Thursday, December 13, 2018

Time is Passing So Quickly

We've been having gray skies and buckets of rain all week.
The news reports a lot of flooding in various parts of the city.
Other than a trip out on Sunday and some errands on Monday I've been staying inside so I am snug and dry.
A wind storm has now been forecast so I spent a bit of time today moved the patio furnishings and storing the patio umbrella so it doesn't blow away and damage things.




I've noticed how very dark it is now. Morning light comes later and evening dark comes earlier.
Thankfully the Winter equinox will arrive soon and gradually the days will become longer and lighter.

My blog post is entitled "Time is Passing So Quickly" because despite my early preparations I don't feel ready for Christmas.
I did complete Christmas shopping and wrapping and Christmas cards both paper and electronic. I also did the Christmas decorating. I've managed to meet with a few friends before the holidays and have one or two more to see in the next week.
 But there is still a lot to do: cleaning, sorting, paperwork, a bit of cooking and preparing to travel out of town.
I am not able to get much done each day.  I only do what I feel like doing so my list of things doesn't change much from day to day. At least I'm enjoying the Christmas lights during these dark days and I'm sure I'll get everything done that is important.

READING

My latest read is Becoming by Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States of America. I read it quickly and I found it very well written and interesting.  I shared the book with a number of friends all of whom told me they had the book on their reading lists.
Mrs. Obama will be here in Vancouver on March 21st and there is a lot of excitement around her visit. 
I'm not sure what I'll be doing then so I haven't purchased a ticket which means I'll probably miss out altogether. These kinds of events with well known people always sell out here.


I've read 57 books so far this year. My original reading goal was only 35 books but since July it seems I've been reading a lot of books.  I just kept increasing the goal as I read more and more books.
I am hoping to complete another 1 or 2 books before the end of the year.

CRAFTS

I haven't had time to work on crafting too much but I did manage to make 2 globes out of a few craft items from the Dollar Tree, Michael's Craft store and jars from my cupboard. I enjoyed this little craft and will know how to do a better job if I make some again in future.




A few weeks ago I also started the pink and berry afghan. I'm still not finished and I've run out of time to make the black, gray and white afghan I was hoping to have finished by now.
I guess that means I've made 8 afghans this year rather than 9.
Next year I may only make 1 or 2.
I'm not sure yet what craft I will focus on. Perhaps I will finally knit a pair of socks or make more doilies to use up some of my crochet string.



Little by little I tie the loose ends in the back. There are so many of them that I'm still working on it. I would say I am about 2/3 done. It's not my favourite thing to do so I don't work at it that often.
Once I've done that I have to block the afghan to help give it proper shape.


MOVIES

I've also been catching up on watching several movies during the wet and gloomy weather.

Here are the movies and a brief summary of each:

Nancy - A strange story about a young woman named Nancy who becomes increasingly convinced she was kidnapped as a child. When she meets a couple whose daughter went missing decades earlier, the couple's doubts give way to willful belief.
By the Sea - Written and directed by Angelina Jolie while she was still married to Brad Pitt. The scenery and the costumes are very appealing but the story itself is very shallow and not my cup of tea. Set in France during the mid-1970s, Vanessa, a former dancer, and her husband Roland, an American writer, travel the country together. They seem to be growing apart, but when they linger in one quiet, seaside town they begin to draw close to some of its more vibrant inhabitants, such as a local bar/café-keeper and a hotel owner.
A Star is Born - with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. I saw this story years ago with Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. I liked it at the time but I wasn't that enamoured of this newer version. Lady Gaga has received a lot of accolades for her acting role but personally I wasn't that impressed. Her acting is very flat and monotone however her singing is just as impressive as always I was very impressed by Bradley Cooper who does a wonderful job of playing an alcoholic singer. The movie however has a very sad ending.
The Girl in the Spider's Web - Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cyber-criminals and corrupt government officials – both in Sweden and in the United States – whom are only known as The Spider Society. A movie filled with many twists and turns. The role of Lisbeth is very capably played by Claire Foy who you may remember from her performance as a young Queen Elizabeth in the series "The Crown".

I'd be interested in your thoughts if you have seen any of these movies or read Michelle Obama's book.

~~~~

Given that most people, including bloggers are very busy right now with Christmas plans or travel plans, I probably won't be posting much before Christmas. It will depend on how much I get done in the next short while.

Wishing you all a wonderful next few weeks

and

a very Merry Christmas!

A card I purchased from a Kenyan artist on the streets of Nakuru.

~~~~


Joining in with


and 

57 comments:

Tanza Erlambang - Every Day Issues said...

yes, time is passing so quickly.
love your handcrafts.

have a great day

Lady Fi said...

I like your handicrafts. Michelle Obama is coming to Stockholm too!

Aritha V. said...

I love your pink and berry afghan. Beautiful colors. And the view with the clouds and the church? is so great.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

The grey skies of winter - your afghan is bright and cheerful. Just what you need in the grey winter.

Jan K. alias Afanja said...

Your photos don't lie, they don't show any nice winter weather.
Our sky has been dark and gray too this week. I hope we will get some real winter weather soon.

Toni said...

Wonderful photos especially your globes and the grey skies with the steeple. Your afghan colors are so pretty. Have a day of blessings.

Rhodesia said...

The Girl in the Spiders web is amazing, I have read the whole series. Must see if I can get becoming it sounds interesting. We are off to the UK Monday, not sure how much time I will have over the next 6 weeks but I will pop in if I can. Meanwhile have a great Christmas. Diane

Breathing In Grace said...

As always, I so enjoyed your fotos and everything you wrote. Almost 60 books read ... that's so impressive. I'm not a reader, except for my devotions and Bible studies. I wish I could get into reading more and I so admire those who do. And, I haven't crocheted that many afghans in my lifetime, let alone in a year. Hope you don't get a lot of wind like predicted... that's my least favorite weather condition because there's no escape. Stay safe, sweet Lady. PS... I love the card! 💜

Minoru Saito said...

Hi! I wish you a Merry Vhristmas! Will Mrs.Obama become a new President in a future in USA? Thanks for sharing.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I love the photos of the Church steeple and the clouds, etc. Very lovely. You have been very busy, if you ask me! You are accomplishing a great deal! The movies you have seen sound interesting. I haven't read the Michelle Obama book, but I am glad it was something you enjoyed. I have done a lot of reading this past year, and have kept our public library very busy. I never thought to count how many books, but I know it was A LOT!! Sometimes 3-4 a week. But they are mostly Christian fiction or historical fiction type of books. I like to read to relax, and don't enjoy anything too heavy. I've stopped reading for the holidays as it takes too much of my time, but I do enjoy it so much. You are very "crafty". I love the "globes" in the jars. What a neat idea!! Thank you for an interesting and enjoyable post today. Relax and enjoy the time that is passing by so quickly. That is what I am TRYING to do...

Red said...

I hope you will be safe in the big wind. I would like to read ore but I don't seem to be able to make the time. I know i. It's a poor excuse.

Gattina said...

I was lucky the 2 weeks I was away the weather had been awful here every day rain, now it's cold but sunny and I have to start my Christmas decoration !!

Joanne Noragon said...

I read Becoming. Intense and compelling.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Crazy, mixed up weather! I don't know that I EVER feel ready for Christmas. I'm a terrible shopper and never know what gifts to buy for people!

Dianna said...

Penny, it is so good to do a bit of catching up with you. Thank you for sharing about the books and movies that you've read and watched of late. I've been wondering about Michelle Obama's book in particular so thank you for sharing your thoughts on that one especially. It sounds as though you are almost ready for Christmas. I know your heart is prepared as you reflect on the birth of our precious Saviour. I like the globe crafts that you've done. They look so pretty...and that afghan! Oh my! Just beautiful. I'm working on a shawl and had hoped to have it finished by Christmas, but not so sure that is going to happen. Merry Christmas, my friend. xx

Jeanie said...

I don't have that much left to do -- baking, menu planning and local wrapping -- but I still feel it's going by too quickly. Maybe because I love it so much!

Joyful said...

That's great Jeanie. You always pack so much into life and are an inspiration :-)

Joyful said...

Dianna, it's so lovely to see you blogging and commenting again. I do hope you get to read Michelle Obama's book and that you like it. Thank you for your kind words about my crafts. I do enjoy crafting and reading and spend time on that before anything else (almost). I wanted to get everything done early this year, and I did for the most part. I was wanting to spend much of this month reflecting and meditating on the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to you too!

Joyful said...

I know what you mean! But this weather is more or less what we get in our winters so I am always grateful for the days when it doesn't rain and even more grateful for sunny days when it's winter. Today it's not raining. Yeah!

Joyful said...

Glad you enjoyed it too!

Joyful said...

How wonderful for you Gattina. When it doesn't rain here in winter and the sun is nice and the skies clear it is very cold! Sometimes I long for the rain just to warm it up. I don't mind 4-5 days of rain and 1-2 days of sun and back and forth :-)

Joyful said...

I am okay but it seems some friends on the Island lost power. Maybe here too I haven't checked yet.

Joyful said...

Thank you Pamela for your very kind words about my crafts. If you get a chance check out the book. It is easy reading. I do also keep my local library busy with all my hold requests. If you only read books from your library you might be able to set up an on line account and keep track of your books that way. We have that feature but sadly it doesn't keep track of when you start and finish so I keep track of more detailed information on Goodreads.com I agree we must try to relax and focus on the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to you :-)

Joyful said...

Glad you enjoyed The Girl in the Spiders Web. I am not sure I can read a book about it but I did enjoy the movie. I understand you may not be on line much over the next while. I may be off line myself so please don't worry. I wish you and Nigel a safe journey and strength for your endeavour. Merry Christmas Diane xx

Joyful said...

Merry Christmas to you too! I don't think Mrs. Obama is interested in becoming President. Of course Donald Trump said that for years too so who knows?

Joyful said...

Debbie, it was nice to have your visit and comment. I try to occupy my mind and hands with various crafts and reading and set goals each year. Bible reading, studies and devotions is something I need a better routine for and slowly getting there. Have a wonderful weekend and if I don't chat with you before Christmas, have a Merry Christmas too :-)

Joyful said...

Thank you Carol. Bright things help a bit during gray days for sure.

Joyful said...

It would be lovely Jan to get some sunny skies here and there. All the best to you as you prepare for Christmas.

Joyful said...

Thank you so much Aritha. I do love the view.

Joyful said...

Thank you Lady Fi. Will you go and listen to Mrs. Obama?

Joyful said...

Tanza, thank you for dropping by. You have a wonderful weekend and a very Merry Christmas.

Joyful said...

Kind words Toni. I did enjoy making the globes. Have a wonderful weekend and a very Merry Christmas :-)

Angie said...

For some reason, this December seems to be passing more slowly than those in the past … and I am happy about it. I love the combination of the pink and berry colors on your afghan - unusual but stunning together. I made a note of the book by Michelle Obama; more and more, I admire the restraint of the Obamas in the face of the current administration. I have not watched any of the movies that you mention, but I do want to watch the one with Claire Foy - she impressed me in The Crown. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

Joyful said...

Ha, ha, Angie, lucky you! You are one of the few people, actually the only person, I know who thinks the month has gone slowly. I can only wish. Thank you for your kind words about my afghan. In honesty I had a hard time finding enough variation in pink yarns to complement the berry colour that was soft to look at. I hope you enjoy the book by Mrs. Obama. I was pleasantly surprised and I understand the book is the fastest selling memoir ever. Enjoy the movie with Claire Foy. She is a brilliant actress.

Alana said...

Merry Christmas to you, too. I am working on two afghans right now and neither one of them are going to get done anytime soon, I'm afraid. Hope the rain stops very soon before more flooding occurs.

HappyK said...

We've had a dark gloomy day here too. I also turn on the Christmas lights in the house. Sure makes things cheerful. : )
My goal was to read 50 books and I'm on number 50 now.
That's a beautiful card.

Billie Jo said...

Yes. These days are passing too quickly for me!
Your afghan is beautiful!
I love the colors.
Enjoy the days leading up to Christmas!

Joyful said...

Hi Alana, I'm glad I'm going to have company with WIPs that get carried over to the new year. The best laid plans can go awry at times. We had a lovely day today. So warm and hardly any rain. I finished my errands and made it home just as I felt the wind starting to whip things up.

Joyful said...

You did very well on your reading this year. I usually target a modest number of books, around 35 or so. That way I don't feel I'm rushing or always reading though I do love to read. Once I get started I really have a hard time to stop and do something else! So I try to limit myself, lol. It's so nice to have twinkling lights in the dark. Thanks for stopping by.

Joyful said...

Thank you for your kind words Billie Jo. I'm enjoying the season but it isn't so serene, lol.

Small Kucing said...

Time pass very fast this year. Suddenly now we are in the last two weeks of the year.

Over here we are having rainy weather too. Hot in the morning and wet in th evening.

Have yet to set up the christmas tree .

Joyful said...

Hello Small Kucing, I see you too find time passing by like a zooming car. I hope you get your Christmas Tree up soon and that you and your family will enjoy the Christmas celebrations.

Al said...

I love your grey skies - I wish we'd get some good precipitation here. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Joyful said...

I'm glad you like the grey skies Al. That's what happens when you don't have enough precipitation. I hope you get a lot of snow to make up for it come Spring. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

Diana Studer said...

Suffering form severe book withdrawal! Our library reopens next week after MONTHS of renovation. Can't hardly wait, my list in hand.

Nancy Chan said...

Your hand crafts are beautiful. We are also having grey skies with a bit of sunshine and lots of rain. I like the card by the Kenyan artist. Keep warm and take care.

Rambling Woods said...

I am reading Michelle Obama's book too. I wanted to thank you for linking into Nature Notes meme this year and wish you a happy holiday season...Michelle

Terriea Kwong said...

Always interesting reading your blog. Beautiful pictures of your country no matter sunny or grey.
Wish you a festive season and happy holiday!

affectioknit said...

Hi Penny,
I love the header...so Christmas-y...and the afghan is so pretty!
~Have a lovely day!

Joyful said...

I can imagine you are suffering. Months without a library is a very long time when you are used to to it.

Joyful said...

Glad you like the crafts and the card Nancy. Take care.

Joyful said...

You're welcome Michelle. I hope to join up again in 2019. Happy holidays to you and yours!

Joyful said...

You're very sweet Terriea. Happy Holidays to you!

Joyful said...

I'm so glad you like the header Teresa. No one has commented on it in two years ;-) It is a tree decorated outside a coffee shop in my neighbourhood.

shayndel said...

Glad you enjoyed the twinkling lights even when the sky is clouded !!! It reminds me of the beauty of light and how truly the Light shines in the Darkness and is life-giving!! Love the colors of the afgahan and seeing how it came out, looks fun to make snow globes!!! In a blog post from a week is like that, and as you share so much, encapsulating the things from a week in a post! Have a blessed and light filled Christmas and holiday!! Love to you!!

Joyful said...

Thank you so much Shayndel. Merry Christmas and lots of love to you. xx 🎄

Sharon Wagner said...

Reading is my part time job as well. Good for you. That's a lot of books. Happy Holidays!

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