Right Now - September 2016

I just can't believe it's the end of September already.  My head is spinning.  How can this be?

Yet . . . it's suddenly darker.  And cooler.  And the leaves are beginning to turn.  (Time flies.)  

Here's what's going on for me . . . Right Now.

Watching . . . As usual, not much on television or at the theater.  I've watched a few baseball games.  And I watched the debate the other night.  (Oh, brother.)  Best post-debate summary? Click here.  (And if you are the one person on the face of the earth who hasn't already seen this clip, do watch.  In the words of Ferris Bueller . . . "it is SO CHOICE.")

Humming . . . Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious.  (Because above.)

Reading . . . I've been reading a lot of poetry lately, mostly Mary Oliver.  I find it very soothing right now.  In print, I'm currently reading The Portable Veblen by Elizabeth McKenzie.  I've been waiting MONTHS for this on Overdrive, so I'm thrilled to finally dive in.  (This one was nominated for both the Women's Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award.)  In my ears, I'm listening to The Dig by John Preston.  It's . . . fine.  Walking that fine line between Somewhat Interesting and Kind of Tedious.  (But it's short, so there is that.)

Knitting . . . I've picked up this sweater again -- after quite a long hiatus.  There's actually not much left, but I'll be slogging along for awhile.  (Even though it's cotton.)  (And I had intended for it to be worn during the warmer months.)  I would say, actually, that it's quite likely I'll be wooed by something more . . . woolish soon.  Like maybe something from this great new book.  (Stay tuned.)

Drinking . . .  Hot tea.  It's suddenly (like overnight) turned very fall-ish, so a cup of tea is very comforting right now.

Itching to . . . Bring out the Woolen Garments.  It's Sweater Time!  (But . . . I am NOT yet putting on socks and "proper shoes.")

Delighted by . . . Fall blooms.  (And toad lilies, in particular.)

Needing to . . . Clean out my herb garden (a true casualty of my lost summer).  Maybe there are things worth harvesting -- but I'm afraid my attention at this point will just be too-little-too-late.  Best to just clean it up and plan for next season.

Looking forward to . . . Tom and I have tickets to see Book of Mormon later in October.  We've not seen it before, but we're pretty sure we're going to like it.

Creating . . . I'm back in my colored pencil class this semester.  Same great teacher; lots of great art-friends.  Still struggling with my drawings, but gaining more confidence all the time.  (This drawing is very much still in process.)  (But coming along.)  (And, yes.  That's a beer with jalapeños in it.)

Planning . . . My mom's memorial service.  My sister and I have lots of ideas, but please feel free to share any particularly meaningful things you've seen at services you've attended.  (I'm always looking for interesting ideas.)

Grateful for . . . All the support and kindness I've received from you!  The LOVE from this virtual community is more powerful and immediate than I ever, ever imagined.  Thank you.

Noticing . . . The leaves just beginning to turn.  With our very suddenly-falling temperatures and the disappearing daylight, it's only a matter of time now . . . before fall color is everywhere.  

How about YOU?  What's happening for you . . . RIGHT NOW?

Comments

[Patty]

The wood grain in your picture is spot on! Quite envious of your Book of Mormon plans. That is very high on the bucket list. Fall is here I'm afraid. Heading to NC tomorrow. :-) xo

[Carole]

The video is, of course, fantastic! And I'm totally jealous of your Book of Mormon tickets. I'm with you on the footwear and I think your drawing of the beer is terrific. Is that inspired by Xalapa from One Well?

[Vicki]

I brought my copy of Drop-Dead Easy Knits to knit night last night... and pretty sure I "sold" at least three! It is a fantastic book at an amazing price -- but you already knew that. ;)

[Jo]

You made me laugh--I swear, there is a season for wool sweaters and flip flops torn in tandem! Have a great weekend!

[margene]

I first thought your drawing was a photograph. You do beautiful work! The weather has started it's traditional tug of war. Winter has only happened in Alta. Fall is camping out everywhere else. October is so beautiful and I hope autumn lasts a long time! xox

[Bonny]

Glad to see lots of good stuff here, including that spot-on video and lovely toad lilies. They're so much prettier than their name implies! I've only helped plan one memorial service (my fil Chuck), and we did the usual - displayed lots of photographs, had a moving eulogy from one of his best friends (who had just lost his own son days before), and then people spontaneously stood up and started telling stories about Chuck for almost an hour. It was moving, interesting, honest, cathartic, and so comforting to hear how loved he was by people in all areas of his life.

[Geri]

Toad lilies are lovely! My garden needs some more fall blooms. Right now it's up to the sedum and asters to give me color. And oh boy do my spent phlox, etc. need to be cut back! I'm hoping to get started Monday. Keep drawing! your work is wonderful. Love that new knitting book, but I must order it pronto! Enjoy the weekend!

[Debbie]

Your drawing is great & your toad lilies are lovely! I enjoyed the video clip & now have to share it with my sister, the political science professor. Enjoy your weekend!

[Mary]

I can't believe it's October already. I got a fall pedicure yesterday and now want to show off my pretty Marooned on the Magnificent Mile toes (so yeah, still flip flops and sandals weather here :-) I'm glad you're back to art class - that drawing looks finished - and of course it's a beer with jalapeños floating in it. Probably way more interesting to draw than a glass of red wine, but a cup of tea might be fun (depending on your mug). Hope you're having a wonderful fall weekend! xo.