This morning’s sunrise as seen from the kitchen window – fleeting, of course. If I don’t grab the camera immediately, it’s gone within seconds.
One of my presents from Don was the first in a series that will eventually live on our bookshelves.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which is part of a set of her novels issued by Penguin Hardcover Classics. The beautiful book covers are designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
Photo courtesy of Amazon.com
I am a true devotee of Jane Austen. I’ve read Pride and Prejudice many times and never tire of it. I have several copies scattered around the house, but none as nice as this. Next up? I think Sense and Sensibility. I have to save up my pennies.
Beautiful. It makes me happy.
Don also bought me a book on writing the novel. I started a novel several years ago, which I recently re-read. Even with the perspective that comes from distance which I was sure would make me cringe, I was pleased with what I wrote. I don’t want to go back to that novel, though it was a great teacher. I have another idea for a novel in mind and Don, being my biggest cheerleader, is gently but firmly urging me to start writing it in 2015. It’s a goal I’ve set for myself. When I heard Louise Penny speak this year, she spoke about writing her first novel; that it was important for her to say she’d done it, that she’d actually finished writing a book. She had no idea what might happen and wasn’t concerned with that. She just wanted to write a book, to say she’d done it. That really inspired me, because it’s a sane way to approach book writing. Even if nothing ever comes of it, I’ll have crossed an item off my list,. (I have a list of dreams floating around in my head and writing a novel is one of them.)
In all modesty, I know I’m a good writer and I feel it’s a gift that’s been given to me. My minor in college was English Language and Literature. At one time, I was working on my Master’s in English Literature. Theater eventually won out, but writing is in my bones. I’m the first to say that I have a lot to learn, as any writer worth his/her salt would tell you. This blog has been a great teacher and the discipline of crafting a post every day has been enormously important to my growth.
I’m only telling you about this because I think putting it out there is important. Don knows about my dream, of course. Now, you do. We’ll see what happens.
My big gift was something I wouldn’t necessarily have bought for myself because I would have felt slightly guilty and/or selfish. A bit of background: As long as I have been teaching and coaching and carting books and scripts and paperwork and Filofaxes and wallets, and now, Kindles and phones around with me, I’ve been searching for the perfect tote/handbag. I like a big bag. I like the option of a shoulder and/or cross body bag. I’ve tried everything (canvas totes, briefcases, big purses, even Trader Joe’s vinyl tote bags) but I’ve never been completely happy with any one of them.
Then my friend and reader and fellow book lover, Melanie, sent me an email that mentioned Levenger’s, a wonderful company that caters to readers and writers. I used to get their catalog years ago, so I was familiar with them. I clicked on their site (by the way, they carry Blackwing pencils!) and, in the course of ooohing and aaahing over everything, I saw a bag. Perhaps…THE bag. I fell in love with it. I visited the site again and again. But I didn’t think I should ask for it for Christmas. Too costly. One day, in the midst of yet another conversation between Don and me that consisted of “Please tell me what you want for Christmas!” I went to the site. Everything was 40% off. Hello! I sent the link to Don. He loved it. I told him it would be my big present.
It’s gorgeous. Those pockets are on every side of the bag. It’s big enough and deep enough to hold a large script, my laptop, my Kindle, a reference book or two – anything I need to throw in there on any given day. And it’s stylish!
It has a removable strap, so it can be also be carried by the handles. I tend to prefer a shoulder strap, so I imagine I’ll use that the most. It has a zipper. It’s beautifully made. It’s called the St. Tropez Tote.
Even though this photo is slightly dorky, you get an idea of its size. I’m using the cross body strap. Yes, that’s a jean jacket I’m wearing at the end of December. The temperature hit 50 degrees yesterday! We went for a family drive.
There they are! Scoutie is running. She’s galloping. And she’s going to be 16 years old one week from tomorrow.
Two of my very favorite beings on this planet. I love them so much.
Happy Saturday.
I got a canvas version of this bag years ago from the same company. I loved it but not as much as I love the version you got! Beautiful. The problem with the canvas was soil and it fell down when not full. This was before Ipads… Enjoy!
I like the canvas version, too. But, you’re right, canvas gets dirty. I don’t mind if it falls down, I like that the leather is soft enough to do that! This one zips closed, and I think the canvas tote doesn’t do that.
The bag suits you, Claudia! A beautiful and practical accessory that looks like it will serve you well! I think I will check out their site….never heard of them. You do indeed have a gift for writing, Claudia, as evidenced by your blog and book reviews. While I enjoy reading more than I can say, I have never felt the desire or need to write but I wish you fulfillment of your dream in2015! Great photo of your running loves!
Thank you, Kathy! Cross your fingers for me!
I love your new bag. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect bag! Happy Saturday to you, Don and Scout.
Happy Saturday to you, Cindy!
Levenger!! I’ve been getting their catalog forever..Great bag..perfect for you…Yes, I would encourage you to write because you are exceptional at expressing your thoughts..I’m very BAD !! Yes, blogging has helped, but, still…Go for it..
