From the Mind of AlphaBetsy

I am a voracious reader, so at times when I am not able to have a physical book in my hands I love to listen to audio books. I listen while I work, drive, craft, etc.   Here are some of my favorites, and what I look for when selecting a book to listen to.   What to look for in an Audio Book?   1) Read by the author.   This is especially true for non-fiction books, though there have been several novels and short stories that being read by the author made the experience more enjoyable.   My favorite examples:     This book hilarious, and even more so when read to you by the queen herself. Imagine Liz Lemon reading you Tina Fey's comedy history. Yep it is that good.   Any of the Sweet Potato Queens books by Jill Conner Brown are worth the listening believe me. Learning the "promise" or what whomp biscuits are, or about the red-headed man who would not move. If you aren't a wannabe queen after these books wel...

I have decided to resurrect a weekly post I did for a bit called Written Word Wednesday. I will talk about all things written: books, graphic novels, short stories, articles, or whatever makes me happy.       This week in honor of Halloween, and my minor obsession, I thought I would focus on Witches in Literature. Some of my favorite books in the world focus on those wild and wonderful women (and men) who are workers of magic. Some of these characters are called witches outright, and some are just characters that I believe fill the criteria even if they are never labeled such by the author.     The Witches from any Discworld book by Terry Pratchett.     Sir Terry gave us the most beautiful, motley collection of eclectic witches that you could ever hope for. The lessons they teach are so beautiful, and applicable, that they have become like real people to me. I often quote Granny and even Miss Tick in my everyday life. I am pat...

Yesterday on my way home I was listening to NPR, as I am wont to do, and an author was speaking about her new collection of short stories. The author was interesting, but it wasn’t what she was saying that caught my attention; it was her voice that drew me in. This author had the most perfect, lovely, high-pitched feminine voice. I have always wanted that voice. That Jennifer Tilly voice. That Snow White voice. M y voice is loud from years of theatre and singing; I have amazing projection skills. My voice is harsh at times. My voice is larger than life. My voice would never be described as feminine, or perfect, or even lovely. My voice is not a bad voice, but it is not that. As a high soprano I would often raise my speaking register for a role, so that it sounded more congruous with my singing voice. But it wasn’t just the voice, it was the full package that I wanted. In my mind I could see the woman behind that voice. In my mind she is petite say 5’2” or so, fit but buxom (an...

It has been a crazy couple of weeks. I did not end up taking the new job. It is a long story, but is all for the best. I am happy where I am, and I feel like this is directing me in a different way, so I am moving on and looking forward.     Around the same time we got a call that Seth's Grandma White, who was battling lung cancer, had taken a down turn and we should come see her. We spent some time with her for a couple of days, and then she passed. Seth's dad took it very hard, since Grandpa White passed away less than a year before. Seth was sad, but knew that in the long run it is better that she is not suffering.   On August 8 I dedicated my 25 mile ride in Pelotonia to Seth's grandma. I had decorated my bike, and it looked so cute. I also made a black arm band that said "riding in memory of Charlene White". I learned a lot in my first year. I will never ride it again on a cruiser bike, there were hard core riders passing me telling me how brave...

It has been an interesting couple of months in the White house. The most immediate and recent change is that my husband and I both got new jobs, and we both found out last Friday. I will be moving back to Chase Bank, working in document processing. Seth will be an assistant head custodian at another middle school in his district. This is amazing news for us, and we are working to be ready for all the changes that come with it. After nearly 8 years with my current company it will be odd to leave, but it is going to be a good thing I know. I am also training up to ride 25 miles in a bicycle event called Pelotonia. All funds raised will go to various charities to work on finding a cure for cancer. I was originally going to ride 50 miles, but I just got my bike this year, and with the rain I haven't been able to train as I had hoped, so I downgraded myself. I am excited to ride, and I know I will look hilarious beside these super serious bikers on my cruiser bike with the basket. I...

This Memorial Day weekend is packed full of strange excitement for my family.   Tomorrow I head with Seth, my mom and Seth's mom and dad down to Mansfield to take a tour of the Ohio State Reformatory . This historical and supposedly haunted former prison is famous for being the setting for the film, The Shawshank Redemption. My mom stumbled upon an amazing Groupon for self-guided tours so we are headed that way. I am taking my camera and I am hoping I can capture the image of a ghost while we wander.       On Sunday I am volunteering with my mother at the Columbus Asian Festival , This is my first time attending this particular festival, but I am excited to see what it has to offer. I am hoping for delicious food and fabulous booths, and hopefully people selling fun stuff. :)       Beyond all that craziness life is interesting in my world. I have been trying to find a way to finish my bachelor's degree in English. I applied to a ...

It is that time of year again. Time for fun, fraternizing and furs at the Ashville Viking Festival.   Oh, and also for the beautiful bounty of belly dance that is the Odin's Orchids.     Saturday was rainy and cold, but we were solid Vikings and endured. I wasn't able to get a great number of pictures Saturday, because the rain was so steady, but I did get some gorgeous pictures of the Belly Dancers.   The lovely Coleen. The fierce Aerianna. Be on your guard. The wonderful Amani. So beautiful. The radiant Bonnie. Balancing an oar on her head. The fabulous Inari. Yowza! The incomparable Laylia.                Minstrel Woode meets Bob Ford and the Ragamuffins The Ragamuffins Janice!   Beth! Sunday was beautiful, and so many people came out to play. Seth was working overtime, so my mom came with me. We had a ...