Book Review: Gone Girl by: Gillian Flynn

Let's talk about this book.  I am one of the few, I am sure..who chose to READ the book before seeing the movie.  I finished on Saturday evening around 11 pm and still have not caught the movie...but the whole time reading it, I won't lie.. I was picturing Good Old Benny as Lance...I mean Nick Dunne. 

So, this book first off, before giving any real details...was one of the hardest books I have ever had..just getting INTO.  This is not an understatement.  I started this book in November...That is a sad admittance.  I have picked it up...put it down...picked it up..put it down.  It lacked interest for me while in the first hundred pages and really took some boredom and discipline to insert myself back into the picture.  But, I can say that once you hit page 100...get ready because it really gets moving.  There are twists, turns, things that I knew were going to happen...then wham!  I would get hit with something completely off the way. 

OK...Disclaimer!  If you have not read the book...or saw the movie and you INTEND to---do not read ANY FURTHER or you will be entering SPOILER ALERT ZONE.-----------

You have been warned!

We are met with two characters Nick Dunne (Chapter 1)  and Amy Elliot (Chapter 2).  Amy is the beauty who is snared by Nick, ,who can't believe his good fortune. Amy is well off and adores Nick.  Both are writers living in New York until they lose their jobs.  While this is happening, Amy's parents become financially bereft and ask Amy to borrow her money.  Now Amy and Nick are poor, using the last of Amy's money to buy a bar in his hometown of Missouri, which Nick and his twin sister, Go, run. 

Amy has another side to her personality, one that  she has only begun to show Nick and found that he dislikes this Amy. The marriages begins to fall apart.  

When Amy disappears in mid-day, Nick is believed to be the cause of her disappearance.  Did he murder his beloved wife?  It is a question that you will continue to ask yourself throughout this part of the book.  Nick knows he did not , but all the signs point to that conclusion.  The police believe believe he is responsible, her Parents, who stand by him at the beginning come to think that he is responsible.  The evidence is stacked again Nick.  The public and media are likewise convinced.  Nick starts to wonder if his own twin sisters thinks the same of him. 

Before we discover the TRUTH, we get a lot of details of every perspective. 

This is where the pages kept turning, one by one as the who dun nit echos loud in your ear. 

You are on a ride that is showing you this diary of a poor woman who is so lonely and sad and just wants her husband to love her...the twist is when you find out how truly messed up, what a liar she really is.  Slowly, you find that you have been lied to, over and over again, as a reader, as Nick.  There were times when I even thought that Nick was behind this whole thing...like he was such a liar, even being called a liar by his own twin sister.  His actions speaking a different language than the true story. 

It is when Nick goes on his wild goose hunt, alone...that I finally know. I get it. I question his Andie, side piece. Maybe he was telling her he wanted a divorce and she was tired of waiting- but she was to nice, to childish to be able to handle murder.  I thought of Go, maybe finding out that Amy was going to frame her brother, maybe being smarter, with her dislike for Amy and finding the things in the shed.  I thought maybe it was one of Amy's crazies, especially Desi. He just seemed suspicious or off from his character when Nick met him.  It was a wonder that he did not put together Amy's crazy before hand either.  I loved how that karma came back to Amy though, it was a little slap in the face...that obviously did not work.

At the end of the story, the plot twists again, in a weird way.  I was hoping, praying at that point that more karma came Amy's way...only to be sadly disappointed because it did not.  She got what she wanted.  I wanted her to burn for her craziness.  The last sentence left me in a wonder... she had to make sure she had the last word...did that mean that he said that wrong thing and she killed him?  I am still left in wonder. Interpretation, I am sure.

This can be found at the beginning of the book.

To Read or NOT TO READ?

I think it is a  reader.  It had a weird twist, a weird angle and I was left in disappointment, but I liked the twist.  I, at one point, told my hubby that I was reading a really messed up book!

Readable.

To see the movie...Um, Ben Affleck!  DUH!

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I am moving onto the last (third) book in my Nora Roberts Series, Blood Magick- Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy.

County Mayo is rich in the traditions of Ireland, legends that Branna O’Dwyer fully embraces in her life and in her work as the proprietor of The Dark Witch shop, which carries soaps, lotions, and candles for tourists, made with Branna’s special touch.

