Currently... July 2018

Happy July y'all!  Do you have fun celebrations planned for the 4th today?  I'm the big party pooper whose plans include avoiding the heat and the crowds.  It might seem lame to you, but I guess I'm just a home body.

Reading: I received a copy of A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  It's a historical fiction novel based on the life of Alva Smith Vanderbilt. I just started it last night, so I don't have an opinion to share about it yet. I'm also reading  More: Find Your Personal Calling and Live Life to the Fullest Measure by Todd Wilson, which is so good!

Enjoying:  Spending a couple of afternoons a week with the grand kid.  He is such a funny, interesting little boy.  We've enjoyed watching cartoons, sharing snacks, and playing Legos together. 

Working On:  Some ideas for new Christmas themed items for my Etsy shop.  Even though it's only July, it's time to start planning ahead for the busy holiday season and get busy crocheting

Anticipating:  Our vacation later this summer!  It will be here before we know it.  I am really looking forward to taking the grand kid to Disney World.  And spending time with my baby sister and her family while we're there.

Wanting: A good source for simple, but effective, exercises and healthy meal ideas that isn't too complicated and doesn't cost an arm and a leg

Needing:  A cute and comfortable pair of casual shoes with some good support for all the walking we'll be doing on vacation.  Suggestions welcome!

Feeling:  As if I want to pluck my eyes out!  My allergies haven't bothered my eyes this much in several years.  I don't know what the difference might be - but this year I am an itchy, red, watery mess.  The circles under my eyes are so dark and puffy that some mornings I look as if I have been in a fight. So, if you should see me and I look as if I am crying or abused - it is just allergies. 

What about you?  What are you reading, enjoying, anticipating, wanting, needing and/or feeling at the beginning of July? 

Currently... May 2018

Happy May y'all!

So far, this has been one of those Springs that keeps us guessing.  Winter hasn't wanted to give up its grip on the weather, which just makes us appreciate those warm seasonal days that much more.  Now that May is here, we will hopefully have many more of the sunny, warn (but not hot) days to enjoy.

One of the things I like about the changing of the months is that it's a fresh new start. It's a good time to take a look at what's currently going on in your life.  I enjoy sitting down with my calendar to set goals and make plans for the month.

Reading:  Because I can't seem to get enough of anything related to the British or Russian royals, I am reading  The Romanovs: The Final Chapter  by Robert K. Massie.  It's an interesting account of discovering and identifying the remains of the last Tsar and his family, as well as how DNA comparisons managed to confirm or deny the claims of those who said they were members of the family rescued from the execution.

I am also still working my way through The One Thing by Gary Keller.  I got distracted and didn't make much progress through it during April.  

Enjoying:  Having the Man of the House back home.  He was in Japan for an entire week at the end of last month and I missed him very much. It's good to have him back where he belongs.  

Working On:  My plan for May is to try some new recipes - especially some that are outside my usual comfort zones.  Sunday night I made beef bourguignon, which was delicious!  In fact, I'm eating the leftovers as I write this and it's just as yummy reheated.  I also found a recipe for a vegetarian version made with mushrooms instead of the beef and I can't wait to try that also.  The Man of the House was also talking about trying some Ramen recipes. Real Ramen, not the super cheap packets of stuff so many of us survived on during our college days.  

Anticipating:  Summer vacation!  We are taking the grand kid for his first ever Disney vacation later this summer and I am SO excited to share that experience with him!

Wanting:  To lose a little weight before that vacation.  

Needing:  Enough time to complete orders for my customers and still work on some new product ideas and items to build up my stock of ready-to-ship items.

Feeling:  A little yucky.  The Male Offspring and I ate MUCH too much junk food while the Man of the House was out of town and it has certainly caught up with me.  I have felt bloated and just "bleh" for several days now.  I think I should probably live on nothing but fruits, veggies, and maybe some nuts for the next week or two just to give my poor digestive system a chance to recover.  

What are you currently up to as we move into May?

 With Love,

Currently... March 2018

True to the old expression, March certainly has come in like a lion!  After a record warm February, the arrival of March saw the temperatures drop 20 degrees or more and a couple of days of rain, followed by 2 days of extremely high winds.  Will she go out like a lamb?  We'll have to wait and see!

Reading: My fiction read is currently an advance read copy of Love and Ruin by Paula McLain thanks to NetGalley.  I'm also finishing up I am Loved by Wendy Blight for my personal Bible study times.

Enjoying:  My afternoon cup of tea each day.  Usually a nice Oolong or occasionally some Constant Comment.  It's been a lovely habit to try to start. One I plan to continue.  "Afternoon tea"...  Makes me feel quite British.  (not really) 

Working On:  A little Spring cleaning.  Nothing like a huge top-to-bottom undertaking, just some of those chores that often get overlooked.  Things like giving the baseboards a good washing, cleaning some windows, cleaning out the chest freezer, etc.

Anticipating:  The weather finally being warm and dry enough to get back into our weekend hikes. Hopefully this happens sooner rather than later!

Also, my yearly physical this week.  I always anticipate this with a slight sense of dread.  Especially this year, since I have let my healthy habits slide and put on a few more pounds.  I find myself looking for reasons to reschedule the appointment so that I can put it off a little longer.

Feeling:  Hmmm...  Tired.  Lazy.  Fat.  I think winter has finally gotten too long for me and it's time for spring to arrive and encourage me out of hibernation so I can wake up and get motivated.


How are things currently in your life?



With Love,

Currently... January 2018

Happy New Year, y'all!!   2018 has arrived.  Along with all the exciting potential that comes with every new beginning.  It's also time to reflect.  To look at what has come to pass and where things stand right now.

Reading:  My current "just for fun" read is Into the Water by Paula Hawkins.  My personal/spiritual growth book is Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Eating:  oh my goodness...  I have overindulged SO much over the past 2 weeks!  I should probably live on nothing but fruits, veggies and a little healthy protein for a while.

Working On:  New items for my Etsy shop.  Setting goals for this new year.

Enjoying: Having my guys home for a couple more days before everyone goes back to work and school.

Anticipating:  2018 and everything it potentially holds!

Feeling:  Very grateful that I have a warm house to keep me safe from this bitter cold.  Brrrr...  Stay warm out there y'all!

What are you up to as 2018 kicks off?

Currently... October 2017

October and November are my two favorite months of the year.  Maybe because fall is my favorite season and these are its peak months.  Maybe because during these two months the Man of the House and I both have birthdays and we celebrate out anniversary.  Maybe because of Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Or because it's the calm before the holiday whirlwind begins.  It's probably a combination of ALL those things!

Reading:  My reading slowed down a little in September.  I finished Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, which I didn't start out liking very much - but ended up enjoying much more than expected.   Since then I have been reading  The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: How the Daughters of Genghis Khan Rescued His Empire by Jack Weatherford.  Despite being a little dry and slow going in some parts, it has been quite interesting to see the important role of women in the leadership of the Mongol empire (a historical period I admittedly don't know much about).  Unfortunately, the book had to be returned and had another hold waiting which prevented me from renewing it, so I am having to wait to complete it.  Until then I am reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena.  I had plans to read The Boleyn King by Laura Anderson last month, but my hold didn't become available until today.  So, that's next up on the October TBR list.

I am also still working my way through She's Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst with the Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study.  Oh my goodness gracious.  Just...  So, SO good!!


Eating:  *sigh*...  Here we go again.  Honestly, I haven't been eating a ton of bad stuff.  But I haven't exactly been healthy either.  The Man of the House and I are planning to work on that this month.  So, hopefully I'll have something that's not completely embarrassing to report at the beginning of November.

Working On:  You think I'm going to say "washcloths", dont' you?  I don't blame you.  That has been the answer for months and months.  But I am happy to say that NO, I am not currently working on washcloths.  I finally completed my big wholesale order and have moved on.  Right now the popular item seems to be tiger hats.

Enjoying:  Some pleasant fall temperatures. Finally!!  I was so over all those 80+ degree days.  I'm ready for some boot and sweater weather.  I'm such a fall girl.  Seriously.

Anticipating:  Celebrating the Man of the House's birthday this weekend.  And hopefully some more autumn hikes.  I'd like to take the grand kid to an apple orchard for some fall fun also.

Feeling:  hmmm... that's quite a good question.  I haven't really given it much real thought recently.  Which I suppose is a good thing.  If I cant' complain, I must be doing pretty well.  So, there ya go!

The week has just begun and October is already looking like a wonderful month for me!  How is your October currently looking?

Currently... August

Once August arrives, the entire rest of the year seems to just fly right on by.  Today, it may currently be August 1st, but next thing we know I'll be posting about the holidays coming up and we'll be wondering where the time went.  Well, I plan to take things as slow as possible and really be in the moments instead of anticipating the rest of this year away. Who's with me?  Let's start by pausing to look at what we're doing and how we're feeling right now!

Reading:  I'm finally finishing up Issac's Storm by Erik Larsen.  And waiting to get back to the top of the wait list so I can complete A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.

In non-fictio, I am finally reading through The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.  Confession:  I have avoided this book like the plague.  Because some of the things I have seen in reviews sound a little out there for me.  But I have decided to give it a chance, use what (if anything) I find helpful and leave the rest.  Then, I have 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker next in the queue.

Eating:  I had hoped July would be a better eating month. However... beginning the month on vacation - which involved lots of eating out, French toast breakfast (and one with chocolate gravy!) -  the female offspring's birthday, and an overwhelming craving for ice cream - it was not to be.  I did do some breakfast and lunch meal prepping once we were home again.  Which definitely helped keep me a little more on track!  More of that needs to happen in August.

Working On:  Would you believe washcloths?  Yep... more and still.  I've also been hard at work on some bath puff orders and a moose hat.  I took time during vacation to start on a beautiful wrap for myself.  Who knows when I'll get a chance to finish it!

Enjoying:  My new little car.  It is just so cute and I love driving it.

Anticipating:  The male offspring goes back to classes on the 14th.  The grand baby starts kindergarten later this month.  And...  The solar eclipse coming up on August 21!

Feeling:  Honestly... today I'm a little tired.  I didn't sleep well last night.

How about you?  What are you up to as August begins?  How are you feeling?  Anything you're really looking forward to this month?

Currently... April 2017

April has arrived.  Winter is officially over.  It's the month of bunnies, spring flowers, warm breezes, and baseball opening day.  We start looking forward to summer.   We put away the winter clothes and get out our shorts and sun dresses (usually to regret it a week later when we have a cold snap). 

Reading:  Suddenly every hold I had at the library has become available!  Seems like that's always how it works out.  I wait forever and then - BAM! I have a ton of books to read in a few short weeks.  I need to finish Ross Poldark, then I have The Chemist, Three Sisters, Three Queens, and A Man Called Ove.

Eating:  Less. I have been trying to keep up with tracking my calorie intake vs what I'm burning each day.  It's paying off.  I lost 7 pounds last month!

Working On:  Some sewing for myself.  I've been wanting some relaxed, comfy, wide legged palazzo pants and decided I would just make some.

Enjoying:  Having the windows open on these mild Spring days.  Before it gets too hot and they have to be closed again to run the air conditioner.

Anticipating:  A trip to Texas to visit with my baby sister!

Feeling:   A little freaked out that a quarter of this year is already behind us!  2017 needs to just slow it down a little bit.  Am I right, or am I right? 

What are you up to as April begins?

Currently... March 2017

Normally, about this time of year I would write something about looking forward to the start of Spring and warmer weather.  But let's be honest... around here it's felt like March (or maybe April) since January!  For all of you who have actually experienced a winter this year - I hope you are looking forward to warmer weather and Spring days.

March is looking rather quiet right now.  I'm very much ok with that considering how quickly the first two months of the year flew past.  It will be nice to pause and take a few deep breaths.  Of course, one never knows what might pop up out of the blue!

Before that has a chance to happen, let's take a quick peek at what life looks like right now.

READING:  "Still Life" by Louise Penny.  Some time back, a dear friend sent met several books in this series.  Which have been sitting on my nightstand for months.  Time for that stack to move, so I am placing them high on my To Be Read list for this year.

EATING:  As of yesterday - I am reducing/eliminating refined sugar.  So far, I am struggling.  Sugar has a serious hold on me.  It's going to be tough to break this.

WORKING ON:  A lot of Spring and Easter items for my Etsy shop

ENJOYING:  Quiet time in the afternoons.  Each day, I am trying to be intentional about making a block of time when I turn all my electronics off and I take a little while for myself to sip a cup of tea and read or crochet. 

ANTICIPATING:  Um... good question.  I can't think of any specific thing I'm  looking forward to at the moment.  Just a general sense of looking forward to making plans for the Spring and Summer.

FEELING:  Like I really, really, really want a cupcake. Or a donut.  (Did I mention that I'm off sugar?)

What are you up to Currently?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Currently... February 2017

January is over... already?? Well, that certainly didn't take long - did it?  It was a busy, and productive month for me.  I've been getting some decluttering accomplished.  Had my yearly physical, where I found out my cholesterol has improved but is still too high.  Ugh.  (Probably definitely from all that junkie food I was eating at the end of last year!)  I was sick with a virus which gave me a sore throat for a solid week.  We experienced our first snowfall of the winter.  And celebrated the grand kid's 5th birthday.  I can only hope February is just as wonderful - if not even better!

READING:  Trying to finish up an advance read copy of "Full" by Asheritah Ciuciu for a review this month.  Getting ready to start "The Art of Hearing Heartbeats" by Jan-Phillip Sendker.  And hoping to read "Stuart Little" with the grand kid this month.

EATING:  With the exception of the birthday overload last weekend, I have been eating better.  More fruits and veggies.  Making myself eat breakfast - usually oatmeal with berries.  Drinking more water. 

WORKING ON:  Decluttering! Last week, the Man of the House dropped off 3 bags and a box of donations at the local Goodwill.  And there is so much more to go.

ENJOYING:  The feeling after I get up early with the Man of the House and go walk for 30 minutes on the treadmill.  I won't lie... I do not enjoy the getting up that early.  But the feeling afterward, that's a good way to start the day!

ANTICIPATING:  Seeing my better eating habits and more exercise lead to improved cholesterol numbers and hopefully some weight loss.

FEELING: A little tired, probably from staying up too late reading and then getting up early.

What are you up to Currently?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Currently... November

Yes.  I read it also... "November".  I'm just gonna sit right here and give y'all a minute for that one to soak in.  Because... November.  This year is going to be over before we know what happened!  But, I don't want to rush things.  Let's just take a moment and really look at where we are currently...

Reading:  The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman.  Which I am just about to finish.  After this it's back to The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt.  I had started this one before, but hadn't finished it before it was due. Because there was a request I couldn't renew at the time.  Therefore it got put on the back burner until I could borrow it again.  I am also reading The Wizard of Oz with the grand kid during his afternoon rest time on the days I have him.

Eating: A lot of junkie food!  I have been very busy with orders for my Etsy shop lately.  And I have been stressed out about keeping up with that, as well as a few family things that have popped up.  Because of this, I have not been eating like I should.  Flavored coffee creamers or sodas to help me keep some very late nights.  Candy.  Donuts.  Some more candy.  Ugh... I have GOT to get back on track!!

