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Yarn, a Book & a New Year

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yarn

Do you think I have enough yarn in this vintage laundry basket? Between the yarn I use for Obsession Scarves and the yarn for the afghan, I’m pretty well stocked. I’m so glad I found this vintage basket on Craigs List. It has turned out to be the absolutely perfect way to store what I call my ‘active’ yarn. I’ll be returning to work on the afghan tonight with my little girl snuggled on the sofa next to me. I’m going to pick her up in an hour or so. I miss her so much!

New Year’s Eve has never been a big deal to me so for those of you who are ready to express sympathy that Don and I aren’t together on this day, don’t worry. Neither of us make a big deal of it. It truly is just another day for me – one that I used to feel pressure to celebrate when I was younger. If you weren’t doing something for New Year’s Eve, you were considered a bore. Now, I am a girl who doesn’t like to be pressured to do anything. And if I feel that pressure, for better or worse, I will almost always turn in the opposite direction. I like to stay in, watch some old movies and go to bed early. By the time New Year’s Day comes around, I am ready for the holidays to be over.

And you will notice that I don’t do a “Top Ten Posts” or “Best of 2012” post. I would have no idea how to narrow my daily posts down that way and, besides, I don’t really care. I rarely look at my stats and how would I determine something like that? I’d rather do something like “The Top Ten Bizarre Things That Happened to Me in 2012” or “The Ten Things That Made Me Laugh Til I Cried in 2012.” Maybe next year. Or not.

mybookstore

Do you remember me writing about this book? I included it on my Christmas Wish List.  I saw it the other day at B &N and treated myself to it. It’s absolutely delightful. It’s full of essays by many, many authors on their favorite bookstores. Each of the writers paints a wonderful portrait of what makes their particular favorite special and I find myself wanting to travel the country on a bookstore tour! I’ve written about the changing world of books and bookstores more than a few times on this blog and if you feel the way I do, you will love this book. It just might make you believe that there are still great independent bookstores out there.

Hey – I got two of the items on my wish list! My camera and this book. Pretty good.

I have to go get ready to pick up Scoutie.

Have a nice, safe New Year’s Eve.

Happy Monday.

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Comments

  1. Hi Claudia ~ I’ll be right there with you on the couch tonight in my jammies watching a movie or something. We don’t make a big deal of it either and it’s so nice to be over the feeling that we have to celebrate. Enjoy your day with Scout ~ I have a feeling she will be very happy to see you too!

    • Happy New Year, JoAnne. Scout was very happy to see me and she was very stressed out. I may have to take her with me next time.

  2. Happy New Year, Claudia, Don and Scout! We don’t celebrate the new year on the first either. We celebrate Walter’s birthday instead. Love the laundry basket! Great storage idea.

  3. We don’t do anything on New Years Eve either. We sit up and watch the ball drop and crawl into bed, happy we don’t have to drive home from a party someplace.

    The book sounds like a good one. Any evening that involves yarn and a good book is bound to be a nice evening.

    Happy New Year.

  4. I’m like you. Don’t celebrate the new year. I don’t like big parties. I do love the first day of the year because it always feels so hopeful to me. Happy New Year Claudia and Don!

  5. Claudia, the idea of being in jammies and cosied up to the fire, or as in our case, the television….we cheer for team Canada at the World Juniors and of course the Spangler Cup…. I know, boring but I love to stitch or knit and listen more than watch. It’s pretty quiet here, I miss the grandchildren but I enjoy the time with the Dutchman.
    I will think of you as drink my tea and stay warm, have a wonderful New Year and may all your goals fall into place and may your dreams become inspirations!!!
    Hugs,
    Mags
    xx

    • I do that a lot, too, Mags – I have to have something in my hands when I’m watching something on tv – unless it’s riveting! Happy New Year!

  7. Hi,
    Thanks for the book recommendation, I will put it on my Kindle wish list. Yes I am glad for the holiday to be over with, but not my time off.
    Suzan
    Ladybug Cottage

  8. Hi Claudia, good for you for knowing what you want, and sticking to it. We are homebodies, and much prefer to do the same…no real reason to go out in the cold, and the snow.

    Have a great time reading a wonderful book.

    Jen

  9. My feelings about New Years Eve echo yours exactly, sweetpea. I have no desire to run with th’ pack either. Hubs and I will go to bed at our regular time probably. I don’t even make resolutions because I never keep them. Why bother?!
    But have a nice night whatever you do. Me? I’ll probably be reading a book. :-)
    xoxo,
    Connie

    • I don’t make resolutions, either, Connie. I will definitely be in bed early-ish with a good book.

  11. Claudia, have a warm and snuggly night with Scout! We do the same…maybe we’ll splurge on a bottle of wine, but other than that it’s just the fireplace, some good books and enjoying each other’s company after a pretty emotionally exhausting December. I’m ready to greet 2013….here’s to a good year for both of us! xxoo Martha

    • You deserve a peaceful, healing New Year’s Eve, Martha. It’s been a very tough month for you and your family.
      Happy New Year!

