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.”

THOUGHTS AT THE END OF A THURSDAY (AUGUST 28TH, 2020

Looking over an old, finished journal, I found an entry near the end dated January 16,2020. It involved questions to be considered at the end of each day.

“Today I am grateful for…” Hurricane Laura not hitting our part of the Texas Gulf coast yesterday.

“Today I helped someone by…” sending several texts of encouragement, answering a request for advice, and disinfecting and restocking my Little Free Library after emptying it in preparation for the storm.

Now the neighbors will have reading materials for tomorrow’s Severe Heat Warning when they have to stay indoors.

“Something that made me happy today…” was being checked on by a younger friend.

“Today I learned…” that online teaching is going to be very time consuming.

“Tomorrow I will…” try to catch up with myself and bake cookies to replace the ones we ate today.

“Eventually I will…” accomplish my dream of owning a used bookshop. My little town has NO bookstore, and I am thinking and saving up for it now. Maybe when I’m 90? LOL

Try this little “game” with me. Wait until the end of a day, and answer these questions, either on your own blog or in the comment section below.

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9 responses to “THOUGHTS AT THE END OF A THURSDAY (AUGUST 28TH, 2020”

  1. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan R. Geneviene

    Dear Rae, what a lovely day you had. Those questions really help bring things into perspective. Take care in the heat. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
      Teagan R. Geneviene

      And I’m grateful to have made a little progress on my current novel. It’s really been slow going.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Jee Wan Avatar
    Jee Wan

    This is such a meaningful post! I came in to check on your post and so happy to know you and your family are okay! Sending positive thoughts and love to your way 💕

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Thanks so much, friend.

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      Reply
  3. Léa Avatar
    Léa

    While your Little Free Library is delightful, we have many similar sites here in France, a book store is crucial. I wish you all the best in this endeavor. As your dream becomes a reality you could post an address (perhaps a P.O. Box) where other book lovers could send a book or two they are ready to let go of?
    There is a village in the Montagne Noir (black mountain) with a population of about 1,000 people. The last visit I made there were 23 bookstores. I’ve done several posts from my visits there and hope to get up there again soon. There is also a museum of printing and a massive old structure that was always dedicated to making paper, printing, and publishing. While much of that old structure is now closed down, they still continue to produce papers and such not to mention give classes. The village, as one might imagine, is also heavily into the arts and there are a number of galleries at every turn. The name of this dear little village is Montolieu or Le Ville du Livres (The Village of Books).

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      The Village of Books sounds like a dream come true. On my. Oh my.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Léa Avatar
        Léa

        Rae, thank you. For me it is a wonderland. Each time I go I search for a French poet I haven’t read before and perhaps another book or two… It has been too long since I posted on Montolieu so maybe it is time to reblog them until I can get back up there. If I don’t go soon, I may wait until after the first of the year. While it will be colder up there, I adore the truffle festivals that are nearby and would have to force myself to attend…

        Liked by 1 person

  4. sjhigbee Avatar
    sjhigbee

    I love the idea of your bookshop! There are so many places where there used to books for sale – and they’re no longer available. Sadly, I think the current emergency isn’t good news for real books, rather than the virtual article:(.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Sad fact–you’re right. It certainly isn’t good for bookstores either!

      Liked by 1 person

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