RAE’S READS

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This year (2025) finds me with 53 years of teaching “under my belt.” I have taught all levels from pre-K “(library lady” or “book lady”–volunteer) to juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in my Advanced Writing class at the university where I have just completed 34 years. My first paying teaching job was junior high, and I spent 13 years with ages 12-13, the “difficult years.” I had some of the “funnest” experiences with this age group. When I was no longer the “young, fun teacher,” I taught in an elementary school setting before sixth graders went on to junior high, teaching language arts blocs, an assignment that was a “dream-fit” for me. After completing graduate school in my 40s, I went on to community college, then university teaching. This past fall I accepted a part-time teaching job at Apogee Gulf Coast Schools in its first year at the Alvin campus. After my Better Half died n 2022, I achieved a lifelong dream: opening a bookstore of my own, Rae’s Reads. A year later, I sold the house we had lived in for 47 years and moved into the bookstore. My goal is to circulate and repurpose books. Just as teaching is “in my blood,” so is a passion for reading, writing, libraries, and everything bookish. This blog will be open to anyone who loves books, promotes literacy and wants to “come out and play.”

SUNDAY (EVENING) POST

This will be brief because I have spent the day finishing grading final papers and starting averaging grades for the semester.  Wednesday of this week will be the last time I see this particular group/class of students.  I have become very attached to them and am glad to report that all are doing well.

What I Am Reading:  Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke, which is the first book in his trilogy about the Holland family.  This first book starts during WWII and I am currently in River Oaks, Houston, in the 50’s.  Two buddies from the war have gone into the oil business, one’s wife is a big Hollywood actress and the other’s is being investigated as a Communist during the 50’s Red Scare/Witch Hunts that took place.  Life isn’t easy.

Conor Kelly and the Four Treasures of Eirean which takes place 4,000 years ago and is my first step into studying/reading Irish/Gaelic mythology.  It is also the first book I am reading on my new Kindle app on my laptop.

Ali Smith’s How to Be Both, which I don’t fully understand but am enjoying a great deal for the wonderful writing, and I’m already planning to read it again when I finish, maybe during Spring Break when it will seem like a brand new book.

The Arthritis Cure by Theodoakis, Adderly, and Fox, which was a totally new concept when published in 1997 (treatment via Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate) which I intend to discuss with my family doctor next week when I see her.  I am in need of relief from osteoarthritis.  (It could be much worse, rheumatoid arthritis, so I feel blessed in spite of the constant pain.)

What I Watched Last week:  Lots of mindless TV for frequent breaks from paper grading and to rest up–My favorites so far are the following: “Timeless,” where I went to the Alamo and was involved in Watergate in two different episodes; “Gray’s Anatomy”, the medical soap opera I think I’ll never give up on; “This Is Us”–It looked good so I taped it.  I have watched three episodes and am so glad I have followed it, excellent acting; “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries” which can be summed up in one word–delightful!

I have also started Christmas baking and decorating the house just for the two of us.  Pretty soon I will start in on Christmas cards and letters, for some early birds of our acquaintance send theirs out Thanksgiving weekend–no kidding. I refuse to send ANY until December first. I will probably be sending the last around December 23rd.

I am opening my unfinished, in-progress- house to any PWR members who want to get in out of the shopping hustle and bustle for a few minutes, put their feet up on my sea chest (coffee table substitute) and drink coffee and take a few deep breaths. Mi casa est su casa!

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6 responses to “SUNDAY (EVENING) POST”

  1. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    So glad you are on the last lap of your marking and grading for the term – and that your students have all done well. No doubt that is down to the quality of teaching they have received:). Hope you manage to get on top of your pain – my heartfelt sympathy, as chronic pain is so fraying on the body and spirit… I am inspired to rejig my attitude to Christmas this year, reading so many other people throwing themselves into the festival preparations with so much enthusiasm. I’ve become somewhat Scrooge-like over the years and it simply won’t do, I’ve decided. Thank you for being one of those people:). Take care, Rae and I very much hope this coming week sees you feeling a lot better.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Your friendly note makes me feel better already!

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  2. readerbuzz Avatar
    readerbuzz

    I’ve spent the month reading nonfiction but today I’ve completely shifted gears to an old children’s ghost story and a murder mystery set in Paris.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Both sound “delicious.”

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  3. Whitney Avatar
    Whitney

    We try to celebrate one holiday at a time, but I’ll be the first to admit that the Christmas lights come out when we finish the turkey. I hope you have a wonderful week and had a happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      In spite of all I wrote to the contrary, it is Nov. 30th and I have my Christmas decorations up. I plan to start Christmas letters and cards tomorrow. I guess I’m not so Bah Humbuggy after all. Have also had my first visitor to put her feet up on the sea chest/coffee table. She brought satsumas from her back yard. We have already eaten several!

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