Number #22
I know, I know…I skipped November! It was Black Friday, and I just completely forgot. So, this will be two months’ worth. It will also be abbreviated because it just occurred to me tomorrow is the last Friday of the month (and the year). I’m not going to do a year end wrap up because this has not been a year I’d care to repeat or look back on too thoroughly. I know we shouldn’t feel that way about life, but, I’m not going to sugar coat it. This has been one of my toughest years ever.
What I’ve been reading…
I seemed to have read a few more books than has been the norm lately. I think it’s because many of them were palate cleanser-types. Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies didn’t live up to its name as the “author” was on one vacation. It’s a good read, but it didn’t keep my attention as much as I thought it would. I really thought it was going to be a bit like “Murder She Wrote.” Still, I’d recommend it. Jenny James Is Not a Disaster was just a tad unbelievable, and yet it wasn’t. I loved the idea behind this book and would love to do something brave and adventurous like the title character. That brings us to Summers at The Saint. Mary Kay Andrews is one of those authors I think of as a beach read writer (like I go to the beach ever). This was an intriguing book about the haves and the have nots and what happens when they mix. Add in a mix up decades old and a love interest, and you’ve got this book. I really did like it even though my description doesn’t sound like it.
I guess this was my more psychological era. First Lie Wins took just me a bit to figure out. Once you do, you’re in for a ride! This is one of those books I hope gets made into a limited series on Netflix! Honestly, all three of these books could fall into that category. Funny Story is one of the girl gets left but not at the altar but falls in love with the guy who just happens to be there kinda book. It was a bit cliched, and I have to admit, while I was rooting for the guy, I really wanted a different guy to be the one, you know? Now, None of This is True has to be the “Baby Reindeer” of the bunch. I mean, seriously, it’s out there. If you like weird people doing weird things (not those kinda weird things), this is the book for you.
The Next Mrs. Parrish is the second book in a trilogy. I haven’t read the first one, and you really don’t have to do so. It’s the story of a really awful husband with a current wife, an ex-wife and two daughters. It’s one I didn’t enjoy, but I also couldn’t put it down because it just kept me guessing. Did I like it enough to read the third one? The jury’s still out on that one. Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books…what can I say? I couldn’t put it down. Is it humorous? Yes, it definitely has a comedic slant at times. Is it about banned books? Oh, yes…and so much more. Is it timely? I’ll leave that one to you. I may lose some subscribers with this, but I do not believe in banning books. When we ban books in public libraries (notice I didn’t say school libraries), we limit what we can learn from history, fiction, non-fiction. The thing is, you don’t have to read the book. You can stop, send it back, never think of it again. But, you don’t get to make that choice for me. If you’re worried about what your kids are reading, read the book first. I did that with my kids. Did I make some decisions based upon that? Yes, yes, I did. I think this is one of the most important books out there right now.
What I’ve been watching…
I am pretty sure I missed some movies and shows these last two months. I always think I’ll remember to write them down, and then I completely forget. We watched the new iteration of Interview with a Vampire, and I think this was much more convincing than the movie with Tom Cruise. I guess there’s a new (to me anyway) genre called body gore, and this definitely fell into that category. My hairstylist, who is into all things spooky, told me “Mayfair Witches” was much better so we watched that. I am going to have to disagree with her. This is one of those shows where you just want to yell at the character and tell them, “Don’t open that door,” or “Stay out of the attic.” None of which they do, of course. In October, I mentioned we’d watched “Agatha All Along” which was a prequel to “Wandavision” which we hadn’t watched. So, we watched it, and I really liked the first few episodes. Then, it just became another superhero series which is OK if that’s your jam.
We had watched the first season of “The Empress” and enjoyed it. It’s about an Empress of Austria. I’ll be honest. I liked it mainly for the fashion. There are wars, intrigue, and death. If you enjoy history, you’ll like this series. I’m not sure if there will be a third season or not. OK, “The Substance” had me feeling all kinds of ways. It stars the gorgeous Demi Moore. I don’t know how much cosmetic work she’s had done, and if she has or hasn’t; the woman (at 61) looks amazing. She definitely works on her body, and it shows. The premise of the movie is that “The Substance” will change your life. You inject yourself, and then more body gore occurs. Now, to me, the message behind this movie is that women do way too much to stay looking young and relevant. But, if that’s the message, why do Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley (the daughter of Andie MacDowell) have to be naked or scantily clad for most of the movie? The message seems to be quite mixed, and if you’re a young woman or girl watching it, I can see confusion. I don’t know…maybe, I read way too much into it. The third show (which doesn’t show the title) is “Half-Bad” or “The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself.” I’m not really sure which is the title as they both show up. It’s another supernatural series, but I really did enjoy it. And, the platinum hair guy…be still my heart! He is Belgian and has the…let’s call it nicest…accent. I don’t know if it’s the hair, the guyliner, or the clothes, but he stole the show for me! It’s another story about witches…blood and fair born…didn’t know there were types, did you? I liked it, but those are the kinds of shows that are appealing to me right now (especially when they have witches with guyliner).
