Right Now - June 2015

 June . . . You've been a bit rainy.  And kind of chilly.  And a bit gloom-ish.  But I don't care.  I love you anyway!  Because a cool and rainy June . . . beats January and February ANY time.

Here's what's happening for me . . . Right Now.

Watching . . . Rain.  A lot of rain.  (And more to come, it appears.)  And that rain?  It's bringing Monster Weeds.  (But they're sure a lot easier to pull when the ground around them is saturated.)

Reading . . . In the spirit of gardening, I'm reading The Bees - a novel . . . about bees.  (Who knew their hive-lives were so complex?  I'm enjoying this one immensely; it's very good.)  I'm nearly finished Annie Dillard's Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, which is fabulous - but a slower read for me.  And I'll soon be re-reading To Kill a Mockingbird (I read it as a kid, and then picked up bits and pieces again when my own kids were reading it in high school; I'm looking forward to a thorough re-read now).

Knitting . . .  Trying hard to keep up with the clues in Kirsten Kapur's Through the Loops Mystery Shawl . . . which is absolutely lovely (and especially in Kim's divine yarn).  I'm thinking about this or this next, although still wanting to cast on for this one.

Listening to . . . New James Taylor.  (I'm dragging Tom along to see him in concert next month.*)  Also the new Florence + The Machine.

 

Dreading . . . Let's just not get me started on this one at the moment.  Okay?

Drinking . . . More water, iced tea . . . and plenty of wine.

Planning . . . What to bring along with me for 10 days Up North.   (We leave on Wednesday.  The weather forecast looks . . . wet.  And not sunny.)  (Hello knitting!  Hello book bingo!)

Humming . . . Nirvana's Come As You Are.  (Can't shake it . . . but at least it's a song I love . . . so I don't mind so much.)

 

Wondering . . . How Some People can live with themselves.  (Just sayin.)

Itching to . . . Finish my Alabama Chanin t-shirt!  I'm getting really close now.  Just need to stitch everything together!

Organizing . . . Beginning to put things back together after my major Kon-Mari-ing activities.  (And . . . well.  Avoiding my sewing room and knitting stash.)  (Still.)

Delighted by . . . My sister's newly-scheduled summer visit next month -- and a planned Chicago get-away for the two of us.

Needing to . . . Just Do It.  (There are a few persistent items lingering on my To-Do list that I keep avoiding.  Just need to get them finished.  Y'know?)

Celebrating . . . Summer -- and making it happen, regardless of the weather.

Enjoying . . . Whatever moments I can grab on my patio . . .which is challenging this year, given the rain and the MOSQUITOs!

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

==========

* Don't feel too bad for Tom.  I'm paying him back with Aerosmith in August.

 

Right Now - May 2015

Oh, May.  So much gets packed into your glorious days.  It always seems there isn't quite . . . enough of you.

Here's what's happening for me . . . Right Now.

Watching . . . Not much of what's on a screen (no tv or movies lately), but I'm watching a lot of garden-unfolding, weed-growing, and lovely sunsets, though!

Reading . . . Because I've been out in the garden so much lately (see weed-growing, above), my reading has slowed considerably.  I did manage to finish a wonderful collection of essays by Malcolm Gladwell (What the Dog Saw), and I'm mid-way through Kate Atkinson's newest, A God in Ruins (and - if you loved Life After Life, you'll love this follow-up novel . . . although the format is completely different this time around, and the focus is all on Ursula's beloved little brother, Teddy).

I've also printed out my BOTNS Bingo card, and I'm busy plotting out my summer reading.  (If you want to join along, you can read more about it here (or here or here) -- and be sure to check out Mary's challenge, while you're at it!

Knitting . . .  I'm working diligently on my Beeline pullover -- just the sleeves left now!  (Very nice pattern/design, I must say.  I think it will be very sweatshirt-ish, which is just what I'm hoping for.)  I'm also looking forward to yet another mystery shawl.  (Apparently, once you try one, you're hooked.) This time, Kirsten Kapur's Through the Loops Mystery Shawl . . . which begins June 1 and includes 6 clues.  (It's not to late to join in.)  (Just sayin.)

Listening to . . . Everything on my iPod.  On shuffle.  It's interesting.  (Mostly I'm just too busy to settle on any one thing right now.  So, when it comes to music, I just say, "Surprise me!")

Dreading . . . A particularly nasty and totally overgrown garden bed.  One that I've been ignoring for a couple of years now.  The longer I let it go, the worse it becomes.  (Although I guess it will be particularly satisfying when I finally do bring it to order.)

Drinking . . . Ginger Peach tea.  It's great, hot or cold.

Planning . . . KonMari-ing my sewing room and yarn.  (Yeah.  I haven't really moved on that one this month.)  May has been . . . very full.  I will get to it.  I just need to meet some grant deadlines first. (And tackle that garden bed.) (And keep up on the weeds.) (And plant my containers.) (And finish my Alabama Chanin project.) (And those sleeves.) (And get Up North with Tom for a few days.) (And help my Mom with her garden.) (And . . . yeah.  This is what happens.)

Humming . . . Sorry about this one.  (I blame the gym.)

 

(Gotta say, though . . . the dancer in me loves this music video.)

Wondering . . . How it can cost so much to replace my windows??! (Like . . . one full year of tuition at a small, private, liberal arts college.)

Itching to . . . Cast on for this cardigan that Vicki found!  (I even have some yarn.) 

Organizing . . . for the season Up North at the cottage.  This means getting everything set up and functional again -- and replacing things that need replacing.  (This year, KonMari has come to the cottage.  Let's just say . . . there are many things up there that DO NOT bring joy.)

Delighted by . . . Although it has really been a financial drag to have to replace All the Appliances All at Once . . . I'm loving that my kitchen appliances all match now!!!  (And, face it, that they all WORK.)

Needing to . . . Replace the cabinet hardware in my kitchen (so it matches the new appliances).  (Of course.)

Celebrating . . . A return to normal fitness activities -- a full three months after my original injury.  (All sing praises to the power of rest and physical therapy.)

Enjoying . . . Long days and pleasant weather!

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

 

 

 

Right Now - April 2015

April . . .  always a mixed bag.  You just never know what April will bring.  Crazy weather, for sure.  But the beginnings of True Spring . . . with added sunlight and generally warming temperatures.  By the end, April kind of looks like this . . . and I'm thrilled.

Here's what's happening for me . . . RIGHT NOW!

WATCHING . . .  PBS.  Wolf Hall - loved the book; love the series, and Call the Midwife - still charming, although getting a tad routine.  (Where is Chummy???? Did I miss something???  Is she coming back?  Sort of like Sister Mary Cynthia?)  (Just found this. . . she'll be back.)

KNITTING . . . Plugging away on Romi's Mystery Shawl.  (That's it, up there.  I'm sorry if you didn't want to see a spoiler.  But I blurred it, so it's still kind of . . . mysterious.  Besides, there's only one more clue and then it'll be out there anyway.)  I'm not really sold on that middle stripe thing yet.  At all.  But will have to wait to see how it looks blocked and finished.  When I'm not (constantly) knitting on that (to keep up with the clues), I've cast on for this sweater.  So far, so good.  (But I haven't gotten very far at all.)

LISTENING . . . Kinda been in a John Mayer mood lately . . . 

 

DRINKING . . . More water!  I'm trying to stay a bit more hydrated.

DREADING . . . An upcoming committee commitment that is just . . . well.  Kind of lame.  

REGRETTING . . . Too much too soon, apparently.  A bit of three-steps-forward-one-step-back, so . . . a return to the ice bag.

PLANNING . . . I am planning my "attack" on the last - and hardest - of my Kon-Mari purge zones: my knitting/sewing room, my boxes of "memorabilia," and photographs.  I think a re-read of certain sections of my Kon-Mari "bible" are in order, but I'm nearly ready to DIG IN!

HUMMING . . . A catchy little Weezer tune.

 

ITCHING TO . . . Sit out on the patio every evening, under my bistro lights, with a glass of wine and something to read.

ORGANIZING . . . All the garden things!

DELIGHTED BY . . . My drawing class.  Why a drawing class?  Because I really want to take a printmaking class.  And maybe a watercolor class.  And "Drawing I" is a prerequisite. So . . . here I am, dusting off the cobwebs (because the last time I took a drawing class was back in college) and - surprise - having a great time!

NEEDING TO . . . Clear off the kitchen island for Tom's return.  (I tend to set out my "projects" on the island when he's away, but never when he's at home.)

ENJOYING . . .  A new morning routine that includes meditation, yoga, and regular journaling.  Sure, I have to get out of bed a bit earlier, but totally worth it!

CELEBRATING . . . An end to physical therapy.  Tom's return this weekend.  My dad's birthday.  And Spring!

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

 

Right Now . . . March 2015

 (Yes.  I know it's April already.  I have a lot of catching up to do!)

Well, March.  You made a pretty good showing of yourself, right there at the end.  Way to bring it!  (Although it appears you left just in time for some chilly April showers.)  (At least it isn't snow.)  Basically, though, you were a colorless month.  Drab.  Cold.  Mostly dreary.

And, now. . . done.

Here's what's happening for me . . . Right Now . . .

Watching . . . Out my window, I'm watching spring unfold.  (And, friends, there really isn't anything better than that!)  On TV, I'm watching Call the Midwife (I'm such a sucker for that show) and Broadchurch (I'm still on season 1, although I hear season 2 is not as tight).  I tried to watch The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but I just couldn't.  (I know it gets great reviews.  But, well, let's just say life is too short.  And leave it at that.)

Reading . . . During my vacation, I read and read and read.  Lots of good stuff.  (See the sidebar.)  Right now, I'm reading A Spool of Blue Thread (Anne Tyler) -- and, trust me, I'm going to whip through this one so I can dive into The Golem and the Jinni (which looks most excellent).  I'm also reading Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives (Gretchen Rubin). 

Knitting . . . Right before leaving for vacation, I finished another Deep End (apparently the most addictive knitting experience ever).  I'll post about it another day (I really do have a lot of catching up to do).  I also nearly finished this shawl down in Belize.  And today . . . I'll be casting on for Romi's Mystery Shawl with those gorgeous shades of blue (above).  (Those lovelies are Kim's Opal in Snow Drop and Through the Looking Glass.)  (By the way, registration is still open for Kim's 2015 yarn club.  Head on over and sign up before any remaining slots are gone!  It's a GREAT club.)

 

Listening to . . . Beck's Morning Phase.  Great album - and totally worthy of the Grammy hype.

Dreading . . . I neglected to take down the Christmas wreath from the front door.  (I rarely use the front door. . .)  You know what that means!

Drinking . . .  Spring must be here.  Because I'm drinking Bell's Oberon!

Planning . . . Pea Pots!  I'm really eager to get to gardening, but it's WAY too early for that.  But.  It's not too early to plant peas.

 

Humming . . .  David Bowie's Space Oddity . . . Ground Control to Major Tom.  (And I know exactly how this one got planted in my brain.)  (But I'm not telling.)  (1969 David Bowie is a trip.)

Itching to . . .  Run outside.  Or even run at all.  Physical therapy is going well, but I'm not running yet.  Maybe in a couple of weeks?

Delighted by . . . receiving one of Beverly's postcards!  So awesome!

Needing to . . . get the damn taxes done.  ('Nuf said.)

Celebrating . . . my birthday (it was Monday).  You could say that I celebrated my birthday the entire time we were in Belize, but our "official" celebrations will be taking place on Saturday night -- and again on Sunday.

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

 

Right Now - February 2015

February . . . For such a short month, you're such a drag.  Really.  So much snow.  So much cold.  I am overwhelmed by the winter BLAHs, and I would just like it to be done now.  (Disclaimer:  This post contains quite a bit of whining.)

 That said, here's what's going on . . . Right Now.

WATCHING . . . I'm sort of in movie-withdrawal.  After seeing all Oscar-nominated movies, it just becomes what do I watch NOW???  So I count down the days (1) until Season 3 of House of Cards and turn to PBS for Grantchester.  (I'm also looking forward to seeing Cinderella and Man from U.N.C.L.E. when they hit the theatre.)  (The eye-candy in Man from U.N.C.L.E. is especially welcome on another cold winter day.  Just sayin.)

