More cardinal pics in the messy garden. I'm in the midst of a very slow clean up.
No quilting.
Some reading.
I've got several books started, but I'm spending most of my reading time on a new biography of Anne Boleyn. I'm not much impressed with this biographer; although her bibliography is excellent, her opinions are expressed as fact. She has some information I've never seen before and some new ways of looking at things, but she has a very obvious agenda. Even if I may come to the same conclusion, her opinions go beyond what the historical documents state. If she just would say, "It seems probable that ...," or "It is likely that...," but no, she states it as absolute truth-- without evidence to back it up. I'm ranting and reading and flagging pages so that when I finish and review it on my book blog, I can do it with some accuracy.
I've always loved Anne Boleyn and am quite ready to see her in a sympathetic light, but I'm not impressed with the author's method.
The last non-fiction I read on this general subject was The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser (YEARS ago, I admit) which I thought excellent. There are major discrepancies in interpretation between the two works. Not in fact, necessarily, but in presentation.
Sorry, I've no creative or quilty progress and am reduced to rambling. :)
Now, I'm off to get ready to take Laddie to the latest appointment.
Hi! I also have been fascinated with Anne Boleyn and have read & watched anything that I can about her. Have you seen "Anne of 1000 Days"? It was done back in the 70's (I think) and Richard Harris (or was it Burton?) was Henry the VIII. Which book is it that you are reading now?
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting to say how much I like the bird banner at the top! When I open your blog, my screen is filled with such cheer.
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish it were possible to read and quilt at the same time? I hate to choose. I'm reading a book now you might enjoy if you want a fun story. It's called The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. Sort of a modern version of a gothic, with lots of references to Jane Eyre, etc. I know you've been reading non fiction lately, but I remember you liked The Woman in Black, so I thought I'd suggest this.
ReplyDeleteSherry - Yes, I've seen it and have read a good bit of both fiction and non-fiction about the period. Anne really is a fascinating character, isn't she? As was Henry VIII...in a terrible way. The biography I'm reading is Anne Boleyn: A New Life of England's Tragic Queen, and I'll be reviewing it soon on my book log (check my sidebar), please drop by and see what you think in a few days.
ReplyDeleteDelta - Thanks! I'm so glad you like it!
Kay - I loved The Thirteenth Tale! It is one of my favorite books from last year. I'm so glad you're enjoying it, too. I'm afraid, however, that I was one of the few people who did not care for The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, but I adore The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. You would like it if you like TTT!
i am not much of a reader except of textile books....but i love the bird pics and the messy yard, looks like mine.
ReplyDeleteHere's weird synchronicity - today (Jan 25) in 1533, Anne Boelyn married Henry VIII.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment on my webshots page!
I do know Elm Grove; my brother went to Elm Grove Jr. High after all the Parish schools changed for integration. And when we first moved to Bossier in the early 60s, we camped for several weeks at Bistineau, until the chiggers and redbugs drove us away.
My son was here over the week-end and he says he notices that I have given up reading and gourmet cooking for quilting!
ReplyDeleteI guess I have. I really need to be on a vacation to read anymore. It is sad because I was once a voracious reader.
I ALMOST bought that book for iPod. It looked so interesting. Now I'm glad I didn't--it was too expensive anyway.
ReplyDeleteThat must be a female cardinal? Not as red? (We don't have those birds in these parts.)
I do so love cardinals and enjoy them so much when I am in my NY home...none here, though...except on my calendar...I love your photos, so much going on in them...ah yes, Anne Boleyn...don't know much about her except what was in the Henry VII miniseries back in the 70s or from common knowledge...He was something else, wasn't he! I'm reading Barack Obama's book at the moment...My non-political observation: what a good,kind, intelligent human being he seems to be...
ReplyDeleteJen, I haven't done much creative lately either, but the birds are lovely, & I like the looks of your yard. There's something artistic in the tangle of dry grasses, & weathered woods. & book reviews appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJude - I love textile books, too. Even when I'm not quilting or sewing, I love reading about it and looking at pictures.
ReplyDeleteLaurie - :) On the note of synchronicity, when I got home this afternoon, I was reading about Ann & Henry's marriage...then hear from you, who also noticed the date. I love it when that happens!
Yes, you are familiar with the area and its pests! Chiggers, red bugs, ticks, mosquitoes...
Gerrie - We can't do everything; have to choose our priorities. I'm reading a lot, but can't get creative with the quilting right now.
Rian - My copy is a library book. It does have some interesting stuff; Thomas More is taking a whole new persona for me. I had no idea that he had been so active in persecuting heretics.
Yes, the cardinals are females. The two males depart as soon as I reach for the camera!
Debby - The cardinals are always a delight. I'm glad you enjoy the photos.
The Obama book sounds good. I'm going to put it on my list!
Deb H. - You've been busy fighting winter! Hope your roof is OK now.
Love those cardinals! What is that interesting arch thingy (technical jargon for shabby chic gardeners) that she is perched on?
ReplyDeleteFran - it is an iron front for a small fireplace. I'm definitely into shabby!
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