On the bookshelf: another YA series

The Maze Runner Series is definitely a set of young adult novels you should pick up and read.  So far, I've read the first book, The Maze Runner (in a day, it was that good!).  The book revolves around a boy named Thomas who wakes up in The Glade, along with 30 or so other boys.  No one can remember their past, where they came from, or any other personal information. But they believe they are being watched and the only way to get out of this bizarre world is to solve a maze, located just outside the doors of their new jungle-like home. 

The Maze Runner kept my attention until the very. last. page. When I finished, I immediately set out of for the second book, The Scorch Trials.  I must know what happens next!

If you're looking for an easy to read, young adult series, you should definitely check this one out. (warning:  I just began the second book and it's a little more graphic than the first, quite like the Hunger Games, but still an intriguing read!)

Anyone read a good book lately to share??  

I'm starting Cloud Atlas after this, then hoping to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. 

Rock Climbing: Clear Creek Canyon

We ended the weekend with outdoor rock climbing near Clear Creek Canyon. It was a beautiful, sunny day so after climbing up 2 routes, I decided to lay in the sun and cheer on our friends.  I'm a better cheer leader than I am a climber anyway.  

While I was laying on the rock below, I closed my eyes and listened to my surroundings.  Below me, a river flowing wildly, people clipping in out, which created this definite "click, click, click" sound, soft chatter, and loud "YES!" and "AMAZING JOB!" whenever someone surpassed a difficult spot on the wall.

I opened my eyes, looked around, and smiled. 

I was surrounded by amazing scenery and a great community of people.  It's such a treat to only drive 30 minutes for a solid afternoon of (free) climbing among encouraging company. 

In the kitchen: pumpkin dog biscuits

'Tis the season of pumpkin, for everybody!  Pups included.

Ingredients:

2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons dry milk
2 1/2 cups flour
water

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Blend eggs and pumpkin together; add salt, dry milk, and flour. 
• Add water as needed to make the dough somewhat workable. 
• The dough should be dry and stiff, don't be concerned with crumbs being left in the bowl. 
• You will need to mix this with your hands because it is too stiff for an electric mixer. 
• Roll to 1/2-inch thick. 
• Cut into shapes. 
• Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. 
• Bake for 20 minutes on one side, then turn over and bake another 20 minutes.

Original recipe found here.

Zia approves!

Welcome, Fall: A music playlist

Welcome, Fall

Goodmorning - William Fitzsimmons

House by the Sea - Iron & Wine

Keep your Head Up - Ben Howard

To Build a Home - Cinematic Orchestra

White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes

I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons

We Don't Eat - James Vincent McMorrow

Fergus Falls - Field Report

1901 - Phoenix

King and Lionheart - Of Monsters and Men

Listen on Spotify:

A beautiful shade of yellow

We almost missed the aspens changing this year at Kenosha Pass.  The trees seemed to be a little eager to find that beautiful yellow coat of leaves because when we arrived, only a few weeks later than our hike last year, they were almost bare. 

My Sunday was happily spent hiking the area with Ryan and Zia.  We hope to make this trip every year.  It's an incredibly beautiful sight. 

Blogger, turned real-life, friends

The blogging world is quite interesting, don't you think?  We document our lives, put it all out there for anyone to read, we relish in the highs with each other, and ache over the lows. We know so much about each others lives and most of the time, we've never really met.

So when Lauren of Pack n' Play said she would be in Denver on business and asked to get a drink, I immediately said YES YES YES.  

I had such a great night chatting.  Anyone who loves floral scarves as much as I, is an immediate friend of mine.  So good to meet you in "real life", Lauren!