I need help from all of you dream-interpreters out there… I’ve got a weird one for you:

I had the strangest dream tonight. It woke me up and here I am at midnight.  I had moved away to a small farm, I assume in the Midwest. It had a beautiful wooden barn with hay on the ground and a small group of horses in strange make-shift cages within the barn. The barn and the 2-story ranch house were a mess! It was nearby a set of old railroad tracks that used to serve the farm in the older days for deliveries. There were pieces of older farming equipment, including a small tractor and trailer in the barn. I also discovered that there was another external structure, a stable for the horses that needed proper cleaning. Once cleared, the horses would have a much better home and I would be able to fully restore the small barn to a lovely 2^nd home, perhaps one for a renter. Or, it could also serve as a beautiful office for me to write and perform my work.

For some strange reason, my ex-husband was lingering about my new farm. He said he was there to assist with the clean-up and provide the girls and I with needed mechanical repairs so that the property would function correctly, mainly some re-wiring.  (BTW:  He cannot do any electrical work whatsoever). And, his brother-in-law (a very handyman indeed) and his son were there to help. (In real life, the b-in-law and son live in Wyoming and the brother-in-law just had surgery on his arm.)  In any event,  my ex kept sabotaging my efforts at working on the barn and leaving the property to drink. He would return to the property and smash up my items (like my BookCharming.com supplies) and be cruel to me. Every time that I got so far in my organization and clean-up, he would push and shove his way into the barn and make a mess and mockery of things.

Now, another part of the dream… Don’t ask me why, other than the episode of The Bachelor that I saw this week, but for some reason the Blimp was in-town and filming elaborate rides over the mid-west with President-Elect Obama. Apparently, while he was in town doing this media event, he stayed with me because my property was the largest in the area. I never did see the secret-service, though… just him in jeans, like a regular person. I went on one of the blimp rides with him and Julia Roberts (my favorite actress and mother of twins).  We hit some weather and had a bit of a hard time landing.  But, we did land safely.

Obama decided to help me with my dreams of relocating the horses to the stable, clearing out the barn, and finding my way to a new life. Every day, while my ex-husband was away, he’d come over and help me clear the barn. He also taught me how to ride that old tractor so that I could use it properly as well as the mower that you ride on. I mowed a portion of the field while he gave me instructions. We really didn’t talk much about running the country, although I did compliment him on his lovely family and asked much about them. I think that I had a bit of a crush on him, or what he stood for, in the dream.  He was very kind to me and reassuring to me.  (BTW:  I am not a huge supporter… I’m a Republican.  I mean, I like him enough, but not just super into him).

One night, after he left, my ex came over and started smashing up things and being a drunken mess. I called the sheriff to assist in getting him picked up and off of my property, which he claimed was his while growing up. The sheriff was a little old man (like Don Knotts) and it didn’t seem that would help much. He started talking to me on the phone about how the farm-house had lost several renters because they didn’t have an accurate understanding of the income that would arise from the farm and the barn. He told me that if I rented out the renovated “barn-house” that I would only get $200/month for it, at best. He discouraged me from staying, but I said that I was going to tough it out. He told me that he would send somebody by to pick up the ex.

I awoke. It’s almost midnight. I can’t get this dream out of my head.  I have thought, a lot, about selling my house and moving away from here. I’ve thought about breeding dogs and living somewhere small and quiet with the girls. I’ve only ever lived in suburbia and in this city and neighborhood, nonetheless. I live in this neighborhood for a number of reasons, but one of them was that my ex-husband lives in the same neighborhood. As I have full custody of the twins, I thought it would be good for them to periodically go down and visit with him and for them to have him be a presence in their lives. I love my home more than anything and fought like hell to get it and keep it so far. But, lately I have thought a lot about a change in my life… a big one. Oh, wouldn’t it be something to move away and start a completely different life? I don’t have the financial means to do so at this time, although its story would make an incredible book… ME and MY LIFE turned rural with a menagerie and pubescent twins in tow.

Anyhow, anybody want to take a stab at what this dream meant? OK… so, since I’m up and out of bed… time for THE SALON…

 This week’s reads

This week, I read and reviewed The Diving Bell & The Butterfly and Love and Other Natural Disasters.  I have been reading The Vigorous Mind for the TLC Book Tour on the 26th and Life of Pi.  All I can say is OH SHANA!  Shana Shana Shana… IT’S FANTASTIC!  I started reading it last night and I’m almost done with it.  I may finish tonight (I hope so).  Did you know that Jodi Piccoult chose Life of Pi as one of her top picks of books not to miss in this month’s copy of O Magazine?  I’m really glad that I finally treated myself and picked it up!

 In my mailbox for review

I’m happy to report a BIG, FAT nothing! Aaahhh. Although, I must admit that I did inherit a box of books from my friend Julie that I’m going to go through. She also gave me a copy of Honeymoon in Tehran (I think that’s what it’s called). So, I have some new material to feast on when I’m caught up.

