A Mid Week Moment with Deitre

So I’m really feeling the need to write tonight.  Summer is upon us.  Our kids are out of school.  Staying at home, having  fun.  Or out and about at a summer camp that we signed them up for.  Reading a book is on the to do list.  For many of us simply for pleasure or a required summer reading assignment, like Lord of the Flies.  (I’m currently listening to the audio).  All in all, summer is here.  We will embrace it.  We will enjoy it (even on our days off from work).  We will read until there are no more books left on the shelf to read.  Speaking of no more books left on a shelf.  Let’s try no more space left on my book shelf.  It’s time to do some summer organizing.  I’m staring at several awesome titles that I have double of, that I need to pass on to some eager reader. Big thanks to OUaT for their guidance and  thanks to all of you for the support that you have showed A Leisure Moment and our Podcast over the last 6 months of existence.  This giveaway is for you!

Have you checked out our Casual Conversation with Stacey O'Neale?

{PODCAST EPISODE 12 |Giveaway} A CASUAL CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR STACEY O’NEALE

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A Saturday Moment with Deitre and Giveway

I feel that I have fallen quickly off of the face of the earth away from the world of books and blogging.  One week I'm in New York chaperoning a middle school field trip with my daughter's orchestra and Group Travel Consultants.  Let me just say that the tour guide John, had us moving through New York for 4 days straight seeing everything we could possibly see.  It was my first visit and yes, I felt very small in this huge and grand city.  I've got to be honest.  I thought I would truly sneak in some great reading time.  But really, how could you when you are seeing sights like these:

After very long hours of being on a charter bus, I jumped off and went straight to a plane in route to another location I've never been, Detroit Michigan.  Where I faced many eager and  soon to be teachers looking for job opportunities in the warm state of SC.  It seems like yesterday that I was sitting in my first classroom assignment, scared and not really sure where to begin.  But that's another story.  :)

It's 8:00 am, I'm up way too early.  Getting ready to enjoy my first cup of coffee at home in two weeks.  My first "none" continental breakfast experience at home.  But above all a Saturday full of catching up on all things books and an official start to my Spring Break.  It doesn't get any better than this.  I'm finishing up The Edge of Falling by Rebecca Serle.  A Leisure Moment had a casual conversation with Rebecca, that we can't wait to share.  What are you reading this weekend?

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Visit OUaT on Monday, April 14th  for my review of Falling By Design.  

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A Saturday Moment with Deitre

Sometimes our week can be filled with happy moments and sometimes our week can be filled with great challenges.  How we cope with those challenges are all up to us as an individual. We choose to surround ourselves with family, friends, and engage in much prayer to get us through those rough moments.  A couple of us on the team has been hit with those life changing challenges this week, and acknowledging that was on my mind this morning, as we take the path of recovery.

What's a good distracter from the outside world?  A novel.  Holding a book in your hand, feeling the pages.  Or an e-reader that clicks along when you finish each page.  In many cases before you know it you are finished, and ready to move on to the next good book.  I never leave home without one.

Next, I want to bring your attention to a post this week.  I made a minor mistake on a giveaway for Some Like It Wild, by M. Leighton. When you read the post, the giveaway wasn't open to enter.  Check it out again, it's been fixed.  So sorry about that.

Lastly, A Leisure Moment is still going strong after going public in January.  Thank you for your support by either following us or sending a friend over that specifically enjoys children's book and middle level too.  The A Leisure Moment Podcast is live.  I'm going to give you guys a huge heads up.  Tomorrow's podcast will be a casual conversation with Robin Constantine, author of The Promise of Amazing.    Find us here, subscribe and please leave us a rating on Itunes.  Until next week...

Happy Reading,
Deitre

A Saturday Moment with Deitre (After the Earthquake)

What a week this has been.  I don't even know where to start.  I'm not going to call this store out in public.  But below is me.  Tonight.  Waiting on the next available worker to assist us with our phone upgrades.  Thankgoodness I had a book in my hand to pass the time away, until our names were called.  When it's time for an upgrade, we always go to the Apple Store directly, but "this" store had a discount going on, that we just couldn't pass up.  So I guess the wait was worth it.  Just had to share my frown, and it wasn't because of what I was reading.

I'm almost finished with Shunned and Dangerous by: Laura Bradford  Ok so this pictured was stagged.  I just couldn't help myself.  After no work or school for an entire week due to the weather and snow, I needed to get out.  I needed to do something spontaneous.  Sitting in the snow while reading was just that.  A frozen body afterwards, well...not so much.  

Now because it's my birthday weekend and Valentines I must say that it has not been an uneventful one.  Yet again, on yesterday doing what I love best (reading), I felt the house shake for a good 5 to 10 seconds.  I immediately thought, that maybe a car hit the house or plane crashed in the back yard.  Nope it wasn't any of that.  It was an earthquake.  After going to my front yard to confirm with neighbors and confirming with Facebook, the earthquake was felt in parts of GA, SC and NC.  What a scary moment I'll never forget.

So it's 10:29 pm and the closing chapters of my latest read is calling my name.  Be sure to check out all the giveaways that are taking place here at OUaT and at A Leisure Moment.  We have had a address change.  www.ALeisuremoment.com.  You can also find us on facebook.  Yara and I strive to provide our readers an array of options when looking for the best in literature for all ages.  Until next week...

Happy Reading,
Deitre  

A Saturday Moment with Deitre

I know it's Sunday again. I can't really bring myself to change the title. I was thinking I might skip this week, because there weren't any huge bookish moments that really hit me.  However, here I type, before life takes me to a Sunday afternoon meeting at 4:00. This week's nights have been filled with so much reading. I have truly put myself in speed read mode! I can't do it as fast as Josh or Lydey with our reviewer coven, but when a book needs to be read, it needs to be read. Autumn Rose By Abigail Gibbs, finished. I can't wait to share the review with you on Tuesday. It will be a part of a book tour with MundieMoms.

I'm still working on some children's books from Candlewick Press and Forever by Emma Dodd is next in line to read. It is always nice to jump from Adult to YA to Children's. I had forgotten all about my love for children's books. So these have been a nice treat.  Check out  A Leisure Moment next week.  Yara is showcasing one of her childhood favorites on tomorrow.  You won't want to miss it!

Happy Reading,
Deitre

  

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A Saturday Moment with Deitre

I guess I should really title this a weekend moment with Deitre.  Seeing that things happen and Saturday doesn't always lend well to writing.  First off thanks to all of you who listened to the little sound bite from last week of my daughter's fiddle fest.  Your comments were amazing and truly show the power of the arts!  This week we are over coming snowy weather, school closings, school delays, and new braces.  Need I say more.  If you are football fan you are probably getting ready for the big game tonight!  With friends, family and yummy goodies.  If the Super Bowl isn't your thing, then head on over to A Leisure Moment and enter to win our latest giveaway.  February is the month for love and we have a cute little title that just posted.  I'm getting ready to start Panic by Lauren Oliver.  I'll be multitasking big time tonight.  Reading and watching Peyton Manning take his team to a win!  So if you aren't watching, I'm sure you are reading, share with us below what your Sunday plans are.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading,
Deitre

A Leisure Moment is #27

Never Too Little to Love

A Saturday Moment with Deitre + Giveaway

So the dilemma with "in the moment posts" is that sometimes writer's block hits you.  I mean I realize I'm not writing a novel.   I just like to share things that are interesting to me, thus may be a little interesting for our readers.  It's been one of those weeks.  A short week because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.  However, it still seemed a bit longer for me.  I long for weekends to arrive so that I can dive into my current book and never look back for at least a few hours straight.  Unfortunately, this may not always  happen because life calls.  Out of town meeting on a Saturday, yes.  Getting back just in time to hear the middle child play her viola in the best Fiddle Fest Performance by elementary, middle and high school students, priceless!

So I feel moved to reflect on the arts tonight.  It's the technique, passion and devotion to a specific form of fine arts.  It could be dance, music, visual art or theater.  Once you fall in love with your new talent, there is usually no looking back.  Unless you are like the Josh, whom all of you know.  He picked up an instrument for 4 years, was awesome at it and decided he wanted to try sports.  To I must say that is just fine too when interest changes.  Drama class in high school allowed me to step in the shoes of another person and be that character.  Reminds you of reading a book doesn't it? Band class helped me to be the best little clarinet player I could be and have a huge appreciation for music.  Thus when I read, I too create little playlist in my brain, matching songs with my favorite moments in books.

Can you guess which girl is me?  Leave a comment below... so I can see how well you know the reviewers at OUaT. 

I have a huge a appreciation for others that give back to their community.  Today the band Emerald Road (check out their website and FB page) gave of their time to work with students on their passion of music.  In the end the students, along with their mentors in the field presented a wonderful performance, giving back to the community by showcasing their talents.  Below is a special treat.  A link to the last song of their performance.

I must say that as I listened to the recording (taken with my iPhone, so please excuse the quality), the song reminded me of a scene from the movie from Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.  I believe I may go see if Netflix has it or better yet I wonder if it was a book first.   As that is what I should be doing right?  Reading.  I even had to get creative on posting a sound clip too.  Hope you guys enjoy it! 




Oh yeah...and one last "note."  I believe I have had the same winner for 2 weeks in a row over at A Leisure Moment.  It's random what can I say.  So this week I'm adding the same giveaway link below.  Don't forget to stop by.  Send your teacher friend over, or the kid who claims there is nothing, ever, good to read.  I'm sure we can find something.  Until next week...

Happy Reading,

Deitre


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A Saturday Moment with Deitre

Am I the only one that is ready for the nice long weekend?  It's been a great week, although little time to read, so I have a lot of catching up to do.  This week I got a signed copy of Renewing Hope by Jennyfer Browne.  Yes, I know, I have already read it and reviewed it.  But there is nothing like having your own hard copy in your hands and signed at that.  I must admit that I have a few special shelves just for all of my wonderful signed copies that are all mine!  We have to be really "tight" in order for one those to leave the house.  I'm putting Renewing Hope on the same shelf that New Moon is on!

One other thing before I end this Saturday moment.  I just had to share this yummy picture of Gigi's cupcakes.  I'm always sharing with you my love for coffee and books.  But this week, I sank my teeth into some sweet goodness that I just had to share!  Don't they look irresistible?  The flavors:  Blueberry cobbler, Green Tea, Wedding cake, Creme Brulee and Strawberry short cake.  I know, I'll stop right now!
 

Reading anything that has the book glued to your hands?  Eating anything that looks as yummy as my cupcakes that you want to share?  We would love to know and why.  Leave us a comment below.  Lastly, don't forget to head over to A Leisure Moment for our weekly book giveaway!  Until next week...

Happy Reading,
Deitre

A Saturday Moment with Deitre

After 2 weeks of sleeping, reading, coffee drinking and keeping my electric blanket on high, I can truly say its been a rough week getting back into the swing of things.  A winner for Renewing Hope, Shelly, was picked and boy is she going to be in for a treat with a great read and that extra box of ARCs that Josh will be putting in the mail this morning.  I like to read a lot of inspirational books and Amish Fiction.  When I can't get my reading in, then the next best to get to that "happy place" is a quick visit to Yoder's Market here in my town.  This week along with a lot of other items as well,  I picked up a red velvet whoopee pie that I just had to share with your guys.  Oh my goodness, delish  is all I can say!  It didn't last one hour in the my house!

So right now I'm reading one adult book and one young adult book.  When I received Autumn Rose from Yara, I jumped, silently screamed and quickly began counting the days and ours for me to begin book 2 of this series (this afternoon, yeah me!)  I've waited a very long time for this.  It's like Christmas all over again.  I may even have to miss episode 2 of Downton Abbey, so that I can read all weekend!

Lastly, I'm trying to get the word out about A Leisure Moment. I'm going to have a giveaway opportunity every Saturday for the remainder of January and all of February.  So pass the word to any bookish people you know, especially students.  The reluctant reader,  the kid that says he or she can never find anything worth reading.  We are here to help!  Until next week…

Deitre

www.aleisuremoment.blogspot.com

A Saturday Moment with Deitre

It is a new year!  There is so much to talk about that I don’t even know where to begin.  This post is very late today.  I was feeling a little blue today, knowing that this was my last weekend before I return to work.  I’ve had so much fun with family and friends that it will be hard to go back.  My friend Kim and I (also with my wonderful husband driving) had a wonderful time in Covington, GA sightseeing and looking at all the famous places where the Vampire Diaries was filmed.  

I must say that Netflix has been on non stop re-watching episodes and searching for some of the spots that we visited.  Second, we now have another teenager in the household.  Going to the Melting Pot with this crew for birthday celebrations was so much fun!  Realizing that she is growing up, not so much.  Lastly,  I’ve stayed cuddled up in my electric blanket on high, drinking a newly found drink of Chai Tea Lattes, wishing that it may snow on Monday and trying to finish up some of the great reads I have going.  However, in the midst of a great end to my winter vacation, comes something new.  Check out the hyperlink below and read my story. 

www.aleisuremoment.blogspot.com

Just another spot for you to hang out with to hear more about the great books and literature out there.  Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.  As always I am thankful for Yara, for being such a wonderful blog mentor, but above all, friend.  It was Twilight that brought us together and our love for literature that will keep our entire blog coven strong.  I look forward to what 2014 has in store for us all, in the great world of reading. 

P.S.  Thanks so much to Bilal Khawajah @ ThemeFashion for assisting me on New Year's Day with my blog design and creation when I had a burning desire to get it done.  I could not have asked for better service.        

Happy Reading and don't forget to check out OUaT's latest giveaways,

Deitre

A Saturday Moment with Deitre

The decorations are still up.  The tree is still shining bright and the outside lights are still doing their job.  I don't know about you, but today has been a day of complete relaxation.  Relaxation from the outside world of traffic, shopping, traffic and more shopping.  One of my Christmas gifts, the latest Kindle was a nice surprise.  I'm all about the simple things in technology when I'm reading, and the Kindle does it for me every time.  Yes, I'm reading Twilight, again., for about the 7th time since 2005.  I watched all the DVDs during the week, so I guess I got into a Twilight mood as well.

So on to the coolest toy ever for all ages, the Hippie Stick.  I got one from a colleague and couldn't put it down.  Had no clue where to get it.  Posted it on Instagram and the next thing I knew we were headed to Michael's craft store.  Sure enough, they had them, and we bought all they had left.  They make the best stocking stuffers or party favors for any crowd!

Lastly, my week has been filled with eating yummy treats from my BFF.  A year never goes by that our household doesn't receive the best cookie assortment ever!  Here is a glimpse of my favorites (packaged separately just for me :).

So for those of you that thought Joshua was reading Gravediggers.  You were right! I'm still working on my titles.  Joshua received his own personally copy of Allegiant for Christmas.  I'm a slow reader and he doesn't have time to wait on me.  Thus the reason you see 2 copies each of the Hunger Games Trilogy on my bookshelf.  One for him, one for me.  Nothing has changed, except for the slip in of Twilight here and there :)  What book did you receive under the tree or on your favorite ereader.  Let us know in the comments below.  And don't forget to enter OUaT's big 2013 book giveaway.  There are some titles on there I wish I had!  Until next week...

Happy Reading,
Deitre

A Saturday Moment with Deitre + Giveaway

Yes, it's up.  It's decorated, it's lite, it's shining bright.  Just in time for Christmas.  On last week the rain didn't stop this family from getting a tree.  There is a little glimpse above.  No unique theme, just years and years of homemade ornaments from the kids and lots of colorful lights.  This week went by fast.  I counted the days and minutes, as it is now time for a wonderful Winter Holiday!  I enjoyed some wonderful music from my daughters orchestra.

Then I had the best time making these yummy snowmen for the youngest's classroom with the help of his big brother.  Yes, Josh stepped away from a book just in time to help.  I couldn't do it without them.  I'm sure there were some happy faces..."WOW we are having a healthy Christmas party treat."  (Are you hearing the giggles in the background?)

So what do you do when you have two weeks off for the Winter Holiday?  You sleep, you shop, you snuggle with your heated blanket and coffee (Butter Toffee, is in the cup now).  You spend time with your family and friends first and foremost and yes, let us not forget you read.  You read that book that you always said you would get to one day.  For me I've got a lot of catching up to do.  I have 2 on my list and I'll even throw in what Josh is currently reading as well.  I'm sure you can guess which one it is.  

Let us know which book is on your Christmas list and guess which book you think Josh is reading out of the choices above.  Leave your comments and your email address (remember I'm old fashion with giveaways for now) for chance to win last week's read Ashes to Ashes By Melissa Walker.  As always Random.org will pick a winner for me late Monday night and I'll email the winner.

So why don't you take some time to relax and dive into a good book during the holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

Deitre