Stepping Away from the Edge

Right Now . . . April 2013

I don't know about you, but April flew past so quickly that I really never got used to it being April.  And now, it's almost over!

Here's what's happening in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . The changing scenes outside.  Rain.  Sunshine.  Buds.  But nothing on television.  (I am recording some things to watch eventually.  But . . . I seem to have no time for tv these days.)

Reading . . . Oh.  The books!  There are so many fabulous books.  My to-read queue grows longer every day.  Right now, I'm reading The Interestings (which just isn't really living up to its title, unfortunately) and Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald (not far enough into it to gauge, at this point).  I do need to recommend a recent read, though:  A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki.  Very good!

Knitting . . . Just finished ChicKnit's Elisbeth cardigan (short sleeve version).  It's blocking as I type, so watch for photos soon.  I'm working on a spring-color version of this shawl.  But, mostly, I'm not doing a whole lot of knitting these days.

Listening to . . . Weezer.  Soundgarden.  Train.  And some Beatles - just for balance.

 

Thinking about . . . Gardening.  Pretty much full-on gardening.

Dreading . . . Ugh.  The dentist.  By the time you read this post, I'll be finished with Appointment #1 of my two-part Crown Experience.  (I dread.  But it will be nice to be able to chew on the left side again!)

Humming . . . A song from my Turbo Kick class last Friday.  I don't know the name of the song, nor do I know who sings it -- which is lucky for you all.  Because if I knew either of those things, I'd look it up and insert it here.  And then you'd all hate me forever.  Because it's very, very catchy.

Planning . . . Gardens.  Designing them.  Planting them.  Sitting in them. 

 

Celebrating . . . Spring.  Finally.

Drinking . . . A spring tea blend mixed just for me at Teavana.

Itching to . . .Go barefoot.  (Also . . . tell a jerk what I really think.  I probably won't actually do this.  But it's therapeutic to think about anyway!)

Needing to . . .Weed, clean, and prepare my garden beds for the season ahead.  (And so happy about that.)

 

Organizing . . .  It's time - finally - to put away the wool and the heavy and the warm.  Time to break out the breezy and the light and the fun.  Need to get my closet in order!

Inspired by . . . Alabama Chanin. 

Delighted by. . . blooms and buds . . . breaking out all over!

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

Right Now . . . March 2013

So after a tough month, weather-wise (snow in March is never welcome, y'know?), it appears that March is . . . going out like a lamb!  Fine by me!

Here's what's happening in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . I'm re-watching Season 5 of Mad Men on Netflix right now in preparation for Season 6 (which begins on April 7).  I love to watch little Sally Draper . . . who is roughly the same age in the show as I was in real-time.  I'm always telling Tom . . . "I had those exact sheets!"  "I had those very shoes!"  "I had a locket just like that."  (He humors me.)  (And, of course.  There is Don.)  I'm also planning to check out Mr. Selfridge on Masterpiece Theater this Sunday night.

Reading . . . There are so many excellent books out there!  My to-read list is growing ever longer, and I lament my lack of reading time.  Right now, I'm enjoying Frances and Bernard immensely (this is an epistolary novel - letters - based on the correspondence of real-life authors Flannery O'Connell and Robert Lowell), and I'm also reading David Copperfield, my favorite Dickens of all time.  (Frances and Bernard is very short, and should be a quick read.  I, however, am savoring it slowly.  The writing is such a delight!)

Knitting . . . I'm doing an informal "knit-a-long" with some of my Kalamazoo knitting pals.  We're each making ChicKnit's Elisbeth cardigan (short sleeve version).  I'm actually a couple more repeats into the knit than the photo (above) shows.  It's a bit of a slog, I'll admit.  But I'm having fun with the cables.  I'm also knitting a spring-color version of this shawl.  And trying not to get too carried away with not-wool inspiration from this or this.

Listening to . . . Buena Vista Social Club.  They just make it feel like the sun is shining . . .and you're enjoying a gin and tonic . . . on the patio.

 

Thinking about . . . Priorities.  Setting them.  Having them.  Living them.  Life is full of options.

Dreading . . . Some dental work toward the end of April.  Ugh.  But not really much else right now.  (I'm in a good place this spring.)

Humming . . . Songs about sunshine.  Good Day Sunshine.  You are the Sunshine of My Life.  Walking in Sunshine.  But this is the one that is stuck in my head (enjoy it old school and original). . .

 

Planning . . . Gardens!  I have Big Ideas right now.  Some of them have been in-the-making for a couple of years.  This year . . . It Is Time.  (Get your diggin' shoes on, Tom!)

 

Celebrating . . . So very many things.  My birthday is tomorrow.  Jenny's leash restriction is over.  I'll be picking up my Mac later today.  Sunshine and mid-50s in the forecast.  (I'm ignoring the snow that is also in the forecast.)  

Drinking . . . Oberon.  (The Bell's Oberon release date is always like a birthday present to me!)

Itching to . . . Dig.  Not wear a coat.  Get a pedicure.  Wear my flip-flops.  Sit outside in the sunshine.

Needing to . . . Finish my taxes. I have started.  And, like they say. . . Once begun, half done.  So I must be at least half done by now!

Organizing . . .  The prime organization task on my to-do list is one I actually look forward to:  Switching out my winter clothes for my lighter spring and summer fare.  Can't wait!  (And check out the little notepads I found at Target for my written organizational tasks.  Love them!)

Inspired by . . . Surprises that are cropping up in my life.  Just little things. . . that really ARE surprising, when you stop and think about it.

Delighted by. . . Sort of wish I hadn't found these.  Because. . . YUM!

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

Right Now . . . February 2013

This has been One of Those Weeks.  You know. The kind that looks like hell on paper.  And is actually worse in real time.  But today, the fun part happens (a party!), and then I have an open weekend.

So, let's take a look at what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . Makers on PBS -- and looking forward to a couple of other series coming up on PBS later this spring.  (Nothing as groovy as Downton Abbey, of course.  But probably far less dramatic.  Which is fine by me.)

Reading . . . The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt.  What a slog!  I can't even tell you how much I dislike this book. . . but I've made quite an investment in reading it, so I will finish.  (Soon, I hope.)

Knitting . . . Surprise!  I'm knitting what might be The World's Fastest Sweater!  I'm actually nearing the end already (and not a button band in sight!).  It's been the perfect project for me over the last week or so, with nothing but round after circular round of stockinette stitch.

Listening to . . . Smashing Pumpkins.  Mat Kearney.  Cage the Elephant.

 

Thinking about . . . Sitting on the dock, Up North.  Planting things.  Dinner on the grill.  The Farmer's Market.  Flip flops.  (I think I've come down with Spring Fever.)

Dreading . . . After this week. . . really. . . there is nothing to dread.

Humming . . . Paradise by the Dashboard Lights  (. . .glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife. . . )

Planning . . . All planned out today.  I'm just going with the flow this month.

Celebrating . . . The arrival of March:  Robins!  More daylight!  The promise of spring!

 

Drinking . . . Wine by Joe.  (Really good.)

Itching to . . . Be outside.  Soak up some sun.  Go somewhere.

Needing to . . . Taxes.

Organizing . . . Just my to-do list.  Still overly long.  Even after this week.

Inspired by . . . The Barefoot Contessa.  She can really put some great recipes together, can't she?

Delighted by. . . This rather adorable drawing of Jenny that Tom included at the bottom of a note to me on our "communication white board."  I took a photo because the drawing won't last (being on a dry-erase board and all).  Cute, non?

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

Right Now . . . January 2013

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

 

Watching . . . Downton Abbey, of course.  (Still in shock over the demise of Lady Sybil. . .)  An episode of Portlandia every now and then, for laughs.  (Put a bird on it . . .)  And movies.  (Lots of movies.)

