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Posts with the label books
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Friday, July 21, 2023

EARLY SUMMER SOUTHERN MORNING AND READING

Yesterday morning I stepped outside and was transported back to early southern mornings when I was a child.

Suddenly I was ten years old again and could feel my grandparents' home around me.

summer in the country

It was eighty degrees and already just a wee bit sultry.

The birds were singing and the cicadas were waking up.

I felt like nature was serenading me.

At the back of my mind, I could hear my grandmother's voice telling me to come inside where there were fresh pastries from the local bakery waiting for me. 

Is it possible to carry the memory of that taste so many years later?

hummingbirds

A few weeks ago Tessa and I were snuggled on the couch where she was reading to me. 

Don't you love how roles get reversed as children grow up?

When we heard a tapping and looked over at the window next to us we saw a rather large hummingbird watching us. 

It persisted for the longest time, and oh how I could feel Katy's presence letting us know she was watching us from heaven. 

Reading to Cary's children was always such a special time for her.

reading and tea

Speaking of reading, I have been doing a lot of it lately.

Last week I read two books by Kristen Hannah: The Four Winds and Firefly Lane.

I enjoyed them so much that I now have three more of her books in my to-be-read stack.

I also read The Porcelain Moon by critically acclaimed author Janie Chang.

The Porcelain Moon


France, 1918. In the final days of the First World War, a young Chinese woman, Pauline Deng, runs away from her uncle’s home in Paris to evade a marriage being arranged for her in Shanghai. To prevent the union, she needs the help of her cousin Theo, who is working as a translator for the Chinese Labour Corps in the French countryside. In the town of Noyelles-sur-Mer, Camille Roussel is planning her escape from an abusive marriage, and to end a love affair that can no longer continue. When Camille offers Pauline a room for her stay, the two women become friends. But it’s not long before Pauline uncovers a perilous secret that Camille has been hiding from her. As their dangerous situation escalates, the two women are forced to make a terrible decision that will bind them together for the rest of their lives.

Summer continues to roll on here in the sultry south and as the afternoons continue to be in the nineties I think I will make an effort to get out and enjoy the early mornings more often.

A good book and a rocking chair seem to be a pretty perfect combination.

If you are looking for some instant art for your home you might want to hop over to my Etsy shop to check out beautiful prints from the past.

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EARLY SUMMER SOUTHERN MORNING AND READING

Friday, July 21, 2023

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

NEW BOOK AND NEW SHOES

Summer is an excellent time for reading. 

Recently I shared some of the books I have been reading  in my comfy reading corner.

chair


Thanks to the over-the-arm organizer, a place to set my tea and good lighting, everything I need is right at hand.

I am currently reading The Whalebone Theatre, a novel by Joanna Quinn.

The whalebone theatre


I love finding new authors.

This wonderful book was recommended by a friend.

A transporting, irresistible debut novel that takes its heroine, Cristabel Seagrave, from a theatre made of whalebones to covert operations during World War II—a story of love, family, bravery, lost innocence, and self-transformation.

“Absolute aces...Quinn’s imagination and adventuresome spirit are a pleasure to behold.” —The New York Times

"One blustery night in 1928, a whale washes up on the shores of the English Channel. By law, it belongs to the King, but twelve-year-old orphan Cristabel Seagrave has other plans. She and the rest of the household—her sister, Flossie; her brother, Digby, long-awaited heir to Chilcombe manor; Maudie Kitcat, kitchen maid; Taras, visiting artist—build a theatre from the beast’s skeletal rib cage. Within the Whalebone Theatre, Cristabel can escape her feckless stepparents and brisk governesses, and her imagination comes to life.

As Cristabel grows into a headstrong young woman, World War II rears its head. She and Digby become British secret agents on separate missions in Nazi-occupied France—a more dangerous kind of playacting, it turns out, and one that threatens to tear the family apart."

I am about halfway through the book and so far I can say there has never been a dull moment.

Last week I shared some of the new clothes I have added to my wardrobe.

I mentioned that I had some shoes on order, but what was I thinking?

Of course, they didn't fit and immediately had to be sent back.

You may have missed shoe shopping with me, but you can catch up on it here.

I really wanted some white slip-on sneakers for summer, and believe it or not my brain cells finally kicked in. 

What about those slip-on sneakers I have been wearing for the last seven years and throw in the washing machine every now and then.

They actually fit my feet.

Maybe they have some in white. 

white Roxy slip on sneakers

As a matter of fact, they did so I promptly ordered a pair.

They arrived and fit perfectly. 

Roxy white slip on sneakers


Of course, the first day I wore them was when I went to hang out with Tessa while Cary had a medical procedure done. 

As always, when I walked in the front door Louis, their 350-pound dog (okay a bit of an exaggeration) did his best to knock me down on the ground because he was so happy to see me. 

Tessa somehow managed to hold him back, but he got his paw on my foot, in order to keep me from leaving, and said paw was not really clean. 

No problem. Once I extricated myself and gave hugs all around I just washed off the shoe. 

Stay tuned, I have ordered a few more things for my wardrobe and when they arrive I will share them with you.

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.

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NEW BOOK AND NEW SHOES

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

GOOD BOOKS AND MUFFINS

I have been so engrossed with reading lately that I have forgotten other things.

Those other things are writing my blog posts.

muffins books and tea


No matter the time of year, I can't think of anything more enjoyable that settling down with a great book, a cup of tea or coffee, and some freshly baked muffins.

Good Reads

I have been so engrossed in my latest read that I haven't done much else.

Fellowship Point is an outstanding novel. 

Fellowship Point

Alice Elliott Dark is also the author of In The Gloaming.

“An ambitious and satisfying tale” (The Washington Post), Fellowship Point reads like a 19th-century epic, but it is entirely contemporary in its “reflections on aging, writing, stewardship, legacies, independence, and responsibility. At its heart, Fellowship Point is about caring for the places and people we love...This magnificent novel affirms that change and growth are possible at any age” (The Christian Science Monitor).
I believe that the two women in this story encompass every woman. 
Their differences along with their shared experiences weave their lives together.
I stayed up late this weekend and got up early because I couldn't put it down until my eyes were too gritty to see the pages. 
I also was finally able to read two other books I had been waiting on.
Jacqueline Winspear's  Maisie Dobbs series is one of my favorites and I was skeptical about her newest book The White Lady featuring a new heroine.
Would I like it? Would it be as good?
I could have saved myself some handwringing. It was absolutely as good. 
The White Lady


The other book I finished last week was the latest book by Deborah Crombie.

I always enjoy her Duncan Kinkaid and Gemma James novels and this was no exception.

Nothing better than a good British mystery.

a killing of innocents


Muffin Recipe


I recently found this delicious recipe for cinnamon banana bread muffins and decided to whip it up Sunday afternoon.

So glad I did because they are yummy.

muffins

I followed the original recipe exactly except I substituted gluten-free flour.

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.

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GOOD BOOKS AND MUFFINS

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

THE JOYS OF SPRING AND FEATURED SPACES

Spring is such a wonderful time of the year. 

Everything feels so fresh and new. 

I wonder if we somehow forget the joys of each new awakening from year to year.

basket of lilacs

Our weather here in Georgia has been pretty amazing this past week. 

Temperatures in the 70s and 80s have sent me outside as much as possible.

This past Thursday I spent the afternoon at Cary's. I helped her plant some lettuce and then forced Tessa to sit out on the porch with me.

Not sure what happened to that girl who used to love the outdoors so much, but she has gone the way of so many kids and has her nose buried in her computer. 

Featured Spaces

I thought I would do something a little different this week and feature some outdoor spaces.

I remember when I was growing up my father, who hated purple, used to quote this ditty to me.

I've never seen a purple cow
I never hope to see one, 
but I can tell you anyhow 
I'd rather see than be one.

I'm not sure I have ever seen a purple door, but this one is pretty fabulous.

This one is from phillydoorways.

purple Philly PA doorway

Keeping with the purple theme, Dana from thisoldcapehouse shows how beautiful it is in the garden.

purple iris

The roads and fields may be muddy, but a single flowering tree lets us know that spring is here.

Kristina from kristina-ieva loves capturing the beauty of nature.

flowering tree by a muddy dirt road

Can you ever have too many potted daffodils in the spring?

I would say that roman_and_ivy have just the right amount.

potted daffodils

Old French buildings and spring gardens make an ideal combination and thanks to charleygreyantiques we can imagine ourselves there.

old french building surrounded by spring gardens

What I'm Up To

I wish that I could tell you that I am traveling to France or walking down country roads to enjoy the spring gardens, but I do enjoy browsing the beautiful photos on Instagram.

It is a welcome treat between things like fighting with my car insurance company because they suddenly doubled my premium for no reason, writing my will (please don't die intestate. It's a nightmare for those you leave behind.), and trying to figure out probate for my sweet Katy.

I do realize that no life is perfect no matter how it may look on social media.

I have added a new book to my to-be-read book queue. It is the latest book by Jacqueline Winspear.

 
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear

The White Lady introduces yet another extraordinary heroine from Jacqueline Winspear, creator of the best-selling Maisie Dobbs series.

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork. There is currently a 15% off sale going on.

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the joys of spring and featured spaces

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THE JOYS OF SPRING AND FEATURED SPACES

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

FEATURED SMALL SPACE LIVING AND MORE 3/21/2023

Living in a small space, I always look for creative decor and organizational ideas.

I love decorating and have a lot in my apartment as a maximalist. 

Today I went searching for some fresh ideas.

small home in the country

Featured Small Living Spaces

One of my biggest challenges is my small kitchen so I love seeing what other people do with their small kitchens.

Like my kitchen, there is no built-in microwave I found @myhouseinsprn. Wish I had open shelves, which always make a kitchen look larger. 


small boho kitchen

Spring is here and what I wouldn't give for a small outdoor space of my own.

It's amazing what you can do with even a small deck or patio. 

@cozyhommes found this wonderful deck. I could sit there for hours with my needlepoint or book.


cozy city deck

Love this small but pretty bathroom from the home of  Hannah @thistleharvest

It is so wonderfully light-filled.


light filled small bathroom

If you are a gardener how could you not love this small colorful gardening space from Sue @talesfromwisteriacottage



small colorful gardening room


Although this bed appears to take up most of this small bedroom marzena.marideko has created a cozy spot.


cozy bedroom

I don't know about you, but I have gotten some great new decor ideas.

What I'm Up To

I think Mother Nature looked at Georgia and said, "wait a minute I think I forgot to give you any winter" and threw some cold weather our way. 

Fortunately, it is short-lived and will be back up into the 70s by Wednesday.

Thursday it is supposed to be 80 so I have plans to spend the afternoon at Cary's doing some porch sitting.

In the meantime, PBS has new episodes of Call The Midwife and Sanditon so I will be watching those. So sad this is the last season of Sanditon.

I have also ordered Debra Crombie's new book from the library, but of course, there is a waiting list. (I ordered it before, but somehow missed the notification and missed out on my turn.) 

If you can't wait to read it you can purchase it from Amazon.

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.

This post contains affiliate links

Featured small spaces

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FEATURED SMALL SPACE LIVING AND MORE 3/21/2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

FEATURED SPACES AND MORE 3/7/2023

If I had a dollar for every minute I spend oohing and aahing over pretty spaces on Instagram I would be a wealthy woman.

It is so easy to get lost in all the fabulous offerings there.

chair in a greenhouse

Of course, they aren't actually offering them in the sense of here, don't you just love my space so come on over and move in.

If they were I would spend all my time choosing which one I would take, because choosing has never been easy for me.

Well, choosing husbands was apparently pretty easy for me and let's face it I wasn't very good at it.

However, that's a whole other subject, so let's move right along.

Featured Spaces

1) Linda from @itsybitsandpieces always has such pretty things and of course, I gravitated right to this sweet window treatment. 

cottage corner

I was so happy with my own half-window curtains which I shared here. 

I found these similar items on Etsy

2) Equally fabulous Linda #2 of stonecottage2250 has really brightened up this bedroom with the help of some springtime sunshine and flowers. 

