…And I mean that in the most literal sense. We managed to contract the Tennessee crud, and we’ve been languishing this week, watching a bunch of movies and generally taking it easy. I’ve tried to do a little writing, because sometimes the greatest work comes from a depleted body. The critical voice is too busy feeling miserable, so the enlightened mind can solve problems and get work done. But that didn’t work the way I’d hoped, so it was Netflix and chill for me.
It’s been icky and rainy, too, which makes for perfect lay-by-the-fire-do-nothing days. The blue jays who’ve moved in are gobbling the feed I put out, and they scratch so much out of the feeder trying to get to the choicest morsels that the littlest ones have lots of ground food to forage. Very bucolic. I have also discovered the delight of vanilla yogurt with frozen blueberries as an excellent sore throat remedy. Highly recommended.
But being puny—as my in-laws say—also means I had to miss my gig with Lucy Foley at Parnassus (BOO. HISS.) The amazing
stepped in to pinch hit and the event went great, but I was really bummed to miss it, especially considering how much fun I’ve had reading Lucy’s backlist over the past few months. I was disappointed not to have a chance to fangirl all over her.And I’m supposed to be on a plane as we speak, but put that off too—couldn’t chance bringing the bug to the parental units.
Which leaves me a long weekend ahead of nothing but healing and chilling. Netflix and chilling. I watched CRAZY STUPID LOVE ( a favorite, also an excellent example of authorial misdirection) and EAT PRAY LOVE yesterday. I am hankering for an Avengers binge—for some reason, I want swashbuckling and heroes and life and death stakes right now. Recommendations welcome.
Today I might be able to read, which would be good, because I’m about to finish THE GALLERY ASSISTANT by Kate Belli and I’m very much enjoying it.
Next after that, for the suspense portion of our reading pleasure, I think I’ll jump into SALTWATER. (I keep typing that as SALTBURN, which was a fabulously creepy gothic movie, which I also recommend, though be prepared… True story: On first watch, because of the trailer, I thought it was about vampires. IYKYK. 🧛)
I also have WHALEFALL on the docket, which I’ve heard is incredible.
But right now I feel like reading RAISING HARE. Our rabbits have been—ahem—multiplying in the back yard recently, and as a storyteller, I have given them rich internal lives. I’m curious what raising one would be like.
That’s it from me today. What are you up to, and reading, this weekend? Any great recommendations for us?
It’s been an interesting week for me. It started with a hard fall Monday afternoon, so super bruised and achy knees. 🤦♀️ so unfortunately I’ve read very little. But I’m starting Broken Country this weekend and then I’m going back to Walter Mosley’s Easy Rawlins series.
Sending healing hugs to all who need some! Got my new computer glasses and can already feel the tension in my neck and upper back easing. Also had my rheumatologist approve trying a different medicine to help with muscle aches and pains. Hoping it gives me a little relief so I can increase my activity levels and stamina.
My current guilty watching pleasure is Alan Cumming in The Traitors on Peacock. I started it after finishing watching Long Bright River which was as good as the book.
This week’s list:
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr (charming, smart, funny)
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham (great unsettling creepy vibes)
A Guide to the Beasts of East Africa(Mr Malik #2) by Nicholas Drayson
The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood
Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature Ed by Becky Siegel Spratford