Category Archives: blogging

Welcome February!

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2025 started off pretty well, but I’m just getting started.  There is so much more I wanted to accomplish, but days rush by, especially when fighting off the January “ick.”  My writing really took a nosedive and a backseat.  Fortunately, it is NOT for a lack of ideas.  In fact, it is quite the opposite.  I have too many.  I need to prioritize and mix it up.  Here are a few things to look forward to in 2025.

Gen X

I’ve been floating around this idea for months.  It gets right to the heart of my best and deepest childhood memories.  Between belonging to a fun Xennial Facebook group (NOT SFW) and discovering hysterical Gen X content creators discussing everything from the 70s-90s, I can relate.  Aside from the childhood nostalgia, they are discussing the perils of becoming the default mediators between Baby Boomers and Millennials, perimenopause (or just menopause), and the weirdness of some being the parents of grown children while others have toddlers or even infants.  There is something for everyone.

My favorites so far:

  • The “virtual” dodgeball game between some of the more well-known Gen X content creators.
  • The elaborate storylines, complete with 80s costumes, of some of the creators.  There are two in particular who created an entire world of characters just using their imaginations, along with costuming and makeup techniques.  Both are incredibly talented!

Frankly, my childhood would not have been the same without Gen X.  They were always the “cool” older kids – namely my cousins (all girls) and the teens who worked at the canoe livery every summer – all of whom introduced me to the best music, slang, and fashions of the ‘80s.  I distinctly remember wanting to replicate some of my cousins’ outfits and being so eager to grow up.

As much as I can relate to Gen X, I am definitely not strictly Gen X.  While technically Gen X ends in 1980, I was born December 18th, 1980, just two weeks away shy of 1981 and being classified a Millennial.  If anyone is on the cusp of those two generations, it is me.  As a result, I am a Xennial (1977-1983), with characteristics of both generations.

Grandma Reid @ 100

January 22nd, 2025 would have been Grandma Reid’s 100th birthday.  She always told my sister and me that she’d live to be 100 to “haunt you girls.”  Then, she’d laugh as only she could.  Gratefully, she lived a long, full life, passing away the day before her 92nd birthday in 2017.  Still, I am left with so many memories and lessons, especially now that I am well into my 40s.  It all deserves to be mentioned.

1925

1925 played a pivotal role in my family history.  Two of my grandparents were born in 1925, Grandma Reid and Grandpa Buttrick, and my second great-grandfather, A.G. Forward, started Forward Corporation, which would become the reason why my maternal grandparents eventually moved to Standish.  My parents would have likely never met otherwise.

Grandpa Buttrick @ 100

Born on April 1st, 1925, he definitely needs to be commemorated as well.  He taught me a lot, and if I hadn’t moved back to Michigan in 2005, I would not have known him nearly as well as an adult.  He, along with my dad, are the original inspirations for my decision to study business.  It has served me well!  Sometimes I think I learned just as much from them, and the companies they headed for so many years, as I did from my formal education.

Music

Not only are there dozens of songs I need to add to my mixtape, I have much to say about Oasis’s recent attempt to join the 90s nostalgia craze in concerts, not to mention the fact that Ringo, now well into his 80s, recently released a #1 album, country no less.  Also, I didn’t fully realize this until fairly recently, but I belong to a generation that closely associated music videos with the music we love.  That just doesn’t happen much anymore.  There is a reason why there are jokes stating that MTV only provided approximately 15 years of music.  We still want our MTV!

Book Reviews

Book reviews consistently get the most traffic, and I adore writing them.  I am way behind.  In fact, The Women by Kristin Hannah still haunts me, and it will continue to haunt me until I write a review.  I loved that book, and I consider it one of the best pieces of historical fiction I’ve ever read.  Then there is The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, another great piece of historical fiction.  Of course, there are others I need to review as well.

The Supply Chain Lens

In light of all that has transpired over the last several years, I feel compelled to share what keeps me awake at night.  It all involves supply chains and our manufacturing capability.  It is far more interesting that it sounds, I promise.  Also, I plan to keep it as non-political as possible, even though I feel we have all been fooled.  Even though I did not necessarily pursue a career in supply chain management, my business education forever colored how I see the world.

As you can see, lots of great things to come!  Welcome February!

Welcome December!

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Ah!  It is finally here.  I adore December.  Yes, there is my birthday and Christmas, but I love advent.  There is always so much to do in the lead-up to Christmas.  My instinct is to want to do it all, but I am so very glad when I don’t.  What really matters is spending time with all the people I love.  For me, all of the traditions and planning are half the fun!

