My week

 i like to stop in on weekends at this neighborhood greenhouse

strawberry plants for 50 cents each

 . . . . . . . . . .

my latest mixed media piece Discovery

visiting a local artist's studio

making progress on the quilt

. . . . . . . . . .

photo shoot of expecting mom

Blogmania - Giveaways Galore - One Day Only

WELCOME To BLOGMANIA ! - GIVEAWAY CLOSED

My Blog is 90 of 123

You’ve arrived at exactly the right time to explore lots of new blogs, all of which, ARE GIVING AWAY A VERY SPECIAL BLOGMANIA GIVEAWAY(For One Day Only – April 30^th).

We’ve done all the work for you. No hunting or surfing. Each blog will have a number and each new blog link will have a number. These numbers will allow you to keep track of which blogs you’ve visited and how many are left to visit. Why not take a moment to make a list of blog numbers 1-123 and check off the blogs as you go.

I know you’ll want to visit as many blogs today as you can. So, if you see something that interests you on any of our participating blogs, why not bookmark that site. Later, when you have more time, you can discover all its fabulous treasures. There are links to other participating blogs below my giveaway.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!

MY GIVEAWAY and RULES:

Since I can't afford to ship to giveaway winners myself, I asked two of my favourite publishers if they could donate some books for giveaways and they said SURE!

To make sure this post doesn't get too long, you'll have to click through to the publisher's site to see more info about the books but be sure to come back and enter!

First up is from Tundra Books. I have 3 copies of Talking Tails by Ann Love and Jane Drake and 3 copies of Cyclist Bikelist by Laura Robinson up for grabs to a US/Canada resident. They are both children's nonfiction - perfect for this blog as I focus on nonfiction (for children, teens and adults) and children's (picture books to YA) reviews. That's a total of 6 lucky winners!

Talking Tails is a book for 9-12 year olds about the connection between people and pets.
Cyclist Bikelist is a book for 9+ with history of cycling, useful and fun info and how to select and maintain a bike.

Next up is from Annick Press. It's 6 books in 3. Each book is two sided with two stories in it. All three books, which are the first in the Single Voice series will be going to one lucky US/Canada winner.

Just Julie/I Am Not Emmanuelle by Nadia Xerra-L and Carine Tardeiu
Descent into Paradise/A Place to Live by Vincent Karle and Jean-Phillipe Blondel
Nothing But Your Skin/The Pool Was Empty by Cathy Ytak and Gilles Abier

You'll have to click through for summaries but they are YA stories (14+) and are fiction and the stories are provocative.

To Enter any of the giveaways, you'll have to fill in my form. Make sure you specify which giveaways you are entering. You can enter for all three (Talking Tails, Cyclist Bikelist and Single Voice Series)

I'm not requiring you follow me on Google friend connect but I'd love it if you would!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

If you have the time, a few bloggers are reviewing the books in the series today.

Just Julie: http://classicvasilly.wordpress.com, I Am Not Emmanuelle: http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com, Descent into Paradise: http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com, A Place to Live: http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com, Nothing but Your Skin: http://upthetowerofbooks.blogspot.com/, The Pool Was Empty: http://heyteenager.blogspot.com

Find Some More Blogs and Giveaways!

(Blog- 1 – HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Between The Pages - http://betweenthelinesandmore.blogspot.com/

(Blog -2 – CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) The Black Sheep Dances - http://www.theblacksheepdances.blogspot.com

(Blog-43 - CO-HOST OF BLOGMANIA) Books, Books Everywhere - http://bookywooks.blogspot.com/

(Blog-68) Mama Librarian - http://mamalibrarian.blogspot.com/

(Blog-92) Groovy's Ruminations - http://groovybell.blogspot.com/

 (Blog-36) Along the Way - http://a-long-the-way.blogspot.com/

(Blog-8) A Mom’s Take - http://AMomsTake.Blogspot.com

(Blog-18) Aubut Family - www.aubutfamily.com

(Blog-109) Mommy’s Minutes - http://mommys-minute.blogspot.com

(Blog-118) Designs By Dawn Marie - http://designsbydawnmaire.blogspot.com

You Can NOT Enter by Comments

The Book of Knowledge by David Michael Slater

Stars: ****

CBAY Books (2009)
Teen Fiction/ YA Fiction
10 and Up (the ages given but labelled as YA)

Summary: The second book in the Sacred Books Series. It continues right where the first book left off. Between the various attempts on their lives, the assault on their father, and a shocking discovery about their deceased mother, Dex and Daphna have endured enough for a lifetime. They barely have enough energy to stand, let alone save the world. Unfortunately, they don't have a choice. If they work together, the twins might stand a chance of discovering the truth about The Book of Nonsense. But are they really working together?

First I must caution that this book is controversial. I don't want to give the story away at all but the story gives an unusual explanation for a major bible story that certain people might find offensive. It's not bad in any way but if you are very devout in your Christian beliefs and believe every word of the bible to be exact truth, you may not like this book. You can read a bit more about that at Beaverton Valley Times.

Personally I found it interesting and thought-provoking. It truly has me thinking about my beliefs, even though that was not the intention of the book at all. I don't participate in book clubs because I generally have no interest in discussing books after I read them (other than to provide a review.) However this is one of the few where I'd like to exchange emails with another adult who has read this book.

Although I think the Book of Knowledge (and The Book of Nonsense,) could perhaps use a bit of work, in general I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to Book Three which says a lot as I don't normally read series. It keeps you thinking and wondering what's going to happen next and I can never guess correctly what's going to happen which I like.

If you're interested, I read this book during the Clean Away the Clutter Readathon but as part of an activity for Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-thon I talked about seeing the Sacred Books Series made into movies.

Links of Interest: My review of The Book of Nonsense (Book 1), David Michael Slater,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy The Book of Knowledge at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Marie Watt's studio

One of my very favorite things to do is to visit the studio of an artist, even more so than going to a museum.  It's the place where ideas are born and masterpieces are created.  Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours in the SE Portland studio of artist Marie Watt.  I first mentioned Marie's art a few weeks ago (read post here).  Marie has this amazing gift of turning old wool blankets into stunning works of art.  She is currently working on 50+ cameos for her Forget-me-not installation.  Each piece is a meticulous process of cutting and sewing, as seen in the above photo. 

I love browsing the walls of artist studios.  Shown here is Marie's tag installation that was recently on display in a museum.  Above the water cooler are three works in progress. 

One of the reasons I stopped by Marie's studio was to see a shelving unit that used to be in my shop.  They were originally designed and built by craftsman Ben Hull. They look great in the new space! 



photographs: Tom Nutt



This is Marie's 2008 Forget-me-not: Mothers and Sons installation featuring cameo portraits of men and women who made a significant mark on our community and culture.  The display is 20' in diameter and 10' tall.  To see the complete collection of cameos, visit Marie's Flickr page here.

Artists I like: Julia Pott

Any day now I should be getting in the mail Julia Pott's Breathe (left picture).  When I first saw it in her Etsy shop, I knew I had to have it for my walls.  I love everything about it: the textures, all the animals (I have a soft spot for panda bears), and even the date stamped on the bear's belly.



Julia is this amazing illustrator from London.  A lot of her drawings feature animals with human-like qualities, like a bear hugging a boy or a dog and cat holding hands.  They're sweet and at the same time very vulnerable, exposing some of our deepest needs and emotions in relationships.

Julia has her hand in a lot of different projects.  Recently, she worked on a multimedia project with The Decemberists.   Here's a snippet; it's very cool. 

Week With No Name Update: New Giveway!

Thanks to Hachette Book Group I have one more giveaway from last week. Sunday's review of Sex, Drugs and Gefilte Fish by Shana Liebman now includes a giveaway.

5 Copies, Open to US/Canada, No P.O. Boxes until May 5, 2010

Check it out!

UPDATE: I should have specified. You can't enter here. You have to go to the link above and scroll down to fill in the form. Comments are now closed here to prevent someone from trying to enter here.

Mailbox Monday - Apr 26

This is the day when I highlight all the new books that have come into my house since the last time I participated. Mailbox Monday is hosted at The Printed Page.

It's been a month since I did this, that's why it's so long:

The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook by Jillian Michaels (Random House)
The author is the Biggest Loser health coach. Info and recipes (already tried one!)

Chippy Chipmunk: Parties in the Garden by Kathy M. Miller (KSB Promotions)
Cute picture book with photos of a real chipmunk doing funny antics

Our Days Are Numbered: How Mathematics Orders Our Lives (McClelland & Stewart)
Not a book for everyone but I love math and it looks really interesting

Mr. Choli's River Trip by Chris Wardle (Author Contact)
Children's Fiction - Mr. Tinfish Series


Dinosaurs on the Move by Cathy Diez-Luckie (KSB Promotions)
Cut, colour and assemble moving dinosaurs

Plus-Sized Yoga: Beginners Yoga for People of All Sizes by Donald Keith Stanley (KSB Promotions)
Finally Yoga moves I can do!

God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World and Why Their Differences Matter by Stephen Prothero (Harper One, received for TLC Blog Tour)
Very interesting look at the 8 most popular religions and how they aren't all means to the same end.

The Cloud Seekers: A Pirate Ship in the Clouds by Robert L. Calixto (Author Contact)
Picture book

The Way to Stillness by Anne Alexander Vincent & Gayle Alexander (The Cadence Group)
"Powerful Tools for Those in Helping Professions."

The Pocket Therapist by Therese J. Borchard (Hachette Book Group)

Anger Busting 101: New ABCs for Angry Men and the Women Who Love Them by Newton Hightower (Bayou Publishing)

You can buy any of these at amazon.com and help support SMS Book Reviews

Last day of Etsy art sale

Last chance to save 25 - 40% on original art in my Etsy shop.   

Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish edited by Shana Liebman + giveaway

This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways.  

Well today's the last day of my Week With No Name event. I hope you've enjoyed yourself and entered a few giveaways. More importantly, I hope I haven't scared you away! I promise, no more sex books for a while!

UPDATE: This post is now a giveaway too! Thanks to Hachette Book Group

Stars: ***1/2

Hachette Book Group (2009)
Adult Nonfiction: Humour
266 pages
Forward by A.J. Jacobs

Summary:  Scoring weed for your uncle...Hanging out with porn stars on Christmas Eve...Eating nachos with the Mossad...Observing the Dyke Days of Awe...Getting held up at a Weight Watcher's meeting...Spying on your naked Hebrew School teacher. From Heeb magazine--the definitive voice of a proud, searching, and irreverent new generation of American Jews--this first-of-a-kind fast and fun showcase spotlights the hilarious and heartful raconteurial gifts of many of today's leading writers, comedians, actors, artists, and musicians.

This book wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be. The stories are funny. It's just that I'm not Jewish enough to understand some of the jokes and words used. Even some of the references to Christianity I didn't understand. Each chapter starts with a comic, NONE of which I found funny. However the stories themselves were great. Some were shocking, some were alright, some were hilarious and some were intriguing. It was neat seeing a different side of Jews. I'm just trying to figure out if I should pass it on to any of my Jewish family members or not. I don't know if they would think the stories are funny or not.

The stories are not only about sex and drugs. The other chapters are Work, Youth, Family and Body & Soul. However some of the other chapters' stories included sex in the story. There is also a large amount of GLBT authors. It was nice not always hearing heterosexual stories. All the stories are American. I would have liked to see some Canadian stories.

The stories are by:

"today's leading writers, comedians, actors, artists" - Hachette

although I can't say I've ever heard of any of them. However I'm not up on the names of famous people.

Overall it's a humourous read but one that would be enjoyed more by someone who is more Jewish than I am.

Links of Interest: Heeb Magazine,

Other Reviews: Carol's Notebook, In Bed With Books, Madeleine's Book and Photo Blog, One Swede Read,

Buy Sex, Drugs and Gefilte Fish at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

The Best of Sexology edited by Craig Yoe

This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways. 

Stars: ***

Running Press (2008)
Adult Nonfiction
430 pages

Summary: Sexology, founded in 1933, was America's first sex magazine. It ran for fifty years. This book is a collection of some of the kinky and kooky excerpts. 

