I started a “listing” practice in June when I retired from teaching. I joined Liz’s Here: Five Things and have participated in those classes each time she’s offered them. There is another one coming up in two days. I also started doing “Currently” lists. I’ve decided to do a Currently list once a month–at the end of the month as a kind of reflection on what I’ve been doing. I even found a free printable that I put in my planner to keep it as a “memory piece” along with the other parts of the month. I include printed photos I’ve taken during the week as well as the usual planner stuff. I may even start keeping other kinds of ephemera of my life in the planner as well.

So, CURRENTLY: I am

loving the wide variety of winter clouds. I’ve noticed how different they are from summer clouds. Winter clouds are wispier, thinner, unlike the mountainous clouds of summer.

eathing fresh baked sour dough bread. I used to make sourdough bread before the children were born. I’ve started back. I “cheat.” I do use a bread machine for the mixing and the baking. I think today, though, I may bake a plain yeast breat for a change.

drinking lots of hot tea. My favorite this winter is Harney and Sons’ Hot Cinnamon Spice. There is enough sinnamon for the little bit of burn. Of course, I do like other teas as well. A good cup of chai latte is always welcome.

watching Masterpiece Mysteries on our local PBS station. My favorite is “Miss Scarlet and the Duke.” The fact that it is set in the Victorian period is certainly a draw, but so is the fact that its protagonist is a strong female who is trying to “make it” in the men’s world of private detecting. Eliza’s relationship with “the Duke,” Inspector William Wellington, is interesting to watch as it develops.

reading The First Ladies, a novel about the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. The novel focuses on their work as civil rights activists during the Depression and probably beyond (I’m only half way through it). So many of the issues these women faced are still with us. Reading this novel reminds that, though we have come a long way in the civil rights department, we still have a long way to go to achieve perfect equality.

working on my writing practice, probably not as consistently as I would like. I’m a work in progress.

listening to the music of Ludivico Einaudi, composer and pianist. This is my go-to playlist when I’m reading or writing.

buying too many craft supplies and books! I’ve started making my own stickers using templates and clip art I find on Etsy. I have decided that Etsy is addictive.

planning so many things: photography projects, excursions and day trips, new pieces of writing and art. . .

feeling content. I am doing the things I truly want to do. Only one thing would make me happier–to be able to see my adorable grandson daily, but until they move here or we move there, it’s not going to happen. Still, I will enjoy seeing the images his mother posts on Facebook.