I have been reading far more than I have been knitting! I will tell you a little about each of the books I’ve read over the past couple of months (links are affiliate links):
Motley Stones is a collection of short stories that I began early this year and just finished recently. My favorite from the collection is Rock Crystal, but I enjoyed all of these stories. I love this author’s writing style. There is something magical about it.
I read A Month in the Country with my book club and I thought it was lovely. It’s a relatively short novel, and while I wouldn’t say that it’s a difficult read, there were some confusing bits for me, so I read it twice-right in a row! I’ve never finished a book before and immediately started right back at the beginning, but was glad to! When I met with my book club for our discussion, I found that some of my friends had read it twice as well. We had a really wonderful discussion. Afterward, I discovered that there is a film based on the book starring a very young Colin Firth. I was excited to watch it, but found it disappointing. I much preferred the book.
I’ve been meaning to read another Edna Ferber novel ever since reading and loving So Big. I chose Showboat and while I liked imagining what it must have been like to live on a showboat on the Mississippi River, I didn’t love the book. Unless you have a particular interest in showboats or just want to read Edna Ferber, I don’t really recommend it. I’m not sure why, it just didn’t capture me.
My oldest son, Seth, brought up The Last Unicorn recently and how much he liked the book when he was a teenager. I grew up obsessed with the movie, but never realized that it was based on a book! Seth probably told me about it when he read it, but I had forgotten. If you loved the movie as a child, I highly recommend the book. I loved it and cannot believe I didn’t read it sooner! Before reading it, I assumed it would make a good read-aloud for my younger kids, but it’s not really a children’s book, so I will save it for when they are older.
I have had a used copy of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall on my shelf for a couple of years and finally decided to read it. I think that Anne might be my favorite Bronte sister now! I really liked this story. I will have to reread Jane Eyre before making the official call though. (I read Wuthering Heights last year and found it far too dark.)
Finally, I just finished My Name is Asher Lev. This was also for my book club. I should have waited a bit longer to start reading it because we don’t meet for a couple of weeks. It went fast for me! Lots to contemplate and discuss from this story-so many layers. This book is a good example of the reason I like being part of a book club. I would not have likely read it otherwise, though I did enjoy Davita’s Harp by the same author (recommended to me by one of you.) I guess I need to read his most well known novel, The Chosen, next! My older boys read it in high school and I have multiple copies.
Not pictured is The Country of the Pointed Firs. I started this just before Ambrose was born, so nearly a year and a half ago. It never really captured me, but I wanted to finish it so I did recently. I think I would need to be from Maine to have truly enjoyed it. I only read the main story, not the “other stories.”
I am so close to finishing this little cardigan for Ambrose. The pattern calls for afterthought buttonholes and while I have the placement all marked out, I haven’t had time to sit down and sew them in. I sure wish I had changed the pattern to include buttonholes to begin with! Funny how you can knit an entire sweater and then get stuck on the finishing bits. (edited to add: I made the buttonholes! They are a little wonky, but fine! Now I just need to add the buttons.)
It’s almost puzzle season! Though, this year working puzzles will be a challenge with a toddler in the house. Ambrose loves to destroy things! Empty things! Throw things! Explore things! Eat things he shouldn’t! All the toddler things! He is surely the most active toddler I’ve ever had. Can’t be that mom is almost 45 and tired this time. No, he’s something else! I was on the phone with my mom the other day and my little nephew Wyatt was listening on speaker phone. Ambrose was on a rampage and I finally had to end the phone call, but not before Wyatt told me, “Aunt Ginny, I feel sorry for you!” Ha!
Had I more time I would have shared this project with you sooner. We lost so many chickens to foxes this year that I asked Jonny to build me a chicken tractor. We started a new flock of New Hampshire chickens and I love knowing they are safe and secure! However, I had no idea how expensive this project would be! It’s definitely a neat coop but I probably wouldn’t have gone this route had I realized what an investment it would be. On the other hand, now that it’s done, I’m glad to have it.
So cute. So naughty. You can see it, can’t you?
My Aunt Genie sent us this really neat wooden owl puzzle. It was a challenge at first, but then we got the hang of it and loved it!
Matching cheeks! He’s the most darling naughty toddler ever.
I started reading The Mill on the Floss a few days ago. This is another one that I’ve had sitting on a shelf for awhile and finally decided that it’s time! I loved Silas Marner and Middlemarch by George Eliot and I am already loving this one too. And I discovered that the cover of my book matches the yarn I have ready to start a hat pattern that I’ve been wanting to knit for awhile. I plan to knit it once in the dusky purple with oatmeal colorwork, and then swap the two colors and knit another! Will see if I can go from planning to actually knitting…I’ve been meaning to wind that oatmeal skein for weeks. (edited to add: I wound the skein! Yay! But will I cast on?)