  12. happy 2 013 my friend. i think when don returns it is time for another dance party video for your readers…don’t you? coziness and hugs, pam

  14. Happy New Year Claudia….may 2013 be all that you imagine! ( I imagine winning the Rose Bowl…go Badgers! ). ;)

  15. Happy Monday Claudia. I was feeling pressured to celebrate New Years. I was invited to two very different parties but I really just wanted to be at home in my jammies with takeout for dinner. I’ll see the New Year tomorrow morning too…J

    • Oh, takeout – there’s an idea! I really wish we had a good Chinese restaurant around here. We don’t.
      Happy New Year, Julie.

  16. Im with you Claudia.. When I was younger (im 42 now) it was a big deal but in the last 10 years or so? Eh, just another day.. Last year was the first year I actually slept through it.. My husband and I may do the same thing again this year. Like you Id rather watch a classic movie, curl up on the couch work on my knitting or read a book before bed.. I did however this year buy a bottle of Sparkling Cider on the chance we are awake to watch the ball drop we will have a small glass of that, toast to the new year with a kiss an head to bed.. If we’re asleep, eh, we’ll have it tomorrow.. LOL.. That book you have sounds wonderful.. Im thinking I”m going to need to get it for myself.. I too miss good old fashion book stores.. Have a very blessed and happy 2013 Claudia!.
    Robyn :)

    • Normally Don and I share some sparkling cider, Robyn. I figured it wasn’t worth it for just me! I think you’d really enjoy that book. Happy New Year!

  17. Claudia, I am new to your blog but I love to visit… you are my first click in the morning! Love your sweet cottage and little family! Hubby and I will be doing much the same as you – staying home and cozying up with some good books and TV. Also, thanks for the book suggestion – I would love to visit different bookstores around the country someday! Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! Francine

    • Welcome, Francine! It’s so nice to hear from you. I really recommend this book. Since it’s individual essays, you can pick it up and put it down quite easily. Happy New Year to you and yours, Francine.

  18. I LOVE how you don’t care and might be a bit of a bore;-) Go get your girl and have a peaceful boring New Year’s Eve snuggled up together.
    hugs,
    ~tracy

  19. I’m so glad to hear you are going to be reunited with your furry little love soon! I think the two of you are going to be quite happy snuggling together tonight. I’m looking forward to a quiet evening, too. We gave up going out on NYE so long ago I can’t remember! I’d much rather celebrate tomorrow with a nice dinner at home and having the kids drop in.

    I did do a year in review post…nothing to do with stats, I really don’t know how to read them! lol! I created my blog as a journal so I really had a ball looking over what we did this past year, places we went, how we spent our summer, etc. A nice walk down memory lane.

    I want to say it was wonderful meeting you and following your blog these last months. You always give me food for thought and I love how you share straight from your heart. Wishing you, Don and Scout all the best in 2013! And enjoy that book!

    XO,
    Jane

    • I like the idea of your kind of year in review post – seeing what you did as a family, where you traveled, etc. That’s a really neat idea.

      I’m so glad you are a part of this blog, Jane. I am blessed by your presence. Happy New Year to you and yours!

  20. HAPPY NEW YEAR CLAUDIA….MAY IT BE A HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND VERY PROSPEROUS ONE……….HOPE YOU AND SCOUT HAVE A GREAT NEW YEARS EVE……….I WILL WATCH THE BALL DROP WHILE I AM IN BED NICE AND WARM……..HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, DON AND SCOUT MY FRIEND…..RIZZI

  21. I am glad you are home with Scout. Sounds like the same kind of evening I will be having. New Years is not a big deal here either. It used to be back in the day, though I am going to enjoy my tree one last evening and I am thinking about starting a crochet hat. This wll be new for me..wish me luck! My wish for you is a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013! ~Hugs, Patti

  22. Hi Claudia! I imagine you’re home with Scout now. I’m sure you guys are enjoying a long reunion cuddle session. That sounds like a fun book, I love reading about people’s love of reading and special bookstores. (They had an article recently in the L.A. Times about a bookstore in Santa Barbara that sounds so great!)

    Wishing you much joy in 2013!

    xo

  23. The book sounds wonderful! I have only been blogging since the end of May. I had no clue that people did their top ten or three or whatever until I saw them starting to appear on link parties. LOL! I was amazed . So organized….. Well, I did see one lady post her favorite photos and I could see me getting that together, but I doubt that I will at this point in time! : ) At the moment I just feel like the rest of today and tomorrow are to rest. up after a hectic Christmas week.

    And sew this tied quilt binding on. I had it sitting out over Christmas and my little grandson even slept under it one night but the binding needs finished. I know me and if I don’t toe the line and keep plugging away on totally finishing this I never will.

    • I’m waiting for my quilt backing fabric to arrive and then I’m going to work on the quilt for our bed. Happy New Year!

  24. I’m with you- I am a BORE on New Years. Going out amongst the drunks that seem to appear on New Year’s Eve does not interest me in the least. I hope that you have a good New Year’s Eve by yourself and enjoy an old movie with your baby by your side- xo Diana

    • I agree, Diana – I have no desire to be on the road on New Year’s Eve! Happy New Year to you and yours.

