The cats were restless, the birds were chirping and I had thankfully enjoyed a decent night of sleep.
Good Morning from The Humble Bungalow!
The 100 Year Old House by Rebecca Makkai...
she wrote The Borrower (which I now want to read!)
This book has hooked me from the minute I picked it up yesterday afternoon.
The chapters are short, the characters are strange and eccentric...there's something hiding in this old house...a ghost perhaps, or secrets from the past.
I am already halfway through it...and I don't want to put it down!
Life is ticking along...my hornet stings are not bothering me much now thanks to some quality aloe vera gel but there is an angry red patch which I refer to as the "venom path" which criss crosses my hand and wrist and I hope, in time, it will fade.
I've been really focusing on the garden and reading and have not devoted much time to blog.
It's curious how one's habits can change...you get out of the habit and new habits arise.
Life is like a journey and it is never dull...
opportunities
challenges
adventures
pop up
along the way.
We plough ahead...
maintaining a sense of order when at all possible.
Resting when we need to...
but not long enough to rust.
hoping
for the fruits of our labours
to be real
tangible
worthy
ripe
red
tasty and sweet
simple
yet glorious
from the first sniff of a ripe red tomato
until you bite into the flesh that gives a little resistance before allowing you to savour the incredible burst of flavour and then inevitably the juice drips down your chin....
(if you are wearing a white tee you'll be spot treating the stain before it hits the laundry!)
I'm storing up thoughts and ideas and hoping that they will turn into something type-able...
a post or posts that might delight and entertain.
I've noticed many bloggers have taken blogging breaks
and I wonder if we are tired of hearing our own voices?
Are those bloggers voices going to remain silenced forever ?
Or are they soaking up life and about to burst forth like flowers?
I await the sounds and am patient...
nothing to do but wait.
It's quiet here as the neighbourhood starts to come to life.
I can hear my heart beat
the clocks chime
the gentle hum of the bees outside as they flit from flower to flower
a few cars go by
a neighbours dog barks
someone is singing
an unfamiliar song
as they walk by our bungalow
on their way
good morning!
the day has begun.
Summer reading is one of my little luxuries...
as are farm ripe fresh vegetables
I'm off to visit the farm stand today
before I recommence reading
and in between
I'll do some weeding and watering
and make some dinner
before
retiring to a comfy bed for another night of slumber.
What are your favourite summer treats?
Are you reading a fabulous book that you'd care to share?
44 comments:
Synchronicity! I finished my post today with a photo of Crocosmia as well. Mine seems to be behind everyone else's, but it's still weeks and weeks ahead of most years. The foliage is sadly limp and yellow in this drought -- yours looks fresh! TY for the book title. Jotting it down as a delectable summer read.
Your day sounds fabulous. I am glad to hear your hand is better. I read The Borrow, maybe last summer....so enjoyed it. I am adding "The Hundred Year House" to my list now. Yes we are in the lazy days of summer....great time to read. Loved visiting! Bonnie
Thank you for sharing your whistfull and lovely observations and findings:)
Please don't stop blogging Leslie ... Unless personally you feel you need a break. Don't think we re tired of hearing your voice or becoming bored. Your blogs are so varied and always so interesting I m sure that there are lots of people like me who may not always comment but look forward to hearing from you. Take care ....
Rosie
I am glad that you are able to keep up your blogging as I look forward to your posts and your cheerful attitude about life.
Love your blog and never tire of hearing of your life. I have added the book to my list. You may enjoy The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain and The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George if you have not read them already.
Never stop your blogging...I love to hear what you have been doing; and what is happening in your life, apart from your hornet sting; your delectable food ideas; your book titles which I jot down and order from the library; and of course your pictures...take a break if you need one but don't quit, you are just a wonderful lady who shares herself with the rest of us ...thank you for doing just that......Pam
I do think something is in the air and we are all taking s but of a breather perhaps. Or is it Instagram?
Your blog is like poetry, with artful photos too. I'm glad you're still blogging in summer so I can get my fix while other bloggers take their summer breaks.
I've added your book suggestion to my "to-read" list; I've just finished "In the Unlikely Event," the latest by Judy Blume, and I highly recommended it! Hope to keep reading your blog as well: I really enjoy your snapshots of life each week. Thanks!
I highly "recommend" it, of course...
Your post today brought tears to my eyes and your words spoke to me. I’m so looking forward to a morning like yours. We are going through a very tough time and have been for a month or so. We are ploughing on and trying to keep busy and positive and work our way through troubling thoughts and fears. A timely post for me and I do appreciate your posts so much. Tonkath x
Tonkath my heart goes out to you...please feel free to send me an email. I am a good listener.
Bungalowhostess@gmail.com
Î am a big fan of hand watering! It helps to target certain thirsty plants.
I have no immediate plans to stop blogging and as long as I have an interested audience I don't think I will stop. I have been distracted with other things...weeds in the garden, roses that need dead heading the jobs in the garden that make it look loved.
Thank you I have just put those titles on the reserve list at the library.
I am not planning on disappearing any time soon! Thank you for your words of encouragement. They are much appreciated.
Instagram is quick and easy but not as in depth....I like both platforms!
On break, will be back, still reading, rarely comment while on break but had to say hi:).
From Margie in Toronto - glad to hear that you are healing after the nasty stings.
I've just finished the third book in the mystery series by Yrsa Sigurdardottir. She is an Icelandic writer that I discovered during my recent holiday. Just found out that she is coming to the Authors series at Harbourfront in October so a friend and I are hoping to get tickets to hear her speak. Also looking forward to Alexander McCall-Smith's latest book in his Isabel Dalhousie series - it is due out on July 15th (he also writes the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series) - I think you would enjoy the Isabel series - the first book is "The Sunday Philosophy Club".
I rarely comment, but very much enjoy reading....and seeing.....your posts. They make me feel quiet, and I look forward to them. I will have to put that book on my library list. I read a lot of nonfiction, but always need a bit of fiction every couple of books, as a break.
Mary Lou
Your blog is like a soothing balm to me. Taking a few peaceful moments to read and view your lovely pictures is quality time for me. I look forward to it and would hate to lose you. I do understand that blogging, especially quality blogging, takes time and commitment. And the need to take a break must crop up now and again.
My summer is hectic and full of activity. I don't remember summers being this way when I was young. My days are crowded with things to do, appointments, grandchildren and events. A son getting married in September necessitates to-do lists and get-togethers. But it is all happy and joyous, even if I wish for a quiet moment now and again.
I always love reading your blog and never tire of it.
Hi there! I just came across your blog through, "The French Touch" blog and I am glad I found you. I will be adding you to my favorites list. I love gardening in the Spring/Summer and it keeps me very busy, too. I also love reading so I enjoy hearing about books to add to my list to read. I love how you "enjoy the moment". It is an important thing that we all need to do.
Oh boy, I was just thinking very similar thoughts. I've also been very quiet here in this sleepy little hamlet. My friends who do the weekly painting challenges have decided on an art break. This is a bit of a double edged sword for me because I love the "push" of the random challenges, but it does take time away from my work and, without diversions, I tend to focus more on serious art for galleries. Mostly time is passing with painting, gardening, trying to tame our overgrown hawthorn hedge, (it's not having it), and enjoying my quiet country life. Mostly I take tons of photos and then find loads to share, but lately there's not that much to photograph round here and I'm too lazy to walk down to the village with my camera. Maybe I should. But actually next week is going to be rather busy with my birthday at Kew and Art in Action. Maybe that's the same for you? Something brewing ahead which will take all your energy, and so now it's time to rest. And read. I'm feeling a bit between books so will go have a look at your recommendation. Have a lovely rest. Chloe tells me the smoke is a bit better in Van, so hoping for today's rain.
