Crystal's Wicked Garden 2017

Saturday morning I spent several hours "spring cleaning" my Wicked Garden. Sadie helped me, sort of. She gave me as much help as a dog can give, she watched! I think she enjoyed the outdoor time and sunshine as much as I did, it was a beautiful day. After cleaning up the garden I went plant shopping. That's one of my favorite things to do. I went to Red Butte Garden's annual plant sale,  the garden center at Smith's Marketplace, Western Garden, Millcreek Garden, Home Depot and Glover Nursery. I had such a great time hunting for unusual plants, black flowers, wicked sounding plant names, toxic plants and black foliage. I will probably add to this during the summer but here is a list of my 2017 Wicked Garden plants so far:

Bearded Iris ‘Before the Storm’

Black Mondo Grass

Carnation ~ mini

Clematis

Delphinium

Dusty Miller

English Ivy

Foxglove

Globe Thistle

Heuchera ‘Violet Frost’

Hollyhock ~ black

Hot Pepper ‘Satan’s Kiss’

Juniper ~ Creeping

Leadwort

Lupine 'Thomas Church'

Monkshood

Narcissus ‘Thalia’

Nicotiana

Petunia ‘Crazytunia Black Mamba’

Poppy ‘Brilliant’

Rosemary

Rue

Shasta Daisy

Solomon’s Seal

Spiny Bear’s Breeches

Tufted Evening Primrose ~ Moonflower

Tulip ~ Black Parrot

Tulip ‘Queen of Night’

Viola odorata (Violets)

Vinca Minor

Virginia Creeper

Yarrow

BOOK REVIEW: After Hello

BOOK REVIEW: After Hello by Lisa Mangum

This book delivered, from the title: After Hello, to the back of the dust jacket: "What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?" The cover is a creative work of art. The story is beautifully orchestrated. The setting is fantastic New York City. I've experienced Times Square, St. John's Cathedral, Rockefeller Plaza, the Empire State Building and Central Park. Lisa's words brought back memories of my visit. I fully understood the assault  on your senses; the sights, sounds, smells and magnetism of this incomparable city.

The storyline had a natural progressive flow toward a satisfying and memorable end to Sam and Sara's "partnership." I appreciated Lisa's ability to start me on a journey while not making me feel as though I was led along by an author. I felt I was discovering the way alongside the characters. Lisa created some tremendous visual images with her descriptive writing. She carefully peeled away a few layers to help the reader understand Sam and Sara's true character strengths as they became honest with themselves.

God blessed me with more than a fair share of empathy. I could empathize and sympathize with the emotions the characters experienced: Sara, her dad, Sam, Paul, Rebecca, Aces, Piper, and the rest of the cast. And all within a twenty-four hour block of time. I walked away from the book feeling wonder. I want to join Sam and Sara on their next quests. I hope they will be successful and will cross paths again. I thoroughly enjoy stories that have me still thinking about them hours, days, or even weeks after reading them. I think this is one of those thought provoking stories.

My favorite quote from the book is on page 255: "I believe sometimes people come into your life at exactly the right moment to give you exactly what you need at that moment." SAM
(I believe this too!)

Life is all about the journey. WHAT IS YOUR QUEST?

BOOK REVIEW: Love Under Construction

I have enjoyed reading the books in Danyelle Ferguson's Indulgence Row series: Sweet Confections and Love Under Construction. These are sweet contemporary romance stories with a cast of intelligent, sassy, and intriguing characters. I love the complexity of relationships amongst the families and friends, it makes the characters realistic. The independent nature of the main characters shows strength and encourages women to work hard for what they want. The settings draw you in; Sweet Confections bakery, Transformations and Indulgence Row are places that I would love to visit. Now I'm excited to see what happens when Mari comes to visit and we learn her story. Danyelle is creating a delightful series with many possibilities!

Windows of Heaven: THE MANOR has been submitted

After reading my manuscript again, I have edited and made several revisions. I'm very proud of Julie and David's story and hope to share it in book form in the near future. I have submitted it to a local publisher and will patiently await the response of their acquisitions team. Fingers are hereby crossed!

New Plants

During May I had a great time searching my favorite garden centers for more wicked plants to put in my garden. I hunted for plants with wicked sounding names, black flowers, black foliage, toxic tendencies, and spikey leaves or stems. Here's what is growing in my garden at the end of springtime:

Crystal’s Wicked Garden

Amaranthus ‘Love Lies Bleeding’

Artichoke

Bearded Iris ‘Before the Storm’

Black Mondo Grass

Bleeding Heart ‘Valentine’

Bleeding Heart ~ ‘Alba’

Calla Lily ‘Cantor’

Carnation ~ mini

Clematis

Columbine

Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’

Dahlia ‘Mystic Wonder’

Delphinium

Dusty Miller

English Ivy

Foxglove

Globe Thistle

Heuchera ‘Violet Frost’

Hollyhock ~ black

Hot Pepper ‘Habanero’

Hot Pepper ‘Satan’s Kiss’

Juniper ~ Creeping

Larkspur

Leadwort

Lupine

Monkshood

Narcissus ‘Thalia’

Nicotiana

Pansy ‘Halloween’

Petunia ‘Crazytunia Black Mamba’

Poppy ‘Brilliant’

Rosemary

Rue

Shasta Daisy

Solomon’s Seal

Spiny Bear’s Breeches

Tufted Evening Primrose ~ Moonflower

Tulip ~ Black Parrot

Tulip ‘Queen of Night’

Vinca ‘Wojo’s Jem’

Virginia Creeper

Yarrow

It's springtime at the Memmott house! I have enjoyed watching all the plants, shrubs, and trees bloom and perfume the neighborhood. I've added some new photos to the Gallery, take a look.

Book Review: Devil's Food Cake by Josi Kilpack

Devil's Food Cake was another delicious culinary mystery by author Josi Kilpack. Josi did a great job with the character development and I loved the predicaments that she put main character Sadie Hoffmiller in. Reading Devil's Food Cake gave me anxiety which means I could empathize with the characters. I was still trying to figure out who did it up until the end. This story was delightful and I'm excited to read the next book in the series, Key Lime Pie.

Las Vegas Trip

During Spring Break, March 25th-28th, my daughter Madison and I took a road trip to Las Vegas. It was her graduation trip and the perfect opportunity for me to do some research for my Windows of Heaven novel. We stayed three nights at The Venetian Resort Hotel, went to the Criss Angel show, and mall hopped: Fashion Show Mall, The Grand Canal Shoppes, The Forum Shops, The Boulevard Mall, and Las Vegas North Premium Outlets.  

The Venetian is grand! We enjoyed our comfortable and elegant suite with a great view of the formal gardens below. The restaurant Grand Lux had delicious food and great service too. Several retail stores and restaurants have changed since I started writing Windows of Heaven and it was good to visit the Grand Canal Shoppes to see what still works in my story. I've discovered that I need to make only a few revisions. We found another chocolatier, Godiva, creating divine looking chocolate covered strawberries and scrumptious tasting chocolate covered banana, strawberry kabobs. The jewelry store that I remembered is gone but new jewelers are there. I chose one that fits well with my story. I was disappointed that International News wouldn't work for the story; I'll have to rewrite that scene and use a gift shop in its place for the setting. I also had written  a scene with the Living Statues that I mistakenly remembered at The Venetian when in reality they were at Caesar's Palace...revision necessary for that scene too.

 After being away from Las Vegas for many years, it was fun to visit again and see the wonderful changes. The city was much cleaner and looked nicer and friendlier. I had a fabulous time with Madison and hope she will invite me to join her again on another road trip vacation.

Book Review: Fair Catch by Cindy Roland Anderson

Cindy Roland Anderson's Fair Catch was a delightful novel. I thoroughly enjoyed following Ellie and Nick's sweet love story. The characters were captivating and the storyline kept me engaged to the very end. In fact, I wish the Epilogue was longer! I appreciated the importance of religion for the main characters and the lesson about forgiveness. It's always good to have a reminder...though I really disliked Thomas. Yes, forgiveness is hard for most people and trust can be hard to give.
I've also read Cindy's novel, Discovering Sophie. I loved that book and highly recommend both books for readers of good, clean romance.

A new look for my Blog!

Here it is, a new look for my blog and website! I'm very happy with the design that Laine Sutherland, of A Little Peace of Africa, came up with and I'm looking forward to updating my website pages.

BOOK REVIEW: The Tutor's Daughter, by Julie Klassen

I really enjoyed this Regency Romance by author Julie Klassen. I've been a reading tutor myself and could relate well with the storyline. I loved the intrigue, mystery, and wonderful setting. Throughout the book I kept blaming the wrong characters for all the misdeeds/pranks. I liked being in kept suspense! Now I want to know what happens to Emma and Henry, as a couple. Time for a sequel.

BOOK REVIEW: Courting Miss Lancaster

Book Review: Courting Miss Lancaster (The Lancaster Family #2) by Sarah Eden
I thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance. The pacing was good, the setting and characters were delightful. Sarah Eden did a wonderful job with character development throughout the story. I began to look forward to which horrible character flaw the next gentleman, that Harry would introduce Athena to, would exhibit. I enjoyed the roughness of Adam and the strength of character and love for her husband that Persephone had. This was a wonderfully entertaining book!

BOOK REVIEW: Icefall by Matthew Kirby

BOOK REVIEW: Icefall

In his middle grade novel, Icefall, Matthew Kirby demonstrates his talent for storytelling at its finest. This story shines! No wonder it received such recognition as:

Nominee: 2013-2014 Utah Beehive Book Award for Children's Fiction
Winner:   2012 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery
Winner:   2012 PEN Center USA Literary Award for Children's Literature
Winner:   2012 Judy Lopez Memorial Award
Finalist:   2011 Agatha Award
Winner:   2011 Parents Choice Gold Medal

Icefall is the perfect title for the book and the cover is beautiful; it depicts a critical point in the story. Matthew does a great job with steady pacing that builds the story up to the cover's crescendo.

I have Scandinavian ancestry and appreciate the setting of the story. I could envision the mysterious backdrop of the glacier, mountains, and steading. The description of the hall, daily drudgery, characters, and scenery, all helped to make me feel like I was there, experiencing the drama with them. It was exciting to learn about Norse legends and mythology.

The story held my attention with the tension, betrayal, sabotage, and intrigue, as I was steadily lead on the journey with the young Norse princess, Solveig. Her relationship with Hake, the fearsome captain of the berserkers guard, was fascinating. Throughout the story Solveig discovered her various talents of being brave, honest, loyal, strong, noble, and compassionate. She gained confidence and wisdom. I would love to see a sequel to learn if Solveig ends up as Crown Princess, or even Queen. I felt that she exhibited more royal ability than did her siblings.

At the end of each chapter Matthew captivated me with the beauty and language of Solveig's stories, so poetic and lyrical. I found myself looking forward to those monumental pages.

Icefall is a wonderfully crafted story and I enjoyed the time I spent in the incredible world that Matthew Kirby created.

June 17-21 I attended the Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers Conference, held in Sandy, UT. I met Matthew and his literary agent, Stephen Fraser. It was enlightening to read the book that they are both passionate about. I really enjoyed the book and I appreciate the time and effort spent to create it.

Add Icefall to your summer reading list and get ready for an adventure!

 
 

