Happy New Year 2021 And Tom Thumb Day!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2021!

I hope the first days of the new year has been good and I hope it continues to be good throughout many years.


2020 did not leave anyone unscathed. I lost two family members this year my dad and his sister. My aunt passed from complications from Covid and my dad made it through Covid but I think it weakened his body which was already weak. He passed a week and a half before Christmas…

I have so many boxes of my parents’ stuff to look through and a lot is getting put on eBay. My dad liked to collect memorabilia. So my start of 2021 kinda feels like I am going through a treasure hunt.


As for reading… well I have already finished two books that I started in 2020 but still, it is progress. I in fact have quite a few books that I have finished but I have not written reviews for yet. I still don’t want to stop doing this blog so we will see how this year goes.







Celebrate Every Day With Books

It seems like everyday has some new theme to celebrate so I thought it might be fun to see what kind of interesting books I can find (new, old, or coming soon) for an everyday holiday. In fact, most days have more than one holiday!

TODAY 

IS 

JANUARY 4TH 2021

TOM THUMB DAY

“Charles Sherwood Stratton, who would become known as General Tom Thumb, was born on today's date in 1838, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Although he was born a normal size, by the age of six months he had stopped growing, possibly because of a pituitary gland issue, such as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). At the time, he was 25 inches long and weighed 15 pounds. It wasn't until age 9 that he started growing again—albeit at a slow pace—and he was just two feet, eight inches tall when he reached the age of 18. He kept growing throughout his life and eventually reached three feet, four inches in height, and a weight of 70 pounds.

Stratton was just four years old when he met circus impresario P.T. Barnum, who was a distant relative. Barnum became the boy's manager, and taught him how to sing, dance, mime, and make impersonations. Stratton became one of the "wonders" at Barnum's American Museum in New York City, where he arrived on December 8, 1842. Barnum paid Stratton's father three dollars a week to let his boy be there, and Stratton and his mother lived in an apartment in the museum.” (taken from checkiday.com)

So that you know I have not read most of these but the ones I pick seem the most interesting and would like to read. You can probably find tons more books for each holiday but I am only going to pick two books for one holiday a day. 

Let me know what you think. Do any of them seem interesting to you? Is there another book you think would be a better choice?

Title: The Remarkable Courtship Of General Tom Thumb by Nicholas Rinaldi

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction,

What It Is About?: “...this novel weaves together a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at life during the Civil War and a moving tale of one misfit's odyssey to find his place in the world. Discovered at age four by P.T. Barnum, Tom Thumb soon finds himself traveling internationally, sitting on the laps of the queens of Europe, and entertaining the masses. He meets Czar Nicholas and the King of Saxony and is invited to the Tuilleries by Louis Philippe. After marrying Lavinia Warren, Tom and his wife are hosted at the White House by President Lincoln. With the country at war, Tom and Lavinia set out on their honeymoon tour and witness firsthand the fracture between the states, the heroism of young soldiers, and the unbreakable spirit of the American people...” ( From Goodreads.com)

Available To Buy: Anywhere Books Are Sold

Available To Swap: 0 Available on PBS





Title: The Autobiography Of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin

Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction,

What It Is About?: “...She was only two-foot eight-inches tall, but her legend reaches out to us more than a century later. As a child, Mercy Lavinia "Vinnie" Bump was encouraged to live a life hidden away from the public. Instead, she reached out to the immortal impresario P. T. Barnum, married the tiny superstar General Tom Thumb in the wedding of the century, and transformed into the world's most unexpected celebrity…”(from Goodreads.com)

Available To Buy: Anywhere Books Are Sold

Available To Swap: 1 Available on PBS

Mumbling Mondays - Board Gaming On The Rise

Board Gaming On The Rise

There are three really cool areas that have popped up in our area. All of them have to do with board gaming. I am not really talking about Monopoly, or Shoots And Ladders. (Although they count) I mean stores and groups that play Settlers Of Catan, Magic The Gathering, Dungeon & Dragons and so many more games. 

Area 1) The Eastern Pennsylvania Gaming Society - A group of gamers at all levels. They meet in the community room in Oxford Valley Mall. They hold meetings on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. They usually game from 9 am to 9 pm. The first visit is free afterward there is a monthly fee. You can bring your own games or see what others bring and jump into a game.

Area 2) Lookin’ For Games Store and Lounge - This store has a nice space. There is a fee to play games you get to try all sorts of boards games before purchasing them. You can even hold with large groups. They also help promote many games that are on Kickstarter. 

Area 3) Nerdom Lounge - This place just opened in Philly. Similar set up as Lookin’ For Games but they also have spaces to watch movies and or go on the internet. 

Are gaming shops or groups popping up in your area?

Finished Reading this week

Between Worlds by Skip Brittingham 

I am not quite done with this book but I should be able to finish it this week. It is very interesting. To enjoy this book there is an app to download. You can view things you can’t see in the book but only on the app. 

Other Stuff I Did This Week

Binge Watching

The Dead Zone: Season 5 - Amazon Prime

Another season down. I hate that most tv series have been having fewer and fewer episodes. There were only 10 episodes in the 5th season. Where the first had 20 some. I still like the show but the formula is getting tiring. 

Happy Death Day 2U

I watched the first Happy Death Day and surprisingly enjoyed it. I knew from the trailers I was going to really enjoy this as well. I did not expect the story to go multi-verse. 

Spiderman Far From Home - In Theatres

I love all the Marvel movies this one was no different. I missed out on seeing Dark Phoenix though. Tom Holland as Spiderman has been pretty good. And those two credit scenes at the end!! OMG!

Just my imagination

Since my most recent request was a pet I decided to do another animal hidden treasure box. 

I have not finished it yet and I have started another box that is going to be fan art of a very popular tv series right now. Pictures later

Mumbling Monday - Money On The Brain

Money On The Brain

It is stressful when you are having money problems. I keep trying to wrack my brain on how to get my art and painting out there and make money somehow. I have tried sending my writing places but my writing is not good enough. But hell you know that if you are reading this blog. I am no grammar genius. I write how I talk and do reread and edit my writing but I miss stuff all the time. I trying to learn to budget especially with grocery shopping. We do Hello Fresh every week for 3 days but I am thinking it is time to end that. It is a great subscription box and it has helped us eat a little better and healthier. If anyone has any links to cheap healthy all day meal planners please share. 

Finished Reading this week

The Sense Of An Ending by Julian Barnes

An interesting 160-page novel. About a man and his relationships throughout his life. There were definitely areas where I could relate to the main character and not in good ways. I read this for a book club I was in but probably will not continue. 

Other Stuff I Did This Week

Binge Watching

The Dead Zone: Season 4 (Amazon Prime)

I finished the 4th season. My favorite episode from the season was episode 5: Heroes & Demons. About an autistic boy who uses the art of Lord Of The Rings to communicate.

Life In Pieces (CBS)

I am kinda sad this show has ended. It had a good 4 seasons but I wished for longer. If you have never watched it was a comedic show about 4 families intertwined. I loved the comedy and quirky characters. 

Overlord

This was hubby’s pick. It is basically a sci-fi movie taking place during WWII in France. It was kinda boring the first half of the movie and I did not get really into it until the actor who plays Fitz on Agents Of Shield turned….ill. It also had Wyatt Russell who is Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell’s son.

Overboard (Amazon Prime)

This is a remake of a 1980’s movie with the gender roles swapped. The original, of course, is so much better. This version was not horrible but was missing a lot of the chemistry that was in the original. There was also much more reading involved then I expected as some of the characters speak Spanish. 

Spiderman Into The Spider-Verse (Netflix)

This movie was good but it was so hyped up I wanted to be more than it was. Probably would have been best to see in the theatre.

The Spy Who Dumped Me (Amazon Prime and Hulu)

This was an okay movie. The spy parody movies are overdone to me. Some ha ha moments but a lot of bullshit moments as well.

Just my imagination

A frequent customer bought two boxes this week. The one with the owl on top (picture below) And one personalize for someone (also below) The custom one features the persons’ cat named Pretty Girl. She also collects American eagle figures and perfume bottles. That is why Pretty Girl is nuzzling the eagle inside the box. I painted colorful perfume bottles around the sides of the box.

Mumbling Mondays - Stay Young Of Heart, But Old Of Mind

Stay Young Of Heart, But Old Of Mind

This week my body has been aching but I feel like I did a lot. I got more reading done then I have in a while. I have been writing...sort of. I played D & D with a group of good friends. But I can’t help but notice my body can’t seem to do what I want it. I want to clean but my knees hurt. I need to travel to a laundromat with a heavy bag of clothes but my back hurts. So that means I watch more tv and movies because I need to escape from my body aches. It’s frustrating...so I keep pushing through and do what I can. Is there anything stopping you from doing things you need to do or want to do?

Finished Reading this week

I loved loved this book. My wish is that I had only read it when I was younger. Why? You may ask. Well because when I was younger I fell into a book much easier. These days I read and sometimes my mind travels to other thoughts. This even happens when the book is well written and entertaining. I read this because of Life’s Library group.

Other Stuff I Did This Week

Binged Watch

I watched a lot this week. I will try to sum up

Always Be My Maybe (Netflix)

This was a very cute rom-com. It felt very much like a Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler movie. I laughed hard at the Keanu Reeves scenes.

Animal World (Netflix)

This was hubby’s pick. It’s foreign so there was reading involved. Surprisingly some English is spoken and mostly by actor Michael Douglas. Yeah, Michael Douglas is in this. It is about an underground game of Rock, Paper, Scissors...sort of. It was okay…

Aquaman (Borrowed From Library) 

I finally got to see Aquaman!! And you know what..it’s would have been better in the theatre. So many effects that would have been cooler on the big screen. It was good. Was it better than Wonder Woman good? Ummm….no. Wonder Woman is still the better DC movie. Next DC superhero movie I have to see Shazam.

The Dead Zone Season 3 (Amazon Prime)

Just finished up season 3. This is one of the only shows based on a Stephen King novel I think was done right. Probably why it went to 6 seasons. 

Ideal Home (HBO)

This was something I randomly caught on cable. I saw Paul Rudd and was like sure. It is funny. Not really a bad movie. But that tagline above…”These Dads SUCK.” That is terrible...funny yes but terrible. 

Oceans 8 (HBO)

I wasn’t sure whether I ever wanted to see this one...but it was entertaining. I don’t know if I buy that this heist would have ever worked. I felt like I said “bullshit” in my head a lot during it. 

My Creative Side

I haven’t done much art this week. I did get a lovely request from a customer who has ordered from me before. So I will be working on a box this week. 

Mumbling Mondays - Just Keep Reading/Drawing/Writing

Mumbling Mondays - Just Keep Reading/Drawing/Writing

Yep just keep swimming … or um creating ...um yeah create. I keep reading. I keep drawing or painting. I keep writing… This last one is hard to keep doing. I have been writing book reviews here so long and just because I love reading and books. I have come across a few opportunities where companies were looking for book reviewers. I thought wow I could get paid for something I like to do. Well I have sent my resume and writing examples of my reviews and ...nothing. No reply. So I can’t help but wonder how bad is my writing. So bad no reply is necessary. That is one reason it is hard to keep writing the reviews. That and is anyone really reading. I know I get once and awhile readers and I am grateful for those of you who come. I feel a need to know what my place is..what am I meant to be or do? So I keep swimming. Say hi if you are swimming by. 

Finished Reading this week

The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 2 Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie (Illustrator), Matt Wilson (Colorist), Clayton Cowles

This is #2 of this graphic novel series about Gods returned to earth every 90 years. They reveal themselves to the world as they only have 2 years to live. What there goal is unknown so far so it reminds me a little like American Gods by Neil Gaiman.

Other Stuff I Did This Week

Binged Watch

Chernobyl on HBO

Godzilla:King of The Monsters in Theatres Now. 

This week I watched more things that my husband was into. Chernobyl was good and heartbreaking. So many people suffered unnecessarily. All because of money and stupid people. 

Godzilla was full of stupidity too. People doing dumb things. I noticed many shows and movies are finding villains who believe like Thanos in Avengers. They believe we must destroy half of the population of the world to bring a new and better world. 

My Creative Side

I have been working on our Xmas cards for this year. I have done a theme for the last 6 years.

Santa and Mrs. Claus 2013

(missing image)

Dickenson 2014

Star Wars 2015

Harry Potter 2016 

Marvel 2017

Peanuts 2018

??? ?????? 2019 

This year is a secret ;) It is my favorite one so far. I hope it stays that way once I finish coloring it in. 

Mumbling Mondays - Who Knows...?

What’s going on?

Well it’s been a while. I have been reading but mostly been focusing on my art. I still keep my reading list up to date on Goodreads. I have over ten 10 books to write reviews on. I haven’t forgotten about this blog. In fact, I have been racking my brain on how to improve this blog and bring more people. I jump back and forth on three ideas. 1) To keep this blog the way it is and just continue to update, 2) Do vlogging and update here differently or 3) Combine Confuzzled Book, Confuzzled Designs (my art blog) and put them both into my Confuzzled Living blog. I just do not know which way to go. I read articles, I watch videos trying to figure out what to do but as I research what to do I lose time on getting any of it done. So I am a little lost I guess. So for now I am just updating here. 

Finished Reading 

Loki’s Wolves by K.L. Armstrong & M.A. Marr

It is a juvenile fantasy very similar to the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan but following the Norse myths. It the first book in the series. I have had it as ebook for a while but just finished it. 

Other Stuff I Did This Week

Binged Watch

Lucifer season 4 on Netflix

Good Omens on Amazon Prime

Both shows were pretty great. Lucifer moving to Netflix was a nice fit and probably the best season of Lucifer ever. Good Omens stayed pretty close to the book. David Tennant and Michael Sheen were awesome together! It’s just by chance that both of these shows are Neil Gaiman related! Gaiman created the Lucifer character in the Sandman comics under Vertigo/DC Comics and Good Omens was a book first co-written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. 

My Creative Side

I registered on of my paintings into Trenton Art All Night event. I have never done anything like this before so we will see how it goes. 

Celebrate Every Day With Books 8/27/2018 - 9/2/2018

Celebrate Every Day With Books 8/27/2018 - 9/2/2018

It seems like everyday has some new theme to celebrate so I thought it might be fun to see what kind of interesting books I can find  (new, old, or coming soon) for an everyday holiday. In fact, most days have more than one holiday!

Just so you know I have not read most of these but the ones I pick seem the most interesting.  You can probably find tons more books for each holiday but I am only going to pick two books for every holiday.

Let me know what you think.  Do any of them seem interesting to you? Is there another book you think would be a better choice?

MONDAY AUGUST 27TH 2018

 

Banana Lovers Day

Title: Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Cozy Mystery

What It Is About?: “Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.”(from Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: We Are Bananas. By Charles Saatchi

Genre: Art, Popular Culture

What It Is About?: “In his new book, Charles Saatchi looks at hard-to-believe bewildering facts. Amongst the startling images, these mystifying hidden stories are explained in Saatchi’s entertaining, succinct style.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

TUESDAY AUGUST 28TH 2018

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Title: The Rainbow Bridge by Adrian Raeside

Genre: Fiction, Children's, Picture Book, Animals, Pets

What It Is About?: ”Adrian Raeside captures the special bond between humans and their pets, and with marvelous illustrations, brings a gentle humor to a story that will resonate with children and pet lovers of all ages.”(from Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: The Legend Of Rainbow Bridge by William N. Britton (illustrated by Dandi Palmer)

Genre: Fiction, Children's, Picture Book, Animals, Pets

What It Is About?: “The Legend of Rainbow Bridge by William Britton has comforted the hearts and souls of countless animal lovers around the globe. Written for adults and children of all ages, Mr. Britton s healing words offer solace and comfort to those left behind when their beloved companions journey to Rainbow Bridge. This beautifully revised hardcover edition is filled with stunning new illustrations by Dandi Palmer and is a must for all who share their lives with animals of any kind.” (From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29TH 2018

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

Title: Herbs And Spices by Cinzia Trenchi

Genre: Non-Fiction, Health & Fitness, Herbal Medications

What It Is About?: “Even in the smallest gardens, there’s a world of herbal remedies awaiting us—and this beautiful book is packed with a wide variety of wonderful recipes to try. They include delicious dishes and extracts, such as Sautéed Wild Fennel with Broad Beans and Artichokes; infusions and juices, like a Lime and Lime Flower Honey Tisane; and products for personal care, including Clove Soap, Lavender Scrub, and Soothing Toothpaste with Aloe and Mint.” (From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: The Art Of Herbs For Health by Rebecca Sullivan

Genre: Non-Fiction, Health & Fitness, Beauty & Grooming

What It Is About?: “This beautifully photographed book contains a wealth of knowledge for anyone who wants to improve their health with herbs. Herbal medicine has been used for centuries, and in this thoughtful and inspiring guide, Rebecca Sullivan shares a combination of traditional wisdom and modern ideas.” (From Goodreads)

Available: SEPTEMBER 4TH 2018

THURSDAY AUGUST 30TH 2018

Beach Day

Title: Lighthouse Beach by Shelley Noble

Genre: Fiction, Women’s Contemporary

What It Is About?:  “Nursing broken hearts and broken dreams, four lost women embark on a journey to find their way back into happiness with new love, friendship, and the healing power of Lighthouse Beach.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: Beach Day by Karen Roosa (illustrated by Maggie Smith)

Genre: Fiction, Children's, Family

What It Is About?: “The perfect board book for summer! Buoyant verse and bright, playful illustrations capture the singular feeling of a hazy, lazy day by the ocean, complete with a ball game with new friends, water-skiers and sailboats, and a picnic lunch. A captivating introduction to the beach for young children.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

FRIDAY AUGUST 31ST 2018

We Love Memoirs Day

Title: The Boy Who Slept Under The Stars by Roseann Lloyd

Genre: Memoir, Poetry

What It Is About?: “Roseann Lloyd's new poetry collection takes us on a sister's unflinching exploration into grief for a brother lost on a solo hike in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota. His clothes are found but not his body. How does one mourn without a body? This absence calls up memories of his life and mixed emotions; it evokes other disappearances—children missing in Iraq, climbers lost on Everest, a college student drowned.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: Dark Star by Alan Strachan

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Memoir

What It Is About?: “Vivien Leigh was perhaps the most iconic actress of the twentieth century. As Scarlett O'Hara and Blanche Du Bois, she took on some of the most pivotal roles in cinema history. Yet she was also a talented theatre actress with West End and Broadway plaudits to her name. In this ground-breaking new biography, Alan Strachan provides a completely new full-life portrait of Leigh, covering both her professional and personal life. Using previously-unseen sources from her archive, recently acquired by the V&A, he sheds new light on her fractious relationship with Laurence Olivier, based on their letters and diaries, as well as on the bipolar disorder which so affected her later life and work. Revealing new aspects of her early life as well as providing glimpses behind-the-scenes of the filming of "Gone with the Wind" and "A Streetcar Named Desire," this book provides the essential and comprehensive life-story of one of the twentieth century's greatest actresses.” (From Goodreads)

Available: FEBRUARY 28TH 2019

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST 2018

World Beard Day

Title: Boo’s Beard by Rose Mannering (Illustrated by Bethany Straker)

Genre: Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Dog

What It Is About?: “This sweet book familiarizes children with social disabilities, such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Children learn the meaning of facial expressions and are introduced to the possibility that some children may have difficulty interacting with them.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: The Philosophy Of Beards by Thomas S. Gowing (Illustrated by John Kettlewell)

Genre: Fiction, Humor, Topic, Relationships

What It Is About?: “Reminding us that since ancient times the beard has been an essential symbol of manly distinction, Thomas S. Gowing (whom we trust had a spectacular beard) presents a moral case for eschewing the bitter bite of the razor. He contrasts the vigor and daring of the bearded—say, lumberjacks and Lincoln—with the undeniable effeminacy of the shaven. Manliness is found in the follicles, and the modern man should not forget that “ladies, by their very nature, like everything manly,” and cannot fail to be charmed by a fine “flow of curling comeliness.” Even old men can hold on to their vitality via their beards: “The Beard keeps gradually covering, varying and beautifying, and imparts new graces even to decay, by highlighting all that is still pleasing, veiling all that is repulsive.” (From Goodreads)

Available: OCTOBER 23RD 2018

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND 2018

World Coconut Day

Title: Luscious Coconut Desserts by Lori Longbotham (Photography by Lucy Schaeffer)

Genre: Non-Fiction, Cookbook, Desserts

What It Is About?: “When you think of coconuts, what comes to mind? Paradise, of course! Toasted, sugared, creamy, or crunchy, nothing compares to the flavor of coconut. Lori Longbotham, beloved author of the popular Luscious series including Luscious Lemon Desserts and Luscious Chocolate Desserts offers a taste of paradise with over 60 recipes for coconut-based cakes, tarts, cookies, custards, sauces, and candies. From classic coconut cream pie to Coconut Pistachio Baklava, Lori's recipes are proof that sweets can be nutritious! Coconut is high in fiber, rich with vitamins and minerals, and utterly indulgent. This is a great cookbook for those who are delighted by coconuts!”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW

Title: Coconut by Ben Mims

Genre: Non-Fiction, Cookbook, Ingredients

What It Is About? “Whether you're a recent coconut convert or a longtime lover, Ben Mims's cookbook will give you newfound admiration for this hard-shelled fruit. This edition cracks the coconut open from all angles, with recipes like Black Pepper-Coconut Dutch Baby, Soaked Coconut & Semolina Cake and Indian Coconut & Red Cabbage Slaw.”(From Goodreads)

Available: NOW