Gosh, where has November gone? Even though I’ve been operating on low-key status, the month still has flown by. While I should be editing my latest manuscript, I’ve been creating instead. Also, guiltily, I’ve been watching Netflix, HBO and FX and a little Colbert and Myers on the side.
So, not the most productive time in my life but also giving myself a break as I wrote about last week in Thinking About…Things.
I am pages away from finishing Plant Dreaming Deep by May Sarton. I heard about this book on La CONTESSA’s blog. Many were praising this book as being gorgeous and related to gardening. It is that but it reads like a journal, quite meditative. Sarton was a poet who was first published in the late 40’s and I felt this book often read like a poem itself. I quite enjoyed her meditations on death, community and the joy and frustration of creating a large landscaping project. The entire book is about her daily life and challenges in her home and property she bought in Nelson, Connecticut in 1962.
There were boring parts but overall an enjoyable and relaxing bed time read. The copy of the book was disappointing though. I was expecting beautiful photography inside the pages but instead got a paperback with grainy black and white photos that were uninspiring in comparison to Sarton’s words. If you are interested in this kind of memoir style book, and if you love to garden, I’m sure you would enjoy Plant Dreaming Deep.
Of course this one is fantastic. Author Diana Gabaldon does not disappoint in this fourth book in the five book series of hot Highlander Jamie Fraser and sultry American time traveler, Claire Randall or fondly referred to by Jamie as Sassenach. Swoon worthy writing, romance and adventure. I’m only 1/4 the way through and these are fat books. Have you been watching the t.v. series based on the books?
Magical Whispers by Balroop Singh was a complete pleasure. A full book of poetry, Balroop writes about nature, love, life experiences and relationships. This whole book is absolutely delightful and I highly recommend it for any home library. It’s one to return to if looking for comfort in words. Read my full review at GoodReads and Amazon.ca
Currently, I’m watching Season 4 of “The Crown” on Netflix. I love love love this show. If you haven’t tuned into this one at all, make sure you start with Season 1. The historical events the show depicts are realistic and riveting. In this season, Gillian Anderson plays Britain’s Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. She is absolutely outstanding.
I’ve also been watching the new HBO mini series, “The Undoing” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. It’s a very entertaining mystery created by the same producer who brought us “Big Little Lies”. I do have an issue with some of the story points. For example, why would a family go out to dinner during a murder trial the husband is the defendant in? Also, since when do children attend a murder trial and see and hear all the gruesome details? Right? These details make no sense. But I’m willing to overlook that as I am hooked on solving the mystery.
Incidentally, Nicole Kidman sings the opening song, a cover of Dream a Little Dream of Me. Hugh Grant’s acting chops are quite surprising in this show as well. We’re used to seeing him as the romantic, kind of goofy lead. Not the case here.
I just finished painting a portrait of a good friend of mine. It’s the first portrait I’ve painted in several years so it was great to get back into that groove. My subject happens to be a successful glass artist and a graduate of Emily Carr Art College. It was her who sparked the whole portrait idea when she proposed to paint all of us from zoom meeting snap shots.
So I offered to paint her portrait. No pressure—lol. So I will send it to her so she can add it to her collection. She plans to hang all of our portraits together. I’m not sure if this will be a travelling show or not 🙂
We all have been friends since junior high or what is called middle school in the States 🙂 One of the ladies has been my friend since second grade. These are root friends and you may recall I wrote about them in “Life Is About Friends”.
Also, I am creating new journals! The ‘A Bag Lady Journal'(s)s are in process now. I have been working on one for a loved one to give as part of a Christmas gift so I can’t show it now but I will at a later date. The others are far from finished. I have painted the covers and assembled some of the inside papers.
All of the ‘A Bag Lady’ journals are made from recycled shopping bags and contain a single signature inside. What I love about the recycled paper bag journals is that they are super bendy and can be made in all shapes and sizes. Also, most of the inside papers are either recycled, thrifted, pages from vintage books, as well as ‘rescued’ boxes of papers. So, it’s all good for the environment. Below is an image of two of my first A Bag Lady Journal collection; “Domestic Goddess” and “Autumn Magic” (both sold). You can see I have also made journal covers from shopping bags.
So, that’s about it for my currently doings, besides getting my lights up and various Christmas decorations. I did have a whole weekend of technical problems. I broke the needle on my sewing machine, lights were flickering and half the string would go out, other strings would fall down after painstaking taping etc. Ever happen to you where technical shit just isn’t on your side? 😛
What are you reading and/or watching? What are you creating?
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Marcia @ Menopausal Mother
December 14, 2020 at 7:51 pmI’m trying to get into The Crown. Right now we are watching the other royal series–The White Queen, The White Princess, The Spanish Princess. All excellent! Also, wanted to let you know I tried to leave a comment on your last, wonderful poem but there was no comment section there to do so.
lisa
December 21, 2020 at 9:11 amHi Marcia, those other queenly shows sound interesting. Are they based on the books by Phillipia Gregory? (I think that’s the name 🙂 )
Yes, I did not open comments for the last post, letting everyone read, enjoy and take a deep breath. 🙂 Thank you though, for reading. Nice to see you!
Diana Peach
December 5, 2020 at 1:42 pmYou’ve been busy, Lisa. I haven’t read the Outlander series, and I’ve heard so many good things about it. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I’ll have to jump into it this winter. And I enjoyed Balroop’s book as well – one of her best, I think. And thanks for the recommendation of The Crown and The Undoing. We’re always looking for something to watch around here while isolating. Of course, I could try painting! Your artwork is delightful. 🙂
lisa
December 6, 2020 at 4:40 pmWelcome, Diana! I guess I have been. The Outlander series of books are incredible. You don’t even have to be a Historical fiction fan to fall for them. Yes, Balroop’s poetry is lovely and wonderful to have on hand to read anytime. Thank you so much, Diana. I don’t often share my art, only once in a while. So I appreciate your feedback. Thanks for popping over to say hello.
Tamara
November 29, 2020 at 10:33 amWOW, I had no idea Nicole Kidman sang. It’s one of my favorite songs – somewhat haunting.
And I love when you paint portraits.
I’m binging some indulgence shows for people much younger than me – Katy Keene and The Bold Type. They’re so great for mindless TV while nursing endlessly.
lisa
November 29, 2020 at 5:50 pmMe either! Her hubs must be coaching her 🙂 It is haunting and particularly as the opening on this show. Katy Keene is really cute. I forgot about that show. And I haven’t heard of the other. It’s good to relax during the nursing. You must be exhausted, Tamara. Hugs!
ShootingStarsMag
November 28, 2020 at 2:08 pmI am curious about The Undoing. Glad you’re liking it, despite those quibbles.
Love the idea of the bag lady journals – that’s so fun!
All the Christmas decorations are up at my house now, and I like it. It’s festive and fun.
-Lauren
lisa
November 29, 2020 at 7:45 amIt’s really good. If you like Nicole Kidman, you will like enjoy it. Thanks, Lauren. The journals are fun to make!
Your place sounds festive and ready for the season. It does lift one’s spirits. Nice to see you!
DGKaye
November 27, 2020 at 5:02 pmLol, where do I start with this? In answer to your last question, always. I live in tech madness and when it’s a full moon eclipse coming – before and after periods, tech and communications tend to get jumbled and crash. Also we’ve had a ton of eclipses and colorful moons and eclipses this year of madness. Sadly, you are not alone, lol. Oh, and The Undoing. Ya, what a strange roll for Grant. The last episode is in a few days! We’ll discuss. Oh, and I agree with you on your observations. I find myself very diligent in my scrutinizing as I watch movies lately. So funny, I partially drafted a post about ‘holes’ I call them, where even though the story may be fictional, reality facts should matter. I was inspired to write about my discoveries when I watched a police series show with Hub. The main character was an undercover detective police sargent who had his own way of getting criminals, which got him in hot water with the captain, so in retaliation, the captain would give him cars to drive that were literally falling apart – broken fenders dangling, no handles on rolldown windows, you get the picture. So I was LOLing to my Hub, that, ya, I’m quite sure an undercover cop on a case trying NOT to be conspicuous would be driving around in that car. LOL. Sounds like you and I would be great judges on a panel, or on a movie set for continuity. 🙂 🙂 Love your artwork too! Hugs to you, be safe! xx
lisa
November 27, 2020 at 6:57 pmLOL, Deb. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one—it makes you just want to throw your hands up and get a coffee or a wine LOL. I made myself stop with the sewing machine even though I put a new needle in, I had a feeling it was going to break. Decided to wait a while until my tech jinx passes. Ha!