A New Book to Read

I have a new book to read!
I am so excited to get started!
Guess what? It's not literally new.
I saw this book at a book store last week and had to have it.
I couldn't afford the $60.00 cover price so...I came home, checked on Amazon, and voila!...I had a used copy of the book on its way...straight to my house.
I received the copy on Wednesday. It took less than one week. Way to go Amazon seller!
Now to start reading. I'm going to pace myself, I want to savor every last bit of this book. I really expect this to be a summer-long experience. Oh, the joy of having such an adventure on the horizon...sigh.
Are you intrigued yet? What is this book that has Crystal so excited? It's a coffee table sized book titled: BARBRA STREISAND My Passion for Design.
I was in awe as I glanced through the book at the book store. Barbra Streisand is a wonderful actress, singer, director, and Broadway star. I am now impressed with her accomplishments as a photographer and designer.
The first thing to catch my eye was the exquisite cover jacket...it's gorgeous! I love the color of her clothes and the sofa...the exact match to her astonishing slate blue eyes.
Then when I opened the book there were pages upon pages of glorious pictures.  I'm so excited to start reading about her design dreams and to have a "private tour" through her California estate. The architecture is fascinating and I'm looking forward to seeing what she did with her yards and gardens.
I think it's time to read a few pages in My Passion for Design...sigh.

2013 SUMMER READING LIST

 

Here it is...My 2013 Summer Reading List

                                        * After Hello     (Lisa Mangum)

                                        * A Great and Terrible Beauty     (Libba Bray)

                                        * The Alias     (Mandi Tucker Slack)

                                        * Divergent     (Veronica Roth)

                                        * Enthusiasm     (Polly Shulman)

                                        * Everneath     (Brodi Ashton)

                                        * Friends and Foes     (Sarah Eden)

                                        * The Maze Runner     (James Dashner)

                                        * The Mortal Instruments / City of Bones     (Cassandra Clare)

                                        * Regally Blonde     (Heather Horrocks)

Here is my list of "want to read" books for this summer. I've listed them in alphabetical order. I want to allow myself some flexibility to select my next book depending upon how I feel on the day that I'm ready to start another book. This summer I am leaning towards young adult fiction. I'm giving myself until August 25th to finish the list. We'll see how I do with the ten books listed. It will be great if I can add to the list before my deadline arrives. Can you tell which book I'm starting with? What will you be reading this summer? Have you made your own "Summer Reading List?"

You should. Anytime I finish a list I feel a sense of accomplishment. I hope you have a fun summer, full of great books and adventures!

Happy reading!

IRIS: Plant of the Week (#plantoftheweek)

IRIS

Untitled

The garden with its little gate of green,
Invites you to enter, and view mysteries unseen,
Its vine laden bowers and overhanging trees,
The air filled with sweetness, the hum of the bees,
The flagged walks with Iris galore,
Of most beautiful coloring, unknown before,
Pink, white, purple, yellow, azure blue,
Mixed and mingled of every hue,
You come away wondering, can more beauty be seen
Than in the garden with its little gate of green.

   Winstead

"The iris poem is from an old catalog of "Green Gate Gardens 1931" which used to be in Bennettsville, South Carolina. The owner’s name was Gabrielle Drake McColl."

I found this poem at www.cdn-iris.ca/poetry.html the web site for the Canadian Iris Society. Iris are amazing plants that come back each year from rhizomes. Their colorful flowers add depth to the perennial garden. I love the irises in my yard; each year they seem to grow taller and the flowers are more beautiful. Do you have iris growing in your garden/yard? If not, it's time you added some. Iris is my Plant of the Week.

Happy gardening!

BOOK REVIEW: Longing for Home

Book Review: Longing for Home by Kathryn Springer

Longing for Home is a very good, clean, romance story. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters, Kate Nichols and Alex Porter. I enjoyed their arguments, Kate's spunky spirit, and Alex's arrogance. It was fun to watch as Alex changed his priorities and fell in love.

My parents own a Bed & Breakfast establishment, so I could relate to that part of the storyline. I loved the small-town setting near a lake. This was a fun story and I was disappointed to finish reading it; I didn't want the adventure to end! Now I need to read the other books in this series.

WISTERIA is the Plant of the Week

WISTERIA...need I say anything more? Really?

Wisteria is one of my all time favorite plants. Whether climbing a wall, rambling over an arbor, or trained into tree form, the vines are beautiful. I love the clusters of fragrant flowers that grace us with their presence for such a short time each year.

Yesterday I visited Red Butte Garden, in Salt Lake City, UT. It was a beautiful, sunny day. There weren't very many visitors so I was able to wander around at my leisure. I was disappointed that my trip was too early in the season; the wisteria will need more time before it blooms in all its glory.

