freedom has a way of destroying things...

I just finished the third book in Scott Westerfeld's Uglies Quartet: Specials.

Each book has given me plenty to think about.  First, Uglies posed the idea of a society obsessed with becoming Pretty.   Then Pretties spoke of how people are simply better without being random - because human nature causes the desire for war and animosity.  Specials went further into the innate human desire for a world controlled by the elite; which interestingly enough used to be run by the rich when the Rusties (basically us) were around.

Yes, us = the Rusties who use metal machines, go to war, and run the world on egos and money.  It really made me think about the world we live in.  Our children are worried about their appearances, the 1% runs everything, and the rest of the world is in limbo waiting to be blown away.

I don't want to go into detail, because that would simply be giving away the plot (and you have to read the series people!).  But throughout these three books, the reader is introduced to the corporate ways of the Cities, the people who live around the Rusty Ruins, others who live as savages in what is uncovered as an experimental community, and finally another City that does things differently than New Pretty Town works.

In the last chapter of Specials, Tally states that "freedom has a way of destroying things."  These words really hit a nerve with me.  I truly believe that our society takes for granted the freedoms we've been given.  We have the ability to worship whomever we choose, we can speak our minds, we can write blogs like this that aren't censored, and we can become whatever our heart desires.  Of course there are consequences.  However, as a mother I hope I am able to instill the freedoms we have been born with here in the United States.

Books that illustrate a dystopic future oftentimes make one think, especially if the future seems plausible.  To me the best ideas are ones that could happen if we continue down the same road we are currently following.  Each journey we take eventually comes to an end - whether positive or negative.  It is up to us to determine which choices are the best at the time.  Hindsight is 20/20, but perseverance to choose the right path for ourselves is what truly matters.  Here's to making choices that in hindsight make us proud and satisfied.

Halloween Costumes: not so innocent anymore

As a mother of a 6 1/2 year old and an almost 4 1/2 year old, I find myself often appalled at the selection of clothing (especially for the 6 1/2 year old).  For some reason, once you are no longer a toddler the options of clothing turn to street walker.  School shopping was very irritating this fall, because the majority of options at local stores were very inappropriate for a little girl.  I really think fans of Flash Dance influenced designers, because so much of the clothing almost appeared dance costume-like (tulle tutus, off the shoulder shirts, and fish net tights to name just a few).

Speaking of costumes, Halloween is a week from today.  However, in the Martin household, we enjoy participating in a few Halloween activities.  Our annual visit to Hallowe'en at Greenfield Village was Sunday evening, and it did not disappoint.  Both girls had determined they would be versions of Smurfette: Evie, the demure, blond lassie and Zoe, the evil, brunette created by Gargamel. 

Evil on the left, Good on the right

However, last Wednesday evening, a VERY tired Zoe shared that she no longer wanted to be Evil Smurfette.  Okay, I said.  Then she began to explain the costume she would prefer.  Pretty much, I determined she wanted to be the guy from the Scream movies.

Zoe's new desired costume

My answer was an unequivocal NO!

Apparently last year there were children dressed in this costume who came trick-or-treating at our home.  Scream is a rated R movie, yet Party City has the mask as their mascot.  Each time we go to Kroger or a local eatery, Holiday Grill, Zoe is reminded of that scary mask. 

After a good night's sleep, and my explanation that she had to choose from something we already had in our home, Zoe settled for a witches costume donated from their babysitter, Hannah.

I still couldn't get the idea of a 6-year-old wanting a costume from a movie she couldn't even see.  Why this desire for a non-age appropriate costume?

I realize that All Hallow's Eve was not intended to be a holiday for children trick-or-treating.  However, that is what it has been for quite some time.  When I was a little girl, most people made homespun costumes.  If they were lucky, like me, they had a mom who sewed.  Most of my friends had plastic/garbage bags with a plastic mask purchased at KMart or other retailer.  However, nowadays there are tons of options for the treat-goer...and many are completely inappropriate for children.

Halloween Express, as well as other Halloween costume companies, start sending catalogs in summer.  I always marvel at the sizes offered in the costumes.  Basically if you are larger than a 4T you are forced into costumes which are very non-age appropriate.  So the assumption is if you wear a 5T (like my Evie) or above you no longer desire to be a cute teddy bear or cuddly zebra.  This is actually why I had to create Care Bear costumes for my girls last Halloween - they only went up to a 2T!