This year, I am grateful for all I have in my life.  Is my life perfect?  No, but that said, I am far from where I once was.  I have a job I truly adore, and I didn’t give up on teaching, although it would have been so easy to do so.  I also have a man in my life I love and am deeply loved in return.  John and I both agree that we would not have done nearly as much over the past few years if not for each other.  I am grateful that I get along so well with my siblings and their families.  As frustrated as I can get with my parents at times, I am acutely aware of how lucky I am to still have them both in good health.  I could go on, but just know that I am well aware of how truly blessed I am.

As I move into 2025, I’ve been thinking about writing, blogging, podcasting, and so much more.  My issue here at Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde is not that I don’t have enough material, it is that I have too much.  I have a notebook full of ideas.  Right now, I am trying to decide which songs to write about next, which books to review and when, not to mention how to write a long piece on supply chain and its place in geopolitics, which is probably a series.  I’m not exactly sure how it fits here, but it explains so much as to who I am and what I believe.  How do I put all of this together?

I experimented with podcasting in 2020, and it remains something I am interested in. The issue is this:  How do I settle on a topic?  As far as I am concerned, the best podcasts are highly focused.  I have too many interests that would make for great podcast content.

I do know this:  I intend to write more in 2025.  I am not getting any younger.  I have more to say, not less.  It is a matter of establishing good habits.  I am happier when I write!  I am not one to get bored – at least not when I have a book to read or access to my writing materials.

So, once again, welcome December!  Happy Advent!  I hope that your holiday season is off to a great start.  2025 will be here soon enough.

Reading Inspiration for Writers – Part 2

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As with so many writers, I fell in love with reading first.  Over the years, I have found my reading life crucial to my continuing education as a writer.  The best writing advice I’ve ever received is to read as widely as possible.  The best part:  Most of the tips, resources, and suggestions I am sharing here are little to no cost.  One crucial requirement:  a library card.

The following is a continuation of the list I started in Part 1.  You can find it below.

Reading Inspiration for Writers – Part 1

Join Book Clubs

I currently belong to three book clubs, and all three serve different roles in my reading life.  First, as a writer, I would encourage you to join a book club similar to Mid Michigan Writers’ own Scribblers and Scholars.  We meet every-other month to discuss books from the point of view of writers.  Lately, we’ve been working on comparing Educated by Tara Westover to The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls.  Scribblers and Scholars aims to provide writers with a book club focused on dissecting the craft of writing, although we tend to discuss just about anything related to the books.

I’ve also belonged to the Standish-Sterling Book Club for years.  It is the first formal book club I’ve joined, and while we certainly discuss the books we picked, there is an in-person social aspect to the club that I love.  In fact, two of my former teachers also belong to the club, both of whom have had a profound impact on who I am today.  We meet monthly, and there is truly no judgment if you don’t quite finish a book that is less than thrilling or if you can’t make a meeting.

Last but not least, I’ve also joined the Spartan Book Club, which resides entirely online, as an alumni of Michigan State University.  In fact, it has its own forum and much more.  Books are selected quarterly, and once again, members are free to participate as much or as little as you’d like.  I’ve met some wonderful people online and have thoroughly enjoyed the book selections.  I’ve also used the Spartan Book Club for reading suggestions, as there are also several wonderful books mentioned not chosen as a book club selection.

I mention all of my book club experiences because they demonstrate that there is one out there for every type of reader.  As a writer, all of my book club experiences led me to books I would not have picked up otherwise.  I am a better writer for it, and it provides yet another outlet in which to discuss books.  Think about what you would like out of a book club, and with a little research, you will find it.


Embrace eBooks

If you haven’t discovered the benefits of ebooks yet, here are a few things I’ve noticed as a writer.  First, I tend to be a collector.  I intentionally collect certain books, hopefully to be read more than once.  While there is nothing quite like the smell of a good book, collecting hundreds of ebooks takes up a lot less space in my home.  Second, with Kindle, my preferred ereader and type of ebook, I can have my entire ebook library not only on my phone, but on my Chromebook and Kindle Paperwhite as well.  Last but not least, I have a hard time highlighting or writing in traditional books.  Ebooks allow me to highlight and make notes to my heart’s content without marking up a traditional book.  My notes and highlights are waiting for me when I return.

Ebooks tend to be more cost effective as well.  Often, the Kindle version is less expensive than either paperback or hardcover.  While the prices of Kindle books are rising in some cases, there are also several websites and offers for free or low-cost Kindle books.  BookBub is one of the best.  I actually had to quit because I found too many great free books.  It became overwhelming.  Of course, libraries are increasing their access to ebooks as well.  The beauty of ebooks from the library is that, not only is there no cost, you don’t need to physically visit the library or remember to return the book either.

