Stealing again

My lovely friends Christina and Diana came for a visit yesterday, and because Christina both takes better pictures and updates her blog more often than I, I'll direct you here for stellar pics of my kid and dog. Don't forget to click on the pics to access Christina's flickr page for more photos. I call this stealing again because I did the same thing last time with these pics. Thanks for such a wonderful visit guys. Come again anytime.

Seeds of Destruction

Tempted by a lush garden last year, and unduly influenced by authors like Barbara Kingsolver, I planted several rows of seeds this year, where in years past I put in mostly plants. After a number of days filled with desperate hope (I refuse to admit how many days) I am finally forced to the conclusion that the seeds are not going to sprout. My plants are merrily enjoying the rain and sun, while just a few feet to the north....scorched earth. Was it the cold, the dry, did some dastardly creature eat them, or was it the fact that I hung over the garden fence watching for them incessantly, and they are shy? Whatever the reason, I have given them up as lost, and moved on to a most important question: What now? More seeds, or shall I accept that seeds are too delicate for my brand of black thumb gardening and find some plants to fill in the empty space. Something large and lush that will make me forget the lovely pictures in the seed catalog that made me go mad and try this in the first place. Maybe a zucchini. They never fail me to produce. I'll keep you posted.

All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book, and I love free verse novels. Using such spare language makes every word important and packed with meaning. Burg gives us a very balanced portrayal of the affects of the Vietnam war on a variety of characters: a boy who was airlifted out of Saigon, Veterans returning with physical and mental wounds, men who did not join the service, and families of those who were lost. My only qualm is the fact that every single aspect of Matt's life, from his baseball team to his piano practice has some very strong connection to the war. I want to think this is a little odd, but then, perhaps during that time period, it would not be out of place for a family to know that many people directly affected by the war.


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