Ten Books

There has been a post circulating on Facebook where you are asked to list "10 books that have stayed with you in some way." The instructions explain that you shouldn't think too hard about naming the "right" or "great" works, but just the ones that have somehow impacted you. Here's a few that fit the bill.

1) The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

I rarely re-read or even re-watch things (with the inexplicable, classy exception of The Fugitive with Harrison Ford) but for some reason, I've read this book dozens of times. First as an assignment in sixth grade but then many times thereafter, even just a few years ago when I happened across it on my old bookshelf.

2) The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Not much to say. One of my favorite books of all time. Perfect.

3) Rain in the Trees by W.S. Merwin

This collection of poems was my first introduction to Merwin's work, way back during sophomore year of college. Judging by the multiple doodles along the margins of my copy, I wasn't exactly immersed.  After graduation, though, I turned back to it and fell in love with his work.

4) The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dustbowl by Timothy Egan

If you've scoffed at the idea of reading about history, this book could change your tune. Really fascinating look at the Dust Bowl told in riveting stories of families struggling to survive but also an accounting of how the government basically caused the whole thing...

5) Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Talk about tales of survival! Shackleton started it all -- that insatiable desire to read gritty tales of survival that somehow morphed into a yen for post-apocalyptic fiction. Thanks Shacky. But yeah, Shackleton was an Arctic explorer who ran into some trouble, stranding himself and his ship amidst the tundra. This guy was tough. Read it.

6) Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc

It's hard to forget this book. I think it really inspires the understanding that no matter what we do, there are some inescapable cycles of inequity. The stories are haunting.

7) World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks

I resisted the zombie thing as long as possible but this book is fantastic. It's a series of post-event testimonials that walk us through the zombie war and subsequent wildness in America. The movie--"meh" but definitely read this. So good.

8) The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I barely remember it now (I can't remember yesterday) but know that I thought about it for a long time after reading it. The pressure of societal norms probably ain't going anywhere and this book, as old as it is, digs into that oppression.

9) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Sigh...love.

10) Under the Banner of Heaven: The Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer

I don't know what to say about this other than it has had a lasting impact. True to the task at hand, this book has really stayed with me, possibly more so than any of the others.

It's Here! Stitchfix #1!

Having things to look forward to is really beneficial, whether it's a vacation or a cardboard box full of stuff at your doorstep. It's slightly embarrassing to admit how excited I was for my first Stitchfix. The box came last night, and although I had peeked at the details on my account page, they don't show photos, so I didn't really know what would be inside.

The box includes a little note from your stylist explaining her selections for you with some suggestions for how to wear each item. I received five pieces-- two tanks, a sweater, a pair of boot-cut jeans and as requested, a dress.

I dove in! Right on top was some yellow, my favorite! The 41Hawthorne sweater is a keeper. Slightly loose-fitting crewneck in navy and white stripe with a bright yellow block at the top. I tried it on with some dark skinnies and brown boots but think it will also be fantastic with white pants on cooler summer days.

Here's the rest of the loot. I have to admit, stylistically, these were right in tune with what I generally wear. Unfortunately, I quickly nixed the dress. Belted items are nearly impossible for me and this was a "fit and flare" dress that emphasized my crooked, muffin-top hips. I really loved it, but couldn't justify keeping it at $128 and a not entirely flattering fit. I'll spare you a photo.

That flowy embroidered top! So, so, so adorable! Sadly though, the arm holes are ginormous. While I think it looks cute, again, it's just not worth the price for something that didn't fit.  That brings me to my first (and basically only) complaint with the service. If a size doesn't work, you can't exchange for a new one because they have limited stock and can't handle adjustments. So I slipped the blouse into the return envelope and attempted to erase it from my brain.

The SOLD Design Lab Bootcut jeans are a perfect dark wash, but were some sort of weird pull-on style...no fly and super stretchy. I recently bought a pair of dark Red Engine jeans and just don't need another similar style.

Down to the last item! This black crochet tank is NICE. It has a slightly scooped neck and a relatively (ha!) flattering, slim fit. I really dig lace and crochet clothing and this definitely fits the bill. It'll be great with white jeans in summer and can easily be dressed up for the oodles of fancy parties I will inevitably attend in the near future. Cough. I kept it.

So all in all, I'm a sweater and tank top richer and $86 poorer, but boy, was the experience worth it. It's such a blast to get a little surprise box of goodies delivered to your door and so fun to uncover each item, mix and match it with clothes in your current wardrobe and go nuts. At every step of the way, Stitchfix welcomes feedback, so during the check out process, I was able to mention my issues with the dress and how with loose, flowy, blouses I typically wear a size smaller than with other tops. We'll see if they can incorporate that feedback into Fix #2, due to arrive March 26th!

In the meantime, I will work on a) taking better quality photos and b) avoiding this strange, thumbs-up pose.

A Poem For A Thursday

        Luke
        Mary Oliver

        I had a dog
          who loved flowers.
               Briskly she went
                     through the fields,

        yet paused
          for the honeysuckle
                or the rose,
                      her dark head

        and her wet nose
          touching
                the face
                     of every one

        with its petals
           of silk,
                 with its fragrance
                      rising

        into the air

           where the bees
                 their bodies
                      heavy with pollen,

        hovered--
           and easily
                 she adored
                      every blossom,

        not in the serious
           careful way
                that we choose
                     this blossom or that blossom--

        the way we praise or don't praise--
            the way we love
                  or don't love--
                      but the way

        we long to be--
            that happy
                  in the heaven of earth--
                      that wild, that loving.

Wow, this poem! It appears in Mary Oliver's newest collection, Dog Songs, which is currently sitting on my bookshelf at home, yet to be opened since receiving it as a Christmas gift. I seriously can't believe I haven't delved into it yet. Lucky for me, Luke leapt into my inbox via The Writer's Almanac this morning and I got a sneak peak. This simple, sweet poem is exactly what I needed today. Dogs are great. Flowers are great. Happy Thursday!

Craving the Pond

Between crazy work schedules and these ridiculous days with only 24 hours in them, we haven't been up to Round Pond since Martin Luther King Weekend in January. It's tough to make the trek on a regular, two-day weekend given how long it takes to get the house warm, turn on the water and then properly drain the pipes before departing. But right now, it seems bizarre to have this peaceful respite available and within reach but not quite accessible. I feel sad for our tiny house all cold and dark and lonely. Um, yeah. So in the meantime, here's a little Instagram selection from our last few trips. I'll drool the pain away.

Sign Me Up!

I'm late to the party, but subscription boxes are all the rage these days. If you're out of touch too, these are basically souped up "____ of the Month" clubs. They range from a monthly shipment of newborn and baby goodies to coffee clubs featuring high-end beans to collections of handmade crafts like candles, soaps, and jewelry.

There's not much to argue with here. Someone does the shopping for you and you get surprised with fun goodies via mail. Let's dig deeper.

BARKBOX
BarkBox was the first of these to catch my eye. A cultivated collection of, in their words, "hip" pup products hard to find in stores. Each shipment includes 4-6 treats, toys and other doggy products. This is basically like Christmas in cardboard for me and I'm pretty sure Merwin would go ballistic. But I think it would take away some of the pathetic fun I have perusing pet store aisles. Angel on the shoulder: "Hold off on the BarkBox for now." Devil on the other one: "But look how happy that doggy is!"


BIRCHBOX

Birchbox is also appealing. They've got it down. They send subscribers a monthly collection of makeup samples. Any girl knows that taking the plunge on a full-size makeup product is terrifying both because these products are ridiculously pricey and also because it's hard to know how much you'll like the way it looks and feels. So great idea with tiny versions of fun things we'd all like to try. Then you head to their online store to purchase full sized versions of what you liked. While I love the thought of fun samples, I don't think I use enough products to make it worthwhile.

STITCHFIX
Here is where things get interesting. Stitchfix is an online personal stylist service. Before you totally guffaw, listen up! You enroll by filling out a lengthy survey--your sizes, style, desired price range for clothes and accessories, attitude toward stretching your clothing comfort zone and even what types of pieces you want. Every month (or as often as you decide) they ship you five hand-selected items. You can keep them all, send them back, or mix and match. They even include helpful advice for how to wear each piece. Seems like a fantastic way to freshen up your wardrobe and take the stress out of clothes shopping. They sold me. I'll let you know how it goes!

A Poem For A Friday

The Meeting
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

After so long an absence
      At last we meet again:
Does the meeting give us pleasure,
      Or does it give us pain?

The tree of life has been shaken,
      And but few of us linger now,
Like the Prophet's two or three berries
      In the top of the uttermost bough.

We cordially greet each other
      In the old, familiar tone;
And we think, though we do not say it,
      How old and gray he has grown!

We speak of a Merry Christmas
      And many a Happy New Year
But each in his heart is thinking
      Of those that are not here.

We speak of friends and their fortunes,
      And of what they did and said,
Till the dead alone seem living,
      And the living alone seem dead.

And at last we hardly distinguish
      Between the ghosts and the guests;
And a mist and shadow of sadness
      Steals over our merriest jests.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Simon, Kelly, and Merwin's tennis balls.

1 Merwin 'Til Christmas

Waiting for Santa.

2 Merwins 'Til Christmas

He doesn't mess around when he flies.

3 Merwins 'Til Christmas

Tasty stuffed toy.