three on thursday

Thing one:  grocery delivery arrives soon!

Thing two:  gnome tree

Thing three:  the door gnome

finished reading

The third installment of the series has the professional hockey-playing youngest Kringle finding love with his former high school sweetheart.  Matt and Jasmine have a second chance at love, and I am all for it.  Matt, who is injured from his high-profile hockey career, returns home to help his family's Inn and Christmas tree farm. Jasmine has been hired by Matt's sister to create a PR campaign to fill the Inn.  

From the publisher:

My to do list:

Revive my crashed PR career.

Turn around the Kringle family business by Christmas.

Convince my ex-boyfriend, NHL legend Matt "the Mountain" Kringle, to help me, even though I broke his heart when we were seventeen.

Easy, right?

Matt is huge, he's hot, and he's the grumpiest player in the league. I'll have to brave his bad attitude and his sexy beard if I want him to help bail out the family business and put my career back on track. I'll also have to try to forget - again - what an amazing kisser he is.

None of it is going to be easy. Not when Matt's arrival in town leads to the Airport Incident and the Candy Cane Scandal - talk about embarrassing. But as Matt and I navigate disaster after disaster together, I'll have to get over the fact that I never got over him. And that love with Matt is a game I just might want to play.

finished reading

This series is a lot of fun.  Ethan is a straight-and-narrow wannabe local politician who whimsically (drunkenly) marries a Vegas showgirl but doesn't remember it.  When Lexi shows up in his hometown and fits right in, the story takes off.  It's playful and light holiday fun.

From the publisher:

Ethan

I’ve got my hands full.

Running for mayor of my home town in Colorado. Trying to save the family business—and doing my best to survive Christmas without murdering my brother. Nowhere on this list is room for Lexie to show up a year after our epic one-night stand.

Vegas show girl, owner of the meanest dog I’ve ever met, and the star of every fantasy I’ve had since I came home. And apparently… my wife? And she wants me to sign divorce papers.

Hell no.

Lexie

I do not get drunk married. That’s what tourists do in Vegas, not locals. But even I am susceptible to gorgeous eyes and an excellent jaw line.

I was so sure Ethan was different from the jerks I usually fall for, until I woke up married without a groom or a way to get a hold of him. A year later, I finally see him splashed all over the internet—fighting with his brother at a Colorado airport.

So, what’s a showgirl to do? Put on my best heels, put my dog in a hand bag and go find my husband so I can end my sham marriage. But as soon as I arrive in Salt Springs, that plan goes out the window.

Ethan hasn’t forgotten me and the chemistry between us is real and explosive.

Now that I’ve found him he doesn’t want to let me go.

Was our wedding a Vegas mistake? Or a Christmas miracle?

wordless wednesday

 

currently

I am...

Reading: Very Merry Married by Molly O'Keefe

Listening to: nothing--it's so relaxing

Thinking:  organizing my week

Feeling:  on top of things!

Celebrating: I had a great day of teaching

Grateful for:  inspiration

Enjoying:  my Christmas decorations

Weather:  13° and partly cloudy

A quote I want to share: Crumbly Sweetroll the Candy Button Chomper at your service!

sunday stealing

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Catherine's Questions 

1) What one word describes your personality? sanguine

 

2) What's the best way to get on your good side? be nice

 

3) What person do you feel most comfortable with? other than my immediate family, my bestie

4) Do you handle criticism well? I take it to heart, but I am outwardly calm

 

5) Are you the type to tell someone, if asked, that their pants DO make them look fat? having never been asked that question (nor having never asked it) I probably would say something diplomatic

finished reading

Another quick holiday rom-com read, this time the first of a series. I liked how the characters from the other titles in the series are brought into the books.  I was a bit disappointed in the cliche of the main female character:  uptight corporate daughter comes to save the family's country bumpkin business.  Other than that, it was a fun story.  And the main male character sounds rather dreamy.

From the publisher:

Home for the holidays…

That should be a good thing, right? Eggnog and Christmas carols. Mistletoe and family. Except my dad broke his leg hanging the family wreath. My brothers are at war over taking proper care of Dad. Oh, and I just found out our family business, the Kringle Inn, is failing!

The last thing I need is this mysterious new guy, who runs the Kringle tree farm, interfering. He’s big, bearded and grumpy. He wears a lot of flannel and he does NOT like taking orders. Especially from me. We can’t agree on anything other than saving the business.

Even if we have to kill each other doing it. Or kiss each other doing it…Because I might be falling for the guy.

My name is Kristen, don’t call me Kris, Kringle and this is a Christmas Romance Emergency!

finished reading

There were a few situations in this rom-com that had me chuckling out loud.  I could envision the food truck situation.  I'm not entirely sure where the title came from, but it was a fun, lighthearted holiday romp.

From the publisher:

If there’s one person Gemma Marshall can’t stand, it’s her office nemesis Theo Campbell, who just so happens to be her boss’s nephew. Whether Theo’s pulling her off a major account or hogging the office microwave, he constantly rubs her the wrong way…plus he has no business looking that sexy.

But everything changes when Gemma accidentally sends her uptight boss Eleanor a highly NSFW holiday gag gift meant for her bestie. Theo catches Gemma freaking out and offers her a an invite to his aunt’s exclusive Christmas party in the festive holiday destination town of Tinsel, where she can intercept the inappropriate gift before it’s unwrapped.

For Theo, helping the woman upon whom he has an unrequited crush is a huge win. It’s a chance to spend time with her and finally get off her naughty list…and if they both lose their hearts along the way? Well, all’s fair in love and Christmas.

postsecret

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. I like to post one that speaks to me each week.

finished reading

I enjoyed this holiday rom-com with fake dating.  The meet-cute takes place on a flight from Florida to Colorado, where the female main character is seated next to a handsome hunk male main character. The banter was witty.  I was slightly annoyed at how Olive's heavily hinted-at big reveal fell flat, as it was not really a plot twist.  Other than that, I loved how technology is used.  And I loved the setting.

From the publisher:

Olive Moore has been avoiding her hometown for three years now. But a phone call with her mom has her agreeing to spend the holidays back home with her family, she lets it slip she will be bringing a boyfriend with her. The only problem with that is she has no boyfriend. That is until she meets a handsome-albeit annoying-stranger on the plane who makes her an offer she can't refuse.

Finn Beckett has always had good luck, as demonstrated by the gorgeous blonde he's seated next to on a flight to Aspen. One drink too many leads to Olive spilling her problems in his lap, and he feels compelled to help. So he makes her an offer: he'll pretend to be her boyfriend to keep her family off her back and make this the best Christmas ever.

Olive and Finn spend the next two weeks going on spirit-filled Christmas dates with her family. Their ruse is working perfectly, but Finn can't help but notice Olive is holding something back. Something that could ruin everything.

Their relationship may have taken off smoothly, but with all this turbulence, will they ever make it to baggage claim?

finished reading

I recall reading Clinton's "It Takes A Village," when it was first published--an aspiring teacher interested in what the First Lady had to say on the topic. And I rather liked her.  So I was looking forward to this memoir. I especially liked the chapters that humanize Clinton, as I think her public persona is professionally aloof, yet I knew from reading her books that she has deep warmth.  

This isn't a sour grapes sob story.  It's an analysis of a life lived in the spotlight of public service.  And, unfortunately, every moment is scrutinized (and often demonized) on social media.  Listening to her read the book, I want to be her friend.

From the publisher:

What would it be like to sit down for an impassioned, entertaining conversation with Hillary Clinton? In Something Lost, Something Gained, Hillary offers her candid views on life and love, politics, liberty, democracy, the threats we face, and the future within our reach.

She describes the strength she draws from her deepest friendships, her Methodist faith, and the nearly fifty years she’s been married to President Bill Clinton—all with the wisdom that comes from looking back on a full life with fresh eyes. She takes us along as she returns to the classroom as a college professor, enjoys the bonds inside the exclusive club of former First Ladies, moves past her dream of being president, and dives into new activism for women and democracy.

From canoeing with an ex-Nazi trying to deprogram white supremacists to sweltering with salt farmers in the desert trying to adapt to the climate crisis in India, Hillary brings us to the front lines of our biggest challenges. For the first time, Hillary shares the story of her operation to evacuate Afghan women to safety in the harrowing final days of America’s longest war. But we also meet the brave women dissidents defying dictators around the world, gain new personal insights about her old adversary Vladimir Putin, and learn the best ways that worried parents can protect kids from toxic technology. We also hear her fervent and persuasive warning to all American voters. In the end, Something Lost, Something Gained is a testament to the idea that the personal is political, and the political is personal, providing a blueprint for what each of us can do to make our lives better.

Hillary has “looked at life from both sides now.” In these pages, she shares the latest chapter of her inspiring life and shows us how to age with grace and keep moving forward, with grit, joy, purpose, and a sense of humor.

saturday 9

First Christmas

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) The song mentions snowmen and snow on a windowpane. Has it snowed near you yet? yes--we got clobbered with a foot or so Wednesday night

2) Diane Keaton sings that hearing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" makes her miss someone she loved who won't be coming home at all. Is there a Christmas song that reminds you of a loved one? several songs remind me of family members--"We Need A Little Christmas" reminds me of my father
 

3) After the song was first released for Christmas 2024, Diane said she appreciated how many people posted on her Instagram, sharing their "First Christmas journeys," explaining how they navigated the first holiday season without a special someone. What have you recently posted on social media (other than this blog post)? my Christmas gnome manicure on Instagram

 
4) Diane appeared in the Broadway musical Hair and sang in movies like Annie Hall and The First Wives Club. Still she didn't consider herself "much of a singer." How about you? What's something you do, even though you're not completely comfortable doing it? I do not enjoy performing but I am a talented singer

 

5) This was Diane's first and, sadly, her only record. She was nervous doing it, but it helped that the lyrics was written by her friend, Carole Bayer Sager, and that both Carole and her writing partner, Jonas Myrin, were with Diane in the studio. Tell us about a friend who came through for you. my bestie is a problem-solver and go-getter!  She is reliable in any situation.

6) After her 75th birthday, Diane said she was excited that new ventures were coming her way and she found herself saying "yes" more often. In addition to recording this week's song, she accepted an unexpected offer from Look Optic to design eyewear. Have you recently tried something you've never done before? OR What's something you'd like to try? I tried a recipe I've never made and a technique I was not familiar with and it was delicious (if I do say so myself)

 

Now for some questions about the holiday season ...

7) Do you display the holiday cards you receive? yes

8) This is a big time of year for necklaces, hats and headbands decorated with jingle bells. Will you be wearing any bells this season? no, no bells

 
9) The website Morning Save included these three items on their list of this season's popular gifts. Would you rather receive: a. cup holder/phone mount for your car; b. sherpa lined clog slippers; c. set of three stainless paring knives with rosemary green plastic handles? this is tough--I am waffling between a and c

finished reading

I liked the premise--saving a beloved iconic community business, and I liked the details about tree farming.  This was a charming story, and the characters, although predictable in a good way, were quirky and fun.  I especially liked the cozy feeling from the PG romance.

From the publisher:

A second chance with your first crush.

Doesn’t happen often.

For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.

Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.

When Liam moves away, he and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how—with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.

Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.

Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.

Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.

And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.

Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.

When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly attractive Liam.

Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.

The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.

Christmas with a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle, but none of the steam.

three on thursday

Thing one:  I had a particularly good day at school.  I felt "on" and like I was connecting with the kids.

Thing two:  There was a two-hour delayed start because of a significant snowstorm. And as I was digging out and brushing off my car, a neighbor helped me.  He was very efficient and kind.

Thing three:  I've got an eye treatment tomorrow, so I took the day off from school.  I'm kind of excited to get some Christmas errands and my laundry done before the weekend.

ten things tuesday

🎄Time for Some Festive Fun: Christmas Q&A! 🎄

The halls are decked, the cocoa is hot, and the holiday rush is officially underway! But before we dive headfirst into wrapping paper and gift lists, let's take a moment to soak up some serious Christmas spirit. Here are ten fun, easy questions designed to get us thinking about the best parts of the season--from our silliest traditions to our favorite festive tunes.

1.  What is your absolute favorite tradition that you must do every single Christmas season, and why does it mean so much to you? I must attend my father's choral society concert because he's been conducting them for almost fifty years!

2.  Describe the best or most memorable Christmas gift you have ever given to someone else. What was their reaction? I got my parents tickets to see Manheim Steamroller one year and they LOVED the concert

3.  If you could only listen to five Christmas songs for the rest of the month, which ones would you choose, and what's the scenario that makes them the perfect five? "Driving Home for Christmas" by Chris Rea, "River" by Joni Mitchell, "In the Bleak Midwinter" by James Taylor, "Merry Christmas Darling" by Carpenters, and "On Christmas Morning" by Michael McDonald, with a bonus track of "Christmas Spirit" by Donna Summer.  These are the perfect five non-traditional and lovely songs that I bet a lot of people haven't gotten sick of

4.  What's the one Christmas movie you could quote line-for-line, and what's your favorite scene from it? probably Love Actually is the movie I can quote--and my favorite scene is Hugh Grant getting his groove on and getting caught

5.  You have to make a giant batch of a classic holiday treat for a party--is it sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or fudge? Which one, and what's your special ingredient or twist? although I make a mean fudge (I am always asked to make it), I would make a batch of Chex Mix

6.  What's the most unusual or funniest Christmas decoration you own, and where/when did you get it? I do not have anything unusual

7.  If you could spend Christmas in any fictional town (e.g., Whoville, Bedford Falls, North Pole), where would you go and what would be your first activity there? definitely the North Pole and I would want to see Santa!

8.  What is one thing you bought or did this year to make your holiday decorating easier or more fun? I got a gnome topper for my school tree  

9.  Describe your ideal cozy Christmas Eve setting, right down to the food/drink, the outfit you're wearing, and who (or what pet) is sitting next to you. ideally, I'm in pajamas or lounge clothes by myself, with Chinese food, and listening to a Christmas audiobook and coloring/playing Pyramid on my iPad or watching a favorite movie (any version of A Christmas Carol, The Holiday, Elf, Love Actually, or Christmas in Connecticut)

10. What is one simple, non-gift act of kindness or service you plan to do (or have already done) for someone else this holiday season? tracking down a Tourtière for Dad

currently

I am...

Reading: Christmas With A Crank by Courtney Walsh

Listening to:  my Holly Jolly Holiday playlist on Spotify

Thinking:  I'm not really thinking about anything

Feeling:  chill, relaxed, happy

Celebrating: I had an annual eye exam with my regular eye doctor, and my prescription hasn't changed!

Grateful for:  peppermint hot chocolate

Enjoying:  my little Christmas tree

Weather:  6° and clear

A quote I want to share: