Tag #79: The 90s Movie Book Tag

90s Movies

Image Credit: List Challenges

I saw this tag on Ally’s fun blog!

Here’s the link to her post:


She’s All That | name a book that is an odd pairing but they still fit perfectly

Prez: A Story of Love

I loved the story between Katherine and Paul in Prez: A Story of Love by Margaret Garrison.

10 Things I Hate About You | a book/series that you have a love/hate relationship with

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The Divergent trilogy. As many of you know by now, I loved Divergent and Insurgent, but absolutely hated Allegiant.

Clueless | a character that is totally clueless but you love them anyway

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I agree with Ally on this one – Harry Potter.

Titanic | name a book that made you cry

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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I shed several tears while reading this!

American Pie | a book that makes you laugh

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I loved the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. I need to play catch-up and read the rest!

Can’t Hardly Wait | a book with a crazy party

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Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.

Cruel Intentions | name a character that you can never fully trust

The Vacationers

Franny from The Vacationers by Emma Straub. This was a hard question, but she’s the only character I can think of right now where I immediately felt suspicious of her and her motives.

Drive Me Crazy | name your favourite “boy next door” or “girl next door”  couple

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Veronica “Ronnie” Miller and Will Blakelee from The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

Scream | a book with a memorable villain

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Voldemort from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.

The Craft | name a book with witches

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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire.


Tag – You’re It!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #78: Song Request Book Tag

Thanks, Daniel, for tagging me!

Here’s the link to the post where I was tagged:


Rules

  • Thank and link back to tagger.
  • Credit to Daniel @ Page to Page
  • Listen to tagger’s song requests! After you’re done listening to the three songs the person who tagged you has chosen, choose a book that you think best goes along with that song and tell us why you chose it!
  • Request 3 songs of your own! Give any three songs (and your corresponding book choices that think go well with said song) you want for your taggers to listen and respond to!
  • Tag 5 people!

Daniel’s Song Requests

Song: “Falling Apart” by Broods

A Wrinkle in Time

Book: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle

I mean, the book starts with “It was a dark and stormy night,” so you can only go up from there, right? I want to re-read this book this year. It’s been forever!

Song: “Not What I Meant” by dodie

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Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

My mind immediately went to misunderstandings. I know I say “That’s not what I meant” a lot! I think the assumptions and misunderstandings that occur between these characters fit perfectly with this song.

Song: “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

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Book: A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

Daniel, this song made me cry!

It’s so hard to pick just one book for this song! Oh, man!

I knew a Nicholas Sparks book was perfect for this song. After much deliberation, I picked A Walk to Remember because I think the lyrics fit perfectly with how Landon eventually feels about Jamie. The tears, though. The tears.


Laura Beth’s Song Requests

Song: “I’m Comin’ Over” by Chris Young

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Book: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I think this song about wanting to be with someone so badly, and getting closure later, can easily be paired with a classic like Gatsby.

Song: “Better When I’m Dancin'” by Meghan Trainor (The Peanuts Movie)

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Book: Summer Boys (Summer Boys #1) by Hailey Abbott

When I need a pick-me-up, I’m drawn toward this song. I love how upbeat it is, and makes me want to move my feet! The same goes for Summer Boys and the rest of its series – It’s such a fun series to get lost in. I saw a girl in my high school orchestra class reading it one day. Intrigued, I asked her about it. She graciously let me borrow the first book, and then I found the rest on my own, most through the library. It’s definitely more on the “fluffy” side of reading, but I love the whole series. Now, I want to re-read all of it – Maybe this summer!

Song: “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

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Book: Calico Joe by John Grisham

Whenever I hear “Sweet Caroline,” I think of baseball! John Grisham’s book is the perfect book for this song. In fact, when I first read this book, the song popped into my head a couple of times, and I found myself singing along!


Tag – You’re It!

  1. Destiny at Howling Libraries
  2. Fiction No Chaser
  3. Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts
  4. Kristian at Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table
  5. Simon at Planet Simon

This was such a fun tag. I love books and music, and seeing this combination was challenging, but inspiring. Thanks again, Daniel!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Blog Awards #25: The Real Neat Blog Award

The Real Neat Blog Award

I was honored to be nominated for the The Real Neat Blog Award by Kristian, the lovely and talented author of Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table. Thanks, Kristian!

Here’s Kristian’s post, where I was nominated:


The guidelines for accepting the Real Neat Blog Award are pretty straightforward:

  • Answer the seven questions posed to you
  • Gift 3 bloggers
  • Pose a further seven questions

Kristian’s Questions

1. What do you think are the 5 most beautiful things on earth? Why?

  • Sunrises / sunsets – I’ve been fortunate to witness several magnificent sunrises and sunsets in various places throughout the world. They are, in my mind, one of the best examples of God’s creation and beauty.
  • Flowers of all kinds – Despite the pollen, I love flowers. All of them are unique and beautiful in their own way. I love visiting different botanical gardens to bask in their splendor.
  • The ocean – This is one of the things that soothes me greatly. Although I’m not much of a beach person any more, I love seeing the ocean, listening to the waves, and smelling the salt air.
  • Cardinals – Virginia’s state bird is the northern cardinal, and the red male is one of the most beautiful and stunning creatures on this Earth.
  • Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin – I’m a Green Bay Packers fan ’til I die. I look forward to the day I get the opportunity to visit this historic place, and watch my Packers play on their home turf.

2. What’s your idea of the perfect day?

  • Enjoying a delicious breakfast, with at least one cup of coffee in the morning, if not two. No chores! Having time to enjoy my six American Girl dolls, changing their clothes and doing their hair. Writing in my journal. Taking a walk in my neighborhood, either with Al or our dogs, ideally all three. Enjoying either lunch or dinner out with Al as a date. Then, ending the day with a nice dinner, a good beverage, and watching a movie or two, snuggled on the couch next to Al and our dogs on our laps.

3. How do you recharge?

  • “Unplugging” from my electronics. I love reading, writing by hand, enjoying my American Girl dolls, and pastel painting.

4. If money didn’t matter, what would your dream job be?

  • A novelist.

5. What’s something you haven’t done, but have always wanted to?

  • Traveled somewhere on an Amtrak train.

6. Which fictional character do you most identify with?

  • Hermione Granger!

7. What’s your favorite joke?

Helvetica and Times New Roman walk into a bar.

“Get out of here!” shouts the bartender. “We don’t serve your type!”


Gifting The Award

  1. Jenna at Bookmark Your Thoughts
  2. Sara at The Bibliophagist
  3. Destiny at Howling Libraries

Laura Beth’s Questions

  1. What is your dream novel, or idea for a novel?
  2. Which fictional world would you want to live in?
  3. What is your preference: The beach, or the mountains?
  4. What is your favorite vacation memory?
  5. Where is one place in your state or area you’ve never visited?
  6. What was your favorite toy when you were younger?
  7. Which fictional character would you want to date?

Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Blog Awards #24: The Versatile Blogger Award

I was nominated for The Versatile Blogger Award by Jenna, who is the wonderful author of Bookmark Your Thoughts. Thanks, Jenna!

Here’s the link to Jenna’s post, where I was nominated:


The Rules

  1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
  2. Include a link to their blog.
  3. Select 7 blogs/bloggers that you’ve recently discovered or follow regularly.
  4. Nominate those bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.
  5. Finally, tell the person who nominated you 7 things about yourself.

Seven Facts About Laura Beth

  1. I love turtles!
  2. I’ve seen every single Marvel movie in theaters.
  3. I have six American Girl dolls.
  4. I will never stop reading!
  5. I’m left-handed!
  6. I’m a die-hard fan of the Green Bay Packers.
  7. I was born in New York City.

The Nominees:

  1. Tiana at The Book Raven
  2. Destiny at Howling Libraries
  3. Sara at The Bibliophagist
  4. Olivia Peters
  5. Daniel at Page to Page
  6. Planet Simon
  7. Marie at Drizzle & Hurricane Books

No obligation to participate, as always. Thanks for being awesome bloggers!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Getting Personal #161: “Way in the lake, Lipnik Park in Ruse, Bulgaria” (Reblogged)

I feel at peace when I’m surrounded by nature, especially water, trees, or both.

This photo also symbolizes a path. A path, a journey to the other side.

We are all on our own journeys. The good thing? We can choose our paths. We have that choice. No one can take that away from us.

I’m constantly inspired by nature and landscapes. This particular photo looks like it was taken in autumn, when the leaves are changing colors and the trees are changing seasons. Here in Virginia, we don’t always experience four seasons. But, the trees do. I like to think so, anyway.


What’s your favorite season?


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #77: Books I’ll (Probably) Never Read Book Tag!

At the end of January, I saw this fun tag on Destiny’s blog, Howling Libraries.

Here’s the link to Destiny’s post:


1) a really hyped book you’re not interested in reading:

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I’ve heard many good things, but this book just isn’t interesting to me.

2) a series you won’t start/won’t be finishing:

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Same thing as #1. It takes a lot to get me interested in fantasy.

3) a classic you’re not interested in:

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Although I’ve heard good things about this book and its author, I struggled with Oscar Wilde in high school. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray.

4) a genre you never read:

Erotica. Nope, no thanks, I’ll pass.

5) a book on your shelves you’ll probably never actually read:

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I’ve tried to read this book twice now. I’ve set it aside both times.


Tag – You’re It!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Getting Personal #160: March Goals

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Image Credit: East Willow Grove

Hello, March! It’s so nice to see you!


Here are my goals for the month of March:

  1. Volunteer with District Orchestra Festival.
  2. Complete the Romantic Movies daily blog challenge.
  3. See Captain Marvel.
  4. See Alita: Battle Angel.
  5. Write at least 500 words toward the ending of my 2012 WIP.
  6. Change the POV of my 2013 WIP.
  7. Finalize my plans for Camp NaNoWriMo, April 2019.
  8. Participate in Didi’s WIP Challenge for March.
  9. Order my new glasses.
  10. Read at least two books.

Do you have any goals for the month of March? Let me know in the comments!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Getting Personal #159: February Goals Recap

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Image Credit: BeautyBeyondBones

February just zoomed by!

Here’s the link to my February Goals post:

Ready?

Here we go!


  1. Order my new glasses. — Did not accomplish.
  2. Donate blood. — Accomplished!
  3. Finally finish the first draft of my 2012 WIP! — Did not accomplish.
  4. Make journaling a daily habit / practice. — Accomplished!
  5. Create my own media kit. — Did not accomplish.
  6. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Al. — Accomplished!
  7. Take unused / unwanted clothes to Clothes Mentor. — Did not accomplish.
  8. Write more Commentary posts. — Semi-Achieved.
  9. Celebrate Drew’s 30th birthday! — Accomplished!
  10. Take unwanted / duplicate American Girl items to Once Upon A Child. — Did not accomplish.

Here’s the breakdown:

Order my new glasses. — Did not accomplish.

  • As much as I wanted to do this, I didn’t have the funds to make it happen this month.

Donate blood. — Accomplished!

  • Yay! I got by with the skin of my teeth with my iron, but I did it. It was also my 50th donation! I started donating blood in 2005 after I turned 17. The minimum age now is 16, with parent permission.

Finally finish the first draft of my 2012 WIP! — Did not accomplish.

  • I didn’t touch it at all!

Make journaling a daily habit / practice. — Accomplished!

  • I don’t have a photo on hand, but I bought a super pretty journal at Target and worked hard to write in it every day. I’ve already noticed a huge difference in my anxiety levels!

Create my own media kit. — Did not accomplish.

  • I didn’t make time for this at all.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Al. — Accomplished!

  • Since Valentine’s Day fell on a Thursday this year, we kept it simple. I ordered steaks and all the fixings from Texas Roadhouse online, and I picked it up on the way home. We enjoyed it immensely.

Take unused / unwanted clothes to Clothes Mentor. — Did not accomplish.

  • My goal is to do this in March. My pile is overflowing!

Write more Commentary posts. — Semi-Achieved.

  • I wrote one: Commentary #83

Celebrate Drew’s 30th birthday! — Accomplished!

  • We drove up to Richmond on Saturday, February 16th, to celebrate at Carini’s Italian restaurant. More than 20 people were there! Most importantly, Drew had a wonderful time, and made a heartfelt speech to everyone. We enjoyed the pizza, cake, and catching up with everyone. It felt like a mini-college reunion!

Take unwanted / duplicate American Girl items to Once Upon A Child. — Did not accomplish.

  • I want to divide my stash between my local Once Upon A Child and Girl AGain in White Plains, New York.

Final Thoughts

  • I was able to put Accomplished next to four out of 10 goals!
  • The one goal that was Semi-Achieved: I was a busy blogger this month! Just not with that type of post, haha.
  • The five goals I did not accomplish: Most of this was related to time, and partially money.

What about you? Did you have any goals for the month of February?

Come back tomorrow to see my March Goals!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Tag #76: The Wonderstruck Book Tag

The Wonderstruck Book Tag

Image Credit: Purely Olivia

Taylor Swift + Books!

I found this lovely book tag on Olivia’s blog!

Here’s the link to her post:


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  • Link back to the creator (Olivia)
  • Answer as many or as few of the questions as you’d like.
  • Feel free to use any of the graphics in this post. 🙂
  • Tag however many people you’d like at the end!

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The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks.

I cried every time I read a Sparks book. This one, though, hit me in all the feels! No spoilers, but have a tissue ready.

{ Listen to: You’re Not Sorry }


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The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins.

I couldn’t get it out of my head. I can’t remember if I already owned Catching Fire, but I know I wanted to devour it, and Mockingjay, and then go back and read the first one again. This is a trilogy that will never leave my bookshelves.

{ Listen to: Back to December }


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Oh, man! These types of questions are hard for me. I’m of the opinion that books are better adapted as TV series or miniseries, not movies.

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The only book I can think of right now is Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City, Matthew Desmond. I think this is an excellent book – One of the best I’ve read. Since it involves real people, I think a docu-series would be perfect, especially to see “where are they now” type of angle.

{ Listen to: If This Was a Movie }


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Caraval

Caraval, Stephanie Garber.

I NEED to read this book! It’s been on my radar for well over two years now, and I just need to find a copy.

{ Listen to: Gorgeous }


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The Great Gatsby - Complex

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Several people, both online and in-person, have told me how much they dislike this book. I was assigned to read it during my senior year of high school, and I ended up loving it. There was another research assignment for that class, and I did that project on Fitzgerald, his other works, and his experiences as an American expatriate in Europe. This is one of two books that I re-read every year.

{ Listen to: Shake it Off }


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The Polar Express, Chris Van Allsburg.

This book brings back so many childhood memories.

My parents have had a copy of this book since before I was born. It was a Christmas tradition for years to read the book and/or listen to the story on cassette tape. We even had a collector’s set with the book, cassette tape, and a silver bell. If you haven’t read it, you should.

Also, the movie adaptation (2004) is wonderful. We went to see it in theaters, likely the weekend it was released. We love Josh Groban in our house, so we also got the soundtrack and DVD. It’s a thing.

{ Listen to: Never Grow Up }


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Fallible Justice (ARC), Laura Laakso.

I was thrilled to receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review last year! The cover drew me in immediately. The story was really good, too. I can’t wait for book #2 in the series!

{ Listen to: Sparks Fly }


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Little House in the Big Woods, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I can’t remember how many of the eight-book series I read when i was younger, but I have fond memories of reading this one for sure.

{ Listen to: Style }


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{ Listen to: End Game }


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Columbine, Dave Cullen.

I had the grand opportunity to listen to Dave Cullen lecture at my university, and then I interviewed him about the lecture and the book for the student newspaper. It was such a powerful experience. He also signed my copy.

It’s a bit odd to get obsessed with a book covering one of the worst school shootings in American history, but Cullen is a powerful writer and researcher. I want to re-read it, and review it properly here on the blog.

{ Listen to: I Knew You Were Trouble }


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This is slightly deviant from the question, but the only logical answer I can think of.

Image Credit: en.wikipedia.org

I loved Divergent and Insurgent, but I hated, absolutely loathed, Allegiant, Veronica Roth.

It’s a shame, really. I loved the cover of Allegiant, but the content was such a let-down!

Maybe I should re-read the series? I’m not sure.

{ Listen to: Bad Blood }

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Tag – You’re It!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂

Writing Prompt #188: “30 Day Disney Challenge” (Day 22)

30 Day Disney Challenge

Image Credit: Meerkat Musings

Day 22 – An underrated movie

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

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I saw this in the theater when we hosted the Russian children. I thought it was a decent movie at the time – Different, but nothing special. I only started to gain a greater appreciation for it years later.


Come back tomorrow for a new post!


Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