Warning: This is the craziest book on sex I've ever seen. It's not for the prudish, faint of heart or easily embarrassed. It's WEIRD! Please if you are under 18, please don't read the rest of this post.

I guess back then people were obsessed with the weird part of sex. I guess we still are but these magazine articles are weird and I don't even know if I believe it all.

• Extra Breasts in Women
• Sexual Vampirism
• Pregnant Men
• When Midgets Marry...
• Humans with Tails
• Adolph Hitler's Sex Life
• Sex and Satan
• Mechanics of Sexual Odor
• Chastity Girdles
• Wife Swapping
• Phantom Pregnancy
• and much, much more

The book includes many crazy photos. There are quite a few sets of bare boobs and a few other parts but nothing pornographic in any way. The book also has some old ads for sex books which are funny to read. Also some real questions people asked the magazine way back when. 

It's definitely not a book you'd read cover to cover. I've already owned it for almost a year and I've only read a few chapters (short chapters.) It's a fun read every once in a while when I'm looking for something kooky.

Links of Interest: NONE

Other Reviews: NONE YET


Buy The Best of Sexology at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

Aalto utopia in Portland's backyard

When I was in college, I went on a field trip to the Mount Angel Abbey Library, which is about 30 miles south of Portland.  That trip was my first exposure to the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who many consider to be the father of modern architecture and design.  The library at Mount Angel is just one of two buildings in North America that was designed by Aalto, and, yesterday, I went back to the building to bask again in its brilliance. 



Libraries were some of Aalto's favorite buildings to design.  He sought to create the perfect lighting conditions for reading.  In the Mount Angel Abbey Library,  there are semi-circular windows at the top of the building to harness natural light.  The light is bounced around the open interior space by white walls.  When asked why the building didn't have more windows taking advantage of the valley view, he responded "I have designed a place of study, not a lounge."



Aalto made an exception to add a few large windows in the Periodical Reading Room, which is my favorite part of the library.  I love how the bright, filtered light contrasts the black Aalto furniture.  The look is dramatic but very inviting and peaceful at the same time. 

Periodical Reading Room

In addition to its significant architectural design, the library has one of the largest collections of furniture designed by Aalto.  The shelving, desks, tables, chairs, and light fixtures were all designed by him.  And although 40 years have passed since the opening of the library, the furniture is still in remarkable shape.  I saw this sweet (and unused!) console sitting on the floor and was tempted to snatch it for my own home.  Alas, I figured stealing from monks would mean a lifetime of penance. 

Guide to Getting It On by Paul Joannides, Psy. D. + giveaway

This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways.

Stars:*****

Goofy Foot Press (2008)
Adult Nonfiction
928 pages

Summary: A guide on everything sex. Everything.

This is the BEST SEX BOOK EVER!  Sorry for yelling but it's true. It has just about everything in it and it's not shy about talking (or illustrating) the topic at all. If you are shy about sex, this may not be your book but no one's making you share it or talk about it to others. If you want to know better techniques this book can help but it also has scientific information that is interesting, helpful, but not over your head.

It's not just me that loves this book. The Guide To Getting It On has received 7 awards and has been an assigned text for sex ed courses across the US.


You can find a full table/bed of contents at the website. You can also read three free chapters, enter to win the book and send away for your free bookmarks and door hangers. If you buy the guide from the website, you get 40% off, the free bookmarks and door hangers and no sales tax.

I can't describe the book too much as I don't want to get to graphic on this blog but let's just say it covers all different kinds of sex, with graphic line drawings (which can be very helpful.) The only thing is that the book is a little male dominate sometimes as the author is male. However there is lots of information for women. Please make sure you check out the table of contents to see what I mean. The book is huge and will take you a while to get through it. It's heavy reading too so take your time, read a few chapters a night before bed, (or before lovemaking .)


Links of Interest: Guide To Getting it On,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Guide to Getting It On at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I purchased this book with my own money

GIVEAWAY CLOSED 

New drawing, "Deer at the lake"

I just finished this pastel and ink drawing yesterday called Deer at the lake.  Another family from the animal kingdom is represented in my work.  In this piece, it's pa, ma, and baby deer.  In my previous work, camping with bears, it was mama bear with two cubs.



