Wednesday 28 March 2007

Escape ...


My oldest daughter is back from France and all is well (ish)! My youngest, bless her, has now got the flu bug that my husband had over the weekend. So on this beautiful, warm and sunny Spring day she is huddled up on the sofa with her blanket and hot water bottle - doesn't seem fair does it?
In between running around with the medicine bottle. making drinks and offering food, I have tried to tidy up, do the washing and craft! Failing miserably on all counts I'm afraid. It's always the way - I spent last week wishing the days away to see my daughter again and now that she's returned and we're all safely under one roof again, I'm feeling just as unsettled. No good trying to plan things is it?

I've decided to give in to it today though. So instead of trying to do it all, I'm planning an escape. When my youngest dozes off again, I've got my book and cup of tea waiting. I've noticed recently that lots of people have been posting about their favourite books, particularly childhood books. Well, here is mine - I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith. I didn't read it when I was younger but was given it by a very close friend when I was feeling quite low several years ago. It is the most enchanting book and pure escapism. As soon as I read it the first time I quickly bought a copy for a friend of mine who was in hospital with a difficult pregnancy - she was captivated. I don't know how many copies I have given to friends, but perhaps the greatest pleasure I had was giving it to my oldest daughter to read a couple of years ago. She adores it and has since started giving copies of it to her friends. I noticed too that it went with her to France last week - it is our joint comfort blanket!
If you haven't read the book, don't see the movie first - please!
I'm off for five minutes indulgence before the next dose of Calpol,
Before I go here is the photo of the primroses I mentioned in the previous post.


Isn't that pink gorgeous ...

20 comments:

AC said...

Hi Kim,
Hope your daughter is better soon.
Thanks for visiting my site and your kind words.
I was reading your back posts when your e-mail came through!
The book looks great. I think I will try and get a copy...I'm always on the lookout for new things to read.
Alison x

Victoria May Plum said...

Hi Kim,
I do hope that your littlest one gets better soon, it is so miserable to be poorly.
The pink primroses are just divine, did you plant them, or did they just spring up naturally?
Victoria x

andsewtosleep said...

Nothing wrong with escapism - especially in the form of a good book and a cup of tea. Perfect - well maybe a little chocolate too?! I hope your daughter gets better soon and you can return to creating. Mary

Cape Cod Washashore said...

I hope your little one feels better soon! Have a lovely tea with your delightful book! I've never read it before, and it looks like a wonderful read. Your primroses are beautiful!

HopHopJingleBoo said...

hello, you have a lovely blog and 'primulas' are one of my favorite flower species...they are just peeking thru the mud and snow here..the very first green thing in the garden!! my daughter lived in London for awhile..someday I hope to visit your beautiful country..and shop like crazy! ha!thanks, for the nice blog visit will add you to mine in the next day or so..

Anonymous said...

Is the book radically different than the movie? I've never read the book but I *loved* the movie! Hope your daughter feels better soon! ♥

Primrose Hill said...

Hi Kim,
Hope your little one is feeling better soon.
I'll have to get myself a copy of that book, it sounds fab, just what I could do with right now!
Love those primroses, they are just adorable, keep the garden photos coming!
L x

~~Mikki Jo said...

I made my way here from another blog. I love the pink flowers, so Springy. I sure hope your daughter feels better soon. Have a wonderful day.

Naturegirl said...

You have peaked my interest in this book! I must get a copy! Always nice giving books as gifts!I'm off to buy primrose tomorrow!hugs NG

Rowan said...

These flu bugs are miserable aren't they? I do hope your daughter is soon recovered. The pink primrose is absolutely lovely. I've been thinking that I must put more of them in my own garden.

OhSoVintage said...

I love the primroses - aren't Spring flowers just the best? I've tried to read this book a couple of times having had it recommended to me but failed so perhaps I should persevere again. Hope your daughter is on the road to recovery and life gets back to normality soon.

Cornflower said...

I haven't read "I capture the castle", but must add it to my list after what you've said about it! I have read a very good biography of Dodie Smith, "Dear Dodie" by Valerie Grove.
(What lovely pictures you have on your site).

Berber said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog :)) And what a lovely surprise to find yours!
Do you happen to live near Brighton or Worthing? I lived there when I worked as an au-pair... so many fond memories!
And I'm going to England this Wednesday again... I'm soooo looking forward to it!
Have a good day!

Heidi said...

I found your blog through my friend Lynda's and love it. You are doing a great job! Thanks for the book tip as I looked it up and ordered it today. I will be looking forward to it.

You primroses are so pretty and seeing your tea makes me want to go make a cup as I also drink it strong with milk. I hope your daughter is feeling better now?

GigerVamp said...

I love the pink primroses. We only have yellow ones in our garden.
Hope your daughter is feeling better soon.

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

Your tea and book moment sounds lovely. I do that often as well! I am going to look for that book...sounds wonderful!!

Heather

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Oh my, what a lovely tea cup by your book!!

Gill said...

Hi Kim, The book sounds lovely, although I was an avid reader as a child this wasn't one that I've come across. There are lots of copies on Ebay so I'm going to bid on one (there could be a lot of competition now after your recommendation!)

Amy said...

Oh how I hope you found some time for escaping! I know that feeling my girl has been having the sicklys lately off and on...change of season colds have hit us and it's nooo fun...those perfectly pink flowers sure do brighten things up! beaUtiful! Have a great day!

weirdbunny said...

Calpol the answer to all childhood aliments or upsets!

I've got theat oilcloth in my kitchen too .... Julia x