November 8, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
And now – we exhale. It seems the perfect moment to check in with Mary Raymond, in between one place and another herself. She moved not too long ago and has been figuring out furniture, paint, the rest. Her bookshelves. * * * “What got you thinking about your ideal bookshelf, Mary?” I asked. “Well, Jennifer, it started, as …
October 29, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I’ve seen a lot of kindness the last 6 days, after taking a spill with Daisy the puppy on the stairs while spending a weekend away. A surgeon in Nashville repaired the 3 broken bones in my left ankle, adding some shiny new hardware and reattaching a tendon; the 2 breaks in the right foot will heal on their own in a boot. In the meanwhile – immobilized, …
September 2, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
The other day I loaded Pepper and Daisy into the car along with their boundless energy and enthusiasm. Sometimes it feels like I have four dogs instead of two. We drove to Miss Kitty’s, where Daisy goes to doggy daycare, and I realized that I didn’t have my phone. Hmmm, I thought. Where could that phone be. And how am I going to get Daisy …
August 30, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
My couples’ book club just discussed “True Grit” by Charles Portis, one of the finest, funniest books I’ve ever read. I was out of town for the conversation – DARN – but some of my book club friends were happy to share a few thoughts. After a brief summary and a few Bacon ruminations, I’ll turn it over to Goldilocks and the Hunter, Pulaski and …
August 26, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I feel unmoored, I told my family, on day ten in the twilight zone. On day eleven, I drove back to Nashville…
August 19, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
In the dog days of August – and the double-dog days of Covid 19 – we seek solace where we can. You might find me eating Jeni’s Buttermint ice cream or watering the flowers obsessively. My older daughter and I have been watching a lot of Grey’s Anatomy while she recovers from a tonsillectomy, but I’m thinking we could have made a better choice. “It’s …
August 16, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
Cities across the United States rang bells to celebrate the ratification of the 19th amendment in August of 1920. Though the crucial, tie-breaking vote had taken place in the Tennessee legislature, Nashville remained quiet. A streetcar strike required his full attention, the Mayor said – and that was that. Well goodness it’s about time we rang some bells, friends! The Nashville Public Library is spearheading …
August 14, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I’ve been trying to write something about Keltie Hays Peay for days as a way to honor her memory. Many of you who shop at Parnassus in Nashville know Keltie as a golden-haired goddess of a bookseller. Things you might not know about her? She graduated from Harvard back in the day. She practiced law for nearly 20 years. I only knew Keltie for a …
August 12, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
“Puppy for sale. Looks like something bought at Cracker Barrel. Ankle biter, toy stealer, attention hound, cry baby. Pees in house. Price: $1, negotiable. Contact Pepper@BaconOnTheBookshelf.” It’s rough going at our house if you want some peace and quiet. But if you’re in the mood for a party, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got wild days and long nights. Rampant mischief and creative …
August 9, 2020
by jenniferpuryear
I think I’m getting the job done in the Time of Corona – tending the dogs and the mostly grown kids and the new flower beds, trying to be an encouragement to those around me. Daisy Baby is a big help with the flowers. I’m finding contentment close to home – often – despite the worries and the despair at the ways I fail and …