7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #12

h1 May 27th, 2007 by Eisha and Jules

New image this week! Thanks to Nancy at Journey Woman, I (Jules, that is) saw this illustration and was led to the illustrator’s site, artista blog. This is the blog of artist Irisz Agocs, who lives in Budapest. Go to her site to see more of her work, ’cause it’s good stuff. I love the feelings this illustration captures. I didn’t officially get Irisz’s permission to use this image, but I’m linking it to her site (thanks, Nancy, for taking us there), and I hope Ms. Agocs won’t mind.

Okay, let’s get to the lists then. Here’s our usual intro for any new people: It’s time for another installment of 7-Imp’s 7 Kicks. For those new to our series, this is where we all stop in every Sunday to report seven (more or less is fine) Good Things that happened to you (or that you read or saw or experienced or . . . well, you get the picture) this week. Absolutely anyone is welcome to contribute.

* * * * * * * Jules’ list * * * * * * *

1). Usually my lists aren’t in any sort of order in terms of Most Impressive to Least Impressive. I just randomly number them. But, without question, number one this week (as in, THE BEST THING that happened to me) has to be: Having the undisputed honor of reading Billie Standish Was Here, Nancy Crocker’s new YA novel. It will be on the shelves in June, and I hope to talk about it here on the blog on Tuesday (since tomorrow will be our last Blue Rose Girls interview with Libby Koponen). This was one of the most beautiful novels I’ve read in a long, long time. When I put it down, I dunno, I felt like someone had blessed me. It’s utterly perfect and unforgettable. I say: Move over, all other YA titles published thus far this year. Or, really, any titles published thus far this year.

2). Two storytelling opportunities that came my way. Better yet, Alkelda offered to guide me if they pull through (I’ve done storytelling before and even studied it in grad school, but I feel hopelessly rusty, and who better to guide you than the one and only Alkelda?) . . .

3). Getting a copy of Khaled Hosseini’s new novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, in no time flat from one of the public library systems I use. No waiting on a holds list! The Kite Runner will be etched in my memory forever and ever, and I’m really looking forward to the new novel.

4). All the great interviews that Just One More Book!! conducted at the International Reading Association’s 52nd annual conference in Toronto. Have you heard them? Alvina Ling and Peter Brown; Chris Raschka and Jack Prelutsky; Lois Ehlert; Janet Wong; Mo Willems (don’t miss the picture they snapped of him); and much, much more. And, look! A Mark sighting! (He’s one half of the dynamic duo over at JOMB whose voice you hear on the interviews).

5). My husband just returned from running some errands with some Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlua and Starbucks Cream Liqueur for me. I promise I’m not a drunk (I swear. Who you lookin’ at? I don’t have a problem. Who? Me?). Really, I like to put a bit of that in my coffee sometimes. And I’ve had a frustrating week with our internet provider, Comcrap (uh, I mean Comcast). I work from home (and also, obviously, blog from home), and the problem’s been ongoing for a while now, so I was pretty much over it (have you ever been online in the middle of work and then gotten kicked on and off, on and off, on and off repeatedly? I thought my head was going to explode). This was one way to surprise and cheer me up. Mmmm, I’m enjoying a bit of Baileys in my coffee as I type. Yum. (It also made my day when Blaine left a comment on my Un Lun Dun post; he’s not one for chatting on the ‘Net, but he’s obscenely smart and I like to hear him talk about books, so that made me happy, though he keeps telling me it appears his comment “killed the thread”).

6). Feist has a new CD.

7). Getting a copy (thanks, Ellen!) of Little Donkey and the Babysitter by the Dutch duo Rindert Kromhout and Annemarie van Haeringen. I reviewed Little Donkey and the Birthday Present here, and the title I just received is from last year (the translated edition, that is). Like with Little Donkey and the Birthday Present, Kromhout really captures a preschooler’s way of thinking and talking. And I love van Haeringen’s work. I don’t think I’d ever tire of Little Donkey . . . I also enjoyed stumbling upon a copy of last year’s If I Had a Dragon by Tom and Amanda Ellery while I was browsing our local library. Very funny stuff.

I’m done, but — P.S. Tracy, if you’re reading, Happy “Memorial Day”!

* * * * * * * eisha’s list * * * * * * *

Hey, great list, J. And I love the new image, too. As for storytelling, why don’t you just do “The Elephant’s Child”? I believe I’ve heard you mention, maybe, once or twice, that you still know the entire thing by heart…

1* On Thursday I went to the Spring Open House & Art Show at Charlesbridge. I saw some of their coming-soon books that looked very interesting, and had some lovely cheese and a tiny amount of wine. Everyone I met was totally lovely, including…

2* …Jenny Choy, who runs their new blog, Unabridged (how great is that name?), and Kim Courchesne who lived in Ithaca for several years and told me tons of cool stuff I need to look for when I get there. And I ran into a certain book blogger who I didn’t realize lived so close to me, but she’s keeping her true identity on the down low so I can’t tell you who. But she knows who she is, and if you’re reading this, secret-blogger-person (nudge nudge, wink wink), it was a pleasure meeting you, and I’ll let you know as soon as I get that party planned. And also…

Rickshaw Girl3* Mitali Perkins, who was one of the featured speakers. She spoke about the evolution of her recent novel Rickshaw Girl (have you read it? Do! It’s lovely!), and showed some of the alpanas her mother drew. This was especially timely and awesome because we’ve been corresponding by email a lot lately, in preparation for an upcoming interview, and I was really looking forward to meeting her in person. Yes, she is just as warm and delightful as you’d think she’d be, and was even playing hostess, pulling me into conversations when I looked lonely. And she’s a great speaker for events like this – she seems very at ease, and she’s funny too. Oh, and…

4* …the illustrator of Rickshaw Girl, Jamie Hogan, was there too, and they had the original illustrations hanging up on the walls, which are just lovely. I was surprised to find out that this was the first book she had fully illustrated – she’d Dragon Drawing Bookonly done covers before. I think it was a mistake, though, to sit behind her for the other main event…

5* …a drawing lesson from Ralph Masiello, author of the forthcoming Dragon Drawing Book. He showed us how to draw a beetle, a seahorse, and then an Ouroboros. Jamie’s were way better than mine. I know, shocking. And, lastly…

6* …I was wearing my favorite new skirt, which I had just gotten for $9.00! I’ve already worn it twice, which is pretty unusual for me – I’m a jeans girl. But I seriously LOVE THIS SKIRT!

So, that one event was worth a week of kicks, but I still needed one more to meet the (not really) requisite seven, so…

The Raw Shark Texts7* Saturday I went to the beach. It occurred to me recently that I really need to take advantage of living so close to the ocean while I still can. So I did. And while I was there, I finally got to read The Raw Shark Texts for more than a few minutes at a time, and I finished it when I got home. Oh. My. God. That is one seriously awesome book. Definitely one of the most satisfying, refreshing, thought-provoking reads I’ve experienced in a long time.





37 comments to “7-Imp’s 7 Kicks #12”

  1. Okay Eisa, tell us where you scored the skirt? I am always up for a $9 skirt.


  2. Hey!!

    Thanks for the mention! What a treat! And congrats on the Bailey’s score. Yumm!!

    Ok. I’ve been negligent on my 7kicks participation so here is my list for this week:

    1. Yesterday was our fabulously wonderful community garage sale where thousands of people pour into our neighbourhood, eat, drink, play music, buy stuff, sell stuff, eat, drink, repeat.

    2. We wait all year for a neighbour of ours who bakes absolutely unbelievable cordon-bleu-schooled cakes and goodies which she sells for super cheap at the garage sale (with delicious freshly ground cappuccino) and all the money goes to charity (she doesn’t even keep a cent for ingredients). Her story, her talents and her generosity are absolutely astounding. I wish I could link to the taste for y’all!

    3. Completely by fluke, we found the EXACT thing we were looking for at the garage sale (a bike for my daughter – perfect fit, $20!!)

    4. Being 7imp’s #4!

    5. This morning is Market morning across the street from our house — which means fresh baked goods, locally grown organic food, good coffee, lots of dogs and neighbours and two very happy daughters!!

    6. Booked our train tickets to the Bay of Fundy. Can’t wait! We hope to catch our very first whale sighting!

    7. Wonderful summer weather.

    Thanks again 7imp. Have a great one..
    Andrea


  3. Good morning. I like the new image. I will be anxious to hear how a A Thousand Splendid Suns is as I loved The Kite Runner.
    My Sunday seven:
    1. We perfoemed our play three times successfully on Tuesday. When edublogs cooperates I have a short video of some of the scenes.
    2. Four different students brought me books for the library. My favorite was the fifth grade boy who said we had to have The Boxcar Children and the Pizza Mystery.
    3. I could leave work at a decent time twice this week.
    4. I started listening to the Harry Potter saga in the car to prepare for the last book. An hour round trip to work each day should get me far into the series.
    5. I spend time on the patio swing this week. Wonderful, wonderful time.
    6. Plans are in the works to meet another blogger from California in June.
    7.I savored a coffee truffle from the box Robin Brande sent. The box is in the freezer and I eat one or two per week.
    Enjoy the weekend!!


