Q's Book Club

November's Books

2011-11-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

I love this poem.....

and this illustrator.

Her outfit is gorgeous.....

October's Books

2011-10-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am treasuring each page in my
new botanical.

My herbal is on the coffee table.

I am preparing for winter.

I am gathering the last of the herbs

and drying what I can.

We watched this funny movie this past week.
I requested it from the library.

I read lots of books about garlic.
We planted our garlic patch.
It is our first attempt.
I hope to have plenty of heads to share next summer.

I feel as if I am an Alchemist.

My husband stirs together the leaves and clippings
and makes black gold.
The best kind of gold.

I am making hand lotion

and mug hugs.

I am gathering my wools.

Winter hand sewing should be very fun this year.

My herb cabinet is full.
I have been fixing my chamomile tea in the evenings.

The theremin is such an interesting instrument.
I want one.

Brushing up on my sewing technique.
I will open the sewing machine next month.

My husband is interested in trying out gourd carving.

We have projects planned for winter.

September's Books

2011-09-10T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have an assortment of books I am reading this month.

My friend sent me How to read Symbols. I am treasuring every word. It will reside in my reference library.

I have purchased a few books for September.

A friend and I will be working The Vein of Gold together.
It will be my Autumn journey.
I have a new red leather journal to write in for my adventure.

I almost always have a few craft books about.

This October I will be making masks again.

My son thought I would enjoy Blink.
He was right!
A very fun read.

I have been reading about growing tulips.

When I learned of Swan Wings I was so excited.
I found them on line and ordered 20 bulbs.

I am planing my winter hand sewing.
I have decided to do white on white.
Candlewick would be fun to do.

These are Swan days for me.
I am reading Swan stories.

For my retreat at the end of the month I decided
to read Deepak Chopra.

We watched Ponyp last night.
I love everything Hayao Miyazaki has created.

I am listening to Carnival of the Animals

and taking care of caterpillars.

What is on your nightstand?

August Books

2011-08-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

I always have books open, laying here and there.
I stop as I walk through a room and read a page or two.
The Ancestor's Tale is on my nightstand.
I read a couple of pages before bed.
It is a delight.

I have read this book three times. It is a summer read for me.
This year I am highlighting as I read and trying to change the way I speak. I am very committed to living and speaking the non-violent
life. I am learning. My daughter is excellent with this way.

I enjoy many different topics.

I have begun my own dream symbol journal.

Since the Festival of the Cedars is in August
I thought I would reread The Prophet.

My new favorite news letter!

I am making my own Luna Astrology.
It is fun!

My friend Wendy's book
is a treasure!

July Books

2011-07-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

I have so many interests!

Some books I need to purchase.

Some books I have bought.

Once in awhile I read fiction.

I really enjoyed this last book
in the Earth's Children series.

I re-read
Nonviolent Communication every July.

I am learning about mosaics.

I am gathering my pebbles,
fossils and rocks.

My before bed reading
helps me dream of long ago.

June reading

2011-06-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

I bought a few books while on holiday.

I have begun to plan my next adventure.

I want to find the gem and fossil trails in the Mid-west.

I picked up a few requested books from the library.

I am learning about book binding.

I want to make my own journals.
I need them for when I find gem trails.

I always have lots of paper to recycle.

I am thinking it would be fun to create with all the scap paper that comes my way.

I have fallen in love with petroglyphs.

While in Portland, Oregon we saw the documentary,
"Cave of Forgotten Dreams."

It is about the rock art in Chauvet Cave in southern France.

When I came across this book in the on line library card catolog I was not sure what it would be about.

I am an avid photgrapher.

It is easy for me to take 100 plus photographs a day.

I work with three cameras and lots of different lens.

I have a huge collection of images.

I knew right away this was an important book for me.

"Several of the animal figures in the collection in the Chauvet-Pont-d'Arc cave were drawn with a finger moving on a thin film of clay. In French the term for such a drawing is trace digital, or digital drawing. We are at once linked from twenty-first century digital images to the digital images of our ancestors, reminded that the computer-based use of the term is anchored in our very physical nature and reminded that construction of images is a purposeful act."

A book I requested last winter has come in.
I will enjoy looking through.
Maybe I will sew up a few birds.
I have a bird collection.

End of April

2011-04-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

I like to have a
book about science on my nightstand.

I like sustainable!

This is my favorite book right now.
I like it so much I want my husband to read it.
This book has encouraged me to find my terroir,
my place of taste.

I just begun reading this history of dance and find myself
becoming upset. I seldom think about how unjustly we treat each other. Woman have mistreated for hundreds of years.

Clarissa Pinkola Estes has filled my heart with the joy of becoming a wild and wise woman. I want all my friends to listen to her stories.

I have not begun this book.
It looks interesting.

I am a plant person.
I love finding ways of using the plants I grow.

I am studying wildflowers.

I am getting to know the wildflowers that grow
near my house on the Tallgrass Prairie.

Our picnic season begins right after Easter.

The Pleiades are associated with Taurus.
I try to learn a little something about my favorite constellation every year.

All sorts of cozies!

Learning about coffee and have a few cups.

April's books have been enjoyable.

April's books

2011-04-07T16:20:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are both reading
about microbes.
They are very interesting.

I am almost finished with my study of France
for this year.

I read many books every week.

Most months I have several themes.

France and all things French is
one of April's themes.

The kitchen is the heart of the French home.

The country side is the soul
of France.

When I was 13 years old I read the biography
of Marie Curie
and fell in love with science.

She was a tiny giant.

I look for inspiration when I read.

I often take notes.

