Hooray for long weekends. Mine starts right now. Four blissful days of relaxation and much (I hope) reading, maybe a little letter-writing and/or stitching and weather permitting a few walks (because I have every intention of indulging in a piece of pumpkin pie . . . or two. If you are in the U.S. and celebrate Thanksgiving--Happy Holiday to you! And for all my friends (here and abroad) many thanks for all the bookishness and friendship we share--you are all very much appreciated!
The painting above is by Doris Lee, and it is called, very aptly, Thanksgiving. It was painted in 1935. I first discovered her work several years back when I traveled to Texas and saw this wonderful painting in an exhibit at a museum. It pretty much sums up the (dis) organization it takes to put on a Thanksgiving dinner. I will be spending the day with family. My contribution is chocolate, caramel, pecan brownies. Not traditional but decadently delicious.
I know, not yet, right? We haven't even gotten to December yet, but I thought I would give you a quick peek at the Lauritzen Gardens annual poinsettia display. I am a member of the botanical gardens and for the last few years I have gone to their member's night to get a first look at the holiday displays. I will save the rest of my festive photos for later, but the gardens and conservatory were gorgeous and decorated to the hilt. I am sure I will get there again (like on December 24th when I go with my family), too. It is a nice way to kick off the beginning of the holiday season and spend my first night of vacation doing something relaxing and festive.
I will be spending most of my reading time with Vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy. I have been reading part six, but it is a long chapter and I have quite a ways to go if I am going to keep up with my section a week reading plan. I do hope to give my weekly update in the next day or two. I'm hoping also to read more of Jane Smiley's Early Warning, which is the second book of her Century trilogy. I think I am still on track to finish it before the end of the month. If there is any time left over I will be reading more about the Durrell's time in Corfu. I suspect those few books will keep me more than busy, but you never know what else might tempt me along the way.
Have a wonderful next few days everyone!