peaks island, and some new books

Joining Ginny at small things, as always—

On the needles... The body of Asher's birthday sweater is finished. I still have to do the sleeves. Which of course means I decided to take another break from it and cast on something new. (Or two somethings new...or three...) 

I've re-started my Peaks Island Hood, and by "re-started" I mean "decided I didn't like the yarn I chose the first time around, splurged on the yarn called for in the pattern (which, incidentally, is absolutely going to be worth it...), and cast on again." It's almost exactly the same color as the first one, which was completely unintentional (the Mountain Mohair looked more red than purple on the screen), and it is so soft and lovely; I can't wait to be able to wrap it around my head to keep the wind off.

And just last night I decided I didn't want to work on either of those, so I dug out the Berroco Peruvia that has been sitting in my stash for just this purpose and finally cast on my February Lady.

I think it is safe to say I have something to knit stashed in just about every room of the house, and I think I won't be bored of any of it any time soon. (Ravelry details are here, here, and here.) 

On the nightstand... I'm still reading Buddhism for Mothers. But you don't just want to hear about how I found time to read another chapter or two every week, do you? So just assume I'm still working my way through it unless I tell you otherwise.

In the meantime, among the stack of books I picked up at the library this week were two I've been wanting to read for some time. A Barn in New England: Making a Home on Three Acres is particularly interesting to me because the author was my academic adviser in college. (George saw it atop the stack on the counter when I brought it home, wrinkled his nose, and said: "We don't have three acres." "Or a barn, or anything in New England. Look who wrote it." "Oh, right..." said he.) This might be the first time—outside of my work as an editor, of course—I've read a book written by someone I know personally, and I'm enjoying the glimpse into the life of someone I have respected and admired for  nearly twenty years. 

Next on the list is How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, interesting to me in a completely different way and for completely different reasons. I read an article recently that discussed it, and was reminded that I'd been meaning to request it from the library. I'm looking forward to diving in after I'm finished tripping down memory lane in the White Mountains.

What are you knitting and reading this week?