Essencia Island

A Quick Drop By

2010-06-03T02:31:00.003-04:00

It's late at night and I'm late to the party. I'm just stopping in for hugs with everybuddy and a handshake for Jacob. I had meant to get here earlier but it was a busy weekend and I kept missing the boat. Now I'm taking a mug of mango herbal tea and a magazine to bed.

Yeah, Oliver!

2010-06-01T05:27:00.002-04:00

Oliver certainly wins even more points in my book for his thoughtfulness in arranging for Jake to meet Henri Lee. That is such a wonderful surprise for Jake!

Not too late, at all

2010-06-01T01:26:00.001-04:00

Good to see you, Allison. Lynne and Shirley have also arrived. Maybe this party ought to continue for an extra day or so, just so everybuddy can say hello and meet the book's characters.

Okay, start reading Shanghai Girls, but also drop by the island any day this week and help yourselves to the finger foods. More tea, anybuddy? Theo makes a great cuppa hot tea, or we also have iced tea.

Late Arrival

2010-06-01T00:40:00.002-04:00

I've been really busy this weekend, but I wanted to stop by to say 'hi' to anyone who is still partying at this late hour! I hope everyone has a great week!

P.S. My 14yo daughter is now reading House Rules and enjoying getting to know Jacob too.

Lynne's here!

2010-06-01T00:17:00.000-04:00

Hello Bonnie and Shirley. This mango tea is delicious.

I just saw Oliver and he had his arms full of all kinds of things to entertain the boys. He has brought a couple of his landladies cousins that are around Theo and Jacobs ages so Theo will have some new friends to pal around with for the day.

Oh yeah and get this. He has a big surprise for Jake (as he always calls him now). Remember when Henri Lee, the forensic guy, was giving a lecture and Jacob didn't get to go? Well, it appears that Lee is staying with friends that live only a couple miles from Essencia Island and said he'd drop by later this afternoon to say hello to Jacob and bring him a copy of his new book.

Won't Jacob be surprised?

Gonna go mingle a bit as I can't stay long.

The party's happening after all

2010-05-31T10:07:00.000-04:00

Hi, Shirley! Have you tried one of these?

I saw Emma a few minutes ago -- Theo was with her, though he didn't act like he wanted to be here, until he saw the food. Someone said Oliver is running late, but was on the way. I kind of think Henry isn't big on crowds -- little did he know we wouldn't have a "crowd," exactly! Ha!

Shirley's here!

2010-05-31T06:44:00.003-04:00

That is sad indeed to have a party and no one shows. I was a little concerned about how to post, but then realized one just posted from the initial sign on page.

I'd thought Emma and Oliver would make an appearance and perhaps even Henry and Theo.

The candles chosen especially for Jacob are delightful. Maybe they'll show up later.

Food and fun ~ with Jacob Hunt

2010-05-30T20:48:00.003-04:00

There will be no flashing lights at this party -- for Jacob's sake. Yes, he's here. See him sitting over there?

But we do have food and cold drinks, so help yourself.

Then I'll do it myself ...

2010-05-29T22:29:00.000-04:00

... said the Little Red Hen. And she did. I've been shopping (googling) for flowers and candles. First I ran across a lotus-shaped candle arrangement (on the left), and then I found something interesting ~ an arrangement of blooms in all colors of the rainbow (ROYGBIV), the way Jacob wanted his clothes hung in the closet. He wasn't happy when his mother forgot the Indigo, so -- I was just thinking -- does that mean he wore some shade of orange? That doesn't sound right.

