Number 7
The last two months have been rather stressful. I’ll spare you the details, but I had surgery on July 5th. My energy levels have been pretty depleted for most of the month. Most days, I feel better, and then, BAM! I feel like I hit a wall, or I’m all up in my feelings. It’s been a journey, but everything is much, much better than it was. For this reason, this Final Friday is going to be pretty short! 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 didn’t think I’d read that many books until I checked my Goodreads account. It seems I did make my way through several. I really enjoy Amor Towles’ books. This was his first novel and is almost a coming of age novel. It’s set in the 30s. I struggled a bit with this one because I didn’t find the characters likeable. Then, I got hooked on Louise Penny! Well, I actually got hooked on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. These are mysteries with lots of twists and turns, but the good inspector and his staff always solve the crimes.
A little more…
For some reason, I have been reading lots of young adult fantasy fiction. I really like T. Kingfisher (pseudonym for Ursula Vernon) and have read many of her books. A House with Good Bones is waaay out there, but I sped right through it. The last two books by Kingfisher are set more in a medieval time period. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking was a fun (?) take on wizardry and defending your home. Paladin’s Hope is part of a series, but I don’t think you have to necessarily read them in order to get them. I will probably get around to reading the others at some point.
What I’ve been watching…
Oh, my goodness! Henry Cavill is one gorgeous man as the Witcher, but I’m not as necessarily taken with him without that long grey hair! Netflix got smart and released part of the season. We have to wait until later this summer for the remainder of this season. This is one of those shows I sorta watch and mainly just listen to because once you’ve seen the Witcher kill one bad guy, you’ve seen him kill another. I think we watched some other shows, but I neglected to record them. We did watch lots of movies this month. Nigel loves “Guardians of the Galaxy” so that was a given we would eventually watch the third movie. Again, I didn’t pay close attention, but I did just enough so that we could talk about it occasionally. OK, for a real stinker, watch “The Out-Laws.” Oh, this one was just plain bad. I honestly don’t think there was one redeeming thing about it. Unfortunately, from what I remember (again didn’t watch that closely), it seemed almost like it could easily have a sequel.
A little more of this…
Lisa, at Boondock Ramblings, frequently selects actors for a season of. This summer, she selected Marilyn Monroe. You all know I love Marilyn (if you didn’t, check here) and think she’s drastically underrated as an actor. I am not watching the movies in the same order as Lisa. I watched “All About Eve” and “The Misfits” on my own. The first movie, basically, has only a few scenes with Marilyn and revolves more around Bette Davis’ character. But, it’s a fascinating movie nonetheless. The last movie was, unfortunately, the last movie for both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. Gable would die of a heart attack, and Marilyn died from…well, there are lots of theories on that one. At one point, Marilyn believed Gable to be her biological father so I wonder if the love scenes between the two felt a little weird. Nigel and I both watched “Niagara.” It truly showcases Marilyn at her best…she’s sultry, innocent, and conniving. I highly recommend this one.
Even more…
I love the movie, “Chicago.” Nigel does not. He especially hates the song, “Cell Block Tango.” He’s never watched it so I think he’d change his mind if he did. I would love to see this on Broadway or even a touring version. I think it would have been amazing to see Bebe Neuwirth or Gwen Verdon. But, I digress. In case you don’t know the story, it’s the tale of a sort of good girl gone bad, her story, and her hopes to get out of the Cook County jail. We are watching the third season of “The Righteous Gemstones,” and I’m torn by this one. It makes me all squeamy (yes, I know that’s not a word) on the inside because these people are soooo not Christians. The actors all do an amazing job portraying really awful people. I saved the best for last. I haven’t seen the movie, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” but the series is so good. I don’t know how it happened to pop up as a suggestion, but I’m so glad it did. This show is another with a current split season. If you’re wondering who the restaurant owner is, I’ll clue you in. She’s the bad queen from “Once Upon a Time.”