I have enjoyed my study
and arm chair travel this year.

I feel as if I know this culture
a little bit better.

I study the bee in April.

Sue Hubbell is such a wonderful writer.
She makes me wish I was a beekeeper.
Maybe one of these days I will be.

End of February

2011-02-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

A few more books to finish up February.
I enjoyed learning about the history of the painting
"St. George and the Dragon".
I am looking for other biographies of paintings.

A bit of entertainment

and learning.

My favorite this week is the study
of microbes.

I am having lots of fun hunting for Angels.

I am just dreaming of travel.

I have been convalescing.

I understand the joy of becoming friends
with a snail.

February's Books

2011-02-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

My friend sent me a lovly book about Lavender.
I am treasuring each page.

I am always looking for inspiration.
I want to embroidery a dragon on my hat.

I bought Pleasure Healing so I could highlight and made notes in the margins. While I am recovering from pneumonia I have been
enjoying some spa activity. Foot baths just feel so nice!

Making plans to grow more food for my table
this coming growing season.

We need to do some remolding.

We need to do some

work in the kitchen.

There is aways plenty to read.

There are always poems!

January's Books

2011-01-08T15:26:00.000-08:00

Just a few books to start off the year.

Michael L. Johnson has captured my imagination.

Self Massage

2010-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

I am learning how to do self massage.

I also am looking for ideas for feeding the birds.

It is one of my favorite hobbies.

I always like to have a bit of science to bite into.

Stephen Hawking has an amazing mind!

Many books

2010-12-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

I use the on line card catolog to request books, cds and dvds from my library.

I have found many interesting books and authors.

I always enjoy reading about nature and am interested in reading more of Bernd Heinrich's work.

I used the search word, "winter" and was instantly exposed to hundreds of books.

We are studing caves in 2011. I am requesting books now.

When I typed "grapefruit" into search " How to Prevent Your Stroke" came up. I am very interested in stroke prevention.

My Mother and my Grandmother both died from a stroke. I hope grapefruit is part of prevention. I do enjoy my grapefruit!

I recycle and have been wrapping paper free for many years. I was delighted to find this charming book. I buy silk scarves at the thrift stores to use for my wrapping paper.

I like to have a few fairy tales about.
There are many I have never read.

I enjoy children's stories.
Carl Sandburg is a favorite author.

I talk to the Moon even when I am not lonesome!
Miss Moon is my favorite Moon too. She is the tiny Slipper Moon
just after New Moon.

I always like to have a bit of science to read too.
I have many interests and the library is the best resource.

December's books

2010-12-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

I read lots of books each month.

I enjoyed this one so very much

I re-read it!

I am just being introduced to the tales of the Cowboys.

This one event defined my parent's generation.

I like to have a fairy tale

and a poem each day.

I am studying snow this month

and each day I have a snow related topic.

While walking with my husband
I talk about what I am reading.

He is a great reader as well.

We both love the Owls.

There are so many different ones so
we have decided to study Owls in 2011.

My friend is a dedicated reader.
She suggested "The Shadow Effect."
This book is very interesting.
I am taking it slowly.

Sharing what I am reading
is one of the greatest joys I know of.
What are you reading?

Fiction in October

2010-10-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

My daughter thought I would enjoy this novel.

I did too.

My friend really enjoyed this tale.

I did too.

I like reading fables

and mysteries.

I am reading
all the China Bayles Mysteries.
China is a herbalist.

These treasures are quick
and so much fun!
I also have stacks of non-fiction
so many books to read!

August Books

2010-08-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

I encourage every one to plant native plants.
It is good for the soil and the bugs and the people.

I am

learning to live a joy filled sustainable life.

I am seeing the patterns in nature

and enjoying the Nature

in my backyard.

During the heat of the day I am inside.

I am organizing

and making things for my home

with items already here.

Finding ways to re-cycle

and up-cycle!

I am looking ahead too.

Autumn will come before too long.

I want to make a few bird masks for Halloween.

I am decorating.

In August I use lots of yellow.

As I sort the old fabric I am thinking

of projects I can do.

I am thinking about new skills I can learn.

I love reading natural history books.

I want to learn how to bake gluten free.

I have ideas for Halloween treats!

I may not have a cookie swap

but I so enjoyed reading this book.

Using a mirror for a tray is a great idea.

I will be saving my good glass jars for treats.

I am enjoying being home.
Happy August reading.

June Reading

2010-06-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

I seem to have four or five books going at once.
I have stacks of books waiting to be read.

This books has inspired me to keep on taking photographs.

I began my study of Venus.
So very interesting how we are influenced by this planet and the mythology surrounding Venus.
I began a Venus journal. I want to document just how often I fall in love.
I just fell in love with fresh salads. I love the taste and crunch of celery.

I think we have contracts and agreements.
I married my soul mate.
I am learning about my archetypes.
I am learning about Cancer and my Warrior.

I am learning about graceful living.

My friend asked me to read this inspiring book.

So far I am nodding my head in agreement with every paragraph.

We watched Avatar.

I so miss my tail and the ability to plug in.

I am reading nature writers.

My daughter gave me this delight.

I am reading stories about amazing women,

learning how to unblock my chakras,

and how to be the best I can be.
I am always learning.
I am reading.

More books

2010-03-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

I am learning about bacteria
and the skills I did not learn
when I was a child.

This is an interesting book.
Many of these works I have read but it was long ago.

This fun craft book has inspired me.

I am saving all sorts of paper pieces for collages.

I think I will use them for journal covers.

Seed packets will be great for a garden journal.

This is a huge book.
I am looking forward to reading and learning.
A sound disc comes with.
I hope it is a lecture!

I plan on creating another lavender hedge

this spring.

I have read many books about Lavender.

I have picked up a few pointers.

Always interested in home remedies.

These are from a Russian herbalist.

Tree lore fascinates me.

Every book I read I learn a wee bit more.

Always need an Art book

on the table.

I am planning on growing flax this season.

I want to learn how to spin it.

I think I will need a few accessories for my wheel.

When it is too wet or cold to be out in the gardens

I am inside reading!

March reading

2010-03-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have a few Fairy Tales
to read this month.

Lots of books about Kites!

This book reminded me to look for
the good kite in art.

This book has inspired me to collect kite photographs.

I am thinking about making a few kites this year.

I have a few other projects in the works

but making kites would be so fun!

Making mini kites sounds extra fun.

I could fly them on bamboo sticks around the house!

I am collecting all kite motif.

I am watching a few items on e-bay.

The history of kites is amazing.

I just finished Teresa of Avila.

She did live a very interesting life.

Some of the books I requested last month are just now coming in.

Ancient India was so far advanced.

I had no idea!

I am studying the Thyroid.

I think many of my troubles are from low thyroid function.

I am doing my research.

The study of textiles is the study of mankind.

When it is too cold to be out in the field looking at the past and the present

I can learn from my books.

For the best of reading

I am enjoying, savoring every word,

my friend's fourth mystery.

I want this delcious story to linger on my tongue.

What's in your March reading bag?

Reading, reading and more reading

2010-02-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

I am spending my days reading.

I am learning about all sorts of fantastic healing ways.

This is a fascinating history of the bath.

Always have a book about plants about.

I am working on learning my Moonlore.

Always wanting to celebrate a new Holiday!

I am thinking of ways of improving my bath ritual.

I am adding special touches to our Bathrooms.

Finding ways to make sacred space.

I am planning what plants I want to add to the gardens.

It is cold.
I am reading.

February Reading

2010-02-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

I am studying color and sound.

It is amazing how color can help us heal.

I am studying Chinese Medicine.

I am learning the ways of self care.

I am adding more spices and herbs in my cooking.

I have a new readers journal.

I hope to fill it up!

I am enjoying the cold days of February.

Stacks of books

2009-12-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

My friend thought I would enjoy Sue Monk Kidd's
"Traveling with Pomegranates."

I requested it from the library. I enjoyed her "The Secret Life of Bees".
I decided to read all of Kidd's work.

While shopping in the thrift store I found
"The Mermaid Chair."
Looks as if Sue Monk Kidd
will be the author of the month come January!

When I went to pick my book up at the library I spent some time in the stacks.

I found many books.

I shall be posting about these books.

I am inspired!

There are more books in my book bag.

I plan on doing lots of reading.

I plan on doing lots of creating.

December reading

2009-12-24T06:25:00.000-08:00

I have been reading about
Father Christmas this month

and Angels.

A poem a day keeps my spirits bright.

I have been reading stories written about Jesus.

This little book has inspired me to write the story of my
Little House. It is one of my 2010 projects.

This book has inspired me to write my own cookbook.

I am glutton intolerant and have just begun baking again.

The photography in this book is wonderful.

I am learning!

Another 2010 project.

Maybe even a new blog!

Many stories I read each December.

I like to sit by my fire and have tree time with a story and some music.

I need a few books about flora and fauna each month.

My son gave me this book in 1998 for Christmas.

My daughter had it signed by the author for me.

This is a very special book for me.

I read it every Christmas Eve.

A few more books

2009-11-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

I am reading and reading.

Not only am I reading about the native
to my area plants but also about flax.

I want to grow flax next year.

For now I am just reading and planning.

November Books

2009-11-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

In November I celebrate the American Indian.

I enjoy this poem so very much.

I enjoy the illustrations in this edition.

This year I decided to read the entire poem.

I am continuing my study of the Prairie

and the people who lived here.

I am planning a field trip.

I would like to go to Kentucky and see this lick.

I will be visiting Missouri's Mastodon State Historic Site this weekend.

I have located a lick in Missouri so I will plan a field trip to see it.

I started reading these myths and legends last year.

I read them slowly and imagine hearing them told around a warm winter fire.

This is another story I have read many times.

Each day in November I read a blessing.

I became interested in quarks and quasars.
while working on my ABC Wednesday Q post.

I saw this book at the library.
I set up sacred spaces and this looks interesting.

I am listening to Paul Winter.

What are you reading?

What are you listening to?

A few more books

2009-10-20T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am writing.
I am writing about celebrating October.

I am reading.

I am preparing for another field trip.

I am smitten with those that walked this
Good Red Road before me.

I am learning.

October's Books

2009-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

In October I am celebrating magical flora.
Oracles are my theme for the month.

I am preparing for my indoor winter gardens.
I brought in huge pots of lavender and am planting my haunted forest.

I am learning more about the birds.

I am studying my own backyard.

I am learning about the symbols and the history of Missouri.

All summer I have walked the different sections of the Prairie.

Now I am studying the different people
of the Prairie.

I am studying the migration of the birds and butterflies and people.

This is a large study I have begun.

My friend suggested I read, "Hanta Yo", an historical novel.
I fell in love.

When I hiked to a series of Indian Mounds in South-central Iowa I was awed.
These ancients have much to teach this Prairie girl.

While I sit at the spinning wheel I am listening to lectures
and audio books.

In the evenings I am reading.

Once again I am smitten.

Once again I have fallen in love.

Professor Betsey Dexter Dyer taught me to love bacteria.