Of course that prude in me shakes her head at a lot of the costumes each year.  Here are some of the ones that offended because they were available in sizes for my girls:

Pink Leopard (i.e. street walker with kitty ears)

Every little girl needs fish nets, right?

Covered: Yes; Illusion that she isn't? Yes

I wish i had taken a picture of a young girl's costume at the village on Sunday.  My mother said, "Oh my!  She is a bar maid...what a lovely costume...sigh."  And though it looked like this costume (which is available in adult sizes online):

my biggest jaw dropper was that her mother was right there clicking the camera like all other parents.  So am I making too big of a deal out of this?  Yes the girl was probably 10, and maybe she fit in an adult costume.  But what happened to non-slutty costumes? 

I will now step of my soap box and say a prayer for our ever-deteriorating society.  Amen.

Tween Lit: My New BFF

After my last read, Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, I was afraid to return to historical fiction.  So, I went to the library and checked out the second book in the "Uglies" quartet: Pretties, by Scott Westerfeld. 

I read the first book, Uglies, earlier this summer, but became occupied with other reads following.  So I let my hold for Pretties at the library expire.  However, I just couldn't get the story out of my head...and I wanted to know what happened with the characters.  All it took was two days (yeah, I got involved) to complete the book.  And now?  Yeah, I have myself on the library list for the next book: Specials.

The "Uglies" quartet transports the reader to a dystopic future society where physical perfectionism is key.  This idea of a dystopic future is also present in my other favorite author: Shirley Jackson (to whom I own most of her novels and short stories). 

Tally Youngblood is an Ugly obsessively waiting her 16th Birthday, which will bring the much anticipated Pretty operation.  However, just days before her surgery, Tally gets a new roommate: Shay.  Shay does not want to be Pretty and runs away to the Rusty Ruins to find the Smokeys: those who have not had the operation and matured beyond their 16th Birthday as Uglies.  When Tally is picked up for her surgery and sent on a mission from the Specials to retrieve Shay, a journey to knowledge begins.

Pretties starts where Uglies leaves off, and I don't want to give too much away.  Lets just say that Tally is back in the City and she must leave again to regain a more "bubbly" brain and not the "pretty" one that is clouding her thoughts.

These books are not high literature, but captivating all the same.  Scott Westerfeld truly takes you on a suspenseful journey with believable characters and what could happen in our beauty-focused society.  Westerfeld also is very cleaver with how he illustrates situations.  For instance, he never has the characters swear, but rather says, "Tally swore."  It allows his wonderful sci-fi story to be shared with a tween audience, since there isn't worry about adult language or situations (i.e. there is heavy kissing, but no sexual encounters).  Even though there is an absence of language and mature content, I was still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would come next.

I definitely recommend this book for a tween, teen, and adult audience looking to be swept away for a few days!

Who wants to be a Jr. Tattoo Artist?

It's almost too easy to add this above toy to my recent Soap Box Parenting blogs.  Most recently it was regarding two little girls and their horrified faces promoting make-up for children (click here to read).

Here is the description of the above toy, which is appropriately called: Electronic Temporary Tattoo Studio.

Awesome Tattoo Art! Kids get the look and feel of real tattoos as they create awesome, washable body art with a pen that pulsates like a professional tattoo artist's! Electronic Temporary Tattoo Studio includes wrist-cuff power pack and pen, 12 interchangeable markers and 26 rubber stencils of pictures, letters and numbers. Uses 2 AA batteries (sold separately). Ages 6+.

The tagline for the Tattoo kit is: Awesome Tattoo Art!  However, on the following page there is a beginner guitar with the tagline: Start 'em Young!  Honestly, that is how I feel about the Tattoo Kit.  Really, a pulsating pen?  Is that necessary?  Because I have 5 tattoos and none of them felt like a pulsating pen (which honestly makes me think of a vibrator).   It wasn't like getting a ton of shots, as I really despise that.  However, it also wasn't something I want to share with my children.

I am almost starting to feel like a prude.  And honestly, I really am not.  When I was in college I had 5 ear piercings in my left ear and 3 piercings in the right (when I worked in the business world I removed 3 of these to look more professional).  I have tattoos, and I'm not finished with putting art on my body.  And yes, my hair has been a variety of colors, including blue and purple.  But all the piercings (besides my first and second holes) were done after I turned 18.  What I like to consider the "experimental" time in most people's lives: college. 

I suppose, for me at least, 1st grade is not the time to be experimenting with make-up, tattoos and hair color.  Yes, I have seen 6 and 7 year olds with feathers in their hair and highlite hair extensions.  Apparently there is nothing to look forward to anymore.  I had to wait until I was 8 before I was allowed to have my ears pierced.  I had to wait until high school before I had my hair dyed.  And that was only because I put Sun-In (honestly, I cannot believe I found a link on the Internet...I mean, who still uses this crap?) on my hair, sat outside all day, and looked like a crazy clown when it was all done. 

I will admit: my parents were strict.  I had curfews that made me the "odd man out" when it came to staying out past 8pm.  I remember specifically that my friend, Joe, would say, "The streetlights are on, Michelle needs to get home!"  It was funny, but annoying at the time.  However, this was also when I was 16...not 6.

I am starting to think that I am turning into a prude in my old age.  Why are girls wearing make-up to elementary school?  Why are there so many hoochie clothing options for 5 year olds (including pants that show underwear)?  And why do kids need cell phones in grade school?  Really?  Sigh.

I want to be peculiar!

After reading Fairy Tale Mama's Review on Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, I knew I had to read this book!


I have been reading a whole bunch of duds lately, and honestly, I have not really wanted to blog about them.  However, this gem did not disappoint!


This is a book that would be ruined by too much information...however...


I loved the relationship between Jacob and his grandfather.  His grandfather who is a wonderful storyteller and collector of old pictures of fascinatingly peculiar children.  Jacob spends his young life listening to what he assumes are stories from his grandfather's past. It reminded me of many times I sat down with my own grandfather looking at strange old pictures of his family, and hearing stories of the past.

I was definitely hooked by the first chapter.  It felt all too real to me.  My favorite time period: World War II, a relationship with a grandfather, and strange old photographs.  It was as if this book was written especially for me!  I realize that sounds a bit narcissistic, but I really became engrossed by the plot and was VERY sad the book had to end.

When the book came to a close, I wanted more.  I wanted to be peculiar...I wanted to know these children at the orphanage.  I wanted this tale to be REAL, not just a fictitious story that I simply place on the shelf.  I had to admit, I bought the book.  I have not purchased a book in so long, as the library is my lending friend.  But I HAD to have this book.  I know, it sounds like I'm obsessed...maybe I am, just a little.

One thing I do know: there needs to be a sequel...with or without the smattering of peculiar pictures.  I do think the pictures enhanced the odd tale, but the story had me without the images.  So, Ransom Riggs, if you are out there, PLEASE continue to write about Miss Peregrine and her peculiar children!

A Journey to the Past

Here is the story I wrote for the Museum Guild of Dearborn project.  Hope you enjoy!


A Journey to the Past
Michelle Martin


I love history. Next to music, history is a huge passion of mine. There is no denying my fascination with people and places of the past. This love of history has definitely been enhanced by living in Dearborn, a city richly painted by time. I have lived in Dearborn most of my life. Even though I could write many stories based around my education in Dearborn Public Schools: Snow Elementary, Stout Junior High and Edsel Ford High School and then at Henry Ford Community College, or about my time working at Dearborn establishments: Crowley’s, Greenfield Village, and Ford Motor Company, I will instead focus on one evening spent searching out the locations mentioned in William Nowlin’s book, The Bark Covered House.

One October evening in 2000, my mom (another lifelong Dearbornite) and I took a journey in and around locations described in The Bark Covered House. We had both read the book numerous times, but I wanted to go beyond the story and its pages. We assumed the actual buildings no longer existed, but that did not stop us from immersing into the adventure. I brought along my point and shoot camera, two thermoses full of coffee, and the book with a sticky-note on its map.

Our First stop was The Ten Eyck Tavern, which a historical marker has stood since 1950 on Michigan Avenue. Conrad Ten Eyck was such a character in the story of The Bark Covered House, and he definitely deserved a stop on our journey. Mr. Ten Eyck came to life in the pages of The Bark Covered House, as did other early Dearborn pioneers: Nowlin, Pardee and Snow to name a few. Dearborn now boasts many schools, buildings and roads named after these important men.

