A computer day!

It's been one crazy day. I sat at my computer for a good part of the day. YEA!

A and S didn't want to go to the gym, so we attempted to go to story time at the park. It was raining, so we went to the grocery store and also got some copies made. A had letters to write to 14 pen pals, so we copied the letter and shipped it out today. She wrote a very nice letter. At first, she wasn't into it. Last night, when she was stalling about going to bed, she added to it--until it was two pages long!

So, as I was saying, I sat at the computer the rest of the day. I had a small writing project I had to get out of here. My former employer wanted me to write an article based on a Power Point presentation of a speech I didn't see. Uh...OK. But, even with the lack of information I had, I think it turned out well.

I'm all caught up on my training work. I have a babysitter coming later tonight so I can go to my writing club. I hope to be able to finish up one more writing project when I return home. Which will mean...that I'll be free to spend the weekend writing and reading (when we're not celebrating the holiday weekend, of course!). I see a light at the end of the crowded tunnel!

Last weekend, I read: Feed by MT Anderson and Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith. I highly recommend both!

Feed is not the type of book I'd typically select, and I found the lingo distracting (necessary for the characters' world, but it messed with me!). I almost put the book down, but I'm glad I didn't. Once I was sucked into the world, I couldn't wait to see how it ended. A very satisfying ending. This book haunted me the rest of the day.

Rain Is Not My Indian Name was also excellent. I read this in mostly one sitting--late night and early morning at our hotel last weekend. I enjoyed the characters in this book. The romance sucked me in...and made Rain a person teens could identify with immediately. I also enjoyed how the book shattered stereotypes. The unusual thing about this book is that it takes place in a fictional town that is minutes away from where I really live. Landmarks, schools, malls ... and social climbing attitudes that are present here in real life helped create a realistic Kansas setting that also develop the story.

Picture books I read this weekend include Don Tate's Summer Sun Risin'. I loved the artwork in this one, especially the use of perspective. For more samples of Don Tate's art, visit his blog. Today's entry features the just-completed cover for his new book, which looks like a lot of fun!

I also read Black All Around by Patricia Hubbell and illustrated by Don Tate. I loved the words and the pictures with this one! I enjoyed all the personal references that are in the artwork. I think this is a great book that celebrates black all around.

More on my great weekend reads soon! I'm also excited about what's in the mail: Storky, My Sister is So Bossy She Says You Can't Read This Book and Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You.