Bookish Sundays: Pendragon Cycle

Title: Pendragon Cycle (Five novel series)

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead

Category: Fiction, Christian, Historical

Synopsis of Taliesin [Book one, c/o Barnes & Noble]: "An enchanting tale of love and loss, glory and grandeur, set in the twilight of Rome's power -- where the Celtic chieftains of Britain battle to save their land from an onrushing darkness. In this modern classic, Stephen Lawhead presents a majestic retelling of western literature's most compelling epic. A Druid Prince -- Singer at the Dawn of the Age. His song would kindle a vision that would burn forever. Taliesin, oracle of melody. His singing bore the haunting beauty of another world . . . and the spark of a kingdom yet to come. Charis, Lady of the Lake -- Driven by the cataclysm that destroyed her home -- the scented groves of the Isle of Apples, the coliseums of the bull dancers of Atlantis -- she encountered an uncertain future in a barbarous land . . . and the bard who would capture her untamed heart. Their love would bridge two worlds. And like golden threads, their lives would knit the fabric of a timeless legend; that of Merlin the prophet . . . and Arthur the king.

The foundling Taliesin's special qualities changed the lives of those around him and brought great fortune to his small Celtic settlement in war and peace. Then he met an exiled princess of Atlantis, and in the course of triumph and tradegy they were blessed with a son who would change the destiny of Britain, a boy called Merlin."

c/o Google

Okay, so it sounds a tad like a love story.  And maybe it could be considered one, but I think I always ignored that portion of the novels.  I'm absolutely in love with most historical novels, especially those dealing with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  What draws me to this series more than others is the progression of the story: you don't necessarily start with Arthur and how he grows up and becomes such an amazing leader.  It goes back further than that, explaining how Britain ended up in such a dark and dangerous time, following Merlin from a boy and showing how he influences the situation surrounding Arthur, and shows the introduction of Christianity into a world ruled by Druids.  It is not a series of happiness, but it does show success and triumph.  Who can resist a novel such as that?!  Lawhead is a fantastic Christian author, and definitely draws the reader into a fantastic world that you don't want to leave.  To top it off, add on Avalon: The Return of King Arthur, the ultimate conclusion to the story.  Taking place in modern day Great Britain, it is a tad more unbelievable than the previous novels, but just as amazing.

Rain, Rain

When we were preparing for the move to Germany, I was also preparing for the glorious amounts of snow that would greet us for the winter.  When we arrived in Germany, we were told that winter was a little late, but it would definitely be here soon.  As we approach Christmas, I can't help but wonder:

Where is the snow?

I'm a tad bit sick of all this rain we've been having, and am looking forward to either winter actually arriving, or the beginning of spring.  Either would work for me at the moment.  The dreary weather was made worse when Timmy finally reported back to work this past Tuesday.  He's on swing shift [or mid shift] which is from 1400 to 2200, but since they have to work twelve hour shifts, he goes in at 1000.  That leaves me with quite a portion of the day to fill on my own, in a country I'm still unfamiliar with, with no choice but to either return to a very uncomfortable hotel room or brave the rain and winds outdoors. 

I'm not feeling too much holiday cheer at the moment.

The fantastic news is that we will be able to move into our new home on the 21st, which is just in time for me to spend Christmas day by myself since Timmy has to work.  At least we will be in our own space [albeit, sans any furniture or electronics] with our pups and looking forward to having my dear sister, Veronica, visit for New Year's.  

While waiting for snow, our home, Veronica, and the holidays, I'm trying to lift my spirits with hot cocoa and home made Oreo balls, courtesy of our friend Tara.  Both are delicious and help brighten our very blah room.

I'm also finishing up a project that will be featured on hello dearie sometime soon.  A very easy winter DIY, perfect for cold weather or even last minute stocking stuffers.  Check back soon, I will let everyone know when it is posted!!!  And please send me some snow.

Some things I love. Some...not so much.

A quick glance at things I currently adore...

Home made cookies & fudge

Christmas Markets.  I'm sure you all are sick of these pictures, but I'm seriously in love.

This chocolate.  Oh. My. Goodness.

Loosing teeth [well, kids anyway.  i wouldn't be too happy if i did]

Bulky winter sweaters.  So comfy!

Sass' painted nails.  Thank you, Tara :)

Some of the things I am not so fond of...

Make up.  So not feeling it lately.

Circuses.  The idea of animals caged up...so sad!

Glühwein [glue-vine].  A spiced, mulled wine that is a traditional German treat.  I can't stand it.

Bad hair days.  Growing short hair out can be quite infuriating.

What are you loving and disliking at the moment?

Bookish Sundays: Lord of the Flies

Title: Lord of the Flies


Author: William Golding

Category: Fiction, Classics

Synopsis (c/o Barnes & Noble): "The classic tale of a group of English school boys who are left stranded on an unpopulated island, and who must confront not only the defects of their society but the defects of their own natures."

c/o Barnes & Noble

Short, sweet, and to the point.  If you haven't read Lord of the Flies, then I'm not sure you attended any American high school [which is completely plausible, and the idea of me having international readers makes me giddy inside].  As one of my favorite novels our English teacher made us read, this easily makes my top 50.  Please don't ask what else does, it would take me weeks to sort through everything I've read to compile an accurate list.


The goal when reading this classic is to look between the lines of the literal story, and find the comparisons the author is trying to convey in relation to our own society.  If you have never been challenged by teacher or otherwise to do this, then I ask you to do it next time you pick the book up.  It can be quite a depressing and horrific tale, but also quite an eye opener.

Weekend in Pictures (a tad late)