My mother and I spent some time picturing what Michigan Avenue would have looked like in the 1800s, and how unfortunate it is that the tavern was not preserved. I imagined it must have been similar to the Eagle Tavern from Clinton, Michigan, which now resides in Greenfield Village. Interestingly enough I worked there from 1993 until 1996 dressed in period clothing depicting 1850.

The next stop on our journey was the location of the Dearborn Arsenal. William Nowlin’s father, John, worked for the government and helped build the arsenal in Dearbornville. Today all that remains is the building Dearborn Music resides and the Commandant’s Quarters. The Commadant’s Quarters is a beautiful mansion built by Leiutenant Joshua Howard, the first commandant of the Arsenal. Luckily the building is still intact. We were not able to tour the building, as it was past business hours. However, I have been able to tour the building many times and did so once again the week after our journey.

Our third stop was to scope out the location of the Nowlin Castle, where William’s parents spent their golden years. Even though it was not much of a castle by today’s standards, the home meant so much to William Nowlin and his family. It stood at the corner of Monroe and Madison, which interestingly enough was next to where I was living at the time: Oxford Village Apartments. I also began to call Monroe, Hardscrabble road, as depicted in The Bark Covered House. Imagining a time when Monroe Boulevard was a dirt road is very exciting, though some of my friends at the time found calling it Hardscrabble a bit strange.


Our fourth stop took us to the site of the Bark Covered House itself. Located by Monroe Boulevard and north of the Ecorse River (which now flows under the roadway), stories surrounding the hard and determined life the Nowlins spent at the homestead are very captivating and engaging as a reader. I also realized I had lived a block from this location for a few months a year prior to this trip. My life in Dearborn had basically been experienced in and around The Bark Covered House, without my even knowing it.

Our fifth, and final stop, brought us to the Nowlin Cemetery located on Van Born Road in what is now on the boarder of Dearborn and Taylor, Michigan. Originally on the southwest corner of the Nowlin farm, the cemetery sits amidst businesses and homes. It was closed, as we expected. However, unlike the other locations that have been plowed over and reassigned, the cemetery still stood. The eternal home for this pioneering family of Dearborn, and the resting place of many of their relatives. At the time, I tried to get access by calling around local organizations that might have entry to the cemetery. However, my hope was never to be.

After moving nine years ago to our current Dearborn home, unintentionally only a block from Nowlin Elementary School, I misplaced the photographs from our journey to the past. I now have two little girls who love to visit The Henry Ford and the grounds at Fair Lane, Henry Ford’s Estate. They love looking at old pictures that illustrate books I have of Dearborn and its history, and when they get older I will encourage them to read William Nowlin’s book. As a teacher and parent, I hope to inspire children to take journeys that are rich with history and imagination. Maybe one day I’ll have the privilege to journey to the past once again.

22lbs, 900 words, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

I did my weekly weigh in yesterday.  I have successfully lost over 22 pounds since August 1st.  Honestly, it may sound like a lot to some; those who are glass half-full kind of people.  I guess I must be a glass half-empty kind of gal, because I keep looking at the larger number I need to lose.

I haven't lost the fight though, because I have been told I look really good by random people who aren't super close to me.  I do see a difference in my body, which I noticed after I bought new bras last Monday.  I an no longer a D, but I don't really care if my chest measures a C now, because I know I am redefining my body into a more shapely being.  Of course without a trainer, I am stuck to my own motivation; which is not quite as motivating to be honest.  We cannot afford for me to go to more personal trainer sessions, so I simply continue with my four classes per week: RIPPED, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, and either Zumba Toning or RIPPED.

I am also writing a short story/article for a book that will be comprised of 300 Dearborn residents (or former residents).  The article from the Dearborn Press and Guide is here: DEARBORN TALES.

The parameters are: 900 words or less, about Dearborn, and submitted by the 20th of October.  Upon my first attempt I had well over 900 words!  I know I am verbose, but sheesh!  There was probably a point in my life (high school most likely) that when I was told to write a 500-word essay I freaked!  Apparently that isn't the case anymore.  So I have rewritten my article and I will look at it one more time tomorrow before I email it in.

I have to admit that if my story does get selected, I know what Christmas presents will be!  HAHAH!

