New York, New York – Part 4

by sssmahh303, posted in Lifestyle

Mary Ann

8.5 Million People – All Unique! 

If you are walking down the street in New York City, you may see just about anything.  It may stop you in your tracks.  However, if you are looking around, no one else seems to be very interested.  Everyone in NYC is unique, so no one stand out as you might imagine.  There are characters everywhere, and we are going to meet some in this blog.  

In Time Square, there is a host of characters trying to charm the tourists.  You will find Elmo and Cookie Monster and Spiderman.  There is also the Naked Cowboy with a strategically placed guitar, so he remains PG for the children.  These characters are famous, but they do not even begin to capture the real characters of the city. 

As the fashion capital of the world, designers share their collections a few times a year during Fashion Weeks.  These creative individuals find inspiration everywhere, but in the streets of NYC, unique treasure can be discovered.  Sometimes on the subway, you will spot a young girl impeccably dressed in vintage clothes or sporting timeless accessories in a new way.  They are living fashion.  When I first got to NYC, long summer scarves were worn everywhere.  I believe, Jennifer Amastin, was big on them at the time.  So, of course, I had to get some in every color. Even though they were light weight, they were hot in the humid NYC summer.  This trend was somewhat short-lived, and I have a box of the scarves to prove it.  However, you see how a look becomes fashion.  I also love the girls who wear short skirts and stilettos.  It is not easy walking miles on concreate in 4-, 5-, or 6-inch heels, and Lower Manhattan has cobblestone streets.  They are kind of urban mountain climbers.  How do they do it?  If I were young when I worked there, I would have done it too!

The first December I was working in NYC, I had to go into the city for a work event.  As I sat on the subway train, a Santa Claus entered the train.  I thought, Santa must be on the way to work to spread a little Christmas cheer for children.  Then a second Santa got on the next stop, and by the time, I got to New York from Jersey City, the whole car was full of Santas. Something was going on.  I apparently did not get the memo that the world was dressed as Santa Claus today.  I found out that it was SantaCon, an event held in early December where everyone dresses like Santa, and they do a bar crawl from Mid-town to Greenwich Village for charity and FUN!  There are all kind Christmas characters – lots of elves and a particularly cute group of eight pretty girls dressed as reindeers.   SantaCons are held throughout the country, but as with everything, NYC does it in a big way!

There are two other events that are also full of characters.  Each March, there is a reverse migration of characters from New York to Hoboken, NJ, where St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated.  There are lot of leprechauns on the subways and ferries. There is a parade, lots of green everywhere, and bar crawls ensues.  During Pride Week in June, people are everywhere in costumes.  Again, there is a parade with floats full of very good-looking men – always fun to watch and see how creative everyone is.  

Still, the most-memorable character I ever saw and who is my all-time favorite, even beating Santa Claus, is a tall, stately, African American gentleman.  I would see him on the PATH as we were both commuting between NYC and Jersey City.  He was one-of-the -kind.  The first time I saw him, he was dressed entirely in chartreuse, green shag fur.  From the top of his head down to his shoes, he was green. He wore a green top hat which was exaggerated in size and carried a walking stick.  No one seemed to notice him, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him.  

The next time I saw him, he was dressed entirely in dalmatian print – white with black spots.  Again, he was wearing a large top hat and strutting with his walking stick.  I loved his panache. His fashion flair just made me happy.  The last time I saw him he was crossing the street in Jersey City.  This time he was dressed in red fake fur.  It was the same outfit just a different color.  I can imagine what his closet looked like and how he must muse each day what to wear.  I never saw him again.  I was always on the lookout for him.  I would have loved to talk to him.  He optimized what it means to be a unique NYC character.  Isn’t it wonderful that there is a place where you can be who you are, and no one seems to be concerned? 

New York City is the fashion capital or the business capital or finance capital or the publishing capital or the entertainment capital of the world.  It is also the character capital of the world.  Full of unique people just living their lives. 

Delight in our Elders

by Cynthia, posted in Friends and Family

Drew, one of the ladies in my book club frequently mentions her father, Van, who also loves to read. Occasionally, we select a book to read based on his recommendation. As with our members, Van enjoys reading from multiple genres. At one meeting we suggested Van may like to visit – or even join – our book club discussion.

What a delight it was this month when Drew and Van walked into our Barnes and Noble coffee shop a few minutes before we began. Van was tall, moved with precision, and sported the kindest expression on his face when I approached them. I couldn’t help myself.  I told him Drew had talked fondly of him and asked if I could hug him. He graciously allowed me to gently embrace him.

We ordered coffee drinks. They selected seating in the corner where it might be a little quieter. At 95, Van has lost some of his ability to hear well. As soon as everyone was seated, Van jumped in to begin discussing Junie, our January selection. He mentioned how much he enjoyed the book. He was impressed that the author, Erin Crosby Eckstine was able to write her first novel with such aplomb. Van commented on a hopeful ending to the story for one of the primary characters, Caleb.

I listened with awe as Van recalled characters’ names, authors and titles of additional books he had read. His memory and recall were sharp and his diction clear. He told us a little about being in Alabama when even the military base was segregated (relating to the story line of our book discussion.) Van was a valued participant in our discussion.

He asked if we were looking for additional members and we responded affirmatively. We invited him to return any time; even to join if he would enjoy conversing with this female-dominated club.

Spending this short time with Van, I am reminded of the value of including our elders. Here in the United States of America we fail to honor our senior citizens. With age one gains wisdom along with experience. There is much to learn and appreciate from others, especially from those who have walked the path before us.

At the same time, we help our older citizens live life more fully. Getting older can be emotionally and socially challenging. Our friends and family may pass before us, leaving us without someone with whom to share time.

Look for Vans in your life. The mutual benefit will bring happiness to you both.

Five Types of Wealth: Social

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

Wealth, as a concept, is often narrowly construed as a matter of finances—a sum of assets, investments, and monetary resources. However, true prosperity is multidimensional. Over the years, scholars, thought leaders, and personal development experts have increasingly recognized that wealth comes in various forms. Sahil Bloom (whom we have previously reviewed) looks at wealth in terms of time, mental, physical, financial and social.

Social Wealth, so to speak, relates to one of my goals for 2026. I aim to make at least one new friend this year.  An article on relationships I recently read indicated that most people have five close friends and about 150 others. Those 150, I call acquaintances. I enjoy their company but likely would not call upon them if I needed something. Although if truth be told, I would gladly come to their rescue if they called me. Go figure!

Social wealth is the fabric of relationships and connections that enrich an individual’s life and empower communities. Unlike financial wealth, which is measured in currency, social wealth is measured by the quality, quantity, and depth of human interactions, networks, and communal bonds. Social wealth is built on trust, reciprocity, and shared values.

Strong social ties can buffer adversity, provide emotional support, and offer opportunities that might not be accessible otherwise. People with robust social wealth tend to experience greater happiness, resilience, and longevity.

Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel recently appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, talking about wellness. Interestingly, he identified social interaction as essential to wellness and longevity.  Dr. Dan Buettner of “Blue Zones” fame similarly identified relationships having a positive impact on people’s lives. Dr. Emanuel suggested one should not eat alone. Even if you don’t a have someone to eat with, you could strike up a conversation with someone sitting near you at a restaurant. (Personally, this would be difficult for introverts, but I understand his motivation.)

Building social wealth takes time and requires intentionality. Most people want to have others in their lives.A friend and I were discussing relationships, and we both agreed that nurturing them takes time and effort. She expressed frustration with a friend who regularly joined her for dinners, either out or at her place, but never reciprocated the invitations. Sometimes, it might be necessary to be the “instigator” in such a relationship. Some people simply don’t put in the extra effort, perhaps because they don’t know how. However, that’s a topic for another conversation.

In today’s digital era, social wealth extends beyond physical boundaries. Online communities, professional networking platforms, and global connectivity offer new ways to forge relationships and build influence. Mary Ann and I have Zoom conversations a couple of times a month. Although we live 1500 miles apart, we can continue a connection by seeing each other on our computer screens. We have virtual “coffees” which are just as effective and meeting at a local coffee shop.

Research consistently finds that social wealth is a major determinant of well-being. People with strong social connections have lower rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic illness. They are more likely to recover from setbacks and achieve personal and professional success. In many societies, especially those driven by capitalism and competition, financial wealth is often celebrated as the pinnacle of achievement. Yet, as myriad studies and lived experiences show, social wealth may be the most enduring and undervalued resource. Friendships, family, and communal support can outlast fortune, status, and power. In moments of crisis, it is social wealth—not financial wealth—that most reliably sustains individuals.

So as retirees, what can we do to expand our social interactions?

