You find all sorts of helpful things out there in Blogland.
And last week, while reading Joanna's blog, I realised that some books, no matter how highly recommended and lauded they are, are not for me, and that reading is not meant to be an endurance test. So I gave up on Wolf Hall, about a third of the way through. I'm not certain that I won't pick it up again and try to finish it, but in the meantime, I am reading this...
The front cover drew me in, and so far the writing is keeping me turning the pages. Here's a little excerpt...
"All her life she had believed in something more, in the mystery that shape-shifted at the edge of her senses. It was the flutter of moth wings on glass and the promise of river nymphs in the dappled creek beds. It was the smell of oak trees on the summer evening she fell in love, and the way dawn threw itself across the cow pond and turned the water to light."
My bookshelf has also acquired another French embroidery book.
It's just a little tiny one, but has some sweet designs...
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| Pockets |
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| Bed linen |
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| Headscarf |
Definitely looking forward to doing some of these!
For now though, I have a big cushion-making job to do. Did you spot the lovely fabric behind my books?
I'm going to use that for a couple of the many cushions I need to make.
A big welcome to new followers - the number has been creeping up steadily recently. I think I may be able to mark 150 soon - a giveaway perhaps? Thank you also for all the lovely comments, especially about the things I've made recently. I really do appreciate them!
I picked that book up and then another caught my eye but I will look out for it again now.Love the little embroidery book pretty little designs.Love Jill xx
ReplyDeleteAha, a fellow Wolf Hall 'put-downerer'! I still have a faint tingle of failure but life must go on.....
ReplyDeleteI have read The Snow Child! Loved it, was totally enchanted by it, and would recommend it to anyone. It has the feel of a folk story about it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
The french embroidery book is delightful, right up your street. Good luck with the mammoth cushion task!
x
I'm absolutely with you re the books. I used to really beat myself up if I didn't like the latest Booker Prize winner or whatever, assuming I was 'wrong'. @The Snow Child' sounds lovely from your little extract. I'm into Nicci French at the moment - she (well, they - she and her husband write together as a team - how do they do that?!) writes well I think and the plots are always interesting. Have a lovely Easter. Abby x
ReplyDeleteThe Snow Child sounds enchanting, the bit you shared rings like poetry! I must look for it soon. Beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteI do love Wolf Hall, but found it extremely intense first time around, read it in 2 days and remembered nothing. I just re-read it and this time it made flowed. I think books, like seasons have their times in our lives.
Minerva ~
I read The Snow Child over our new year's break in Scotland. I love the cover ! I gave it to my mum & recently when asking which of her books I wanted to read she included the snow child ( I gave it to you mum ! ) I have it back now. Lovey read.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful embroderie book also your lovely fabric .
Ah The Snow Child is magical, and so less like hard work than Wolf Hall. I always feel a little defeated if I have to give up on a book, but life's to short to struggle through something you're not enjoying. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments on my blog Alix thats so kind of you.Love Jill xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you said that you didn't toil with a book if you couldn't get into it, it made me feel better. Mr.T will carry on with a book even if it isn't really to his liking but I will not, if the book doesn't hold me I try another.
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery book is gorgeous, where did you get it, the designs are so simple but beautiful.
Have a nice Easter.
Briony
xx
Firstly I must say a HUGE thank you for the beautiful gift of that book, not to mention the lovely note and little bookmark. I will be blogging about it later today.
ReplyDeleteAnd "The Snow Child" is going on my list for my Kindle.
Now I thought Wolf Hall was a 'must read' but I've managed to avoid it so far for exactly the reasons you give - sometimes you just have to be in the right mood or have enough mental energy (!) to get through certain tomes. The embroidery book looks delightful - looking forward to seeing your projects x Jane
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed "The Snow Child" Alaska is a beautiful state, (in the summer) I don't how I would cope with the winters even in the 21st century.
ReplyDeleteI have The Snow Child in my AmazonUK basket to get with my next order. I kept debating but heard around Christmas from a blogging friend that it was great so put it in the basket.
ReplyDeleteThe Broderie Rouge book looks amazing! We are using stitchery for our quilt group theme quilt this year. I will be looking for this book.
Have a Happy Easter weekend!
Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi
The Snow Child is meant to be really good and I have heard great things about it, will be interesting to hear what you have to say when you finish it!
ReplyDeleteDaisy Dayz
ooh that French embroidery book looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI have been meaning to read The Snow Child - it does sound good.
Nikki x