Research and Read Book Reviews

There are countless places to find good book reviews and research book suggestions.  Goodreads has everything and provides access to all kinds of reviews.  Personally, I enjoy book blogs.  My favorite is Modern Mrs. Darcy.  She has it all:  endless book lists, audiobook recommendations, her own book club, a podcast, and so much more.  If you are into the reading life, you need to check it out.  It might take some research, but once again, there are book blogs and review sites aimed at every type of reader.  It is a matter of finding your niche.

Take a Class

I admit, pursuing my English Language Arts (ELA) endorsement in secondary education (grades 6-12) forced me to branch out as a reader.  I’ve learned so much from my formal writing and literature courses.  Yet, it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on tuition to take a literature class.

Two trusted, established sites I’ve used in the past are Coursera and Canvas.  While I haven’t taken writing or literature courses specifically on either site, I do know that they are readily available at little or no cost.  Other courses I’ve taken on those sites, mainly on educational technology, have been wonderful.  On the clearinghouse site ClassCentral, a quick search under literature resulted in free survey courses offered by the likes of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania on a wide variety of subjects relating to all aspects of literature.  You can find my search result here.  There is also The Great Courses Video BingePass available on Hoopla that allows patrons access to the The Great Courses Video Collection for free for a week.  The possibilities are endless.

Curate Your Own Lists of Books/Literature

Of course, there is always the DIY approach.  Take the time to make your own lists of books and other forms of literature that interest you.  I’ve made several of these lists over the years, and it helps me keep track of things that I came across years ago.  I’ve found creating lists of authors and major works to be helpful.  Make the list you are seeking if it doesn’t quite exist yet – and have fun.

Reading Inspiration for Writers – Part 1

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As with so many writers, I fell in love with reading first.  Over the years, I have found my reading life crucial to my continuing education as a writer.  The best writing advice I’ve ever received is to read as widely as possible.  The best part:  Most of the tips, resources, and suggestions I am sharing here are little to no cost.  One crucial requirement:  a library card.

Read Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose

I read Reading Like A Writer well over a decade ago, but it is one of those books that never left me.  I can’t recommend it enough for any writer.  Prose makes the case for reading widely and for looking carefully at the literature you love most.  Ask yourself:  Why do I love this particular author?  Why do I keep coming back to this particular genre, series, or author?  What techniques is the author employing to keep readers interested?

There are endless opportunities to learn the craft of writing by reading if we know what questions to ask.  Bonus:  The reading list Prose includes for writers is wonderful.

Make Use of Your Local Library and Get to Know Your Local Librarians

A library card is a no brainer.  These days, I tend to use mine to discover and borrow audiobooks via the service Hoopla, as well as borrow ebooks for my Kindle.  Yes, I still checkout traditional books from time to time.  The advantage to ebooks, including Kindle books, and anything from Hoopla is the simple fact that it isn’t necessary to visit the library at all.  It is easy to borrow them online.  Once they are due to be “returned,” the borrower simply no longer has access to the book.  If not quite finished, readers may be able to renew online, depending on the popularity of the book.

Over the years, librarians have been extremely helpful.  As an English teacher during the COVID 19 pandemic, I was fortunate to have local dedicated librarians who were willing to Zoom with my English classes in order to teach students how to borrow books digitally.  Once restrictions were lifted, those same librarians helped me prepare a “book tasting” for my classes in an effort to help students figure out what genres they might enjoy.  As a patron, if you ask, a librarian will nearly always be able to at least point you in the right direction.  They, indeed, should run the world.

As a writer, if you find yourself in a rut in your reading life, there is no better place to seek inspiration than the library.  I’ve been known to take pictures of the covers of books I find interesting in order to add them to my to-be-read pile later.  At times, just the creative grouping or display of books at the library is enough to spark ideas.  If nothing else, pick up a copy of the magazine BookPage to find out what’s new.

Utilize Audiobooks to Energize and Expand Your Reading Life

Sometimes, a book is just better via audiobook.  I admit, I was skeptical.  It felt like cheating.  Frankly, the book Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim changed all that.  As a fan of both The LIttle House on the Prairie book series and TV show, I knew that I didn’t want to miss Nellie Oleson herself reading her memoir.  I was not disappointed.  Currently, I am listening to The Storyteller by Dave Grohl.  It is another example of the audiobook format being well worth it.  Right now, with audiobooks, I am focusing on memoirs read by their authors.  It seems a natural fit.

Personally, between work and school, I drive quite a bit.  As much as I love listening to the radio and music, audiobooks are a great way to make the most of my time in the car.  It gives me more time to devote to books, which is always a good thing.

Catalog – and Share – Your Reading Life

Before there was Goodreads, there was LibraryThing.  While I have used other benefits of LibraryThing over the years (I am a lifetime member), it offers a way to easily catalog your collection of books or simply track your reading.  Similar to Goodreads, LibraryThing also connects communities of readers.

Sadly, I don’t use either website to track my reading as I am trying to come up with a good system that I will continue to use.  However, both Goodreads and LibraryThing are both excellent ways to find new titles, connect with other readers, read book reviews, and so much more.

Personally, one of my favorite annual features of LibraryThing is SantaThing during the Christmas season.  After choosing a participation level between $20-$50, someone else in the LibraryThing community is tasked with finding books for you to enjoy within that dollar amount.  As a participant, you get to pick for others.  Fortunately, there is a form to fill out that helps avoid duplicates, detail favorite genres/authors, and more.  It is fun to both pick out books for someone you don’t know and see what others have selected for you.  I have participated for several years at this point, and I have yet to be disappointed.  I view it as an annual birthday/Christmas present to myself.  It is yet another way in which I’ve come across wonderful books I would have never picked up otherwise.

Sharing books is equally important.  Frankly, I can’t imagine my reading life without having opportunities to share what I’ve read with others.  I’m fortunate to have grown up in a family that shared and discussed books.  Today, I share book reviews on my blog, Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde, and I still share my favorites with family and friends.  Beware, I tend to review books I love.  I rarely write a negative book review as I can think of only one exception.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Write What You Love, Love What You Write

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It seems so obvious, and frankly, it is a piece of advice that everyone loves to share with writers:  “Write what you know.”  It just isn’t quite that simple.  There are things you know – and then there are things you know – the gut-wrenching realities that no one wants to truly admit.  I’m beginning to see the difference.  For me, that is passion.  There has to be a lot of enthusiasm behind whatever it is that I’m sharing if it is going to be any good.  I have to love what I am about to write.

Early last week, I found myself writing an article outlining different tips for writers regarding their reading lives.  In short order, I had nearly 2,000 words.  It is something I know and perfected over the years.  I take reading seriously.  It simply amazes me how I tend to have almost too much content when I write about certain subjects.  If it involves reading, books, music, or education, I could keep going for hours.

Why, then, haven’t I been focusing on just those topics all these long years?  The simple answer is I don’t know.  The full answer is a bit more complex.  WIth music, copyright laws surrounding song lyrics are tricky.  I needed to come up with a unique way of sharing the music I love.  I think I may have finally accomplished that.  When it comes to books and reading, I spend so much time reading and discussing books in person that it seems silly to write about it much, book reviews aside.  In essence, I need to get over myself.

Then there is education.  As at least a 5th generation teacher (yes, I’ve traced the teaching tradition in my family back at least that far), I have definite opinions and insight – far more than my actual experience in the classroom would suggest.  I have to be extremely careful.  Sometimes when a writer is a little too close to the subject, it is easy to get burned.  In private conversations, I’m content to know that I am not alone.  One day, once I’ve made some definitive decisions regarding my teaching career, it is going to get interesting.

It may have taken me quite some time to find my voice, niche, and style, but I am just getting started.  In spite of the fact that I am 42 and a certain TV “personality” – I refuse to use his name here or mention the network – stated that women reach their peak in their 20s-40s, declining once they hit 50, I have so much more to accomplish that it isn’t even funny.  It will take me well beyond 50.  Stay tuned!

The Mixtapes – The History

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In designing The Mixtapes, several things inspired me.  First up, JamsBio, which I’ve discussed a little here.  Back in 2006/2007, I had the opportunity to write a series of articles for JamsBio, an online magazine celebrating the love of music, outlining my favorite songs/artists and what music meant to me.  I only wrote ten articles and JamsBio didn’t last, but it was the most fun I have ever had working, not to mention the easiest money I’ve ever made.  While I still wish I had thought to save those original articles, with The Mixtapes, I have the opportunity to start anew and build it correctly this time.

JamsBio isn’t the only inspiration.  As a teenager, I religiously watched Ali McBeal with my mom.  The show began each episode with Vonda Shephard playing a song that highlighted something on Ali’s mind.  It popularized the idea of a soundtrack to one’s life, and frankly, that idea never really left me.  Consider this that soundtrack.

