currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson (in all honesty, I haven't been reading at all)

Listening to: Remarkably Bright Creatures--it's a very good movie

Thinking:  I need to get geared up for my return trip--Friday the 10th

Feeling: fantastic--I've relaxed, and I've been pampered

Celebrating:  my Advanced Placement student who took the exam scored a 4 out of 5!  I'm over the moon for her!

Grateful for: Dad is getting stronger and recovering, I'm so relieved

Enjoying:  before it got too hot today, I enjoyed the lovely porch

Weather:  87° and mostly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

finished reading

This novel follows AJ Graves and Noah Drew as they navigate their teen years into adulthood.  The story is told in three acts.  In Act I, AJ is working at a video shop when her brother's friend, Noah, begins working there, and they bond over a short-lived space opera television show.  Noah is the latest in a highly successful acting dynasty and he and AJ begin studying improvisation.  Naturally, AJ and Noah develop intense, teenage love.  In Act II, they are reunited on an intergalactic "unscripted" television show.  Their feelings develop.  But things get complicated and messy.  In Act III, it's all about developing a future together. Breaking up.  Making up.  Over and over.

I'm trying not to give any major spoilers.  I enjoyed the book, but it was somewhat repetitive.  I did enjoy the blurred lines between the characters' acting and reality--especially the artistry involved in improvisational acting.  I enjoyed the theme of fate v choice, and maybe it was a bit heavy-handed.  

From the publisher:

From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.

Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.

Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?

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

 

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4th of July Meme

1) If you could attend a 4th of July fireworks display anywhere in the United States, where would you choose? Boston--over the Charles River, listening to the Boston Pops playing the 1812 Overture

2) What book are you currently reading? Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

3) What have you been listening to? lots of different Spotify and Pandora playlists

4) What shows or movies have you been watching? we really loved The Other Bennett Sister on BritBox, I will watch it again!

saturday 9

God Bless America

Unfamiliar with Connie Francis' version of this song? Hear it here.

1) Irving Berlin's lyrics celebrate our mountains, prairies, and oceans. Which of these geographical features is nearest your home? mountains--I'm in Virginia's Blue Ridge and it's beautiful!

2) Berlin donated his royalties from "God Bless America" to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Were you ever a Scout? no

 
3) While this week's song has been recorded many times, we're concentrating on Connie Francis' 1959 version. It was never intended to be a hit, released as the B-side to her popular "Among My Souvenirs." But it took off when it was played at school rallies and patriotic events. Do you know all the lyrics to "God Bless America?" Could you sing along with Connie? yes, I think I could

4) After she wrote her autobiography, Connie said she wanted Valerie Bertinelli to play her in the movie. Even though Valerie isn't known for her singing, Connie liked that they were both Italian-American and 5'5". If we made a movie of your life, who should play you? Melissa McCarthy

 

5) Connie had a passionate romance with Bobby Darin, and their relationship is included in the Broadway show about Bobby's life, Just In Time. While Connie expressed her support for the production, she never saw the show because hip problems made flying difficult. How about you? Are you dealing with any aches or pains today? nope, no aches or pains

6) The Fourth of July means we're in the middle of summer. Are you careful about applying sunscreen? yes!

7) More beer is purchased for the 4th of July than any other holiday. What beverage will be served with your July 4th meal? hmmm, I suspect there will be some beer; however, I will stick to water or lemonade

 

8) Emergency rooms expect an increase over the July 4th holiday. The most common causes are sports injuries (like jammed wrists and wrenched knees) and the unwise use of home fireworks. Have you  been to the ER or Urgent Care during 2026? no, thankfully!

9) New York is home to Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest every year on the 4th. Will hot dogs be consumed in your household this weekend? not this weekend

three on thursday on friday

 

Thing one:  in all honesty, I'm not feeling particularly patriotic for this celebration of 250 years of the United States of America.  I was 10 years old for the Bicentennial and remember how festive it was--the nation, my community, my school--it was everywhere and exciting; a genuine celebration.  This time, it's almost trepidation.  

Thing two:  having written thing one, I'm now feeling guilty.  I mean, I teach American history to high school students, a profession that I love dearly, that makes me feel patriotic daily, yet I'm not into this celebration.  Oh, the guilt.  (I'm a recovering Catholic; the guilt remains.)

Thing three:  we had hoped to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Mount Vernon while I am here in Virginia; however, my brother-in-law's father is hospitalized, so I insisted we cancel.  Those historic sites are not going anywhere; there's always next year.  This trip to Virginia has been relaxing and rejuvenating.  And has reminded me that central air conditioning is a blessing.

wordless wednesday

 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson (in all honesty, I haven't been reading at all)

Listening to: the Hall & Oates station on Spotify

Thinking:  our side quest plans have been put on hold due to my brother-in-law's father's illness, but you know?  Family is most important, and I'd hate to be a few hours away on an overnight jaunt and have another emergency pop up

Feeling: relaxed, so relaxed 

Celebrating:  the birth of our Nation!

Grateful for:  the ability to stay in Virginia for a month

Enjoying:  we're going to play cards in a little bit--the grudge match continues! (I'm winning)

Weather:  81° and partly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

sunday stealing

Click the icon to play along

Meme Schmeme

Complete the thought:

I LOVE TO laugh! 

I SOMETIMES shop when I don't need anything. 

I FEAR the unknown. 

I MISS a steady routine, although I am LOVING vacation.  

I CRAVE ice cream. We perfected the formula for homemade mint-chip ice cream!

I CHERISH  all the time I'm spending with my sister, her husband, daughters, and their boyfriends.  

I AM IMPATIENT WHEN  I am in a meeting that could have been an email.  

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.