DATE: 09/23/2009 02:16:00 PM
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Last week, I introduced you to my new favourite series of top selling author Charlaine Harris - if you missed it, have a look-see {here}.
Today, let me tell you a little about another fantasy series which has captured my heart. The Hollows by author {kim harrison}. At first I wasn't sure if I would like it at all, having been so engrossed in the whole Vampire & Human scenario. Adding a Witch, Pixies and Demons to the mixture felt kinda weird and too much. But I gave it a try and loved it from the start - the funny dialogues in particular between Witch Rachel and Pixie Jenks, had me in stitches on more than one occasion.
There is so much action, but also romance, humour and dare I say it heartbreak. Yes, I cried at some stage during this series - a lot. I am not telling you when and why but it effected me so much that I refused to buy the next book(s) in the series at that time as I did not feel I would enjoy reading on. But in the end my curiosity got the better of me and I am glad I continued.
I also love the titles of the series - anyone notice a connection there? You need to check out the above link for Kim Harrison to get to all the books on one page. I think it's kind uber-clever!!!
Here is Amazon's synopsis of the {first book} in the Rachel Morgan series:
This is the first book in a new urban fantasy-thriller series with theperfect amount of wry humour and a sassy female lead, which will
delight all fans of thrillers and fantasy alike. Rachel Morgan is a
white witch and runner working for Inderland Security, in an alternate
world where a bioengineered virus wiped out a great deal of the world's
human population - exposing the existence of the supernatural
communities that had long lived alongside humanity. For the last five
years Rachel has been tracking down law-breaking Inderlanders in
modern-day Cincinnati, but now she wants to leave and start her own
agency. Her only problem is that no one quits the I.S. Marked for
death, Rachel will have to fend off fairy assassins and homicidal weres
armed with an assortment of nasty curses. She's a dead witch walking
unless she can appease her former employers by exposing the city's most
prominent citizen as a drug lord. But, making an enemy of the ambiguous
Trent Kalamack is just as deadly as leaving the I.S.
- Paperback: 432 pages
- Publisher: Voyager (2 Oct 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007236093
- ISBN-13: 978-0007236091
Product Dimensions:
17.6 x 11 x 3.2 cm-----
COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracey
DATE: 09/23/2009 09:22:30 PM
oooh I've had my eye on the Hollows for AGES... just bought a stack of books at the charity shop today though, so maybe my chrimbo list will bring the Hollows my way!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Daniela
DATE: 09/24/2009 07:42:49 AM
Now thank you for this review! Sounds as good as the covers look. So, I'm off to amazon, shopping.
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TITLE: The Holiday - Part 1
DATE: 09/22/2009 10:35:00 AM
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Please note - this post is picture heavy - apologies to those on dial up
I couldn't believe that it has been a little over three years since Lyndon and I went on a holiday together - it sure didn't feel THAT long. We have been planning (ok, let me re-phrase that: Lyndon has been planning - I let him deal with the fiddly stuff) the holiday for quite some time and were getting ever so excited.
We have been to the Bavarian Mountains, and especially Berchtesgaden a few times before but never in the summer. Checking the webcams on a daily basis gave us hope that the weather would be fabulous for us. Of course two days before we departed, the forecast changed and we quickly changed our plans around, deciding to go to {nuremberg} first. As we were using a hotel instead of the tent (bleck) for those days in Frankonia, we didn't care if it was overcast.
Of course we could not start the flight without our traditional "plane-picture". They usually look like crap but we like giggling at the memory of trying to get a nice self-portrait in the cramped conditions.
The flight out from Gatwick was as smooth as ever and we arrived at Munich airport around 16:00hrs. A train to Nuremberg and we were signed into the hotel a few hours later. We were totally beat and only managed to drag ourselves to the next Pizza Hut wolfed some food down and went back to sleep.The plans for the coming days were to see more of Nuremberg (as last time we only were there for a few hours), go check out {wurzburg}, {rothenburg} and {kelheim}. Weather was definitely on our side and we enjoyed a wonderful first day around the castle and castle ground in our favourite city in the South of Germany.
The last time we have been to Nuremberg we found one of the cutest Restaurants around and promised ourselves that we would stay there this time for a while.
The {burgwachter} offers amazing food and is only one of two restaurants in
the city who have the license the sell the famous {rauchbier} from {bamberg}. We stayed for a good few hours and enjoyed our food and the different beers, as you can see from the pictures.
Especially Lyndon was thrilled to get his hands on the Rauchbier, as he always wanted to try it. I had a sip too and much to my surprise I kinda liked it. Weird to have such a strong taste but it compliments the beer. Not something I would drink to re-fresh myself, rather to sit back and enjoy.
The next day we went to Wurzburg - to tell you the truth I never really paid much attention to it. Sure, of course I have heard the name but I never associated anything great with the city. I was in for a surprise as Wurzburg is absolutely beautiful - and boasts a LOT of different vines, along the vineyard of the castle.
We felt a bit adventurous and decided to walk up to the castle and see if we can grab a spot to eat and sample some of the local wines up there - of course the sun started beating down the most on the steepest parts of the hike, but hey - that gave us a great excuse to get some beverages down our throats.
Did I pick a grape along the way - do you really need to ask...?!?!! Of course I did and it tasted surprisingly nice and smooth. Once we got up to the castle we feared we may had to pay a lot to get inside but hats off the city of Wurzburg, you can see it all for free (unless you want to go inside the museum or take a guided tour).
We went along for a few hours and then managed to grab some traditional German grub: sausage and Sauerkraut.
I don't quite understand the obsession in the South of Germany to serve dry brown bread with sausages - especially when there is no spread. What a waste of good food as both Lyndon and I had to throw it - it was dry and did not compliment the food at all. Everywhere else you either get a small soft roll or some white bread. Quite frankly, I much rather have a little more Sauerkraut instead.
But I ramble: we took one last view down at the city from the castle before we made our way to Rothenburg.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kat
DATE: 09/22/2009 11:55:40 AM
Awh, Kimmy... really makes me want to visit other parts of Germany again ... apart from the annual trip to family and maybe day trips out (furthest south we got so far was Heidelberg, which is beautiful in itself of course!). Something to look into! Never had Rauchbier myself, but I love the little independent breweries in Bavaria - there's a nice one in Pottenstein but haven't been there in about 15 years so couldn't even tell you the name anymore... :o
Good old Google says it's "Hufeisen" (which is possible, as that's the Restaurant we've usually been eating dinner :).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tanja
DATE: 09/22/2009 01:55:31 PM
Tja, unser Bayernland ist schon was Feines. Meine Eltern leben hier in einem kleinen Dorf namens Rothenbürg. Ständig kommen Ausländer mit der Bahn angefahren (hauptsächlich Japaner und Chinesen, aber auch Australier,...). Sie wollen nach Rothenburg o. d. Tauber, aber die Deutsche Bahn schickt sie falsch, weil sie kein "Ü" kennen und dann stehen sie in einem Dorf in dem niemand die englische Sprache beherrscht. Das ist immer eine Belustigung für die ganzen Dorfbewohner. Zum Glück bist du da angekommen, wo du hin wolltest! Ich hoffe es hat dir gefallen. Ich wohne ca. 50 km von Nürnberg entfernt und bin somit ein Oberfranke (hier gibt es das beste Bier).
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/22/2009 04:44:31 PM
hehehe- I love the Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier - it is one of my favorites! Awesome photos!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracey
DATE: 09/22/2009 04:57:29 PM
fab photos Kim, looks like you guys had a fab time.... mmmm sauerkraut, love it!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Marci K
DATE: 09/22/2009 07:33:27 PM
You have the most wonderful life. I always love looking at your photos, it really makes me want to travel to Europe....sigh.....
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Joanne K
DATE: 09/23/2009 07:36:51 AM
Thanks for sharing your photos! Would love to take a vacation like that someday! Sounds like you had fun! Great photos!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/23/2009 12:49:19 PM
very cool! i've never really wanted to travel outside the US but all of your adventures are making me question that!
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Laura's sketch #35
DATE: 09/21/2009 01:22:00 PM
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I never thought I would make in time for this week's reveal - what with our holiday but to tell you the truth, the sponsored product from {creative cuts and more} made it super easy to create a quick card and an additional box. Yep, I created both within the matter of two hours - not a bad start, after a ten day absence from crafting :)
Laura's sketch #35 was as always a joy to work with and suited the pre-cut cards we received perfectly. I worked with the {a2 square window card} and the {straight frame}. As the frame was in black, I decided to tone the colour down a bit by brushing some gesso over it; otherwise it would have overpowered the card and I just wanted the frame to be a subtle(ish) focal point.
I raided my scrap-box to complete the card as I was looking for funky and colourful. Very rarely do I buy real bright papers, so I get lots of use out of any scraps I keep from Kits that I bought years ago.
** as usual, click on any image you want to view enlarged **
Papers: Scenic Route; American Crafts
Embellishments: Stickers - American Crafts Thickers, Making Memories; Pearls - KatyCards; Ribbon; Beads; Embroidery Floss - Scrapitude
I also played with the {small takeout box} in Acetate. Whilst it doesn't follow the sketch, I thought it makes the prefect companion for the card. If someone needs cheering up, I just pop some sweeties inside the box and send it off :)
Have a look and see what the rest of the 2 Sketches 4 You team did with sketch and product {here}
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jacqui
DATE: 09/21/2009 06:51:12 PM
Now those really are "cheery". Love the bright colours, pretty. Thanks too for the nice comment about my LO.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa (FunkyFairy)
DATE: 09/22/2009 09:10:57 AM
Oh wow, loving these. Those colours are so happy : )
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/22/2009 12:45:02 PM
those would make me smile :)
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TITLE: We are back....
DATE: 09/20/2009 05:13:33 PM
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Tired, exhausted, with lots of memories and photos to call our own - and I am 6 pounds heavier; that's the short summary of our holiday in South Germany. We left on the 10th of September and just came back last night, so I am playing catch up a bit right now.
For starters here are two pictures of us on top of the {untersberg}, the last nice day we had in Berchtesgaden - after that we went to {augsburg}. But don't despair - you will have to endure a full holiday report with pictures over the coming days anyway :)
Before I go, I want to give a big shout out to the new {upsy daisy designs} DT members, which were announced while I was away - I was thrilled to see the ladies chosen because they sure do some awesome work. If you haven't yet seen it, check out the announcement {here}.
I also have some other news to share in a few weeks (nope, not being preggers, or fired, or getting married...*giggles*). But in the meantime I will sort out the RAK winners for the new Upsy Daisy Designs {brads}.
Check back tomorrow for yet another awesome reveal at {2s4y}
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jacqui
DATE: 09/20/2009 07:08:07 PM
Nice to have you back. So glad to hear that you had a great time. We were missing you...come visit soon.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Ingrid
DATE: 09/20/2009 09:47:52 PM
Great pics, Kimmie. Can't wait to see more pics. Good to hear you had a wonderful time.
xoxo
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/21/2009 03:10:19 PM
ahh - can't wait to see more pix!
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TITLE: Point Blank Period # 1
DATE: 09/18/2009 01:03:00 PM
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Have you all checked out the fabulous new challenge blog founded by my girl {sasha}? She has rounded up some of the hottest scrappers around to make up the DT and they will challenge us each month with some awesome prompts. The focus will be on YOU and what YOU would like to do..point.blank.period.
This month, the requirement were right up my alley - see it in detail {here}
And my layout to go with the prompt is this:
** click on the image to enlarge **
Papers: My Minds Eye; SEI; Scenic Route
Embellishments: Die Cut - My Minds Eye; Stickers - Rusty Pickle; Rhinestones - Kaisercraft
To tell yo the truth, I don't think there is anything that is holding me back. Sometimes it does creep back in again that I worry what others may think of me. That is what my journaling is all about - to not worry what others think - if they don't like you the way you are, why would you go out of your way changing who and what you are just so they say you are ok? Those people are not worth your while and I refuse to change the way I am to satisfy someone else's beliefs...
If you would like to submit a layout to this months' challenge, check out the {pbp} forum as the winner will win an awesome price from {bad girls kit club}. How cool is that for a debut sponsor price??
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/18/2009 01:34:35 PM
oh that layout is amazing! Love it girl!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Paula - Buenos Aires
DATE: 09/18/2009 01:51:54 PM
I like you. :D *waving Hi*
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fienchen
DATE: 09/18/2009 02:30:55 PM
Das ist mal wieder super schön !!!!
Und jetzt geh ich mal hier nachlesen ;o)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Leslie Ashe
DATE: 09/18/2009 08:47:10 PM
You are fab...girl I love your layout and I MISS talking to you!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Alison-lee
DATE: 09/19/2009 07:14:42 AM
I love this layout, its brilliant. Have still got my layout for PB to do but am stuck on ideas at the moment!!! You know how it is when you want it to be 'great'!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracey
DATE: 09/19/2009 08:04:33 AM
well I put up with you the way you are... mwhaaa haa haa haa!! Fab layout Kimster xx
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/19/2009 08:55:21 AM
ooh so pretty!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Kim Sonksen
DATE: 09/20/2009 05:21:05 PM
You always know how to cheer me up :)
Hugs to you Paula
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JoanneK
DATE: 09/21/2009 02:16:05 AM
Super page!!! Thanks for the link to the challenge blog!!!!
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TITLE: Twisted Sketches #015
DATE: 09/16/2009 03:30:00 PM
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Another fun week over at {twisted sketches}.
This has been my most favourite sketch of them all so far and without wishing to sound like I am full of myself, I think my card is one of the best ones I have ever made...this week we were to add some form of chipboard to the sketch. Can you guess where mine is??
C'mon have a guess and I will pick a winner from the correct guesses to win a little goodie bag from me (internationals are welcome to play)
** click on image to enlarge **
Papers: Daisy D, Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD0168. Ella Bella, #UDD0136. Sweet
Embellishments: Pearls - Paper Cellar, Kaisercraft; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD186. It's A Girl Thing; Bling - PaperMania; Emboridery Floss - Scrapitude; Stamps - Stampin' Up
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Circles; Glimmer Mist; Stampin' Up punch
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/16/2009 05:04:02 PM
oh wow- this card is AMAZING!!! I loveit so so so much!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Simona
DATE: 09/16/2009 06:50:49 PM
wow, what a gorgeous card, love it!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jacqui
DATE: 09/16/2009 07:37:36 PM
What beautiful colour combinations.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/17/2009 08:52:16 AM
i think this sketch was my favorite too and your card is just breathtaking!!
i guess the big circle with the flower touching it :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Rachel Millington
DATE: 09/17/2009 01:15:38 PM
I think you're right Kimmy, this is one of your best cards ever, it's so pretty! I think the chipboard is the circle at the top right, with the pink pearl on top of it?
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fienchen
DATE: 09/18/2009 02:32:59 PM
Mir stockt der Atem - ist die geil !!!!!
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COMMENT:
DATE: 09/19/2009 05:36:06 AM
Wow, beautiful card !!
I am guessing the smaller circle in the dark brown circle.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Julia Saddi Reffatti
DATE: 09/19/2009 04:31:34 PM
No wonder, yes, you should be very proud of yourself! This is a delicate, rich of details, beautiful job! Besides the complimment, I shall thank you for your support! xox Julia Saddi
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Audrey
DATE: 09/19/2009 09:35:33 PM
Oh wow, this card is amazing! Beautiful colours. I reckon the chipboard is the scalloped frame where the 'fabulous friend' is on.
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Kazan's sketch #35
DATE: 09/14/2009 01:24:00 PM
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Wow, the wonderful Sponsor's just keep rolling in at {2s4y} - this week the DT was treated to a complete stamp set from {flourishes}. Those stamps are divine as they have so much detail which gives them a touch of vintage - I love that.
I was delighted to be working with the {all wrapped up} set and I am totally hooked. It will never go out of fashion as it is so timeless. No matter if you need something for a birthday, a shower, Christmas - this set works all year round :)
This is Kazan's sketch
And here is my wee card
** click on image to enlarge **
Papers: Rouge de Garance; KI Memories
Tools: Border Punch - Martha Stewart; Stamps - Flourishes
Yeah, I know - I am still not there with the colouring business, but I am trying ok?? One of these days I am going to have you all faint in amazement because I will nail the shading. But until then, you just have to make do with my first grader skills :)
Don't forgt to join our {challenge} this week for the chance to win a superb prize!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: anja
DATE: 09/14/2009 02:09:01 PM
Beautiful card Kim and about the coloring you did a good job didn't you? I'm not into coloring gave it a try but it didn't work out so I keep it that way.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl N
DATE: 09/14/2009 02:30:13 PM
so and and festive!! LOVE it!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/14/2009 05:06:54 PM
I think this is pretty nailed- love it!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~amy~
DATE: 09/14/2009 08:41:37 PM
gorgeous...
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/15/2009 09:06:20 AM
well hey, your first grader skills rocked this card! ;)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: JoanneK
DATE: 09/15/2009 03:41:23 PM
Awesome card!!!! Love the coloring!!!
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TITLE: Booktip of the week
DATE: 09/13/2009 01:30:00 PM
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I am an avid reader - always have been and always will be. That's why I love having to travel to and from work for an hour each day. Getting lost in novels at the start and end of a long day is sheer bliss.
So, I thought I may share some of my faves with you each week and maybe you find something amongst them which appeals to you too.
Right now I am totally into the {harper connelly} series of {charlaine harris}. I am sure you all have heard of Charlaine, who created the mother of all Vampire books - {sookie stockhouse - the southern vampire series}. A friend of mine introduced me to Sookie a few years back and since then I have read the complete series about nine times...and I am already counting down the days to May 2010, when the latest book will be published.
Until then, I shall spend my days with Harper and her brother/side-kick Tolliver. The first book in the series is called {grave sight} and introduces us to Harper's strange ability. Pretty much like Sookie is a heroine with a weird "disability", so is Harper who can find dead people - simply because she was struck by lightening as a teenager...
Initially I thought this might turn out to be silly and not even noteworthy but I do like it - much more than I expected. Even though her dependency on her brother does get a little on my wick, it is an important part of the story and I am sure that Charlaine will bring some twists of their relationship into the series.
If you are looking for an easy read, which is a combination of mystery and crime - than this is definitely for you.
Here is Amazon's synopsis:
Harper Connelly had a lucky escape when she was hit by lightning: she
didn't die. But sometimes she wishes she had died, because the
lightning strike left her with an unusual talent: she can find dead
people - and that's not always comfortable. Everyone wants to know how
she does it: it's a little like hearing a bee droning inside her head,
or maybe the pop of a Geiger counter, a persistent, irregular noise
that increases in strength as she gets closer. It's almost electric: a
buzzing all through her body, and the fresher the corpse, the more
intense the buzz. Harper and her brother Tolliver make their living
from finding the dead, for desperate parents, worried friends . . . and
police departments who have nowhere else to look. They may not believe
in her abilities, but sometimes the proof is just too much for even the
most sceptical of police chiefs to deny. But it's not always easy for
someone like Harper, for the dead *want* to be found - and too often,
finding the body doesn't bring closure; it opens a whole new can of
worms.
Harper Connelly had a lucky escape when she was hit by lightning: she
didn't die. But sometimes she wishes she had died, because the
lightning strike left her with an unusual talent: she can find dead
people - and that's not always comfortable. Everyone wants to know how
she does it: it's a little like hearing a bee droning inside her head,
or maybe the pop of a Geiger counter, a persistent, irregular noise
that increases in strength as she gets closer. It's almost electric: a
buzzing all through her body, and the fresher the corpse, the more
intense the buzz. Harper and her brother Tolliver make their living
from finding the dead, for desperate parents, worried friends . . . and
police departments who have nowhere else to look. They may not believe
in her abilities, but sometimes the proof is just too much for even the
most sceptical of police chiefs to deny. But it's not always easy for
someone like Harper, for the dead *want* to be found - and too often,
finding the body doesn't bring closure; it opens a whole new can of
worms.
- Paperback: 272 pages
- Publisher: Gollancz; New Ed edition (13 Sep 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0575079231
- ISBN-13: 978-0575079236
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lacintha
DATE: 09/13/2009 03:48:34 PM
Hello darlin'....love Charlaine Harris too!
Have you checked out goodreads.com?
Sort of an online bokclub...add me as a friend if you do find your way over there...:)
Have a great weekend :):)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/13/2009 07:35:33 PM
Never heard of it- interesting :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tracey
DATE: 09/13/2009 07:45:49 PM
OK - third time of trying to post a comment, so apologies if you end up with loads here!! True Blood is currently on a sky channel but is supposedly coming to channel 4 soon, about vampires and the main character is called Sookie, has to be from your book right???
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jo
DATE: 09/13/2009 10:43:25 PM
I'm on book 6 of the Sookie books at the moment so will have to read these ones afterwards. :-)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Debbie Standard
DATE: 09/14/2009 01:19:14 AM
Oh going to have to check her out - always on the lookout for a new author!
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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs September DT
DATE: 09/11/2009 01:13:00 PM
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Amazing to think that at the end of this month I have been part of the {upsy daisy designs} DT for a year. I can honestly say that this has been one of the most enjoyable spots I ever had. With that I am not knocking any of the other teams I have been on, far from it but it seems that UDD produce that kind of paper and embellishment which suits me best. I never have any problems finding inspiration to create my monthly projects.
And whenever I craft these days I tend to go for the UDD stuff only - I am so comfortable with their products. I really hope this company will continue to grow, as Nicole and Teri have really great ideas for the future.
Now, let me show you what I created for my September assignments. As you come to expect, I have mixed various lines and products and I am really fond of the following layout. It just fell together
** click on any images to see them larger **
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #MT2-013. Martin, #UDD0126. Mommy bird, #WP013. Gorgeous
Embellishments: Stamps - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD208. Chic Bebe, #UDD210. My Guy, #UDD0106. Floral Flourishes; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD185. Baby Love, Large Alpha; Pearls - KatyCards
Tools: Tracing Wheel, Edge Distresser - Making Memories
Actually, I had a different layout done for September but, much to my delight, it was picked up for publication by {ready, set, create}. I am superstoked about it as this is my first pub since October 2008. Of course I had layouts and cards published with Scrap-Art-Zine but as I am part of their DT I do not class that as a publication as such. I have been submitting my cards and layouts to many mags but none liked what they saw - so now I am one happy bunny!!!
Here is a card I created for this month too. This was done (again) for a call for quick and easy cards for {scrapbook trends} but as per usual not picked up. Can I just quickly say - I am not throwing a pity party here, fishing for compliments. It is ok when my stuff is not picked up, I am just stating the fact without any implications. So please don't think that I am here on a "oh poor me" agenda :)
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #WP015 Majestic, #ED012 Fantasy,
#UDD0130 Stillness
Embellishments: Stamp: #UDD208. Chic Bebe; Rub Ons: #UDD189. Oh Happy Day; Buttons - Hero Arts
That's it for the moment - don't forget the Upsy Daisy Brad RAK I have going on right now. Just click on the RAK category on the left hand side of the blog to get you to all RAKs on my blog
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Teena
DATE: 09/11/2009 02:02:25 PM
I always love your work with upsy daisy! It's just right for your style! *hugs*
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Eva
DATE: 09/11/2009 02:51:51 PM
These projects are gorgeous girlie and it shows indeed how comfortable you feel with their products! And it's so hard to figure out what styles magazines want, but I feel sometimes that they are looking for the simple yet pretty types, that people can recreate easily, and neither of us are do simple...hehehe...(and by all means I don't mean to devalue the published cards, as I had one published and it was a simple card..hehehe)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/11/2009 03:11:17 PM
gorgeous stuff with the UD!!!! Love it!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jacqui
DATE: 09/11/2009 09:17:18 PM
Pretty. Love the browns and creams in both the card and the LO.
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COMMENT:
DATE: 09/12/2009 02:21:11 PM
your LO is beautiful, as ususal :) love how you used the pearls! and your "unloved" card reminds me of an owl lol...and i'd love to receive it in the mail so poo on them!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/12/2009 02:21:25 PM
oh! and congrats on the pub!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: christiane
DATE: 09/13/2009 09:50:16 AM
yepp, you're really perfect for udd!! great work!! :D
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Lisa (FunkyFairy)
DATE: 09/13/2009 06:22:08 PM
Lovin' all your creations as usual : )
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COMMENT:
DATE: 09/13/2009 11:21:17 PM
Hi Kim! Congratualitions for your Upsy Daisy Anniversary!!! Love your work and checking out your Blog from time to time! Kim, please, any news about the 2 new members of the Upsy Daisy Design Team? Gosh, I am waiting for it anxiously!!! :D xox Julia Reffatti - www.paperdesignbyjuliabsb.blogspot.com
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Debbie Standard
DATE: 09/14/2009 01:21:24 AM
Beautiful page!
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TITLE: Upsy Daisy Designs - New Brads RAK
DATE: 09/09/2009 01:03:00 PM
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Anyhoo, I am sure you wanna have a look, right? Well, ok then - you twisted my arm
I absolutely love the different colours of the fabric brads, especially the red/white/blue ones, which coordinate with the {a new day} line. As you can see the brads come in different sizes and they all would make the perfect centers for flowers, don't you think?
Then we have the selection of the muted colours which coordinate with the{walk in the park} line. You may have noticed that I am using lots of pearls on my layouts and cards, right? So you can imagine how much a shrieked in delight when I saw those black and white pearl brads to go with the {enchanted} line.
The bottle-cap brads are not a new release but continue to be a fantastic seller for UDD and they coordinate perfect with both {man about town} and {man about town II}
Now here is your chance to win all of the brads shown in the above photo as well as a selection of the previously released {daisy & jewel} brads. All you have to do is to leave a comment.
Yup, as easy as that. Internationals are welcome to play as well.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/09/2009 02:50:27 PM
uhhhhh - those are so beautiful - I love them!!!!! I want to touch them :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Paula - Buenos Aires
DATE: 09/09/2009 02:57:11 PM
Just dropping by to say Hi! :D
My son had to read something about your area for school and it made it so much more "real" knowing you lived there. It wasn´t "just" a map or cold data and it made him go deeper into research. :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sarah Martina
DATE: 09/09/2009 04:11:40 PM
Oh look at the little flower ones with the beads around the edge! HOW CUTE!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Dorrit
DATE: 09/09/2009 04:47:10 PM
Danke für die tolle Chance, Stoffbrads hatte ich auch noch nie, aber die sehen schon echt schick aus :D
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: jacqui
DATE: 09/09/2009 08:52:53 PM
Oh how cute are they! They remind me of upholstery buttons....hmmmmmmm must have a rummage in the embroidery box!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: conniemelancon
DATE: 09/09/2009 11:36:12 PM
I love those brads!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: christiane
DATE: 09/10/2009 11:04:23 AM
don't count me in!! ;) i only wanna say that i'm still stalking your blog and awesome work!! *hugs*
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/10/2009 12:40:13 PM
verrrry pretty! love love the bottlecap brads too! (and i already won, but wanted to say how cute i think they are)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Frauke
DATE: 09/10/2009 04:11:52 PM
I love those brads, so pretty !!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cornelia
DATE: 09/12/2009 06:33:29 PM
tolle brads, danke schön für den RAK
LG Cornelia
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Inga
DATE: 09/13/2009 09:40:06 PM
huhu *wink*
die sehen ja total klasse aus!
liebe grüße
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TITLE: 2S4Y - Laura's sketch #34
DATE: 09/07/2009 01:03:00 PM
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Oh how I love thee.....
Yes, it is true I DO love my {scor-it} and whilst I don't use it as often as I should it is the prefect tool for a quick card fix for me. So I was totally delighted to learn that the wonderful makers of Scor-it asked to sponsor {2 sketches 4 you} again.
You know what that means right? A very GENEROUS price to win for the card of the week - you simply have to play along if you wanna win one of the best companions for any crafter.
But let me show you Laura's fabulous sketch for this week first
Isn't that just divine? I think it is one of my favourites so far and as soon as I saw it I knew what I wanted to do: create a fanned flower with the Scor-it. It really is easier than you think but whatever you do, please do not ever ask me for measurements - unless it's metric you are not gonna get any inches or whatnot's out of me. I just look at the top of the scale which line gives the perfect width for my project and try to remember which one it was :)
** click on any of the images to enlarge them **
I took a piece of scrap paper from October Afternoon and started to score at the fifth line. As I am planning to fan the paper accordion style, the paper needed to be flipped over after each score to make for easier folding afterwards.
Once I scored the paper all the way down, I took a piece of twine and pulled the paper together in the middle to allow me creating a circle shape.
I then glued the sides together and used a clip on the glued ends over night, to ensure the circle stays in shape.
To hide the wee opening close to the middle of my fanned flower, I decided to layer a felt flower and a button on top.
As per usual once I start layering I cannot stop, so I chucked more and more stuff at the card and I am totally pleased how it turned out.
** ack - I just noticed that the little tag hanging from the pin is facing the wrong way....whaaaaaa. It should show a distressed side with three pieces of blue bling. I just cannot be bothered to take a new picture, so you have to believe me when I say it looks cute ***
As per usual once I start layering I cannot stop, so I chucked more and more stuff at the card and I am totally pleased how it turned out.
** ack - I just noticed that the little tag hanging from the pin is facing the wrong way....whaaaaaa. It should show a distressed side with three pieces of blue bling. I just cannot be bothered to take a new picture, so you have to believe me when I say it looks cute ***
Papers: October Afternoon
Embellishments: Stickers - Hambly; Rub Ons - Hambly, October Afternoon; Twine, Button, Pin, Ribbon, Embroidery Floss - Scrapitude
Tools: Scor-it
So, are you gonna play? I think you should - go {here} to upload your projects to Mr Linky and be in for a chance to win
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: ~amy~
DATE: 09/07/2009 02:21:15 PM
gasp.....this absolutely and totally ROCKS...good grief!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/07/2009 02:29:31 PM
ohhh yum!!!! Love that flower!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Cheryl N
DATE: 09/07/2009 04:08:30 PM
fabulous tutorial!! fabulous card!! you are so gifted!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/08/2009 12:30:39 PM
fabulous! and thanks so much for the tutorial :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Debbie Standard
DATE: 09/09/2009 02:08:14 AM
FAbulous card! Love this Kimmy!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: anja
DATE: 09/09/2009 09:30:55 AM
FAB-card Kim and thank you very much for your sweet comment on my blog you make me blush.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Tina McD
DATE: 09/23/2009 07:20:23 PM
Love your flower!!! Beautiful work on here! :)
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TITLE: Last call and Autumn SAZ
DATE: 09/05/2009 09:07:12 AM
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So little time and so much to tell you...where do I start?
If you want to order anything from the most recent AVON {campaign #14} make sure that you email me with your order no later than Monday 7 September 2009 19:00hrs GMT. There are amazing offers, like the {super curlacious mascara} for only £5.00!!! Seriously, if it is good enough for {reese witherspoon} it sure enough is good enough for me.
Any order over £10.00 will receive a {glazewear lipstick}of a £6.50 retail value FREE!!!
There will be a delayed delivery for this order as I am out of town for a few days - so I can ship after 21 September 2009 and you do not have to pay until then either...so what a good excuse to start browsing the catty :)
Before I forget - did you also know that AVON does have {facebook} group? It is so cool, because just by becoming a member of the group and watching their regular posts YOU can win free beauty products, tickets and other bits and pieces just by leaving comments on their group...how easy is that?
I was also excited to see that there is only one week left until the latest edition of {saz} hits the shelves. Lots of ideas for Halloween - I am always getting terribly excited when I get my issue and see what my fellow teamies created. You can subscribe to SAZ via {this link}. Of course, as SAZ is German it will only be interesting to those of your understaning the lingo.
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fienchen
DATE: 09/05/2009 07:57:18 PM
Ich bin schon ganz gespannt auf die SAZ und hoffe dieses mal auch mal wieder deine Sketchchallenge mitmachen zu können ;o)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Sam
DATE: 09/07/2009 02:10:07 AM
Hello, I looked through your blog and wanted to let you know that I just love what you do with Upsy Daisy papers. Your style is fresh and a joy to look at, thanks for sharing them.
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TITLE: Twisted Sketches #013
DATE: 09/02/2009 03:20:00 PM
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I so enjoyed this weeks sketch over at {twisted sketches} - I love how it challenged me to make it work on a small canvas such as a card, but I think I managed quite well :)
Our twist for this week is to use some form of tape and as you may all know, I adore working with masking tape, so this was a no brainer for me.
Cardstock: Papermill
Papers: Upsy Daisy Designs #ED011. Charmed, #WP011. Beautiful,
Embellishments: Stamp - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD210. My Guy; Rub Ons - Upsy Daisy Designs #UDD0078. Sweet Slumber-Girl; Stickers - Jenni Bowlin
Tools: Edge Distresser - Making Memories; Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Nat
DATE: 09/02/2009 09:50:00 PM
so gorgeous- I love your cards!!!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Bee
DATE: 09/02/2009 11:45:06 PM
What fantastic cards! Love your style. Gorgeous materials used really cleverly and elegantly. Thanks for your kind words on my blog :)
Crafts By Bee
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Audrey Pettit
DATE: 09/03/2009 01:37:08 AM
Oh, how cool this is, Kim! I LOVE the masking tape on here and how you stamped over it. Took me a minute to even discover the tape! Great job, Girl!
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: stinker
DATE: 09/03/2009 01:17:15 PM
another beautiful card! love the pearls on the butterflies :)
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COMMENT:
AUTHOR: Fienchen
DATE: 09/05/2009 07:58:39 PM
Also wie du die Schmettis immer wieder einsetzt - traumhaft !!! *schwärm*
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TITLE: Madness....Madness, we called it Madness
DATE: 09/01/2009 01:42:00 PM
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Dude, what a Sunday, what a gig! Having never seen {madness}live, I wasn't sure what to expect but they totally rocked the house down.
The day started a bit pants as the weather was not on our side when we made our way to Newport. A little drizzle and fierce winds made the walk a bit annoying and being followed by a group of teenagers who were on a very noisy pub crawl was no fun either. Each pub we wanted to get in, they were already there screaming and shouting. Now, I don't mind peeps having fun and doing a pub crawl (we do more of them ourselves) but just don't spoil the afternoon for others.
So we escaped from one pub to the next and finally found one where the buggers didn't follow us :)
We stayed for a while and then went on to get a Kebab and march on the the field at {carisbrooke castle} where the gig was held.
We stayed for a while and then went on to get a Kebab and march on the the field at {carisbrooke castle} where the gig was held.
We knew that Madness would not be coming on before 20:00hrs so we only got there for 18:00hrs, sat on the side of the field and just relaxed, listening to {geno washington}. When {kid creole and the coconuts} came on, security basically forced us to get inside the grounds as local police made sure no one would hang around the side of the field to get to listen to the concert for free. In general I appreciate the idea but we had tickets and just wanted to stay outside as we were not allowed to take any drinks (not even water) inside. But hey, if the man says go in or get lost - you go in :)
We look like complete idiots in this picture, but at least we had fun...
When Madness finally came on at 21:00hrs the crowd was going bonkers - they totally and utterly rocked my world and I so want to see them again. You wouldn't think that most of the guys are well into their 50's...they have such a stage presence, it's such a joy to see them play.
The pictures didn't come out too good, because my camera phone is not really that brilliant - but at least we got something...
** click onto images if you wish to see them larger **
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