Although it's been years since I had faith, I never take my decorations down until today - the official end of Christmas. On the 6th of January each year, Catholics celebrate the end of the 12 days of Christmas - today is the day that the Three Wise Men reached the end of their journey. … Continue reading Nollaig na mBan – Happy Women’s Christmas or the Feast of the Epiphany
lockdown
Book 2 of the Year
Just finished Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams for #LBCWSwan Should make for an excellent book club discussion as there’s so much covered! This is technically my first 2021 read, though I technically finished ‘Twas The Night Shift before Christmas by Adam Kay over New Years. In the evenings, I’ve been learning loads from my second choice … Continue reading Book 2 of the Year
#AlsoReading – How to be a liberal by Ian Dunt
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams in incredibly well written and breaking my heart so I’ve decided only to read that in daylight hours. In the evenings, anticipating a third lockdown, I’ve headed back to non-fiction and started How to be a Liberal by Ian Dunt - one of my essential Twitter accounts follows during parliamentary business. … Continue reading #AlsoReading – How to be a liberal by Ian Dunt
Read a book today – an excellent start to the year!
After my breakfast, I sat down for a solid read. ‘‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas” by Adam Kay is 140 pages long, so a genius first book of the year choice. This book follows on from his bestselling “This is going to hurt” - with a focus on seasonal anecdotes. However, there was something different … Continue reading Read a book today – an excellent start to the year!
Now reading …
The Stranger by Harlan Coben for #LBCHorsforth The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces … Continue reading Now reading …
By Heart – Attempt 1 – The Eagle by Alfred Tennyson
I decided to start my lockdown project this morning. Ted Hughes uses his introduction to recommend an older technique to learn poems off. Learning by rote - he argues - was an attempt ‘to eradicate imagery from all aspects of life’ by the Puritan/political ascendency of the Civil War and has become the norm. However, … Continue reading By Heart – Attempt 1 – The Eagle by Alfred Tennyson
A friend sent me this
After yesterday’s blog. (We don’t have a credit, so if you’re it, please let me know!) I love this! Such a positive picture!
Bookshops *are* essential. And now more than ever!!
The Guardian has a piece on why book shops should be considered essential during this second lockdown. In a letter to government ministers today, the BA’s managing director Meryl Halls described bookshops as “lanterns of civilisation and, for many, beacons of hope”. Keeping them closed while allowing other retailers who sell books to remain open … Continue reading Bookshops *are* essential. And now more than ever!!
Lockdown Reads
Have decided to try and learn some poems By Heart so have finally opened my long owned, never read copy of this: By Heart 101 Poems to Remember. Introduction by Ted Hughes I don’t expect to learn a poem a day, but I’m loving the selection so far. Besides, with all the politicians saying lockdown … Continue reading Lockdown Reads
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