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 may skip those as y’all know how I’m worried about storage. We are finally warming up a bit here, but I think we’re taking a dip the next couple of days. I checked the forecast, and next week, I think, it’s going to be in the 50s (10C)! That will really confuse my plants. I have several plants in the garage I’m trying to overwinter. We will see how that goes in the spring.
Loving…
Last Saturday was my youngest’s birthday. His partner, or should I say pardner, threw him an Old West murder mystery party! We had a blast. Even Nigel enjoyed it. It was so good to get him out of the house. We received our descriptions of our characters and other things (which made no sense to me until we started). I was a not so nice dude trying to buy some land for the railroad. And, if you want me to dress the part, then, by golly, I will! I wore a white shirt, wrapped a narrow scarf around, ascot style, and pinned it with a diamond stickpin (read costume jewelry brooch). I wore one of Nigel’s old blazers and my L’Artiste Rodeha boots. But, everyone took their shoes off when they got there so no one saw them. It was so much fun playing someone not the least like me at all…ahem! I was a sly, underhanded dude trying my best to get that piece of land…oh, and I also employed a hired gun. Can you guess who that was? Anyway, I’m sure you have figured out who the guilty party was, right?
Baking/Cooking…
Hahaha!!! Amy, who are we talking to? Everyone knows I hate to cook, and I’m watching my weight. So, baking the good stuff isn’t happening right now. Poor Nigel didn’t even get any sugar cookies for Christmas. Since it’s been so cold, we’ve been eating that good comfort food. One time, when I picked up my groceries from Kroger, they’d substituted this humongous can of chili beans (the kind that has the chili stuff in it). When we were getting ready for that snowstorm, I’d picked up a three pound package of ground beef. So, I made all kinds of things with the ground beef and chili beans…chili, taco salad, and burritos. Yesterday (Tuesday), I cooked chicken in the slo-cooker and made chicken and noodles for dinner. There’s enough chicken for at least two more meals. I’m not sure what I’ll do with those. I do have to bake a Texas sheet cake for an event at the church on the 21st. I do bake a mean Texas sheet cake. Oh, and even though I’m not baking it, I ordered Nigel’s birthday cake from the same guy who baked mine. Nigel’s is going to be chocolate with chocolate espresso ganache and peppermint. It’s delicious!
Watching/Reading…
We just finished a documentary on Eileen Wuornos. Wow! I have to say, after watching it, I don’t know what to think about her. The poor woman was on the street when she was 16. We also finished up a show called “The Order.” I don’t think there’s another season so you’re just kinda left hanging with the way it ended. I’m also watching Season 18 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” I’ve watched it from the beginning, along with many of the other iterations. We also watched “Song Sung Blue” about a tribute band for Neil Diamond. It’s really good, but make sure you have your tissues nearby. I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading (for me). In January, I finished three books: Dinner for Vampires, Moon of the Crusted Snow, and A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping. Right now, I’m finishing up The Bewitching. I had read Mexican Gothic so I have been expecting gore and unexpcectedness. I’ve only got about 100 pages to go, and there’s been the torn apart corpses of some critters. But, this book is nothing like Mexican Gothic…yet!
Planning…
A few things are on the planning board. One of them is planning table decor for the mini-retreat at church. I’m happy to report I have the booklets written and quite a bit of the presentation. I’m hoping to have it done within a week or so. I swear I’ve done more writing this past year than the last several years combined! But, onto the really fantastic planning…my travel buddy and I are meeting for lunch in a couple of weeks to plan our trip to London and Paris! That’s right, my friends, your favorite blogger (that’s me in case you were wondering) is heading back across the pond! Even better, one of my docent friends wants to go, too, on a separate adventure. And, then to make the year even better, my youngest still wants to go to the UK. So, it looks like I’ll be planning some trips to London (which I know fairly well) as well as at least one to Paris!
