Number #24
March has been one of those months. It’s like Mother Nature decided to play Uno and kept drawing the Wild Card! We have had days in the 70s (21C) and days in the 30s (-1C). There have been rainy days (gotta admit I love them) and sunny days. You want to know what the weather is? Walk out the door and check. Of course, chances are it’ll be completely different in five minutes. We did have a tornado warning the other night. My phone went off; Nigel’s phone went off; the county alarm system went off! I immediately jumped up and looked out the back door. Nigel just looked and me, basically saying…not moving from my chair! All I could think was, “Damn, I wish we’d never moved to a house with no basement!” I was trying to figure out how I was going to get him into the crawl space in the amount of time we had. Then, just like that, the alarms all went off. The possibility of a tornado was several miles west of us. But, it also awakened my deep fear of tornadoes. It’s why I’ve always insisted on a house with a basement until this one. Nigel thinks the all brick house will protect us. I just roll my eyes! It’s the Final Friday of March already so on we go! Oh, and there is a link party! So, please link up!
What I’ve been reading…
And, I thought I’d been bad about reading in the prior months. I finished two books, my friends! That’s it. I’m struggling to get through the one I’m currently reading. It’s not that I’m not reading. I am doing lots of reading for my docent training, but those aren’t complete books. Anyway, I finished Bright Young Women. This is a disturbing book in many ways. It’s the fictional account of serial killer, T*d B*ndy. Apparently, you’re not supposed to give these monsters any attention so I’ve chosen to stick in the asterisks. In the book, the serial killer is always referred to as The Defendant. The book isn’t gory so much as one of those that makes you imagine the scene. Having lived through the TB killings and trial, I just felt all squirmy inside as the narrator relates the events leading to the prosecution of The Defendant. It does a bit of that bouncing about in time, but the author also lets you know the time as the chapters are notated with a date or the number of days since the killing at the sorority house. But, the title…it just makes me sad. It makes you think…what could have been if only they’d never come into contact with these monsters.
The second book was a different take on a rom-com. I liked it, but, like most books of this kind, I was pretty sure I knew how it would end. And, I was right. It’s basically about a couple who get married just so they can have married student housing at a university. After graduation, they go their separate ways, but, as is usually the case, there comes a time when they have to get back together. Now, here’s the weird thing. The time between graduation and getting back together (even if they’re faking it) is five years. Who does that? They both knew they were still married. Am I the only one who finds that off-putting? I am? Hmmmm…anyway, I enjoyed it just because it was such a weird premise.
What I’ve been watching…
Believe it or not, we are still watching “Legacies.” It’s probably definitely another teen or tween series about supernatural kids living at a school. Last month, I compared it to “The Magicians” saying it was nicer, but it’s a little gorier as the seasons go on. There are four seasons, and we’re just finishing season three! Each episode is almost an hour long, and each season is around 16 episodes! That’s almost unheard of these days. After Nigel goes to sleep, I’ve been watching the old “Project Runway” shows. I did hear Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn and someone else were maybe possibly retooling it. I really hope so. We also watched “The Last Showgirl” with Pamela Lee Anderson. I was prepared to dislike it, but I ended up really liking it. I am all for women supporting women, but I just don’t get why she’s a hero for not wearing makeup. Off the soapbox and onto the review. The movie is about a Las Vegas show coming to an end after more than 35 years. Anderson plays one of the showgirls whose been on the show for most of those years. There were moments of sheer beauty when she’d be practicing her ballet moves. Here is a movie where frontal nudity doesn’t bother me one wit because it’s expected…I mean they’re showgirls in Las Vegas. That was my problem with “The Substance which had so much unwarranted nudity. You can read what I thought about it here if you want to.
What I’ve been working on…
I have been doing quite a bit. I completed several items on my Bucket List and Goals. You can read about that here. I was especially proud of doing almost all of the work on giving the primary bathroom a bit of an upgrade (even though this happened in February). I’m still very proud of it! You can read about that here. I used peel and stick wallpaper for the first time and probably the last time! I just think traditional wallpaper is easier. Actually, I lied. I have an entire roll of the wallpaper, and it’s too late to take it back. I’m going to use it in the laundry room somehow. I also finished writing both my presentation and the booklet for the mini retreat at my church which was last weekend. I think it went well. I’m continuing to read and study for becoming a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
What I’ve been buying…
After doing really well in February, I wasn’t quite as good in March. I bought three new dresses/kimonos from Kantha Bae, a dress from Banana Republic, two sweaters from Ann Taylor, and a skirt from Talbots. Oh, I also bought two dresses from J Jill which haven’t arrived yet. I’m only planning to keep one.
