2012 Begins with Powerful Parenting Selection

January marks the beginning of a new year, a fresh start, a clean slate.  It's our chance to take a different angle at the way we approach the many aspects of our life, that will hopefully yield higher dividends than all years prior. 
     Whether in physical fitness, financial fitness, or resolve to be a better friend, neighbor, employee, wife, or mother, it will make a difference for you, one way or another. 
     Purging old habits and forging new ones is a challenge that some surrender to, and leave it to the dreamers to make any real headway in accomplishing the far fetched goal.  But, with a little resolve, patience, commitment, and determination, I believe we can rid ourselves of destructive (or less productive) behaviors, little by little, until we master the art of what we've given our laser focus to. 
     There are a few women I know who emulate mastery at one thing that seems to evade me just so... parenting.  So, my selection for the month also known as "New Year's Resolution" month, is a book recommended by one of these women: Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte.
     For all women who fall somewhere between an A+ mother and a failing one, let's get together January 20th 8 p.m. at my home: 12561 Sondrio St. to discuss how we can help sculpt our children into future confident community contributors and individuals.
     Plus, we can determine the rest of the year's hostesses and books.  See you soon!

The Fourth Gift Was a Gift To Us All

Although I wasn't there personally, I learned from attendees that December's book club was wonderful.  Partly because the author came and shared great insights and backstory surrounding his writing career, and partly because Jen made delicious treats and an atmosphere of welcome and friendship.  The book exchange had everyone going home with new reading material.  Long after the guest appearance had left, the conversation and fun continued.  Thanks again, Jen, for hosting, and inspiring us all with just a sweet Christmas story and evening!

Get a Signed Copy of The Fourth Gift for 20% off!

Very good news... 

Our December hostess, Jennefer Procarione, knows the author personally, and his publisher has extended an exclusive 20% discount for the Herriman Book Club Hub!  Original price for a beautifully sleeved, hardback book is $12.99.  WE get the book for $10.40 SIGNED by J. Tucker Davis himself.  But we have to let Jennefer know by December 2nd, which is next Friday.

So, hurry!  Send her an e-mail right now with how many copies you want (it works as a great Christmas present) at jprocar@q.com or call her at home: 801-446-1411, or via mobile: 801-205-8083.  

Stolen Lives Opened Our Eyes & Jamie Warmed Our Souls

November book club was a great conversation of the will to survive, the inhumanity of parts of humanity that exist even in our time, and how where we are born has so much to do with how our lives turn out. 

It was a great reminder and eye-opener that we are recipients of millions of freedoms that we don't even realize we are enjoying.  From the amenities of running water, sanitary foods, electricity, freedom of religion, political persuasion, safety, literacy, accessibility to the greatest libraries, medical advancements, and even the neighborhood park, we really have it all. 

Our discussion explored a few ways we can make a difference worldwide for those in poverty stricken areas, and what we can do locally (ask Kristi Cummings if you want suggestions on either). 

Jamie spoiled us with irresistible cheese balls and crackers, delicious veggies, rock candies, and a yummy virgin mixed drink with lemon and mint (I don't remember what it's called).  Jennefer topped off the broad selection with delicious home made shortbread cookies that seemed to vanish by the evening's end.

With Thanksgiving on the brain, I would like to thank each of you for your generosity.  Thanks to all of you for making our first year as a book club such a success; it is a highlight to my every month to be with you.  Thank you for hosting, for reading, for showing up whether or not you read, for moving your schedule around to come,  for sharing your thoughts (no matter how polarized), for accepting me and the other group members as a friend (despite our occasional differences of opinion).  Thanks be to your good husbands for watching the children so you could have a night out with the girls, and thanks for inviting other fabulous people to join us that we wouldn't have had a chance to meet otherwise.  May the upcoming holidays be filled with love, peace, and harmony is my wish to you,

Natalie Griffith       

p.s. If you ever need to unwind, come over for a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, even just for 15 minutes after the kids have gone to bed.  Send me a text, and I'll start heating up the water.    

December Changes

At book club last month, we briefly talked about what to anticipate through the rest of the year, and our newest member, Jennefer Procarione, volunteered to host in December!  Not only will she determine how the book exchange will go, but we can look to her to guide the discussion on her simple Christmas read: The Fourth Gift by J. Tucker Davis.  We're all looking forward to our Christmas party on December 16th, thanks for hosting, Jennefer!

