"This better be winter's last gasp," said my husband as we unloaded the minivan and hauled groceries up the hill, wind howling through our grove of cedar trees.Actually, we've had a pretty fits-and-starts kind of winter. Lots of snow in December, a cold snap and thaw in January, and a pretty mild February. It could be worse, and it may well get worse. We've had nasty snow storms as late as April 8, and one year, we had snow on May 9. It was gone the next day. But still.
It's been an especially vexing week for me, with lots of late nights. I've spent time with people I like, and tangled with people I don't like and for good reason. How long does it take an adult to move on from a disappointment and not carry a grudge, hell bent on hurting or even destroying someone else? Sometimes I swear the world is full of sociopaths.
But I have the warmth of an old house on a hill, and a loving and supportive spouse. I have good friends. I have my books and my music. I have the birds in my backyard.
Lately I've been re-reading all the Mary Stewart favorites of my youth: Tightly woven tales of suspense written in an era where heroines were ladies and there was no gratuitous sex. Call me old fashioned. But I think the best way to spend a winter weekend is reading an old favorite.
What's your old favorite book?
14 comments:
My old favorite book is The Secret Garden, a classic from my childhood that never disappoints me.
I gave my mother a pair of those candle holders back in the 80's (and she still has one of them).
Your husband and I must think alike....I, too, am praying this is winters last hurrah. This winter I have been cooped in because of my knee surgery, which suits me just fine as I don't like winter driving...that being said...I am getting a bit antsy in here. So, to pass some time I have been doing a bit of knitting, watching lots of TV cooking shows, and a LOT of reading! It has always been a passion of mine, and there is nothing like an old favorite! Mine would have to be Little Women, but if I were to hearken back to my much younger days it would be The Bobbsey Twins, and then later, ALL of the old Nancy Drew. Dang, I loved that girl sleuth!
Bless your heart, I know what you mean about people carrying grudges and am so thankful not to be dealing with that these days. I grew up in a family where carrying grudges was the norm. It does nothing but create bitterness in the one carrying. So, I have decided I am not wasting my time or energy on that. Too bad everyone can't come to that same conclusion. The Mary Stewart books sound intriguing. I am making a list of authors to check my library for... so adding one more.
Blessings,
Christi
Thank you all for the visits and comments. Today was a lovely day so I rather think March has come in with a bleat, not a roar.
As you might imagine, I am dealing with someone who is angry with life, and I have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Home offers a great deal of comfort these days.
My old favorite book is Le clan des ours of Jean-Marie Auel... too gooood!
Oui! Cette livre est bon.
One of my favorites, though it's not a classic, is Tam-Lin by Pamela Dean. Great character development, intriguing story, and best of all it reads like an adult fairy tale.
Am hoping the brutality of winter has passed for us here in Wisconsin. We got lucky this year, but I'd be happy if it stayed that way...
I left something for you on my blog.
nothing better than a great book to take your mind off things~I know your lovely home in the snow,on the hill must be a great retreat for you after some less than desirable days at work~happy reading! I think Spring is on the way......very cold down here!!!
Jann, I have been hearing about how cold it is down your way as many of our local residents winter down there. Since our winter has been mild, some say there's not much difference in temps.
Lo and Farah, I apologize for not replying. Actually, I did reply, but something happened.
I was not meaning to be rude.
Thank you, Farrah. I needed that.
I thought we had spring - but yesterday the cold returned and we are back to below freezing. That's not what we expect here and I'm heartily sick of it. I've been reading old favorites, too this winter - primarily because that waste only box of fiction I've unpacked. Right now it's all of Anya Seton's books.... Yes, it's nice to visit old friends....
Love Anya Seton, Katie. Read "Katherine" when I was 16 and that turned me on to English and French history. I have always thought historical novels - especially when researched as well as that one - were terrific introductions to history. Learning history through the back door, sort of.
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