READING . . . My winter funk has wandered over into my reading list, where nothing sounds appealing to me.  (Really.  Winter is taking away my will to read.)  So I've turned to re-reading a book I already love (Plainsong) and then to a genre that never lets me down (classics) by diving into the Forsyte Saga (which has been on my to-read list for decades).

KNITTING . . . My winter funk spills over into my knitting, where I am somewhat uninspired and seemingly unable to make a decision.  What's a knitter to do?  I've cast on for my second Deep End, while I continue to contemplate the merits of various pullover sweaters.  (Someday I'll probably even cast on for one or the other of them.)

LISTENING TO . . . Diana Krall's new album, Wallflower.  (Perfect to wallow in the winter BLAHs, actually.)

 

DREADING . . . Another day without cardio.  Because, as if the winter BLAHs weren't enough to bring me down, I am also suffering from a flare of my Achilles tendinitis and can't jump, spin, run, or even walk right now.  So Pilates it is.  And if it doesn't clear up in a couple more days, I'll have to resort to the dreaded elliptical machine.  Or hit the pool again.  (Which is much preferable to the elliptical.)

DRINKING . . . More wine, please.  (And that's all I have to say about that.)

PLANNING . . . Where my Purge Project will take me next.  I've just gone through every closet, cupboard, shelf, and cubbyhole on the first floor of my house.  I've purged 30 boxes of books (the library thanks me), boxes and boxes and bags of things for Goodwill and other nonprofit organizations, and - sadly - many bags of trash.  (I'm recycling what I can, but some things must be thrown out.)  Anyway . . . where next?  I think to the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs!

HUMMING . . . This.  (Ever since I watched Boyhood.  Can't get it out of my head.)

 

WONDERING . . . Why -40ºF and -40ºC are THE SAME!!!  Tom has tried to explain many, (many) times.  I just can't get it.  My head explodes every time.

ITCHING TO . . . I can't even with this one.  

ORGANIZING . . . Not much, actually.  While I've purged the heck out of 50% of my closets, I haven't organized any of the things I've kept.  It's part of the whole KonMari thing . . . organize AFTER purging.  (So my cupboards and shelves look like disaster victims right now.  Only the survivors remain. . .)

DELIGHTED BY . . . Seeing a sundog last week!  So glad I was at a good place to pull over and take this photo with my phone.

INSPIRED BY . . . Well.  Not much right now, actually.  I think I'd like to hibernate until this everlasting winter is OVER.

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

Right Now - January 2015

January?  I gotta tell ya . . .  you're just not one of my favorite months.  In fact, I won't even miss you when you're gone.

You're long.  You're a slog.  You're cold and dark and dreary.

But here we are . . . at the end.

What's happening for me . . . Right Now?

WATCHING . . . Movies!  Tom and I are on a tear to catch all the Oscar noms before the Academy Awards on February 22.  We've only got a couple left to see . . . this weekend:  Whiplash.

READING . . . Just finished Station Eleven (highly recommend that one) and An Unnecessary Woman (meh).  Now I'm reading Sleeping with Pancho Villa (delightful) and finally dipping into Margaret Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy, beginning with Oryx and Crake.  (Because apparently I'm craving a dystopian diet these days. . .)

KNITTING . . . I've gone off the Deep End with this stash-buster while I continue to ponder sweater options.  (I thought I'd decided on one, but then THIS. . .)

LISTENING TO . . . The most excellent new album from The Decemberists.

 

DREADING . . . My yoga instructor is heading to Mexico for 5 weeks beginning next week . . . and I don't like the sub . . . 

DRINKING . . . Lovely reds.

PLANNING . . . Which garden conferences I should attend this spring.  (There are several that look interesting.  Maybe I'll just go to ALL the garden conferences.)

HUMMING . . . (I have no idea where these things come from. . . ) (But there it is.)

 

WONDERING . . . Why The Theory of Everything hasn't come to a theater near me yet?  So strange . . . 

ITCHING TO . . . Garden.  But I'm trying not to let myself Go There quite yet.  (But the catalogs. . . )

ORGANIZING . . . All The Things!  I've even gotten Tom inspired.  We are KonMari-ing everywhere (in our own way).

DELIGHTED BY . . . My new laptop.  (How silly I was ... to almost paralyze myself while trying to decide between "pro" and "air.") (So glad I went with "air.")

INSPIRED BY . . . Some clever and creative art pieces I've been seeing lately.

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

Right Now . . . December 2014

It's one of my favorite times of year . . . After-Christmas-But-Before-New-Year's.  Break time.  Kickin' back time.  No-agenda time!

What's happening . . . RIGHT NOW?

Watching . . . We tend to go to a lot of movies during "Christmas break."  So far, we've seen Into the Woods (not bad!) and The Interview (oh, brother. . .), and tomorrow we have reservations to see Wild.  (We went to see The Inteview out of "cultural curiosity," and because . . . well . . . because we could!  It's definitely not my kind of movie, but Tom offered to buy me "as many beers as it took" to get me through.)  I've also been iPad binge-watching Midsomer Murders, which I do from time to time.  (There are enough episodes that I can indulge in periodic binges.)

Reading . . . I just finished We Are Not Ourselves (Matthew Thomas), which was a bit of a slog (although the last 4 chapters pretty much redeemed the whole thing).  (This title is not to be confused with a book I read in November that was MUCH better - We Are All Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler.)  For Christmas I received (and immediately devoured) Mary Oliver's latest poetry volume, Blue Horses.  Excellent; I highly recommend it.  I'm now reading the second book in the Richard Monk, Victorian-detective-with-amnesia series, A Dangerous Mourning (Anne Perry) and diving into How to be Both (Ali Smith) which is intriguing and unique and completely unlike anything else I've ever read.

Knitting . . . It's still All Hats All The Time for me.  As I binge-watch Midsomer Murders, I'm binge-knitting this hat.  (Easy and quick with a great fit.)  They aren't exactly Christmas gifts (although a couple of them were), but I'm sort of thinking that pretty much everyone in my family Needs A Hat.  (One more to go . . . after finishing the one in the photo that is 80% done . . . and I'll be Fed Up with Hats and ready to move on.)

Listening to . . . Anything but Christmas music.  (Please.)

Dreading . . .  Running the One-One-Run on New Year's Day.  Not because it's going to be really cold.  (It is.)  (But this year I have appropriate cold-weather-running clothing!)  Not because of all the tu-tu-wearing, reindeer-antler-sporting, goofy-attention-seeking runners.  (Although they are a pain.)  No.  I'm dreading the running simply because I have a cold, and cannot breathe . . .

Needing to . . . Finish the laundry.  (It's reached That Point . . . where I'm actually wearing the itchy, flower-explosion bra AND my awful cheetah-print panties.  Now you know the truth of it.)

Drinking . . . Orange juice laced with EmergenC.  And tea.  (Plenty of tea.)

Planning . . .  After all of the holiday planning, I decided to take a Reprieve From All Things Planning for at least a week.  So far, so good . . . although various ideas creep in once in a while.

Humming . . .  (I WILL SPARE YOU ALL!!!)  Firework by Katy Perry.  (If you've seen The Inteview, you will totally understand.)

Wondering . . .  If it will ever snow again???  After a wild, snowy November, we had an unseasonably mild December.  (See that hideous scene above?  Christmas morning.  Green. Brown.  Dreary.  And SO not like usual.)  (Made even more . . . sad . . . by the tempting photos each of my children are posting from their holiday adventures down in Florida.)  (They are there separately, and in different beach locations.)

Itching to . . .  Knit a sweater!  I've been spending way too much time on Ravelry, looking at sweaters.  So far, I seem to be drawn to simple pullovers.  Maybe this one?  Or this one?

Organizing . . .  Nothing.  But after I "put away Christmas," I'll be tackling my sewing room.  And then, I need to get into the rooms that Brian is vacating (as he moves into his new apartment).

 

Delighted by . . .  My new yarn bowl!  (A gift from my sister.)  (I'm just charmed.)

Inspired by . . .  Turning over the fresh pages of a new calendar.  Welcome 2015!

