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Over on the 'what are you reading' thread I keep hearing good things about Sarah Black's The General and the Horse-Lord. What do you all think about starting that as a traveling book? Has anyone here read it yet... is anyone interested in doing so? Let me know and if it's a go, I'll buy it, read it, and send it. :-)

Tina Kay wrote: "Over on the 'what are you reading' thread I keep hearing good things about Sarah Black's The General and the Horse-Lord. What do you all think about starting that as a traveling book? Has anyone he..."

That sounds good, I'm in.

Joe wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "Over on the 'what are you reading' thread I keep hearing good things about Sarah Black's The General and the Horse-Lord. What do you all think about starting that as a traveling bo..."

I second that.

Okay, sounds good! Anyone interested in joining the traveling book club for The General and The Horse-Lord, sign up here. :-) I'll try to buy it tonight.

Johanna wrote: Welcome back, Caroline! How was Ireland?.."

Sorry Johanna I missed this earlier in the week - too busy trying to catch up after five days free of the internet!

Ireland was very relaxing. It was a family holiday and we were over in the West - County Mayo. My father in law turns eighty next month and our visit was in honour of his birthday. You wouldn't think he was that age to look at him and there seemed to be lots of time for conversations, reading and walks. They have a dog on the family farm, a boisterous golden retriever called Max and my younger child who is determinedly campaigning to be allowed a dog of his own went off every day to take Max for walks.

During April I've been attempting to write a poem a day but in Ireland I seemed to manage at least three. I think they put summat in the water over there. The one touristy thing we did was to visit where they've uncovered a field system which has been buried under peat bog for five thousand years. We had the place to ourselves and our own personal tour guide and only in Ireland would they have a film which opens with a poem, by Seamus Heaney.

Back to reality with a bump this week.

Just reporting in that the little yellow box plus notebook has reached me safely. I don't want to spoil the surprise for whoever is next to receive the notebook but it is just perfect... a very good choice Johanna.

Could you or Katharina Pm me with where the map came from?

Also who is next in line for the notebook? I'm well confused about the running order now.

. Johanna (Finland)[owner]
2. Katharina (Germany)
3. Caroline (UK)[current location]
3. Calathea (Germany)
4. Liade (Germany)
5. Tina (U.S.)
6. Juthi (Canada. If anyone else in the U.S w..."

Caroline wrote: "Just reporting in that the little yellow box plus notebook has reached me safely. I don't want to spoil the surprise for whoever is next to receive the notebook but it is just perfect... a very goo..."

Hey Caroline, great that it found its way to you!!

I just used Google Maps for the map, so this was nothing fancy ;-D

I think your list is the list for "Everytime I think of you" - the next on the notebook list would probably be Juthi in Canada (if no one else in Europe yells "me!").
We were thinking of taking it to the UK meet in Manchester, though - maybe we just send it back to Europe in July? Waiting until after the meet to send it over the pond seems a bit excessive, if no one else in Europe wants a go at it - or what do you think?

Thanks Katharina. I am easily confused. It will be Juthi next for the notebook then. What an exciting life this notebook is having, well-travelled, meeting lots of literary types and a group meet to look forward to!

Nice to hear that the notebook has traveled to UK already. :-)

And all this talk about the mysterious map makes me extremely curious!!! LOL.

I'm still reading As Meat Loves Salt. This weekend I've made some progress and I promise to read it as fast as I can, so that I can finally send it to Anne in Norway.

Since I've been keeping As Meat Loves Salt with me for so long I was thinking that I could send a new traveling book Shattered Glass by Dani Alexander on its way. Anybody interested?

I think it would be great to have it at the UK meet. The more, the merrier!

You can put me on the notebook list in the USA. Thanks 8)

The Traveling Notebook:

1. Johanna (Finland)
2. Katharina (Germany)
3. Caroline (UK)[current location]

4. Juthi (Canada)
5. Tina (US)
6. Joe (US)
7. Reggie (US)
8. Karen (US)

9. Anne (Norway)

Josh (final destination)

NB! We'll take the notebook with us to UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet in Manchester in July. :-)

If I can jump in, I'd like to get in line somewhere with the US group. I'm in New Mexico, Joe (I believe) and Josh are in California. Depending on where Reggie and Tina are, maybe we can make a progressive line towards Josh? Unless that just complicates things... :-)

Hey Karen! Yes, you guys in US can figure out the best and the most convenient order for the notebook to travel. I only added you in the end of the list, so we won't forget you.