What I’ve been working on…
Last month, my oldest granddaughter and I made a skirt. She had also picked out this cute pink polka dotted fabric and a pattern to make this apron kind of dress. Notice the pattern number…at least the last three numbers. Yep…that pretty much sums it up. It is the dress from Hell! I cannot tell you how long we’ve worked on the dumb thing. The back is suppose to have these two flaps that tie together leaving above and below it exposing skin. She wants to wear it to school so that was a no go, we thought. So, I thought, “I can figure out a work around.” I didn’t. Given my current state of tiredness and brain fog, I just couldn’t figure out how to make it work. So, we decided to make it as is. Here’s the thing. Patterns are not vanity sized so we just cut out a bigger size and scale it down…kind of draping it on her then making adjustments. Thursday, I thought we were going to get it finished. The bodice is self lined. By that I mean, you cut two of the same piece out and then sew them together after standing on your head, whistling Beethoven’s Fifth, and twiddling your thumbs all at the same time. The liner piece had a small mark on it. I hadn’t noticed it before, but it was there when we bought the fabric. So, I made sure it would be the liner…except when I sewed it to the skirt. I sewed it on wrong. Stick a fork in me cuz I’m D.O.N.E! We moved on to cutting out another pleated skirt!
A little more…
After A left, I decided to go for it and whipped up my own skirt. It’s basically just two panels of fabric with an elastic waistband. I did use the pattern from Hell to make on seam pockets which turned out fabulously on my skirt. Thursday, I used the same pattern for pockets and sewed them completely wrong! Moving on! I have been knitting the Turnstile Wrap since last month. It’s a nice knitting project. There’s an eight row repeat for an eyelet pattern. I’m nearing the end of that (that eight row repeat 30 times). Then, I have to do some finagling to finish it. But, next month, I will have it finished to show you! This is Malabrigio Rios in English Rose.
What I’m buying…
I think the only things I’ve bought have been from Gudrun Sjödén. They had a pretty good sale so I picked up a few pieces. Look for them on the blog later this year. I didn’t shop much at the NSale at all. I bought more of the Laura Mercier setting powder. Nigel likes the ON sneakers so I convinced him, even though he didn’t currently need any, a $40 savings was worth it now. And, that’s all I bought. It isn’t a particularly exciting sale anymore. April Cornell is having a clearance sale on their current season. Many of the things I’ve shown are in limited sizes but are marked about 66% off! And, you can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off any purchases over $75. Oh, I did pick up a graphic tee shirt at Old Navy. It was a petite and fits wonderfully!
Where I’m going…
Same as last month…absolutely nowhere. But, now that my surgery is over, we can start to at least think about making plans to go somewhere. I read, recently, that new passport holders will need Visas to visit European countries. Since ours expired during Covid, I’m assuming we will need those Visas which last three years. I’m hoping I can convince Nigel he’s got at least one more trip to Europe in him. Then, I’m not sure what I’ll do because there are still so many places I want to go!
What I’ve worn…
Wrap it up, Marsha!
All in all, July was one of those months that wasn’t. I spent most of it sleeping. I was amazed I could take that many naps during the day and still sleep at night. Obviously, I was awake enough to read plenty of books and watch lots of television! So, can we talk? How was your July? Have you seen any of these movies or read any of these books? What did you think of the NSale? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk! I promise to respond as quickly as possible.
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Thank you!
Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! 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, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, and Style Splash. 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 Gail and Emma 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!
Hi, Marsha – I’m sorry to read that your energy level has been depleted recently. I know that you know this, but listen to your body and rest when it urges you to.
Thank you for sharing your reads (and other happenings) with us. I’ve read a couple of books from your list so far. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking has completely caught my interested.
Thank you so much, Donna! I am feeling better and not needed naps as much. I may have been overdoing it.
Oh, I do hope you read A Wizard’s Guide. It’s different, but I really enjoyed it.
Nothing is so mentally depressing then feeling very tired. So I do hope your energy level rises again real soon. The last July Friday! Oh my word, why is this summer passing so fast? We have rain here all month, its no summer at all! Let’s hope for better times Marsha.
