Seven Days - Seven Covers: 2026 - Day One
Mar. 8th, 2026 05:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitstonepicnicking_okapi reminded me about this, so I thought if I was going to take part this month, I needed to get on with it. So, seven books I own, no caption, no comment. Happy to answer questions in the comments.
The Red Shoes
Mar. 7th, 2026 10:47 amsmallhobbitRegularly readers of this blog will know that I am a fan of Sir Matthew Bourne's New Adventures productions. Their current production is The Red Shoes, based on the 1948 film. Originally, we had planned to see it back in January at Sadler's Wells, in London, but the weather that week was dodgy, which would have upset the trains (GWR trains are very temperamental), so we got a credit for our theatre tickets and booked to see it in Cardiff instead.
We went on Thursday, with a much shorter train journey, arriving in time for lunch and a quick walk around part of Cardiff Bay before heading to the matinée performance. The Cardiff Millennium Centre is a great venue for productions, and one I'd happily return to.
The production was everything we'd hoped for. I last saw it in December 2019, so remembered most of the story, but with different dancers the performance was always going to be new. The dancing was excellent - I don't think I can pick out anyone in particular, although I was delighted Victoria Page was danced by Cordelia Braithwaite, who I really like. The staging, music and lighting all helped to enhance it, and I was so pleased we had seen it.
It continues to tour for another couple of months, and then next year, it will be Cinderella. I'm already thinking of booking tickets.
We went on Thursday, with a much shorter train journey, arriving in time for lunch and a quick walk around part of Cardiff Bay before heading to the matinée performance. The Cardiff Millennium Centre is a great venue for productions, and one I'd happily return to.
The production was everything we'd hoped for. I last saw it in December 2019, so remembered most of the story, but with different dancers the performance was always going to be new. The dancing was excellent - I don't think I can pick out anyone in particular, although I was delighted Victoria Page was danced by Cordelia Braithwaite, who I really like. The staging, music and lighting all helped to enhance it, and I was so pleased we had seen it.
It continues to tour for another couple of months, and then next year, it will be Cinderella. I'm already thinking of booking tickets.
Audiobooks - January and February 2026
Mar. 4th, 2026 02:14 pmsmallhobbitI started the year with only 11 books on my TBL list, plus 2 pre-orders, which has now grown to 13 books and 3 pre-orders, but I should clear most, if not all, by the end of the year.
I've had 2 DNFs, and here are the first 5 I've heard:
Parsley Sidings a BBC radio series, full cast
Typical radio comedy from the early 1970s which still made me laugh. I listened on and off for a few months, and enjoyed the nostalgia of my early teens.
A Three Dog Problem by S J Bennett, read by Samantha Bond
The second in the series where Queen Elizabeth II solves crimes around the palace. I'm a republican (Small R!) but find the series entertaining and relaxing. I have the next two in the series which I shall be listening to later in the year.
The Happiness List by Annie Lyons, read by Jaimi Barbakoff
I enjoy books by Annie Lyons, again easy listening and the people seem very real, even if the Happy Ever After is not entirely realistic - but then, why not have a happy ending for characters we care about? The Happiness List is about three women who each have their own, very different problems, and are challenged to make a list of things which make them happy over a ten week course. The items which they include in their individual lists are very relatable.
Dishonour and Obey by Graham Brack, read by Alex Wyndham
The next Master Mercurius title, where Mercurius joins a diplomatic mission to England to arrange the marriage of Princess Mary, the daughter of James, Duke of York, to Stadhouder William of Orange. There's murder, espionage and general skulduggery. I shall be adding the next book to my list soon.
Death and Boules by Ian Moore, read by Ian Moore
The latest Follet Valley mystery. As bizarre as ever, this time involving, amongst other things, a pétanque tournament. I hope there are more, I really enjoyed listening to this one.
I've had 2 DNFs, and here are the first 5 I've heard:
Parsley Sidings a BBC radio series, full cast
Typical radio comedy from the early 1970s which still made me laugh. I listened on and off for a few months, and enjoyed the nostalgia of my early teens.
A Three Dog Problem by S J Bennett, read by Samantha Bond
The second in the series where Queen Elizabeth II solves crimes around the palace. I'm a republican (Small R!) but find the series entertaining and relaxing. I have the next two in the series which I shall be listening to later in the year.
The Happiness List by Annie Lyons, read by Jaimi Barbakoff
I enjoy books by Annie Lyons, again easy listening and the people seem very real, even if the Happy Ever After is not entirely realistic - but then, why not have a happy ending for characters we care about? The Happiness List is about three women who each have their own, very different problems, and are challenged to make a list of things which make them happy over a ten week course. The items which they include in their individual lists are very relatable.
Dishonour and Obey by Graham Brack, read by Alex Wyndham
The next Master Mercurius title, where Mercurius joins a diplomatic mission to England to arrange the marriage of Princess Mary, the daughter of James, Duke of York, to Stadhouder William of Orange. There's murder, espionage and general skulduggery. I shall be adding the next book to my list soon.
Death and Boules by Ian Moore, read by Ian Moore
The latest Follet Valley mystery. As bizarre as ever, this time involving, amongst other things, a pétanque tournament. I hope there are more, I really enjoyed listening to this one.
The Friday Five: Last Week/Next Week
Mar. 1st, 2026 03:20 pmsmallhobbitThis week's ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
thefridayfive questions:
1. What made you happy this week?
I managed to do all the things I particularly wanted to get done
2. What made you sad?
Some of the frustrations of grant applications, but nothing significant - I was fortunate that way.
3. What made you angry?
I try not to get angry at things I can't do anything about, but there are some people whose heads I would like to bang together very firmly.
4. What are you looking forward to in the next week?
Going to see New Adventures The Red Shoes at Cardiff on Thursday
5. What are you not looking forward to?
It's a busy week, so managing to do all the things I would like to get done.
thefridayfive questions:1. What made you happy this week?
I managed to do all the things I particularly wanted to get done
2. What made you sad?
Some of the frustrations of grant applications, but nothing significant - I was fortunate that way.
3. What made you angry?
I try not to get angry at things I can't do anything about, but there are some people whose heads I would like to bang together very firmly.
4. What are you looking forward to in the next week?
Going to see New Adventures The Red Shoes at Cardiff on Thursday
5. What are you not looking forward to?
It's a busy week, so managing to do all the things I would like to get done.
Bingo - National Crafting Month
Mar. 1st, 2026 02:42 pmsmallhobbitThis month's allbingo theme is National Crafting Month and this is my card
allbingo theme is National Crafting Month and this is my card| Spinning Wheel | Carpentry |
| Sketch Book | Papier-mâche |
Writing - February 2026
Feb. 28th, 2026 11:43 amsmallhobbitJust over 10.5K words this month, which is still a good number for me, and brings my annual total so far to 25.5K, allowing breathing space later in the year since my goal for this year is 100K.
Forallbingo Valentine's month I wrote A Fortunate Meeting starring Miss Marple, who denies being responsible but was certainly involved.
small_fandoms had their annual drabblethon and this year I wrote a series (29 drabbles because I needed to include everybody) A Year at the Midnight Bell
ushobwri had their annual WiP month, and I finally finished The Last Chapter which is Spooks (MI5) with Lucas faced with more family news. Although as I was writing it, I had an idea for a follow up, so A Family Saga looks like it may still continue. I also used this for my entry to this year's crackthewip
And, although written last month, mycandyheartsex exchange was posted To Brighten Your Life Discworld Sam Vimes/Sybil Ramkin.