I'm glad to hear your wasp bites are healing. Gardening and reading are two of the many delights of summer. I think many people slow down with their blogging during this time of the year, due to so many other things competing for their time. I know that is certainly true in my case. The tomatoes look delicious! I just picked the first ripe tomato from my garden yesterday. What a treat!
I have been rather low on blogger inspiration for the past week or so, as well. Must be the heat and the need to turn my attention to other areas of my life that need it, such as projects around the house and an elderly cat who is not doing very well. On the plus side, my oldest cat, Cecilia, just celebrated her 21st birthday. She's now legally old enough to drink. She's 7.5 lbs of pure attitude. I rescued her as a kitten.
Local Jersey tomatoes are just about to come into season. There's nothing as delicious as a slice of a big, juicy Jersey sprinkled w/sea salt.
So glad your stings are healing. The redness will definitely fade. Enjoy your summer, Leslie.
Cheers, M-T
I enjoy reading your blog because you seem to live a quiet life yet are engaged with family, friends and your interests. I have grown weary of reading about "the fabulous life," not from jealousy or envy but from lack of connection. Your blog shows me that those of us living quiet lives also have something to share.
What a beautiful comment, Kathy. Contrary to the famous line about most people leading lives of "quiet desperation," I believe there are many who lead lives of "quiet inspiration." You and Leslie appear to be in that latter category.
Cheers, M-T
I just went through all the Free books on my Kindle/BookBub and ordered about a dozen :)
Muggy hot NY summer days beg for a comfy cool spot to loll on while reading a good (for me ) mystery. I have so many waiting to be read ! Kindle was a brilliant invention.
You know, the house that I am hoping to buy if this one ever sells is an Arts & Crafts style bungalow like yours :) I am so eager to get in that house and decorate ! :)
Thanks for following me btw :)
Hi right back and look forward to hearing about your holiday...and Thank you!
I've added those title to my reading list...thanks again Margie.
I envy people with the dedication to read non fiction...I admit that I enjoy cooking books, home decor and garden books but rarely read any other non fiction books.
Oh I remember when we were involved in my son and DIL's wedding...I refereed to it as the wedding summer. So much fun and it was a joyful event...it sounds like you are savouring it too.
Thank you for those kind words Susan.
Hi Connie,
Welcome!...
I enjoy reading "The French Touch" it's a wonderful way to connect with like minded bloggers...it's a great way to keep in touch.
We just had a wee downpour...hooray!
My garden needs a major over haul, a redesign as I am getting bogged down with all the weeding and maintenance. If I were 10 years younger I could keep up but I have decided that i want a good looking garden that is less work...and I need someone to come and help me more often. Maybe twice a month for several hours...gosh I do sound like a complainer...didn't mean to go off like that but it just popped out!
It's true, summer is a busy season...holidays, gardening, socializing...the list goes on!
Oh it;s so distressing when our cats are under the weather...I hope your cat rallies soon...and wow 21 years old is a ripe age for a cat!
In France we ate those large lion heart tomatoes which were amazing...I am not familiar with The Jersey variety but will take your word for it that they are delicious.
Oh Kathy...your lovely comment has touched my heart...thank you for saying it.
My simple everyday life is nothing out of the ordinary, but it is an honest existence if nothing else. I am so grateful to wake up every morning...even if the day ahead holds nothing more than an opportunity to be still and absorb the beauty of nature.
M-T...I think your comment is a beautiful and clever observation.
I hope that your dream house comes to you...there are many arts and crafts homes and bungalows that there must be one out there waiting for you!
We have lots of books on the subject if you need the titles I'd be more than happy to share them with you.
Good luck!
I also recommend the Isabel series, and think you'd like it:).
It just sort of came to me as I read Kathy's beautiful comment. Who knows? Maybe it will be the inspiration for a post??
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