  4. LOVE the new image. I truly appreciate how your blog entries are filled with images, and links to images, and links to music, and links to all sorts of other great art, and great artists and thinkers. I mean, I’m a words girl, but this makes my heart happy.

    My list:

    1. My husband passed the “Prydain Chronicles Test”: he bawled at the end of the High King. It’s a good thing, too, because I wouldn’t want to have to divorce him after so many years together.

    2. Mythbusters. Anybody watch this show? It always makes me grin to see this group of scientists take such GLEE in well, doing science. And I learn incredible things that may well wind up in my writing one day.

    3. Great converstations in the litblog world. I’m thinking of Read Roger’s “Tell Us What to Do” and “Crap, Here Comes the Teacher.” If M.T. Anderson and I are both commenting on the same blog, though not the same post, something is very right in MY universe.

    4. Avocados. That’s right. If you don’t believe me, halve a ripe one, drizzle it with balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with a bit of coarse sea salt, and eat it with a spoon.

    5. LOST didn’t disappoint. It’s not often that a piece of art both keeps me on the edge of my seat AND makes me think.

    6. Robin pointed me to a great discussion about parenting over at HipWriterMama.

    7. My husband found out he doesn’t have to deploy to a war zone. My heart is with those families who can’t say the same.


  5. I keep getting kicked offline (still), but I wanted to say hi to all.

    Sara, YAY on your husband’s news! And I agree about “Lost.” The season finale renewed my faith in the show, brutha (that “brutha” is in honor of Desmond). And I freakin’ love avocados. And my husband is addicted to Mythbusters. We don’t get cable, but when we visit my mother-in-law and if the TV’s on, that is what he watches.

    Jone, way to savor that truffle! Excellent.

    Andrea, Market Morning sounds great. I’m jealous.

    Just saying hi while I can actually still get online and before I take my daughters to a wonderful water park with a friend who will be visiting. Cheers to all . . .


  6. Happy Memorial Day to you as well, Jules! I desperately need to take the time to transfer that video to a DVD before the tape eats itself…it’s such fun to pull it out once in a while and smile at what nerds we were. We were too cool for school!

    This has been a stressful work week, as we’re preparing to jump into rehearsals for our summer shows…but here’s a few kicks:

    1. My nephew Sterling had his first birthday this week, and I found these really cool lullaby CD’s on iTunes…they’re called “Rockabye Baby!”, and feature lullaby renditions of various rock tunes. I gifted him with a Beatles album, but they also have Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Coldplay, the Cure…check them out, it’s hilarious and awesome!

    2. I’ve got wheels! We bought a 2000 Subaru Forester, which was pricey even with 100,000 miles on it, but it’s in great shape, and I will feel much safer driving in snow this fall. Once I get past our rehearsal process I’ll probably go back to driving less & biking more, but for now having my own transportation will be SOOOO helpful.

    3. They Might Be Giants have a new album! Since I had to put money down on a car, I haven’t bought it yet…but I shall do so soon! (For those interested…it’s only available on iTunes until July 10, I believe).

    4. This weekend is Wild West Days in Jackson…I had to spend yesterday prepping housing for the acting company, but it was a kick to see the decked-out cowboys and mountain men with their horses getting unloaded & ready at the Fairgrounds. I have a feeling this summer is going to be fun.

    5. Terry (my husband)’s back went out this week, but he’s feeling so much better this morning after 2 trips to the chiropractor. Woot.

    Hopefully this week will bring many kicks, not kicks to the head. Keep your fingers crossed!


  7. Hi, TRACY!! Sorry to hear about Terry’s back, but glad he’s better. Guess who will be visiting soon? Carey Griffin and her daughter, Hadley, who is Miriam’s age. Neat, huh? Did you know she had a daughter? Miriam calls Hadley “my Hadley.” I saw Chris a few weeks ago, too. WILD. (I see Carey all the time, but I didn’t know if you knew she had a daughter).

    (Congrats on the wheels!)


