For several years (when I was working only four days a week) I would post on Fridays about something I had ‘found’ that day – a purchase I had made around town, something delicious I ate, but most often I would write about something the little one and I had done together that day. My Fridays aren’t nearly as carefree and filled with inspiration these days, and I sort of miss that weekly wrap up.
I started switching over to posting about things that I admired – furniture or lighting or artwork, or any number of things I had stumbled across in my readings online. I enjoyed doing that as well – collecting images in a way that was more enjoyable to me than just pinning them somewhere.
The other habit I’ve had forever is to hear a story or see a funny video or read something that makes me immediately think of someone else, and I shoot out a quick email with the link – I knew you would enjoy this, I thought of you today when I heard this. I figure this place is sort of a gathering of like-minded individuals, so I might skip the emails and just post some of these things – friday finds, designs I’m admiring, great stories I’ve listened to – in one place.
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This interview yesterday on Fresh Air with Ann Patchett. It should be no surprise that I was particularly in love with the conversation at the end about independent bookstores – and local retail treasures in general. Well worth a listen to. I gave Patchett’s latest book, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage, to my mom for Christmas. I haven’t read it myself yet, but plan to in the near future.
What I have been reading: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I picked this up at one of our favorite bookstores – The Book Vault in Oskaloosa, Iowa – over New Years, and finished it in four days. I have The Goldfinch now to read, but the buzz around town on that one is it’s impossible to put down once started, so I’m holding off a bit until I get a few more things done around here.
Anything – and I mean anything – from one forty three. (I also follow them on Instagram – I love seeing their prototypes before they are in the shop.)
This amazing year-in-review photo book. I love reading her blog, and I’m especially inspired by her mad photo organization skills.
Frozen bubble pictures that celebrate this crazy cold world right now.
Winter Song Stories featured on NPR. Particularly this piece on Schubert’s Winterreise piece – perhaps the post that gave me the most pause this week. If you only click on one link this week it should be this one. I truly love this series.
WOW the blog looks fantastic!! What a great refresh, well done. I’m glad you mentioned the Book Thief because I randomly started it the other night yet haven’t given it enough of a chance yet…now I’m thinking of heading in for some reading time right this minute…
The Goldfinch is also on my list! We must have ESP.
And thanks for the shout out. I may not be organized everywhere, but photos I have buttoned down. 🙂
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I picked up the Book Thief a few weeks ago. I wanted to read it in order to “ok” it for Everett to read. I have not started the book, but do you think it is appropriate for our 10 year olds?
Hmmm… we just got asked this question recently at the Book Fair. I’m not sure of my answer – E asked if she could read it. I could give her enough historical context, and I think she could probably handle it. But I’m still reluctant. I think part of my hesitation is because the book is narrated by Death, and I’m not sure if it’s really the right time for her, right now. There’s also a lot of cursing – lots and lots of it, although that doesn’t really bother me too much.
I’m still on the fence, but leaning towards no for her. Not yet. Less for the story, more because of the very vivid descriptions of death and dying – particularly of young children.
Understood.
A friend of E’s at Kennard is reading it. He said that some of the kids in his 4th grade class are reading it. I will read it (as planned) and decide. Thanks!