for the love of books

i would love to read like it's my job.  a non-stop extravaganza, wouldn't that be lovely?  sadly, that isn't the case.  i find myself not reading enough.  i want to.  i love getting so very lost in books; being transported into people's lives, learning from them, adventuring with them, feeling for them, and the sense of zeal i get that every single person i know must read the book.  books are so special.

and when i do find myself reading it usually isn't from cover to cover.   i start a book and then i get stalled by, well, life. it's rare for me to plow through books but when it happens i am so. very. happy.  this was the case when i was recently reading lisa genova's first two books, still alice and left neglected and i would highly recommend both.  i am looking forward to her third novel - out in january 2014 - love, anthony.

there are plenty of books that i have been wanting to read and with my new kobo (a birthday gift from stefan) i can't wait to download some.  but there's one thing -  i wish i had more time for is reading.  along with yoga, it is at the top of my list of happy makers and yet it (and yoga) fall by the wayside.  'to read' is always on my to-do-list. 

here's what's on my list of books to read right now and when i look at my list i feel panicked that there's not enough time to read them all.

 

       

       

 

         

 

      

 

       

 

so, here's to committing to read more often, finding the time, and delving into this favourite activity of mine.  how often do you get to read?  

 

the following favourite books are ones i would highly recommend and see this post, if you like, for others i have recommended.

 

alice munro

i was giddy with joy upon learning alice munro was awarded the noble prize for literature. she is the first canadian and the 13th female writer - out of 110 - to win the prize.  it feels perfect that she won; i am so happy for her. 
 
i love stories about women, about their relationships and i love short stories - alice munro, i think, is brilliant at it all.  she has an understanding for women's varied ordinary lives and great empathy.  i have her latest book of short stories, dear life, and i can't wait to get to the last four stories which are somewhat autobiographical.  alice munro says, "they are the first and the last – and the closest – things i have to say about my own life.”

photo from here



pick up an alice munro book - the love of a good woman or too much happiness perhaps - and have a lovely long weekend. 

the trumpet of the swan

 

kai and i finished reading the trumpet of the swan.  it’s one of those books that you don’t want to ever end.  kai confessed that he would read ahead because he couldn’t stand waiting for our next reading session yet not wanting it to end all at the same time.  we think it’s one of the best books we have ever read.

 

louis, a trumpeter swan, is born without the ability to trumpet and such begins the story of his courage, determination, and honesty.  it’s also a fabulous story about friendship and love.

 

here is the last paragraph, beautifully written:

 

On the pond where the swans were, Louis put his trumpet away. The cygnets crept under their mother’s wings. Darkness settled on woods and field and marsh. A loon called its wild night cry. As Louis relaxed and prepared for sleep, all his thoughts were of how lucky he was to inhabit such a beautiful earth, how lucky he had been to solve his problems with music, and how pleasant it was to look forward to another night of sleep and another day tomorrow, and the fresh morning, and the light that returns with the day.

 

i love giving books as gifts and this will be one that i definitely give.

 

kinfolk + gatherings

images from volume 5

growing up, my my parent’s backyard would be full of our neighbours and friends.  spontaneous gatherings eating watermelon in the backyard or whatever my mom happened to have on hand.  it’s a lovely memory.

 
when i came across kinfolk magazine, it happily reminded me of those childhood memories and sadly reminded me that nowadays such gatherings are far and few with people leading 'busy' lives.  i would love to make a commitment, at least in my little abode, to gather with our friends more often with a cozy meal, game playing, and conversation.  i love when it happens and i would love more of it our life.
 
now a word about kinfolk... it is a magazine that celebrates small gatherings and the joy of cooking and eating together.  read their manifesto here.  there is something so amazing about this magazine. it is full of gorgeous writing, photography and inspiration; really soulful and artful. it makes you think.  it makes you daydream.  it makes you hungry too! 

although the fifth volume is ready for purchase, i am patiently awaiting the online version.  i think i might have to break down and purchase a subscription... it's not a cheap magazine but because it comes out with the seasons i'll have time to save my pennies.

it really is the perfect read.

home reading

kai and i are currently obsessed with reading the chronicles of narnia.  there are 7 books in total... we are on book 3. 

we read a chapter or two every other day but before we close the book we read just a few sentences of the next... i love how wrapped up kai gets in the stories. he asks about the meaning of words he is unfamiliar with, he sometimes wants to go back a few pages to reread a certain passage for clarification, and it inspires a conversation.

 

the land of narnia is rich in details and creativity.  we'll be sad to leave this fictional world... it's been a delightful trip so far... but thankfully we have four  more books to get through!

 

     

then again

movie poster from here

then again is a charming book.  it reads pretty much as diane keaton speaks - rambling and endearing.   what prompted me to purchase the book was that it wasn't a typical celebrity memoir but instead focused on family, in particular her mother dorothy keaton hall.  in a way, the book is her mother's memoir too - thanks to the countless journals her mother wrote throughout her life and from which diane keaton quotes copiously.

what surprised me most was finding out that diane keaton experienced feelings of inadequacy.  she was open and honest about her personal and professional insecurities.  some reviews of the book haven't been very kind because she's too self-critical (and not enough celebrity kiss and tell) but i think it took remarkable courage.  and really, many of us feel much the same way at some point in our lives whether we share it or not.  it's common.  i like to read stories that resonate with me.

if you like quirky, this book is for you.  when my in-laws are flying home tonight and my hubby is out tonight and my little guy is asleep tonight, i will be cozy on the sofa watching annie hall. 

weekend pics

i embraced the weekend alone. 

i went for a run, worked out at the gym, and attended a spin class.  my body aches but in that good way, you know.

i have a bit of a magazine habit and spent some time sorting through my heap of magazines.  but it didn't stop me from picking up the new martha stewart living and living etc. out right now :-)

i strolled along west 4th ave, referred to as kitsalano.  it is a great neighbourhood just blocks from the beach and there is a plethora of shops and restaurants.  on this particular day 10 blocks of streets were closed off for a free music festival.  shops were having sidewalk sales, restaurants spilled out onto the streets, and fun activities were taking place.  it was an amazing scene.  i discovered a couple of musicians that perhaps you will like too - kathyrn calder and redgy blackout were all sorts of awesomeness. 
 
i watched two movies.  the artist was so satisfying to watch. it transports you away as a movie should, definitely worthy of its awards.  friends with kids was funny and entertaining. 

i had the ipad all to myself (a rarity in my house) and before stefan left he kindly downloaded kinfolk volume 3 for me which i read cover to cover in one sitting.  one sitting!  it was fabulous.  the magazine is fabulous too.  it deserves a post all of it's own.

i ended the weekend at pink lime, a yaletown spa, for a manicure, pedicure, and a massage (taking advantage of the groupon i bought last year).  and a lovely white navajo print tunic followed me home from here (pink lime's neighbour).

a few minutes after i arrived home, my boys arrived too!  i swear kai looks older.  visit stefan's blog to read about their camping adventure.

 

redgy blackout





kathryn calder



 

  

 

 

 

   

   

  

  

 



jude usually hangs out with the boys but i think he was content with me



i covet...

i have always been a fan of the tufted sofa.  i recently bought an armchair version - on sale at ikea for $99 (original price was $499)!  i couldn't pass up the opportunity as i have been waiting a long time to replace the wicker chairs currently in the living room.  i am loving its tufted pillows.  and it helps that it's super comfy - it's become by new reading nook.  sometimes kai worms his way onto to 'my' chair while i am in it but it's perfectly roomy for the two of us.

meet karlstaad:

by the way, i was fortunate to find the chair at that crazy price because our local ikea is closing its doors and opening a brand new bigger one (just a stone's throw away) on april 25th!

what do you think of the tufted sofa?  a classic, yes?



love this colour!





perfection.  swoon.