Regarding the book exchange, bring a new or gently used literary favorite.  For the fun of anticipation and flirting with the unknown, wrap it.  The rules of the game will be explained and the fun will begin on Jennefer's cue.

Awesome October Club

Kristen Chennault lead a sweet discussion on Lemon Tart; the culinary murder mystery that brought out a variety of opinions but no accurate predictions of just who the murderer was.  The night was a big hit when we got to sample all the delicious recipes from the book.  Click here to print out your favorite one.  Melissa's home was a festive fit, thanks to both of you for your generosity! 

November club with Jamie Melrose

Just in time to be grateful for Thanksgiving, November's choice is Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail.  This is a true story that really opened my eyes to what is happening around the world even in our time.  Feeling like I can't do it justice, read more about it here.  We'll meet at Jamie Melrose's place, two doors down from mine.  This will be a discussion you won't want to miss!  Check to see availability at the library here.

Join us at 8:00 p.m., Friday, November 18th!

Lemon Tart October 21st

Lemon Tart is a sweet title for a fast moving murder mystery with a delicious set of recipes intertwined through out the book.  This month's hostess is Kristin Chennault who made sure to find the perfect selection for the haunting month of October. 

So, delve into this yummy treat of a book and then bring your opinions, 8 p.m., Friday, October 21st.  Word has it that Kristen and Melissa will be cooking up the mouth-watering samples from the novel to share!  I have the book checked out from the library right now if anyone wants to borrow it, and I'd love to fill my family wagon full of ladies who want to drive over to Melissa Gedde's house for the night:  4851 Copper Oaks Dr

The Help Was Happenin'

L-R Natalie Griffith, Andrea Burt, Maury Jackson, Brittany Lovendahl, Jamie Melrose, Lisette McEwan, Kayleen Pemberton, and Lindsay Emery at 1:15 a.m.

Big thanks to Andrea Burt for hosting a great discussion of The Help and for the delicious homemade pie and pudding (she kindly opted not to make a chocolate one)!  We also acknowledge Jessica Tidwell for opening her home for the evening.  Many of us went from there to the megaplex cinema to see the 10:15 showing of book-gone-silver-screen.  Everyone agreed that it was very well done, some had seen it already and determined it was good enough to see again!  It was a reminder that no matter what our differences are, our worth is no less or greater than any other human being.  

October Mystery

Our October hostess is Kristin Chennault, here is a note from her:


The October book is "Lemon Tart" by Josie Kilpack, the book is worth buying for the recipes alone!  

(I'll be hosting at) Melissa Geddes's (her) address is 4851 Copper Oaks Dr

Herriman, UT 84096-1856

There are 19 copies in the library system with only 2 holds, so everyone can get this one!  Please read and come prepared for a tasty discussion!

Kristin

Note from Natalie: I have an 8 passenger Suburban, so everyone who wants to ride over to Melissa's with me, just say so and your spot is saved.  

Be thinking of the month and book you want to select for next year.  These are my theme ideas, and (here are more suggestions):

• January- self-improvement

• February- romance

• March- non-fiction

• April- classic

• May- chic lit or mother/daughter story

• June- freebie! group vote (or best-seller?)

• July-American History (historical fiction will do)

• August- childrens' or young adult

• September-Biography

• October- Mystery/Fantasy/sci-fi

• November- (Begets gratitude)

• December- Christmas theme

If you can think of other suggestions, let me know because I am totally open to changing any/all of these to better suit your tastes.  I have heard some groups like to do fantasy and a sci-fi in seperate months, and we could do a business/finance, and or poetry month.  Some people do a summer bbq, or have one month where they invite guests (ex. husbands) or another cool idea was to have everyone read any book they want around a similar theme and then everyone shares their personal pick, so there will have been 12 books read in one month rather than all the same one.  Just throwing ideas out there, but if you like it the way it is, I do too!   

The hostess picks the book

Some ladies were kind enough to host and use book suggestions from other club members our first year.  But after seeing it play out, it is worth the extra time to pick out a book you would rate 5 stars and recommend personally for the month you host.  Two reasons: It is always fun to discover why she chose the book, and she is guaranteed to be there for the discussion.  Of course, all selections will get a final approval from our review board just to be safe.

The Help September 16th at Jessica's hosted by Andrea

The Help by Kathryn Stockett was an instant book club favorite across the nation, and has since become a movie!  Although I haven't seen the film myself, I've heard raving reviews from friends of my last book club. 