  8. Hey, everybody, maybe we can use a different image each week for 7 Kicks. Whaddya think?


  9. Happy Long Weekend – how cool is it that we’ve got one the same time as you guys in the US ?!

    I’m feeling a bit rough as I seem to have developed neuralgia (*ugh*), plus it’s raining elephants, but I’m going to Kick anyway !!

    1 – I read the ARC of The Tar Man last weekend and it was totally awesome. I emailed Linda to tell her and she said I’d made her day – how much fun it is to make an author’s day ! (She especially loved the fact that I’d started both my email to her and my review on my Blog with “Wow!” !)

    2 – Something in the story combined with a couple of lines from the Doctor Who episode “The Lazarus Experiment” has sparked a whole series of ideas in my brain for a non-Who Time Travel tale… Cue much excitement from certain friends of mine, which amused me, whilst also terrifying me !

    3 – I managed to get hold of a copy of the 2005 drama Secret Smile this week (it’s not been released commercially yet so getting hold of a copy took a lot of detective work). It stars David Tennant. I’ve just watched it this afternoon and it totally confirms my belief in him as an acting genius – awesome !

    4 – More “Doctor Who” goodies arrived from from Net acquaintances this week – people continue to astonish me with their generosity to a virtual acquaintance.

    5 – All my readers enjoyed the Prologue of Who story 6, which was a major relief as I thought it was rubbish !

    6 – I sent a friend copies of two Doctor Who episodes she’d missed seeing, including the fabulous episode, “The Shakespeare Code”, and she emailed to say how much she’d enjoyed watching it yesterday !

    7 – Kelly H telling me yesterday that I write and talk like a writer… I was covered in embarrassment but now I’m mostly just flattered – since Kelly’s a friend I know she means that in a nice way!

    Enjoy your long weekend everyone…

    Oh and Jules, a different image each week for the 7 Kicks is a nice idea…


  10. Yay! I love these lists and I LOVE that image, Jules. That’s how I feel in the rain. Love rain. (Why do I hate snow so much?) A new image from a new illustrator every week would be awesome.

    Jone: I can just picture you savoring those chocolates. Enjoy HP in the car.

    Andrea: Yay for bikes and whales. Happy summer, they say to me. Enjoy!

    Sara: Your news about your husband overshadows just about any “good thing” out there. Seriously. What a relief.

    Jules: I’ll get on Nancy Crocker’s book. You know when I reviewed her picture book, she sent me the lovliest thank you card. I don’t know how she got my address (through publisher, I guess), but she made me cry.

    Eisha: Yay! A Mitali interview. Let me just say that Mitali is AWESOME. A giving, wonderful person. Oh, and her books are good too.

    Tracy: I’m glad your husband is feeling better. Back pain is awful.

    Okay…on to my 7 things.

    1) Love my new writing group. They had my submission this week and I got great advice. This is really important because…
    2) Someone (who will remain nameless at the moment) asked for the first 50 pages of said submission after reading the first 2 chapters as a query. An ill-advised, ill-planned, “am I writing in a vaccuum” query, I might add. I’ve sent it off and am biting my fingernails.
    3) Last week of school this week. Only one more concert (violin), one field trip (the zoo in Des Moines, which is actually quite a nice little zoo. not ambitious, not cruel, just perfect for kindergarteners), and one skating competition left and we are free for the summer.
    4) Daughter performed competition piece at a rink exhibition and fell terribly (not even doing a jump, but a spin). Picked herself up and kept on smiling.
    5) Sushi today
    6) No wine seems to be working: only one sleepwalk/sleepeat session this week! Yay!
    7) Kids are drawing pictures together right now.

    Have a great weekend, everyone!


  11. Trying to stay simple this week. Everything is a five-star, thus the exclamation points!

    1. my wife walked her graduation ceremony!

    2. my youngest turned 9!

    3. my 7Imp interview!

    4. the AC worked!

    5. my excellent new camera bag!

    6. possibly getting a glimpse of my !

    7. cannolis from mike’s pastry!


  12. Hmmm, some coding eror on my part. Number 6 should have the word “karass” after “my.”


  13. Ooh ! I forgot a Kick !!

    I write all my essays and stories longhand using a Sheaffer Ballpoint – since Xmas I’ve had to buy half a dozen refills because 3 have run out after just a week or two (and even I don’t write that much !), so last weekend I found the website of the UK distributors and emailed them a polite complaint. Got a polite response saying they’d send me some refills – on Friday I got a box of EIGHT replacement refills, which would cost me £20 to buy ! I thought they’d send two or three ! Sometimes it does pay to complain !


  14. Glad you have discovered the delights of Artista Blog. 🙂


  15. Ummm…Michele…you don’t write that much? I think you should buy stock in Scheaffer now!

    Neuralgia? Yikes! Hope you’re not feeling that badly.


  16. Coming into a little break in my two month chaotic schedule, I actually laid in the hammock out back for twenty minutes to reflect on my 7 kicks – which could almost be a kick in itself.

    1. Getting asked to be part of Cecil’s blog tour and getting in the mail her new book since I had not read it.
    2. Receiving Robin Brande’s book in the mail, because I am so looking forward to reading it.
    3. A few more prizes for the 48 Hour Book Challenge, including one from Mo – who I finally wrote and asked.
    4. Long talks with my dad, which while one part exhausting, also made me feel more connected.
    5. Stopping the long talks to send the man outside to help clean my deck and make some needed repairs on it.
    6. Going to visit my grandmother today for her 96th birthday – and she’s still really sharp.
    7. Making the really big and difficult decision to try medication for my 8 yr old’s ADHD (kind of low level, but still a problem). I’ve been considering this course for two years, but had finally come to the conclusion that it was the best – if not only- option at this point. It’s only been a few days on a low dose, and we can already see a difference.
    7. (a) Feeling good about sharing #7 with all of you.


  17. Kelly, I really *don’t* write that much that I’d get through a brand new refill in just one or two weeks (a month, maybe, but not one or two weeks!)

    And since you asked, the neuralgia’s bad enough for painkillers, and I hate taking painkillers – I’d quite like to rip my face off…


  18. Michele, neuralgia? Take care of yourself. Sorry to hear that.

    Kelly, congrats on the first-50-pages submission! Is it a middle-grade novel? And what do you mean you’re cutting out wine? Did I miss some sort of sleepwalking/sleepeating problem? As for Crocker’s book, I really fear that people are going to get tired of me praising it (already), but you need to just drop whatever you’re reading now and read that proof. It’s just beautiful and compelling as all get-out (how’s that for some professional-sounding review speak?).

    David, congrats again to your wife.

    MotherReader, were your ears burning yesterday? I said in a comment thread at HipWriterMama’s blog that I think you’re a good mom. I’ve never even met you in person, but I just know that. And you got Robin’s book! Wow. I am waiting on my copy from Random House and CAN’T WAIT TO READ IT.

    I STILL need to watch your movie with Robin’s script. I’m having computer issues every time I try. By god, I’m going to watch it before 2050.


  19. Here are my high points for the week:

    1) Going out for dinner and drinks with an old friend whom I’ve not spent quality grown-up time with in a long time.
    2) Leonard S. Marcus was pleased to have a character based on him and gave his blessing for a Penny Esmarkus interview a la 7Imp.
    3) Copper tape on the callalilies and rhodies kept the slugs away.
    4) The moment of quiet right now.
    5) The rainy day that is keeping me inside to sew and play guitar.
    6) “There Ain’t No Bugs on Me” (C and G7)
    7)Really, the moment of quiet right now.


  20. GO, LEONARD MARCUS! That is awesome.


  21. Jules, I think you guys should use the image for at least a few more weeks before switching to a new one. Maybe a new one every couple weeks, every month? Mostly, I really like this one and am not ready to see it go so quickly….

    My 7 kicks were all contained in one perfectly delightfully wonderful piece of fried dough I ate at the ballpark last night — and the home team even won, 3-0. Yes!


  22. Well, super sorry about the neuralgia, Michele. That stinks!

    Jules: I had the wine discussion over at Robin’s last week. I have a sleepwalking/sleepeating problem. I’ve had it since I was a child, but it’s been really bad the past couple of years. And while I love a glass of wine or two after dinner, I thought I would see what would happen if I gave it up. And…only one episode since I have. Like I told Robin, it’s disconcerting to find yourself with wonderbread and chocolate sauce at 3am. Plus I regularly freak my kids out by wandering into their rooms and telling them some random piece of information in the middle of the night. Obviously, if I took Ambien, I’d be one of those people cruising the highways in my sleep. Sigh. It’s tough to get old.

    Pam: Congrats on making a decision! I’m also glad it’s going well.

    And, Jules, yep, it’s a MG.


