Charles Schulz famously said, “Happiness is a warm puppy.” I couldn’t agree more. This month, much of my happiness comes from a cuddly beagle. And here’s what else:
WATCHING
The Snoopy Show on Apple TV+ — I do miss the jazzy Vince Guaraldi soundtrack, but the timing on this new series is perfect. An episode or two of Snoopy’s shenanigans is a great anecdote for cold days and Covid fatigue. We also watched Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown and Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown. 1980s Peanuts are not the best, but I loved watching Snoopy driving a 2CV in the French countryside.
Moulin Rouge — As with all things Baz Luhrmann, this film is way over the top, but it was fun to watch with popcorn and Champagne on Valentine’s Day.
Lupin — “Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family” (IMDb). We were riveted by the first five episodes and are excited for the more in May.
French movies: After watching Lupin, I was reminded of how much I missed hearing the French language and how lucky I am that Eric really doesn’t mind reading subtitles. We revisited some French films that I haven’t see for a while including Intouchables (starring Lupin’s Omar Sy), Mon Meilleur ami, and Le Papillon.
READING:
The Queen of Paris — “Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel is revered for her sophisticated style--the iconic little black dress--and famed for her intoxicating perfume Chanel No. 5. Yet behind the public persona is a complicated woman of intrigue, shadowed by mysterious rumors. The Queen of Paris, the new novel from award-winning author Pamela Binnings Ewen, vividly imagines the hidden life of Chanel during the four years of Nazi occupation in Paris in the midst of WWII--as discovered in recently unearthed wartime files” (Goodreads). They say not to judge a book by its cover, but I couldn’t resist this one — the little black dress, the pearls, the Place Vendôme….
LISTENING TO:
Shaun Cassidy on the Add Passion and Stir podcast talking about his new wine collaboration, My First Crush. Yes, Shaun Cassidy was my first crush when I was ten years old, and yes, that life-sized cardboard cutout of him still lives in our basement. After all these years, I must admit that I still do have a crush on Shaun Cassidy since getting to know the kind of caring, creative, generous person that he is today. I love that he is a proud family man, that he loves dogs, that he is humble and funny, that he writes weekly gratitude posts that are profound in their simplicity, and I love that he continues to pursue creative endeavors. During the pandemic, he partnered with a local vintner to produce a wine that gives back $2/bottle to No Kid Hungry. Now, if they would just ship to Wisconsin.
ENJOYING:
Winter hues — Lately, we get a fresh inch or so of snow every couple of days. I love how everything is clean and white, a perfect palate to reflect the brilliant winter light — the pale pastel sunrises, the softly frosted mornings, the sunny afternoons, the brilliant sunsets, the blue hour at dusk, and the silvery moonlight reflected on the snow. Winter in Wisconsin is really beautiful (and really cold), but once February is over, spring can come anytime. We did see our first robin on February 21st!
Longer days — It’s so nice to see both the sunrise and sunset again. Just weeks ago, it was dark as I drove to work and dark shortly after I got home. Isn’t it amazing how much light can impact one’s energy and mood?
New carpet and fresh paint — Everything feels clean, fresh, and bright. The first night after the painters left, I was amazed that I could read a book after 4:00 pm.
LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Spring — We made some great updates to the inside of our house this winter, I am really eager to shift my focus outside again.
Getting vaccinated — Although I suffer from trypanophobia (fear of needles), I am eager to get my Covid 19 vaccinations. Educators are part of phase 1b and will be eligible as of March 1st. I hope that later this spring, I will be able to spend time with friends and family who have also been vaccinated, to eat out, to visit museums, to start getting back to normal. And before I get comments from either side of the political spectrum, please know that: 1) I understand that despite being protected myself, I will still need to wear my mask, socially distance from others who have not been vaccinated, wash my hands, and continue all of the universal precautions that I have faithfully maintained for nearly a year; and 2) I know that not everyone shares my opinion, but just as I respect your right to your own views, I ask that you respect my rights as well.
Planning — Planning what? I don’t know. But planning is in my nature and I miss being able to make plans, to research, and to enjoy the anticipation of travel, projects, and events.
