Finally Friday - Let's Be a Tad Naughty

 New Year's weekend ahead. Oh, let's be a tad bawdy, naughty, and romantic?  Verity by Colleen Hoover is quite different from my general genre of reading. My friend lent me the book saying, " It's a tad 'dirty'". Blush. 

Clever book with twists I did not expect. Kudos to the author. 

Lowen Ashleigh gets the job of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford has hired her  to complete the remaining books in  a successful series. His wife, Verity, is injured and unable to finish her books. Hmmm

Lowen plows through the chaotic office.  She uncovers an unfinished autobiography. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions.  Hmmm. 

Lowen and Jeremy - oh, there's chemistry.  Verity, the wife, is bedridden.  Hmmmm

Hmm.  Sex.  Hot  sex and then the writing, the job, the loyalty, the horrifying truth. 

Very clever read. I kept turning the pages. Surprises galore.   Enjoy.  

Blush

Whatever Wednesday - Rules of Civility

 Flat out - classy writer.  Every word is pristine. Every character is rich.  Amor Towles writes a great book, seemingly effortlessly.  And yet, when you read it, you realize how deep the book is - that the story has  so many layers. When one finishes, one could almost start again and dig deeper.  Rules of Civility is excellent. 

It's 1937. A jazz bar. (back blurb) Katey Kontent knew how to sneak into a cinema and steal silk stockings  from Bendel's; how to type eighty words a minute, five thousand an hour, nine million a year; and that if you can still lose yourself in a Dickens novel then everything is going to be fine. 

By the end of the year she'd learned: how to  live like a redhead and insist upon the very best, that riches can turn to rags in  the trip of a heartbeat, chance encounters can be fated, and the word "yes" can be a poison.  Oh NYC - so dangerous. 

I could pick out paragraphs from every page to use as examples of brilliant writing. Katey is so smart as our narrator.  Tinker will break your heart. Evelyn, oh you wish her well. And Wallace - dear stuttering sweetheart of a man.  The rules come from George Washington - how to be civil in any age. Easy to read. Tough to accomplish. 

Thanks Amor Towles for an excellent  book. 

Merry Christmas Monday

Merry Christmas one  and all.    Favorite Christmas books

Love the Grinch

College days - visited Santa in  Philly

Kevin made the toilet  paper  rolls toy soldier many years ago

 Abby excited for  a dollhouse on Christmas morning.  Now she's  nineteen with her  own baby boy - Levi.  He'll be into things next year.  

Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards men

Blessings to all. 

Finally Friday Assortment

Winter solstice Friday. Let's reflect on  friends, family, and tidings of comfort and joy

In November, I caught up with my PA gang - Helen, Trish, Joan, and  Mary Ellen.  Lisa lives in NC and was not in town.  I am SO lucky to have these gals in my life since junior high,  high school,  and college. Dang!

Newest Faries - Levi.  He was born on  November 6th. Didn't seem too excited  about Thanksgiving turkey. My guess is he'll snooze  through  Christmas too. Enjoy the winter naps baby boy. 

Here's what I do  when up in PA  in the fall. My sister suggested we try to attack the leaves and crap under the rhododendron. I am still able to wield a rake efficiently. 

Let's  remember dear ones.   My Aunt Janice and Uncle Bill,  Uncle  Rick, my  mother, grandparents, Ray's grandparents.   My friend, Kearny, passed away back  in the spring  from pancreatic  cancer. 

It's a tough time of year for many. 

Still  kicking at 92, here's  my dad with  his Christmas haul.  Goodies from his lunch  ladies - former  work friends. They  spoil  him and know  he has a sweet tooth.  I am very fortunate that  he's around and  I try to go  visit several times a year. He's like a tiny elf now. 

Enjoy this Christmas  weekend.   Cheers and memories galore. 

 

Wednesday Whatever - Countdown to Christmas

Carols are playing. My elf, Ray, out did himself this year on our lighting. I can take no credit. 

I love our backyard and the reflection  on the pool. 

So  festive. We hosted a party two weeks ago. The weather was perfect for sitting on the patio and admiring  Ray's effort. 

Ho Ho Ho

Hope your countdown  to Christmas is going well.  We are actually  low key. Not much shopping. We agreed with family to just treat kids. We've enjoyed more social events and everyone contributes. Plenty of snacks and goodies, plus adult beverages. Take time for yourself and sit with a cup  of cocoa. 

Cheers my friends
 

Monday Moments - Six the Musical

 Divorced, beheaded, died...Divorced, beheaded, survived.

Six, the Musical is a lesson in her-story, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into eighty minutes of 21st century  girl power. (program blurb)

I enjoyed this Broadway touring production on  December 2nd at Bass Hall. The Queens sing their version of what really happened. The theme joins into female empowerment and friendship. While there are certain  things  that  are beyond  our control, our past refines  us, not defines  us. (program blurb)

Excellent voices, production, and very clever lyrics.  

RIP Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr

Finally Friday - No Business Like Show Business

Saturday November 19, only a day in New York City.  Alas, no time for a show.  Oh the lights. Oh the bustle. Oh the energy of Times Square.  I want to see all the musicals. 

I actually did see Lion King many years ago on Broadway. So innovative

Josh Groban stars in a new Sweeney Todd.  I bet his voice sounds awesome booming from the stage

I did see a touring production of Hamilton. I'd like to see it again. Clever show

My sister saw the original Wicked twenty years ago.  I did see it a few years later on Broadway.  Defy gravity!

 Times Square is magical

Whatever Wednesday - NYC Adventure

Saturday November 19th, I enjoyed a bus trip to New York City with my sister and friends.  Here we are in Union Square.  Lori, Jenn, Me, and Colleen.   We wandered a farmer's market and Christmas bazaar. Plenty of tasty food booths, lots of folks, and a nifty energy on a crisp clear day. 

Rockefeller Center area

A quick stroll into St. Patrick's Cathedral.  I feel some religion here. 

Oh my - that's a big plate of meatballs.  Ten of us met for a family feast at Carmine's  So yummy!

No, Lori and I are not tall enough to be Rockettes. 
 

Monday Moments - Mum Mountain

I returned from PA in time for Thanksgiving. All settled in now  and prepping for Christmas.  Meanwhile, I enjoyed a blast from my past and visited Ott's Nursery in  Schwenksville PA. My mother loved going here in the fall, and I loved to run up the Mum Mountain.  Isn't it glorious?

This nursery is over one hundred years old

Such a pretty day and the colors popped.

Wow

 I enjoyed reliving a fun memory and seeing other families bring their kids or grandkids to explore. 

The nursery itself is huge with a whole conservatory and exotic plant section. Nifty family business. 
 

Finally Friday - Horse by Geraldine Brooks

 Having been to Kentucky this spring and enjoying horse country, Horse by Geraldine Brooks struck a chord for me. 

cover blurb:  A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in an attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history - from different time periods (Kentucky 1850, New York City 1954, and Washington DC 2019),  Brooks weaves a sweeping story of spirit, obsession, and injustice. 

Her writing is so smooth, her characters are memorable, and I am in awe of her obvious research to create an excellent novel. 

Kentucky 1850 An enslaved groom and a bay foal have a bond. The horse proves victorious, but alas has some issues. Follow this story and treatment of an educated black lad grown to adulthood with a magic touch for horses. 

Meanwhile NYC 1954 - follow the tale of a nineteenth century equestrian oil painting of mysterious origins. 

DC 2019 A Smithsonian scientist and a Nigerian American art historian are connected by a horse. Bones offer clues to the winner's speed and health issues. Art uncovers a story of unsung Black horsemen.

cover blurb: Inspired by the true story of thoroughbred Lexington, Horse is a novel of art and science, love and obsession, and our unfinished reckoning with racism. 

I highly recommend this novel. I loved the characters and became very vested in the outcomes as each tale intertwined. Huge thumbs up.   And go visit Kentucky for an even greater appreciation of the book's backdrop. 

Whatever Wednesday - Calm

Nabbed another photo from an Aussie friend who's traveling in Japan.  This is an ancient floating gate. 

Glorious view. 

Another one  for the bucket list
 

Monday Moments - Exit Interview by Kristi Coulter

 Exit Interview - The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career by Kristi Coulter - is a fascinating  memoir. 

cover blurb - What would you sacrifice for your career?  All your free time? Your sense of self worth? Your sanity?

In 2006, the author Kristi Coulter left her cozy dull Midwest job to go west to Seattle and Amazon. Fast growing, new exciting  company. Turned out soul crushing. 

In a culture of fear,  she survived the chase, the visibility, the goal to try to gain a level 8 manager, and yet the goal posts kept moving. The money, the stock options kept her going until she couldn't recognize herself anymore. 

This book is well written, funny as hell, surprising, and very truthful. Kristi Coulter is obviously smart, driven, and very aware of the ridiculousness at times of female ambition in the reality of the working  world. She also gives quite a look at the Amazonian mammoth enterprise that is Amazon. I'm still gob-smacked. 

And I admit - I would never ever have been able to endure the path  she traveled. My personal credo - really doesn't play well with others, doesn't want to do meetings, just leave me alone and I'll get the work  done.  Whew!  Glad now  I'm retired. 

Finally Friday - The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich

 I bought this 2005 book at a library sale for one dollar. Oh my - Louise Erdrich's writing is worth so much more. The Painted Drum is rich in  characters, story line, description,  and life.  I have become a fan and I'm trying to read more of  her works. 

This  book stars Faye Travers and a rare moose skin and cedar drum created by an Ojibwe artisan. She finds it at an old New Hampshire  estate descended from a North Dakota Indian agent. 

cover blurb - And so begins an illuminating journey both backward and forward in time, following  the strange passage of a powerful and yet delicate instrument, and revealing the extraordinary lives it has touched and defined. 

Erdrich explores mother/ daughter relationships, the strength of family, and grief. 

