Monday's Musings

I hope you had a lovely weekend.  I did!  It rained and thundered.  It was so cozy and great for all sorts of indoor activities....one of which was reading......

 These are my current reads:
1)  Little Big by John Crowley -  I'm on page 240 of 530 and it's just as confusing now as when I started.  This man had to be smoking something when he wrote this.  Maybe that's why the main character's name is Smokey?  I will finish in the hope that it pulls out of this nose dive before the end.  And "so it goes" for  the critically acclaimed authors and their stories. Take them away I say...take them away!

2) Runaway by Lucy Irvine - (on page 50 of 255) I got this "bargain book" years ago at a Waldon book store I used to frequent.  This is Lucy's own story in her words of how at the age of 12 she ran away from home and school and her parent's failing marriage.  She returned at times but never again to the family that "was".  I've only just started this book but it amazes me that she lived to tell about it!  Although this took place back in 1966 when she was twelve and also in England.  She went on to write another book called Castaway which was a best seller about her year on a desert island.  This book is about her life before that.  So far I'm enjoying it and love her spirit!

  

3)  Dropped Dead Stitch by Maggie Sefton - (On page 259 of 284) Thank goodness for Maggie!  Just a nice cozy mystery with the added bonus of a recipe and a knitting pattern and good writing...writing that doesn't give me a headache trying to figure out what the author is trying to convey!  Unfortunately, they put so much information on the back cover that they practically tell you the whole story!  If you get these books DO NOT read the back cover or inside flap whichever.  I'm on book #7 and I'm starting to figure them out anyway but she is a great writer and if you're a knitter it's a fun and interesting escape book and easy reading for when you're tired.

4)  Sam's letter's to Jennifer - James Patterson (audio cd 2 of 4) This is SO good....is this the same author that writes those spy/thriller books that guys like so much?  Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to sit down and listen to it as company is coming in a few weeks and I have lots to do still.
BTW,  I will describe the story line of a new book/audio the first time I mention it but not week after week if I'm still reading/listening to it.  Suffice it to say, I'd love to just plop down with some handwork and listen to this one until it's done.  What a wonderful story so far.

I have to go see what everyone else is reading now!  Have a great day!

YOP Sunday

I have been busy, busy, busy but not doing handwork...more like housework!  But that's okay because I like balance in my life...a little of this and a little of that.  I did finish something as I needed a confidence booster as the knitting was not.  The first of one of my "toys" and childish items I want make this year.  I apologize if you saw this last Wednesday but my YOP friends have yet to see it.

I've made some progress on my Blackberry Salad and I must admit I "get it" now and it is so fun to crochet!  I think this will not be the last of them and perfect for telly watching!

It's not as uneven as it looks in the picture...........I hope!
I forgot to list the books I was working from this year...did you hear that, "books" plural, as if I could get through one of them in a year! LOL!  But I do know that this book will be the first one!
Did you notice I'm not mentioning any knitting?  If you want to know why check last Wednesday's blog.
Anyway, not only do I love this book and all it's projects but I love how it is organized by level of difficulty and building on skills.  The first project is another blanket I started when I realized I really needed to finish the Blackberry first.  Plus, in order not to bore you or myself, these "blanket" projects will be interspersed with smaller projects like my little birdie from Attic 24.  (There's a link to Attic 24 on my right hand sidebar.)  There are 4 skill levels in this book and they go from Beginner to Enthusiast.  The next project after the blanket is a bunting so hopefully I will have that started by next week and meanwhile keep having fun with the Blackberry Salad!  I need to order more yarn in more colors too.  Does anyone know if there is a book like this out there for knitting?  One that takes you from beginner to advanced projects all the while increasing your skills through the projects in the book?  I would love a book like that for knitting.     

 I have to go make a cake now as my sweet tooth is calling for something sweet.  I defrosted peach pie filling I made last year and I'm anxious to try this new recipe.  I'll let you know tomorrow if it was everything I hoped it would be! LOL! 

I'll be by later to see what you all have been up to after I get the cake in the oven!  Toodles!