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Monday, January 26, 2015

Monday morning

These paints didn't have silly names like the last batch, but if one were so inclined, one could call them them Chocolate, Blueberry, Lime and Mustard.
(and then one could go throw up at the thought of that culinary combination)



We are bracing ourselves for a blizzard that is expected to bring upwards of 2 feet of snow, and while the National Weather Service is throwing around terms like "crippling" "historic" and "life threatening," all I can think is "day off spent painting."

My decline in creative output in 2014 was not just time spent staring at the wall.  I also managed to read 63 books. 
It seems to have become a steady habit.  I've already read 10 books in January.
I recommend this one.
Don't bother reading this one.


Last night's family movie night was the 1983 classic "War Games" with a baby-faced Matthew Broderick.  Our tech-savvy child of the new millennia enjoyed the liberties Hollywood took with its portrayal of the fancy-pants military computer which was about to start World War 3.  (Gotta cover those machines with lots of colorful blinking lights in order to advance the plot.) But then there were the parts where his parents had to say "no, that's actually what computers and phones looked like."


I made lamb shanks in the crock-pot yesterday.  Today I generously packed the small portion of delicious leftovers in Ric's lunch.  Now am I wishing I'd been willing to stand in line at the deli yesterday so that I could have packed Ric a turkey sandwich and kept that lamb for myself...


Bake.
That's what else I'm going to do during the blizzard.
Bake.
And read.
Paint and bake and read.
Plus I have the movie "The Way Way Back" checked out of the library, so maybe I'll do that too.
This blizzard better last three days.


My next series of painted postcards was inspired by a pair of socks.

19 comments:

  1. All the best with the storm...we are squeeeeking past it by the skin of our teeth 4-8 inches expected here.

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    1. you deserve a pass on this storm, Carroll. You've had plenty already this season. We just seem to be getting our whole winter's worth at one time.

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  2. I just got back from the library with an arm-load of books in preparation for the weather that is potentially going to cripple my life-threatening history.
    (It better stop snowing by Feb.6!)
    I've read a ton of books lately too, preferring reading to making anything. Want a book to avoid? "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. That book made me apoplectic. Probably the 2nd worst book I've ever read, after 50 Shades of Oh My God Make It Stop. As for a book worth recommending: I recently finished "The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street". I loved it!

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    1. first let me just say that apoplectic is one of my favorite words. and recommendations on what NOT to read are just as valuable as the good book suggestions. I read The Hundred Year house on your recommendation and loved it. As soon as I finished it I started it over again from the beginning because I needed to figure out all the clues I missed the first time. (So does that mean I've read 11 books in January since I read that one twice?)

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  3. Great work on your cards - so nice to see you arting away again. And, while news of a blizzard sounds miserable, you almost make it seem like fun! I wouldn't mind a few extra days off - but not if it means I have to have piles of snow! Have fun baking (and eating the results, of course), reading (I read 60 last year myself - will check out The Farm) and MAKING ART!

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    1. I kind of have my fingers stuck in my ears, while I pretend I won't have to help clear this colossal mess. It's all great fun while I'm tucked inside, but talk to me Wednesday while I'm digging out and my tune will change.

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  4. The colors go so well together, the food combo, not so much. I read about Farm and it sounded great. Glad to know you think so. Yes, creativity day but I've got to plow and shovel too. Ah New England. Making pie tomorrow? xox

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  5. That color combination may sound unappetizing, but I do really enjoy how it looks! And this sounds wrong, but I am finding myself really jealous of your upcoming storm! We never have bad enough weather to force us to stay home - and I long for that kind of day. It sounds like you'll be making the most of it. I've been inhaling books lately myself. Have you read The Thirteenth Tale? I just finished it, and I'm in mourning, I just miss it. I actually listened to it, and the two readers were so amazing, the best I've ever heard.

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    1. ooh - I just read the summary of the Thirteenth Tale and it sounds great. I've added it to my list - thanks for the tip!

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    2. I LOVED The Thirteenth Tale!!

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  6. Great post, Karen! Paint, Bake and read -- oh yes! Perfect plans for a blizzard (ok, so I don't know blizzards ...but I can imagine...) Be sure to stock up on that Ravenswood too -- and have fun. Love the postcards.

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    1. I'd be happy to give you first-hand blizzard experience, Pamela. You could come over and we could have a pie bake-off! Too late to fly in for this one...

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    2. Hummmmm.......Karen...I may have to pass on that lovely offer....no winter coat or snow boots.......but pie? Yes!

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  7. I was actually wishing for snow the other day so I could justify a day at home just doing creative stuff. No sign of even a snow flake though :(

    The Farm looks great, I'll keep my eye out for that one.

    Enjoy your snow days!

    x

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  8. How is the snow in your area? Danvers is in the 24"+ range but it's not even close right now. It's even "Yeah, I could make it to school safely" at the moment. (Getting out of school would be different.) I was supposed to have jury duty today but that was also canceled. I hope to make some art too.

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  9. I loved the way, way back. Hope you enjoy it. Glad to hear you're making good use of your snow days. :) You might want to add The Miniaturist to your reading list.

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  10. Whoa! I missed these yummy beauties! I do love all the colors though, but could throw out the mustard in the culinary equation and you could have some quite tasty delights! You all are amazing for having energy to read so often too. Inspired to read more this year (hopefully with a cat or two on my lap to force me :D) and will put all the recommendations on the list!

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  11. 18 comments?!? If I had ever gotten 18 comments (or 10), I might have been bouyed to continue blogging! Well, maybe not. Laziness is the main reason, plus lack of inspiration. But those backgrounds. Shut UP!

    I've only read 63 books my entire life. And I would never read a novel with a title that includes 'ourselves', 'memory' or 'daughter' in it. So no danger there.

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