And the notebook certainly doesn't have to head straight to Josh � it could easily make a couple of rounds before that. Or...better yet, we could send it to Josh with a return envelope and stamps at some point and he could then send it to travel the second round...

Johanna wrote: "Hey Karen! Yes, you guys in US can figure out the best and the most convenient order for the notebook to travel. I only added you in the end of the list, so we won't forget you.

And the notebook c..."

What a great idea!! :-D
And we can just have a look at who has the notebook at the end of June - and then ask them to ship it to either you or me, J., so that we can bring it the UK meet.
Btw, I just booked my flight. I will be in Manchester at 7:15 am (urgh, can you believe that time? I'll be a total zombie!!) - I'll have a lot of time on my hands on Friday, though :-D

Oh, and we might figure in on what side of Canada Juthi lives.

Would it be possible to Scan the notebook pages? My friend has an app on her i-thing that converts pictures of documents into pdf (Genius Scan). I haven't seen the resolution. Does anyone think we have the tech to take pictures/scan the notebook so everyone can see the group product? Isn't that the goal to have a group collection to share? I have a good digital camera and flat scanner, but I'm not more advanced than that. {shrug} Any ideas?

ps. I'm in Northern CA.

Karen wrote: "If I can jump in, I'd like to get in line somewhere with the US group. I'm in New Mexico, Joe (I believe) and Josh are in California. Depending on where Reggie and Tina are, maybe we can make a pro..."

I'm on the east coast. I would be okay with waiting until after the Manchester meet to get the notebook if that's what you guys decide to do.

And speaking of traveling items, I finally got Sarah Black's The General and The Horse-Lord. Yay! So please put yourself on the list if you're interested in receiving this one. I think this is the list so far:

0. Tina
1. Juthi
2. Marge
3. Joe
4. Johanna

Tina Kay wrote: "And speaking of traveling items, I finally got Sarah Black's The General and The Horse-Lord. Yay! So please put yourself on the list if you're interested in receiving this one. I think this is the ..."

Yay, a new traveling book!!! And I think I haven't read anything by Sarah Black before! :-)

I'm not sure if the Johanna in the The General and the Horse-Lord list is me or the other Johanna? Anyway, if it's me everybody in North America can cut in line in front of me before you'll send the book to Europe.

Reggie wrote: "Would it be possible to Scan the notebook pages? My friend has an app on her i-thing that converts pictures of documents into pdf (Genius Scan). I haven't seen the resolution. Does anyone think we ..."

I think it's a great idea. If the others think so too, I can try to do the scanning at the latest in the end of June/in the beginning of July, if I get my hands on the notebook before we'll leave for Manchester. I'll have to figure out the Genius Scan first. You did mean that the pictures/documents would be posted here in GR?

And maybe we want to post the pictures here only after the notebook has reached Josh the first time? I think that it would be nice if he would be the first to see the contents of its pages. Kind of like a surprise, right? Or what do you guys think?

Everybody might not like the idea that their pages will be scanned and will be posted here � and I think that's completely understandable. Naturally we won't scan those pages at all.

Overall there is something very personal about a notebook/journal/diary � even a traveling kind. This is me probably overthinking everything as usual... but I think we should discuss Reggie's idea before deciding anything. I mean, does the knowledge that the pages will be posted on internet restrain the things we put on the notebook pages? Or even prevent us somehow? Would it mean that someone doesn't want to be part of this notebook thing at all if this is the case? Or maybe nobody else thinks like this?

On the other hand I'm very curious to see what you all have written/drawn/glued/etc. on the notebook pages. And this would be the simple solution to share it all. :-)

Katharina wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Hey Karen! Yes, you guys in US can figure out the best and the most convenient order for the notebook to travel. I only added you in the end of the list, so we won't forget you."

Congrats on the booked flights! Yay! :-)

Karen wrote: "If I can jump in, I'd like to get in line somewhere with the US group. I'm in New Mexico, Joe (I believe) and Josh are in California. Depending on where Reggie and Tina are, maybe we can make a pro..."

So, is it possible for others to join or am I too late?

Johanna wrote: "I'm still reading As Meat Loves Salt. This weekend I've made some progress and I promise to read it as fast as I can, so that I can finally send it to Anne in Norway.

Since I've been keeping As Me..."

