1) Read one book each month.
1a) Read Agatha Christie books in chronological order.
2) Watch films from IMDb's top 100 movies of all time.
3) Support charities.
My reading has slowed down somewhat this month, I've just kept up with my challenge of reading one book plus one Agatha Christie book.
Christmas For One is the next book in the Amanda Prowse No Greater Love series which I'm working my way through. This is the book I bought from Barter Books in the summer when I was on holiday in Northumberland. I'm finding the books in this series are a bit hit and miss, some I love, some I'm not as keen on, but I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed this one. It was very predictable and there wasn't a lot of substance to it, but it was an entertaining and pleasurable read.
My Agatha Christie book this month was The Sittaford Mystery. What with a murder, a seance, an escaped convict and heavy snowfall all but cutting off the village, the scene was set for another enjoyable tale. This is the first of the eleven books I've read so far where I guessed the murderer, I'm never usually correct at guessing whodunnit. It had some wonderful characters and it's another Agatha Christie book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I've watched four films from IMDb's list this month. With just one more month to go I'm wondering what the final tally will be.
I'm very late to the party where Star Wars is concerned but seeing as Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi were all on the list, I decided it was about time I watched them. I remember all the hype around these films from my childhood but I never really fancied them. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised, though they're not the type of films I'd choose to watch if I hadn't set myself this challenge, I actually found them quite good, especially considering their age.
The other film I watched this month is The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, another film I remember well from my childhood, my dad and brother were huge western fans, especially those spaghetti westerns starring Clint Eastwood. I don't remember actually sitting down and watching this film the whole way through before, but having done so this time, I realise that I've seen the whole film previously, albeit out of sequence and over lots of different sittings. It's definitely a classic and has a fabulous soundtrack by Ennio Morricone which I'm sure everyone's familiar with whether they've seen the film or not.
I'm always very happy to support The Royal British Legion when they have their poppy appeal. Providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants, it's a very worthwhile charity to support.
You only have to watch the real life stories on Children In Need to realise that the money raised is spent where it's really needed. This charity has changed the lives of many children and young people in the UK and it's another charity I'm happy to support, especially when I can buy yummy things like cupcakes and biscuits knowing that a donation from the sale is made to the charity.
I get loads of these charity bags through the letterbox, it's a great way to donate unwanted clothes etc. to charity without having to trail to a charity shop. Simply fill the bag and leave it on the doorstep on the day stated and someone will come and collect it.
I filled this bag, and a black back besides, for Macmillan Cancer Support with old bed linen I'd just sorted out. There are so many cancer charities out there but this is one of the largest providing specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.
I've recently been sorting out lots of old games, toys and books. Daniel and Eleanor may now be twenty and seventeen but there's still lots of their old things kicking around. These were taken to the Age UK charity shop. I'm sure they'll have no problem selling these sort of things in the run up to Christmas.
It's hard to believe that my next Challenge Update post will be after Christmas, this year has flown by. It's raining today and it's so windy, we're definitely on the cusp of winter now, I do hope that spring comes early.
I've seen the first 3 Star Wars, but I'm not a fan of them, though I like science fiction. Love The Good, The Bad and The Ugly trilogy and you're
ReplyDeleteright the music is incredible,
I'm not keen on science fiction but I thought these Star Wars films were ok, I wouldn't go out of my way to see the rest of them though. I absolutely love the music in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, it's perfect for the film and really sets the scene.
DeleteYou have had a good sort out, Macmillan were a great help to me and my family back in 2010, we pay £30 each month to them, it will never be enough to thank them, but enough we hope to keep them going.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though I've been sorting things out for a long time now, yet there's still a way to go. I've been hoarding things for far too long and it's finally time to let go. Charities are really thankful for regular donations such as you're making. I set up a regualar standing order to The Candlelighters, a local children's cancer charity, at the beginning of the year. It means they're able to allocate funds to certain ventures as they know the donation is a regular one.
DeleteAre you planning your 2016 challenges? I love reading about your progress on these! I suppose Agatha Christie can roll over for a few years. can't she? I want to set myself a challenge next year, a little like yours, a film, a book and something charitable. Hopefully I can sit down with a cuppa and think it over soon!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about my 2016 challenges but I'm usure yet as to whether I'll even set any. I'm trying to simplify things and cut down on things which eat in to my time but my Agatha Christie reading will definitely carry on. Perhaps I'll do as you're going to do and set myself one thing from each category each month, we'll see.
DeleteSome great worthwhile causes there. It has inspired me to check out our local charity shops to see what I can find in toys for my girls xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's a very good time of year to sort out toys to donate to charity shops, I doubt they'll be there long before they're snapped up, but a good time of year to check out what's for sale too. It's a win win situation, donating or buying, both parties get something out of it.
DeleteI really need to get back into my reading, I have so many books to read!
ReplyDeleteThere's also a couple of films I want to watch soon - Black Mass and Bridge of Spies.
I went for years without reading books, I just didn't have the time when the kids were young but I really enjoy books again now. I'm not really a film watcher, I haven't heard of Black Mass or Bridge of Spies, that's why this challenge is so good for me, it's taken me right out of my comfort zone with some of the films I've seen this year and I've really enjoyed some which I never thought I would.
DeleteI'm trying to persuade small daughter to part with some of her toys before Christmas but it's not going well so far - perhaps the trick is to "lose" them whilst she's not around to remember how much she loves them even though she's not played with them for years! :-) xx
ReplyDeleteHa ha, good luck with that. It's taken me till my two are twenty and seventeen to get rid of all their toys, it's a big job. Just like you say, they don't play with half their toys but they don't want them to go.
DeleteI don't recollect reading that Agatha Christie book so I'll keep an eye out for it. I enjoyed the Star Wars film but much prefer The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
ReplyDeleteGood to see how you're supporting various charities. Flighty xx
I'm sure you'd enjoy this Agatha Christie book, it was very entertaining and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is one of my dad's all time favourites, he's a big Clint Eastwood and western fan.
DeleteI love all the crochet photos on your blog . I want to learn to crochet. I used to read quite a lot but I just can't get into it at the moment my head is too busy!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll get to grips with crochet once you finish working next year and have more time. There were many years when I just didn't have time to read but I got back in to it by reading a chapter or two in bed before I went to sleep. I absolutely love reading again now and have so many books just waiting in my pile.
DeleteI've seen so many snippets of the Star Wars film over the years I think I must have seen them all by now, just in bits and pieces at a time!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to donate to Children in Need now with lots of businesses taking part and like you say it's such an amazing cause.
This time of year I get the children to check through their shelves to see if there is anything that can be donated because they are lucky enough to be receiving new things in a few weeks time.
Lisa x
That's how I felt about The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, my dad and brother would never fail to watch it when it was on tv and I'd seen bits and pieces of it over the years. It's amazing how much is raised each year by Children In Need, they do such great work. I'm hoping to have a lot more space my the time I've finished clearing everything out, as you say, it's a good time of year to get rid of toys.
DeleteYou do much better on the reading front than me, but I've just about finished one from the library and there are another couple of Xmas type ones waiting there now. Everyone reading seasonal stuff gave me the impetus to order a few. Not sure I'd like star wars movies and can't sit long enough to watch a long movie anyway. I love the way you've supported your charities this year and I do as much as I can at the moment. Wonder what's in store for you next year on the challenge front?
ReplyDeleteI've decided I don't do it, because I never keep up with them. Take care.
I only read this Christmas tale as it was the next one in the series I'm reading, I don't have any other Christmas books in my reading pile at the moment. I didn't think that Star Wars would be for me but they were ok, certainly watchable. I find I keep up with my challenges because they're fun things to do, not sure I'd be quite as successful if I wasn't enjoying them.
DeleteHi Jo, you've done so well with your challenge this year. I love the cupcake and cookie you got, what a nice gift in exchange for giving to charity. I get bags like that hung on the front gate every month from a veteran's group. It's so handy to be able to just fill them up and put them on the curb for collection. I don't like any of the Star Wars movies myself...I feel like I've spent my entire life trying to figure out the appeal. :)
ReplyDeleteThere's lots of merchandise associated with Children In Need now, lots of business take part in the fundraising. The charity bags are a great way of giving to charity, as you say, they're so handy when you're having a clear out so it's a win win situation. I'm not a lover of science fiction so I didn't think I'd enjoy Star Wars but I was pleasantly surprised. I wouldn't go out of my way to watch them again but they were ok.
DeleteThat's cool...I love the idea of the bags! I usually put our clothes in one of those bins in the grocery store parking lot, but you can't get more convenient than having someone pick it up at your door.
ReplyDeleteI use the bins in the car parks too, as well as taking things to the charity shops themselves but as you say, there's nothing so convenient as having someone pick it up from the door. We get lots of these bags through the letterbox, all for different charities.
DeleteI loved the first 3 Star Wars films (4, 5 & 6) when they first came out and still watch them now and again. I didn't like any of the next batch (1, 2 & 3) so I'm wondering what the next one, due out soon, will be like. I suppose I'll just have to go and see it to find out!
