The making this week included a wee bit of sewing… one more flannel Esme Tunic, although with the weather we’ve been having a flannel tunic seems rather silly! However, it is my “go to wear” these days and having one more in the rotation is a good thing. I did a bit of a different sleeve finish (a modification of a modification?) with this one and I like it! I have plans to make a denim tunic with these sleeves as well – I figure that will carry me through spring and into the start of summer!
The reading this week was incredible with two 5-star books. I cannot stop thinking about The Living Fire or A Long Petal of the Sea. I almost want to stay in the place that each book brought me and not leave for awhile.
The Living Fire by Edward Hirsch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First, I never, ever imagined that insomnia could be brilliant. Hirsch had taken a misery and made it genius. This collection of poems was brought to my attention one morning while listening to The Writer’s Almanac. That tiny preview, while brilliant, did not even begin to hint at the poems I found in The Living Fire. A few of my favorites: Incandescence at Dusk, Four A.M., The Reader, Earthly Light, I am Going to Start Living Like a Mystic, The Widening Sky, and After a Long Insomniac Night.
This is a book I need to add to my library so I can return to these words again and again. I highly recommend!
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My life has been a series of journeys. I’ve traveled from one side of the world to the other. I’ve been a foreigner without realizing I had deep roots…My spirit has sailed as well. [the] most important events, the ones that determine our fate, are almost always completely beyond our control. But do you know what I’m most grateful for? Love. That has marked me more than anything else.
This book grabbed me from the very first pages as Victor was treating the wounded in the Spanish Civil War. The lives of Victor and Roser took me on an emotional journey – one that was at times painful to read. I could not put this book down and I loved that each chapter started with the words of Pablo Neruda. I knew nothing at all of Neruda’s work to save thousands of refugees. I highly recommend this incredible story!
Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
We are the books we read and the things we love. Cal is the ocean and the letters he left. Our ghosts hide in the things we leave behind.
I really wanted to love this story, but it fell flat for me, perhaps because of the genre. However, the writing is poignant and if this book inspires YA to read some of the books quoted within the pages – that would be a very good thing.
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I love your tunic! I’m so glad you loved The Long Petal of the Sea – I can’t wait to read it!
That tunic is wonderful and I love your pocket lining! I think a denim version would be terrific. Thank you for both of those five-star recommendations. I always know my list is going to grow on Wednesdays!
I am SUCH a sucker for gingham check — and especially black and white gingham! What a great tunic, Kat. (And I always love a good “surprise inside” pocket lining.) Edward Hirsch is great, isn’t he? And I’m reading A Long Petal of the Sea right now, myself.
love your surprise pockets!! Lovely burst of color. You have such admirable sewing skills!!
Love your tunic (and the pocket lining!!). A denim one sounds perfect for Spring. I’ve struggled getting through some of Allende’s books in the past, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about Long Petal, so may need to give it a try!
I love that fabric. The store where I buy garment fabric has closed and that big box fabric/craft store just doesn’t have much selection. I might need to look online some a nice cotton version of this fabric. I love the pockets!
I loved the look of your tunic and then you really bowled me over with the contrast pocked lining. So perfect!
I’m glad to hear another glowing review of A Long Petal of the Sea. It’s in my to read list!
Your tunic and contrasting surprise pocket are PERFECTION! My couture sewing group always encourages us to put our own mark on our sewing projects, using a totally different fabric for pockets, cuffs, etc. I have never been disappointed doing these special touches when sewing garment.
My book list to read is growing, thanks for taking time and reviewing the books you read, I appreciate the time you spend doing this for us.
Oh if I could pull that tunic right through the screen! And that pocket!!! Beautiful job Kat. Almost makes me want to figure out how to do it myself!
Great tunic! I wish I could sew.
The tunic looks great and I love the surprise of color in the pocket. Very smart. It looks comfortable and cozy. I am interested in your books. How did I miss that poem on The Writer’s Almanac?! Thanks for hosting the link up.
Congrats on the tunic ! Look forward to seeing it on you! Isabel Allende is such a wonderful writer; this title goes on my TBR…and I’ve been looking for a new book of poetry…
You did a great job matching those checks and I LOVE the pockets!! I’m really looking forward to Isabel Allende’s latest and so happy to see you gave it five stars 🙂
OMG, that pocket!!! <3