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Monday & What Are You Reading?

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Because I miss Paris and this favorite place of ours, and because this photo is currently the wallpaper on my phone.

It will be warmer for the next two days and then it will drop back into the thirties. I’ll take 50 degrees tomorrow, thank you very much! I get two new front tires put on my car on Wednesday and then, depending on the weather, I’ll either drive to Hartford Thursday or Friday to watch a run-through of Jane Eyre. There’s a run-through tomorrow as well, but I didn’t want to drive there without the new tires.

Next week, I go to Hartford on the 14th to watch the first preview, spend the night, and give notes to the actors the next day. Then I’ll be done with the show.

Today? I’m not sure. My chores are all done; I was on roll over the weekend and accomplished a lot. I think I’ll get back to the stones on the dollhouse.

We had our weekly chat with Little Z yesterday. I love that kid. There is much laughter on every call and usually a detailed description of the elevators he has visited that week. He’s extraordinary, our Z. All I know is that after each call, I am filled with joy. And he brings that joy to everyone he meets. Just as Scoutie was a magic dog and spread joy everywhere, Little Z is a magic child who does the same.

We finished Hinterland  last night. The last episode was powerful on every level. What a finish! We really loved this series. What next? I’m not sure. We’ll have to see what we discover tonight. Didn’t care one whit about the Super Bowl; in fact, it was barely on our radar.

We have established a cocoon here at the cottage. We do what we want to, when we want to (except for work responsibilities, of course.) It’s one of the joys of being semi-retired and older, isn’t it? What works for us doesn’t necessarily work for someone else. But every day, especially with the world as it is, we express gratitude for our little cottage and the life we have built here. We have our little retreat (and it’s really all we need) where we can shut the world out as best we can. It isn’t always possible, but most of the time it is.

It’s time for my favorite question: What are you reading? I’m reading Transcription  by Kate Atkinson. I just started it yesterday and I’m about 50 pages into it. She’s an excellent writer and this book is no exception.

What about you?

Happy Monday.

 

 

Comments

  1. I am reading”A very Stable Genius”
    Every other page I am saying to my husband “oh my gosh you won’t believe this” and his response is “nothing surprises me with him”
    It is eye opening and shocking

  2. no books being read currently, but am working towards that being changed and so appreciate suggestions that i get from you, claudia, and everyone else who gathers here! i have a very long “tbr” list!

    i watched part of the super bowl in order to be with members of my family, but otherwise i don’t care for football.

    glad your car is safer for having some new tires. safe travels to and from hartford.

    i feel that way about my home now … it’s a cocoon and i am very thankful for it. i am not trying to wish away time, but i have plenty of interests and don’t expect to have any problem not having to go to work. :) that’s six years from now.

    happy monday!

    kathy in iowa

    • okay … i did just read something …

      was thinking about retirement (above) so went to the social security administration website to confirm what month i can retire at full benefits … and that is 58 months from now, not 72 months … what was i thinking?! (math is not my strongest suit … ha not ha). now i am simultaneously pleased and feeling the need to hustle more.

      claudia … never doubt your posts bring ideas and inspire people! thank you.

      kathy in iowa

      • Congrats on the newly discovered date!! Nice to have THAT surprise!!! I retired 10 yrs ago this coming April, and it was the best decision of my life. Owning your own time is a joy and a privilege. Less than 5 years….. yay!!!

        • to chris k in wisconsin …

          thanks for your kind words and cheering for me!

          glad you have that freedom. how are you spending your time?

          best wishes,
          kathy in iowa

          • Kathy, my entire life I always wanted to “be at home”. Not that I didn’t enjoy working and my career, but I am truly very much a home-body!! I read a lot, then in the spring and summer there are my gardens, I also love watching the birds. ust putzing around the house makes me happy. It truly is a simple life, and it suits me so well. In less than 2 months we will celebrate the arrival of our 1st Grandchild…. a little princess!! We are beyond excited, and, of course, I am sure our lives will change!The best part is that in the nearly 10 yrs I have been retired, I have never ever uttered the words “I’m bored”.

