There are some exciting developments.
FOCUS
I finally picked my word. Sure- it is February, but I think it further emphasizes why FOCUS needs to be my word. I've enjoyed thinking about what I want to focus on this year, and what progress I would like to make with my life in general. These last couple of weeks I have really been focusing on being a better mother to Lulu. We have spent a lot more time playing, singing, dancing, and reading. It has been good for both of us.
READING
I finished the 3rd book in my Phillipia Gregory collection. The last book was about Queen Elizabeth which was fascinating and I really enjoyed it. Her books are "historical fictions". I use quotes, because I would consider it a very loose historical fiction. I have since picked up and finished "Reading Lolita in Tehran". I actually read it while I was in India, but because I read it in transit and didn't take any notes, I wanted to refresh my memory. I was also responsible for the book discussion, so I needed to have a better recollection of major points in the book. Can I tell you how much I LOVE this book? It is really one of the most amazing books. I wouldn't sell it as an easy read, but it is so fascinating I read it in 4 days the second time around. The book is basically about an English professor living in Iran during the Iranian Revolution in the late 70's. She has a group of women gather at her home once a week to discuss "Western" literature. The story is about these women, literature, the revolution, and her life during that time period. She uses 4 authors to illustrate her points- Nabokov, Austen, Fitzgerald, and Joyce. If you haven't read it- I would HIGHLY recommend it.
MOVIES
Adam had to work this past weekend, so I swapped babysitting with some friends and they watched Lulu for me on Friday night. I thought I would do a couple of things around the house, but decided to watch a couple of movies instead (I should have included on my list of 100- I LOVE going to movies by myself). I picked two that I thought Adam had little interest in seeing. I'm a huge W. Somerset Maugham fan, so I really enjoyed the Painted Veil. Although- it was depressing. I'm excited to check it out at the library and see how close they kept to the book. I thought Edward Norton did a fantastic job. I also realized that I thought I had very little interest in ever traveling to Asia, but I am seriously reconsidering that decision. First, my girlfriend went to Shanghei in November and at book club she was showing off her purchases and pictures. Second, although this movie wasn't totally a selling point for Asia (especially with the Cholera), the scenery was breathtaking and really appealing.
I also saw Miss Potter. I know NOTHING about Beatrix Potter so I really enjoyed getting to know her through this film. It is amazing to me that she is the #1 childrens author of all time (I think JK Rowling is considered Young Adult). Her life is really fascinating. Did you know she donated 4,000 farm acres to the National Trust and she was an expert in fungi? Crazy. Although, her story is depressing too.
Next week Adam will be in Phoenix for a conference and my sister is coming with her three boys. We have some fun things planned and it will be nice to see her. I'm jealous Adam gets to escape to the warm weather and I'm missing Jordan- but.. no point getting depressed about it.
13 comments:
That sounds like a dream of a way to spend some alone time. I need to do that, swap with friends, when Dave is working the weekend.
Missed you!
I love your word- I could use a little of that in my life right now :)
I have been wondering about Reading Lolita in Tehran and think I will add it to my list for this year. I remember you talking about it when you were here visiting and that sparked my interest.
I LOVE watching movies by myself- glad I am not the only one. I have the Painted Veil on my reading list as well and can't wait to see the movie.
Sounds like you have been happily busy during your hiatus :)
I'm sorry Lulu has given up her nap. I hate it when that time comes. I love the word you chose. It's a great one to think about and try to get more of in life.
It's awesome you were able to swap babysitting time. Perfect weekend to do it too. Have fun in AZ and it's good to have you back.
Lara, I always love hearing what your are reading and movies you've seen as of late. I have never heard of Miss Potter and will have to check it out. I have a collection of her books and I have read them to the children. (Although I skip over the sometimes strange violent parts)
Sounds like you and Lulu have been having fun--good for you! I'm sure she has adored your time together. I'm like you--I find I need to make it a conscious effort to make sure I spend quality time with the kiddos. And it is always well worth it.
Have fun with your sister!
i loved how you wrote this post.
jeff is in Vail for the week at a conference. The meetings start at 6:30 am till 9:00 am then they all ski and then meet again at 5:30 - 8:00 pm. rough meeting huh?
i kept saying to him I wish i had an annual meeting on getting retrained to be a mom and stay in a resort that I play at during the day... hmmm maybe that should just somehow happen.
Have a great week
Good to have you back. I loved the Phillippa Gregory books, and now I guess I will move Reading Lolita in Tehran higher up on my list! (It's sitting on my bookshelf, but I haven't gotten to it yet.)
Love your word. It sounds helpful and motivating to me.
I'm with Kristi -- we need a mother's conference at a fun resort!
What a bummer that Lulu has given up her naps, that's always a sad day for a mom. But it sounds like you're enjoying your time with her.
FOCUS is a great word for the year.
I loved reading "The Other Boleyn Girl", but didn't finish the next one because the magic was over for me.
I've started "Reading Lolita in Tehran" and had to stop reading because of other book commitments but need to get back to it, I loved it.
I like going to movies by myself too and definitely think staying home and watching movies alone would be a great treat.
I thought I had already left a comment...anway, missed you as well, maybe next time. Thanks for the movie recommendations by the way, there seem to be few good ones out these days.
Hi. Thanks for the movie list. I really wanted to see these movies and now you have given me an excuse to do so. I know how it goes when your little gives up a nap. No blogging! I enjoyed reading about your time alone. Its really nice sometimes to do that and just breathe and relax. I like these words that a couple of you have picked out for hte year. I am going to have to do that. Focus should be my word :)Cute post. Oh, and I found you from Julias page :) Enjoyed!
wow thanks for the review on the movies, i am looking forward in seeing those too...and yes what an awesome word to focus on...i am still trying to find mine and it has been hard. but I love yours and i think each girl has found what they really need, michelle, laurie, etc., so i will post mine hopefully before november. sounds like you are having a good time...asia...i think that is my last horizon to venture and/o africa...well the north north north part I saw...but sounds fascinating.
Happy Valentines Day!!
awesome word!
happy valentine's day lara!
Great word - FOCUS. That could well be mine, too. I am currently reading "The Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory and am quie enjoying it. Yeah, "historical fiction" - but a fun read.
I really want to see "Miss Potter" - now even more so!
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