Also, I mentioned in a previous post that I was giving away a little something with each purchase from my Etsy shop.   It's a package of five postcards made by yours truly.  I even trimmed all the corners myself!

Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss by Sharlene Azam (+ DVD Documentary)

 This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways.

Stars: ****

Bollywood Filmed Entertainment Inc (2009)
Adult Nonfiction
136 pages

Summary: The new documentary and book chronicle the shocking sex lives of teen girls. Sharlene Azam examines the recent emergence of teenage prostitution in affluent suburbs. Middle class girls as young as 12 are having sex with up to seven men a night, several times a week, so they can go shopping.  This book and film are a wake up call for parents showing them how girls are groomed by our culture into seeing sex as "no big deal" and the attention-getting behavior that is leading some girls into trading sex for money, drugs or clothes.

Most people agree that today's girls are more sexualized than ever. Interestingly enough, Dr. Trina Read (who wrote the first book of this week, Till Sex Do Us Part), does not agree with this book. She says the book is not written based on research. Sharlene Azam may not have surveyed many pre-teen and teen girls from all over the country or world but the cases she talks about in the book and DVD are true. Perhaps it's more common in certain areas, I don't know but the idea that 12 year old girls are selling themselves for new jeans, a cool purse, or spending money is scary. The fact that they don't consider it prostitution is even scarier.

With every book purchase you get a free DVD documentary. Here's a bit about it:
Over 1 million people in Europe have watched the documentary Oral Sex Is The New Goodnight Kiss, which includes interviews with the young women in the book and other girls. The United States Anti-Trafficking Department of the Salvation Army is promoting its viewership. - from http://www.thenewgoodnightkiss.com

The documentary was short, about 30 minutes long and covered some of the stories from the book, just like it says above. It was scary to hear the voices of some of these girls, talking about recruiting their classmates. They said there was no way they would do it (trading sex for things) themselves but they had no problem recruiting other girls into it. When asked if they knew what happened to them, the girls say "nothing good, One got raped, one got pregnant." The scary part is that they don't even seem to care about the other girls. One even went so far as to say they deserved it.

Whether this problem is happening around here or not, I plan to keep my girls aware as they grow up. Aware of sexuality and sex, aware of self-respect and loving your body, aware of those who are out there to harm others, aware about the temptation to do drugs or prostitution and aware that I am here if they ever need to talk. 

The New Goodnight Kiss website offers book excerpts,  a PDF e-book about our Toxic Culture and info, clips from the documentary (actually I believe it's the whole documentary),.

Links of Interest: The New Goodnight Kiss,

Other Reviews: NONE YET


Buy Oral Sex is the New Goodnight Kiss at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

About "The No-Cry Separation Anxiety Solution" - the Newest Book by Elizabeth Pantley

Does it break your heart to leave your crying child at daycare, school, or with a babysitter? Do you worry and wonder how to help and what to do? Nearly all children experience separation anxiety - it's natural - but finding a solution can be difficult. Best-selling parenting author and mother of four, Elizabeth Pantley tackles this sensitive problem with her trademark gentle and respectful ideas.

Using the help of her army of Test Parents, Pantley has created a book filled with solutions. Whether your child is a baby, toddler or first grader, these tried and true techniques will help them to:

* Say goodbye at the door with a smile and a wave and no more tears.
* Conquer anxiety at daycare, school, parties, events and play-dates.
* Go to sleep peacefully - and stay in bed at naptime and bedtime.
* Feel comfortable with caregivers, babysitters, visitors, and other new people.
* Explore new places with joy and confidence.

Best of all, this step-by-step book INCLUDES A FREE MAGIC BRACELET that will help your child feel "magically" safe and secure whenever you're apart. It's just one of the many No-Cry solutions that will help you say goodbye to the stress of saying goodbye-and hello to a stronger, happier child.

You can find out more about this book and others at No Cry Solution

Do you have a Super-Glue Baby? Here's a video with author Elizabeth Pantley about the subject. (You can find more.videos on YouTube)

Sexaholics by Pynk + giveaway

 

This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways.

NOTE: I won't be describing this book in too much detail as there are under 18s who visit this blog.

Stars: ***1/2

Grand Central Publishing (Division of Hachette Book Group) 2010
Erotica
336 Pages


Summary: Miki, Valencia, Teela Raye, and Brandi share one thing...they are all addicted to sex. United through Sexaholics Anonymous, these women try to recover from their dependence on wild, spontaneous, and even sometimes, dangerous sex. From whips and chains, to sex in public, they have done it all! Led by Dr. Rachel Cummings, each woman takes the first step to recovery by sharing her biggest sexual act with the group. SEXAHOLICS takes readers through the outrageous experiences of four women on their long path to success.

While this isn't the first Erotica I've read, I haven't read that many. I just never had a chance to until recently. So I can't really say if this has more sex than regular Erotica or not. It seems like all the other reviews I've seen are by people not familiar with Erotica either. I don't think this is light Erotica though. There isn't much romance in this book which I know there is in some Erotica. There are some feelings of course but it's not romance. I liked that there wasn't long spaces in between sex scenes. APOOO(review blog), who seems to be familiar with Erotica said:

"Sexaholics is definitely for the freakiest of freaks.  I recommend this novel to erotica lovers who like hard-core, steamy sex scenes and Pynk supporters."

Sexaholics has a LOT of sex in it, all different kinds, but it does have a storyline too. It isn't till the middle of the book or so that it really comes through but you soon see there is a story and the characters are developed enough that you can kind of see yourself as her. The ending was amazing and there were some shockers including one disturbing scene but I enjoyed the book both as Erotica and as a novel.

The beginning of the book includes an author's note that explains some basics about sex addiction, namely that men are the ones to most commonly be associated with it. Sex addiction is NOT just wanting lots of sex and Pynk did her research so that the book is factual and should be of special interest to those who feel they may be sexaholics. In fact at the end of the book she directs worried readers to the Sexaholics Anonymous website to do a quiz to see if they may have sexaholic traits.

My only problem was I kept mixing up the characters. If you read it within a few days time with no breaks, it's no problem. However if you read for a while, stop for a few days or more and then pick the book back up, it takes some time to remember which person was which.

Links of Interest: Pynk's Website, Sexaholics Anonymous, Sex Addicts Anonymous,

Other Reviews: My Overstuffed Bookshelf, Just Jennifer Reading, Rhodes Review, APOOO,

Buy Sexaholics at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of this book for review from Good Reads First Reads Program.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Artists I Like: Clare Bowers

Yes, I do like diamond clusters and cuddly animals and mountains in rainbow colors.  So when I came across Clare Bowers' art on Etsy, it was like she was reading my mind.  I love how she builds up  different layers and materials to create a visual melody of pattern and texture.  I recently contacted Clare and asked if she would share a few words about her art.  Here's what she had to say.



When I was a little girl, I used to write tiny notes and leave them inside hollowed out acorns.  I wanted to believe in magic and I figured if I found a secret note inside of an acorn, I would've thought that was pretty dang magical.  Like, maybe an elf wrote it?  Or a squirrel?  I like doing what I can to promote magic and wonder, but that's not really why I make things.  I make things because I have always needed and wanted to make things. 

Right now, I'm interested in creating art that doesn't have a specific story behind it.  I think people are connected by the feelings underneath our individual stories, and I'd rather connect with someone than tell them a story.   I love geometric shapes and patterns.  I'm inspired by nature, by plants and animals, and by the Northern California landscape- the texture and shape of skyscrapers, redwood trees, abandoned buildings, graffiti, the fog, the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean. 

Clare is currently taking a short break while she works on larger pieces and sculptures for her next show in October at Mina Dresden Gallery in San Francisco.  You can see her current collection in her Etsy shop here and on Flickr here.

Art sale in my Etsy shop!

It's time to clear off my shelves to make room for new items, so I'm running my first Etsy sale!  I like a great sale, and I like to give a great sale.  Over half of the listed items in my shop are marked 25 - 40% off!  I'll also throw in a little something with each purchase.  Click here to view all sale items.  Sale ends this Sunday.

