What to post...

I have started no fewer than five different posts over the past two weeks, but never felt comfortable enough to actually upload to the website.  A part of this is due to the fact that I still think of this as a "book blog" despite the fact that I haven't written a book review in months.  I feel as though I am not being true to "the blog"

But Molly, this is your blog...you can post what you want?  Well, yes, but still.  There is this marvelous book blogging community that I love and I am not sure that they have an interest in reading my personal dribble.

Another reason for my absence is that I think I have found the "scratch" to my "writing itch" in the morning pages discipline.  Ever since I discovered the website, 750 words in April, I have written nearly every day (I have only missed 4 days and that is because we were on vacation with no internet access).  While this kind of writing is not helpful in honing the craft, I have found it incredibly useful in ordering my life.  It seems that if I write down a goal, I am far more likely to actually take the first step in achieving that goal.  Funny how that works, isn't it?

So now that the writing itch has dissipated, I am left with making decisions as to what to actually post on the blog.  Here are some possibilities that I have considered:

1. Rosetta Stone - I am working my way through the French course (at least levels 1-4) in the hopes of conversing with the locals in their native language when I go to Paris next month.  Lately I am spending about two hours a day immersing myself in the language.  I thought of writing a review of the software as well as my personal discipline.
2. Water - funny topic, huh?  But I have resisted drinking water for years and I fear that it is now taking its toll.  In an effort to develop healthy habits this summer that will (hopefully) remain with me once school starts, I have tried to drink more water.  Two things have helped:  buying a 32 ounce water bottle, and using a squirt of MiO peach/mango drops.  I have thought of writing about this new lifestyle change.
3. Wine Tasting - yes, another new interest.  I know that wine is more plentiful in France than soda, and I have always enjoyed pairing wine with food (although that interest was put on hold while raising a family).  I have read several books on the topic and watched a few instructional videos.  I thought of writing a Weekend Cooking post on this topic - which perhaps might lead to future food/wine posts.
4. Menu Planner at AllRecipes.com - while I have only had access to this tool for about a week, I must say that I am absolutely in love with it!  At first I had to get over the fact that I had to pay for a website that I have used for free for years....but once I analyzed the benefits, I felt that it was well worth it.  I love that there are hundreds of pre-designed weekly menus that I can choose from - but also adapt to my own taste.  It is the jump start to getting back into the kitchen that I have needed.  I thought of writing a review of this culinary find.
5. Playlists - when I was in high school music was a huge part of my life - but once I had children my rock and roll albums gave way to Barney cassette tapes. I am trying to reconnect with this side of me this summer and have developed a few playlists -- some based on beat and melody (what I tend to focus on most) and others based on meaningful lyrics.  I thought of posting my playlists in an attempt to perhaps hear some of your favorite songs as well.
6. Photography - yes, this continues to be a focus, although I seem to be stuck in "head" knowledge and I can't quite seem to make myself go out and gain practical experience. I simply must change this before I leave next month.  I have read several books (which I could quickly review) - but last week I took an online PhotoShop Elements 9 workshop that was FABULOUS!!  I thought of writing a review and for those who might be interested, you could download the workshop at CreativeLive.
7. Unraveling - another online class that I am taking this summer.  This class is amazing - although rather deep and introspective (which is what I was looking for).  Susannah Conway has managed to create a very safe, compassionate Flickr group where we learn to get in touch with ourselves through photos and writing.  My sister-in-law recommended this perfect class for me - and I have thought of writing reviews of what I have learned so far.
8. Writing - still a major interest of mine and I continue to read more about writing than do it (do you notice a pattern here).  I have been focusing more on writing memoir (as I truly do believe that everyone has a story to tell) as well as learning to write with the senses.  I would like to hone this craft so that when I eat those memorable meals - or taste that memorable wine - I can recollect it accurately in the written word.  I have thought of possibly writing reviews of those books I have enjoyed most.
9. Paris - of course most of my free time has been focused on preparing for this trip.  I have done quite a bit of online research, as well as reading a few travel books.  Since we may choose to return to Paris for our 30th anniversary next year (hard to believe I have been married that long!) and have other family members join us, I have researched a variety of tours that I would not normally consider just for myself.  I have considered posting links to those here - and I will probably work on posting a few travel articles while I am actually there.

So this is the way I have kept myself busy for the first month of summer.  Yes, I am still here, but just not sure that the activities that keep me busy will be of interest to you.  If you find any of the points listed above suitable for a full length post....please let me know and I will be happy to oblige.  Otherwise, I hope that all of you are staying cool as we head into this Independence Day weekend.