Last week I read Mark Behnke’s excellent post in Colognoisseur : “Musings on the World’, covering a host of favorite non-perfume things. Loved it! Stole it! (the idea, I mean). His list is pretty wide-ranging and erudite. Mine won’t be. I spent most of 2014 …..huh. You know, I have NO idea how I spent 2014 ..so this oughta be fun. Walk with me…
Books – I did read a lot, so brain must still be working. Whew! I can’t name just one book,, though. Several come to mind: Ruth Ozeki’s A Tale For The Time Being that centers (sort of) around the aftermath of the 2011 Japan tsunami, it is a quietly lyrical,somewhat terrifying journey through Time and emotion. Gutenberg’s Apprentice by Alix Christie. I’m still in the middle of it and it’s a miracle that I am writing a post about it, as I am having great difficulty putting this novel down, reading of the birth of something that is now almost banal, it is so commonplace. Best re-read: Pamela Aidan’s Pride & Prejudice trilogy. I am not a fan of this genre (zombies? Elizabeth Bennet don’t need no steenkeeng zombies) but this is a thoughtful, unique approach to the P&P saga, from Fitzwilliam Darcy’s perspective. Book 2, usually the least appreciated is, in my opinion, the pivotal book – it gives solid reasoning for Darcy’s behavior, from start to finish of the original novel, which I confess to never giving much thought to, until I re-read the novel (for the 3rd time) in my 30s. It’s a worthwhile exploration into an enigmatic, almost secondary character.
Movies: I’m so far behind I might as well still have a Betamax. I never do first release – I don’t like crowds (Outbreak and people’s appalling manners put paid to that) – but when I finally watch a film I am in total agreement with Mark: movie going is supposed to be fun (if I want angst I have only to get out of bed in the morning). Early 2014 I wondered why Tom Cruise’s lame-named Edge of Tomorrow (aka the way better title Live/Die/Repeat) seemed to sink without even a ripple! – then I realized it was oh, so many things: a stupid title, possibly weird distribution, Tom Cruise. I forgot about it. Then the DVD showed up at my library and I saw that it starred the ever-fabulous Emily Blunt. Watched it. I was hooked. Watched it again. Or was it the same watching, again? We’ll never know. But I realized something: Tom Cruise, when he gets over himself, is very, very funny – and not a bad actor. And watching him get killed every 32 seconds, is a hoot. Yes. It. Is. Bill Paxton (“what the hell were you thinkin’?”). Intriguing premise (and anyone who says the General’s behavior is illogical should come work with El O for a few days). Great supporting cast of largely unknown (to me, anyway) UK actors and Cruise is NOT King of the World. nuff said.
there is hope for you yet, Musette!
Favorite TV Show: My beloved Big Bang Theory lost me awhile back. sigh. And I realized that it’s hard as the dickens to find & keep a quality show. Am thinking I love How to Get Away with Murder but that may be because I would pay to watch Viola Davis read her grocery list. Foyle’s War. Not new. Still fabulous.
photo stolen: abc.com and I hate that jacket on her. But isn’t she FABULOUS?
New Food Find: Lindt Dark chocolate bar – Caramel with a Touch of Sea Salt. I thought my first bar was a mistake – maybe I’d let it melt and reform – then I lost the damn package so I had to hunt and peck to find it again. Was rewarded with the most perfect chocolate bar on the planet. Slightly salty and crunchy, with the caramel woven in to provide a counterpoint of sweetness to the slightly bitter darkness. Best of all? it’s, like, $2 (on sale. $2.48 retail, don’tchaknow) and I dunno about you but I cannot eat an entire bar in one sitting. I know cuz I tried. So you get a whole lotta bang for your little bitey buck. And you haven’t gorged on chocolate till your eyes are spinning. Works all around.
Second New Food Find: Tomato Powder from The Spice House. Pretty much perfection, especially from November – June, when real tomatoes are pretty thin on the ground around here.
thespicehouse.com
Favorite New Handbag: LV Capucines. I’m not a LV fangirl but oh, this bag. Oh. The Capucines is a significant departure from their logo-laden bags of yore. Black with fuchsia lining.
the preciousss
Favorite New Skill: Restraint. Not everything needs to happen Right Now and I don’t need 3 (unless it’s that chocolate bar. Then I need 3). Instant Gratification is vastly overrated (unless it’s that chocolate bar).
What are your bests of 2014? Your worsts? Would love to hear about them!!!
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