Artful Journey

 With vacation days piling up and no trips on the horizon, we enjoyed a mini day out last week. A Reuben sandwich…good for a treat Especial Usually, I wouldn’t have a beer at lunch but we were celebrating…a trip to Costco after lunch. Between Red’s and Costco, I suggested a stop at Endicott Park for a walk to work off some of our lunch.  The grounds were beautiful and the dahlias in the community gardens were still going strong. It was great to have this little sojourn before this rainy week arrived. This flower bed showcased perfect autumn colors.  Being out for a walk is something I am so appreciative of, especially after being off my feet for months last winter.  I can hear the wind gusting and the rain lashing down, so at the moment I am grateful to enjoy the warmth and comforts of home.

 First up…data science This book kept me interested due in part to Seth Stephens- Davidowitz’s extensive knowledge and experience as a data scientist at Google. It also helped that he’s a very good writer with a sense of humor despite dealing with a somewhat depressing subject.  Big data is watching us and knows more about us than even our nearest and dearest. So much information is collected that much of it is irrelevant. That made me feel a little better. I also found out that truth is stranger than fiction and people are indeed wacky. I remain hopeful that the technology can improve a variety of issues by compiling useful information. On a personal level, I appreciate that I can learn innumerable things with my searches so I won’t be quitting google any time soon. Life…summing it up with some behavioral/social science with organizational psychologist, Adam Grant. I really love this book…bottom line, mistakes happen, learn from them, stay creative. Don’t hang on to wrong ass...

  I am a big fan of Maggie Shipstead and loved her book Seating Arrangements, so I was excited to read this expansive 600 page historical novel. The story of groundbreaking pilot Marian Graves starts before her birth through her parent’s meeting and relationship and ends after her death with a movie of her life in the works. Marian is inspired by the barnstormers and dreams of adventure, escape and flying. She manages to accomplish this through  determination and sheer will; fearless in doing whatever necessary to fly. The book starts in 1914 and ends in present day with the young starlet, Hadley Baxter, who uncovers a surprising secret about Marian. The great circle encompassed a significant time period, the social mores and constraints, a deep explanation of flying, the restrictions on skilled women despite their talent and skill and a wide ranging geography. There was a lot packed into 600 pages. I felt I knew Marian, liked her artist brother Jamie, was intrigued by Caleb a...

Looking at the garden, it’s hard to believe it’s mid October   These warm temperatures are keeping my roses in full bloom. And the dahlias keep doing their thing, adding pop and color to the back garden. Some sunflowers for the kitchen table. I am loving the beautiful weather and the opportunity to work in the garden..

 I made an apple pie with some of our apple picking supply. It’s my mom’s recipe not the one on her pie plate, but suffice it to say it was lovely with a cup of Irish tea.  The pie was polished off before I knew it. I am way up on my reading for 2021 and there have been so many fun, interesting reads. Here’s a favorite creative book from the list. I read it through and am starting on the creative challenges now. Lots of Inspiration here… And inspiration in the mail too! Fun mail from Leslie And a shimmery envelope  Cathy’s great calligraphy and card I think this is great advice. Sometimes you just have to just put the pen in the ink, make a mark and take it from there.  Last Month’s outgoing mail…a challenge to incorporate a more modern vibe with the Emilio Sanchez stamps. Driven to….Abstraction