ReplyDeleteGood results on your challenge again this month. Well done!! :o)
I thought the Star Wars films I watched were quite good but they don't make me want to watch the rest. I'm glad I've seen these three though, I know what all the fuss was about now.
DeleteI was late to the Star Wars party too. Didn't fancy them first time round and only watched them recently cos eldest wanted to watch them and wasn't sure if they were suitable! Got kinda hooked!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if Eleanor's seen them but I know Daniel has, he watched them years ago with Mick so I missed them then too.
DeleteI'm not a fan of Star Wars, unlike all the boys in my household who absolutely love it and have all the films! I do as much for charity as I possibly can, too - I think you do as you get older, don't you, a case of wanting to give something back, I think.
ReplyDeleteI'm not in to science fiction at all really but I've surprised myself with this challenge how many films of this genre I don't actually mind. I definitely think you notice the world around you more as you get older and count your blessings too. If I can help those who are not as fortunate as myself then that's good.
DeleteGreat goals, all the best!
ReplyDeleteThey're certainly fun challenges, I've enjoyed doing them this year.
DeleteWell done again on your challenges! You are obviously starting to get into Agathas mind set if you working out the killers! xx
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I don't know about that. I'm sure it was just a lucky guess.
DeleteYou're making good progress on your impressive list of challenges, Jo. I just read your movie list and have watched about a tenth of them. You are braver than me because "The Sound of Music" is my favorite movie of all time, and I shy away from anything out of its genre :)
ReplyDeleteI think we'd probably both enjoy the same films then, I love The Sound of Music too, and many more musicals. It's been an eye opener doing this challenge though as I've enjoyed many films which I didn't think I would.
DeleteYou are doing very well with your challenges - perhaps I should make a list next year, to keep me on course! I know what you mean about seeing films in bits and bobs without actually sitting down and watching them the whole way through! Recently I have been giving to small local charities, after the bad press that some of the big ones have had.
ReplyDeleteI usually set myself some fun challenges, it helps to keep going with them if they're things you enjoy. Some charities have had some really bad press this year. My dad has said that he'll never donate to a charity shop again after it was reported how high a salary the bosses are on and I can see his point in some ways but of course they're going to take a job which pays so well if it's offered. Like you though, I like to support small, local charities too which often get forgotten about or don't raise the huge funds which national charities do.
DeleteI sometimes refer to Project Linus, and although it is a national charity, it is very much run on a local level. I give the quilts I make to Sandra, who is a volunteer, and she distributes them to children in the Scottish Borders. If she is given money, she buys fabric and wadding for us to make more quilts. The only downside is that there are so many sick/abused/traumatised children who need a quilt to cuddle for comfort.
DeleteI'd never heard of Project Linus before you mentioned it but it's another great charity and I'm sure all the quilts and blankets bring lots of comfort to those children in need.
DeleteYou have done well, especially on that big clear out. It's great to think that you've done some good by having a tidy up! I don't think I've read that Agatha Christie, it doesn't look familiar to me at all. Star Wars is popular in this house, although I'm not bothered myself. There's a new film coming out this Christmas too. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm slowly sorting my way through lots of things we haven't used for years, it's quite liberating taking bags of things to the charity shop. I'm really enjoying my Agatha Christie challenge, I'm just about to start the next one which looks good.
DeleteI think this time of year can be good for having a sort out, and as you say the charity shops are always so grateful to receive our donations. Of course you can also pick up some great things to ...
ReplyDeleteLike you I haven't done as much reading recently as I would like, other things have claimed my leisure time ... but never mind, books are never wasted and I will open mine again soon ...
I can't believe December is here, we received our first Christmas Card today, it looks lovely up on the shelf ... waiting for some more to arrive!
All the best Jan
I'm slowly getting there with the sort out, I've taken so much stuff to the charity shop already and there's still lots more to go. I have so many hobbies as well as other things pressing me for time, some things give at certain times of the year, they have to otherwise I'd never get anything done. I've got a couple of Christmas cards already but I've still to write mine, a job for the weekend.
DeleteWow, good job to you. I've started 3 books and finished none lately.
ReplyDeleteI hope you reach all your goals before your deadline (if there's any). :)
I think there's certain times of the year when we naturally slow down with our hobbies, especially reading. On the other hand, I get through more books than usual when it's holiday time.
DeleteYou have done so well on your challenges this year. It's surprising how quickly stuff mounds up - we took 5 bags of clothes to a charity shop at the beginning of the week. Just to let you know I've had my swap parcel from Susan & she has the one I sent to her xx
ReplyDeleteI've taken so much stuff to the charity shop this year, I don't know how we ever fit it all in the house. There's more to go too. Thanks for letting me know about the swap parcels, it's all very exciting, isn't it?
Delete