Thank you so much, Nancy. I’m sure you know exactly what I mean. We have had more rain than usual, but we’ve had very, very warm days and nights. I’m ready for it to cool off just a bit.
I hope you’re feeling ok, my friend.
Considering you’ve just had major surgery, you’ve certainly done a lot, Marsha! I really hope you do make another trip to Europe because I want to meet up! Even if you don’t get to Portugal, we’ll come and meet you wherever you go!! That would be so wonderful <3
We just watched the most recent episode of The Witcher (it was released yesterday) and even though I love the show (especially Henry Cavill with his long white hair and gravelly voice!), Michael and I didn't have a clue what was going on! Everyone seems to be fighting everyone else and it made no sense…but we'll watch to the end. Maybe all will become clear then lol.
We're enjoying The Lincoln Lawyer too. It's nice to see whatshername not as the 'Bad' Queen in Once Upon a Time!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thank you so much, my friend! I am feeling much better. I am really hoping for next spring. I thought maybe this fall, but we didn’t get round to renewing our passports. I’ve read there’s quite a backlog. I would love to go to Portugal, but as I don’t speak Portuguese, I’m not sure about that. But, yes!!! A meet up would be crazy good!
Yes, the Witcher is one of those I’m not sure whose on whose side and is that the same person as I think it is. I honestly just watch it to see Henry Cavill in his lovely wig! I really do like The Lincoln Lawyer. I’m such a dope, though. I thought it had something to do with Abraham Lincoln!!! I watch shows and think, “I know that face, voice, mannerism, etc.” and then off to google I go. It drives Mike nuts!!
Get better soon, sending you a lot of good vibes (you never know it might help a bit 😉 ) .
Thanks so much, Mie! I appreciate it!
Marsha, I sure hope you rest when you need to, let your body heal and then you’ll be back in action! That’s my unasked for medical advice -ha!
We love Lincoln Lawyer and as soon as we finish Succession we’ll be watching the latest season. It is so sweet that you and your grandaughter sew together. I remember one of my grandmothers teaching me to sew, I was very young and we made something like a little pillow. Very sweet memories you are creating.
I read about the Visas too – since we have some trips coming up we’ll be getting them. I hope you and Nigel can take another trip to Europe. The world is such a big place with so much to see and do!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you so much, Kellyann! I’m hoping to be back to somewhat normal soon. I keep pondering watching Succession.
She is very interested in fashion and design so I’ve been giving her little pointers. She’ll be a freshman this year and is taking a design course. I think it’s really a sewing home ec class, but I’m pretty sure she’ll love it.
I am so jealous of you and those upcoming trips! They sound wonderful!
Marsha,
I am glad to read that the surgery is behind you. And now as the healing is taking place, you will soon be feeling better than ever. Lately, I am enjoying the The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem on Netfix. If you like period pieces. I think you will like it. It is so interesting to see the roles of women during World War I.
Thank you so much, Rosemary! I haven’t seen that pop up as a suggestion. I will have to put that on my list. I really do like period pieces.
Marsha, I am glad to hear that you are starting to feel more like yourself post-surgery. If you are into young adult fantasy fiction, you really need to read Suzy’s Raven Witch Saga! If you search “Suzy Turner books” or “SG Turner books” on Amazon, you can find all of her YA books. I loved the Raven Witch Saga but I sent my copy onto someone else to read. I love seeing all your projects in the works especially that adorable pink polka dot dress! Isn’t it the worst though when you can’t quite figure out the little details? I just made a cute little poncho out of brown corduroy with a cowboy print and I am going to make a longer ruana out of the same fabric today. It is all cut out and just needs sewing! When I was making the poncho though I had so many problems with the fabric, with my machine, with all of it! But I eventually got it all figured out and I am hoping for easier sewing today. I hope you have a most wonderful weekend!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee. I have been amazed at how long this recovery is taking as I didn’t do anything but go to sleep! I will definitely check out Suzy’s books. I didn’t know about them!
Oh, this dress is going to be the death of me! Patterns don’t seem to be vanity sized as we took her measurements and used the size indicated. I’ve had to do so much alterations to it. Today, she tried it on for her mom (my daughter) who convinced her the pockets were doing her no good. So, off those went. Now, I just have to hem it and figure out where the buttons and snaps go, and I think it’s done. I do enjoy sewing when all goes well. I need to get at my scarves and see if I can “Shelbee-fy” them!
Oh Marsha I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling this way. I didn’t know you’d had surgery.- it always takes time so you nap as often as your body tells you. Get well soon and thank you for all the lovely blogs you send out into the ether 🙂 Lots of love and hugs coming from across the pond xxxx
Thanks, Penny. You never know just how much to share, but as I look at my photos on posts this month and last, you can see I’m not 100%. I thought, since it was my monthly recap, I should mention it. It was actually the second procedure I’ve had since June. This one was more invasive. But, I’m on the mend and not needing quite as many naps.
You have made my day with your kind and lovely words, Penny. Thank you!
I totally get you on the slow recovery from your surgery, and I hope that August has you feeling more energized (I could use more of that myself, actually!). This is a good reminder that I need to catch up with The Witcher…I could just watch him practice his sword forms for an entire show and be satisfied 😉
Thanks, Sally! I’m hopeful August will be so much better though not much could be worse than the last couple of months! Hahaha!!! Yes, I could watch the sword form and be happy, too. That way, I don’t have to pay any attention whatsoever to the plot!!!
Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending you plenty of positive energy.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/07/pleated-midi-dress.html
Thanks so much, Melody! I will take any help I can!
I feel the same way about the Righteous Gemstones; I just can not look away but man those people are NOT Christians. Glad you are slowly starting to feel better. It is a major surgery that you are recuperating from and it takes lots of time. That Penny series sounds fantastic. I love a good who done it series.
Oh, Joanne, they are so awful, aren’t they? It’s funny how they introduced Eli’s sister this season. I think lots of people probably don’t think this is how some churches are. I think lots of people are wrong!
I am feeling really good and do too much. Then, I’m pooped! You would enjoy the Penny series. And, I like that you don’t necessarily have to read them in order for everything to make sense.
Thanks!
Recovery can be tough but it sounds as though you’re doing yours well. Plenty to watch, read and make. I caught the first season on The Lincoln Lawyer (I think it might have been you who recommended it) and The Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking sounds up my alley.
Thanks so much, Joanne! I’m feeling so good and then do too much and feel badly again. But, every day is a win! Oh, if you read The Wizard’s Guide, let me know what you think. It was different but a good different!
I’m glad you’re starting to feel better.
Gosh, I know that feeling with sewing. Actually I just finished a knitting project. Well, I shouldn’t say finished. I sewed it together and of course it needs adjustments, hahahahahaha (like any of mine don’t). So hopefully it will be done soon,
OXOX
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I think the dress will be done soon. I have fitted it on that child so many times. Today, she tried it on with her mom (my daughter) there. She was able to talk A into doing away with the pockets which were all wonky anyway. I’ve just got to hem it and put the buttons and snaps and it’s done! I’m just about done with my Turnstile wrap and may actually have a finished item for next month!
Hi Marsha, I’m sorry to hear you’ve not been well and completely understand where you are at as I’ve been in a similar situation in July. I hope you recover soon but take time for yourself – that’s a lesson I’ve had to learn. I enjoy Louise Penny books although I don’t think I’ve read the two you have mentioned. I also enjoyed The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek which I read last year. Take care and thanks for taking the time to link up to WBOYC? when you haven’t been well. x
Thanks, Sue. It’s been a slog starting back in May with two different procedures/surgeries. But, I’m hoping to be much better soon. It’s hard to accept you have to take your time. I just reread my recovery instructions and realized I may be pushing myself a bit. Going to slow down on that! It seems Louise Penny is a popular author as many have commented about her. Did you know there’s a sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek? I’m on the hold list for hat.