Savoring…
You are probably so tired of hearing about the Indianapolis Museum of Art, but I feel so authentically myself when I’m there. Last Friday, the museum hosted college students in the Contemporary Galleries. I was one of four docents that night, and I loved all the conversations I had with these young people. It’s so interesting to hear their perspectives on art I’ve seen for a bit now and feel a certain way. I loved being surrounded by so many young people, just, I don’t know, absorbing their enthusiasm for their futures. Some of the majors represented were Speech Language Pathology, Finance, Pharmacy, Art Therapy, Engineering, and various majors that involved civic affairs. I also loved seeing the way they were dressed (hey, this is a fashion blog after all). They ranged from just jeans and a sweater to vintage outfits to a little goth/punk. On Saturday, I was back at it for Gallery Conversations for two hours. I love meeting people in the galleries and talking with them about the art and what they think and feel. I almost always come away with some new understanding of a piece.
Oh, I’m savoring the premier of “Wuthering Heights.” As some of you know, it’s my absolute favorite book of all time. I don’t know how many times I’ve read it. I’ve watched most of the iterations of the movies, too. My favorite is the 1939 version with Sir Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon. I don’t even know who is in the new movie. I think I’m going to go by myself so I can just sit there and drink it in. I’m hoping for a moody Heathcliff and a feisty Cathy along with an understanding yet not-gutless Edgar.
I’m also savoring being thinner again. I know that sounds completely superficial, and it is. But, when you’ve been thin, then fat, then thin, then fat, it plays with your head. Now, that I’ve lost almost all of the weight I want to, I’m savoring being slender and wearing clothes I’ve had for more than a decade. Are they still in style? I think so though I’ll wear them differently then I did when I first bought them. I’m thinking of listing lots of things on Poshmark so stay tuned for that announcement!
Wrap It Up, Marsha!
Well, how about that? I managed to write a second “Currently!” Thank you to Amy for continuing this. I don’t know how long this particular kind of post has been going on, but I gather for quite a while. I promise I will be back with a fashion post soon! So, can we talk? Have you ever been to a murder mystery party? What is your favorite book of all time? What’s your favorite soup recipe? 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 loved reading about how much joy and meaning you find at the museum and through planning your travels again.
Thank you so much, Melody! It truly does do that for me. I am so happy to be traveling again. Maybe I’ll come to Scotland again some day and we can meet!
I have never been to a murder mystery party. The ex once got tickets for one from his co-workers. Oh boy, either it was a ridiculous attempt to get him out of his comfort zone or they really didn’t know him at all. He absolutely refused to go and I couldn’t find anyone else for that day.
I can’t tell you my all-time favorite book. I usually struggle with naming any sinlge all-time favorites (except for actors – Cary Grant, hands down).
Thanks, Cat! This was my first time ever. I had so much fun. I hope someone throws another one (but not me because that’s too much planning). I have loved Wuthering Heights since I was in high school. Every time I read it, I love Heathcliff, then I abhor him, then I love him again. I also hope for a different ending though that hasn’t happened so far. Now, I find coming up with a favorite actor difficult, but Cary Grant is a good one.
I am intrigued to know what a Texas Sheet Cake is. I have never heard of it before.
Thanks, Rosie! Oh, it is delicious, Rosie! You basically bake a chocolate sheet cake. While it’s baking, you make the frosting (butter, cocoa powder, milk and powdered sugar). As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, you pour the still warm frosting over it and frost it. It kinda melts right into the cake and is just plain decadent! If you like chocolate, you’ll love this!
Nigel’s birthday cake sounds delicious! I have been to a murder mystery dinner a time or two and I fully admit they are not my thing.. I don’t enjoy dressing up in costume and acting makes me feel anxious so combining the two makes me dread those sort of nights but I try to be a good sport about it. Sounds like you have lots of exciting travel plans!
Thanks, Joanne! My son’s friend used to bake for a very special bake shop, and now he comes up with his own combinations. Sometimes, our son brings us treats, and this was one of them. It’s that really moist dark chocolate cake. I have always been a bit of a ham so I had a blast. When we would go to sleep away camp, I always played a character on the Underground Railroad. I am thrilled to have travel plans though I wish Mike was going with me.
I want to do a murder mystery party! So fun. You just sound so happy and fulfilled – except about cooking – lol. But, you handled it well and did a great job with your big can o’beans! Great idea to do the burritos. I can roll a mean burrito as a former Spanish teacher – lol.
Google Jacob Elordi. He is a piece of art. Lol. Forgive me. I’m in a weird mood.
Thanks for linking up!
Thanks, Amy! We had a blast! I am very happy with my docent life. It gets those brain synapses flashing, and I get to socialize with other people. Oh, I could not believe that can o’beans! It was huge! The burritos were just more bean than ground beef. I am pretty doggone good at rolling a burrito but probably not near as good as you! Oh, my goodness…I just saw Jacob Elordi…perfect for Heathcliff…I can’t wait! Thanks for this fun link up!
Hello Marsha,
I’ve never heard of a Texas Sheet Cake so I had to look it up.
It sounds like the sort of cake my husband, children and grandchildren would love. So I think at the next family gathering i will have ago.
I don’t have a sweet tooth and don’t really like chocolate, I would rather eat cheese than chocolate any day.
My husband is the soup maker in our house and very good one too. We’ve just had spiced sweet potato soup for lunch – delicious and very warming on another gloom, damp day in North Yorkshire.
Enjoy all your holiday/ trip planning.
Thanks, Linda! I’ll give you a hint if you make a Texas Sheet Cake in case you don’t buy buttermilk. Just take your regular milk and add a dollop of vinegar. That will do the same thing as buttermilk. Now, I’m thinking I will need to have a slice of cheese the next time I have Texas sheet cake…sounds like the perfect combination. My husband would open a can of soup before he’d make any. He might know how to make chili, but I kinda doubt it. Cooking has always been my area of non-expertise! I have always wanted to visit Yorkshire. I could spend a month or two in the UK and be perfectly happy as long as someone else was driving!
I love murder mysteries! No one else does in my area though. And i want to see Wuthering Heights also. But not Song Song Blue, add I know I will be crying hole time.
Thanks, Nancy! I think you would be so much fun at a murder mystery. I can’t wait to see Wuthering Heights! I finally saw a picture of the actor playing Heathcliff, and I approve! You would definitely cry at Song Sung blue, but it’s still good.
I think it’s so beneficial you get to hang around younger people too, As a docent
That job was made for you.And i’m so glad that it came about.
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I had a lot of fun and interesting conversations with these students. We get quite a few students in because they get a free membership if they are going to college in Indiana. I am also ecstatic it came into my life!
That murder mystery sounds fun. And now I’m curious about volunteering at a museum when I have more time. You make it sound so interesting!
Thanks, Natasha! I love being a docent! It’s been a dream of mine for a few years, and to actually be one is amazing. The murder mystery was a blast. I really didn’t know what I was doing so I just played along with everyone else! I had the best costume, if I do say so myself!
It’s great to catch up with your ‘doings’ Marsha and you sound very happy and content with how things are going! I’m so pleased about your upcoming adventures across the pond, it’s always fun planning these types of trips. The party sounds like it was a lot of fun and of course you played a great character!!
Thanks, Debbie! I was a very sketchy character…that’s for sure! I am happy with almost everything in my life right now. The museum keeps me busy as I’ve picked up a couple of responsibilities, and there are always new tours to research and plan. I can’t wait to travel across the pond again. Here I was thinking I was going alone, and I may be going three times with special people!
This was a fun one Marsha . The dress up party sounds a lot of fun , glad you both enjoyed it.
I also had to google the Texas sheet cake – sounds good.
Your trips will be something to look forward to – Paris is my favourite city in the world – my happy place.
I am so pleased you are in your element at the art museum.
Thanks, Jill! We did have a lot of fun. I mean, we were the age of everyone’s parents, but nobody seemed to even notice. I’d never been to anything like it so every minute was something new.
Maybe Texas sheet cakes are a regional thing. It was big back in the 80s or 90s. It’s basically a chocolate cake that you put the hot frosting on right after it comes out of the oven. It ends up being very fudgy and rich.
I have never been to Paris, and I truly wish I were going with Mike. But, it’s a dream come true to go even once. Perhaps, you’ll give me some pointers! I am so absolutely over the moon when I’m at the museum. It answers something in my soul.
Hi, Marsha – Sounds like you’re on high energy every second that goes by…reminds me of my husband, except his is all work focused. I totally agree that clothes we’ve had for a long time most likely don’t go out of style; they just need to be styled and combined differently than before. Congratulations on losing the amount of weight you wanted to! Take care – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Thanks, Angie! I don’t know that I’m on high energy all the time, but I’m really busy. I’m neglecting my house and am doing some things tomorrow (Saturday) to make some changes. That will make my mind feel better. I am so happy having lost the weight because I have so many clothes that didn’t fit and now do! Have a wonderful weekend, Angie!
Gosh, you’ve been busy Marsha! That party sounds amazing! Such fun! I bet you were the bad guy, right?!
Those books you’ve read sound interesting, especially the witchy one! Tell me more! I’m not into gory stuff though, so I’d give the other one you mentioned a miss lol
OMG I very much want a slice of Mike’s birthday cake please! Chocolate AND peppermint? MMMMmmmmmmmmm
I love how excited you get when you talk about being a docent—and the way you described those youngsters is wonderful. I bet they also loved every second!
Fab post, Marsha!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Thanks, Suzy! Of course, I was the bad guy! And Mike was my hired gun! Oh, I think you would really like The Bewitching. It’s very minimal gore. Another book you might like is Goblin Mode: How to Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection, and Thrive in the Muck! Well, come on over on the 21st…we’ll have room for you!
I absolutely love being a docent. It really is a dream come true. I get to learn and teach at the same time…win, win!
What a shame no- one saw those fine boots. The comfort menu sounds delightful- it’s the sort of thing we have throughout winter. Thanks for linking at #TuesdayTwirl
Thanks, Gail! I know, they are really good boots! I’m betting you are a much better cook than I am. And, thank you for the link party!
Can I come with you too to the UK and Paris? So jealous. I am so excited to see Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. They are a couple in real life!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Kathrine, you and I are going to go somewhere else! I would love to go on one of those tours like you did last year, only with you! I cannot wait to see it, either. I didn’t realize they were a couple. In fact, I had never heard of him until the movie trailers (and Amy mentioning looking him up)!
That’s so exciting that you are going overseas again!
I’m glad you were able to lose the weight you wanted to and are happy in your skin.
That murder mystery party sounded like so much fun too!
Thanks, Lisa! I am really excited and just hope these trips really do happen. I’m meeting with my travel buddy this coming week. You put it exactly right…I’m comfortable in my skin once again. I was thin for 12 years (after I retired). I even lost weight during the pandemic. But, as the world opened up, my anxiety level ratcheted up, and I started to eat. It was like I couldn’t stop. So, yes, I’m finally happy in my skin. The murder mystery party really was a lot of fun!
A few years ago, I participated in a murder mystery at my library and it was so much fun! I got to be the murderess and no one suspected me because they’re like “Dani’s, so nice and quiet.” LOL It’s fun pretending to be the “bad guy”, right?
Nigel’s cake sounds delicious!
And, gosh, your trips — I wish I could be a stowaway.
Thanks, Daenel! I can just imagine you as the murderess, sneaking around and misleading everyone! It really was fun, but everyone knew I was a bad guy…just not quite how bad! Oh, that cake…so good!!! I can’t wait! I would love for you to be a stowaway. How far are you from New Orleans? I’d love to go back but only with someone who knows the area.