It’s hard to believe we’re in the final two months of 2025. Didn’t it just start? I remember someone telling me I pressed the fast-forward button on my life when I was holding a newborn Marshall in my arms, and she was right. The years seem so fleeting and precious, and our growing, maturing boys are a great measuring stick for the passage of time. I love this time of year, though—the cooler temperatures and build-up of anticipation to Christmas. I’m feeling particularly childlike as this holiday season approaches. I’m eager to start decorating and working on handmade projects, baking, and then enjoying the calm between Christmas and New Year’s. This will be our fourth Christmas in this house, and I think I finally feel settled here. I’m learning it takes about that long, about three years, to feel at home in a new house. And that feels good.
Here are my four things for the week: Pride & Prejudice, Saxons & Normans, aged books, and recent paintings…
what I’m reading
As is my custom, I’m actually reading a few books at once, but the one I am reading most is Pride & Prejudice. I read Sense & Sensibility last week and decided to read all of Austen’s novels after visiting her home. (You can read about that HERE.) Some I will read for the first time, and some I am revisiting after a long absence. Mansfield Park will be next, and I already can’t wait to read that one again, but I’m enjoying Pride & Prejudice so much. Mr. Collins is hysterical. I’m actually laughing out loud at some of the descriptions.
I’ll share them separately in turn, but my current book stack also includes My Dear Cassandra, A Jane Austen Year, and a few others about the Cotswolds and England.
what I’m watching
After meeting with Carol, a metal-detecting expert, while in England, I realized I don’t know as much about early English history as I would like. So, I’ve started doing a bit of reading and research on the Saxons, Danes, and Norman conquest. This led me to a limited series on Amazon about the period leading up to the Battle of Hastings – King & Conqueror. I read that it’s not historically accurate, but most historical shows aren’t. They just give you a dramatized flavor of some actual events mixed with a lot of imagined happenings sprinkled in for entertainment. Anyway, I haven’t finished the series yet, but I’ve enjoyed it despite the criticism from historical purists.
Does anyone have any good book suggestions on the subject?
what I’m loving
“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” – Luc Van Donkersgoed
I like the idea of books aging to the time of perfection, so you can crack them open on just the right occasion.
what I’m working on
I have a bunch of irons in the fire to roll out this holiday season – blog posts, tutorials, new fine art prints, a fresh batch of paper designs, and, in addition to those extra projects, I am working on completing pet portraits to get them in the hands of their commissioners before Christmas. (I’ve also picked up the carpet glue removal from the basement floor as a project that’s perfect for dark evenings. What joy is mine.)
Here are a few of my recent paintings…
What have you been reading, watching, loving, and working on?
15 Responses
Hello, your dog portraits are so beautiful. They convey the dogs’ personalities very well.
Thank you for the inspiration.
I really enjoy the quote about the books. I think I tend to look at mine as a “to do” item and takes something I really enjoy and turns it into a chore. Similar to my furniture refinsh and room painting projects. Hmmm, perhaps I need to take a look at my perspectives. And ask myself
“do I have hobbies or do hobbies have me?”
Thank you.
Ah, such a good question! I have been applying that to my stuff. When it feels like it is owning me, like I’m just a stuff manager, I know it’s time to thin things down!
I am reading Theo of Golden that was recommended by one of your followers. I am loving it, so thank you. I am painting watercolor Christmas cards for my grandchildren and coming up with new inspiration on what to paint for each one. Enjoying our beautiful fall and finding inspiration in nature walks. It is soup season, so I enjoy making all types of soup. Today I am roasting a butternut squash for a new soup to me with sausage and spinach. Thank you for all the ideas each day, each year!
I love CJ Sansom’s books that take place slightly before Elizabeth takes the throne, the Dissolution of the Abbeys under Henry VIII. These books are masterpieces. Sadly there will be no more as Sansom has passed away. I think there are 5 or 6.
I love the detail and the shading you use in your dog portraits. Their personalities are evident. And make sure you appreciate the evolution you have made in your paintings.
Thank you for the book quote…a definite justification for my piles of TBRs.
I love your paintings. Wishing I had your talent. It’s beautiful.
The book 1066: The Year of the Conquest by David Howarth.
You should check out Time Team and Digging for Britain. Both are British archeological shows with episodes on Youtube. I’ve learned more about British history than I ever did in school. History was my worst subject while in school but I’ve come to find out that it’s the way it was taught that was most of my problem. I always find historical documentaries fascinating.
I’m also a Jane Austin fan and Persuasion is my favorite novel of hers. Thank you for sharing your trip!
great suggestions
I love your painting style, can you refer me to any art books or classes (online) I can take?
I remembered this book quote the other day when my sister and I were talking about the importance of having books in a home.
“One’s book collection is one’s very own autobiography. It tells the story of a man and his life.” It is from one of the Inspector Skelgill mysteries by Bruce Beckham
Oh, I love that!
Oh! After visiting England, you must watch the series, Call the Midwives on Netflix! Please let me know how much you love it.
I especially love your blog during the winter months-my favorite season!
May I suggest “The Other Bennet Sister “. by Janice Hadlow?
It’s a fleshing out of Pride and Prejudice about the serious, bookish Mary. I think Jane would have approved.