Hi Marsha
No, I didn’t know there was a sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. I will definitely look out for that one. Sending love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. It is difficult trying not to over do it. I know I’m champing at the bit to get back to my normal routine. Take care x
Thanks, Sue. It is so hard when you just want to feel like yourself again, right? Hoping you are soon 100%, too!
I’m sorry to hear you had to have surgery, but glad your energy level seems to be back now. Love that blue/mint green maxi dress you are wearing! Is that Lilly Pulitzer? So pretty! I need to read another Louise Penny book. I read one and loved it a while back and need to read book 2 now!
Thanks so much, Laura! I’m feeling better every day, but some days just wipe me out! Yes, this is Lilly Pulitzer. I have a small-ish collection of Lilly dresses and tees. I do love the prints but not enough to know their names! I really did enjoy the Louise Penny books and hope to read many more.
I’ve gone through times when I just couldn’t seem to get enough sleep. Weird. I’m so sorry about the frustrating dress pattern! Ugh, that’s part of the reason I havent done any sewing in years – I thought I knew what I was doing but had too many patterns that I couldn’t figure out or didn’t work like they were supposed to. Maybe one day I’ll pick it up again. Hope youre having a great weekend!
Thanks, Kym. I do think patterns are different now from when I sewed so much years ago. The directions seem to be a lot more vague. I really want to make myself a shirtdress and have the pattern. I haven’t even really looked at it. But, I do know there is a YouTube video to go with it. I think I saw the video, and that’s why I bought the pattern. And, have you seen the price of patterns lately? It’s shocking! I hope your week is fantastic!
Hi Marsha, I do hope you’re starring to feel a bit better and that you are listening to your body as you recover. You always look and sound so upbeat it’s hard when you’re feeling tired and rundown. You still managed to read loads and watch plenty of TV so that’s good for your recovery. I’ve read a few Louise Penny books and watched some of the episodes on TV (don’t ask me where as I can’t remember if it’s Netflix of Prime). The sewing sounds difficult and I admire your patience and resilience!! It’s been a while since I’ve made anything but I used to make a lot of clothes for my girls (and me) once upon a time. Take care and thanks for joining us.
Thank you so much, Debbie. I am feeling better every day. My doctor said it would take a few months to feel fully myself. I hope, in this instance, I’m an overachiever! It’s funny you say I look upbeat. My dad always said, “Keep smiling. They’ll wonder what you’re up to!” I loved it then, and I love it now. It drove my principal bonkers, though! I didn’t know Louise Penny had books adapted to TV. I’ll have to look for it. I have been surprised at how much more difficult patterns are now. I truly think they must think we sewers (sewists?) are mind readers. They also depend a lot on illustrations which are worse than IKEA’s!
Thank you so much for hosting the link up!
I’m so sorry you had to sleep so much to recover but it looks like you did get a lot of good reading and watching time in, like you said. As you know I am looking forward to watching The Misfits especially. I think it will showcase Marilyn’s acting skills even more than the others I’ve watched. I’m so slow at watching things but I know, or hope to, have more time once fall and winter hits.
I love those outfits! That one blue dress with all the flowers is especially gorgeous!
Thank you, Lisa. It has been a struggle, but I just kept thinking, “This will pass.” And, it’s beginning to do that. I can’t wait to read your take on The Misfits. I didn’t realize, as I was watching it, that it was the last movie for both Marilyn and Clark Gable.
I really do like a floral print!
Marsha,
I really enjoy reading your blog. Your description of sewing was great! Thanks for making me smile. I’m working on a very basic “I Spy “ quilt for my granddaughter. I am taking advantage of a seasoned quilter’s help. Lol. Good for you for conquering that pattern.
Thanks so much, Kathy! I’ll bet your basic quilt is far more intricate than anything I could do! I’m not sure I conquered the pattern as much as just made it work!!
I hope you are feeling better after you surgery! Love all these looks and I love Chicago so much too!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you, Kathrine. I’m feeling better every day. I really should check to see if there are any touring companies out with it.
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