currently, it's wednesday

I am...

Reading: I get to start a new book tonight but I can't decide which one!

Listening to: the refrigerator hum

Thinking:  about Chex mix:  do I want to make some?

Feeling:   allergies are kicking my ass.  I'm feeling congested (but there's nothing to blow) and my ears feel pressure and my eyes are runny and itchy

Celebrating: spring--I guess I should stop whining about allergies and be excited it's spring!

Grateful for:  today's workshop at school was stimulating conversationally, now we'll see if there's any follow-through from the administration

Enjoying:  today's outfit was comfy and cute (I got compliments)

Weather:  39° and sunny

A quote I want to share: 

finished reading

This book about a book has dual timelines and dual love stories. The historical setting is England around 1940-41, and the modern setting is 'present day.' I really appreciated the author's world-building in both, but the WWII storyline was definitely the intense, exciting half of the pair. The present-day chapters felt a bit ho-hum by comparison. I don't know why, but my favorite characters were actually the love interests, Jameson and Noah. I didn't feel at all connected or kindred with the female leads. 

The highlight of the book is undoubtedly the meet-cute between Georgia and Noah. It takes place in a bookshop (my favorite!) and was so clever that I spent the rest of the novel chasing that same spark. Even though some sections felt a bit slow, that awesome twist at the end was the ultimate payoff—it completely reframed the story and made the chase worth it.

From the publisher:

Told in alternating timelines, The Things We Leave Unfinished examines the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal, and the endings we can’t bring ourselves to see coming.

Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce―the New York house, the friends, and her pride. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of a million books where the cover is always people nearly kissing. He’s just as arrogant in person as in interviews, and she’ll be damned if the good-looking writer of love stories thinks he’s the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel…even if the publisher swears he’s the perfect fit.

Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy” of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century―the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.

But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book―it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes―even if it means destroying Noah’s career.

background heroes

 

Tuesday, April 7: The "Background" Heroes

We’re officially one week into our non-competitive gratitude challenge, and I’m already loving the quiet shift in my perspective. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about the small, steady things that hold our days together.

Today’s prompt is a fun one because it’s about the items in our homes that are strictly functional, yet make life infinitely better. We rarely "thank" them, but we’d certainly miss them if they were gone.

The Prompt: What is one "background" object in your house that you are grateful for today?

For me:

My microwave. I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my meal planning lately, and I realized this evening just how much I rely on this quiet giant. It isn't the most glamorous appliance in the kitchen, but as I was preparing my evening meal, I was so grateful for the way it simplifies the process. Whether it’s softening butter for a recipe or reheating a meal I prepped over the weekend, it’s the steady workhorse that keeps my kitchen moving.

I’d love to hear about the unsung heroes in your house. Is it a specific kitchen gadget? A sturdy pair of boots? That one lamp that gives off the perfect glow?

What’s your "background" hero today? Drop a comment below and let’s give these objects a little bit of the spotlight.

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.

sunday stealing

Click the icon to play along

F.A.B Meme

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching?  I got HBO for a month so I could binge Heated Rivalry

A. Audio: What are you listening to? The "Daily Mix" on Spotify--they really get me

B. Book: What are you reading? Rebecca Yarros's The Things We Leave Unfinished

finished reading

I really didn't know what to expect with this one. It’s a coming-of-age story that perfectly balances moments of whimsy with a deep, grounded faith and the secrets and lies that can do a family harm.

The book follows the life and legacy of Gabriel Fisher, but it does something really unique: we see him through multiple points of view, yet never through his own. I’ll be honest--I was a little confused by the shifting narrative threads at first. But as each character’s relationship with Gabriel unfolded, everything just clicked.

Community is the heartbeat of this story. From his Amish upbringing to his time in the "English" world of collegiate sports and his hometown, everyone is completely captivated by this gentle giant. 

I especially enjoyed the poetry and art throughout the story.  The audio narration is great -the ensemble brought each narrator to life.

From the publisher:

A heart too big for this world.

A life that changes everyone.

Gabriel Fisher was born an orphan, weighing eighteen pounds and measuring twenty-seven inches long. No one in Lakota, Wisconsin, knows what to make of him. He walks at eight months, communicates with animals, and seems to possess extraordinary athletic talent. But when the older brother who has been caring for him dies, Gabriel is taken in by his devout Amish grandparents who disapprove of all the attention and hide him away from the English world.

But it’s hard to hide forever when you’re nearly eight feet tall. At seventeen, Gabriel is spotted working in a hay field by the local football coach. What happens next transforms not only Gabriel’s life but the lives of everyone he meets.

Life, and Death, and Giants is a moving story of faith, family, buried secrets, and everyday miracles.

saturday 9

Easter Parade

Revised and revived from the archives

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

1) This song is best known from the 1948 movie of the same name, but it was originally written for a 1933 Broadway play called As Thousands Cheer. In the play, a young man reads about the parade in a New York newspaper and decides to go and show his lady love off to parade goers. What's the most recent parade you attended? hmmm... I honestly can't remember!

2) On Broadway, the song was performed by Clifton Webb. He'd had a busy stage career, appearing in musicals as well as plays by Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, but when he was in his mid-50s, he was considered too old to be a leading man. Broadway offers stopped coming. He was unexpectedly cast by Otto Preminger for the film noir Laura and a new career was born. He worked steadily in Hollywood for 20 years and earned three Oscar nominations. Tell us about a time you were grateful your life took an unanticipated turn. 2024 I was evicted from the apartment I had lived in for half my life.  But I am happier in this current apartment because I have kept the clutter at bay and I've fought my hoarding instincts.  It was a fresh start in an apartment complex I love.

3) Today he's fondly remembered by the students at UCLA who have benefited from The Clifton Webb Scholarship of the Arts. If you could give an endowment to a school or charity, what would you like it to be used for? I would love to leave an endowment for an intrepid student continuing their education in social studies

 

4) The biggest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy, measured 34 feet tall and weighed a staggering 15,000 lbs. Do you think it's possible to have too much chocolate? sadly, I do think so, although I would give it a good try
  

5) After chocolate, the top-selling Easter candy is Peeps Marshmallow Chicks. They're so popular that they were once the subject of a Jeopardy clue. Do you often watch Jeopardy? I am a Jeopardy fan; however, I haven't watched television for three years (for no reason other than my cable bill was outrageously expensive, so I no longer have local stations)

6) Jelly beans are also popular this time of year. In a 2024 poll, jelly bean fans responded that black licorice is their favorite flavor. It's Crazy Sam's least favorite. How about you? What jelly bean flavor is at the top of your list, and which is at the bottom? Jelly Belly strawberry or cherry or raspberry (any of the red fruity ones), and licorice is at the bottom

7) We've been talking a lot about sweets this morning. The only holiday that generates more candy sales is Halloween. When do you eat more candy: Easter or Halloween? Halloween

 

8) According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are doing more of their holiday shopping this year at discount "dollar stores" than at department stores like Target and Walmart. Do you often make trips to the "dollar store?" If yes, what do you usually pick up there? I wouldn't say often--but when I do, I stock up on paper plates, plastic cups, flatware, etc for school

 
 9) Easter is considered the season of rebirth. What makes you feel refreshed or rejuvenated? I feel rejuvenated, having my hair done or walking out the door on the last day of school!

three on thursday

Thing one: because of the impending weather event (snow/freezing rain/sleet), school is going remote tomorrow.  I am not upset.

Thing two: one of my favorite students took a large Buddha statue from his backpack during class.  It was so unexpected.  He is so quiet and reserved that it delighted me.  I asked if he was looking for a Buddha belly rub for luck.

Thing three: I stopped at the market on my way home--what a madhouse!

finished reading

This twisty thriller had a complex premise--with multiple timelines and many significant characters to keep track of.  Unreliable, unlikeable characters, too.  Just what I was in the mood for.  It's a page-turner, for sure!  I spent the first half of the book trying to decide who was the least villainous, only to have my theories completely upended.  The way the author weaves together wealth and privilege with the gritty reality of those struggling to get by was done without cliché.  My only complaint is that I want to know what happens next to these characters.  With the situation resolved, there is a wide-open ending.  This would be great to discuss!

The audio has a terrific ensemble of narrators.

From the publisher:

Two women. One dead husband. And only one alibi.

Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed out-of-towner Camille Bayliss. Red lips, designer heels, sipping a Negroni. But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.

Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.

Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in.

Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.

Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone.

no pranks, just gratitude

Wednesday, April 1: No Pranks, Just Gratitude

Happy April 1. In a world currently full of internet pranks and "gotcha" moments, I thought I’d offer something a little more grounded. Today is the official "soft launch" of my non-competitive gratitude challenge.

As I mentioned in my introductory post, this isn't about perfection or keeping a streak. It’s just about noticing. Since it’s the first day of a new month, it feels like the right time to clear the mental cobwebs and look around.

For the very first prompt, let’s start with the basics-the things right in front of us.

The Prompt: One thing you can hear, and one thing you can touch.

For me:

Hear:  I can hear students quietly shifting in their seats while working on our study of the Second Amendment. They are having quiet conversations and they have interesting insights.

Touch:  my iced coffee cup is almost empty, but I'm savoring the last sips.  The plastic cup has condensation on it so my fingertips are damp.

There’s no "fooling" here--just two small things that made me pause and feel lucky to be exactly where I am.

What are you hearing or touching today that brings you a bit of peace? I’d love to read your "small joys" in the comments.

currently

I am...

Reading:  Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Listening to: my Spotify playlist

Thinking:  about gratitude--and the Non-Challenge Gratitude Challenge

Feeling:  a little sleepy. 

Celebrating:  so far this week, my AP Psychology class has participated in a "Stressbusting Lab," which entails reading articles on seven different methods of relieving stress and trying each method out--they seemed to enjoy it!  The AP U.S. History class has written senryu-style* poems about the Roaring Twenties, and although they muttered a bit at first, they soon got into it and were completely creative.  It's been a very fun week so far!

Grateful for:  creative inspiration. 

Enjoying:  I'm in a great headspace right now.

Weather:  30° and cloudy, plus there is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect:

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM EDT WEDNESDAY

* WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet
accumulations between 2 and 7 inches and ice accumulations around
a light glaze.

* WHERE...Northeast Aroostook and Northwest Aroostook Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 11 AM EDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Wednesday morning commute.

A quote I want to share:

* Senryu (also called human haiku) is an unrhymed Japanese verse consisting of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables (5, 7, 5) or 17 syllables in all. Senryu usually references human nature or emotions.

finished reading

In preparation for my library book club, I decided to tackle a re-read I expected to be a breeze. It’s funny how much your taste changes over twenty years! The very details I once found charming now felt like heavy lifting, and I couldn't help but think the book could have used a 200-page trim. That said, the prose itself is still lovely. It’s a truly thoughtful look at neighborhood life and the lingering 'what-ifs' of our lives, even if it took a little more patience to get through this time.

From the publisher:

Bridge of Sighs courses with small-town rhythms and the claims of family. Here is a town, as well as a world, defined by magnificent and nearly devastating contradictions.

Louis Charles (“Lucy”) Lynch has spent all his sixty years in upstate Thomaston, New York, married to the same woman, Sarah, for forty of them, their son now a grown man. Like his late, beloved father, Lucy is an optimist, though he’s had plenty of reasons not to be—chief among them his mother, still indomitably alive. Yet it was her shrewdness, combined with that Lynch optimism, that had propelled them years ago to the right side of the tracks and created an “empire” of convenience stores about to be passed on to the next generation.

Lucy and Sarah are also preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy, where his oldest friend, a renowned painter, has exiled himself far from anything they’d known in childhood. In fact, the exact nature of their friendship is one of the many mysteries Lucy hopes to untangle in the “history” he’s writing of his hometown and family. And with his story interspersed with that of Noonan, the native son who’d fled so long ago, the destinies building up around both of them (and Sarah, too) are relentless, constantly surprising, and utterly revealing.

Bridge of Sighs is classic Russo, coursing with small-town rhythms and the claims of family, yet it is brilliantly enlarged by an expatriate whose motivations and experiences—often contrary, sometimes not—prove every bit as mesmerizing as they resonate through these richly different lives. Here is a town, as well as a world, defined by magnificent and nearly devastating contradictions.