Oh-and these snapdragons that I started from seed in early spring are still blooming though we’ve had several light frosts. They are amazing!
One of the hard things about having my older boys moving into adulthood is figuring out how to get all the things done that they used to do! Trimming goat hooves is one of those chores. Beatrix and I decided to tackle it ourselves a couple of weeks ago and we did just fine! The hardest part was separating out one goat at a time. Our gate latch is broken, so that made things extra tricky. We were probably quite comical to watch. Thankfully, Beatrix is not afraid to tackle difficult jobs, and her attitude made the whole ordeal fun. We were so proud of ourselves!
I’ve been making lots of soap in anticipation of Christmas shopping, etc. The first of my seasonal batches are available in my shop now including this new one: lavender spice! I think you’re going to like it! And this photo is a good example of what it looks like when I try to do something like stage a photograph. š
And finally: This is my daughter, Larkspur. (Explaining in case you find her unrecognizable and you were wondering who this woman is because you are used to her looking more like this…)
How did this happen???
p.s. I truly appreciate your comments on my last post. I would really appreciate your continued prayers on the employment front for Jonny. Nothing has been resolved yet and I have to make myself not think about it or I end up having a stomachache all the time!
Jackie says
I love seeing a picture of your lovely Larkspur, when I started to read your blog she was little. Seen her photo made me think of the book ā beautiful girlhoodā , have you read? Blessings
Jackie says
Loving seeing a picture of your lovely Larkspur, when I started to read your blog she was little. Seen her photo made me think of the book ā beautiful girlhoodā , have you read? Blessings
Beth J Beal says
Great book recommendations, Ginny! And oh my goodness, Larkspur is a classic beauty and I was looking at the picture wondering who this was.
Diane R says
I always look forward to your book recommendations!! Do you have a resource (or method) for choosing your books? I have difficulty finding good, savory reads on my own. Thank you!
Bee says
Ah, I love it these book posts! Iām the one who recommended āDavitaās Harpā way back when, so Iām glad you enjoyed it. I liked The Chosen, too, but I donāt remember what I thought of āMy Namr is Asher Lev.ā I was a teen when I read itā¦maybe itās time for a re-read!
I feel like our taste in books is pretty similar, except I tend to like the darker works by the authors we both enjoy.
(Points in case: āWuthering Heightsā is my favorite BrontĆ« book, and āHomeā my favorite by Marilynne Robinson!)
Not sure what any of this says about meā¦
Anyway, all of this to say: loved reading this post. Hope you get to read some more this month, even with Ambrose running around. He is cute though!
Much love to you and yours š
Karen Juliano says
What a lovely portrait of Larkspur.
Renee Anne says
Ambrose looks like Silas & Job did at that age. I don’t know if that means Silas & Job were just as naughty but they are definitely brothers. And I saw the photo of Mabel and I though, “that can’t be Bea…she’s older than that” and then it dawned on me that it was Mabel.
When did your kids get so big and old?! I mean, I suppose it makes sense…I’ve been reading for many years now and my oldest is going to be 12 next week. ::sigh::
Barbara says
Lovely post as usual Ginny. Itās like an old friend coming home. Your photography is spectacular and I enjoy watching the childrenās transformation. Ambrose is adorable and sounds very feisty! Godās blessing for you. Larkspur is a beautiful young woman and presents herself very graciously. Adding Jonny to my prayer list and asking the Father to lead him to the right position. Looking forward to your next post already. š
Barbara
Rita says
Oh Ambrose is so big! And Larkspur is so beautiful! What am I reading? The funny, funny mysteries by Anne George, “The Southern Sisters” mysteries. Nothing as deep as you are doing. Just light summer stuff, but read one and got hooked. I quit worrying about stuff when I read them.
Praying for you all but especially for a quick resolution to the job situation. Seeing a post by you made my day!
Marilyn says
Hi Ginny, As usual you have a very interesting post. I enjoyed your list of books and your likes and dislikes. I am hoping to get to my knitting. I have a lot of yarn and it is calling my name. Larkspur is such a beautiful young lady. Her hair is lovely the way she wears it.
HAPPY FALL
Marilyn
Marion says
Hi Ginny;
Love this post about your book preferences and knitting. I have read several Bronte books including Agnes Gray. Jane Eyre is my favorite. As far as reading books and movies of the book,I have never found a movie to be as good as the book. Larkspur is a beauty . Beatrix sounds like a problem fixer.
Keep on reading and Knitting.
Marion
Joan says
Hi Ginny;
Nice hearing your book reading that you liked and didn’t like. I read Agnes Gray by Anne Bronte and did not care too much for it. Wuthering Heights was a little dark for me too. Larkspur is a lovely young lady. Ambrose is such a big boy now.
Happy Reading and Knitting.
Joan
Sarah J. says
Larkspur is so beautiful. I canāt get over my own children being adults and having their own children. I am only 26 in my heart.
Jenna Cusumano says
Have you read any Gladys Taber? Her books are fairly old but not too hard to find
Helen says
If you can get it in the US, you might enjoy “October, October” by Katya Balen. Officially a “children’s” book, but enjoyed last Christmas by a 15 year old, a 45 year old, and an 80 year old.
Norma says
Oh my goshā¦.your babies all look alike! Hard to tell them apart. Canāt believe how grown up they are getting. I love seeing and hearing about all your family adventures.
A city girl wishing she was in the countryā¦.
Emily says
Praying for your family, Ginny!
I read Wuthering Heights in high school and didn’t appreciate it at the time. Now I like to re-read it! It’s extremely gothic and the characters are nuts, but there are certain times of the year when I like to read a novel like that. Jane Eyre I enjoy about 70% of, but I won’t spoil it for you by telling you what I don’t like! š
I love the movie the Last Unicorn, but I’ve never read the book!
Laura says
Ok, I just love that about you and Beatrix trimming the goats hooves….she sounds like a joy to work with! And I can’t get over Larspur – though I am experiencing the same with my own children.
Thank you for taking the time to share about all the books!
I will continue to pray for your family regarding employment – I can only imagine how stressful that is šš»
Carol in Texas says
Oh, Ginny! What a life you lead! I so enjoy your blog entries and Iāll make note of one or two of your book suggestions. I read too slowly! Our book club is reading The Kitchen Front this month. We just finished a funny history book, Lafayette and the Somewhat United States. I never realized how much we owe the French for our independence! The author, Sarah Vowell, was hilarious to read and funnier to listen to! Iām not a great book listenerā¦.I seem to lose interest part way through. I will add Johnny to my prayers and I just love all your photographs of your family and your world. Prayers your way!
Heidi says
Itās been such a blessing following you and your family all these years. To see Larkspur all grown up and Ambrose in toddler mode really is heartwarming & a little nostalgic all at once. Continued prayers for your family & Jonnys job situation.
And love the chicken tractorā¦great idea. Right now Iām dealing with squirrels eating everything Iāve planted.š¢
Melissa says
Thank you for sharing the chicken tractor plans. My son has been dumpster diving after work in the new developments near us and he has quite a pile collected. He made my girls a beautiful rabbit hutch that I have yet to share, but I’m wanting to get chickens again but not commit to the large sized coop we had before.
Larkspur is sure growing up into a lovely young woman.
Donna says
Ginny,
How I look forward to every post! Itās like hearing from a good friend. You are my mentor when taking photos, yours are so beautiful. I love seeing your beautiful family and farm.
My prayers are with you and your family for work, health and strength.
Thank you for sharing your life with us and reminding us to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures found in small things.
Julie says
Hi Ginny,
I so enjoy all your posts and photographs. I love that staged photo with the Ambrose in the background. So perfect for your life now and very aesthetic as my daughter would say. š
Iād love the link to the hat pattern youāre wanting to knit! Hats are about all I have time to knit anymore in this season of life. Iām currently knitting my boys hats, using Johnnyās favorite pattern.
Iām currently reading This Tender Land and really enjoying it. The author is such a good and interesting writer. I have no idea how it will end!
Your lost brightened my morning. Praying for employment opportunities and provision for your family. Have a blessed day!
Julie says
Whoops, should read āyour POST brightened my morningā sorry about that!
Catherine says
I will be praying for you and your beautiful family.
Linda says
Dear Ginny, I will pray for your husband to get work, I can’t even imagine how stressful that would be š …and on the book front, this post made me smile š We just watched on you tube The Mill on the Floss a couple of weeks ago and loved it….and…I recently purchased a collection of the Bronte sisters books and watched the DVD about them ‘A Life Invisible’ – so great !!! My favourite books so far….Oh there’s too many, but I love love Jane Eyre and am currently reading the Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which I am also enjoying. I also appreciate Anne’s writing. Such a lovely post !! Your little Ambrose sounds like quite a rascal :), but oh so cute !! Blessings to you ~ Linda
Emily says
A thoroughly interesting post as always, Ginny. Thinking of you x
Lorrie says
I never saw the movie, but I read āThe Last Unicornā in the 1970ās. It is still one of my very favorite books!
Kelli says
Let the days work their magic.
Sarah says
Praying for you guys Ginny! Love your posts 10+ years later! Bless you ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø