So. Vacation and eating and relaxing kind of get in the way of blogging. Or maybe I’m on stage five of Farley’s blogging and hunting situation (yeah, right). (Although I also think my “voice” has always been the same and I never actually tried to find a better one. I just did a lot more erasing in the beginning and then would put back what I had just erased. Now I just type. And, truly, I think I am all over the place, and on every single hunting stage so everyone should duck and cover. For your own safety.)
I go home tomorrow. Boo hoo hoo.
Normally, I would be looking forward to seeing the Hubs.
But he will not be there when I return.
Boo hoo hoo. A little louder.
He is on a business trip.
You know how he doesn’t like me to tell you because of the cyber space bullies?
Too late now.
Well, go ahead. We’re not home. Please get the mail, do some light dusting, and turn on the porch light. Thanks.
Here’s what we have been up to:
Dance Recital Dress Rehearsal
Make up and Hair rehearsal. This was so fun. I hope to post pics when I get home.
The Mall. (which led me to believe that Texas men are quite good looking.)
Charlie’s Subs.
Oklahoma t-shirts. Two for $28. Boomer Sooner!! (I am not a football fan, but whatever. I am from Oklahoma and OSU has orange colors which I do not prefer.)
Pizza and the library.
The pool. (which led me to strongly believe that Texan men are quite good looking)
Taco Bueno. Taco GOOD.
Walking Baxter. (the cutest dog, next to my Syd, EVER!)
Braums. (I bought a half gallon of chocolate almond ice cream and I have a bowl every night)
THE Dance Recital.
Chili’s. (Which I can actually get in California, but the jazz dancer requested it. Much to my chagrin.)
Sleeping. No one around here gets up until about 9:00. It is HEAVEN. This has been a work in progress over the last ten years. I think I like that these kids are getting a little older. Not taller, mind you, but older.
Baseball. (which led me to the conclusion that Texan men are quite good looking) Lost by one.
Two teeth lost. One per nephew.
Bahama Bucks–shaved ice. Yes, please.
And that’s about all.
I have thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(by the way, my hubs is from Tennessee. I think I like myself the good ‘ole boys)
The happy part to my leaving is that my family will be coming out to see me at the end of July. Hooray!
When I get back home, I hope to offer up some freebies. I can’t now because I don’t have my computer.
I will also do the last giveaway for Learning Resources.
And, maybe, just maybe, I might start working on something for TpT. I don’t know how I feel about it. I haven’t sold anything ever. Hadar is strongly encouraging me. Along with some other people. And some followers have asked or said I should. But I don’t know. Sometimes, I’d just rather take out the teacher part of my title and just blog. Kinda like I do now.
Before I go, and it’s about time seeing as how this post means and says ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, I need some book recommendations. I will download it to my iPad ( the other love of my life). I need a book for the plane.
Yes, I have read The Hunger Games. And Divergent. And Matched.
“And those Fifty books,” she says with a beet-red face, behind the newspaper, hiding under the bed.
These are some of my favorite authors—Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler, Maeve Binchy, Elin Hilderbrand, Anita Shreve, Jane Green, Kristin Hannah, Rosamunde Pilcher, and Belva Plain. Except I have read all of their books. But I’d like something like that. Drama. Juicy. Can’t put it down. You know. A good book.
There you go.
Two questions.
1. Should I try to sell something on TpT?
2. What are you reading?
1. Kristin, you absolutely should be selling your stuff on TPT! You would be uh-mazing!
2. I am reading Hunger Games…so that doesn't help whatsoever…sorry!
Shanyn
coffeekidsandcompulsivelists.blogspot.com.au
Have you read any of the Janet Evanovich books? You would love them. I laugh out loud!!
Hi Kristin, glad you are enjoying your vacation. I think you should only sell on tpt if it makes you happy and not stressed. I sometimes think as teachers we want to do all and be all. I think it's important to know what is important to you. What do you like to do? Would you be happy creating things and maintaining a store. Do whatever is best for you. Off the soapbox now.
I read several really good books during the last year:
Miss Peregrine's Home for Unusual Children
Discovery of Witches
The Night Circus
The Violets of March
South of Superior
A bad day for ugly
Explosive Eighteen (should start with one for the money)
Twisted Creek
Somewhere Along the Way
and others by Jodi Thomas
Well I love cozy mysteries so if you want titles to any of those let me know.
Good luck and do what you want.
Jill
bubbalulu.blogspot.com
Definitely sell something! I can very much see you being as successful as Rachelle Smith who had a huge and loyal blog following (just like you!) and she was an instant hit on TpT! What harm can it do?
As for books, I've got nothing for you. I'm actually reading some books that my 12 year old son is reading…I'm not into video games so I've got to have something we can share and talk about together! We are reading all the Percy Jackson and Kane series books at the moment..
Kylie
Down Under Teacher
I plan to start reading one called Anybody Any Minute.
Yearn to Learn Blog
Yes, try to sell!! You will be great!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
If you sell, I'll sell. . . I've been dragging my feet too. . . so think about it and maybe I'll see you there when I get my stuff there!
Books:
Anything by Jodi Picoult
Nora Roberts likes to write trilogies and they're always a good romance and exciting to read. But not Shades of Gray romance!
Enjoy your ride home!
See you in the funny papers!
Patty
Second In Line
You like the same authors I do…..I plan to read divergent and matched this summer! You need to read Emily Giffin…..she has many books out in paperback, Jen Lancaster is hysterical (like you) and has written some great memoirs, sophie Kinsellas latest book called I've got your Number was a great read……finished it in one day while recovering from surgery! Happy summer reading….I have 3 1/2 days left of teaching!
I think you should read the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum books. They are hilarious!
Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
The Unreliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
Total crazy pageturners or sliders for you IPad users. Get them! I read everything you say you love. Trust me on this one.
PS Texan men are good looking and manly and very charming to women. I lived in Houston and love them!
✰ Kimberley ✰
First in Maine
You should certainly venture into TpT! You would be so successful with it!!
I'm currently reading Fifty Shades, so that is no help. Someone else mentioned Janet Evanovich books, which I've heard others mention are really good!!
Glad you had a nice vacation!!
Erin
Creating & Teaching
Giveaways are very well and good for the person that wins….I am most appreciative of the celebratory freebie or and if I were a really creative person I would do that for others….many teachers are budget stretched and just the cost of internet access and printing put them at their limit. Selling works for many…but do what makes you feel good…your gift to us is lifting our spirits with your delightful perspective on classroom happenings. Thank you for that.
Everything's better in Texas!! You should try the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. Lots of drama with some mystery and crazy characters thrown in for good measure.
You totally should start selling! Reading the second Sandman Slim book =)
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
A good author I've found is Sarah Addison Allen. Her books are really sweet and southern..since you like those southern boys. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your vacation!
Swimming into Second
You crack me up. Yes sell on TPT! Have you read the Women's Detective Series by James Patterson? There are 11 books….I heart that series!
stage 5 huh? i wrote that and then I couldn't even decide what stage I was in… LOL glad you had a blast in TX and yes most TX men are very handsome!!!
If you enjoyed The Hunger Games and Matched, you should read the Fallen series – completely and totally addicting!
Dear..I just opened a TpT store – let's use that term "store" loosely…like REAL loosely. I want you to open one so I can see what you do and follow in your footsteps. I haven't put anything up for SALE SALE…just freebies, which I'm finding might be the wrong thing to do because it's not good etiquette…I'm finding all of that is stressing me out. I don't know…I say go for it, and then tell me what I need to do, okay?!?!
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
I'm in the same boat as you. I want to create and sell too. I only have a couple of things posted right now and am not having much luck. It is on my to-do list for this summer. I'm sure you'll be very successful!!!
I am finally reading Fifty Shades and also doing the Daily 5 book study with Tammy over at Live, Love, Laugh.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
❤Tanya
Ms. Solano's Kindergarten
Jodi Picoult is my book suggestion! Whenever I start one of her books, I cannot put it down!
Well I just finished up with Ana and Christian……we seem to love all the same authors….have you ever tried Jane Fallon ? British and fun…..Kate Jacobs, I don't knit but love her books, Sophie Kinsella is hilarious, love Anna Quindlen……your post is so much fun,makes me long for holidays…..15 more days !!!!!
I'm a huge Kristin Hannah fan, and I love Jodi Picoult's books…My Sister's Keeper is her big one (a zillion times better than the movie) but I also love House Rules!
Oh thank goodness you are almost home. Or maybe you are home. I just don't feel like everything is right when people are not where I picture them. Yes you should sell because then you can become obsessed with something else and the cycle continues. Plus you will LOVE the extra cash which will cause you to buy things that you will then blog about. It is a win win win. The third win was for me because I love to read everything you write. Even when you talk about missing teeth and unyielding zippers.
Sorry I have no clue as to what you should read, but you need to tune into dance moms. A new season has begun. Get on it. You are a dance aunt so therefore it counts.
Have you read pillars of the Earth?? It is awesome, if you like medieval England, the plague, and cathedral building! The sequel is equally amazing!
I agree with someone who recommended Janet Evanovich. Funny stuff. Also somebody mentioned South of Superior, which is a new book written by a lady who lives in the tiny town I just moved from. Great book about a great place. Also, the 2nd book in the Divergent series is out. You'd have to buy the hardcover, but you could find it at the library for f-r-e-e. Which is how I like stuff.
If you have not read the kid lit book "Wonder," you must.
As a teacher, it is a must read. Loved it!
Add to the supporters of Stephanie Plum…Janet Evanovitch….ANYTHING by her! She does romance as well, but the Stephanie Plum series is the BEST! Everything you can ask for. I have to admit…I even have some on audio (get the Lorelei King version…the later ones). You can read them in any order…there's 18 of them. I go back and reread them all the time. Yep, they're THAT good! 🙂
As for TpT….sure, why not? If you feel guilty about selling, just offer them for free 🙂
Chrissy
Adventures in Second Grade
Glad you had a great time in Texas.
Yes, I think you should sell on TPT. You'll be great!
If you enjoy reading Christian fiction, the Yada Yada Prayer Group series and the Sister Circle series are MUSTS!
