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!
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteUshering 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).
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful New Year's Eve!! And a joyous New Year!
Happy New Year JCB! xo Mom
ReplyDeleteHappy 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
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