Five on Friday: Almost Too Small To Mention

“Some hours are long and some days are short.

Find time to cherish the small moments.”

—JULIETTE ROSE KERR, To Fill a Jar With Water

One. Mother Nature

I've been having a chat this week with Mother Nature, hands on hips, letting her know that in these parts we'd really prefer rain to the snow that fell off and on for three days. First she teases us with melting snow and warmish sunny days. And then she changes her mind and hits us with another bout of winter, which includes sharp, cold winds and deep freeze temperatures.

 

Of course, we're trying not to complain—moisture is moisture and we certainly need it.

My bright spot amongst the falling snow was watching our neighbourhood bunny (hare) in our backyard as he scrounged for twigs and dried vines for lunch. Such meagre fare. Between munches, he catnapped with eyes half closed, ever watching over his escape routes. He must have felt safe for then he started grooming himself, washing his face, his ears, his paws, just like a kittycat. His fur is still white, so he blended into the fresh carpet of snow (well, except for the tips of his ears which stay black all winter).

Two. Watching

I have been slowly watching my favourite 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice. I have watched it so many times over the years that many of the beloved, or funny, scenes are forever etched in my memory. It's interesting how a story can become such an integral part of one's life. These people are my friends, my neighbours. It's comforting to visit them one more time.

The other day I came across a reel on Instagram of a father telling his tale: "I have four daughters. That means I have spent approximately 1/3 of my fatherly life watching the six hour version of Pride and Prejudice." Patient man, I'd say, haha. My dear hubby has seen it enough times with me as well.

Three. Reading

Good Wives

by Louisa May Alcott

From my bit of research Little Women and Good Wives were originally published as separate books, the second a sequel to the first. The two books were eventually combined and published as one book under the title Little Women. I looked in my paperback copy, sure enough, both were included as Part 1 and 2. So I wouldn't have needed to buy this hardcover in the Cranford edition (but I'm glad I did - it's lovely). 

I quite enjoyed revisiting the four charming March sisters, who are now grown up and leaving the March nest. Meg marries Mr. Brookes, Laurie's tutor from next door. Jo spreads her wings and moves to New York City to look after a family friend's two children while their mother runs a boarding house for impoverished gentlefolk. Beth, who contracted scarlet fever in her childhood, the effects from which she never fully recovered, continues to give joy and light at home with her parents. And blossoming Amy accompanies her Aunt March on a grand tour of Europe where she studies art and painting.

Acqua Alta

by Donna Leon (1995)

Donna Leon is a crime novelist best known for her series set in Venice, Italy, featuring the Commissario Brunetti, Venice's version of our own Canadian refined and principled Inspector Gamache (Louise Penny). In her novels readers are given rich descriptions of crime mixed with culture, history, and food. The author's love for Baroque music is often reflected in her work. I really enjoy her mysteries.

 
Acqua Alta is the fifth in the Brunetti series (published in 1996). An archaeologist and old friend of Brunetti's has been savagely beaten in the doorway of her lovely home. The incident serves as the starting point for Brunetti's investigation into a broader conspiracy involving stolen Chinese antiquities.

Four. The Recorder

Did you ever learn to play the recorder in school? I never did, as it didn't come into vogue until I was older. I saw a clip on social media the other day. The fellow says, "I'm so glad I was taught to play the recorder at school. It has really come in handy during my adult life. I've lost count of the times I've resolved a difficult situation with a quick blast of Three Blind Mice."

I said to my sister, having missed out on learning the recorder in school, I now know why I always felt a little bereft at not having this bit of musical arsenal for difficult situations.😉  

 

Five. Quotable

"Not everything asking for your attention deserves equal space

in your mind. Some things are meant to be handled, and some are

simply meant to be released before they quietly drain the day."

—from Cottage Whimsy Facebook Page

❦

Wishing you a beautiful day,

Brenda

Photo credits:

Top Image by Natalia Lavrinenko from Pixabay

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I post on Fridays