Stuff in my head

~not recommending

Taking it easy this week with our Fall Break, and I'm finally feeling the benefit of it.  Does take some time before the rest seeps into a person.  And part of delightfulness of this week is that oldest daughter is taking a vacation at home.  After the boyfriend break-up she needs the quiet---I think we all do.  She says she still feels 'odd' but also admitted that if somebody told her she'd have to go back to him, she'd run screaming from the room.  I think we all realize that the last straw was the situation with the rings.  For her to go off him so suddenly it's apparent that this had been piling up for some time. Many small things added up to a lopsided relationship.  

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And I have a new book to read, well, new for me.  This one will make my GoodReads 50 books in a year quota complete, but I'll go over.  I'm such a glutton.  I'd seen this book (different cover than what I got at the library) before but hadn't been interested since it's by a foreign author.  Just didn't speak to me then, but the first few pages are beautiful.  You know how some books enthrall you right away---you read a few bits and go putter and then pick it up again, and you feel so alive.  That's what this book is doing to me.  So hope it sticks.  The title is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  Lovely.

UPDATE on following day:  You'd think I'd learn to not post on a book I'm reading until I'm actually finished with it.  The one mentioned here began well enough---really loved it, in fact.  And was curious as to how it'd turn out since youngest son had been eyeing it.  Wish the author hadn't had to tuck in a s*x scene, though.  Can't in good conscience pass it on to our son and say, "Hey,  enjoy reading it!"  Happens more often than not.  Just not necessary.  And it was getting so good, a bit wordy, but still appealing.  

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And I made some herbal goodness last night.  One was the Elderberry brew I simmered before dinner---elderberries, cloves, ginger and honey was added after it'd cooled.  Very simple to make.  I got 3 pints in the fridge now, and it'll keep for about three months.  If I add the kick of vodka or brandy for some of it, it'll last a bit more, but don't want to play that trick on my husband, who is a necessary tee-totaler.

Also made a mixture for a bit of calm for me.  I did pull together my Passion Flower, Catnip, Motherwort, Hops, and Lemon Balm.  It all added up to about 1-1/2 cups of dry herbs and I covered them with a bit of water and the rest in vodka.  Put it outside so the eclipse of the moon could shine on it.  Magical.  I know, you think I'm nuts.  I like to pretend I'm a fairy.  Shades of Tolkien.  All I lack is a wand.

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Listening to Owl City's newest song done with Britt Nicole called You're Not Alone. A joy to hear.  Our kids buy the best music.

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Nothing hanging fire tomorrow.  Love that.  Going to go outside in a minute to swing.  Pray over our kids, my husband's work and protection for all of us.  I love them so, the whole messy lot of them.