Two New Summer Reads

I've been reading a lot this summer and have loved every second of it!  Its been a while since I've written a book report  so I'm here to catch you up on the two books I just finished.

My first read, The Mennonite in the Little Black Dress, is the story of coming home to your roots.  It is a memoir, self explorative piece in which Rhoda Janzen goes through a series of upsets including a horrible car accident, and a divorce.  In the midst of it all, Rhoda returns home to her family of Mennonites and joins them for a summer vacation in the western U.S.  Rhoda realizes and appreciates the strict culture she was raised in, while simultaneously appreciates her determination and career aspirations.  In a way it reminds me of Eat, Pray, Love in which Liz does some serious soul searching and finds the person inside that she is comfortable with.

The other book, The Alternative Hero, follows Clive Berresford and his quest for finding out why his favorite band, The Thieving Magpies broke up after a promising headlining gig at Ayelsbury.  Anyone who knows me, knows that there are a few rock stars in which I would follow, stalk, and admire and should the band break up, will always hope that they get back together.  One day, Clive notices that the lead singer of the Thieving Magpies lives just a few doors down.  He follows him around the block, and figures out a way in which he can contact Mr. Webster and find the truth behind Ayelsbury.  After some speed bumps, challenges, and a little background history, one can appreciate the passion Clive has to speak with one of his heroes.  This is a great summer read, and I highly suggest it to anyone that loves music, can appreciate behaving like a 12 year old girl who loves the backstreet boys (or jonas brothers since they are now hip).

On another note, I was in Boston last week to visit my friend Andrew.  It was an awesome trip!  We went to Fenway saw the Red Sox v. Rangers game, explored the city, and definitely ate our way through the city.  It was a short and sweet trip.  I'm just trying to convince him to come and visit Austin!  Hopefully he will!

-B

Blah Day Today

Today was blah.  I really have no reason as to why it was other than I messed up my back some way some how.

Anyways, I went up to Dallas this past weekend to visit my BFF and my cousin and his darling wife.  It was wonderful to have the comforts of home only 3 hours away.  The drive up to Dallas isn't bad, although its boring.  For a while it seemed like the road was going on and on... I passed country barns and couldn't help but to wonder what is inside.  You always hear of the lucky individuals who buy a decrepid property and come across a rare but exquisite vehicle!  Maybe one day.

Last week I was able to visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens, just off of Barton Springs in the Zilker area.  It is an absolute beautiful place.  For a small fee of $3 (this is to park) you are whisked away into such a serene and calming environment.  It is absolutely beautiful.  They have a plethora of gardens, everything from a Japanese Garden with a Koi pond, to a Butterfly Garden!  I can't wait till my next friend visits and I get to go there again!  Here are a few pictures:

On the 4th of July my friend and I went to Toy Joy- a classic toy store in the heart of Austin.  It was packed.  Inside they have a soda fountain, a ton of Hello Kitty Stuff, and an amazing assortment of toys and chotchkies.  Its the perfect store to go to when you need a gift for the person that has everything.  I picked up a pretty sweet gift for my friend who is in Boston, who I get to go see on Thursday!  I am so excited!  I have never been to Boston before, and I even get the chance to go to Fenway and see a Red Sox game!  It is going to be the best day ever!