Number #21
Ya know, I really thought October would be a month of wonderful things. Instead, it was a bit like what Jack does right after his dinner…one big hunk of steaming you know what. I mean, it was my birthday month, but nothing really special happened. I don’t know why I set myself up for that every year, but I do. Every year, I tell myself I’m just going to throw myself my own party. But, I don’t really have that many friends here to invite…and, that is as pathetic as it sounds. On top of that, Nigel continues to struggle with walking. His appointment with the surgeon was OK, but, even with the physical therapy he’s receiving, he just can’t walk well. Part of that is he needs the left hip replaced, too. And, that affects his walking. It’s one huge vicious cycle. The surgeon doesn’t want to operate until his right hip is completely healed…which makes sense. But, I’m just physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. What a way to start a blog post, right?
What I’ve been reading…
I’m still on my Truman Capote kick. I read Deliberate Cruelty which is about Capote and Ann Woodward. It often seemed to veer off into other directions, but I did discover things I hadn’t known about both Capote and Ann Woodward. It’s not exactly a sad read, but it isn’t fast paced, either. Everyone loves The Berry Pickers. I just found it so sad and unfair and yet compelling. Did I love it? Not really, but I do think it’s something everyone should read. It deals with the worth of children who are not white and what can and does happen to them. The Heiress was a strange book that I did enjoy in a weird kind of way. It’s about a couple who keep some pretty huge secrets from each other. It wasn’t a page turner for me, but I did like it.
If you’ve read The Guncle and liked it, I assure you you will like the sequel. A few years have passed, and life has changed for both the Guncle and his niece and nephew. If you’re put off by the fact the main character is gay, let me assure you, this book is about family dynamics and the love that comes from that. I really loved this book. Sandwich just confused me. I have no idea why it was named that other than the mom was constantly making sandwiches. In my opinion, it was just one long whine fest and gives menopause an even worse name than it already has. Look, I know menopause is tough, but let’s not write a whole book bellyaching about it when we’re trying to get the world to look at women as level headed as men! I was definitely not a fan of this book…not a single thing appealed to me about it. Now, onto the best book I read this month and almost every year since my daughter gave it to me to read. The Friday Night Knitting Club is a wonderful read about a single mom with a teenager who opens a knitting shop in NYC. But, it’s so much more than that. It’s the story of friendships gone south through misunderstandings, of loves gone haywire through immaturity, and of bonds forged through common loves. It’s just the best book! There’s even a sequel!
What I’ve been watching…
I usually write down what we’ve watched, but I just plain forgot. These are the movies and shows I can remember. “Agatha All Along” is, apparently, a sequel to “Wandavision” which I haven’t watched. We haven’t finished it yet, but it’s a non-scary witchy show. I actually like it and thought the main character (just from the photo) was Noel Fielding in drag! “Back to Black” is a movie about the late, great Amy Winehouse. I think it moved a little too quickly through her life and would have you believe fame came to her quite quickly. I don’t know if I found it sad because I knew she died, or if it was truly sad. “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” is actually a really good sequel to the 1988 movie! Michael Keaton is still amazing in this role. My only problem was Winona Ryder’s hair cut. I just wanted to tweak her bangs the whole time. It’s a fun movie if you’re into the “great beyond.” “Mother’s Instinct” was just plain disturbing. I can definitely see it as a “love letter to classic Hitchcock.” But, I also think it was a good movie with some really wonderful fashion! I have to say I won’t be sad to see the last of “The Umbrella Academy.” I think this is one of those series where it would be good to binge watch it from beginning to end. And, I mean from season 1 to the end. It’s just got so many references in it that I’ve forgotten and don’t care enough to google. I don’t even think I liked the last episode that much…I like things tied up in a nice neat little bow!
What I’ve been working on…
Nothing…I’ve been working on nothing this month. I seem to have lost my spark for knitting and crocheting. The problem lies partly in that we go to bed so early. Nigel is sleeping in the bed with the movable base, and he likes to get comfy around 9:00. I just can’t seem to get comfortable in that bed and don’t have any desire to knit or crochet. Oh, wait, I did string up some beads in an attempt to make a bracelet. I’ve just been in survival mode, I think. I did get a couple of photos of the Northern Lights.
What I’ve been buying…
I utilized my birthday discounts at Talbots and J Jill and bought a few cute things. I’m sure some of them will show up on the blog soon. My shopping mojo has deserted me…wait…I did buy some pumpkins from MacKenzie Childs when they had a bit of a sale. So, while I’d love to have my colorful velvet pumpkins and others around, this year, it’s all black and white!
Where I’m going…
I still need to get busy planning the trip to London/Liverpool with my youngest. As his birthday is in January, we’ve decided to go a bit later in the month to celebrate it. He seems to think that will be his present…he is wrong!
What I’ve been wearing…
The weather has been so moody, lately. I may start off in the morning with a sweatshirt, change to a tee, then layer the sweatshirt over the tee in the evening! But, that’s Indiana in the fall! I love it, though.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Sorry to be such a whiner, especially after complaining about that book. It’s just been a tough year, and this month hit me hard. I feel like Nigel and I have been through so much, and it just keeps getting worse and worse. But, we have a home, a good income, and loving family. I just need to work harder on those positive neural pathways. So, can we talk? How was your month? What do you do when you’re just depleted in every sense of the word? How are your neural pathways? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
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Featured favorites from last month…
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Sorry to hear you had a bad birthday month. My birthday in Nov is set to be rubbish too because there will be train and tube strikes, so we’ re not able to get to the outings I booked. Hope Nigel gets over his setback and starts to get better.
Oh Marsha, I’m so sorry that you have such a rough time. I wished I lived near you, I would take you for a walk in the fresh air and we would have lunch and you feel better over sudden! I really hope things will get better for the both of you real soon. It’s hard to push yourself out of it when things just go on and on. For what it’s worth, I love your writing and wouldn’t want to miss you on blogging life!
Oh Marsha, I know exactly how it feels to have a bad month as I still have some wobbliness and need a stick – I mean moi? I never ever EVER expected to be like that. But I think it is good to be real and talk about one’s life as it actually is, rather than pretending that everything is fine and dandy and nothing but clothes and outfits. First of all, I’m wishing you a happy birthday as I can’t remember if I said that at the time! Then I am so very sorry that you’ve had bad month. Do hope Nigel improves. Hold on in there, as I have a friend who walked around in pain and needed a walking stick for several years, but now with her two new hips and a new knee she is a completely different person and totally stickless (!) and she would be much older than Nigel. So it will get better!
I think you should take care of yourself. Next month have a Marsha month! You need to pamper yourself with fresh air, good food, family and friends. Lots of love and big hugs from across the pond XXX
P.S Btw I didn’t like Back to Black as there is a documentary on her life that is far far better than the film, which glossed over a lot. She had several toxic men in her life which was such a pity. Here’s the link to the Wikipedia description of it – there are other documentaries but this one is the best of all and critically acclaimed too
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_(2015_film)
Oh Marsha, let me share with some things that I do. Nature! Spend some time in your garden, in your neighbourhood or anywhere with nature. Especially trees is you can. Just a walk out in nature can be a wonderful boost. Let nature work its magic! Hug a tree if you feel the need. Go buy a new houseplant that you will see everyday and that will cheer you up. Add some plants to you bedroom if you can.
Healing music! Check out some of the healing music frequencies in YouTube which you can have playing in the background.
How about a gratitude diary? I write half a page in mine every night, it helps me go to sleep with a positive frame of mind.
I don’t watch TV, all those ads and dark messages that you get from gruesome scenes in films can pull you down, plus watching lots of series on TV makes you lose precious hours of your life.
Books! Let me think of a couple that might suit, I think something with an uplifting under theme are needed: Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch by Erin French. Or do you like Nora Robert’s books? If so try Mind Games or Nightwork.
The presidential election coming up can’t help either, the country will be feeling anxious. Hopefully November will bring you something new.
October has been a rough month for you for sure and I am glad you shared it with your readers. I value honesty and transparency because we all have similar situations. Life is tough and full of ups and downs. I hope your downs become ups soon!
I know you and Nigel have been through so much and I pray that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and that he is able to walk.
I really appreciate your honesty about the books you read too – Sandwich sounds awful and you are right – a whole book whining about menopause? No thanks!!!
Hang in there sweet friend, I hope joy finds you soon!
xo,
Kellyann
So sorry it’s been a rough month! Praying that Nigel heals faster. How exciting that you have a trip coming up! I am jealous you got to see the Northern Lights. There is just too much light pollution in Chicago.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Pretty sure Sandwich is named after the town on the Cape where they vacation but I could be wrong… I mean I read the book and enjoyed it enough but that might have just been an assumption I’ve made about the title having vacationed all over the cape and in Sandwich itself a time or two. I did think they were an odd family and I know the book has come under lots of scrutiny for being pro-choice and pro-abortion but I didn’t hate it (though I was really hoping menopause doesn’t get that bad for me as I know it can for some!). I’ve been wanting to read the Guncle Abroad as I just loved the first one! I’m sorry to hear that October was such a hard month for you and I really hope Nigel continues to improve and feel better as I know how much that would help both of you feel better. We really do take on that stress and worry when one of our loved ones isn’t 100%.
I’m sorry you’re in a tough season just now. I have The Berry Pickers on my list but need to be in the right frame of mind to read sad. I read The Heiress and thought it was overhyped. Just ok. Hope there are some bright spots in the week ahead!
Thanks for sharing your reality with us, Marsha! I understand how you feel (although, obviously, not completely) as my husband was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition last year and sometimes it feels like it’s put our life and plans on indefinite hold as he/we deal with the repercussions of it all. At the same time, we’re both grateful that it’s something we can (mostly) manage and we do our best to find ways to find the joy in each day. It’s not always easy! I’m glad you have a trip to look forward to and it sounds like you’ve had some fun books to fill some time! Praying that November (and the coming year) are filled with light!
I really need to goof off more, I didn’t know you did a monthly wrap-up post! This is extremely useful… I think we all need to do these because it’s SO hard for me to keep up; then I need to binge read. Plus my brain is a sieve and I forget things, like why Nigel is on the mend, or checking in to see how your trip went (only to discover you have a new one planned, Good for you!)
ANYWHO…happy birthday! And I’m sorry you have the blues…I’m sorta there myself so I get it. Getting bogged down with the crappy things instead of refocusing on the things that make me happy. I need to double check your Watch List as I am bi on TV watching… we’re currently hitting favorite sitcoms from the very late 1900’s…haha. We had some funny shows…and the fashions! Hope you have a better November!