Thanks for your support, Missy! I need to get on Levenger’s catalog list again!
Lovely gifts – your new bag is very smart. The Jane Austen set would look very well on your new bookshelves. I bought “Jane Eyre” in the same Penguin series for my niece. I don’t like editions of Austen or Bronte that have shoes all over the cover, implying it’s a girls-only read.
Such a goal for 2015. I say go for it – you absolutely can do this. Didn’t Harper Lee’s friends encourage/support her while writing? My daughter said to tell you we’ll FedEx you sandwiches and coffee if need be!
Glad to see Scout looking so bouncy again – big pat from her friends up north.
Agreed! Not at all a girls-only read!
Yes, Harper Lee’s friends, a married couple in NYC, gave her a check that enabled her to take a year just to write. She’d been working for an airline, as a reservation clerk, I think. The male part of that couple recently died and that story was part of his obituary. We might not have had To Kill a Mockingbird without their generosity!
Your daughter is such a sweetie, Barbara! As are you.
Ah, you scored some GREAT gifts! And glad to see Scout out there having some romp on a nicer day, bless her. We have been having HELLACIOUS wind since 2am. I didn’t get a wink of sleep. Remember the Santa Anas? But this is cold, or at least cold to us thin-skinned SoCalifornians; low 50s from 7a. We got down to the mid 30s on Christmas night.
Do not hesitate to write that novel. (But you have to write every day; it’s a job. That’s what ‘they’ tell me!) Yes, do it for yourself if nothing else; of course, it’s hard to get published but never impossible. In a lucrative period (I know what it means to live freelance!), you can always self-publish…and I’ve discovered new authors on Amazon, too. It helps to be known; it helps to have an agent; I’ve heard it’s ‘impossible’ to get published UNLESS you have an agent. But look at J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter books; what about the gal who wrote the vampire novels, Stephenie Meyer…seemingly ‘everyday’ people who pursued writing to great success. One of my fave escape-fiction writers from the old days told her readers that, with her first book, she simply sent her manuscript to an author she’d admired and that’s all it took but, of course again, that occurred in non-tech, earlier years. Anyway, tell your stories. Don’t look at obstacles. Just write freely; let it flow. Write what you know. Pass on everything you’ve learned or thought about, your own experiences and people you’ve met…or not. Just do it. It’s not always easy but you probably found that out the first time around. Crafting a page, I’ve found, is a lot harder than writing a letter or email, as I’ve told people who’ve urged me to write something substantive. I would get bogged down on ONE PAGE. My biggest problem as evidenced here is that I have an inability to synopsize; it takes me too many words. Advice I’d heard from another writer is to just spill it all out, and then go back later to trim or embellish, do your proper spelling and punctuation…but when you’re on a roll, don’t kill it. You can get hit with a scene or chapter at any time so always have pen/paper nearby, even on your bed table…we never know when inspiration can hit.
Your loyal readers would be first on the list to buy your book!
I remember the Santa Anas all too well, Vicki! And my skin would get so dry during one of them.
I’ve also heard that advice. Just write. Go back and edit later. I think that’s wise, because you don’t want to stop the creative flow. That will be tricky for me because I edit even these posts a lot! I’ll just have to train myself NOT to do that with the book.
I love a good bag!
The leather looks soft and the use of the word DORKY… Means I’d probably enjoy reading any novel you were to write!
Have a wonderful day Claudia!
Don’t you love the word ‘dorky’ Pat? I do!
Hi Claudia!
You are such a kindred spirit – I ran across some of the Jane Austen series at the Huntington Library gift shop shortly after my dad died and I decided I deserved a gift of them.
Speaking of JA – We saw a sort of odd production of Northanger Abbey a couple of weeks ago. Two English actors with puppets.
We’re finally off to The Last Bookstore in DTLA this morning, yippie! Also on our list is a vegan store – hopefully with shoes for hubby and a new purse for me for our Christmas presents. (I asked Santa for the new Joni Mitchell set but ahem, Santa is a procrastinator and he waited until the last moment and it was sold out whinnnneeee.) I like a big bag too. Love your new one, I’d forgotten all about Levengers.
Yippie! A book! So excited for you, look forward to following along on your journey.
Love seeing Scoutie romping and galloping!
Happy weekend! xoxo
Take some pictures of the bookstore, Sally! I’d love to see them.
The bag is leather, unfortunately! I love it, but in a perfect world, it would be vegan….I’m still evolving.
Claudia, Great books. Love the new tote, great buy. It looks like it would last a life time. Love your photos too. xoxo,Susie
Yes, I think the tote will just get better with age, so it’s a really good investment! Thanks, Susie.
What wonderful gifts! That bag looks like it will work great for you…and it’s most definitely NOT a dorky picture! Love the pic of Don with the hat…he looks like an Englishman out for a stroll with his companion!
I really do hope you write a novel this year…or at least start one. I, for one, would be interested in reading it…as I’m sure most of your readers would as well. You have talent…and your blog proves that! Enjoy your day Claudia! ;)
I tried to talk Don into buying that hat with his share of a little Christmas money that had been given to us. He didn’t want to, so I took my share of the cash and bought it for him! Now, he’s really glad I did. He looks dashing in it.
