books — Page 43

Peepers, Birds, Books, and Stickers

March 18, 2022 at 9:10 am by Claudia

Out the window: brown grass and no leaves on the trees – but the birds are singing and we heard the peepers for the first time last night! That means – no matter what the date is on the calendar – that SPRING is here! I was sitting in the den last night and thought I heard a peep, so Don and I went up the stairs to the window, opened it wide, and we heard one peep followed by a chorus of peeps. I cannot tell you how happy this makes us. We responded with a hearty “Welcome!” I have yet to hear the bullfrog. I hope he’s still there.

I read a lot yesterday: Orfeo by Richard Powers. His writing is beautiful, his intellect unmatched. It’s been a bit of a slow go, only because there’s so much to take in, and Powers’ build to the climax is always slow and steady. I refuse to be a speed reader because, to me, the beauty is in digging in and savoring every word. I should finish it today.

I don’t know if you’re into stickers. As a rule, I’m not. But, I saw this book of stickers on Amazon and was attracted to the subject matter; vintage and bibliophilia. I think it was about $20. I love the illustrations and the book is truly jam-packed with vintage beauty. I use a planner religiously, as you know, so I sometimes add a sticker to that day’s page.

Don’t get too excited by the Country Living feature coming up. They only used two of my egg cups and frankly, they’re fairly mundane. No enchanting figurals at all – just a jadite egg cup and a small Delft egg cup from Holland. I’m happy, though, that they’re using the Delft, as it was a present from my mother and it’s precious to me. But that’s the world of art direction and stylists. Clearly, they had a certain look in mind.

Still, it’s flattering to have even two of my cups featured!

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

Snow and Books

March 13, 2022 at 9:21 am by Claudia

From yesterday during the storm.

I’d say we got about 3 inches – less than predicted. It’s very cold today and we had strong winds all night long. Tomorrow will be much warmer and the melting will begin. We’re fine, so we’re not going to have anyone do any snow blowing. Don purposely parked his car down the driveway near the street, so, if necessary, we can get out of here easily. So we’ll appreciate this pristine and pretty snow while we can, because this will be it for this year.

I appreciate your support and recommendations concerning my back. But I know exactly what is causing this and I know what to do. Also, remember that my sister is a therapist and she has given Don exercises that are helping him and will certainly counsel me as well. Thanks.

I’ve started a new book, Orfeo (pulled from my TBR pile.) It’s by Richard Powers, who wrote one of my favorite books ever, The Overstory, which won the Pulitzer Prize. He wrote Orfeo in 2014. He is a brilliant, lyrical writer. I have his newest in that pile, too – Bewilderment – purchased during my stay in Brooklyn. Powers introduces me to new ideas, takes me to places I never thought of, and changes me forever. One of my goals is to read all of his novels.

I think I bought it on that first trip to Oblong Books, right after we were fully vaccinated.

I consider it a privilege to read his words.

So, we’re both laying low today, happy to have heat and a roof over our heads, to look outside at the untouched snow gleaming in the sun, to have music and books and each other.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.

Puzzling and Reading

February 19, 2022 at 9:33 am by Claudia

The World of Dracula puzzle in progress. I did some work on it yesterday, while sitting on a big fat cushion. These are such fun puzzles – they come with a large photo of the completed puzzle and on the back there is a key to all the characters; who they are and where they occur in the novel. The same thing with the Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen puzzles. They’re really beautifully made. Next up will be World Mythology. I think I’ll have worked through all of them when I finish that one.

I’m also just about to finish Slow Horses by Mick Herron. What a fantastic novel – Herron writes about the world of spies; MI5, etc., but with a decidedly modern spin and more than a touch of humor and cynicism. I caved and ordered the next one in the series, because once I find a series that’s already been published in paperback, I’m all in. I noticed that there’s a new television series based on Slow Horses – I think it might be airing on Apple TV? But I won’t watch it. You know my rule: Once I have the characters fully created in my imagination, I won’t watch anything that might mess with that – including the future Louise Penny series. Nope. I’m very protective of the inner world that a good novel/series can create in my mind. Anyway, I recommend Slow Horses. It’s so well written. I like the way Herron’s mind works.

What else? More wind today. Sigh. Maybe some snow next Saturday. Right now, all of the snow has melted around here and, in my mind, that means that no more snow should fall.

Even though it’s only February.

But Mother Nature doesn’t care about my demands and doesn’t care if I’m getting itchy for Spring.

We’ll miss the Olympics but we’re also ready to get back on a regular schedule. We’ve been staying up late quite often to watch the results.

Okay my friends. I have to answer your comments from yesterday.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

Peepers, Birds, Books, and Stickers

Snow and Books

Puzzling and Reading

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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