The Week That Was- Love, Arista

Hi friends! It was quite an eventful time since the last post I made here. I sure read and appreciate comments from Mommy’s close and online friends alike on my first post. So to all those who have read, thank you so much. Mommy is beginning to think that Love, Arista will be a regular contribution here. (Does it mean that I am a better writer than Mommy?) Sssh! Don’t tell! 

So the photos here go back to the week before when Mommy went to visit her old campus and also had lunch with my Auntie. Don’t the desserts look yummy? You can see our Papa relaxing on a Sunday afternoon at the poolside of a local hotel. Also, Mommy went on a photo walk during the Dia de Zamboanga parade. Yep, that’s my hometown.

  

 

 

At night, Mommy engages into a little sketching, no matter how primitive her skills may be just to let off some stress. As for me, I do get to enjoy Italian Coffee Affogato Ice Cream.

 As for the doggie side of things, Mommy got me another silicon bone since the first one got lost and I am still not an expert in my retrieving skills (to my shame). I also have a bag of doggie treats and I also received a replacement leash which is not in the photo, the reason behind being I kind of gnawed on my old leash because Mommy had to go to work and I didn’t want to be left behind. So yeah, I admit I was being such a baby then. 

Let me introduce you to my brother Axle who is possibly the laziest baby boy in the whole world. He’s a black Labrador and we’re the same age but it’s obvious who the smarter and sweeter baby between the two of us is it? (I’ll share with you some treats if you agree that it’s me.) 

So I guess that’s it for our week. Mommy is looking to finally get me that bed because she hates to see me just stretching on the floor or on concrete. I’m pretty excited. I hope you’re having a fab weekend. Don’t forget to join our latest giveaway and I wish you luck! 

Love, Arista  

Book Review: The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan

"There has to be a moment at the beginning when you wonder whether you're in love with the person or in love with the feeling of love itself."

Here is one book you should be taking home if you are want to revisit the alphabet again but this time, through the eyes of love. What kind of love is seen in the unnamed narrator's experiences and thoughts? One that is honest, sincere, and afraid, brave, doubtful, and confident at the same time.

The Style 

There is an ambiguous note of the type of relationship indicated here, but its careful editing and some subtle clues could lead the reader to form conclusions. The fact that this book is easy to read, and very close to the little things we observe and remember about a person we love, that is full of hope of making it together and getting over messy situations makes it a keeper for me. Whether in a relationship, single or married, the reader can take away lessons from this book. What are the lessons learned? Read to find out.

The style is very simple, making it very readable, the sentences are short and simple; each situation hits the mark. As a reader, you will enjoy revisiting the alphabet through the range of experiences and emotions as one who longs to be loved, has loved, and is loved.

The Lover's Dictionary was first published in 2010.

The Author

David Levithan is an American children's book editor and award-winning young adult author. He is the founding editor of PUSH, a YA imprint of Scholastic Press. He lives in Short Hills, New Jersey.

It is interesting to note that I finished reading the 222 page book in just a single Sunday afternoon.

Books Celebrating Love

Alright, with Valentine's Day just twenty four hours away, here I am thinking about errands and chores. Many V-Days I've spent with my family and yep, I'm still going to spend it this year with them. May my Papa remember to come to town early to pick up the pizza in time and beat the traffic in town. Mama still hasn't decided on the dessert. 

To all of you, I bid you a happy, fun St. Valentines Day. As J would put it, "love is celebrated all year round". 

Here is a little suggestion for some Love Reading this month. Here are some inspiring reads for the Love Month of February.

Pablo Neruda. Best remembered for his love poetry and political beliefs, Neruda's popular poems have never yet been published in its entirety in English translation. In Isla Negra, the poet dedicates his celebration of love and life to his beloved wife Matilde. 

Haruki Murakami. Murakami is "easily accessible and profoundly complex" (Virginia Quarterly Review). One of the big influences in contemporary literature, Murakami writes in simplicity and yet his settings are laced with urban mysticism and elements of supernatural. 

A quiet college student, Toru finds himself attracted to Naoku, an introspective young woman. But their mutual passion is marked by the death of their best friend years before. A coming of age story, it is unforgettable and enticing. 

Laura Esquivel. Like Water for Chocolate is a sensual book, with generous helpings of Tita's story of how she prepares food for her family and by striving to win the heart of her beloved Pedro. 

Forbidden by Mexican tradition to marry, Tita is the youngest daughter in the household, condemned to take care of her mother until she dies. Tita gathers all her efforts and knowledge about the magical food she cooks, and Pedro is driven in desperation to marry Tita's older sister so that she can stay close to her. For many years, they circle each other in the same household with unconsummated passion. (goodreads.com) 

Here's a crazy thing. National Bookstore and Powerbooks as of this writing, Do Not have copies for sale of local writers Kerima Polotan Tuvera and other books by F. Sionil Jose. The only F Sionil Jose is the novel Don Vicente at Php 5,590.00 (approximately $130). 

Do you have any suggestions for this month's reading? Share them below! 

How My Love for Books Started

This is a guest post from a friend of mine who also shares the same love as I do: books. Here she talks about books and how the love affair blossomed.

How my love for books started

By Agnetha de Castro

I still remember the day when I started to read books. It was the fault of one Sweet Valley Kids volume that I borrowed from a classmate. I don’t know what compelled me to read that. Maybe it has something to do with the colorful cover or the way my classmate’s face shone with happiness over the written words in those pages. But I am glad that my interest for reading was triggered that day and before I knew it, I consumed the book in almost one sitting and borrowed some more from her.

When I finished reading her books, I became an active member of our library and read all their Sweet Valley collections. When there was nothing more for me to read on Sweet Valley, I explored other books like the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and even Mills and Boon series.

That was one of the clearest memories I’ve had of reading. And from that day onwards, I started to read as many books as I could possibly get my hands on.

I never knew such joy and happiness as what I have found between the pages of the books I’ve borrowed and bought. It can never be replaced by momentary bursts of glee over a new gadget or some such thing. It is ever constant and irreplaceable. Such is my love for reading books. And it is a certainty that I would have books above any other material thing.

Even if I would grow old, wrinkled and with very bad eyesight, I would never break the habit of reading books.

Such is my love and passion for it.

About me:

Guest writer for Maimai’s blog. Anime addict. Movie junkie. Faithful follower and reader of many, many books. 

Got a memorable book to share? Leave a comment below!