8 Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts (2)

[birdienl]

       Bookish and Not-So-Bookish Thoughts is a weekly blogging event hosted by Bookishly Boisterous. It allows
book bloggers (and non-book bloggers) to write about pretty much anything, bookish or otherwise (i.e. sharing
exciting plans for the weekend, rants on things they've encountered during the week etc.)

1.Next weekend, one of my best friends is getting married and so I needed some festive clothes. Now I really, really don't like clothes shopping and I haven't had to buy special/festive clothes for years, so I was dreading this a bit. Luckily, a sweet friend of mine went along and I bought a lovely dress. Mission accomplished, now I can just look forward to the wedding day!

2.It's been so warm here in The Netherlands the last weeks. I was walking around in summer clothes mid-September and even bought a icecream at a stall this very weekend! The next week looks to be a bit more autumn-like and I must say I don't mind at all, it's just time for cosy afternoons with hot chocolate and scarfs etc.

3. At my mother´s birthday party this weekend, I was talking with one of my uncle´s (from the in-law side). He told me about his family history and how his grandfather (his grandparents where Germans) had been fighting in the trenches in WWI and had been wounded there. It was so interesting to hear about this as I never before talked to someone who had a direct connection to WWI, being that The Netherlands was neutral during this war.

4. I've been reading quite a lot about WWI recently, last month The War Horses by Simon Butler about the horses who were used in the (British) army in WWI and am currently reading a book about Dutch people who volunteered to fight with either the Allied or the German armies during this war. There is also an exhibition going on at a museum close to where I live about the Belgian refugees who came to The Netherlands in large numbers in 1914 which I hope to visit sometime soon.

5. I've been enjoying the return of Downton Abbey very much! It almost feels like returning to a group of well-known friends after a long absence! It's such fun seeing the Dowager at her scheming again and hearing Mrs. Hughes down-to-earth wisdom.I'm really glad to see Daisy developing herself, but I'm not to keen on the developments with Miss Bunting and Tom and also Mary and Tony Gillingham.6. I went to see the new Woody Allen movie Magic in the Moonlight in the cinema last week which was okaish (I'm not a big fan of Woody Allen movies, but I just love this particular old-fashioned cinema and like to go there now and then, even if the movie is not super interesting). But the fun thing was, a few days later I was having a conversation with my boss about movies and we discovered he has also been to that movie AT THE SAME TIME AND PLACE! And we hadn't seen each other!

7. Work-wise, it's only a few weeks until I officially enter the last year of my PhD and with that, the last year of my contract at the University. I'm starting to stress a little bit about finishing up my research and writing my thesis, but on the other hand, I've learned in the past three years that you can't really rush research, it goes as fast as it goes. So I just keep doing my best and hoping it will be alright
:-S

That's about all I've got to talk about this time! I hope you're all having a nice weekend and enjoying autumn.

Comments

[starcrossed.livejournal.com]

That dress is so pretty! ♥

It's been warm in the UK too. But windows are starting to steam up in the mornings. Fall is nice but spring is absolutely gorgeous- I'm looking forward to that.

I think Downton is so much stronger this season. I love Edith's storyline- who would have thought five years in Edith would now be my favourite character?

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much!

I was very pleased with the first two eps of Downton this season, it feels fresh somehow. I'm still a bit wary about Edith's storyline, I hope the writers don't just mess up her life even more.

[mayanas.livejournal.com]

What a pretty dress!

I want to watch Downton Abbey but I'm so not a fan of watching (or reading) in-progress things so I'm waiting. And waiting and waiting!

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

You wait until after the season finishes or you wait until the complete series finishes? I can understand in a way, but I would never be able to wait for years for a period drama which sounds (and is) so good!

[mattiescottage.livejournal.com]

"So I just keep doing my best and hoping it will be alright."
That sounds something like my approach to my entire career--and life! I had some difficult and humbling moments this week, and a couple of those situations where you really don't know what was going on--but also multiple good experiences and interchanges with great people. Yes, you just do the best you can and lean on the assurance that Messiah holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). Thank you for sharing on this. I feel a bit more reassured.

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Thank YOU for sharing that Bible verse, always good to hear and be reminded in uncertain circumstances in life!

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

Yay for finding a pretty dress! Weddings are lovely, though preparing for them can be a hassle indeed.

Ah, it would be very nice to have a relaxed conversation with someone who had such interesting accounts of WWI.

Oh, my, I didn't know Downton Abbey was back! Maybe it is that way only in Europe at the moment.

I wish you the best of luck and skill and patience in finishing up your thesis! It must feel unreal to have the end of your contract drawing near.

[birdienl.livejournal.com]

Yes, Downton has started three weeks ago in the UK and I watch it 'illegally' (the channel that makes Downton, ITV, is not broadcast in The Netherlands). I guess the US broadcast will start in January?

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

Oh, I see! I shall have to be patient, then. :) Thanks for letting me know!