Laura's Commonplace Book

I’ve recently taken to reading more in my spare time. While the children are away at school and my husband gone to work, I must have something to keep my mind busy. I’ve just finished reading a few chapters of the novel Aurora Leigh. I chose it because I always enjoy a good romance, and the fact that Aurora is such a self-determining character makes me envy her. This particular quote reminded me so much of my younger self. I had led a virtuous life until the goblins appeared, and then everything changed. Until then, I lived life unknowing that the experiences that awaited me were even a…

What a delicious recipe! I was looking for something to make when Lizzie comes over in a few days. She used to beg me to make desserts like this when we lived together. I miss how simple things used to be before that dark moment in our lives when I gave up everything for the Goblin Market. We would rise together at sun up, milk the cows, churn butter, knead cakes, and fill the gaps in between each chore with our chatter.  Completing each little chore used to bother me, I yearned for something more exciting in life. Although, now that I’ve been through something so barbaric, I find…

Ah, wild nights. This poem reminds me so much of my younger, unrestrained self. It was back when I indulged in every whim I’d had, and those wild nights were my luxury. Perhaps my sister never really understood the charm of indulgence the way that I did, or at least to the same extent. Looking back on the event now, I have the hindsight to recognize that my decision was dangerous, selfish, and utterly irresponsible. I sacrificed the sweetness of everyday domesticity with Lizzie for the chance of something sweeter. It caused our relationship so much pain, and for that, I will be forever…