It’s been a while since I’ve done a “Currently” page in my planner(s) and here in this space. Sometimes, it’s good to take stock of where I am and what I’m doing. Today, currently in September. . . .

I’m READING lots of Regency historical novels and some books by William Kent. I joined the Book of the Month Club since I’ve retired, and I’m reading hardback books. I don’t get a book every month. I still have one of my July selections and both of my September books to read. And I have a stack of books my daughter-in-law gave me.

I’m WATCHING shows on the History and Discovery Channel: Ancient Aliens, History’s Greatest Mysteries, Expedition Unknown and Expedition X, both with Josh Gates. I’m waiting for the new season of The Curse of Oak Island. When Grady gets home, we watch some old Westerns: The Texan and The Tales of Wells Fargo.

I’m LISTENING to music by Home Free, Loreena McKennett, Celtic Thunder, the Chicks, and others. I’ve discovered a new artist (to me, anyway, —Payton Parrish, who does a fantastic cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence.” I love my Echo Dot, too.

I’m PLANNING a fall trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in October during “leaf season” (and praying the weather will be cooperative for “sightseeing”). My friend Carla has graciously given us her points to stay in a resort/condo/timeshare, the Great Smoky Lodge.

I’m DREAMING NOT of a white Christmas, I can tell you that! I am dreaming of the day I publish my first novel, of taking another cruise (I’ll know what to do next time!, and other trips I’d like to take.

I’m CREATING my first novel. To date, I’ve drafted fourteen chapters and published ten of them to my writing group. I’m creating photographs of patterns, structures, and textures and making prints and collages of those photographs. The inspiration I get from the groups with Girls with Cameras has been helpful. I’m crocheting and knitting, and making jewelry.

I’m LEARNING who I am at this new stage in my life. I am retired. I’m learning to live slowly, to be in today’s moment (as well as look to the future) and to enjoy what is today. (Maybe tomorrow, I will resume the Thankful Thursday posts.) I’m learning more about photography techniques, not just the technical aspects, but some artistic ways of photographing as well. I’m learning to use Lightroom as a photo editor rather than just as an organizational tool. As I work on finishing my novel, I will be learning about the publishing business.

And, lastly, I’m LOVING being retired, my grandson Sullivan Floyd (he’s such a cutie!), and this beautiful end of the summer weather as the temperatures moderate, the sun feels less intense, and the leaves are beginning their subtle change from green to the golds, reds, and browns.

Currently, life is good! In spite of some grief and losing my cousin Virginia, there is much to celebrate.

My beautiful cousin, Virginia.

And I have to include a photo of my handsome boy, Aaron, doing what he loves. Sherry said when he joined the Parker District Fire Department that Aaron has a servant heart. He has wanted to be in the fire service since he was a teen, and that dream came true a little over five years ago. (I wish he would lose the Spenser Stryder mustache, but he (and Sherry) like it.