I enjoyed this book and  took my time to appreciate the writing and her respect of Native American  culture. She embodies the lyrical story telling skills of ancestors, and  also shows some current conditions of the community. Open your heart and it will  soar when reading Louise Erdrich's work. 

Whatever Wednesday - Post Turkey Trot - Chill Out

So, we've enjoyed Thanksgiving...eaten that wee bit too much, didn't exercise quite as much, and now  we are fretting over the next holiday countdown.  Baking, shopping, wrapping, decorating and more. 

We all have those checklists. I have truly cut back  on the holiday stressing and yet...it's easy to get sucked up into the whirl.   So, this post is your final November whatever - chill  out my friends. 

I nabbed these photos from a  FB  friend's beach trip. Aaah!

 Isn't this just way cool?  

This is from October 14th - our solar eclipse.   Saturday dawned glorious - blue skies, windy bluster, and sunshine. Then around 10:30ish things changed. You could tell the light was changing.  

Unlike a former leader, we did not go  out and stare into the sun.  Duh!   Ray had his pinhole papers and that was  cool.  But he discovered that our leaf pattern out front showed a very nifty crescent view of the eclipse without burning our retinas

This shot I took at high noon was at the peak of our eclipse in North Texas.  Quite nifty. 

So - the point is - chill out and embrace any moment of nature you have in a day. That's very important. A little walk around your block to shake off any cobwebs is good for you.  Yes, you can be composing another list as you stroll, but stop and inhale that November (soon to be December) air.   Enjoy

Monday Moments - The Girl You Left Behind by JoJo Moyes

 What happened to the girl you left behind?

back blurb:  France 1916, Sophie Lefevre must keep her family safe while Edouard fights at the front. The  town falls to the Germans in the midst of WWI. She is forced to serve soldiers dinner at her hotel. The new Kommandant sets eyes on Sophie's portrait - painted by her artist husband - a dangerous obsession is born, one that will lead Sophie to make  a dark and terrible  decision. 

A century later, Sophie's portrait hangs in the house of Liv Halston. A  battle begins  over its troubled history. As the layers of the  painting's shadowy past are revealed, Liv's world is turned upside  down again. Her belief  in  what is right is put to the ultimate test.  

JoJo Moyes writes a very layered story and handles the past and present well.  The WWI setting proves interesting and she obviously did research about this time period. The Girl You Left Behind is an excellent  read and I cared a lot about the characters. It kept me guessing until the end, in regards to the fate of the stunning painting. 

Finally Friday - Turkey, Birthday, Holiday Season

Happy Holiday season kickoff everyone. Hope you enjoyed a turkey feast yesterday. I hope it was a peaceful time with family or friends. 

Saturday is my "baby" sister, Lori's, birthday.  Happy Birthday!!  Hope you enjoy your weekend with lots of treats, good food, and fun with friends.  Let there be cake!

Meanwhile, Ray is probably down in San Saba for the big hunt.  Here he is with Aunt Pat raising a new flag at Uncle James' gravesite up on  the  hill.  Dear Ray - have fun, but you don't have  to bring  back any deer.  Really...you don't.   Thanks

And fall in Philly, in my dad's neighborhood. Crisp air

I am thankful for many things - Ray,  my Dad, my family, so many good friends, decent health. And here's  to new friends and adventures since I retired. Pickleball has been a blast - this is the First Methodist Church of Hurst Wednesday gang. Lots  of laughs and plenty of exercise. 

I'll also give a shoutout to my YMCA water aerobic ladies - no swimsuit  pics  allowed.  Ha!

Tis the season - take a moment to reflect on what you are  thankful for, and take time  for yourselves too.  I thank my blog readers for reading my blather.  Cheers everyone. 
 

Whatever Wednesday

 I am still recovering from three weeks in PA.   Back to the Y and exercise.  Back to Ray.  Getting ready for holiday countdowns.  Yowza.   Time flies. 

Can't go wrong with a Maya Angelou quote. 

You are welcome. 

Monday Moment - Yoga my way

 Howdy - I am back from three weeks in PA. Must do laundry and get back to the YMCA to exercise. No doubt I've  grown sluggish. 

Tuesday is my yoga day.  Can I still balance, bend, and be a tree?  Hmmm. 

This meme sums up my true talent. 

Are you with me?   Namaste

Finally Friday - New York City

This was a zillion years ago. I came into NYC. Dad and my sister Lori rode the train up from PA to meet me for a show.  So fun.  

Now this year,  I'm going on an NYC bus trip with Lori and her friends.  It's just for the day, but I plan  to cram my face with a bagel, cheesecake, and we have dinner at Carmine's.  Oh yeah!

NYC is just magical.  I love the energy, the people,  the lights, and the overall size of this city. 

I could  live here if I had a ridiculous amount of money. I'm watching "Billions" on Prime - that's the way I'd want to do NYC. 

I visited NYC in September of 2001, right before the attacks  and the towers fell.  Still so profound - something I will never forget. 

New York, New York - every song about it rings true. We are going to have SO much fun.