Educational Journeys

JENN McKINLAY: Hooligan 1 graduated from Arizona State University yesterday and the Hub and I could not be prouder, obviously. It's a particularly poignant achievement because H1 was not a natural born academic. 

Proof? In fifth grade I was called to a parent-teacher conference because my darling boy would frequently just get up and leave the classroom when he was bored. To say that I did not see him graduating Magna Cum Laude twelve years later is a vast understatement (not bragging, I swear, we were so surprised)!

This got me to thinking about how we all change (or not) during our academic years. In elementary school, I was one of the top students and had an absolute fit when I got a B-. 

By middle school, I had become a social butterfly and school was just a means to see my friends.

High school? Maintained the grades just enough to not get in called out. B's get degrees! 

College? The first two years were spent on alcohol fueled shenanigans (endless shenanigans--some of which required community service in the dorm). The final two years, I found my major, locked in, and graduated on time by the skin of my teeth (and a lot of summer school).

So, how about you, Reds and Readers? What was your academic journey like? Stellar student? Hated school? A little bit of both? 

Final note: I was unfamiliar with the ritual of the Stole of Gratitude (we didn't have that in 1989), so when H1 presented me with his Stole of Gratitude as the person who has supported him the most during his academic journey, well, my heart was full, y'all, and, yeah, I cried but just a little. 

Let's Talk Spredges!

Jenn McKinlay: What is a spredge, you ask? I’ll tell you! It’s a mashup of sprayed and edges — spredges — and it’s all the rage in publishing right now.

I did some spredge recon so you could see what’s out there — you’re welcome!

Aren’t these gorgeous??? Here’s some more. Yes, I might be obsessed as the influencers say.

And here are three books that I bought for myself for the spredges! Aren’t they pretty?

I tried to convince my publisher that Witches of Dubious Origin required spredges but they said no. 🥺

Can’t you picture spredges on this one? *sigh*

What about you, Reds and Readers, are you a fan of spredges or no? Would you buy a book just for the pretty edges? 

How does your garden grow?

Jenn McKinlay: When the Hooligans were little, we always had a garden patch. It wasn’t very big but I felt it was important for them to grow things like watermelon or tomatoes. When they hit the teen years there was no time and less interest (on their part), but now that I’m a free bird I’m back to the garden!

Life has been stressful in 2025 (understatement), so I thought adding the life and death drama of raising veggies would be an awesome idea—just kidding, mostly. But seriously, instead drowning in anxiety, I am outside I do think Martha (see below) is onto something.

It all started with one raised bed last fall and now we’re onto two raised beds and several wooden barrels that I can move out of the sun as needed.

What am I growing? So glad you asked!

Cherry tomatoes (this crazy plant survived the entirety of last summer and has produced hundreds of cherry tomatoes this year).

Grapes! Really didn’t think this guy would take off but he’s thriving! And I have loads of baby grapes!

Potatoes: My Thanksgiving taters sprouted eyes, so I chopped them up and stuck them in the ground! Very exciting!

Zucchini: A bit of a pervy looking plant but I try not to judge.

I also have shishito peppers, cucumbers, cantaloupe, pole beans, and eggplant. For herbs, surviving from last year (I planted the seeds), we have parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary, mint, and lavender.

So, where are my gardeners? What are you planting? Any tips and advice welcome!