Reading . . . Alice Munro's newest short-story collection, Dear Life.  The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman.  And the poetry of Mary Oliver.  (Don't forget . . . Silent Poetry Reading, blog-style, coming up on February 2!)

Knitting . . . Ei-yi-yi!  We really will not speak of knitting today.  Except to say that my Tinder cardigan is finished (except for buttons and blocking).  It is currently in a bit of a balled up wad in the corner.  There was (ahem) a bit of an issue with one-row buttonholes.  But I had a lot of practice.  And now they're perfect.  PERFECT, I tell you.  I also finished a sock.  And that's all I'm going to say about knitting.

Listening to . . . Respighi, Ben Harper, and Motion City Soundtrack.  Also. . . Macklemore*.  (Thanks for the introduction, Brian!)

Thinking about . . . Being open to SURPRISES in my life.

Dreading . . . Wallpaper removal.  And how it's really the only thing holding me back from a having a cool bathroom.

Humming . . . Sweet Emotion.  Aerosmith.

Planning . . . A special birthday celebration for my special friend, Sandie.  A little trip with my sister (to Not Europe).  And how to get everything ready to deal with my recalled iMac (Still.  I don't want to do it.).

Celebrating . . . Another 6-month oncology check-up under my belt.  All is well.

Drinking . . . Chai latte.  I got hooked on this great mix from a local coffee/tea company.  Like. . . really hooked.  And now, I can't find any more.  So sad.

Itching to . . . Plant something!

Needing to . . . Get straight with what YEAR it is.  Here it is, the end of January, and I'm still having a hard time writing 2013!!!

Organizing . . . My address book and letter-writing tools.  Tomorrow begins the Month of Letters.  Join in -- click on the link in my sidebar and learn more.

Inspired by . . . The Dreambird Shawl, Scandinavian design, and the succulent planters I saw at the greenhouse last weekend.

Delighted by. . . My new - and practically-perfect-in-every-way bag for work!  After years (seriously. . . YEARS!), I have finally found the most wonderful work/laptop bag in the world (and fairly reasonably priced, too).

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

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*  See for yourself. . .

 

Right Now. . . December

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . Movies.  Lots of movies.  This week alone, Tom and I have made three trips to the theatre.  Silver Linings Playbook.  Les Miserables.  Django Unchained.  ALL Very Good!  (We've also recently seen Argo, Lincoln, and Skyfall.  Worth seeing.  Every One.)

Reading . . . Just finished The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman.  Very difficult, but very moving.  I'm speed-reading through Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante (a page-turner with an interesting point of view), and savoring two books of poetry by Mary Oliver (Christmas gifts from Tom).  I'm still slogging through The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann (disappointing).

Knitting . . . Ah.  My knitting.  A rather sorry state of affairs at present.  Let's just say . . . I'm on a bit of an accessories kick. . . and leave it right there for now.

Listening to . . . NOT Christmas music.  Pretty much anything BUT Christmas music, in fact.  (There just comes a point when it Has to Stop.  Y'know?)

Thinking about . . . Work, mostly.  (And in a good way.)

Dreading . . . Both Brian and Tom (AND my best pal, Sandie) have been struck low with a dreadful coughing CRUD.  So far, I have been spared.  I keep downing EmergenC. . . hoping for a full reprieve, but dreading the CRUD all the same.

Humming . . . Songs from Les Mis . . . and, in particular, "Stars" (the Inspector Javert/Russell Crowe song).  I have seen the stage production of Les Mis many, many (many!) times over the last 20 years.  I was, frankly, a bit worried about how I would respond to "movie stars" singing in the movie (and, truth be told, I was especially worried about Russell Crowe singing Javert's "Stars," one of my favorites from the musical).  But.  Not a problem.  I loved it still.  And, although some critics have not been kind about Crowe's voice, I loved his rendition of "Stars."  I thought his voice brought a real-ness, a human-ness to both Javert AND the song.  

Planning . . . Setting my 2013 planner to rights, and getting organized for the new year.

Celebrating . . . the New Year, of course!  Our plans on New Year's Eve are never glamorous or exciting.  This year, we're going to a special New Year's Eve dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants with friends ("Five Courses, No Regrets" . . . gotta love it!).  Then. . . home to watch the ball drop (without Dick Clark . . .).

Drinking . . . Pendleton Canadian Rye Whisky.  (On the rocks.)

Itching to . . . Be a lazy slob.  Forever.

Needing to . . . Write my thank-you notes, put away Christmas, and get ready to hit the ground running come January 2!

Organizing . . . My calendar for 2013.

Inspired by . . . Blank calendars and planners.  Just makes me want to fill 'em up!

Delighted by. . . Snow.  (Even though there isn't much of it.)

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

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ADDENDUM:  Knitters, be sure to check this out before the end of the year!  SHARE THE LOVE!  Give yourself a wonderful holiday gift . . . a free pattern of your choosing from Tin Can Knits!

Right Now. . . November

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

 

Watching . . . I just watched Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl on PBS.  As usual with a Ken Burns documentary, it was excellent and interesting.  But, I must say . . . what a downer!

Reading . . . Astray by Emma Donaghue.  (Love me some well-written short stories!).  I'm also just about to delve into The Stockholm Octavo by Karen Engelmann, and I just finished Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver (strangely disappointing, yet a solid 3 stars).

Knitting . . . I have set aside my Tinder cardigan temporarily (despite the fact that I only have the right front yet to knit) in order to finish up a few holiday gifts.

Listening to . . . A very eclectic playlist mix on my iPod . . . a little of everything from the BeeGees to the Grateful Dead, from Bruce Springsteen to Gladys Knight, from Hall & Oates to Smashing Pumpkins.  Yep.  Eclectic.  (It's a bit early for me to turn to Christmas music, but soon.)

Thinking about . . . Enough stuff that my head may explode.  (There's a lot going on in there right now.

Dreading . . . Taking Jenny out to pee . . . every time . . . on a leash.  For four months.  Also . . . keeping her from jumping up into "her" favorite chair.  (Probably shorter than four months on that one.  But . . . Long Enough.)

Humming . . . Roundabout.  (Part of my Eclectic Mix.  This one stuck.)

 

Planning . . . Christmas.  Natch.

Excited about . . . Brian's Most Excellent exam grade on his P-chem exam this week.  (It's the little celebrations that count, y'know?)

Drinking . . . A very nice cab. (With a great label, non?)

Itching to . . . Decorate for Christmas.

Needing to . . . Get shopping!

Organizing . . . Nothin'!  That's right.  You heard me.  Nothin'!  Because I actually completed ALL of my planned organization projects this fall!  4 closets, 2 kids bedrooms, 1 guest room, my home office [including file cabinets], the family room, and my sewing/knitting room.  Let the wild rumpus start!

Inspired by . . .The calendar.  (Probably "inspired" isn't the right word.  It's more  like . . . "panicked into inspiration by"!)

Delighted by. . . Ummm.  I hate to admit this in such a public way. . . but the Angry Birds STAR WARS edition.  (Somebody stop me. . . )

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

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Also.  With this post, I successfully completed NaBloPoMo.  Quietly and without fanfare. 

Right Now . . . October

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . Outside, I'm watching the leaves fall.  Fast.  Most of the loveliness is gone now.  Just the dull oak leaves, bare branches, and a few colorfull hangers-on remain.  Inside, I'm watching Upstairs Downstairs on PBS. 

Reading . . . In Sunlight and In Shadow by Mark Helprin (which is delicious . . . if you like lyrical language and poetry; which . . . I do.)  Also still slogging through this biography of Catherine the Great.  It's good, and I like it. . . but I can put it down and not lose the thread.  Y'know?

Knitting . . . I am working on this cardigan, and using this yarn.  Frankly, I don't see what all the fuss is about this yarn, but it is beginning to grow on me.  I'm also working on my Leftie, with many more little leaf-blobs complete, now, than when you last saw it.

Humming . . . Pilot of the Air Waves.  Really.  Where do these things come from?

 

Thinking about . . . how to bring LIGHT into my ever-darker days.

Listening to . . . my phone ring.  And ring.  And ring.  But not answering.  Because I can't bear one more election-related robo-call.

Dreading . . . Jenny's upcoming X-ray procedure (and the aftermath, which might be surgery).  Jenny has likely torn a ligament -- all that dock-jumping, I'm afraid -- and has been limping lately.  She has to have an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis, but must be put under anesthesia first. . . because dogs don't cooperate with X-rays.  This isn't for another week; I hate having her in pain -- but I also hate having to put her through this procedure.

Planning . . . my plan-of-attack on the holidays.

Excited about . . . finally checking out the recipes in this double issue!  I look forward to the November issue of Cooking Light more than I look forward to the September issue of Vogue.  (Yeah.  True confessions.)

Drinking . . . Yes.  (And let's just leave it at that.)

Itching to . . . peel wallpaper from my upstairs bathroom, but will hold off until after the holidays.  Because I don't need any MORE projects.  (And that one wasn't on my list.)

Needing to . . . deal with the fact that my iMac's hard drive has been "recalled."  Although Apple is going to make it right, it's still a pain in the ass.  For many reasons.

Organizing . . . closets.  Always.  Forever.  Until the end of time.

Inspired by . . .progress!

Delighted by. . . my new knitting bag.  Perfect; absolutely perfect.  (And, best of all, I got it with an unused WEBS gift card I found while cleaning out my closet!!!!)

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

Right Now. . . September

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . the leaves just beginning to turn.

Reading . . . Painter of Silence by Georgina Harding (still working through the Orange Prize longlist nominees; this one actually made the shortlist) and a rather meaty biography of Catherine the Great (inspired by my trip to St. Petersburg).

Knitting . . . Now that I've cleared the decks of my fiddly-stuff, I've cast on for this cardigan.  I also discovered some charming (and rather addicting) sock yarn.  There may also be a cowl whispering in my ear.

Humming . . . I'm so sorry to report this, but I'm humming Olivia Newton John tunes.  All of them.  (And it is completely Tom's fault.)

Thinking about . . . two Great Adventures!  First, I'm off to Salt Lake City to visit Margene (and Carole will be there, too!) and the Alta Lodge Knitter's Retreat.  Then, in a couple of weeks, I'm making a pilgrimage to Rhinebeck with Patty! 

Listening to . . . NOT Olivia Newton John.  Lately my iPod has been tuned to the Stone Temple Pilots.  (A far cry from "I Honestly Love You". . . let me tell you!)

Dreading . . . a BIG deadline coming up after I return from Utah. . . and before I go to Rhinebeck.  It'll be fun, let me tell you.

Planning . . . my final approach on the garden for the season.  Also, holiday plans are beginning to enter the consciousness.

Excited about . . . meeting Margene and Carole and Cheryl and Patty . . . IN REAL LIFE.

Drinking . . . Water.  Lots of water!  (I need to hydrate to prepare for high altitude.)

Itching to . . . paint!  STILL.  After all these months.  I do have progress to report, though.  The ceiling is finished. 

Needing to . . . finish my packing and manage some loose ends.

Organizing . . . nothing at the moment.

Inspired by . . . adventure!

Delighted by. . . cool days and cooler nights; birds at my feeders; mums and pumpkins.

How about YOU?  What's going on for YOU . . . right now?

Right Now . . . August

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . some weird berries that have appeared on a tree hanging over my pond (never had berries on this tree before, so I'm confused AND annoyed); these berries are falling into my pond, turning the water purple, and smelling like fermented YUCK; not a pretty show.

Reading . . . 11/22/63 by Stephen King.  Surprisingly delicious. . . a little like eating potato chips, you know?  Although it's awfully long, at nearly 1,000 pages.  Ready to plow on through . . . because there are So Many other books I want to read. . .

Knitting . . . I have three projects that are in need of fiddly-finishing.  Like. . . really fiddly.  (More in a post next week.)  I have a lace scarf on the needles (gorgeous; 8 repeats in so far; not gonna be able to memorize this one!).  I need to cast on for something new, and I'm in the mood for a sweater!  Thinking . . . this, this, or this.

Humming . . . "F**kin' Perfect" by Pink.

Thinking about . . . Where did the summer go?  How can tomorrow be September?  Already!

Listening to . . . I seem to be gravitating to Pearl Jam at the moment . . . with a little Motion City Soundtrack . . . and Shawn Colvin thrown in for balance!

Dreading . . . Less daylight.

Planning . . . I am in full-blown Planning Mode at the moment.  I am planning EVERYthing.

Excited about . . . September!  I always think of September as the REAL "beginning of the year" . . . so I'm excited about a fresh start . . . and beginning again . . . and NEW crayons!

Drinking . . . Our favorite wine shop just had a big wine sale.  Tom stocked up on some really fine pinots . . . and I am enjoying!

Itching to . . . Paint!  (Still.  I know this was where I was last month.  Some things are slow.)

Needing to . . . Finalize the details. . . Yarn Sale coming!

Organizing . . . EVERYthing!  Like I mentioned above. . . full blown Planning Mode.

Inspired by . . . Light!

Delighted by. . . The absolutely delightful weather right now!  Sunshine.  Warm (but not hot).  A little rain now and then.  Not humid.  Ahhhhh.  Summer at its best.

How about you?  What's happening for YOU . . . Right Now?

Right Now . . . July Edition

Here's what's going on in my life  . . . RIGHT NOW.

Watching . . . the Olympics.  But, so far, I've only watched about 30 minutes worth.  (That Ryan Lochte is pretty dang adorable, non?)

Reading . . . Broken Harbor by Tana French.  (Also very intrigued by the newly-released Man Booker Prize longlist.  I always try to read most of the Man Booker nominees, so now I have a whole, new list to work from.)

Knitting . . . I'm working on this little tank/sweater from this little magazine.  Also up:  a pair of socks (gasp!) and a lace scarf (yet to cast on . . . but soon!) from Anne Hanson.

Humming . . . Tunes from I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change!  (Tom and I saw it at Farmer's Alley Theater last Friday night -- and it was so much fun.)

Thinking about . . . So very, very, many things.  All at the same time.

Listening to . . . Amos Lee.  So nice.

Dreading . . . You probably don't want to hear this . . . but over the weekend, while "helping" us transplant some things in the garden, Jenny discovered a bunny nest.  We covered it back up before any damage was done, but. . . I dread what will happen if the mom-bunny doesn't come back.  Or our neighborhood hawk finds them.  Or other nature-y unpleasantness.

Planning . . . The rest of the summer. . . and how to make hay while the sun shines.

Excited about . . . Redecorating!  It started with some painting Up North . . . and now, I'm getting all excited about plans to re-paint and re-format and re-do . . . everywhere.

Drinking . . . LaCroix sparkling water.  (I'm especially fond of the orange flavor.)

Itching to . . . Paint!

Needing to . . . Thin out my Yarn Stash.  I have some yarns (nice yarns!) that I just know I'll never knit with.  Ever.  I'm needing to have a Stash Sale.

Organizing . . . I've been working on a better calendar system for myself.  Although I love the calendar on my iPhone/iPad, I just don't use "digital" calendars as effectively as I do "Old School" calendars.  For me, there's just something about "penciling-it-in. . ." and actually writing things down.

Inspired by . . . A lampshade.  (Pottery Barn.  This one.)

Delighted by. . . My succulent container gardens . . . and my frogs!  (The rest of my garden looks pretty darn crappy this year.  I blame the weather.)

How about you?  What's happening for YOU . . . Right Now?