            • hej, chris …

              thanks.

              i replied to you, but in the wrong place … so scroll down a bit, if you like.

              kathy in iowa

    • I’m reading several things. IRVING BERLIN by James Kaplan, Richard Wilbur’s version of DON JUAN by Moliere (since I’m not going to get to see it anywhere soon), and FATHERS AND SONS by Turgenev.

    • Well, the car will be safer – but not until Wednesday!

      Soon you’ll have more free time, Kathy. xo

  3. I’m finally reading The Overstory. And loving it!! I’m trying to slow down my reading pace a bit so that it takes longer to finish. Sometimes I rush too fast to finish a book, but this is one I want to take my time with and really savor it. Thanks, because you first brought it to my attention. Here in Colorado, south of the metro area, our freezing drizzle is turning to snow, and we’ll probably get 4 to 8 inches with really cold temps. Brrrr.

  4. I love Atkinson — especially her Jackson Brodie’s. (I have one on my pile!) I just have to finish The Silent Patient, then on to “Paris When It Sizzled” — 30s Paris, non-fiction.

    I love your photo. Parc Vert Gallant? Somewhere else? It’s lovely!

    I’d love to see your Jane Eyre production. I’ll bet it’s lovely. Safe travels this week — it’s always an empowering, happy feeling to have good new tires!

    • I’ve read all the Jackson Brodies and I love them too.

      Jardin du Luxembourg.

      Thanks, Jeanie!

  5. Oh, fun!! Love these posts!! I just finished Lady Clemintine by Marie Benedict, a story of Churchill’s wife. Also recently finished Olive, Again by Elizabeth Strout & The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek which was wonderful!! At least a few times a year I love to read something by D.E. Stevenson and am now reading Miss Buncle’s Book. And, sitting ready and waiting on my table, is Stillmeadow Sampler by Gladys Taber. My soul needs some peace and grace, and I know I will always find it in those pages. Can’t wait to read everyone’s responses and add to my TBR lists. Your community always has such wonderful suggestions!

    • I am always hearing great things about D. E. Stevenson, so I’ll have to find some of those books! And Gladys Taber is wonderful. Very much what we all need right now, Chris. Thanks!

    • Not long ago, I finished The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek and loved it and kept it and I don’t save much anymore.
      I was introduced to the writings of Gladys Taber at least 25 years ago when I happened upon a copy of Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge and fell in love. I have read it countless times and am always on the lookout for more of her books.
      I’m currently reading Jerusalem by Alan Moore. If you ask me what I’m reading in 2 years, I suspect it will still be Jerusalem by Alan Moore.

        • Colleen, I STILL think about The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek!! It was just wonderful. And, what can one say about Gladys Taber. Her writings seriously do
          soothe my soul. I have heard of Jerusalem, but it seemed a bit ambitious for me right now. I am enjoying the D.E. Stevenson. I think I am at a point right now where peace and a bit of joy are moving me along. This too, shall pass, and I will move on to more engrossing works. So much to read………..

  6. Hello! I just finished listening to The Dutch House by Ann Patchett via Audible. Tom Hanks narrated and he did a great job. I was sorry that the book finished up on my drive yesterday, sometimes that happens and I really miss the familiar voice of the narrator on my long drives. My next listen is Daniel Silva’s The New Girl.

    As far as reading a real live book I have been hooked on the historical fiction books of Philippa Gregory.

    We had two geese visit our pond today, they are also confused with this winter weather on the east coast!

    xoxo

    • Good choices, all! I’m a Silva fan but for some reason, I haven’t read his last two books. I’ll have to rememdy that! Thank you!

  8. We are not sports fans so we didn’t watch the Super Bowl either.

    It was 75 here yesterday in our part of Kansas and already today it’s down to 48. They are predicting snow again for Wednesday.

    I just finished The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. What a wonderful read. I would highly recommend this book.

    • Some one else mentioned that book on this thread. That’s two good reviews! Thank you, Claudia!

  9. Honestly…….reading books on PTSD and how to survive after having been a hostage held by a convict who got into our home. I owe my life to the police. My kingdom for a “cocoon” ! But that no longer feels possible. Still, I read your various messages born of caring hearts and your hope for renewed seasons resonates in my soul. I pray for protection over each one of you. May life treat you gently.

    • to r …

      oh, i am so sorry to hear what an awful thing you’ve been put through! i am glad you have your life, that the police were able to help you then.

      i hope the books help and, if needed, you will talk with someone trustworthy about whatever you may want or need to talk about.

      may you know that things will get easier and better, that “cocoons” exist (sometimes they are brick-and-mortar types, I think, and other times they are created in time spent doing something enjoyable like knitting, painting, praying, etc..). may you soon find your “cocoon”. may you quickly find peace and comfort. may you already have times of happiness and may it grow to fill your life. may you always have safety. those are things i will pray for for you.

      best wishes.

      kathy in iowa

      • Dearest Kathy, Your thoughtful words are not lost on me & I am profoundly grateful for your kindness. Perhaps I shared too much. But the question was “what are you reading” & I chose to be honest. In fact I am blessed with the ability to avail resources, but my life through caring for others has put me at risks multiple times….. and sometimes things go badly. I know for fact there are many professions identifying with this concept.

        We are so blessed to live in a nation where we can choose our individual paths and with that path may come toil, or ease, glamour, a quiet existence, and yes, even danger. In the end it is likely most of us make some sacrifices for our choice. In my case the sacrifice is having a cocoon of safety because he is once again out there, somewhere.
        God Bless you for having a tender heart.

        • hej, r ….

          i replied to your reply, only in the wrong place. scroll down a bit, if you like.

          hope you are having a peaceful night.

          kathy in iowa

          • Thank you Siobhan. You are most kind to extend your heart to a total
            stranger. I am very blessed with a profound faith and therefore
            ultimately I am a survivor despite whatever circumstances come into my life.
            May life be gentle with you in ways that assure you security and joy.
            R.

            • My sympathies, too. I realize it may sound simplistic, but in my work with a holistic veterinarian, we’ve found emotional and physical trauma has been helped by Bach Rescue Remedy. It’s not a human or non-human remedy, it’s appropriate for all forms of shock and trauma; friends for whom I suggested it after their bad experiences told me it helped.

              I wish for you to recover from this as soon as humanly possible.

              • Dear Cara, How kind you are to write in the midst of your day.
                Bach Rescue Remedy does not sound simplistic at all. I have
                known others who have used it and you have made a most thoughtful suggestion.
                May the gift of caring be returned to you as you care for others.
                Blessings.
                R.

    • Oh, I’m so sorry to hear you went through something so horrific. Praying for healing of this trauma. And I hope you find the sense of a safe cocoon very soon. xo

  10. I just finished two non-fiction books that were just “OK” (The Karma of Cats and On the Move, Oliver Sacks). Now I’m reading to delve into some fiction, but I need to go through my library. That’s part of the fun – deciding what to read next!

    We’ve been watching some TV in the evenings; the only time we really do so is in the winter. We’ve been stuck on That 70’s Show! I guess because we both were teen in the 70’s, that we can relate. And the show makes us laugh, which is a good thing.

    The only reason we watched the Superbowl last night was because we were at a friend’s place for a Superbowl party. We left right after halftime and didn’t turn the TV back on when we got home, lol. Now if the Chicago Bears had’ve been playing (a miracle), that would’ve been a different story.

  11. I have been reading the Sunday New York Times. It takes a lot of time every week. This week there was a special section called “I Quit”, with first person stories of people who have quit different things: smoking, grad school, living in NYC, the priesthood, and more. Really good reads. Then there’s the Sunday Styles and the very popular Modern Love story of the week. I do read some late-breaking news, but as it can be so distressing, I don’t linger there, but the obituaries are at the back of the first section, and they are very interesting and well written. One week I unexpectedly found my uncle’s obituary ( I already knew that he had died.) I read Travel, Opinions, the Book Review section, and usually some stories in the Magazine section that are deeply reported, and not headline news. Surprisingly, even the Sports section can provide good material, the Business section too, and, of course, Arts and Leisure. Then I get to do my favorite puzzle: The Spelling Bee. Yes, this does take a lot of time, but it’s very nourishing.
    This is one of the luxuries I am able to indulge in because I am retired. (-:

    • I’ve always loved the Sunday Times. I read it every weekend for decades. We even subscribed for a couple of years here at the cottage, but it got too expensive. But I do love it and you’re right, it does take a lot of time! Thanks, Leslie.