 I did find some wisteria in full bloom at the shopping area called The District, in South Jordan, UT. It was a pleasure to behold! You should drive around your city and discover this gem. Sometimes it is growing in the most unlikely places.

Wisteria is the Plant of the Week (#plantoftheweek).

Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary

In the book The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Basil chants:

"Mistress Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With silver bells, and cockle shells,

And marigolds all in a row." 

I thought of this rhyme as I wandered around my yard, checking on my new plants. I've been intrigued with the idea of planting more "wicked" plants this year and creating my own version of a "poison garden."

This week I made my yearly trek to Millcreek Gardens in search of a chocolate cosmos. I was not disappointed (I planted it in my herb garden flower pot, next to the chocolate mint). I also found a black mondo grass that looks menacing and a delicate looking solomon's seal. That nursery always has a wonderful assortment of perennials to choose from. Next I visited Cactus & Tropicals where I found a fun little bonsai. Then I went to Smith's Marketplace for lupine and a jacob's ladder plant. I rounded out my tour at Glover Nursery. I was a little disappointed in the condition of a lot of their plants, however the nursery itself has had a face lift and looks nicer.

As I strolled around my yard I noticed that the forget-me-nots are in full bloom, the wild violets are just finishing their blooming, the lily of the valley is spreading, and I saw a few flower stems starting to peek out from between their leaves. My cherished monkshood (you'll have to read my book/manuscript to understand this) now has a delicate stem with promising flower buds. The blossoms of both varieties of lilacs are just barely opening up and I caught a faint fragrance. Just finishing their season, the flowering crab apple and flowering pears were very pretty this year. The spirea are covered with leaves and have just a few blossoms teasing me. A couple of weeks ago I trimmed the rose bushes with Madison's help, their leaves are coming on quickly now. The daffodils, hyacinths, and early tulips are done. The mid season tulips are starting to show color and the iris are growing their flower stems as I write. I was very tempted to buy another clematis when I saw vines with the largest flowers ever, but I somehow exercised restraint! My clematis is growing well and starting to tangle around the aspen pole ladder again. This is how MY yard is doing. How are YOUR plants doing now?

The prettiest plants in the yard right now are the forget-me-nots. I have to choose them as the plant of the week! I'm excited to see Mother Nature at work in my small Garden of Eden. We have warm weather predicted for this week and I can't wait to see what the warmth and sunshine will do for my plants.

Happy gardening!

All of these photos were taken on May 5, 2013

Plant your dreams and watch them grow!

BOOK REVIEW: EDENBROOKE

Book Review: EDENBROOKE by Julianne Donaldson

Julianne Donaldson's Regency period romance, Edenbrooke, is a beautifully written, captivating story with charming characters and wonderful pacing. I enjoyed the plot with its elements of suspense, romance, and intrigue.

Transported through time, back to 1816, when reputation, societal rules, proper etiquette, inheritance, social class, and a good dowry were of utmost importance, I was caught up in the excitement and tension of the story. The dialogue was engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed Marianne's lesson in romance by Sir Philip. Love letters are now an art form! Who wouldn't appreciate more than just a signature on a greeting card? Men could learn a lot from the dashing, honorable, gentleman, Sir Philip Wyndham...who actually leaves Mr. Darcy wanting in a few areas!

I was drawn in by the friendship and then the romance of the lead characters.
The supporting characters were delightful, and delightfully wicked! I appreciated the wit, banter, chemistry, and flirting between the characters. The focus on emotional rather than physical relationships was satisfying and I look forward to reading more books labeled as "A PROPER ROMANCE."

From the moment I saw the cover I was captivated by the charm of the setting. From the wonderful descriptions I could visualize the lush, vibrant countryside and the elegant, grand, country estate, Edenbrooke. I want to visit its library, gardens, stables, and orchard! It seems so real to me.

While reading Edenbrooke I found myself anticipating the times when I could pick the book up again and read more of the engaging story. Julianne did such a wonderful job with her debut novel. It's a fulfilling story that I will read again...I absolutely loved it!