Drinking: 
I’m having a quick cup of coffee before I start getting ready for my day at the bookstore. I should probably eat something too. Have you ever been so lazy that you don’t even want to pour a bowl of cereal? That’s where I’m at right now.

Reading:
I finished up North of Boston. If you’ve hung around here enough you know that mysteries aren’t something I read a lot of. I’m wicked glad (how very Boston of me!) that I picked this one up. I loved the main character. I have more things to say. (Maybe I’ll even write a review. Gasp!)

I’m not sure what I’ll be reading next, but The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister is wooing me with it’s pretty cover and comparisons to The Night Circus.

Watching/Listening:
You’ll all be thrilled to know that I’m still watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. I’m in the middle of the last season. I’m trying to stretch it out now because I don’t want the great rewatching to be over.

I succumbed to peer/internet pressure and listened to the first season of Serial.  It was compelling, interesting, and addictive.  The in-depth reporting is journalism of the best kind.

Listening to the podcast reminded me that I love stories, in all forms. That’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Whether it’s a book, podcast, movie, television show…we all love a good story. That’s true of almost every single human being.

Baking: 
The holiday baking is underway! Yesterday I made peanut butter bonbons and cutout cookies. Both recipes come from my grandmother and have been made for every Christmas since the beginning of time. Well, since the beginning of my grandmother’s time at least.

There are more things to bake and I’ll have to sneak in a cookie/brownie/bar session whenever I have a free moment in the next few days.

Anticipating:
I’m very much looking forward to spending some relaxing holiday time with my family. My husband is excited for Christmas to arrive (and then be gone, ha!) because he is a UPS man and has worked his fingers to the bone in the past few weeks. I’m excited because I’m like a hyper little kid at this time of year. My kids are excited because they are actual kids. (They are teenagers that try to act cool but they can’t fool me. I know what’s what.)

Enjoy the holidays, folks. Have a peaceful, sane, and safe season. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, gratefully reminisce about those that aren’t able to be with you this time, and try to slow down for a day or two. Have a glass of wine, or four. Have a cookie, or five. Rise above the actions of family members that drive you up a wall and sincerely appreciate those family members that make you feel adored.

Peace!