Currently // March Edition

March has been a busy month with its fair share of life-changing events. As our exciting house-sale adventure continues, I felt the need to just pause and take stock of the little things that matter. 

Enjoying the prolificness of spring.  Here in Maryland, it feels like we awoke from a winter night to a spring morning, the changes came so swiftly. 

Reading The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. It always takes me a bit to get into her novels, but once I do they're always favorites. 

Watching a new-to-me show The Paradise on Netflix. I mentioned in this post the other day. I'm still loving it! 

Trying  a new breakfast recipe: homemade frozen breakfast burritos. I love having quick homemade breakfast options, and anything Mexican-style I will eat! I'll share our recipe soon! 

Grilling out more often. As the day's lengthen, it's a little easier to stand outside and cook over the grill. I love having grilled chicken, steak, or fish in the evenings. Such a healthier option--and a bit faster to prepare! 

Listening to an Irish playlist I created on Spotify as a bit of a St. Patrick's Day joke. I have to admit though I've been kind of enjoying it. When I say Irish I mean Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys not constant bagpipes don't worry. I'm still cool right? But seriously though... it's the best music for cleaning and getting things done. 

Planning for our upcoming move to Washington, D.C.! I keep fluctuating between nervousness and excitement. There's so much to do! Did you catch this post with our big game plan? 

Planting a few herbs and veggies in my little container garden. I can't go all-out this year since I have to relocate to a boat in May! I only plan to have a few herbs, some lettuce, and some peppers. 

Applying a little dab of doTERRA essential oils before bedtime. My mom mixed a "Balance" oil a few months ago. It may all be in a my head, but I swear that stuff has helped me stay calmer throughout this house sale process. Another favorite of mine is lavender. 

What have you been up to lately? 

Currently // February Edition

Enjoying the recent bouts of sunshine and warmer weather. Last weekend, the temperature reached the 60's.  Let me repeat: the 60's. In February. In Maryland. Flats wore worn. Coats were discarded. Windows were opened. Celebration ensued. 
Writing the twelfth chapter in my impending novel. It's coming along y'all! Sometimes it blows my mind to realize I've somehow managed to dredge twelve coherent chapters from my brain. Here's to twelve more!
Knitting a moss-stitch cowl. I'm a sucker for good packaging and recently picked up a few skeins of this yarn in a soft grey. I really kick up the knitting and crocheting in winter. I like having something to do with my hands while watching Netflix in the evenings. I don't know why-- I just do. I guess it imparts an illusion of productivity to Netflix-watching. 
Reading the mystery novel The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith. For those who don't know, that would be J.K. Rowling's pseudonym. Her prose and story-telling abilities are always such a welcome pleasure. 
Watching another Netflix original: Marco Polo. At first, I had my doubts, but then after the first two episodes, I really got into the characters and culture. Mark was a little slower to warm to the story; but even he was sold by the first season's end. 
Listening to Sia's new album on repeat. Her single Reaper? More, please. 
Loving the new photo-editing app A Color Story. I've switched almost exclusively to using it for all my iPhone photography. Also, never before have I made in-app purchases for filters. But it is so worth it for this app. I highly recommend it! 
Exercising with the hubs every week night. Right now, we're focusing on a CrossFit style workout that combines the big Olympic-style weightlifting with some intense metabolic training. Let me just say, I've never done so many burpees in rapid succession in my life. 
Scouting out potential rentals and real estate in the D.C. area. Currently, Mark has to spend about two hours commuting (each way). Needless to say, I would gladly pay more a month to have more time with him in the evenings. So, we're currently weighing our options. It's both scary and exciting! 
Cooking with ground turkey instead of ground beef. Lately, we've been really into ground turkey tacos. I haven't tried turkey burgers yet but am tempted to give it a try. 
Anticipating the arrival of spring. With today's blue skies and sunshine, it's just warm enough to make one think fondly of potted plants and rose buds. Yet March can be one of our coldest, yuckiest months here in the Mid-Atlantic. 
What about you? What have you been up to lately?

Currently // January Edition

Starting the day in my usual way: breakfast and a book. Lately, I've been trying to savor my mornings by having a deliberate morning ritual. Before I worked from home, my mornings consisted of the usual busyness of getting out the door in time. In college, however, I had always woken up early to read and enjoy a decent breakfast. When real life began, that ritual went out the window. Lately, I've been trying to restore that ritual: waking up a little earlier, fixing French press coffee, and reading for a few minutes. A slow, deliberate start to the day rather than a hustle-bustle rush. 
Loving that winter seems to have finally arrived. I'll always be a Georgia girl who's afraid to drive around in too much snow, but I've lived in Maryland long enough to start appreciating the fluffy white stuff. They're calling for several inches this weekend, and I have to say I'm actually excited!
Watching the infamous crime documentary Making a Murderer on Netflix. I know you've heard of it-- and if you haven't go watch it. There are so many things about this series that blew my mind. I think this story has surfaced in a time when America is questioning its legal justice system-- and perhaps with good reason. I just can't decide how I feel... guilty or not. Sometimes I lean toward not guilty, sometimes toward guilty. What about you? 
Reading a book Mark recommended: The Magicians by Lev Grossman. As George R.R. Martin said, this book is to Harry Potter as whiskey is to hot tea. I have been shamelessly griped by this story so far. 
Listening to Spotify's Acoustic Winter playlist, which has all your essential acoustic goodness: Ben Howard, Bon Iver, Damien Rice, Iron & Wine. It's the perfect playlist to write to, in my opinion. And the winter-y weather has finally arrived to accompany it.
Eating home-cooked meals more often. One of our goals for the new year is to live according to a reasonable budget. In order to achieve that goal, we decided to designate that each week we can have one dinner out and one lunch out. We don't always do both, but its nice to know the option is there. So, I've been fixing more suppers and lunches at home. And I have to say-- I actually enjoy it! Not so much the grocery shopping part, though. 
Cooking a recipe or two from my Julia Child cookbook. So far I've experimented with boeuf bourguignon and sauteed chicken in an herb-and-butter sauce. I can see why the woman revolutionized cooking. 
Working on repainting our living room. Thank goodness for random 50 degree weather that allowed me to open the windows and escape the paint fumes. Stay tuned for the new look's reveal! 
Anticipating getting a piano! Mark's parents are giving us their old piano, which happily is rather small and so should fit into our tiny house. We plan to recreate the upstairs work-space into a lounge space so that the piano (rather than the TV) can be our living room's focal point. 
Exercising more often. Over the holidays, Mark had planned on entering a strong man competition so he and I focused our workouts on heavy lifting. Now, we're transitioning more to HIIT type workouts to shed the fluff on top of these muscles we've built. 

Trying out more sustainable living practices. We've been trying to recycle more often and reduce our food waste. I've even gone so far as to start using reusable grocery totes and reusable mesh produce bags. Not that we're going to single-handedly save the earth, but I can tell a definite reduction in our trash volume. 
Understanding that our outlook each day greatly affects how that day turns out. I've been trying to make an effort to have a more positive attitude everyday, even going so far as to pep-talk myself when things go wrong. "Don't get frustrated, it's just a little thing." Or "Don't get angry at that driver who just cut you off, maybe they left the oven on or something." It may sound silly but I have to say that it helps! 
What have you been up to lately?

Currently // November

Staring the day with coffee and a good book. I love having just thirty minutes to slowly wake up. I don't want to talk to anyone, I don't want to watch the news or check my phone. I just want to read a book, sip my coffee, and slowly return to life. 
Reading The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. This. Book. Is. Amazing. Originally intended to be a short story, it grew more into a novella and tells the story of a little boy who finds himself entangled with some powerful, otherworldly forces. I finished it in one day-- seriously, I couldn't put it down. 
Listening to classical music. I'm not entirely sure why but Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1 came on my Spotify radio the other day and triggered this classical kick. I think it's my way of seguing into Christmas music. 
Watching House of Cards on Netflix. Is it bad to cheer on Frank Underwood? Because he is quite horrible yet I can't help it. 
Anticipating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I absolutely cannot wait for turkey and stuffing and gravy and rolls. Oh, and family too. But mainly the turkey and stuffing. 
Enjoying the fall weather. We've been so lucky this year. Last year, it had already snowed by this time. This year, however, we've had a series of mild days which has made for some excellent puppy walks and nice electric and gas bills. More of that, please. 
Understanding that sometimes it's easier to just do what makes for peace rather than argue. It just makes the whole day go much better. After all,  blessed are the peace-makers right? Or so they say. 
Ending the day reading a verse or two with the hubs. I love reading something wholesome and good just before bed. It helps ease my mind for sleep. Plus, any excuse to spend time with the husband is okay in my book. 

What have you been up to lately? 

Currently // October

It's been awhile since I've shared a Currently post, but the start of my absolute favorite month of the year seemed like a good excuse to share one.

Starting the day with coffee and a good book. I've been getting up about an hour earlier than I really need to just to take advantage of the early-morning coziness with my favorite pup, favorite book, and favorite brew.

