...which is of course so true it is a cliche but life also goes on in spite of the craziness. So as we are in the process of helping my sister move, I still sneak in a bit of reading and crocheting, and the mail still comes in.
I finished All Things Wise and Wonderful last night. As I turned the last page and looked at my shelf, I realized I have only two books left in the series. I don't want to read anything but Herriot at the moment and at the same time I don't want to take one step closer to the end. My only consolation is how much joy I am getting out of rereading some of the same stories that were included in Dog Stories and Cat Stories which means Herriot will be just as enjoyable the second (or third) time around.
I was a little hesitant when I began All Things Wise and Wonderful because I knew it focused on his time spent in the RAF during WWII. I read Herriot for his animal stories and knew I was not in the mood for war stories but he did a genius job of using small portraits of his service time as introductions to anecdotal flashbacks to his vet work with only a few chapters fully focusing on the war. My favorite story being the one when he volunteers for harvest work on a farm instead of digging a trench and as the days unfold he and the farmer learn quite a bit from one another about the very different yet similar lives they lead. Very touching stuff.
I think I have three favorite moments when working on a project...the beginning, the end, and the moment when I see the light at the end of the tunnel. That moment happened this morning as I finished the second to last panel and looked at my diminished piles of squares and realized they were the last. After I assemble that last panel and attach it, all I have left is the border and then I am done...yea!
Looking at that last pile, I realized I had made about 10 too many squares and decided to stitch some together and do a test border to see if I would like it. But why waste it as a test, I thought, and attached the flower tassel to make a bookmark. It is so bulky, I think the only kind of book it will work in is a softcover bible, and that will accompany the scarf perfectly for the person I have in mind whose Christmas tree these gifts will be under.
As far as the mail, I had a package from England containing my own copy of The Real James Herriot which I borrowed from the library and partially read earlier this year. I am so excited to add it to my own library and plan on reading/rereading it after the series.Having a lovely, if crazy, day...and hope you are too (not the crazy part:).
7 comments:
i LOVE that crochet bookmark - wish I could do crochet.
And I loved the Real James Herriot - fascinating. There was a TV series over here, which I've never seen.
I loved James Herriot and you are definitely inspiring me to read. The biography is very good too. As I recall it was written by his son as there was a very critical one that he felt he had to counter.
But I have to protest about your bookmark placement. You are obscuring a lovely border terrier! I was disproportionately pleased when I found that James Herriot had the same breed of dog as us.
Oh I'm so glad you're back! I only just realised - silly me! I love the new name :) That bookmark is wonderful, and I'm so pleased you like James Herriot so much :) His books have a very special place in my heart.
The colours you've chosen look wonderful together, Stacy. Will it be a throw size or full blanket?
Your Herriot books would make terrific comfort reading for me as I'm battling a cold at the moment *sniff*.
verity - I have been slowly watching episodes of the series that starred Christopher Timothy. I know it is loved by many but I can't quite get there so I watch it when I have no Poirot. You should try crocheting if you get the chance. It was much easier to learn than I expected.
fleurfisher - You are absolutely right and I promise to have a full photo, adorable canine and all, when I discuss the book as I reread it. Yes, all you say is true and I think the reason his son did such a phenomenal job was because he was fair but also loving and respectful, and it was a biography that made me appreciate and admire Herriot all the more. He really did give something wonderful to the world.
skirmishofwit - Thank you, thank you:) I agree with you...Herriot has become very dear to me even though I am so late in finally reading him.
Darlene - Thank you:) It will be a scarf in the end...I think if I had to make hundreds and hundreds of those little squares I'd lose it. I am so sorry you are not feeling well. If I could I would bring you some Herriot on audio and a bowl of the soup I have cooking in my crock-pot. Instead I will send bushels and baskets of get well wishes.
I love your crochet, such pretty colors! I read that book, All Things Wise and Wonderful, years ago. Your wonderful review makes me want to pick it up again.
Sharon - Thank you. I think Herriot is perfect for rereading:)
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