The book stack above is of my new books, some gifts, some purchased by me. I've finished We Three Queens, and am dipping into A Garden A Day every few days or so. There's another stack of library books I returned today and hope to update my reading list on the sidebar soon.
"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home."
Edith Sitwell
Our winter has been unseasonably warm thus far. I had a pot of paperwhites on the porch, but they were slow to open, so I brought them inside. Their fragrance isn't as strong as I remember, but still sweet, giving a hint of spring.
Isn't that a lovely fox? I received a spiral bound notebook for Christmas with the cover drawn by 5-year-old Iris. The drawing was guided orally by the teacher, but the work is Iris' own. Notebooks and other items with the drawings (by each of the children) are fundraisers for the school. I find it so charming, but have not yet decided what to write in the notebook.
It's taken me all day to write this post between various tasks, and as evening draws in, it will also be slow and calm. I wish the same for you.
Love the fox that Iris drew for the cover of this book. We have had slow and calm days here. It was a really slow going time we had in putting Christmas decor away this year taking the time to weed through things we aren't really enjoying anymore. Enjoy your slow and calm days.
ReplyDeleteIris's fox is charming. Such a nice idea for a gift. Slow and calm is perfect for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that gentle start to the day. I have some hyacinths with very little smell. Once they would have perfumed the house. I love paperwhite daffodils. B x
ReplyDeleteOh how lovely is Iris's fox, and what a great teacher to guide their art in this way. You will treasure this book. I was curious about Three Queens and did a quick search. It looks interesting.. Enjoy your reading and quiet days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely notebook, very cheerful.
ReplyDeleteThe fox notebook is super cute. I aim for slow and calm in every moment possible. Looks like an interesting stack of books. I'm currently reading Secondhand by Adam Minter.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Lorrie. Your first week of January sounds like a very nice way to start the year. A Garden A Day caught my interest in your book stack. I am going to keep my eye out for that one. Your blue and white tea cups are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteIris did such a nice job with her fox. What a lovely gift and one that is sure to make you smile every time you see it.
What a dear gift that little fox notebook is! I love "slow and calm." After the joyful exuberance of the holidays, it is just what I need. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYour new books look very interesting, especially A Garden a Day. The notebook adorned with the fox that Iris drew is super cute.
ReplyDeleteToday I took a lovely walk in the forest in the sunshine. And I baked pistachio biscuits and made almond macaroons with the egg whites. Now the tins are full again. Maybe tomorrow I'll make an Engardine nut cake, which keeps very well... I'll have a full house at the weekend. It's always good to be prepared.
ReplyDeleteThis little fox is beautiful, you will guard it like a treasure, because that's what it is.
We are still in Christmas and New Year mode - relaxed and happy... may it continue.
Best wishes from Viola
Oh Lorrie, that tea set is lovely! And those books all look good. I see many cozy times in your future! Meanwhile, my favorite is Iris' fox -- she's very good and it is just delightful!
ReplyDeleteThe Fox is really very nicely drawn. I feel about the same here, slow down and relax after three intense week!
ReplyDeleteI love the fox notebook. What a cute idea for schools to make some money. We're having a lot of colder weather here in Georgia. Seems colder than usual to me, I love it. That's a lot of books to read! Find a cozy corner and huddle up with your reading choice!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as always. That is a great fund-raising idea for a school. The fox is a great job by Iris.
ReplyDeleteGreat notebook! It was last Christmas that I received two similar notebooks from my daughter with my own photos on the covers -- I have pretty much filled one with journal entries, and I was just thinking today that maybe I should get something like that for myself this time. I could commission artwork from the grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteGretchen Joanna
Je vous souhaite une très bonne et heureuse année 2025. Une bonne santé et une vie faite de petits bonheurs et d'instants magiques.
ReplyDeleteHélène
Lovely pictures !
ReplyDeleteLove to read too !
Have a cozy day !
Anna
I just love pictures of foxes 🦊 That is a cute one. I was just thinking of an old notebook of mine, don't know if I still have it. I used to write Spanish words and sayings in it from TV telenovelas,
ReplyDeletee.g. "Cobarde, no tienes pantalones!" 😀 and also names of telenovelas I managed to find on satelllite TV; Esmeralda, Gata salvaje, Maria Mercedes etc.
“Watercolour Landscapes” jumped out at me! I fell behind on reading the two books I have so I don’t dare even investigate another book! The spiral notebook was such a nice gift, knowing the story that goes along with it makes it special!
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight Iris's fox is - she shows an early artistic talent.
ReplyDeleteIt is curious to see this as I too am about to post a picture of foxes painted by our granddaughter for her grandfather - snapX🦊 🦊 🦊
A posting full of lovely things, books, flowers and Iris' delightful fox! Isn't it good to have a stack of new books waiting to be read!
ReplyDeleteI think most of your posts are slow and calm, Lorrie, and it's something valuable. Your beautiful photos and well-chosen words give a peaceful moment also to us readers.
ReplyDeleteYou will have many pleasant moments with your new books. Especially A Garden A Day and Watercolour Landscapes sound lovely.
Happy winter days to you!
What a lovely way to start the year—calm, cozy, and full of little joys!
ReplyDeleteLove the Edith Sitwell quote.
The fox notebook is adorable!
Wishing you more slow and peaceful days ahead. 😊
Hi Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI love your notebook with the fox cover -- Iris did a great job! I can't even draw stick people. :D There's nothing like a new stack of books to keep us quietly occupied; I can't imagine life without books. Your paperwhites are lovely! I completely agree with Edith Sitwell's quote that winter is the time for home. We are currently having quiet days here, too. We just finished a challenging jigsaw puzzle, and I've been reading a lot, as usual.
I replied to your comment with an e-mail, but in case you don't receive it, the Scotland book is published by Victoria. Love their books!
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Hugs,
Denise
A lovely post, beautiful photographs and I do like the fox that Iris coloured.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed reading those words by Edith Sitwell
All the best Jan
Oh I love the fox journal! I write in a journal every day and love unique journals like this. Well done Iris! I just stated the latest Louise Penny book but I'm having trouble getting interested in it which is unusual! Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteHi Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I checked back here because I left a comment for you a few days ago, but maybe you didn't receive it? Your notebook is darling -- such a lovely fox! I can't even draw stick people. :D I love your paperwhites and your pretty teacups. Books are wonderful gifts to buy ourselves, aren't they? I cannot imagine a world without books. Thank you for your visit recently. I sent you an e-mail, but in case you don't receive it, the Scotland book is published by Victoria magazine. Their books are beautifully done.
Have a great weekend, Lorrie! We are getting snow here -- Yay!
Hugs,
Denise
Little Iris is an artist, Lorrie, and what a sweet gift for you to receive from her. How can she be 5 already?? I love winter here in Texas and we had snow, and I’ve been enjoying staying inside and not venturing out on the roads. Enjoy your cozy time at home with your stack of books and a cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteLove Rhys Bowen's books. That fox on the notebook is so very wonderful. Oh, I missed having paperwhites this Christmas season, but I will remedy it next Christmas for sure. BTW, happy travels!!!
ReplyDeleteYou make winter feel so cozy and warm!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography