Oh, You Know You Were Waiting for This!

Yep, that’s right. It’s time for Mary’s “It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times” List.

Books:

Erik Larson’s In the Garden of Beasts. A true story of the American  Ambassador to Germany during WW2. The characters, the setting, the horror and the humanity, all wrapped into a book I couldn’t put down.

Ari Shapiro’s, The Best Strangers in the World. Master story weaver, a heart that listens without judgment, and another book I could not put down. I was beyond sad when it was over. I read it so slowly trying to make it last forever.

.

Worst: I don’t believe in slamming the creative work of others (as long as the work does not take or advocate the taking of civil rights away from others) I did throw a book away, I was so disgusted by the contents, and then quickly removed it from the garbage. I put a note with it, for another reader, a trigger warning, really. I don’t believe in banning books.

 Show: Wednesday Call me a sucker for a maudlin on the outside character, emotion filled on the inside, an intoxicating dance sequence and you’ve got me.

2^nd Favorite: The Chosen Woah, woah, and woah again. I was taken away by the acting, the humanness of a subject long debated, the scenery, the captivating dialogue and my dread of the next season, knowing what’s to come.

Music: Jon Batiste’s “Freedom.” Could there be any more life-giving song?

Moments: I now have a full-time job as a Preschool teacher and my little students are wowing me with their joy, purity, visions, discoveries, pithy statements, things they find funny and all things young children. Pure bliss out experience.

My daughter discovered her path. It is her story to tell. I am simply walking behind her now, sometimes beside her, but always with her in my heart.

My debut book, Out of Place will be published and then distributed through Simon and Schuster Dec. 3, 2024. I’ve been dreaming of being a writer since I was 8 years old.

Yes, this list is short and sweet. Oh, the Worst of Times? They are behind me. I’m sure there are more to come. That’s life. For now, I’ve got a cup of dark brew coffee, half whole milk/half water (café au lait) and the house is quiet.

     Free to live. Thank you for reading and for giving me a platform to share.