  23. Blaine’s comment didn’t kill the thread. We wanted him to have the last word. 🙂

    Sometimes the best last word comment is “Yes, Dear.”

    Bought A Thousand Splendid Suns this afternoon. My friend who is a bookstore manager (or ass’t mgr) at B&N in Michigan read an ARC of it and says it is fabulous.

    One more week of school.


  24. I like it that my last comment here has so many sevens in it! May 27th, 2007 at 5:27


  25. Hi Ladies,
    Okay, it’s not Sunday here in Tibet, but it is where you are, so I’m still trying to slide in under the wire.
    Everyone’s lists are great, as usual. I love reading about all that’s happening.
    Here’s my list.
    1. The optimism, though guarded, of the Chinese people about the future of China.
    2. Meeting with an AIDS activist in Beijing who is risking everything to do what is right.
    3. Getting a tatoo in Beijing as a permanent reminder of my trip. I now have the Chinese characters for faith, hope and love tatooed on my backside. (I know, this little tidbit didn’t make my blog, but hey, my parents are reading and I don’t won’t to make them completely crazy!)
    4. Getting out of the pollution of Beijing into the clean, crisp, albeit thin air of Tibet.
    5. TIBET! – Need I say more?
    6. Climbing the Great Wall I felt proud, but climbing the steps of the Potala Palace I felt real accomplishment. Neither compares with climbing to 5000 m.
    7. Being as close to heaven on earth as I’ll ever be. The view was breathtaking and the pictures just don’t look real.
    I have one more week in China. I can’t believe it’s almost over. Have a great week all.
    Tricia


  26. Happy Sunday Evening, Jules and Eisha!

    1. I attended the May event for The Foundation for Children’s Books at Boston College on Tuesday. I got to meet and listen to the presentations of three talented children’s book creators: Mitali Perkins, Jamie Harper, and Jacqueline.

    2. We’ve had beautiful weather for a week. That’s doesn’t happen often in these parts.

    3. My mother’s bruised rib isn’t causing her so much pain any more. She had fallen a couple of weeks ago.

    4. My husband and I had dinner with four friends on a boat in Marblehead Harbor Saturday evening.
    There’s nothing like sharing good conversation, good food, good wine, and lots of laughs with good friends in a gorgeous setting. Divine!

    5. Mary Ann Hoberman may have arrived late to our spring council dinner at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead on Wednesday–but it all turned out well. You can read about our dinner/her talk at Wild Rose Reader.

    6. I had a late breakfast with Mary Ann Hoberman on Thursday morning. Then I took her over to the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. We arrived just in time to hear a lecture on Chinese Gardens–and saw slides of some of the beautiful places we had both visited in Suzhou when we went to China. Mary Ann has beautiful gardens on her five acres in Connecticut.

    7. Since we had lovely weather again today, my husband and I drove up to Newburyport and had a late lunch at a waterfront restaurant.

    Eisha, I had planned to attend the Open House at Charlesbridge–but by the time I saw Mary Ann off I didn’t feel like fighting the traffic to Watertown–which would probably have meant a ninety minute (or longer) drive.


  27. Thanks, Elaine. I’ll head over to your blog to read all about Mary Ann Hoberman’s visit. Glad your mother is feeling better.

    Adrienne, good idea, but now I’m all inspired to pick a new illustration for next week — like, maybe email, say, Scott Magoon and get a Hugo & Miles illustration from him or a Grumpy Bird from Jeremy Tankard or one from Kady MacDonald Denton . . . or I dunno. Just an exciting idea. We could compromise and ask for permission to use another one of Agocs’??!

    Betty, happy almost-summer. We’ll have to compare notes on Hosseini’s book when we’re done.

    Tricia, THANK YOU for taking the time to come visit us during your trip. I love reading about it.


  28. Kelly, I am so thrilled for you! Sending you positive thoughts!

    Jules, I can’t wait to find out what you thought about Hosseini’s new book. I LOVED The Kite Runner and will be picking up A Thousand Splendid Suns sometime this week (hopefully).

    Here’s my list:
    1. Beautiful sunny weather for the past few days!
    2. Thanks to everyone who came and commented on my most recent post…I kind of felt strange writing about the topic, and was so happy it resonated with a number of people.
    3. I finally found cute skorts (skirts with shorts underneath) for the girls.
    4. Today was an action packed day: We went to the beach. It was a little chilly, but we sat and enjoyed the fresh salt air.
    5. We had a chance to visit my mother-in-law’s and nephew’s gravesites today. It was so sad, but I’m finally starting to feel the peace.
    6. We went to my in-laws for a barbecue this afternoon and had a chance to see 2 of my nephews who were back home from college.
    7. I indulged in one of my favorite meals from my college days — spinach pie and greek salad. Yum.


  29. Hi! This is my first ever 7 Kicks list. It’s such a great concept. I love reading everyone else’s lists, too.

    1. My husband, father, father-in-law, and a friend who’s been helping when he can are almost finished with the new backyard shed. Finally we’ll have outdoor storage!

    2. I had lost 2.5 pounds on weigh-in day after starting Weight Watchers a week and a half ago.

    3. On Monday our almost-three-month-old slept through the night in the crib–on her back! 8:30 pm-5:30 am.

    4. Friends came over last night to grill out: chicken, guacamole, tomatoes and mozzarella, grilled asparagus, shiraz, and angel food cake with raspberries, blueberries and strawberries and whipped cream.

    5. My best friend from kindergarten called to say she’s pregnant with her first!

    6. Our annual Outer Banks, NC vacation is officially booked with the house reserved.

    7. We had a good playdate at the park with a new “mom friend” and her kids.


  30. Hi, Vivian. I loved your post, and I’m glad it was so well-received.

    Camille, welcome! Thanks for playing, and come back again (and again and again and again). 8:30 to 5:30??!! Three months old?! I’m happily jealous of you. My two girls both thought the crib was evil, and it has become a prison for the stuffed animals and a really expensive laundry receptacle.


  31. I swear, this is the only weekly post that I take notes on so I can remember to cover all I want to cover. But there’s always so many great things on here!

    Jules, LOVE that art by Irisz. I’d love to see more. It sets the perfect mood

    Sara, really happy for you about your husband. And amen about Lost! The writing for that show is so incredible. Such a mental treat.

    Jone, can’t believe what restraint you’re showing!

    Kelly, that’s great that you’re already having such a good time with your writing group.

    David E! Happy for you! So many exclamation points!

    Tricia, I don’t know you, but I can tell you’re the most exotic person I know. Well, okay, maybe next to Kelly who has the Russian husband. But thanks for writing from China and sharing those great snippets from your travels!

    All of you, I love sitting here on a Sunday night reading about your happiness. Such a nice way to end/start a week.


  32. Oh, and thank you to Mother Reader and Jules for saying you’re looking forward to reading my book! How could that not make me happy?

    And Mother Reader, good luck with the meds. It’s good to know a hard decision like that has had a positive outcome.

    Now good night!


  33. Jules, I can definitely go for the grumpy bird. 🙂


  34. Hey there! We had an out-of-town guest yesterday, so I couldn’t check in and comment. But it’s so great to hear what kicky weeks everyone had. Now there’s too many lists to comment on individually, but there’s one thing I have to say:

    David, YUM! Cannoli from Mike’s! Sooo good!

    Thanks everyone for sharing your week’s highlights with us!


  35. Okay, I don’t know WHAT happened to me on Sunday and Monday, but I was driving home from work today and thought, “Oh ****, I forgot to kick *** this week.” I often think with asterisks, though sometimes without.

    1. I bought the original artwork for the picture you posted above! I also bought the original for another piece called “mermaid.” Thanks to email and paypal, the transaction is done, and the pictures should be on their way as I type this! Sometimes it’s great being an impulse shopper.

    2. Had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, including Friday night with old friends, who put large margaritas in my hands (the margaritas were also old friends).

    3. My new boss started last Monday, and he seems like he’ll be pretty good.

    4. Tax refunds arrived!

    5. Porch season has begun in Lambertville. Now when I come home from work, or during the day on weekends, or pretty much whenever I’m out front, my neighbors are out and we get to have good friendly chats about nothing.

    6. I’m all decorated for Memorial Day and 4th of July. Just under the wire, but the flags and stars and other decorations are out.

    7. I spent a lot of time around sick people last week and this weekend, and so far have avoided getting sick myself. Which is a miracle that I’m happy to accept.

    8. Oh, and I ate chocolate fondue on Sunday, and it was goooooooooood.

    Sorry so late, and hope you’re all already having a fantastic week!


  36. Nancy, CONGRATS on scoring that illustration!

    Thanks for your list, too. We still welcome the late-comers — always.


  37. Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.


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