It is different for him isn’t it? I have to say though, he’s really rocking a new side to his acting. Oh I will read your ‘holes’ post as plot holes always bug me. Yet, when I write fiction myself, I find plenty and have to revise! OMG< that is hilarious about the detective show. I agree, why would his superior have him drive around in a car like that...not even vengeful just kind of silly for a PI. Haha, yes we would. Finding all the plot inconsistencies. Thank you so much, Deb. I put some finishing touches on that portrait and toned down some areas since I took that photo. I've signed it now so it is final. Hope she likes it 🙂
Joyce
November 27, 2020 at 2:01 pmYou’re definitely keeping busy Lisa and keeping your hands in all kinds of inspiring work. I just started reading Paulo Coelho’s new book The Archer. I will let you know what I think. Can’t wait to start this season of The Crown. Miss you. Hope to catch up with you again soon! Joyce
lisa
November 27, 2020 at 6:51 pmHi Joyce, yes keeping the mind and hands very busy. I haven’t heard of that book but I’ll look it up and always love to hear what you think of your latest read! Enjoy The Crown. It’s as good as all previous seasons. Me too, Joyce. It’s been such a crazy time. Looking forward to normal times returning in 2021—with a vaccine 🙂
LA CONTESSA
November 27, 2020 at 1:46 pmOH!!!!
I SEE MY NAME UP TOP!!!
I do not recall reading THAT BOOK but I bet one of my GARDEN FLOOZy’s suggested it!!!
YOU sound busy to me!
I finished THE CROWN and LOVED IT TOO……..THE ACTING AND THE SCENERY are SPECTACULAR!MADAME THATCHER is INCREDIBLE……………..
YOU are SO CREATIVE!!!!
WONDERFUL GIFTS you are making!!
BE WELL………….and I see you read the Mary Trump BOOK!!!THAT was VERY REVEALING!
CAN’t wait for JANUARY 20……………………XX
lisa
November 27, 2020 at 6:48 pmYes, one of your GARDEN FLOOZY’S brought up the book in the comments section. Because you often share your beautiful garden, it makes sense :). I’m busy with little projects and things to do at home as we’re staying in more. Yes, The Crown is such a great series. I also love the actress who has played Queen Elizabeth for the last two seasons!
Thank you, LA CONTESSA.
The Mary Trump book was eye opening and a completely different perspective than the other books out there about DT. Ready to start a new year? EXACTLY…b’bye 2020.
Jeff
November 27, 2020 at 9:51 amYes, November is flying by! Plant Dream Deep sounds interesting—and a bit like my life right now. I’m preparing to plant grapes!
lisa
November 27, 2020 at 11:14 amYou too, eh? You have a lot going on! I think you would enjoy that book, Jeff especially considering your gorgeous new property & house.
Balroop Singh
November 27, 2020 at 8:57 amLisa, November flew because you have indulged in so many activities! When we combine creativity with relaxation and fill the remaining hours with reading, time flies. I am glad you are working on a new manuscript too, hope you would share the details soon. Happy and cosy winter dear friend. Be safe and be blessed.
lisa
November 27, 2020 at 11:13 amThanks Balroop. Yeah, I guess that’s quite true. Looking back I have completed some creative projects. Well, this manuscript isn’t so new…however it is almost complete then I will begin the first editing process. 🙂 Happy writing, Balroop and yes stay cozy and safe.