Darlene
jdsargo@sbcglobal.net
I was in Texas over Spring Break and saw a very hot man (unfortunately he was with someone who looked to be a wife).
I just read The Story of Beautiful Girl – very good, and you would love writer Jess Rilery and her book Driving Sideways. Guffaw laughs the whole way through!
learninginthelittleapple.blogspot.com
YES!!!! Sell on TpT!!! Teachers DESERVE to get paid for their hard work!!!! 🙂
And read 50 Shades again. And again. And once more. 🙂
You should sell! Because your DJ Inker freebies are Tho Cute! And I'm reading blogs! haha Not sure if that counts! 🙂
I am not sure I can read your blog anymore!
Go Pokes! Orange is always a good color 🙂
I have been struggling to find a book as good as 50 as well! Nora Roberts has a new trilogy out that was wonderful!
The Stephanie Plum books are great and so are the Sookie Stackhouse. I'm thinking about reading 50 Shades.
Jennifer
I'm so glad you appreciate the Texas men! You should sell on TPT. Try it for a little bit and see what you think. I'm reading Fifty Shades of Grey right now. It's a great summer read. I need to read a wholesome book next to redeem myself. Jodi Picoult? The Pact is my favorite of her books!
Have you read The Art of Racing in the Rain, yet? I just started it and I like it so far. It's from the point of view of a dog. It makes me laugh…I think because now I wonder what kind of thoughts my dog must have. Haha! Anyways, I will have to take the books you've listed as a suggestion. I have not read Matched or Divergent. I am glad that you have read The Hunger Games. I am currently trying to get the Mr. to read them. I have been successful at having him read The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (shhhhhhhhhhh…don't tell, it's suppose to be a secret) and he's currently reading The Time Traveler's Wife (shhh…don't tell that either). Which I guess I would also suggest to you if you have not read either. Let us know what you pick to read first! 🙂
~Heidi V.
I love Lisa Scottoline's books, they are suspenseful and keep you guessing till the last minute.
✪ Miss W
Miss W Teaches
I personally love your freebies and totally would still love your blog if you didn't talk about teaching! I'm currently reading the Fifty Trilogy and can't get enough. I agree wtih Miss W, Lisa Scottoline's books are very suspensful. I really like Sophie Kinsella's shopaholic books. They're fun, quick reads. Also, if you love dogs, I STRONGLY recommend A Dog's Purpose. SUCH a good book!
Bonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
Have you ever read anything by Anna Quindlen? She is one of my favorite authors! "One True Thing" is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
PS- Thanks so much for your blog. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading it!
I knew I loved you for a reason!!! Boomer Sooner!!
You should check out anything by Nora Roberts – she is amazing! Her latest trilogy is very good. Couldn't put it down. You would also love the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich (I see others have recommended that also). I haven't laughed so hard while reading in a long time!
You SHOULD try to sell something on TPT! It's pretty interesting and fun.
And I'm reading Please Ignore Vera Deitz by John Green. He writes things with flashbacks and stuff so you have to piece the story together. F.U.N.
Buzzing with Ms. B
You need to read Jennifer Weiner. Her books are fantastic! Also check out Jen Lancaster for her humor and love of Pop culture!
Safe travels hope you enjoyed your visit to the Lone Star State!
mjhalbardier@gmail.com
I hope the next time you come to Texas you make the Texas blog meet up a priority!
Jodi Picoult is great…you'll love her if you like Kristin Hannah. Have you read Kristin Hannah's The Magic Hour and Winter Garden? Those are 2 of my favorites.
Same Kind of Different as Me is a true story and takes place in Texas. It is about how God uses a homeless man to create a wonderful, lifelong friendship.
The Memories Keeper's Daughter is also a great book.
I think it is no biggie if you don't sell. You'll always make us laugh and we could never put a price on that! =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
I agree with the comments above about Nora Roberts' new trilogy and anything Jennifer Weiner! Also Nicholas Sparks, Lauren Weisberger and Sophie Kinsella are all great (and easy reads for summer!)
Check out Dorthea Benton Frank. She's my favorite… Good low county stories that are very entertaining! A one comes out this week!
It sounds like you are not too pumped to start selling, so why pressure yourself?
I think you should start writing! I believe you've indicated before that that is your real dream…people love reading your posts (they aren't really curriculum-based), so follow that dream & write something! You are a talented writer. 🙂
Anita
Mrs. Bremer’s Kindergarten
Glad you enjoyed your vacay. 🙂
I LOVEJodi picoult's books-very much drama, but real life situations!!! She is similar to Kristen Hannah.
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
Love many of the same authors–we must have the same taste! Can't wait for Hilderbrands new book. Anyway, I am currently reading Escape by Babara Delinsky. Have you read her? This is my second one and I have liked both. I must look into Pilcher and Tyler. Have a safe flight home!
From a self-less standpoint, I'd probably say sell on TPT but from my poor teacher standpoint I know that once people start selling the freebies decrease big time :(.
Karen White is a fabulous author!
Heather (heathernnance@yahoo.com)
A Discovery of Witches is really good and the second book comes out in a couple of weeks! I can't wait!