A thought, a book, an outfit, date night, and a recipe
Hello and welcome to my Silver Musings blog. There is always a free “musing” every Sunday. On Wednesdays I publish a series of what I’m wearing every week in 2025. I also just launched my Studio Saturday series which highlights my flameworking and art jewelry. And sometimes there’s more ….
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A little bit about me: I’m Louise a glass and jewelry artist now retired. I made glass and jewelry for 30 years and muse about my journey as well as navigating life in my 70’s. You can also find me on Instagram @louiselittle.
A Thought
Dear Kleenex - please make some solid-colored boxes of tissues. Thanks.
I just ordered this….
A Book
Matt Haig's "The Midnight Library" is a wonderful story that takes readers on an exploration of one’s life's choices and the power of embracing the present.
I listened to the audio book, and I think the reader enhanced my pleasure.
The story centers around Nora, a 35ish woman who is feeling overwhelmed by regret and a sense of irrelevance. At the moment she decides to end her life. she finds herself entering the Midnight Library—a mysterious realm between life and death. The library is filled with books that all represent regrets that Nora had and different choices she could have made. And she could choose a book and visit that life.
This book is extremely thought provoking. It’s emotional in a good way. And I highly recommend it.
An Outfit
I never allow myself to wear elasticized waist pants. Even when I worked and came home to change into something more comfortable, I always kept on my bra and chose jeans. I’m wondering what that says about me.
But on Sunday - that’s a different story. I like to be comfortable but still put together. So, I just purchased this set from Varley. I’m going back to get the matching shorts too. It is Tucson after all. By the way the pants come in lengths. This is the 25” inseam perfect for petites.
Date Night
Since 2016, we’ve made a tradition of going on a date night every Wednesday. Back then, I needed a change—something to shake up our routine and bring a little extra spark to our everyday lives. It’s easy to fall into complacency, and I wanted more.
Most of our date nights involve a nice dinner out. In the beginning, Alex would surprise me by making a reservation, and I wouldn’t know where we were going. Now I like to know so I can dress appropriately. He put together a rotation of about eight favorite restaurants, but every so often, I’d read about a new spot to try. Some made it into the regular lineup, while others faded away. Once a year, we even make a special trip to Phoenix to check out a restaurant I’ve been eyeing. When we do, we love staying at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn. Right now, I have my sights set on Luna by Giada, a restaurant by chef Giada De Laurentiis. And the ultimate date night is coming up in April. Stay tuned.
Part of the fun is the anticipation. I love planning my outfit, sometimes indulging in a bubble bath before we head out. But the best part? A night free from cooking.
This week, we’re heading to North Italia. We always opt for the patio—it’s perfect in this weather, and even on cooler nights, the heaters make it cozy. There are several dishes I love there, but what I look forward to most is the Barolo wine.
Barolo is a prestigious, full-bodied red wine from Italy’s Piedmont region, made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape. By law, it must age for at least two years in wood and another year in the bottle before it can be released. Nebbiolo is something special. It delivers bright cherry and strawberry notes, but as it ages, it develops layers of rose, tar, porcini, and wild herbs like sage—complex and enchanting in a way that only Pinot Noir can rival.
So, I’m looking forward to a great night. Might even treat myself to a second glass.
A Recipe
Do you buy packets of taco seasoning at the grocery store? STOP
Here’s a simple recipe to make and it tastes so much better! I’ll post some recipes soon of some great Southwestern dinners where I use this seasoning.
2 tsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. black pepper
This makes about as much as in a packet. I usually quadruple the recipe and store it in the pantry.
Thanks for following my journey. If you know of someone else who might enjoy my musings, consider sharing!
Louise X