My study comes full circle.
I shall walk the mounds.
My winter count is on the Prairie.

Little Stories

2009-07-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

I am reading the stories
of the Plains.

Each one opens the door wider to the world
of those that once walked this sacred ground.

I am understanding.
When I walk on the Prairie I feel the connection.

When the Spanish brought horses to North America
it changed the way the Plains people hunted.

Into the stacks

2009-07-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

I went to the public library to pick up a requested book
and decided to take a stroll in the stacks.
I was looking for books about the American Prairie.
I found books that changed my life.

After reading one paragraph in the introduction, of this eye opening book,
I knew I needed to take notes. I finally understood why I am drawn to the story of Sleeping Beauty. I now want to read the original stories. The Disney version is not the real story!

I have shared my notes with a few friends. They have ordered the book. I too want this one in my library. I always knew about fight and flee, I never knew about freeze.
I freeze. I sleep. I am a dreamer. I understand now why I sleep.

I understand now I need the spiritual growth before I move into the next stage of my life.
I understand why dreaming for me is needed for transformation.

I understand me a wee bit better.

This book almost jumped out of the stacks when I walked by.
The title caught my eye. The cover drew me in. This book touched my heart. For the first time I read about how I perceive the world. I know the world by direct perception. I know plants and birds and insects with my heart first and my mind second. This book took me by the hand and lead me outside to my rosemary and lavender. This book showed me how to get back into my gardening. This book opened the door I had closed when so many of my plants died in 2007.

I spent five hours reclaiming my little herb garden. I smelled green again. I was one with the echinacea, the rosemary and the garden rue. I have ideas on how to bring an elegance to my little herb garden. I am pleased to be with the plants. I understand now how to let the plants heal me.

I am a practical person.

I like lovely jars and scents.

I am learning how to make my own cosmetics.

I am learning how to make my own medicines.

I am learning how to grow for the bees and the butterflies and me.

I am learning and gathering my supplies.

Once again I am enjoying my home spa.

I am giving myself my facials.

I am taking time to refresh each day.

While I was in Grinnel, Iowa, for a Weavers Conference in June

I met a Crow.

I am reading about Crow and Ravin lore.
I am learning. Once again I am allowing Nature to teach me.

I am writing and keeping journals.

I am reading the myths of the Plains.

These stories tell me about the prairie in a different way.

These stories touch my spirit.

I am spinning in the afternoons when it is too hot or too wet to be outside.

I am knitting too.

I knit when we drive to visit the different Prairies on Sunday.
I knit when I visit with family and friends.

While I spin or knit at home I am listening to lectures.

I am learning Classical Mythology, again.

I read in "Spinning Straw into Gold" when the characters in a fairy tale change their clothes transformation is about to happen.

I have been wanting to change the way I dress.

I have not known my new style.

I have a desire to create.
Perhaps nature will show me the way.

I will design my own shoes and dresses.
I shall begin to gather the supplies for winter sewing.

I have an idea.

I shall knit and sew and create wearable art.

The flora and fauna in my backyard

will be my inspiration.

I am awake.

My stroll in the stacks changed my life.

Books are powerful!

I am reading....

2009-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

This summer I am studying the Prairie.

On Sundays my husband and I are visiting different Prairies in our area.

I am in search of the pink Katydid.
It is an endangered bug.
I hope I see one!

In the afternoons while I spin

or knit I have been listening to books on CD.

This one was wonderful.
I enjoyed hearing Deepak Chopra's voice.
He has other stories too.
I have a long lists of books on request from the library.

I need knitting patterns and more books on CD!

Summer Reading

2009-06-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Cheryl sent "Tree Wisdom"
a couple of months ago.

I read a few pages before turning the light off at night.
I dream about friends and trees!

Sue Turner is a wonderful poet.
I fell in love with her work through her blog, Tumblewords.
I read a poem with my morning pear.

In the morning I have a cup of Yoga!
I feel ready to start the day after a good stretch!

I am sorting
one drawer, one cabinet at a time.
I must remember progress not perfection is what I look for.

My knitting is coming along.
I began my next project. I am learning the different stitches.
Hopefully after I finish a skein of wool I will be comfortable with each one.

I am planning my indoor winter gardens.
I also am thinking about how I want to re-do my gardens.
I want to grow more food.
I am thinking about small fruit trees and bushes.

Michael Pollan was in town and we went to see him.

I checked this book out of the library.
Sometimes I like to read and take notes.

I bought a Yogurt maker.

Now I am learning how to cook and bake with it.

I enjoy my daily yogurt.

My Doctor prescribed the next two books.

Wow! I am so impressed with both of these authors.

Both of these books have changed my life.

I have read them twice and I have taken notes.

I now practice mindfulness daily.

I saw this gem at the library.

It is full of wonderful tidbits.

I like this book so much it is on my look for list.

I would love to highlight and write in the margins!

What are you reading this summer?

Spring Slim Down

2009-04-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to slim down.
I have tried all sorts of different approaches.
My Doctor prescribed this book!

While at the bookstore
I saw this marvelous book

and this one!

I needed a journal for my Writing Diet!

This Spring I am slimming down.
I am becoming slim and trim!

February Reading

2009-02-19T08:45:00.000-08:00

While shopping at the market
I came across this gem of a book.

Richo Cech's stories and how to's are fun to read.
Having a formulary to refer to is so nice!
I do make some of my medicine and some cosmetics.
After reading only half of this book I have decided to make more!
I also will be writng down what I make and creating my own formulary.
I see a herb cabinet in my future!