Dashing! Yes…that’s the word! ;)
I’ll tell him so, but it might go to his head!
I love that you found such a perfect bag and that you received it for Christmas! I bet this will be a fab bag for many years! Lovely warm weather! So happy you had a good day!
hugs,
Linda
It’s beautiful outside! I know it can’t last, but we’re enjoying it while it’s here.
Love your bag Claudia! I dream with my Levenger’s catalogue, too. You are an excellent writer and I think the novel is a realistic goal for you. Encouragement sent your way!
Thank you, Linda!
I am sitting on the couch next to Brian, sipping my coffee and reading blogs and I started laughing…I said to Brian, “Claudia got a Levenger bag – and she mentioned me in her blog!” So I showed him the post and he was smiling and nodding over your bag. I have the same one, but the canvas one. I love it. I’ve had it for years and it’s worn very well. I use it to carry books and notebooks and the little side pockets hold Post-it notes and my phone charger and other little things.
I could definitely see you writing a novel! I have read many books on the craft of writing but my favorite is Stephen King’s, On Writing. Have you read that one? I’m not a fan of his novels, but this was the most brilliant and inspiriting book on writing that I’ve ever read.
I love the canvas bags, too, especially the red one, but I thought this might better stand the test of time re work obligations. I haven’t read Stephen King’s book, but I’ve seen it. I’ll make sure to read it, Melanie.
You do not look dorky! You look great with your new bag! I like it very much and will be checking out the Levenger website. Enjoy these mild December days!
The weather is so nice right now! I’m going to enjoy it while I can. Who knows when snow will be on the way?
Very nice gifts Claudia..a book by you I would stand in line to buy..
Ah, thank you, Nancy. It may never see a publisher, but I’m going to write one. And finish it.
Levenger’s! Love when that catalog arrives. It always signals some time for dreaming!!
Yes, I would stand in line at that book signing ~ clutching my Claudia book as well! I was looking forward to your posts on Shakespeare this year, but a book……. well, that would be grand!
Have a fun day. We hit 48* yesterday and have nary a flake of snow anywhere. So, since we got along fine without having a white Christmas, perhaps we can now get on to Spring!! Hope you have a very fine day!
I’ll do more posts on Shakespeare at some point. Right now, it’s not in my brain! I guess I needed a break…
Wouldn’t it be nice if we just went along this way with no snow right up until the first day of spring?
I love the bag but more importantly I LOVE that you are going to write this year. I will be first in line to read it if you make it public. Have fun with it ! I see the detail and thought you put into a project like the dollhouse…. how you think things through so anything you write will be so well done.
Im excited for you!
SueZK
Oh, thank you, Sue. You guys are so supportive!
I have many tote bags, mainly to cart around my knitting projects, but. None as luxurious as yours, Claudia! Enjoy it for many years to come….one day it will hold your published book!
Wouldn’t that be as exciting as it could get??
I think your new bag is very stylish and perfect for someone who needs to carry around so many things! We need our bags for so many uses. I have several in different sizes, since I never know what I’ll be needing to cart around from day to day. I love the covers on the Jane Austen books, what a wonderful gift as well. I also hope you write that novel next year, like you mentioned, regardless of the outcome you can cross it off your list. You are so dedicated to your writing since you post every day. Your make everyday things so interesting, so I’m sure someone with your talent would write a fine novel. I enjoy writing too, maybe short stories, but I can’t imagine writing as much as you, so I say go for it!
I love the start of a new year when all your ideas and dreams are so fresh with promise. If I can just accomplish a few of the most important things on my list, then I will be one happy person. Very nice pics of your family outing and Scout looks so happy and healthy too.
There’s an interesting interview with the designer of the Penguin Classics cloth book covers on Design Sponge. I’ll try to post the link soon. She’s a talented young woman!
You are already a terrific writer. The book will just be a broader canvas. It’s a grand idea!!!!! Also love the big bag, the beautiful sunrise, Jane Austen and seeing Miss Scout, so joyful and full of beans. Add in Don and there’s a perfect recipe for a wonderful life!!!!!
She IS full of beans lately. It’s very nice to see. Thank you for your support, Ruta!
I think your plan to write a novel is absolutely thrilling! I’ll look forward to hearing more about it (should you choose to share further details later).
Karen
oh the books are lovely! I like a big tote too, it is just perfect. love the big pockets and the bodystrap, so nice to have when navigating about. good luck on your book, can’t wait to read it!
If anyone can write a novel, I know you can! Nice bag. And 40% off to boot. That’s great! Lovely weather for the end of December. Sounds like Scout has the same birthday as my husband. :) Best wishes, Tammy
I thought about the writing comments you made here. I do read all of the time but don’t write that much. I started a 3x a week long detailed letter to 5 older relatives some years ago. I find the more I write the more interesting I want the stories to be and more fun for the readers. I didn’t think about the fact that I am honing my writing skills.