Long Absence

I still haven't reviewed the rest of the books from 2011.  It has become a challenge, and I'm determined finish those reviews before the week is out.

In the meantime, I haven't finished a single book in 2012.  Nearly two weeks without finishing a book!  Almost unheard of around here.  I have been reading 1Q84 and enjoying it, but it sits alone and neglected most of the time; the new year is certainly getting a slow start.  Last year, I read 160 books, a new record for me.   This year, however, I hope to read fewer books, read better books, and read more nonfiction.  That is the goal at least.

So what have I been doing that has taken up reading time?  Making prayer flags, eco dyeing, embroidering (while watching the UK version of Being Human and Stephen Fry's Kingdom), and sculpting or finishing up a couple of dolls.

Autumn is finally finished.  She languished half dressed for at least a month, maybe more, before I made her trousers.

Getting ready to make prayer flags.  The strips are 5 x 11", then the top is folded down to make a passage for the twine to pass through.  Finished size is 5 x 8" -- I have 8 in progress now.  Check out the Prayer Flag Project for more information about prayer flags and check  here to see examples.  Jotted down possible embroidery designs on an envelope; I'm using some of my eco dyed fabrics, linen, and muslin for the flags -- raw edges, unsophisticated style.

eco dyed blues from, of all things, red cabbage

This lady now has a cap and white hair.

Experimenting with fly stitch and blanket stitch variations on Prayer Flag #1.

I've also been taking some Yang style tai chi classes.  Haven't done tai chi in several years and learned Wu style originally; the differences may be small, but are difficult.  My body wants to convert movements to Wu style and needs frequent reprimanding, but I'm enjoying the larger, looser movements of Yang.

After a long holiday break, I'm also trying to get back to my yoga classes.  Both tai chi and yoga are good for both body and spirit, and I always feel lighter after classes.

Fee and I went to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy this past weekend.  It has been so long since I've read LeCarre that all I could remember about the novel were George Smiley and Karla--not a bit of the plot.  Of course, I read it in the late 70's or 80's and when I can barely remember what I wore yesterday, it isn't surprising that the plot seemed brand new!

OK - back to my original thought:  I will finish reviewing last year's books by the end of the week.  Fingers crossed.