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.”

CELEBRATING DEAR DIARY DAY WINNERS: JOURNALS

There were five comments on this giveaway, people. One, Carla from Carla Loves Books said she had a nice journal that was given to her, that she hadn’t even used yet. LOL She was eliminated.

Amy, a young blogger at Beloved Amy said how much she liked journaling and later replied to say her current journal was just about used up. (I read into that “hint, hint,” and award her one of the journals. Chloe of Capable Chloe/Chloe’s Thoughts , another young blogger friend expressed a love of journals as well, so the second goes to her.

Jee Wan of Hooked on Books says she keeps a book journal, and judging from the rapidity of which she reviews books, she can always use another one, so the third goes to her.

That leaves my good friend and adopted little sister, Deb Nance of Readerbuzz, as the fifth commenter. Because I have seen what she has done with journals/notebooks/diaries, and because I happen to have a fourth journal, I will give one to her as well. Since we live in the same town, I will hand-deliver hers.

The other three winners–please send me your mailing address to raelongest300@msn.com, so I can get that journal/diary out to you asap.

Congratulations winners–and thanks, Carla for being such a good sport. I love you all!

Rae

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9 responses to “CELEBRATING DEAR DIARY DAY WINNERS: JOURNALS”

  1. Teagan R. Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan R. Geneviene

    I’m sorry I fell out of the loop on this, Rae. (Endless Internet difficulties…) But it sounds like a fun idea. Congrats to everyone who participated.

    I journal occasionally, but do it on my computer. (Journaling tends to have the opposite effect on me from what is desired or intended — I get focused on the bad things.) In trying to get out of my overwhelm and negative self-talk, it was recommended that I do a “Did Do” list each day. (Not a to do list) Just list minor things that I managed to get done each day. It helped hugely. It also became my journal. Have a fabulous October. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Your Did Do list is a terrific idea.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Jee Wan Avatar
    Jee Wan

    Yayyyyy!!!! I haven’t won anything This year and this would be my first!! Woot woot!!! Thank you, Rae!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  3. capablechloe1 Avatar
    capablechloe1

    Yes! Thank you so much! 💖💖💖

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. BelovédAmy Avatar
    BelovédAmy

    Thank you SOO much!!🤗 I am really happy and grateful!!❤😊 I can’t wait to fill it’s pages!! Thank you for doing this!!🥰
    Love, Amy

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    You are too sweet! It will be wonderful to see you. It’s been too long since we have had a porch visit.

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  6. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    Congratulations to the winners, I thought I would make you smile with my comment Rae.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      You did make me smile, but talked yourself out of a journal. LOL

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Carla Avatar
        Carla

        I would have asked you to pass it on to one of your students even if I had won. Besides mailing anything to Canada costs an arm and a leg.

        Liked by 1 person

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