  25. Hope you and Scout have a wonderful New Year. I know you are happy to see each other. I will be curled up with a book, too.

    Hugs,
    Laura

    • I’m afraid she didn’t handle boarding too well, She’s very anxious and it’s taken her several hours to calm down. I think I’m taking her with me when I return to Hartford in a week. Happy New Year, Laura!

  27. What a wonderful way to spend New Year’s Eve! We are are staying home and playing games and watching movies!

    Happy, Happy New Year to you!

    blessings,
    karianne

    • I’m afraid Scout didn’t do too well, Aunt Meredith. She’s really stressed and it’s taken several hours to calm her down. She has a sore on her leg where she was chewing it (anxiety) and she’s been drinking water constantly. I think she has to go with me next week. I don’t want to put her through that again.

  29. I am in *love* with your wire basket. There are some on eBay but they are a fortune! Enjoy your evening with Scout and keep warm.. we have snow starting here in Oregon!

    Teresa :-)

    • I got it for $50 on Craigs List, Teresa and I know that’s a bargain because, believe me, I haunted eBay for months until I finally gave up because they were so expensive! Happy New Year to you!

  30. I remember going to Detroit one New Year’s Eve to a supper/jazz club and listening to Billy Eckstein! He was of course wonderful! I haven’t had many New Year’s Eve’s out! I prefer the safety and warmth of home, too. I know you’ll be glad to be home with Scout. On another note, we were notified a few days ago that our nearest Barnes & Noble, which is about 10 miles away is closing today! So now we’ll have to drive ever farther to get to one. We do have that wonderful used book store out in Ventura that we frequent often, but that’s 45 mins away. It feels like a shopping conspiracy all these stores closing. Happy New Year and best wishes for it to be a safe and prosperous one!

    • I remember going to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge to hear some jazz, Annette. I wonder if it’s still there?
      Darn – that’s bad news about Barnes & Noble. It does seem like a conspiracy, doesn’t it? Happy New Year!

  31. Hi, Claudia! I hope you and Scout spend the night hugging! My nephew works at a dog hotel. He loves it and all of his boarders. He says he has the BEST job in the world! Playing with dogs. :)
    Oh, and by the way I read the book you sent me. It was a light-hearted story of bumbling criminals. I enjoyed it.
    Have a happy new year! I am staying in, too.

  33. HAPPY NEW YEAR Claudia and family!
    Hubby, poochie and I will be staying in and watching some tv and *maybe* staying up until the “new year” (or not :) Hope your Scout has calmed down. It’s so sad for sure to have them upset. Hopefully it will work out well for you to take her with you when you go again.
    Here’s hoping we *all* have a happy, healthy, peaceful and financially sound NEW YEAR!
    Cheers-
    Mare

  34. Hope you had a safe trip home and you and Scout are warm and cozy on this New Year’s Eve!

    Happy new year.

    Judy

  35. I love your basket of yarn. I’m with you about new years eve. I’m home with the kids waiting for my hubby to come home from work . It is quiet and so comfy. Id rather be here than at some party wearing uncomfortable shoes and tight girdle!
    enjoy the sweet quiet
    Blessings, Joanne

  36. Hey Claudia, welcome home! I’m sure Scout will be glad to be back home, too. We don’t celebrate New Year’s Eve either. It’s just another day. However, I’m still up (almost 2 a.m. NY Eve…or actually NY Day now) because I had to play Designated Driver for my son and his friends tonight. They’re all back home and finally settled in and now I’m having a midnight snack. ;-) Hubby has been up for almost 22 hours straight, as he had to work today. He’s quite wired right now. Good thing we can all sleep late in the morning.

    Love your vintage basket and that book? Definitely going on my amazon wish list. I’ve always wanted to own a little bookstore…in an older building with worn, wood floors; comfy chairs to sit in and read or rest; floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with all kinds of used books and then a small portion with the current top sellers. And a spot in back where one could get a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps a homemade muffin or scone. :-)

  38. Claudia,
    I am not a blogger BUT I do like to browse around and pick up ideas. I love your blog.

    I was so excited to see this post. Yes…..buy those BOOKS. Read those BOOKS. Love those BOOKS. Collect those BOOKS.

    I’m with you, I prefer the physical book. I am part of it and it of me. I am an avid reader and of course library user (duh – I work in a library). Our library does have E books BUT I am not a user of that media.

    A library’s used book sale is a great source for finding used books that you might like to read, collect or use in crafting. Have you ever seen a purse made from a book. Love those.

    Thanks for sharing,
    Diane ~ The Library Lady

  39. Happy New Year!
    I have the same vintage laundry basket…but I spray painted mine Robin’s Egg Blue….and mine is overflowing with fabric. :)

  40. My celebration of the New Year isn’t in the least madcap, Claudia. Usually a little television, something sinful to eat, and then ringing a cowbell at the front doorway at the stroke of midnight. (My neighbor now joins me in this silliness.) I’m glad you were able to get that book — I’ve read excerpts from it and was entranced. And it made me appreciate my own memories of bookstores I’ve loved over the years and, alas, aren’t here anymore.

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