 Challenges & contests

THURSDAY’S THOUGHTS

From last week’s winner, Christine R., I’m happy to present this week’s topic: Thursday’s Thoughts: Who’s Coming to Dinner? I know that I’ve run across this question before, but it seems that I change my answer as I get older and older. I was talking to the twins about the question and I asked them who they’d invite, sans Miley Cyrus, and Cole said: “Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Martin Luther King Jr., and Will Smith.” Wow. What a bunch! “I’d like Will Smith to come, too,” Cole said, “He seems like he’d be fun to talk to.” I bet he would! Last week’s contest ended up being the best contest I’ve had so far with over 100 comments. WOW. There were many marriage proposals and comments to hot guys. Marilyn Monroe got quite the showing. But, there were some really great posts about it, including Deslily’s (who actually knows Hollywood stars, it seems). Anyway, Christine won and she got the option of picking this week’s question. The prize is really cool; it’s a fantastic dinner party cookbook from Amazon.com that makes it well worth the entry! You don’t need to wait until Thursday, you can enter now. I’m posting my entry (as well as the kids’) on Thursday.

JUST FOR THE LOVE OF IT READING CHALLENGE

We are just scootin’ right along, our little pack of challengers. I couldn’t be more proud and pleased to be reading with this group of gals!

    Bethany of B&B ex libris

    Shana of Literarily 

    Alyce of At Home With Books

    Nicole of Linus’ Blanket

                                                  Jennifer of Literate Housewife

                                                  Alessandra of Out of The Blue

                                                  Margo of Life In The Short Lane

                                                  Chris at Bookarama

                                                  Molly at My Cozy Book Nook

                                                  Stephanie of And Life Goes On

                                                  Tracee of The Review From Here

                                                  Lisa at ReaderMum
 

For all of the readers in this challenge, please see this post. You can insert your book review links into it and we can review each other’s reviews. J

Now, I need to assert my bragging rights about these blogs. Let’s start with B&B ex libris. So, I recently read a post where she explained the blog name, thank goodness because I didn’t know what it stood for. She explains that it was supposed to be that she and her husband Brad were to do this blog together. But, he’s in grad school and she’s really the main blogger. So, it’s Bethany & Brad’s “from the library” or “of the library.” Pretty original name, eh? Well, she’s updated her blog look (clap clap.. bravo… well done) and it’s so easy to read and find your way to the goodies you want to read. Also, she’s an extremely talented writer and her reviews are superb! Of course, I subscribe to her blog and encourage you all to take a look at it. She’s involved with The Library Thing, Early Bird Reviewers, challenges, and all the customary goodies that you’d want out of a book review blogger. I really like her!

Next on the list, Shana of Literarily. Anybody who regularly reads this blog knows that I heart Shana. Her blog is a staple… like milk in the fridge…. you just have to have your subscription to her posts and keep in touch with her. Her book selections are fantastic, a sprinkling of new and old. She’s a great mom and I love hearing about her life, when she shares. Her son has had a horrible infection of late and I’ve kept Shana’s boy in my prayers. I’m sure that once he’s up and better, she’ll be writing a bit more posts about her reads. I can’t say enough about her blog… just subscribe and you’ll see. If you visit her blog today, leave her a comment and tell her I said “hi.”

Alyce of At Home With Books. She’s only daily post’r that I must get my fill of. I’d like to think of Alyce, Shana and I as the terrible trio! Wishful thinking, I know. I do feel “at home” with Alyce and feel as though I’ve made a friend in her. She’s involved with EVERYTHING and is always there for bloggers. She’s another must subscribe blog, guys. Really, no lie!

Nicole at Linus’ Blanket. I’m fairly new to Nicole’s blog, but a subscriber nonetheless. Now, I thought that Linus’ blanket was about the Peanuts Gang, but the header on her blog talks about Linus Van Pelt (or, is that Peanut’s Linus?). I don’t know. But, her blog is beautifully organized and she’s providing us readers some really nice reviews. I, of course, love her name. I can’t really share a ton about Nicole, other than I’m excited to get to know her between now and April by reading her posts. She’s a Weekly Geek (coolio!).

Jennifer of Literate Housewife. She is VERY WELL KNOWN to most book review bloggers. Not much can be said about her that already hasn’t. I was really touched by her post today about an artist that she really loves who passed. I liked this photo very much. It’s called Christina’s World. Maybe this picture is why I had the dream. It has the tracks running along the side, only a partially mowed area & multiple structures. I have long brown hair. Hmm… Jennifer, this could all  be YOUR FAULT!  Hee Hee. Anyway, Jennifer is an excellent blogger and her site is constantly providing great material. I have subscribed to her posts for some time now and really love reading what she has to say. I am honored to have her participating in the Just for the Love of It Challenge. Oh, and check out her photos page. I love the picture of her buried in books.

