I like...

Oh, well, it's been almost a year and I haven't posted a thing. I refuse to feel badly about it and have decided that I won't make any promises to myself about any more posts.

I did say - oh, a year ago - that I would post my likes, ala Maud M. Here's a go of it:

I like sitting in a room as the sun sets and the light grows dim. There too, sunsets in North Carolina and Chiemsee. The shadow of pines, especially over the bays of Maine. I like realizing that a book I'm reading is delicious and knowing that there are plenty of pages left. I like anticipation - when the curtain rises in the theater - and fruition. I like eating out with just a book. I like old homes and crumbling buildings. Rainy days with nothing to do. Holding hands with my husband, and long road trips with him. Staying in a bed and breakfast in the autumn. I like long earrings and tall boots. Old typewriters and fountain pens. When a line of poetry makes you see the world anew. Making strawberry shortcake. Boys with floppy hair. Curling up with my dog and listening to her sigh. I like letters. And memories of cozy times with friends.

Not everything I like, of course, but good ones.

Good gravy! It's been over two months since I last posted... I guess that's what happens when you buy a house and move, all whilst facing down the busiest months of the year at work. But now we're in the middle of the autumn (my favorite season!) and things are looking up. I actually had time to read a book this weekend: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Nifenneger. Anyone looking for a good read - especially around Halloween - is advised to read it!

...L.M. Montgomery

And for those of you who also like her: good news. The final book in the Anne of Green Gables series - The Blythes are Quoted - is to be published in its entirety.

Thanks, BabelBabe! (Who, by the way, always has the best book recommendations.)

I like...

I've lately been reading the journals of L.M. Montgomery, author of the delightful Anne series and the even sweeter Emily one. These journals reveal the person in the way some don't: they are honest and painful with moments of joy.

One of my favorite passages is a response to Ruskin's observation that "Taste is not only a part and index of morality - it is the only morality. The first and last and closest trial question to any living creature is 'What do you like?' Tell me what you like and I'll tell you what you are":

"I like my own children and all nice, fat, clean babies anywhere. I like all kinds of books if they're well written whether they are religious or philosophical or sentimental or cynical or humorous or exaggerated or indecent. I like writing books myself. I like cats and horses and some dogs. I like curling breakers, woods and mountains and stars and trees and flowers. I like nicely furnished houses. I like good Victrola records and the music of the violin. I like pretty china and glass and old heirloom things. I like a cosy bed and a tight hot water bottle. I like to be kissed by the right kind of a man. I like jewels and pretty clothes. I like doing fancy work and I like cooking and I like eating the nice things other people cook. I like motoring and driving and walking. I like a systematic life with occasional dashings over the tracings. I like open fires and moonlit nights. I like nice chatty letters. I like compliments. I like to see a person I dislike snubbed. I like my own looks when my hair is dressed a certain way. I like a snack at bed time. I like going out to dinner. I like helping other people and I like to be very independent of help myself. I like sunsets and pictures and sea bathing. I like keeping a journal. I like reading old letters. I like housecleaning - I do! I like entertaining the race of Joseph. I like day-dreaming. I like going to concerts, good movies and plays. I like - or used to like before I wedded a minister - dancing and playing whist. I like reading the Bible - most of it...I like listening to good sermons. I like gardening. I like good spruce gum. I like my husband. I like people to like me. I like a good joke. I like rainy days. I like old homesteads. I like people who agree with me. I like chocolate caramels and Brazil nuts. I like - or liked in pre-prohibition days - Miss Oxtoby's dandelion wine. I like perfumes. I like a little gossip with carefully selected people. I like shopping at Eaton's."

~ L.M. Montgomery, 31 January 1920

Selected Journals, Volume II

(ed. by Mary Rubio & Elizabeth Waterston)

A kindred spirit? I think so. Somehow, she's a friend...

Soon: my own likes list.

Under Contract

Today, Kirk and I got wonderful news: it looks like we're going to be homeowners!

We won't be able to close until mid-September, but the loan came through and we're already imagining the possibilities.

More photos to come!

By the Sea (...or the lake, at least)

One of our favorite activities lately is taking Penelope to Ramsey Creek Park.

Although they have a nice dog park there, Pennie's a bit anti-social and prefers a walk near the lake. At first, she was afraid of the water, but she's become quite the swimmer. It's hard to say who enjoys it more: Kirk and I, or Penelope?

A couple of photos:

And a video of Miss P:

The Sublime Ms. Lewis

Last week at this time, Kirk and I were in Asheville for the Jenny Lewis concert at the Orange Peel.

I've loved her music since the Rilo Kiley days (which never fail to bring back memories of my Cambridge apartment) and I was delighted to see her perform live...but I have to admit a secret thrill to see the child star of Troop Beverly Hills. God, I loved the movie when I was a girl.

For your viewing pleasure, Ms. Lewis performing her encore Silver Lining in Asheville:




(Thanks, theexit.)