how do you read?...

...for pleasure or knowledge?

Well, as you can see on the sidebar, I joined the Summer Reading Groupies. My goal was to read 3 books by the end of August. Now, let's be very clear, the general rules did not require the reading to be novels. The reading could be magazines, novels, anything....just find time to enjoy some reading. Okay, so I started the book called The Innocent Man by John Grisham. The story is a true one about an unsolved murder in a small town then the wrong guy sent to jail. Well, now that I am a mother, I have a hard time reading about, hearing about, or watching anything that has to do with some one's untimely death. I know, complete wimp. It's just that the victim is always some one's baby. So, needless to say (but I'll say it anyway...the whole accountability thing), I did not finish that book. There were just too many details for me. Had it been a fictional story maybe I could have finished it. I do have the newest book by Barbara Kingsolver on hold at the library so I should have a regular book to read soon. What have you been reading? you ask. Oh, I've been reading. I generally like to read for pleasure, pure entertainment really, but lately I've been engrossed in some great books that are all for the sake of gaining more knowledge and skills. I am so glad that my library is so great...here are the books that I have been taking with me everywhere I go.

This book has been so helpful. There are all sorts of great techniques and tips on how to better use the camera you have so you can take wonderful, focused, pleasing-to-look-at photographs. I hope it's not on reserve, because I'd like to renew it again!

I've also been reading these two books.

Okay, I love this book! Sew U has so much great stuff. Since I have been sewing a lot more lately, and have more questions than answers when it comes to the details, it has been very, very helpful. It also has some patterns in there so you can try out your new found skills. Oh, one more thing...it explains how and where to measure yourself so you can make clothes to fit you just right every time!
So now the finale! I absolutely love this book! It's full of fabulous aprons...and the patterns to make them all! I think I will be an apron wearer. I always make a mess when I cook or wash dishes or do laundry. Aprons just might be the thing to help me not ruin my clothes. Plus, they are super cute. I've got some fabric just screaming to be a cute apron! I am so thrilled that the library had this book. They just got it and I was the first one to check it out. I'm not returning it yet, but when I do, I may have to wipe the drool off first :o)
So there you go...the books that I have been reading. I have learned a lot, I have been able to apply what I've learned, and have seen some great results. Now, I'm just waiting for the library to get a book called Sew What! Skirts. I can't wait to get my paws on that one!
And yes, the girls had a fabulous time in their swimming lessons today. After the lessons we stayed at the park and had a picnic with our friends and then went to the playground. Lots of fun...but maybe poor planning...the hottest day so far....104 degrees! Note to self: take more water to drink so my little delicate flowers don't wilt in the heat.