Having enjoyed Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, I endeavoured to read another novel of his writing. I came upon The Butterfly Tattoo. It was only a relatively thin book, and after reading some hefty books I was prepared to go a bit slow this time and have a quick read.

I have actually finished reading this a couple of weeks ago and so I Googled for some background information prior to writing about it. I was pleasantly surprised that it was actually adapted into a movie just last year! How come I did not hear about it? I tried looking around for more information It did not have a Tomatometer rating, with only 2 reviews that panned the movie. However, at the movie's site, it proudly displays having won 4 international awards including best director and best film. Strange, isn't it? Perhaps I got the wrong Tomatometer for the movie.

Anyway, the book had a nice twist to it. It was, overall, a sad book that tells the story of a couple who almost found true love, only to be engulfed in a dramatic twist of fate. Prepare to be depressed at the end of the book, but overall it was a great read.
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The Kindies here in Wellington have an assortment of play doughs that kids merrily cut and shape into different shapes and get into pretend play. Very engaging stuff. A friend said that you can actually make some at home too! So I did a little research and tried my hand on some!

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour (NOT the self-rising variety)
1 cup warm water
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp oil (regular cooking oil will do)
1/4 cup salt
2 tsp food coloring



Procedure:
In a bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together (water, oil, food coloring)
In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together (flour, salt)
You might notice that I did not mention the tartar. That's because I did not buy it... at NZD5.00 it's quite expensive for me. :-) The cream of tartar is said to make the dough more elastic.
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix it all up. Place into a pot and put on medium heat.

At first, the mixture will be creamy and smooth, like below:
But it will progressively become difficult to mix. Keep on mixing because the dough will burn if left alone. When you lift some of the dough and it stands on its own (I guess around 10 minutes over the flame will do), remove from fire and let it cool a bit.
Knead the dough with your hands until it's firm and has a soft clay-like consistency.
Have fun!
PS Unfortunately, on the second day, the dough became sticky and no amount of flour added can make it lose moisture (which I think makes it sticky). So we stopped play dough production for a while because Jo-Lo's birthday has come up!

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I have finished reading the final book to the His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Puillman. It took me a couple of days to get the third book (The Amber Spyglass) because - wonder of wonders - it's not available in the Wellington City Libraries!

Prior to reading the third book, however, I got my hands on a little piece of work called Lyra's Oxford. Which was a bit of a spoiler, actually, because I realized while reading it that the story therein happens after The Amber Spyglass, and so I was able to learn a few things about what will happen eventually.

Nonetheless, I was able to secure a copy of the third book, and had a great time reading it. It is, however, truly controversial and takes direct hits against religion so be prepared for that.

So having said that, did my convictions change after reading the book? Nope. I treat it as fascinating work, and read it solely for my enjoyment.

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African violets are something that I am very familiar with because back when I was working as a Library Assistant in college many years ago, it was a favorite plant among the Librarians. They would have many small pots at the windowsill, each holding either a leaf or a full plant with flowers abloom. For such a delicate-looking plant, it's really easy to take care of and it blooms all thoughout the year. Plus, it's also very easy to propagate. Simply cut off a mature leaf and stick it into the soil. Soon enough you will see the small leaves growing out of it.

I got my green thumb from my parents who love to plant (ornamentals for my Nanay, veggies for my Tatay), and some of my potted plants were African Violets. Very cheerful plants, those are.

I bought this pot of African Violets as a Mother's Day gift to my wife. And it's still bearing flower til this day. Cutting of leaves for propagation is done in springtime so that will be something to look forward to. We also have a friend who we noticed also has a pot of African Violets sitting by the kitchen windowsill so we might negotiate for a swap.

Want to try your hand at potted flowering plants? Try African Violets!

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As I write this, I am happy to note that I am already mid-way through the third book, The Amber Spyglass. I finished reading the second book, The Subtle Knife last week, and the Northern Lights the week before that. It is quite an amazing story. I was drawn toward the book because of the controversy that the movie The Golden Compass had generated. I have also seen the movie last year and enjoyed it, so I thought this will be worth the read. And it is.

There are indeed a lot of elements in it that feels like it is an indoctrination of sorts against the Catholic Church (and it was the Catholic Church which strongly opposed the viewing of the film) and was said to promote atheism.

References:
Catholic League: "The Golden Compass" sparks protest
Fox News: Some Catholic Leaders Upset Over New Nicole Kidman Movie
Catholic Online: Christian parents cautioned on 'Golden Compass'

On a personal note, I feel that on top of the armoured bears and witches and daemons and the Magisterium and gobblers, there is indeed an underlying theme that speaks out against religion in the real world. And while the subject of Dust is heavily discussed in Northern Lights, a much more direct implication can be seen on Subtle Knife, with a declaration of rebellions.

It is to my belief that because it touches all manner of religious topics (there are even angels and priests who kill), it is not good reading for kids who, at their age, are at their most impressionable and will take in and believe what is told them or what they read. The movie is indeed a very watered-down version of the book and concentrates more on the story of Lyra Belacqua in search of his friend who was captured by the Gobblers.

Catholics will find this series very intriguing. But shall I also ask the more mature readers to not pick up this book as well? No. I'd say, go ahead and read it. If you are strong in your faith, a work of fiction such as this (and a very clever work it is) will not deter you. It also pays to know what you are talking about in case your opinion is asked about the books, rather than shunning a piece of work based on what you have learned others say about it.

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