Happy New Years and December Book Review

Thinking about my New Year’s resolutions and laughing at myself as last year’s goals of blogging at least once a week was not met in December. In my defense things have been a little crazy at the inn these past few months. Instead of blogging and reading I have spent most of the past month painting and knitting. Not complaining as I enjoy both. It all started when I was visiting with my son-in-law Matt during our Thanksgiving visit, and I asked him what he would like for Christmas. He showed me a pictures of a crazy colored ski hat and asked if I would knit that for him. How could I say no! With the help of Mary, the owner of my new favorite knit shop- The Great Yarn, I found the perfect pattern and colored yarns. After finishing Matt’s hat I realized I had all of this yarn left and got the brilliant idea to knit everyone hats for Christmas. Plus, I needed to finish the grey shawl for April’s present. I had a great time with all of these projects but found myself waking up early to knit and knitting in the evening before bedtime, which left little time to do my regular reading and blogging. Happy to report that I finished all of the hats and shawl before Christmas Eve ( in just the nick of time) and everyone loved their gifts.

Another little change in plans occurred mid December when we saw some water marks on Brewster’s ceiling. When Byron pierced the area, a flood gate of water came down requiring us to do some unplanned plumbing and new ceiling replacement. We took the opportunity to run new electric with a ceiling fan and to redecorate the room with a new king canopy bed. We found a perfect marble table in an antique market in Maine to finish off the decor. (professional pictures to come from Byron)

We also had the great idea to redecorate our King Truro room. We wanted to appeal to the younger traveler and decided to repaint and redecorate. The results are astounding with new leather chairs, a low profile teak bed and new artwork.

Onto my November & December Reviews which includes one book and a collection of inspirational essays and a journal.

Pearl of China by Anchee Min was an exceptional read!

The story opens in the small town of Chin-kiang in Southern China where two young girls bond to form a lasting friendship. The story follows much of the real non-fiction history of Pearl S. Buck but the novel is fiction. When reading this book the details made me feel like I was watching a movie. I could almost visualize the two girls who came from two different worlds as Willow is the only child of a very pool family that forces her to steel for family income and Pearl is the headstrong daughter of Christian missionaries. The story line takes them from young children to motherhood where they always confide their own unique dreams, opinions and beliefs to each other. I felt inspired for woman’s rights and what these two girls accomplished in overcoming horrible situations in early Communist China.

January is a time to renew and restore. I have come to enjoy reading nightly journals from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

I have owned a copy for many years and appreciate the daily journals that coincide with the seasons. It’s daily entries continue to open my heart, calm my soul and remind me to be joyful and appreciative for each day. I recently saw that this book also includes a daily gratitude journal with I gifted to all of my dear close friends.

I forgot to order one for myself which will be on my next amazon order:)

Happy New Years dear friends! Sending love and good wishes from all of us at the Captain Freeman Inn.