“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Tuesday 27 March 2012

A Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY ~ Tuesday 27th March 2012 (I know it's usually Wednesday but below will hopefully explain)

Outside my window...there are two spotted doves (Streptopelia chinensis) checking to see if there are any tasty pickings on the patio. I'm sitting at the kitchen island looking out to the side of the house and the entertaining area. The air is cooler today but thankfully the sun is still here with us. Autumn has certainly arrived with all the trees gently blushing, but we've yet to see the full colour display of autumn. The lime tree looks healthy but I don't have one single lime! But the lemon tree is heavily laiden thankfully. There are flowers on the strawberry plant, so hopefully we may get to even taste one (that is if we're quick enough before the birds get there). My christmas  poinsettia that I placed outside is obviously happy because it has all new shoots and leaves.
 
I am thinking...how can the packet of Cadbury Creme mini eggs be empty, when there's only me in the house? It's a complete mystery!

I am thankful...that my mojo has returned from wherever it went for the last 12 years!

In the kitchen...its a bake free zone and has been for weeks. It seemed to stop when my OH was due a medical and since then although thankfully everything was fine, the baking hasn't resumed to it's past level.
I'm thinking I would like to bake today ~ it seems that kind of day, so we'll see what happens.

I am wearing...blue jeans, black vest, black fluffy long sleeved cardigan, blue pashmena and my ugg slippers.

I am creating...line drawings or zentangles. This is the reason why I'm posting my daybook today instead of tomorrow.  Whats on your workdesk Wednesday obviously needs a post on Wednesday and last week I did post the two on the same day. I'm not sure that worked well, so I'll change the day for my journal.
If you would like a peek at my desk then click here. By joining the WOYWW group it ensures I keep my mojo on track and there's so many talented people who provide inspiration out there. They're a great bunch so have a peek ~ they won't mind, honest!

I am going...nowhere today apparently as I'm having to wait in for the pool company to come and assess my equipment!Sounds dodgy doesn't it? 
I think the main pump filter needs cleaning and I'm wanting one of those creeper things that go along the bottom of the pool doing the work without my help. The contraption I have to use at the moment takes hours it seems and I'm dreading the autumn leaves landing constantly because I'll have to live out there.
 
I am wondering...where all the Cockatoo's where heading this morning? They've been in the neighbourhood for over a week, but this morning as I was walking they were all flying up in circles on the air currents making an incredible noise. If you imagine the starling’s ritual of flying around like shoals of fish before they roost at night, then you can imagine what this sight was like. Their white wings catching the sunlight. I think they were having heavy discussions on whom should lead the way and which route they should take...(must have been male cockies! LOL)
 
I am reading...  'The Dovekeepers' by Alice Hoffman
Over five years in the writing, Alice Hoffman’s most ambitious and mesmerizing novel ever, a triumph of imagination and research set in ancient Israel. 


At this point I normally write about the book and author, but I think the best idea might be for Alice Hoffman tell you about her book herself....


A few of the girls from my book club have read this amazing book already and are euphoric when talking about it. One of the girls is a prolific reader but couldn't read another book straight after finishing this...she said she needed time to appreciate fully what a magnificent piece of literature she had just read. Reading quite a few reviews I think I'm in quite a wonderful read. 

About the Author: 

Alice Hoffman was born in New York City on March 16, 1952 and grew up on Long Island. After graduating from high school in 1969, she attended Adelphi University, from which she received a BA, and then received a Mirrellees Fellowship to the Stanford University Creative Writing Center, which she attended in 1973 and 74, receiving an MA in creative writing. She currently lives in Boston and New York.

I am hoping...that I'll be able to finish my book in time for the next book club meeting. It's normally not a problem but I'm struggling juggling my time at the moment. I want to keep drawing and hope to progress to painting, plus I'd love to organise an Etsy shop, but that's a whole new experience for me. There's never a dull moment and always something new to learn.  

I am looking forward to...the weekend. Not sure about some of the plans, but I know it will be good.

Around the house...Everything is neat and tidy. The boys have both been away this week so everything has stayed in its place. Not that I'm blaming them of course ; )

A favourite quote for today... If you cannot teach me to fly, teach me to sing.
~ Sir James Barry Born May 9, 1860, Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland
Died June 19, 1937, London, England
Dramatist and novelist who is best known as the creator of Peter Pan, the boy who refused to grow up.

One of my favourite things...is going to the cinema to see a good movie. I recently went to see 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' and really enjoyed the film. If you haven't heard about it's about British retirees who travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. Less luxurious than its advertisements, the Marigold Hotel nevertheless slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways.
There's an incredible cast of actors with some really funny one liners.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Work, rest and play but not necessarily in that order : D
 
A peek into my day... whilst walking this morning I passed this unusual postbox or was it the doorbell? The glass had gone, but I wasn't brave enough to press the button to see what would happened. Imagine if the garage door whipped up and a fire engine came screeching out!
 
 I'm a day early this week due to having to post another topic on Wednesday's. If you regularly read my Daybook on Wednesdays (thank you) I hope I won't confused you with the days....I know I probably will be (:-*)

So that's it for this week; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Don't forget to pop over to The Simple Womans Daybook and check out the other day book entries
Have fun : D

12 comments:

  1. I loved that crazy fire alarm! Sounds like you have been quite a busy bee. Thanks for the book recommendation - I'm just finishing a Jodi Picoult novel so I'm ready for something fresh and different. I laughed when you mentioned the "man in my photos" of course that is Hubby and always the willing guinea pig in my blog-worthy pics :-) I hope the rest of your week is full of "balance" cos that's the best feeling isn't it? I should know cos right now I'm in bed recovering from laprascopic surgery (all is well) and it sure 'aint pleasant being out of whack! Well at least my laptop allows me to read some lovely blogs! Take care! Xxx

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    1. I noticed the fire alarm a few weeks ago, but the lady of the house came out of the door just as I was passing. I didn't have my camera otherwise I would have asked permission to take the photo then. I always like to ask permission first.
      I wish I could say more about the book but I can't seem to get to read in big chunks. Trying to fit in drawing too, so it's all go!
      I knew the mystery man was 'Hubby' in the photos, but isn't it great when they are so supportive to the blog thingy ;D
      Your laprascopic surgery doesn't sound a barrel of laughs though. I hope you're feeling 100% soon. Take care X :D

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  2. What an interesting mailbox/doorbell/firealarm!! It is driving me crazy. I want to know what it is!! That book looks fabulous. I admit, after your words, I bought it on my kindle and am looking forward to reading it now. I know . . . I'm very naughty! Love your daybook as always Neesie! xxoo

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    1. Okay Marie, when I pass that way again, I'll ring it or the doorbell and ask...how's that? I'll let you know if I find out ;)
      I must admit I'm intrigued too.
      I'm hoping the book is good especially now that you've bought it on my recommendation. I'm enjoying it so far and believe that it will get better. I have it on my kindle too :D
      Have a wonderful week xoxo

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  3. I will look for the book at my library .... it sounds fabulous!

    I love hearing about what is going on around you - what with cockatoos and strawberries in autumn (ours are in spring) - and how fun to be in a book club - I need to find one near me!!!

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    1. Hi Kimmie, thanks for stopping by and following me...I get so excited when I see new followers.
      I love to hear about peoples lives around the world too and I think that's one of the wonderful interesting things about being a blogger.
      To join a book club was always on my list, so when I moved here to Melbourne I mentioned it at a coffee morning and immediately became a member of one...the lady I was talking to was the secretary of an expat book club! TICK...
      Now I'm the secretary! We have a great bunch of ladies and have a great time. Maybe if there isn't one in your area you could just start your own ;D

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  4. Hi Neesie,
    O glad to meet you, thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
    Firstly, Muffin is the darn cutest dog ever! We used to have a Lhasa Apso who looked just exactly like your Muffin. She too was a slow (lazy) lass. We'd take her for a walk and mid way through she'd sit down and refuse to go anywhere! You either dragged her or picked her up! THE most stubbern dog ever, but so smart it was scary. lol.
    I can't wait to see your zentangles! They're such fun to create, have you seen Stephanie Corfee's new book called Creative Doodling & Beyond? I just got it, so inspiring and it has tutorials within the book with pages to practice on.
    I welcome you to the Artist's Play Room, can't wait to see your submission. I know just what you mean about finally getting back to your core, art. I was so afraid to start, what if I wasn't good enough, it too bad I wasted time being fearful.
    Have a great rest of the week!
    Oh, I noticed, your follower linky is way down on your sidebar, what I did when someone suggested it is put the new follower tool high up in my sidebar and burry the google friend connect one that will be gone by the end of the year at the very bottom of the sidebar, I even added a note saying please use follower tool above, not GFC! It's working too!
    See you around my new bloggy friend,
    Jenn

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    1. Wow Jenn that's quite a comment...I don't think I've met anyone who natters more than me but maybe I have now :D
      Thanks so much for following me and pointing out the linky thingy...I had quite some trouble setting it up yesterday and wasn't convinced I'd done it right hence tucking it away at the bottom. I've now moved it and will go in again to tweek it. Not sure what GFC meant...remember I've been living in a cave for the last 12 years!
      You described Muffin down to the last stubborn antic...but then she'll just look at you and you melt. She's cute and she's not afraid to use it!
      I'm excited to hear about that new book and will be checking it out later today. I'm getting quite excited about all this arty stuff. My mojo has definitely gone up a gear and its great. The encouragement received from the WOYWW gang has certainly helped keep me motivated and some of the comments have been incredible. As you say you often have such negative thoughts with your creations, so it's great to hear everyone's reactions especially when they're so positive.
      Not sure if I've out nattered you but I need to get on with the day and get to post today's entry.
      Have a wonderful WOYWW Wednesday...great to meet you :D

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  5. Trying again to comment... I'm always amazed that you have so much going on in your life! My routine of work seems so dull by comparison. Is it right to be looking forward so much to retirement??

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    1. Hi Mark, by your comment I take it that you've been experiencing trouble? Thankfully you made it...I wonder what the problem is?
      I'm feeling a little insecure this morning because I've seen a notice telling me that blogspot is to be changing in April. I'm only just getting to grips with this one! Eek!
      I do try to cram into my day as much as I can, so maybe that's why it sounds such a lot, plus don't forget we haven't the dark cold weather that would shut me down, for sure. I don't function well under 16C degrees. But that's all over now for you isn't it?
      I think it's great to be looking forward and planning retirement...maybe you could even start a Simple Man's Daybook? Although I'm guessing that men wouldn't take to be called simple!
      LOL
      Enjoy your week ~ the weekend will be here before you know it :D

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  6. Hello! I am new here, stopping over from The Simple Woman's Daybook.

    Thank you for sharing about the book, The Dovekeepers. I will have to look into that one. Also, I am so glad that you enjoyed, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I just saw the trailer for it yesterday and plan to see it when it comes to town!

    Love your blog, have a great day!

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    1. Hello...lovely to meet you,
      I'm just about to post another Daybook (late this week due to having a visitor here) I'm afraid I'm still reading The Dovekeepers but not because of any reason other than the one above.
      I'm still enjoying it but can't find the time to read just now.
      I think you'll have fun if you go to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. There is an amazing cast of talented actors.
      I'm so happy to hear you like my blog...I have such fun writing it, so it's great to get feedback...especially when it's positive.
      Mush dash to finish writing the Daybook.
      Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you get up to and thanks again for visiting...I'll pop the kettle on next time ;D

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I get so excited to see you here and love to read your thoughts and comments.
I always try to answer each one personally (I think it's only polite)
...♥...I truly appreciate your precious time here so thank you ...♥...

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