I am looking forward to it, let me know when you are ready and I will send you my adress.

"Reggie wrote: "Would it be possible to Scan the notebook pages? My friend has an app on her i-thing that converts pictures of documents into pdf (Genius Scan).

Johanna wrote: Everybody might not like the idea that their pages will be scanned and will be posted here � and I think that's completely understandable. Naturally we won't scan those pages at all...."

There is something special about actually holding the notebook which scanned images won't be able to capture although I can see the attraction of the idea. For the record I don't have any objection to whatever it is I'm going to add being scanned. I just wish I was able to draw pictures.

Caroline wrote: "I just wish I was able to draw pictures."

But you can! With your words, your poems! :-)

Caroline wrote: "There is something special about actually holding the notebook which scanned images won't be able to capture although I can see the attraction of the idea."

Yes, that's how I see it too � that notebooks themselves are small treasures. ;-) But I thought that maybe I have a strange, twisted relationship towards notebooks... LOL.

Anyway, if you guys love notebooks too, you might enjoy these ones on Pinterest:

Anne wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I'm still reading As Meat Loves Salt. This weekend I've made some progress and I promise to read it as fast as I can, so that I can finally send it to Anne in Norway.

Since I've be..."

Yep, I'll do that. :-)

Anne wrote: "Karen wrote: "If I can jump in, I'd like to get in line somewhere with the US group. I'm in New Mexico, Joe (I believe) and Josh are in California. Depending on where Reggie and Tina are, maybe we ..."

Never too late! ;-) I added you to the list, Anne.

Tina Kay wrote: "And speaking of traveling items, I finally got Sarah Black's The General and The Horse-Lord. Yay! So please put yourself on the list if..."

Tina
1. Juthi
2. Marge
3. Joe
4. Johanna
5. Caroline (UK)

Like Johanna I don't mind if it travels around the US a bit more before coming to Europe.

Johanna wrote: "I'm not sure if the Johanna in the The General and the Horse-Lord list is me or the other Johanna? Anyway, if it's me everybody in North America can cut in line in front of me before you'll send the book to Europe. ..."

I'm pretty sure it was you. But all Johannas are welcome. :-)

ETA: Johanna wrote: "Anyway, if you guys love notebooks too, you might enjoy these ones on Pinterest:. ..."

I love notebooks too. And for some reason I never use the first page. I love office supplies in general... I'm not really even sure why. I think it might have even started when I was a kid... I would get really excited about shopping for back to school supplies. :-D

Caroline wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "And speaking of traveling items, I finally got Sarah Black's The General and The Horse-Lord. Yay! So please put yourself on the list if..."

Tina
1. Juthi
2. Marge
3. Joe
4. Johann..."

Yay! Glad you're joining this one, Caroline. :-)

Every Time I Think of You is on its way to Liade (maybe has already arrived?) :)

Calathea wrote: "Every Time I Think of You is on its way to Liade (maybe has already arrived?) :)"

Stuck in the newspaper compartment of our letterbox yesterday, thanks Mr Postman - no need to trot to the post office to pick it up!

So I'm just about done with The General and the Horse-Lord. I could probably get it in the mail Saturday. Who are the U.S. people on the list for this book? I'm trying to figure out who it should go to next.

Tina Kay wrote: "So I'm just about done with The General and the Horse-Lord. I could probably get it in the mail Saturday. Who are the U.S. people on the list for this book? I'm trying to figure out who it should g..."

I just bought a ton of Sarah Black (and other) books from the DSP sale, so I could wait a bit.

Marge wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "So I'm just about done with The General and the Horse-Lord. I could probably get it in the mail Saturday. Who are the U.S. people on the list for this book? I'm trying to figure ou..."

I think you and Joe are my U.S. people. I haven't seen Joe around here for a while now... Or maybe I've just been missing the threads he's commenting on. Joe, are you out there? :-)

Tina Kay wrote: "Marge wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "So I'm just about done with The General and the Horse-Lord. I could probably get it in the mail Saturday. Who are the U.S. people on the list for this book? I'm tryin..."

I checked Joe's posts. His last one on April 26 said that he was finally writing again and he was letting us know he'd be scarce for a few weeks.

Marge wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "Marge wrote: "Tina Kay wrote: "So I'm just about done with The General and the Horse-Lord. I could probably get it in the mail Saturday. Who are the U.S. people on the list for thi..."

