Travelers, this one's for you!

"Paris revealed itself to me in layers." -Janice MacLeod, Paris Letters, Copyright 2014. 

 

Now here is a book that you will absolutely love! I read it in a couple of days because I just couldn't put it down. It's a great story, for sure. Who, among us, haven't asked ourselves, "How can I change my life and have a grand adventure?" I enjoyed the humor and craziness of MacLeod as she dreamed, planned, and did exactly what she wanted to do - she traveled. The book is a memoir that describes the life of Janice MacLeod, a young woman who realizes that she's not happy in her California life. She has a great job as a marketing writer, but she isn't content. She sees herself as basically a junk-mail author, and it doesn't satisfy her in the least. While some of her coworkers are driven by the fast pace, deadlines, staff lunches, and the rush of the California lifestyle, she realizes that she doesn't have the interest or energy to do the job anymore.

 

Everything begins to change for Janice one day when she is eating her salad with her colleague, Akemi. Janice simply asked her, "How much money does it take to quit your job?" At first, Akemi said that it might take a million dollars to make this dream come true. But then Janice clarified what she meant. She said that what she wants to know is "how much money would it take to buy yourself a buffer of time so that you could quit your job and figure out something else to do." The two women decided to try to figure out an answer by thinking about how much money Janice spent per day. They don't really know the answer yet, so they hypothetically used the amount of $100 to try to figure out if Janice could afford to quit her job. Then she set about a year-long plan to change her lifestyle and thus, to save money. She cleaned out her drawers, cut back on her grocery bill, sold everything that was not a necessity, took care of all of the unfinished business in her life, and stopped going out to restaurants with friends. She realized that if she ate with a group of five people, they would always divide the check by that amount, even though she didn't eat much! What a rip-off! She still wanted to see her friends, but she wanted to save her money. So, she suggested that they go on hikes or just play cards. She finds that simplifying her life is not so bad after all. She writes, "There is a certain freedom in not having so many choices." In the end, Janice saved more than $60,000 and began to plan her new life in Europe.

 

Her first stop was Paris. During her weeks in Paris, she met a handsome Polish butcher and they eventually began to date. They couldn't communicate very well, but they began a dating relationship by using signs and gestures. Janice knew a little bit of French, and Christophe was strong in French, so this was often their "go to" language. Gradually, Janice became stronger in French and Christopher learned English, his fifth language! Janice eventually began to run out of money, so she had to figure out a way to fund her new lifestyle. She began painting small postcards and sending them to people at $5 per shot, and she started to have a good business. She sketched often, blogged, kept a journal, and wrote personal notes to people. She was able to earn some money by doing something she loved to do, art. She, of course, is the creative sort, so deciding what to draw or paint was never a problem for her in Paris. She made herself vulnerable through her blog, and people enjoyed hearing about her many adventures and funny anecdotes. I know firsthand that a lot of funny things happen when you are in a country where you don't speak the language fluently.

I'm not going to tell you how the story ends, because I want you to read Paris Letters. I know that many of you like to travel as I do, so you will enjoy this book. And be sure to let me know what you think.

The last time I posted there was snow everywhere here in North Carolina, but today's it's a sunny 55 degrees F. Mother Nature only left behind some mud and sludge, but we're happy to be back in routine. I hope you're having a good weekend.

Melissa Hill
Book Blogger
www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com

 

 

 



An Unauthorized Cure for Cabin Fever

"Thank goodness for the first snow. It was a reminder - no matter how old you became and how much you'd seen - things could still be new if you were willing to believe they still mattered."

