Whisper1 Fourth thread of 2021

Spring is here. The grass is greener, the tulips and daffodils are blooming (those in the image are not mine.)

But a few tulips and daffodils from last year appeared this week!

It's been a long, cold and snowy winter. Spring will be celebrated!

And once again, happy new thread!'

What a lovely vision of spring.

Hello to all who visit here. I've been a member of this group since 2008. I've connected with so many lovely people. And, my to be read pile grows and expands more every year.

I've had nine spine and neck surgeries. This year, I continued my quest in the enjoyment I receive from reading many children's illustrated books. Though they may be labeled "children's" books, they bring joy to adults as well.

When the writing and illustrations match, it is magical!

t
Madam President by Lane Smith

I continue my quest to read all illustrated books by Lane Smith. He is a prolific writer and artist. I'm glad there are many more to read.

In the United States, we do not have a female President, but we do have a woman Vice President!
Thus far the match of President Biden and Vice President Kamilla Harris, are thus far quite a good pair!

In this book, written and illustrated by Smith, Madam President is quite a character. A little girl journeys into a world where she is the President. There are executive orders, daily briefs, photo ops, babies to kiss, treaties to negotiate
And, when Madam President grows weary, she piles the work on the VP.

While this is cute, it isn't one of my favorites of the author and illustrator. But, the illustrations are cute and creative, and the premise is a great one!

Happy new thread, Linda!

Over here early daffodils are blooming and the tulips will follow soon.

>5 FAMeulstee: Anita, I can only imagine the beauty of where you live! Thanks for stopping by!

The flowers blooming bring so much joy! I purchased some deep purple tulips. I couldn't resist them.

Spring has sprung out here in Northern California and the weather is suddenly lovely. Flowers opening everywhere. Birds singing their hearts out. Fruit trees blossomed and setting apples, peaches, apricots, cherries and plums. Tomato seedlings going in the ground. I hope your Spring brings you joy.

>2 quondame: Hi Susan. While it was overcast and rainy all day, looking at the flowers blooming brings joy!

>7 RBeffa: Ron, I'm retired from 36 years of academia. My job entailed traveling with students to various conferences throughout the U.S. I've never been to California. It is on my list of things to do!

Fruit trees are blooming! That must be so very pretty. There was (and I hope it stays past tense,) a critter called the Lantern Bug. It managed to destroy my beautiful cherry tree. Alas, I had to have it taken down. It provided such beautiful flowers in the spring.



Here is an image of my spring perennial garden: The colors are primarily purple.



Happy Spring to you!

Happy new thread, Linda! Spring isn't quite here yet in Toronto. We may have snow overnight (though I did get my snow tires off just today!). It won't stick around, though, so I didn't bother rescheduling.

I have 3 little flowers in my garden. 3 white crocus flowers. It's a start... ;-)

>Shelley, I imagine the temperature difference is dramatic. I think that crocus flowers are the best sign of spring.

Happy new thread!

Happy New Thread. Linda. Love the springtime topper! I am waiting for more color.

>12 drneutron: Jim, you do so much for this group. You are appreciated!
>13 msf59: Mark, I imagine you noted the cardinal on the birdfeeder in the cherry tree image.

What a beautiful topper for your new thread!

Hope you are feeling better!

I agree with Cheli - lovely colours!

Happy new thread, Linda. x

Happy New Thread, Linda! It was 88 degrees here today, too warm, but my roses are beautiful. Tonight I plan to read The Barnabus Project, which I got from the library after a dear friend recommended it.

Hi Linda.
I'm sure looking forward to seeing what fabulous Illustrations you'll find for us.
Nice that spring has arrived for your region.

Spring has arrived here too. We had our first day out for months on Monday and this is what we saw:

>9 Whisper1: The garden is looking lovely Linda.

>1 Whisper1: love your photos.

I like children's books, too. Most of them aren't pretentious, but honest and tactless, just like youngsters.

>19 SandDune: lovely! Looks like it was taken down the road from where I live in eastern NC.

The crocus and daffodils have finished blooming, the camellia is ending the season with a few final dark pink blossoms.

The grape hyacinths are stubbornly refusing to curtail their blooming, and the violets are rioting all over my yard.

The wisteria is weeping purple petals onto my cars.

Bugleweed is thrusting dark purple spikes above its dark green foliage.

The blueberry bushes are dropping their white blossoms and starting to set their fruit.

I have thought it interesting that most of the early flowers are white, yellow, purple.

Next up? The iris appear to be budding, the amaryllis are up though not yet showing blooms. They'll be red once they do bloom.

Happy new thread, Linda. I love your photos. It looks like spring!

Happy new thread Linda my dear.

Happy new thread and happy spring!

Spring has come to New York City and the parks are green and blooming.

Wishing you all good things, Linda

>15 cyderry: Hi Cheli. Thinking of you on this spring day. Much Love!
>16 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I'm thinking of you and Hani and send all good wishes.
>17 ronincats: Hi Roni...You made me smile. I hope you liked The Barnabus Project. It was my introduction to the artistry of the marvelous Fan Brothers!
>18 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. Yesterday was cold and rainy. Today is more of the same. This morning, I think of a time when neighborhood grandchildren hunted for eggs on the lawns. Now, those same girls are 12 and 13, too big for egg hunting, but the memories last!
>19 SandDune: Rhian, many thanks for sharing the beautiful images. They are lovely, and made me smile!
>20 Caroline_McElwee: Thanks Caroline. While I love the brightness of non perennials, I invest in flowers that return year after year. Like a gift, they return to remind me of beauty, and a sense of hope.
>21 fuzzi: Fuzzi...What a lovely way to paint a picture of flowers that continue to bring joy and hope.
>22 BLBera: Hi Beth, yesterday and today are cold and rainy, all the more reason to look at the daffodils and tulips. I randomly planted seeds that I harvested from last year's crop of zinnas and bright yellow and orange marigolds. Yesterday, I looked carefully, and behold, some of the seedlings are working their way up, up from the soil and, tiny little green stems with baby leaves were poking up from the soil placed gingerly on top of them. Life is Good!!

>23 johnsimpson: Hi John, Thanks for stopping by. What will you and Karen do this weekend of joy and hope!
>24 AMQS: So good to see a post from you Anne! I love your image posted on your home page of books, books everywhere, A friend who downsized, and now her husband and she live in a double wide home. They own a large amount of acres, and there and deer, bear, lots of squirrels, and peacocks! I like visiting and sitting on the very large porch that was built on the front of their house so that they could see the sunsets.
When I visit, I marvel at her personal cache of cats and dogs, and then look out and the acres of animals, and my reaction is still the same "You have a beautiful collection of wild life."
And, when she visits her, she always marvels at all the books I have throughout the rooms.
>25 magicians_nephew: Wishing you and Judy all good things. It is lovely to think of spring in NY!

HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL

This morning, I watch as the house across the street has a large dumpster in the driveway. My elderly friends no longer live there.
Dottie, who was 89, died on Christmas Eve, Tom, her husband, who is 92, now lives with one of his sons. Their sons are throwing out all items inside the house as I see them fly through the air into the dumpster.

I have so many memories of our times together sharing meals and birthday and holiday get togethers.

Mainly, I am glad that they no longer have to struggle to live in a house that was too big for them. Still, whenever someone moves away, their memories are still there, the laughter and wonderful stories fill me with the love we shared.

>28 Whisper1: Bittersweet Linda. Memories are stardust though.

>29 Caroline_McElwee: I love the image you paint with words! Thanks Caroline!

>28 Whisper1: 😢😢😢

All the flowers are lovely! We're in the middle of what's called "Redbud Winter" around here. It's the first of four or five "winters" in spring.

>27 Whisper1: Linda, it sounds like your friends downsized perfectly - how wonderful to be able to watch their collection of wildlife!

>28 Whisper1: Oh, that makes me sad. I suppose it has to be done, but just the dumpster there is sad on its own. Will the house be sold?

>28 Whisper1: Remembering when my sister and i cleaned out my Father's house - (same thing -- my mother had passed on and my Father was going into a Skilled Nursing Facility).

So many memories that we just didn't have room for so they were looked at, thought about, sighed over, and then thrown into the dumpster.

Wish it had been a few years later when we had cell phone we might have photographed / scanned some of the memories before casting them away.

Hi Linda my dear, over the Easter weekend sadly Karen is working today (Saturday) and again on Monday but we are having all the family over for Easter Sunday lunch. It will be lovely to see them all and then next weekend, both days we are having Amy's Baby shower parties. As we can only have six other people per day it is having to be done over the weekend, i will be making myself scarce while it is ongoing.

On the Sunday i will be acting as Amy's Chauffeur, picking her up from home and then taking her home. After next weekend she will only have two more weeks to her due date, we are so excited.

I hope that you are having a good Easter weekend my dear and look forward to hearing all about it. Sending Easter love and hugs to you from both of us dear friend.

Happy Easter, Linda! This Easter and season of spring and covid vaccine's widely distributed seems like a coming out party for everyone. Hope you'll be able to visit your daughter again soon.

Happy Easter and much love, Linda!

Hi Linda, and happy new thread!

>28 Whisper1: How sad to see things just fly into the dumpster.

Hello to everyone! I'm sorry I don't have the energy to respond to all. Another set back of pain. This time I did not enter the hospital.

But, the very good news is that I found a good chiropractor. Three sessions later, I feel somewhat better. After each session, I have free entry to the beautiful indoor pool, the pools, and the sauna. Yesterday, was my first time at the warm pools, and it was a joy!

Thanks to everyone for posting. Today, I hope to answer each one.

I haven't read anything in a while. I hope everyone understands.

This group means a lot to me!

All good wishes.

>40 Whisper1: you take care of yourself FIRST AND FOREMOST.

The reading will come when you're up to it.

I love a good chiropractor. My first experience was with the best chiropractor of all, and since then I've had a few good ones take care of me.

I hope you find relief, Linda. I'm sorry you've been in pain.

Take care, Linda. I hope you find pain relief.

I hope you get good new neighbors.

Feel better soon, Linda!

>42 AMQS: Hi Anne
>43 BLBera: Hello Beth
>44 curioussquared: Hi Natalie

I haven't felt well, plus April 18th will be the second anniversary of Will's passing.

I am trying to focus on good things. The buds are blooming on the trees. The seeds I planted a few weeks ago are pushing their way through the soil. Life is good. My little buddy came to visit today. He played with today's newspaper. Lilly wore it well. I saw her head peaking out through the tent like pages.
Cup cakes were made, with multi-colored decorations. Then, my little friend found the swifter and moped the floor. He did a good job.

He is riding his new bike with the use of training wheels. He makes me laugh so very much. Today, he was with me for a long time. Then, when it was time to go home, he pleaded to stay just a bit more. I Love this kid!

I swear by chiropractic, Linda, and am glad to read that it's been helping.

>46 karenmarie: Yes, Karen, four sessions, and I've noticed a difference. I've also joined the center where the chiropractor holds sessions. After sessions, I go to the very warm pool, and that helps as well.

I am a bit down in spirits; the 18th of this month marks the two-year time of Will's passing.

We had 20 good years. He was highly intelligent, kind, with a wonderful sense of humor.

Here is a photo of us (with grand daughter Kayla and lovely Shetland Sheep dog Lilly) during spring time perhaps six years ago. The second photo is the arrival home, after recovery of one of my surgeries. The third includes one of the neighborhood girls that Will tutored and we grew quite fond of. The fourth photo contains Will and I with his then 100 year old uncle. The same uncle is now 104! The last photo is one of my favorites. He very much liked the movie Monsters, Inc. My daughter Breanna surprised him with this costume for Halloween trick or treat in our neighborhood.



There are so many wonderful memories.

>48 Whisper1: thank you for sharing.

May you find comfort and peace.

Linda, thank you for sharing the pictures of you and Will and Lilly. It's a blessing you have so many wonderful memories of him.

I'm glad you found a good chiropractor. The facilities sound wonderful, especially the warm pool!

>48 Whisper1:, Hi Linda my dear, thank you for sharing these photos. As well as wanting to meet you my dear, i would have liked to have met Will, i am sure we would have got on.

Sending love and hugs to you from both of us dear friend.

Linda, I'm sending you hugs as you continue in the grieving of your beloved Will. I can tell from the pictures you posted that he was intelligent, kind, and funny -- just as you say!

Take good care, my friend.

Thinking of you, Linda.

The warmth shines through in all those photos, Linda. I know for me, I take great comfort in looking at family photos, even - and maybe especially - of those no longer with us. Not long ago, I switched up and refreshed the table in my living room where I display photos. Retired some of the ones I felt I didn't need to see any more and put out some older ones of family. They make me smile and feel good every time I walk by.

{{hugs}}

Thanks ever so much to all for your wonderful comments and support. I've been MIA and haven't read at all. I had the second Maderna injection and I've been sick, with swollen arm, nasty headache, tiredness, upset stomach and overall nastiness throughout.

It isn't Covid, so, I am glad I had the injection. Tomorrow will be different.

Has anyone had the second Maderna injection, and if so how are you feeling?

>55 Whisper1: The second Moderna made me very tired, but it wasn't as hard on my joints as the first. I'm so sad to hear it has been hard for you.
Those are lovely pictures of you and Will.

Miss seeing you Linda - love the photos.

Thinking of you, Linda! My second Moderna shot gave me a fever, body aches, migraine, and chills for a full 30 or so hours.

I trust that by this time your Moderna 2 side-effects are gone and your body is busy making you immune.

Thank you for the lovely pictures of you and Will and Kayla and Lilly too. They make me happy, so I can only imagine what good they do for you. I'm glad that you have them!

I'm reading very little these days, but I do manage to do a bit of Italian every day.

>48 Whisper1:

Linda - You and Will and Lilly, with your surrounding Family - so much HEART!

>49 fuzzi: Lovely to share in your happy memories Linda, but at two years, I am sure bittersweet.

>40 Whisper1: sorry to hear about the pain, but glad you have found some relief.

>48 Whisper1: Lovely to share in your sweet memories Linda, but still tender after only two years I am sure.

>40 Whisper1: Sorry to hear about the pain, but glad you have found something that helps.

Thanks to all for the lovely comments, and the emotional support. Ours was not a perfect relationship. There were times when he allowed others ( his cousin and the mother the cousin) to interfere.

I think the most kind thing to say is they lacked social skills. He overlooked a lot that I simply couldn't.

I imagine no relationship is perfect. And. we all have issues in various ways.

While the bad interference of his family was more than annoying, in the end, the good outpowered the painful issues.

It is another damp, rainy day. But, the seedlings are pushing up from the soil as they are quenched from the rain.

Congrats on getting the 2nd Covid shot, Linda. Bummer about the unpleasant side effects. I hope they fade quickly. Glad you are finding some solace with the birds, especially the lovely goldfinch.

Mark? Is there a book about birds that you would recommend?

Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and memories, Linda. I felt pretty miserable after my second Moderna shot as well. I'm just so glad I am now vaccinated! Take care.

>66 BLBera: Happy chilly Friday morning. I loaded the bird feeders, and already, the hungry little ones flock to the seeds, especially those that fell on the ground.

It seems to be a pattern regarding the second Moderna injection. Almost one week later, and I still have a nasty stomach ache. At least I'm vaccinated, and like you, glad that the process is finished.

BOOK NUMBER 58


The Bad Seed by Jory John with illustrations of Pete Oswald

This funny illustrated book made me laugh right out loud. Creative with silly illustrations that tell the story of a sunflower seed who had a large family. Then, one day all the seeds were scattered, and he became the bad one.

Closing doors on others, never washing his hands, purposely never placing things back where they belonged. He cuts in line Every Time.

Purposely late every time, a liar extraordinaire. He purposely is very loud in the library. He is indeed a baaaaaad seed. Until one day, he remembers a large bag. He is swallowed up by a man at a game. He knows he is a goner, until suddenly he is flying through the air landing at the bottom of the bleachers right in the middle of a gooey chunk of gum.

Suddenly, he changed and decided to be a good seed. He opened doors, he listened. And, he smiled.

This is cute, silly and funny. The illustrations are not beautiful, but they tell the story very well.

I think little kids would tremendously like this book.

Dropping to say hello. Quite enjoying the spring colours/pictures.

>48 Whisper1: It is always hard. Especially around holidays and special occasions. What wonderful pictures!

Congrats on getting the second shot. Hopefully the side effects disappear soon.

>68 Whisper1: Hi Linda! My kiddos love these books. Addie received The Cool Bean for Easter. They are fun books to read.

Thanks for sharing your photos. Anniversaries of passings are difficult. March 31 was the five year passing of my MIL. There is a hole there. Sending positive thoughts to you this week.

I just had shot #2 of Phizer today. So far I just have a sore arm and am getting tired. I am hoping that those will be the only symptoms! But it feels good to be done with the COVID vaccine for now!

Always think of The Bad Seed as the psychological sexy film noir with Nancy Kelly and Henry Jones. - I'm sure thats where the author got the title

William Hopper who was later Paul Drake on Perry Mason has a small role

>69 figsfromthistle: Good Morning Anita. Thanks for stopping by. Spring is here. Today there is a gloss of wet rain on the deck. There was a red fox on the hill in the woods behind my house. It was beautiful, sleek, lovely and quick. I wish it would have stayed a bit so I could have had eye contact and shared a smile.

>70 jayde1599: I know the love of a wonderful mother in law. My first, was so very special to me. Her son and I married while I was in college. She never judged, only helped show the path. Even years after her son and I divorced and remarried, our love remained. We shared a beautiful lady..a granddaughter for her, a daughter for me.

When I drove to Dayton, Ohio to be with Amy, she always drove along. There were ten-twelve hours of stories she shared, some sad, some sharing of hard, difficult hurts she experienced by Amy's grandfather. It was sad to know she was hurt so very much, as I loved him too.
When both her children, my former husband, her son, and her daughter, whom I still stayed in contact with, needed to go away, she stayed with Will and I. I heard their laughter and their sharing of travel experiences. What a wonderful person Will was. He gladly embraced her and opened our home to her.

When she knew her end was near, I bent to kiss her. She gently took my hand and said "We are lucky, you and I, to have such a wonderful friendship and love that lasts."

When she died, I remembered those words and the passing wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.

I mention this story to tell you that I certainly understand the hole that remains for your love and longing of your MIL whose date was at the end of March. A time of year you will always remember and think of her lovingly.

>71 magicians_nephew: Jim, you are in deed one of the smartest, well versed of all I know. It is a joy to know you.

Hi Linda!

>67 Whisper1: I'm sorry you've still got side effects from the vaccine, but as you say, at least you're vaccinated and through the process.

>71 magicians_nephew: Bill and I have been watching Perry Mason off and on for several months now, starting with S1 E1. I think we're still in season 1, which had 39 episodes. The episodes are a combination of good and riotously/depressingly dated. William Hopper was Hedda Hopper's son - just sayin'.

BOOK # 59

Great Poems (Visual Factfinder)
by Kate Miles(Author)


While sorting through books purchased a long time ago, I came upon this lovely tombe of various poems. I smile, thinking of this discovery, I learned as a child. The images are as fresh now, as then!

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
Eugene Field - 1850-1895

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe,—
Sailed on a river of crystal light
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring-fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we,"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe;
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew;
The little stars were the herring-fish
That lived in the beautiful sea.
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish,—
Never afraid are we!"
So cried the stars to the fishermen three,
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam,—
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home:
'Twas all so pretty a sail, it seemed
As if it could not be;
And some folk thought 'twas a dream they'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea;
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed;
So shut your eyes while Mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:—
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.

>73 karenmarie: Good Morning Karen. My daughter and husband lived in North Carolina when my twin grandsons were born. Now, they live in Beavercreek, Ohio.

This morning my daughter is with that then bitty baby, now 18, as they tour the campus of Boston Conservatory Berklee. He received four full years scholarship.

I am so darn proud of him that tears are in my eyes as I write this.

BOOK #60


The Beginner's Guide to Running Away From Home by Jennifer Huget with clay-like illustrations of Red Nose Studio

While the clay images, at first glance, tend to be spooky looking, the accompanying story is fun.

As the middle child notes, if you are planning to run away, you better have a reason. He has three reasons -- a baby sister who gets all the attention because she never, never stops crying, a brother who loudly plays his music in the basement. The run away calls him a "big, warty slug."

It seems they get all the attention. And, worse than anything, his mother threw away his collection of candy wrappers saved for a long, long time in order to be used as wall paper for his bedroom.

That is it!!!! He is leaving. Looking round his bedroom, he chooses the favorite toy to put on the top of the wagon along with the box of snacks of graham crackers, and a large box of gummy worms. Then he packs gum so he does not have to brush his teeth. A pillow and blanket is included, but no pjs because he will sleep in what he wears.

He buries his face in his pets and tells them he is sorry to leave them because, after all, it is not their fault his family is so darn mean.

Off he goes, taping the note where he knows the parents will find it, right where the bratty, cry baby is! As he piles his wagon, travels down the hill, away from all those pesky things he wants to put far behind, he discovers that home isn't all that bad. And, he returns into the waiting arms of his mother!

>74 Whisper1: Thank you for Wynken, Blunken, and Nod -
my daughter and I still recite the first three verses from memory.

>72 Whisper1: >70 jayde1599:

"When to the sessions of sweet silent thought I summon up remembrance of things past,
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,
And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste:
Then can I drown an eye, unused to flow, For precious friends hid in death's dateless night,
And weep afresh love's long since cancel'd woe,
And moan the expense of many a vanish'd sight:
then can I grieve at grievances foregone,
And heavily from woe to woe tell o'er The sad account of fore-bemoaned moan,
Which I new pay as if not paid before.

But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored and sorrows end."

William Shakespeare

Thank you as always for sharing the beautiful illustrations.

There were several gotcha's for me on your last thread, including Mary's Monster. I have Transcendent Kingdom on my hold list at the library. I enjoyed your review of it.

Many gentle hugs.

>65 Whisper1: "Is there a book about birds that you would recommend?" Are you referring to bird ID books or just lovely books about birds?

For the former, I would highly recommend Peterson's Field Guide to Birds. This one covers the eastern part of North America. For pleasure reading, I loved A Season on the Wind & Bird, Art, Life. Of course, I could recommend several others.

>80 msf59: - Mark, your touchstone goes to the wrong boo for Birds, Art, Life. This is the one I think you mean.

>48 Whisper1: Special hugs to you!

>78 m.belljackson: lovely

Hi, Linda. I hope you are feeling better. I just wanted to let you know, I finally started An Enchantment of Birds: Memories from a Birder's Life, which you gifted me some time ago. Even in the opening pages, I could tell this one would be a treat. You know me well. Thank you.

How are your feeders doing? Staying busy?



-Western Kingbird. (Never saw one, so not my photo)

>78 m.belljackson: What a lovely poem. Thanks Marianne!
>79 streamsong: Hi Janet..So good so see a post from you. Thanks!
>80 msf59: Thanks for taking time to answer my question regarding a book that I could read that would help me identify bird. When I was aat Barnes and Noble yesterday, there was a table just for books about birds.

>78 m.belljackson: Marianne, What a lovely poem. Thank you for sending this to me. The Pre Raphaelite artists, considered Victorian painters, used a lot of William Shakespeare's words of beauty to frame those exquisite images of his poetry, they brought the colors and motion to the canvas.

One of my favorite paintings of the Pre Raphaelite brotherhood, was one by J.W. Waterhouse. Using the reference of the play of Miranda, he put paint on canvas and gave the very real image of the water in a tempest of huge waves bashing against the rocks as Miranda looked into the ocean for a love.

Shakespeare developed the character of Miranda in the scene of the play, The Tempest, it is known for it's absence of women. Miranda was the only human female inhabitant on an island which, in the wake of the shipwreck, has was increasingly populated by men.



I am always in awe when I study this. Quite a few years ago, I purchased a large print and had it framed. Five prints of the works of Waterhouse are in my living room.

>79 streamsong: Hi Janet, you are ever sensitive and kind. Thank you for your gentle hugs. It's been a tough few days as the 18th of this month marked the second year anniversary of Will's passing.

>80 msf59: Mark, Here is the title of the book that caught my eye:

>82 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. Much appreciated!

BOOK #61


Surviving Death A Journalist Investigates Evidence For An Afterlife by Leslie Kean

I found a documentary of the same title on NetFlix. It was a series and I watched every specific subject.

The Netflix adaptation of the book, is so much better than the book. I found the book difficult to read. The writing seemed to drag, and often I had to go back again and again to try to understand just what the author was trying to say.

The chapters contain subjects such as communication from those who have passed on before us, data told from very reputable mediums, and trance mediums.

>86 Whisper1:

The Remembrance poem is Shakespeare's Sonnet Number 30.

When I read the first line, I thought it was from Marcel Proust,
with his books Remembrances of Things Past.

What an evocative painting!

>86 Whisper1: Aren't the greens in that painting stunning Linda? I'm long a fan of the Pre-Raphs.

>90 m.belljackson: Good Morning Marianne. The sun is beautiful; the wind is cold and sharp. Thanks for sharing Shakespeare's Sonnet Number 30. In high school, I didn't have the right teacher to teach Shakespeare. When in college, I found the right professor who clearly and beautifully taught in a way that lead to a shining understanding of the beauty of this incredible man!

>91 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, How special to know another who appreciates the beauty of the Pre Raphaelites. I know that Heather in our group is also someone who enjoys their work.

Do you have a favorite painting?

I was fortunate to obtain a large print of The Lady of Shalott, and to have a wonderful local business that beautifully framed the print. It hangs in my dining room. I study it often.

When I learned of the music of Lorrena McKennitt, I heard her rendition of the poetry of Tennyson. One evening, after a painful surgery, I happened upon a tv station that highlighted the music of McKennitt. Featuring the music with a background of Pre Raphaelite paintings, I was immediately drawn, and learned as much as I could not only of her music, but of all the incredible artistry of this band of the Pre Raphealite Brotherhood.

J.W. Waterhouse - The Lady of Shalott


J.W. Waterhouse - The Soul of the Rose


J.W. Waterhouse - Mariana -- also inspired by a Tennyson poem

Not sure if you've seen Tina's thread but thought you'd be interested in the review at message #43. https://www.librarything.com/topic/328749#43

Hope you are feeling better. Hugs!

All the Waterhouse illustrations are lovely, but Miranda is my favorite. I hope you are well, Linda.

>92 Whisper1: There are far too many great PreRaph paintings to have one favourite Linda.

Here are two I have long loved:


Chatterton (Henry Wallis)


King Copetua and the Beggar Maid (Edward Byrne Jones)

I visit Tate Britain often, where both these and many other PreRaphs reside.

>95 Caroline_McElwee: I have a little artistic talent, but not that much. I often have wished I could paint portraits like my grandmother did.

The wonderful Lorena McKennett put the words to "The Lady of Shallot" to music - it's one of my favorite of her songs

The Lady of Shallot

>93 cyderry: Hi Cheli. I checked Tina's thread and excellent review! Thanks! I hope you are well dear one!

I'm going through a tough patch of severe pain. I finally gave in and called pain management for an injection.

All good wishes to you!

>94 BLBera: Hi Beth. Yesterday was cold; today is 84 degrees. I'm off to get my taxes processed. I've procrastinated long enough. All good wishes to you.

>95 Caroline_McElwee: How I envy your visits to the Tate museum. I know they have a large collection of Pre Rapaelite art. The Lady of Shalot remains my favorite. Have you seen it? I'm told it takes up a large space.

>96 fuzzi: Fuzzi, I envy your grandmother's talent. Truly, I cannot draw a straight line with a ruler.

>97 magicians_nephew: Thanks, as always Jim. Here is another youtube of Lorenna Mckennett's rendetion of The Lady of Shalott:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z77PR0JA0gU

BOOK #61


Eleanor Roosevelt A Courageous Spirit by Victoria Garrett Jones

The more I read about this remarkable woman, I am increasingly in awe of not only her spirit, but her life and all that she overcame.

A child verbally abused by a beautiful society born mother. Known to call Eleanor "Granny," increasingly Eleanor was told how very ugly she was. Born with teeth that were too large for her mouth, it is amazing that the family of huge wealth, did nothing to remedy this issue.

Her father Elliott Roosevelt, brother of President Theodore Roosevelt, had a severe drinking problem which led to embarrassment for the family.

While in Europe, self-centered Anna Hall Roosevelt, left her husband, taking her children back to the United States. He was placed in an institution in the hope he would be cured.

This action deeply wounded little Eleanor. He was the center of her life, and the only person who exhibited love to her.

While her childhood impacted greatly, Franklin Roosevelt was drawn to her intelligence. She married Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became President. She had five children, 13 grandchildren, and toured the United States during the time of depression, bringing back the importance of supporting the poor.

She changed the world for her husband as his polio increasingly became an impediment.

There is much that could be written, I am most impressed with her dedication to social rights. She took bold stands at a time when black people were denied even simple rights.

When the Daughter of the American Revolution denied the right of highly talented opera singer Marian Anderson to perform at their constitution hall because she was an "African American," Eleanor wrote an exceedingly strong letter to the organization.

She quit her membership and stated that she knew her resignation would not make a difference, still, she wanted them to know how very saddened to know their stance on refusing Marian Anderson, "in effect by denying this talented woman the right she deserved, they denied an opportunity to lead in an enlightened way, and it seems to me that your organization has failed."

These indeed were strong words. The Roosevelt administration arranged a concert for Marian Anderson to highlight her talent where she appeared at the Lincoln Memorial to a group of 75,000
people.

She lead the way for the formation of the United Nations, and in 1947, she was selected as the Chairperson of the UN's Commission on Human Rights!

There is more, so much more that she accomplished.

>102 Whisper1: I've only read a little about her so far but I am highly impressed at the accomplishments and efforts that she put forth in her life. I truly believe that without her FDR wouldn't have accomplished half as much.

>101 Whisper1: thank you. I'm sorry about your pain. I've family members who are dealing with chronic pain.

>103 cyderry: HI Cheli. I agree!

>104 fuzzi: hi Fuzzi. While you may not have the artistic abilities that your grandmother, I am quite sure you have many other gifts and accomplishments that your have made thus far in your life!

>100 Whisper1: I does Linda. Many of the PreRaphs are on quite a scale. I also love some of the smaller drawings.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has a major Pre-Raph collection, which I think he plans to leave to the nation eventually. He exhibited it a few years back, I wish I had a big enough swag bag.

Here's a piece on the exhibition, further back than I remembered.

https://www.artrenewal.org/Article/Title/pre-raphelites-and-other-masters

>105 Whisper1: thank you, friend. I have a facile hand, and used to draw cartoons and caricatures when I was young.

This is my grandmother, painting:

Hi Linda!

I do hope the injection is helping, glad that you 'gave in'. Are there any/many side effects? You say you 'finally gave in', like it was a bad thing to do.

>102 Whisper1: Fantastic review of a woman I need to know more about. Thank you!

>102 Whisper1: I did a presentation on the NYA about 20 months ago. Eleanor Roosevelt was such an important figure in the New Deal. I sorted through some things at the National Archives in Atlanta in their record group dealing with NYA. While I didn't find any photos of my father or documents specifically mentioning him, I did discover some information about why a Mississippi boy took a job in Connecticut following his NYA camp experience. It seems Mississippi and Connecticut had an agreement. I found documents showing how many Mississippians had been sent to various Connecticut cities to work and a few other goodies. I really got scared when a National Archives expert was in the audience. After the presentation, she said, "You've got to keep doing this presentation. I had no idea there was so much information in those files."

>106 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline! Thank you, Thank you for the link regarding Andrew Lloyd Weber's outstanding collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.

I spent a lot of time diving in to the paintings, which is how it feels when I study even one of the paintings. The colors, the way in which the artists paint folds in the garments, the brilliant shiny strokes of the artist that capture the helmets, the depth of the dimensions in each and every painting.

I would have loved to see that collection! Webber owns some of my favorite Pre-Raphaelite works, many of which are my favorites. But, as you noted, it is difficult to pick a favorite or even note a group of favorites as the scope and number of paintings is vast. There simply are no words that suffice for the beauty of the paintings.

I was amazed that he owns Pandora, Ophelia (which was one of the most outstanding works originally displayed of one of the artists.

I had a large print of The Danaids in my office at Lehigh University. Because the sisters are continually pouring water into a beautifully rendered (shiny, multicolored) vase that has a hole in the bottom, it always reminded me of my work pile.

I put work in, only to have more be added, lending to a feeling of non accomplishment.

As the article noted, he owns 12 works of Waterhouse (who is my favorite of the artists.)

I will continue to visit this link often. It contains a feast for the eyes and beauty for the soul.

Thank you!

The Danaides



St. Cecilia



Pandora



Awakening of Adonis

MORE BOOKS PURCHASED IN 2021

Glasses Who Needs 'Em? by Lane Smith
The Patriots by Sana Krasikov
Eventide by Kent Haruf
After Day Break The Liberation of Bergen-Belsen, 1945 by Ben Shephard
Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder
The Hidden Children by Howard Greenfeld
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! by Jon Scieszka with illustrations of Lane Smith
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andrease
Amber & Clay by Laura Amy Schlitz
A Dangerous Inheritance by Alison Weir
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet
Eleanor Roosevelt, A Courageous Spirit by Victoria Garrett Jones
The Drowning by Camilla Lackberg
If the Shoe Fits by Alison Jackson with illustrations by Karla Firehammer
The Confessions of Al Capone by Loren Estleman
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Four Days in November by Vincente Bugliosi
The Education of a Coroner by Joh Bateson
Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

I had difficulty with the above message. Please disregard.

BOOK #62
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro


Klara is an artificial friend (AF.) As she looks from the store front window, she has the unique ability to quickly observe all behaviors observed.

Tough she is not the most recent model of these robots, because of her unique abilities, she is purchased. She enters a very dysfunctional atmosphere. The young girl is very ill, and her mother, while very concerned, exhibits some rather odd reactions to her daughter.

Klara enters the young girls life, notes the interactions with Klara's boyfriend.

Basically, Klara, and all AF models need sun to regenerate their ability to survive.

While I enjoyed other books by this author, I can honestly say I did not like this book at all. It was difficult to follow, with various paths that didn't seem to make sense.

I cannot recommend this book that started positively, but seemed to spin out of control.

BOOK #63


The Summer I Learned to Fly by Dana Renhardt

This is a YA book that is too trite. Basically, girl meets boy. Boy is very secretive which draws him to girl all the more. Mother and daughter live together.

Both have secrets regarding new-found relationships.

The girl rebels, leaves home. Mother finds her. All is well.

BOOK #64


Four Days in November by Vincent Bugliosi

This is an excellently written factual accounting of the assignation of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

I was in sixth grade when the principal came into the room to tell the teacher what happened. I remember the somber look of the principal, and the tears of mteacher.

Later that day, I asked my father to take me to be with my grandmother. A staunch Democrat, she very much was in favor of JFK. A stanch republication, my mother also was saddened by the brutality of the murder.

On November 22, 1963, at Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas, a skinny, angry man who was working at the book depository,, close enough so that when the presidential car rounded the corner, Lee Harvey Oswald positioned his gun and shot. There would be enough shots so that the back of the president's head was blown away.

Governor Connelly was in the limo with his wife. He too was shot, though he sustained his wounds. Both Connelly and Kennedy were immediately driven in a fast manner that the car actually flew in the air en route to the Parkland Hospital.

It is there that Kennedy, while still showing a small sound of a heart beat, died. His wife, Jackie Kennedy, sat in the corner of the room. Wearing her blood stain hat, and carrying a piece of the president's brain matter, she prayed, but she knew without a doubt her prayers for his ability to continue to live were futile.

This book is fascinating in the portrayal of the events and those who also would lose their lives as a result of that day.

Robert Kennedy, his brother and Attorney General was told via phone as he was eating his tuna sandwich, that his brother was dead. Told in a cold, clip manner, the director of the CIA, J. Edgar Hoover showed no remorse in the way in which he bluntly told his enemy Bobby Kennedy.

Bobby never recovered the loss of his brother. His hatred of J. Edgar Hoover grew. He slipped into long-lasting depression.

While I knew many of the facts, there were many things that I did not know.

BOOK #65
Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

Sometimes I give away my illustrated books. But this one, is a keeper. Two boys working their way into summer and trying to find fun.
The older brother teaches the younger that there are rules that can be broken. The young stands by and disbelieves.

The illustrations are unique, and the book brought back memories of summers with my sisters. And, as the oldest, I too tried to make them break the rules.

I loved this book!

>117 Whisper1: I loved that one, gave it 4 stars!

>116 Whisper1: I will look for that one. I've read the author's Helter Skelter twice, though I did skip over some of the first part on the second reading. The investigative and court sections are fascinating.

Hi Linda - I hope you are well.

>117 Whisper1: I love the Tan illustrations.

I am currently reading Klara and the Sun and liking it. I think using the point of view of Klara is pretty interesting, especially the way she sees things. It's clear that the most advanced AI still lacks humanity.

HI Beth

I know I am in the minority regarding my dislike of the book. I was tired when I read it. I own it, so I will re read it.

I agree that using Klara as the point of view is what carries the book. I simply thought that the beginning of the book was very interesting, but the later sections seemed to spin out of control.
-------------------------------------------------

It was 84 degrees two days ago. Today is very windy.

My dog Lilly is hiding from the wind. When I checked on her, she was on the stones between the space of my deck and the heating and cooling unit.

I haven't read any other Tan book. Can you recommend some that you like?

BOOK #67

Glasses Who Needs 'Em by Lane Smith

This is a delightful book. The only caveat is that some of the images might be scary. A young boy needs glasses. He refuses to wear them because he thinks they will make him look like a geek, and will be made fun of.

The optometrist tells him he will be impressed with all the things he will like.
This optometrist shows the boy some of the things he will see.

Hi Linda!

We're doing the temperature bounce here, too. We've had snow at least once a week. Today it is in the high 70's. I'm glad it will be cooling down again so I don't have to worry as much about the quick snow melt flooding my creek.

>116 Whisper1: Four Days in November sounds very interesting. Great review!

I just checked out Tan's Tales From the Inner City on the rec's I think of Joe and Mary/mdoris. The only other one of his that I've read is The Arrival. That one is spectacular.

>121 Whisper1: I’m loving the pictures on Glasses who Needs ‘Em Linda!

Hi Linda my dear, sorry to hear that you were in so much pain that you had to contact the pain management clinic for and injection. I do hope that the injection has done the trick and eased your pain.

We are still waiting for Amy to give birth, her due date was yesterday but no sign as yet, oh well it will come when it is good and ready, lol.

We both hope that you have a really lovely weekend my dear and send love and hugs to you dear friend.

>122 streamsong: The Arrival is quite good. I also liked Lost and Found.

Visiting the Dealy Plaza museum -- "The Sixth Floor" in Dallas is an amazing experience.

They have the films, useful models and information from those four days.

You can actually stand where Oswald stood and look down at the intersection where the shooting took place.

As a kid who wore glasses since I was six, I can relate to Glasses -- who needs them. I sure got teased a lot as a kid but i REALLY had bad eyesight - not wearing glasses was not an option

Hi Linda!

>116 Whisper1: I love the way Bugliosi wrote. I did not know about this book, so will put it on my wish list. I do have his Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which clocks in at 1,648 pages and which I haven’t read yet. There’s probably more likelihood I’ll read this one than that one.

You were in 6th grade and the principal came in. I was in 5th grade and my teacher came back from the office. Either way, a total shock. Our school closed on Monday for the funeral, and my grandmother had her three grandchildren sit on the couch to watch because it was history in the making.

Hi Linda, I hope you are doing better these days.

A couple of years ago I read a fascinating account of those days in 1963, written by 4 of the men who were there. It's called When the News Went Live. It was a riveting read. I was in grade 4 when it happened and it may have been the first time I really became aware of news. I do remember the principal coming to our classroom door and telling our teacher, who then told us. It was a Friday and we were glued to the tv for the rest of the weekend. My father is American and my grandparents lived in California all my life. Exactly one year before this happened, in 1962, my mother had taken my brother and I to visit them and my grandmother had a photo of President Kennedy on her living room wall. I remember that vividly. As far as I know, Canadians don't show their patriotism in that way so even that small gesture was new to me and stayed with me. So, when this all unfolded in 1963, I knew who he was and was riveted to the tv. I even remember seeing the Jack Ruby shooting of Oswald as it happened.

Hi Linda! Sorry you needed another injection. Man, you really deserve to catch a break. I am also reading Klara and the Sun and I am enjoying it a lot. Not sure where it is going, but I am in! Take care. Hugs.

Please allow a minute to brag. My grandson won many awards for his dance abilities. He won a full scholarship for a college in NC. I am proud of him. He listened to his mother who told him college has to be a fit. When they toured the campus and saw what the dance program had to offer, he discovered this was not the college for him.
Last week a tour of The Boston College of the Arts, and felt like this was the college he liked.

He accepted an offer from the second college. Amy will meet with them to see what type of scholarship he can received.

His parents stood behind him in his love of dance. He's been dancing since he was four. His talent amazing.

>130 Whisper1: The young man is to be congratulated.
I'd love to see the video but I probably don't have permission and the link isn't quite working.

Congrats to your grandson! How exciting to find a good dance program and start college :)

Here is a link that I think will come through. My grandson works so hard at dancing skills, yet it seems so natural. He began at the age of four. In the fall he will attend the Boston College of Arts. I am so very proud of him.

Amazing, Linda. Reminds me of figure skaters, who have to have the same level of physical training and strength and balance to excel, as your grandson does. All the very best to him!

>133 Whisper1: dedication and determination are evident!

>133 Whisper1: Impressive. Also darling, but he doesn't have to hear that.

>122 streamsong: Hi Janet. Thanks for the information regarding two additional books by Staun Tau. What an incredible talent!

>123 SandDune: Hi Rhian. I seem to remember you are recently retired. If so, are you enjoying the freedom?

>124 johnsimpson: Dear John, I checked your facebook page to see photos of your lovely grandson! Life is very special with a grandchild to hold. All good wishes to you and Karen.

>125 fuzzi: Fuzzi, I have Lost and Found on the library waiting list. Thanks for this recommendation.

>126 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim. While today is a Wednesday, it feels like Sunday. It rained all day. I went out and checked my garden. The rain drenched the petals and flowers...beautiful!!
A while ago, my former husband traveled quite a bit. He had a long-time contract with a company in Dallas. I took a, what was then known as "people's express" plane out of Newark, NJ. While in Dallas, we visited the Dealy Plaza. At that time, they did not have a museum. However, to stand at the site of the plain white cross which mark the spot he was killed, brought goose bumps.
I can only imagine how special it was to visit the museum in the book depository.

> 127 Karen. Like you, my grandmother wanted to be sure my sisters and I understood this very serious event. We sat on her couch and watched the procession. I remember seeing tears in my grandmother's eyes.

>128 jessibud2: Hi Shelley, what a remarkable story. It is amazing that you saw the photo of JFK a year before his assissignation.

>129 Berly: Hi Dear Kim. I've come to know that the injections are necessary. The pain level increases before it is time for another spinal injection. I'm accustomed to them so much that they barely hurt as much as they did years previously. I hope you are well. I have had the time I'd like to visit the threads. I'm updating a lot of rooms in the house. I'm proud of the accomplishments, but weary from all the work entailed.

>137 Whisper1: good to know, but the Touchstone is wrong...

>131 quondame: Hi Susan, While the video didn't come through, the images above were accessible.
>132 bell7: Hi Mary, Jack never brags about his talents. A few years ago, during my annual Christmas trek to Beavercreek, Ohio, Jack was invited to dance in the Dayton, Ohio ballet rendition of The Nut Cracker. It was amazing and beyond words to describe. I admit to shedding tears and sniffling throughout.
>134 jessibud2:, 135, 136, Thanks Shelley, fuzzi and Susan. While it looks easy, he spent hours and hours practicing and dancing at national competitions.
I am so proud of all of my grandchildren. Jack, and his twin brother Luke, both will be valedictorians for their highschool graduation. While Jack has performed for large groups of people, when he was told he will be valedictorian, he said, "oh, now, I will be nervous!"

Luke knows a lot about computers and will be attending the University of Dayton where he will major in how to stop computer fraud, especially for large companies.

Your grandson looks impressive, Linda.

The Tan book I'm most familiar with is The Arrival.

The Smith book about glasses looks great.

I hope you are keeping well.

>139 Whisper1: congratulations on both valedictorians!

What impressive grandchildren! Hope mine are as successful in their efforts!

Hi Linda!

It takes a special sense of self-knowledge to know when a college is or isn't the right fit. Jack's way ahead of the game.

Congrats to both grandsons.

>137 Whisper1:, Hi Linda my dear, thank you for perusing my Facebook posts, Elliott is gorgeous and although i think they would have both liked a girl, they adore their little boy. Even in such a short time, the difference in Andy is so marked, he is totally smitten with him.

It was lovely to hold him, i was talking to him all the time in a low voice and he just settled into me, he was trying to open his eyes wide to have a look around. You are so right in saying that life is special with a Grandchild to hold.

I know that all your Grandchildren are special and having both Jack and Luke as Valedictorians is very special and i am sure they will do very well in their respective fields.

Sending love and hugs to you from both of us dear friend.

>133 Whisper1: Wow!

>139 Whisper1: Congrats! Two valedictorians.

>140 BLBera: Good Morning Beth. It is simply a beautiful morning. The perennials are back, the rose bushes have buds, a few are open. Tiny red flowers. I visited your home page! The photos are wonderful. The one with the canvas of flowers, and the paint, brushes and boots on the floor -- Did you do this? It is stunning!

>141 fuzzi: Hi Fuzzi, and good morning on the beautiful day

>142 cyderry: Cheli. Luke has always been very shy, more comfortable with computers than people. He attends (ed) past tense since today is his high school graduation, A STEM school. That was a great match for him.

>143 karenmarie: HI Karen! I was so impressed with Jack, and my daughter. Jack had a full scholarship for four years to the first college he visited. After the long weekend, he told Amy it just didn't feel right.

His father (soon to be divorced from my daughter) had a royal fit. It didn't work. Amy knows he is fragile, and to be ten hours away from home would be difficult for him.

>144 johnsimpson: John I know you are Karen are enjoying that beautiful new soul. Hold fast to every moment!

>145 figsfromthistle: Hi Anita

I haven't been as present as usual. The outside gardens require a lot of my time. I love the feel of soil in my hands!

With help from my grand daughter, I am painting the upstairs large bedroom that was the bedroom of Will and I. There will be a new color, some new furniture, some furniture that will be given away, and a different feel.

I haven't slept in the room for the two years since Will died. It may sound strange, but in order to deal with my grief, I am slowly changing each room so that the house feels like mine.

It is so difficult, but I am finding grief comes in waves, and the least minute brings a memory.

Grand daughter Kayla will graduate from high school in July. He was with her from her first day of birth. He loved her as a baby, a toddler, a little girl, and then a teen.

Only two tickets per graduate are given. I have an image of Will and Breanna, sitting in the bleachers, smiling, crying and celebrating. I think one of the saddest thing about death is we are here. He is gone
All these things continue -- the small and the large events...But now they are happening without him.

I am slowly changing each room so that the house feels like mine. I can understand that, Linda. I was happy to have a house that I could make into mine (mostly with paint and decorating), and I think if I had any kind of major life change or grief associated with the place I'd have a very similar reaction.

It is hard to have celebrations when someone we love has passed and can't be there with us. Many hugs to you, and I wish you the best as you work through the sadness and joy that life will bring in the coming days and weeks to graduation.

>147 Whisper1: I look forward to seeing the new room Linda. How lovely your granddaughter is helping you create new memories there. It's not that you are obliterating what went before, but that you are ready for your rooms to grow forward with you. That's healthy.

One of my favourite museums, in Oxford, has a new Pre-Raph exhibition of drawings and watecolours. I haven't watched the film, as I hope to go to the exhibition, but know you will enjoy it.

https://www.ashmolean.org/pre-raphaelites-film?utm_source=Ashmolean+Museum+Newsl...

>147 Whisper1: I have missed you, Linda. Sounds like you are keeping yourself occupied with positive action. I think your way of dealing with your grief and loss is healthy---you are doing what makes sense for you, and that's always a wise path to follow.

Missed you, Linda

Hi Linda - The photo you refer to was taken in a museum in Portland. It was a fun installation. Good idea to change your house up. I understand what you mean about grief. My thoughts are with you. Yes, it's a great time of year to be outdoors.

Linda, good for you for redecorating. I did the same thing after my husband died. Then when I sold that house in Eugene to move to Portland, I was hit by the fact of living in a house we had never shared. But the memories came with me so no worries!

I'm enjoying this weather too although too many cool winds along with the sunshine.

Hi, Linda! Congrats on the valedictorians! And I think you grandson is wise to follow his gut. I love Boston and I wish him the very best at college there. Hopefully he can get some sort of scholarship.

Redecorating the house sounds like a wonderful idea. I know you have your memories and now you can continue to make new ones. I know Will would want that for you. And I totally get your gardening love--it fills me with joy to be outside with my plants, whether I am working there or enjoying a sip of wine. ; )

Congratulations to your grandson and especially as I have two left feet myself!

>148 bell7: HI Mary. I hope you continue to enjoy the many ways in which you are making your home yours!

>149 Caroline_McElwee: Once again Caroline, you sent a link that leads to incredible Pre-Raphaelite art.
I appreciate the time spent in sending this to me!

>150 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda. Thanks for your kind words. I am working in the gardens I planted after Will's passing. The rose bushes are in full bloom. The peach flowers in particular are stunning. I hope you are well.

>151 magicians_nephew: Hi friend Jim!!! I am painting a bit at a time, I'm working in soil --- something I love doing. And, I am reading a lot of books on the Roosevelts. What a family! As Doris Kearns Goodwin notes, they had a lot of money, and they used it for good causes. I did not know that the Rockefellers helped to build the Metropolitan Art Museum. I knew Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in funding the Natural History Museum.
I visited the Hyde Park house a few times. I remember one of the docents remarked that the two chairs in front of the fireplace were not for Eleanor and Franklin, but for him and his mommy!

>152 BLBera: HI Beth!!! As always, your comments lift my spirits.

>153 Oregonreader: HI Jan. I contemplated selling the house and moving, but, I love my neighbors, and this house holds so many wonderful memories. Plus, I know the grief will follow wherever I live.

>154 Berly: Hi Kim! Always wonderful to hear from you!

>155 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Jack is 18 and danced since he was four. I am not sure how he can make a living with his talent. But, I encourage him in all his endeavors. Thanks for stopping by!

Books Read in May:

West With Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
Mornings On Horseback by David McCullough
The Air You Breathe by Frances De Pontes Peebles
Discovering Dinosaurs In the American Museum of Natural History by Mark A. Norell
1944 FDR and the Year That Changed History by Jay Winik
The Defining Moment The Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope by Jonathan Alter
No Ordinary Time Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Art & Max by David Wiesner (illustrated book)
Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan (illustrated book)

>157 Whisper1: Congratulations on reaching 75, Linda!

75 read's, congratulations Linda, and not yet half through the year.

Congrats on hitting 75, Linda and a hearty cheer for those recent graduates!

Keep enjoying those birds and sharing those feeder reports.

Hi, Linda. It's been fun catching up on your thread. I love all the signs of Spring and the treasured family photos - and the ones of your talented grandson. i'd never read the whole Wynken, Blynken and Nod; thank for posting that. And for posting the illustrated book review. Shaun Tan is one of my favorites - I love the worlds and characters he creates,

I'm glad you're fully vaccinated; sorry to hear that the side effects were rough. I hope your week goes well.

No Ordinary Time is such a rich and lovely book about two fascinating people.

Painting step by step sounds like the way to go sez me

Congrats on hitting 75!

>157 Whisper1: I agree that No Ordinary Time, though a formidable book, was filled with details and information about 2 very fascinating people.

Spent the weekend with grandkids for dance recital. This is Bella's first year of competitive dance and due to COVID there were limited tickets so we had a watch party for the livestream. Here's a picture of Bella ready for her ballet dance and one of her little sister Maddie Grace who is following her footsteps.

Congrats on reaching 75, Linda!

>164 cyderry: Beautiful!

>158 FAMeulstee: Hello Anita. Thanks for stopping by!

>159 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, thanks for your frequent visits, and all the Pre-Raphaelite links! Much appreciated!

>160 msf59: Mark, seeing birds through your eyes has helped me understand bird behavior.

>161 jnwelch: HI Joe. Many thanks for taking time to read the posts of this thread! I hope each day brings good health to you.

>162 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim. I am fascinated with the Roosevelts. I'll take a break for now. I've read a lot about them this month.

>163 drneutron: Thanks Jim!

>164 cyderry: Hi Cheli. Happy Almost Birthday! Your grandchildren are beautiful. I remember photos when they were little ones.

>165 curioussquared: Thanks for visiting Natalie!

>166 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks again for visiting Linda.

Please follow me to the next thread.

.