what we have here is a failure to communicate

I have gone back to work and have spent the last few weeks cleaning and dusting the store, unpacking merchandise, setting up displays, getting used to being on my feet for 7-8 hours again, and getting up early. I am newly miffed each season by how much time and energy work sucks up – on top of the actual time spent working, however enjoyable that may be (and I am fortunate in that I pretty much enjoy what I’m doing these days), in addition I have to get ready for work, commute to work, commute home, and wind down from work. Which leaves…not that much time for the rest of the things I like to do. But this is not news to the majority of you since we are all essentially in the same boat. So I won’t fuss about it any more.

Outside of work, I have been slowly pecking away at Conversation in the Cathedral by Mario Vargas Llosa, The Wolves pick for this month. It’s a hefty, beastly thing at over 600 pages and I have been struggling with the layers of conversations and timelines. I have let myself dare to believe that I am starting to get it all sorted out and the reading will be easier from here (around p. 220) but we shall see…

I am drawn to the artwork that Carl V. has picked for his Once Upon A Time V challenge so much that I almost want to participate simply in order to display the banner on my blog! Anne-Julie Aubry’s work is SO lovely. And Carl V. is an excellent host, as I found during R.I.P. V last fall. His challenges leave plenty of wiggle room, and you can dive right in or just play in the shallows with equal appreciation from him and the readers who join him. I want to read some more Byatt and Crowley and maybe even some Tolkien this spring, nothing specifically picked out, so I’ll just commit to The Journey, agreeing to read at least one book from the four categories: fantasy, folklore, fairy tales, or mythology. And it’s a given that I’ll also participate in the Quest on Screen part. I’ve had some enticing fantastical stuff on my Netflix list for quite awhile. The challenge runs from March 21st to June 20th. I’m eager to find some new books, movies, and bloggers through this Once Upon A Time V adventure.

I have a pile of movies to write about, but I’m going to get to them next week (and meanwhile add more to said tower of Pisa…) I’ve been watching a lot of Doctor Who and Torchwood episodes this month, but I’ll spare you the details of this growing obsession…

In other news, while going on a cheese and antiques hunt with my boss from the store yesterday, we came across the most darling restaurant in Camden, ME. The Old World Potato Company has only been open for a few months, but the concept is genius and I hope they are in business for a long time. They serve soups, salads, and baked potatos – all prepared simply, but delectably. The cupboard-sized establishment is painted a rich chocolate brown inside, with white glass bowls and pitchers accenting on high shelves. It was adorable and functional and we had a very satisfying lunch. This lunch in fact:

After spending my day off shoveling 4 fresh inches of snow off the driveway, and running the cats to the vet and the car to the shop and my butt to the grocery store, I intend to finish today by making a beef pie and drinking some red wine. Cheers!