Hagfish, Fluffernutter, and Book/Mood Pairings

aka The October Newsletter

I’m so happy to say hello to October—what a great month. Any month with days that offer a national nod to tacos, homemade cookies, fruit at work (as opposed to fruit at home), and pumpkin seeds gets my loyalty. I haven’t even mentioned Coffee with a Cop Day, Name Your Car Day, National Body Language Day, and National Produce Misting Day. And, people, that’s only the first WEEK of October.

I KNOW!

I’m sensitive to these things because I don’t want to miss out on celebrating anything I can celebrate. As I write this it’s Monday and it’s gray. I have a headache. And our refrigerator isn’t boasting about any of its ingredients. For dinner we have our choice of Greek yogurt that expired in July, some cheese (shredded and cubed!), sourdough starter, a few Kalamata olive slices swimming in brine, and eggs. I’m not one of those people who could turn that into a gourmet feast, and—no—my husband doesn’t think breakfast for dinner is a thing if you were about to suggest I make an omelet.

But, it’s the last day of September. Tomorrow I turn the calendar page and it will be October. In fact, as you read this it is already October. The future is here, baby!

Let the celebrations commence. At this point, if you aren’t sitting down, I suggest you do. You’re about to have your mind blown and I’ve been told that’s a sitting-down sort of activity.

So, sit. Now. Good. You may proceed.

Just one of many Teddy bears available for your special day!

You might want to enjoy National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work/School Day, which—appropriately—is followed by National Stop Bullying Day. Or, perhaps you’re a fluffernutter gourmand. I mean, come on, fluffernutter is a delight. Even saying the word elicits a dopamine rush. October 8th is for YOU, fluffernutters. However, at the opposite end of fluffernutter pleasure, you might be someone who is perpetually annoyed by the Sally Sunshines of the world. Let me extend permission to revel in your pessimism and cynicism—enjoy National Grouch Day on October 15.

Also on tap: Both a National No-Bra Day and a National Bra Day (celebrated, thankfully, on different days, which makes it nice if you are drawn to wear a bra some days, but could do without it others.) Or, are you into hagfish? Yes? Fortunately for you, there is a National Hagfish Day in October. You could spend a lifetime and never exhaust the joy of National Hagfish Day. Take a look at the picture right above this paragraph. Hagfish are amazing.

But, let’s say Hagfish, fluffernutter, and bras don’t do it for you. No worries. If you’re a Kentuckian you can celebrate National Kentucky Day on October 19, which is also National Seafood Bisque Day. That makes sense since Kentucky has that long coastal border giving us ready access to fresh seafood. In addition, moles, bologna, greasy foods in general, mules (not to be confused with moles), mincemeat, doorbells, knock-knock jokes, and hermits all have National Days dedicated to them in October.

Sorry to throw it all at you at once. It’s a lot to take in. A lot to prepare for. Even as you read this I’m consumed with how to help Hagfish Day most fully realize its potential. All I know for certain is that slime will be involved.

And you thought Halloween was the biggy for the month. Insert meme of me shaking my head and saying, “Now you know” with a bit of a smirk on my face because I knew it first.

What I’m Reading

At some point you’re going to have to stop all the rambunctious celebrating and settle down. May I suggest one of the following books for you? Plenty to choose from that appeal to absolutely any mood you may find yourself in. Some people like to pair their books with wine. I prefer to pair them with moods, as you will see…

• Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors, pub date Sept. 3, 2024. Nicely pairs with “I’m in the mood for a dysfunctional family who is consumed by the death of one sister.” I was so excited about reading this book. Jenna had touted it as one of her book club picks. Reviewers were raving about it. I saw it everywhere as one of the fall's most anticipated books. I am so sorry it didn’t work for me. You can read my review here.

• The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods, pub date Sept. 10, 2024. Nicely pairs with moods that blend “I wonder what came before hypnotists?” with “Scoundrels who prey upon desperate women.” I give this book a thumbs-up. Read why here.

• The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, pub date Sept. 10, 2024. Perfect for that mood that says, “I would love to read a book with a long title that rhymes” but also craves a “How can I enjoy nursing home life?” vibe. You’ll love it! Read my review here.

• What in the World?! by Leanne Morgan, pub date Sept. 24, 2024. An excellent choice for “I need to laugh out loud” and/or “I need to know some people’s careers take off in their 50s” moods. Love Leanne. Love her memoir. Here’s why.

  That’s Not All, Folks…

  If you’ve read to the end of this newsletter and are thinking, “But what about Tracey? What was her September like? She didn’t give me any pictures that show her life up close and personal. I feel ripped off because I LOVE knowing what Tracey is up to.” For you, dear reader, continue…

  I got to go to Charlotte to celebrate this cute 8-year-old’s birthday!

  

  Then I got to go to Birmingham to attend “Pal’s Day” (aka Grandparents Day) with the two oldest granddaughters.

  

  

  I also had the honor of being featured on the Hear Us Roar podcast, hosted by Maggie Smith (not the one who recently passed away; that would be weird). You can listen to the very-much-still-alive Maggie interview me about Toward the Corner of Mercy and Peace here (Apple) or here (Spotify).

So, now you’re all caught up with me and this amazing life I’m living. Remember, one day it’s Monday and gray and the next it’s Tuesday, a whole new month, and sunshiny. Both have something to offer. Life really is amazing.

(Just for kicks, what national day do you look forward to celebrating this month? Leave me a comment!)