Summer Reading List

I've gotten back into reading quite a bit lately, which is very nice because I've missed it so.  When I was younger I would devour books so quickly I'd get through 5 or 6 a week... I was always staying up late to read or reading in class instead of doing classwork.  As I grew older I read less and less as I let life get in the way of my typical fantastical escape from reality.

I miss it.  So I'm trying to read more this summer!  I decided I'd link up with Art @ Home for Literary Friday this week and share a list of books I'd like to read this summer.

Currently Reading

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

So far Dead Reckoning is ok... I have always loved the Sookie Stackhouse books (a bit of a guilty pleasure really) but recently find myself having a harder and harder time making it through them... Maybe the story is getting a bit played out, or maybe I'm just growing out of it... I'm unsure.  I'll keep going though it.

Summer Reading List

These are the books I'm hoping to read by the end of Summer!

Both of these I want to read before the movies come out:

Or at least before I see them... Though The Abraham Lincoln one will probably be after.

The Perks of being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

I need to read the rest of the Odd Thomas Series.

I've read Odd Thomas, but still need Forever Odd, Brother Odd, and Odd Hours.

I don't care much for Dean Koontz's writing style, but LOVE this story line.
I own them all, they're just sitting there waiting to be read...

I need to read the His Dark Materials Trilogy.
The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass.
I own these two... and really need to read them.



I have the Hunger Games waiting to be read too...
But with all the hype I have been hesitant... I might wait.

What are you reading this summer?
Don't forget to link up!

Mr. Tiger by Lora Zombie

My Lora Zombie block print came!

Here's the Instagram picture I snapped when I opened it!
Are you on Instagram?  Follow me and I'll follow you! 
I am @mysocalledchaos

I saw it for sale on Fab.com and had to have it.

I really wanted the giant size, but couldn't part with the money this time.

But this print is gorgeous, and I LOVE this picture.

Lora Zombie is a self-taught artist from Russia, and she's amazing!

When I first purchased the print there was a story along with it.

It told of how the little girl and Mr. Tiger were friends.

One day it rained and the little girl refused to share her umbrella.

The tiger's top hat was ruined-so now they're not speaking.

It's beautiful! and I'm in love.  I need the perfect place to hang it.

Here's the photo from Eyes on Walls where you can buy it or any of her other prints.

***

While you're here, don't forget to check out the Summer Smashing party I'm hosting with Art @ Home! It was just announced yesterday, and is going to be so much fun!   We just announced it yesterday!

 

Summer Smashing Journal Party & Giveaway

<a href="http://www.mysocalledchaos.com/2012/06/summer-smashing-journal-party-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/summersmashingbutton.png"></a>

Remember how I told you I recently found the fun in Smash Journals?

Well I heard about it from Ricki Jill who loves them too.
So we thought we'd partner up for an event and giveaway featuring our latest addiction!  

*This is not sponsored or endoresed by the company that makes these. It's all us!

First, if you aren't aware of what a SmashJournal is, read my post: Are You Smashing?

Also, watch this video (it's what reeled me in!)

Doesn't that look like fun?

They come in tons of different colors (each color has it's own theme)
And there are a bynch of supplies and fun stuff for it!

The supplies I bought with my orange one.

The Journal Party
Everyone who wants to participate gets a Smash Journal that they dedicate to the Summer of 2012.   Then as we go about our Summer activities we save little mementos.  Receipts, business cards, pictures, notes, a bit of string, jewelry, a rock, stickers, a deflated baloon, etc. Anything that we encountered throughout the summer that made us smile or that we want to keep to remember.

Some Smash Journalling I did recently...

It doesn't have to be all "junk journalling" either.  If you want to write a journal entry, or do an art journal post and paint, sketch, color, etc. in your journal-that' works too!  Just fill those pages throughout the summer with anything that moves you!

Then at the end of the summer we'll all take pictures of our Smash Journals and write a post about it.  A linky will be posted, and we can link up and then visit each other and see what was created!  It's going to be a great time, and a great way to be motivated to journal and create all summer!

The Giveaway
Since we love you, and want to have a little extra reward for participating, we have decided to do a giveaway too.  So everyone who participates will be entered to win a bunch of Smash goodies.  And if we get enough entries, we may even do multiple prize packages.  I want to share some Smash goodies!  Plus, there will be bonus entries all along the way!

So are you going to join us?
Yes? Yes? Yes?  (Yes is the only answer! ha!)

To join:

1. Follow both hosts: My So-Called Chaos & Art @ Home
2. Create a blog post using the Summer Smashing button, linking to both hosts, and telling your friends to play along! 
3. Link up that post here with us! 
4. Optional: Grab the smaller Summer Smashing button and put it in your side bar on your blog, so people can see it all summer long!  (+5 bonus entries if you do this-comment and let me know you have!)

<a href="http://www.mysocalledchaos.com/2012/06/summer-smashing-journal-party-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww257/agofish/For%20Blog/summersmashingbuttonSMALL.png"></a>

Once you've joined:
Go pick up a Smash Journal and whatever supplies you want.  They're available in craft stores (I got mine at Michael's) but they are also available in many places online.  The official site for the K&Co. SMASH collection has a great selection, and packages with matching embellishments included.  Then start smashing!

 (If you'd prefer to use some other journal/smash book option, you are still welcome to participate!  This isn't exclusive to these kinds, they're just what we use.)

So what are you waiting for?
Let's get started!