I promise there’s some knitting content here, just be patient…

It’s that Christmas-y time of year again. My mother the elf has been busy scattering little bits of seasonal cheer around the house. The tree, of course. The garland on the mantle. But there are a couple that I particularly love.

  First, this wooden Santa that we’ve had forever. My Grandfather made it (in the fifties, I think, well before my sister and I came along), and we all think that Santa rather looks like my Grandfather . . . it’s almost like having him right here, in our front hall. It wouldn’t be Christmas without Grandpa Claus. (I can remember when he was taller than me, too.)

  Second, this absolutely adorable ceramic centerpiece my sister painted for me. A pile of puppies and kittens climbing all over a slightly harried-looking Santa, my sister made this the year I brought Katy home. So, the puppy in his arm, I asked to be named Katy, and given a chocolate brown coat–and then Patty named the rest of the animals after Martha’s Vineyard. Martha. Vinnie. Tizzie (Tisbury). Edgar. Chappy. And so on.

Funny story there–Chappy’s first Christmas? We pulled this out and took a look . . . uh-oh. I picked up the phone. “Patty? You know that puppy-and-kitten centerpiece you made me? Well, there’s a problem. No, no! It didn’t break or anything, but . . . Chappy’s a kitten!!” That just wouldn’t do. Kittens are adorable and lovable, and I’m sure there are plenty of real kittens named Chappy, and that’s just fine. But in this house? No, he insisted. That just wouldn’t do. Luckily, my sister’s handy with a paint pen and now the brown dog chewing on the hat is named Chappy.

Want a closer look? Because, really, my sister did an incredible job. (I could never have done this!)

 

The one sight I don’t appreciate this time of year?

  The stack, pile, mountain of Stollen ingredients . . . It’s “Stollen Weekend” in our household . . . my least favorite of the year . . . but more on that tomorrow.

Meantime, my parents are up on Martha’s Vineyard for the weekend. (It’s generally safer to be as far away from the kitchen as possible when I’m baking Stollen.) They arrived safely, but had a rocky start. Just before they left the house this morning, Dad fell over a baby gate Mom had placed across the upstairs hallway. And I mean, fell. To the ground. Warped the wooden gate completely out of shape. Luckily, he wasn’t near the actual stairs, and he didn’t hurt himself beyond a couple bumps, but that was not a good start to the trip.

And then Mom told me on the phone just a little while ago–she didn’t have Neosporin cream like she thought she did, so she and Dad walked up to the grocery store and as they stepped up the curb . . .yep. She fell. Again, luckily, she didn’t really hurt herself–a couple scratches from the sidewalk and the row of grocery carts she fell into . . . You know, my parents aren’t elderly yet, but they’re more fragile than they used to be. I’m so relieved neither of them hurt themselves! Especially considering how tender Mom’s hands are these days. She says they’re “even” now. I said I’m just glad that they drove up already sitting down–if they’d had to walk, who knows what would have happened? (grin)

I promised you a finished object, and here it is. My neck-warmer scarf out of Kid Silk Haze–just long enough to wrap around my neck, tuck into itself, and provide a nice, fluffy, ruffle to fill in the neckline of my coat. I think I’ll block it tomorrow . . . or maybe not. I haven’t really decided . . . it might not need it. If not, I’ll model it for you. Two finished objects in one week. I’m practically giddy.

Today, of course, was the 25th anniversary of John Lennon’s murder. My Beatles-fan coworkers were all listening to Q104 on the radio today–they were playing all John, all the time, along with rare interviews . . . so even though I wasn’t listening myself, I’ve had John Lennon’s tunes in my head all day. (Not a bad thing.) I do remember when he was killed. I was in 8th grade but had never paid much attention to the Beatles, before or after their breakup. My best friend, though, on December 8th asked her Mom who John Lennon was, and before long, had a Beatles Collection album (the “red” or “blue” one) and she was hooked. That summer, she got me hooked.

While everyone else in high school was listening to Pink Floyd or Kiss or Bruce Springsteen (no offense, Cara), we were devoted to the Beatles.  We knew every song, every harmony, and we used to draw mop-top “Tweetle Beatles” on the notes we’d leave in each others’ lockers, and we had tons of silly little catch phrases for each of them. (Little George went around saying “Om” all the time while he meditated. Little Paul fixed holes. Little John had a thing for eggmen . . . You get the idea. We were teenagers, and we were silly. (And, yes, I kept a couple of them . . . the notes, that is. )

And, wow. Sixty-four years since Pearl Harbor Day, yesterday? We were talking about that at dinner last night–how it doesn’t have the same impact anymore, both because it was so long ago, for a war that affected a generation or two ago. But also, it’s been overshadowed by 9/11 as the worst “day of infamy,” not only because it’s more recent, but I think, even more terrible. For Pearl Harbor, the world was at war, even if we hadn’t entered it yet–something like that was bound to happen. September 11th? Terrorists out of the blue. And, well, only four years ago . . . and even that’s being forgotten, hard though that is to realize.

Anyway, tomorrow, we’re supposed to get snow. The numbers are varying depending on which weather forecast you watch. Three to five inches seems to be the best guess. The bright side of this? I’ve taken the day off from work (for Stollen), so I don’t have to drive anywhere tomorrow, AND since my parents are away, I get to park the car in the garage, so it won’t turn into a big, Swedish snowdrift. All I have to do outside tomorrow is get the newspapers and the mail. I’m actually looking forward to it!

Hope everyone stays safe. Sorry this post was so long!

Tags: Uncategorized by Deb
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Boy, that Chappy, I tell you . . . I knew he actually read my blog once in a while, but how did he get my password??

I wore my lovely new sweater to the office today. It fit nicely and was comfortable all day. Kept me tolerably warm in my cold office right next to the front door, too, and garnished a compliment or two .(Not many, though, but then, I didn’t make a point of telling people I’d made it–most people probably just thought its fabulousness came from any old store, because, let’s face it, it looked that good.

But, okay, so there are two things I didn’t think through all the way.

One, shank-style buttons on the shoulders of my sweater may look wonderful, but, um, they like to grab my hair.

Two, my office is cold, particularly in the mornings, and so I brought my Birch shawl to work today. It got caught on the buttons (actually, the same button) three times, and on one of those times actually tore the button loop. (See the gaping hole there? Luckily, the loop was still attached on one side so I wasn’t indecent at the office this afternoon.)

I’ll need to remember (once I’ve reattached the loop) not to wear any really lacy shawls with this sweater. If the buttons can fit through the lace-holes, it won’t do, no matter how pretty the colors are together.

It reminds me, though. Yesterday, when I was doing the buttons, I was reading the instructions for the twisted cord to make the button loops. “Blah blah . . . two ends . . . blah blah . . . book or heavy weight to twist . . . blah blah.” And I was thinking that the whole procedure sounded like too much work, and maybe I would use something else, when a lightbulb went off. Duh! Twisting two lengths of yarn together. Hello, that’s plying. Get out a spindle, you idiot. So I did. Easy! Attach the yarn to the sweater, wrap the ends around the spindle hook, give it a twirl . . . twisted cord.

Oh, and Kerrie of Magknits was nice enough to put a link to my Tannenbaum hat on her blog. Wasn’t that nice of her?

I came home from work today and helped my Dad hook up his nifty new flat-screen, LCD television–replacing the 20-year old behemoth of a TV that’s sat on top of his dresser for the last 20 years. It looks so tiny . . . I mean, nice, 23″, wide screen, but in sheer bulk. Tiny by comparison.

I do have a rhetorical question, though.

Why do manufacturers hate consumers?

Because, what other possible explanation can there be to the sheer impossibility of opening any new purchase these days?? They must just really hate us, all of us. The anti-shoplifting thing is just an excuse. What on earth do people with frail fingers do to get into these things?

Tags: Family, General, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
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  Hi, Mom. It’s me, Chappy.

Even though you deserted me yet again to go to work (wherever that is), I want you to know that I’m managing to entertain myself. In between stints of watch-dogging in the dining room window, I’ve checked the kitchen table for placemats that might have been too near the edge of the table. I’ve also checked to make sure that all the towels in the bathroom are accounted for. (You’ll be pleased to know that I took that extra one off the towel rack for you. It looked like it needed to be washed anyway, because you know how it is–12 hours out of the dryer, and it’s all dirty again.)

I’ve tried to keep Grandma and Grandpa company, but they’ve been kind of busy with those . . . suitcases. Have I mentioned how much I hate seeing suitcases? I’m really glad there aren’t any in our bedroom, Mom, because I get really upset when I see YOU with one–unless you’ve got mine sitting right next to it. (Preferably filled with food, that I’m more than happy to test for you.) Anyway, you know I tried to take some of the stuff out of the suitcases last night at bedtime, but you caught me. I can’t help it. Suitcases are evil. They take people away!

Anyway, I’ve also spent some of my morning browsing the net. (Did you see how cozy Marley looks? How come I never thought of doing that?) And did you see the cool cell phone, Mom? One just for us dogs! We’d always be able to keep in touch, and I’d really like that.

Like, for instance, I could call you right now to ask if we were going to have a walk today. I’m really starting to miss going for walks. I do have a fur coat, you know, and you’ve got a bazillion sweaters and things . . . does it really matter that it’s not even up to freezing outside? A squeak toy, you know, only burns off so much energy.

Oh, and when you were trying to get pictures of yourself in your new sweater last night? I wasn’t really laughing at you, I was just . . . hot. Really!

Oops. I hear Grandma coming. Gotta go! I don’t think she knows that I know how to type yet…

Tags: Chappy, Family, General by Deb
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I want to thank all of you who voted for your favorite button. There’s really no question that the Everest and Streamline buttons matched best, but I wasn’t really looking for a button to “match” so much as “pop.”

And I never promised this was a democracy, either, so . . . I went with my first choice. There’s just something about the way this Seabird button gleams and shine, and I like the way its coppery color goes with the underlying brownish tone to the red. You’ll just have to trust me that, in person, it’s a great choice.

What’s that? You’re seeing a sewn on button and you’re assuming that the sweater is finished?

Really?

Whatever would give you that idea?

Well, maybe it’s because I DID!

Union Square Market Pullover, from the Interweave Knits Fall 2005 issue. Designed by Kate Gilbert (a brand new Mom, too, just last week).

Knitted in Rowan’s 4-ply Cashsoft, in “Redwood,” with trim in “Rose Lake.”

I modified the sleeves, making the cuffs narrower–as much as I liked the “bell” of the originals, they would have gotten in my way all the time. I also–as you heard over and over–had to recalculate basically everything about this sweater. My stitch gauge was about 2/3 of what the pattern called for (and this, using the same weight yarn AND smaller needles), and my row gauge was about 3/4 that of the pattern. Every single number had to be recalculated. All the shaping (done by short rows) had to be reconfigured. I’ve never worked so hard on somebody else’s pattern before! Not because the pattern wasn’t well put together–I thought it really was–just because nothing I was working with matched up (grin).

On the plus side, I apparently did the math correctly, because it seems to fit really well. What a relief! Sorry about the lousy picture, though.

As to the buttons? I really do like the coppery Seabird button, but I do have to admit . . . I’d love something even more special. Just because. Nancy made an excellent point, that I had to practically climb a mountain to get this done. I’ll keep my eyes out . . . I can always sew on different buttons if I want to, right??

Speaking of which, I’ve now got three good links for button places. Button Drawer. Button Shoppe. And JHB Intl.

Not only that, in thanks for all the button votes, I’ll pass on my favorite method for quick and easy sewings-on of buttons:

• Start with a double-long length of thread.
• Fold it in half, and thread the crease of the fold through your needle–keeping the two ends together. You will now have two thicknesses of thread in the needle.
• Insert into the material where you want to sew your button. Pull through, but not all the way through.
• Thread the button onto the needle (either going through its shank, or up one hole, down the next, depending on your type of button.)
• Insert the needle back down through the material, catching the loop from the original fold underneath. Pull tight to secure the thread.
• Go back up and down two more times to secure the button. (If using 4-holed buttons, make that three trips for each set of holes.)
• Before going back down to the wrong side of your fabric the last time, wrap your thread around the shank of the button (or around the threads securing the button). This gives added strength, and also lifts the button ever so slightly up from the fabric, making it easier to work with.
• Insert the needle through to the wrong side, and prepare to tie your finishing knot. With your needle, catch one or two of the lines of thread you just laid down as you sewed the button, and pull the needle through, leaving a loop at the end. Insert the needle through that loop, pull to secure. (Repeat with another knot, if desired.)
• And that’s it! The double-thickness of thread means you have to make fewer “passes” through the button to really secure it. The fold at the beginning means you don’t have to start with a knot at all. Quickest, easiest way of securely sewing a button I’ve ever tried.

Tags: Finished Knitting, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
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So, after the bathing suit competition, and the talent portion, and their attempts at the evening wear exhibition, here we have the finalists in the Union Square Market Pullover button competition.

You can see that they’re all a little nervous, and very excited to be here.

Now, Mom and I have already discussed this and have our own opinions, but I thought I’d ask for yours (yes, yours) before actually attaching anything to the sweater.

From left to right (and in no particular order):

  A slightly rounded, 4-hole button in a winy-red, with just the merest hint of shine on the surface, this Streamline button enjoys walks in the woods and a nice glass of Merlot in front of a roaring fire.

  Seabird, a coppery shank button, likes walks on the beach, where the sun can bring out her lovely, elegant shimmer.

  Everest is a serious, 2-holed, rust-colored button. She might not have signed up for anything as frivolous as a beauty contest, except for the scholarship–her first step toward the Doctorate degree in International Relations necessary for her goal of world peace.

  Four-holed and faintly purple, Coronado has always believed herself to be destined for great things, perhaps The Stage, or the Big Screen. She knows she’s destined to make her mark on the world–could her beauty be meant for anything less?

  Carolina just wants to have a good time, a bright red shank button with a playful swirl, some consider her a long-shot in this competition, but she insists she’s just happy to be here.

Who do you think should win? Or should I just use a combination–they look pretty cute lined up in a row!

Tags: Knitting/Spinning by Deb
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Sundays are my day for chores around the house, so I’ve been pretty busy today. We even had about an inch of snow, too, which still surprises me. It’s not unheard of this early in December, but it’s pretty rare.

Some of the things I’ve done today:

• Made pancakes for breakfast. Dad loves them and was stuck at home unable to golf, so I made a batch when I got up.
• Dusted and vacuumed my room, including the corners and under the furniture
• Scrubbed the bathroom (except the floor)
• Disinfected my humidifier
• Printed labels for Christmas cards for Mom and myself
• Wrote out my Christmas, er, Holiday cards
• Blocked my sweater
• Made popcorn as an afternoon snack–this is something else that Dad likes, but ever since my beautiful, glass, microwave popcorn popper broke, we haven’t had any. (I don’t like the packages of microwave popcorn, and cleaning the pot is so inconvenient.) But still–a snowy day seemed like a good time.
• Looked for the needles for my next sweater, realized I’m using my only Addi Turbos in size 6 for that KSH neck-warmer, and now have to either hurry to finish that or (gosh!) buy more needles. How is it possible that I only have 2 needles in size 6, and that one is a creaky bamboo pair? I actually used that for a swatch last night, but it made so many creaky noises, I don’t think I want to risk my sweater’s survival on them. (Which, really, is okay–I’m not a huge fan of bamboo needles, anyway). But that leaves a 6 on a 40″ cable, which is way too big for the sweater pieces, and one on a 24″ which is perfect but currently busy. Sheesh. How’d I let that happen?
• Changed the dress of my American Girl doll so she’ll be properly attired for Christmas
• Helped Mom (a little) with the Christmas tree.
• Did some reading.
• Sorted out some books to donate to the library–always a painful experience for me. I know, you’d think that with 2600+ books, giving up 10 or 20 wouldn’t hurt, but it does!
• Ran outside in a pair of clogs to move my car out of the driveway so the landscaping people could plow the whole inch of snow we had. The sad part about this is that the company (a different one) that was supposed to clear away our autumn leaves hasn’t gotten around to it yet–our clean-lawned neighbors must hate us.
• Tried to catch up on my magazine reading. I’ve got an issue of the Smithsonian that’s been on my dresser for over a week, as well as Spin Off and the new Interweave Knits. Silly though it is, and as much as I enjoy these magazines, I always begrudge them the time–I’d rather be reading a book.
• Gave some thought to selling my Ashford Kiwi, which might not be a bad idea. I think of it fondly and it’s a fine wheel, but it really never gets used compared to my Lendrum, and maybe it would be happier helping somebody else to learn to spin . . . except, the thought of trying to pack it up to ship it somewhere is a little intimidating.
• And did I mention? I blocked my sweater!

Tags: Family, General by Deb
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Mom and I went to a craft show in Morristown today, filled with beautiful things, just like it is every year. I treated myself to this lovely necklace and earrings, made from old, sterling silver coins, which is pretty impressive, I thought. One of my favorite jewelry designers was there, too–between us, Mom and I have (or have bought as gifts) at least six or seven of her designs. She’s a charming lady, too, and we stood and chatted with her for quite a while. I may have seen Mom with her credit card out, but really (cough) can’t be sure….

There was also a woman with some very creative uses for old record albums–she turns the covers into handbags. She was very nice and friendly, too. And the prices? $33 1/3, $45, $78, depending on the size of the bag . . . those numbers ring any bells with you pre-CD readers? She had one bag with Bruce Springsteen covers, which made me think of Cara.

The other highlight of the show, though? I wore my Christmas Tree Hat and got a bunch of compliments, and two women liked it enough to ask for my blog address for the knitting pattern. (Welcome, if you’ve come by! Here’s a link to the pattern.)

All in all, a very nice day. We got Chappy out for a short walk (it was cold). And I did stop at the Ragshop and bought a few buttons that might work for my sweater . . . if I decide I don’t like the ones on their way from the Button Drawer. Either way, I’m waiting to see what they look like before sewing anything onto the sweater. (Choices can’t hurt, right?)

Tags: General by Deb
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For a little while, there, I was afraid I was going to have to rework the tops of my sleeves, that they were going to be too small to match the armholes knitted into the sweater, but . . . luckily, they fit!

I spent almost an hour last night weaving in all the ends, and tonight I sewed in the sleeves. Instead of doing a nice, invisible grafting technique, I just did a simple back-stitch on the inside. I think they came out pretty well.

One glitch that I’ll be the only person ever to notice–when I started casting off for the sleeves, I began in the wrong place, so they’re not perfectly symmetrical, as they should be. But really, I’m sure I’m the only one who’ll ever really notice, so I’m just going to ignore it.

Tomorrow, I’ll block the sweater whichI sincerely hope will get rid of that annoying hem-roll at the bottom. I pinned the shoulders together and tried it on tonight, though, and it fits pretty well, so I’m happy. My math skills didn’t fail me!

Now, all that’s left is the buttons. I placed an order from Button Drawer, which are on their way, but I won’t know until they arrive if I picked the right ones, the right color. It’s possible I might go to the Rag Shop this weekend anyway, just to see what they have. Buttons are relatively cheap, so I’m not going to worry too much about having extras. But otherwise–blocking (easy) and sewing on the buttons (also easy).

Pretty much, I consider that my Union Square Market Pullover is done. If all that’s left is the buttons, that counts as finished, right??

Did you see the new online spinning magazine, Spindlicity? Or how about Knitting Fog?

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Now, some random links for you (culled from www.msnbc.com’s “Clicked” page)

Like, this one about book snobbery–people buying “smart” or “literary” books because it makes them look smarter themselves, but then never reading them. (I’ll state right here, that the book mentioned in the first paragraph, “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking, I not only read, but have read twice.) Or, these clever “spoofs” of official signs over in England.

Maybe you’re more interested in more technical articles? How about this fascinating account of time management techniques from a man who graduated from a 4-year college in 3 semesters, and with a 3.9 GPA, nonetheless. Or some handy Bloglines tips? Tips on making your computer safe? What about a do-it-yourself Macro lens for photography, made out of a Pringles can? (There are some good photography tips on that site, too, on the “articles” page.)

Tags: Finished Knitting, Knitting/Spinning by Deb
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Here’s my list of reads for November:

 

1. FREEDOM’S CHOICE by Anne McCaffrey (293 p)
2. FREEDOM’S CHALLENGE by Anne McCaffrey (277 p) The second and third books of this sci-fi trilogy. (The fourth book is an “extra” and very much worth ignoring. It doesn’t compare.) The first book, read last month, is my favorite of the series. The premise? An alien race swoops down and takes over Earth, and Kris Bjornsen ends up on a colony planet . . . I know, sounds dull, but the first book is really interesting, and the other two nicely cap off the story. Really, though, just pretend she never wrote the fourth. It’s nowhere near her usual standard.
3. CONFLICT OF HONORS by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (272 p)
4. AGENT OF CHANGE by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (246 p)
5. CARPE DIEM by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (303 p)
6. PLAN B by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (330 p)
7. I DARE by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (467 p)
8. WITH STARS UNDER FOOT by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (52 p) As a special birthday treat for myself, I read through the entire . . . well, the core, anyway . . . Liaden series with Shan, Priscilla, Val Con and Miri. Love these books; have never read “space opera” any better.
9. PRIDE & PREJUDICE by Jane Austen (332 p) Well, it’s a classic, possibly my all-time favorite, a new movie, and I hadn’t read it in months . . . it was time. Love this book.
10. DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM by Diana Wynne Jones (345 p)
11. YEAR OF THE GRIFFIN by Diana Wynne Jones (267 p) A pair of books that’s purely enjoyable. Young adult fantasy. Imagine a world where there are wizards, dragons, castles, the works . . . but that the entire world has been “hired” by us to play host to tourists, on “adventures.” The concept is a delight—it’s just what some heartless entrepreneur-types would do if they could, and Jones has been a favorite author of mine since I was about 12. (Come on, I’ve been reading her steadily for about 27 years. She’s got to be pretty good, huh, if I haven’t gotten bored yet.)
12. QUICK CLICKS by Mandy Book & Cheryl Smith (260 p) Dog training for behaviors and/or tricks by using a clicker.
13. THE GOOD EARTH by Pearl Buck (357 p) A Chinese peasant farmer takes a wife and starts to buy land to make a good life for his family. A classic, and an excellent look at a very different culture. (A real one, this time.)
14. SECRET LIVES by E.F. Benson (316 p) 1930’s England, a stuffy landlord dislikes her newest tenant, not realizing that the tenant is secretly her favorite author . . . snobbery, humor, loud music . . . kind of fun.
15. WILD HORSES by Dick Francis (319 p) I used to adore reading Dick Francis’ mysteries, usually centered somehow around English horse racing. I don’t read them often anymore, but every now and again, nothing else will do. This one—the main character is a movie director, filming back where he grew up, and digging up an old mystery at the same time . . . or is it as old as he thought it was?
16. TIME & AGAIN by Jack Finney (398 p)
17. FROM TIME TO TIME by Jack Finney (303 p) I was e-mailing about this book not too long ago, and decided I needed to pull it out and re-read it again. It’s by far the best time-travel story I’ve ever read (and I’m a sucker for a good time travel). Si Morley is a bored advertising-agency illustrator, when he gets drafted by a secret government program looking into time travel—where you convince your mind you’re there, and you are. Excellent book, and with illustrations as “Si” sketches and photographs his way around 1882 New York City. The author also wrote a sequel a couple decades later, but it’s not nearly as good as the first. Not horrible, but . . . you should really read the first one. Really excellent.
18. SINUS SURVIVAL by Robert Ivker (351 p.) Mentioned by Norma—a book for good sinus health. What’s not to appreciate??
19. 1421 by Gavin Menzies (491 p). Non-fiction, this time, about how Chinese sailors sailed around the world in 1421. Yes, sounds far-fetched, and I don’t necessarily agree with all the evidence the author presents, but . . . it’s pretty convincing. And definitely an interesting story—true or not!
20. LAST CHANCE TO EAT: THE FATE OF TASTE IN A FAST FOOD WORLD by Gina Mallet (367 p). A look at the quality of food, the flavors, the availability, interspersed with childhood memories of the author. Not horrible, but I didn’t love it either. Some really good spots, some boring ones. Decent enough for food essays.
21. HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by JK Rowling (870 p)
22. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE by JK Rowling (652 p) Really, I’m just proud of myself for making it five months before re-reading this most recent addition to the HP canon. I don’t really need to tell you about these books, do I?
23. ARCHANGEL by Sharon Shinn (390 p)

24. ANGEL SEEKER by Sharon Shinn (483 p)
25. JOVAH’S ANGEL by Sharon Shinn (389 p) Three of her Samaria/Angel books. I can’t tell you how much I love this series. Technically a fantasy series, but not wholly, and there is always a love story in here somewhere. It’s a world where there are real, physical angels who sing to Jovah for good weather, medicines for the sick, grain to help bad harvests—and get real results. But mostly, the writing is incredibly beautiful. It’s rich, lush, gorgeous prose. Wonderful stories. And oh, if ever a series of books deserved a soundtrack. Music is an integral part of these stories, and oh, I wish I could hear it. I just adore these books.

Tags: Monthly Reading List, Reading by Deb
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