Thanks for checking... Well, would you be interested in reading it next? I know you said you purchased a lot of Sarah Black books recently, but maybe this one could jump start your reading? :-)

Sounds great! My profile should be set so you can send me an email and I will give you my address.

Just to report that the travelling notebook is now on its way to Canada.

Johanna wrote: "The Traveling Notebook:

1. Johanna (Finland)
2. Katharina (Germany)
3. Caroline (UK)
en route to
4. Juthi (Canada)
5. Tina (US)
6. Joe (US)
7. Reggie (US)
8. Karen (US)
9. Anne (Norway)..."

While I finished The General and the Horse-Lord several days ago, I finally got around to reviewing it. So I feel it is ready to be taken from my hands and moved along to the next person.

I think Joe might have been next on the list, but he might be busy with writing. Are you there, Joe? Or is anyone else interested in being the next recipient?

Marge wrote: "While I finished The General and the Horse-Lord several days ago, I finally got around to reviewing it. So I feel it is ready to be taken from my hands and moved along to the next person.

I think ..."

If Joe isn't around maybe someone else on your side of the Atlantic Ocean wants to read it before it will be send to me and to Caroline here in Europe? I'm in no hurry to read it. I gladly will when the time comes, but I'm be happy to wait for it a bit longer, too. :-)

Juthi wrote: "I'm jealous of the person who gets it last :D"

Weeeell, that lucky, lucky guy will be our Josh. And this time, I must admit, I'm a bit jealous of him... ;-)

I did have the thought that it would be nice to see it again and did wonder if a couple of Europeans should go over for a ceremonial presentation of the completed notebook with other fans. The carrier pigeon doesn't want to do too many trans Atlantic trips.

Is it too late to join the traveling notebook? (anytime, starting July, i'm in Canada, East Coast). I was thinking about the Sarah Black book.

KC wrote: "Is it too late to join the traveling notebook? (anytime, starting July, i'm in Canada, East Coast). I was thinking about the Sarah Black book."

Hi KC! The traveling notebook is a blank book in which participants are doing art projects or various writings. The Sarah Black book is a separate venue, where we are mailing around The General and the Horse-Lord as a fun group read. You are welcome to join the fun with either or both.

Since no one else from North America has spoken up yet, if you'd like to read General and the Horse Lord, please click on my name. There should be a spot where you can send me a private message. If you give me your snail mail address, I'll send the book along to you.

I received Every Time I Think Of You from Liade on Saturday. Very excited! It's cool to see everyone's name and location at the front of the book. Johanna, did you start this one? I didn't see your name listed.

Tina Kay wrote: "I received Every Time I Think Of You from Liade on Saturday. Very excited! It's cool to see everyone's name and location at the front of the book. Johanna, did you start this one? I didn't see your..."

Cool. :-) Yes, it's originally from my bookshelf. Could you add my name and Finland to the list, too. Thanks, Tina! And I hope you'll enjoy the book!

I just mailed As Meat Loves Salt to Anne (Norway) today. I finally finished reading it � it took me a lot longer that I would have thought. It's not by any means an easy read. I think I just needed a couple of longer breaks while reading it � to gather my strength. ;-) But don't get me wrong, I really liked it. I thought the writing was excellent and the story is heart-wrenching and dark, and very powerfully told. The main character, Jacob, is extremely troubled. Aaaanyway, I thought that my bumpy reading journey was definitely worth all the struggling. :-) Thank you, Aleks, for sending this book traveling in the first place! I can recommend it. I was glad to find a new-to-me author whose writing I throughly enjoyed. This is where As Meat Loves Salt is traveling next:

1. Aleksandr (UK)
2. Caroline (UK)
3. Johanna (Finland)
4. Anne (Norway) [the book is on its way to Anne right now]
5. Pender (Canada)

Johanna wrote: "Cool. :-) Yes, it's originally from my bookshelf. Could you add my name and Finland to the list, too. Thanks, Tina! And I hope you'll enjoy the book! ..."

Yes, absolutely. I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm in the middle of another book right now, but it will be next for me.

When I was growing up I loved sending and receiving mail, and in this digital age that is something I dearly miss. Getting this book in the mail was pretty exciting for me... and it's so interesting to think it started in Finland and traveled around Germany and is now here in my humble home. :-)

Thanks again to Johanna for starting this traveling book and to Liade for getting it in the mail to me.