Do read

I have read 2 fabulous books----

The Reluctant Fundalmentalist, is a narrative which is a quick read, but will leave a deep impression. Had Barnes and Noble not had this as a featured book 2 weeks ago (along with a nifty little coupon to accompany the member's discount), I am not sure I would have take notice of this book--and I am glad I did. I felt like I had a small window into the life of someone who was in need of a friend. This was a weekend read, and the weekend was all the better for it!


Ahab's Wife was utterly stunning--I am so happy to have read this book. This is the story of Una Spencer, Captain Ahab's (from Moby Dick) wife. She is a strong, passionate woman who survives many tragedies, and is a better woman because of each of her life experiences. Una is a beautiful heroine, and her love affair with Ahab is one not to forget.

As for the 665 pages, it was a pleasure, not a burden. And this book is the 3rd out of 3 selections (Woman in White + The Book Thief) for the Chunkster Challenge!


Both of these books are additions to my Spring Reading Challenge selections. Now if I could only get myself in motion to finish a pair of socks by the end of the month I would be 3 for 3 on the sock-a-month plan!!!!! More on that knitting plan when we chat next time!

Finish 1, Start Another

As I made my way through a rainy weekend, I finished this:

which now looks like this:

the infamous clapotis
tourmeline colourway, from Mama-E

And then I spontaneously decided to cast-on for this:


This will be the Lace Kerchief Shawl from Interweave Knits 2006 Holiday Issue. This knits so quick, is so fun, and it looks far more difficult than it really is. I am using Brown Sheep cotton fleece from the stash!

Season Finale

At last, the finale of Sitcom Chic---it is finished, it is seamed, there are no ends to weave in, it has been steamed and pressed (although it is going to get another once over), and the button has been attached.
But wait----the episode cliff hanger: how will I get those edges not to roll?? Any suggestions (I have even sprayed starch on them!!!!)?

Roza, Roza, Roza + The Road

I turned the heel on Roza, and knit diligently on the foot, thinking that over Easter vacation I would be able to finish sock 1. Round about this point, I thought I would try it on . . .

and it didn't fit. I don't have gi-normous feet, I have failry small ankles (the smallest part of me!) and I got the sock on, but it was tight. What the @$%##???? Not only was it tight, but there was absolutely no give to the sock. And then on top of it all, as I am tugging it off, I popped a stitch. So I did what any self-respecting sock knitter with a stash she should inventory, but won't would do: I wound an apricot skein of Lorna's Laces and cast-on using size 1's. What a difference . . .
For whatever reason, the apricot color seems to knit prettier than the perriwinkle! It killed me to re-start, but it looks so much better. So the perriwinkle sock is awaiting a frogging!

I finished The Road, Oprah's new reading group pick---as I started it, I wasn't quite sure it would be the book for me, but I am so glad I stuck with it. It was a fabulous narrative of survival, love, despair and hope between a boy and his father.

Spring Reading Thing recap: 4/5 (but this book wasn't on my original list!!!)

Sometimes you just need to be ready

I loved The Joy Luck Club--years ago, when it was first released I bought it, and hated it. I didn’t understand the complications of mother daughter relationships at that point in my life, and I just hadn’t lived long enough, and had enough life experiences to relate to Amy Tan’s characters. But I was ready now, and it was a fabulous read. I saw myself in each of the mother’s as well as in each of their daughters. I understood the family dynamics and the friendship dynamics. I learned so much about myself while reading. I am so glad I was ready!