Then there is Paul McCartney.  It is no secret that I am a huge Beatles, Wings, and Paul McCartney fan.  Do I love everything the man has ever done?  Not exactly.  Yet, he (and all of the Beatles) will always be in a category of their own.  Anyway, Paul McCartney published The Lyrics:  1956 to the Present in 2022.  While I have yet to read it (I know, I know …), the idea is incredible to me.  Essentially, Paul McCartney wrote a memoir that consists of the stories behind 154 of the songs he wrote.  It covers songs from all parts of his career – Beatles, Wings, solo, etc.  I can’t imagine a better gift to fans.  Even better, there is a Spotify playlist that covers all of the songs in The Lyrics in the order they appear in the book (alphabetically by song title).  When I finally do read it, I will be able to listen along as well.

So there you have it, the inspiration behind The Mixtapes.  Enjoy and feel free to share your own memories.

My Reasons Why

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Over the last few week or so I’ve finally started writing again.  What was I waiting for?  I’m not quite sure, but I do know this:  I missed it.  It isn’t that I haven’t written at all since the pandemic, it is just that I’ve been selective and focused on other things.

So, why do I keep coming back to writing?  There are so many reasons …

  1. It is my creative outlet.  

Some people make beautiful music, others play sports, and yet others draw or paint.  I am not good at any of those things.  Writing is something I can do fairly well.  I know how to improve.  It is a nice mix of being able to accomplish something and yet striving to make it the best it can be.  If I tried to play a musical instrument, I would want to give up before I could get anywhere.

  1. It allows me to practice the art of storytelling.

Both of my parents are wonderful storytellers.  There is nothing I love more than a good story (hence my love of reading).  In my opinion, there is something comfortable about writing down a story before perfecting the art of telling it to others.  Writing allows me to get it right before I share it with others.

  1. I can curate many of my favorite things – and share that them with others.

Blogging can be so much fun.  I actually started “blogging” before it was known as blogging.  I used to use an online notebook/diary to keep track of my favorite websites, poems, photos, memes, and more.  I have enough content now that I can go back and reread things I wrote years ago.  Some of which I have long since forgotten.  It is always fun and gives me ideas for future projects.

  1. It is a challenge.

The writing process is never quite finished.  At some point, it is time to let go.  Frankly, like a good challenge.  As with so many things, I know just enough to be dangerous!

  1. It goes hand in hand with another favorite pastime – reading.

I’ve always loved books.  In fact, I’ve written extensively about my first love – books!  I outline some of my favorite childhood books here.  My love of writing, as with so many others, grew out of my love of reading.  I can’t imagine trying to separate the two.  In fact, I’ve thought about starting a book podcast, just for fun!  I’ve read so many great books this year.  I have yet to discuss any of them here.
The reasons why I write – and my love of writing – is a topic I revisit from time to time.  You can read earlier posts here, here, and here.

Ellen Vrana @ The Examined Life

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My cousin Ellen Vrana has a wonderfully rich, intellectual, yet somehow unstuffy, blog called The Examined Life.  It is wonderful, and if I am honest, intimidating as a fellow writer.  She happens to live in London with her family and discusses just about anything one can imagine.

You may want to start with her about page and A View of Fathers.  Her intelligence and depth come shining through.  You won’t be disappointed.

Dreaming On

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I refuse to settle.  I refuse to give up on my dreams.  It is that simple and that complex.  What I want out of life has been on my mind so much lately, especially when it comes to family.  The beautiful part of it all is that I will be fine no matter what happens.  Inspired by former classmates who have shared their intense personal struggles, I would love to do something similar here.

That said, I want to make a few things clear.  I’m not going to dwell on the past.  I have no intention of airing dirty laundry – or anything that involves anyone other than me.  It will be my story that I will share here.  As I have stated earlier in other deeply personal posts, my intention here is to help others not feel so alone.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Now that that is out of the way, here is what I envision for Rambling of a Misguided Blonde moving forward.  I want to largely focus on three things I adore:  1.  Writing and the writing process; 2.  Reading, including emerging adult novels, young adult, and even children’s literature – and much more; and 3.  Music, particularly how lyrics have inspired me as a writer and memories tied to certain song/artists, as well as concerts/live performances.  I will also bring in art from time to time, along with whatever happens to be on my mind.

There are a few things you will not find here.  I won’t be discussing education or the educational system.  I could fill several different blogs on that topic.  I have strong opinions, I see so much room for improvement, and I want to keep things here positive.  As a result, I will skip discussing issues in education.  I also plan to stay out of politics for the same reasons.  I want this to be a place to fully explore things I love deeply, art that has truly carried me through just about anything and everything – good and bad.  I need this.  We all need to do more of what we love.  I have so much to share!