“But there is always a November space after the leaves have fallen when she felt it was almost indecent to intrude on the woods…for their glory terrestrial had departed and their glory celestial of spirit and purity and whiteness had not yet come upon them.” ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars
READING: One book for business and one book for pleasure
Launch: Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student — “Something happens in students when they define themselves as makers and inventors and creators. They discover powerful skills—problem-solving, critical thinking, and imagination—that will help them shape the world’s future … our future.” (Goodreads)
The Paris Librarian — “Hugo Marston’s friend Paul Rogers dies unexpectedly in a locked room at the American Library in Paris. The police conclude that Rogers died of natural causes, but Hugo is certain mischief is afoot. As he pokes around the library, Hugo discovers that rumors are swirling around some recently donated letters from American actress Isabelle Severin. The reason: they may indicate that the actress had aided the Resistance in frequent trips to France toward the end of World War II. Even more dramatic is the legend that the Severin collection also contains a dagger, one she used to kill an SS officer in 1944. Hugo delves deeper into the stacks at the American library and finally realizes that the history of this case isn’t what anyone suspected. But to prove he’s right, Hugo must return to the scene of a decades-old crime.” (Goodreads)
This was a fast, entertaining read, but in Chapter 14, I faced a moral dilemma. I wasn’t sure that I could continue reading a book by someone (or possibly someone’s editor) who can’t even spell the name of one of America’s greatest authors correctly: “… I want to eat at Les Deux Magots where Earnest Hemmingway [sic] used to drink and write” (Pryor 115). Despite this egregious error, I did finish the novel which is #6 in the Hugo Marston series. I doubt that I will revisit Hugo before or after The Paris Librarian. We all know how well I do with book series.
WATCHING:
The Queen’s Gambit — I stumbled upon this Netflix mini-series on an unexpected day off and binged my way through all seven episodes before watching them again with Eric that same weekend. I was hooked as soon as “Paris 1967” flashed across the screen in the first 30 seconds of the show, but remained fascinated by the chess moves, the midcentury furnishings and fashion, and the evolution of Beth’s character. There are certainly troubling aspects, but for the most part, the series was entertaining as well as informative.
The Crown Season 4 — It’s the 1980’s now and it’s fun to look back on historical events that I lived through the first time — Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (played by an unrecognizable Jillian Anderson), the “courtship” and marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the Camilla drama, the Falkland Islands… It’s amazing to think that was forty years ago.
(NOT) LISTENING TO: Christmas music yet — not until after December 1st, and even then, I have to pace myself or we will be tired of the same songs before Christmas arrives.
ENJOYING: Our Solo Stove Bonfire — It was Eric’s birthday present, but I get to enjoy it too. Normally, by November, we would have put our deck furniture away for the winter. This year, we swapped our summer furniture for the low maintenance Adirondack chairs from the back patio and arranged them around the Solo Stove which is safe to use even on our wood deck. We plan to spend cozy winter evenings, bundled up around the fire enjoying the snow (I hope), the moon and stars, and a little Christmas tree decorated in woodland theme.
FEELING: Grateful — Thanksgiving is a perfect time to count our blessings. This year, despite the challenges of a global pandemic, I am truly grateful. I am so fortunate that my family and I remain healthy and that we were able to spend time together on Thanksgiving Day. I am also thankful to have had a few days off to enjoy being at home with Eric and Piper, surrounded by music, books, movies, good food, and lovely Christmas decorations. Perhaps it’s a bit early to decorate for the holidays, but this year more than ever, we need light, peace, faith, and holiday cheer to lift our spirits and bring hope that next year will be different.
