November Commonplace
BOOK REPORTS
BOOK: Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah This was our October Book Club selection, and it was a tough one for me to get through. The story dragged on and on at the beginning, and then the conclusion was so rushed it felt wrapped up in about four paragraphs. The only part of the story I enjoyed was the surprise World War II connection. (Although I’ve been accused of sneaking it in, I had no idea it referenced the war.)
This was definitely not my favorite from this author.
TV: Blood of My Blood on STARZ As a HUGE fan of the Outlander series, I couldn’t wait for this premiere. The show’s premise is based on the backstories of the Outlander characters. This series is a prequel to Outlander and thus has never been told before. The casting was so good, you could instantly tell by appearance and mannerisms who they represented. I would watch anything about these characters, but I was particularly pleased with this one.
I loved the show, but I am even more excited to learn that Diana Gabaldon is currently writing the prequel. (The books are always better than the show.)
AUDIOBOOK: The King in Love by Theo Aronson My friend Stuart (Stuart in Steerage) recommended this book to me after a visit to Sandringham House. It tells the story of King Edward VII and his many mistresses. I found it a fascinating look at royal life in the Victorian era. You can view Stuart’s review by clicking here.
BOOK: Strangers in Time by David Baldacci This is my first novel written by David Baldacci (one of Joan’s favorites), and I’ve become a huge fan. Of course, the setting of London during The Blitz helped grab my attention. But it was his characters that will make me seek out his books in the future. I felt connected to all of them at each introduction. It’s been a long time since I was as engrossed in a book as I was in this one. You know it’s good when you look up two hours later.
TV: The House of Guinness on Netflix As a fan of Peaky Blinders, I assumed I would love this show, and I certainly did. I even got better at understanding the Irish accents, although I still recommend subtitles. This is a fictional retelling of the famous Guinness Family, and I don’t know how much of it is true, but the storylines in this show will keep your attention.
COMMONPLACE
"Good habits stockpile ease. Bad habits postpone pain." — James Clear
"Distance and time are the two wedges that separate relationships. When it really matters, get in the car (or on the plane) and meet them face-to-face. When you want it to last, don't wait to talk about it. Solve it now before the gap becomes too wide." — James Clear
"Being annoyed is the price you pay for community. It means having guests when you'd rather be alone. It means letting someone live with you even when they get on your nerves. It means showing up for events you’d rather not attend. It means turning the other cheek." — Divya Venn, Writer
“You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” — Max Ehrmann in Desiderata
"Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it." — Epictetus
"Each day, spend some time on two things: 1 - working toward something that will pay off years from now 2 - appreciating something that is happening right now" — James Clear
"Many of the best things in life are endless. Being in a great relationship. Staying fit and healthy. Doing work that fulfills you. Being a good parent, coach, or teacher. Stop worrying about accomplishing these things and instead focus on building a life where you continually practice them. The important stuff has no finish line." — James Clear
“Temperance - Doing or using something the right way at the right time.” — Fr. Mike Schmitz
“Peace is an effect; it is the result of having the thing that we desire. True peace is found in the presence of God, in friendship and union with Him, rather than in the external circumstances of our lives and the world.” — Fr. Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, Introduction to Book 2 - Imitation of Christ
