On topic: an author who "gets it"

Thanks for the recommendation. I liked The Forgotten Garden a lot and was thinking I should get this new one when I saw it. Now I will go ahead and order it before I forget again.

Anything else you can recommend?

Lucille

I just heard an interview with the author of this book and need to read it !

Let's Take the Long Way Home: A Memoir of Friendship by Gail Caldwell

Ah.......just checked, and they do a Kindle version ! (I love my Kindle !)

My local favorite radio station also just interviewed this author last week -- I can't wait to read it either! If I can stomach the 20" snowfall we just got buried under and below 0 temps out there, I may just venture to Barnes & Noble today for it.

Jinx

Sounds like a real tear jerker with moments of love and laughter.

Talk about relating....

Sue, you dangerous woman, you! And just when I cannot afford time to read, but of course am avoiding everything I should be doing.....

Hope the holiday season is going well, must be busy with the new job, Ellice

Actually, I will speak on behalf of the miracle that is my DH. Since I understand his hockey dedication (and bless the fact that he doesn't collect game worns, etc) - he seems to be okay with my stitching & art stuff.

I think it's hard to understand anyone's "collection" - if it doesn't get used. DH gets that it's like a library of resources - not for reading but for other things. He does like to see some progress on the UFOs - or some dynamic movement in the stash. However, he does mention that he's trusting me to know what's going on with the budget, and lately my resistance to accumulating as we both know the tight budget here. Since he's hoping I'll actually make some success with the teaching/designing thing, he's okay with the stuff that seems to grow as I need things. And has generously agreed to let me use the "bachelor furniture" for my sewing stash - as there is a good cabinet with a wide shelved bookcase on it, and a long low dresser that are working well for fabrics, and things. He did recently remark - as I'm on the way overdue get the house in order binge - "can we do something with all your sewing & stitchy stuff????" With a big grin - continuing with "as it is now on every floor, and every room in the house - except the guest room. Go figure.

WRT the book passage - it is so true that sometimes a thought/idea will strike and it's wonderful to know you have just the right fabric/thread that you've been hoarding because you just knew there'd be a use for it.....

Ellice

My DDH never minded my having too much stash. He sometimes teased me about it, and he was the one who encouraged me to do sample stitching way back when, but he really didn't mind. I guess he figured that was what kept me grounded.

Besides, he was known to have his own hobbies and I could give it right back if he objected.

Lucille

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For anyone who hasn't read "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand," do yourself a favor and check it out. I heard an interview with the author on the day after Thanksgiving (reruns of previously recorded show), and she was just delightful. I was reminded of what a lovely read that book was. Just golden.

If anyone is interested in the interview, it's at:

"Mr. Pip" by Lloyd Jones. Read that awhile ago, but was recently reminded of it.

sue

Yes, I've been quiet awhile, busy with the new job. I love it...no two days the same, and learning something new all the time in a busy office with people I enjoy. And being spoiled by DH, who does the laundry and has dinner ready soon after I get home, allowing me time to shift gears. When HE gets a job, it'll be a tough transition for us both!!

I've only made a couple of ornaments this year, and have been losing steam on my big projects, so I've turned my hand to bookmarks and some Hardanger to fill in and provide variety. In the new year, after the holiday season winds down, I'll undoubtedly pick up the big ones again.

But I've started working in my new sewing room, making some gift bags (cloth bags in bright prints that replace wrapping paper) and a new skirt for myself with fabric I had in my stash some 10+ years. (So that book quote seemed especially apt to me!) Like you, trying to use up past "investments" in materials, and tighten up the budget on buying more.

One of my most inspired Christmas gifts: My soon-to-be-9 y.o. niece is getting "The Girls' Best Book of Sewing and Embroidery" and a box with floss, hoop, pins, yarn, a knitting spool, felt, thread, needles, fabric scraps, etc. Furnished it out of stash, redundancies, and 1/2-price notions from JoAnn's this weekend. I wish she lived closer, so I could help her delve into it, but she has supportive parents/nearby grandparents.

sue

I've just finished Mr Rosenblum's list by Natasha Solomons

i recommend it as a delightful read. Not a literary giant, but a lovely story well written. Joanne in Perth.

You caught me. I've got the book at the top of the pile of books waiting for me.

Lucille

Just picked up The Forgotten Garden from the library, and am in the queue for The Distant Hours.

I now have the "library sack" of books sitting next to the bed. Trying to be good about returning on time, and refilling.

Not exactly fun, but I did get a bunch of reference books on glass art, and Dale Chihuly. Pretty fascinating - doing some proposals for a regional EGA to be held near the Dale Chihuly museum. Makes for some interesting looking, reading and trying to get some creative juices flowing. OTOH, the stuff that I've now come up with will never be done in time for this proposal, but....next...

Ellice

Enough so that I'm firmly entrenched in The House at Riverton. The writing is brilliant!

Cheryl

I'm glad to hear that you liked her writing. I read Forgotten Garden and Distant Hours and loved them.

House at Riverton is on my "to read next" list.

Lucille

Lucille>

I'm waiting for my call to pick-up Forgotten Garden. Somehow I didn't get the notice when I popped up on the library queue, and lost my spot - so had to request again. Looking forward to it.

Ellice

OK...y0u guys.........I have to request the local library to get the book. If there is a sequential plot........please give me the name of the first book. Currently I have two from the library, and a paperback to finish. Since I usually read about 30 mins in bed each night , it takes a while!

Gill

,

All Kate Morton's books are unrelated stories.

Nancy

SNIP

I just finished "The House at Riverton" and what a wonderful book. Ok - I've seen variations on the plot before, but it was so well told that I just had to turn the next page.

Forgotten Garden is going to with me while I wait upon DS's car service!

Cheryl