I try to get good photos of the moon. I do.
But I don’t have the right kind of lens, don’t have a stretch of level ground on which to plant a tripod, and it gets so dark around here that the ‘night’ setting on my camera really doesn’t do it. Ah, well.
Yesterday was a rain-filled day and it wasn’t the drizzly kind of rain we’ve been getting, but a very good soaking rain. It was dismal out there, but much appreciated. I drove to the bookstore for reading therapy. Though I am vigilant and am doing everything I can right now to stay energized for the fight, I also need to escape, always hoping that when I come out of Reading World, I’ll find it was all a bad dream.
I’ve already read the new Flea Market Style. Loved it.
Country Living, Christmas edition. I’ve never been too crazy about Christmas issues of favorite decorating magazines. I’d rather see any interior sans holiday decorations. I find them distracting. But I caved because I need…you guessed it….an escape.
The newest Lee Child – Night School. You knew I would buy it. I’ve read them all and cannot resist a new Jack Reacher mystery. Jack Reacher, as written by Mr. Child. Not the Tom Cruise version – I don’t want my image of Reacher to change from the picture I have in my head.
I know I’m rather firm about all of this, but that’s how I feel. I won’t watch Bosch either – the series that centers on Harry Bosch, as written by Michael Connelly. Nothing against Titus Welliver, who is a fine actor and, in this case, looks rather like Bosch as written by Connelly. But I have a picture in my mind and I guard it.
And I’ll be doing the same thing when there is a series – or is it a movie – of Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rowling) series centered on Cormoran Strike. She is so specific in her description of Strike that when I saw a photo of the actor cast in the role, I thought, what??? Producers and casting people always seem to go for the more handsome and marketable version of a character. In Cruise’s case, about a foot shorter and 60 pounds lighter, with a completely different hair color.
The last book is a collection of speeches, essays, and articles written by the late, great Pat Conroy – A Lowcountry Heart. It just came out. I can’t wait to read it.
Look who arrived in yesterday’s mail. Another Big Boy. This one is holding a Double-Decker. I haven’t had any red meat in well over 30 years, but I do remember loving a Double-Decker. My mom and I would sometimes go shopping and eat lunch at Big Boy. We always got a Double-Decker.
That makes three Big Boys, which, I told Don, now makes a collection. They’re behind me as I write this, staring at me.
And, because I miss them so, so much and I ran across this photo the other day:
Scoutie and Riley in the den. Scout in the “tunnel.” I miss them in my life and on this blog. I long for them, especially during this last week, where their presence would have been enormously comforting. I miss taking care of my babies.
Read Susan Branch’s latest post: We Have to Believe We Are Magic. Bravo, Susan.
Happy Wednesday.
When I see the Big Boy, I immediately think of the strawberry pie…my favorite menu item! I seem to go to sweets to find my comfort place. Been doing a lot of baking, lately, because…well, you know.
Oh, I forgot about the Strawberry Pie! I loved that, too!
I read Susan Branch’s post today before hopping over here – it was brilliant, honest and brave.
I agree. I loved reading about all of this through her particular point-of-view. She’s wise and she’s right.
Watching Live! with Kelly today and one of her guests was a young man by the name Trevor Noah. He has written a book about growing up in South Africa and the challenges of being of mixed race and his mother who was jailed during the Apartied. Sounds interesting especially in view of what is going on in today’s world. And also saw a trailer on TV about a moving coming out called “Loving”. And the setting is in Virginia and about the challenges of interracial marriage.
Reading is my escape too. I finished reading the series by Victoria Thompson. What I find interesting about her books are the similarities between her characters and Anne Perry’s characters. Victoria Thompson’s characters are set in New York and Anne Perry’s characters in England. In both books the female characters are from a well to do family while the male characters are police officers. And that is all I am going to say. :)
Trevor Noah is the new host of The Daily Show, Trina. He took over when Jon Stewart moved on. I’ve seen the trailer for Loving and have read a bit about Noah’s book. All good!
I will most definitely check out Victoria Thompson’s series. I am a big fan of Anne Perry’s books.
I’m doing a lot of reading therapy also. I love Jack Reacher and Tom Cruise is not him at all in any way shape or form. I must say I do watch the series Bosch as Titus is him to a T for me! It’s been good escapism for me also. Susan Branch is amazing. I will read her blog post again. We are praying for rain here as the fires in the mountains have covered us in smoke. It’s been a rough year and is ending the same way. Hugs.