Making: What haven't I been making?  Washcloths.  Football snuggly sets for newborns.  A baseball snuggly set.  Tiger hats.  Robot hats.  Washcloths.  Bath poufs.  Facial rounds.  More washcloths. Lip balm holders.  Did I mention washcloths?  As I said... I have been busy!!

Enjoying:  Time with the Man of the House!  Despite my busy schedule we made time to go to Biltmore, went to a concert, and out to dinner.  If it weren't for him, I  would probably be working myself too much without breaks and making myself crazier than I already am!

Anticipating:  The upcoming holiday season!  Seems like a no-brainer, right?  In fact, I kinda feel like right now you're wondering why I thought I even needed to say that.  Well, I did.  It's true.  Let's move on.  I am also looking forward to celebrating another anniversary with the Man of the House on the 21st.

Feeling:  A little tired and stressed out to be completely honest.  I am still working my way through a stack of orders for the shop and not making the sort of progress I want or need to see.  People don't seem to understand that when I say I'm busy, what I mean is "I'm busy".  I'm trying to single handedly run a small business here - and take care of my family.   And, of course, there are holiday plans to be made, which is only causing me anxiety at the moment.


What are you currently up to?  Share in the comments, or write your own "Currently" post and share the link!

Currently... August

It's August, y'all!  And August means back to school time in this part of the country.  Back to school means fall is just around the corner.  And fall means cooler weather!  Can I get an "Amen!"?

But first we've got August to enjoy ...

Reading:  The Aviators Wife by Melanie Benjamin.  So far, so good.  The characters still seem a bit flat to me at this point, but it's still pretty early on.

Eating:  Better!  We fell of the wagon a little bit this past weekend with a lunch at a deli and ice cream with the grandbaby.  But for the most part we are making some better choices.

Totally worth it!

Making:  A chevron cup sleeve.  As well as washcloths, washcloths... and more washcloths for a wholesale order.  Then it's on to cotton facial rounds for another one.

Enjoying:  Spending time with the Man of the House.  Whether it's a day watching the Carolina Panthers practice football and puttering around Spartanburg, going for walks, or watching TV together in the evenings - he's good company.

See what I did there?  "Puttering around"!  We played putt putt.
I crack myself up!

Anticipating:  a little free time.  The female offspring had a couple of weeks off between semesters.  This means Oma doesn't have babysitting duty for a couple of weeks!

Feeling:  Busy...  but good.

Currently... catching up

Alright y'all.  I think I'm finally getting a handle on things and getting back to my usual self.  (Not that that couldn't use a little improvement as well, but one thing at a time...)  I've got some good stuff planned in the next couple of weeks.  Updates from the trip to New York.  A retrospective on the male offspring's graduation. Sharing a revelation I recently experienced.  Updates on some previous posts.  I can already tell that y'all are excited.  But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's pause and take a look at where we're at

Reading:  Still reading The Princes in the Tower.  It's pretty good; but so far it's mostly just a refresher course on a bunch of information I already knew due to my small obsession with interest in the Cousin's War and all things Tudor.

Eating:  Ribs.  So very, many ribs!  And don't think for one single minute that I'm complaining about that.  The Man of the House grilled some ribs low and slow for Memorial Day.  This week the female offspring's fella grilled some ribs.  I'm a gal who has a hard time saying no to just about anything that has been cooked outdoor.

Making:  A bath puff for the grandbaby.  He saw me making one for an order and said he needed one.  And how can I refuse that cutie?  Also working on two new baby blankets/lapghan ideas for the shop.

Enjoying:  Pretty much everything about my life right now!

Anticipating:  The raspberries ripening so they can be picked.

Thinking about:  More and more new items for Queen B's Busy Work.  Now I just need time to work on them.

Feeling:  A little embarrassed that I wrote "you're" in last week's post, when it should have read "your".  Be honest...  how many of you are grammer police and were burdened with the effort of not calling me out on that one?

What are your "currently" highlights?  Share them in the comments!