“It's a spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want to — oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” — Mark Twain
READING: A lot…
The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher — “A captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of America's greatest political dynasties” (Goodreads).
The Beautiful American by Jeanne Mackin — “From Paris in the 1920s to London after the Blitz, two women find that a secret from their past reverberates through years of joy and sorrow ...As recovery from World War II begins, expat American Nora Tours travels from her home in southern France to London in search of her missing sixteen-year-old daughter. There, she unexpectedly meets up with an old acquaintance, famous model-turned-photographer Lee Miller. Neither has emerged from the war unscathed….” (Goodreads).
Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb — Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique, fending off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy” (Goodreads).
A Writer's Paris: A Guided Journey for the Creative Soul by Eric Maisel — “Experience Paris not as a tourist but as a creator, where you dedicate yourself to the bohemian life in picturesque parks, cafés, and bookstores. In this guided tour of a beloved destination that has sparked the imagination of countless writers and artists, leading creativity coach Eric Maisel offers insights on how to use the city to spur commitment to your craft” (Goodreads).
Gellhorn: A Twentieth-Century Life by Caroline Moorehead — “The first major biography of legendary war correspondent Martha Gellhorn, whose life provides a unique and thrilling perspective on world history in an extraordinary time…Drawn from extensive interviews and with exclusive access to Gellhorn's papers and correspondence, this seminal biography spans half the globe and almost an entire century to offer an exhilarating, intimate portrait of one of the defining women of our times” (Goodreads).
WATCHING:
Inventing Anna on Netflix — “Audacious entrepreneur or con artist? A journalist chases down the story of Anna Delvey, who convinced New York's elite she was a German heiress.”
Mamma mia and Mamma mia: Here We Go Again because Alec is ending his high school career in the GHS play. I can’t resist a good ABBA tune and I’m so eager to see Alec’s performance.
ENJOYING: A change of pace, aka “Spring Break.” Although I wish I had made plans to get away, I did enjoy a week at home with Piper. I did some spring cleaning and decorating, read three books, had lunch with friends, and ventured as far as Trader Joe’s and IKEA. Not exactly, a vacation, but definitely a “break.”
FEELING: Restless — As much as I love snow and truly enjoy the beauty and coziness of winter, I am tired of the cold and rain/sleet/wintery mix. I am eager to be outside, to plant my pots and update my garden, and to enjoy the sunshine on our deck. I want to spend my final five and a half flex days before the end of what has been an exceptionally difficult school year doing something inspiring — a visit to the art museum, a road trip, a photo safari…something to renew my spirit.
LOOKING FORWARD TO: Traveling again.
In June, I will travel with the Larsons to Universal Studios. It was a Christmas present for the boys in conjunction with Chase’s volleyball tournament in Orlando. Although, I wouldn’t have chosen the destination, I am thrilled with the company and the fact that my 18- and soon-to-be 16-year-old nephews still want Auntie to come along.
PARIS! After what will be over three years away, I am committed to spending Spring Break 2023 in Paris. And I have a year to plan and look forward to the trip.
