Number 3!
It seems many of you enjoy the words and photos much more than just me blathering on and on. I like photos to clarify things, too. If you’re new to the blog, this is my monthly recap with a few opinions thrown in. Those opinions are the “for what it’s worth” part of this! I’m also throwing a link party so please link up your favorite posts. Don’t have a blog? Don’t worry! You might find a new blog or two!
What I’ve been reading…
I read lots of books this month. I’m not going to go in depth because that spoils it, right? And, I’m not even going to go in any kind of order. Livid is a Kay Scarpetta book. If you’re not familiar with the series, Scarpetta is a medical examiner, married to an FBI guy, and aunt to a CIA agent. The Grace of Wild Things is a charming book…it’s a bit Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm meets Anne of Green Gables. Counterfeit was a wild ride! I did not see where it was going at all. If you’re into designer bags, you will probably enjoy this one (or maybe not). The Diamond Eye is a good example of historical fiction. I was surprised to discover the main character was a real person. The Paris Apartment…oh, if you want to talk psychological not exactly thriller…this was a good one! The Push…wowza! This book had me turning (swiping, actually) the pages just as fast as I could because I had no idea where it was going. Trigger warning: this is where it ends is entirely too timely given the events in Nashville this past week. I really have no words. I will leave it to you to decide if you want to read it.
What I’ve been watching…
Nigel and I watch a plethora of things. This past month, we finished the latest season of “You.” Talk about a strange and twisted show! We also watched several documentaries including the one on Pamela Anderson. I was all prepared to not like it, but she really comes off as a strong yet fragile woman. I recommend it…NSFW though. Another strong, yet fragile woman…we watched “The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes” I don’t recommend this one. That title is pure clickbait! We also watched a strange yet weirdly funny documentary about a bank robbery in Brazil, “The Great Bank Robbery of Brazil’s Central Bank.”
A little more…
We are watching “Star Trek: Picard” which is the final season of this show. We usually wait until the entire season is released before starting, but Nigel couldn’t wait! We are also currently watching “Daisy Jones & The Six.” I read the book a couple of years ago, but I don’t remember enough to tell if this is a good version or not. Nothing else really stands out in my mind this month. I am going to have to use my calendar to jot down what we’ve watched!
What I’ve been working on…
I finished all three of the writing projects I had…on time and even early with one! Nigel decided, after painting the kitchen and dining area, that we could handle painting the living room. It wasn’t a massive change, but the room just feels a little more cozy. The walls seems to have a little more depth. It’s a big square room so the painting went fast. But, the house was still a mess for a few days.
During…
After…
A little more here…
I also “finished” knitting the sleeves for the Allegro pullover. The instructions were very vague for actually finishing the sweater, so I googled how to put a raglan sleeve sweater together. I wish I’d done that before knitting the dang thing! In one YouTube video, the knitter said one of the most important things was to keep count of the number of rows as you shape the sleeves and front and back. They need to be the same number. My pattern just gave measurements. As you can see from the photos, no way are those sleeves going to work. And, the back is so much longer than the front! I promise you I measured each piece with a metric ruler…that’s how precise I was! You can also see where I tinked the sleeves back to the shaping section (oops, forgot those photos). I just have to work up my nerve to start up again. BTW…tink is knit spelled backward so when you undo your knitting, you are tinking!
Maybe a bit more…
I’m finishing up the scrapghan I started earlier this month. It’s basically a granny rectangle, and I’m just picking up yarn and crocheting. I did take several scraps and wind them into a ball so I wasn’t constantly picking up little bits and bobs here and there. It’s definitely colorful and has some different textures to it. I really need to do some sewing soon, but knitting and crocheting are just so relaxing.
Just a skosh more…
I think I mentioned in a post that Nigel and I had put down blocks/pavers/whatever you call them around our back porch. We moved 34 of those things! And, each one weighed 40 pounds! That’s a total of 1,360 pounds! I was surprised at how much space adding these blocks created. We still need to use some sand to ground them better.
What I’m buying…
Well, this may be the month I made up for January’s slow shopping! I bought the beautiful yellow linen dress (seen here), the blue cardigan (seen here), and another dress from J Jill. I also bought those Birkenstock sandals (shown with the yellow dress) and the gorgeous jewelry from World Finds (also shown with the yellow dress). I bought two or three kimonos from Kantha Bae (seen here and here) and Zia Stella as well as some linen shirts from Gap.
Where I’m going…
This month, I’m going to write about where I’ve gone! We visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art one day just for fun. We are members, but we don’t take as much advantage of it as we should. I’m impatiently waiting for the days when we can go and just meander through the gardens. There was an exhibition about Stephen Sprouse. I am embarrassed to admit I’d never heard of him though he grew up in Columbus, IN which is about 45 minutes south of me! I loved seeing the fashions and watching the videos of the runways. I can’t say his style would have been mine, but it was definitely fun!
More here, too…
The next week, we went back to experience THE LUME. If you’ve never gone, I recommend you go if you have the chance. We missed the Van Gogh exhibit. This one was Monet and Friends. I love the Impressionists, and this did not disappoint! I could have stayed for hours!
What I’ve worn…
Wrap it up, Marsha!
Even when I try not to “talk” too much, I still do! There’s a lot going on here at Haus der Mitte! And, here I think we don’t do anything! I hope you enjoyed this month’s recap. So, can we talk? How was your month? Did you do anything or go somewhere special? Please leave a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond soon. This weekend is going to be full so it may be a bit longer than normal.
Affiliate links and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. As of right now, I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so glad you’re here…commenting, reading, emailing, subscribing, or following! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, My Bijou LIfe, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, and I do deClaire and Mummabstylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend with Michelle every Thursday. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
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!
The Push sounds like a book for me. I have no idea what it’s all about that daisy series. I’m not a series watcher. Gimme a good English detective and I’m happy. Have a good weekend!
Oh, I do like a good English detective show! I think you might like the Daisy show if only for the fashion! Oh, do read The Push and let me know what you think!
I LOVE the new living room wall color. That is so cozy feeling. It sounds like you read some really fabulous books this month too.
Thanks, Joanne! I really do like it so much better. Now, only three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a hallway to go! Hahaha!!!
The museum of art looks like a great exhibition there. And the books your reading look interesting. Have a great weekend.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2023/03/spring-into-fashion-5-fashion-trends-to.html?spref=pi&m=1
Thanks so much, Heather! The museum was fabulous!
Marsha, this was such a fun post to read! I actually took notes so I could remember everything I wanted to say! Haha. I am such a nerd. We just finished season 4 of You as well. I loved seasons 1 and 2 but hated 3 so I was a little hesitant to even watch season 4. I ended up really enjoying it though. I think it’s my favorite of all 4 seasons. I felt the same way as you about both the Pam and Marilyn documentaries, too. I have a whole new respect for Pamela Anderson after watching that. And the Marilyn documentary wasn’t even watchable. I turned it off after 20 minutes. I just watched the first episode of Daisy Jones last night and I am sttill undecided.
I love your living room and the paint color you chose! Deep greens and blues are the colors we choose! Also, loving the scrapghan you are making and your outdoor renovations and wine bottle tree! How fun!
And one final thing I should mention in my very wordy comment…I once wrote a post that was titled “I Have Nothing to Say” and then about 2,000 words later, I ended that post. I think you can relate. Hahahahaha
Shelbee
Oh, I love this comment so much, Shelbee! I should do that because I think of things while I’m reading a post and then forget when it comes to commenting. I agree…season 3 of You was just so blah…I really didn’t care about any of the characters at all. And, does no one ever notice when he’s building those glass cages? I have so many questions! I do like the Daisy Jones show if only for the fashions. I don’t remember her character being quite so obnoxious.
Thank you about the paint color. We actually had this same color in our last house so I knew how it would look as we have the same sunlight in this house.
You know…I start some posts with absolutely no idea of what I’m going to say…and then I have a post! So, I definitely relate!
The light sage green paint looks really good!
Thanks, Sally! We actually had this color in the living room at our last house so I knew how worked in this kind of light.
I love your wine bottle tree! I actually gave up alcohol for lent and let’s just say it’s been a long season for me – ha!! I have had to actually throw out half used bottles of wine after we’ve had friends over and they didn’t finish them since I am not partaking.
The other day when you posted the reel from The Lume I thought is was so cool – I would love to see that. I need to keep my eyes open to see if might come here!
xo,
Kellyann
Hahaha! I didn’t give up anything this year for Lent. Actually, I haven’t for years. I used to pull out one piece of clothing each day of Lent. The problem was finding a place to donate the things.
It’s too bad we aren’t neighbors! I could definitely use your wine bottles!
I’m betting you could find The Lume somewhere close to you. I’ve seen others post about it. I hope you can see it, or you could always come to Indianapolis!
I have learned to knit both sleeves at the same time. It seriously is a game changer. Try it next time and tell me what you think. I bet you’ll never go back to one at a time.
I still want to try to knit a top-down sweater but haven’t done it yet.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh, I was knitting both sleeves at the same time! And, they’re both wrong! I have a top-down pattern, but it calls for German short rows. It doesn’t say when to use them, though!
Thanks, Jodie!
I love the idea of using up all of those yarn scraps that way. I don’t know why that hasn’t computed in my brain, It’s looking so pretty! I hope you are able to get your sweater figured out without too much work!
Thanks, Laura! The scrapghan is really lots of fun…kind of mindless which is nice! I do hope to get that sweater done before next winter!
Thank you for joining us for What’s Been On Your Calendar. Wishing you an awesome April ahead!
Thanks so much, Donna! I hope your April is fabulous!
You got a lot done this month! The pavers made a huge difference. 40 pounds each! Yikes! Jack seemed to be taking the living room makeover in stride. We are watching Picard too. Your knitted sweater is gorgeous! I hate that you have to tink it. Such shitty directions. Grrr. And your scrapghan is amazing. Both art exhibits look like loads of fun. Good month!
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Thanks, Michelle! Luckily, I didn’t read the weight until after we had finished! But, I was surprised at how much bigger they made the space. Jack takes just about everything in stride…he’s very chill! Yeah, the directions for this sweater suck! I hope I can figure it out because this is the second try with this yarn.
Good morning, Marsha. I loved this post. Love the beautiful neutral color on your walls. My ou can put almost any color furniture and accessories with it. I want to do our living room, foyer and dining room. It has been 21 years since we first moved in and had them painted. We have extremely high ceilings so it is a no go for hubby and me. Loved seeing Jack. I love your bottle tree. They are very popular down here in the South. I think you need a blue bottle or two as they seem to be a traditional color here. Here is a brief history of bottle trees. Of all the outfits you wore this week, or should I say last week as it is Sunday as I write, are the buttercup yellow dress and the beautiful pink and turquoise outfit.
Thanks so much, Eileen! This color is definitely more me than the Antique White. I want to paint one of the rooms a dramatic color, but I’m not sure which color and which room! The furniture in the living room has been gathered from different rooms from our last house. But, they all seem to go together. I don’t drink wine so I’m begging bottles from friends. I did ask for a blue one!
I do love this buttercup dress and am planning to wear it to Easter services.
Forgot the URL: https://glassbottletrees.com/store/origins.html
Thanks, Eileen! I’ll definitely check it out!
I really like the more vibrant colour of your living room walls after the repainting.
How frustrating about that sweater! Knitting and crocheting is so hard. I started learning once but I stopped and never did it again. My mother and plenty of my friends are great at it. Hope you get it figured out. I love your use of the word tinking!
Thanks, Susanne! It is definitely a better color! I prefer knitting to crocheting, but crocheting goes so much faster. I keep looking at those sleeves and figure I’ll get to them before next winter!
Hi Marsha, my daughter only told me yesterday that they had been watching Daisy Jones and the Six and highly recommended it. I enjoy Patricia Cornwall and I’ve read a couple of the other books you have mentioned. Thanks for joining us for What’s Been On Your Calendar? and hope you can join us for the April link up. x
Thanks, Sue! We actually finished Daisy Jones last night. I’m torn because I enjoyed “reliving” the 70s and can remember wearing lots of the clothes shown. But, the story line got a little long. I hope to join again…as long as I remember!
Hi Marsha, I love the variety of activities you manage to fit into your month! Thanks for joining us for #WBOYC, I always enjoy reading your posts 🙂 That wine bottle tree is a hoot!
Thanks, Debbie! There is a woman (at least, I assume it’s a woman) in the village where I have my facials who has an amazing assortment of wine bottle trees. All her bottles are blue. I am so glad you like my blathering on and on!
Hi Marsha, you had a wonderfully productive month! I enjoyed The Diamond Eye too – possibly more so when I read the story behind the story. I’m hoping to get to the Monet exhibition at the Lume in Melbourne when I’m there in May.
Thanks for linking up with us for #WBOYC.
Thanks, Joanne! I was absolutely gobsmacked at the LUME. I do hope you’ll be able to go. There’s a new one coming to our art museum in July, I think. I really did like the Diamond Eye, too…I cannot even imagine her life.
I hope to link up again at the end of the month!
So much goodness in this post! Love the new pavers and the new wall color. That safety pins is so cool and I adore all your looks.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! The safety pins were amazing! I cannot imagine how much time it took!
This was the fourth article that was related to this topic and it was the most clear to me. Liked it.
blog: Ms cap resultado
Thank you.
The new living room wall is lovely
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/04/pollok-country-park-glasgow-scotland-things-to-do.html
Thanks, Melody! I really like it.