I’ve actually been reading quite a lot lately, but two titles really stood out to me. The first was Morrigan’s Cross, the latest effort from uber-author Nora Roberts. It seems that she writes a mass market trilogy every year (last year it was the In the Garden trilogy, featuring Blue Dahlia, Black Rose, and Red Lily). This season she brings us the Circle trilogy, of which Morrigan’s Cross is the first. It is the tale of Lilith, an ancient and powerful vampire determined to destroy the world. In an effort to stop her, the goddess Morrigan recruits six people from different places and times to form an army. Each recruit brings a special skill: Hoyt, a powerful sorcerer from the past; his twin brother Cian, who was long ago turned by Lilith; Glenna, a present-day witch; Moira, a princess and scholar from the mythical land of Geall, and her cousin Larkin, a warrior and shape-shifter. Last to arrive is Blair, a tough demon fighter with Buffyesque sensibilities. This first part of the trilogy brings the fighters to Ireland, where they begin their training for the upcoming battle. Of course, the story isn’t all about war; it wouldn’t Nora Roberts without love. In the midst of all the fighting, Hoyt and Glenna find tenderness and passion; Roberts handles it deftly, making it both romantic and sexy. The remaining books in the series, Dance of the Gods and Valley of Silence, will be released at the beginning and end of October, respectively. I’m looking forward to them.

I also just finished New Moon, Stephenie Meyer’s sequel to the best-selling Twilight. If you’ve read Twilight, you know that it’s the tale of star-crossed lovers: Bella, a teenage girl, and Edward, the vampire who both loves her and who is dangerously drawn to her blood. New Moon opens with an incident that convinces Edward that Bella will never be safe with him; he ruthlessly breaks her heart and leaves her, promising that she will never see him again. His departure leaves Bella in a near-catatonic state; it is months before she can function again. She finds solace in her friend Jacob, and the two of them begin to form a powerful bond. Just as Bella begins to wonder whether she can live happily without Edward, all hell breaks loose: Jacob transforms into something dangerous, and becomes remote and withdrawn. Bella simultaneously discovers that Edward is determined to end his own existence and must do all that she can to save him. Her actions place her in the middle of two powerful and opposing factions, and she must struggle to save both her relationship with Edward and her friendship with Jacob. I won’t reveal whether Bella’s wish to become a vampire is granted, but I will tell you that Meyer has planned at least two more novels in the series, as well as a companion to Twilight, which tells the same story from Edward’s perspective. Delicious.

now I have a conductor’s cap! Trust me, it is tres chic (though a teensy bit big, since I have a tiny head).

This is so true for me:

Listening To Our Bodies
Illness LessonsWhen our body, mind, and spirit are in balance, we experience good health. But sometimes we get caught up in life’s parade of change and movement, and things get out of balance. Just as there are seasons in nature, our bodies go through times of cleansing and times of activity. Illness is one way our bodies restore the balance they seek, as it cleanses the buildup of unwanted manifestations of negative energy in our system. When we are not feeling our best, we can go beyond addressing the physical symptoms to listen to our bodies as they tell us the changes needed to restore balance.

Our bodies give us signals, but if we don’t listen when they tell us that they are tired or stressed, then the imbalance increases and a stronger message is required, one that is generally expressed by illness or dis-ease. The first step to regaining equilibrium involves slowing down, eating healthy food, getting more rest, and taking soothing remedies. Once we have nurtured ourselves with these things, we can begin examine our illness for the message. A heavy head may be a sign that we have been thinking negatively, harboring anger, resentment, or guilt. A sore throat may be telling us we have been speaking without integrity-gossip, insults, twisting the truth, or even speaking ill of ourselves, all of which can knock us off balance. A sore throat and swollen glands can also mean you are cleansing and processing some powerful emotions at present. Stomach problems could mean that we are having trouble accepting or “digesting” something. Only you have the knowledge of your thoughts and choices that will allow you to decipher the messages from your body. All it takes is time and attention.

When we take the time to listen to our bodies we can learn how to restore our balance and improve our lives. By honoring the messages of our bodies, we can turn a time of illness into a constructive time of restoration, healing, and revitalization.

I was puttering around the internet the other night and I ran across this adorable owl bag. I love the vintage feel, plus it looks as though it is a fairly roomy bucket tote. I think this would be a perfect winter accessory with my one-of-a-kind vintage fringed coat from Nepal. Unfortunately, I’m in the middle of changing bank accounts and have no access to my money. And my husband doesn’t love me enough to get it for me. For shame! It’s so affordable.

So I was reading celebrity gossip blogs tonight, and I kept stumbling upon pictures of Victoria Beckham. Most of the stories were about her getting drunk at some party, but I was primarily interested in her haircut, which seems very, well, posh. I like the sleek lines and angles. I’m definitely adding it to my list of potential styles. It was hard to find a good picture (after all, these were stories showing her all trashed), but these shots kind of give you an idea.

As an aside, what the hell is going on with her arm?! It looks like a chicken leg or something. Eeew.