Where I’m going…
Well, my trip to the UK with the youngest has been put on hold. He had come up with a weekend that had terrific airfare prices. The problem…it was Easter weekend! Our other problem is the amount of days he could take right now. After accounting for travel, we’d have three days to see Liverpool and London. So, we (meaning I) have decided to wait until this fall when he’ll have more time accumulated to take off, and I will have my stuff together. I swear I feel like a lab rat some days.
What I’ve been wearing…
Our weather has been up and down so I’ve still been dressing in layers. Every time I think I can finally put the winter coats away for the season, it gets cold or snows! Here are the looks appearing on the blog in March.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
March seemed to be a bit unproductive and yet not. I have another presentation to prepare for in April at the museum. It’s supposed to be geared towards kids in first through third grades yet we’re showing it to adults. And, we have to use open ended questions. Well, you and I all know, adults will answer those questions differently than kids. I’m not entirely sure how to prepare for that as I have a form to complete and turn in for this assignment. So, can we talk? Have you seen “The Last Showgirl?” What kinds of movies or television shows do you like? How was your March? 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!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing. Please feel free to share my blog with friends if you think they’d enjoy it. If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
Affiliate links, discount codes and such:
Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.
Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
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!
I felt the last month has been one of my more productive months in a rather unproductive life. There are no huge things, but little steps to getting closer again to what I felt I had lost – like reading more, concentrating more, treating myself to the things I like to do and have fun (like researching for blog posts for example).
I have been pretty good with the money except for a late-month indulgence (it was a sale and I blame my sister), also because I had three vet bills in the last two months, two of them quite large.
It would be really productive to drag myself downtown today, but I can’t see that yet.
https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Hahaha…I love that line…it was a sale and I blame my sister! Oh, my gosh…vet bills here are atrocious! Luckily, Jack has been healthy the last couple of years. But, he’s highly allergic to something outside. I have to get him allergy meds which are outrageous.
I’m so glad you’re feeling productive and accomplishing things. I know I always feel better when that happens.
Thanks, Cat!
How terrifying a tornado must be, I can’t imagine it! Even if it’s far away, or must be scary. I’m reading a thriller at the moment, I actually almost only read thrillers! Enjoy your weekend!
I haven’t really ever been close to one. I remember when I was little, one had struck close to our hometown. We drove over there a week or so later, and the destruction was immense. In 1974, there was another outbreak close to us. I can remember the sky turning this sickly orangey-green. I always check for that color…that’s why I looked outside last week.
Thanks, Nancy, and have a fabulous weekend!
Love your new bathroom so much. That wallpaper is gorgeous! I need to watch The Last Showgirl.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I love it, too! You will really enjoy The Last Showgirl, I think.
I’m excited for you to be (soon) planning another trip! Sounds marvelous and I think the fall will be wonderful!
Your bathroom makeover turned out so well, good job!
The book you read, Bright Young Women sounds like one I’d enjoy. I watch all the true crime documentaries and find them so fascinating but sad. I am always interested to know more about what made these people tick!
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I hope we can make the fall one work. It’s the not understanding the rail system in the UK that worries me. There are so many different things that come up when I google it. My son said, “Let’s just drive!” I quickly turned that idea down. The book is really good, but it’s really more about the young woman who was the president of the sorority house he attacked. I still think you’d like it.
I also really like the wallpaper in your bathroom – what a transformation! March was a productive month in our world, too! It still surprises me how busy life is now that we are retired… how did we ever have time for work? Thanks for the link up, Marsha! Have a great weekend!
Oh, Laura, you are so right! I often wonder how I did it, getting three kids up and ready for school as well as myself. Well, my kids were in 1st, 3rd, and 5th when I started teaching, but still they needed a few prods to get going in the morning. I had this vision for the bathroom but was worried the wallpaper would make it too dark. There’s a large-ish glass block window in it so there’s some natural light. I love the wallpaper and the way it turned out! Thank you so much!
I watch a lot of old shows and shows other people would find boring – elderly people taking trips on British canals and people pretending to live on farms in Victorian days. I am not “hip” at all.
I hope you can swing your trip in the fall!
Hahaha!! Lisa, I am not hip, either. We just watch strange tv shows! I think you’d like Last Tango in Halifax (or something like that). It’s really good.
I had Bright Young Things on my to be read list, not realizing who it was about – I removed it right away since that is NOT something I need in my life right now!
Thanks, Sally! I really didn’t know what it was going to be about, or should I say who. It was very sobering, that’s for sure.
I just read Bright Young Woman with my book club. I had a hard time getting into it! You know chic lit is usually my genre of a choice so I was eager to branch out. The club picked another thriller this month (“The God of the Woods”) so we’ll see if this becomes a new genre for me!
It was a hard one, though, right? I liked it, but it was so intense. I haven’t heard of that book. I’m trying to get through a feisty old lady thriller right now. What chick lit are you reading? I’ve actually reread so many of Jen Lancaster’s books. I really wish she’d write another one. I saw on Threads that they’re looking to move again. Shall we invite her to Indianapolis?
Thanks, Steph!
Thanks for featuring me and the cows! I’m looking forward to The Last Showgirl. I’d love to see a new series of Project Runway. Well done on your achievements in March.
Thanks, Gail! I’m just wondering…were those hairy coos? That’s what they called them in Scotland, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that accent! I’d love to hear what you think of The Last Showgirl. I thought it was really good, and Pamela Lee Anderson was cheated out of at least an Oscar nomination. She really was brilliant in this film. I’ve tried to watch another show, “Next in Fashion,” but it just doesn’t compare.
Your weather sounds an awful lot like ours this month; I have no clue how to dress anymore! We never used to have tornado or tornado warnings that I can EVER remember growing up but I do think we’ve had one nearly every year for the last couple of years and they all throw me for a loop. We have a basement… but because our basement is a walkout we have a HUGE wall of windows so I never know what to do. I enjoyed The Paradise Problem too.
Yesterday morning, we had frost on the ground. Today, it hit 80! Now, I’m not going to say that’s highly unusual, but the lack of snow in the winter is. When I was a kid, the snow would be on the ground for months. Now, we’re lucky if it sticks for a couple of weeks (or even days). We need that snow to fill up the aquifers. That’s wild you have never had tornadoes and are now having them. I think a basement away from the wall of windows would be much better than not having a basement at all.
Thanks, Joanne!
I want to see The Last Showgirl. I think that Pam not wearing make-up is a big deal because here’s a woman who is known for her looks. She was a sex symbol in the 80s and 90s – everyone knew her. As she’s aged, she chose to not wear that make-up anymore which is a big deal because there is the unwritten expectation that women will “look their best” (meaning, full make-up, Botox, etc.) as they get older. It takes guts for her to reject that expectation. Who do we wear make-up for? Ourselves? It just takes time out of every day, it costs a lot, it supports a system that says we have to look a certain way. I have been examining this myself, asking why I do this – I like my face to feel as dressy as my clothes, is my answer…for now.
Thanks, Sheila! I should probably have explained myself more. There are other actresses who go barefaced, but so much more is made of Pamela. It bothers me because it just seems like one more pedestal people are putting her on because of her looks rather than her abilities. And, I think that’s sad. She is a talented actress as shown in The Last Showgirl. I thought it was terrible she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar. I wear makeup for myself because I love to play with the different colors. It’s the same way with clothing. I get dressed for myself although I’m thrilled when others compliment me. But, you’re right that women are held to different expectations. The owner of the med spa where I get facials is in her early 30s and has had her face threaded as well as several other things. Now, for her, it’s probably one of those things where she wants to experience what she’s selling, but also she’s the face of her brand. I didn’t see her when she first started out so I have no idea if she looks completely different or not. There are things I’m willing to do, and many I’m not willing to do. Threading is definitely one of them as well as any kind of surgery. I don’t think I will ever say yes to that though I always say never say never. I think there comes a point when you have to accept you are a certain age, and nothing is going to reverse that…at least, not without paying $$$. Thanks for the making me think, Sheila!