I am learning about book binding.
Having a paper craft and book binding spot is very nice.
As I find supplies I am putting a movable paper studio together.

One of these days I will have a studio
and my paper things will be in cabinet and drawers.
For now they are in baskets and pretty boxes.

This month by month bird feeding guide is easy to read and inspiring.
I have lots of feeding stations set up in the gardens.
I enjoy feeding the birds but I needed some inspiration.
I found it in this book.

Woodpeckers are the birds I am studying in 2009.
It was a joy to see Golden-Fronted Woodpecker while in the
Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Dragon Ways

2009-01-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

My husband and I were born in the year of the
Water Dragon.

I collect Dragons for our
Luna New Year decorating.

I find the Dragon Ways so charming.

I would never want to stop the chi of heaven
from going into my bowl.
I use chop stick holders to save the table and the bowl.

2009 is the year of the Ox.

I made my cards last week.

I picked up my postage stamps.

This is one of the many ways I chase away the winter blahs.

What year were you born in?

After Christmas Reading

2008-12-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

We stopped at Half-priced Books.
It was our Boxing Day outing.

I once again have choosen Lavender
to be the herb of the year.
I have two hedges growing and want to put in one more.

I am thinking about learning to knit.
Just thinking about it right now.
Just learning the terms.

Lots of patterns and templates in this craft boook.

It is a rainy cold Saturday.
I am sitting with my books and my tea.

Craft Books

2008-11-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

When I shop the second hand booksellers
I always look for craft books.
My collection is growing.

I am so spoilt too!
The prices are wonderful.

The craft books are inspiring.

I have been looking for felting books.

So far I have not found any.

I ended up at the retail bookseller,
ouch!
I still did not find any books on millinery.

November's Books

2008-11-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

I am celebrating the North American Indians in November.
I thought reading some of their myths would help me better understand
their ways.

I also picked up this bead work book at the secondhand book sellers.
I am interested in learning about the crafts and art of the American Indians.

I know some of the history of the Native Americans.
I have been to part of the Trail of Tears.
I would like to travel more of this trail.

I am just beginning to plan my gardens for next year.
I would like to plant a Dyer's Garden.
I think it would go nicely with my wool and felting.

I have few other books stacked up
ready for a cold November day.

Halloween reading

2008-10-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

I stopped at the library this morning.
I have requested many instructional books.
I want to learn about felting and hat making.

They had a display set up of Halloween books.
These will be fun!

I am writing about October and ways
to decorate for Halloween.

A new friend gave me Janet Marsh's
Nature Diary this week.
She knows what I like!

I think I am being called to work on my almanac again!

October reading

2008-10-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

My reading nook is filled with
October books.

Some are short tales.

Some are field guides.

Some are only for afternoon reading.

From Ghoulies and Ghosties
And long-legged Beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!

Old Scotch Invocation

~BOO!~

Books, books, books

2008-09-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Once again I went to the used book store.
Once again a pile of books found their way to my coffee table.

With migration under way I thought this book would be a way of joining in.

I enjoy natural history and this looks to be about the classification of animals in the Victorian age. Harriet Ritvo has other books out. If this as good as it looks I will want to read them.

Anything written by Sue Hubbell is a wonderful read.

I am saving this book for this winter when the cold north wind blows and I am missing the bees.
The best piles in my house are piles of books.

September reading

2008-09-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

A trip to the used bookstore over the weekend
and I have some exciting September reading.

I started this one right away.

This is an interesting Quarterly.
The short essays are just right for standing in line.
It fits in my purse too.

I have been looking for this book.
Perfect to celebrate the migration of the Monarch
which has begun.

My son recommended this book.
I am saving it to read on his birthday.
I will not be able to celebrate his special day with him
but I can celebrate the love we both have for the Trees.
What are you reading this September?

Summer reading

2008-08-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

The used book store had many books for me today.
I have set this book up in my office hoping
to be inspired to do my garden journal again.
I do not paint but I do take pictures.

A photo essay of the gardens would be fun to do.
I would like to catch up with my almanac too.

I wanted to read a story and this biography is very interesting.
I like the way Rhodes writes. This biography of John Audubon is entertaining.

This looks interesting for bed time reading.

I have read "Sleeping with a Sunflower" many times.
I shall keep it with my other garden journals.
I am needing garden inspiration for 2009!

Treasure

2008-05-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

My daughter sent "Gardening at the Dragon's Gate"
for my Mother's Day gift.
I am treasuring each word.
I am learning.

I am reading my special book before bed. A few pages at a time. This is a slow, deliberate read. I knew when I read the introduction I had met a kindred spirit.
Wendy Johnson writes,"My first principle is to learn gardening from the wilderness outside the garden gate." I too have studied the forest and the meadow.

When Robin suggested "Dessert Queen" I requested it from the library.
It took a few months to get to me.
I seldom read biographies. I am enjoying this one so very much I will try and remeber to look for them when I am at the used book store.

This is a quick, on the counter, read a page and go do the laundry, sort of book.
Very fun and informational.
I have bird books and herb books and butterfly books all stacked up by my desk.
I like books.

Saga

2008-05-13T05:33:00.000-07:00

My friend's sister's daughter-in-law
sent me "Outlander",
a grand Scottish tale.

I was in need of a book.
Little did I know what a saga I had begun.
I requested the other four books in the series from the library;
Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn and The Fiery Cross.

Each book is about 900 pages. A real saga. I have been reading every available minute.
I read mostly non-fiction but every once in awhile a steamy, romance is good medicine!
I do believe Diana Gabaldon has cured my digestive troubles.

Fighting a virus

2008-04-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am reading and fighting a virus.

It has been wet and cold outside.
I have stayed in with my blankets and my books.

Reading about bees is keeping my spirits up.

Hot tea and honey are my companions.

Sweet treats

2008-03-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Our daughter sent a package.
I have been wanting to read this for some time now.

This will be a fun book and movie adventure.
My husband and I will both read and discuss!

In her package she sent book plates for my husband.
Now he will "check-out" his books to family and friends!

She also sent a little bird hat pin for me!
She is a delightful daughter!
I miss her being just down the street and around the bend.

When Penny wrote she was reading John le Carre, I wrote a note to myself to see if we had any of his books in our library. My husband likes spy novels.
Sure enough he had a lovely edition of "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" on his shelf.
I am enjoying reading fiction.

Copyright 1928

2008-03-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

This book was in my parents basement.
The copyright of 1928 puts this book in the time of
my parent's childhood.

The name in the front is not my Mother's or Father's.
I have no idea where this book came from.
I only know I love it.

I do not paint or draw.
I take photos.
I do write a bit of poetry.

For March I put this book on a stand in the entry.
I feel inspired by this pretty little book.

Maybe I could make a pretty little book of my March birds.
Maybe I could write a little rhyme.
Maybe I could sing a tune.

Three books for March

2008-03-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

I read this reference book every March.
It helps me get into the spirit of the
Emerald Isle.

I also read The Hobbit every March.
I want to watch the trilogy of the Lord of the Rings again this month.

I love this book.
I enjoy the story and the illustrations.

I like having a stack of books to read.
Some stories deserve re-reading.
What are you reading?

Book Exchange

2008-02-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Lisa sent her book for me to read.
It looks delightful.

I am planning my day tomorrow to read!
Thank you Lisa.

Let me know if you would like to be part of Book Exchange.

People of the Book

2008-02-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

While at the store yesterday I bought "People of the Book".
After reading the afterword I thought this 2008 release
would be an easy to read novel that would dove-tail with the study of the Middle-East
I am doing in February.

Based on an intriquing, true story, it is a very quick read.
I saved the last chapter for today.
There are some steamy parts but not too erotic.

I will do a journal entry about this book.
I also will loan out my book.
Every now and again it is nice to have a book I can share.

Bookstore

2008-02-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

I bought a history book today.
It is a college textbook.

My background is limited.
I know so little about the Middle-east.

The music of the sitar and the poetry of Rumi
have opened my western eyes to see a broader view.

I also bought a little light reading.

Arabian Nights

2008-01-29T06:33:00.000-08:00

In February I read the Stories from the
Arabian Nights.
These are my bedtime stories.

This 1933 edition is filled with wonderful illustrations
and is in large print.

Only a few of the stories are in this book.
I have another edition with more of the stories.
Someday I will buy the complete 1001 Nights.

Haiku

2008-01-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

In January I read an Haiku each morning.
I often read them aloud to the birds.

My daughter gave this book to me.
I enjoy the way it is organized into five elements -
wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

The illustrations are inspiring.

In 1968 my brother gave me my first taste of the Haiku.
I was sixteen years old.
The gift of poetry is a gift for the spirit,
regardless of age.

Stories

2007-12-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

While putting out my December things I sat down and read this 1896,
children's book. I normally just put it up on a stand with an old oil lamp.
I had never actually read it. I liked the cover when I bought it.
I thought it would be nice for decorating.

This little collection of stories has stayed in my mind all week.
It seems to me I have a cluster of stories. I relate these stories when I talk to friends and family. They are about what I did, who I saw and what they did. Sometimes I even have a story about how I felt about what I did and who I saw.
I even tell myself stories. My inner dialogue entertains me. I have an inner cluster of stories. Private stories I seldom share.

Every December I read A Christmas Carol.
I know many lines by heart.
Lately I have been thinking about the Spirit of Christmas Past, Present and Future.
What do my Spirits look like?

I cannot imagine a life without poetry.
I often have little ones hanging around in the corners of my mind. Little snippets and lines of mismatched words. If I do not write them down they begin to be my inner story. Characters will grow and soon I am in a fantasy land of silks and birds.

December seems to be the magical month. I create special foods and listen to special music. I want to spend time with those I love. I want to create a magical time so my memories of Christmas are sweet and joyful. I make lists of things to do. I make lists of
ideas for next year.

I find that I am similar to Sei Shonagon. We both have lists. I have a list of lists.

Do you take a break from the December frenzy and read? I need at least five minutes every day of the written word. I need about five minutes everyday to update my lists.

The Pillow Book

2007-11-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

I began reading "The Pillow Book"
not knowing what to expect.

I immediately was impressed.
This translation by Meredith McKinney gives a nice short background into the Heian period of Japanese history. She also gives us a short history of Sei Shonagon.

I am using the journal my daughter gave me as a place to begin my lists, my insights, my opinions and my anecdotes.
Reading Sei Shonagon has opened my eyes even wider to the natural world.

I also love the descriptions of the clothing.

She talks of silks and brocades.

She tells about the different colored inner layers.

Now that I am in winter clothes I have begun to layer.

I am thinking about bringing color to these layers.

I ordered silk long underwear.

October 6 through 10

2007-10-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

wild geese come as guests

I am waiting for "Pillow Book" to arrive.
I went back to "East Wind Melts The Ice".

When I reread this week's entry I was moved.
Liza Dalby does not use emotionally charged language, yet her experience with a Monarch butterfly moved me to tears.
I had considered bringing in a Tiger Swallowtail for the winter. I thought it would be nice to have a butterfly in my house when the snow was falling outside. I had rationalized how I would be extending the butterfly's life.
Bringing a butterfly into the house was all about me and not about the butterfly.