Celebrating . . .  Happy New Year!  I wish you all the best for the coming year.

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

 

 

Right Now . . . November 2014

November . . . You've just gone whizzing past.  Leaving a trail of . . . weather . . . in your path!  

Here's what's happening for me. . . Right Now! 

Watching . . . Snow come. Snow go. Not much on the ground at the moment (it's really amazing how quickly 19 inches of snow can melt in the crazy-weather days of November), but I hear more is on the way.

Reading . . . I'm reading Small Blessings (Martha Woodroof) on my iPad, and I've just started listening to Some Luck (the new one by Jane Smiley).  It's too early for me to have an opinion on either of them.  But I just finished We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler - and loved it. WARNING:  If you're thinking about reading that last one, don't click the link and don't bother to read ABOUT the book before you begin.  This is one that is best approached without any fore-knowledge. (And that's coming from someone who has no qualms about reading the ending first.)

Knitting . . . You guessed it!  Still working on this shawl.  But.  I'm so close to finishing that I can taste it!  A couple of good hours this weekend and I'll be done!!

Listening to . . . The new Foo Fighters album.  (Of course.)

 

Planning . . .  I am in FULL Holiday Planning Mode.  I kind of hate this part of the holidays, but once I get myself completely organized, I'll be ready to sit back and just let it all unwind.

Feeling . . . Better now.  But I've been struggling with a nasty attack of diverticulitis this week.  (It happens.)  I'm hoping to be back on solid food in time for Thanksgiving dinner. . .

Humming . . . Papa was a Rolling Stone.  Temptations.  (Don't ask.  I never know why these songs pop into my head.)

 

Wondering . . . How folks DO the Black Friday thing.  Because I just . . . can't. 

Drinking . . . Liquids.  (See above.)

Itching to . . . Just sit.  And knit.  (But not until the weekend.)

Needing to . . . Get to the grocery store for One.Last.Thing.  (Before the CRAZY really begins.)

Organizing . . .  All Holiday All the Time!

Delighted by . . . My new fridge!  (Our old one died . . . thankfully, in the midst of the polar vortex.  So we could just use the garage as our ice box.)  (I'm so excited because a matching new stove/oven is coming, too.  But not until after Thanksgiving.)

Inspired by . . .  Craft Friday!  I heard about it first on Beverly's blog, and I am so excited to participate.  I have my materials ready.  (Now I just need to dig out my sewing machine. . .)

Celebrating . . . Thanksgiving!  With both kids, their significant others, and my parents.  It's going to be a great day!

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

Right Now . . . August 2014

August has just . . . gone by in a blur!  My worklife has just been a bit . . . out of control.  (That's partly because Regular Seasonal Busy-ness, but add to that New Boss With Big Ideas AND Vacation Prep . . . and you've got Crazy Town!)

So.  I'm happy to be done-with-that for a couple of weeks, and really ready to begin my next travel adventure tomorrow!

 

Here's what's happening for me. . . Right Now! 

Watching . . . Not much.  In fact, nothing but A History of European Art.  Still working through this selection from Great Courses.  I'm only about half-way through, but I feel much more prepared to appreciate the art I'll be seeing over the next couple of weeks!

Reading . . . I know my life is totally out of control when I don't even have time to READ.  (Yeah, it's been That Bad.)  I read Landline by Rainbow Rowell, which I would qualify as a "beach read."  I re-read Shipping News (one of my all-time favorites).  I started reading And The Dark Sacred Night by Julia Glass, but I'm going to give that one a break and plunge into the latest Louise Penny (which just came out this week.)

Knitting . . . Early in August, I got started on this shawl.  I made good progress and successfully navigated my first "nupps." (!)  But it's on holiday now, while I'm on holiday.  (NOT good travel knitting for me.)  I started this instead, which is already looking fabulous and should get me through some lengthy airplane time!

Listening to . . . Chrissie Hynde has a new solo album!  It's awesome. . .

  

Dreading . . . Having to deal with my neglected garden.  Which will be Even More Neglected by the time I get to dealing with it . . . in mid-September!

Planning . . .  My trip!

