Ready, Set, Jump Into Summer: 2017 CURRENTLY Summer Blog Hop
Sun screen. Kids playing “Marco Polo” in the pool. Family road trips. Summer is in the air!
That means it’s time for a CURRRENTLY Summer Blog Hop.
My blogger buddies and I are sharing what we’re up to this summer to inspire you to have the greatest summer ever!
What are we thinking about, reading, watching, writing about, listening to, and anticipating? Please have a read and enjoy! Then visit the other #Gr8Blogs listed at the end of this post for some more summer inspiration.
Reading…
Looking for a couple of page turners to enjoy on the beach or by the pool?
I just finished the novel, I Let You Go, by Clair Mackintosh. The astonishing twist in the middle of the book had me glancing back to see how the author had fooled me! I guessed some of the other surprises toward the end of the book, but not all of them. A cunning psychological thriller that keeps you turning pages.
The other book I recently read, You Will Know Me, by Megan Abbott, features the competitive and, yes, brutal world of gymnasts and their parents on track for the Olympics. The book begs the answer to the question – how well do we really know the people we love best? Let’s just say, they aren’t always worthy of our trust in this fascinating book.
Loving…
Loving our sailboat, Jules of the Sea! Hard to point to one reason why sailing is so addicting.
As I wrote in an earlier blog: Is it the feel of brisk sea air in your face, the disconnection from all the stress, noise, and worries, the sounds of the gentle lapping of the water and the hum of the wind in the sails, or the deep connection with nature, peace, and serenity?
Whatever the reason, we’re hooked and have been sailing for more than 30 years. I’m looking forward to doing plenty more of it this summer!
Watching…
A couple of my blogging buddies raved about Poldark in our last CURRENTLY blog hop, so I decided to give it a try. All I can say is if you haven’t been watching this PBS Masterpiece series – you are missing out! I LOVE, LOVE it! They are filming Season 3 now.
Then, there’s Colony on Netflix. I can’t resist a good sci-fi and besides that, the sexy blonde from Lost, Josh Holloway, stars in it. Just starting Season 2. The otherworldly drones are ominously policing the humans since “the arrival,” the “red hats” are patrolling the street mercilessly, and the Sullivan family are caught in the middle. Pretty good stuff.
Writing…
I’ve got several irons in the fire right now.
Still not ready to reveal my latest writing project, but if all goes according to plan, it will include a book, new website, and an online course. Stay tuned…
I’m also putting the final edits in my book tentatively titled, I’m Your Daughter, Julie. The book shares my story about caring for my mother who had a combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s along with caregiving tips.
Then there’s a humorous book about getting older and a book on finding your baby boomer bliss (based on this blog) that are in the beginning stages.
I’ve been a busy girl!
Thinking About…
Must be my age, but I’ve been dreaming about future plans. Retirement is probably at least a decade away, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking about it.
Most my life, I’ve been a freelance writer and feel fortunate to have made a living doing something I love. But I’d like to make a few changes. Although I’m captivated by words and can’t imagine not writing at all, like many independent baby boomers, I want to have more creative control over my career. Specifically, what I write and how much time I spend doing it. In other words, instead of writing for other people, I’d like to start writing for myself.
Hopefully, all my new projects will bring me closer to those goals.
Listening to…
Billy Joel! Check out my blog for details, but I was lucky to attend his concert at Dodger Stadium with surprise guests Pink and Axl Rose.
My favorite moment was when all the flashlights lit up like stars in the sky. We all swayed together joyfully and happily sang along as Billy Joel belted out “Piano Man.” So much fun!
My sister also bought me and hubby tickets to the play, Margaritaville, based on Jimmy Buffett’s music for our upcoming anniversary. The play is so much fun and heading to Broadway. If you are looking for a carefree, funny, and entertaining play, look no further!
Anticipating…
Going to the beach! The ocean has always been my peaceful sanctuary. I’m anticipating magnificent sunsets and the gentle sound of waves lapping on the shore.
My oldest granddaughter is learning to surf and has a natural knack for it. I’ll be merrily riding the waves alongside her on my boogie board. I’m looking forward to the giggles of my grandchildren as they play in the waves, build sand castles, and catch sand crabs in their buckets.
Making Me Happy…
Got to say, it’s my hubby. My safe haven, my best friend, the love of my live, my biggest supporter, and my soothing comforter. Did I mention he cooks too? This month marks our 39th anniversary of wedded bliss.
So, there you go. That’s what I’ll be up to this summer. What are your summer plans? What are you reading, watching, listening to, or looking forward to? Please share in the comments below!
For more Summer 2017 CURRENTLY moments, visit the #Gr8blogs below. Thanks for stopping by!
Tracy Bryan: Tracy Bryan, Children’s Author
Cat Michaels: Cat’s Corner
Sandra Bennett: Sandra Bennett, Author
Auden Johnson: Dark Treasury
Carmela Dutra: Carmela Dutra, Children’s Author
James Milson: Writing & Things
Images courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, think4photop, surasakiStock and ponsuwan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
Hi Julie! Loved your post for your “Ready, Set, Jump Into Summer: 2017 CURRENTLY Summer Blog Hop!”
I will look up the books you mentioned as I’m always looking for new ones to read.
Your PBS series also sounds interesting.
We will send you a big cheers for your anniversary, as we too, will be celebrating 39 years. Where does the time go?
Happy Summer!
Thanks again,
Rosie
So glad you enjoyed. And happy, happy anniversary! What a coincidence that we have been married the same amount of years. You have a great summer too!
Julie, I am so impressed at the way you are keeping so busy and living life to the fullest. Your writing projects are awesome! You inspire me.
So glad you enjoy Poldark, too. It is addictive, and the hottie hero is E-Z on the eyes -:D. I will check out those books you enjoyed. LIke Rosie, I am always on the prowl for my next great read.
We don’t have big summer plans. Just a stay-cation and catching up at home. Lots of time swimming at the pool, though. Thanks for sharing your summer inspiration.
Back at you, Cat! Your YouTube video preview of your book knocked my socks off! Oh, I’m jealous of your wonderful tech and photography skills, something I am dearly lacking! Enjoy your stay-cation – they can be lovely as well. Have a great summer, Cat!
Hi Julie,
Your works in progress sound amazing, you are so inspirational. Great to see you are keeping busy with plenty of ideas coming all the time. Don’t ever let retirement slow you down, it’s a time for you!
I agree there is something calming about the sea air and the sound of the waves rolling in. We must both be water signs. Thanks for sharing your summer bliss, you helped warm up my frozen toes a little with the thought of dipping them in that lovely blue ocean.
Ah, thanks, Sandra. Been busy writing for clients and haven’t published my own book in years, and suddenly all these new ideas began popping into my head. Now I’m up to my eyeballs in manuscripts but loving it! It’s fun for me to imagine you on the other side of the earth hunkering down for winter while we’re roasting in triple digit weather here in the California desert. Makes me feel cooler! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Hi Julie! I just love the name of your sailboat!! I’ve seen you post pics on Facebook,but never actually knew what her name was-cute! So intriguing about your works progress-wow, the first sounds mysterious and can’t wait to hear your secret! The second seems so very personal to you. The other two are very exciting too-you are a busy girl! Hope you have lots of great travel too-have a good summer:)
Thanks Tracy! Yes, the boat is sorta named after me. Is that conceited? Hehehe. The second book about caring for my Mom is very personal, intimate, and written from my heart. It is the the hardest book I’ve ever written by far. I only hope it will help other caregivers who I have so much respect for now. My heart goes out to all of them. My mystery project is meant to help baby boomers achieve their goals and dreams. There’s your hint! You have an absolutely wonderful summer too!!
Sailing…so jealous. I’ve never been but I want to. I’m with you on the beach trip. NY has a couple of cool beaches I can visit by train. It just takes me a while to get to them so I don’t visit. I keep telling myself I’d visit the beach more often. I think I’ll do that this summer, for real this time.
Oh, you must try sailing sometime! Soothing to the soul. As is the beach. Go Auden – do it “for real this time!” Have a great summer!
Sailing ⛵️?? Where do you take your boat? Is there a close place to where you live? I’m picturing you in the desert and having a hard time locating nearby water. I’m not a boat person (or open water) but your name that you picked out was too cute! Big congrats on your wonderful 39 years of wedded bliss! May you blessed with more years than you can count!
Good question! I do live in the desert, but the advantage of living in the California desert instead of Arizona is that we are only two hours away from the beach. My father has a home there, so we go every chance we get. Yeah, we love the boat’s name too – if that’s not too conceited since it’s sorta named for me! Thanks for the congrats on our anniversary, I’m truly lucky because it really has been wedded bliss.