I waited a while before writing my monthly “Currently” list. I wanted to build up some things to put in it. November and December are busy months. This month alone, there have been family gatherings, church meetings and programs, in addition to regular services, “places to go and people to meet,” food to prepare (I know, I prepare food every day in one way or another, but I’m talking about those dishes one prepares–for fixes, as we Southerners say–for special occasions), etc. Next Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, probably my favorite season of the liturgical church year. I love the hymns and Scripture readings that anticipate the birth of the Christ Child. It is a season of contemplation. I confess that I am not ready for Christmas, though. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet! (for heaven’s sake, let’s slow down and savor the autumn months without rushing the seasons!)

With that in mind, currently in November, I’m

Reading—

I’m still reading my beloved Regency historical novels, but focusing more on cozy mysteries than romances and Gothic novels. I just started a book recommended by photographer Kim Manley Ort, To Photograph Is to Learn How to Die. It’s a book I have to read in small chunks. It’s giving me another perspective on contemplative photography.

Listening—

I rediscovered Jean Ritchie, an Appalachian folk singer who may well have re-introduced the world to the old ballads folks have sung for centuries. She also re-introduced the dulcimer as a traditional instrument. I first heard Jean Ritchie on the NPR radio show The Thistle and Shamrock, which features Celtic music from across time and place.

Watching—

I’m watching the leaves change and fall. Since mid-October, I’ve been photographing the flowering cherry tree in the backyard, capturing the change from full green to its now nearly bare branches. On television, I’m still watching the Westerns on TV and Masterpiece Mystery on PBS.

Loving—

I’m loving being retired from full-time and part-time teaching! I have time to do things I want to do, like read all day and create art with pastels and gelatos and colored pencils. I love that I can come and go as I please, whenever I please, and that I’m not tied to someone else’s schedule (usually).

Feeling—

Oh, my, this is a loaded category! I am feeling hopeful after meeting my two newest great-nephews yesterday. There is something about holding a baby that opens up that feeling of hope that the world will go on, in spite of the negative things we see daily. Last week, I was a hot mess of torn feelings and dismay after a meeting that did not end well at church (or at least, I didn’t think it ended well). This week, I am more at peace. I still have to pray and talk more to trusted advisors, but I feel much better about things.

Playing—

I bought my first mountain dulcimer about fifteen years ago but lost it in a house fire. Last week, my husband gave me a new one for an early Christmas present. I’m a bit rusty, but I am playing again and learning and relearning some traditional music, “Rosewood Casket,” “Wildwood Flower,” and the like. (And that ties back to the Listening–I’m listening to some dulcimer players to get some ideas of new songs to learn.

Creating–Retirement has given me time to be more creative. I am writing my second novel even though I haven’t published my first one yet! I’m still revising and editing it. I am “painting” pictures with soft, chalk pastels and oil pastels and learning how to draw. I still knit and crochet. I’m making a counterpane (bedspread) with fingering weight yarn. This is the first time I’ve used this type of yarn, even though I have used number 10 crochet cotton to make tablecloths and doilies.

Life is good this month! The weather has been agreeable, not too cold. Most days, I can run outside in my shirt sleeves without a coat or a sweater. We haven’t had a lot of rain to keep me in, although the weatherman is calling for rain tomorrow.