For
allbingo Valentine's month I wrote A Fortunate Meeting starring Miss Marple, who denies being responsible but was certainly involved.small_fandoms had their annual drabblethon and this year I wrote a series (29 drabbles because I needed to include everybody) A Year at the Midnight Bellushobwri had their annual WiP month, and I finally finished The Last Chapter which is Spooks (MI5) with Lucas faced with more family news. Although as I was writing it, I had an idea for a follow up, so A Family Saga looks like it may still continue. I also used this for my entry to this year's crackthewip And, although written last month, my
candyheartsex exchange was posted To Brighten Your Life Discworld Sam Vimes/Sybil Ramkin.WoT Fic: Sleep Snare
Feb. 28th, 2026 10:22 amkat_lair***
Title: Sleep Snare
Author:kat_lair
Fandom: Wheel of Time (books & TV)
Pairing: Egwene al'Vere/Lanfear | Cyndane
Tags: Lucid Dreaming, Non-Consensual Touching, Non-Consensual Somnophilia, Painplay, Power Dynamics, Forced Orgasm, Humiliation, these tags make this sound way more explicit than it actually is
Rating: E because...
Warning: Rape/Non-Con
Word count: 1,138
Summary: She falls asleep like a stone dropped into a river, straight through the silt at the bottom and onto the other side. She opens her eyes in Tel’aran’rhiod, and there’s a moment between realising where she is and who has her that she could reach for control, but by the time the shape above her solidifies into Lanfear’s smiling face, it’s too late.
Author notes: Response toelasticella's prompt of 'Egwene/Lanfear, somnophilia/nightmare sex/painplay/etc.' over at fiachairecht's Bring Her Bleeding Heart to Me { a dark femslash commentfic meme for femslash february }. This is unbetaed so if you spot a typo/mistake, please let me know.
Sleep Snare on AO3
( Sleep Snare )
***
Title: Sleep Snare
Author:
kat_lair Fandom: Wheel of Time (books & TV)
Pairing: Egwene al'Vere/Lanfear | Cyndane
Tags: Lucid Dreaming, Non-Consensual Touching, Non-Consensual Somnophilia, Painplay, Power Dynamics, Forced Orgasm, Humiliation, these tags make this sound way more explicit than it actually is
Rating: E because...
Warning: Rape/Non-Con
Word count: 1,138
Summary: She falls asleep like a stone dropped into a river, straight through the silt at the bottom and onto the other side. She opens her eyes in Tel’aran’rhiod, and there’s a moment between realising where she is and who has her that she could reach for control, but by the time the shape above her solidifies into Lanfear’s smiling face, it’s too late.
Author notes: Response to
elasticella's prompt of 'Egwene/Lanfear, somnophilia/nightmare sex/painplay/etc.' over at fiachairecht's Bring Her Bleeding Heart to Me { a dark femslash commentfic meme for femslash february }. This is unbetaed so if you spot a typo/mistake, please let me know.Sleep Snare on AO3
( Sleep Snare )
***
Books - February 2026
Feb. 26th, 2026 04:46 pmsmallhobbitI've read 10 books this month, which seems a little ridiculous...
The Shadow Puppet by Georges Simenon
Continuing my plan to read all the Maigret's in our library this year. A Parisian based mystery, where all is not as it seems.
Stories for Lovers edited by Lucy Evans
The latest edition in the British Library Women Writers series. These are short stories from the 1920s through to the 2000s. I enjoyed some of the stories, mostly the earlier ones.
Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
I've read a number of books by Jess Kidd, but this is her first crime mystery. It's set in 1954 in a seaside town in Kent. It wasn't a brilliant story, although by the end I'd enjoyed it. I suspect because I'm used to reading crime novels written in the 1950s it felt a bit out of time. A second in the series is due out later this year, so I'll probably read it at some time.
Death on the Downbeat by Sebastian Farr
A Shedunnit runner up this month, which had appealed for a while. I liked the idea of the orchestra conductor being shot in the middle of a concert and the story being told in epistolary fashion, with lots of musical references. But I didn't enjoy it.
The Edge of Darkness by Vaseem Khan
The next in the Persis Wadia series, I reserved a copy as soon as I knew the library were getting them. Persis, the first female inspector in the Indian police force, has been banished to the Naga Hills. A murder is committed and events tie in with both the current unrest (it's 1951) and previous times. It's a locked room mystery with an interesting cast of characters and a lot of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fra Angelico by Christopher Lloyd
Mainly talking about the over 50 colour plates of his paintings, while also providing details about Fra Angelico's life. Not my preferred style of painting, but nonetheless very interesting.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
I'd not come across Baldwin before, so it was interesting to read his very powerful essay on the plight of black people in America in the 1960s. What's alarming is that although some things have changed, 60 years on many attitudes haven't.
The Double Turn by Carol Carnac (E C R Lorac)
The latest British Library Crime Classics book, featuring Inspector Rivers. This one was written in 1956 and features some interesting characters and a lot of twists and turns. It also gives an idea of London at the time.
The Saint-Fiacre Affair by Georges Simenon
This time ends up back in the small town he grew up in and where there are people he still recognises. Very different from the one I read earlier in the month, although both date from the same time.
War with the Newts by Karel Capek
This took me a while to get into, although even at the beginning I knew I wanted to read it. Capek, a Czech, wrote this in 1936 as an allegory on the current political situation. Some of his observations of different national characteristics are hilarious, others terrifying. If you're looking for something a bit different to read this year, then I'd recommend this. A sea captain discovers a colony of newts in Sumatra who can be trained to do various things, and things take off from there.
The Shadow Puppet by Georges Simenon
Continuing my plan to read all the Maigret's in our library this year. A Parisian based mystery, where all is not as it seems.
Stories for Lovers edited by Lucy Evans
The latest edition in the British Library Women Writers series. These are short stories from the 1920s through to the 2000s. I enjoyed some of the stories, mostly the earlier ones.
Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
I've read a number of books by Jess Kidd, but this is her first crime mystery. It's set in 1954 in a seaside town in Kent. It wasn't a brilliant story, although by the end I'd enjoyed it. I suspect because I'm used to reading crime novels written in the 1950s it felt a bit out of time. A second in the series is due out later this year, so I'll probably read it at some time.
Death on the Downbeat by Sebastian Farr
A Shedunnit runner up this month, which had appealed for a while. I liked the idea of the orchestra conductor being shot in the middle of a concert and the story being told in epistolary fashion, with lots of musical references. But I didn't enjoy it.
The Edge of Darkness by Vaseem Khan
The next in the Persis Wadia series, I reserved a copy as soon as I knew the library were getting them. Persis, the first female inspector in the Indian police force, has been banished to the Naga Hills. A murder is committed and events tie in with both the current unrest (it's 1951) and previous times. It's a locked room mystery with an interesting cast of characters and a lot of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Fra Angelico by Christopher Lloyd
Mainly talking about the over 50 colour plates of his paintings, while also providing details about Fra Angelico's life. Not my preferred style of painting, but nonetheless very interesting.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
I'd not come across Baldwin before, so it was interesting to read his very powerful essay on the plight of black people in America in the 1960s. What's alarming is that although some things have changed, 60 years on many attitudes haven't.
The Double Turn by Carol Carnac (E C R Lorac)
The latest British Library Crime Classics book, featuring Inspector Rivers. This one was written in 1956 and features some interesting characters and a lot of twists and turns. It also gives an idea of London at the time.
The Saint-Fiacre Affair by Georges Simenon
This time ends up back in the small town he grew up in and where there are people he still recognises. Very different from the one I read earlier in the month, although both date from the same time.
War with the Newts by Karel Capek
This took me a while to get into, although even at the beginning I knew I wanted to read it. Capek, a Czech, wrote this in 1936 as an allegory on the current political situation. Some of his observations of different national characteristics are hilarious, others terrifying. If you're looking for something a bit different to read this year, then I'd recommend this. A sea captain discovers a colony of newts in Sumatra who can be trained to do various things, and things take off from there.
( bingo card )