Oh, my gosh! I almost forgot “Wicked!” I love the musical and have seen it numerous times and in numerous places, including London! Nigel has told me he’s done seeing it even though I bought tickets for the musical this summer in Indianapolis. I’m so excited. But, the movie was just amazing. It does seem to stick a little closer to the book by Gregory Maguire. It’s a very dark book with lots of emphasis on machinery. You’ll see that in the movie. I’ve been watching lots of YouTube vids about the movie. Cynthia Erivo is not Idina Menzel…they have completely different voices…but, Erivo’s performance is nuanced in ways you just don’t see on a theatrical stage. And, yes, I know many were disappointed and upset because it’s part 1. But, if they had done any reading about it, they would surely have known! I loved every minute of it and hope to see it again maybe next week!
What I’ve been working on…
Just like in October, I’ve accomplished very little. I don’t think I even made any Christmas decorations. I had to repair a couple. I did bake some cookies…sugar cookies which never got frosted and peanut butter blossoms. It took me longer than usual to put up the Christmas decorations. My spreadsheet helped but also hindered me. I really need to think a little more about it before packing Christmas away. I didn’t take into account where said items were going so I need to pack with that in mind, too. I love the way the house looks for the holidays, but I’m beginning to understand why my mom had whittled her Christmas down to a small tree and her Nativity.
A big (at least to me) announcement…
I have been officially accepted into the docent program at Newfields. Another woman and I were interviewed at the same time, and I was determined not to let her outshine me. I think she went into it with the same idea! Anyway, our interview ran long. When the main interviewer said we’d be receiving emails with next steps, I asked if we were in. He smiled and said, “Let’s just say I don’t see any problems.” I can’t wait! I will be a teacher of sorts again! The training begins in January and lasts through May. I just hope I remember things the way I used to!
What I’ve been buying…
Let’s just say my credit cards have been working overtime between the sales and buying Christmas presents. Yes, I still buy my adult kids and bonus kids a full Christmas! This year, my youngest asked if he could bring a friend whose family wouldn’t be celebrating until later, and she didn’t have any place to go. Can you believe he had the nerve to even ask? Of course, she was invited! I even had gifts for her. The really cool (showing my age there) thing was she went to the school where I taught, and her little brother was in my class! We reminisced and had a wonderful time. I had ordered pizzas to be picked up on Christmas Eve by my daughter…I ordered them the day before and paid for them. For some reason, the girl couldn’t find the order even though there were some things that came through. Anyway, we did take and bake which meant we had to bake them ourselves. That worked out well except some were a bit underdone. The restaurant messed up a couple of things, but you know what…I’m granting them grace because it’s a busy time, and we’re all human. We will order there again but will wait until they’re open on Christmas Day to order. The owner makes sure only volunteers work, and they receive extra money somehow.
Where I’m going…
Due to my docent training, I won’t be making it to London in January. I asked my son if he was OK with going in late May or early June, and he said it was OK. I’m still going this year, one way or another!
What I’ve been wearing…
Our weather has been cold, but this week is in the 50s (12.78C). We’ve had rain and cloudy days rather than snow and cold. I would rather have had snow and cold but that’s the way it is!
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday if you celebrate. I know the holidays are hard for so many with losses, loneliness, and sadness. I often feel those very things as I still miss my mom so much. Maybe next year, I’ll be a little more together and do a year end wrap up, but who knows? So, can we talk? How were your November and December? Have you read any wonderful books or seen any good tv? How did you feel about “The Substance”? If you so, what did you think of it? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible. See you next year!
Thank you!
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Featured favorites from last month…
And, now, it’s your turn!
Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!
Thank you Marsha, I enjoyed reading all of your news. I can’t yet decide what books you enjoy, but then perhaps it is a range of genres like most of us. Great news about the new job, but a little sad that you had to move your trip to London. However, later in the year might be kinder weather wise. Have a Happy New Year.
https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
You have been busy!! I love so much that you opened your house up to someone who didn’t have anywhere to go. You have such a welcoming and warm personality.
Congrats on your new docentship! (is that a word?) How exciting!!!! I can’t wait to read about it!
And … this year is coming to a close. Last year, 2023, was one of my toughest ever and this year I had to make myself put it behind me. And remind yourself, you are making it through!
We never read the book, Wicked, but Rob didn’t like the movie as much as the play, because it was DARKER. I wondered if it followed the book more, so I’ll tell him.
We need to get knitting together again…I miss our chats,
XOOX
Jodie
Congratulations, Marsha! A docent position sounds like the perfect fit for a retired teacher like you and I! I can’t wait to learn more as you go through training! Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed New Year!
The banned books book sounds good (I have to say, most of the books that are being banned from schools are completely ridiculous in their reasoning. As Art Spiegelman said re Maus ‘The reason they give for banning the book is never the real reason’. How stupid do they think people are?) Anyway, I’ll be seeking that one out next. I just read The Virgin Suicides before giving to my daughter for Christmas. I did give it to her but only cos I think she’ll find it too boring to read, and if she does read it, it might improve her reading quality (but huge thumbs down from me…good writing, didn’t like the subject)
We watched The Substance too. THe idea was really great but I thought the film could have been executed better – however, I don’t watch Horror at all so I’m not the market (and I guess I wanted a completely different type of film). Interestingly both my horror loving kiddo and I found the eating of the prawns the most disgusting bit in the film…hehehe
London in Spring will be beautiful! And better weather so still a win. Happy New Year!