Promised Relief

I always find it interesting that after you've spent weeks on a project (i.e. play, paper for school, birthday party, wedding) the day after feels like you've been run over by a truck.

Yesterday evening was the culmination of an event I've been co-orchestrating since the beginning of September.  The Promise Tree event is an event that comprises: fellowship, fall society meeting, and fundraiser for our school.  I have attended the event twice before this year; once as a table attendee and once as a hostess.  This year I coordinated the dinner portion of the evening, and I was a hostess.  It was quite a large load to carry.

There were points that I just couldn't fall asleep at night because I was worried there wouldn't be enough seats for all those wanting to attend.  I was also performing a job that, in the past, has been done by an alumni/church member.  I am neither.  I am simply a mom of two students.  I had very little direction, even with the few papers that were passed to me.  It was definitely a "baptism by fire" situation.  One that I will (most likely) never volunteer to do again.

I do enjoy hostessing a table of people (this I will gladly do again).  The decorations, the coordination of "who is bringing what," and the fellowship.  However, I felt that determining who would be where was more daunting than both my weddings!  Seriously!  There were people who would come IF they could sit with a certain person (or couple), and there were others who didn't especially want to sit with other people not in their circle of friends.

Of course, there was also the initial confusion with the number of people a round table could accommodate.  I was originally told tables of 10.  In fact, my table last year had 10 people squished around it; I even checked the records and they proved I had 10 at the table.  I suppose we must have been awfully uncomfortable, because 9 chairs barely fit this year.  So after the initial 11 tables, I had to rearrange people and make 12 tables.  Most had 8, some 9 and there was one 10 that used two rectangle tables together.  I will never get those Sunday evening hours back...oh well.

My biggest regret is that I was so consumed with making sure everyone was happy, I never took a picture.  Not of my table beforehand nor the room.  It was a beautiful patchwork of tables in a simple basement of a church/school.  The fact that I had to work all day today - taught from 9:30 to 4:30 - definitely added to my overall exhaustion.  I may just have to skip church in the morning, and have Jim take the ladybugs.  I may just sleep in.  I won't hold my breath.

What a scream...

Back in April I posted a blog regarding the new make-up line for young girls (Click Here), and I almost spit my coffee out when I saw the mail this afternoon.  The two girls on the cover of the current Toys To Grow On catalog, found above, were open mouthed (delighted I supposed) and over made up.  It was, well, hilarious and disturbing all at the same time.

Has this image of girls ALWAYS been present in my lifetime?  Am I just now noticing the ridiculous imagery of young girls because I am now a mom of two young ladybugs?

I just cannot get over the girl with the ridiculous amounts of makeup caked all over her beautiful little face.  Or maybe I'm just being a prude.  Dunno.

What I do know is this: I took the magazine, and recycled it prior to letting either child get a look at it.  What a sad representation of a little girl.

Top 2 Choices

There were two winners regarding the poetry contest voting that took place:  The Grocery Store and Polka Party.

In case you don't remember which ones were which....

The Grocery Store
I stand up on my tippy toes
Up high, so I can see
The cash register and counter top
With all the groceries.
There are apples and bananas,
Avocado, eggplant too,
Lettuce, celery, and tomatoes,
Green beans and beef for stew.
Each item gets a chance to pass
Beside a small red light,
We get to choose which bags to use
I watch to my delight.
The cashier takes the money owed
Returns to us the change,
Our shopping cart is piled sky-high
Just like a mountain range.

Polka Party
Papa plays accordion,
He oom-pas all day long.
Grandma starts in clapping,
And I, I sing a song.
Dancing two-four rhythms,
The “squeezebox” bellows blow.
Then grandma takes my hands,
And ‘round and ‘round we go!

Now the big question is: Out of these two, which one stands out?

Here is the verbiage from the contest (in case you were curious what exactly I am entering the poem for):

Children's Writer Poetry Contest
Specifications: Submit a single poem, collection of poems, or verse story for children of any age, to 300 words.  Entries may be serious or humorous, and take any poetic form.  Winners will be selected based on quality of verse - including rhythm, meter, word choice, word-play, imagery, and the use of other poetic devices (thyme, alliteration, assonance, or others).  Above all, the winning entries will have appeal for young readers.

So put on your thinking caps and let me know the winning entry!