I’m writing this rather quickly, as I slept in and I have to make my way to Rick and Doug’s home for brunch. Doug’s daughter is in town and I look forward to seeing her again. Should be lovely.
Thank you for all your wonderful comments yesterday, along with some great advice. We’re all dealing with this, aren’t we? Don says it’s all about balance and he’s right. I managed to do pretty well yesterday, though there were a few slip ups here and there. I had several errands to run, as well as laundry and vacuuming, but I did start my book! Huzzah!
I can already tell I’m going to like it. It came out a few years ago and was on a lot of the Best Books of the Year lists. If I had to compare it to another book – and it’s early in the game – I’d compare it to All the Light We Cannot See. It’s called A Constellation of Vital Phenomena and is written by Anthony Marra. I’ll share more of my thoughts when I’ve finished.
The sun in the photos is courtesy of yesterday. Today is gray, with rain and snow in the forecast.
Sigh of spring-yearning.
I just might paint that kitchen wall this coming week, since I’m stuck here because of the cold temperatures.
Happy Sunday.
sue silva says
Love the shot of the light through the Arfrican Violet leaves. Have a wonderful time at brunch.
Claudia says
Thanks, Sue. It’s actually a peperomia.
sue silva says
Does it flower?
Claudia says
It gets a spiky flower but I’ve only had one.
Jan Wells says
We must be having the same weather. We’re due to have a snow/ice storm on Tuesday so watch out. Seeing your white bricks makes me want to paint my fireplace. Maybe that’s what I’ll do this week. Have a good one & think Spring!
Claudia says
We’re getting one on Wednesday, Jan. Thanks!
Donnamae says
Love your morning sunlight. Brunch sounds wonderful…it’s snowing and windy here. Guess the groundhog was right….more winter! ;)
Claudia says
Snowing here as well. Windy tomorrow.
Wendy T says
Claudia, Sorry to tell you we’re having unseasonably warm temps…70’s all week. We need rain, again. Well, at least Southern California does as it’s officially in drought but Northern California is not, yet. Water conservation practices continue.
Claudia says
Actually, it’s not all that cold here right now – it’s about the temp it should be and a cold, snowy winter is good for the water table!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Yesterday was such a pretty day but today we are back to cold and rainy. I did get to see the Grands for about 30 minutes and it wore me out! That energy is wonderful but Grammie does not have it right now. I’ve escaped into Downton Abbey this weekend. Hugs!
Claudia says
Good! Small doses of Grands for the time being, my friend.
Gayle says
One of my days gratitudes…the book you recommended! I need some thing of value. Love the pic of the sun through the leaves of what I thought was a begonia, such pretty leaves. I know you had a good day with your friends. Brunch is my favorite meal.
Claudia says
It’s a peperomia, Gayle. I love them – they have textured leaves. Thanks!
Dottie says
Sounds like a lovely way to spend the day, in spite of the weather! We are cloudy and gray here, too. Spring cannot come too soon!
Claudia says
I agree, Dottie!
Karen Milano says
Same weather in CT – I loved All the Light.. was an amazing tale, I look forward to your review of your new book. I’m skimming through Gladys Taber books I’ve already read, her writing has a calming effect (based on her life at Stillmeadow Farm here in CT) and I reach back for it now and then when I need peace. I had Fire and Fury on my nightstand, but couldn’t stand to read it…. just don’t want to fill up with any more of that crap. So I mailed it off to one of our friends in blogland who is also curious.
Good luck with your painting project! That’s one thing I truly avoid because I make a mess when I attempt it. Some things are better left for the husband.
Claudia says
I’ve read one Gladys Taber and enjoyed it. I’ve yet to read more, however! But yes, I can see how it should be soothing and calming in the face of everything that’s going on. I haven’t got too far yet with Fire and Fury. Right now, I want an escape!
tammy j says
painting a wall is always great therapy!
maybe not for one’s back but for everything else. . . just lovely!
Claudia says
Yes, the back will probably complain, Tammy!
Vicki says
Will you be okay shut up in the house with no ‘air flow’/ventilation (of windows open) when breathing in paint fumes? Even with those low-zero VOC paints? I couldn’t! We’re already planning that when my husband finishes our home improvements in 2019 (and the rest of the interior painting), that I’ll have to go to a hotel, so I’m looking at it as a mini vacation and stashing away my quarters now for the cost. I of course have asthma and I know you don’t.
kathy says
i can tell you are a level-headed person and will take any precautions needed, but i was also wondering if it’s safe to paint the wall without some fresh air circulating – ?
whenever that kitchen wall gets painted, i know you will be glad (and we’ll look forward to more pretty photos)!
glad you are enjoying the book. am sure the brunch with friends was nice, too.
very cold here … a good day to stay inside and read, maybe watch the big football game.
happy sunday!
kathy in iowa
Claudia says
Really, it’s no big deal to me. There have been plenty of times in my life when I’ve painted with the windows shut, including inside a theater when I was painting sets. Actually, it’s the best time to paint because I don’t have to contend with bugs flying in the house and hanging on on the ceilings and walls.
Claudia says
I don’t worry about that. I’ve spent a fair amount of time painting sets indoors in a theater. I also had the windows closed part of the time when I painted the kitchen last year, it was too hot out there, so I had the air conditioner running. I’ll be fine and if it isn’t too cold, I’ll crack a window.
Chris K in Wisconsin says
We had snow overnight and this morning, but now the sun is brightly shining. Sunshine always helps.
So funny, as I am on the waiting list for that book to come in to the library. Hope you continue to enjoy it! Brunch sounds like it will be very fun. Painting ahead…. that doesn’t sound like quite as much fun! But I know you will be happy when it is completed. Enjoy your Sunday.
Claudia says
Brunch was fun and now I’m home watching the snow fall.
Kandi says
Love your cottage and your living room is so cozy ! Keep the book recommendations coming, I have enjoyed every book you’ve mentioned here so far😊
Smiles,
Kandi
Claudia says
Thank you, Kandi. I will!
Nancy Blue Moon says
The snow has been falling here since the middle of the night and is coming down pretty heavy…a good day to be snuggled up with a cup of coffee and a great book!…you can do the same thing and pretend it is snowing there Claudia!…lol
Claudia says
It IS snowing here, Nancy.