Books: Circe

Circe was the second book I finished this year. I actually started Circe last fall, but even though I found it intriguing, I didn't really get going reading it until the electronic loan got returned. It stayed in my mind though, and I borrowed it again from the digital library early this year. Now I had more time to really get into it, and once you get sucked in, it's hard to let go. This is by far the best book I've read in years (since the Goldfinch!). It tells the story of the witch Circe, with whom Odysseus spent a year on her island.   My knowledge of Greek mythology is not very strong, and I found myself googling some of the gods and goddesses mentioned in the story. But no matter, the book is a stunner, whether you're a fan of mythology or not. In the hands of the author Madeline Miller, Circe is described as a strong character, a feminist and very relatable and human despite her goddess abilities. I loved this book so much that I now want to read Miller's earlier books as well. What an enjoyable education in Greek mythology!

Books: She Said

This is the story of the New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey investigation into the Harvey Weinstein case. It's a mind boggling story of how one man used his position to abuse so many women, and a fascinating look into the work of these two investigative journalists. The picture above was on my Insta story when I was reading this book. The Weinstein trial is now on-going, and I hope that he gets his due in court. These cases are very hard to prosecute because so few women want to step out and ruin their own reputations in the process. But whatever happens in the trial this book exposes Weinstein as the monster that he is. Recommended reading for anyone who's interested in the #metoo movement, and interested in the truth behind the Weinstein story. 

Textures, Throwbacks & Blizzard

I am in love with my new gray turtleneck sweater. Its texture is so soft and cozy. I had forgotten how great turtlenecks are. How nice it is to have your neck warm, and not need a scarf when you go out. Another 2000's throwback that's recently made its way into my closet is stretchy bootcut yoga pants. Is there anything more flattering for a tall, curvy body type? I especially love these soft corduroy type pants. With my furry Ugg slippers on my feet and I'm covered neck to toe in beautiful, soft, warm texture that is cozier than cozy. And cozy is what this snow blizzard day calls for.

2020

New Year, same old me. I made no resolutions, didn't swear off sugar or alcohol... The only "resolution" I made was to have more fun (I think I made that resolution last year too).  I also keep repeating a promise I made to myself when I turned 40; to travel somewhere new every year (I don't know what this year's new destination is yet..so far all my travel plans are to places I've already been to at least once - Laguna, London, San Diego). But in the spirit of having more fun, last weekend I took my girls to the Buttercooky Bakery in Manhasset. Everything there is beyond yummy and for that reason this place is our new favorite bakery.

January 2019

January can be summed up in a few words: work & new office space, eating, cooking, basketball, Harry Potter, skiing. 

I was planning "the" trip (more about that later) with my 16-year old and took her to lunch to Fresco Creperie.

 Fresco's is so yummy - it's in Williston Park, big recommendation.

 The New York Historical Society put on the Harry Potter - A History of Magic exhibition. Of course our biggest Harry Potter fan was dying to go, so I took the whole family to see the exhibit. BTW - she finished the full Harry Potter series not too much after this day..and was kind of moping around for a couple of days, looking for something to fill the void... (Percy Jackson eventually did.)

One weekend we skipped basketball and went skiing instead. Interestingly, I don't have one picture of us actually skiing, but a lot of pictures that are related to eating. Skiing was fun, however, and the 16 year old and the 8 year old graduated to a chair lift and a bigger hill. 

We stopped at the Jefferson Diner in New Jersey on our way to Camelback. If you're ever in that area, it's definitely worth a stop. It's like you've been thrown back in time a few decades, but everything looks new and shiny, not drab or aged. And best of all, the traditional diner food is fresh and delicious. 

Why is it so hard to eat healthy on a car trip? On our way back I indulged in this yummy pretzel from Wava. Along with a gallon size cup of coffee, it was just what was needed to recover from the skiing and eating hangover :-)

Blogging Again

I think I'm back... I kind of missed this blog and my diary. Time passes so fast that it sometimes feels like I'm in a time warp, and if I don't make some record of what has happened in my life, or post pictures to record how the kids grow up, (how I get older), the trips I've taken, little fun activities of everyday life, it feels like it all just becomes a big blur after a while. New things keep coming at you with such a speed that it's very easy to forget things that happened even a few days ago. With the blog, you sit down, stop and process at least those things that you blog about.

Since this is my first post in 2019, let's start at the beginning, i.e.  New Year's Eve. I made one New Year's resolution - to have more fun - and I started the year off right, with a fun little party complete with family, friends, karaoke, and some bubbly.

love these blondies  

awww, me and mom

it took some convincing to get the teens to do karaoke 

these girls can sing - they all have such talent

I also tried to recreate a picture taken in 2011 - oh my how they've grown - my three daughters

Books: Educated

I just finished the memoir by Tara Westover, Educated. I read it compulsively over the past couple of days. It has been on the best seller list for many weeks and I've been curious about it. I finally got a chance to read it when I borrowed a Nook from the library that had many recent titles loaded in it. Educated is Tara's story, she is born to a survivalist mormon family in the mountains of Idaho. Her father is a bipolar who despises government institutions, including schools, and believes that the end of times is near, stockpiling food, fuel, guns and ammunition. Her childhood is far outside the normal experience. She doesn't go to school, and is supposedly home-schooled, but because she's one of the later children in the family her mother is tired of teaching, and she's pretty much left to her own devices as far as learning is concerned. In later years she suffers terrible violence inflicted by an older brother. This abuse, and recovery from it, is a major theme of the book, and eventually leads to her being cast out of the family.  Despite all odds, she goes on to college, and does so well that she earns a scholarship to go to Cambridge, England, where she gets a PhD.

The book is very well written, and a quick read. It is fascinating to read about people that we know exist, people who live outside the norms of the society, with children born at home, with no medical assistance, no vaccinations, no birth certificates, who hate anything government related. Socialist and feminist are curse words for them. These people don't have driver's licenses, car insurance, never take any medications, etc. Especially for someone like me, a feminist socialist,  living in the East Coast liberal bubble, it's mind boggling that people like that still exist in modern day America.

Tara's life makes for a good story and in her capable hands, it becomes a very thought provoking, and deeply affecting book. You appreciate your life and family so much more after reading this book, and maybe even understand America just a little bit better, which is why I would recommend reading it.