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.”

UPDATE

I am at home after a six day hospital stay. I went in for one thing, and of course, “they found something”–a blood clot in my right lung. Finding it was certainly a “God Thing.” for I had no symptoms. This past Monday I was allowed to come home, and am being cared for by the best caregiver in SE Texas, My Better Half.

All is well in the eating, sleeping and bathroom “departments.” Between the two of us, we’re a team, all is well. I have the support of my church family (prayers, bringing in meals, etc.), the patience of my Advanced Writing students, many of whom are also praying, and the prayers of my hospital nurses who are now “new friends.” God is good. ALL the time!

I will not be reading blogs or posting on any of mine for a while; I am too busy getting well. It is a full-time job. LOL

I hope to “see” you again soon!

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17 responses to “UPDATE”

  1. Rae Longest Avatar
    Rae Longest

    Reblogged this on blogging807.

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  2. beth Avatar
    beth

    feel better soon, are

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. beth Avatar
    beth

    rea)

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Annette Rochelle Aben Avatar
    Annette Rochelle Aben

    God Bless you!

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Carla Avatar
    Carla

    Oh Rae, God is good. Timing worked out well and I am glad you are recovering. I will keep you in my prayers. You are blessed to have such an amazing caregiver and so many people who care about you. Hugs my friend and I wish you a speedy recovery.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Thanks for the sweet words and especially for the prayers!

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  6. TheChattyIntrovert Avatar
    TheChattyIntrovert

    Hi-fives and hugs to ya.
    I’ve missed a lot the past few weeks (got a part-time job and lots of animal issues), so haven’t been online to read much for very long. Glad to know you’re doing better and don’t work too hard. Enjoy reading that stack of books with some good tea while you can, when you can.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I will take your advice.When the Lord tells you to slow down, and you don’t listen, He SLOWS you down! LOL

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  7. Deepthy Avatar
    Deepthy

    Aw get well soon, Ms. Rae! Remembering you in my prayers ❤️

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  8. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Happy to hear you are on the road to recovery! 🙏🙏🙏

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Davida Chazan Avatar
    Davida Chazan

    Glad to hear you’re home and on the mend! Take care of yourself and here’s to a speedy and complete recovery!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Today, Tuesday Aug. 3rd is a good day!

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  10. Laura Jinkins Avatar
    Laura Jinkins

    Oh, how this scared me at first and made me think “why have you not made more of an effort to see this friend of your youth???” Thankfully, our God is in control and always on watch. I hope when you are feeling much better we can have a tea date and see each other face to face after far too many years. You are loved!

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      Sounds good. Give me the rest of the summer. my home phone is 281-585-4523

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  11. Ritu Avatar
    Ritu

    Oh, my, Rae! Well, I’m certainly glad that there is such a thing as a ‘God thing’, and that they found the clot. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thoughts and prayers with you 🙏🏼💜

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  12. Deb Nance at Readerbuzz Avatar
    Deb Nance at Readerbuzz

    I hope you are feeling much better, Rae. Praying.

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    1. Rae Longest Avatar
      Rae Longest

      I’m so happy I am at home and not still in the hospital.

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