If anyone is interested in a girls late night out, I'd love to go see it after book club at 10:15 (if it's still showing) at the District Megaplex 20.  Who's up for it!?  Andrea had no idea that her timing would be so perfect.  We'll gather at Jessica Tidwell's house (5497 W. Sondrio St.) at 8 p.m. on September 16th.  One thing I'm looking forward to, is the insight Andrea has because she grew up in Tennessee and may have a slightly more insightful point of view than I can come up with.  Comment if you want to go to the movie, if you have a copy of the book to lend, or if you want to borrow it. 

See you sooner than later!

Lissa Lowry Lead us to Love and Light

Like all amazing teachers, Lissa Lowry was perfectly prepared to review Remembering Issac with a basketful of questions that we each got a turn to draw and discuss.  The story consisted mostly of a young potter, named Jake, starting his career as a replacement of a fourth generation potter. He had wisdom and love unparalleled which he delicately gave to anyone willing to learn.  Local residents stopped in at the shop to share the amazing impact Issac had had on them in often the most pivotal time of their lives.  The story took us through the ups and downs of Jake's summer journey that also included a discovery of his dreams.

Seemingly everyone liked some aspect of the book.  Andrea Burt was half way through the second book because she enjoyed it so much.  Although this was a self-published, series beginner, it was enough to keep us smiling.  I would have appreciated a little more gratitude from the main character, but Lissa put it perfectly.  It's like a woman who always wanted to be a mother, then marries a man who has five kids.  It can seem sudden, and overwhelming, with moments of questioning "what did I get myself into?"  But in the end, she probably wouldn't want it any other way. Thanks for shedding your light and demonstrating your love, Lissa.  You could soften any heart with your ability to understand where someone is coming from!

We also enjoyed a delectable coconut brownie, I don't remember what it's called, but if our fabulous hostess is willing to share the recipe, I'll pass it on.  Thanks again for hosting Ms. Lowry, we loved every minute of being in your home with you!

Go go go Joseph! And Kayleen, and Kelsey!

Just a spontaneous post in support of some of our club members and their talented relations.  Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat was a fabulous production, the main character, Ryan Hoskins (husband of Kelsey) was incredible!  If you went on another night, or have better pictures, feel free to e-mail them to me and I'll post them. 

Lissa Lowry, Brittany Lovendahl, & Natalie Griffith ready for the show to begin!

The beautiful talents Kayleen Pemberton & Hubby

The ever so amazing Joseph aka Kelsey Hoskins man.

Lissa Lowry Egyptian style!

Behind the scenes wonder woman and stage manager, Kelsey Hoskins

 

 

If you have talents or know of talents of other club members that you've snapped a picture of and are willing to share, I'd love to do another "talent" post mentioning them all. 

Remebering Isaac? Not until August 26th

Hopefully everyone has already got the message that we are postponing book club until next week.  Let's meet at Lissa Lowry's home 5776 West 12900 South at 8 p.m., Friday August 26th.  It's tucked behind a couple other houses just west of Silver Crest Elementary.  If you want a ride, I'd love to fill my Suburban full of bookworms!  Please post a comment if you've got a copy of the book to share or if you need to borrow one. 

August Selection: Remembering Isaac

This wildly popular book Remembering Isaac was chosen by our August hostess, Lissa Lowry on recommendation from Adrianne Mortensen.  Although it is one of the longer books of the year, the raving reviews imply that you'll be left wanting to read the two books that follow. 

So, join us August 19th at 8 p.m. for a chance to discuss and dissect this marvelous morsel of literature whether  or not you've ever come to a Herriman Book Club Hub evening.  Surely, Ms. Lowry will not disappoint.

July's book 99% popular

Our kind and gracious hostess, Kayleen Pemberton, picked a book that was quite a hit for most of our club members.  Of course, what's book club without a little controversy?  I didn't totally get the characters or the interpretations of the stories intertwined through out the tale, but we discovered it is a result of my lack of imagination!  Many people could hardly put it down, and can hardly wait to read the rest of Dokey's work.

In addition to a lively conversation, Kayleen spoiled us with delicious dips for beer sprite bread, veggies, and chips.  Plus, there was yummy marble-like cake and more!

We had a great time and look forward to next month's meeting at Lissa Lowry's August 19th to discuss Remembering Isaac.

