All posts by Sherry

Getting back to it

Journal

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Thank you to everyone who wondered about my absence and sent their good wishes. I’m back on my feet, feeling much better, but still not quite at “normal”. I see improvements every day but I’m patient and allowing myself time to heal and trying to listen to what my body is telling me – that included naps for several days, early bed times, and very carefully watching what I eat. I’ve started taking a walk every day, adding a block or two each time and, hopefully, by the time my books are due at the Library I’ll be able to walk there and back.

I’ve managed to keep up with a few things, laundry in particular, although I haven’t had a go yet at the sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, or scrubbing. We have a sold-out House Concert on October 2nd so I’ll have to work myself up to it before then. I’ve managed a Cranberry Hall Board meeting, a Guild business meeting, a movie and a couple of doctor appointments so my days are still busy. I am going to try very hard not to stress myself out over commitments I have made; in light of that I’m trying very hard not to make any new commitments.

I’ve made some progress on a cross-stitch project I’ve been working on, and I managed to do some knitting over the last couple of evenings. About the only thing I haven’t spent much time at is my quilting. I finished up a couple of cards that were partially done before I got sick but haven’t moved beyond that. I was hoping to get back to the sewing bee on Tuesday but I have another doctor appointment lined up for that day so I’ll have to wait another week.

I’m well enough for a daily post again, but will I have anything to write about? Who knows!

Beatriz at Dinner

Movies

 

This was the first movie of the 2017-2018 Cinematheque series. I was just less than a week out of the hospital so I wasn’t certain how well I would last through a movie. We sat in the very front row (so I could stretch my legs) and I had a pillow for my back. No snacks for me but maybe eventually I can work up to some plain popcorn.

I loved the movie – right up until the end. The dialogue between Beatriz (Salma Heyek) and Doug (John Lithgow) was superb and really got to the centre of their two positions on development. There are lots of other familiar faces in the cast as well, including Connie Britton from the TV show Nashville. The ending was odd, but don’t let that put you off seeing the movie.

The Charming Predator

Books

Author: Lee Mackenzie

 

This book was being passed along through the Guild; I wouldn’t have bothered with it except the author lives in Powell River.

The story begins when the author meets Kenner Jones on a trip through Wales. Although their meeting is brief they continue a relationship through letters; the relationship soon turns to love (at least on the author’s part). After they marry Lee finds out that Kenner has been stealing her money, as well as money from several others. His string of lies seem plausible in the beginning but soon fall apart when the authorities begin investigating. The deceit and fraud continue over many years.

I’m not sure what the purpose of the book is. The author admits to feeling ashamed over the entire business but I don’t know how airing it all in public helps. I’d give it a miss if I were you.

 

Goodreads Rating  * *

Above All Things / Cavedweller / Bastard Out of Carolina

Books

Author: Tanis Rideout / Dorothy Allison / Dorothy Allison

Above All Things

Why would anyone voluntarily put themselves through the physical agonies and risks to climb a mountain? According to George Mallory the answer was “Because it’s there”.

This novel tells the story of Malloy’s last climb – an attempt on the summit of Mount Everest. In alternating chapters devoted to the climbing party and Ruth, the wife and family Mallory left behind, there is a glimpse of the harsh lives both are living.

It was a fascinating read and I have to admit I Googled the Everest expedition because I couldn’t wait until the end of the book to see what happened.

 

Goodreads Rating  * * * * *

Cavedweller

Certainly not a joyful novel but there are some very strong women characters. The book is set in Georgia but this is certainly not Southern Belle territory. I highly recommend it.

 

Goodreads Rating  * * * * *

 

Bastard Out of Carolina

When I pulled this book, and another by the same author, off my bookshelf and added it to my “virtual bookshelf” I was pretty sure that I had read it before. When I was at the Library returning my last set of books this was the only author I remembered so brought both of the books home – strange I know, but in my mind it made sense.

The story is narrated by Bone, a poor Southern girl living a sub-standard life. When her step-father begins to abuse her she blames herself and tells no one,

This is not a book for the faint of heart but I’ve pulled my copy from the For Sale box and added it to my Modern Classic shelf.

 

Goodreads Rating  * * * * *