That blog post was so well-written – all about trying to divide us and following the money. I loved her take on it.
I have heard about the fires there, Linda. Praying they are contained quickly.
Ah…the Big Boys! Too cute! I’ve been ‘escaping’ in my search for certain documents for my mom. I put them in a safe place, but the safe place eluded me. Finally found them, but only after hubby had to recheck our closet for me. That whole process took all day…it was a difficult, but nice diversion from you know who. Susan Branch has yet to make an appearance in my email, but as soon as it does, I look forward to reading it. I’m also getting lost in Poldark…I had 6 episodes recorded….only have one more to go. Diversions are afoot! ;)
We need diversions, Donnamae. We’re watching old episodes of the Dick Van Dyke show. At times, it’s wildly funny. And normal.
Dear Scout; that face; we miss her, too, Claudia!
I didn’t know Susan Branch had a new post up; will check it out. She’s been out of the country so long, missing all the mess.
There’s only one store (a market, not a bookstore) in my town that gets Country Living (and I’ve never seen Flea Market Style) and the minute it goes on the stand, it’s gone. I think it’s an inside job; the women at the store get first dibs!
Flea Market Style comes out quarterly, Vicki. It just got in the stores yesterday.
I think you’ll like Susan’s post.
Well, no surprise, I loved her post…but a lot of her readers didn’t, so she’s getting slammed, and I think it’s a shame because her ‘followers’ (girlfriends) know she speaks from her heart of hearts. Just because we read her doesn’t mean we OWN her; it’s HER blog and she’s allowed to speak her mind, which is what “it’s a free country” used to mean.
She’s really getting slammed. Her readership is a thousand times larger than mine, so that automatically means more dissenting opinions. I do find that some blog readers do start to think they ‘own’ you – or maybe more accurately, they think they own what the content should be on your blog. In Susan’s case, she has, as she says, the ‘happy gene’ and people automatically expect that now. Surely they realize she is multi-dimensional and that these are extraordinary times?
Oh no! I love Susan’s blog, her books, her artwork and her thoughts. I read the post and thought it was great. But didn’t read the comments. I think I’ll refrain from going there. How sad that in a free world, we can’t have our own opinions.
I know. People think they own her, that’s what Vicki said. And I think they’re right. Makes me very sad. I had to stop reading her comment section last night because it was so upsetting. But, she also got many, many supportive comments as well.
We’ll take a bit of peace anywhere we can find it.
Yes, indeed!
Yes, Bless Susan. She is a dear and I appreciate her bravery because I am quickly learning thru my favorite blog’s comments our great divide.
Fondly, Lani
There really is a great divide, and I can only pray it can be bridged in the future.
How, Claudia? I keep asking myself. If a president can’t unify us, what will it take? I don’t want it to be something horrible like a war. God forbid, like a 911.
I was pretty young (for my age) and wrapped up in my own little cloud when people demonstrated in the 60s. It felt uncomfortable; my parents were upset when they’d watch the news on TV. Marches, riots, clashes with police; the Viet Nam war; hippies. It made me squirm. I’d just go back to reading my book. I’d been hearing about Viet Nam since I was in the 6th grade, when our teacher made us bring in clippings about it from the newspaper. (I was thoroughly bored. It was a science class. We were supposed to be learning about bugs and bees and butterflies.) Eerily, war was a daily headline to which I somehow became desensitized.
History was never my strong suit in school. So, from an adult perspective now, I feel like I need to ask (and I need to bone up on it and find out for myself)…is this how deeply the U.S. was divided in the 60s? Are we now a reflection of that decade? I risk showing my utter ignorance (I know it’s been hashed out on TV with the talking heads recently but I seem to have tuned out, like a mental blank), but…have we seen this before? Because I never remember anything like this current dissention and turmoil…I mean, it goes beyond the election results, i.e. all the gun violence of the past few years; a rash of stuff, even cyber theft. I guess I’m asking, though, is history in part repeating itself and I just wasn’t paying attention?
I remember those times, though I was in high school through most of it. There was a lot of dissent going on, but – and I may not be remembering accurately – it was about the war and whether we should be in Vietnam, and of course, the protests. This time around feels different to me, because the divide seems to be on so many levels. It seems much worse.
I’m ” diversioning” it myself by continuing to reorganize my fabrics…I am so close to finishing. I also have to start holiday sewing. Plenty of things to do to keep busy. I love the photo of Scout and Riley. I wasn’t expecting it as I was reading today’s post so when I got to it, I actually inhaled sharply. I know how much you both miss your babies. I’m running off to hug mine right now.
I think it’s the first time I’ve posted a photo since Scout died, Wendy. I couldn’t do it until now.
Totally understand, Claudia. Missing all of your fur-babies will go on forever. I recently found a Christmas collar tag we had personalized for one of our kitties. I put it in the memory basket that we keep near our kitty urns.
xoxo
Thanks for pointing out Susan’s new post. She posts so rarely now that I’ve gotten out of the habit of looking for it myself. And as usual, she pretty much nailed things. So good to see a Scoutie photo again too. Look at that prettiest face! Hope the smiles you got from it outweighed any tears…
PS – because we can NEVER let our guard down, here’s something I think I’m going to add as a tagline to everything from now on [until Trump is over at least]: THIS IS NOT NORMAL. 🇺🇸
Perfect tag line and I think you should do it!
I understand. I vacillate between self-care (which includes distraction) and facing the new reality.
I have been a Democratic and human rights activist for several years. My party is about to undergo a major shift, which is desperately needed but will be difficult and painful for many. I am assessing where and how I may be of the greatest use.
Good for you, Carolyn Marie. I’m going to link up with my local Democratic Party – a group of concerned women have reached out to me. That, and much more.
I am so anxious to read a Low Country Heart. Love the photo of Scout. She will always live in your heart.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
She will. This is the very first time I felt I could post a photo of her. It’s been 9 months since she left us.
Loved going to Big Boys back in the day! What a sweet picture of Scout. They will always be with you in spirit and your hearts. This Saturday will be 2 years since my Lucy passed and I think of all the silly things she would do and it warms the heart and puts a smile on my face. Have a good day!
Hugs
Thank you, Nancy. We miss our babies so much! Riley has been gone over 4 years now, and Scout 9 months.
I know what you meant about Scout. I had a cat that would beat up big dogs to protect me. I really miss him.
You never get over losing them, that’s for sure.
Yes, Susan’s post was wonderful. As you know well, it takes guts to write heartfelt words. I hope for all of us these postings continue. We need to work hard to keep what’s important in this world of ours, very close. Very close! I still feel as though I’m in mourning. I need to direct my emotions in a constructive direction. I wish you still had your beloved pets. Seeing that adoring face is calming. Such a beautiful friend.
I think the danger is to get ‘used’ to him and we cannot do that.
We still feel like we’re in mourning, too, Lyndia.
xo
Susan’s thought provoking post today is wonderful! And quite brave. I was saddened by the people who posted negative comments. They obviously didn’t understand what she was trying to say. When she said she is nearly 70 years old, and if her career ends because of it, it was probably going to end anyway ~~ it made me cry. And I will take exception with ANYONE who says we should give that person a chance ….. or just move on. That simply isn’t going to happen.
The picture of sweet Scout was a treat for all of us. You are right, I have found myself hugging our 2 dogs more than ever this past week. Therapy! That, along with reading book #4 of Louise Penny’s. Reading helps, too. Hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!!
I commented early in the day, so I didn’t see the negative comments. But I’m not surprised. Anyone who read her blog for any length of time, or read her books, should have known she would feel this way. You’re right, Chris, it was incredibly thought provoking. Follow the money and they’re trying to divide us. I hope she’s okay with all the negativity – I admire her bravery, because it’s even more intense for her given the size of her readership.
Thanks, Chris!
It has stayed with me for a long time today, how readers just attacked Susan Branch. She stood up to them, though. I was talking a lot to my husband tonight after he got home late from work, about the vitriol in general, but quite noticeably on favorite blogs. Some of the Trump voters call us [who didn’t vote for him], the sore losers, poking fun, saying we’re irritating or immature; complainers. There’s some bad bullying out there right now if you dare share your opinions.
I think I’m going to limit myself to just the L.A. Times newspaper and the PBS News Hour on TV. Maybe the Washington Post online. Reacquaint myself with NPR. Dilute the saturation a little; focus my mind away from fear and too many news sources on cable. And I’m going to get very familiar with my local reps’ activities (Senate, House). I’ve mourned for 10 days but the election is over. To deal with ongoing unease, I’m going to keep repeating the mantra that there’s a congress and a constitution. I’ve read enough in the past week to understand that it’s not a real-big Senate Republican majority and not every Republican in Congress is going to always fall in line with Trump. One-party rule will still have problems/challenges. It’s not a free pass. I’m just going to move forward by being better educated. It’s what I’ve learned from this election.
I have been signing petitions, calling the Speaker of the House’s Office, doing what I can. But at the same time, I’m trying to balance it with laying low, staying off most news sites. It’s a tricky thing. Because I don’t want to lay so low that I become complacent.
Exactly. Finding the balance.
Hello Claudia,
This is the first time I’ve commented on a blog. I read your blog daily; in fact I don’t really begin my day “without you”. I have always appreciated your views on life in general and more than once have been compelled to rethink some opinions I’ve had. You’ve reminded me of the beauty of nature, the importance of books, the concept of “home”… I want to thank you!
I live in Canada and this is the first time in my adult life that an American election has had such an impact on me and those around me. We watched the results as they came in but found ourselves having to turn off the TV as we realized what was about to happen. For almost a week the feeling of dread followed me… I was discouraged… I simply could not understand how a person could encourage such hatred, be elected to the highest office in the US, and present himself as the representative of his country. And now, he’s surrounding himself with those who pose conflicts of interest, those who have displayed similar “values”, and by doing so, highlighting extreme views. I’m appreciative that you will use your voice to keep a focus on getting and staying involved.
Yes, reading is a good escape, especially at times like this. I’m presently getting lost in books that allow me to step outside myself and the “worries of the world”.
Keep up the great balanced work that you do! You are appreciated!
Thank you so much for commenting, Val. I really appreciate it. On election night, Don and I also had to turn off the television when we saw what was going to happen. We couldn’t bear it. Neither of us slept well. We are stunned, as are so many people in this country. Every poll had it wrong. We were so sure Hillary Clinton would win. I don’t understand, knowing what we do about him, knowing who he surrounds himself with, how anyone could vote for him. And they’ve all been taken for a ride, because he is a con man. They will soon see that he will do absolutely nothing for those in need. He’ll line his pockets and the pockets of his rich cronies. And I’m convinced he doesn’t actually want to BE the President. He just wanted to win.
We’re devastated. Hillary won the popular vote by at least a million votes. She should be President. Heart is breaking.
xo
Yes… sending you a virtual hug!
xo
The Cormorant Strike series is excellent. I was impressed. Like you I am an avid reader, have been since early childhood. I don’t consider reading an escape but sometimes a way to rest the mind, sometimes to stimulate the mind.
All of that is true, but for me, sometimes losing myself in another world is a form of blessed escape. I can be somewhere else for a while and emerge less stressed than when I started reading.
I read Susan’s post earlier. It was so good and true…I admit I shed a few tears. I find myself so stressed over everything since the election. Small things have turned into big things, and big things into overwhelming things.
I think I’ll follow your lead and get into some reading therapy. Sounds like a good plan.
I’m not sleeping well and I feel very depressed and emotional. Trying to find joy in animals and reading, Sherry.
First, I’ll congratulate Don on a new collection…lol…and what a happy collection it is!…I’m hoping to squeeze enough money out of what little is left this month to get the new Flea Market Style…How wonderful to see Scout’s beautiful face smiling up at you from the tunnel again…you can see the love in her eyes…I love what Susan wrote…honest and true…reminds me of someone else I know Claudia…I have said for quite a while…one of this country’s worst problems is greed…
Yes, it often comes down to greed, doesn’t it, Nancy?
Thank you for sharing the link to Susan Branch’s post. Reading it eased my heart, in a way, which has been so heavy since the election. I’ll be sharing it around and I’ve bookmarked her website for future visits.
She really tackles the problems with those who supposedly represent us along with big business. I thought her constant note on ‘trying to divide us’ was spot on. She’s absolutely right.
I love your moon picture….. very mysterious and ethereal. It’s comforting to know that no matter what happens in this world, we all sleep under the same moon. And God loves us all, no matter who we voted for.
Yes, indeed, Jacki. You’re so right.
I still don’t understand why a country can allow an election be won by someone who does not have the direct experience of working in politics AND a proven business background, a successful track record? Why is there no checks in place to ensure those running are global thinkers with connections that will support the country, not take it down. I just don’t understand.
