Arg.

Not a vigorous yell but more of a cranky sigh-type thing.  Arg.  The flu hit.  I wish someone was coordinating all of this with a spreadsheet, thereby realizing with data that our poor little boy has already had his share of colds, molar pain and flu for the season.  So, no sleep or fun for anyone with the exception of Friday night, pre-flu, when we (all three) hit the town's fall art "festival."  Picture 150(ish) artist exhibits, stores open late for shows, music in the streets, chalk drawing on closed-off roads for the littles (and young at heart), lanterns hanging on the shop awnings and people laughing, strolling, chatting, enjoying...  We had lots of fun and saw Nikki McClure and her beautiful exhibit.  If we had money for such things I would buy some original Nikki McClure art and something from Marvin Oliver.  We do have an incredible mask T carved with handmade tools, all made under Oliver's tutelage.  That's as close as we're going to get now.  That and my new book, Collect Raindrops, which is absolutely fantastic.  You can sit with it for just a few moments and feel every season is full of magic.  Everyone should buy it.

The family birthday train officially left the station; we chug on through family members all fall now 'til we hit holiday gift giving.  Yes, I do have a train-obsessed little guy seeping into my words.  Anyhow, I now own several new, coveted books.  I really absolutely love all three new treasures.  The Tassajara Bread Book is my mom's all-time favorite baking book.  Her copy (the first edition) is well-used with curled edges, flour sprinkles and water marks (all signs of a well-loved cookbook).  'The Big Book of Needlecraft' makes me feel I could whip out a dress design in the blink of an eye.  Everything I could ever want to learn about sewing is in there.  I think it's from the late '40's though research on the internet seems to indicate the '30's.  Perhaps it's a newer edition.

The other day I realized we consistently have at least fifty items checked out from the library.  We visit every week so there are always tons of new and inspiring reads in the house.  Sometimes, though, it's wonderful to have books come to live with us.

Send your flu-be-gone thoughts our way, please?! 

Comments

[Nanette]

Flu. Be. Gone. Hope that helps.

P.S. I'm really enjoying your site!

[Mary]

You got 'em. Flu, be gone!

[meg]

my kids woke up with the flu this morning too. thankfully they are having (and I am enjoying) those long naps only sickness brings. If nothing else helps, maybe a nap will.

[kirsten]

shoo, flu!
(must. get. shot!)

[leslie]

my grandma gave me the same bread book when i got married (her well worn copy) and i treasure it. i was happy to see it today on your post!

[susan]

oh i love my tassajara bread book!! i have had it for ages and it is well loved. i dont know why its so exciting to see something as everyday as a cookbook on a blog to get me excited, but there you have it,it did!