Meet TS and Come See the Rest of the Garden...

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Mostly Wordless Wednesday


It's so easy to make me happy: a bit of sun, a garden I love, and a stack of books.

92 comments:

  1. "Fine Gardening" magazine too, if I'm not mistaken! I'd be interested to know what you think of "The Goldfinch" - I had mixed feelings about it. I've yet to read Tartt's other books. Enjoy the sun, your garden, and the joys of burying yourself in a book!

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    1. I absolutely loved The Goldfinch. I actually woke up in the middle of the night to keep reading it. I love art and was so impressed by the depth if characterization in the novel. But I thought the part about Las Vegas could have been shorter.

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    2. A friend of mine, an artist, loved the book for much the same reason. It frustrated me that the main character couldn't find a way to dig himself out of his downward spiral after he escaped the situation in Las Vegas.

      Thank you for the mention in the Garden Love side-bar! Like a lot of gardeners here, I've been discouraged by current conditions (and the negative forecasts concerning the coming winter rainy season) but, like you, I resort to plan B or plan C or ???

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  2. So inviting, so pretty and relaxing. Fall in Virginia is a wonderful experience.

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    1. Virginia has four distinct seasons, which is a requirement for me. I don't do well with endless summer.

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  3. I loved The Goldfinch! That's about all it takes to make me happy too. Maybe also a yummy latte.

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    1. I should have put a plate of something tasty on top of the books and the scene would have been complete. :o)

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  4. Me too! Can you recommend a good one? A book that is, lol?

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    1. The Goldfinch is amazing but very long. Anything by Geraldine Brooks will be worth your time. :o)

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  5. Great shot! And the autumn sun pouring in the open door and onto a stack of books ... priceless!

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I'm a rotten photographer but I got lucky with this one. :o)

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  6. Too bad school has started and you have no time to read any of those yummy looking books. Beautiful picture though!

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    1. I read The Goldfinch before school started and am working on The Secret History. But now that I'm back to school, I don't have time for anything. :(

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  7. What a great way to live! Sounds like the secret of a happy life to me...

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  8. Happiness... you deserve it Tammy. What a sunny and warm summery day!

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  9. A sunny autumn day is a fabulous gift. I need the distraction of a book to prevent me from leaping from the chair to weed, prune, mow, tweak, redesign, deadhead..... It's a kind of literary seatbelt.

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    1. I have a hard time staying still for very long but a good book will glue me to my seat. Much more fun than weeding.

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  10. As Cicero said: ' If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need'. I know this because a friend gave me a tea towel with this quote and I have it hanging up in my kitchen. He could have added some sunshine. And a nice cup of tea with a bit of cake.

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    1. Cicero was a wise man but I agree a slice of cake helps make the day complete. :o)

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  11. The garden seems to be beckoning but the stack of books is interesting too. I loved The Goldfinch, but have been told The Secret History is even better.

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    1. I'm currently reading The Secret History and it's enthralling in a creepy, disturbing kind of way.

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  12. I have just noticed your list of systemic free nurseries, what a brilliant idea. Books, sunshine and gardens are a perfect combination.

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    1. Once I discovered our nursery plants are full of systemics, I began researching online nurseries so I could buy clean plants. I wanted to share my sources with others. :o)

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  13. P.S. are you moderating your comments? I've noticed my last two didn't show up.

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  14. Now , of course, my first one didn't get through and my 2nd one did. The gist of it was -lovely patio, many wishes for time to read this winter, request for title of top book on your stack. S.

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    1. The books are Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch and The Secret History and Mary Karr's The Liar's Club. I have no idea why comments get lost in the blogosphere sometimes. I don't moderate them. I think my computer is just a bit spiteful. My goal this year is to get more sleep and have more time to read. Of course, I have no idea how I'm going to make that happen....

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  15. I love this picture it includes everything I love as well. As for the Goldfinch it has been on my bookshelf for months - I am taking taking lessons to build my muscles up before I start it - such a heavy tome.

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    1. Thanks, Elaine. I agree it's a thick book but well worth the weight lifting classes you'll need to read it. :o)

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  16. Ah yes....that would be me sorted too, as long as there was a dog or two around my feet of course!xxx

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    1. The dogs were all outside when I took this photo. There are usually few lounging around my feet but the weather was so nice they preferred the grass and sun. I can't say I blame them!

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    2. Keep thinking I need a couple more dogs...when these two are older of course...you just can't beat dogs....sighs...xxx

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  17. That is exactly what makes me happy, the garden, sun, books and of course my dog Snarf. So easy!

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  18. What a beautiful view and such a perfect post!!! That is heaven right there friend!! Lovely night to you!

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    1. I came home from work and was sitting at the table having a snack and reading the paper when I realized the light was just perfect so I started taking pictures. Very glad I did!

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  19. What a lovely view from your sun-filled garden entrance! It's such a great time of year to enjoy the warm weeks left to us and the sunshine that grows shorter every day. Thanks for sharing your moment. -Beth

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    1. I was sitting at the table reading and noticed how wonderful the light was streaming through the door so I started taking a few pics. I'm glad I did.

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  20. Those three items are a good recipe for happiness
    I need to get a few commissions completed before I can sit on the hammock. Enjoy your well deserved time reading

    Helenxx

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  21. Yes, that's pretty much all I need, too! Such a lovely view through your door--I hope you're having some time to enjoy all of these things right now, Tammy.

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    1. Time is so tight right now. I'm trying to get all my transplanting/redesigning done before it get's too cold so my plants have time to settle in. Plus, I have all the grading I bring home every night. I need a personal assistant.

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  22. In November we'll be moving to where the library can offer me a stack of books. Can't hardly wait!

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    1. Hooray for you!! A stack of books is a beautiful thing. :o)

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  23. A fail safe formula for me as well.

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    1. It's an excellent recipe for relaxing and just letting go.

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  24. Lovely peaceful post. Simple pleasures are truly the best!

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  25. That must be the requirements of most garden bloggers for happiness.

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    1. It is for me, especially if there is a hammock and a dog included. :o)

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  26. That's such a gorgeous photo, it draws us in, and makes us want to follow the light, but maybe stop and grab a book to peruse before we venture out.

    Jen

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    1. Thank you so much! High praise such a talented photographer! :o) Yay me!

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  27. Pure joy and contentment ! Who needs anything else, other than people to enjoy it all with !

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  28. Hi Tammy, I hope you enjoy working your way through the stack of books, sat in the garden in the sunshine. I'm currently having to de-paint and clean the UPVC window frames with white spirit so I'll be thinking of you as along as I don't breathe in the fumes too deeply!

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    1. I'd avoid anything requiring thought or fine motor skills until the fumes wear off, especially if there's a camera involved. ;o)

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  29. This is so perfect it could be a "staged" look but I know it is not ! LOL ... I have that Fine Gardening too.
    I love the french doors opening to the garden .. perfect atmosphere with the light as well.
    Ah ! so you are also a four seasons gardener .. I too NEED those four seasons to feel right ... I can't imagine an endless summer ... too boring ... you need the deprivation of winter to make you appreciate Spring/summer that much more.
    Autumn is usually my favorite season ... but some how with all that has gone on this year has flown by with out me savoring it the way I usually do. Big sigh ! ... but this scene is perfect ... well done you to capture it !
    Joy : )

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    1. The only I changed was to remove a note with a friends phone number and a few dog collars off the stack. I didn't think she wanted her number blasted across the internet and my dogs were running around "naked" without their collars. I hate it when my garden goes dormant but I need the time to recharge and focus on other things.

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  30. Ahh…so inviting! I love all of those things too! Enjoy the fall...

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    1. Thanks! Now all I need is some of those apples. :o)

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  31. I agree, "Give me the simple life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF-4StSTUs4

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  32. Sounds like happiness to me as well. I have been wanting to read the Goldfinch. Have you started it yet?

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    1. It was excellent!! One of the best books I've ever read.

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  33. I'm with you! Always a happy girl when there are stacks and stacks of books about the rooms I live in! I really liked The Secret History and The Goldfinch; The Secret History more than Goldfinch. Like you, loved the details and depth about art but got bogged down in Las Vegas. Enjoying our fall here although it's not quite 'leave the door open' weather just yet :)

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    1. I have books all over my house because I might just want to read one and don't want them too far away. :)

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  34. Your photo looks so inviting and peaceful :)

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  35. Oops, I thought I'd left a comment already! Your picture looks like a little piece of heaven. You've convinced me to try gomphrena next year!

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    1. You'll be glad you did. :o) It's such a tough, easy plant.

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  36. Oh Tammy, you're such a kindred spirit. Lovely photo.

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    1. I do think you and I have a zillion things in common. :o)

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  37. The very picture of bliss! Adding The Goldfinch to my winter reading list! --Kimberley

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    1. Thanks!! :o) Now if only James Bond had been on the patio waiting for me....

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  39. I think my blood pressure went down just looking at that photo. Aaahhhh!

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  40. A beautiful photo that conveys so much. Looks like an idyllic afternoon to me. Hope you are well and the new school year is being good to you.

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    1. I am well but so busy. I need 4 day weekends to get everything done and still have time to sleep and rest but my school district is quite opposed to this idea. Party poopers!

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  41. I just savored a day of books and looking out my back door at a rainy day. Lovely shot!

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