More from my little jaunt the other day. Some hydrangeas are still relatively intact – but only a few. There’s such a sepia look to the gardens right now. Beautiful. I need to be more aware of that when I feel that everything is gray and gloomy.
It isn’t.
Thank you so much for your kind comments yesterday. They make all the effort over the years worthwhile. Bless you.
Yesterday was marvelously sunny but we’re back to darker skies today. We were supposed to get a smattering of wet snow overnight, but that didn’t happen. I haven’t checked the weather but I wouldn’t be surprised if we got some form of moisture today.
I’m almost done with Blue Moon by Lee Child. Complete escapism: that’s what Lee Child books are. I’ve read nearly all of them. They’re really a modern take on the gunslinger that saves a town or a family from the bad guys. Jack Reacher is the equivalent of Shane. If you go into them knowing that, you’ll have a great read that truly takes you away for a while. It’s comforting knowing that the bad guys will be dealt with, the good guys will win, and then Jack Reacher – ever the wanderer – will move on.
Next up? Either Hi Five by Joe Ide or Lock Every Door by Riley Sager. Since Lock Every Door is supposed to be very scary, the choice will definitely depend on my mood later today.
I’m looking forward to spring, but I’m trying to stay here, in this season. I’m doing surprisingly well with it and so is Don. That was one of our goals this winter – not to wish the time away. Of course, we may be helped by the lack of snow this year, but we had plenty of it in December and we’ve had lots of ice and freezing rain since the first of the year. In other words, lots of weather to contend with, but hopefully, with some grace.
Happy Tuesday.
As I wrote before, I am not sure what it was about Lock Every Door. I read so much-library, my own few I have kept, review for NetGalley, review for Amazon…reading the readings grand is doing in England in university…those she just finished at university here…however…this book was something that made me comment to the librarian…let me know what you think. Sunday-grand facetimed me from The Globe-knowing Nana loves loves loves it…was there twice with other teachers-chosen to go…and some of the ones with whom we studied at The Folger’s for a month in D.C. and Shakespeare and Company a month in Mass…I am Shakespeare nerd…I guess…loved loved loved teaching it also…grand loving semester in England…seeing so many countries also. Have a good day. Your blog is so fantastic…
I used to review NetGalley books, but I tired of my e-Reader (and frankly, I tired of reviewing for a while there.)
I’ve spent time at the Globe in London – in 2001, I went to London with my MFA students while they studied there . We also visited there the last time we were in London as Don had never seen the theater. The very first time I went to England (I was 21) we studied at The Shakespeare Institute and with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Of course, I barely remember it now!
Thanks, Brenda!
I love Stratford upon Avon…love love…if I were younger and the budget permitted, I would visit my grand while she is there.
You have had a great career. You continue to do so, of course.
I wish I could remember it better, Brenda, but I appreciate the opportunity I had. Thanks so much, my friend.
Yes….my hydrangeas are sepia, too. You can really see the contrast because of our snow cover. And, yesterday we got an additional 5-6 inches…but, this time it’s wet and heavy. Some people cut their hydrangeas in the fall. If I did that, I would miss the dried stalks blowing in the wind. I, personally love that part, almost as much as when they are in full bloom.
Happy reading! ;)
I never cut mine either. I love seeing them and they provide food and shelter for the birds. Thanks, Donnamae!
I think the older I get I just thank God for another day
All In all it has been a mild winter
It has! Thank you, Linda.
I don’t cut off all of my Hydrangeas either. I love their look in the winter as they have such a beautiful sepia tone. Last summer mine had such bright pink flowers before they turned white, and this winter I still see a bit of that pink showing through. So pretty.
My husband is working the polls today. The “only thing” on the ballot today in our election here is a Supreme Court position. (Lots of other villages, etc. through the state have other elections going on) but for us it is the one thing to vote upon. He said it is so very slow. Knowing what is at stake with “only” a SC position, it is rather heart breaking. PLEASE VOTE when you have the blessed opportunity, everyone.
Amen. EVERY election is important! Thank you for this reminder, Chris!
It’s fascinating to read your personal comment about staying in this season. Just two days ago I had an encounter with someone ” merely tolerating life” in this season. I offered that we might try to approach this differently and to realize the unique beauty of this time frame. Perhaps this period is a gift liberating us from so many otherwise mandatory seasonal chores and expectations. A grey day that calls for lights aglow , playing beautiful background music, and the time to curl with a book can be quite wonderful. At the end of the encounter that person was opening up about enjoying a cup of tea and the rarity of lounging in flannels before a favorite film. Thank you for sharing a most important topic.
You’re welcome.
I love your effort to live in the season. And it does take effort, but is so worth it!
Thank you, Jenny.
I find something incredibly, almost desperately, beautiful about faded hydrangeas and other flowers. I always hate to cut them back in the fall and some I don’t. This is gorgeous.
Have a lovely week. We are laying very low getting over the “stuff” that has plagued us and continues to do so. Trying desperately to kick the fever by Thursday so I can see “Into the Woods” at MSU. We’ll see…
Feel better, Jeanie!
Bonjour Claudia,
We must live with seasons as our ancestors did and that is all what we have to do even in a gloomy winter day. Why would you want to be in spring in the middle of winter? In winter, I enjoy watching the silhouettes of trees against the gray sky. They reveal their majesty and their unsuspected beauty. I also enjoy the short days. Yes indeed. Carpe diem… Enjoy the day.
A la prochaine !
Carpe Diem, my friend. Thank you.
chaperoned an overnight youth activity at our church last weekend. I spent time with the kids, but as they went to sleep, I propped up in a chair with my flashlight and read! Another parent commented that she never finds time to read – I suggested she could chaperone the next youth activity & finish a book! (she didn’t think that such a grand suggestion, LOL). Like your sepia picture.
Grab those opportunities to read when you can, Jan! Thank you!
Gosh…Lee Child books. I haven’t thought about those in a while. My daddy used to love reading them! I think the hydrangeas look pretty in a sepia tone.
Thank you, Mandy. His books are pure escape!