Branna’s strength and selflessness hold together a close circle of friends and family—along with their horses and hawks and her beloved hound. But there’s a single missing link in the chain of her life: love…

She had it once—for a moment—with Finbar Burke, but a shared future is forbidden by history and blood. Which is why Fin has spent his life traveling the world to fill the abyss left in him by Branna, focusing on work rather than passion.

Branna and Fin’s relationship offers them both comfort and torment. And though they succumb to the heat between them, there can be no promises for tomorrow. A storm of shadows threatens everything that their circle holds dear. It will be Fin’s power, loyalty, and heart that will make all the difference in an age-old battle between the bonds that hold their friends together and the evil that has haunted their families for centuries.

Don’t miss the first two books in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy

Dark Witch

and

Shadow Spell

Until I have read this one...

~Kel

Channeling a Writer- Day 1

I have been pretty clear from the beginning of where I wanted Life at Gray Gables to be.  I want this BLOG to be an overview of my Life, my heart, my soul, my likes...dislikes, my children, my Hubby and the fun that we have had and will continue to have at good Old Gray Gables Farms.  




We made a HUGE move out here- kind of country, still within the city- but with land, mud,

dirt, nature and I can not forget W I N D.  Since living on this land I feel that I have really had an incredible chance to get to know myself, reflect and as I work, I am trying to find the better in all. 

With all this serenity, I have found my voice.  Something inside of me that has been trying to escape for a while now.  I read and become so inspired by the words on the paper pages that I want to burst inside with my own story.  The problem that I find myself facing is that lovely little clock (or perhaps BIG) that hangs on the wall, eating away at the seconds...minutes...hours until I am left with a warm bed and a sleepy grin.  



So, naturally, I am challenging myself.  I am giving myself a word, one word a day for the next 30 days and I am forcing myself to write....write...write what that words triggers in my brain, through my fingers and what lands on the white space that is before me.  Bare with me.  This might be brutal. 

The flip side is that I, in turn, challenge my readers, my followers, my friends...to give this a try yourselves.  Leave comments..Leave links to your blogs (as I would love to follow as well!)  and try your hardest over the next 30 days to envision what these simple words might trigger within your own creative zone!


Todays word of the day is:

H E R O

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of a Hero, is a strong, powerful being.  Someone who puts others before themselves in all things. Someone who stands proud and pushes their own limitations to help save those around them. 

The character that I put into that word is:

He stood at the mirror, fixing his tie one last time before heading out the door.  Already late for work, as the commute would surly put him into that category.  He grabbed his belongings and keys before walking out of the dark, leaded glass door that lead to his after work retreat. Noone to kiss goodbye or shout I love you to.  He knew how his life should be and worked hard to focus on his place in the world. 

The call trembled in his body before the sound resignated from his ears.  Alert.  He jumped into his older SUV and after fastening his seat belt headed in the direction of the calls.  Someone was in trouble. 

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This is just my corny way of putting it into book reference.  I think of hero, I instantly, 80's child, go into COMIC BOOK MODE. (Doesn't help that Hubby is a CB buff himself!)  I think of the call for help and the hero taking action to be that help.  I guess that with my Dad being a Firefighter, this kind of sounds a crossed the board for me.  

I do, however, think that hero's come in many shapes and sizes, as well.  This was just one perspective. Kind of sexist at that.  I was thinking that as I typed it...Why, Kel, is this a Man?  Why could this not be a Woman?  (Yes, this actually happened.)  Conflict.  But I have to be real with myself, I was writing it from the top of my head and since I do seem to reference Male Characters when I write (their thought patterns so much simpler than a Females) it just flowed. 

OK, now it's your turn!  Don't forget to share!

Hopefully I am doing OK here.  I have three books that I have written.  Two of them I have not done the editing yet because with the first, the editing I did was BRUTAL!  I basically re-wrote the whole darn thing. (OCD tendency's here!)  I love writing. Something about it is so relaxing to me and so fun to be a new character, to think like that character and just BE.  But, then that whole time thing happens, and I am one of those people... you know the ones... my thoughts are here, NOW...and when I am interrupted...FORGET ABOUT IT!

One day it will happen!  For now, I will just have fun- with my bloggy's- sorry guys!  

Day 1 is done...Bring on Day 2!!

HERO!

~KEL

Let's Embark on a New YOU!

We have embarked on the beginning of yet another New Year.  I have spent many days...and nights...thinking about How I can make this year better?  How I can better myself?  How I can find something that makes me truly happy.  I doubt I am alone in this line of questioning.



I feel like I am in some what of a FUNK. I am not happy with my current situations in life - not the ones that call me Mom or the one that calls me Wife..but the one that pays the bills.  It's tough because I feel like I should feel so appreciative and grateful to have the opportunity that I do...but I still feel like it is just NOT the what I was looking for...not what I can see long term and just not it. (let's just be clear, right!)


I mean, I am so creative and I feel like I have had a cover over that creativity for the past few years...and I am bored..stale..stuck in a pattern of dull! 

It is time to reach up and figure out the WHAT that I am missing. 

Is this the year?  I feel like every year there is some sort of re-evaluation going on..this year it just feel bigger.  I feel like I am listening past myself to a higher power...and that I am kind of in the throws of the what...that I am seeking.  I just hope that I find it, I am great at it, I give it my all and maintain my seriousness in wanting to make it HAPPEN!

I guess it helps that this 

Christmas I did not get 1 

Cricut...I got 2!  I think my 

Hubby and Mom are trying to 

tell me something...I just 

have to listen.  They are both 

different and I am in a real debate 

... do I keep 1 or both?  

Decisions...Decisions...

I think that for me, I love to write (thanks to my Blog Readers!) and paint, I love doing Stained Glass and finding antiques...it is time that I find my way....  I think...wait...I know BIG things are about to happen!  

Keep your eyes peeled because Gray Gables is going BIG!.

What are some of your goals for 2015?  

What are some random things you want to change? 

Let's get back to it - peeps!


#feelingpumpedup

#letsdothis

Don't forget to follow me on:

  @KelleyAmstutz  

or

 KAMSTUTZ09

Thanks all!

~Kel

Happy New Year...Enough Said!

What are your New Years Plans?  Parties?  Low Key? Dinner & a Movie? Relaxing on the couch? 

Maybe your just planning to pop the top on some Asti and kiss the one you love as the clock strikes Midnight?  Maybe you have a Gala event where you get to dress up and drink bubbly out of real glasses, wearing masks and confetti fills your hair and glass at Midnight? 

How about plans for 2015? Aspirations?  Goals?  Resolutions?

Think it through. It is not an easy process. I mean, how many years have you made those darn resolutions and then...come April...your have already ruined them? (Maybe even sooner!)

Why don't you be clear and honest with yourself?  I mean setting goals is a great thing, setting limitations and working hard at staying on track, but don't forget to be REALISTIC!

I chose a banner with Art on it because my 2015 is going to be HUGE!  I am listening to God and following his lead when it comes to my future.  I am going to start being more artistic, more shabby chic and putting the things that I LOVE TO DO on the forefront.  Gray Gables Glass and Goods is my aspiration.  I have this old Carriage House that has been roofed, but that is it and it is time to make it my own.  It even has a loft, which will come in handy with inventory, as I grow.  My plans are to get started with the new year and hopefully have sales, small at first, by February and by mid- to- end year have my shop set up.  The best part is that my Hubby has tapped into my dream and channeled my own creativity and is ecstatic to help me make this OUR reality. 

I would also love to say that I want to get fit again...(like every year!) and work on being a BETTER Mom (Hey, I have made HUGE leaps and bounds this past year!), of course patience still needs some handling and I would love to get things here at Gray Gables Farms tied up.  We are so close but yet...so far away!  

Another BIG goal is to unload our former residence.  Right now it is a Rental and I hate that!  I mean, it is such a great house, clean, nice and a lot of love went into that home that I am hoping to put it on the market and find a buyer that will appreciate it as much as we did.

Let 2015 be THE YEAR of greatness!  It is time to make my Dreams come true, do what I truly love and become more inspired than ever in my life!