I love that little chair. I remember my daughter Cary having a similar one when she was little. Unfortunately, it somehow got lost in the shuffle of so many moves.

Similar items

sunny spring bedroom

3) Heather from heathers_vintagecottage has created a wonderful pop of springtime color along with her white ironstone.

If I could afford eggs I would paint a bowl full of Easter eggs in turquoise and yellow. 

Similar Items

turqouise and white china

4) Michelle shares her simple old-fashioned life in an English country cottage at rememberingtheoldways.

I am striving to achieve that look and feel. If only I had the beautiful English countryside outside my windows.

My grandmother had a beautiful corner cupboard like the one here, but unfortunately, my uncle snatched it from the hands of my mother. 

Similar items
Blue transferware teapot
Vintage crochet lace tablecloth

English country living room

5) Leah is turning a house into a home through French, English, and traditional design.

You can find her beautiful home at the frenchcountryfarmhouse.

Similar items
Needlepoint pillow
Horse print

french country living room

What I Am Up To

Have I been up to no good this week? Well not really.

I have been working on my needlepoint and trying to finish up my Paris puzzle. You can see those here.

Other than that, it has been such a warm week I have been trying to enjoy it by walking outside and reading in one of the rocking chairs outside my building.

I have wanted some light reading so I have focused on short stories by Rosamunde Pilcher.

rosamunde pilcher short stories

I have pulled out things to list in my Etsy Shop. I need to get a move on with those things.

johnson bros brown dover transferware plate


For the most part, I have been enjoying looking out the window at all of the new green leaves popping out on the trees

spring trees

and the beautiful spring flowers.

tulips

If this last year has taught me anything it's that life is short and we need to take time to enjoy every moment.

featured spaces and more blog post

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.

This post contains affiliate links

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FEATURED SPACES AND MORE 3/7/2023

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

FEATURED SPACES AND MORE 2/14/2023

Happy Valentine's Day to those of you who celebrate it.

I see it as a day to celebrate love. 

Not just romantic love, but all love.

I love you

I love all of you for your support, kindness, and friendship.

Home Interior Finds

I love scrolling through Instagram and looking at all of the wonderful decor ideas on there.

It is especially exciting to come across a home that you fall in love with. 

It happened to me recently when I came across @mollyinmaine and even more exciting when I saw that she has a Molly In Maine blog.

We all know how much I love blue and white and she has an abundance of it to reflect the sea that is outside her windows.

cozy living room with blue and white

Mickie @cottageonmainst is creating a cozy home in a 1912 fixer-upper farmhouse.

Can I have those gorgeous floral prints, please?

antique floral prints

Linda @stonecottage2250 has a wandering mind and appreciative eye.

Who could resist lunching at this beautiful table in your own home library?

beautiful lunch table in home library

Wendy is enjoying a beautiful Queenslander life @my1925cottage

Queenslander cottage living room

Margyl has created a beautiful farmhouse style home in Utah @theoldhouseonmain

farmhouse style bedroom

Good Eating

Over the weekend when it was chilly and rainy my mind turned back to comfort food. 

Of course, it's Georgia, so yesterday brought back spring weather.

Still, when I got home after an afternoon with family I felt like some comfort food and this Butternut Squash Soup With Apples sounded perfect. 

butternut squash soup with apples

I have always loved butternut squash soup but the apples add some sweetness that is a whole new twist.

Happy Reading

I am always looking for a good whodunnit mystery and I have just settled down with this one.

The Maid

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • “A heartwarming mystery with a lovable oddball at its center” (Real Simple), this cozy whodunit introduces a one-of-a-kind heroine who will steal your heart.


ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Reader’s Digest
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post, The Guardian, Glamour, Elle, PopSugar, Newsweek, Mental Floss, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews

I love that the central character is an ordinary girl that finds herself in a spot of trouble. 

Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened. Will they solve the mystery in time?

Have you discovered any great new mysteries lately? If so, I would love your recommendations. 

featured spaces and more

Have a great day and I would love for you to check out my Etsy shop where I sell vintage and antique finds along with digital downloads of beautiful antique artwork.

This post contains affiliate links











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FEATURED SPACES AND MORE 2/14/2023

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

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