Thursday, April 30, 2009

WHILE WAITING FOR A HEMINGWAY "FIX".....

...I went looking for reading material. This is the perfect time of year to sit outside in New Mexico. I like to take coffee and book to the porch in the morning and read with the birds and that pesky squirrel. I found this small book on the bookshelf. " The Peddler of Pithole". I have had it since 1977, as evidenced by the date in the inscription to me from the author. I have absolutely no memory of the book or the author. Perhaps it was a gift from my Mother? Her idea of the perfect gift has always been "a book", particularly for children. She has carefully chosen books for children, grand children and great grand children. Out there in the world there are a lot of people who are better because of her passion for books and reading. This small book is an historical novel which takes place in the Pittsburgh PA area and mentions real towns in the area where I grew up. It was an easy and fun read, but had a curiously abrupt ending. Almost as if the author just said one day, "I am finished writing this". In all fairness, I should be gentle on books and authors I read immediately after reading Hemingway!
This next book will take a while longer. (apologies for the glare on that shiny cover)"Regards From The Dead Princess" by Kenize Mourad is also an historical novel taking place at the end of World War One in parts of Europe and the Middle East. I have just started it and am enjoying it. When my eyes get tired of reading, I am working on 3 altered vests to ship to the Firenza Gallery in Arroyo Seco. I will share photographs with you when they are finished. Do have a good day, all of you and thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

OUR COURTYARD IS COMPLETE.....

Remember that open space above the front gate? It is now serving it's full purpose. We have waited a long time for the perfect bell to show up and now I feel like I am living in a very old Spanish mission. The bell ring sound is wonderful and the pull rope ends in a very old piece of chain that we found on the land. The bell is old, and rusty and has a wonderful patina. When you come to visit us, please ring the bell. It will make you smile!

A TREAT FOR OUR BIRDS.....

Today I put out a proper watering saucer for our birds. In the center is a large piece of aquamarine glass that catches the sun and shimmers just like the water. I think they will like it! One of the yucca plants outside the courtyard wall has bloomed. I managed to get a photograph of it before Bart, our resident and destructive young squirrel, ate the rest of the blossoms. He does have quite an appetite.
It is a beautiful summer day here in the high desert part of New Mexico; the kind of weather that makes a person happy! I hope your day is going well too.

Monday, April 27, 2009

THOUGHTS ON HEMINGWAY.....

I have finished reading "A Movable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway and was sad when it was over. Often, after reading a good book, I wander around, still "in the book" for a day or so until my mind lets it go. He has a style I have not read often, if ever. I don't (do not) think there was a single apostrophe in this book. There were NO contractions. Without them, the writing/reading sounds almost child-like and the lack of contractions forces the brain to read more slowly. I suspect this was the plan. As a fast reader, it was uncomfortable at first, but as I got into the rhythm it was good. I will be ordering "Green Hills of Africa" and "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" next week. I am wondering if these also will be without contractions? I will let you know.
In the meantime here is a photo to tease you! This is the arch over the front entrance to the courtyard. Something wonderful is going to happen in this open space. Stay tuned!

Monday, April 20, 2009

IS WINTER REALLY GONE?

Well, three days ago it snowed, but today was magnificent! It felt like a beautiful summer day; warm sun, gentle warm breezes, just perfect! So, we moved all the bird feeders ( five of them) to the East side of the covered deck. I cleaned and filled two hummingbird feeders and within about 15 minutes they had found them. I wonder how long they have been waiting ? And where? Remember those beautiful yellow roses? I transplanted them to outside containers so they will get a lot more sun. We sat on the porch steps when we were finished and just soaked up Vitamin D like a couple of lazy lizards. Tomorrow will be just as good. My plan is to have breakfast and coffee with the birds.
Post Script: My Physical Therapy session today included an assessment and measurements . All segments of my movement have improved dramatically and sessions have been reduced to once a week. My pain level has decreased from a constant "9" to a persistent but tolerable "2". I am very happy! Celebration included coffee milkshakes!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

MY JOURNEY WITH HEMINGWAY....

I can't wait to get into this book! I think after this one, I will start with his writings, in the order in which they were written.

Friday, April 10, 2009

THIS FACE JUST CRACKS ME UP!

Some people actually believe that cats don't have expressive faces! Silly people. How can you NOT love a cat?