My Beloved Books

I recently participated in a swap on Swap-bot to decorate my partners' profiles with pictures of the covers of some of my favorite books. These are scans of my personal books. They are my three most beloved books.

Anne of Green Gables, by L.M. Montgomery*

This was a gift around 1986. I fell in love with it - and Anne - in the first reading. My younger daughter's middle name is Anne, after Anne Shirley.

A Separate Peace, by John Knowles*

This was required reading in high school in the early 1990s. The book was used when I acquired it, and the cover is no longer attached to the book. I really related to the main character and enjoyed the book. Our teacher told us to reread it when we turned 30, so I wrote a note to myself inside the cover. I reread it at 31 and found that I related to it on a whole different level and still thoroughly enjoyed it. I plan on rereading it at 40 and every subsequent 10 years.

Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley*

I discovered this book in high school while working in the school library in the early 1990s. I spent a weekend engrossed in the world and stories in its 876 pages. A few years ago, I learned that the very book I read twice and loved was still in my old high school library and the librarian (the same one I worked for as a student) very graciously sold the book to me. Sadly, a paperback cover has been copiously taped to the front and back of the beautiful hardcover, presumably after it sustained damage. I haven't been brave enough to try to remove it for fear of further damaging the book.

*affiliate link

Holiday Card Flowcharts

Holiday cards can take over your life if you let them! Use these handy flowcharts from Grammarly to help you decide who gets a card this year! First up is a chart for personal use, then there's one for professional relationships below.

World Teachers' Day October 5

I'm a natural teacher - it seems to be a part of my DNA. I considered becoming a teacher when I was in high school. I get asked on a regular basis how long I've been a teacher, or why I'm not a teacher. For all my natural ability, though, I'm NOT a professional teacher. The experiences I've had prove to me that teachers are unsung, everyday heroes. Where would you be today without the great teachers in your life?

October 5 (tomorrow!) is World Teachers’ Day. I encourage you to thank the teachers in your life - the ones that influenced you, and the ones that are infuencing your children. It doesn't have to be anything fancy; just a note or card will make a teacher's day. If you really want to wow, send a gift card for a big box store to buy supplies, or to a restaurant for a dinner.

To inspire even more gratitude, take a look at this infographic from Grammarly about teachers and their influence on the world.