Wednesday, December 31, 2008

resolve

The last day of the year is always such a strange day...and for some reason, it always makes me feel slightly unsettled. I much prefer new year's day, which always feels so fresh and full of possibilities. And generally I do not make resolutions...or at least not very realistic ones. But this year, I resolve to cook more at home (there's a big pot of spicy chili waiting at home for me tonight) ~ and to read more. In 2008, I read much less than I normally do and I am not sure why. But, I am off to a good start, armed with a pile of new books:

* The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent (which I just finished and thoroughly enjoyed)
* A Stopover in Venice by Kathryn Walker (who can resist a bit of gothic romance?)
* The Seamstress by Frances De Pontes Peebles (an epic winter read)
* Esther's Inheritance by Sandor Márai
* and a beat up old copy of The Scarlet Letter (unearthed while moving the apartment)

And you all...? I wish you all peace and joy in whatever you do!

6 comments:

Gretchen said...

I think those are great goals for the new year. I too love the thrilling newness of new year's day. Those books sound fantastic - I'll have to put them on my list!

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

I am so on the same page - I too want to cook more - especially with local ingredients from the farmer's market - eat at the table - NOT in front of the television, and read and write more. Wish I could toast the New Year with you in person! EEE

Inkslinger said...

Ushering in the new year with books is the best way to usher, I think. And I don't usually make resolutions either, but I'm hoping to do more cooking and writing in 2009 and I suppose that is a kind of resolution. But of the good, vague kind that are all about quality not quantity (the latter involving mundane things like how many pounds lost, etc. ugh).

I hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve!! And a joyous New Year!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year JCB! xo Mom

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! I love your resolutions and hope to do much the same. I resolve to spend my Sundays in the kitchen making soups and ragu. The best to you in 09!

christine said...

I read The Heretics Daughter about a month or so ago and also really enjoyed it. Interesting that it is based on historical fact about the author's ancestor - who was actually hanged during the Salem witch trials. Puts the "hysteria" into a whole new perspective.