Book Club Discussion | Miss Peregine's Home for Peculiar Children

This is a book discussion and may contain spoilers

Let's pretend I didn't forget to post the book discussion, shall we. We can pretend it's Friday.

Ooh, yea, it's the weekend! 

This time around I wanted to do an open discussion, as opposed to a Q&A type thing. 

Honestly, I finished the book weeks ago! I think I mentioned before that I am not particularly a fan of Young Adult novels, simply because of the maturity level of them. YA is geared for ages 14-18 (give or take), numbers which I have surpassed by, well, a lot. But this was right up my alley, I must say. Riggs did a sensational job on Jacob's voice. You got the sense that he was still young and coming into himself, but without the teenage drama. 

Each of the characters were clearly defined. There were quite a few with the orphanage housing so many gifted kids, but I never forgot any of them, or what their special abilities were. 

At the dinner, everyone went around stating their name and age, and you got Jacob's sense of curiosity as these kids who look 10, 13 years old, are declaring themselves to be 83; 75 and 87. I like that none of them had "ordinary powers" either, like mind reading or future telling. Each of their powers served a purpose, that they not only used when push came to shove, but for everyday things, like gardening and playing as children do. That's what struck me as odd: 83 (or so) years old and they play as children do. I wondered if the loop they live within advanced their maturity levels, because it did not seem as though it did.

I found it rather intriguing the nemeses, the wights and hallows, were Peculiar's gone rogue. I thought it rather fitting, actually. It only seems to make sense that beings with supernatural powers, some are bound to rebel, thinking themselves mightier. 

And how could you leave out little Emma Bloom. I loved her to bits and pieces. She was just a doll, even when she had a knife to Jacob's throat. LOL! Such a little spitfire! 

I am curious about the ending, as the kids all set out to search for a new place, a new loop, and to find the other ymbrynes. It sounded as though there may be a sequel in the future. I am hoping there will be, and not just have it be some kind dang cliff hanger. I want to see more of those spectacular vintage photos. I keep flipping through the book just to browse them. It almost makes me want to start my own collection of vintage photographs!

What did you think of the book?

Who was your favorite character?

Your favorite scene?

What about your favorite photograph?

Tell me in the comments below.

And tomorrow I will announce the next book. I've had it lined up for a long time, and can't wait to get it!

Lana Knievel's Return ... And a mother's tears

Life, as per usual, has been eventful. Last week Lana took a six foot dive out the window. She landed on her head, suffered a concussion and broke her arm -- again. This time she broke her left arm.

I spent two days trying not to burst into tears. She acted as though nothing was amiss, so I didn't want her to see momma that way. (She is one tough chick.) But I felt so horribly guilty. We don't have air conditioning, so during the warmer months we keep the windows open. I had closed their window, but did not latch it all the way apparently. (When I checked the window, the locks were engaged.) She opened the window, pushed the screen out, and fell. She didn't lose consciousness, she came running screaming through the front door. I can't even tell you how wretched I felt. I should have made sure the window was closed all the way.

We watched her the first few days for any head injuries. She had landed on her forehead. The first night we woke her every few hours per ER instructions. I was tired, emotional, and my body got drained from it. I still don't feel fully recovered.

She is just a sweet ball of sunshine, though. She loves to pose for pictures with her hands tucked under her chin. She thinks she is just adorable when she does. (Shh ... I secretly think she is, but I have to maintain my child's ego!)

We went to the doc yesterday for her follow up, and as we were walking out, she tripped over her own two feet. I lurched for her when I saw her catch her fall with her arms, and she just stood up, examined herself and said, "I'm okay, Mom." She held her good arm up. "It's just a little a scratch." Then she trotted on along, all smiles, telling me, "It's such a beautiful day, Mom. Isn't a beautiful day?!"

I love how colorful her personality is! How do you not smile at that? I simply replied, "You're right. It is a beautiful day!"

When we got home, there was a special get well gift from her Uncle Bryan and Aunt Alyssa. They had sent an Edible Arrangements bouquet, chalk full of her favorite fruits. She was in heaven with them all, happy to share with Liam and Liv too.

Love dearly,
Steph

DIY Beauty Cases

You know those times when you head out to the thrift store and find something extraordinary? It doesn't always look extraordinary, but you see the potential it has, a diamond in the rough, just waiting for YOU to come along, snatch it up in your arms, and polish it until it shines. Well, I found that in these canvas suitcases last week.

I always stop by the luggage rack, just in case there might be vintage luggage for me to take home. This aren't exactly vintage. They still had weathered tags stuck to the bottoms from Stein Mart. They were plain, slightly stained on the inside, but I saw their facets, just calling to me to polish them up.

Immediately when I got home, I dug through my boxes of fabric and pulled out some vintage drapes, covering the inside just so. I left the outside alone, with its raw-edged corners, that way when I see them I remember how simple they were; how they were itching to be loved on. And now when I open them up, it's like they smile, vibrant and full of delight.

I arranged almost all of my cosmetics in them, so now here's to hoping they serve a wonderful purpose, decluttering the bathroom, while keeping my list of shadow pallets free from the hands of coercing toddler girls. 

Don't they just make you smile?

Love dearly,

Steph

Quotes

I'm not feeling well, so let's just have pretty things to look at and funny things to read.

 

Classic movie quotes:

"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." || Gone With The Wind

"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." || Casablanca

"Here's looking at you, kid." || Casablanca

"I am big! It's the pictures that got small." || Sunset Boulevard

"You're gonna need a bigger boat." || Jaws

"I can't believe I gave my panties to a geek." || Sixteen Candles

"Harry, I took care of it ..." || Dumb and Dumber

"Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." || Forest Gump

"Let's give 'em the old pizazz!" || Funny Face

"Listen to me, mister. You're my knight in shining armor. Don't you forget it. You're going to get back on that horse, and I'm going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we're gonna go, go, go!" || On Golden Pond

"Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." || Dead Poets Society

What are some of your favorite quotes?

Love dearly,

Steph

Vintage Travel Shoot | Simi Valley, CA

Styled by Natalia, Ma Nouvelle Mode
Set in at an old train station

From your designer:
When thinking about styling this shoot, I knew I wanted to do the travel theme because I wanted to use the train station and the old luggage.  The train station we used also had these beautiful trees with the light shining through that Lindsey so beautifully captured.  I loved that they were the big oak trees with all the leaves on the ground.  It fit perfectly. I also knew I wanted something different than just a cake.  I had the idea of them eating a cake truffle, arms wrapped around like the bottom picture.  So I contacted Donna at Sweet Little Cakesand she provided the cake truffles you see.

The dress for this darling shoot was repurposed. I love how they took it and created a sweep train.

Handmade headpiece for the bride.

Cake truffles for a delicious wedding cake alternative.

Vintage luggage for the perfect touch at this old train station.

Photographer: Lindsey Lane Photography || Makeup: Bliss Makeup Artistry 
Paper Goods: The Pomegranate Basket || Cake truffles: Sweet Little Cakes 
Styled by Ma Nouvelle Mode


Feeling inspired? I don't about you, but I suddenly feel the urge to explore some of the old Colorado mines ...


Love dearly,
Steph