WHAT I'VE BEEN READING

I've always enjoyed reading.  My mother worked and with no siblings, I had a lot of alone time -- reading was a great time filler!  Plus, we lived across the street from the local library, and my best friend's mother was the librarian.  We spent a lot of summer time in the coolness and quiet of that old Carnegie library -- nothing better in the heat of the day! 

In addition to the traditional Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, My Friend Flicka of the 1940s; I even loved reading my mother's magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, etc.

When I married at age 19, I became even more interested in the shelter magazines.  Today, I subscribe to Country Living, Traditional Home, Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, Southern Living, Midwest Living, Victoria, and Romantic Homes. 

Latest issue from The Cottage Journal

Also, I always pick up every new issue of The Cottage Journal (my absolute favorite!), Flea Market Style, Cottage Style, French Style, etc. etc. at the grocery store.  I read every word and go over every image of each and every magazine each month.
I also love a good book -- these days mostly fiction, but I also enjoy biographies especially about presidents, first ladies, kings and queens.

Image from amazon.com

This summer I have read three of Susan Vreeland's books -- "Luncheon of the Boating Party" about Renoir; "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" about Vermeer; and "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" about the Tiffany studios.  They are all wonderful, detailed, and fully researched novels.  I really enjoyed the one about Vermeer, as I had recently seen an exhibit of his paintings in Munich, Germany.  After completion of one of Vreeland's books, I always feel as though I have had a semester of art history.

I must read the rest of her books!

I, also, read a lot of fluff this summer -- five of Jan Karon's books in her Mitford series, a couple of Debbie McComber novels, and other assorted easy reading.

Image from amazon.com

This week I read "The Apple Orchard" by Susan Wiggs.  Oh, I would love to see a movie made of this book to bring her word images to life -- the house, the orchard, the food; and of course, who would they cast to be the Italian banker turned winemaker that lives next door?  What an enjoyable book -- I need to investigate to see what other books there might be by Susan Wiggs.

Every day I also read two daily newspapers, my bible, and anything else that peaks my interest (even the AARP magazine!!!).  And, of course, I'm addicted to reading blogs and news on the internet.

Is reading a big part of your life?  If so, what have you been reading this summer?

I'll be sharing my favorite reads on the following blogs:
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday
The Dedicated House for Anything Blue Friday
Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday