#middlegrademonday @Karisimo @daisey

I taught middle school from 1994-2005, so my choices skew towards books between the 1970s -1990s). Three favorites that don't incorporate a holiday per se but definitely encompass winter:
•The tagged: DOGSONG: my favorite by Gary Paulsen.
•HATCHET: Also by Gary Paulsen. Love and miss that man.
•JULIE OF THE WOLVES: By Jean Craighead George. We must have a woman hero for “Pete“'s sake! 😀

Quick question:
Is there someone at @LitsyEvents I can email re: a spreadsheet I created? ♥️💙💚

#mondaymood @Deblovestoread

I'm not just sad by the murder of the genius Rob Reiner and his artistic wife. I am ENRAGED by this ignoramus's reply. It is beyond despicable. It is psychologically sick and heinous. Every single person who voted for this maniacal, delusional narcissist as our president needs to take a good, long look in the mirror at yourself. Because how you can live with your choice is beyond me. The asshole is PURE EVIL. #ranttime

#haikuhive #haikuaday

Going to watch this one tonight. ♥️💙💚

#haikuaday #haikuhive

Another favorite. If you've never seen the narration of this lovely book by Meryl Streep with music by George Winston, here's a link below. It's not the best rendition, but it's the only one I could find. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs9YdlWD5ZU&t=139s

Worn fur, seams undone––
The boy's love makes him real at last ...
able to freely run.

#goodnewssunday @Deblovestoread

Article links:
1. https://tinyurl.com/ej4fdvsx
2. https://tinyurl.com/dkf4wzzu
3. https://tinyurl.com/ynj6byks

Have a good week, everyone. 💚💙♥️

#weeklyfavorites @Read4life ♥️💙💚

I couldn't resist finishing both of these year-long reads that were started back in January! 💙🩵💙 them both.

#Naturalisty @Alldebooks @TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit

I couldn't resist finishing today. A nature-writing book organized into short daily entries, each focusing on a tree species or tree-related theme, the format encourages readers to notice trees as part of everyday life, blending ecology, cultural history, and seasonal observation. Beer‘s clear, engaging prose makes the book accessible to a wide audience, ... ⬇️

#haikuaday #haikuhive

To my knowledge, this is the only story in the SH canon that takes place during the holidays, and it's a true (wait for it) ... gem. 💎💎💎 #noplacelikeholmes #foreversherlocked #thelitsyirregulars

You inspired me today, @Bookwomble! 🫂

Goose commits a crime,
Hat and Holmes silently judge––
Merry theft-mas, solved.

#haikuhive #haikuaday

A fave by a favorite author. 💛🤎💛

Hair and watch laid down,
love trades treasures for the other––
empty hands, full hearts.

My #JolabokaflodSwap is on its way, @MaleficentBookDragon! Thanks for putting together everyone's favorite swap of the year! ♥️💙💚

#TTT @dabbe #takethreethursday

I guessed on a few, so I'm thrilled with my score! Three of my favorite holiday songs:
1. “Christmastime is Here“: not from a movie, but a tv show--the best holiday one ever! (A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, of course!)
2. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas“: written for the movie MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS and sung by the incomparable Judy Garland.
3. “Silver and Gold“ by Burl Ives: another tv show (RUDOLPH).

#haikuhive #haikuaday

All matches are lit––
as the grandmother's soft hands
take her to heaven.

#haikuhive #haikuaday

Seen by love and faith,
not by eyes or measuring––
Yes, Virginia. Yes.

💚💙♥️

#TTT #TakeThreeThursday @dabbe

Another quick and fun quiz today. Share anything you'd like: your score, the things you knew/didn't know/guessed at, favorite holiday songs ... I'd love to see/hear any of it. Please be sure to tag me!

Link to today's quiz: https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/name-holiday-movie-by-soundtrack

All are welcome to play. 🎄♥️🎄

#weirdwordwednesday @CBee

#WDNCW #WeDoNotCareWednesday @dabbe

We do not care that we sent you a little holiday gift, texted you to look for it, and then you never even responded that you got it. Being the Nervous Nellie that we are, we then texted AGAIN, and only then did we get a “Oh yeah“ kind of response. No, our feelings weren't hurt in the least. No wonder we're spending Christmas at home with just the pups. #tistheseason

Sometimes I really do wonder, “Why bother?“

#tuesdaytunes @TieDyeDude
#haikuhive #haikuaday

IMHO, no better holiday albums exists. I have had it continually on repeat since Thanksgiving. Mr. Guaraldi and Charles Shulz were beyond daring with this jazz album. And kudos to the OLD CBS who said “okay“ to this production, sixty years ago ... the year I was born. 💚💙♥️

Feet tiptap through snow,
Peanuts dance on jazzy tiptoes--
Winter swings in time.

#readlesmis @TheBookHippie

First published in 1862, LES MIS is one of the most ambitious and influential novels in world literature that explores poverty, justice, and redemption in post-revolutionary France. The story centers on Jean Valjean, a former prisoner who rebuilds his life through compassion, while being relentlessly pursued by the rigid Inspector Javert. ⬇️

#ChunksterChallenge2025 @Amiable ♥️💙💚

Clocking in at 1302 pages (not including the extra 100+ pages of notes), this baby is finished! #huzzah!

#holidayhumor @Texreader

Look what just came, @AmyG! (my Kindle's covering our addresses). Thank you so much, dear friend. I'm waiting until 12/25 to open. Something from Santa's coming your way soon! ♥️💙💚

#winternaturecardswap @TheBookHippie

Another L🎄VERLY card! Thank you, @BookwormAHN! ♥️💙💚

#holidaycardswap @TheBookHippie
#holidayhumor @Texreader

I forgot to take a picture, but the cards went out today! ♥️💚💙

#haikuhive #haikuaday #haikureview

I was lucky enough to see the musical on Broadway in the early 80s. From that point on, I always aspired to read it. Tried two times and failed miserably ... until the #readlesmis group and @TheBookHippie. As much as I adored the musical, the book, of course, is better. I snot-nosed cried my way through to the end. 💙🇫🇷♥️

One year to finish.
No words can do it justice--
Except “Vive la France!“

#mondaymood @Deblovestoread

Yep. 💙✊🏻💙

#middlegrademonday @Karisimo @Daisey

Love the book and movie. Interesting to note: Valentine Davies wrote the screenplay in 1947 for the movie starring Natalie Wood and also wrote the novella at the same time; both were released together. ♥️💙💚

#proust2026 @TheBookHippie ....

So, in planning for my 2026 chunkster read, I recall you posting something about this. I have thought about it, shared with Matt, and both he and I are interested in traveling this path with you in 2026 if you are still game. I can only promise that we'll try! Are you still planning on this, and what can I do to help? 💚💙♥️

#hyggehour
@Alldebooks @TheBookHippie @Chrissyreadit

My tummy didn't like the Mexican food it had yesterday, so ... Kraft Mac 'N Cheese to the rescue. Probably still my #1 favorite food. Eating this now, and then gonna hygge in 13 minutes by catching up with the tagged book for the #hashtagbrigade. Enjoy your Sunday evening, everyone. ♥️💚💙

#haikuhive #haikuaday

I adored George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. ♥️💚💙

#SundayFunday @BookmarkTavern

For me, it can never be winter without this reread. ♥️💙💚

#goodnewssunday @Deblovestoread

Today, it's all about the holiday shopping, if that's your thing. I'm thinking of shopping for myself as well! ♥️💙💚

Links:
1: My favorite bookstore: https://www.changinghands.com/holiday-100
2: From the NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/books/review/holiday-art-books.html?unlocked_...
3: From BuzzFeed: https://tinyurl.com/msbvx4wx

Yay, Hoosiers! 🙌🏻♥️🙌🏻

#haikuhive @haikuaday

This holiday special first appeared the same year I was born. I have loved PEANUTS most of my life, and I feel a strong connection to this story. ♥️🎄💚

Small and trembling tree,
bare branches brave winter winds––
love makes you shine bright.

The English teacher in me wanted to end with “brightly“, but somehow, I like “bright“ better--even if it's gramatically incorrect. 🤣

#readyourkindle #readyourebooks #readyourbooks @CBee ♥️💙💚

Still can't believe it's the last month of the year.

#FridayHappyReadingHour

Reading LES MIS by the fire with Pippa in the background. Drinking water and a greyhound (good vs. evil). The “walking pad“ will not be used tonight.

#haikuhive #haikuaday

I rewatched this movie last night. Even though I know some people absolutely hate it, it's one of my favorites and never gets old. ♥️💙💚

Snow drifts through London––
woven lives find tender light,
love threads every scene.

#winternaturecardswap @TheBookHippie

Cards two and three came today! Thank you so much for the beauty and sentiments, @BarkingMadRead and @WildAlaskaBibliophile! ♥️💙💚

#haikuaday #haikuhive

During my travels today, “All I Want for Christmas“ played SEVEN TIMES! On the radio, in the salon, at the restaurant, on repeat. I love her, I love her voice, I love this song ... BUT.

#enoughisenoughmariah

Jingle bells attack,
Mariah's song's everywhere––
Please send earplugs fast.

#haikuhive #haikuaday

My best friend from college and my sorority took her final vows to become a nun. Today is her birthday, so I'm thinking of her. She is a Redemptoristine nun and lives in Dublin, Ireland. I hope she's found the solace she always wanted.

P.S. It's a good thing they didn't ask me to give her an angel-like review: the stories I could have told ... 🤣

HB, Dee. 💙💚♥️

#ttt @dabbe

Well, like the rest of you, I was stumped by quite a few. I would have done even worse if some of you hadn't shared--thanks to all for the assists! 🤣

Survey link if you want to play:
https://www.mentalfloss.com/quizzes/how-much-do-you-know-santa-claus?utm_source=...

#TTT #TakeThreeThursday @dabbe

Another quick and fun quiz today. Share anything you'd like: your score, the things you knew/didn't know/guessed at, favorite Santa stories ... I'd love to see/hear any of it. Please be sure to tag me!

Link to today's quiz: https://tinyurl.com/38b6uycw

All are welcome to play. Tagging a few to get started. ♥️🎅🏻♥️

Saw this while walking the dogs in the 'hood. Wonder who it reminded me of? @TheBookHippie 🩵☃️🩶

#WDNCW @dabbe

We do not care that this book would have made a fabulous holiday gift, but it doesn't come out until January. We also do not care that we suffered yet another vertigo episode yesterday and have been dealing with it for over 30 years.

We also do not care that we are in no way ready for the holidays re: gifts, cards, decorations ... it all seems so overwhelming this year.

Care to share your “we do not cares?“ I'd love to hear 'em!

#weirdwords #weirdwordwednesday @CBee

Unfortunately, this one is all too apparent these days.

Hi, Busy Bees!
I think it's time to untag all of us. Some of us are feeling especially hectic this time of year, and these tags can be overwhelming. Please just use the hashtags #haikuhive and/or #haikuaday. When any of us wants to see them, we know we can look them up by the hashtags.

I plan to keep on haiku-ing; it has been a joyous experience for me, and I hope you'll continue, too, with me. 🖤🐝💛

#haikuhive #haikuaday

Had an attack of vertigo today, so I've been lying low. Lowly lying? Lying about being low? Feeling better now. To all who suffer from this, I feel your pain! 🩵

#bookspin #bookspin2025 #bookspin25
@TheAromaOfBooks 🩵☃️💙

Can't believe we're on the last two book of the year! I was waiting all year to finally add LES MISERABLES! I've been reading it since 1/1/25 with the #readlesmis crew, and we will finish this month! Right, @TheBookHippie? 🤩

#tuesdaytunes @TieDyeDude

Just finished my Holiday Playlist for 2025: 1293 songs. So far. This is what I'll be listening to all December.

Here's a link if anyone wants to listen:
https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/holiday-playlist-2025/pl.u-3BEgFmE5g0

#winternaturecardswap

How fitting that the first card I received (which came today) for this swap is from the L ❄️VERLY @TheBookHippie. Thank you! The Snoopy sticker is #todiefor! 💙☃️🩶