Hi sweet friends
I am holding onto the land of the living; I guess we started the sickness season early around these parts and I'm hoping that means we have a healthier autumn! A virus has rotated through each member of our family the past several weeks and I was the last to go down a few days ago! I am slowly reviving. Glad I can't infect you through my computer screen!
I am still working on my Hitofude and although it looks like no progress is being made, I actually have gotten a good amount done though I know I'm not as speedy as many of you. I'm halfway through the first part now. It was a bit monotonous and I was feeling the embroidery itch so I got out my cross-stitch and finished the stitching on this sweet Shepherd's Bush needle roll for a couple evenings. I can't quite decipher the directions for the hemstitch on the ends so it's on hold for the moment, possibly until my next visit with my momma who has made a few of these in the past and who gifted me with this kit!
I read Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani this past week (the second of the Big Stone Gap books) but I have to confess, I am not sure I liked it. In the almost ten years that have passed since the first book took place the main character has not matured past her whiny self-absorption. I guess that was intentional since that's the main conflict... but I felt it hard to like or connect with her in this one. However, I feel like the end of the book brought some growth so I am going to give the third book another chance soon.
For now, I went back to The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson in my fiction category. I really can't recommend this series enough for older children and young adults. Andrew Peterson is my favorite singer-songwriter because he really knows how to weave beauty and truth into his stories and he's done it again in novel form. I think this would be a good option as a read-aloud for a boy who isn't all that into books; there's a lot of adventure but there is also a lot of embedded discussion about honor and courage and loyalty and what makes a true man - without being preachy or self-conscious.
For non-fiction I've been reading Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler's Guide to Unshakeable Peace by Sarah Mackenzie. I love her Read Aloud Revival podcast and her blog and I knew I'd like her newly re-released book and I was right. It's a really gospel-centric book and I look forward to reading through it.
I'm hoping to get my Hitofude done in the next couple of weeks. But I've got baby knitting to complete as well even sooner! My husband and walking pneumonia as a result of all the smoke that came our way from the fires in WA state. My daughter and I have dry hacking coughs but aren't sick. Just really annoyed to still be coughing!
ReplyDeleteI think I should look for this book! Making a list! Great looking crossstitch.
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the nasty things about viruses, they make the rounds. I do hope you are feeling better and autumn is ill free.
ReplyDeleteYour Hiltofude is really coming along, I want to cast one on too.
Take care of yourself.
Hope you are all feeling better soon. It is terrible to have no energy. I love your cross stitch - gorgeous! I have put The Monster in the Hollows on my list. I really think I prefer childrens and young adult fiction a lot of the time.
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read Teaching From Rest. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the big cherry holler reflection...she was immature! I hope you are on the road of recovery and that we do not get infected through the computer!!
ReplyDeleteLove your hitofude, hope you all feel better soon.
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