The out-of-towners have left us, and although we miss them, I’m soaking in the Quiet and the Slow. . . . It won’t last long — we have a sleepover with a Six and a Four mid-week, but until then, I’m staying close to home, re-establishing some neglected routines and activities. I’ve read two books since Thursday, and I started another one last night (check my book acount on Instagram if you’re interested in titles).
And I sketched a few pages– in my daily journal, but also one in the travel journal where there are only two or three pages left before I add it to the box of completed sketchbooks–that will be satisfying! Before I pack it away, I promise to share a few drawings. . . .
I even stopped procrastinating yesterday morning and wrote 250 words towards my most recent writing project. . . it’s still too tentative to tell you about, but the online course I took while we were away (and the one I did before we left) had participants commit to a Weekly Writing Goal, and meeting mine requires at least 250 words five days a week. Not much. . . but still surprisingly easy to procrastinate over.
Another 250 words feature on today’s list, as does making two sourdough loaves (to be baked Wednesday).
Before I get to the list, though, I thought it might be time for another What I Wore photo — this outfit (top purchased in Paris last summer and previouslyseen here; the Uniqlo skirt a happy discovery scooped in Bordeaux last month; those white Birk Arizonas my constant summer companions for a few years now) took me to a family dinner on Friday, a special occasion because three of our four kids’ families were there — and because it was hosted by our daughter and son-in-law at the home they moved into while we were away. A big enough space, on multiple levels, with a small yard perfect for summer family barbecues — I don’t think we can hand on the baton entirely, but the potential intrigues. . . š
Given that my birthday was mid-May, while we were in Bordeaux, you can believe that I was surprised when there was suddenly a small parade from the kitchen, and singing. . . Whose Birthday? What? That cake’s for me?! Way to make a Mom/Nana feel special! (It’s my favourite, a twist on a Pavlova — not sure where my daughter found the recipe, but whenever she makes it, I swoon. This time she included Mascarpone in that whipped cream layer, so you should know my return to healthy eatingis, well, flexible. . . .
There were two other sweet birthday surprises last week, but I’ll tell you about those later. First, I need to go back tomy last post and add a transcription of the menu for Brenda and other interested readers. And then those 250 words. . . .
Thank you for reading. Comments always welcome. . .
You are an excellent student š
Congratulations for the new home (and Pavlova!!!)
I really do hope to have Uniqlo and Cos here one day-this skirt is lovely and I can imagine it in a lot of combinations
Dottoressa
The only thing I can think of from this post is how incredibly exciting it was to go for sleepovers at my grandmothers' homes. Lucky you to be the provider of this thrill.
Fabulous skirt and Birks rule! I have some black patent ones that are such constant summer companions that Iām onto my second pair (they are sturdy but frequent use over 8 years required replacement of the first pair). So glad your re-entry to regular life is going well and that youāre having some quieter days. I admire the range of things you commit to. After nearly two years of retirement from a career as a town planner, I have begun volunteering as a relief English teacher for migrants and Iām very pleased to see the ārelevancy gapā in my life starting to close. I also think Iām getting close to going back to doing a bit of sketching. Last but by no means least, what a delightful birthday cake!
Can I ask, what day in May is your birthday? And, happy belated, in case I missed saying it back then;).
A post full of secrets to be revealed at some moment. I cannot wait to hear about further birthday surprises and a new writing project. And thank you, Maria, for the wonderful term "relevancy gap". I am going to include that into my vocabulary right away.
I realized that I never had a Pavlova in my life. Perhaps I should do something about that. Just waiting for the right occasion…
That "Anonymus" is me. I don't know why the programme did not accept my name. Sorry. Next try.
Oh, somehow I missed the reference to your book lists on Instagram. can't wait. So glad to hear that you're trying to eat healthily also. I've failed, and don't know how to get back on that horse again. is it my age? Oh well, you look great! Now to your books.
Catching up on your posts amid a busy period here – just left a comment on your previous post and hurrying on to the next!
That is a lovely combination of skirt and blouse. What a busy busy life you have! It must be lovely to have grandchildren.
That looks a scrumptious pudding. I have made meringue but never a Pavlova ring. The meringues were surprisingly easy and so much nicer than bought ones.
PS – also wearing a Bdx Uniqlo buy today – a citrus yellow long-sleeved micro fleece top – for warmth. Tried on in the Bdx Lac shop on a day of 35 C heat. Listening as I write to the French radio and the dĆ©roulement of this week's canicule.
I just went to Instagram and started following your book account. I really like that Uniqlo skirt. Eating healthily is my major goal but it is often a bit challenging.
Healthy eating is challenging and getting v. expensive. Just came back from the grocery store this morning and was taken aback by the increased cost of a lot of things (only been two weeks since I was in there), especially the fruit and veg. Almost nothing on sale. Very few farmer's markets near me; frankly, almost unbearable to attend them in the summer heat and humidity (high 30s this week with dew points in 70s). Sigh.
Good job on meeting your daily writing goal. I have fallen off on my journaling so perhaps I ought to use your challenge to get back on the wagon.
The Pavlova is amazing; lucky Nana. As for handing over the baton on the location for family events, I happily did that, first to one son (who is rapidly outgrowing his own home with 3 under 3) and now to my daughter who moved into a larger home in December. Perfect place for entertaining the sib's growing families. So. Much. Easier.
Now to your instagram book reviews… Thank you!
Yum Pavlova!
I think I missed wishing you a happy birthday so please accept my belated wishes.
My favourite sleepovers were at my Grandparents home…it was just magical. Nothing outrageous just a rich, warm and cozy place to be.
Dottoressa: Thank you! I think you'd especially like COS. . . And Zagreb deserves one, right?
Taste of France: It feels like a privilege (although not always, when sitting by smoeone's bed at 1 a.m. š
Maria: Black patent Birks would be a great choice. I wore the bronze Gizehs for many, many years, enough to go through a few of those. Your term "relevancy gap"– brilliant! I found it took a few years to really register its scope and effect and then to tackle how best to address it — without immediately compromising the luxury of the time I've gained. . . sounds as if you're getting the balance right.
Lisa: I emailed you xo
Eleonore: The surprises were so sweet, and I'll share very soon. Not so sure about the writing, but we'll see. . . As for Pavlovas, ah, what you have ahead of you. . . Mmmmmm!
Sandra: It's an ongoing challenge, isn't it? My problem is that my husband is the main cook here and his metabolism lets him eat anything with no apparent consequence. . . Ah, well. . . .
Linda: There's a second Uniqlo in Bordeaux? That city punches above its weight for shopping, doesn't it, considering the population size! And it is rather lovely to have grandchildren, yes, indeed.
Mme. I saw you there, on Instagram — thanks for following!
Mary: It is expensive to eat healthily — and it takes some education to do so as well. How did we ever get to this?! Absolutely with you on handing over the baton and happy to join your club. We still enjoy hosting, but I begin to see how it can fatigue, and although we keep a good stock of toys and art materials, they have more fun checking out the new toys in their cousins' rooms, I'm sure. Plus now we'll be able to slip away earlier from time to time. Can't do that when you're the host š
Hostess: Thanks! The birthday was a quiet one, spent away from home, but Paul made sure I was well fĆŖted. And that's a lovely description of a sleepover at grandma's. I love that mine feel it as a home away from home. . .
I've decided I'll launch right in and comment. My usual 'problem' is that I read these lovely posts on my phone ( where for some reason I can't respond ) – move to my computer and then get lost reading all the comments and run out of time to post my own.
Jumping right in and then I'll read backward. Swish outfit and bravo to Uniqlo ( love that store, but furthest from home for me was the one in Boston). On my list, wear more skirts.
Glad to hear you're back writing.
And that cake! Lucky you on all counts.
And what a lovely comment from Taste of France ( yes I snuck and started to read comments) about memories sleeping over at her Grandmothers house. I never did and am committed to making it a happy memory for my grandkids.
Bdx Lac is what it says on the tin – a lake – and there's a big centre commercial there. Really only practical by car. Behind the bassins Ć flot. We did our big ordinary wine stock up pre-Brexit there at Auchan, along with yummy imports such as sardines, bottled French beans, different jams, toiletries, sugar cubes, tisanes, coffee….and Vichy St Yorre sparkling mineral water, which I adore.
Sandy: I'm a big fan of skirts — so comfy! Never a Grandma sleepover? We need to put this on the convo agenda š
Linda: You've been SO lucky to have that option — envious! And sorry it's going to be so compromised. I don't know that water — my favourite has been Badoit, primarily because we've been to St. Galmier and lined up for the locals' share with our friends. But began drinking Abatilles in deference to the region while in Bdx š