Alessandra of Out of The Blue. I met Alessandra when I first started blogging. She’s always wonderful at participating in my memes and contests, especially Thursday’s Thoughts. She lives in ITALY!  She’s a very nice and pretty gal who’s definitely one smart cookie. She’s a Weekly Geek and is well-connected with the book blogging community. I’ve been a subscriber to her posts for a while now and, admittingly, never leave her enough comments. I’m going to start now after reading her “delurking” post. I’ve been lurking… yes, I have. Anyway, she’s just a wonderful person and I enjoy her blog. Please check it out!

Margo of Life in The Short Lane. I am a very new reader to her blog, but LOVE it! Her posts are AWESOME, including the post she did about The White House Dog. Hmmm… maybe that’s why Obama came in my dream. Anyway, even though she’s new to me, I love reading her posts. Her blog is beautiful and very easy to read! She’s on my “ones to watch” list. Yes, yes she is!

Chris at Bookarama. Chris and I actually have a lot in common. We both love the kittie kats! Oh, yeah… we’re seemingly all about those fuzzy little guys. And, she’s a knitter, like me. And, she’s a Weekly Geek, like me. And… well, she’s just rather pretty cool! She’s into Etsy… which BookCharmers are listed on. I’m not doing as well on Etsy as I’d hoped.. maybe Chris will give me some pointers. Anyway, I’ve been subscribing for some time now and love it that she’s in the “b’s” on my outlook folders so that I can read her posts right away as she’s atop of the list. Check out her site. She’s great.

My new friend, Molly, at My Cozy Book Nook. I really, really, really like Molly. She’s a relatively new blogger and she’s doing very well in the book blogging community for being such a “newbie.” Her site is lovely, her content great, and she’s just the NICEST person. I’m, of course, a subscriber to her posts and look forward to hearing from her. I’m privileged that she’s also been active in my blog. She’s got the cutest YELLOW LAB ever… we’re connected… oh, yes we are!

Stephanie from And Life Goes On was recently married and is from Kansas. I wonder if I will be her new neighbor?!? Anyway, I’m a subscriber to this blog as well and haven’t been reading her blog for a very long time, but am enjoying it so far. We both are James Patterson fans and gardeners. She is very honest about sharing her credit card debt and her progress on getting her financial situation in tip top shape. She is an inspiration to me as her honesty just continues to be a constant in her writing. Give her blog a peek!

Tracee is from The Review From Here. Isn’t that just the most clever blog title, ever? I love it! I have to admit that I only found her blog by her joining my challenge.. so, that’s one very positive thing about hosting the challenge. I’m glad that she’s signed on and can’t wait to read what she has in store for us under the challenge. Glad to meet you, Tracee… and, I’m now subscribing!

Nely of All About {n} is also very new to me. I can’t say that I subscribe, because I can’t find her button. But, while looking for it, I can tell you that this gal is UBER creative! I really like her calendar on her left sidebar, very unique. She seems to be actively involved in several challenges and claims that she’s flirty, dirty and nerdy! Aaahhh… just like ME! Nely and I will get along famously! And, she’s a mom…

Lisa of ReaderMum has three teens and has been married for 21 years… and, she’s still surviving! COOL! I can’t say that I know Lisa, at all. But, I subscribed to her blog as of today. Lisa needs help with the copying of the badge. She’s on Blogger. Although I’m not on Blogger, you should be able to insert a picture by using the URL of where the photo is located on the web. For the small version of my picture it is: http://anovelmenagerie.com/ghost/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/for-the-love-of-it-reading-challenge-smaller.jpg . You can find the URL of any photo or post by right clicking on what it is that you are interested in. Then, you go to Properties. It will bring up the URL. Another option is to right click on the photo and save it on your desktop. Then, you can insert the photo from your desktop. Now, I’m a new blogger… not even a year old. I didn’t even know what a blog was until August of last year. I can assure you, Lisa, that all the little bells and whistles get easier. But, I’m putting a call out there to you experienced BLOGGER bloggers to give our pal Lisa a hand and give her some easy pointers to assist with her sidebars and posts. After all, she is living with 3 teens and deserves a break, TODAY!

At home and etc.

I’ve joined a Book Club. Hip Hip Horray! I’m in a club with Lisa of Books On The Brain. Her blog is, by far, one of the best blogs out there… PERIOD. She has an amazing following of readers and runs TLC Book Tours with Trish. I couldn’t be more proud than to call her a friend and be a part of her book club. I can’t wait to share about what we’re reading and how much I’m enjoying the meetings (there’s wine there!).
 

I have finished the Book of Luke and started the Book of John in The Bible for Operation Read Bible (thanks, Becky).

The twins have a basketball game today. Their team is in first place and we’re hoping to keep the undefeated streak alive. The twins are getting ready to start Spring Soccer (yippee… a sport that I can understand). But, that means that I’m back to referee’ing. The coach very nicely asked me to… so, I guess I’m trapped.

So, you dream interpretation experts, please leave me a comment.

As always, thank you to each and every reader who takes the time to read my posts. This is one of the greatest things in my life and it’s because you read it that I find this joy!

Toodles!

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