  • Join and participate in local groups: Whether a sports league, volunteer organization, or professional association, being part of a group fosters connection.
  • Practice gratitude and generosity: Express appreciation for others and offer help when possible.
  • Develop communication skills: Honest, empathetic communication deepens relationships.
  • Pursue shared interests: Hobbies and passions bring people together in common purpose.
  • Maintain regular contact: Reach out to friends and family, even if just to check in.
  • Embrace diversity: Value relationships with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Ultimately, to live fully is to cultivate social wealth as a guiding star. In doing so, we build lives and societies marked not just by prosperity, but by meaning, resilience, and joy. Best wishes to you; I’m on my way out to find another new friend!

Apple Support

by sssmahh303, posted in Taking Care of Business

Mary Ann

Don’t we all need a White Knight who will slay our dragons or defeats a horrific troll who is under our many bridges.  My White Knight is the Apple Support Team.  I am an Apple fan.  I can’t say enough good things about their products. I have an iPhone, an iPad, and a MacBook Pro and love the fact that all their products can be synched. 

However, what I love the most about Apple is their support team.  In fact, I just used it today as I was writing blogs.  My curser froze, and I tried everything I could to undo whatever I did to cause the freeze.  I then called Apple Support.  The heavens opened and rays of light showered over me, and I was speaking to Kristen.  I explained my dilemma, and she asked me a few clarifying questions.  Then she began to guide me through the various steps to solve the problem.  Within 5 minutes, the problem was solved, and I was singing her praises and that of the whole team. They never disappoint. 

When you call, you never wait more than a few minutes, and you have a choice of music including silence to occupy you as you move quickly through the que.  Upon answering, a friendly associate, male or female, greets you, and we discuss the problem.  Regardless of the Apple device, they can help you.  They verify you are you with a code texted to your phone.  When that is done, they will come on whatever screen with a curser and begin to instruct you in correcting the problem.  This is all securely done with your approval on each step.  If you must use passwords or any other personal information, they leave the website until you are done with it.  They return afterwards to continue to next steps.  Usually, my problems only take a few minutes, but the associate will stay with you until you are satisfied.  One time I had trouble with a Microsoft renewal.  The associate stayed with me for a half hour until we got me up and running again.  That is customer service at its best. 

As a former administrator in schools, I know good teaching when I see it.  Whoever is training these associates is doing an excellent job.  It is hard to teach, but coaching people how to do things that do not come naturally is indeed special.  The Apple Associates are well-trained individuals and are remarkable teachers. They are friendly and very helpful.  

I always tell the associate how good they are.  I always remark on the Apple survey sent after the session how special this help service is and how well-done it is.  Apple Support has saved me several times.  They are my White Knights.  If you have Apple products and don’t know about this service, it is time for you to use it when you are in trouble with computer woes. (800-275-2273) If you don’t have Apple products, it might be a good time to check them out.  I know the world is divided into Apple and PC people.  However, I happen to be a happy Apple person, maybe you should be one too???  We all need White Knights to save us.  

Hamnet

by sssmahh303, posted in Reviews

Mary Ann

It is that time of year when we hear Oscar Buzz, and this year is no exception.  Hollywood saves the best for last with films debuting at the end of the year and the beginning of the next. The holiday audiences boost sales, and the films get lots of exposure. Whispers of excellence, however, began to stir in November about a movie with a rather odd name, Hamnet.  Did they misspell Hamlet?  Kind of….

As I began to read more about it, I discovered that the movie is adapted from a novel by Maggie O’Farrell, so I hurried to read it before the movie premiered. Hamnet the book is about the early life of William Shakespeare and his love story with Agnes Hathaway.  The story doesn’t tell you that it is Shakespeare, but you know, and Agnes is not a new character because you know her as Anne.  The tale is based on facts, but as with all historical fiction, the imagination weaves the possible dialogue and circumstances.  The book is a fast read, and you intimately experiences all the emotions (lots of ups and downs) the characters experience as they live life.  I think Shakespeare would approve how the story unfolds.

The hardest part of writing reviews is that you don’t want to tell too much of the story to ruin it for the reader and not telling enough to dull interest to read or to see the movie or whatever.  So, I was ready when the advertisements began for Hamnet.  The trailers tease and then you want, you must see the movie!

Hamnet the movie, is just, in a word, beautiful.  The sets, the scenery, the engaging and attractive actors, the charming children, and on and on.  It all sets the stage for a story of love and loss and eventually healing. The movie is true to the book.  Hamnet didn’t last very long in the theaters.  Most films don’t run long anymore unless it is a blockbuster with dinosaurs or a slice of the Marvel Universe.  Eventually, Hamnet will come to one of the streaming services, or it may have a relaunch should it get an Academy Awards nomination. Regardless, both the book and the movie are worth your time.  It is literature and film at its best.  Enjoy! 

2026 Favorite Things

by sssmahh303, posted in Lifestyle

Mary Ann and Cynthia

It is that time of year for remembering the past year and looking ahead to the new one.  Last year we did a blog on our 2025 favorite things, and we thought we would do it again for 2026.  Maybe it will give you some ideas for 2026.  There are a lot of 20,20,20s in that paragraph.

Nest Candles – You may have discovered this line of candles and their delicious smells.  I am totally in love with the Birchwood Pine Reed Diffuser.  I discovered it for Christmas 2024.  It makes the whole house smell like Christmas.   It is perfect for the entire winter season.  The candles and the diffuser are a bit pricey.  However, the products last a long time, and if you watch the website (Nest.com), the Nest company have great sales.  After last Christmas, I bought the one I am using this year at a good discount.  I am going to do it again this year.  The diffuser is well-packed, and if you put it in a dark place, it will be ready when you are ready to use it.  They also ran a Black Friday special this year with good prices.  

 

Krebs Christmas Ornaments – I have had these Christmas balls on my tree for years.  They are beautifully made in gorgeous colors, unique colors that can transform a tree. They can be found on their website, christmasbykrebs.com, and of course, Amazon carries them. It is a high quality product at a reasonable price that you can enjoy for years.

American Spoon – I shared this company last year and their wonderful Holiday Jam.  This year, I tried their Bourbon Butterscotch sauce and Candied Pecans.  Use both for a delicious topping for ice cream or pound cakes. American Spoon’s products are just yummy!  I don’t think you can go wrong. The website is different from the name – spoon.com 

Version 1.0.0

Yo Mama Marinara Sauce – I discovered this pasta sauce this year when I was looking for a healthy marinara sauce with few ingredients and no additives.  I tried a jar, and now Yo Mama is part of my pantry.  Spaghetti never tasted so good.  In preparing this blurb, I found that the company has a whole range of products – alfredo sauce, BBQ sauce, pizza sauce, and a variety of favors for their marinara.  I look forward to trying them all.  It is always fun to find tasty, simple products.

Version 1.0.0

Egg Omelet Dish – I saw this little pottery item in the Uncommon Goods Catalog.  It claimed to cook a mini egg omelet in 45 seconds.  What a quick way to have protein in the morning, and it fits perfectly in a bagel or English muffin.  Spray vegetable oil in the little dish, whip up an egg and add cheese, bacon bits, peppers, onions, or any other veggie.  Pour the mixture into the dish and put in the microwave for 45 seconds.  Viola, you have a perfect egg to eat alone or in a sandwich. The Omelet Dishes are made by Holman Pottery.  You can purchase them from their website, holmanpottery.com, at Uncommongoods.com, and Amazon carries the dishes as well.  They are around $25.  

Having sensitive skin I shy away from most scented products. But there are a few I can use without fear of developing rashes.  One such product is from Natural Grocers – Lavendar Epsom Salts. I use it once or twice a week while soaking in the bathtub. I keep a canister with a small scoop by the bathtub, so the salts are read to use when the mood strikes. I simply put a few scoops under the warm running water and let them dissolve as the tub fills. Then I step into luxury for a 20-minute soak. Relaxing!

doTerra is an essential oil company that certifies its oils are pure. doTerra means “gift of the earth” in Latin. The company provides work for people across the globe, helping small businesses thrive while growing herbs worldwide. The products are expensive, but well worth the money. I diffuse essential oils in my office and bedroom every day. Two products I use extensively are the Deep Blue Rub to relieve muscle discomfort and the Breathe Respiratory Drops when my throat is scratchy or I feel an allergy or cold coming on. The scents are pleasant and I know I’m getting quality products when I buy from doTerra.

Using stickers activates my inner child.  My planner is replete with stickers marking appointments, reminders, and elevating my calendar.  I especially appreciate Bloom Stickers. They are fun, colorful, and meaningful. Bloom Stickers come in a variety of themed packages. Often, they accompany Bloom Planners. I have used the Bloom financial tracking planner and stickers in addition to the yearly planners.  You can find Bloom products at https://bloomplanners.com/ .

Another favorite is Thoughtfully ( https://www.thoughtfully.com/ ). This company has curated gift sets that are reasonably priced. My favorites, of course, are the Thoughtfully Gourmet. These sets comprise miniature samples of multiple products such as olive oil, salts, and teas. I like these because it gives me a chance to try different flavors without ending up with large quantities of things I may not use again. Another fun use of these mini sets is to use them for advent calendar boxes.  The small footprint of the items makes inclusion in the advent box perfect. And, you can use them for favors. This year I made nutcracker shaped breadsticks which I packaged with a small bottle of olive oil to use as a dipping oil. Fun and useful favor from an annual Christmas brunch.

One of my most favorite “things” is Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/ This is a company that has figured out what customers want and how to treat customers. Some people complain about the membership fee, but if you use the company a lot you will actually save quite a lot on shipping alone. The ability to order and receive most products within a few days is satisfying. The return process is easy and customer service personnel are empowered to make decisions about refunds. I am grateful that Jeff Bezos and his associates created a system of ordering, delivering, and returning that makes purchases so much easier.

There you have it, friends. Now you know a little more about Mary Ann and me – the things we enjoy and the products we use. What are some of your favorite things?

Sauerkraut and Pork

by sssmahh303, posted in Friends and Family

Mary Ann

Happy New Year!  It is that time of year when you reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming year.  In my family, we started the year off with a dinner of Sauerkraut and Pork for good luck, and I have had this dish for my entire life every January 1st.  This is pure Pennsylvania Dutch, and no matter where I lived the aroma of the kraut and pork fill the air to greet the new year.

The sauerkraut represented money, so you had to eat some to have a prosperous year.  I must say it was hard to swallow when I was little, but now I’ve grown accustomed to the sour taste and like it.  The pork is prepared because the pig only walks forward, never backwards.  I recently read that it is also because the pig roots forward where other animals dig backwards.  Good Jeopardy question with the rooting.   In the new year, you want to be moving forward, not stuck in the past year.  We always served mashed potatoes and applesauce with the meal.

When I lived in South Carolina, the natives could not imagine eating sauerkraut and pork.  They always made black-eyed peas and greens cooked in ham hocks on New Years.  Both were new foods to me when I first move there.  The black-eyed peas were pennies, and the greens represented cash.  It was for a prosperous year as well.  

One year, my Southern neighbor and I did a combo meal doing both the Pennsylvania way and Southern way together. All tasted good, and it was fun eating a North/South meal. We had double luck that year.

No matter where you live, there are always special foods and traditions that are unique to an area or a family.  Regardless of how you celebrate, it all kicks off the New Year with hope, good luck, and prosperity.  You can’t go wrong!   

An Alternate Look at Wellness Goals

by Cynthia, posted in Wellness

In a few short days old father time will fade out and the new year baby will take center stage. This is the time when we begin to regret the rich foods and extra drinks we have enjoyed during Chris-Thanks-O’Ween. We resolve to exercise more, eat healthier food, and cut back on all the goodies that are now evident on our bodies.  As the saying goes, “a moment on the lips; a lifetime on the hips.”

Overall I am a pretty healthy eater by choice. The semi-annual blood tests remind me I also need to be healthier by recommendation – of the doctor! I find that if I move during the day, avoiding the sedentary lifestyle that comes with colder, darker days, I do feel better.  I’m not alone. Many people are thinking about lifestyle goals with enthusiasm as the calendar reminds us of another rotation around the sun.

This year let’s look at wellness from a broader perspective. The term wellness has been around for quite some time and is often paired with the word health – as in Health and Wellness. Wellness refers to so much more than exercise and diet, although those two factors affect overall wellness much more than we give them credit.

Wellness is the active pursuit of lifestyle choices that leads to a state of good health, holistically. Rather than looking only at those things that cause illness, it considers the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

Early in this millennia, I developed a model for balanced living. Honestly, it was my interpretation of the Hindu philosophy of chakras, which at that time was relegated to the “woo woo”. Over the past twenty-five years, the system has been mainstreamed by several entities, embracing the reality of wholeness. In a nutshell, wellness (or life balance) can be achieved by awareness of physical, emotional, occupational, social, creative, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of your life.

Physical, obviously, has to do with nutrition, exercise, and even sleep patterns.

Emotional focuses on managing feelings, building resilience, feeling connected.

Occupational is finding satisfaction in work, volunteering, or tasks that give you a sense of self.

Social is fostering positive relationships, finding community, and eliminating unhealthy interactions.

Creative has to do with self-expression which can be manifested in a number of ways. Not just artistically or in singing, playing an instrument, or painting, but also in the way we dress, how we carry ourselves, our approach to celebrating, and so on.

Intellectual refers to mental stimulation and may include reading, writing, puzzles, etc.

