~What's on my nightstand~



A Note Pad

 I always need to leave myself little reminder notes and
because some of my most creative thoughts come rushing forth just as I'm about to fall asleep, when my mind is quiet and free to run and play.

A wicker basket filled with magazines and some of my favorite movies

And Books of Course

Here are the two latest books I'm enjoying.

I ,like millions of others, have been swept away to the world of Downton Abbey.

It's the typical story of tension between the two young lovers. You know,will they or won't they get together? But we are captivated by

The Clothes.

The gleaming silver

The tables dressed, just so.

&

the gorgeous settings

And I am captivated by The Dowager Countess played by my all time fave, Maggie Smith.

I have been a huge fan for years. Does anyone remember "Californian Suite" ?. (1978)

 That is when I first saw her, I was just about twenty, but I'm a sucker for the verbal repartee and a killer English accent.

She played opposite Michael Caine ( another fave) and she had me at hello.

Here is just a sample of the wit delivered as only Maggie can deliver a line.

Regarding the untimely death of a visiting ambassador (Mr. Pamuk) who showed a glaring breech of etiquette, by expiring while in The Lady Mary's bed:

The Dowager Countess: "Oh my dears, is it really true? I can't believe it. Last night he looked so well. Of course it would happen to a foreigner. It's typical."

Lady Mary : "Don't be ridiculous."

Dowager Countess: "I'm not being ridiculous. No Englishman would dream of dying in someone else's house- especially somebody they didn't even know."

&

"I'm a woman, Mary. I can be as contrary as I choose."

And if you love the BBC series you will love the companion book authored by Julian Fellowes, the writer and director of the series. The book is beautiful to say the least. Full of gorgeous photos and lots of behind the scenes tidbits and historical notes. I'm loving it.

And now that the season has ended, where will I go on Sunday nights
 if not to Downton Abbey?