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.”

THURSDAY THOUGHTS

I woke up this morning feeling…

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6 responses to “THURSDAY THOUGHTS”

  1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    For beautiful sunshine and my snoring cat. 🐱 Have a wonderful Thursday, Rae. Hugs on the wing!

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      We are having lovely weather here on the Texas Gulf Coast as well. Your cat isn’t snoring…that’s her purr.

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  2. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    We are having another late summer this week. Today it was 67 and I got all the bushes trimmed in the front of my house. I am grateful for the wonderful weather, and also the fact that I am healthy enough to still take care of my yard and gardens. I hope you had a marvelous day today Rae.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I started celebrating my BD unknowingly (It isn’t until almost Thanksgiving.) A former student whom I hadn’t seen in person in almost two years (She was traveling when she wasn’t teaching, then the shutdown… texted me out of the blue with an invitation to eat on the patio of a restaurant she knew I could find. When the bill came, she said, .”My treat it’s your birthday.” The waiter overheard and came back with a cheesecake slice with a lighted candle to blow out. (Thank goodness they don’t “sing” at that place!) When she helped me find my car in the crowded parking lot, she even had a gift for me! What a way to start a weekend!!!!!

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      1. Carla Avatar
        Carla

        Great way to start a weekend. My birthday is this month as well, but not until the very end of the month. Enjoy your Birthday month Rae!

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      2. Rae Longest Avatar
        Rae Longest

        You too!

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