It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on this meme; Catch Up Over Coffee. So, it’s time for a chat over espresso or maybe you prefer plain old drip. Cream? Sugar? Help yourself…it’s on the table.
I’ve been getting random comments on archived blog posts. Many of them from law firms or lawyers. These are legitimate comments and even thoughtful and interesting. They are definitely not spam. Apparently a blog post lives on, long after we’ve written it. I guess it’s what they call ‘evergreen’ content. The other ones that continue to garner comments are 5 Tips To Handle the Divorce Bully and Narcissist or A**hole? Know the Difference. In case you missed either of those and you need help with a bully or narc, then check those out.
I’m currently reading a Robert Galbraith mystery novel, The Cuckoo’s Calling. My son bought it for me for my birthday. I’m glad he did because it’s not one I would have chosen myself. It’s great to get new reads. It’s very detailed writing with pages and pages of descriptions and conversations. This makes sense since investigators (the MC) don’t miss a beat and often are obsessed with details. Robert Galbraith is actually J.K. Rowling.
I recently finished a book by an author I hadn’t previously heard of; Michelle Darne. In fact, I think Parent Deleted is her only book. I do hope she writes more. This book is about one woman’s harrowing journey through divorce and parental alienation. I plan to make a new video of 10 mistakes we need to avoid during divorce to prevent Parental Alienation. Although, admittedly, there are many scenarios where it may not be preventable by any measure. If you’re interested you can see my review of her book on GoodReads.
What are you reading now? I have several books stacked waiting for me to start. Because of the Lockwoods by Dorothy Whipple has been on my TBR shelf for years and I finally have it in my hot little hands (my hands actually are little). Pudgy. I hope this is good after such a long wait. My beau scored it for me. Also, Beatrix Potter, A Life In Nature by Linda Lear was a birthday gift from Beau. He’s so wise (and good at following lists, haha). Flowers, books and chocolate are often on the birthday menu. Truly, what else could a girl ask for? Wine? Yes, that too.
Autumn is in full swing here. We’ve been spoiled with golden sunlight, day after day in October. Warm afternoons, cold evenings where I’ve had to shut the bedroom window. I prefer to leave my window open all night for the fresh air but the time is creeping toward closed windows and that muted winter air.
We’ve been eating lots of apples, pears and seeing pumpkins of every shade at our local farm stands. Speaking of pumpkins, do you carve one for Halloween? I stopped doing that since living in an apartment. Last year I gave away a plug-in light up pumpkin that I had bought when the kids were small. I put it out last year and it was making an annoying humming noise and I realized, it would be better loved in a home with a young family, so I donated it to our local thrift store. Hopefully it’s making a young child smile as we speak.
My kids both had their birthdays recently. October is dear to my heart for that very reason. Both of my babies were born this month many moons ago. No matter how many years have gone by, a mother never forgets the preceding hours before going into labor, and what it was like to bring the newborn babe home. October is my baby-versary. The season I became a mother.
Octobers of the past were a busy time for me. I would often cook Thanksgiving dinner for friends, host a toddler birthday party and then concern myself with Halloween costumes. I used to say it was more hectic than December!
The year I was pregnant with my second babe, I hosted Thanksgiving for our friends. I remember this because I was nine months pregnant, and I made pastry from scratch for the first time ever. It turned out too hard and thick much to my embarrassment, then three days later, a birthday party for my daughter who was turning two, then a birthday dinner for a friend, and finally gave birth four days later on October 19th. When I look back on that whole succession of hosting, I wonder if I was out of my mind. I was nine months pregnant and on my feet cooking, grocery shopping, and taking care of a toddler! Who was this friend that allowed this kind of abuse haha!
I’m so glad I live in a world that has Octobers-Jo March, Little Women
What are your favorite memories of October, dear Escapees?
Lately I’ve become intolerant of network television and their endless commercials. There are quite a few shows I love but I find it hard to sit through the ads. “This is Us” is going a little over board with the drama. But then there was last week’s episode all about Jack in Vietnam. Wow. I loved the first and second season (and that last episode) but I’m sensing this season is really taking advantage of the viewer’s sentimentality. I don’t like being so obviously manipulated.
