I am shocked it’s June. I feel like it should still be February or thereabouts. Spring, my favorite time of year, is virtually over and the sun’s heat envelopes me on my morning dog walks. Sitting on the patio drinking coffee isn’t an option anymore. But, I won’t complain (much) because I’d rather this than winter cold.

So, it’s June 6 and I feel like a list even though I really hate them.

June List of what’s Going On in My Reading and Watching World (with a little bit of May thrown in)

Reading:

Ruling Your World: Ancient Strategies for Modern Life by Sakyong Mipham because modern life goes too fast and I want to slow down.

Every Kiss a War by Leesa Cross-Smith – I started this a few months back, in fact, I may have written about it.  I pick it up from time to time, stretching out the stories because I like it that way. I read my favorite one so far last night, Whiskey and Ribbons. Every story in this collection gives you something to ponder. I guess that’s why I like to stretch them out instead of reading them all one after the other. These little flash fictions just sing!

Ordinary Genius: A Guide for the Poet Within by Kim Addonizio because I’m sliding down a writing slump and I can’t see the end. Actually, even though this book has some great advice and suggestions I’m procrastinating about reading it. When I think about picking it up I always find something else to read or something that needs doing. It’s not the book’s fault at all – I think it’s just that I’m in this slump and I’m just not interested in writing. It’s all about the reading, for me for now.

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf – I just started this today. I’ve read great things about this book and so far it’s a very sweet story.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo – Yeah, I’m on the late train reading this one since I found out a whole thing has sprung up from this book. A movement, as it were. I read an excerpt when it was first published that completely intrigued me and I finally bought it last week. I bought the actual book instead of ebook because I think I’ll be doing a lot of high-lighting and referring back. I have high hopes this book will get me motivated to tackle the attic and a couple of closets. There’s stuff in there that hasn’t seen daylight in years. I mean YEARS. I haven’t actually started it yet but I will very, very soon. Really.

Watching:

I love Netflix, especially when there’s nothing on TV except reruns, like now. But I’m not a binge watcher, nope. There’s no way I can sit in front of the TV for 6 or so straight hours despite how much I like to watch it. Besides, where’s the fun in that? I like to stretch out a series by watching an episode 2, maybe 3 times a week. Right now I’m watching:

Last Tango in Halifax – I love British TV and this seems to me to be a series about the quintessential Brit family. Well, two actually. It’s just a good, solid family drama with characters that are so real that I feel like they could be my friends. It’s messy, funny, sweet family life and it’s never, ever boring. Great writing, great acting. It doesn’t get any better than this. And I’m only on Season 1! I have 2 more to go!

The Fall – I finished this British crime drama last month but I have to tell you it’s the best crime series ever. No one does crime as good as the Brits and this is a shining example. It stars Gillian Anderson and who didn’t just love her in The X Files but, OMG, she’s even better in this. Don’t wait another minute – go watch it!

Grace and Frankie – So. A Netflix original starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterston. Great cast, not so great show. I’m watching it but after every episode I wonder why. What should be funny is predictable, what should be touching is kinda cringe-worthy. But, there are spots of goodness here and there. So far I think the first episode was the best but I’ve only seen four so, who knows, it could improve.

Orphan Black, Season 2 – SciFi at it’s best. A Canadian production! That airs on BBC America but the first two seasons are on Amazon Prime Instant Video. Tatiana Maslany is amazing in this series portraying multiple and all very different women. I don’t want to give anything away but if you like the unusual, this series is for you.

I’ve watched a couple of movies recently that I’d recommend, as well:

The Shipping News is great if you haven’t already seen it and A Thousand Times Goodnight starring Juliet Binoche (whom I love!) and the gorgeous Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who I understand is in Game of Thrones but who was new to me – thank you, Jesus.

All of these books, series, and movies are great for whiling away a hot summer afternoon. Trust me. You’ll be happy.