Impareggiabile, come sempre. Evviva il parmigiano! evviva le parole! evviva i vestiti che stanno stretti e i capelli che non sono a posto! Evviva Sheila, che continuo a leggere
Great piece, Sheila, brought a dawn smile to my face. But for me November is way worse than January. There is little hope in November, with the prospect of weeks of shortening days, the obligation to be happy about Christmas consumerism, and an air filled with fug and bugs and coughs and colds. At least in January there is hope: it’s a start rather than an end, a little more Vitamin D in the atmosphere each day… and the chance you might see a snowdrop peeping out of the frozen earth.
Yep. January is a downer but I never could put a finger on why until I read your missive. It’s great hearing that I’m not the only one on this train. I laughed out loud about why you’re eating your kids’ cookies in the cupboard and the Christmas chocolates in danger of going stale. 🤣 Good one!! Happy January, Sheila!
Wonderful Sheila! Certainly felt like you were describing how I feel...3rd Monday in January - absolutely AWFUL. Luckily I have some fresh Parm in my frig and am going to use it freely this evening to start the January turn-around. Keep the missives coming XOXO
January has always been my least favorite month - and by always I mean 60+ years! At least we had Epifania and grandkids young enough to still excitedly await the arrival of La Befana's treats. (Nonna shops in Italy on her annual trip ;-) In recent years we have been leaving the decorations up until Candlemas, which really, really helps in the dark mornings of Alaskan winter. Sunrise: 9:51 am and sunset currently 4:27. With the sun so incredibly low in the sky even on a "sunny" day it is pretty gray. I have created a walking path inside my house as the outside temps of -15C to -5C are not conducive to any type of outdoor activity. :-) The goal is Valentine's Day. If we can make it to then it is all downhill, albeit an icy and cold slide for at least another 2 months. LOVE your writing! Can't wait for the book!!
SO SPOT ON!!! As I sit in my car overwhelmed by the day ahead of me and frustrated that I gained 3 lbs vs. losing them, I salute you and will sprinkle the parm… life’s too short to be skinny and unhappy. Love you!! Ps: I second the suggestion to read Oh William!
OMG I know exactly how you feel! Did you know that we just had 30 hours of rain and sleet here on the coast of Maine. Some snow but I was awaken this morning to Hank scraping the ice of the cars. There has been so little snow.... or sun here since - I don't know.... August?? I too have been doom scrolling Saks, Kate Spade, and Modern Citizen - nothing...
thank you for recommending some books - I am in the middle of Mrs. Dalloway - yeah I know, I'm putting it down. I was inspired after seeing the Met's production of The Hours. It was uplifting.
Eating - so I'm not much of a snacker but yes to holiday candy - I bought a bag of mini candy bars for Santa - and damn it, I ate the last Butterfinger last night...
Exercise - Yeah I'm getting up at 430 to erg with my rowing buddies at 530 - love it - but get grumpy that I not getting stronger or faster - did I mention that I have only done this like 6 times - I'm so impatient.. so keep walking, running whatever - it will get easier
Like you I am coping with all this by planning. I have a significant birthday coming up - and omg - 23 friends are going to come to Carrabassett Valley to celebrate. Very strong Italian influences will prevail- we will serve Negronis and Aperol Spritzs for apperitivos then Chianti with Egg Parmansean, Chicken Limone and an original Hugs speciality called the Schitz - spicy red sauce (jalepeneos) and sausage. This makes me happy. So I'm gonna focus on that. And yes there is tennis DownUnder, too - even though no Roger or Serena.
We will get through this... love you tons - you made my day!!!
How wonderful to read your January newsletter that, Boy, so many things you mentioned resonate with me! If I should ‘ run’ into you in Villa Borghese walking and not running our dogs, I hope we can have a cappucino with lots of foamy milk on top and share a few laughs! Lee
Impareggiabile, come sempre. Evviva il parmigiano! evviva le parole! evviva i vestiti che stanno stretti e i capelli che non sono a posto! Evviva Sheila, che continuo a leggere
Great piece, Sheila, brought a dawn smile to my face. But for me November is way worse than January. There is little hope in November, with the prospect of weeks of shortening days, the obligation to be happy about Christmas consumerism, and an air filled with fug and bugs and coughs and colds. At least in January there is hope: it’s a start rather than an end, a little more Vitamin D in the atmosphere each day… and the chance you might see a snowdrop peeping out of the frozen earth.
Yep. January is a downer but I never could put a finger on why until I read your missive. It’s great hearing that I’m not the only one on this train. I laughed out loud about why you’re eating your kids’ cookies in the cupboard and the Christmas chocolates in danger of going stale. 🤣 Good one!! Happy January, Sheila!
Wonderful Sheila! Certainly felt like you were describing how I feel...3rd Monday in January - absolutely AWFUL. Luckily I have some fresh Parm in my frig and am going to use it freely this evening to start the January turn-around. Keep the missives coming XOXO
January has always been my least favorite month - and by always I mean 60+ years! At least we had Epifania and grandkids young enough to still excitedly await the arrival of La Befana's treats. (Nonna shops in Italy on her annual trip ;-) In recent years we have been leaving the decorations up until Candlemas, which really, really helps in the dark mornings of Alaskan winter. Sunrise: 9:51 am and sunset currently 4:27. With the sun so incredibly low in the sky even on a "sunny" day it is pretty gray. I have created a walking path inside my house as the outside temps of -15C to -5C are not conducive to any type of outdoor activity. :-) The goal is Valentine's Day. If we can make it to then it is all downhill, albeit an icy and cold slide for at least another 2 months. LOVE your writing! Can't wait for the book!!
This so good, Sheila! Read The Sentence if you haven’t—all about books. Love to you from Seattle in the Big Dark and Wet.
I loved this, Sheila. I feel seen this morning (this dreaded month!). Hugs to Zaby. Shackleton just turned 5 last week. xox Amanda
SO SPOT ON!!! As I sit in my car overwhelmed by the day ahead of me and frustrated that I gained 3 lbs vs. losing them, I salute you and will sprinkle the parm… life’s too short to be skinny and unhappy. Love you!! Ps: I second the suggestion to read Oh William!
Wonderful
You are amazing and amusing with thoughts and words
Perfect
Good one, Sheila. I enjoyed it. I agree about Lucy be the Sea but try Oh William…it’s better.
Snow today in Maine for the first time this year…beautiful by the sea.
Love to you all, Helen
OMG I know exactly how you feel! Did you know that we just had 30 hours of rain and sleet here on the coast of Maine. Some snow but I was awaken this morning to Hank scraping the ice of the cars. There has been so little snow.... or sun here since - I don't know.... August?? I too have been doom scrolling Saks, Kate Spade, and Modern Citizen - nothing...
thank you for recommending some books - I am in the middle of Mrs. Dalloway - yeah I know, I'm putting it down. I was inspired after seeing the Met's production of The Hours. It was uplifting.
Eating - so I'm not much of a snacker but yes to holiday candy - I bought a bag of mini candy bars for Santa - and damn it, I ate the last Butterfinger last night...
Exercise - Yeah I'm getting up at 430 to erg with my rowing buddies at 530 - love it - but get grumpy that I not getting stronger or faster - did I mention that I have only done this like 6 times - I'm so impatient.. so keep walking, running whatever - it will get easier
Like you I am coping with all this by planning. I have a significant birthday coming up - and omg - 23 friends are going to come to Carrabassett Valley to celebrate. Very strong Italian influences will prevail- we will serve Negronis and Aperol Spritzs for apperitivos then Chianti with Egg Parmansean, Chicken Limone and an original Hugs speciality called the Schitz - spicy red sauce (jalepeneos) and sausage. This makes me happy. So I'm gonna focus on that. And yes there is tennis DownUnder, too - even though no Roger or Serena.
We will get through this... love you tons - you made my day!!!
How wonderful to read your January newsletter that, Boy, so many things you mentioned resonate with me! If I should ‘ run’ into you in Villa Borghese walking and not running our dogs, I hope we can have a cappucino with lots of foamy milk on top and share a few laughs! Lee