Alison Kenworthy, Homeworthy, Julia R. Cooper, The Painting Box and more on Monday Musings.
Monday Musings No. 202
Good morning friends, I hope that you had a lovely weekend. We had slow, leisurely, lazy weekend. The perfect end to the holidays. Now I am ready to start 2026.
The time between Christmas and New Years seems to be something that people love or hate. Which are you?
The weather here has warmed up again and yesterday at church people were talking about Spring! It’s January, we still have a couple of months of cold weather ahead and I am going to savor it. Winter is a time to hibernate, rest, and rejuvenate. Don’t rush, just enjoy.
Unfortunately, no snow. Measurable amounts of snow are rare here but the last 3 years we have had more than a dusting and it’s been beautiful. Not to mention a sow day or two which takes me right back to the fun of childhood.
Tell me, what do you enjoy about winter? If the answer is nothing, please share why?
On to 5 Things!
Can a metal box, tucked into the eaves of an ancient house in the French countryside, hold the answer to heal a woman half the world away?
2017 Kentucky: French Language Professor, Jules Merritt has curated a seemingly perfect life for herself. When old issues resurface and her world begins to crumble, she escapes by accepting a summer teaching position in France. There, she is led on a quest through the vineyards of Bordeaux to an secluded church hidden deep in the Dordogne. What is discovered will change everything for her.
1685 Bordeaux France: Eleven-year-old Joelle Violette Reynaud and her brother, Henri, live a privileged life that seems on the verge of collapse. Protected from the reality of world events, Joelle seeks to discover why. Alternating between the innocence of childhood games and the ominous search for answers, Joelle is forced to grow up when the truth can no longer be hidden.
MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have already read this book or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
2. Watched~Homeworthy Founder Alison Kenworthy
Founder Alison Kenworthy shared her new family apartment. A year in the making, her vision has beautifully unfolded: a sun-drenched living room, a kitchen designed for gathering, a tranquil bedroom retreat, a pocket-sized den with personality, and a charming room for their kids. And topping it all—Michael’s dream realized: a private rooftop greenhouse turned into a living room tucked high above Manhattan.
3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN
AI Slop won in 2025 — fingerprinting real content might be the answer in 2026
I’ve Been Guiding Mount Everest for a Decade. Here’s What It’s Really Like.
How to Respond to ‘How Are You?’ When You’re Not OK
42 Cozy Stew Recipes for Cold Nights
Here are the Books We Love: 380+ great 2025 reads recommended by NPR
4. SHOPPING BREAK
After Christmas sales abound and today’s outfit is made using some of my favorite pieces. Winter white, jeans and a sweater, layered with a striped shirt, topped with a plaid puffer jacket and comfy boots.
Outfit Details
You can see more outfit ideas at the bottom of the page or check out MyShop!
5. In Case You Missed It~Weekend Meanderings
This weekend Juliet, Kim and I were back together for the first Weekend Meanderings of 2026! I shared The Choral, a group that sings to the dying, the Bronte Sisters, Tony Cane-Honeysetts’ fascinating movie about his artist mother, The Detectorists and more.
That’s All for Now
I hope that you enjoyed my Monday Musings and that you have an amazing day. Take care of yourselves friends.
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