I prefer Netflix for my viewing pleasure. Without the ads, I can watch uninterrupted movies and shows. I tend to fall back on favorites, too. “Gilmore Girls” is always on my playlist. I can only watch a few episodes at a time though, as Lorelei gets on my nerves sometimes, LOL. I was just getting into “Glow” but have fallen off that wagon. I got through season two. It’s a fun show, for sure and I will get back to it. My hubs and I gave up on “Better Call Saul”. We loved the first season. We were luke warm on the second and outright bored with the third. We kept trying though. It’s like having a funeral for a friend when you finally give up the ghost on a favorite character.
And oh. my. goodness. Is anyone watching The Haunting of Hill House? Eeek. It is incredibly frightening, intriguing, addictive and dark. Perfect Hallow’s Eve entertainment.
Finishing editing The Wine Diaries and getting closer to publishing. I’ve added new material and will likely get my editor to give it a go through. I’m uncertain as to whether I should also offer this book as a paperback on demand. Do you prefer physical books over e-book? I’d be curious to know the ratio.
Working on ‘free’ writing Daughter of the Moon to see where Joele takes me.
Well, I’m now on my second cup of coffee. It’s rarely as delightful as the first cup. As I’ve been bragging about the golden sunshine here on the West Coast, I woke up to thick fog this morning. I feel a change is coming. How about you?
What are your reading, watching, writing lately?
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Joe Bpp
December 2, 2018 at 9:07 amThese are all gorgeous birthday pictures. 24 years ago your baby boy was that small! Life is amaze-balls!
lisa
December 4, 2018 at 9:45 amThank you, Joe!
Addie
November 29, 2018 at 10:53 pmThanks for sharing; this lovly conversation with us.
Charlotte
November 14, 2018 at 11:10 amI kind of have the same feeling with This Is Us this season. I love the show so much (and the characters! Randall is always my favorite, but Toby makes my heart swell). It’s good so far, and I’ll definitely keep watching but maybe they’re digging a bit too much, and uncovering too many plot lines? And HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE! EEEEEP, I loved that one so much. SO many scenes made me jump out of my seat!
Awww, I didn’t know that both of your babies have October birthdays <3 My goodness, seriously, who was this friend who allowed you to be on your feet hosting gatherings and bday parties when you had a toddler and a baby on the way!? that's insane! LOL.
Also don't you love when older comments come in? I'm always so curious how they found me!
lisa
November 15, 2018 at 7:41 pmI love Randall as well. I think he’s my favorite. Toby…ah, he’s so great. This week they went in yet another plot direction. Ugh. Haunting was so amazing. Scary as He**!! I know!! Why did I agree to the whole thing? I blame myself 😛
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
November 3, 2018 at 6:45 pmI’ve been binge watching This is Us for the past few weeks and I know what you mean about it going overboard when it comes to playing on the viewers’ emotions. I loved the first season and would watch 3 or 4 episodes a night but now I’m two-thirds of the way through the second season and can’t even get through one episode a night before I just feel emotionally drained and turn it off.
lisa
November 4, 2018 at 4:06 pmOh, and it gets worse in the next season (we find out how Jack died) 😛 Once a week is about all I could handle of that show, at one time.
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
November 2, 2018 at 2:01 pmI’m totally hooked on This Is Us, but yes, kinda heavy right now—they need to lighten it up a bit—show more of the comedic side. My kids watch The Haunting of Hill House and love it. NO WAY AM I WATCHING THAT! As for the weather, I envy your cool, crisp days. The high here in So. Florida today was 87…….
lisa
November 4, 2018 at 4:05 pmYes, more comedy would be welcome. Love the characters tho but how bout a few laughs? Haunting of Hill House is VERY creepy, Marcia. You’re wise to stay away from it if that’s not your thing. It is quite outrageous but then quite unique which keeps me transfixed. I’ll be jealous of your temps come January. I’ll be missing the warmer weather.
Christine Carter
October 28, 2018 at 7:32 amLisa, I just loved reading all of the things you have been up to, reading, watching, and remembering…
You must have been CRAZY to host all those celebrations RIGHT before giving birth! Oh, the things we did when we were young, right? I just love it. 🙂
I’m with you on This Is Us… it’s getting a bit over the top. Sigh. I haven’t watched the last episode yet though-
Have you checked out A Million Little Things? I saw previews with my son and we started watching it. It’s really good. I like it better than Parenthood and This Is Us. 🙂
I need to check out the books you mentioned. I’m always looking for new reads to add to my list! It takes forever to get through them, but I LOVE listening to books in my car since I basically live in it- driving my kids to sports practices, school, ETC!
Those precious birthday pics took my breath away… you are so right- those moments NEVER fade. They are just as incredible no matter how much time passes and how old our kids get.
lisa
October 29, 2018 at 5:23 pmI know it! Not sure why I said yes to any of those ideas of entertaining so many while in my last weeks of pregnancy. Young and foolish 😛
Oh, I saw the previews for that but haven’t tuned in yet. I will try it! I loved the HBO special by the same title, same issues but not related I don’t think.
Audio books are the best for on the go, readers. I prefer the silence of reading but it sounds perfect for you while driving all the time! I recall those days, too.
Aw, thank you, Chris. I loved going through their albums and choosing a couple of pics 😀
Jane Thrive
October 26, 2018 at 6:22 pmLisa,
I love, love, love the birthday pics of your gorgeous kids! <3 <3 <3 Your daughter's pic in the hospital–ADORABLE! Definitely independent from the start 🙂
I love _This is Us_! Right now, I'm reading Lovecraft Country, about half way through, it feels like "get out" so far. I'm also watching "The Great British Baking Show" which is a baking contest on Netflix (BBC originally), and it's so much fun! As I also am in need of a break from network tv and the news.
Love and hugs to you! <3 <3 <3
lisa
October 29, 2018 at 5:19 pmHi Jane, thank you! Haha. She was about four or five days old in that first pic 🙂
You’re a ‘This Is Us’ fan, too? I quite liked the last one. I haven’t heard of that book and will look it up on GoodReads. Yes, definitely alot of crap on the news that can overwhelm. It’s nice to have a show or two to go to for a complete escape.
Love and hugs back to you!
DGKaye
October 25, 2018 at 3:15 pmArg, wouldn’t let me reply to your reply so I’m replying here, lol. No tears? What gives? Must be new writers. If I’m not fully engaged when I watch tonight, I’m leaving the series. LOL 🙂
lisa
October 30, 2018 at 9:36 amI hate it when that happens, Deb 😛 Hm, maybe. I keep saying that but I keep going back for more… haha.
DGKaye
October 30, 2018 at 5:06 pmWell, I can’t leave yet, Kate is finally pregnant again and Toby is going back on his meds thankfully, LOL 🙂 x
lisa
October 30, 2018 at 6:59 pmSee? Exactly! You can NEVER leave a soapy show. UGH. 😀
Jeri
October 25, 2018 at 3:14 pmI’m listening to the Audible version of Where the Crawdads Sing, and I’m loving it quite a lot. The descriptions of the natural world are well done and the main character is quite intriguing.
lisa
October 30, 2018 at 9:37 amI haven’t heard of that one, Jeri. I will check it out!
LA CONTESSA
October 25, 2018 at 8:36 amI had an OCTOBER FIRST BABY BOY and than a NOVEMBER 12th BABY BOY so CLOSE!
How old are yours………mine will be 29 and 31 this year!
How did that happen?
I use to LOVE HALLOWEEN……..but sadly NO MORE KIDS in the HOOD!ALL grown up!
I will make Butternut Squash Soup and something else more substantial for The Italian.Have Candy on HAND JUST IN CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!I ALWAYS HOPE!!!!!
XX
lisa
October 25, 2018 at 4:07 pmHappy birthdays to your sons, Contessa! Mine are now 24 and 26, so a little younger.
Right? It goes quicker every year.
Halloween is a non-starter here. We live in an apartment and every year I buy a bag of candy, just in case and every year we do NOT get any ghouls to the door. This year we have two little ones next door so there’s an off chance they’ll come by but I think parents tend to take them ‘out’ in the neighborhood.
Your soup sounds delicious!
Marie Kléber
October 25, 2018 at 7:43 amThank you for the coffee Lisa! It was great reading your news.
I love fall and October – It’s my birthday month too. So special time for me too.
Can’t wait to read more about your new book. It’s good stuff.
Not good at watching TV, no time really. Thought with Golden days coming and night falling early I might change my habits and enjoy a good moovie with a warm cup of tea.
