The last book I finished in 2021 was A PROMISED LAND by Barack Obama (which, I'm ashamed to say, took me more than a year of scattershot reading....though it wasn't Obama's fault--the book is really good--but my own brain's fogginess these days). And, adhering to my annual tradition, the first book I read/finished in the new year was one of the unread Agatha Christie mysteries on my shelf; this year, it was THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS. And, once again, associated with my Christie tradition was the annual shame and frustration of not figuring out whodunnit.
I'm still reading A PROMISED LAND and I swear I've read all of Agatha Christie's books -- my grandmother loved them and I yanked one off the shelf every time I visited her. Now I wonder if I have and if I would be able to solve the whodunnit before the end. I'll check one out this year and see.
Boy, can I relate to that idea of shying away from the new year. In fact, reading this reminds me how much I’ve tried to pretend it just wasn’t happening, with all its expectations to do more, be more, start afresh, etc., etc., etc. I’ve sunk into my daily routines (morning coffee, reading, writing, dog walks!) with such obstinate fervor that I feel like I’m set in stone. Hence, a possible “word” for the year keeps popping into my head - Soften. Just soften the need to do everything in just the same way, to accomplish everything on my list, to have people behave according to my expectation. Soften my heart toward all the suffering and hardship.
Reading helps. Loved Oh, William - perhaps my favorite of the Lucy Barton trilogy. Right in the middle of These Precious Days, savoring it slowly. Just finished a very fine nonfiction book called Grounded, by Diana Butler Bass, an exploration of the sacred and spiritual within the physical world.
Blessings to you and Frida. We learn so much from those dogs walks.
Great post, as always. I, too, have withdrawn more into my world, making it smaller, but noticing the small joys I was once too busy to see. They bring me great comfort.
I’m re-reading The Stone Diaries and have started the book Wintering by Katherine May. I just downloaded Oh!William onto my Audible library.
Good luck with your beautiful dog. We have several rescues, including a horse. (The barn life is the best escape!)
It takes time and love and small steps, but they are such a joy. It hurts my heart to think what misery they must have suffered to be so fearful.
I listened to a recent podcast with a favorite author, James Mustich. I’m reading his book slowly. (1000 Books to Read Before You Die) That was one delight of my week. I just love authors and writers. You included of course.
A week in, I'm recovering from a diverticulitis flare that started right after Christmas. I've had a lot of time to reflect on the realities of aging. I feel lucky that I have good knees and can bend down, walk, and lift a bag of groceries. I've noticed my brain works better if I drink a cup of tea in the morning, that my writing is clearer. I've read two books and more than half of the third one.
Here's to tea (my poison is coffee followed by a cup of dark unsweetened cocoa) and whatever cuts through the fog and keeps you writing and reading. Feel better!
Happy new year, Spark friends and Betsy - what a great list of your recent reads. All are on my list - but I am all about Jane Austen, so my last read of the year was a wonderful study by Helena Kelly called "Jane Austen, the Secret Radical." But I also tackled a compelling memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch called The Chronology of Water. A bit harrowing in places, but also brilliant.
Lidia Yuknavitch is a brilliant writer. I've had The Chronology of Water on my list for a while now. I'm intrigued by the Kelly book -- I want to know more about Jane Austen the radical. Thanks for mentioning it!
Great post. I am certain Frida will eventually settle into her new life and overcome some of her fears. Dogs are incredibly resilient-our dog Grizzlee went blind from SARDS in 2020 and she has adapted quite well. As to the start of the new year. UGH. I was hospitalized on New Year's Eve for what turned out to be Osteomyelitis in my big toe. Unfortunately there was damage to the bone and I had to have a partial toe amputation this past Wednesday. I'm now home and doing much better. Like Grizzlee, I'll adapt and keep on keeping on! Happy New Year!
I love how you literally stepped back and made your and Frida's circle smaller. this gave both of you a chance to really feel and see your surroundings and time to feel comfortable and safe -
Applause for your patented introspection, Betsy. Personally, I was looking forward to 2022 as a clean slate, but dang, here I am, wearing a mask again... it's been nearly three years with the ups and downs of lock down. I dislike being a veteran, but am glad that I am.
The masks are the least of it for me although they are reminders that things are not what they were. Like you, I'm still wondering what lies ahead -- and I'm glad I'm in a position, at least for now, to find out!
I'm adding this one to my list. I've just read a few reviews thanks to you. To view history through a happier, more interesting lens might lead to a better view of the present. And the future.
I just finished Middlemarch and picked up the novel In Love With George Eliot. She fascinates me!
I've been thinking for a while now of re-reading Middlemarch. Now I'm thinking I'll try to do it before the end of the year. We can discuss it.
I'm here for all things Middlemarch and George Eliot!
A Middlemarch discussion group! Yes, please.
