I’m joining Amy at Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa for this month’s “Currently” post. The idea is you fill in the blank of five participles with photos, if possible. I skip the photos unless I already have them in my library. Last night, we had thunderstorms which lasted a really long time. I love thunderstorms so I wasn’t bothered a bit by them. Nigel had his first pre-op appointment yesterday morning, and we spent most of today (Wednesday) at the hospital for additional tests. He was injected with a dye, and then we had to wait three hours so he could be scanned. I asked him if he thought he’d light up under a blacklight!
Saving my life right now…
I’m going to sound like such a drama queen right now, I know. Life, for the last several years, has been difficult. Between Covid, Nigel’s ongoing health issues, then his hips, I feel like I’ve been on one of those hamster wheels. Right now, I do everything, and I do mean everything around the house. Some of it has been learning new skills which were good to have. But, man, do I need a rest. So, there are two things saving my life right now. One is the blog. There are literally days when that’s the only reason I get dressed. A single post takes me a couple of hours to write, edit, and post. If it’s a post like Songful Style or Style Imitating Art, there is the research which adds at least an hour. And, that is time I get to escape my everyday life. The other thing is the art museum. I love being a docent which isn’t the first nor will it be the last time you’ll read it. I am one of those people who just loves to learn. Art is not my area of expertise by any stretch of the imagination. But, I’m learning so much…about artists, movements, ways to give a tour. I feel like my brain is getting wrinkly again. I love talking to people which is so weird considering I’m an extroverted introvert. I also have developed some friendships that I know will only continue to grow and deepen.
Cleaning/purging…
For several years, I did the 40 day purge for Lent. I found myself getting rid of items in my closets just for the sake of completing the challenge. That’s not the intention, as far as I’m concerned. I felt the purging (I hate that word, BTW) became a task rather than an intentional act. When we downsized from about 4000 sq ft to less than 1800, I got rid of many things. Again, they weren’t things I wanted to get rid of, but I didn’t have any space for them. That would be my beloved love seat…purple with a peach floral print. I should have gotten rid of the twin bed and kept the loveseat to create a library. I am constantly purging my closet. I haven’t done it yet, but I’m going to completely empty out the pantry, rearrange it, and get rid of expired items. I’m also going to clean the kitchen cabinets in the same way, except there aren’t any expired items.
Loving…
I’m loving going to my grandkids’ events. A couple of weeks ago, I attended my youngest granddaughter’s orchestra concert. I did duck out when her group was finished because I had to drive in the dark. My eyes aren’t good at night, especially with my cataracts. Last week, I watched my grandson swim in a sectional meet. He got third in one event, and he’s only a freshman! I love watching him swim, but I have to catch which lane he’s in before he puts on the cap and goggles. Otherwise, I can’t find him! Last night (Tuesday), I went to my oldest granddaughter’s choir performance. I can’t attend the big performance. It’s only a few days after Nigel’s surgery. Luckily, they break down the different choirs into small performances for the community. I was so impressed by the way she danced on 3-4” heels! Check out my Instagram post here!
Planning (trip wise)…
My museum besties are up for several different trips. I am pretty sure I will be going to the UK with one of them. We’re also considering Santa Fe, a women’s retreat, or something else I can’t remember. My youngest and I are probably going to the UK, too. And, then my traveling buddy and I met for lunch and are going to pursue going to London/Paris either later this fall or early next year. If Nigel’s surgery is successful, I’m hoping we can take a couple of short car trips. I’d also like to drive to the Detroit area to visit the Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Of course, I’ll try to meet up with Erin, there!
Taking a break from…
Oof! What am I taking a break from? I would love to say I’m taking a break from the news, but I don’t think we can bury our heads in the sand. Things are scary in our world right now. I check in on Instagram a few times a day, but I don’t spend more than a couple of minutes there. If I have something to post, I’ll do that. But, I don’t scroll and scroll. It’s not good on my eyes, my psyche, nor my wallet! I do follow Katie Van Slyke on Facebook. I just love watching those mini donkeys, goats, and all the other animals. I also don’t flinch when those poor mamas are giving birth! Oops, i guess I’m not taking a break from that. I’m also not taking a break from shopping…surprise, surprise!
Wrap It Up, Marsha!
I’m just a titch late with this but better late than never! Thank you to Amy for continuing this. I really do enjoy answering these questions. I hate being such a whiner, but I feel like we’re all friends here. So, can we talk? What kinds of trips are you planning? Is there an account on Facebook you love to watch? How do you handle purging your closet? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Thank you!
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I do a bit of closet clean out (I too hate the word purge as I immediately think of bulimia) each season as I swap out seasonal appropriate clothes but other than that I rarely bother to get rid of much around the house. I used to routinely do a deep cleaning and get rid of toys and clothing/shoes/books the kids outgrew but now that they’re older I don’t have that many areas left in the house that feel like “mine” to clean out.
Thanks, Joanne! I am lucky in that I don’t have to swap out closets anymore. The only thing I swap out are pants and jeans. So, that means almost all of my clothes are immediately accessible and in sight. I’m always asking myself, “Is this me anymore?” I got rid of so much when we downsized the first time (from our move up north) and then again when we moved to this house. I was really sad when I had to say goodbye to my loveseat! I really wish we had a basement to store things. I have lots of things taking up valuable space in the house that could so easily be in a basement. Plus, I could leave my ironing board up all the time! The only toys around here are Jack’s, and he wouldn’t care if I got rid of some of them! Hahaha!
I hate the word purge too !! For many reasons but I don’t think it solves the issue for many of us.
I love that you love being a docent…learning new things is so good. And the social aspect is amazing
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! It’s become such an important part of my life. I really wasn’t looking for friends, either, yet I found three who have become close friends. I am not a fan of the word, either, but it was part of the prompt. I know it has such negative denotations.
You are a very busy woman! I really hope that Nigel’s surgery is soon and that he recovers quick so that you both can continue with,, normal,, life again.
Thank you, Nancy! The weird thing is I have weeks at a stretch when I do nothing, and then…BAM! I have several thins going on. I am looking forward to normal…it’s been too long!
I had a three hour window to myself this week when the house was empty. I love my family, but sometimes I love peace more! I cleaned up a room and felt so much better for what I achieved. It felt like I cleansed my energy as well as the room. Of course a week of lovely sunny days has also helped to lift my spirits.
We also books a week away in the Lake District for the end of the month. This is a very overlong holiday.
Your comment reminds me of when I do a full house cleaning. Mike would always ask what he could do to help. I would try to explain to him that I do things in a certain way and in a certain order, and it would take more time to explain it than to just do it. But, yes, a quiet house can be so nice even though we do, indeed, love our families. Enjoy your holiday! I’ve never been to the Lake District so I hope you share some photos!
What a coincidence that you should say that about your blog just now because I said to my sister last night that the blog was my way of escaping the world and the news for a while and go down fun rabbit holes (which take me much longer than what actually ends up in a post).
Someone told me once that a blog post shouldn’t take longer than fifteen minutes. Not sure what world she was living in, but definitely not in mine.
I really hope the surgery will change things around and give both of you more freedom again.
Thank you so much, Cat! I am so hopeful for this surgery…just have to get through the first month or so. A 15 minute post? It takes me that long to come up with a title! It’s so funny that I began my blog as a fashion blog yet I find myself wanting to write more than anything. The clothing has become almost a second thought. Can you imagine the two of us with a cup of tea or coffee together? We would talk for hours and still have lots to say. We’d probably solve many of the world’s problems!
Good to hear about what you’ve been up to. Can you take me on your travels? Sending prayers to you and Nigel and you wait for his surgery.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! Well, we could go somewhere! When Mike is healed and more easily on his feet, I need to come to Chicago. It’s really not a bad trip for me. I just take 65 to one of the South Shore stations and ride that into Chicago. I love that little train. I want to stay at the Intercontinental on the Miracle Mile again, and maybe it will be this summer! Who knows?
I love reading about everyone’s “Currently” status! Such a fun way to catch up with others! Your granddaughter is lovely (I took a trip to your Instagram) and it sounds like a few fun trips may be on the horizon. The planning stage is almost as much fun as the actual trip for me! And, I agree with you, Marsha. When my husband was going through a lot of health issues, the blog was a lovely respite – a spot where I could get creative and take a break from the realities around us. Happy March!
Thanks, Laura! Both of my granddaughters are beautiful young women. I just haven’t had a chance to take a photo with my youngest in a while. She used to be just a skosh shorter than me, but now I am the shortest in the family. I am hoping all goes well with Mike so I can get those trips scheduled. It’s all hinging on that. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who finds their blog to be a place of respite!
I’m so glad you have your creative outlets! They certainly help me get through rough times as well. I hope you are able to go on a trip soon!
Thank you, Laura! I think my creativity really came out when I retired because I had all this time on my hands. I had poured all of it into my teaching. I never considered myself creative until I retired. Now, I realize being creative has nothing to do with just being able to draw well. There are so many other ways. I am crossing my fingers to go on a short road trip as soon as Mike is up to it!
Right now my blog is providing sanity in my life too. Everything in our house is so chaotic with the renovation and I can’t wait to get everything back in order. At least a blog post has a beginning, middle, and an end and it’s neatly wrapped up!
Thanks, Natasha! That is exactly the way I should think about my blog…a beginning, a middle, and an end. I know renovations can often mean you feel like you’re permanent stuck in the middle. I hope you’re soon finished with a wonderful new house!
I love this! And I don’t think you’re a whiner in the slightest, Marsha!
Your grandkids are clearly amazing—they’ve got good genes!
Come to Portugal, Marsha, Portugal!!!!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Well, is that an invitation? I would love to come to Portugal someday. I’m not sure this is going to be this summer to do that though. All three of my grandchildren are extremely talented. Of course I may be a little biased, but I think they are all terrific!
Having a creative outlet truly is a lifesaver. It’s an important part of self-care. I didn’t know your grandson was a swimmer! We’re going to have to talk swimming at some point. I really miss going to meets!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill. I do believe that creating art gives us the sense of accomplishment and even pride. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to figure out what it is you’re good at. Yes, my grandson started swimming just a couple of years ago. He has real talent, so has swim on the varsity team for the high school even though he’s just a freshman. My kids swam during summer swim and those meats were quite a bit different. I have gone to Will‘s swim meets and they are intense.
I understand about the blog being something saving your life! My blog was huge in saving my life when we moved here, and that’s not an exaggeration. Creative outlets are really important and I think everyone needs them – they just look different depending on our interests. I’m glad you have those outlets in your beautiful blog and at the art museum!
I don’t like the word purge either, although I guess it’s necessary from time to time. We downsized when we moved, and yet we seem to have acquired quite a lot and will have to clean out the unnecessary again when we move – hopefully in a couple months! – even though we should be moving to a slightly bigger place.
The trips you are planning sound fun and exciting! Praying that Nigel’s surgery goes smoothly and that you’re able to do all the things you both want to do!
Checking in (late! again!) from Currently
Thanks, Kym! I really didn’t look at my blog that way until I skipped a couple of weeks and felt something missing. I love blogging, the art museum, knitting, crocheting, and just crafting in general. We had downsized when we first moved in 2015, but we ended up in a much larger house because of some legal issues with the house we had planned to build. So, then we expanded once again. Then, when we moved here, we had to really downsize…4,000sq ft to 1800sq ft. I regret losing some things, but they were only things. With Mike’s issues, it’s a good thing we are in this house as it’s built to accommodate wheelchairs and such. I’m really hoping the trips work out. We will see!