knitting and reading through the seasons



simona took the above photo while we were on our vacation in denmark. there are so many details i love about this photo: the wood flooring, the toys surrounding me, and knitting and reading of course! i'm actually still in the same stage of knitting my sweater (global warming) and into the first chapters of An Everlasting Meal. i had read some recommendations from other yarn along peeps so i got it and i'm not disappointed. i'm learning something on almost every single page, it's great. i think if i put some of the ideas in this book to use it will be a great time-saver for me! plus (unrelated to the book) i really want to get a crockpot. do any of you have one?

i'm joining ginny again this week. what are you knitting and reading?





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As I mentioned before I took part in the summer reading program here. These are my short reviews of the books I read. I thought some of you might be interested in one or the other one too.

Hotel on Corner of Bitter and Sweet - Jamie Ford
This was a quick read and a touching, tender love story. If you are interested in learning something about history (and how the lives of ordinary people like you and I changed dramatically due to certain historic events) while reading a novel, this is a book for you. It reminded me a lot of Snow Falling on Cedars.

Call the Midwife - Jennifer Worth
The DVD version of this book appeared in my Amazon recommendations list. I'm so glad I ordered the book. I love reading true stories, and reading about midwives, pregnancies, births and babies was perfect for me this summer (I had a baby girl in June!) It is just alltogether fascinating and heartwarming toread about the work the midwives did in London's East End in the 1950ies (and also noticing the parallels - my midwife does all her visits on her bicycle too). There are some really heartbreaking stories in the book, but most of all this book celebrates life. I really enjoyed the humourous and lighthearted style of writing, I'm thinking of getting another book written by Jennifer Worth. Just to mention: this book does not leave out the icky bits of pregnancy and birth, which I don't have a problem with, but it might not be everyone's thing...

Room - Emma Donoghue
This - hands down - is a must read. I really don't want to give away too much, just this: if this story was written out of the perspective of the mother, it would be one of the most appalling stories I had ever read and I don't think I could have continued reading. The story remains the same, of course. and once the reader figures out what's really going on there in this room, it makes your stomach turn. But the voice of that little boy makes you read on - and even though it's gut-wrenching, you are filled with hope and the conviction that everything will be okay. 

Everyday Blessings - Myla Kabat-Zinn, Jon Kabat-Zinn

This book is different from all the parenting books I have read so far, as it has a spiritual and deeply emotional approach to the challenges and joys of parenting. The first chapters were very philosphical and hard for me to get through. If you are going through a challenging stretch in your parenting life, you will love the read bits of this book. There are no raised fingers, and no "must-do's", merely well-meant suggestions by two experienced parents. I liked that many of the chapters are very short, with just a few thoughts or relating a personal expecience or some observations made - great for a quick and yet engaging read as a start to the day, before going to bed or while nursing. This is a book that I will go back to again and again for encouragement and reminders to be mindful in my everyday life as a mother.

The Joy of Family Traditons - Jennifer Trainer Thompson

This is a seasonal guide to feasts, festivities and traditions. Most of the book touches on religious and tribal holidays of all sorts. I was hoping that it might have more ideas for non-religious traditions to incorporate in one's family life. It is probably not necessary to read a book like this, as forming traditions for your family is such a personal matter that just evolves through the years. All the same, I liked that the book includes many of such personal traditions and rituals from people the author met, not only to give you ideas but especially to open your eyes to all the possiblities there are to create rituals in family life, as quirky as they may seem.

6 comments:

Tracey ~ Clover said...

I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your sister.
Yes, I have a crock pot and give them as wedding gifts for all weddings I attend. Having a crockpot saves oodles of time, I love mine.

KatEzat said...

We had a crock pot for a couple of years and LOVED it (in fact we are thinking of getting one again). Very good in the winter, it's a joy to come home to a hot meal that's basically cooked itself...

Anonymous said...

Though I am dying to read Room, there is a part of me that is afraid to start it.

I've read reviews and I know what it's about. Maybe I'll get over being chicken and read it soon.

karen said...

I am half way through that book and I savor every single word. I like your photo because I can feel your movement!!

Kim said...

Yes on the crock pot, was a gift at our wedding 17 years ago and we still have it. Use it at least once a week and sometimes more.

simona said...

my crock pot has been only used a few times yet, i'm just not cooking that much, am more the home made pizza type of person :) i think this fall and winter i will try to put it to better use.

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