Artful Journey

A few weeks ago, Fi and I headed into Boston for the Boston Book Fest.  We got a late start, making the first talk impossible; next, the train was delayed, followed by a diversion, so we missed our second talk.  What's to do? Why, what any good food loving females would do! Hit up Flour Bakery for lunch and sustenance before the next talks. Flour sandwich, good enough to eat and it was.. Once we finished lunch, we  headed to our first destination to hear a panel of mystery writers talking about their process. Next up and lucky for us in the same venue was the marvelous Geraldine Brooks. Geraldine is a Pulitzer Prize winner and an interesting speaker. Spoiler, her next book is titled  Horse, and it's about...wait for it, a horse!  From here, we headed out to a talk on memoirs, with an interesting panel including the writer of the Ask Amy advice column and a former dominatrix; this made for an interesting discussion. we were there.. books, books, glori...

It's a mail day! Surprise from a pen pen..absolutely delighted! A letter and a few small presents! Wow! I was so happy with this. I love a handwritten note. In a digital world, there is something nostalgic and heartwarming about receiving a handwritten note in the mail. A small, but special pleasure such as this would have been more than enough to brighten my day.  But wait, because there was more, a colorful flower bookmark and a little hand made tea bag holder. My pen pal made the tea bag holder with some Susan Branch fabric.  Maybe my new motto will be, have teabag, will travel! And of course, I won't forget a book. I just finished reading the highly recommended, 84 Charing Cross Road, about a 20 year relationship forged by mail between a bookseller in London and the author, Helen Hanff of New York. Although Helen never travelled to London, a warm and lasting friendship developed between the bookshop employees, their families and Helen. The book was adapted to a pl...

. Jane Austen, one of my favorite authors, was born on December 16, which was also my mom's birthday. For some crazy reason, I derive extreme joy from this. While my mom wasn't a famous author, she could craft a great story. In a quiet, unassuming way she could suss things out with humor and unique aplomb. Mom spent almost 20 years in a wheelchair, and that made her invisible to many people, but it gave her a great vantage point to witness life's intricacies.  I learned it's amazing what you can pick up when no one is noticing you. Like Jane, Mom was a keen observer of human nature.  In remembrance of Jane on the 200 anniversary of her passing on July 18, with a special nod to mom, here are some of my favorites: It's tough to choose just one of Jane's novels as a favorite...so I will narrow it to three.  Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park. Well, maybe I will add, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion for good measure! For PBS adaptations, E...

Things have been busy and a tad stressful.  While a tad isn't great, as long as there are no health issues,  no complaints. That being said, sometimes it is necessary to pull out the big guns. Changing the mood may require a change of atmosphere and environment, and someone to lift spirits out of the doldrums works wonders. Thelma and Louise-in' it This tad was building a while, so it was going to take a full day, starting at 8:30 am, and we planned our favorites with a few new things thrown in for good measure. Breakfast at one of our favorite places, The Wenham Tea House. Starters before brekkie, and of course, there's Tea After a lovely breakfast, we headed off to Cranes Beach... Lots of open space. We really do..jump for joy! What's on tap next? A winery sounds good, so off to Mill River Winery...for just a taste ..or maybe two Wine, cookies, chocolates and cheese...delicious A little wine gave quite a boost to our self-confiden...

Busy weekend, with not much time for mail...Just a letter or two to go out.. Blue bird of happiness for Susan and lilies for Honore.. While I need to get on my own letter writing, I just finished a great little book about a relationship that developed through letters exchanged. Charming! I am in the process of reading Writing with Quiet Hands,  so I find myself looking at books in terms of criteria that Paula recommends for writers. This book flowed so easily, and had characters that I was totally engaged in. When I finished this book, I thought, I hope she does a sequel. I read this book as I took the train in and out of Boston, and couldn't wait to finish it...so that's what I did. File it under my weekend read! Gift from Eog he knows where my heart is.. The garden is still in progress, but I love all of the color that is starting to pop... Snap dragons and vinca Hydrangea lilies  Sexy Rexy What a name, but it is beautiful! Wishing y...

Susan Branch....yay! she signed them for us! Before we went to Ireland, Fi and I attended a Love of Literature luncheon hosted by South Shore Stars.  It is their annual fundraiser for RISE... Reading is so Exciting.  For me, this couldn't be more accurate. As my local librarian recently told my daughter, " I love your mom, she is open to anything." So true, but being a cautious person, my adventures are limited to between the pages of a book.   Still, I would say it's a great way to experience adventures, get a taste of other cultures,  gain a different perspective, be entertained while learning, and expand your world. If you haven't picked up on it, I am a life long lover of books.  And sometimes, I have had the chance to meet an amazing, interesting, kind, heartwarming author/artist. Tea with Susan Branch. I love Susan's style and whimsical illustrations, recipes and books, so I was excited to attend this tea.  Even though Susan said she is reall...

The beautiful weather we enjoyed in Ireland enabled us to enjoy the scenery and spring flowers.  The hawthorn trees were especially spectacular. Hawthorn blossoms Seeing these reminded me of one of my favorite authors, Anne Doughty and her book The Hawthorns bloom in May.  Her historical novels trace the Hamilton family through several generations.  I put them in the books I treasure category. Hawthorn Tree and view of the village Up the hill, with a view of the valley flanked by a Hawthorn tree. I took this picture up by Horse Hill which is referenced in The Broken Fiddle by David Dunlop.   The Broken Fiddle is another piece of historical fiction that takes place in Tyrone and Donegal.  I really enjoyed this book both because of the story and because it takes place in the area around my home. The book is a sequel to  Oilean na Marbh, Island of the Dead, which I would rate even higher...a must read if you are interested in historical fiction. ...

Outgoing mail for the Mail Me Some Art exchange Here Comes the Sun The theme made me think of the Beatles' song, so I added.."and I say it's all right.", and I shortened Beatles to Bee... I saw some funky decorations in a Hallmark store, so that's what I used as my inspiration.  I added some glitter, but you can't really see it in the photo. I mailed the finished postcards off to Wanda, so she cans send them out to the other mail artists. I coordinated her envelope with the postcards, and tried to find a stamp that worked with the theme. After I finished I had a few different ideas. Next time, I will start the challenge a little earlier. It's in the mail! And if you are interested in a cute, quick read on the power of letters, this is a good one.. Testament to the power of a pen pal friendship  

I love books that make you think, especially about complicated issues. We are All Completely Beside Ourselves A Novel by Karen Joy Fowler was based on a scientific experiment from the 1930's. It was not a book I would normally read, but Onz gave it high marks for being unexpected and thought provoking.                                   Thoughtful Primate                         There is so much to think about in this book, from human/animal interaction, family relationships and scientific testing. I read this book years ago, several years after seeing an art installation  at the DeCordova Museum. The museum had lifesize 3d fabric monkeys hanging on vines. The exhibition was about animal testing and included a photographs of the monkeys. Their faces looked so human like and expressive. From this room, you entered another room, whe...

On our last day at Disney, Fi and I took a stroll around Disney Springs. My favorite store to browse in was the D Living Store, an homage to Beauty and the Beast.  The result of the collaboration between the marketing, creative, and merchandising staff is enchanting. It is as if a stage has been set for us to step into Belle's shoes. One of the staff members crafted this paper rose with the french lyrics of Beauty and the Beast song. paper rose Here's a glimpse into Belle's bedroom. Doesn't it exude a feeling of french elegance? Every detail is just perfect. A cup of tea, and a book before bedtime Before leaving the store , we had to check out the library. The trompe l'oeil was fabulous, with lots of little Disney references hidden among the stacks. Plenty of reading materials here. I loved the library ladder and the Cogsworth clock. Even shopping at Disney is a feast for the eyes. There is absolutely no doubt that details matter. On our wa...