I'm sweeping out the cobwebs

2010-05-29T00:04:00.003-04:00

Do you know how long it's been since we had a party? Not since 2008. Achoooo! This dusty place is making me sneeze. So I'm over here on the island sweeping cobwebs out of the corners and dusting the tables where we'll put our cyber-food tomorrow and Monday (that's May 30-31), when we'll party for two full days. When you aren't too busy with family this weekend or Monday (Memorial Day holiday for folks in the United States), come by and leave a vase of flowers or set out some chairs or put candles here and there so we can talk through the night. What food will you bring to the party?

~~~ Bonnie

Hello out there

2008-10-25T19:50:00.001-04:00

I was just stopping by the Island to take a break from work and study and was missing my Book Buddies. I hope everyone is well and making time for a good book.

Marylyn

Happy Birthday America

2008-07-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone,

Watched the Boston Pops on television last night and thought about what I was doing 43years ago, giving birth to my middle child, and what a firecracker he was then and now. To celebrate the holiday we enjoyed a watermelon sweet and juicy, what a treat with prices escalating each day. Wondering if we will have watermelon next year for the holiday. Caboose

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T15:32:00.000-04:00

We are celebrating with hamburgers and watermelon!

Love Cracker Jacks & Cotton Candy!

2008-07-04T03:04:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone, I tried to post several times in the last few weeks, but blogger didn't work. I just reset my password, & whala, it worked. Did not want to read last book, as it sounded too scary. Didn't want nightmares, as my own city, Fall River, Ma used to have Lincoln Park....rides, rollercoster, etc. while growing up. I didn't get to read the book before that, but would not ever want to be in the position as those 2 girls with the abortion or no abortion issue. Anyway, no one mentioned cotton candy. I actually bought myself a little cotton candy machine years ago & made cotton candy a few times, but stopped as sugar is bad for you. My best memories to going to high school in another state, was leaving school for the day & seeing the truck with the man inside ,that made cotton candy parked outside the school. He always gave me the largest amount of everyone. I don't know why & when kids asked to have some of mine, I always shared. I still wish that I could thank the man as an adult for doing that. Besides being starved, I always appreciated the extra special treatment & the extra special treat. Toby

My favorite treat!

2008-07-02T06:41:00.002-04:00

Let's share some Cracker Jacks!

Windy City ~ hot dog!

2008-07-02T03:34:00.003-04:00

Hi, Marylyn! Let's tour the Fair while we're waiting for the others. Maybe that's where they've all gone, anyway! Take the tour.

Wow! That was fun. The author Hamlin Garland wrote a letter to his parents in 1893 saying, "Sell the cookstove if necessary and come. You must see the fair." Maybe that's what I should "send" to all the Book Buddies. Whadda ya think?

Windy City

2008-07-02T01:35:00.002-04:00

Where is everyone? I brought some Chicago style Hot Dogs. perfect for the worlds fair!

Hello

2008-06-22T14:33:00.002-04:00

Checking in once again with hopes of seeing lots of post. Nope none! Who is reading what or is everyone busy with other projects. At the monent I have finished a quilt I started three years ago, infact I am using it on the bed. Light weight for summer,crazy bright colors, no padding just front done with some old material I matched with other squares. My sewing is not like the professionals but I like the thought it is done.
Caboose

Hi, everybuddy!

2008-05-31T03:22:00.001-04:00

Welcome back, Caboose and Marylyn! And welcome for your very first visit to Essencia Island, Masha, as our very FIRST author ever! Have you run into Fiona? I know I saw her earlier, but I don't know where she went.

Would anybuddy like to try one of these strawberry-brie bruschettas?

Konichiwa (Good day in Japanese)

2008-05-30T18:23:00.002-04:00

How is everyone? It has been a while, I hope to be able to catch on with next months book. I have missed reading along with my Buddies so much. I am in Okinawa right now have been here for 5 weeks and have just over one more before I head back to Korea. For those that don't know Okinawa is one of the lower Japanese Islands. It is pretty warm and humid here. When I was here a while back this is where I first started drinking Coffee which is why I prefer it cold, even in the winter (there is no winter in Okinawa).

I didn't start drinking coffee until I was well over 30 and when I did it was Georgia Coffee. I love it more than Starbucks. It is made by Coke but you can only get it in Japan:-( So I have been over indulging to say the lest. Well If you like Coffee please try one of these.

Marylyn

Hello everyone

2008-05-30T11:42:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I feel so sorry for my computer I am such a (cluts, correct spelling?) on here. Today it took me almost 30 minutes to figure out just what I was doing wrong to get back into Essencia Island. Well, finally I made it, thank goodness for me that I am persistent with my wants…LOL…Now that all new bees know I am a fun person who can laugh at herself I want to say HELLO and hope to keep up with you. Knowing my nickname is Caboose will give you another clue to my mentality. Good food pictures make me hungry and where is a wild looking man to help me on the camel, heck I have problems walking and chewing gum at the same time. On a more serious note, keep in mind I am opinionated with 64 years of creating thought not just for me but for friends and family too. Lets keep the good times rolling and read to learn have fun and discuss issues.
Caboose

Peeking In

2008-05-28T09:59:00.002-04:00

Hi Bonnie and all,

Just peeking in my head to say thanks so much for reading Camel, and to comment that I LOVE these camel pictures. I think I've always had this thing about camels. I remember, many years ago, visiting the camel market in Cairo and really falling in love with the beasts.

Good news about the REAL camel library -- they've begun to raise money for a project I love, which is getting local people to collect and write the traditional stories, which will then be inexpensively published so that new readers can read about their own culture and past. I think it is a great way to incorporate the old and the new, and that Fiona -- especially as she grew by the end of the story -- would have appreciated it.

Okay, get back to your snacks! Best, and thanks, Masha

Hello, Alison and Ellen and Fiona!

2008-05-26T22:23:00.004-04:00

I've brought some small toasted bread bowls filled with spinach dip in one, chili in another, and ... hmmm ... I forget what's in that third one. You can load the dip onto one of Ellen's Fritos, if you like, or tear off pieces of the bread bowls for dipping.

Oh, look, here's Fiona! And I think I saw some camels earlier, though I'm not sure any of them were Siti.

What would you like to drink, Fiona?

Mmm--

2008-05-26T21:25:00.001-04:00

If I bring some artichoke dip and fritos can I have a few shrimp?

Is Anyone Here?

2008-05-26T19:02:00.002-04:00

I'm just relaxing with a virgin pina colada and some cocktail shrimp, waiting to find out which book we'll be reading in June. Does anyone want to join me?

Those pesky camels

2008-05-15T01:28:00.005-04:00

Once upon a time, in the days when Aunty Mame** lived among us, she ordered a book for our monthly discussion. Time for discussion arrived, but the book didn't. AuntyMame decided the delivery system must be using camels, and slow camels at that. Thereafter, anytime something was slow in arriving, AuntyMame would send out her own cyber camel to investigate the delays. Eventually, we had camels running all over the world, attempting to get books from one book buddy to another and from a bookseller to any of us. I seem to remember that some of our camels may have had names, but what they might have been I cannot say.

Came the time when we got curious about our camel delivery service and investigated camels and their habits. Camels, we learned, come in two varieties: one-hump camels and two-hump camels. I don't know about the rest of the buddies, but I decided the two-hump variety (bactrian camel, shown here) looked slower ... ha ... THAT must be the reason we weren't getting our books on time! Detouring by their home in the Gobi Desert didn't speed things up, either. (AuntyMame, if you read this, please correct mistakes caused by my faulty memory.)
__________

** AuntyMame was the colorful character who usually arrived at our parties via flying carpet. The trouble was that AuntyMame could not always control her carpet and would arrive with a loud THUMP, shouting "Ouch!" as the carpet swerved into the side of ... say ... the Tuscan villa where we partied after reading Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. Does anybuddy remember that? Our descriptions of meeting in the huge library room of that (cyber) house, complete with a table big enough for all book buddies to sit around it, was so convincing that someone who discovered our posts a few weeks later mentioned she probably couldn't afford to fly to Italy with us to party! Woo-hoo! Neither could we! Our transportation was mostly by magic carpets, imaginations, and slow camels.

Fi and Siti

2008-05-02T15:18:00.006-04:00

This just in ... Fiona Sweeney, of Camel Bookmobile fame, says she can't party until later this month. So when the end of May rolls around, we'll party with Anna and Cerise, the ladies of Windfalls, and with Fi and Matani and Neema and Kanika and Scar Boy and the other villagers of Mididima.

I've heard tell that Siti, the leader and load camel, will also be there. It will be up to us to check out the rumor that she is possessed by the spirit of Mr. Abasi's own departed mother.

One word of encouragement, those so inclined may want to bring along any spare paper you have lying around the house. I hear that Scar Bbb... uh, I mean, Taban ... has run out of paper again.

And for others, you may want to contribute to the ACTUAL camel bookmobile operating in Kenya. Here's how to donate to the camel bookmobile.

Extra incentive to attend our next party: Bonnie ... and maybe others? ... will tell you all about the camels sitting grandly in the history of the Book Buddies. Put on your thinking caps, everybuddy, and try to remember all you can about those errant camels, Bactrian and ... hmmm, what was the other kind? ... oh, yeah, Dromedary. Siti (aka, Mr. Abasi's mother) would be a Dromedary. When you plan what food to bring to the party, don't forget something for Siti to nibble.

Ellen D.

2008-04-04T16:50:00.001-04:00

Mmm. Just came by for a bite...didn't bring anything. I hope this cheese ball hasn't been sitting out too long, but I just got my book. Off to read....

Another cheese ball

2008-04-01T16:38:00.005-04:00

Oh, look! Raz's wife, who is the daughter of an Iranian-Kurdish mother and a Pakistani-American father, brought another cheese ball. She says it's a mango chutney cheese ball. Mary, does this look like the one your friend makes?

And her husband's right behind her bearing cheese and crackers. Hi, Raz! Is that brie in the middle? Yes? Oh, I love brie and camembert.

What's that? Oh, David Ben Shoushan, father of Ruti, says he has brought some KOSHER cheese. Perfect!

Now where IS everybuddy?

Chutney Cheese Balls

2008-04-01T14:35:00.006-04:00

Jackie's Recipe for Chutney Cheese Balls:

Jackie said, "It is one of the very best cheeseballs I have ever tasted! Just for me I make smaller balls and freeze them."

Mix well 24 ounces Cream Cheese
1 cup Sour Cream
1 cup Raisins, chopped
1 cup Salted Peanuts, chopped
8 slices Bacon, cook very crisp, drain well, and crumble (or buy the real bacon bits)
1/2 cup Green Onion, chopped, tops, also
4 tsp. Curry Powder, adjust to your own taste

Shape into large balls. Wrap and refrigerate. Before serving, top with Chutney. Sprinkle with Coconut and Parsley. Serve with Unsalted Crackers.

This is a friend's recipe that I first had this past week at a Girls Reunion of my high school friends. It as just delish! Wish I had a picture to post here.

Which one of the People of the Book might bring this to the party? Let's eat it spread on the crackers that Bonnie brought!

These crackers ...

2008-03-31T16:45:00.004-04:00

Toby, I googled "crackers" and found these here, but it's impossible to tell which kind are pictured. Did I just advertise somebody's wares? But they do look tasty. Now I have a craving for something like that, and all I've got at home is saltines! Let's have some party veggies instead, shall we?

crackers

2008-03-31T01:56:00.001-04:00

No, Bonnie, the crackers look delicious. What kind are they?

enjoying the sunshine

2008-03-31T01:05:00.002-04:00

i just stopped by to say 'hello' to everyone and soak in some sunshine! i really enjoyed People of the Book, and i'm looking forward to The Camel Bookmobile.

i'm just going to kick back with a Pina Colada here for a few minutes ... i'm not asleep; just resting my eyes! :)

Discussing Tolle's book

2008-03-30T06:53:00.005-04:00

Toby, you said you were hesitant to ask the question you had while reading Chapter Two of A New Earth. Let me assure you there are some of us just now getting to Chapter Two, so it's a good question for us. Go ahead and ask it.

Just to let you know, I've set up a post for us to talk about the book. Click here to read it and make comments there.

Have you tried these crackers? They're really good!

Oh, look, here come some more of our buddies!

The party has begun!

2008-03-24T14:33:00.003-04:00

Quick, somebuddy, find a caterer! I don't think any of us brought food. I'll be right back. Let's see, snacks?

Sheesh! Why am I always wanting to feed people?

Ellen said...

2008-03-24T07:25:00.003-04:00

My favorite fortune cookie was the one my husband got the first time we ate together at a Chinese restaurant. "Happiness is right beside you". I kid you not. I can still remember the look on his face.

Another favorite was one that an old boyfriend got: "The road to hell was paved with good intentions." I remember the look on his face too. Nowadays, I suppose the fortune cookie company would get sued for pain and suffering caused.

Anyway, I'd love to discuss A New Earth. I've been rereading the first and second chapters today--and like The Omnivore's Dilemma for you, I've made lots of notes already. Hopefully, I'll post my thoughts this evening. Here?

(Comments and post moved here from Bonnie's Books by Ellen)

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Toby and I have been eating Chinese food over at Essencia Island, in case any of you want to drop by and share with us. Ellen, was there any Chinese food left when you were there? And did you get a fortune cookie?

http://essenciaisland.blogspot.com/2008/03/toby.html

If anyone wants to discuss A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle with Toby and Ellen and me, I can set up a "room" for us to post our thoughts about it. Any takers?

http://essenciaisland.blogspot.com/

I'm on my way back to Essencia Island right now to order in more Chinese food. What's your favorite? Should we start this month's party a bit early?
3/23/08 5:07 PM

Ellen D. said...

Shoot! I thought I posted this on Essencia Island...can I move it?
3/23/08 6:58 PM

Bonnie Jacobs said...

Yes, you can "move" it by copying it and pasting it on the other blog. Then by going into posts (by clicking on NEW POSTS at the top of the Book Buddies blog), you can delete this whole thing, including our comments. You can do that because you are the "owner" of your own posts. Because I'm the blog owner, I can delete your posts too, if you have any trouble doing it.
3/23/08 9:28 PM

Toby said...

I love A New Earth Book, & here, I wasn't going to buy it. I have so many wow or light bulb moments. I think I am on Chapter 6. I'm also taking notes from the transcripts. I'm a taker!! There was 1 question that I wished I had asked during Ch. 2, but feel funny asking it now, so maybe someone can post what they think as opposed to my ideas.
3/24/08 12:35 AM

Bonnie

2008-03-24T00:41:00.002-04:00

Yes, please let's discuss a New Earth Book. :)
Bonnie, my mouth is watering. That shrimp with broccoli ....I can taste it. What a great pic. Also, that fortune cookie ..so appropriate. I get a kick out of reading how someone's boyfriends (here)(Ellen?) gets shocked or surprised by the saying on a fortune cookie. That has happened to me as well. Now for the funny. Whenever you read your fortune saying, end it with "between the sheets". It takes the meaning to a new dimension & a good chuckle.

Chinese food while we wait

2008-03-23T17:18:00.007-04:00

Here are some Chinese dishes you are welcome to try, and over there ... what's in that take-out box? I think it's what you ordered.

.

Toby

2008-03-22T00:24:00.006-04:00

Yes, I'm still reading A New Earth. Want to discuss it?

Um, 'scuse me for talking with my mouth full, but isn't it a good thing I took a picture of the shrimp and broccoli before we ate it all?

What's your fortune cookie say? Mine says ... wait, I'll have to click on it for my "reading glasses" to work.

Oh, wow! This is a great fortune!

Chinese Food

2008-03-12T23:53:00.003-04:00

Bonnie, my mouth is watering. Lets get both & also shrimp & broccoli. See ya at Book Buddies. Oh, by the way, are you reading, A New Earth?
Toby

Chinese food is good

2008-03-02T06:56:00.005-05:00

Oops! Sorry, Toby, I wasn't paying attention and missed your suggestion until just now. Why don't we stop off for Chinese somewhere along the way back to Book Buddies? I think I'll have some Moo Goo Gai Pan. Looks good, doesn't it? Oh, wait, the Orange Chicken looks good. Oh, no, now I have to make a decision! Would you like to get both of these and share? I especially like the crunchy water chestnuts in the Moo Goo Gai Pan. And my favorite Chinese restaurant back home serves Orange Chicken by slicing the plump chicken breasts and inserting slices of juicy oranges between each section. Delicious! But this looks good, too.

Hi Bonnie!!

2008-02-28T23:12:00.003-05:00

Hi Bonnie!! Big wave. Anyway, last night, Blogger would not let me in when I signed in. Thankfully, it's working today. Too bad nobody else wants to party. That drink sounds great!!! I've been eating gratefruits yesterday & tonight. They are really good this year. Nice & sweet. Lucia tried to talk to me about love. I just rolled my eyes & said "enough already". LOL! Well, actually there was some sage advice thrown in, so I let her ramble on a little longer. How about Chinese food?

Just you and me, buddy!

2008-02-28T00:44:00.005-05:00

Toby, I think we're the only ones on the island ... besides Lucia and Giacomo, of course. And they've been over there under a palm tree talking for hours. Do you suppose she is telling him everything?

I have thrown out all the snack food ... and have been looking for something different. I have no idea what's in this orange party drink. Does it look good to you? We need to call a caterer ... or something. This party's a bust!

2008-02-24T01:41:00.002-05:00

Hi Bonnie! I think I'll try both as I love brie & I haven't tried the almond dip. Yum!
I haven't finished the book yet, but I had been wondering if when I was younger, if I had hid my face from my old boyfriend, would he had realized it was me? Wouldn't he had recognized my voice? That is what I would ask Lucia & G. Hmm, now off to lie down on my chaise lounge with a drink beside me on the little table & dream of my old boyfriend. Uhhhh, life is good!

Partying with Lucia and Giacomo

2008-02-23T23:57:00.003-05:00