Off my soapbox for now. But so sad for the U.S. and its people.
Beautiful picture of Scout. Thank you for brightening our day with her sweet smile. I’m sure she misses you just as much as you and Don miss her.
Have you ever read “Country Living – the British Edition”? I just picked up my October copy yesterday (it takes that long to get to Canada – always about 6 weeks behind). In a few weeks, November will come out and in January, the Christmas edition! But I keep my copies so it doesn’t matter to me how behind it is. It is in my words “scrumptious” to read through, curled up on my couch with a cup of tea. As a Canadian who owns an AGA (not the big cooker but the range), I am in awe of seeing kitchens that look like mine, when I have a kitchen that definitely does not look like any of my friends or in any showhome or showroom. But I read my CLBE and feel like I’ve found my community! Not sure if you could find it in your region but thought I’d share. Enjoy your reading ~ a great distraction from the world outside your door.
Take care.
Chy
To answer your first question: I don’t know. And I’ll add: Why would anyone think those qualities were worthy of their vote? It’s beyond me.
I’m jealous of your Prime Minister, who has a heart and soul filled with kindness and compassion. The exact opposite of Trump.
Yes, I have read the British Country Living. It is available here and I don’t buy it every month, but I do buy it occasionally. I love the eclecticism that fills the pages as the British do so well. Well worn, loved, funky, beautiful and not ‘designer.’ Now I’m going to have to go buy a copy, Chy!
Movies or TV shows that ” Hollywoodfi” favorite fictional characters is particularly irritating to me; sometimes makes me downright angry. A. Hitchcock’s Suspicion is visually a beautiful B/W movie but I see red every time I succumb and watch it. It was loosely (butchered) based on one of the best psychological thrillers ever: Frances Iles, Before the Fact. It is one of Iles two great psychological thrillers; not really detective stores, we know from the beginning the main character is a narcissistic psycho who will do anything, including murder, to accomplish his desires It could have been an opportunity for an actor, instead it was turned into a Cary Grant charmfest. I know that is fine by many. Iles other great book was Malice Aforethought with a great BBC version that eventually was on PBS Mystery.
I don’t think we ever get over the loss of our furry loved ones; loved ones are a part of our heart and soul. My beloved little boy, Happy, was my dearest companion for 17 years. He crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in 1985 and the lump in the throat and silent tears still come as they do this minute. I miss him every day. Our sweetheart girl, Molly left us at 14 in 2004; I cried every day for a year and couldn’t walk down our drive to the mailbox to the very day we sold that house when we retired. Weekdays she excitedly waited for my husband to come home from work and take her out to get the mail. It was so painful to go to that mailbox. We personally rescued her when she was still a puppy. She was mostly yellow Lab but I insisted she was a blonde. So wonderful for you and Don to have the horses to visit these impossible days. Dianne
We aren’t ready to adopt another dog right now, but oh how I miss having one around! The horses help a little. Every time I go by places where we took Scout on walks, or look at her ‘corral’ or any one of a thousand things, I tear up. It’s awfully hard. xo
I just read Susan Branch’s latest blog post. I have followed her career and bought her books from the beginning. I always enjoyed her writing, but this latest post just blew me away! She was eloquent and to the point. I am in despair , though, over the negative comments. Some people are just being vicious!
I was saddened to see commenters who apparently feel she ‘owes’ them something – like eternally happy posts. This is, unfortunately, something that happens sometimes. Readers don’t want the blogger to stray from a certain kind of post. I guess they feel invested and feel as if they know Susan. But of course, they don’t. Yes, they know a part of her, but she also has fears and happiness and bad days and good days and she’s also a citizen of this country who is smart and has opinions. Part of this, I think, also springs from the sense that some have that this is like any other election. It isn’t. And Susan clearly knows it isn’t.
Loved seeing your Big Boys as it brought back memories of eating at the BB restaurant near us in San Diego when our kids were small, ages ago. Fun memories! Thanks, too, for the link to Susan Branch; I had no idea she had a blog. Hugs from the PNW. I am glad to have found your blog as well. (Oh, and I have a similar moon photo on my blog except it’s through pine trees. We felt lucky to see it as many of our days are too gray to see anything except clouds.)
Glad to have provided the link, Judy. Her blog is wonderful. She hasn’t been blogging much lately because she’s been traveling. But she’ll get back at it very soon.