Getting a decor project like that done is NOT unproductive. But I know what you mean.
XOXO
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! Except I did it in February!!! I’ve just been very busy with the docent studying and such.
It’s so lucky the tornado didn’t come near you! We were under cyclone watch for a while earlier and we got so lucky it changed direction, and downgraded, before it hit land. We got off so slightly and kept power, while friends and family didn’t. The flooding was terrible, but we are sadly getting used to that around here. I hope you get some nice more predictable spring weather soon!
Also I loved that Christina Lauren book! Never had a book of theirs I didn’t like, but I like nice light fun and predictable romance. Just happy feelings, my kinda book, ha!
Thank you for the link up Marsha.
You’re welcome, Mica! I don’t receive notifications about your blog anymore. I need to check to see if I can re-subscribe to it. I’m glad you were missed by the cyclone. I think we are all having to get used to the weather being more and more extreme. That was the first book I had read by Christina Lauren. I really did like it even though I knew how it ended. I will have to look for more by her.
I really liked The Last Showgirl. I thought it was very bleak (brutal as an older woman to watch) but really thought provoking (and probably where my quote from the Blue fairy came from in a post the other week.)
Thanks for hosting #TrafficJamReboot each week
Thanks, Lydia. I agree it was pretty bleak for those of us of who are older. I really liked it, too, but I was left with lots of questions, like what was going to happen to her next? And, what happened with Jaime Lee Curtis’ character? It’s a shame the movie didn’t win more awards. I felt like Pamela Lee Anderson did a stellar job in her role. I was right there with her as she faced everything. One of the things I meant to say in my post was that she gave up her daughter to pursue her career because her career was her passion. I don’t mean that in a negative way, either. I just mean a man doesn’t have to make those decisions. While many would say she was being selfish, I think she was being true to herself.
Marsha what a fabulous job you did on your bathroom renovation. I am very impressed! Good for you getting your projects ticked off and glad the presentation at the church went well. We don’t have tornadoes here in Australia but I know they can cause devastating destruction similar to what our Tropical Cyclones can be like. We watched Adolescence and what a powerful show it is. It is getting quite a bit of publicity at the moment. 3 days to the UK – wow! It takes us a 24 hour flight to get there so we always have to go for a few weeks to make it worthwhile. I’m sure you will get there again when the time is right. Thanks for sharing with us at #WBOYC? and have a lovely week. Sue L x
Thank you, Sue! I had a vision, but the reality was even better than the vision. Yes, the presentation is done, and I’m resting from that for a while. But, there’s always something else to be done. I wouldn’t say tornadoes are common here, but they’re not exactly unexpected, either. I have heard of Adolescence and want to watch it. We have met people form Australia in various places, and they were always traveling for weeks. I just thought you all were super rich! I am very hopeful we’ll get there this fall as my son will have accrued more days to take off.
That bathroom is beautiful. We’ve been talking about updating our bathroom, but we’ve been talking about it for years. LOL
I can’t read about serial killers, but I can watch documentaries and listen to podcasts. So weird. Honestly though, I’ve been having a hard time getting through my books too. I have three books that I’ve DNFed because I just couldn’t do it. Not that they were boring, I just can’t focus. I’m not sure why. Life, maybe?
Thanks, Daenel! I’d be happy to come down and help! I love doing things like this. Hahaha!! I don’t listen to podcasts, but I’m not sure why. Well, I don’t feel so bad then if you are having problems with reading, too. Actually, I think I may have read a third one, but Goodreads has changed its format. I guess I’m going to have to start writing them down.
Bright Young Women sounds quite disturbing! I really hope you can find a time to get to the UK. Fall might be better anyway so it’s not during peak tourist time.
Thanks, Laura! It was a very disturbing book. I kept waiting for something though I’m not sure what. We have been to the UK in the fall and liked the weather then. But, that’s always changing these days.
You have been busy Marsha, so many projects on the go, well done you!! I am in awe of your bathroom reno, so clever of you to do most of it yourself. Your fashion shoots are all fabulous too – such a talented lady! Thanks fro sharing for WBOYC, it’s always fun to read your posts.