4.28.2025

finished reading

I grew up on Sonny and Cher.  Cher has always been part of my pop culture life. I remember wearing a hula skirt wrapped around my head to mimic her long, straight hair.  I adore Cher.

There is an incredible amount of detail in the stories Cher tells.  I wondered about the vivid recall of mundane life moments until I realized she has an eidetic memory.  At one point in the memoir, she mentioned learning a script after one reading, which clicked for me.

Cher introduces each chapter and then hands it off to Stephanie Block, who won a Tony award portraying Cher on Broadway.  The audio version is captivating. I can't wait for part two!

From the publisher:
The extraordinary life of Cher can be told by only one person . . . Cher herself.

After more than seventy years of fighting to live her life on her own terms, Cher finally reveals her true story in intimate detail, in a two-part memoir.

Her remarkable career is unique and unparalleled. The only woman to top Billboard charts in seven consecutive decades, she is the winner of an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Cannes Film Festival Award, and an inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame who has been lauded by the Kennedy Center.

She is a lifelong activist and philanthropist.

As a dyslexic child who dreamed of becoming famous, Cher was raised in often-chaotic circumstances, surrounded by singers, actors, and a mother who inspired her in spite of their difficult relationship.

With her trademark honesty and humor, Cher: The Memoir traces how this diamond in the rough succeeded with no plan and little confidence to become the trailblazing superstar the world has been unable to ignore for more than half a century.

Cher: The Memoir, Part One follows her extraordinary beginnings through childhood to meeting and marrying Sonny Bono—and reveals the highly complicated relationship that made them world-famous, but eventually drove them apart.

Cher: The Memoir reveals the daughter, the sister, the wife, the lover, the mother, and the superstar.

It is a life too immense for only one book.

currently

I am...

Reading Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

Listening to:  nothing

Loving: since my charity donation last week, my apartment has less clutter, and I love it!

Thinking:  about next weekend's road trip with my friend Louise--we're heading to Southern Maine to see our friend the actor/playwright's play

Feeling:  excited for a road trip but exhausted from school

Celebrating: there are 7 Tuesdays left in the school year

Grateful for: this beautiful day--the windows are open!

Enjoying:  getting used to my new car!

Weather: currently 66° and sunny

A quote I want to share:



4.27.2025

sunday stealing

 
Click the icon to play along


The Gale Interview Questions

1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done? Did it take physical or emotional courage?  I don't know if I've done anything daring--thrilling for sure, but daring?  

2. Where did you meet the love of your life? he was on The Facts of Life during 1985 (I remember because I was in college)

3. What brand/flavor of coffee are you drinking these days? at home: New England brand Breakfast Blend and on-the-go: Dunkin' regular

4. What's the coolest place you've ever visited and how did you get there (car, plane, motorcycle, etc.)? I think London is the coolest place I've ever visited and I got there by plane

5. What's the best concert you ever attended? every concert!  Although, James Taylor at the ballpark in Old Orchard Beach was memorable--the Beach Boys and Wilson Phillips were opening acts!

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.


4.26.2025

companion reading... still working on it

I'm pairing Robyn Gobin's insightful book with its companion journal, The Self-Care Prescription Journal: Powerful Prompts to Manage Emotions, Cultivate Well-Being, and Achieve Your Goals. This journal is thoughtfully designed to deepen the concepts presented in the book. By providing "powerful prompts," it moves beyond simple reflection, actively guiding exploration of emotions, nurturing well-being, and connecting self-care practices to broader goals. Working through the journal alongside the book, especially at a deliberate pace of a chapter every couple of weeks, is a highly effective way to internalize the lessons and translate them into tangible actions and lasting positive change in life. This combined approach is transforming self-care from an abstract idea into a lived experience.

From the publisher:
Nurture your body, mind, and spirit with action-oriented journaling prompts for self-care

With the right tools, you can make self care a daily habit rather than an occasional luxury. The perfect companion to The Self-Care Prescription , this journal is filled with reflective writing prompts that empower you to attend to your needs, create space to slow down and breathe, and take inspired actions to improve your life.

Journal your way to improved well-being with these practical self-care writing prompts.

finished reading but continuing the work

This is the right book at the right time for me. It's self-care on a deeper level than manicures and massages. Each chapter focuses on an aspect of life, delving into how to practice self-care, but the psychology behind it.  My therapist introduced me to the book (and journal), and we've been working on a chapter at a time.  

Beginning with a chapter that defines self-care and its importance, it then creates plans dedicated to: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Vocational, Emotional, and Spiritual Self-Care; not just offering practical strategies but exploring and explaining why these areas are crucial for overall health. The book empowered me to craft my own self-care plan through thoughtful exercises, making it a valuable tool that isn't cookie-cutter advice for the masses.

I have been gifting copies of the book and journal to my friends.  It's having a profound impact on me.

From the publisher:
Real self care practices to enrich every part of your life

Picture your best life: Where would you work? What would your social calendar look like? What personal interests would you be exploring? This book is your prescription to turn those visions into a reality—with proven self care strategies for every area of your life.

The Self Care Prescription empowers you to find balance and purpose in your relationships, work, and life. From creating a plan to spend more time with family and friends, to zeroing-in on a career that you can feel good about, the book will help you create a personalized self care plan. You’ll also learn actionable techniques to fight anxiety, demotivation, or whatever else is holding you back from building the life you want to live.

The Self Care Prescription includes:

Self care 101—Learn what “self care” really means, and how you can start practicing it every day. A full-spectrum plan—Bring self care to the physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational, and social areas of your life. Best-life strategies—Unwind with mindfulness breathing practices or start eating right with healthy meal planning—you’ll find tons of actionable self care techniques to help you reach your goals.

Be the friend you want to be to yourself and others. Be engaged with what you do. Whatever self care means to you, you’ll find your own personal practice in this book.

saturday 9


I'll Be Loving You (Forever)

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

1) A Greek philosopher said, "There is nothing permanent except change." The New Kids on the Block sang, "I'll be loving you forever." Who do you think is right? Or can both be right? both can be right 😏
 
2) In this week's song, New Kids lead singer Jordan Knight sings that he can't take a broken heart. What advice would you give someone struggling through the end of a romance? I probably wouldn't offer advice--but I would say I hope it all works out for the best and that the people involved can remain friendly
 
3) Jordan was invited to join the New Kids on the Block by his friend, Donnie Wahlberg. Has a friend ever gotten you a job?  yes--I was told to apply for my current job by a few different friends

4) Donnie began his show business career as a singer/rapper. Now he's probably better known as an actor, appearing for 14 seasons on a popular police show. Can you name it? oh, is it Blue Bloods?  Something about blue...

5) Much of the video for this song was filmed in the gymnasium of Xavier High School in New York City. When is the last time you were in a high school gym? two weeks ago
 
6) The video also shows the boys enjoying pizza. What toppings are on your dream pizza? I don't think I have a dream pizza--I am a pizza fan of almost everything
 
7) The band is back together! The New Kids on the Block will be appearing this summer at the Park MGM in Las Vegas. Do you have any concert plans this year? sadly, I do not
 
8) In 1989, when this song was popular, Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was born. He recently won the prestigious Masters Tournament. Tell us about a competition you won. (Yes, your third grade spelling bee counts.) hmmm... I don't know if it was a competition but I was awarded the Golden Apple award by my teaching peers

9) Random question – On which game show would you do better: Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune?
I'd like to say Jeopardy because I rock that show from my couch... but probably Wheel

4.24.2025

finished reading

This historical fiction piece certainly brought the intrigue of King James's court in 1613 to life! The depiction of the King's Messenger, whose role evolved from royal courier carrying correspondence and orders to, in this instance, delivering an arrest warrant, was particularly well-researched.

While the four narrative threads—Phoebe Westaway, Andrew Logan, Sir David Moray, and Queen Anne—initially felt disparate, I can see how they contribute to the overall story. Phoebe and Andrew appear to be the central figures, their relationship developing against the backdrop of the messenger's journey. Sir David's perspective seems crucial for unraveling the mystery and providing backstory, offering an outsider's view of the main characters. Although Queen Anne's thread felt less impactful, her determination to uncover the truth about her son's death does serve as a significant driving force for the plot.

The audio is very well done--it kept me interested and intrigued!

From the publisher:
1613:  King James – sixth of Scotland, first of England, son of Mary, Queen of Scots - has unified both countries under one crown. But the death of his eldest son, Henry, has plunged the nation into mourning, as the rumours rise the prince was poisoned.
 
Andrew Logan’s heard the rumours, but he’s paid them little heed. As one of the King’s Messengers he has enough secrets to guard, including his own. In these perilous times, when the merest suggestion of witchcraft can see someone tortured and hanged, men like Andrew must hide well the fact they were born with the Sight.
 
He’ll need all his gifts, though, when the king sends Andrew north to find and arrest Sir David Murray, once Prince Henry’s trusted courtier, and bring him a prisoner to London to stand trial before the dreaded Star Chamber.
 
A story of treachery, betrayal and love…

three on thursday

Thing one:   I need someone to explain the laws of space and time to me:  how is it possible that vacation days fly by but school days do not?  

Thing two:  I would say I've managed to do everything I wanted to do this vacation, which was really a staycation.  But the household things I needed to do are done.  Except I need to scrub the tub.  But there's always tomorrow.

Thing three:  I am loving my new car.  A 2024 Ford Escape with fewer than 10,000 miles.  The difference in technology is overwhelming. But a good overwhelming. I don't need a key for the ignition--it is push-button.  There is no gear shift, it's a knob.  I don't have to crane my neck to look over my shoulder to back up, there's a back up camera.  






4.23.2025

finished reading

This author knows how to build a community of quirky characters. The shifting narration helps flesh out the action and develop the characters.  Kat and Dorothy create an unlikely duo to try to save their crumbling apartment house from demolition.  Kat and Dorothy each face their pasts as they uncover truths about their neighbors.  It's found family at its best.

From the publisher:
Two neighbors-at-war band together to stop a dangerous criminal in their midst in this enthralling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Ticket.

Twenty-five-year-old Kat Bennett has never felt at home anywhere, and especially not in crumbling Shelley House. According to her neighbors, she’s prickly and unapproachable, but beneath her tough exterior, Kat is plagued by guilt from her past.

Seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling is Shelley House’s longest resident, and if you believe the other tenants, she’s as cantankerous and vindictive as they come. Except there’s a good reason Dorothy spends her days spying on her neighbors—a closely guarded secret that no else knows and the reason Dorothy barely leaves her beloved home.

When their building faces demolition, sworn enemies Kat and Dorothy become unlikely allies in their quest to save their historic home. But when someone starts to play dirty and viciously targets one of the residents, Dorothy and Kat suspect foul play in their community. After the police close the investigation, it's up to this improbable pair to bring a criminal to justice.

4.22.2025

finished reading

The Sequel
is the sequel to The Plot, which was a slow-burning thriller.  I had a love-hate relationship with that book because I figured out the twist.  This sequel was equally slow-burning, but I didn't see the twist coming!  I disliked the main character, yet couldn't wait to see what she did next.  This was a good one!  And one of my favorite voice actors narrates it.

From the publisher:
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business—that is to say, she has taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it is her debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?

But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. Something has gone wrong, and someone out there knows far too much about her late brother, her late husband, and possibly about Anna herself. What does this person want, and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far and worked too hard to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story—and she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.

4.21.2025

currently

I am...

Reading The Self-Care Prescription: Powerful Solutions to Manage Stress, Reduce Anxiety & Increase Wellbeing by Robyn Gobin, assigned to me by my therapist (I am working on one chapter per week as assigned--this week is all about "Your Higher Self: Spiritual Self-Care"

Listening to:  I am between books--I get to pick a new one!

Loving:  today was a gorgeous day--the windows were open and the sun was shining

Thinking:  this vacation is going to fly by--I want to do something fun!

Feeling:  excited

Celebrating:  I'll be picking up my new car tomorrow!

Grateful for: a much-needed staycation

Enjoying:  I did some decluttering today and called the local charity shop to pick up my donations this Thursday

Weather: currently 50° and cloudy

A quote I want to share:

When you're nervous about stepping out of your comfort zone, just remember it feels scary because it's new, not because you can't handle it.  ~Ashleigh Conwell

finished reading

This is a book about connections: how one event is woven through the lives of multiple people.  I had a hard time getting into the era, but once I understood how the tightrope walker's stunt affected different people, I got into it.  It's a gritty look at life and is beautifully written.

From the publisher:
In the dawning light of a late-summer morning, the people of lower Manhattan stand hushed, staring up in disbelief at the Twin Towers. It is August 1974, and a mysterious tightrope walker is running, dancing, leaping between the towers, suspended a quarter mile above the ground. In the streets below, a slew of ordinary lives become extraordinary in bestselling novelist Colum McCann’s stunningly intricate portrait of a city and its people.

Let the Great World Spin is the critically acclaimed author’s most ambitious novel yet: a dazzlingly rich vision of the pain, loveliness, mystery, and promise of New York City in the 1970s.

Corrigan, a radical young Irish monk, struggles with his own demons as he lives among the prostitutes in the middle of the burning Bronx. A group of mothers gather in a Park Avenue apartment to mourn their sons who died in Vietnam, only to discover just how much divides them even in grief. A young artist finds herself at the scene of a hit-and-run that sends her own life careening sideways. Tillie, a thirty-eight-year-old grandmother, turns tricks alongside her teenage daughter, determined not only to take care of her family but to prove her own worth.

Elegantly weaving together these and other seemingly disparate lives, McCann’s powerful allegory comes alive in the unforgettable voices of the city’s people, unexpectedly drawn together by hope, beauty, and the “artistic crime of the century.” A sweeping and radical social novel, Let the Great World Spin captures the spirit of America in a time of transition, extraordinary promise, and, in hindsight, heartbreaking innocence. Hailed as a “fiercely original talent” (San Francisco Chronicle), award-winning novelist McCann has delivered a triumphantly American masterpiece that awakens in us a sense of what the novel can achieve, confront, and even heal.