I have been watching the Monarchs. In my gardens many are just emerging from their cocoons. They are deeply colored and appear to be made of velvet. They are hungry too and will feed in the zinnias for hours. After a couple of days of feeding they take off.
I have watched the Monarchs fly over parking lots and highways as I go about on errands. Once in awhile a faded traveler will be in the zinnias. These Monarchs are faded and pale in color and some what tattered. I wonder how far the Monarch has come and far will he be able to go. The Autumn migration of the Monarch butterfly is amazing.

I have decided not to bring butterflies into the house. If I want to see butterflies in January I can travel to where they are.

Walled up and closed

2007-08-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished reading
East Wind Melts The Ice.
I have enjoyed each essay and the way this almanac has changed me.
This essay is for December 1 through 5. It would winter.

The full force of summer is at my house. The temperatures are flirting with triple digits. The humidity is high. The night time lows are in the 8o's. It is hot.

Liza Dalby writes about citrus in this essay. I happen to have a Kumquat tree. It grows in a large pot on the deck until the danger of frost. My husband will then carry it into the living room for winter. It is an old tree, a large tree. It blooms and sets fruit and come January the fruit will be ripe inside the house. Last summer we had 6 inches of rain in two days. The Kumquat tree drowned. It lost half of its leaves. Yet still the fruit set and ripened. I let some of the fruit rot and go to seed. I planted the seeds in the pot and they sprouted. This summer the seedlings have grown tall and they bloomed. The little trees are producing tiny green fruit. They are blooming again
in the heat. I had thought I would let the Kumquat go. The living room is small and taking care of the tree all winter is time consuming. After reading her essay I decided the Kumquat can come in again this year. I will move out a chair. I will transplant the seedlings and have many Kumquat trees. I will have a grove some day in the living room in the winter.

I am saving the last few essays for September.
I will be on holiday until than.

Surprise Lilies

2007-07-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

August 6 through 10

In my gardens I call the passionate pink lilies that seemingly shoot up and bloom over night, "Surprise Lilies". Liza Dalby knows them as Naked Ladies. Also called "Belladonna lilies, Resurrection lilies, Joker lilies" and I am sure if I sought out all the regional names there would be many.
Lycoris squamigera is their botanical name.

I have always thought of the Surprise Lily as an August flower. They shoot up when it is hot and dry in my gardens. I was very surprised this year to see them in bloom the second week of July.
Dalby writes of the equinox flower.
I do not know anything about this cousin of the Surprise Lily.

So often when I read an essay I am inspired to learn more. I do research.
Thank goodness for the internet.

I keep a little note pad near by when I am reading this book. I write myself little reminders and write down the inspirations that come while reading.

I have noticed Dalby mentions "Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon" often. I looked in the index and counted eight times she has referred to this classic.
I have never read it.

I did a bit of research and found a new translation is being published by Penguin Classics. It's release date is October, 2007. I want to read this book.
My daughter told me it is often used as a jumping off point for writing exercises.
That sounds fun.

I would like to begin this "Pillow Book" in November. Our book two. I think it also will be a book that inspires. It inspired Liza Dalby.

What do think?

Rotted weeds turn into fireflies

2007-07-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

July 21 through 25

I have read this essay many times.
Lightning bugs do seem to appear from decomposing grasses.

I did not know fireflies are not west of the Rocky Mountains.
It surprised me.
I would have thought at least a pair would have traveled over in a covered wagon.
Vacationers could easily have a few in their picnic basket.

I watch the fireflies every evening. Often I walk at dusk and watch the fireflies light up through out the neighborhood. I remember when I was a child the neighborhood boys would catch them and put them in jars. Some would wear the lights as rings.

I keep going back to this essay because I feel so connected to the Japanese and Liza Dalby. Something so simple as a firefly can bring that oneness.

Crickets come into the walls

2007-07-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

July 11 through 15

I have a set of brass crickets that come out in July.
They sit on the hearth with the drying camomile.
I have crickets in the gardens.

The boot cricket is old.
It sits by the front porch.

I found a reader's Journal.
It has a place to write about the books I read.
I wrote a bit about East Wind Melts the Ice.
I have been inspired by this book.
Each essay has me thinking about my natural surroundings.

It seems to me the creatures in the natural world have a purpose.
Each leaf, each bug has a purpose.
They already are masters of themselves.

June 21 through 25

2007-06-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

"The rituals surrounding the summer solstice,
however, are somewhat ambivalent."
I have none.
It was after I became a gardener that I became aware of length of day.
I have begun to make up my own.

"Now it is summer at its most robust."
"Now the garden needs my intervention again because it is choking on its own abundance."

I looked about my gardens.
The bamboo is robust.
Both stands broke through the barriers we installed.
We will need a bamboo harvest soon.
Perhaps it could be solstice ritual.

I wonder if in the Chinese almanac they have a time of Ripening Bamboo.
I wonder when the Bamboo harvest is.
It best be soon here or we will have
"Bamboo sacrifices Forsythia"

the mockingbird loses its song

2007-06-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

June 16 through 20

Liza Dalby's essay 27 brought an awareness to me.
A pair of Mockingbirds live in our backyard. They have two youngsters that are always wanting food. The parents are constantly feeding these two hungry mouths.
Mockingbird has lost his song.

Other birds also seem to be singing less. As we move closer to solstice I am wondering if the birds are molting. Perhaps nesting and feeding the young has exhausted them. Maybe as the summer heat comes on they are just wanting a cool bath.
The fireflies are out at dusk and the insects have begun to sing. Maybe that is enough singing.

In my gardens the tomatoes are blooming.

Grain Ripens

2007-06-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

June 1 through 5

I have read this essay many times. I am fascinated at how the Chinese ritual year was divided. I am thinking about my personal rituals. I do have seasonal rituals. There is celebration at my house when we pick the first tomato.

I grow a small stand of wheat every year. I grow it with the idea that someday I will learn how to do wheat weaving. I grow an old variety, Turkey Red, a winter wheat that I sow in September. It will be ripe soon. I will harvest before the temperatures reach 90 degrees F. I will dry my wheat and store my wheat. If I do not weave the wheat this year I will once again lay it out in the winter for the sparrows.

This year I sowed oats. I have never seen them grow. I do not know anything about growing oats. So far they have not even sprouted.
The birds planted millet. I guess I will let it grow. At least it has sprouted.
I like the idea of growing grains.

I made a few notes in my garden journal. After reading about Liza Dalby's Himalayan Poppy blooming I want to try to grow them. I too would like a flower in my garden the color of the sky.

I have never grown blue flowers.

bitter herb grows tall

2007-05-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

May 22 through 26

Liza Dalby touched on how misunderstandings so easily occurs when one language is translated into another.
The iris, ayame in Japanese, is the plant and flower the Japanese think of when they think of the flower that once decorated the Heian era palaces. Actually the plant was Acorus calamus, sweet flag or also known as blue flag.

This essay stopped me in my tracts. I began thinking about all the different ways miscommunication happens, inaccurate translations and limited listening to name just two. I began seeing how much miscommunication was happening in my life.
This essay once again prompted me to do some research.

I also enjoyed reading how she wrote her first and last waka.

Worms come forth

2007-05-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

After all of our rains the worms are coming forth.
I see them on the sidewalks when I walk.

After reading this essay I began singing the childhood rhyme, "When ever you see a hearse go by you will be the next to die. The worms go in the worms go out, the worms play pinochle up your snout". I live across from a cemetery. Hearses go by daily. This little verse transported me back to being six years old and playing jacks on the front porch. I easily can see how Liza Dalby also was transported and how the simple phrase "worms come forth" can lead one on a meandering path.

May 2 through 6

2007-05-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

"the hoopoe alights in the mulberry"

I was intrigued by this essay. I like birds and this one is exotic!
I did a bit of research.

I enjoy learning about Dalby's geisha days too.
I find every essay so interesting.

Some nights I am too tired to read.
I am never too tired to imagine what my almanac will say.
I find I am thinking about that as I fall asleep at night.
How I will organize it; how I will name my days.
I will write one.
I want photos to part of it.

Week 17

2007-04-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

This entry reminded me of how the wild birds in the back yard know me. They know when the seed lady "should" be bringing out breakfast. Mocking Bird wants his raisins, if I have failure to bring them out in a timely fashion he will knock on the window!

I often wonder who is in control?

I feel so responsible for the birds that when I was on vacation this past December I hired a young woman to come to my house every day to feed the birds..

With Spring in full swing I now have front yard birds and back yard birds. They need seperate feeding stations and water for drinking and bathing.
The feeders need to be cleaned and refilled; the water kept fresh.

Now the Baltimore Orioles have returned.

I am mesmerized by their bright orange and black feathers.
They have nectar and fresh orange slices and grape jelly.

I saw a Hummingbird this morning!

Those feeders need fresh nectar every other day.

So far no bird has told me by their peeps if it will rain soon.
They do let me know if they want more seed or peanuts or grape jelly.

Do you feed the birds?

My Almanac

2007-04-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

I have been reading a few essays every night in
"East Wind Melts the Ice".

I enjoy the way Liza Dalby dove-tails all of her interests.

I keep all sorts of journals.
I document butterfly and bird sightings, flower bloom times and when I planted seeds or plants.
I keep a monthly journal of comings and goings.
I think I will follow Lisa Dalby's lead.
I want to dove-tail my interests.
I am thinking a weekly almanac with photos and poems and musings would be fun to do.
I could gather my thoughts once a week and write my own almanac.
Is this book affecting you?

Book as Object

2007-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

When my book arrived I was very excited. Carefully I unwrapped it and held it.
Even before I opend the cover I was pleased. The dust jacket alone was inspiring.
The size and weight seemed perfect for reading in bed.

Once inside I found eloquent publishing touches.
I want to savor each word.
It is a beautiful book.
The images Liza Dalby discribes float in my mind as I drift off to sleep.
Tonight I will read , "8-golden orioles sing".
The Gold Finches in my garden have been singing to me.

Housefrau and I talked about "Book as object." Her phrase!

She sent a link.

Book as Object.

Thank you Housefrau!

2007-04-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

For Easter weekend I am reading "The Velveteen Rabbit".

The Tales of Beatrix Potter are also a favorite of mine.

Every now and again I need a children's story.
What is your favorite childrens story?

East Wind Melts the Ice

2007-03-30T16:33:00.000-07:00

Our first book will be East Wind Melts the Ice, by Liza Darby. We will begin discussing it as soon as everyone has received their books and started reading!

I thought we could get to know each other a little bit.
What books are on your night table?
Right now I have "Wildlife Friendly Plants" by Rosemary Creeser and "The Naming of Names The Search For Order In The World Of Plants" by Anna Pavord.

Since April is National Poetry Month I thought we might enjoy a few poems.
I receive a poem a day in April from Boazoi Reader.