“Je vois la vie en rose.” — Édith Piaf
FEBRUARY 2025 highlights la vie en rose — the rosy hues, the snowy days, the little tokens of affection, and the beagle with the dreamy eyes and the heart-shaped nose — all the sweet features that make February truly lovely.
Here’s a review of what I read, watched, listened to and enjoyed this month
READ:
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods: “The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of. On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives. But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems” (Goodreads).
The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club by Julia Bryan Thomas: “Massachusetts, 1954. With bags packed alongside her heavy heart, Alice Campbell escaped halfway across the country and found herself in front of a derelict building tucked among the cobblestone streets of Cambridge. She turns it into the enchanting bookshop of her dreams, knowing firsthand the power of books to comfort the brokenhearted. The Cambridge Bookshop soon becomes a haven for Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merritt, who are all navigating the struggles of being newly independent college women in a world that seems to want to keep them in the kitchen. But when a member of the group finds herself shattered, everything they know about themselves will be called into question” (Goodreads).
Handbook for the New Art and Science of Teaching by Robert J. Marzano: “Rely on this comprehensive guide to help you implement the teaching methods of Dr. Robert J. Marzano's The New Art and Science of Teaching framework, which includes over 330 specific instructional strategies, 43 instructional elements, and 10 design questions. Each chapter outlines actionable steps, tips, and examples of implementation that will set you (and your students) up to succeed with this powerful framework in your classroom” (Goodreads).
WATCHED:
The Americas (NBC) — Tom Hanks narrates this visually stunning series that “explores the wonders, mysteries, and fragilities of the Americas, the largest landmass on Earth, as well as extraordinary, untold wildlife tales that will resonate with millions of people all over the world” (IMDb).
Some of my favorite romantic movies in honor of Valentine’s Day):
Roman Holiday — Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Rome in the 1950s — the fashion, the culture, la dolce vita — it’s a “ringer”.
Funny Face — Because one Audrey film isn’t enough, this time it’s Paris in the 1950 — the fashion, the culture, la joie de vivre.
Pretty in Pink — Andie, Duckie, Blaine, and Seth — I feel like I’ve know them since high school. The soundtrack is one of the best.
A Good Year — This film is a treat for all the senses. It makes me want to retire in Provence.
LISTENED TO:
My every-evolving French music playlist: It’s perfect background music for La Chandeleur and La Saint-Valentin and it gets me in the mood for Paris in March.
February Instapuzzle Mini-Playlist:
February (Art Music)
Pretty in Pink (Psychedelic Furs)
La Vie en Rose (Édith Piaf)
J’ai Deux Amours (Madeleine Peyroux)
These Are Days (10, 000 Maniacs)
Zou Bisou Bisou (Gillian Hills)
La Vie en Rose (Zaz)
Love and Luck (Jimmy Buffett)
How Sweet It Is (James Taylor)
ENJOYED:
The subtle Valentine’s Day decorations in our home including heart-shaped vessels in wood, glass, and silver and pale pink tulips in bud vases tied with grosgrain ribbons with little hearts.
A long-awaited, measurable snow fall on the evening of Valentine’s Day and into Saturday — we even made a fire on the deck and watched the snow accumulate. It was so beautiful and peaceful.
Continuing to plan for Paris in March — We leave in three weeks.
