Halloween 2011

I usually don’t do as much Halloween decorating as some people in my neighborhood, but since it’s sort of the kick off to the holidays I had to do some. Pictured above is my feather wreath. I love it, it’s dark and spooky but still sort of pretty. I’ve had it for a couple years and it holds up pretty well despite the fact that the wind keeps tossing it across the porch. I added a wood trim piece onto a cheap wreath hanger and painted the whole thing black.

This is one of a pair of grape vine wreaths I made last year. I patterned them after the decorations on The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.

I also made this Happy Halloween sign last year. The banner, which is the only new thing I added this year, is a printable from Moselle that I found on Pinterest, I printed it and cut it out, and then to make it stiff cut cardboard from used cereal boxes in slightly bigger triangles, painted black and glued the letters on. The whole thing says ‘Happy Haunting’. I think it is so cute. Here’s a close-up of the printout.

-Lynnae

Jane Austen Made Me Do It

What better way to welcome in the chilly days and windswept leaves of fall than with a cozy new bit of reading material?

Today is the release date for

Jane Austen

Made Me Do It

Original Stories Inspired By Literature’s Most Astute Observer of the Human Heart

This is an anthology of short stories edited by Laurel Ann Nattress, editor of the #1 ranked Jane Austen blog, Austenprose.

I was the lucky recipient of a preview copy and therefore have had the book in my hands for over a week now. It’s been a delightful  getaway whenever I have a few spare moments. This book is a collection of twenty two short stories and a good sampling of the authors who write Austen sequels and other novels based on Jane Austen and her characters.

The stories are the perfect length for a bubble bath (as I’ve tested out) or a few moments curled up in front of the fireplace while the rain is beating against the window outside. I highly recommend it.

I am all praise for Laurel Ann Nattress who has collected a fine group of writers, and a fine volume of stories showcasing everything from ‘historical to contemporary to young-adult fiction to paranormal’. I am hoping to have a chance to meet her at a book signing in the Seattle later this month. For those readers in the Seattle area, she will be at a book signing on October 22. Here are the details:

Saturday Oct. 22nd, 2-4 pm.

Barnes and Noble Booksellers

19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway

Lynnwood, Washington

And there will be an additional treat thanks to the Puget Sound area members of the Jane Austen Society:

“Put on your dancing slippers and best party frock for a Regency-themed Seattle book launch of Jane Austen Made Me Do It, a new Jane Austen-inspired short story anthology edited by Laurel Ann Nattress, Jane Austen Society of North America – Puget Sound chapter member & Austenprose.com blogger.

After the discussion and signing, enjoy tea and scones, live music and country dancing with English Country dance troupe, Nonesuch, in celebration of all things Austen.

Book Fair: Fundraiser for the Jane Austen Society of North America - Puget Sound Chapter
Use the cope code # 10577344 at checkout, and the Jane Austen Society of North America - Puget Sound Chapter will receive a percentage of the sales.

If you can't attend the event on Oct 22, you can still support JASNA by shopping at Barnes & Noble online:
Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 10/22/10 to 10/26/10 by entering Bookfair ID# 10577344 at checkout or bring the bookfair code with you to a Barnes & Noble location from 10/22/11 to 10/28/11
Invite your friends & family!”

Well, friends, if there’s dress up and dancing you know how excited I am!

-Lynnae