Listening to Brandi Carlile, Sam Lewis, Avett Brothers, and the Civil Wars-- in short, my fall playlist.

Reading (or rather re-reading) The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.

Watching the best Western ever: Hell on Wheels. Seriously, that show makes me want to demand that Mark grow out his hair and start wearing vests and boots.

Going on long walks with the Solo-Bear in the mornings. Thank goodness for the RuffWear harness, the only thing between Solo and total squirrel annihilation.

Eating crockpot meals, the savior of a working lady's evenings. Some of my favorite crockpot recipes lately have been pulled pork sandwiches, chicken caticcatore, and barbacoa.

Drinking caramel macchiatos like they're going out of style. Lately, I'm not a huge fan of the pumpkin spice coffee craze. How about you? Did you fall out of love with the infamous PSL?

Planting mums in every available container. I absolutely love mums and pumpkins on my front stoop in fall. This year, I did an all orange and burgundy theme in honor of the hubs' favorite football team. Can you guess?

Enjoying the autumn rain and the first chill creeping into the air.

Smelling my new fall Yankee Candle, Autumn Fields. I love the woodsy-spice scent it fills our house with.

Understanding that sometimes the best course of action is what makes for peace and striving to be more willing for that.

Ending the day by jotting down a few journal notes. Having just a few seconds to write before bed really helps me prepare for sleep. I can write down any worries or ideas I have-- clearing my mind so that no pesky thoughts keep me awake.

What have you been up to lately?

Link to your Currently post in the comments below!

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Currently, 12.8.14

Crafting: a soft little baby blanket for a sweet friend and mommy-to-be. I'm using this pattern from PurlSoho.

Despite Saturday's torrential downpour, I was seized with knitting inspiration. Donning boots and grabbing my umbrella, I set out for Joann's Fabrics. Apparently everything I did that day was irrational: case in point... I marched into the store (slightly damp but no worse for the wear) and thought "I don't need a shopping basket!" Needless to say, I found myself waiting in a line wrapped half-way around the store, juggling seven yarn balls. A note of warning: don't go to craft stores in December. Middle-aged knitters and crafters descend in droves. They'll take you down with a buggy full of tinsel and bows. It's dangerous, people, dangerous.

Reading: In a bow to Greater Nerddom, I have been rereading the Harry Potter series. I started this venture late September, and I've made it to the sixth book. I haven't read these books since my pre-teen years; so reading them from an adult perspective has been very interesting. I notice different things, laugh at different things, but have been enjoying them as much as I did as a braces-wearing, ponytailed tween.

Writing: a creative nonfiction essay about peaches. Yes. I have somehow managed to write eleven pages worth of narrative about a fuzzy fruit.

Watching: Arrow and Gilmore Girls. Arrow is our husband-and-wifey show. Mark loves the action; I love Oliver Queen's abs.

Listening: to my Pandora Classical Christmas radio, Tchaikovsky radio, and Avenged Sevenfold radio. It's an interesting mix. I've taken to loudly belting carols around the house, much to Mark and Solo's dismay. Tis the season to be obnoxious.

Cooking: Christmas treats! Sugar cookies, no-bake cookies, peanut butter cookies, and pumpkin bread. I'm anxious to try this recipe.

Needing: a camel-colored coat. To me, a camel-colored coat just speaks "classy." I've been eyeing this one and this one. Although I have also have been eyeing this JCrew option.

Wanting: a unique right-hand ring. This Etsy shop has the most unique rings I have ever seen. Who doesn't love one-of-a-kind, handmade sparklies?

Anticipating: the Christmas holidays with our Virginia family. Whatever the wintry weather may bring, I know for sure the holiday itself will be filled with good food, family, and a ton of laughs.

What have you been up to lately? What have you been watching, reading, and cooking? I'd love to know! Link to your most recent "Currently" post in the comments below. I'll stop by and read!



Currently 6.19.13

It has been a hectic, busy week! Let's slow down for a second, shall we?  Stretch out the crick in the neck and take a few moments to chat about what's going on currently.

Anticipating: Over the next few days, two gigantic big-happy moments should occur. The first: two of our best, closest friends  are getting married Saturday. Mark and I will be rambling down to North Carolina Thursday evening in order to help prep and party. Can't wait to watch these two take such a special, beautiful step together! The second: in about 6 days, Amp and I should be homeowners! Can't wait to move downtown into our little brick rowhome--to clean, paint, and decorate this unique little place--and to start make memories of our "first home."

Reading: Can I just say that this month's Poets&Writers issue was particularly helpful? My favorite quotation (so far): "I always feel ...we should only take on writers whose manuscripts are so good that you can open them to any page, read a paragraph, and say, 'Here is a true writer,"" Haven't you experienced reading an author who just captures you like that? Every few sentences come with an intake of breath and a moment of pause as you realize "wow. These words are exactly the right way to say that." That's the sort of writer I aim to be...if I can just get over the anxiety of writing a bad first draft. ...*cough Anyway...

Watching: House Hunters. Yes. I know- I fully acknowledge that this show is the show you watch at the beach when its raining and there's nothing to do and nothing better on. But lately, it has just been incredibly entertaining to me. And what's more: my husband even likes it! I realize this is undoubtedly a passing phase, one from which he will abruptly startle...and probably very soon. but I'm enjoying it while it lasts. (We particularly enjoy the International episodes...who doesn't love fantasizing about buying a house in Paris or Prague or Marseilles?)

Wanting: The last of my wedding photos to arrive! When Mark and I got married, we ordered the majority of my wedding photos. I greedily snatched up all the photos of us together as well as our individual portraits and the necessary bridal party and family shots. But the wallet prohibited buying the photos of other important moments. All the little things, like the table arrangements, the front door wreaths, the flowers on the cake, the white wedding pumpkins (my personal favorite artistic detail of the day!). Or hilarious candid shots of guests doing the Electric Slide or our parents laughing or (the best one yet) my dad stealing a mid-dance smooch from my mom. Of course, I love all the posed moments, but going back through the second time, I found myself drawn to the little details and candid shots. That day, I was so swept up in the hugeness and awesomeness of the event, that I missed out on some of the tiny things. So, I'm grateful that our photographer captured them for me--and I have to say, I loved reliving the day through the photos. I'm anxious to get all the photos together and finally (after nearly 9 months) assemble our wedding album! It's about time, don't you think?

What's going on currently in your life?
Share in the comments below or leave a link to your own currently post at your blog!


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Currently 5.2.13

Making me happy: all of this sunshine! It's funny how the sky changes with every season-- I'm not talking types of weather, here. I mean the colors and textures of the sky itself. In winter, we go through months of grey, bleakness when the sky droops so low you'd think you could just stand on your tiptoes and touch it. And if you did, the brush of your fingertips would trigger the fall of those snowflakes you know are just waiting up there, waiting to fall down and blanket the ground again. But then, suddenly, the world takes that final turn and the clouds part for springtime. The sky sheds its grey cloud-shell and reveals the softest blue. That blue in turn triggers the rush of greens and pinks below, as life stretches and blooms once more. Next thing you know, the days are filled with birds chirping and blossoms floating on the gentlest breeze. And all I want to do on those days is sit on my balcony with a cup of sweet tea and write, write, write.

Listening to: Astronautalis. Recently, I signed onto my Itunes account to be greeted by that infernally perky little pop-up-- Itunes has an update! I grudgingly agreed...not realizing that doing so would completely revamp the program. Of course, nothing can ever stay the same. Things must be constantly updated, improved, tweaked. As my computer unveiled my new improved Itunes program, I was informed that I suddenly had access to some ephemeral Cloud. And I don't mean clouds like I was just talking about a moment ago. This Cloud apparently floats in cyberspace, containing all the songs I ever downloaded to Itunes and even Napster...years and years ago when Napster was the go-to music source. I sat there, staring at my monitor, wondering where all these songs had even gone... who knew they were being saved abovesomewhere, as computers and internet services changed below. It was the craziest sensation, scrolling through the music flailings of my 14 and 15 year old self, trying to find what style I liked. So much for as simple little software update! But I have to say, I'm somewhat happy this happened, this flood of old music. Because I rediscovered one of my favorite bands: Astronautalis. Nothing quite helps me tap into my creative roots like the upbeat rantings of Charles Andrew Bothwell as he rails about Persephone and that fated pomegranate, a philandering doctor, or a fated love on the high seas.

Watching: The Following. Mark and I just caught the final episode of this spine-tingling, nail-biting suspense. I'm pretty sure I just sat there on the couch, slack-jawed and staring. I mean, I don't even know what to say. Seriously: it was simultaneously the best and worst series I've ever seen.

Reading: Louse Erdrich's The Painted Drum. When I first started reading this novel, I wasn't too sure about it. It's written  (so far anyway) in three parts, from the perspective of three different Ojibwe Indians. The first two sections are in first person...while the third section is in third person. The first section, focusing on the character who rediscovers the painted drum and leads us into its story, was hard for me to get through. Somehow, Erdrich managed to get several chapters in without me knowing the person's gender, age, or name. I'm not a lazy reader...so I don't think this was due to skim-reading. I don't really like floating about in the narrative, wondering what's going on....wondering if I'll ever know what's going on. But I was determined to stick it out. Now, I have to say, I'm glad I did because the story has taken so many interesting and beautiful turns, somehow tight-roping the line between mythical legend and simple family story. I'm curious to see how it ends.

Writing: The antics of a fledgling assassin, a politically-ambitious vampire, and the lord of the Underworld himself. There may also be a pirate or two and, who knows, perhaps even a few damsels under some distress. Sound confusing? Yea, it is to me too.

Anticipating: My sister coming to see us! Her flight gets in tomorrow around 6:30. Looking forward to showing her around DC, doing some antique shopping in downtown Frederick, and eating at some of our favorite new restaurants. I'm still trying to figure out how to cram all the fun things I want to do into two and a half days.

image credit: via Pinterest.

Currently 2.19

Loving: Lately, my cuteness-radar beeps for vintage pyrex. My grandmother always cooked in pyrex dishes that displayed the olive-green daisy pattern, similar to these. I guess my love for the collections began then, knobby-kneed and squirmy in my little tennis shoes and pony tail, sitting on her kitchen stools. Honestly, you have to admit though, the bright colors and florals are a far sight better than the clear-glass and red measurements of the Pyrex you find at your local housewares store. I'd rather have my kitchen cabinets filled with a rainbow of colors than cold, stark measurement symbols. Although our condo kitchen doesn't have enough space to start a real collection now, I can't help but itch to pick up any pyrex I find on Etsy or at our antique shops. Here are a few pretty, brightful pieces I've been eyeballing: blue, orange, yellow, red.

Watching: Maybe its Kevin Bacon... maybe its the promotional hype... maybe its just the fact that we're suckers for a good cop show. But Mark and I have gladly hoped onto The Following bandwagon. I have never watched a more suspenseful show. Watching the Following feels like every Monday night, you have a really good movie to watch. The acting is great; the individual episode plots are full of twists and unexpected turns-- there's no repeated pattern, like with so many other shows. You never know what's coming next. And, furthermore, as a English major and Poe fan... I can't help but love the continuous Poe references. Although, my husband may get tired of me blurting out the quotation origins and clapping my hands in glee when I get it right. Seriously though.. if you haven't watched this show... tune in, it's worth it.

Reading: Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio. I highly, highly, highly recommend this book. It's absolutely fascinating. Rubio records the experience of little Icy Sparks, a 10 year old girl from Appalachian Kentucky, as she attempts to understand the "pops and fits" she has begun having. You follow her simultaneously hilarious and tearful journey as she's ostracized from the other children at her school and sent to a children's asylum for "inspection." Dealing with concepts and issues far greater than any ten-year-old should have to face, Icy struggles with appearance and reality, truth and lies, keeping secrets, and forming your identity. This is turning into one of those books that I hate to put down but I know, the more pages I turn, the closer the end will get--and I'll be left feeling lonely and missing the characters.

Anticipating: Starting graduate school. Today, I was accepted into a master's program here in Maryland to receive my secondary education degree. I'm slated to begin classes in August. I have to admit, I'm kinda pumped to think about taking classes toward this long-time goal of becoming an English teacher. Maybe this makes me a nerd... but I love learning new things and tackling the challenges of college course-loads. Maybe that's why I want to be a teacher so badly--so I can learn everyday. Lame, perhaps, but true.

What's been going on lately in your life? If you have your own "currently" blog post, post it in the comments, I'd love to read it. And I always love discovering other people's blogs--whether large or small like mine.

Currently 1.10

With so much focus on interviews and applying to jobs, a pair of smart heels seemed like an appropriate"currently" photo. 

Loving: This may sound odd, but lately I have been fascinated with honey. Not my honey (although I'm pretty obsessed with him too) but the natural product honey. Previously, I had no idea how good honey can be for you! It has so many uses. Be it as beeswax candles (which I guess really isn't honey), chapstick, shampoo, skin care, or even homeopathic remedies. For example, lately, I have discovered that taking a spoonful of honey can help your immune system if you have a bad cold. Sound strange? Its true. I've witnessed it myself. A few months ago, my mom had an awful cold that couldn't be vanquished by any medicines or over-the-counter standbys. On a whim, she started taking a spoonful of honey a day-- and she started getting better. This week, I've had my own case of the sniffles-- out came my honey bear. Think about it: doesn't honey in hot tea soothe a sore throat? Apparently its helpful qualities go even further. If you have bad allergies, try buying locally grown honey and eating a spoonful a day-- it will boost your tolerance to your region's pollen. How cool is that? All hail the awesomeness of kick-butt honey!

Watching: The Biggest Loser. Can I just say how inspiring that show is? To see people who have felt so beyond hope or help stand up, stake a claim on their life, and make a change just makes me want to stand up, throw a fist pump, and yell "You go sister!" Or brother, as the case may be. 

Learning: The importance of kindness. I know that may sound kind of obvious and out-there. But really. Working in customer service lately has taught me that a few kind words (no matter how irritated you may feel inside) can do a world of good. However, my work has also taught me something else: how you treat those in customer service says alot about you. If you can't afford five minutes of kindness to a stranger...you must be living a poor life. We have a tendency to hand out kindness like its in short supply, when in actuality its limitless. 

Reading: After seeing Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Hobbit, I felt a pressing need to brush up on my Tolkien. Today I finished rereading The Hobbit for the first time since I was about eleven. I blush now to admit that when I was young I did not enjoy that book at all. The old story-telling style didn't suit my modernized little mind. I didn't like being addressed by the narrator-- I wanted to be immersed in the story, in the main character--something I was used to in my first-person narrative children's books. But The Hobbit is different--written in a different time--but somehow, timeless. I love that Tolkien's work focuses on the age old strife of good and evil. For the most part, evil is clearly delineated -but when you least expect it, evil can sneak in and taint even the most stalwart "good guys."  I think that's why his fantastical worlds resonate with so many people. In a world where what's "wrong" seems to be becoming more and more confusing...we like having a clear cause to rally to. . Everyone needs something good in their life; some good cause to hold to even if its just your afternoon teatime and a little peace and quiet in your own little hobbit-hole of the world. 

Anticipating: Martin Luther King weekend. After the long stretch of holidays, the one day off for Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend seems like a godsend. A little treat tossed our way to help us get used to working full weeks again. Mark and I have some fun options for that weekend: 1) going to see his brothers and enjoying a snowboarding get-together, 2) having some good friends to our place for the weekend,or 3) seeing my own parents. I guess I could always go actually spend the holiday with Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr himself... or at least his memorial. I live close enough to it to actually be able to do that. But I probably won't... Like every other holiday, I'll spend it selfishly on my self. Whoops. 

So what have you all been up to lately?

What is going on currently in your lives?

Currently

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Some things happening currently in the Hobbs household:

Reading: You may remember my whinings and moanings over Philippa Gregory's Wideacre trilogy. Yet even as I bemoan the awfulness, I can't seem to get away from this sweeping English estate. Its one of those series that just absorbs you. I keep finding myself curled up on the couch, nose stuck to the pages, eyes skimming back and forth, back and forth, lost in the story...only to suddenly realize Mark has said something to me...about four minutes ago. My belated "huh?" long after the question has melted back in to the air, unanswered, always draws his sideways smirk.

Watching: Castle. Wednesday comes with back to back episodes of the gorgeous detective and her witty writer sidekick. Its a suitable exchange for our other favorite- the Mentalist. Nothing like some good cop banter and 45 minute murder drama to make supper taste even better.

Listening to: Sometimes, nothing suits quite like Christina Perri. It amazes me how she can adjust her voice to suit any song. Here's my current favorite.

Anticipating: What am I anticipating? Seriously? Must you even ask? I may be the biggest closet Lord of the Rings nerd that has ever existed. I own all the films, including the special edition extended versions. But my love isn't reserved solely for Peter Jackson's film adaptations. No, my affection is for Tolkien in general. I have it all: the trilogy, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion (I dare you to take that one on, Mr. Jackson, think you can handle that epicness?), the Children of Hurin... So, you're wondering what I'm anticipating? Hmm? Really?

Making me happy: Journaling. Hence the above photo. We were standing at Barnes and Noble; Mark's hands in his pockets, head cocked back, probably staring at the florescent above wishing he could leave, me, roving through shelves and shelves of journals--leather bound, hand-bound, ones made of recycled materials... Until finally I picked the most simple, basic one possible. College-rule lined pages, white jacket, a slim gold ribbon marking my last scribbled place. I know a lot of people out there find journaling to be a waste of time, but there's just something about flipping open those pages, crisp and fresh, and just waiting for a flood of vowels and consonants. Ha- you may have picked up on the fact that I love creative writing. It applies to my personal life too--another among the many things I'm blessed to have to smile about.

Currently 11.27

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My life lately consists of a wilting page from the Frederick classifieds, internet job searches, ink-stained fingers, and coffee rings. Outside, the wind intensifies and turns to a chilly wetness, reminding us that autumn is falling away fast.  And faithfully everyday, my sweet husband trudges out into the cold, while I do my best to scramble and scribble--job hunting, cleaning, writing, and cooking, half-ready and half-scared for change.

Otherwise, here is a glimpse at what's currently happening beneath the Hobbs roof:

Loving: This weather which permits the unabashed indulgence of my addiction to awkwardly big scarves. Yes. And I'm not alone in this obsession. This lady has the exact same issue. But there's just something really comforting about throwing on a cowl of chunky-knit or a thick, embroidered pashmina and running out in the cold. I don't know about you, but if my neck and head are covered and warm...I'm usually good to stay out there in the bluster and snow for as long as needed. So, big scarves it is; even if they make me look like a little kid when I  peep over the edge.

Reading: You mean, other than job postings? Well... Ha. Honestly though. After all my whining and moaning, I finally finished Phillipa Gregory's novel Wideacre. And you know, I actually liked it. Despite the betrayal, seduction, murder, and down-right dirty awfulness... I found myself really feeling quite sorry for the main character. A female historian, Gregory's writing focuses on women in history, their cloaked power, thwarted power, oppression, and ascension. She basically took this book's main character, Beatrice Lacey, and explored the archetype of the "witch-woman." It's a pretty uncompromising look at women of the 18th and 19th centuries and what they were required to do to grasp  and maintain the power that fell into the laps of their brothers, uncles, fathers, and sons. Its really fascinating--because you at once loathe and cheer for Beatrice, you love her and yet you want to bash her in the head. Well...maybe not that intense, but sometimes..sometimes...  Anyway, my point is: Gregory really challenges the ideas of female place and identity. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, really. I shall have to keep musing. In the meantime, though... I believe I might actually buy the sequel. Bet you didn't expect that.

Listening to: My husband and I have decided to open about this new relationship we've formed. Yes, we've started listening to Taylor Swift. Specifically her new album Red. That's all we have to say on the matter. ....Don't judge, folks. The tunes are catchy, okay?

Loving: This easy homemade pizza crust recipe. Oh my word-- I love it! I made it once before and blogged about it here. The quick and easy pizza has returned. Tonight, I'm trying it out again--this time with a BBQ chicken-and-pineapple theme. We'll see how it goes.

Following: These seasonal Pinterest boards. I've really been enjoying the collage-like affect that Pinterest possesses. It's fascinating to see what images people group together, based not solely on theme, but also on tone, mood, color, or shape. This particular Pinner nails perfectly the flavor of the various seasons. ( Pardon my pun there.)

Anticipating: Getting our Maryland driver's licenses this weekend. Admittedly, I'm not looking forward to the whole annoying process of actually acquiring the things: the waking up early, waiting in line. bad-photo-taking, paper-signing, etc. But I am very excited indeed to finally have a little plastic card that officially declares my name to be "Abigail Hobbs."  May seem cheesy, but it is true.

A Happy Tuesday to you all!

Currently 11.14

old + weathered, but still capable of beauty

Thankful for: (#14) Being married one month. Its hard to believe that a month has whirled by since that day with the vows and bells and bows. Its hard to believe, too, that I have spent a month of days with Mark. After being so used to seeing each other on occasional weekends, it still feels like such a treasure to spend so much time together. I wonder if being around him will ever be old hat? I don't think so--no more than being around yourself is old-hat. It just is. And its wonderfully perfect. We celebrated with painted daisies, homemade Mexican-bean-and-sausage soup, and Xbox live. Well...Mark celebrated with that last one. I knitted a Christmas gift. Little old couple already.

Reading: I really need to pay more attention to book-jacket descriptions. I picked up Phillipa Gregory's Wideacre, the first book in a trilogy of the same name. I usually select my books by recommendation--be it friend. professor, or newspaper review--and then read the first few pages to see if the prose captures my fancy or not. I have read other historical novels by Gregory, specifically her series about Lancaster and York. Who doesn't enjoy feuding cousins, right? Anyway... my read-a-few-pages test failed me. Let me just throw a few words at you. Seduction. Betrayal. Murder. Incest. Deception. Yes. That. And the problem is, I hate stopping a book half way through; so here I go, wallowing through the mire to the end, I suppose.

Listening to: Brandi Carlile's Bear Creek. I'm pretty sure she has the most soulful voice I have ever encountered. Your opinion may differ, but she certainly gets my soul to rocking and my boots to tapping.

Loving: My Yamaha keyboard, a surprise welcome-home gift from my daddy. He knew how much I would miss my piano so he sneaked and bought me a substitute. I have to say, I think my playing has improved this past month. Probably due to the fact that every day, after a morning of frantic application submissions, I sit and play for about an hour or so. The thing I love most about this keyboard: it senses if I hit the keys harder... so I can determine volume by touch, just as with an actual piano. This is truly great, people. The little things do matter; they determine the whole song.

Planning: To bake this peanut butter pie. Pretty spectacular, huh? For some reason, I've been dying to bake a pie. Maybe its because I have my own place now with my own kitchen things ...including pie dishes and cute aprons. Whatever the cause, this pie is happening next week! Turkey Day is almost here! Fast and be ready! We're getting there.

image source

Currently 11.6

one of our engagement photos. taken by Etherea Studios. 

Happy election day, everyone! What a wonderful day-- to express your opinion for your president....and then bite your nails and clench your fists and pray strongly that the right man wins. However, I'm also sitting here asking myself... when will we have a "Madam President" instead of a "First Lady"? This question then leads to...what would her husband be called? "First Man"? That makes him sound like a link in an evolutionary timeline. "First Husband"? But then what if she's been divorced and he's not her first husband? That would make things confusing in the presidential household. If we're going to match with the lady moniker... would it be "First Gentleman"?
Is there actual protocol for this? If so, please comment and let me know.

Anyway, let's get past my ramblings and on to my actual blog post.
Here is what is happening currently in the Amp and Abi Hobbs household.

Watching: The Mentalist. Now, we realize this show has been around for a few seasons, but Mark and I just started seriously watching it last week. We caught an episode on one of those piped-in channels aired on the cruise and both instantly fell for Patrick Jane and his wily ways. Those who know me know I have always been a strict Bones and Castle fan when it comes to these detective shows...But it seems I must now widen my cop-show-circle to include the team from Sacramento. Also, the Mentalist tends to be less bloody-juicy-icky than Bones, thus allowing for a better supper time show.

Listening to: Mumford & Son's new album Babel. I've had it for several weeks now, but somehow it is still the CD of choice when I hop in the car. Much to Mark's dismay as he is not the biggest Mumford&Son's fan. While still maintaining the moody soul I love about this band, his album is somehow different from the previous one. To put it in the terms of a good friend of mine, it's "louder and twangier" whereas the last album is quieter, more chill (I really want to correct the grammar here and type "chillier" but that changes the meaning entirely). Either way, I love me some rocking banjo on these blustery fall days.

Planning: The holidays. Where to go. Who to see. How to get there.

Thinking about: today's Big Choice. Will we have a new "Mr. President"? A new face to represent our country, a new person to whom we doff our caps with respect, despite our own values and views? Or will the news announcers report that the same man has won again? Four years to eight. A continuation and amplification of the same. It's so fascinating to me, watching America teeter-totter at a crossroads, wondering which direction we'll shoot off in, wondering if much will change at all, or if we've already changed  well past recognition. And wondering what my place is in all this hullabaloo.

Looking forward to: Mark's kickball playoffs! Go JoJo's!! Yes, their team is named JoJo's. Businesses around Frederick sponsor the kickball teams as a form of community advertisement. Mark's team is named for a downtown restaurant that serves particularly yummy hamburgers. The playoffs start tomorrow night, provided the fields are sufficiently repaired from Sandy's havoc. Wish them luck! I sincerely hope they win, because apparently they have the kickball equivalent of a Superbowl ring. Except these are called "super-ball" rings. Oh yes. It is happening.

Reading: This title caught my eye in Target and Barnes&Noble. It touted its status as a "National Bestseller"  but. for some reason, I kept doubting whether I wanted to read it or not. However, I finally caved and bought it. Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch. I'm only about a third of the way in, but I'm enjoying it more than I expected. Honestly, the jacket description and title made me expect a light read, one of those girl-from-the-country-goes-big-city-heartbreak-loveaches-back-to-your-roots type things. And, essentially, that may be what this is. But the writing style took me by surprise. Although its listed as a novel, the book has a short-story quality. You get glimpses of the main character's life, as she passes through different phases and stages. Not always in chronological order, either. The author gives you information and clipped scenes and leaves you to interpret them as you see fit. You can place them where you need them to go, to understand the characters. Its very episodic. And I'm growing increasingly fond of it, the more I read. So, long story short, I'm glad I finally bought the book.

Making me happy: Waking up to my best friend and sweet husband every day. Even if his alarm clock does go off five times before he fully wakes up. While I do usually wake him with a poke and an incoherent grunt ("turn-that-thing-off-for-pity's-sake"), I am over the moon happy to have him there to poke and grunt at. I'm pretty blissful these days.


Happy Tuesday! Don't forget to vote!