Canadian Reader followed some of the suggestions she saw in a book on hygge and tried some the interesting light features for dark winter months in her house this year. Hygge (pronounced "hoo-guh") is a Danish word for cosiness ... as in all things precious and gently worn. It is about making a comfortable and welcoming space. British author Laura Weir thinks it has become such a phenomenon that it now comes with a certain elitism since being "hi-jacked by hipsters and interior design magazines." (from the introduction) Her response was Cosy: the British Art of Comfort, an absolutely delightful book. There are chapters on tea (of course), cosy clothing (including socks), feasts, books, films and more. The author calls it a "hug of a book" and I agree. :-)

Another feel good sort of book for these troubling times is When You Love a Dog, by M.H. Clark and illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi. It touches on all the wonderful things about having a dog in your life. There's the greeting you get when you come through the door, a walk, a tummy rub ... it should make you smile. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog