Wednesday Ramblings

 

           Wednesday Ramblings: Pivot, Push & Pink Skies

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday. This week is flying by so fast.

On my drive to work this morning around 6:40 a.m., the sky was absolutely breathtaking — layers of blue, pink, and purple blending together like a watercolor painting. It’s one of those quiet moments that makes you pause and just feel grateful to be awake and witnessing it. I’m ready for this day to develop.

I’m still riding the high from such a fun weekend. Saturday was packed in the best way. I had a great time with my co-worker Sheila, and then getting to see Bob Snyder at The Blue Door in Oklahoma City with Nancy was such a treat. There’s just something about live music in an intimate setting that feeds the soul a little differently.

Sunday was supposed to be Mr. C’s early birthday celebration. Since Jonathan and Alicia will be in Italy during his actual birthday, we planned a grill-out at Brody and Savannah’s to celebrate ahead of time. But… real life happened. Lane and Landon (and a few others) ended up sick, so we made the call to postpone. Pivot and evolve, right?

The only downside was that I had already ordered the cupcake cake. But honestly, we just made it work. We picked it up, shared cupcakes with Lane and Landon, and with Brody and Savannah, and turned it into something sweet in a different way. Not what we planned — but still special.

Monday at work, though? Whew. Not my best day.

I’m really going to have to push it because I’m not on track to hit my monthly goal. I still need 60 saves this week, which feels pretty close to impossible for me. But I’m not giving up. I’m going to try very, very hard and just focus on one member at a time. That’s all I can do.

One evening after work — maybe tomorrow — I’m planning to head over to Blake and Jessica’s to see Hattie, Brooks, and Logan. I also need to talk more about the New York trip. Just thinking about that makes me excited.

At home, I’ve been staging Christmas decor, and it’s looking so much better. It’s past time to get it back in closet or out in shop. I still need to take a few totes out to the shop, but getting things organized is helping my stress level. I’ve realized I function so much better when things aren’t sitting on my mental to-do list, quietly nagging at me.

And then there’s my perioral dermatitis. It’s really bothering me right now — itchy, painful, burning when I put anything on it. Besides the medicine Dr. Angie prescribed, I think I’m going to try “zero therapy” on my face. A very gentle, sensitive soap, the medication, and nothing else. No extra products. Just letting my skin calm down and heal. Sometimes less really is more.

So that’s my Wednesday ramble. Beautiful skies. Weekend gratitude. Work pressure. Family pivots. Skin struggles. And still — a thankful heart.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. If you’re reading this, I’d love for you to say a quick hi in the comments. I truly appreciate you being here, and I hope you have a blessed and wonderful Wednesday.

Flock by Kate Stewart Book Review

                                            Book Report: Flock by Kate Stewart

Flock is a contemporary romance novel that kicks off Kate Stewart’s Ravenhood trilogy, blending steamy relationships with mystery, emotional tension, and morally gray characters. The book was published on May 21, 2024 and spans about 416 pages, introducing readers to a lush small-town setting and fraught, addictive relationships. 

What Flock Is About

At its core, Flock follows Cecelia Horner, a young woman who reluctantly moves to the small town of Triple Falls to fulfill her estranged father’s condition before gaining her inheritance. While she hopes to spend the year quietly working at her father’s factory and then return home, things quickly take a surprising turn. 

On her first day, Cecelia meets Sean, her enigmatic and captivating supervisor. Sean draws her into his world — one filled with secrecy, intense physical attraction, and a tight-knit group of friends who all seem to share hidden bonds. As Cecelia is pulled deeper into their circle, she discovers that nothing in Triple Falls is as simple as it seems — and the secrets the men keep may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined. 

Key Characters

• Cecelia Horner – The story’s protagonist and narrator, Cecelia is driven by a desire to help her mother and reclaim her own independence. Smart and determined, she is also vulnerable as she navigates trust, love, and betrayal in ways that shape her journey of self-discovery. 

• Sean – Charming, mysterious, and magnetic, Sean is the man who pulls Cecelia into the world of the Ravenhood. He’s seductive and alluring, but his opaque motives and secrets add a layer of tension that drives much of the book’s suspense. 

• Dominic – Sean’s best friend, Dominic is darker and more reserved than Sean, and his presence complicates Cecelia’s feelings even more. While protective in some ways, his connection to Sean and the Ravenhood raises questions about loyalty, trust, and desire. 

Alongside these three, additional members of Sean’s inner circle offer camaraderie, mystery, and emotional complexity, helping to round out the story’s rich character dynamics. 

Themes & Style

Flock explores themes of trust versus secrecy, self-worth, and the nature of love and desire. Stewart’s writing veers into dark romance and suspense, creating tension not just from romantic choices but from hidden alliances and risky decisions. The book’s setting — the atmospheric Triple Falls — acts almost like another character, enveloping readers in a sense of place and mood that enhances every twist and revelation. 

Final Thoughts

Ideal for readers who enjoy dark romance with a slow burn, Flock is emotionally charged, layered with compelling characters, and built around intense relationships that keep you turning pages. It’s the kind of story that sparks discussion — not just about who ends up with whom, but about how deeply secrets can shape the ties between people.

Saturday Shenanigans

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=tru+red+pens&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-

Saturday Shenanigans & A Surprise Night Out 🎉

Saturday turned out to be one of those “let’s just do all the things” kind of days — and honestly, I loved every minute of it.

A few days ago, my coworker Sheila asked if I wanted to ride with her to Lawton, Oklahoma. I told her yes, of course — but added that I didn’t want to be gone all day because I had a few things I wanted to get done around the house later. She said that was perfectly fine; she just didn’t want to make the trip by herself. And that’s all the convincing I needed.

I left the house at 9:30 a.m., filled up my gas tank, and made it to the Lawton~Duncan Y right on time to meet her. First stop? Hobby Lobby.

Sheila was on a mission to find birthday gifts for her dad, and she did such a good job. She picked out quality paints, paint brushes, a Marine magnet, and the cutest container to package everything together. I love when gifts feel thoughtful like that.

Now let’s talk about what I found. 😄

I bought a 50-piece washi tape set (because clearly I don’t have enough), lots of stickers, and some journaling supplies. I also finally bought the photo storage container with individual boxes inside for organizing stickers. I’ve had my eye on it for months, and since my current container is completely full, I decided it was time. No regrets!

After Hobby Lobby, we ran across the street to Braum’s for Diet Cokes because priorities. Then we stopped at DD’s where I found some socks for Mr. C to tuck into his birthday gifts. We had originally planned to celebrate Sunday, but with a few people feeling under the weather, we pushed it back. Once Alisha and Jonathan get back from Italy 🇮🇹, we’ll grill out and celebrate properly.

Next up was the Asian Market. Sheila grabbed some of her favorite snacks. I didn’t buy anything at first but told her I’d be back for the strawberry ice cream on our way out of town. (Spoiler alert: I absolutely went back for it.)

For lunch, we went to the Asian Fusion Buffet. The food was decent — I stuck with my usual: fried rice, fried potatoes, sweet and sour chicken, sweet and sour soup, plus a few extras. Nothing fancy, just good comfort buffet food.

After lunch, we made one more stop at the Asian Market so Sheila could grab a few more things — and yes, I got that strawberry ice cream. It was so good. Totally worth the second trip. Our final stop was Dollar Tree so she could pick up a few face items, and then we headed home.

But wait… the day wasn’t done.

While we were at the buffet, Nancy called and asked if I wanted to go to The Blue Door in OKC to see Bob Schneider play. She had already bought the tickets! I told her I’d check with Mr. C, and he said, “Sure!” So now she’s picking me up at 6:30 p.m., and we should be home by midnight.

From Hobby Lobby hauls to spontaneous live music plans — I’d say that’s a pretty packed Saturday. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Apartment Sitter Book Review

The Apartment Sitter

 by Paige Brooks

📅 Published: February 5, 2026 

✍️ Author: Paige Brooks 

The Apartment Sitter is one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read in a while. Brooks masterfully blends psychological tension with sharp twists, pulling you into Marin’s world of uncertainty and dread. What starts as a hopeful new job slowly becomes unnerving — strangers aren’t quite who they seem, clues don’t add up, and every revelation pushes Marin (and the reader) deeper into a maze of doubt and danger.

Brooks’ writing has a cinematic quality: vivid, evocative scenes, and characters that stick with you long after the last page. Marin is a sympathetic protagonist — vulnerable yet resourceful, making choices that feel real even when the stakes become surreal. The pacing is smart, with suspense building steadily and twists landing when you least expect them. Just when you think you’ve spotted the direction of the plot, Brooks pivots and surprises you again.

This book excels at making you second-guess everything: the people around Marin, her own memories, and even the reliability of what you thought you knew about the storyline. It’s a thriller that rewards attentive reading and keeps you flipping pages long into the night. In short, if you love mind-bending mysteries and psychological games that don’t let up until the very end, this one’s a standout.

Overview

In The Apartment Sitter, Paige Brooks delivers a twisty psychological thriller that grips from the first chapter to the last. The story follows Marin Hayes, a struggling actress who is desperate for income and stability. When she’s offered a seemingly perfect opportunity — to apartment-sit a luxurious penthouse in Manhattan for a generous monthly pay — she can’t refuse. At first, the situation seems ideal: a plush space, a fat paycheck, and a break from her past struggles. But as Marin settles into this glamorous life, reality becomes unsettlingly blurry. 

Events begin to tip toward the uncanny and dangerous as Marin starts noticing odd behaviors, cryptic warnings, and inconsistencies in what she thinks she knows about the apartment’s true owner. As she digs deeper into the secrets hidden behind the sleek walls, she finds herself questioning her own perceptions, unraveling mysteries that hit close to home, and realizing that the price of comfort may be far higher than she ever imagined

Wednesday Ramblings

Wednesday Ramblings & Birthday Prep

Good morning, friends!

It’s 6:35 a.m., and I’m on my way to work. I don’t have to be there until 7:00, but I always leave a little early—because life loves a surprise, and I do not. Plus, I like having those few quiet minutes to get my system up and running and head to the break room to fill up my water container before the phones start ringing. A prepared girl is a peaceful girl.

Last night I finished The Apartment Sitter by Paige Brooks and oh my goodness… it was so good. The kind of book that makes you stay up later than you meant to and then think about it while brushing your teeth. I already know I’ll be looking into more of her books.

Now that we’re smack in the middle of the week, I’ve shifted into party-planning mode. Mr. C’s birthday cookout is this Sunday, and you know I love a good celebration. I’ve been making my list, checking it twice, and trying to get everything organized so the day can just be fun instead of frantic.

We’re keeping it classic cookout style:

🛒 Birthday Cookout Grocery List

Meats:

• Steaks
• Smoked sausage
• Hot links
• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs

Sides:

• Baked beans
• Potato salad

Extras I’m leaning toward making:

• Jalapeño poppers
• Bacon-wrapped little smokies

And of course, I’m ordering him a cupcake cake from Walmart because birthdays require cake. Period.

On top of party prep, I’m planning to tackle my taxes this weekend. I’ve got everything gathered—I just need to sit down and actually do it. I’m thinking Sunday  will be the day. Say a little prayer for my patience.

Something else on my heart this morning is my son, Aaron. He’s going through a hard patch, and as a mama, that helpless feeling is heavy. You want to fix it. You want to say the magic words that make it click. But sometimes they just have to walk through it themselves. I’m praying he finds his way out of his own head and into some peace soon. If you’re the praying type, we’ll take all the good thoughts.

In happier planning news, I’ve got a suitcase open for New York City. It’s too early to fully pack since I’m still wearing half the clothes I want to take, but I can start organizing. Makeup, duplicate chargers (because I never take my good ones from the house!), and deciding what I can fit into a carry-on and backpack. I’m determined to leave room for souvenirs.

Tomorrow our vice president, Stephanie, and other important folks will be at work. That means no scrolling, no sneaking in a few pages on my iPad between calls. Maybe that’s exactly what I need to focus in and hit my daily goal of 12 saves. Sometimes a little supervision is the push we didn’t know we needed.

And yes, there are days I wish I were independently wealthy and didn’t have to clock in anywhere. But since I’m not, I’ll keep showing up and doing my best. Who knows—maybe one day I’ll stumble into the perfect little side hustle. For now, I’ll just keep building what I can, one blog post at a time.

Today my sweet hubby is driving me to work, which I love. It gives me time to think, to type, and to share this little slice of my Wednesday with you.

Thanks for stopping by, friends. I hope your Wednesday is productive and full of love.