Linking up with the lovely Leigh Kramer to share What I’m Into.
I feel like I’ve been all over the map in August: high summer, vacation, then fall prep (while it’s still 95 degrees). I’m looking forward to the regular rhythms of fall, though to be honest, I’m not looking forward to starting up homeschooling again.
television (and a movie) worth watching
You know how I asked you for recommendations on what to watch with my parents, my quirky brother, and Will and me on vacation? We never did settle on a good series that none of us had seen. It turns out, it didn’t matter.
The one night we all watched The Truman Show, my son was so distracted by the noise coming from the living room that he could. not. sleep. I’d rather read a book or play some scrabble than put my kid to bed 15 times in an hour. (That’ll teach us to leave our magical sound machine at home.)
We started watching Orange is the New Black, but we’ve put it on hold. There’s a lot I like about the show, but I don’t know if I can watch it as an HSP. I’m pretty squeamish about sex and violence, and there are about 90 seconds of each episode that I don’t want to see. But it’s not like commercials, where I could just skip it: it’s 8 seconds here, 15 seconds there, and really unpredictable. I’ve heard the character development is superb and the season finale’s a stunner, but I don’t think it’s worth it for me.
After reading Mindy Kaling’s memoir Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), I was inspired to watch The Office again, from the beginning. (I actually dropped out after season 6, but I’d like to make it all the way through this time.) I’d forgotten how awful Michael is in season one. He does mellow a little, right? I thought I remembered him becoming kinder–if no less socially inept–as the seasons progressed.
My Netflix queue is now packed with a dozen movies that are better than their books, and quite a few BBC productions Haley suggested in her post about what to read when you run out of Jane Austen novels.
currently geeking out on
Gorgeous hardbacks, after spying these lovelies at Sundog Books. I need to start a collection.
Urban planning, again, after visiting Seaside. (Got any good book recommendations?)
on my nightstand
The library came through on a bunch of my requests at once, so my stack is pretty impressive at the moment. Or frightening.
I’ve been reading ridiculous amounts of fiction (again). (My current reads are always on display in the sidebar.) I’m going to have a hard time whittling these books down to a respectable number for the next twitterature link-up (Monday, September 16).
pinning
I’m in love with these dainty studs.
Could this washi taped bike be any more adorable?
Strawberry, lime, and black pepper popsicles. Yes.
And while we’re at it, these key lime pie popsicles.
These DIY frames may appear on my kids’ walls in the near future.
(You can follow me on pinterest here.)
Best of the web
Did you hear that Fox Books filed for bankruptcy? F-O-X. The Onion breaks the story.
I like the message that Kate Middleton’s ($79, maternity) dress is sending.
I need a LEGO librarian for my desk. You know, to keep my Jane Austen action figure company. (Actually, I have neither. Yet.)
Do you prefer paper over digital? This short French tv spot takes your side.
The one thing you must know about this fall’s fashions.
Malcolm Gladwell weighs in on deliberate practice, again.
I wish more writers followed Elmore Leonard’s 10 rules of writing.
This post is about the soul-sucking logistics of nine kids’ activities, but it’s also about community, margin, and place. Fascinating reading for this mom of (only) four.
I’m definitely guilty of some of these signs of Jane Austen addiction.
What I won’t tell you about my ballet dancing son.
I nodded my way through these 10 things I learned from loving Anne of Green Gables.
(I shared many of these links over on the MMD facebook page already. You can follow along by liking the page here.)
What about you? What are you into this month?
This post has a companion: 11 things I learned in August. Head here to read more.
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19 comments
It would be interesting to rewatch The Office and see how the characters evolved now that we know how it ended. I didn’t watch as consistently the last few seasons so I know I missed out on a lot. I cracked over the Fox Books expose.
I did the same thing. I watched the finale, but only caught a handful of episodes between season six and The End. (That’s what happens to me during the summer hiatus! That’s the beauty–or problem–of watching a show after it’s over, like I just did with Gilmore Girls. No chance of forgetting it over summer break. 🙂 )
I didn’t like the last few seasons of the Office, but Season 2 was a WORK OF ART. You’ve inspired me to re-watch it this weekend.
Maisie! I love her. And The Time In Between! SO good. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
So many people have recommended Maisie to me! So I’m finally giving her a try. I’m halfway through The Time In Between. I’m loving the story line but the dialogue is making me groan. Sooo many neverending narrative passages. (Did you notice that, and did it bother you?)
The dialogue is not great, but I was so caught up in the story that I didn’t mind too much. I was also fascinated by the Moroccan setting – I’m not too familiar with it, outside of Casablanca.
“F-O-X” That article is still making me laugh! And I loved your link to signs of a Jane Austen addiction! I appreciated your review of Orange is the New Black. I’ve been wondering about giving it a whirl, but it helps to know what makes someone uncomfortable, so I can gauge how it might make me feel. Thank you! I also want to re-watch The Office from the beginning. I jumped ship a few seasons back, but I’d like to make it once all the way through. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your What I’m Into this month!
Love that John Green! Have you read any of his other books?
I loved The Fault in Our Stars, and was then underwhelmed by Looking for Alaska. I’ve heard that An Abundance of Katherines is his second best (after TFIOS)…we’ll see. 🙂
There is nothing wrong with a Jane Austin addiction.
Amen! I have a whole shelf dedicated to Austen’s works…even though there are only six novels 🙂
My niece is named “Jane Elizabeth.” P&P inspired? Of course!
Love it. 🙂
Love those hardbacks, just lovely and then some. I’m nervous about Orange and Black for the same reasons you mentioned and I Haven’t picked it up yet.
You reminded me to post about some studs I bought, great with the short hair and the long!
I think you will love watching The Office from the beginning to the end. There are a couple of seasons that aren’t as strong as the others, but overall it’s one of the best shows ever. And, yes, Michael mellows and becomes more likeable as the show continues. By the time he leaves, you’ll be sad to see him go.
I loved An Abundance of Katherines as well. Looks like you have some good things on tap this month!
I love reading what you are into each month. I am joining the link up for the first time tomorrow. You have almost convinced me to give libraries another chance- I “love” on my books, I am afraid the library would take back my card. I am intrigued by the concept of deliberate practice. Thank you for sharing Gladwell’s article. Amy
I have Orange is the New Black ready to watch on Netflix but I’ve been skeptical if I’m going to like it or not. I might dive in just to see what everyone is talking about.
Also — didn’t you LOVE Mindy Kaling’s book? I think she is the best. 🙂
So many good things here. I will take your advice about Orange is the New Black. I almost started it but found your bits of wisdom and feel good about waiting.
I giggled over the Fox Books post too – this was a great monthly roundup as always. I was commenting on Leigh’s post, and saw your comment about being obsessed with pens, and I felt like we were kindreds! 🙂 (I have a serious thing for finding the perfect pen. It’s a bit loony, but I don’t care. I say some women love shoes – I love pens. 🙂 Would love to hear the type of pens you’re enjoying using right now. Also love that you referred to Emily’s linkup post as a companion to this one – brilliant. (May have to steal that idea on my blog and credit you of course). I love both of these linkups, and are making them part of my monthly blogging. Thanks for your words! 🙂