STITCH LINES...... Ramblings on life as a quilter, stitcher, traveler, photographer, gardener and lover of books, cats and fine chocolate....

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Winter Reading

Hello... it's me. Yes I'm still here. Yes I'm still sewing, quilting, stitching, teaching, reading, gardening...  just haven't been doing much blogging. I'm hoping to change that this year. 2018 was a very busy year with some unexpected demands on my time. That combined with lack of inspiration, motivation and energy for blogging.. well, you know what happened if you're a regular reader/follower. I wasn't "here" much. The year flew by and even though my intentions were good, my "output" was pitiful. (Why don't you help out with the motivation aspect by leaving me a comment occasionally?)
Anyway... on to a new year. And here it is already mid January! Ackkk! Since January is always a month when I try to take some extra time for reading, that's where I'm starting. I have so many projects to show you, book reviews and more, but let's start with a book chat.
I LOVE getting books for Christmas. To me there is no better gift. This year I lucked out - look at this wonderful stack of  books I found under the tree.. I can't WAIT to dive into this pile. (Actually I've already read Forgiveness and have started Eleanor Oliphant.. more about them soon.) And I received two copies of Educated and already had The Tattooist of Auschwitz, so two more from my "I Want to Read..." list will be added to this pile from those exchanges. Yippee! I'm all set for the winter - my dark chocolate stash has been nicely replenished, and I've got lots of reading material. I'll do my best to ignore the nasty cold winter weather by snuggling up to my pile of new books. 
Yes I do love getting books for Christmas. I also love giving books as gifts. My children always knew there would be new books under the tree. They both continue to love reading as adults which makes me very happy. Mark actually set a goal for last year to read 50 books, and he surpassed it by 10! Since he has a fairly lengthy commute each day to work by subway, he passes the time by reading. Good for him!
Of course I will keep my grands well supplied with books too! One which was a big hit this year was The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith. It was much in demand this fall after a Youtube video of a Sottish Grandma reading it to her grandson was widely shared on Facebook... If you have a little one you MUST add it to your library... and be sure to click on the link above to listen to Grandma reading. Get ready for some good chuckles.

So, what's on your "I Want To Read" list? What have you read lately that you'd recommend? Did you have a "favourite read" from 2018? DO tell....

Up next, a small project finish.

Peace,
Linda

"The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you the knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is moral illumination."
~ Elizabeth Hardwick

9 comments:

Vee said...

That is a funny book and a fun video. My sister was thrilled when she could find one at regular prices instead of those horribly exorbitant ones. Her little grandson was a year old in December and he loves it. I think books are wonderful gifts as well. You should be all set for the coming storm.

kath001 said...

I have at least two of those on reserve at the library. Best book I read last year was 'News of the World' by Paulette Giles; such great characters. This year I'm doing a challenge to read a book set in each state of the U.S. plus the District of Columbia. I think it's going to be hard...it will take up most of my time...and how will I squeeze in more far-flung historical fiction? So happy to see your post come up in my blog list!

Jennifer said...

I agree on the lack of comments, Linda......lots of visits to my blog, but only a few words! That Wonky Donkey video is hilarious, you can't watch it without cracking up; the Scottish Granny lives in Australia, she is a very funny woman. What wonderful memories little Archer will have of her reading to him.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

I didn't realize the "Donkey" book was such a big deal. I sent it to my great grandson because I liked the cover, lol. I don't read as much as I like to. I'm thinking I should make a resolution to break a bad habit by switching to a good one. You know I love visits here and I sure hope you DO get more comments to encourage you to post more. It only takes a MINUTE!!
xx, Carol

Colleen said...

I confess, I read your blog in a reader so it's easy just to read and carry on. I look forward to your book suggestions and often use your list to reserve my e-books here in the valley. You'll be glad of your books if the predicted storm is as awful as the forecasters threaten. Stay safe and happy reading. And I really laughed at the video.

Linda H said...

Colleen, thanks for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment, I appreciate both! I cannot reply to you directly as you are a No Reply Commenter, i.e. your email is unavailable. There’lll be lots of book reviews coming up, as I am waaay behind! I hope you’ll keep visiting!
Yes we have a nasty storm on the way according to the forecast. You must live in this area too? Are you in the Annapolis Valley?

Stitch gal said...

Currently reading Becoming and am certain that you will find it an excellent read. Perhaps I could challenge myself to read more as I always enjoy the relaxation I derive from the quiet. I'll look forward to your reviews from this list of new books.

Unknown said...

Hi Linda, I love your blog and missed it last year. I seem to have trouble leaving a message for some reason so I kind of gave up trying.
I am a reader too and one of my favourites this year was “the clockmakers Daughter by Kate Morton. I won a copy before it came out so if you ever want to borrow it let me know. I too love books for Xmas.
Looking forward to seeing what you have been up to.
Mary stiles

Linda H said...

Hi Mary, I hope you will check back here to see this, as you are a No Reply commenter which means I cannot reply to you as your email does not show up. You are on Google Plus which I am not, so I cannot access your email address. Perhaps you could send me an email, then I can reply. I am looking forward to reading The Clockmakers Daughter, it is one of the books I received at Christmas. Wish I could find a few extra reading hours in each day... thanks for visiting, I hope you’ll return often.

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