Spiritual relates to identifying your purpose, your values, and finding meaning in your life.

Each of these facets in your life are components of wellness. Together, they comprise who you are; how you see yourself; and how others view you. Finding wellness, as a whole person, can bring happiness and improved health.

I wish for you, our dear readers, a healthy, happy, 2026 and wholistic wellness.

Merry Christmas … and Thank You

by Cynthia, posted in Taking Care of Business

To all our readers I want to thank you for the time you take perusing our musings each week. Mary Ann and I enjoy writing; and this blog has been a way for us to share with you our random thoughts and memories as we navigate our seventies as retired, single women.

With each passing year … dare I say day … I have come to the realization of how grateful I am for so many of life’s “little pleasures.”  As I pen this missive I look out over my front yard where a large and cheerful wooden Santa ushers a realistic reindeer through the red and white wrapped trees.

I am thankful for my health.  Sure, I have trouble getting out of bed some days as my back seizes and the vertebrae “crunch” causing varying levels of pain. Still, in the total scheme of things I can move through my day and function normally, albeit more slowly than in days gone by.

I am thankful for reflection.  I have wonderful and melancholy memories of my parents and brother who have gone before me, yet I have to smile when I look at the Christmas trees that represent each of them. My daddy collected Santas, my mom had an affinity for cardinals, and my brother loved teddy bears. My home has three Christmas trees decorated with their ornaments – a consistent reminder throughout the holiday season of the love we shared.

I am thankful for family. My sister and aunts give me way too much attention – and I revel in the intent and the fun that holiday activities with them yield. This year I was blessed with a sister trip to visit a 96-year-old aunt and 99-year-old uncle and their daughter and her husband. My 83-year-old aunt hosted a Golden Girls birthday party for me in which we all dressed as our favorite character – my uncle dressing as Blanche! The list is much too long for a Christmas day blog. My daughter and her husband and my grandchildren include me in many activities throughout the year, while maneuvering their homes and jobs. I remember how stressful those days were, trying to balance family and work and school.

I am thankful for my friends. Technology has made it possible to “have tea” with Mary Ann, even though we live half-way across the country from one another. My local friends and I enjoy a coffee or lunch date or simply a quick phone call or txt to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

How wonderful it is to be thankful for the gifts life gives. It is important, too, to let others know that the things they do and the gifts they give are also appreciated. In our hustle and bustle we often forget the value of a hand-written note that demonstrates extra effort and sincerity, care and thoughtfulness. Notes create a lasting impression cherished over time, a tangible reminder that the things you do and provide are treasured.

At the same time a physical note provides psychological benefits for the sender, often allowing for a higher level of happiness and lower levels of depression.  The note shows you invested the time in thanking them – that the time you put in selecting, purchasing, and wrapping a gift is reciprocated.

On this day of remembrance and gifts, let us be reminded of the gift of grace. And remember to let your loved ones know you appreciate, value, and treasure their part in your life.

Merry Christmas and a Happy Thank You Note Writing Week. Cheers!

Remarkable Bright Creatures

by sssmahh303, posted in Reviews

Mary Ann

Is it Octopi or Octopuses?  I think it both.  However, you currently see many movies, documentaries, and books about the Octopus.  They are everywhere.  Octopuses are very interesting animals and have been documented by many ancient cultures.  They have fascinated humans for the ages.  

The recent bestselling book, Remarkable Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt captures the magic of this mesmerizes animal.  This debut fiction by Van Pelt tells the story of Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow who works as a cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay Aquarium.  She is keeping herself busy after the recent loss of her husband.  She has always kept herself busy ever since the mysterious death of her son, Erik.

While she cleaned, she was watched by Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus is a wily mollusk, and every few chapters, he charms the reader with his perspective on the ever-unfolding story.  Late at night, Marcellus escapes his tank and gathers treasures left by tourists.  He then hides them in his grotto in his tank. Eventually, Marcellus and Tova become friends. She saves him one night!

The story progresses when a young man, Cameron, comes to live in the community.  There are lots of subplots to the story, but they all come together in the end when the dots are connected. You will have fun putting it all together, so I don’t want to give too many details. 

Remarkable Bright Creatures is a delightful book, and everyone I know who love a good story have thoroughly enjoyed this tale.  I highly recommend this book.  It will lift your spirits! I hope Shelby Van Pelt will share her talents again with future books.  Can’t wait!

Note:  A movie based on the book is being produced with Sally Fields as Tova – a role made for her. Her range of emotions will help us interpret the story so we can all feel Tova and Marcellus’s lives.