It's party time on the island! Lucia and Giacomo (by either of their names) have promised to party with us, so you may ask them questions. I've brought some simple food today, and I declare this party extends 'til the end of February! We have an extra day this month, so let's enjoy it. Would you care for some of this brie? It was covered with cranberry sauce and then broiled. Or maybe you'd prefer veggies with this almond paste dip?

i missed the party too

2008-02-04T22:34:00.000-05:00

things have been so hectic at home and at the office. so i'm just sitting here for a few minutes and soaking in some sun and quietness. then i'm heading to the library, and i'll be back for the next party! see you all then!

I got it now

2008-02-04T01:45:00.000-05:00

I think I've figured it out now. I reread yours and others earlier posts. So we hold a book party here every month after we've finished reading the book. I had come from your email invite as few days late as I was behind in reading my emails. And I'm usually online pretty late at night as it is often the only free time I have so I can get confused if especially tired sometimes.

The Island is lovely and I'm glad I got to see it, even if I only caught the tail end of the book party. I look forward to the next party at the end of month/book! I'm heading back to the reading blog next to answer the first round of discussion questions. I feel I need to reread some/all of part one after I read the questions, keeping them in mind as I read. Thanks for chatting with me here Bonnie these past few days!

Neco

Sounds good to me

2008-02-03T07:40:00.001-05:00

Set a spell, Neco, and let's chat. You are welcome to hang out here, but the January blog party is over. I was mainly leaving a link for newbies so they'd know where to find us. You'll probably need to bring along some snacks to nibble because what you see in the earlier posts has probably all been eaten!

Oops!

2008-02-03T03:29:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry about that, Bonnie. I thought this was where we came to chit-chat or hang out.

Neco

That was fun!

2008-02-03T00:36:00.001-05:00

Hi, did you come by to help me toss out the leftovers? Party's over, though anybuddy is welcome to drop by the island for a bit of R&R.

I hope, however, that most of you now feel rested and ready to tackle our next book.

The first discussion questions have been posted for In Lucia's Eyes by Arthur Japin. Have you finished reading Part 1?

Oh, and have you voted for our March selection? The poll has been posted in the sidebar, and the voting has started.

Okay, looks like we have just about cleaned up everything we can here. Somebuddy forgot her sunglasses, and there are several empty plates all cleaned and ready for somebuddy to pick up next time you drop by the island.

Whew! What fun! But now I'm ready to discuss the next book. How about you?

If you are not (yet) a part of Book Buddies, write to me (Bonnie) at emerging dot paradigm at yahoo dot com. We welcome readers from all over the world.

Hello Ladies!

2008-02-02T02:39:00.000-05:00

I'm just stopping by to say that I made it over to the Island. Since it is so late, I'll make my introduction post and bring some food and drink soonish-I say soonish because I know if I say tomorrow I'm sure to be too busy to get online, a reoccurring theme for me. Now I'm going to tuck myself into a canopy bed beneath the moon and stars on the edge of the beach where the jungles start and read In Lucia's Eyes by lantern light. I'm nearly finished with the first part and really enjoying it.

Neco

Howdy!

2008-01-31T05:51:00.000-05:00

I am not usually much of a party girl--more of a wallflower, I reckon. However, I was so pleased to see Margreet's post and photo (great to be able to now associate a face with her posts) as well as the smile knowing that ML cared enough to check in to learn how Hollis is doing.

I have been a Book Buddy for several years, but can't remember when I began. The posts have not only suggested some thoroughly enjoyed books that I would otherwise have missed, but have enriched the books we've read together.

I am 59 years old and a long-time married mother of three (still trying to deal with the unexpected death in August 2007 of our oldest son at age 29 of cardiomyopathy) adult children (our living children are a daughter age 28 and a son age 25). I work as an auditor for the state of Kansas. My hobbies are reading, working on various projects such as an annual family cookbook and calendar, sewing, and quilting.

Shirley

The mustard lady

2008-01-30T19:20:00.000-05:00

Hey, look who I found! The mustard lady! She was standing around watching the party.

Bonnie: Welcome to Essencia Island!
Mustard Lady: Thanks. You do know, I hope, that "mustard lady" is not my name?
B: Well, sure, of course. I know that. What's your REAL name, then?
ML: I'd rather remain in the background. Why don't you call me ML, for short.
B: ML?
ML: " Mustard Lady"?
B: Oh! Duh! I shoulda guessed.
ML: I really do care about the children I place, you know.
B: I know that.
ML: So I dropped by, hoping to see how Hollis is doing now with her new family.
B: She's here somewhere. I saw her racing Steven to the pool earlier.
ML: Is Shelley here? I wanted to tell her I really loved the title she gave to chapter one of the book: "Mustard Lady Delivers Hollis to Art Teacher Wielding Knife"
B: Yes, I laughed out loud at that title. Very good!
ML: Oh, there she is. Hollis! (Excuse me, Bonnie, but I really want to chat with Hollis.)

Bonnie: Okay, I'll go talk with Margreet, now that I can look her in the eye in that photo in the previous post.

About me

2008-01-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

I'm Margreet, I'm Dutch born and bred, in my early fifties, married with two young adult kids. I joined the Oprah bookclub in April 2003, where I met all those wonderful friends, and rediscovered reading, especially in English. Joining the forums at O has opened up a whole world for me, it taught me to express myself more, and to be able to share my favourite hobby, reading, with like minded women.

This past half year has been effing hard for me and my family, because our son was serving in Afghanistan. I could hardly cope to be honest, I'm clearly not cut out to be a military mom!!! Every day I relish the fact that he came home safe and sound!!

The photo below was taken on my birthday in September, you see me smiling in the camera, next to me is my MIL ( who died 2 months after this photo was taken), on the opposite side are my mom and dad. My husband is standing at the kitchen counter. And you can see my brother's backside too..hehe.

A Big Wave and Hi back at ya!

2008-01-29T02:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Toby!! I do remember you. It really has been a long time. Maybe we will get together more often for some of these parties. I think the one for the next book will be a lot of fun too!

Bonnie

2008-01-29T02:29:00.000-05:00

Lol Bonnie. Well my heart did stop when the photo reappeared after I had thought that I had successfully deleted it! And yes, after I posted it I thought that it might be copyright infringement. It is hard to tell these days because the rules are always changing. But I did so want to post it for Carole. Thanks for fixing it for me. And for letting me know that I am not really in the Twilight Zone only good ole Essencia Island. I like your substitute pirate! Good job.

I just wanted to let you know that I didn't respond to the post about the books because I thought it meant that you were looking to see if the out of the US members could get any of the books. But I will reply soon.

Candy

Introduction

2008-01-29T01:22:00.000-05:00

I am Carole, better known here as Caboose for the reason that I am the last to finish a book. Actually, most of the time I like being last; I do voice my opinions and hope I never offend anyone, and always open for discussion on my ideas. I am 64 years old, had a heart attack 20 years ago followed by a coma for 16 days, bilateral amputee below the knees. I returned to school after the coma to learn how to read, write and do simple math. Please do not feel sorry for me because I do not feel sorry for myself. Three children all grown, a dog and cat and have lived with the same man for 40 plus years. Came to Illinois fourteen years ago from Pasadena, California where I was born. I do have a few bad days now and then, but most of the time I stay busy with household chores, friends and family.

Ahem, pardon me, everybuddy!

2008-01-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

Hey!

Everybuddy?

I need your attention for a moment. Please, please set down your glasses (no, I didn't say raise your glasses ... no toasts until after this announcement). Listen, please?

You need to pop over to Book Buddies and consider this post:
Rolling right along

I gave you a week to suggest other possibilities for our February book. Marg likes a couple of the ones already on the list. Ellen, you mentioned a couple of titles (The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle) ... would you like to suggest those or any others for our consideration?

Book time, people! Don't forget what Book Buddies is REALLY all about!

The (other) pirate of Essencia Island

2008-01-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

Candy said, "I hope I don't get in trouble for the pirate. I put it in my post and then had second thoughts and I thought I deleted it."

Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da! Candy, do you feel like you're in the Twilight Zone? I know something you don't know, that Essencia Island is haunted by ... a magical presence.

A ghost?

Well, not exactly, but sort of like a ghost in the machine.

A goblin?

Not intentionally. One day I was adding name labels to all the posts. When I got to yours, there was evidence of ... a pirate picture! Being the helpful sort that I am, I thought you had TRIED to post a pirate's photo, but had not succeeded. So I fixed it for you. I thought. Oops!

Were you worried about copyright infringement? If so, I'm the villain here. I'll take the heat. YOU, dear heart, had a good idea ... and I just kinda pushed it a bit. Nudged it, you might say.

And Carole, just in case that other photo isn't allowed, here's you another guy in a pirate costume.

A big wave & hi from me.

2008-01-28T20:33:00.000-05:00

Hey Candy, remember me. I'm from Massachusetts, USA. Candy lives in the state near me.

Bonnie, you throw the best parties. My mouth is watering from what you & everyone has brought.

I'm Toby. I'm female. My name confuses some people. :) I joined Bonnie's Book Club when she was at Oprah's site maybe a few years ago or less. Then, I got busy & left. I always loved her parties. It's a time to chit chat & be creative & talk with the characters from the book. Actually, I think they are real now, as I got to know them well from reading the books. It's all in fun. Anything is possible here. Calories don't count here. Just relax & have fun while you are here.

Hi Mary and Ellen

2008-01-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Essencia Island! This is where Book Buddies love to go to relax and have fun. We eat to our hearts content and let our imaginations roam. It's a lot of fun and we usually look forward to it after we have read and discussed a book.

Thanks Bonnie for setting me straight that we have a new Ellen in the group. I am so sorry Ellen I thought you were someone that used to post on the Oprah boards. But I always love meeting new people and am happy to now have met you. Thanks for introducing me to Mojitos! My husband told me that they sell them from the distributor that he works for. They look like a great drink for a hot summer day!

Hi Mary once you get into these little parties there is no stopping. The first few I attended I felt like a fish out of water. Lol. But once I started playing and concentrated more on what cyber dishes I was going to bring etc. it became more fun. I hope you enjoy them too.

I am Candy from Rhode Island. I think it was in 2003 that I joined the first Book Buddies and I have known some of the members here for some time now. I don't always come by and post but I do try to join some of the discussions and read some of the books.

Strawberries and Candles

2008-01-28T16:30:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than enjoying fresh strawberries and relaxing by candlelight! Hi Margreet it's great to see you! I hope I don't get in trouble for the pirate. I put it in my post and then had second thoughts and I thought I deleted it.

I have started In Lucia's Eyes and I am really enjoying it. Hope to see you at the discussion.

Found you!

2008-01-28T06:25:00.000-05:00

Hi girls!! Oh boy, it's so good to be here on a warm sandy beach. Out of the cold and rain in my country, and in the company of good friends, and the most yummy pirate I know.....

My treat are these strawberries, from our own garden.

And when the sun sets, we can cuddle up by the fireplace and light candles..

haven't read the books sofar, but I'm starting IN LUCIA'S EYES today. First I'm going to have a taste of the great food you all brought to our Island

Two of those days

2008-01-28T06:18:00.001-05:00

Today and tomorrow are going to be two of 'those days', so I won't be around much. Thanks for wanting to meet me. Here's a link to my blog.

Ellen

Sailing sideways

2008-01-28T04:13:00.000-05:00

Looking for a handsome man, are you, Carole? I think I'd rather have someone ... well ... competent. Consider this from Gwyneth, whose blog is Misadventures in Malawi and Beyond.

Listen up!

2008-01-27T23:29:00.000-05:00

Hey, everybuddy, listen up. Did you happen to hear this remark?

"I'm a new Ellen :) I've never set my bare feet on these virtual sands before."

Ellen, come on over here so everybuddy can meet you.

Buddies, Ellen is another of my "I've-never-met-her-face-to-face-but-she's-my-friend" kind of people, just like nearly every one of you.

Ellen, you should tell the folks a little about yourself ... maybe link them to your blog or something. Folks, I have only just now invited Ellen to join Book Buddies (which she's doing via Essencia Island), but I already know she's a very interesting person! Can you tell I like her ... a lot?

And Mary. I know I saw you around here earlier. Mary? Or would you rather we call you Zorro here? Where are you? Come tell the BBs you're here, too. Some of you may remember her from the Oprah site(s), but she is just now getting onto our blogs.

Book buddies, you should introduce yourselves to the new folks. After all, they are standing here being gawked at and don't know much, if anything, about you. Speak up. Who's first?

(Ellen, while I've got your ear, I need to tell you how this whole Book Buddies thing works. Oh, wait ... take your time ... I think there's a smiling buddy who wants to welcome you to our group.)

Anybody want some of this healthy food? It tastes great.

Ice cream bars

2008-01-27T23:04:00.000-05:00

Bonnie, you have got to try those Bliss Ice Cream bars. The chocolate is dark chocolate & the tart taste of the pomegranet is slight. LOL!! Where did you find a pic of the ice cream? I get them at BJ's Wholesale Club.

Caboose, (I love that nickname.) I miss you as well. I've been looking for your name to show up in the posts.

I must read that book by Barbara K. sometime. Sounds interesting.

Now, I have to try a mojito sometime. Sounds delicious. I never saw a chocolate covered bottle of wine, either. I first thought that it was chocolate that was made of wine.

I found a handsome man to bring. It's Seth from Cold Comfort Farm. Pete is coming too from The Other Side of the Bridge.. I asked him to teach me how to fish around the island. Anyone else want to try fishing? Pete will have to hook the worms for me. Yick! Bruno & Shmuel want to come as well to go exploring ( from The Boy in the Striped Pajamas). My friends, Hollis, Josie & Beatrice & I will be very busy sketching, drawing & painting everyone & the island. (from Pictures of Hollis Woods) They joined my online art group, so we got to know each other there.

Thanks for the welcome

2008-01-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the welcome and telling me you missed me...but I'm a new Ellen :) I've never set my bare feet on these virtual sands before. The tomatoes came from...alas, the tomatoes came from a googled website. Cheap, easy to find, but not as tasty as they look. I'm determined to grow some real ones this summer.

Look over there Carole...

2008-01-27T15:10:00.000-05:00

... over on the pier. They are bringing a man in for questioning. It is rumored that he has been off the coast posing as a pirate! Now there's a man for you! Well, I had a man for you. But I guess he got away!!!

Melts in Your Mouth, not in Your Hands...

2008-01-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

I guess that would only work here on Essencia! I had never heard of it before and whin I first saw the chocolate dipped wine I wondered how they dipped it without getting the chocolate all over the labels. Lol.

Hi Carole! Yes it has been a long time. I did join the Cold Comfort Farm discussion, that was a fun read. Maybe I will see you for the February discussion.

Hi Marylyn! I liked your pictures from Korea. It sure does look cold there! Thank good ness it is just the perfect temp right here in Essencia!

Ellen, it's been awhile, nice to see you! I love your Mojitos they look most inviting. The mint and lime look so nice in the glass!

And lol Bonnie, I better put the wine in the shade! I am guessing that an ice bucket would be out of the question. Lol.

A handsome man

2008-01-27T13:24:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

I spent some time this morning looking for a handsome man to join us on the island, but my knowledge of the Internet without a doubt is bad. I even had a name picked out for him. Oh well, you can’t say I did not try to have just a little fun ...LOL...

Chocolate dipped wine?

2008-01-27T11:49:00.000-05:00

Candy, are you kidding me? I've never heard of (or seen) chocolate dipped wine. I first tried to imagine wine, the actual liquid, being "dipped" but that didn't compute in my brain. Then I saw the chocolate-y wine bottles there in your post! But won't it make a chocolate mess on my hands when I try to pour it?

Ellen, your Mediterranean food looks very inviting. I'm ready for something other than those hors d'œuvres I brought. A minty-limey rum drink? I'm willing to give it a try. And by the way, nobuddy here is under-age, and for anybuddy who is morally opposed to alcoholic beverages, I have already provided mango iced tea. You'll find a pitcher full of it over there in the sidebar.

Toby, I'm not much of a dessert eater, but I think I'd like to try the pomegranate ice cream bars you brought. Sounds downright intriguing! That's the Sheer Bliss version on the right, with Haagen Daas on the left.

But first I think I'll have more of this bruschetta. It's very good, Ellen. Where did you find such tasty tomatoes this time of year?

Fun

2008-01-27T00:12:00.001-05:00

Hello, Oh Marylyn, I have been complaining about it being cold here in Illinois, no more complains from my mouth now that I see you and hubby, I feel warm as a bug in a rug. Hello, Gerry, good to see you dropping in to say "Hi". Who do you think will win the Super bowl, and will you watch the game? Hi Ellen, when we party on the Island we just say what ever comes to mind, and lots of times my mind over reacts...LOL...Hi
Toby have missed seeing you, thanks for food I love food any kind of food as long as it taste good. Candy how have you been long time no see. OK everyone hope to see the line busy with notes in the morning. Good night!

Hi All!

2008-01-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

Anyone for a little Mediterranean food? Since it is an island, can I bring mojitos (minty-limey-sugary refreshing rum drink)? Or is anyone under-age or morally opposed?

I'm not sure how this works, so get me on the right track. We supposed to be reading a book but not yet discussing? I'm not sure I'll get to this one this month, though it sounds really good. I'm reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan about where food comes from...a revelation. I think Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is going to be the follow up. It's about her family's attempt to 'eat local' for a year.

2008-01-26T15:10:00.000-05:00

Hi Bonnie, thanks for the invite to the Island. I haven't been there for a long time. I would love to go to a nice warm island right now, as I can't seem to shake my head cold for a month. Maybe the characters can give me some good advice. They are a bunch of characters after all. LOL!! I'll be bringing lemon meringue pie as that is my favorite pie, brownies, chocolate cake, these delicious chocolate covered, pomegranate ice cream bars by Bliss & gelato ice cream from Italy.

What a lovely sunset!

2008-01-26T15:04:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone! Thanks for the invite. I didn't read Hollis Woods but I am reading and enjoying In Lucia's Eyes. Hope to be joining you for that one.

I brought Adam Lambsbreath with me, he wants some dishes to cletter. He even picked out a new twig for the occasion! He decided not to bring Feckless, Graceless, Aimless and Pointless because they were so happy in there new home at Hautcouture he didn't have the heart to move them.

For food I brought some Sesame Chicken. And for desert I brought some decadent chocolate truffles. And to wash it all down I brought some chocolate dipped wine!

What a lovely place.

2008-01-26T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well the pictures of the Island are so lovely. How can anyone resist?
I have been reading a lot lately but haven't been reading the books with Book Buddies.
I hope to join in soon . I have so much I want to read lately.
I would love to hang around when I have time.
Hello to Carole and Marlyn. Good to see you here. The pictures are lovely but it sure does look cold.
How are you liking Korea?
Bonnie, Thanks for the invite.
You have done a beautiful job creating this club. This was always so much fun.
I catch your blog every now and then.
Here's to some fun reading and partying.
Gerry

annyong ha seyo (Hi, How are you)

2008-01-25T19:40:00.000-05:00

Hi Bonnie & Carole,
It has been a while I would love to leave the cold here for a little while and vist the Island. I have been reading on my own for a while. I hope everyone is doing well. If its Ok I will stop in from time to time but I have been super busy so I will continue Reading on my own. I miss you all and the after book party we had as Book Buddies.

annyong hi gye shipshiyo(goodbye)
Marylyn

Howdy

2008-01-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hello to all the book buddies. Just testing out the new site to see if I am on the right track. My name is Carole better known as Caboose, I am always the last one to get anything read. On the other hand, I am always the first one ready to party with food, friends and warm weather.

Welcome, Book Buddies !!!

2008-01-25T05:28:00.001-05:00

Essencia Island will function as our place to party and visit and chat and have fun. When we discuss books in earnest, we'll go back "home" to Book Buddies. Welcome to our first blog party. Introduce yourself and tell us what food you brought to share.

I'm Bonnie and I have brought ... hmmm, let's see ... I've brought these scrumptious hors d'œuvres. Plus a variety of drinks over there in the sidebar, including the mango iced tea in that pitcher.

Somebuddy asked for the recipe for that mango iced tea. This recipe serves four, though we have an endless supply here on our island:

2 cups lemonade
2 peach and mango tea bags
2 cups boiling water
2 cups mango nectar, chilled
1 cup orange juice, chilled
125g dried mango, finely diced

I forgot to mention that the weather on Essencia Island is always perfect, not too hot, not too cold, no swarming insects to ruin the fun, no allergy-inducing pollens drifting in the balmy breezes ... and best of all, no calories in the virtual food. So everybuddy eat, drink, and be merry.

.
Others should be arriving soon. Here's the invitation I sent all book buddies:

There's a meme going around that asks, If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?

Nah, that's too tame. We Book Buddies will "bring to life" all the characters of all the books we have read so far:

Feb 2008 ~ In Lucia's Eyes (ILE) ~ by Arthur Japin
Jan 2008 ~ Pictures of Hollis Woods (PHW) ~ by Patricia Reilly Giff
Dec 2007 ~ Cold Comfort Farm (CCF) ~ by Stella Gibbons
Nov 2007 ~ The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (BSP) ~ by John Boyne
Oct 2007 ~ The Other Side of the Bridge (OSB) ~ by Mary Lawson

Oops! Lucia will have to wait for the next party. She's February, and we don't really know her yet.

So invitations have gone out to Hollis and Josie and Beatrice ... and the mustard lady, too ... to Steven and the Old Man and Izzy and the baby Christina.

And I've invited Flora and Charles ... Aunt Ada Doom and the Starkadder boys ... let's see, Seth and Meriam and Mrs. Beetle ... Rennett and Mr. Mybug and Amos and Judith and Urk and, oh, you know, all of THEM ... and I wouldn't be surprised if Adam doesn't bring Graceless, Aimless, Feckless and Pointless (the farm cows), but surely he wouldn't bring Big Business (the bull), would he?

Bruno and Shmuel will be there, too, along with Gretel and the Commandant and Bruno's mother and grandmother (did they have names?) ... and there may be several nameless people wearing striped pajamas, though they remained nameless in the book. Do you think the Lieutenant and any other soldiers would be interested?

Jake and Arthur Dunn are coming, as are Laura and Ian and Dr. Christopherson (Ian's father, that is) ... Ian's mother may be hanging around the edges of the party, if she shows up at all ... Pete will be there, and so will Cathy.

Have I forgotten anybody? Oh, yes, everyBUDDY is expected to show up with a marvelous party dish (or two) to share. Since all our food and drinks will be virtual, no calories are involved and we don't need designated drivers.

DATE: the rest of January.
TIME: around the clock, allowing for everybuddy's time zones
WHERE: Essencia Island ... you can start putting out chairs and tables and dreaming up excellent little areas to chat with the characters ... and each other.
WHAT: our first party ever, since moving the whole kit and caboodle "over here" to this blog after Oprah dumped us.

No RSVP needed, but please bring photos ... if you know how to post them. So that nobuddy gets lost in the "comments" sections, I omitted those. Go thou and POST your conversations, buddies! It's PARTY time! Don't forget to bring food.