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

For someone “laid up” for two weeks, this has been a very busy week. At least while sitting, keeping my feet up, I’ve had time for reading.

Finished last week: Girl in Translation, reviewed Saturday; Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, to be reviewed soon

Watched on TV:  Not much

What I did:  Wednesday of last week, my writing class was taught by “Jack,” a British actor who was visiting the university to perform three of the twenty-two roles in Romeo and Juliet this weekend.  The students had a great time; I was able to sit with my feet propped up, and thus, had a great time; and Jack had a good time as well.

I had two scheduled “treatments” for plantar fasciitis at the local chiropractic clinic who often provide treatments for all kinds of pain and injuries, right here in our little town.  What a blessing not to have to travel to Houston. Because of these treatments, staying completely off my feet, and the prayers of friends, I am showing marked improvement.

Saturday, my AAUW group (ten women attended) came to my house for its monthly meeting.  This was scheduled back in August, but was a real blessing because I wouldn’t have been able to make it if I had to leave the house. We had a make-shift but inspiring program, an informative business meeting, and lots of catching and up and fellowship  while eating pasta salad (provided by a member) garden salad, a relish tray (my contributions) and chips and dip, poppy seed, lemon muffins, coffee doughnuts (provided by members).  I had agreed to provide the place, coffee and tea and had a good time designing a centerpiece and playing hostess while the ladies took over my kitchen and even handled the clean up afterwards.  It was a stress-free afternoon.  It was so good to see friends and have them fuss over me!

Looking forward to reading this week: Finishing Freeks–I’m about half way through; and I have started The Runaways, another immigrant story.

This week should find me completely healed and maybe doing a little driving around town.  I have a treatment on my feet Wednesday, but no big plans for Spring Break (March 13-17) except to catch up and plan and prepare for the rest of the school semester.

 

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3 responses to “SUNDAY (EVENING) POST”

  1. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    Well… I’m glad that’s your idea of a rest – because mine involves a lot more lying down and less people-managing, etc! I’m delighted that you are on the mend – but could I just advise that you DON’T necessarily jump in the car unless your feet are absolutely pain free? And I hope you can also squeeze in a bit of rest during your Spring break, Rae:). Have a much better week!x

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I promise to take your advice because thinking it over, there’s a lot that could happen, like a foot sliding off the gas pedal.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. sjhigbee Avatar
        sjhigbee

        Oh thank you! Two good friends have been involved in nasty traffic accidents, recently. Neither were hurt and neither were at fault, but that didn’t stop them being very shocked and banged about. And in both cases their cars were written off…:(.

        Liked by 1 person

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