July's New Book Selection Take III

Kayleen Pemberton is our July hostess, and has determined that her first two choices have been out-popularized by The Storyteller's Daughter: A Retelling of "The Arabian Nights" by Cameron Dokey.  So, get your book quick because we will be meeting in just a couple weeks: July 15th to be exact!

 

Carmelle's Sweet Spread and Sweet Discussion

If you were at Carmelle Poor's house last Friday night, it was a guaranteed good time!  The book Same Kind of Different As Me was a huge hit.  The insights we discovered about homelessness and how there are other types of legal enslavement were a major shock to the majority of us.  Another gem in this book was the power of a Christian woman doing everything in her power to make a difference for good for no other reason than to do good.  She inspired each of us, especially when we reviewed how readily she forgave her husband and reinvented her marriage after it hit an all-time low.  Her fearless and consistent service was also very moving. 

The delectable ice cream buffet kept us coming back for more.  It was the works!  All types of fruit and candy bar toppings and delicious syrups were among the pickings.  Thank you so much, Carmelle (Happy Birthday today by the way)!

For July, we'll be reading The Storyteller's daughter..., see the next post. 

Do you have a copy to lend of Same Kind of Different As Me?

Melissa Lowry and I are still on the waiting list at the library for this month's book, thankfully we aren't meeting at Carmelle's until June 24th so there's still time left to read it.  For those of you who have read it, can you lend it or did you get the book from the library too?

July's New Book Selection

Kayleen has chosen Tess of the D'Urberville's
by Thomas Hardy, instead of Laddie for our July book club.  Remind your friends of the change, and get your hands on it soon because it's over 500 pages, and you won't want to put it down!

June Book Club 4th week at Carmelle's

Come to Carmelle's to discuss Same Kind of Different As Me, but not until the 4th Friday, June 24th 8 p.m.  Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Keri's Hospitality and Great Conversation

May's book club started with a tour of Keri's adorable Cottenelle puppies, newly painted chicken coop, and frolicking baby goats.  Then we warmed up from the Spring evening with multiple hot cocoa selections, and delectable donuts.  Best of all, our conversation surrounding the Red Tent quickly led to the ever so interesting discussion of the relationships women have with their mother and how it would be to live in Old Testament times with multiple mothers.  Thank you, Keri, for a great evening!  See all of you June 24th.

Keri's take: There were people that loved the book and others that didn't like it.  But it was good for some heated discussion.  My favorite part of the discussion was when we were trying to decided what part of the book was also in the bible. I would have liked to have had the book club outside, but it has been raining so much that we were not able to have our book club setting outside in a tent with the animals all around. We had fun anyway!

The Red Tent Discussion at Keri's

Come join the discussion of this popular novel based in biblical times at Keri's house this Friday at 8 p.m.  Her address is: 5732 W. 13100 S. (across from the Chevron).  See you soon! 

Little trifle over little trifles!

Kristi Cummings, mother of 5, the youngest being 6 weeks old, invited our entire book club over to her house for a friendly and lighthearted conversation over All Creatures Great and Small.  Many of us confessed laughing so hard while reading some of James Herriot's memoirs that tears were shed and cheeks were aching!  Just speaking of it made us all laugh again. 

We were spoiled with a delicious trifle bar where each of us got to make our own trifle combination.  All sorts of berries, puddings, cakes and yogurts satisfied even the most picky eater.  Best of all, Lissa L. gave Jessica T. a signature whipped cream nose (which she accidently inhaled).  Live, impromptu entertainment is inevitable thus far in the Herriman Book Club!  I may have to bring a camera next time to capture the moments that some of you miss! 

Book club is never dull, and always refreshing.  Thank you, Miss Kristi, for your generous hospitality and to all those who showed up, even if you didn't read the book.  Big welcome to our first-timer, Amy Hunt.

Get ready for May's read at Keri Butterfield's home: The Red Tent.   

Kristi Cummings Invites you into the life of an English country vet

Join us next Friday, April 15th for a lively conversation surrounding the true and humorous accounts of James Harriot in his 5 star book: All Creaures Great and Small

Kristi Cummings expects us at 8 p.m. at 5498 Sondrio St. 

There may still be a couple copies on hold at the Herriman library under my name if you want to pick one up and read it in a week.

See you soon!

Maury's March Book Club Summary

This post is written by the evening's hostess, Maury (pronounced MOW-ree) Jackson.  Thanks again for a delightful evening!  
We had a wonderful turn out for the March book discussion.  It was fun to see those who had read it and those who hadn’t come together and show support. Even though we all come to analyze and discuss the book it seemed like we all were ready to move on to other topics. The topics ranged anywhere from how chickens lay eggs, the different textures of fresh eggs and store bought, Natalie killing and eating her Thanksgiving turkey, to what to do if you are fighting with children.. All I can say is there was not a dull minute. As for the treats they were just perfect for the evening (I was the one who made them so my opinion is a little skewed).(Adorable Rice Krisipie's Book Worms, delicious peanut butter bars, and mouth watering no-bake cookies accompanied a cool glass of milk; everyone was more than satisfied!)-Natalie

            Back to the book! We all agreed the book (The Lost Symbol) was thrilling and mysterious but somewhat predictable. We ranked the book from 1-5 giving it a 4. The book contained a lot of fascinating history and if you want to learn some fun facts about our founding fathers or the Masons I think this book would definitely be one way to jump start your interest. I do believe you will have to read this book with the understanding that it is a fiction novel and you can’t believe everything you read without doing the proper research.

            I would like to give a special thanks to Natalie for allowing me to host the party at her house.  It’s always fun and inviting there.  Thank You.  Maury Jackson

Incredibly Enjoyable Evening of Entertainment at Lora's

We had a great time gabbing at Lora Poulson's home for our February book club! Discussing Persuasion by Jane Austen brought to light how enchanting the story is if it's read, but not as romantic once it's explained.

Austen casts a spell on her readers within the first few pages, that leaves them dying to know what happens next. But, Kelsey H. shared her great disappointment in the short-lived ending. All of us agreed that we would have enjoyed another full chapter to pacify our starved interests of how Anne and Captain Wentworth made up from such a long estrangement.

Maybe it was the delicious home made hot fudge, or the delectable brownies that loosened everyone up for a hilariously spontaneous discussion of the most random topics. Among the nights' favorites were: how to wave down help if you were trapped in the trunk of a kidnapper's car (the this-isn't a-Halloween-prank wave works best), the ins and outs of laser hair removal, and the forever infamous pedi-file that goes after the dead skin on your feet and not your children!

Lora, thanks for opening your home to us, it was perfect.

March Book The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

509 pages seems like a lot for a book that is to be read in less than a month, but The Lost Symbol will likely be hard to put down. Dan Brown became well known for his first book, The Da Vinci Code, and has since published a few other popular titles. Based in the heart of Washington D.C. this thrilling novel will take you through a "labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths...".

This month we'll meet at Natalie's home (12561 Sondrio St.) with Maury as our hostess; see you March 18th at 8! Comments are always welcome.

Persuade me to discuss Persuasion? No need.

Hopefully everyone will have finished the classic Jane Austen romance Persuasion by Friday night so we can have a lively conversation at Ms. Lora Poulson's home!

Come right at 8 to 5384 W. Imperia St. so we can delve into this delicious love story. This perfect Valentine selection will be a can't-miss-it-for-the-world book club. See you soon!

Club Kick-off at Kelsey's Was Colossal Success

Wow! What an incredible beginning to the coolest club in all the city. Kelsey Hoskins satisfied every chocolate lover with a delectable hot cocoa bar. She had everything from peppermint to caramel, and raspberry to hazelnut, complete with homemade marshmallows!

But the sixteen ladies who showed up enjoyed more than just the warmth of their drink. We had a heart to heart discussion of Letters For Emily and the light it shed on the similarities between depression and the early stages of Alzheimer's.

I could almost see warm fuzzies floating around the room as we introduced ourselves; it was hard for any of us to leave. But knowing we took a piece of the night with us in the adorable bookmark Kelsey created, made our departure that much more bearable.

Thanks to everyone who came, and big thanks to Kelsey and her family for opening their home to us and sharing a slice of heaven. Now start reading Persuasion!

One more thing, congratulations to Andrea Burt on the birth of her sweet baby the night before! We wish you a rapid recovery and good health to the both of you.

Come for the fun of it, or the bookmark

Kelsey Hoskins, our gracious January hostess, has informed me that a bookmark will be waiting for you at her home, Friday the 21st. It will list all the books we're reading this year and the dates of our meetings.

Invite your neighbors to join you, even if neither of you have read the book! Come see if it's something you'd like be a part of in the future.

The copies of Letters For Emily I had on hold at the library are no longer available, but there were two remaining (not on hold) as of Jan. 3rd.

See you soon!