Books, Dancing, and One Book in Particular

Hello to all! I must say I am really loving this fall weather we are having lately... as long as it stays crisp like this, I will be happy. Halloween, how I eagerly await your arrival! (Provided we actually decide to do something for it.)

I had hoped to attend the National Book Festival, and failing that, went to Baltimore's instead. I didn't get to see the author that was at the National, but had a lovely time exploring nonetheless :)

Photo-bombers to each side of me, and I thought the church looked rather European

What I brought home...

The weekend before last was one of those high school-highlights - my senior homecoming. All of this cliche stuff is beginning to really hit me... I was looking forward to it, started to dread the event the day of, but ended up having a fabulous time, of course! Below are a few highlights, all of which were taken beforehand. Thanks, Mom & Dad! Naturally, homecoming week I did not take any pictures, but just so you know, I did dress up for mis-match day, toga day (seniors only), decades day, and school colors day and went to the game. We won ;)

(Back to book news...) You may know that J.K. Rowling came out with a new book recently - her first adult novel, entitled "The Casual Vacancy." I was afraid that it would be quite some time before I got my hands on a copy, but reserved it at the library the day it came out. Just a few days later, I got the notification that it was available! I finished it today, and I have to say that it is (overall) enjoyable. However, what everyone else is saying is very much true: if she did not have her reputation, it would most likely not end up a best seller. On the other hand, if people did not have such high expectations, maybe it would have been better received... read it for yourself and find out! (But do realize that this is an adult novel - not Harry Potter in any way whatsoever!)

Last order of business: you can now find me on Twitter and Goodreads!

Hope you're doing well!
mary beth

Catching Up

Well, the school year is back and in full swing! I have been prompted to begin writing again... we'll seen how long that lasts. Admittedly, I feel like I am cheating a bit now with the name of my blog, but it'll stay to both confuse you and keep things simple. :) And where are the adventures going? Schoolwork? You mean I actually have to stay home and focus all of my time (thank you, AP US history) on homework?

Actually, I would be lying if I said I wasn't glad to get back into it all. On the other hand, what can be infuriating are the different perceptions/assumptions of some who have not experienced the same things I have. But I forgive you. We are different people, after all. Just please don't tell me you speak "Australian" after I tell you I was in Austria. To quote my generation, that is just "so wrong on so many levels."

Sarcasm aside, I have been doing a few other things with my time... sort of. A few weeks ago, I and my dad went camping further north, where we were very lucky to be without rain until we got to the car to leave for home! If you know my dad, you will know how astounding a feat this is. While we were there, we spent a good deal of an afternoon searching for mushrooms, and I am pleased to say found many. Sadly, of this many, almost all were poisonous. But I do have a few pictures:

And now that you are tired of mushrooms, I will finish up quickly! In case you are wondering, my school's football team is doing well so far this season - I have made it to one of our two home games so far. (There goes my goal to go to every one this year.) Secondly, I want to wish Marion a happy birthday and thank her for a wonderful '80s party! I enjoyed dressing up, as usual :)

hope you're all staying busy!
mary beth