Nasty, Brutish and Short: The Quirks and Quarks Guide to Animal Sex and Other Weird Behaviour by Pat Senson

This week is all about SEX! You can read more here but check back every day this week for reviews and giveaways.

 Stars: *****

McClelland & Stewart (Division of Random House)

Nonfiction (Animals)

296 pages

Summary:  Birds do it, and bees do it, so do all animals, some of them in weird and wonderful ways. Quirks & Quarks' latest book explores the more bizarre behaviours of more than 100 creatures, from barnacles to Panda bears.

Okay so this book is only PARTLY about sex. Only two chapters cover sex in some form. First a bit about Quirks and Quarks in case you aren't aware of what that is:

Quirks & Quarks (Quirks) is a Canadian weekly science news program heard over CBC Radio One of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Airing since October 8, 1975, Quirks & Quarks is consistently rated among the most popular CBC programs, attracting over 500,000 listeners each Saturday from 12:00 to 13:00. - From Wikipedia

So how does the radio show have to do with the book?

"Over the years on Quirks & Quarks (the CBC Radio program that I host), scientists have told us about the extraordinary range of bizarre adaptations nature has come up with, to make sure that birds, bees, and every other form of life can "do it" successfully. [...] So, we've decided to gather together almost a hundred of these tales from over the last nine years, and put them together into a book for you." - introduction in book

I enjoyed this book SO much. I love reading about animals and everything in this book was incredibly interesting. Not one story did I skip, not one did I find boring. Not one! I think even someone who doesn't usually read nonfiction but loves animals or interesting/bizarre facts would enjoy this book.

So here is a bit about what you'll find in each chapter and then I'll share some of my favourites:

Chapter 1 - The Battle of the Sexes (sex, sexual organs, which gender is top and more)
Chapter 2 - Impressing the Other Sex (Calling to mates, showing they are a better mate than others)
Chapter 3 - Parenting Skills (interesting and funny ways they raise babies)
Chapter 4 - Lunch, Anyone? (foraging for food and avoiding becoming a meal)
Chapter 5 - Parsing Parasite Peculiarities (Beetles, Ants, Parasites and Caterpillars)
Chapter 6 - Higher, Faster, and Stronger (Super Animals!)
Chapter 7 - The Other Weird Behaviour (various - washing with urine, worm hibernation, clownfish sex, flatulent fish and more)

I found all of them interesting and some shocking  Here's a teaser tidbit from the ones I loved the best:

• The beetle larvae that deceive a bee, hitch a ride and steal their food
• The bedbugs that can taste with their penises to tell if they've mated with a female before or not
• The redback spider that mates and is eaten at the SAME time.
• The barnacle with the world's largest penis (for body size)
• The nectar bat whose tongue, when not shooting out to get food, goes down the throat and is attached between rib cage and heart.

Links of Interest: Quirks & Quarks,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

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GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Quilting a duvet cover amongst other things

 

I have always loved Marimekko's Unessa fabric and have wanted it as a duvet cover.  Over the last few months, however, I have been collecting a number of other fabrics and decided to quilt a duvet cover instead. I started the new quilting project just this past weekend. Using muslin as a base for the quilted top, I started sewing thin strips of fabric onto the muslin.  The strips run vertically on the duvet cover, alternating from all black to patterned.   

 

The last time I made a queen size quilt was over ten years ago, so I forgot how much room was needed to work on it.  Right now, I have the top sprawled out in the middle of our family room, so I'm constantly shooing the cat off of it and reminding family members to look out for pins.  

I estimate that I'll need around 55 strips to complete the top, and considering each strip takes 45 minutes, I've got my work cut out for me.  I also haven't decided on the fabric for the duvet's back yet, but the Unessa is definitely on top of my list.  

Although I'll be busy the next few weeks with the quilt, I'm still dedicating time at my art desk working on sketches, playing around with my new printer, and enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  Here's a look at some of my other recent works.

 

left, clockwise: 

1.  Photo of a mill in the Columbia Gorge.  I'm thinking about adding it to my Etsy shop as part of a set.

2.  Sketching in my new Canal Paper sketchbook.  Pastels blend beautifully on the paper.

3.  Drawing more trees and patterns

4.  Blossoming apple tree next to our house