(Via creepypasta.wikia.com; photo from
 New England)





The first North Carolina winter storm of the season has arrived! What - no applause or shouts?? The storm began in the Carolinas and gained strength as it moved up the east coast, dumping around 2 feet of snow in many areas. Our storm here began with sleet and light snow on Friday, and more snow arrived on Saturday. Needless to say, this type of thing puts everything on hold here in North Carolina because we just don't have the equipment or experience to deal with it. I'll admit that the first workday when school was cancelled was fun and exciting, but after that I'm thinking "Why does everything have to STOP over just a few inches of snow?" I'm definitely ready to get back in my routine. I'm hoping that the indoor pool where I swim will be open today, but I will call first. It would be nice to at least be able to do that. Churches closed, restaurants closed, and even Starbucks opened late today. Enough is enough.

So, what is the cure for the kind of cabin fever that a storm like this causes? My nonscientific list of suggestions might help you, so read on with an open mind.

1. READ A GOOD BOOK. Perhaps the storm caught you by surprise and you don't have anything to read in the house, not even a newspaper. We haven't received our newspaper since Friday morning, so that idea might be out for you too. But I knew the storm was coming so I had two good books ready to read and I finished one of them in about two days.

2. Organize your sweaters. I did this in just a few minutes and it feels great to be able to find things more easily. Put sweaters and other clothes that you no longer wear in bags and place them in your car for donating as soon as the thrift store opens again.

3. Take your dog for a walk and watch him/her slip around while diligently searching around to do her business. Might provide a good laugh. Pets, like us, need to "use the bathroom" no matter what the weather. And your dog might actually enjoy the snow as some dogs do.

4. Watch lots of sports on TV if you have electricity. This weekend I watched the Duke men and the Duke women's basketball games on TV. And both teams won, by the way! There was also the CAROLINA PANTHERS football victory last night, so we are heading to the SUPER BOWL.

5. If you aren't afraid to drive, venture out to go to a restaurant. We found that on Saturday, IHOP was open, as they always are during weather or electricity emergencies. Their coffee is good and the pancakes flow freely. Plus, getting out of the house will do you some good.

6. Do laundry. You will feel great when you get back into routine and you have plenty of clean clothes.

7. Talk to people on the phone. Chances are, they are snowed in too, so the conversation will be good for both of you.

8. Shovel snow and dig your car out.

9. Check facebook, often!

10. Make a grocery list. Think about the meals that you wish you could cook if the grocery was actually STOCKED up.

So, I hope this list of cures for cabin fever has been of help to you. Now to get into what I've been reading. I finished listening to Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks. When Brooks went to live in Martha's Vineyard in 2006, she came across a map of the island's native Wampanoag people that marked the birthplace of Caleb, the first Native American to graduate from the new Harvard College in 1665. The story is told in Puritan-like English and unveils many of the hardships that the early settlers of our country faced in the 17th century. The story is narrated by Bethia Mayfield, a teenager at the beginning of the book, who befriends Caleb even though most of the other people on the island thought of him and his people as savages. From the beginning I thought that Bethia and Caleb would end of getting married, but that is not the case. I was a little disappointed about this, but at least the story has a happy ending. I think you'll enjoy this book, especially if you like historical fiction. Try not to let all of that Puritan English slow you down too much though. I'm glad that I returned this book on CD and some children's books for students BEFORE the storm or I might have been slapped with some library fines.

Yesterday I finished a book called A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable. This is the best book that I've read for a good while, but I confess it's probably because I love historical fiction that is set in Europe. I found out about this book from Jen Coburn, the author of We'll Always Have Paris. I'm glad that I took the bait and read this book. The story begins to unfold when April Vogt, Sotheby's continental furniture specialist, travels to Paris on assignment to help organize and assess the furnishings that have been left behind in an apartment for seventy years. The apartment is located in the ninth arrondissement, and April if hypnotized by the stories that lie within the walls of this place. She ends up extending her stay in Paris so she can get some answers to the questions that she has about the previous owner of the apartment and everyone who is mentioned in her diaries. In the end she learns that no one lived in the apartment for seventy years for a good reason, but she doesn't find this out until the end of her stay. The chapters move from about the year 2010 to the 1890s quite smoothly, and so we get to actually read the diaries of Marthe de Florian that April found in the apartment. It's fun to learn what life was like in Paris during this time period, and April is entranced by everything that she learns. The book reminds me of the fun movie, "Paris at Midnight" in which the main character gets to know some of the famous writers and artists who were in Paris much earlier in time. He is thrilled to meet Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and others. If you love Paris or if you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend this book. Or, if you just enjoy love stories, this book has a little of that too.

Yesterday I started reading a nonfiction book, Paris Letters, by Janice MacLeod. As you can see, I seem to be reading a lot of books that have something to do with Paris, but this is on purpose. Since I had the opportunity to visit Paris a few years ago, I've been drawn to books that are set there. I've read books such as War Brides, All the Light We Cannot See, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris, and of course, We'll Always Have Paris. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

And now, to close...stay warm!. If you live on the east coast, let me know if any of my "cures" help you get through this snow-snap.

Best wishes,

Melissa Hill
Book Blogger
www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com



 

The Allure of Downton Abbey



Mrs: Patmore: "Daisy, what's happened to you? I said you could go for a drink of water, not a trip up the Nile." (Season 1)

 

There are so, so many great quotes in the PBS series,

Downton Abbey. Fortunately, the series started back last Sunday night and I plan to watch every episode as it is aired. Last year we finally caved to "peer pressure" and watched one episode from Season 1, and of course, we got hooked. So, we watched all five seasons in a short time, only to find out that we would have to wait several months to see the sixth and final season. Why can't it just go on and on?? A good thing like this shouldn't come to an end so soon. We are two episodes in now, and I'm already dreading the concluding episode. To say that this series is popular is to understate how much people from all over the world love it. When the series began, no one knew if people would like it. But of course, we all LOVED it! I'm very happy for the writer, producers, and cast because they now have something wildly unique to put on their resumes. I have a feeling that they will not lack for work in the near future.

 

But why is DA so popular? I can only speak for myself, but I think there are clear reasons for this. First, the series has several story lines going on at the same time and we want to stick around to see how each situation is resolved. I cannot imagine watching just one episode because I want to know how things end. Most of the characters are lovable, even if they are flawed, because we see the struggles that they are going through. This tells us that they are human and, much like us, basically flawed but good on the inside. The stories of the characters are interesting and complex, and we come to love them (except maybe for Thomas!). How can you NOT love Mrs. Patmore, Daisy, Carson, Mrs. Hughes, Lord Grantham, and the Dowager??

 

Another reason that I think the show is popular is that the music and scenery are very beautiful. They help to transport us to a beautiful place that is much different from where we live. I do, however, take exception to the many sunny days that are depicted in the show, because I've read that the weather in England isn't so pristine all of the time. But it's ok...this is a fictional story and we really don't want to follow a story that is set in damp, dreary, cold weather. We enjoy the beautiful abbey, the quaint village, and the emotional music for the art that they are. Who among us doesn't long to visit the village, the hog farm, and the abbey? We long to feel and see beauty in all of its aspects and to enjoy the antiques, old architecture, and luscious landscape. This Sunday night at 9 PM you will find me in front of our TV yet again to watch a little more of the story unfold. And fortunately, there are no commercials!

 

Last week I stated that I was reading McCullough's book, The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge. I decided not to continue reading the book because it's SO long and detailed. I think what I need is the Cliff Notes for this book so that I can just read the most important parts. I think I just need something lighter to read right now.

 

I'm almost finished listening to a book on CD, Caleb's Crossing: A Novel, by Geraldine Brooks. This is the third book by Brooks that I've read, and I'm enjoying it. The book is about a teenage girl, Bethia Mayfield, who is growing up on an island in the tiny settlement of Great Harbor. Although she is only a teenager, she has the full responsibilities of an adult because her mother died and left Bethia with the care of her infant sister and the men in her family. She lives in a world with strict laws about almost everything, and she longs to be free of it all. She yearns to be educated as the men in her family are, but as a Puritan girl, she is denied this privilege. She befriends a young Wampanoag teen, Caleb, and they build a secret friendship even though one if an "English" person and the other is a "savage." Bethia is an admirable character because she stands up for herself at times and can judge the true character of her suitors and others she meets along the way. My hope for Bethia is that by the end of the story she will find true happiness and peace instead of being bound by the harsh Puritan laws. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the early years of the making ofour country.

 

So, to close today's thoughts, here is another great quote by Mrs. Patmore, the head cook at Downton Abbey. She said, "If you must pay money, better to a doctor than an undertaker." 

 

-Melissa Hill

Book Blogger

www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com



A History Buff at Heart

"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people."

-Eleanor Roosevelt (Brainy Quotes)

 

 

I heard a talk about gossip this week, so I thought this would be a good thought to begin with today. Someone said that about 10% of gossip is true and the rest is rubbish, so I don't think it's worth our while to engage in it. Let this be a reminder to all of us that words can do great harm to others. I do enjoy discussing ideas, history, and current events, but I'm not sure that I qualify to be one of the "great minds" that Eleanor Roosevelt is talking about. I'm always looking for friends who are smarter than me in the hopes that their creativity and knowledge will rub off on me. So, my friends, those of you who know you are my friends, hats off to you because you are most likely smarter and much more interesting than I am. So we can all laugh a little here.

 

I finished reading People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks this week. The ending was not a disappointment with its quick turn of events, and I enjoyed this novel.  It's about a book conservator who helps to save an ancient Hebrew text. When I filed away my card for this book in my two volumes of card catalogs (books that I've read since 1984), I realized that I've read another book by Brooks, Year of Wisdom. I read this book in 2003, so I don't remember it but I'm sure it was enjoyable.



 

This weekend I'll start reading a nonfiction book by David McCullough, The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge. I've been wanting to read this book for a very long time, and I thought I had put it on hold at the library, but when I checked on my online account this week I saw that I had actually never requested the book. Lucky for me I was able to get it in 24 hours and so I'm all set. I've never been disappointed with McCullough's books and since I enjoy history so much, I've read three other books by him. I've read his books about Americans in Paris, John Adams, and most recently, the Wright Brothers. I really enjoyed all of these and, of course, I learned a lot. Sometimes I wonder where my mind was when I was coming up through public school because I didn't learn a lot about history. I guess I'm making up for lost time during my mid-life.

 

As a history buff, I enjoy going to historical places such as old forts, houses of important historical figures, museums, and memorials. I sometimes even find myself liking old things, as is evident when I watch "Antiques Roadshow." The only reason that I like that show is because I am interested in the stories behind the objects. It intrigues me to realize that something has been around for so many years and somehow has survived the hands of human beings from generation to generation. Although I don't collect antiques, I do enjoy the stories behind them when these stories can be verified. Nevertheless, I do love history. My children used to complain that I was always dragging them to historical places instead of letting them have a FUN vacation! I remember when we visited
Mt. Vernon a few years ago and I was having the time of my life, they just complained about being hot and tired. Can you imagine?? I was so thrilled to be there that it didn't matter to me how I felt. We have taken our kids to Arizona and the Grand Canyon, New Mexico, the Washington D.C. area, the Philadelphia Zoo, Mammoth Cave, Niagara Falls, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, and more. I loved every minute of it, and for the most part, they enjoyed it too. Our youngest was only four years old when we went to Mammoth Cave, but she was a real trooper as we walked in the cool, damp cave for two hours or so. Talk about a place that is very old!!

 

I can't wait to get started on McCullough's book about the Brooklyn Bridge, so stay tuned for some tidbits about a very well-known landmark in America. Have a great weekend.

 

-Melissa Hill

Book Blogger

www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com

New Year, New Books

"You must do the things you think you cannot do."

 

-Eleanor Roosevelt (Brainy Quote)

 

 

 

 

 

Today is Monday, January 4, 2016. Many people are going back to school and work today after a long break. There are also those people who only had a few days off for the holiday. Whatever the case in your life, let's be thankful that we have jobs, homes, schools, and churches that help us take care of our lives. If you have a lot to do today, be thankful, because many people are not able to do anything and are left to feel lonely and bored.

 

I aspire to be productive as an ESL teacher, a parent, and a Christian. Perhaps you made a resolution for the year and see this as a new beginning. It's a good time to "clean house" and get back to the basics of life. I've never thought much of resolutions because they often end up poorly, so I don't make them. I do have some things that I would like to improve in my life, but I keep those to myself. You probably have some thoughts like these in your own life. I like many of the quotes of Eleanor Roosevelt, especially the one above, and I agree completely with what she is saying. If I have never done something that I can't do, then I haven't challenged myself at all. This is how we grow as a person....we face challenges whether they be physical, emotional, or whatever, and we try our best. We surprise ourselves when we do things that we shouldn't really be able to do. Be sure to stay away from people who discourage you from challenging yourself because they are lethal. So let me challenge you today to do something this week that you shouldn't really be able to do. I think you will surprise yourself at what you can do.

 

Some people resolve to read more books in a new year. I, myself, am always reading so I've never challenged myself in this way. I just hope that I can find the BEST books for me, books that pull me in and teach me. I don't go for romances, mysteries, or science fiction, but I have read a few of these along the way. As you know, my favorite genre right now is historical fiction, and I love historical non-fiction as well. I'm looking forward to reading David McCullough's book about the Brooklyn Bridge as soon as it's available from the library.

 

Over the holiday I read a book called The Round House by Louise Erdrich. This book is a National Book Award Winner. It's about a crime that was committed on a Native American reservation in the west in North Dakota. The woman who is attacked survives, but she and her family must come to grips with what has happened. I can't tell you the ending but I can say that the couple has a 13 year old son who gets involved in finding out who the attacker is. He is forced to act like an adult before he is ready to do so, The book is set in 1988. It's very well-written and flows smoothly. I think the setting of North Dakota makes for an interesting story, and the Native American characters allow the reader to learn something new. I haven't read too many books that are about Native Americans in North Dakota, so it makes for an interesting read. I wouldn't say that I really "enjoyed" this book, but I'm glad I read it. It brought back memories of a trip that our family made to Arizona and New Mexico about ten years ago. It was interesting to see many Native Americans and to learn about their past and present.

 

I'm currently reading a good book called People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. I borrowed it from my mother in Kentucky, and it hasn't been a disappointment. This book has been a New York Times Bestseller, and I can see why. The chapters go back and forth to different times in history, but the main character is Hannah Heath, an Australian rare book expert. She is asked to travel to Sarajevo to study the Jewish rare book, the Sarajevo Haggadah. She dives into the history of the book as she finds a butterfly wing and other small items inside the book that take her back to the many people who may have come into contact with the book in the past centuries. Although I haven't finished the book, I can tell that the main purpose of the book is to tell a story about real people, both ordinary and not-so-ordinary, who have had something to do with the Haggadah. I'm enjoying this book a lot, but I'll soon need another one to read, so PLEASE, PLEASE send me your book suggestions.

 

Now for just a personal tidbit...I enjoy the nice surprises of life, and yesterday I had one of those. When I was walking for exercise, I came across five deer in the neighborhood near my house, Ashfield Place. At first I saw only four deer and was able to get a picture, but after I passed I heard more rustling in the woods so I quickly turned around and got a picture of the poor guy who got left behind. I'm sympathetic toward the deer that roam near home, because they are running out of good places to live. They are plentiful here in North Durham, and I always enjoy seeing them. I wish we weren't destroying their natural habitat.

 

Have a wonderful first week of 2016.

 

-Melissa Hill

Book Blogger

www.onegoodbookblog.blogspot.com