Monday, June 16, 2014

Summertime Pastimes “Reading and Sewing”

Too hot to hike? I’ve been enjoying this time to read and sew.

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I read two short books last week that I highly recommend. Year by the Sea was an excellent book. If you’ve ever felt like running away and reinventing yourself…this is inspiring. And The Gift of the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh was beautifully written and timeless. They are not ‘new’ books so you may have read them already, but they were new to me.

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I’ve been stopping by the library more often to spend time browsing to find authors I haven’t read. Some are good….others I’ll pass on. But you just never know. I couldn’t get interested in the ‘beach’ books I checked out but last night I started,  A Lesson in Secrets and I’m loving it already.

I read The Beautiful Mystery and it was good, too!

Sewing has been great fun and I jump from one project to another. I was on Etsy looking at cute little cloth dolls to get ideas and found this pretty little girl. The sweet lady that made her is Bella and she is as beautiful as her name. She even shared the pattern with me. Thank you Bella! Red heart

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So I am busy making my own versions of this sweet dollie. (I’ll show you my progress tomorrow!) Look at all of Bella’s amazing dolls on Etsy HERE! You’ll fall in love with them, too!

I’m joining Ricki Jill for Literary Friday HERE!

Have you read a good book I should know about?

Have a beautiful Monday! Sun

31 comments:

Cranberry Morning said...

Cute doll, Diane! I need to spend time today out on the front porch, reading. As you know, I have plenty of reading material to choose from. lol

valerietilsten59.blogspot.com said...

Its so hot here too Diane..
I am inside, aircon on and sorting out my paperwork.
Your little doll is so sweet. It reminds me of when I was younger. I made a few for my daughter.
At the moment, I am browsing through my garden books.
wishing you a good Monday.
val x

Sam I Am...... said...

I can't believe I'm the first to leave a comment?!?! I love The Gift From the Sea and need to read it again as it's been years now. I always pick copies of them up when I see them at thrift shops to give as gifts.
Jacqueline Winspear has a whole set of books and you might want to read them in order if you can. She is excellent! Thanks for the recommendations as our tastes seem to run along the same lines.
I did hike this morning and although only 71 F the humidity is like 87% but if I wait until evening the humidity is down but the temp is up to probably 89-90 today so what's a girl to do? I go now, then work in the yard and then come in and take a bath and turn on the ac! LOL!
I love your Bella's dolls....they are so sweet. I should have sewed something instead of knitted as I am running behind on those birthday gifts. Woe is me! Have a great day!

Vee said...

A year by the sea sounds as if it would be a good read. I'll look into that one. I like books about re-inventing oneself. (I've read nothing lately, but blogs, blogs, and more blogs.)

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

She's adorable. I wish I could put down my tools long enough to relax with a good book, I do miss it!!

Anonymous said...

wow, such treasures, your new dolly is a honey!!!!I just finished a good book about the famous woman fossil hunter, it was great!

Kathy said...

I love to read but have so little time to just sit and do it. I do most of my reading at work during lunch. That doll is adorable!

Lorrie said...

Louise Penny (The Beautiful Mystery) has a series of books - are you reading them in order? Gift From the Sea is a wonderful book, one I keep on hand and read from time to time.
The doll is a cutie. Enjoy reading and sewing.

Anonymous said...

Awh...just spotting Gift from the Sea was an instant smile. It is my FAVORITE book, and I actually started a seasonal tradition with it. I read it every summer, and if possible, while sitting under an umbrella by the ocean. Would you believe I have it in my purse right now? All prepared for my summer escape.
Never read A Year by the Sea, so I'll have to add it to my summer read.
Can't wait to see your rag doll.
Love the black cats too.
J.'s smile...priceless!
xoxo's

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the books you have enjoyed. That is a precious doll and I will visit Bella. Enjoy your sewing!

Patty Sumner said...

I love to read..usually do not get the chance to until bedtime.. that is how I end my day..I usually go through several books each month along with my Bible.. Enjoy your books...beautiful little rag doll. Blessings!

Montanagirl said...

I don't think I've read any of those books. LOVE that little doll. You're just a busy girl!

Julie's Lifestyle said...

Hi Diane, thanks for the recommendations on some of these books you are reading. I can't wait to see how you doll is coming along. Have a nice afternoon Diane!

Sally said...

I enjoy reading most everything that has something to do with the sea/beach! Most times I pick up books either from the library and/or thrift stores, but yesterday I bought James Patterson's "Beach House" and I'm trying to rush reading the one I have going now, so I can start that one. :)

Have a blessed day!

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh this doll is so sweet. And do I see owls on her dress? She reminds me of Jess who graduated this weekend, as owls are such smart birds. And she has blonde hair! These books sound delightful. It sounds like you love the sea very much.

love,
~Sheri

SImple and Serene Living said...

I'd like to run away and reinvent myself :)

That doll is adorable. Have fun with your reading and sewing, sweet friend.

xo Laura

Unknown said...

I just love your picutures here, you are so talented with the dolls also keep doing! they are beautiful!!

Bella

Shug said...

I so admire people who read!! I'm not one that can sit still long enough to read books. :(
Hope to teach my grandkids to read, read, read!!
Have a good week!

The Polka Dot Closet said...

Oh goodness I haven't read a book for so long!!! I am going to put it on my list of to dos now that the Flea is done. I love the doll, I could see where they would be so fun to make!

Carol

cynthia lee designs said...

Cute doll. I just finished up reading a Nicholas Sparks book. It sure is hot here...great time to stay inside and work in my sewing room.
hugs,
Cindy

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I have been reading some books lately, mainly Gladys Taber books. I've had to step away from blog reading a while because the scrolling was making me dizzy! That's a sweet little doll, I envy your sewing talents.

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

What a sweet little doll!

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Gift From the Sea is a timeless classic. I was actually just thinking of re-reading it since we were just on Sanibel. I have several copies of it. Enjoy your week!

NanaDiana said...

Can't wait to see your sweet dolly tomorrow. I love visiting you and seeing what you are up to...xo Diana

Poppy said...

Reading, regardless of the season, is always such a relaxing way to pass the time and escape into exciting lands and characters! But, as you said, sometimes, it doesn't take long to put that book down, permanently! I wonder how some of these writers even got their books published. Thanks for your suggestions; they all sound great!

Have a wonderful week, Diane!

Hugs,
Poppy

cucki said...

Such a sweet doll..so cute
Big hugs xx

Trace4J said...

What a adorable doll.
I love reading thanks for sharing your good reads.
Woolie Blessings

Helen Philipps said...

I always love hearing book recommendations and will make a note of yours. I love Louise Penny's books and enjoyed The Beautiful Mystery.
The little dolly is adorable! She has such a cute little face!
Have a wonderful week, Diane.
Helen xox

Linda @ A La Carte said...

This heat has made moving Mom even more difficult, but I am closing in on the end of it all...I hope! I am currently reading 'Don't Go' by Lisa Scottoline...really good.

hugs,
Linda

White Lace and Promises said...

I love the book Gift from the Sea. I may have to get you to make me a doll for my baby girl.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I read The Aviator's Wife and re-read Gift of the Sea last year. What a classic! Your summer reading list is awesome sauce!

I'm so sorry I'm just getting over here to visit….I usually get email notifications when folks link-up, and I didn't get any this time. I thought no one linked up last week!

Enjoy your Independence Day!

xo,
RJ