Have a lovely day. Take care
lisa
October 25, 2018 at 8:29 amHappy birthday, Marie! Is it still to come? Hope you get to relax and watch a movie with a cup of tea. 🙂
Tamara
October 24, 2018 at 1:24 pmIt is really interesting how an old post can get new life. It’s all the stuff I study about Google keywords. It really matters! So congrats!
I have summer babies, but both were conceived in October, so it is a special time!
lisa
October 24, 2018 at 5:09 pmTamara, you’re so tech/google savvy!! Well, you know which month to either be careful or go for another baby LOL.
Balroop Singh
October 24, 2018 at 9:05 amThis post comes to me like conversing with a friend, seems like I know you so well Lisa. October is a special month for me too as I was told to marry a stranger but I was lucky to discover a gentleman who stood by me like a rock in my moments of distress, I stopped believing in an abstract God, as I had found my own in human form.
I also love these golden days though I discovered their beauty recently, as life slowed down a little and time has come to savor it fully. My windows remain open though it is getting chillier…may be by next month we have to close them!
I am glad you have almost finished another book. I am looking forward to it as I know your wine diaries are quite intense. Stay blessed dear friend. Love and hugs.
lisa
October 24, 2018 at 5:07 pmThanks, Balroop. In fact, you do know me quite well and the feeling is mutual 🙂
LOVE that husband of yours, Balroop and how he has known how to treat you from the start. You two must be a shining example of arranged marriage success.
Ohhh, thank you, Balroop. I hope you enjoy The Wine Diaries. It is highly personal but with also a fun slant. In pairing each entry with a different wine.
ShootingStarsMag
October 24, 2018 at 7:52 amI just read a post yesterday where people were saying This is Us is too emotionally manipulative for them, and I can see that, even though I just randomly watched the first season when it was on. Stopped watching after that! I’m really loving the show Bull this year, and the new show, A Million Little Things. I hope you’re enjoying The Cuckoo’s Calling – love that series; the fourth just came out so I need that ASAP.
-lauren
lisa
October 24, 2018 at 5:04 pmHi Lauren, I’m just starting to really get into Bull as well. I watched a few episodes last season and wasn’t convinced. However, he is quite an endearing character. Starting to appreciate that one the more I watch it. Is A Million Little Things based on the HBO special? I haven’t seen it yet but I will check it out. Oh, you’ve read all the Strike mysteries? Good for you…I have a feeling I’m going to want to continue this series. You’re way ahead of me, girl!!
DGKaye
October 23, 2018 at 5:21 pmLis I loved this post, chock full of goodies. Yes, isn’t it amazing when our older posts go on a tangent with new comments. Evergreen indeed! 🙂
I love October too. I love the fall and all it’s crispiness and color. And my wedding anniversary falls in that month too, coincidentally. Although I’ll always remember how blazing hot it was on that October 9th day, getting ready in my condo where they’d already turned off the air conditioning. ‘Nuff said, lol.
Love your reading material. I’m almost finished Chuck Jackson’s memoir about growing up with abusive parents – What Did I Do? A great read! You’ll see my review this Sunday on my blog.
Oh, and, don’t get me started girlfriend. I too watch This Is Us. I watched last week’s episode and said ‘Whoa, what the heck am I watching?” Totally took a different turn. And like you, I’m starting to not ‘feel’ the show so much anymore. I was thinking perhaps they got some new writers? If it ain’t broken don’t fix! LOL.
Great post!!! xoxo
lisa
October 24, 2018 at 5:01 pmThanks, Deb! Evergreen is good 🙂
October is a nice month to marry. I saw your wedding photo on facebook. Wowsa. You are one gorgeous lady!! And the hubs, so handsome *flame emoji*
I look forward to your review of Chuck’s book. I have a sample waiting on my kindle. I missed this week’s episode but will watch it on demand and see if it’s tolerable 😛 Thanks for stopping over!
DGKaye
October 24, 2018 at 5:06 pmThanks for the lovely compliments Lis. I too haven’t watched it yet, lol. I have it on my PVR. I’ll let you know my thoughts when I do. 🙂 x
lisa
October 25, 2018 at 8:28 amYou’re welcome, Deb. I watched it last night. No tears so maybe I’m getting immune to the show haha!