Aimie K. Runyan, The Castle Keepers, The Three Musketeers, summer fashion and more on Monday Musings.
MONDAY MUSINGS NO. 125
WEEKEND UPDATE
Good morning morning friends, how was your weekend? It was beautiful here. We have been blessed with the best weather the last few days. It’s been cool at night, no humidity and sunny and warm, but not hot, all day.
Friday night I opened the windows and when we woke to the birds chirping Saturday morning is was cold, 49 to be exact. The perfect sleeping weather!
It was a low key, laid back, spontaneous weekend. Friday we went to the club pool for a couple of hours. Then Saturday I read magazines and a book and had a bit of a “lie in” before a nice long walk. My sister and brother in law stopped by in the last afternoon and we all sat outside talking and laughing then headed off for pizza.
Sunday was more of the same, I weeded my small cottage garden, harvested seeds from the Larkspur to plant in the fall and planted some lavender. It is a little late and I know it is temperamental here in NC but hopefully it will grow.
Our village is a hive of activity, in just 7 days hundreds of thousands of golf fans will arrive to enjoy the U.S. Open. It is going to be a busy week of golf, parties, friends and family and lots of fun.
What about you? How was your weekend?
Ok, on to +5 Things.
Read~The Castle Keepers

Leedswick Castle has housed the Alnwick family in the English countryside for generations, despite a family curse determined to destroy their legacy and erase them from history.
1870. After a disastrous dinner at the Astor mansion forces her to flee New York in disgrace, socialite Beatrice Holbrook knows her performance in London must be a triumph. When she catches the eye of Charles Alnwick, one of the town’s most enviably titled bachelors, she prepares to attempt a social coup and become the future Marchioness of Northridge. Then tragedy and scandal strike the Alnwick family, and Beatrice must assume the role of a lifetime: that of her true, brave self.
1917. Artist Elena Hamilton arrives in Northumberland determined to transform a soldier’s wounds into something beautiful. Tobias Alnwick’s parents have commissioned a lifelike mask to help their son return to his former self after battle wounds partially destroyed his face. But Elena doesn’t see a man who needs fixing—she sees a man who needn’t hide. Yet secrets from their past threaten to chase away the peace they’ve found in each other and destroy the future they’re creating.
1945. Alec Alnwick returns home from the war haunted but determined to leave death and destruction behind. With the help of Brigitta Mayr, the brilliant young psychoanalyst whose correspondence was a lifeline during his time on the Western Front, he reconstructs his family’s large estate into a rehabilitation center for similarly wounded soldiers. Alec’s efforts may be the only chance to redeem his family legacy—and break the curse on the Alnwick name—once and for all.
Three beloved authors share stories of the Alnwick family through the generations, revealing how love and war can change a place—but only its people can unshackle it from the misdeeds of the past.
MORE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have already read these books or missed something I have featured before on the blog check out My Bookshop on Amazon.
2.WATCHED~The Three Musketeers

The classic Alexander Dumas book has been made into another movie, this one is French and has subtitles. I watched it on Fandango.
3. LINKS: READ+WATCH+LISTEN
I’m a Psychologist Who Gets Panic Attacks. Here’s the One Thing That Calms Me Down Instantly
Five eco-friendly ways to make your home smell great
Big Milk has taken over American schools
What’s Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and listening
14 Best Protein Bars in 2024, According to Dietitians and Editors. Did your favorite make the list?
Why a changing climate might mean less chocolate in the future
How releasing our ‘inner artist’ can help keep us calm
4. SHOPPING BREAK~FINDS & SALES
OUTFIT OF THE DAY

A relaxing and comfortable outfit that you can wear all day. This blue and white skirt looks beautiful with all white accessories or you could add a little color, fuchsia, yellow, red or even green. Pair it with your favorite summer slide sandals, tote, simple earrings and you are polished, and ready for a beautiful day!
Outfit Details
5. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT~WEEKEND MEANDERINGS

Saturday I joined Kim and Juliet for Weekend Meanderings, our weekly series of all of the things that piqued our interest and caught our eye. I shared Sharland England by Louise Roe, Château de la Villedubois, Now You See Us, Tate Britain and more on weekend meanderings.
Don’t forget to visit Kim and Juliet as well if you missed their posts.
THAT’S ALL FOR NOW
I hope that you enjoyed Monday Musings and found something to read, watch or even add to your cart.
What did you do for fun this weekend?
What are you reading?
Is there anything else you think we need to read, watch or make?
Have a great day friends, thank you for spending part of your day with me.
You can also keep up with me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. And last but not least, if you like Pinecones & Acorns share it with a friend!
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On My Radar










Hi Elizabeth,
You recommend books, and movies. I thought of you the other night when my husband and I were watching PBS “MaryLand” it’s a w
Masterpiece. The acting is outstanding. It’s a story about two sisters, their mother and so much more. Most of the movie is on the Isle of Man. I got totally entrenched in the story. My honey ordered this from the library.
Have a great week.
I love PBS, I will have to try to find this show.
Have a wonderful week Katherine.
It will be a busy time with The Open. My dad loves golf. I grew up in a Italian golfing family.
We finally planted our annuals in our pots. Oh the joy of lavender
Cindy, it is a little crazy here already. I’m not sure that the village is ready for so many people but we are going with the flow.
I love lavender! I hope that mine survives.
Have a wonderful week.