pushing the narrative

I'm not too sure what the phrase 'pushing the narrative' actually means but Lucy used it here and I rather like it. What I would like it to mean is... hello... this post has been a long time coming, partly because of the flu but partly because of the after-effects of the flu, which have not been at all creative but have been about tidying and cleaning, drinking tea, collecting firewood, welcoming autumn and spending time with this little person who is delightfully new to cold weather and warm fires and going to sleep on her own...

...and because I never wanted this to be a happy housework blog or a what-I-had-for-lunch blog or a beautiful baby blog, there hasn't been much to blog about at all.

What is more interesting is all the thinking and reading and slowness that's been happening... I have started a new soft blue scarf for the winter with five balls of cashmerino astrakhan that I had been saving. It's very plain but the yarn sort of needs that, and I'll do a scallop edge all round when it's finished. It's nice and easy but there is pleasure in that, in just enjoying the soft colour of the wool and the in-and-out, in-and-out.

One of the many books I read was Audrey Niffenegger's second novel, Her Fearful Symmetry... I was rather disappointed with this, as I loved Time Traveller's Wife, so much so that I wouldn't go to see the film, knowing it would spoil it. But this one didn't work for me... the different strands of plot didn't knit together well, the characters were rather unloveable and I kept stumbling on editorial errors... they do say that second novels are the most difficult, so here's hoping for her third..

I am still working on the linen hearts and have a pile unfinished that need attention very soon. A new embroidered bag design is on its way, and I've planned a crochet extravaganza once the scarf and the dotty blanket is finished, that will use up all my odds and ends of lovely coloured yarn. When I make a start, I'll show you what I'm up to.

Now it's off to my newly tidied work table to embroider those poor naked hearts and put their buttons on...

9 comments:

Gigibird said...

I find it funny how as bloggers we pressure ourselves to post whether we want to or not!
Hasn’t Imogen grown?
I'm a fan of slow:)

sarah-jane down the lane said...

So glad the recovery process is complete. Beautiful picture of wonder seeing the fire!

Sarah x

Acornmoon said...

Sorry to hear that you have had the flu, how horrid. On a more cheery note I just want to let you know how much I am enjoying using my Mouse products. I have been sewing and using my little heart pin cushion, although only a humble everyday thing it is more than that, it is a little work of art and I love using it. The same goes for the bags, one for me and one I gave as a gift. The latter is now filled with baby related things, bottles, wipes, nappies etc. (I have a new grandchild too).

A time to dance said...

looking forward to seeing what you are up to in the making area...hope you are feeling better...love and hugs H

Hollace said...

The picture of Grandbaby in front of the fire says it all. How cozy.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

So glad you're recovering from the flu Sue. It sounds like a nasty bout you had there. I'm in the throes of a head cold at the moment ... anyway the picture of your granddaughter by the fire is so sweet and that blue cashmerino is gorgeous.
I saw the film TTW after reading the book and was disappointed, shame her second novel isn't up to the same standard as the first either.
Looking forward to seeing the new hearts when they are ready!

Jeanne x

hens teeth said...

Oh look at her! That soft downy head. Oh how I miss holding babies. Oh dear, I have gone all soppy, sorry!
Lovely and enjoyable post Sue.
So pleased to hear you are on the other side of that horrid virus. x

Heather said...

well hello there...I feel like I have just stumbled upon a long-lost buddy here on your blog :) your little place here is beautiful and I found myself going "I hear ya!" to many things you've said...Even about Niffenegger's book! Oh, how I anticipated this one...reread the Time Traveler's Wife, pre-ordered...it didnt even seem like the same author. and all the characters were just totally unloveable...sigh.
Anyhow...love the linen hearts--- I just finished making little heart ornaments myself out of corderoy.

happy creating!
heather

Lucy said...

Ah, yes. The narrative thing...I think this beautiful, honest post of yours explains it perfectly, Sue. It's hard, I find, to always stay on topic - to tell the kind of linear stories that, over time, readers sometimes learn to expect from a blog. The pressure comes entirely from the writer/blogger as it is his/her space and the pressure, often, imagined, but we all need to break out from time to time. Just 'cos nothing's happening, doesn't mean that there's nothing of interest. I hope you're feeling better, damn flu!

I loved the Time Traveller's Wife, too - not sure how a film can do it justice. Even with Eric Bana (who is a huge spunk, I reckon)...