Humming . . . This one. (I completely blame Guardians of the Galaxy!)

  

Wondering . . . How long it will take me to adjust to being on vacation.  (Oh.  Never mind.  It took 30 seconds!)

Drinking . . . San Pellegrino.  I swear, I'm addicted. . .

Itching to . . . Just dump out the contents of my home-desk and pitch it all!

Needing to . . . Pack.

Organizing . . .  The washed up detritus of my life . . . after focusing all of my efforts of my work for the past couple of weeks.   

Delighted by . . . My orchid.  It surprised me by blooming again.  (I think it likes where it lives.  Or something.  Because I didn't do ANYthing to encourage the re-blooming.)

Inspired by . . .  Beverly's experience with the 333 Project.  (I'm still thinking about this in a serious way. ..)

Celebrating . . . JoJo's one-year "anniversary" of joining our pack!

Pleased with . . . Something I need to keep to myself for now.  (Maybe next month it will be celebration!)

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

Right Now . . . July 2014

Here in my neck of the woods, we're having a weird summer.  It . . . sort of . . . hasn't really gotten started yet.  Cooler-than-normal.  Wetter-than-normal.  Just sort of . . . different from usual.  So, it doesn't feel possible that it's already the end of July.

But it is!

Here's what's happening for me. . . Right Now! 

Watching . . . A History of European Art.  Seriously.  I purchased one of those super-duper-on-sale Great Courses.  I'm trying to cram a whole lot of art history into my brain before I travel to Italy in a month.  (Wish me luck.)

Reading . . . Just finished Thunderstruck and Other Stories (Elizabeth McCracken) - an excellent collection of short stories, if you like that kind of thing -- and Song of the Lark (Willa Cather) - which was . . . kind of meh.  I liked it - but not as much as I expected.  (I liked My Antonia MUCH better.)  I also read Doctor Sleep . . . as compelling a Stephen King novel as I've read in recent years.  Now, I'm settling in with what might be the ultimate in "cozy mysteries" - Death of a Cozy Writer (G.M. Malliet).

Knitting . . . Now that I'm finished with this knit, I'm ready to cast on for yet another shawl.  This one, to be exact.  The yarn is wound, the proper needle found.  Just haven't had the free moments to get started!  I'm also only inches away from finishing another of these.  (This one has an interesting lake story.  Someday I'll share it.)

Listening to . . . Tanya and Dorise.  These New Orleans street performers are incredible -- and their CDs are quite awesome.

 

Dreading . . . Shorter days.  Because it doesn't quite feel like I've had enough summer yet.

Planning . . .  A trip to Holland (Michigan) this weekend to take in Art in the Park with my Mom (an annual event for us) -- and maybe I'll see Brian, too.

Humming . . . This one . . . (it popped up on my iPod the other day). . . 

 

Wondering . . . Why it took so long for me to get back to my yoga class!!!  (Whatever the reason, I'm really glad to be back.)

Drinking . . . Every day! (But just a little.)

Itching to . . . Cut my hair a little bit shorter.  (Dare I?????)

Needing to . . . Deal with the bark beetles in my Austrian Pines.  Our yard has many (20+) Austrian Pines.  Many of them are succumbing to bark beetle damage.  I need to get some dead trees taken out -- and figure out if the rest of my trees can be saved.  (This is rather heartbreaking, and I'm in denial.)

Organizing . . .  My sister and I are headed to Italy in earliest September.  I'm converting all my documents and notes and websites into an Evernote file, so it's all easily available on my phone and/or iPad.

 

Delighted by . . . One of my orchid plants is getting ready to re-bloom!  This has never happened for me before (despite a long history with orchids).  I don't know what I did to encourage this activity, but I'm thrilled!

 

Inspired by . . . The changing sky.  We've seen some beautiful sky-scenes this summer -- clouds and storms and sunsets.  It seems I'm always running inside to grab my camera!

Celebrating . . . My "see-you-next year" check up with my oncologist!  (Things are looking good!)

 

Pleased with . . . Although I really do prefer my summers to be more . . . well, summer-y . . . I must say that the weather has been perfect for running!  Who would've thought that late-July running could be so comfortable!?!

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