“April showers bring May flowers.” - Traditional Proverb
READ:
Amplify Your Impact: Coaching Collaborative Teams in PLCs (Instructional Leadership Development and Coaching Methods for Collaborative Learning) by Thomas W. Many, Michael J. Maffoni, Susan K. Sparks, Tesha Ferriby Thomas
“Chick Lit” — This is not a favorite genre, but I really like the East Coast summer setting and I felt like a little getaway.
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand — “a propulsive medley of glittering gatherings, sun-soaked drama, wisdom and heart, featuring the beautiful and timeless island of Nantucket itself” (Goodreads).
The Wedding People by Alison Espach — “It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, without luggage, alone. Everyone in the lobby mistakes her for one of the wedding people at an impending wedding on the site, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t there for the big event. Phoebe is there because she’s dreamed of coming for years. She hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other” (Goodreads).
This Is the City Everyone Should Visit Once (Travel + Leisure) and no, it isn’t Paris. It’s Milwaukee and once isn’t nearly enough.
WATCHED:
Running Point (Netflix) — “Isla Gordon, overlooked her whole life, is appointed President of the LA Waves basketball team, a family business, when her brother enters rehab. She aims to prove she is the right choice despite skepticism” (IMDb). This is a fun, albeit naughtier, Ted Lasso-esque series. After binging the first two seasons, we’re ready to see what’s next for the Gordon family.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (Netflix) — “Through unlikely bonds formed during night shifts at a local aquarium, Tova, an elderly widow, learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again” (IMDb). Of course, I prefer the book, but this is a beautiful movie.
The 40th Anniversary of Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick during the opening weekend at the Skyway Drive-In. It’s so nostalgic to go to the outdoor, but even more fun with our own concessions ;-)
LISTENED TO:
PCPS Light episodes of the Pop Culture Preservation Society podcasts — I think this is my favorite podcast because I relate to so much of the ladies’ Gen X banter about the music, movies, TV, and the unique experience of growing up in the 70s and 80s. A couple of their recent episodes really spoke to me:
The Analogue Comeback We’ve Been Waiting For — “From writing by hand to creative hobbies to simply slowing down, we explore why so many people (including kids) are craving a break from constant screens. Is it nostalgia? Maybe. But it also feels like something deeper. It's like our brains and bodies asking for a different pace” (PCPS).
Listen to Your Meds — “Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try listening to your favorite music from your adolescence. Today we’re talking about how the music of our youth can act like a weighted blanket and is proven to help you calm down. Then we’re sharing our own ‘cortisol cleanse’ playlists with you” (PCPS).
My May Instapuzzle Mini Playlist:
Wildflowers (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers)
You’ll Be In My Heart (Phil Collins)
Sous les fleurs tranquilles (Billy Easton)
The Lusty Month of May (Julie Andrews)
La Vie en Rose (Emily Watts)
Little Joys (Lysander)
Petite Fleur (Jill Barber)
Waltz of the Flowers (Tchaikovsky)
Sweat Pea (Amos Lee)
ENJOYED:
All the May flowers featured in this month’s collage
A weekend in Door County — Due to the 30-inch snowfall in late March, spring in Door County is significantly behind southeastern Wisconsin. The usual cherry blossoms and wildflowers were a bit scarcer, but perhaps even more beautiful because of their elusiveness. We watched Thursday night races at SBYC, spent time with friends and family, hiked, went to the outdoor, dined in our favorite restaurants, and witnessed the 2026 premier of the goats on Al Johnson’s roof.
