Book Club Book Review

The Help

This was the selection for this month's book club. I thought I'd share what the consensus was about this book and what everyone thought without giving away any spoilers for those of you who haven't read it.
The Help is the story of a group of African American maids (domestic help), the women they work for and one progressive young white woman who wants to tell their story during the turbulent times of 1963 Jackson, Mississippi. First off, we loved it. Most people found the characters memorable and very realistic. There were a few people who were dissatisfied with the ending. I however thought the ending was pretty realistic. It couldn't have a classic "happy ending" because of the subject matter and the time the story was set in.
I thought the author who isn't an African American did a great job in taping into what it must have been like to be a domestic during the civil rights movement in Mississippi where even the wrong look could get you killed. The characters were fully developed and were people you wanted to know more about. I liked that she showed the lives of the "Help" outside of their workplace. She also challenged convention by showing that there were strong bonds that could exist between the white employers and their black "Help". She showed that even though not everyone felt that way, there was real humanity and care that existed despite the times they lived in. I liked that even though it wasn't all happy, you got some degree of closure on the characters lives at the end of the book.
All in all the "Help" was a well developed, entertaining, thought provoking piece of literary delight. I think I speak for all in our book club when I say, two thumbs up.
I've heard that "The Help" has been optioned into a movie and I can't wait to see it and who plays all the main characters. Who will be Miss Skeeter and that horrible Hilly?
Our next selection is Little Bee. Check back next month to hear how we like it.
I've heard that "The Help" has been optioned into a movie and I can't wait to see it.

Monday's Meal

My all time favorite vegetable is squash. I love all varieties. I feel like you can't go wrong if you have some squash on your plate. I'm also a fan of soup. I know some people think of soup as winter time, but to me it's anytime. Try this golden delicious soup and tell me I'm not right.

Butternut Squash Soup

6 tablespoons chopped onion
4 tablespoons butter
6 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese

In a medium dutch oven, saute onions in butter until tender. Add squash, chicken broth, marjoram, black pepper and cayenne pepper. Bring to boil; cook 20 minutes, or until squash is tender. Puree squash and cream cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return to dutch oven, and heat until warm through, but do not bring to a boil.

Finding my mojo

You've heard me talk about diet and exercise before. Well, it's something I seem to be really struggling with lately. While I never have loved to exercise I was committed and consistent in doing it. Lately though, I can't seem to get my butt in gear. I don't seem to be very motivated. I've also noticed that I've been eating things that I had sworn off. Maybe this is just a phase and I need to power through it. But, I know for me I need some accountability in my life so I'm going to start reporting here weekly as sort of a fitness wrap up, call it fitness Friday. I hope you will join me in encouraging each other to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I'd really like to lose 15 lbs by Sept 1st, but I can tell you that I'm going to have to change the way I'm doing things. I'm going to have to recommit to keeping a food journal, doing regular exercise, drinking my water and seeking support and encouragement from others. I know that my life has been beyond crazy stressful lately, but I can't let that be an excuse to backslide. I have to get a handle on this and continue to make my health a priority.
Today I'm meeting up with my friend, Heather. It's so nice to have someone to workout with. It helps keep me motivated and helps to have someone encouraging me.
What did you move to lose today?

A must have...a book review

I mentioned that I'm in the process of building my quilting reference library . Well, I want to recommend a must have for any quilter's book shelf. Judy Hopkins 501 Rotary-Cut Quilt Blocks.

I love that she gives specific cutting and assembling instructions for various block sizes, not just one size per design. What a life saver. Although I'm getting better at figuring that out on my own, it's nice not to do the math to figure out how I can take a 8" block design to a 12" block design. I used it for a couple of the blocks I made in my recent TMQG swap and know that I will be reaching for it for years to come as I continue on my quilting journey. I think it's an invaluable book to own. It's incredibly versatile and offers so much inspiration. The block assembly instructions are detailed, yet concise. Run out and get it today to add to your shelf.

Work on it Wednesday

Today I've been giving Miss O. sewing lessons. She's been begging to learn for ages and now that she can reach the foot pedal and the machine bed at the same time, I couldn't put her off any longer. I don't believe in toy sewing machines. I think you should have the proper equipment for the job and that means a machine that actually sews. It'll prevent frustration and foster a love of sewing IMHO. I let her pick out her own machine from my collection awhile back. The girl has her standards. She was drawn to a Bernina 801 sport. It's actually a nice little machine for her. It all metal, mechanical and only has 6 different stitches. Nothing for her to mess up or break. She's super proud of "her sewing machine". We also put together a little sewing basket. She has her own pin cushion, scissors, seam ripper and thread. Initially I had her working on scrap fabrics, but she became easily bored with that. I have to admit, she's pretty good. She can sew fairly straight and she has pretty good speed control with the foot pedal. She always remembers to lift and lower the presser. Today she announced that she wanted to make a skirt. She picked out some fabric from my stash and we roughly measured her for a little skirt. She informed me that she thought she needed "a yard" (perhaps she's been to the fabric store one too many times). She didn't need a yard, actually she really only needed about 1/2 yard, lol. I set her to work. She did everything except the ironing and putting in the elastic. Great job! Project Runway, watch out!!!
I don't have time to do it right now, but I'll get a picture of Miss O. and her space skirt as soon as I can. Too cute!

On Hope...

A funny thing happened to me recently. Not funny ha ha, but funny in the way that teaches you a lesson and refocuses your priorities. Last fall I participated in a prayer shawl swap through Ravelry. My swap partner, Maria knitted me a beautiful shawl in my favorite color, red and it's brought me endless comfort. However she also sent me two other items that I would never have thought I needed, but I did. She sent me a book of psalms and a coffee mug. Now, the mug is what I want to talk to you about. I'm a big coffee drinker and almost every day I would grab my mug and pour myself a cup of joe. What's special about this mug you ask? Well, it has a quote from Psalms 62 5-6 printed on it. It's a quote about hope and it goes like this "Let all that I am wait quietly before God. For my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken". I can't begin to tell you how challenging this past year has been for me and my family. I try to be optimistic and not get easily discouraged but sometimes it's really hard. But, then I remember that things happen for a reason and that which does not kill you makes you stronger. I also remember all the great friends and family I have. I remember how they have offered their support, their shoulders to cry on and their ears to listen and I count myself so lucky. How did Maria know that I needed reminding of that? How did she know that I needed comforting. I believe that there are people who touch you, who are there in your life however briefly to remind you and to help you find your way. So, each day whenever I look down at my mug, it gives me comfort...it gives me hope for the future.

Monday's Meal

Baby it's hot outside and I find myself desiring something sweet and frosty. As my friends will tell you, I'm not a fan of coconut (it's a texture thing), but this is the absolute one exception. A pina colada is worth a little hair on the tongue, lol.

1 cup of cream of coconut
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
1 cup vanilla ice cream
1 cup rum (try it with flavored rum)
1/2 cup whipping cream
8 ice cubes



In a blender, combine cream of coconut , pineapple with juice, ice cream, rum and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour whipping cream into a bowl and whip until soft peaks form, fold into pina colada mixture and blend. Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy.