Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Like Water for Chocolate: A Reflection

I loved this book. The first time I read it, it meant one thing. But this time...I don't know. For whatever reason it meant something different to me: to my life. I guess it's a testament to how much I've grown over the past three years.

I never really related to Tita's character throughout the story--I still don't, if I'm being completely honest. But despite that, I think what speaks to me the most throughout the story is the way that it is told. The language of Like Water is so poetic and filled with metaphoric and stylized writing that the story, one that has been told in countless ways in countless book, stands out and becomes something different. That's why I chose it.

It's a love story, but it's far from typical.

I think what I appreciate about it the most, is the fact that even though it is a love story, the main character (Tita) is used to symbolize something more than just the "damsel in distress." Her character, singlehandedly represents an idea, a revolution, a change or shift in the idea of what womanhood meant back then. Tita's character, although admittedly weak sometimes, accomplishes something in the way of promoting the idea of an objective womanhood. A definition of womanhood created by the individual and thereby acceptable, despite anyone else's opinion. (Ahem, her mother)*

Anyway, to keep this reflection from turning into a research paper...(if it hasn't already)...I'll say that I genuinely hope it's had an effect on you guys as well; whether it changed your life or just made you think.

Sasha

Friday, April 29, 2011

Spring Gathering Location

Okay ladies, it is now time to reveal the location ... drum roll ... River Legacy Park ... Yep thats right, you guessed, we are having a picnic. I will give you directions to the table tommorrow morning. Look forward to seeing you all!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What to Bring ...

Went to walmart and priced all the food at the lowest price we would need for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Added the total sum together and divided by the number of people who will be attended and broken up that sum by the number of people attending so the total would be even. Then grouped everything off and here is what you are bringing.

Eliz & Tony
Hamburgers
Hamburger Buns
onion (donated)*
Frozen Pops

Mistie & Bobby
Case of water
Paper Plates
Silverware
Dr Pepper (d)
Sunkist (d)
Drinks

Plus 3 on Mistie's Party
Potato Salad
Coal
Lighter Fluid

Jen (plus one)
2 packages of Hot Dogs
2 Packages of Hot Dog Buns
Ketchup

KC
Tortilla Chips
Dip (salsa, cheese)
Mustard

Acene Plus Teen
Sliced Cheese
Tomato (3 count for $2.00)*
Mustard

Plus 3 added to Acene's Party (1 adult, 2 kids)
Frozen Pops
Ketchup
8 Pack of Gatorade

Sasha
Lettuce*
Mayo
Tomato (3 count for $2.00)*

Allison Plus 1
Pickles (whole dill, sliced)
Relish
Chips
Sliced Cheese

Cara
Veggie Hot Dogs
Chips

*Note, if you item is something this is usually cut/chopped, please do so prior before coming.

Any questions, comments, concerns or changes please notifiy Mistie or Elizabeth ASAP. The location of our event will be given the morning of April 29. We need to be notified of any changes, you are bringing some part of our meal and without you our meal won't be complete. Be prepard for changes if something happens.

Monday, April 11, 2011

The Happenings

A list of things that need to be gone over and what changes we will be making.

Part 1: We have decided to add our family and sigificant others to our Spring Gathering. So this means we need to know who you are bring. We need this count so we know how much food we will need to purchased. Once we have an account of all who will be present then I will post in groups what items each person can choose to bring. It will be paired into price range so no one pays more than any other member.

Part 2: Everyone now has an office status. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns. Please text, email, or call me.
Banker - KC
Historian - Jennifer
Dectective - Acene
Facebook Controller and Blog Designer: Cara

Part 3: Make sure you are figuring out a quote from any books we have read or a quote you have made up about one of the books we are read or just any quote you like.

Part 4: Take a look at the Logo page and vote for which one you like best!

You have by thursday to RSVP for our Spring Annual Gathering. This is so I can start making a grocery list and group pricing everything together. As soon as everyone has responded or time is up we can move to the next stage. Thanks so much ladies!!!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring Gathering Food Choice

Okay ladies, it is now time for you to pick what you would like to eat. Either hot dogs or hamburgers. So vote for which one you wnat more and the condiments that go with your choice of meal. Lets get to it ....

Monday, March 21, 2011

Sunday, March 20, 2011

A Wrinkle in Time

Hey everyone!

We had a fantastic meeting last Sunday night to discuss A Wrinkle in Time. This was my favorite book during my pre-teen years and started my interest in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. We had a good time dissecting and discussing the unanswered mysteries that the book presented. Some of us mentioned wanting to read the other books in the quintet but already have a lot of books in the 'to be read pile' ; )

We also discussed Sasha's supper club and our upcoming Spring gathering on April 30 at noon, location TBA. It's gonna be a surprise so put your guessing caps on! See you guys next month to discuss Jen's pick, The Jungle!

Elizabeth

Monday, March 14, 2011

Contest ...

Open to members who can create our crest or logo!
Contest to be held until 4/10/11.
Create a crest or logo for our book club.
Winner will recieve an award of recognition for creating Memoir's Official Crest or Logo!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Meeting This Sunday!

hey guys!

we are meeting this sunday, march 13th at 8:00pm to discuss a wrinkle in time. the meeting will be at my (elizabeth's) house. email me if you need direction at mary_elizabeth333@yahoo.com

i was think of cheese and cracker and wine for the menu but if anyone else has ideas, let me know by friday morning. we will also be discussing our upcoming april gathering and turning in our ideas for the club mission statement. afterwards, misti will be putting up the mission statement entries on the blog so we can vote on them (and it will be anonymous).

can't wait to see you!

elizabeth

Friday, February 18, 2011

New Hierachy Vote

New Position: The Dispatcher!
The dispatcher will be taking notes during our meetings.
The voting poll is open, let the votes begin!
WOO! HOO!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

The Hardbacker

Just something I came across from a member in my romance book club. She has these and they are freaking awesome. The Hardbacker is the best I have ever seen for book covers, check it out. I am totally buying me one, well maybe two. We will see :)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Contest ...

Opened to the members who can create our book club mission statement.
Contest to be held until 3/13/2011.

Winner will receive an award of recognition for creating our official mission statement.
You can either wait until the next book club meeting or you can send it to me early in an email, top submit it for voting. Good luck and have fun writing it!

Beyond Heaving Bosoms Reflection


I chose this title because as a romance reader I knew it would we hard to pick one that fit into every ones little box of reading. So when I stumbled across "Beyond Heaving Bosoms" while googling I fell in love instantly. The title, the chapters, the mini sub chapter titles, all yelled at me to pick this book. I figured instead of just one romance book, well we could get all of them, somewhat. "Beyond Heaving Bosoms" is a 'behind the scenes' for romance. This way everyone gets a little peak at everything I read without actually having to read the romance novels themselves.


The discussion went really well, not only did I get to talk about books but I finally got to talk about romance books. We went into the storyline of a romance with Point of View, plot, and conflict; the different types of heroine and heroes; and the different types of genre.


And in the midst of all this, I learned a few things.
1. What a bodice ripper novel is. Never heard the term before.
2. Ways to respond to people who make fun of me for being a romance reader.
3. That I can giggle at the words Sarah and Candy wrote about the romance genre because I am secure in what I read.


Let me tell you, I giggled and laughed at probably the most off the wall parts, but I am pretty sure I was suppose :) I hope for those who did not finish the title or even start it that you will consider picking it up just to see where I come from and where "Smart" women who read romance novels come from too.
-M