“October, baptize me with leaves! …October, tuck tiny candy bars in my pockets and carve my smile into a thousand pumpkins. O autumn! O teakettle! O grace!” — Rainbow Rowell
READING:
Mrs. Hemingway by Naomi Wood — “A riveting tale of passion, love, and heartbreak, Mrs. Hemingway reveals the explosive love triangles that wrecked each of Hemingway's marriages” (Goodreads).
Warrior: Audrey Hepburn by Robert Matzen — “Completes the story arc of Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II. Hepburn's experiences in wartime, including the murder of family members, her survival through combat and starvation conditions, and work on behalf of the Dutch Resistance, gave her the determination to become a humanitarian for UNICEF and work on behalf of impoverished families” (Goodreads).
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy— “Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons…” (Goodreads). My lovely and thoughtful new colleague, Jane, surprised me on a Wednesday morning with this special gift. The illustrations, the simplicity, the depth — everything is beautiful. Is it terrible, that I feel the urge to add that Oxford comma in the title?
WATCHING:
No Time to Die (the latest James Bond film and the last one for Daniel Craig) — The movie was long and just ok, but it was so fun to go to the cinema after almost two years away.
Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ — “Winner of 7 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. Jason Sudeikis is an American football coach hired to manage a British soccer team. What he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for in optimism, determination, …and biscuits” (Apple). Season 1 was heartwarming and funny; Season 2 is darker, but rich in character development.
ENJOYING:
A final few warm evenings on the deck with wine, blankets and a fire in the solo stove.
An October weekend in Door County — autumn leaves, crisp air, great food…
FEELING:
Determined — I have rowed 900,000 meters and hope to make the Million Meter Club by Thanksgiving.
Frustrated by work as well as home repairs. This week, we had issues with our furnace (brrrrr), with Eric’s car, and with two holes in our siding due to hungry woodpeckers.
LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Hygge — fires in the fireplace, soft sweaters and blankets, candlelight… As the days get shorter and the light wanes, at least we can enjoy the coziness.
