Right Now . . . November 2016

29/30

November has been a crazy-busy month for me, end to end.  Filled with stresses and emotions and too-long ToDo lists . . . but also with love and gratitude and turkey!

(These gorgeous flowers are from my mom's memorial service last Tuesday.  Aren't they lovely?)

Here's what's happening in my world . . . Right Now:

Watching - I finished watching The Crown last night.  I loved it.  Tom and I watched Love Actually the other night.  Other than that, not much watching going on.

Reading - But . . . I do have plenty of reading happening!  I finished reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (and winner of this year's National Book Award) just yesterday morning.  This is a powerful book -- one I will be thinking about for quite a while.  I also recently finished Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  Again, powerful.  I have two books on library loan through Overdrive -- and I'm going to have to read fast because they're due far too soon (when it rains it pours, it seems): Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh and Hot Milk by Deborah Levy.  (Luckily, they're both on the short side.)  

Knitting - I have been finding some time to knit a bit.  Not much, but some.  I'm knitting this sweater, and I'm nearing the end (just one more sleeve and the pockets).  On size 11 needles with bulky yarn, this one is clipping right along (so to speak; it's a relative statement).  I'm anxious to try some of these cute little guys -- and I'm still looking forward to knitting up some of these.

Drinking - Tea.   And plain old water-infused-with-oranges.  And wine.  (Natch.)

Humming - This one.  Four Strong Winds was one of my mom's favorites.  (She was from Alberta, you know.)  Erin sang it at the memorial service last week --- quite a bit different than Neil's version, of course.  Seeing that Erin's voice is classically trained.  And Neil's is . . . not.  Anyway.  I've been humming this song ever since.

Needing to - Resume my usual fitness routine.  Because my life has been so upside-down and inside-out lately that too many of my workouts have, well . . . pretty much disappeared.   (I also need to quit eating so much cheese.)  (But let's not talk about that.)

Delighted by - Shhhhh.  It's kind of under the radar . . . but I'll let you in on a secret.  My knee has improved enough that I am running again.  Just a little.  And very slowly.  But I'm delighted.  (I'm also delighted by the shoelaces in my new running shoes.  Aren't they great?)

Looking forward to - Bringing light and winter comfort into my house during these dark times (seasonal AND political).  (Stay tuned.)

Celebrating - Something that I can't quite blog about yet.  But it's fun.  And I'll tell you as soon as I can.

Planning - A party.  The holidays.  My dad's move.  What to knit next.  Which book to load on my iPod.  Year-end tax stuff.  Pretty much . . . All The Things.

Grateful for - These four goofballs.  I was so happy to have them all home last week.  I was happy to buy them drinks and take them out for dinner and laugh with them and listen to their banter.  It doesn't get much better!

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


 

Comments

[Bonny]

I think The Underground Railroad will be on my list for next year. After coming off a tough and busy November, I'm glad you have exciting things to look forward to and celebrate. Hooray for goofballs!

[Vicki]

The Underground Railroad is definitely on my list!! So happy to hear that you're able to run! Can't wait to hear what you're celebrating. And, no, it doesn't get much better than sharing time & laughs with the goofballs... Missing my goofball Maddy terribly this season, but... I really wouldn't have it any other way.

[Patty]

I was actually thinking about The Underground Railroad this morning...I was happy to treat two goofballs (and at times their friends) to dinner and drinks all weekend long too. So sad to see them go. Glad to see you're out and about on the road again...helps to keep the crazies at bay! xo

[AsKatKnits]

I am almost done listening to The Underground Railroad. And, you are so right, powerful! I was thoroughly engaged from the first few paragraphs. And, yes - it is one that will linger in my mind for a long time to come.

I love you knitting project and your to be projects!

And, while I am not a runner, I get the knee issue. I am having some issues on the stationary bike and my knee. However, walking is no issue - so walk I do!

[Jo]

Wow! You are so busy. I need a nap after reading this. So glad to hear that you can put on your running shoes again!

[claudia]

Running! I'm so happy for you.

[Carole]

I've been wanting to read Underground Railroad since this summer when I bought it for my kindle but all the books from Overdrive keep forcing me to push it back. I will get to it soon, though. I knew it would be a winner! I'm glad your kids were home, looks like you went to Bells and I'm tots jelly of that. Those wee elves are adorable but I tend to stay clear of fiddly knitting and that looks fiddly. But tempting. I can't wait to hear what you're celebrating!!

[kmkat]

I despise Neil's voice. Nasal, annoying. Smokey knows to mute any of the songs he sings.

[Juliann]

Great list - I think December will be a good month

[margene]

Thank you for taking the time to blog every single day of November through all your trials, all your ups and downs. Underground Railroad is my book of the year. So great. I'm waiting for Hot Milk to come from the library. Levy's Swimming Home was really good. That sweater is so darling. It will be a fun, cozy knit for colder weather. I'm looking forward to hearing your news!

[Mary]

What a full month! our best living comes with a mix of good and bad, tears and laughter...but always love ...and goofballs (mine are now aged 57 and 2 :-) I am delighted you're back on the road a bit and excited about a new project. Can't wait to hear more about it all!