Book Talk - Literature at it's Best

"And yet, what Ada had written about joy was entirely true. When she stands before you with her long, naked limbs and her mysterious smile, you must embrace her while you can."

The Snow Child

Eowyn Ivey

I have a new favorite author to add to my list. 

  I am so excited to talk about Eowyn Ivey's The Snow Child.   I want everyone to run to your nearest bookstore or library and grab this book.  If you are snowed in, perfect... download it.

Ivey takes her inspiration from a Russian folktale by the same name, The Snow Child, and in fact, the children's book has a role in her novel.   Stunning scenery... tightly woven narrative... well-developed characters.  Set in a valley near the Alaskan Wolverine river, this book is brutal, magical, mysterious, romantic and heartbreaking.  I wanted to make this one last and savor every sentence, but I couldn't put it down.
  

Grab a blanket, a cup of tea (or beverage of choice... wink, wink), and perhaps a few tissue... yes I was crying at the end of this one... plan to spend this weekend in Alaska.

Have you read The Snow Child?  If so let me know your thoughts.  

I have a question...

Do you participate in reading challenges?  I actually do sign up on Goodreads (I don't know if this is a good thing), but I don't really make it a challenge.  I do it more or less to keep up with my reading habits during the year.  I don't think I have ever committed to more that 25 books in a year.  While I sometimes go well over, I don't want my desire of quantity to take away from my enthusiasm for reading.   And... I have been told (blushing) I am a pretty picky reader.  

  Do you read to log an impressive number of books a year or do you savor a good book searching for themes and messages?  As I tell my children.... there are no right or wrong answers.  We read for different reasons... I am just curious.  

I am building my 2018 TBR list, and would love to hear want you are reading or want to read.  Let's meet here and chat about it.

Stay warm friends and
Happy Reading!  

   

Favorites of 2017

Happy New Year friends!

Do you love the expectation of a new year?  Do you view it as a fresh slate, or is it just the day after December 31st?   I am a big fan of the fresh start.   I like the thought of the old year with all its wrinkles and warts swept out to sea, as a new sparkling unblemished year gently washes ashore to be collected with all 
the promises of tomorrow. 
   
What are your hopes for 2018?

I am dying to tell you about my first read of the year, but in line with putting away the old year I want to share a few of my favorite books I read in 2017. 

A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles.

I first heard about this book, while listening to NPR and loved the premise of a Russian aristocrat living out a life sentence of house arrest in a luxury hotel across the street from the Kremlin.  I fell madly in love with Count Alexander Rostov as he comes to terms with his fate and discovers his purpose through his encounters with employees and patrons of the hotel.  When I finished the last sentence, I wanted to stand up and cheer. 
We are never too old to discover our purpose.

Reading with Patrick , Michelle Kuo

This amazing memoir should be required reading for everyone studying education.  Michelle Kuo tells of her time spent in Helena, Arkansas, one of the poorest areas in the US, teaching for Teach America.  This simply told story is of one teacher, one student and the power of literature to save.  This is what teaching should be about!

Small Great Things, Jodi Picoult

I hadn't picked up a Picoult novel in many years, until I read an article by one of my favorite authors stating "Small Great Things is Jodi Picoult's best book, and one of the best books of 2017.  I don't know where to begin with this one.  I think one reviewer puts it nicely... "With incredible empathy, intelligence, and candor, Jodi Picoult tackles race, privilege, prejudice, justice and compassion -- and doesn't offer easy answers."   Reading Small Great Things, I felt I was helplessly watching a train wreck.   I wanted to shake a couple of the characters and scream, "what are you thinking".  Though, in my opinion,  the ending was wrapped up a bit too comfortably, I did have to sit for awhile with this one and wonder where I fit into this story.  It will sound, maybe, a little clique, and it is perhaps a nod to Reading with Patrick, good literature can be the spark to ignite conversation for change. 

Just one more.... I promise!

To the Bright Edge of the World, Eowyn Ivey

This is a book I picked up because it was late evening, the book I wanted to download from the library, Ivey's first book, was not available.   Ivey gives us a beautiful descriptive story of adventure, love, loyalty and heartbreak.   Using journal entries, letters, news articles and artifacts we are lead on a  treacherous journey with newly commissioned, Colonel Allen Forrester and a few men as they navigate and chart  Alaska's Wolverine River.  Sophie, Forrester's pregnant wife is left behind never knowing her husbands fate.  Writing an epistolary novel would be difficult, giving each person her/his own uniques voice.  Ivey brings to life multi-deminsional characters throughout.  
 The characters... the writing... exquisite!

What were your favorite books of 2017?
If you have read any of my favorites, I want to hear your thoughts.  If you are looking for a good book to open, perhaps one of the above peeks your interest.  There are so many good books on the shelves, and more released every week.  I love hearing what you are reading or want to read.

