I used to read.
A lot.
Somewhere along the way, I ‘got busy’.
Life has a way of doing that.
So does blogging.
Or maybe the constant barrages of the internet made it all too easy to give it up. There’s Kindle, GoodReads and Ibooks, among others, and let’s not forget Pinterest and Facebook, which suck you in faster than a black hole vortex.
But there’s nothing like an actual book.
When we were away this past winter, we had limited internet and very little cable most of the time. I found myself drawn to the libraries at the various RV resorts. The books were free for the taking, and I took full advantage.
At first, I read what I like to call ‘summer beach reading books’…Danielle Steele, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Mary Higgins Clark, to name a few. Books that kept my interest but did little to stimulate my brain matter.
Slowly, I graduated to mysteries, and then semi-autobiographical novels of which ‘Girl in Translation’, by Gene Kwok, was a favorite. It was the story of a young girl who came to this country from Asia with her mother with zero English and worked in the sweat shops in Brooklyn. Through sheer determination, she rose to become a successful physician. I couldn’t help but cheer her on.
Next up was ‘Being Martha’ by Lloyd Allen, who was a long time good friend of Martha’s both before and after her incarceration. Martha is nothing if not controversial. Most people either love her or hate her. I guess I’m not most people because I’m on the fence, but this story shed light onto how she became the person she is today.
What do you make of the stories from people who have ‘died’ and come back to life? I read two different accounts…one from a person who saw Hell (23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese) and another from a person (Saved by the Light by Dannion Brinkley) who was medically dead not once, but twice, and had interesting stories from both experiences. Whether you believe in this sort of thing or not, both books make for interesting, thought-provoking reads.
I read James Paterson’s ‘Truth or Die’ while on the plane to Singapore, and finished it a few days after we arrived. Paterson is one of my favorite mystery writers, so I knew I’d like it, and I did. Few writers can draw you in and spin a story like Paterson.
I picked up Whiskey Tango Fox Trot and #GirlBoss a few weeks ago. Have you read either one? I started to read them both, but they’ve been laying beside my favorite recliner for a few days untouched so I guess I’m not really into either one. WTF (yup, that’s the acronym and it means exactly what you think it does) is based on a true story of a reporter (maybe you’ve heard about/seen the movie?) while in the Middle East and #GirlBoss is the story of a young woman who went from dumpster diving to running a super successful vintage clothing line which she started on eBay.
The Dog Who Saved Me by Susan Wilson was the last book I read, about an officer who lost his K-9 companion and his struggle to overcome his grief. The story could have easily slipped into an overly sentimental cliche, but the author kept it real.
Shifting gears, here’s a little herb garden I started using some antique mason jars I picked up last year at a barn sale.
If you’d like to do something similar, I would recommend placing some marbles or pebbles on the bottom of the jar for drainage. The herbs don’t need too much soil to flourish, but they do need to get watered almost every day. I planted marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary and parsley. Of those, I don’t recommend trying basil as it grows too fast, becomes leggy, and will quickly outgrow the jar, unless you use jars that are a lot larger than what I have.
In other news…
The driveway is done!! Yippeeeee!! Our main reason for doing the driveway was to address some drainage issues we have, but I have to say I love how it looks. So much cleaner and neater now. It’s raining today or I would have had a photo to show you but I will next time. Here’s a shot of the work in progress:
You know what my favorite part about Spring is? Peonies! I picked up a tree peony and I think I’m in love. They don’t need staking, and take a look at the size of this bloom.
Here’s a bouquet I put together yesterday of some white and pink peonies, one hydrangea and some mountain laurel for accents. I had some beauties last year too which you can see here, and you can pick up a few tips on how to care for them while you’re there.
These purple flowers are from a perennial called Heavenly Habit and they’re perfect for planting near Hostas and ferns. It’s always nice to find a perennial with color that can do well in shady areas, because they’re few and far between.
Remember the raised bed I told you about? I sowed the seeds less than a week before we left for Singapore and Cambodia and when we returned three weeks later this is what it looked like.
A week later we had this! Oh, and not only did we have healthy veggies, but many, many healthy caterpillars. There’s one on the bottom right.
Not bad for a rookie, huh? Since I’ve taken this pic we’ve eaten most of the chard and lettuce so it looks a lot skimpier, but I’ll be adding seeds throughout the summer so we’ll have a continuous supply of veggies.
If you’ve been following me for a while you might remember this bassinet I purchased a couple of years ago at a church rummage sale for $20. I noticed this year that there’s an inscription on the bottom that says when it was made (1973), who made it and for whom. I thought that was kinda cool.
Last year my deck planters were really pretty! I don’t know if I can top that this year but here’s what I’ve got so far.
Next up is the stairs, which I’m super anxious to get done. The condition of our current steps is beyond pathetic, and I think it will make a big difference to the overall look of the front of the house. I’m not sure if the contractor can get it done before July, but as soon as it’s finished I’ll share some before and afters.
Oh, and I have good news! I’m not sick anymore!! I’m still a little congested, but it’s nothing terrible and it’s not slowing me down anymore. I have to say I have NEVER been sick that long (over a month) in my life and guess what? I don’t like it one bit and it better not happen again. That’s all I’m gonna say about that.
Lastly, guess where I am today? I’m guest posting over at my friend Amy’s and talking about my favorite things. Hop on over and see if we like some of the same things. I have a feeling we do.
Amy says
Let’s start with the most important thing – I’m so glad to hear that you are feeling better! Like you, I used to read constantly, but blogging takes up so much of my time. These days, when I do read, it’s something like “How To Write A College Essay.” I wish I had a spot to grow peonies – they are magnificent, and your veggie garden is enviable! Last, I am thrilled that you agreed to be my first guest writer for “Favorite Things!”Thank you, Doreen!
Dewena says
Good morning, Doreen! I read this post early this morning and had to go fix breakfast first, human and canine, now went to Amy’s and loved your gem of favorite things.
I’m so glad you’re feeling better!
I know just how much work you must have done on this post too, book reviews don’t throw themselves together. I enjoyed learning what you’ve been up to during your month of feeling porely–my favorite Rx is a good book but then I never have to be sick to indulge in reading. I know what you mean about certain books that just don’t get picked up again. With me, in my elder years, I don’t have time to be depressed so I close a book early if that’s what it’s doing to me.
Who knew you could grow herbs in water in a mason jar? And they’re so pretty sitting in a sunny window. I might have to try that as I now have a huge wraparound window in the breakfast nook, with a good width sill, that you have to wear sunglasses to sit there until sundown.
I love your peony arrangement! I miss our mountain laurel in TN, enjoy yours for me!
Debbie from MountainMama says
Wow, your gardens are looking amazing, Doreen!!! No slugs for you, huh? Lucky dog!! Loved the guest post over at Amy’s – you are one incredibly talented lady!! xoxo
Emily says
Hi Doreen, I prefer my books to kindles or iPad, love the way they feel and smell. It is always fun to have “summer reads” while on vacation or traveling. Love picking up where I left off in a familiar book while in a strange place. Love the garden, nothing like “home grown.” Love how you are using the bassinet as a planter.So happy to hear you are almost one hundred percent betterβ¦.
Have a good week.
Julie says
Hello Doreen, I love that you read a lot while on your vacation. I will have to take note of some of those books you read as I’m looking for a good summer read. I love your herbs growing in the mason jars, they look so pretty! You have a beautiful garden too. I really happy and I bet you are too that you are feeling better. I am off to read your favorite things at Amy’s. Take care and have a wonderful week. Julie xo
Jemma says
Oh Doreen,
Your reading update was very interesting, but I sort of had to scurry through it all to get to these flower photos!
They are gorgeous! You have really fine tuned your photography skills-these are amazing and gorgeous!
xx
Jemma
Rita C at Panoply says
This is a great hodgepodge of updates, Doreen. Glad to know you’re feeling better, and that you’re knocking projects off the list. That feeling of home being safe and sound is very comforting. Books – I’m not so much a big book reader (vs mags & blogs), but my husband is a voracious one, and I enjoy passing info back and forth on good reads. He loves Patterson, and can go through those ‘summer’ reads in lickety split time, but he loves good thrillers with character development. My Panoply sisters love a good read too. One just finished Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult and said it was moving. I do read and very much enjoy those on the subject of life after, so I may act on those you’ve read – sound interesting.
Your vegetable garden looks amazing! How rewarding to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sounds like you’ve summer under control in many aspects. Enjoy!
Rita
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Doreen,
Loved reading your post today. Lots of great pictures and information. I am looking for some good summer reads so thanks for the book reviews. Love how your drive is coming along and your garden flowers are looking so pretty. Glad you are feeling better too. I saw your guest post at Amy’s fabulous girl! Have a great new week.
Kris
Cindy says
Hello my friend, I’m back. John loves to read. Me not so much. I’ve tried over the years but never stuck. Love your garden. You must have been excited when coming home to see such a harvest
How neat about the signature. The flowers look awesome. I saw you posting at Amy’s. Can’t wait for us to catch up
Cindy
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
I’m glad you’re “on the mend!” You came home to instant veggie foods. I’ve got a strawberry plant, tomatoes & a pepper plant for Israel. He eats the hottest peppers I don’t see why fire isn’t coming out of his ears.
Brenda
Marilyn @ Pink Paper Cottage says
What a wonderful, fun, newsy and beautiful blog post! So glad to hear you are “among the living” again.. that’s what my mom always used to say after she was sick (which was very rarely). I love those peonies! I just brought some plants from my son’s house up in the wet climates of Washougal, WA but looks like they all have died. One looks partially alive still. Could if have anything to do with the fact that I left them sitting in a tub of water for a week? I think the poor things drowned. I’m hoping maybe they’ll recover next spring. I LOVE to read too. so am so glad for your ideas on some good books. I’m going to try them. I’ve gotten to the point that if I can’t get into the book immediately, then I quit trying to read it again and again, with the hopes that it’ll get better! I love Patterson too and keep thinking I want to read every one of his. If you want a wonderful, thought provoking and “can’t put it down” series, you ought to try “The Walk” series by Richard Paul Evans. It is fantastic. There are 5 books and they are hard to put down. He is a wonderful writer with many “life quotes” in his books that I’ve actually written down to save. Welcome home and I’ll enjoy seeing more of your summer posts. Marilyn
Sue says
Your peony photos are so nice. The pinks ones are like heaven. You read a LOT of book for pete’s sake. I used to read tons of books all my child and adult life, but since blogging, I am all read out by the end of a day or so I say to myself. Died and came back to life stories fascinate me a lot. They make sense when you can line them up with a personal experience.
Red Rose Alley says
Your Peonies are wonderful, Doreen. You know, I wanted to plant some Peonies in my garden this year, but the nursery said it was a bit late and that they have already bloomed. Maybe next year. They look like sturdy flowers. Love that pink color. Your garden is spectacular! Everything looks so green and alive! I noticed your white little table and chairs in the background, how cute. So glad you’re reading a good book. I must get back to reading again. It’s been way too long.
~Sheri
Vera says
Doreen I really enjoyed your guest hosting at Amy’s, a very fun and wity post. That’s a lot of books you read recently! I too love reading but daily life often has other plans. Your plantings look amazing and the bassinet very inventive repurposing. Love your Pink Peonies.
xo,
Vera
Cecilia says
First of all, yippee for no longer being sick! Then next, I’m loving your garden. We’re into hot already so sweating happens in a flash (in more ways than one ha) so unless I make it outside early, there’s not much going on in my garden. As for reading, I used to read a lot. Now blogs, Pinterest, and other online pursuits take up my reading time. It’s nice to get away and actually get to pick up a book. I need to be more intentional. Have a great rest of the week!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Vashti Q says
Hi Doreen! I’m intrigued about many of the books you’ve read. Thanks for the mini reviews. I love peonies too! I wish I could grow them here. I can’t even find them in flower shops here. Congrats on finishing your driving. I hope the repair of your stairs go smoothly.
I’m so happy you’re finally feeling better. Germs are getting more and more difficult to get rid of and it’s really scary. Have a wonderful day! π xx
Karen Frost says
Hi Doreen, glad to hear that you are feeling better. Being sick in summer is the worst. Love seeing all your nice flowers and gardens. The mason jar herb garden sure is pretty. Like you, I don’t find time for reading too often, and mostly because I have started so many books I couldn’t finish because they were so boring. I have read, ‘Girl in Translation’ – a wonderful book! Also read, ‘Saved by the Light’. It does give one hope and encouragement! I need to find those flowers, ‘Heavenly Habit’, as I have more shade than sun here. I will be popping over to Amy’s blog next…..Take care and have a good week. xx Karen
kelly says
I wish I was an avid reader. It’s hard for me to take the time to get into a book. But, reading can be so therapeutic and is good for the brain. You mentioned some good ones to consider! Your raised bed garden looks great! I’ve never planted any lettuce varieties before. We should consider doing that. I think those might be better suited for cooler months though down here. I think it’s too hot here to grow them in the summer. Glad to know that your driveway is poured. We need a new one since ours is cracked so bad. They are expensive though. So glad to hear that you’re feeling better now too. A month is a long time to be sick!
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen! π
I used to read a lot too…there just never seems to be enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do…need to win the lotto I think! π
The Dog Who Saved Me is on my list to read!
Your gardens are so nice and the photos of the flowers are so beautiful! Peonies are one of my favorites!
Planting in the aqua Mason jars is such a pretty idea, I will have to copy that one! π
I did get your comment on my old post…I had made some of my old posts ‘private’ while our home was for sale and didn’t realize when I made them ‘not private’ the other night that it would generate a notify to subscribers…doh! π Just trying to keep you on your toes!! π
Have a wonderful rest of your week! Hugs!! Kimberley
Carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
So happy you’re feeling better dear Friend! I was worried about you!! π
I love all of your fun reading ideas. I have not been reading enough and need to get back to it. I don’t think I’d read any you mention but I did see Whiskey Tango Foxtrot movie and it was really good! I love Tina Fey and actually want to read her book. I love biographies in general I guess. I have a pile I’ve accumulated, I just need to READ! π
Your herbs, planters and garden look amazing!! And yay for the driveway all done! I can’t wait to see the stairs when they’re done. And those peonies. TAlk about take my breath away. I don’t think I knew they had tree peonies. I may need to check that out!! Such a gorgeous bouquet you created.
Love catching up with you – you awesome Chica you. Blessings. xoxo
Vicky Hunt says
I’m so glad you’re feeling better now! The books you have been reading sound like good ones. I haven’t read any of them. I’m currently reading You Before Me before I go see the movie. Your flowers and garden all look so pretty! I so wish I could grow peonies here! They are so beautiful to me. I especially love the herb jars…so pretty! Enjoy those fresh veggies. I am tending my mom and dad’s container gardens while they are out of town. Their tomatoes are taller than me and the okra, cucumbers, and peppers are all producing right now. I love okra and can’t wait to cook it.
sandy says
Wow! You have a green thumb long distance! Great post and I am happy to hear you are feeling better. ‘Can’t wait for the driveway picture.
Feral Turtle says
LOVE your peonies. Mine are just opening up. Your garden looks like it should me in a magazine Doreen. Glad you are feeling better. And with all those fresh veggies you will be super healthy for the summer!!