Chaletmomma

I finished 48 titles in 2022 so it was definitely a challenge to only pick 5! But, I like a good challenge... so here goes 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1!

Fly Girl: A Memoir: When Ann Hood was young her family would pile into the car and visit the construction site of what became Washington Dulles International Airport which opened in 1962. Ann decided planes and travel were where she wanted to be. Graduating from college in 1978 Ann began the interview process and landed a coveted spot with TWA. She survived TWA’s rigorous Breech Training Academy where she learned to evacuate seven kinds of aircraft, deliver a baby, mix proper cocktails, administer oxygen and stay calm no matter what the situation.

I loved listening to Ann read her memoir of the skies… my first plane ride was in 1978 on TWA with my parents heading to California to visit Disneyland. It was a great flight!

Family of Liars: I didn’t expect this is one of my top reads. It’s the prequel to We Were Liars which I read last year. You must read WWL before reading this. This second visit to the Sinclair family and their private Massachusetts island is illuminating. The story is shared by Caroline Lennox Taft Sinclair. Being a Sinclair means acting and never showing weakness. Welcome back to the Sinclair family. They were always liars.

The Other Bennet Sister: Mary, the bookish ugly duckling of Pride and Prejudice’s five Bennet sisters, emerges from the shadows and transforms into a woman with choices of her own. What if Mary Bennet’s life took a different path from that laid out for her in Pride and Prejudice? What if the frustrated intellectual of the Bennet family, the marginalized middle daughter, the plain girl who takes refuge in her books, eventually found the fulfillment enjoyed by her prettier, more confident sisters?

Little Fires Everywhere: This story is about mothers—their relationships with their children and the choices they make to balance motherhood with the rest of their lives. Some choices are for good - some for bad and their stories are surprising.

The Midnight Library: Is any life perfect? That is the theme of this amazing book. I loved the sadness and the thought provoking possibilities that are laid out by Matt Haig. I plan on reading more works by him.

My favorite book of the year. The concept is unique and when you read as much as I do - that’s a definite plus. I loved how it made me think.

Only 5? What was I thinking ?!?

Honorable Mentions

I continue to enjoy the Hoopla and Libby apps very much! I am always listening to a book and reading an actual one at the same time. I highly recommend it.

My favorite listen of all time is Daisy Jones & The Six: The actors brought this incredible novel about the meteoric rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer to life - I saw the entire film in my head - and I don’t think I will ever watch the actual film for this reason.

Friends I could go on and on about books and in particular audio books… I will also share I have turned off audio versions when the voice just didn’t work for me. You can read my complete list of my favorites here.

What was the best thing you read last year?

Til next time be well.

Anyone who’s familiar with Instagram understands the phrase Scroll-Stopping. Its a huge compliment when someone uses it in association with one of your images.

Friends as we start the new year I’m sharing some of my very favorite images. Those that resonate with me most - the ones I think what can I take away from this to incorporate into the Chalet this year - this year is the year I check off more items on my To Do List for around the house. I hope you enjoy these images maybe as much as I do!

Mantel walls: The wallpaper, art and furnishings tell beautiful story. Thinking about what different art do I want to display on the mantel or the Chimney wall.

Patterns: The mixing and layers are pleasing and not too much because your eyes find respite on the solid walls. I know I want to add a bit more pattern… with more pillows! hahaha or possibly a different ottoman? Years ago I spied a cool geometric black and white square table at a store and now its become a Unicorn. I know the livingroom is tight but, I have visions of that piece snugged up next to the Bergere’ Chair.

I’ve linked to Ruthie Jackson’s IG post of these stairs. This is my inspiration for the stair-hall leading to our basement.

India Holmes use of color below makes me itch to add more bright colors to that same space.

Color: This pink inside the shelves - what would I do with a wall of bookcases this is what I would do!

I continue to be drawn green. These bold walls in Eleanor’s home are delightful. My niece recently painted her bath a lovely bright green and if I can find the right shower curtain I will go for it.

Art: Your eyes seek the art in both of these differently designed spaces. Suellen Gregory is a designer of immense talent this moment in her home never ceases to make me smile. The art is fabulous and the pattern play.

The below space is a few homes ago for Michelle Adams but, I love the impact the art makes in a modestly furnished space.

This image incorporates so much. Art, Color, Pattern. I love it!

All these images make me think about paint, fresh art, adding more pattern. We’ve had Putnam Ivory on the walls since 2007. Yikes! 2023 is the year I repaint the first floor here at the Chalet. Should I carry English Channel from the kitchen throughout the first floor? or will I go with a warm white.

I wonder if I can get the chair from the corner of the basement redone in a blue and white faux bois or a geometric like this from Rebecca Atwood? Or watch YouTube videos and take the reupholstering or slip-covering myself? I have a sewing machine so my thoughts and scary feelings think slipcover but, who knows - the chair needs some serious help.

Should I add a painted detail or stencil to the wall by the coat closet - to make the entry feel more? I must finish the stair hall to the basement… so much my mind is whirring with ideas! :)

Linda

Rebecca Atwood

Friends as we start 2023 I’m wishing you a very Happy New Year. I hope you find what inspires you in the coming year! As always I’m grateful for your time. To read and comment on these posts or send me a DM through Instagram. Til next time be well!