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman: I read these all when I was younger but they have so much to offer older readers. They did make The Golden Compass into a movie but it was so very disappointing. They mixed the whole story up and the ending wasn't the proper ending. I was hoping so much it would be good because I would kill to see The Subtle Knife as a movie. Maybe someday...

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

2. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: I loved this book so much! It was amazing! Last night I actually watched the movie (American version) and it was...decent. I want to watch the Swidish version, I feel like that'll be so much better. The story took some getting into but it was awesome. So intricate! I can't wait to have the second and third book! Hmm, Christmas present?!

Casual Vacancy

3. Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: This book was very different then what I was expecting. Actually, if I'm honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. I picked this up on a whim at Costco one day because I was feeling lost without a book after I finished The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. 

I really liked this book. It wasn't anything near Harry Potter and I'm glad for it. I think it shows her versatilitiy. The story surrounds a small, English community and follows a series of families and various community members after the sudden death of someone in their community. It really shows you just how connected everyone is.

The story was so beautifully painted and even though it's not action packed or has a romantic story or anything, it's never dull. I really enjoyed it and am kind of sad it's over. The ending, however was good, not great. I was a little...dissapointed in the endning, I just don't think it summed up the story very well. But overall, a good read.

Now I'm onto a book my mom bought me for my birthday:

The Dirty Life

This is the story of how Kristin Kimball gave up her journalistic career and moved to the middle of nowhere on a whim with a farmer she fell in love with.

It seems to be a quick read so far, easy to read and get into.

I've really been enjoying the story as well. Multiple times already I've laughed out loud. I don't know how many people can read a story like this an enjoy it, however. Some things I've totally been able to relate to. For example, when Mark (the sexy farmer she falls in love with) goes through a phase and decides that they won't use electricity and instead everything must be done by natural light or candle light. I could see Jake doing something like that. Or when Mark builds a composting toilet in the middle of the living room. I could totally see my parents doing that.

Just little things about farm work I can relate to. Hauling buckets and buckets of water to the animals because the pipes froze. Having to clean out the animals, hauling hay, picking veggies and fruits, collecting the eggs in the morning. Not by any means was the farm a lived on as big as she now is a part of, but it was still, and has become more, a lot of work. I respect my parents for maintaining and building upon their little farm!

In all honesty, this book has developed this little itch inside of me. This little voice says, 'you know someday, you'll have something like this. Someday you'll have animals to tend to, veggies to pick and water to haul.'

HA. If only 12 year old me could hear that.

Have you read anything good lately?

I Need a Good Book.

Books.

     I love to read. But I haven't been totally addicted to a good book since I blew through Hunger Games earlier this year. While I believe that asking people for book suggestions can be a tricky move, since many people like many, MANY different kinds of books, I thought I'd take the risk and ask anyway! 

   I really love all books. Mostly fiction, historical fiction or fantasy. I just love stories ya know??

What suggestions do you have for me?? What's your favorite book?

What I'm Reading: Blogs and Books.

Rain, rain, go away, come back...umm...never??

Who's with me?!

I don't know about where you guys live, 

but it's been raining and muggy here in Connecticut

for DAYS and I'm so over it!

It's the end of MAY people!!

In that case, it's perfect weather for me to sit,

drink tea,

and read blogs and books.

Here are a few blogs that I've been reading lately:

Natasha Fatah is a blogger based out of Toronto (where I'm moving in a few weeks) and she is so much fun to read!! She takes a fashion image and reinterprets it with her own style. It gives me the inspiration I need to try new things in my wardrobe! 

Joanna over at A Cup Of Jo is such a delight to read! Her posts are so different ever day and I love when she shares what she's looking at for the week. And while I'm not a mother or an expecting mother or even close to being a mother, I enjoy reading her Motherhood Monday posts. Go check her out!

Megan is so adorable over at Classy Confessions! The voice in her writing gives off such positive waves that it's always fun reading about her style choices and gathering ideas from the outfits she puts together.

Some books that I'm reading attempting to read: 

(Attempting because there are just so many good blogs right now!)

While I have always loved everything Chuck, I've never been able to really get into this book. But lately, I've finally made it past the point where I've stopped reading so many times before and it's getting really good! The basic premise is this guy who hijacks a plane as a way of suicide and in the process of, tells his life story. It's really interesting and it's getting goooooood.

I'm obsessed with Wicked so I bought a bunch of Maguire's books. I haven't actually started this one yet but after seeing a fellow blogger has started reading Wicked I felt the urge to pull this bad boy off the shelf and put it on my bedside table! Has anyone read it yet?

Lastly is a book I'm interested in reading...

Now who's read this??

Who's heard of it??

If you haven't, watch this:

If you've read it, what's your opinion??

Or even if you haven't  read it, what' your opinion??

 

You ARE good at things.

I think one of the things I struggle with the most is accepting the fact that,

I, Freya Hammond-Williams, am good at things.

I beat myself up almost everyday about something I "can't do" or I'm not "good at," but the message I'm receiving lately is that I can do things.

I am good at things.

Yeah, maybe I don't make a s%@t ton of money.

Yeah, maybe I don't floss as much as I should.

Yeah, maybe I eat a tad more sugar then I should.

Yeah, maybe I'm late on a bill here and there and I suck at saving money.

But does this mean I'm not good at anything?

Do you get these feelings? Of just not being good enough or that you can't do anything??

While reading my blog feed today I saw this book:

And I feel like this may be the next book I read.

While the description makes it sound a little more light hearted then I'm feeling right now, I think it may bring some light into my world! 

Has anyone read it yet??

Do you have any advise for me or the other readers???

Weekend Warrior

 I feel my brain has gone on vacation and shall return

three weeks from yesterday Monday.

In that case, I want to take this time to continue my

day-dreamy thoughts and plan some fun activities for this weekend!

I love blue sky.

Last night, I started making a Pinata for a friends
birthday BBQ on Sunday.
I checked it this morning and it's still a bit soft
so I'm thinking a few more layers needs to go on it.
Sadly, I don't think it will be ready in time for Sunday,
but I'll still finish it!


Today, Jacob and I are heading out and about
to explore the nature that surrounds us!
I'm really excited because I miss Oregon.
You could drive 6 minutes and go hiking in Oregon.
Or to swimming.
Or biking.
Or.
Or.

Ah, Oregon. How I love you.


Tonight we're heading into Hoboken 
to visit a work buddy of Jake's.
I'm excited!
I love going on the train for any reason anything that 
doesn't involve work.
I love going to, through or around the city.
I love the vibes I get from New York.
I love the people I meet.
The places I see.
The food I eat.
It's just a pretty friggin great place.


Then TOMORROW.
Oh tomorrow, you can't come FAST ENOUGH!
Tomorrow, I'm getting together with a small group of girls
and we're going to see the 1 pm showing of...

EEEE! 

I'm so excited!!

I'm a really HUGE book hipster.

And a huge book nerd.

I love books!!!!

Anywho, I hope you lovely readers all have MARVELOUS weekends!!!

Any suggestions for next weekend?

Or any good books you think I should check out??

Tell me about your weekend!!