Good morning and happy Sunday! The final Christmas preparations are now underway as we begin our last-minute wrapping, baking, and cooking. The girls arrived home on Friday, just ahead of the storm. With a fresh foot of snow, a White Christmas is now assured!
Just a couple of things to share today. First, I never properly mentioned the Random House Open House last week. The company put together a fabulously bookish day full of ideas, information, and inspiration. For me the highlight was finally meeting other bloggers, several of whom I've been reading for years. Candace (Beth Fish Reads), Diane (Bookchickdi), and Colleen (Books in the City) instantly seemed like old friends... and they have convinced me to attend BEA in May! Meeting Anna Quindlen was simply amazing, too. It was wonderful chatting with her as she signed my book. Her portion of the program was definitely my favorite. Here are a few photos from the event:
The schedule was posted at check-in
Choose two books...
Lunch, inspired by a Random House cookbook
Book signed by Anna Quindlen
A wine tasting to end the day
My daughter attended the event, too. Read her recap at Fitness and Frozen Grapes.
Another highlight of my trip to New York was seeing the play The Heiress, based on Henry James' novel Washington Square. We enjoyed it immensely and, with Dan Stevens in a primary role, it helped tide us over until season three of Downton Abbey premiers on January 6.
Now I'm reading Washington Square... it's been on my shelf for a couple of years and the timing is perfect. Sure, Henry James requires a little extra concentration, but this seems to be one of his more straight-forward novels and I'm enjoying it so far.
How will you spend this last Sunday of advent?
I think I am going to bake. I don't usually like to bake, but the Christmas spirit seems to have gotten hold of me. Oh, and read, of course. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmy - I usually prefer cooking to baking... except at Christmas! Reading, however, is a year-round activity ;-)
DeleteYay! We get to see you in person!!
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely Christmas lunch yesterday and will have a lovely Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow... As for today, a quick trip to Trader Joes for a few odds and ends (that DOES not count as last-minute Christmas shopping!), a little more baking, and some time to read. We had a pretty little snow dusting in Connecticut yesterday and should get another one on Christmas morning, so, technically...:)
I hope you have a Christmas that is as wonderful as you are!!
Audrey - Sounds like an ideal day! Hope your Christmas is just perfect, too!
DeleteEnjoy your white Christmas! Like you, I've been doing some last minute baking (mince pies) and present wrapping.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam. We're almost done with the baking now and I have just one or two presents left to wrap. Merry Christmas!
DeleteSuch a short fourth week of Advent this year :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the pictures, though they left me green with envy!
I will be making fudge later - our family tradition is Christmas candy, and I made peanut brittle yesterday. It's just chilly enough to feel like winter weather here in Texas, with a cold front for Christmas - but not a white Christmas this year.
Lisa May - Glad you liked the pictures. It was really a wonderful event! The only kind of candy we make is an English toffee, but I would like to give peanut brittle a try. Merry Christmas.
DeleteJust got back from a lovely Christmas brunch with my daughter's in -laws so nice to relax and catch up with people you don't see very office.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have been busy this holiday season -- off to do a little baking now.
Diane - The brunch sounds lovely. Enjoy the baking... I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
DeleteOh I like Anna Quindlen, I love a literary event! Hope you review the book here.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading - Anna Quindlen has been a favorite for years and it was a real treat to get a chance to speak with her! I featured a mini-review of the book last month when I introduced the Monday Mention feature. Here it is:
Deletehttp://lakesidemusing.blogspot.com/2012/11/introducing-monday-mention.html
Attending the Random House Open House sounds like a wonderful and fun experience. I wish I could have joined you all. I'm plan to try attending some events like this in the new year. I'm thrilled to read you may attend BEA in May. I've never been and, despite my nerves, I am planning yo attend.
ReplyDeleteIt's fantastic you met Anna Quindlen, I'm sure she was great and I'm not surprised her portion of the program was your favorite. She's intelligent, amiable, outgoing and she seems like she'd be easy to talk with.
I'm glad you enjoyed The Heiress, I think it's a great cast and would love to see Dan Stevens 'live'. I haven't read Washington Square, yet, and await your review.
I hope you're having a Merry Christmas season :o)
Amy - I'm so happy to hear you may attend some of the BEA events this spring. It would be great to meet you. Merry Christmas!
DeleteThe RH Open House sounds amazing especially meeting Anna Quindlen! Thanks for sharing this with us. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeleteVasilly - It was an excellent day. Happy Holidays to you and your family, too!
DeleteYou'll have so much fun at BEA!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time with your girls, and Happy Holidays!
Softdrink - Can't wait for BEA!
DeleteIt was great to finally meet you at the open house! Have a wonderful holiday with your family and spending time with the girls!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Colleen. Hope you had a great Christmas.
DeleteIt was soooooo wonderful to meet you in person. And it's so true that it just seemed as if had known each other for years. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - Such a great day at Random House :-)
DeleteYour Random House tour sounds like the perfect day! Glad that you finally got to go :)
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