Tall Tales from Kansas

After my last “book focused” post, where I mentioned that I may have pushed one of the main characters who was lost at sea overboard, I recognized a need to return to some pure comfort in the reading arena. Those who have been following along for awhile know about the two series I reach for when in need of just such a fix. Today I finished listening to installment #11 (A Dangerous Place) in the one by Jacqueline Winspear featuring Maisie Dobbs. Since last I checked in she has returned from India, went through some major life changes in Canada, and after investigating a murder in Gibraltar, finds herself in the middle of a a civil war in Spain. Some good historical fiction along with a bit of intrigue and a visit with old friends. It was just what I needed to settle me out.

Happily, just as I was finishing it, #13 (Glass Houses) in the Three Pines series featuring Inspector Armand Gamache by Louise Penny came up for me on libby. Oh joy. I am ready for a visit to the Northern Townships and a stop in at the bistro. Yes, please. Most of you have likely read all the books in both of these series, but I have been parsing them out ever so slowly since I discovered them. I intend to continue exactly in that same manner. It’s like having a special shelf in my home library that I can go to in times of need and pull down something that will be guaranteed to take me away. No guessing involved. There are 7 more books in each of these series. If I am very careful that will see me through the next three years of this current administration squatting in the White House.

Meanwhile, on the nightstand for the all important “right before sleep” reading is this collection of essays by the one and only Brian Doyle – Notes on Wonder: One Long River of Song. Each night I read one (ok sometimes two), and after I finish, I remove my glasses, sigh, close my eyes, put my hands on top of the book that I have placed on my chest, and am grateful he left these words for us.

These grocery store daisies combined with some snips of ivy from my back yard and a few pieces of boxwood from the side yard are also bringing some cheer.

The ivy is growing roots in the water like nobody’s business. Those cuttings will be placed in a pot outside with the coming of spring, which feels like a long way off yet, but will be here before we know it.