It’s a rather odd habit of mine, but I love the mystery of reading a book I know almost nothing about. — that is, “almost nothing” because the little I know I owe to vague reviews.

I heard of “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak from several sources, including the children’s library at the elementary school I formerly worked at, a co-worker, and… Jasmine Star.  Is that unexpected?  Well, it’s true.  Remember, once upon a time I used to do photography.  She’s an excellent source, not simply because her photography is top-rated, but because she is also honest and real about the business.  So I used to read her blog every now and then (plus, she’s a relatable writer), and do enjoy her Good Reads reviews.

So why, of all books, this one?  Simply put, if anyone puts a book in the same category of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and East of Eden, you have my attention.  (If you’re trying to read me too, then yes, I do love the simplicity of a child’s perspective.  And yes, I am a crier.)

My thoughts on the book: firstly, it was a quick and easy read.  I read it in less than a week, which says a lot, because I am a slow reader and this was 550 pages.  However, the fact that I knew absolutely nothing about the book initially made it a little difficult to understand the writer’s format and who were the characters. That was soon figured out.

Secondly, the characters are so identifiable.  Weaving complex characters in complex situations and presenting to make them all appear simple- this is a feat.  Accomplished.

Thirdly, (a negative note) I feel like too many a time, the element of surprise was taken away from the story.  The narrator would say “this would happen” quite matter-of-factly.  I think the emotional ties to the story would be stronger if we didn’t know what was happening.

Last notation, the poetry.  Beautiful, beautiful writing.  Reviews were right when they said it was reminiscent of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  But I think that was also my down point.  Having this in mind, I think I couldn’t fully appreciate the book stand-alone.  Some books need reviews apart from other books.

One more note…
I’m terribly fond of post-it bookmarking favorite phrases, scenes, etc… I like remembering.

The end!

I’m not that great of a gift giver.  I really mean that.  I sort of panic when I need to get gifts for people.  With the exception of my sis, on birthdays, Christmas, any occasion, my whole fam would give each other money or straight up ask the person – to which the reply will probably be, “money.”  I just laugh at this fact.

However, in the event that I am internally persuaded to give a gift (and even in receiving), I’m terribly sentimental.  I like meaningful things.  You could give me a button, and if there’s meaning behind it, I will absolutely treasure it.  Thus, grateful to Jesus for my creative abilities, when I give gifts, I’m very fond of making things.

And then I panic whether or not they’ll like it. HA.  I need to get over myself.

**

There was a “secret angel” game (yes, like “secret santa”) at the discipleship class I mentored at.  I got someone who’s been such a positive influence over me, that, in all my gift giving inabilities, wanted to make something that expressed the prayers I’ve offered on her behalf the past few weeks.  So I made a treasure book that contained a symbolic item, along with Christlike character qualities and verses that coincided with each letter in her name.

To be honest, I had less than a day to make this craziness, so I’m a bit hard on myself on ways it could improve.  Again – I need to get over myself.

I hand-stitched the book together using manila folders as my base pages. Because I couldn’t scrapbook/collage like I imagined, the pages were splashed over with acrylics, and the pockets that held little notes were made from paint chips.  Sorry I don’t have a photo of the cover or the process!

*

This is the first page.  I actually had this locket and decided to put some anointing balm in it (see description).

The second one… I can thank my cat for these feathers.  I didn’t find a bird, but I found feathers everywhere!  Meh.

I don’t have a picture of the third one… it had Korean dollars in it :)

The fourth one symbolized Intercession, so I used matches.

 

seriously American government?????

that’s right, i’m joining the SOPA STRIKE!
i already hate the fact that social media robs America blind by tailoring our worldview (especially politically! -save that opinion for later…), so the fact that government is trying to control/monitor the internet only means they’re going to silence the voice of the people.  what happened to democracy?

RIDICULOUS.

This post is about Racheal Anilyse Verdiccio-Morris.

It’s a shame that media helps you “know of” someone without actually “knowing” them.  I just knew of her.  Of her art, her determination, her spunk, her style.  I sincerely admired her illustrations and hand-drawn type; I’d easily mention her by name whenever listing sources of inspiration.

I loved that she used tea like watercolor. with watercolor.
Aspired illustrating children’s books.
Drew lettering by hand.
Doodled endless patterns.
Had hilarious content.
A distinct Racheal-ness.

I followed a blog she participated in, called The Doodle Off.  It was in the most recent post that I learned that she passed away.  I was absolutely stunned- I hadn’t heard anything from any other source where she contributed- I figured the holidays had her occupied.  I even asked Pikaland if they knew about it – surely they would have?  Alas, I’m not sure if they did, which made me feel utterly, absolutely terrible to be the breaker of the unkind news. But you knew how much she meant to them. She was a treasure.

And yet, it almost made sense- to be known as an artist, not an artist with a diagnosis.  I admire her moreso even now, knowing she was a woman of true humility; knowing that she had to fight through so much, and push through pain.  But we were not familiar with her struggles, we were familiar with her kind soul (even though she never personally directed a kind act towards me, you knew she was kind).

You will be missed, Racheal… We all may feel that you left too soon, and as young as you were, we all can agree that you left a legacy of inspiration to many.

Respectfully,
One of those who has been inspired

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Multiple places to find Racheal’s work:

RachealAnilyse.com

RachelAnilyse.com/blog

Flickr

Pikaland

Underground Art School

moly x 70

The Doodle Off

Society6