Ann Patchett

I've been carrying Ann Patchett's excellent book, Bel Canto, around for a couple of weeks. She writes so carefully that I am reading at a hesitant,slow pace so I don't miss any of the beautiful prose.
I also can't get Ann's view of her home out of my mind.

I understand the world is full of spectacular things I’ve yet to see, but I can’t imagine any of them would satisfy me as deeply as this house, the casement window in the shower, the light pouring through the halls, or the ceiling in our bedroom, with its thin strips of pale wood that thrill me every morning when I open my eyes.