2025 My Year in Books…

 

I fell down on my reading challenges this year. Pop Sugar 

and Read Harder. I just did not focus properly, I did catch up on

all the music because of Spotify. I got a little obsessed with

R.E.M. Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Mumford and Sons, Pink Floyd, Kings of Leon. I could go on. 

My best read of the year: King of Ashes by SA Cosby

The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich was another 5 star read. 

#UpwardBound by #WoodyBrown a Net Galley prepub book also has to be mentioned. So incredible  a book written by a nonverbal autistic graduate of UCLA. 

I read several books for the second time. Brilliant writing. 

Sing Unburied Sing-An American Marraige-Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter-Arcadia-The Shipping News-Silver Linings Playbook-Crying in H Mart-Blossoms in Autumn. 

I loved these books just as much the second time around. 

As is my signature blog statement I must answer at least one 

question to examine my life. 

What are the things I am avoiding and how can I overcome my resistance?

I avoid making decisions about the changes I need to make. 

My life is so different alone. I am still living in a house over 

125 years old. There is so much costly upkeep. No one in my family lives anywhere near me. I have lived in this house for at least 50 years. I hate to leave. My camp is falling apart. Why didn’t I sell it? I don’t know how to overcome my resistance. I feel stuck.

Well, that resolved nothing! 

Another day, another birthday…

 April 29, 2025. Today is my 74th birthday. I feel younger than 74. I look my age I guess. I am not a good judge of age. I met a couple from Belgium. I thought maybe 30. They were both 41.

Florida has been so much fun. The teens. Cards Against Humanity. The weather. Warm and sunny. The pool. Family. 

April 28, 2025–birthday eve…

 My seventy-fourth birthday is tomorrow. Today I spent more time in the pool. A G&T after 5. Yes. I waited til it was 5:00 somewhere. I have out lived my husband and many of my good friends including my sister. I still have a to do list that I want done before I leave this mortal coil. One of the list items is to organize my shit. I never have gotten it together in all my 73 years.  I have a huge TBR list. Currently rereading The Shipping News and The Silver Linings Playbook. Still great reads I want a tattoo that says:

“ Do not go gentle into that good night.Old age should burn and rave at close of day: Rage, rage against the dying of the light.“ 

A moment when you felt truly heartbroken. (From Instagram)

My heart actually hurt as it broke when my husband died. I was holding his hand. He took a last breath. His hand cooled as I held it. I did not think he could leave me.

Sunday, April 27, 2025 Melbourne Beach…

 In two and 1/2 days I’ll be 74. I feel great. I think I look my age this year though. I relaxed in M’s pool today. I love the salt water and the privacy. No more bikinis for me. 

From Instagram:

A childhood fear you never told anyone about. 

As a kid I feared catastrophe. My parents dying. Car accidents. To the point where I believed if I kept them in mind while they were away from me they would be safe. If I forgot them for a minute something awful would happen. 

                                   My favorite G&T.    

Me. At the pool. Almost 74. 

Hi, Barbie, 2025…

 April 26, 2025—Three days til 74. It is happening.

 I went to the @GAW Barbie convention again this year with my sister, Phyllis. It was so much fun once again. The theme was Michigan. Gala night was Domewhere in time. Luncheon was a nod to the Great Lakes. Nautical theme. $63,000 was raised at auction for childhood cancer charities. The artist created OOAK Barbie’s were beautiful. The elevator rides were too much fun. Met so many creative people from Italy, France, Belgium and Long Island. 

Friday April 25, 2025

 In five days I will be 74. No idea how this came about. How have 73 years been lived by me? How have I out lived my husband and many friends and family members?

What is your favorite color? Green. I have always loved the color green.

What is a book you would recommend? I love to be asked that question. I have read so many great books. To name just one: The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff. 

What music are you listening to? Green Eyes by Coldplay. Metal version of Amazing Grace by Dan Vasc. Covers of 60’s songs. 

What is your favorite animal? Bella, my dog.

Thursday April 24, 2025…

 Five days til B-Day. 74 is looming. I’m on Allegiant headed for Sanford and Florida. Haven’s grad. Azalea is flying. Kelley and Kendall will also be here for graduation. I cried when I left Bella at the kennel for 20 days. She is my companion. 

Who are my most important relationships? 

My lost husband was my most important relationship. 

I feel such connections with my siblings including their spouses. Our yearly camping trips are the times I feel most at peace. I enjoy our matching crazy, sense of humor, 

My daughters their spouses and children are so important to me. Our relationship is “these are my people” level. I feel it in my heart. 

A few of my people…