What will be our favorites of 2018?  
I think I may have just finished one on my list.

A good book, a crackling fire and a cup of tea....

perfect prescription for our cold weather.

Stay warm and

Happy Reading!

What We Do

for those we love.

Did I mention there are three dogs living with me?  Two visitors and Willie.  

Willie is having a grand time with his buddy Waldi.  

The third canine is a retired and rescued greyhound.... a retired, rescued, geriatric greyhound.   Raven is a sweet animal, who is just old, and demanding.  I've nicknamed her "The Diva".  Most of the time she just wants the two youngsters to leave her alone and allow her to spend her time stretched out on her blanket.

However, when mealtime comes around or she needs to go outside she can become quite vocal.  She and I have had words more then a few times over her demanding ways.  The two sparing divas.

I have pretty much turn over my sunroom to them, and all has gone pretty smoothly...

until....

Monday morning we woke up to find a layer of ice covering the ground.   The dogs went out early and all seemed okay.  It continued to sleet most of the morning and they were able to keep their feet underneath them.  Later in the day, with a little melt and a refreeze, both the back and the front yards became skating rinks.

At the appointed afternoon bathroom time the door was open and the three took off.  Waldi and Willie had no problem.  They slip and slid.  They survived and didn't seem to mind.  Sweet Raven ran out and pretty much did the splits.  I heard my daughter scream, and I ran out to help.  It took both of us to lift her and ease her back into the house.   Once inside she was okay and returned to her chosen spot.

As night approached we began discussing how we were going to handle Raven's bathroom needs.   We both agreed she couldn't stand up on the ice.   I sprinkled flour hoping we might could create some traction... my five pound bag wasn't going to offer up much of anything but a mess.  I tried to break the ice with a hoe and a shovel.... let's just say I now understand how people have heart attacks when shoveling snow.  I barely made scratches. 

We tried to take her out the garage with hopes she would go to the bathroom on the driveway where earlier a car had been parked leaving a dry spot.   Needing to help her over a small patch of ice I found an old rug and sheets to spread over the ice.   We led her carefully across the bridge to the patch of driveway free of ice, but you know the saying...."you can take a horse to water..."?  Well the same applies to here.  The Diva stood looking at us, shivering.  We brought her back in and brainstormed a while longer.

Heather thought taking her to the front would be easier and safer.  She thought if we could get her onto the grass there would be enough traction for her to keep her balance.  But, how to get her over the ice covered path to the grass?

Yes, I moved the rug, sheet and various other items to make a path over the ice to the grass.

Yep, we love our pets and will do just about anything to make them happy, 

and keep them safe.  The ice is melting and hopefully all will be back to normal this evening.

I'm keeping the rug and stack of random finds ready just incase. 

I hope you are staying safe and warm.

Unbelievable!

Unbelievable!

A week ago I was strolling through the garden show breathing in and gathering inspiration 

 for my own spring garden.    

I always look forward to having all of our best landscape and floral designers 

in one building.  There is so much talent here.  We are home to master designers

 P. Allen Smith and Chris Olsen...just saying.   

It is often over the top; always a treat.

Some exhibits are beyond my capabilities, while others are possibilities.

I returned home ready to begin the digging.   However, being the last week in February, I knew it was too early to do little more than walk around checking to see what might be waking up. 

And, I only needed to step outside the door to find my own bit of sunshine.   These little blooms are always the first to rise from winter's slumber.  They just make my heart happy.

Now, lets stop chatting about the past and look at where we find ourselves today...

Mother Nature's little March surprise.

Who knew?

Sunday, when I left for Church the temperature was 54 degrees and just beginning to sprinkle.

An hour and a half later the temp had dropped to 33, and a bone chilling rain was falling.  Though I was convinced the "bad stuff" was going to travel just above us,  it was going to be a day for sitting by a warm fire,  finishing a knitting project (oh, I can't wait to show you why I've been away)  and, of course,  some reading.

Just as the stars and starlets began walking the red carpet in Hollywood, to celebrate their accomplishments, I could hear sleet beginning to fall outside my window.  

Speaking of the Oscars...

didn't you think it was one of the best productions?

To be honest, I don't watch a lot of television, but I love all the fashion,

 the music and the acceptance speeches.   Did you have favorites?

There were so many beautiful dresses this year;

my absolute favorite was Sandra Bullock's 

beautiful blue gown.  It was simple, elegant,

and, I do love blue! 

My favorite acceptance speech was Matthew McConaughey's.   It seemed 

spontaneous, sincere and gracious. 

I loved all the tributes to Moms.

Favorite moment?  

Bette Midler singing 

"Wind Beneath My Wings".

Gotta love Bette!

There were so many fun and entertaining moments thanks to host Ellen DeGeneres.  

I do hope the "powers that be" know they have a winner, 

and select her to host permanently.