The last book I finished in 2021 was A PROMISED LAND by Barack Obama (which, I'm ashamed to say, took me more than a year of scattershot reading....though it wasn't Obama's fault--the book is really good--but my own brain's fogginess these days). And, adhering to my annual tradition, the first book I read/finished in the new year was one of the unread Agatha Christie mysteries on my shelf; this year, it was THE SECRET OF CHIMNEYS. And, once again, associated with my Christie tradition was the annual shame and frustration of not figuring out whodunnit.
I'm still reading A PROMISED LAND and I swear I've read all of Agatha Christie's books -- my grandmother loved them and I yanked one off the shelf every time I visited her. Now I wonder if I have and if I would be able to solve the whodunnit before the end. I'll check one out this year and see.
Boy, can I relate to that idea of shying away from the new year. In fact, reading this reminds me how much I’ve tried to pretend it just wasn’t happening, with all its expectations to do more, be more, start afresh, etc., etc., etc. I’ve sunk into my daily routines (morning coffee, reading, writing, dog walks!) with such obstinate fervor that I feel like I’m set in stone. Hence, a possible “word” for the year keeps popping into my head - Soften. Just soften the need to do everything in just the same way, to accomplish everything on my list, to have people behave according to my expectation. Soften my heart toward all the suffering and hardship.
Reading helps. Loved Oh, William - perhaps my favorite of the Lucy Barton trilogy. Right in the middle of These Precious Days, savoring it slowly. Just finished a very fine nonfiction book called Grounded, by Diana Butler Bass, an exploration of the sacred and spiritual within the physical world.
Blessings to you and Frida. We learn so much from those dogs walks.
Great post, as always. I, too, have withdrawn more into my world, making it smaller, but noticing the small joys I was once too busy to see. They bring me great comfort.
I’m re-reading The Stone Diaries and have started the book Wintering by Katherine May. I just downloaded Oh!William onto my Audible library.
Good luck with your beautiful dog. We have several rescues, including a horse. (The barn life is the best escape!)
It takes time and love and small steps, but they are such a joy. It hurts my heart to think what misery they must have suffered to be so fearful.
I listened to a recent podcast with a favorite author, James Mustich. I’m reading his book slowly. (1000 Books to Read Before You Die) That was one delight of my week. I just love authors and writers. You included of course.
Until next week….see you then.
I loved The Stone Diaries and, for that matter, all things Carol Shield. We will have to discuss her in a future newsletter.
A week in, I'm recovering from a diverticulitis flare that started right after Christmas. I've had a lot of time to reflect on the realities of aging. I feel lucky that I have good knees and can bend down, walk, and lift a bag of groceries. I've noticed my brain works better if I drink a cup of tea in the morning, that my writing is clearer. I've read two books and more than half of the third one.
Here's to tea (my poison is coffee followed by a cup of dark unsweetened cocoa) and whatever cuts through the fog and keeps you writing and reading. Feel better!
Happy new year, Spark friends and Betsy - what a great list of your recent reads. All are on my list - but I am all about Jane Austen, so my last read of the year was a wonderful study by Helena Kelly called "Jane Austen, the Secret Radical." But I also tackled a compelling memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch called The Chronology of Water. A bit harrowing in places, but also brilliant.
Happy new year, friends.
Lidia Yuknavitch is a brilliant writer. I've had The Chronology of Water on my list for a while now. I'm intrigued by the Kelly book -- I want to know more about Jane Austen the radical. Thanks for mentioning it!
Great post. I am certain Frida will eventually settle into her new life and overcome some of her fears. Dogs are incredibly resilient-our dog Grizzlee went blind from SARDS in 2020 and she has adapted quite well. As to the start of the new year. UGH. I was hospitalized on New Year's Eve for what turned out to be Osteomyelitis in my big toe. Unfortunately there was damage to the bone and I had to have a partial toe amputation this past Wednesday. I'm now home and doing much better. Like Grizzlee, I'll adapt and keep on keeping on! Happy New Year!
I love how you literally stepped back and made your and Frida's circle smaller. this gave both of you a chance to really feel and see your surroundings and time to feel comfortable and safe -
I think you are right, sometimes smaller and slower is better. Hope the new year is treating you well, Beth.
Applause for your patented introspection, Betsy. Personally, I was looking forward to 2022 as a clean slate, but dang, here I am, wearing a mask again... it's been nearly three years with the ups and downs of lock down. I dislike being a veteran, but am glad that I am.
The masks are the least of it for me although they are reminders that things are not what they were. Like you, I'm still wondering what lies ahead -- and I'm glad I'm in a position, at least for now, to find out!
I'm adding this one to my list. I've just read a few reviews thanks to you. To view history through a happier, more interesting lens might lead to a better view of the present. And the future.