  12. Life is good. We can do as we choose. I started teaching later in life, and I miss it so much. However, I do help home school one of the grands. Fun. I taught middle school two years, but I loved teaching high school. I was an adjunct at two universities also. Loved it all. Your blog is the reason I read Louise Penny…thank you…I also enjoy seeing your prints and hearing about your life. Hope you enjoy the preview of J. Eyre. One of my favorite books ever. One semester, I wanted my seniors to enjoy it also. They had so much work to do, so I assigned two chapters each to them. They could make up the way they taught them. It was fantastic. Loved it. Keep writing your blog; keep enjoying your semi-retirement…

  13. I am reading The Dublin Saga The Princes of Ireland by Edward Rutherfurd it is 776 pages. I am almost half way through. There is a sequel The Rebels of Ireland, there is just as many pages as the first one. I read DL Stevenson’s Whispering Valley. It was quite enjoyable. As far as Gladys Taber’s , my sister has a collection of her books. We have all read the books many times over.
    Marilyn

    • They’re wonderful books, aren’t they? Another D. E. Stevenson reference. I MUST read one of her books! Thanks, Marilyn!

  14. I’m just finished reading Circe by Madeline Miller. It was a Christmas gift from my son. I wasn’t enthusiastic about reading it, but I ended up loving it. It’s very different from my usual books. I highly recommend it.

  16. hi, chris.

    congratulations on the impending birth of your first grandchild … how exciting! :) i will add her and you all to my prayers.

    i am happy for you that you could retire, have time to follow your interests. :)

    your description of yourself works for me, too, down to never being bored … except for the gardening part (never got into it for never living in a place that allowed gardening or had a good sunny spot … but i love the results so am grateful to gardeners and farmers!). i have a boss that could have retired a couple years ago (she turns 69 this summer); she said she is afraid to retire for not knowing what to do with her time. i don’t get that at all and find her statement sad. it really is like you said … a joy and privilege to own your time. i am grateful to have a job (i am a social worker), but i do look forward to retirement. maybe then i will get to read the interesting books that you, claudia and everyone else here recommends (i’m keeping a list!). :)

    caucus results will soon start coming in so i might watch a bit of it. hope you are having a nice night!

    kathy in iowa

  17. hej, r …

    thanks for your kind words… and may God bless you!

    books were a topic today … i appreciate your honest answer.

    i will keep praying for you ….
    i hope that man is soon caught and put away someplace where he can’t hurt anyone else and so you can have more peace, that you have a safe “cocoon”.

    about books … wish i had more focus for reading, but i just don’t right now … so i paint (watercolor, mostly, but sometimes acrylics), knit and walk. if you care to tell, do you have any hobbies? hope you have something that you enjoy!

    kathy in iowa

  18. Hi Claudia.

    I read Meredith’s blog too so I can see how endearing Little Z is! Love his smile.

    I’m reading “Inside the Dream Palace” at the moment. Taking it back to the library tomorrow as I know have “The Dakota Winters” on hold.

    Have a great week!

    X Chy

    • I have Inside the Dream Palace on my shelf and have had it for a few years. I need to pull it down and read it, Chy!

  19. Hello Claudia
    I have literally just finished Paradise of the Blind, by Duong Thu Huong. A stunning read and one I would recommend
    Siobhan

  20. I am currently reading The Old Success by Martha Grimes. This is the 25th or 26th book in her Richard Jury series. I’ve loved them all. I also had the privilege to meet her at a book signing years ago.

    I hope the weather cooperates for you!

  21. I just finished Saving Jemima by Julie Zickefoose. Anyone who is a fellow animal/bird lover will enjoy this lovely book about an orphaned baby bird’s rehab. Beautiful photos as well as a great story.

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