Review: Nightmarriage by Chad Thomas Johnston

Nightmarriage 

Published by: eLectio Publishing

Whether it’s buying things that are over there, dealing with Dodge’s incapable of surviving 110,000 miles or dealing with the folly of the pity party, Chad Thomas Johnston speaks to the newly married, newly parent-hooded (catch that portmanteau) in everyone.

Nightmarriage is a composition of essay’s, fun anecdotes about Chad’s steps through the world of marriage and becoming a parent. Spoken not as one who knows all the rules, but as someone learning them, the stories of Chad’s journey spark the reminders of similar moments in my relationship with my husband. There’s stories cataloging the silly arguments, the wonderful flaws, and the adventures during the personal journey’s. But Chad’s narration of his tales allows me to remember my own more fondly.

The witticism and refreshing writing style put a smile on my face more than once during the reading. I found myself inspired by the words and encouraged to be aware of the similar challenges I have yet to face in my own relationships.

Nightmarriage serves as a reminder that you need to appreciate the little things because in truth, those moments, are the big things. It’s a great read and every should have a copy. 

You can pick up a copy of this great book at: 

Amazon

eLectio Publishing 

P.S. There are awesome illustrations by several artists, including the amazing Kansas Citian Danny Joe Gibson. 

Funday Monday: December 3, 2012

It's the first Monday of December and there's only 22 shopping days left until the big holiday of the year is here! Does that stress you out?

Not me because this year all my stress is reserved for a few other things, including that possibility, albeit small one, that the world is ending in a couple of weeks. Mayan calendar insanity and all that jazz. If we are going to die, then farewell friends. In the meantime check out some awesome things you can buy as Christmas presents. That's right I'm pimping books, and my delightful Dessert Islanders works are up for grabs. 

5.) College bound and scared witless? Look no further then Dr. Nancy Berk. She's popular, hilarious and not to mention a good does of intelligence. Her book, College Bound and Gagged, talks about how to come through the college years without going broke. Whether you're the parent or the student looking for financing it can't hurt to explore the options without falling asleep. Non-fiction doesn't do it for me most of the time, but I love Nancy and she makes a gal laugh. I learn more with humor. Check out her book here, and her website for more her here. 

4.) Ever feel like you were meant for more? Don't say no, just say yes! The women in Jennifer Harris Dault's latest compilation did. Jennifer is amazeballs and has assembled a non-fiction book, The Modern Magnificat,  chronicling the stories of 23 women who received the 'call' to minister. This surrounds Baptist women, and is a wonderful, moving read. Dault presents the stories from the women themselves versus editing content to fit her own personal opinions. Again a non-fiction piece, but worth the time if you're looking for some uplifting and inspirational. You can learn more about the book here and can purchase this work here. 

3.) I'm always looking for new friends... sometimes you can find them running. Or at least that's how readers feel about Jennifer Luitwieler. Her book, Run With Me: An Accidental Runner and the Power of Poo, released in 2011, is anything but a guide on who to become a runner. You would think it's some funny, anecdotal storytelling about marathon experiences. In fact it's the complete opposite. It's about getting older and finding out that you forgot who you were, and then finding your self once more. Sharing stories that remind you of how to find yourself and each person has a different story. It's an easy read and you'll find yourself getting involved from the first page. Check out the book here and you can visit Jen and see other stories about why people run on her blog here. 

2.) Marriage and Parenthood are scary business. No one knows this best then my buddy Chad. He's a regular crack-up, the funny guy of the Dessert Islanders. His short, and whimsical memoir, Night Marriage, is currently available for pre-order right now. He's also an awesome musician, and a creative artist! I like to refer to him as the creative-jack-of-all. Whether toting the latest in musical heaven or regaling us with humorous tales of his journey's through, Chad does everything with a smile. You can check out memoir excerpts on his blog here or pre-order the work here. 

1.) Finally, some fiction! My other Dessert Islander buddy Amanda Romaine Lynch is celebrating release day! YAY *Kermit Arm Jiggle* This book, Anabel Unraveled is definitely two parts thriller and one part political craziness. We've got a girl who is seventeen and definitely living a life of hell or, at least, it's hell in her mind. There's congressional hearings, spies, and top secret islands. I haven't had the moment to wrap my grubby paws on it since I'm working today, and it release this morning. But soon readers I will consume, and quite possible review. If you're interested in learning more about the book you can order and check out an excerpt here or learn more about Amanda and her adventures in Mommy Land here. 

It's Friday! - Guest Blogging and jazz

TGIF

That's what I'm thinking, but the thought is slowly becoming lost as I look at my long to do list for the day. Definitely wish this particular Friday involved more relaxation versus work. Good news is some of my blogging work is already done for me!

My baby afflicted, twitter pal @Saint_Upid (follow him on Twitter) otherwise known as Chad Thomas Johnston has me guest posting on his blog today. I'm basically helping out so he can spend time with his new little one. So check me out over there for today.

I'll be back tomorrow with another book review.

No Excerpt... Just awards!

It's official, this blog of Slush is an award winner, Yeah!

While the awards do not include trophies, chocolate covered fruit, or (my personal favorite) a 12-pk. of Dr. Pepper. These awards do make me feel humble because I am humbled anytime someone pays me attention. Love it! Love it!

Do I seem a little hyper-active to you?? It's the Sudafed I swear and no, I do not condone the use of OTC Medications for other than what the labels and boxes and stuff say.

So the first award I received for my uplifting, goal setting sell is:

Wow! Now I had to pick this out myself and seeing as how I am the Queen of Procrastination and screwing off in the workplace, it seemed like me. Just to confirm how I fit this title, I am at work writing this blog post. What a jack monkey am I!

FYI: I am such a procrastinator I have been working on this post for 3 flipping days. Jack monkey? Yes! 

 

Second award of the week was bestowed to me by the ever lovely Phoenix Sullivan, who I am still indebted to and need to purchase her latest book release. Yes, I said Phoenix's latest release... Spoil of War. If you haven't bought this book yet or heard of it then please visit Amazon and search for it. Or visit her blog here and catch a link.  Now to the award.

The Versatile Blogger award must first be bestowed onward and outward to 5 fairly interesting people. Therefore I say unto:

Rita Jett
Jen Luit
Writ Rams
Jjdebenedictis
Chad Johnston

Enjoy the award and random people hunting down your blog space for interesting facts that they can blackmail you with. Now for my seven titillating tidbits.

1. I love musicals. Yes, I'm a freak, but I used to parade around listening to Hello Dolly (and singing it) at the age of two. I know all the songs in the Phantom of the Opera, King and I, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Cats, and more! I am honestly a huge Rogers and Hammerstein fan, a classics kind of gal vs. modern day musical. I am always open to horizon expansion though if someone has a good recommendation.

2. The quickest way to my good graces is to feed me. I am the cheapest date/person you will ever meet. Show up with food, especially yummy food (Taco Bell, McDonald's, Chick Fila, Sonic, or anything) and I'm your new best friend willing to die on the field of battle for you.

3.  I play the violin. Have since the 5th grade and my affinity is for Bach, Vivaldi, and good ol' Irish folk tunes. I can play a jig like no other and love to get a little fancy with butterflies and a May Pole. In recent years I haven't got to play as much as I would like but every now and again I break out the fiddle.

4. Getting lost is not part of my internal structure. That's right, you heard correctly. I don't get lost. Even when I try to get lost on back roads or around the neighborhood, I ultimately find a new way home or discover a road, landmark or something I recognize from a previous visit. This only leads to my destination and pissing myself off. Because let's face every once and while you want to get lost.

5. A firm believer in 'Do unto others as they do unto you'. So you like being snooty, rude, and just a general tight wad. That's fine I can be the same right back at ya. 'Killing with kindness' is a phrase designed for people who are naturally liked. I am generally scorned. Therefore, I will be more than happy to dish out whatever you want to serve.

6. My ocd complex is limited to cleanliness. I cannot stand dirt in my fingernails, lint in my belly button, or dead skin on my feet. TMI, I know. But to be clean is compared to holy so naturally I must be clean, exfoliating and plenty of alcohol based cleansing included.

7. Some of my happiest moments have been spent with a book in my hand. I love reading almost more than I love writing. Lock me in a library with food, in door plumbing, and infinite amounts of time and I would be the happiest person you know. Companionship is wonderful but people tend to drive you crazy after a while. Most of the time you couldn't get rid 'em if you tried, without hit up an 8x8 barred cell. Remember the phrase 'Can't live with 'em...'
Anyways, books and the characters within change. If you don't like 'em, you don't have to read the next installment. You can always change generes if you want something a little more comedic or with a spark more romance. Bottom Line: I like people, but I love books. It gives me a chance to pretend I'm someone else (a new person each day) and still have the choice to come back to reality or not.