CURRENTLY: How I’m Finding my Bliss the Summer of 2016
One of my fellow bloggers asked me to join a blog hop to share where we are currently in life. Our dreams and what we’re reading, watching, listening to, and loving in the CURRENTLY Summer 2016 Blog Hop.
In other words, how am I finding my bliss this summer? Sounded like a fun idea and I’m game. So sit back, have a read, and enjoy. Then visit the other #Gr8Blogs listed at the end of this post for more Summer 2016 CURRENTLY inspiration.
Here we go…
*Loving…
My hubby. We celebrate our 38th anniversary on the 17th of this month and I’m beyond grateful for every moment I’ve had with the love of my life.
I’m also loving Chicago, where we went on our anniversary trip (which I’ll be writing about in my next blog). Here’s a picture of us 1,353 feet up on the famous Skydeck. First time visiting this fabulous city and it ranks right up there with my other favorite cities: Seattle, Sydney, London, and Paris.
*Reading…
If you read my blog, you know I just finished reading a copy of legendary teen idol Bobby Rydell’s autobiography for a book review. I’m excited that this man, famous for hits like Volare and starring in Bye Bye Birdie, did an interview for me as well. His answers to my questions were brutally honest – which is so refreshing.
I just started reading a new book, Descent, by Tim Johnston. The publisher calls the novel a “literary thriller.” As a review by the Washington Post notes, “It’s a thriller because it concerns a girl of 18 who is abducted during a family vacation in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It’s literary because Johnston’s prose is lyrical, even poetic, to a degree rarely found in fiction, literary or otherwise.” Sounds like the perfect summer read and I’m on board!
*Watching…
10 Cloverfield Lane. Man, I haven’t seen a movie this good in a long time. If you haven’t seen it yet, the less you know, the better. Don’t read any reviews. Here’s what you need to know: This movie captures your attention immediately and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The acting is phenomenal. John Goodman defines the word creepy. The tense, chilling thriller reminds me a bit of Hitchcock and will keep you guessing to the end. Oh, and the ending! Just spectacular and guaranteed to knock you off your feet. A must-see. It just debuted on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on June 14, 2016. Check it out!
(For the perfect feel-good, funny, and inspiring movie, watch Eddie the Eagle. Just watched last night and loved! Hugh Jackman is just perfect in his role.)
As far as TV, love Big Bang Theory to make me laugh. And I’m oh so ashamed to admit I’m hooked on the trashy but entertaining Bachelorette. Don’t ask me to explain why.
*Listening…
Paul McCartney is releasing his latest album this month, Pure McCartney, a collection of 67 of his hits starting in 1970. It includes songs like “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “Live and Let Die.” Sounds cool, but recently, I discovered this laid back solo from his debut album: “That Would be Something.” Unfortunately, the song didn’t make the final cut for his album, but I’m obsessed with it. Click here to check out a live performance of this simple but oh-so-groovy song.
*Thinking About…
Oh my, many, many things are rattling about in this brain of mine. June 13th was the first anniversary of my Mom’s death, so she is definitely on my mind. I’m trying to focus on all the good memories we shared instead of the awful memories of her death – and succeeding fairly well. I’m attending a sign language Bible convention this month, so I’m having good spiritual vibes. And I’m kicking around ideas for an eBook (it would be my first) and whether I actually want to write one or not. It would be a ton of work writing and promoting it. Then again, maybe I’ll just keep freelancing for magazines writing fun lifestyle and travel articles and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Then, I’ll do this debate in the fall. Yeah, that sounds better.
*Anticipating…
This may explain my fascination I mentioned above with Paul McCartney, but I’m going to see him live at Desert Trip in October along with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and the Who. Can’t wait!
*Wishing…
I’m a lucky girl and many of my wishes have already come true. But at the top of my bucket list is a trip to Africa.
*Making Me Happy…
Life. Grateful for each and every day. My faith. My husband, my children, my grandchildren, the rest of my family and friends. My writing. Good memories. Sailing. My many blessings.
*Seeing in My Camera Lens…
No brainer. My adorable three grandchildren, of course! Here they are happy with their new puppy.
So there you go. Thanks for stopping by! For more Currently -Summer 2016 inspiration, visit the #Gr8blogs below. And hey, if you’re pumped about writing your own Currently – Summer 2016 post, just add your family-friendly Currently link to your blog post in the comment section. We’ll visit your blog and give you some blog love!
JD’s Writer Blog
C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y What I’m Up To!
Cat Michaels, Cat’s Corner
CURRENTLY Blog Hop Summer 2016: Dreams, Inspiration of a Writerly Life
Corrina Holyoake, Venturing Into the Unknown
CURRENTLY Blog Hop – Summer Dreaming
Carmela Dutra, A Blog for your Thoughts
CURRENTLY: A Blog Hop of What I’m Up To
Auden Johnson, Dark Treasury
CURRENTLY Blog Hop – Summer 2016
Images courtesy of marcolm and imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Such fun reading your CURRENTLY, Julie! Congrats on your anniversary. Love that snapshot on the skywalk….I have an aversion to heights and am not as brave as you to pose there. Looking forward tomyour Chicago post.
I love Big Bang, too, and will check out that movie you recommended. I am glad this season has been gentler for you than last.
Thanks Cat! Enjoyed your CURRENTLY blog as well! Believe it or not, I am afraid of heights as well. As I shared with another reader – the whole trick to Skydeck is to NOT look down and don’t think about what you’re doing. Look straight at the camera and only think of the great photo you will get. As you mentioned, I had a rough few years including my Mom’s death last year. I just felt like I had to do it – that I needed to start living again. I’m glad I did!
Julie, we must be kindred spirits, because our 35th wedding anniversary was on the 17th too! And I totally loved our trip to Chicago, but didn’t have the nerve to go up to the Skydeck (maybe next time). We toured the park on Segways instead. And I’m a complete Big Bang geek myself! I’ll be checking out your book and movie recommendations – thanks for the tips and the fun post! ~Lynn
Wow, we certainly do have a lot in common! Even the same anniversary date. Amazing! The trick to Skydeck – for the next time – is to NOT look down. Step out determined and look straight at the camera the whole time, only thinking about what an awesome photo you will have to share. When I was ready to safely step off, then I looked down at the view real quick. Glad you enjoyed the blog. Thanks for stopping by!
Congratulations on 37 years of wedded bliss! Truly applying the bible counsel of ‘what God has yoked together, let no man put apart.’ Oh I’ve been dying to go to Chicago! I cannot wait to read that blog! Did you visit the Chicago Institute of Art? My favorite artist is on display there, the very famous painting by Georges Seurat: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. What do you think your eBook might be about? I look forward to learning more.
Thanks, Carmela! And yes, I credit following Bible council for the happiness and longevity of our marriage. It really works! Yes, we did get to to to the Chicago Institute of Art. It was fabulous. Go, go, go to Chicago. I’d highly recommend it. As far as eBooks – I started formatting one of my YA novels into an eBook, am thinking about writing one on caregiving for people with dementia based on my experience with my Mom, and another one on writing in retirement. Big ambitions and so little time! I loved reading your CURRENTLY blog as well. Very fun idea for a blog hop!
ahh, lovely blog and huge congrats on you coming anniversary. Sounds like you have so much fun in store for this summer. Gorgeous pics of the family and such a fun post to read. Here is to a very happy and blissful summer 🙂
Thanks! Loved your CURRENTLY blog as well Corrina!