currently

I am...

Reading: The Black Wolf by Louise Penny

Listening to:  nothing

Thinking: I need to choose a new PCP because the insurance company and my local hospital are splitting up

Feeling:  discouraged

Celebrating:  at least I was able to get information and clarification from the insurance company about my options

Grateful for:  well, I am grateful for insurance

Enjoying: relaxing on my comfy couch

Weather:  45° and cloudy

A quote I want to share:  

sunday stealing

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Monday Morning Meme

1. What was the last thing you laughed at? myself--at the time of day and my still being in bed

2. Who among your friends/family "gets" your sense of humor? I'd say they all do

3. What jewelry are you wearing at this moment? none

4. If you could offer one bit of etiquette that everyone should follow while dining out, what would it be? chew with your mouth closed while not making slurping/chomping sounds

5. What's the first thing a guest would notice when they walked through your front door?  the wall of family photos

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

Another mystery for book lovers! The main character, Susan Ryeland has returned to England and as a freelance editor, is working on "the last" Atticus Pund mystery novel.  As she unravels the editorial mysteries, she is embroiled in a parallel mystery.  The fun ensues from there.  This is a great series with fantastic audio narration.

From the publisher:

Editor Susan Ryeland has left her Greek island, her hotel, and her Greek boyfriend Andreas in search of a new life back in England.

Freelancing for Causton Books, she’s working on the manuscript of a novel, Pund’s Last Case, by a young author named Eliot Crace, a continuation of the popular Alan Conway series.  Susan is surprised to learn that Eliot is the grandson of legendary children’s author Marian Crace, who died some fifteen years ago—murdered, Elliot insists, by poison.

As Susan begins to read the manuscript’s opening chapters, the skeptical editor is relieved to find that Pund’s Last Case is actually very good. Set in the South of France, it revolves around the mysterious death of Lady Margaret Chalfont, who, though mortally ill, is poisoned—perhaps by a member of her own family. But who did it? And why?

The deeper Susan reads, the more it becomes clear that the clues leading to the truth of Marian Crace’s death are hidden within this Atticus Pund mystery.

While Eliot’s accusation becomes more plausible, his behavior grows increasingly erratic.. Then he is suddenly killed in a hit-and-run accident, and Susan finds herself under police scrutiny as a suspect in his killing.

Three mysterious deaths. Multiple motives and possible murderers. If Susan doesn’t solve the mystery of Pund’s Last Case, she may well be the next victim.

saturday 9

 

Angie Baby

Unfamiliar with this week's featured song? Hear it here.

 

1) This week's song is a spooky one about a young man who breaks into the bedroom of a troubled girl named Angie. Their encounter doesn't go well and he's never seen again. Though there's been gossip, no one knows for sure what happened to him. Does your town have any scary legends that have been passed down through the decades? when I was in college in the late 80s, the big rumor was to guard your cat because a satanic group was going to sacrifice it on a local mountain on Halloween.  People were sooooo worked up about it and it grew to ridiculousness

 

2) Songwriter Alan O'Day said he drew upon aspects of his own childhood to come up with "Angie Baby." He was an only child who often stayed home sick from school, with only Top 40 radio for company. What do you recall when you think about sick days as a kid?  staying at my grandparents' house and being pampered

 

3) Helen Reddy said she enjoyed hearing what her fans thought happened in "Angie Baby." Can you think of another song that is open to interpretation? "Every Breath You Take" by the Police is creepy but people think it's a love song

 

4) When Helen and her husband/manager Jeff Wald heard "Angie Baby" the first time, they immediately agreed she should record it. She went into the studio that afternoon and in less than 10 days, disc jockeys were playing it and "Angie Baby" became an international hit. When were you glad you acted on impulse? an impulse purchase of shoes and boots seems to have the right fit

 

Questions inspired by Halloween .... 

5) Though best known as a recording artist, Helen Reddy also acted on occasion and appeared as a singing nun in Airport 1975. A nun's habit is a popular Halloween costume. Will you/did you dress up this year? no, I didn't dress up in a costume but I wore my Halloween shirt

6) In 2024, more Americans than ever dressed their dogs up for Halloween. Have you ever taken your pup with you trick-or-treating? when I got my beloved childhood dog, Mopsie, she went everywhere with me--includig trick-or-treating

7) According to the Guinness Book of Records, the award for highest number of jack-o-lanterns in one place went to Keene, NH, where in 2013 there were 30,581. Did you carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year? no, I didn't

 

8) In years gone by, the Irish celebrated Halloween not with pumpkins but by carving turnips, potatoes and beets. Are any of those foods in your kitchen right now? potatoes--many potatoes
 

9) Some Elvis fans insist his ghost hovers in the trees over Graceland. Have you ever seen a ghost? no, I don't especially believe in ghosts

three on thursday

 

One: my sociology classes make me laugh: we applied group concepts to the movie Mean Girls, and I was surprised how many hadn't seen the film, and even more surprised that they were amazed at how the concepts fit the movie.  

Two:  I might have a birthday hangover.  The celebration yesterday was memorable and special.  My students showered me with love.

Three:  thank you cards are written and stamped, ready to post!  I wrote to the students who gave me gifts and the party planners who brought in food.

60th birthday meme

This has been a birthday for the record books!  All day, students and colleagues showered me with birthday wishes, and after school, I have been fielding texts and messages from friends and family.  Every class coordinated to bring in treats (and were conscientious that it wasn't all sweets or junk).  The handmade gifts and cards make me feel appreciated and seen.  

💎 The 60th Birthday Meme: Wisdom and New Horizons

Reflecting on the Journey (The First 60)

1.  What is the proudest moment or greatest achievement of your life so far? having former and current students tell other people (who eventually tell me) that I'm their favorite teacher

2.  What is the most valuable piece of wisdom you've gained over the past six decades? "This too shall pass."

3.  Who is one person who profoundly changed your life  (and how)? I don't really know who to choose, there have been so many!

4.  What is the  most memorable vacation or adventure  you've ever taken? most memorable adventure was my college abroad in Cork, Ireland. It was a life-changing experience, and I cherish the memories and friendships

5.  If you could go back to any decade of your life just for one day, which one would it be and why? I would go back to my first decade to spend time with my mother

Lessons and Legacy

6.  What is one lesson you wish you learned earlier in life? oh, this is a toughie--just one??  I'll go with the gem "accept people for who they are and not who you want them to be"

7.  What's the best compliment you've ever received? my sisters each call me their best friend

8.  What is your favorite memory involving your family or closest friends? when my family was gathered to celebrate Dad's 80th birthday, we got to fiddling around with Snapchat filters and made some absolutely hilarious videos, especially of Dad, and we all laughed so hard it hurt

9.  If you could pass on one piece of advice to the next generation, what would it be? it's okay to not know everything--but it's not okay to not learn

10. Which historical event that you witnessed stands out most vividly in your memory? the Challenger explosion--I remember specifically where I was when I heard about it and immediately started planning a community memorial ceremony that linked the university with the nearby military base; it was my first attempt at community building and organizing an event

Looking Ahead (The Next Chapter)

11. What is a new hobby, skill, or passion you're excited to pursue in retirement or this next stage of life? I'm hoping and planning to volunteer or work at the public library, and I just can't wait!

12. What is one big adventure you still dream of having? my financial planner and I are including three big trips in my future (and I mean first class-ish)

13. What are you most excited to spend your time doing in this next decade? not working

14. What does "happiness" mean to you at this point in your life? having good health, good sleep, and dear friends

15. If you could have a theme song for your 60s, what would it be? Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now"

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currently

I am...

Reading: Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

Listening to:  myself, crunching on some "muddy buddies" I made

Thinking:  I need to call City Hall tomorrow--I hope I don't forget!

Feeling:  happy

Celebrating:  my work bestie decorated my classroom for my birthday, and it's amazing!

Grateful for:  awesome friends!

Enjoying: my birthday celebrations!

Weather:  45° and cloudy

A quote I want to share:  

sunday stealing

 

Click the icon to play along

Four 5's

FIVE things on my to-do list:

1. Telehealth meetings x 2 tomorrow evening

2. Curriculum Leader meeting on Tuesday

3. Celebrate my 60th birthday!!!!!!

4. Massage appointment

5. Telehealth therapy on Thursday

 

FIVE snacks I enjoy:

1. plain potato chips

2. apple with peanut butter or caramel dip

3. baby carrots 

4. a handful of nuts

5. chex mix or muddy buddies

FIVE places I have lived:

1. in the house I grew up

2. on St. Finbar's Road in Cork, Ireland

3. in South Paris, Maine

4. in an apartment across town for 29 years

5. here 🏠

 

FIVE jobs I have held:

1. nanny

2. gas station attendant/convenience store clerk

3. waitress/hostess

4. scan file coordinator and grocery clerk

5. secondary social studies teacher

finished reading

This is the first in a new-to-me series.  I'll read more.  The dual narration worked well to help build the witchy world full of unicorns, trolls, and different levels of witches.  Chapters alternated between Tilda and Gil, moving the plot along and creating tension.  I admit that I fast-forwarded through the spicy open-door scenes.  I had a difficult time figuring out how old the main characters are, and the ending felt rushed.  I wanted to know more about Gil's backstory and his family.

The audio narrators were quite good.

From the publisher:

Could it possibly get any worse than having absolutely no magical abilities when you’re a member of the most powerful family of witches ever? It used to be that I’d say no, but then I keep getting set up on dates with Gil Connolly whose hotness is only matched by his ego. Seriously. I can’t stand him. Even if I also can’t stop thinking about him (specifically kissing him) but we’re going to pretend I never told you that part.

So yeah, my life isn’t the greatest right now, but then it goes straight to the absolute worst hell when I accidentally make my sister’s spell glitch and curse my whole family. And the only person who can help non-magical me break the spell? You guessed it. Gil the super hot jerk.

Now we have to work together to save my family and outmaneuver some evil-minded nefarious forces bent on world domination. Oh yeah, and we have to do all that while fighting against the attraction building between us because I may not be magical, but what’s happening between Gil and I sure feels like it.

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.