I treated myself to a new book today. It's a little gift to myself as a reward for the dog-sitting I'm doing this month ;) I love the free time it gives me - the thinking time. Where I can stop, sit back from everything and really see things as they are. I used to enjoy it more when I lived with my parents, because it was a way to escape the family and to have my own independence. Now I don't crave the alone time as much - I miss my cuddles from Ray and Sweepie too much ;)

But, anyway, I bought a book. Because obviously I love to read. Because I am drinking up everything I can about the Tudor time, having had my love of the era rekindled thanks to Phillipa Greggory's books. And because while I am away I read a lot - a lot. When I'm bored of my own company during the day: I read. When I need to fall asleep: I read. When I can't sleep because I've convinced myself there's a murdering rapist on the loose: I read.

The Life & Death of Anne Boleyn Professor E.W. Ives, the author, is an acknowledged expert in Tudor history - specialising on the Boleyns. His 1986 biography, "Anne Boleyn," became the standard work on Anne's life - and deservedly so...The new book is an updated version of the 1986 copy, with extra chapters elaborating on Anne's role at Court and incorporating all the new research on Anne Boleyn's life and times.

I have to admit to having more of a leaning towards her brother (really, is anyone surprised by that considering what is said about him and his loves? ;D) but there are no biographies about him. Through my liking of Anne I found George, and so I figure through my research on Anne I will learn more about George. That's the plan, anyway.

I also did some selfless shopping today too - my little sister is turning twenty-one at the end of the month (how? how? how?) and so I've ordered her something pretty and special. I'm not saying what because she might be reading.

And then there was some Poupee Girl shopping. Pixel-shopping still counts as real shopping! And it's better for me cos it's free ;) I bought these uber cute shoes to match the dress she'd bought a few weeks ago. I haven't decided yet whether or not to get the matching beret... hats always look funny on my Girl's head.



Doesn't she look so very pretty in the outfit? Obviously I wouldn't wear such a pretty dress to go dog-sitting but my Girl really is a fancy dresser and wouldn't dream of wearing the scruffy jeans and warm long cardigan I usually do ;)



I'll probably be quiet for the next couple of days. Nose in a book (The Six Wives of Henry VIII and then when that's done William & Harry: The Biography of Two Princes), crazy dog not far from my side, chocolate near at hand, probably waiting for the next omnibus of "The Hills" to start... ;)

Enjoy the weekend!

FEELING: positive

Labels: amber, birthday, dog-sitting, life, poupee, presents, reading, shopping, the tudors