Okay...back to the ice.

It didn't take long for the walkways and street to be blanketed by the raining ice.

Monday morning I woke to find what looked like snow, but was, in fact,

 an inch and a half of frozen sleet.

I love winter, but I think everyone is a bit weary of the roller coaster we have been on this year.

I hope you are staying warm and safe.  Spring will arrive in her own good time.  Summer will follow too quickly and stay too long. (am I beginning to sound like a broken record?)   You will have to indulge me, and listen to my whining about the heat, though it does seem far in the distance.  

I am out of school again today.   It seems the perfect time

to head to the.... 

I'll meet you there!

As it Fat Tuesday, libations will be prepared

and awaiting you arrival....

laissez les bon temps rouler!

A Very Good Day!

It was an absolutely beautiful weekend here.  

Who could imagine the difference a few days would make.

A week ago we woke to snow and more cold 

(we have had more extreme cold than snow).   

This weekend, though the mornings were cool, the sun shone and beckoned us to put down the book, the knitting, turn off the computer and head outdoors.

And, we didn't hesitate to answered the call.

We spent the afternoon walking the trails of a nearby park, enjoying the sun and fresh air.
The paths were crowded with individuals, couples and families.  There were runners, walkers, strollers and bikers.  Smiles and hellos were abundant.  It was just that kind of day.

With the sun setting we began our trek back.  Occasionally I could hear something moving along with me,  hidden by the brush.  It was a bit spooky (it is too cold for snakes?); I couldn't resist. Though R. and Willie continued to walk, I stopped, listened and waited.  Our companion remained elusive.  It wasn't until we had almost reach the end of the trail, I spied a park occupant.

He stopped while I fished my phone out of my pocket.  Though shy, he didn't seem
too bothered by my presence.

He showed me his profile.

Then, "No more photos, please"

And he was gone.

As the  armadillo was probably just waking,
my day was coming to a close.

Who knows what will come tomorrow; it is winter.
This was a very good day!

I'm wishing you beautiful days, soon!

Journaling

I woke early this morning with thoughts jumping around in my head.  I would have liked to turn over and fall back into a dream filled sleep, but I was awake and there was nothing to do but start my day.  It wasn't a surprise to open the shutters and find snow clinging to the branches; it began falling long before my bedtime.  

I sat at the window, alone, listening to the quiet of the morning wrapped in the pristine white blanket that fell overnight.   I was craving the quiet, a time to sit and stare.   Looking away from the window, glancing around the room my eyes stopped at my writing desk.   Perched on the corner was my long forgotten journal and pen.   

I moved over to my desk and opened what once was a constant companion, but now only an acquaintance.  Near the back of the journal was my last entry dated 25 July 2013.   Had it really been so long since I had picked up my pen?  I turned to the first empty page and began.  Words fell like tears, and a few were of tears; some were words of anger and anxiety.  I was disposing of the clutter which had tethered my heart and halted my pen so many months ago.  And, it felt as if I had found a long lost confidant. Words became sentences...sentences filled the pages until I noticed how quickly the tone had changed to that of surprise, joy and promise.  I wrote unedited until I had nothing left to put on paper.  I closed my book, and safely secured the stories that are not mine to tell, but weighed so heavily, within those pages.  I haven't stopped caring, but placed those cares away for safekeeping making room for all that tomorrow will bring...

the good and the bad.  

I'm not for certain why I stopped my daily journaling; I suspect things were happening I didn't want to remember.  Writing something down often makes it too real, too permanent.   I have kept some form of a journal most of my life, and yet I forgot writing is really a way of putting life's events into perspective   It may take a bit of discipline to return to the routine of daily writings, but I don't think I can afford not to continue.

As I write this post I look out to see snow beginning to slide off the branches and leaves of shrubs and evergreens just as the quiet solitude of the morning gently slid into a day filled with the sounds of the business side of life.

Do you keep a daily journal?
(Quite possibly you are feeling the need to vent against those who keep extolling the virtues of winter?)

Enjoy the Olympics,
stay safe and warm dear friends!

Today

A day of ice...

rain...

sleet...

ice...

rain...

It is pretty much what was predicted.

I couldn't help it,  I was hoping

for 

SNOW.

Please?

I know my request may make those of you who have been closed in by endless snow storms a little crazy...sorry!

Are you weary of the cold?

Were you hoping "Phil" wouldn't see his shadow?

Are you wishing for spring?

Maybe you are dreaming of a summer's day by the water?

Or would you be happy to just rewind to autumn?

(I'm okay with spring and autumn, but seriously, 

let's keep summer away as long as possible)

Let's do a bit of

daydreaming...

No matter if you are wishing for

spring, summer, autumn or 

a winter's snow,

each will appear at it's due time.

Find the miracle in today.

Stay safe

stay warm!

