Gray or Grey?

However you spell it, I like it.

photo by Mattw.art

I like November. It’s cozy and gray. Grey? The trees are almost bare, and the branches let in more light. Brown leaves and pine needles blanket the hillsides. Migrating birds stop at my feeders, especially the grey ones. Titmouse, dove, nuthatch, junco, chickadee, sparrow… I learned to recognize them during COVID, when I joined the Cornell Feederwatch. Once in a while, the sun peeks through the greyish-white clouds, like a shy smile.

November comes just before the frenzied holiday season…and you can read more about that elsewhere. At my age, I want to tamp down the frenzy. I want to savor the music, the lights, the food, and the family and friends. But for now, I will wait, for it’s still November. My favorite dress is gray, my favorite pants are gray - jeans and knit, my favorite TV show is Grey’s Anatomy…what is it with me and gray? I like it.

What I’m Reading

In November, we give thanks, here in the US, for the good in our lives. I like cozying up with a good book and a cup of tea. Or hot cocoa. Or coffee. Or latte. So many good hot drinks that go well with reading! And sitting by the fire, under a warm afghan.

Becoming Madam Secretary is another of my neighborhood book club’s selections. It’s the best kind of historical fiction, covering the life of Frances Perkins, the woman responsible for the Social Security Act, and the end of child labor. With her words, author Stephanie Dray skillfully takes us down the path of a female trailblazer we all can be grateful for.

What I’m Crafting

It’s a great time for knitting. And sewing. I have UFOs (Unfinished Objects) that used to cause me stress just to look at them, but now they call to me. In November, I take out projects for a craft show, and pick up another to work on, in the gray afternoon. This one is almost finished. It’s a Christmas holiday table runner. And yes, it’s gray!

Where I’m Walking

It’s been windy and cold here in Bucks County, PA. Not such good walking weather. I discovered an indoor exercise app that comes free with my health insurance and satisfies my need to move away from my desk and couch. I like that I can do something for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on how I feel or how much time I think I have, while the wind blows the brown leaves around my yard. And yes, I do go outside occasionally. Haha!

What I’m Writing

My second time travel novel, Time Is a Pilgrim, is in the hands of my book formatter and cover designer. I’m excited to share with you the continuing story of Regina, the Polish peasant, and her latest adventure, in which she has to reconsider female beauty standards, her prejudice against gypsies, and her loss of faith. I’d love to hear what you think! Meanwhile, you can catch up by reading the story of how she came to the US! Through a portal in time!

Wishing all good things for you, my readers. I’m so grateful to you for buying books, sharing them, reading them, and passing them on.