I do this meme from time to time and I thought it might be fun to revisit it again. This is what is happening in my world, right now:
What I Am Listening To: Although it might surprise some people, I do love listening to Justin Bieber’s album, Purpose. His songs definitely carry a rhythm that encourages me to dance and sing out loud while I am driving my car. (Confession – I do this all the time – it reminds me of my youth). I am also listening to Sia, This is Acting. I plan to download Rihanna’s album, ANTI. One of my favorite lines from her song (FourFiveSeconds) collaboration with Paul McCartney and Kanye West is “Cause all of my kindness Is taken for weakness.”
What I Am Thinking About: I expressed the ambivalence I felt toward January in my post on Monday. When I write, I don’t always pay attention to how my words might land. Although, I gravitate toward melancholy sometimes, I do not walk around depressed. My life is abundantly full, but at times, I feel the push to honor my sadness. There are several joys in my life, from family dinner with my loved ones, to late-night talks with my daughter as I tuck her into bed, sipping coffee in quiet house and watching movies with my husband.
I am thinking about Philip Seymour Hoffman and his passing that occurred 2 years ago today. I winced when I saw him in the last installment of The Hunger Games. It also made me think about the world’s best chef, Benoit Violier who died of an apparent suicide at age 44. We really don’t know what people are carrying, do we?
What I Am Watching: It’s Downton Abbey season at our house. I adore this series and will miss it next year. The characters rattle off some of the best lines on television – my favorite of this past week comes from Dowager Countess played by Maggie Smith – “If I withdrew my friendship from everyone who had spoken ill of me, my address book would be empty.” We are always a sports watching family, with the Australian Open and any Warriors basketball game playing in the background.
What I Am Reading: Several books have my attention: Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker, Why We Write About Ourselves edited by Meredith Maran and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. This is a snippet of what I am reading now and I plan to do a post listing all of my recommendations later in the month.
What I Am Loving: I obsess over sunsets and feel fortunate I captured the pink waves highlighting the sky this past week. I love relaxing on Sunday afternoons with a good book, as well trying to under schedule our time as a family. I am loving the treasures my daughter shares with me at unexpected moments. It reminds me to believe in wonder again.
What is happening in your world currently?
Love this, Rudri. We’re Downton fans too and I am reading Mary-Louise Parker’s book (like it a lot). Give the new Sara Bareilles (What’s Inside – Songs from Waitress) a try. I think you’d enjoy it. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Beth. I will check out your recommendation. I am a Sara Bareilles fan!
What you wrote in “What I am thinking about” resonates with me, so I’m going to catch up on your Monday post. I also look forward to reading your book recommendations later on in the month!
I’m working on some good changes in my life, from exercising daily (this is a huge change for me) to finally working on my blog. I don’t know why I’ve been feeling trepidation about writing again but catching up on friends’ blogs is reminding me of the community that I’ve missed.
Oh, Cecilia, I miss your voice! I understand your need to step away, but I look forward to your words. I will be ready to read when you decide you want to write again. xo
“Cause all of my kindness Is taken for weakness.”
Love the posts and your openness here.
Thanks for sharing.
Welcome, Julie!
Thanks for your kind words. xo
I’m totally tickled at you listening to Bieber. 🙂
Sometimes I can’t believe it! But his tunes are so catchy and he does have a good voice. 🙂
Oh, the sunsets have been so glorious lately! Also, the sky. Just driving today I couldn’t stop staring at it (hmm, kind of a distraction). I just finished Dear Mr. You by ML Parker and it was wonderful. I love her poetic style, and her honesty.
You are right, Dana. ML Parker’s voice is unforgettable and her lyrical style definitely compels the reader to keep turning the page.
I am glad the sunsets are memorable for you too. xo
You made me smile. Nice. Happy to catch up on the posts I have missed. Life has been busy. Hope you are well. xoxo