Knitting Through Life's Ups and Downs

Have all survived the latest arctic blast?  We sidestepped the snow and ice, but

were hit head on with low temps and wind.    A few weeks ago when it was too cold

to play outside I introduced the word "frigid" to my children.  Yesterday a child ask if we

would be going outside to play (oh, how we needed wanted to go to the playground), my classroom

meteorologist, pointing his finger to the ceiling,  quickly announced with authority, "Miss Bonnie, it is too sunny and frigid to go outside".

Oh, how I love these children!

Yes, the last few days have been frigid.  And, I can't think of anything better than having a

stack of books waiting to be discovered.

Sitting by a fire I opened  knitting yarns, and became instantly absorbed.

Do you knit?  Crochet?  Enjoy handwork?  Or, are you the person sitting across the room who is hypnotized while watching someone else's hands work needles with yarn
in, out and around?

Ann Hood has compiled a delightful collection of essays paying tribute to the art of knitting,  penned by those we are accustom to seeing on the latest "must read"list.   These stories are as much about life's successes and failures as about knitting, but the two are expertly joined by the similarities
 of the two.   One of my favorites is how one author, a non-knitter, found enjoyment and calm sitting next to a friend who knits.  Two stories later was that of the knitting friend.

  I think most knitters have a story to tell.   It may be a story of celebration, frustration, loss, healing or centering.  We each have a reason for picking up the needles.   The rhythm of needles moving in and out calms me, slows down my thoughts allowing me to think more clearly and problem solve.  Reading these essays reminded me of my own knitting stories.

It doesn't surprise me so many noted writers are also knitters or appreciate knitting.  Writers have often incorporated knitting into the fiction we have enjoyed:   Dickens gave us Madam Defarge,  Austen put needles in the hands of Jane Fairfax,  and Christi delighted us with Miss Marple.  Do you have a favorite book with a knitter as a prominent character?  There are so many.

I returned "knitting yarns" to my friend telling her it is most definitely a keeper.
I want my own copy.   I can't think of a better gift for a reader and a knitter.

With a new baby arriving soon, my needles are flying.  I wish I could figure out how to read and knit at the same time....hum... I'll knit on that and get back with you.

Do you knit?
Do you have your own knitting story?
I would love to hear from you.

If it is still frigid where you are this weekend,
please stay safe and warm.

Winter Thoughts

I've been away.  

This time last week I was in Seaside, Florida preparing for the new year.

It was overcast, rainy, and I thought... cold.  The clouds were so dense the sun was blocked from giving us the beautiful sunsets I've grown accustom to through the years, until the night of New Years Day.

I didn't know the cold awaiting my return.

I love winter's cold!

 I don't necessarily want to be outside when it is this frigid, but I do love to cuddle up inside without the guilt of needing to run off somewhere.   I think we all need a period of hibernation.   There is something to be said about being forced to slow down and cocoon for a day or two.

I've heard over the past several days this winter storm is breaking temperature records across the United States.  Is this just more proof of our planet's warming pattern, or perhaps, it is her way of hitting the restart switch?

Tomorrow I return to school.  I am excited to reunite with my children.  They will have grown, and after a day of resettling they will be ready to get down to business...I hope.

Today, I am enjoying the day packing away the last of Christmas and

 finishing the last chapters of  The Prisoner of Heaven, Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Willie says keep your sweater on, curl up on a comfy blanket, and stay safe.

Back into the Closet

I don't know about you, but I walk into my closet each morning and stand looking around wondering what to wear.  I usually can be heard whimpering  and whining ever so slightly.
This is where I should post a picture of my ultra organized closet...

                                                                                                 it's not going to happen.

I wish I were brave enough to show you my closet, but I am not.

At present, no exaggeration, it looks like a tornado roared through.
There are still sweaters folded on the shelf waiting to switch places with summer tops.
But, look the t-shirts have been unpacked and stacked on top of the turtlenecks;
sandals are co-mingling with boots.  I'm embarrassed to reveal I sometimes leave with
more than one jacket option thrown on the back seat and a pair of socks tucked deep in my school bag.

Just when we think spring is ready to solo, 

winter decides to surprise us with an encore.

This morning I stood in the middle of my closet weighing the reported cooler temperatures and the warm afternoons we have had the last couple of days.   History won.   

Confident it would warm up by playground time, I was soon following Wille downstairs wearing a  dress with long sleeves which can be rolled up and a pair of flats.  It only took a few moments outside to realize I needed to head back into the closet.

With temperatures barely reaching sixty degrees this afternoon,
I suppose its not so terribly awful I still have sweaters on the shelf.
Though I think I may need a larger closet.

  

Please don't hate me.

Honestly, I am enjoying our cool spells.
I know our southern heat and humidity

will soon be here to stay.

We are tucked in for one more cold night.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who are being threaten with flooding.

Stay safe dear friends.