take me in

Sorry for the post-vacation silence. It was hard to settle back into real life this time. Not in a negative way; just in a tired-all-the-time, too-much-work kind of way. Vacation was good. There was some good family time, I got to see my oldest goddaughter twice, I got some girl time with my best friend A, and some good catch-up time with an old friend. My grandfather's ninetieth birthday party was nice; the whole weekend in Seattle was, really. Good friends, Pike Place Market, good food . . . it was nice. Even the red-eye flight home wasn't as painful as it could have been.
I'm swimming in freelancing right now, so there hasn't been any work on my novel, or any consistent music making. I did manage some housework over the weekend, though, and felt pretty good about that!
Two books to report: 21) The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. That's right, the first Nancy Drew book. I remember enjoying these as a kid, and one of my book clubs chose this for our next meeting. I have to be honest; it wasn't nearly as good as I remember. I wasn't impressed by the story line or the writing. I guess this is one of those fond childhood memories that I should have left alone! 22) Above by Leah Bobet. This YA book blew me away. The characters, the story, the language, all of it. It's a difficult book. It doesn't take the easy way out. There are some desolate moments. But there are also moments of raw beauty, of gleaming possibility. This is in the top five books I've read this year, easily, if not the top three. Everybody should read this.
I haven't managed much unfucking lately, although I'm still slowly chipping away at my work office. Sometimes, there's not enough time in the day. The pendulum of my life balance has definitely shifted in the direction of work again.
A friend suggested I make a must-do list for this summer. Here it is:

• Zoo
• Beach (a couple more times)
• Cloisters
• Picnic in the park
• Finish editing my novel
• See a couple movies
• Read several more books

Anybody else have a must-do list? Or any good suggestions to add to mine?
I need to get to work. Today is already moving too fast, and I haven't been here for very long yet. Blessed Be, everyone, and happy Monday!