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It took me a long time to get through this book.
It follows a 37-year-old divorced Mattie for four years following her split from her husband. She’s dealing with the new wife, falling for a married guy, her mother’s increasing dementia, and her father’s secret that surfaces after his death.
It wasn’t bad. I enjoy Lamott’s style, and the humor that I loved in Bird by Bird is found here. I like stories that focus on the tragedies and bittersweet moments of day-to-day life. The mental downfall of her mother and the effects of it on Mattie and her brother are written beautifully and believably.
However, there’s no real drive. There’s a twist with no twist. The climax fails to peak satisfactorily, and I’m left feeling cheated.
I’ll try one more.
Pattern: Lace Rib Cap in Knit Simple Magazine, Holiday 2007
Yarn: Debbie Mumm in Beeswax
I made this hat once before for my sister, and I enjoyed the simple lace. This time I modified the pattern to make a newborn size for my niece-to-be. I made it to match the little cardigan I made earlier out of the same yarn. The little sweater is simple without any embellishment, so I think a touch of lace will be sweet.
We never had many growing up. I didn’t have any extended family nearby. We simply didn’t celebrate much.
Now that I have my own place, I’m trying to start them. This past Christmas included my first live tree. I had everyone come over after a special church service, and we had (real) hot chocolate and arepas before opening gifts.
When discussing upcoming Easter plans, my sister and I asked each other, “What do people do for Easter?” We were clueless. There are no children to include, so all I figured was church and lunch at my house afterward. What do people eat on Easter?
We decided to cook a traditional Colombian meal. This meant some internet research, because – other than eating my grandmother’s food every 3-4 years – I have no experience.
The meal plan so far is ajiaco, rice w/avocado, buñuelos, and fried plantains. I may make up some iced aguapanela. Now all I need to do is change the recipe so that I can make the ajiaco in a slow cooker. I don’t plan on spending 4 hours in the kitchen.