Here's to hoping you are able to make your dreams come true, your resolutions meet fruition and a great start to a great year!

Happy New Year all!

~Kel

Diary of a Sick Kid (from a BAD Mom)

Am I a BAD Mom?  I am starting to wonder.  The treatment that I have experienced in the past 24 hours from Family and Friends is making me feel as if I did something wrong. 

I have kids.  Kids, who are sick ... A LOT!  We started with this coughing crap (pardon my french..but that is what it is!) on the 18th.  I debated every morning...do I let my five year old go to school or do I keep her home.  I chose to let her go.  We talked and I found that a) she is not the ONLY kid sick at school and b) it is 2 days and then break. 



The sickness followed well into her break, through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day even.  Long days.  She was wore out and it showed.  She was a trooper though- cranky, but not to bad and she knew when to fold 'em and head her butt to bed for some rest!



So, that brings us to Monday.  We had a sick weekend.  We laid low, relaxed, watched movies and she was carrying a less than normal appetite. We tried to just get food in her belly...broth, tomato soup, spaghetti o's.  Anything she liked that was warm and easy to eat/drink and would provide substance but not weight in her sensitive belly. 

I called first thing in the morning to the Peds office. Busy....  I tried again... Busy... I decided to get sneaky and find another number. BINGO!  It was shortly after 10 when I finally got through, thanks to my Super Mom Detective work, and tried to pull the feel sorry for me and just write me a script...please!  No go.  But, we did get an appointment for early afternoon, same day! 

Off to pick up my girls and head to the office.  Surprisingly happy, my children were, and sat pretty well while we waited for my oldest's name to be called. 

Off to the room we go.  Number 13...as my daughter pointed out. I have no idea what the significance is, but she made a mention of it twice, so it must mean something to her. As the nurse is going through the motions she notices that my youngest is stuffy as well and lucky for me, pulled her chart for a quick go over with our doc too! 




At last, the Doc comes in.  She is good.  I mean on the level with my kids, asking them what they got for Christmas and not looking to me for answers. (If you are a MOM, you get this.. It's a language thing)




The News...

My oldest jumps on the table and Doc starts listening to her "deep breaths" and then I hear it... "Oh, it's Pneumonia" - OK...I was like "OH NO."  I am sure my face said it all.  Fear, scared, concern- all bubbled from me. She reassures me that this flu season has been one for the books, even telling me that her average for pneumonia is 5 cases PER WEEK.  That is insane.

 

Then comes my youngest and I swear I prayed and prayed audibly.  Lucky for us, she just has a cold. And let's hope it does not develop into anything further.



Our PLAN of ACTION.

My oldest is under an antibiotic (without penicillin, since last year around this time we found out she was allergic!) and breathing treatments on the Neb, 4 times a day.  You can image how this went over.  We have had the Neb since last year, when my then, two year old, had to use it.  My big girl was NOT HAPPY about this news.  It took a little tough love and explaining that she has a lung infection and we either do our breathing treatments or we are heading to the hospital for a stay. "OK Mom, I will do these Breathing Treatments, anything to not have to go to the Hospital!"  


We are now in day 2 and we are noticing some changes with her. Color is good, cough is getting better and she seems almost back to normal.  We have a recheck on Friday, and I have been sending a lot of prayers up for this to be behind us. 

Friends are now telling me that once you have pneumonia, your chances of getting again are high, or anything respiratory in nature. EEK!  I am still in utter shock that my five year old has pneumonia.  It is terrifying. I make her bundle up to even go near the outside air- scarf over mouth, hat and hood up, gloves on.  It's no joke there.

But, when we do our recheck and hoping all is good to go - I will be asking about the Pneumonia Vaccine- which honestly, up until a day ago, I had NEVER even heard of. 


Word from a Mother:  

If you kid is sick, maybe it IS best to take them to the Docs- better safe than sorry.  All I keep thinking is that if I had taken her in at the beginning of the week, maybe it would not have turned into pneumonia at all.  I guess that is the should-a  could-a would-a talking.

I wish all of you LUCK during this season.  I think it is going to be BRUTAL!

Until the new year! 

~Kel