Life | Book Chatter

Sunday Matters

On November 14th, a student walked into Saugus High School and shot five people. You’ve all read the headlines. This was not my daughter’s school. Her school was on lock down a mere four miles away but in Santa Clarita, many of the students know each other, It’s a very tight-knit community. Through sports, theatre, choir, church we know these people.

One of the girls from my youth group texted me to tell me her sister had been shot. She is going to be okay. But everyone is traumatized by this. It’s all too real, and too close and we keep asking ourselves, when it’s going to end.

The students, faculty, staff and first responders on the scene, three of which were dropping off their own kids, were so brave that day. They did all the right things. My heart goes out to all of them and my heart aches for the families who lost their loved ones. No one should ever have to get that text or that call or see their child on the news.

It angers me beyond what I am capable of describing here.

Right Now:

Heading to church right now. Later, a vigil has been planned for the evening and I’ll be there volunteering in some way.

This Week:

Schools were closed after the shooting and through last Friday but with schools back in session this week it’s going to be tough. Plus, it is production week for Macbeth. I have no idea if it will go on as scheduled.

Reading:

I am reading a great book right now. It is taking my mind off of everything, Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson. I am also doubling up on my scripture reading.

Watching:

I’ve been watching the Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas. It’s not something I have ever watched before. I always thought the programming was too sappy for my tastes but let me tell you, it’s cozy and warm and makes you feel good. Everyone needs this right now.

New Things I’ve Tried:

Saying no. I’m getting good at it.

Grateful for:

My daughter’s safety and the safety of her immediate friends.

Very grateful that the community has come together to support the families affected. We’ve had fires, many, and so many are still dealing with that nightmare but this, this is just heartbreaking.

I had high hopes for the RIP Challenge but you know me and challenges. The one book I actually got to was not really horror at all. I did watch some movies though. I was so into the challenge but then it got warm and it didn’t feel like fall here. Hard to do a fall reading challenge when it’s like summer outside.

And, the fires. When it feels like all of California is burning, it’s hard to cozy up on the coach with your current read.

I didn’t get to post last week but my daughter’s high school took 1st place in the Musical category at that theatre festival I mentioned. Lots of competition and with half of them evacuated from their homes the day before, they really came together and performed amazingly well. If you are theatre lover at heart, check out Jesus Christ Superstar told in 7+ minutes. My daughter is the tall one and has a nice solo as Pilate.

Right Now:

As you read this, we are on our way to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to see my son in his first show there, Lysistrata. Fires permitting, as there is another one they are battling right now, we hope to get there early so we can take him out to breakfast. It’s a good three hour drive.

This Week:

Nothing remarkable this week. Just rehearsals for Annie and Macbeth. Maybe someday my daughter will finish her driver’s training.

Reading:

Still reading King’s new book, The Institute.

Watching:

I did manage to watch Charlie Brown while handing out tons of candy last Thursday but never got around to watching Halloween 2 which was my plan.

Still watching The Walking Dead and American Horror Story.

New Things I’ve Tried:

You guys, I work in Information Technology and I had yet to use Grubhub or any other food ordering app. I was aware of the convenience of course, but just didn’t want to put my information in. Well, that is how my university does mobile ordering now so I downloaded the darn thing. It is nice to just walk up to a counter and get my grub.

Grateful for:

I am grateful for the arts. Both of my kids as you know are heavily involved and it’s such a pleasure to see all their hard work pay off in the form of a production. I love sitting in that theater seat waiting for a show to begin. It’s THE BEST feeling.

How have you all been? I received many messages asking about me and the fires nearby. Thank you so much for thinking of me and my family. The night before the competition, I had some kids at my house because they could not get back into their homes and I was afraid they wouldn’t make the competition. Everyone has been on edge. Traffic has been horrific. I had to work from home one day and the university closed one day as well. But, our homes are still standing. Sadly, my daughter’s friend lost his home in one of those fires.

Anyway, that’s it from me. Hello, November and hello time change.

Chatting with friends about books and life…