Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

While I'm posting this on Halloween, 2026, I did draft it earlier! Let's hope I do at least some of these! Drink hard cider Drink hot cider Drink hot cocoa Eat dirt pudding Eat Halloween-y candy Eat something pumpkin-flavored Light some fall-scented candles Light some fall scented incense Light some Halloween-shaped candles Watch Halloween episodes of my favorite sitcoms Watch Hocus Pocus Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas Wear my costume from my Halloween party (Mary Anne from "Goodbye Earl" Wear my vampire cape for max ease Wear one of my onesie costumes for max comfort (Prompt by me) Photo by Jamo Images on Unsplash

Recently, The Chicks gave a concert in Chicago and I (of course) attended. During the performance, some of the songs struck a chord with me, but made me want to alter the lyrics to a few. Anyways, here's "Only Few" .  I was young and so naïve I was the only one who thought You were happy No meal would end up soured No eyes of yours could ever glower I saw my future bright ahead I knew a dad like mine would always save the day And that we'd always be okay But would I know you now Would I have joy that we could share? Make more memories that are not blue Or still have my only few Or still have my only few You scared me like no one else And sometimes love just doesn't seem to conquer all I searched for else to blame But sometimes dads can't stay the same But would I know you now Would I have joy that we could share? Make more memories that are not blue Or still have my only few Or still have my only few Holding on to these flashbacks Of when things were lighter I...

HOW IS IT ALMOST NOVEMBER?! Organizing my friend group's annual secret gift exchange Celebrating my eldest nephew's birthday (HE WILL BE 8! WHICH IS JUST RUDE!) Suggesting ideas for Small Business Saturday for the bookstores Hosting NaNo write-in sessions Planning a theme for an election watching session Watching election results with a friend (or friends) Celebrating a dear friend's birthday No Kings Rally and March (which could be a few very different vibes depending on how the election goes) The Southside Pie Challenge HOPEFULLY finally getting my CPAP Celebrating my brother's birthday Trying out my gas fireplace (this is a tad weather dependent of course) Thanksgiving Theoretically going on a date with a guy my matchmaker found Shifting into the Christmas spirit (I can get out all of my holly stuff haha) (Prompt by me) "1126" by Eva the Weaver . Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic .

Time for some new romances to blossom? Lol Chloe fell off her stool from laughing I would truly enjoy seeing Chloe do a flip I appreciate that JT does say he isn't judging Kara even if he's not sure he can be the best partner to someone who does (as Kara puts it) spicy content JT does seem like a sweetie and I'm sorry he had such a tough childhood Wait, is this Jamal and Emma's first date ever? I love that Jamal and Emma are at a bar where the staff seems to only speak Spanish and Jamal and Emma only speak English Emma! It's a bit wild that you already thinking about telling your grandkids about this date (and the great sex you had with their grandpa) Also, you didn't meet Jamal in Puerto Rico... Uh, Emma, do you mean you're in love with Jamal? This isn't shade to Emma, but I don't think of her as quirky or weird Wait, is Emma wearing a wedding ring??? God, I find Malik so attractive Steven, how is it weird that a woman is going on dates with multipl...

TBH, I just needed an easy post, so I did a dive into the "October 27" Wiki page and then did some creative Google searches. These are in chronological order because of who I am as a person. On October 27, 312 Constantine the Great said he received his Vision of the Cross On October 27, 1275 was the "traditional founding" of Amsterdam On October 27, 1838 Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs issued the Extermination Order, which ordered all Mormons to leave the state or be killed On October 27, 1858 Theodore Roosevelt was born On October 27, 1924 the Uzbek SSR was founded in the Soviet Union On October 27, 1936 the Abdication Crisis takes place in the UK because Mrs. Wallis Simpson obtained her divorce, which opened the door for her to marry King Edward VIII, but only if he abdicated (which he did) On October 27, 1955  Rebel Without a Cause premiered (the star, James Dean, had died about a month prior) On October 27, 1962 Vasily Arkhipov refused to fire a ...

Time for breaking points (already?). Vittorio's friends are cuties Jessy looks cute, why can't she wear red? TBH Jessy is doing SO much better than I would have I'm really gonna punch Jon Like, how is this not a moment to self-reflect on how hard life has been for Ally over the past few months? I do get how that could make you feel bad, but you gotta take that and then do better Jon...this is the hardest someone has been on you? Really? You gotta suck it up Jon, you are a loser Jon, Ally is not saying that...also, (theoretically) you didn't give up EVERYTHING because you have Ally and your baby-to-be Niles...I feel like Mr. Arc was pretty clear about what he expected of you Hi, Michelle! Michelle, Henry is a cutie Ah but so is Felix Wait, wait...Felix was helping his dad steal your stuff, Michelle? Oh...and Felix stole your passport for a bit...chill Nigel, how could Andi have been on the same page if you hadn't mentioned it (which Andi points it out)? Andi, Nigel i...

Shhhh! I know my party was last night, but I did this work earlier in the week and I want credit! If you weren't at my party, but want to know the things I made--shoot me a note! (Prompt by me) Photo by Mariah Hewines on Unsplash

Recently, The Chi cks gave a concert in Chicago and I (of course) attended. During the performance, some of the songs struck a chord with me, but made me want to alter the lyrics to a few. Anyways, here's "Daddy Hold On" .  Hey It might never be the same We might never have those days Like when I was knee-high, but please just try Callin' Let's get the bottles outta here How 'bout you and me clear 'Em all out, brand new drought Daddy, hold on (Just try one more time) Daddy, hold on (I'm still not ready now) Daddy, hold on (If you still really love me) Keep holdin' on Hold on to me Daddy It's good to see you smile again I hope you can linger In this moment, not someplace else It's a new step Let's look at all you've got It's everything I thought You ever wanted, aren't I enough? Daddy, hold on (Just try one more time) Daddy, hold on (I'm still not ready now) Daddy, hold on (If you still really love me) Keep holdin' on...

Shhhh! I'm working on something else for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Ricardo Díaz on Unsplash

Recently, The Chicks gave a concert in Chicago and I (of course) attended. During the performance, some of the songs struck a c hord with me, but made me want to alter the lyrics to a few. Anyways, here's "You I Knew" . You left as ash Now in photographs With faces like mine Who will I become Without knowing where You started from It's true the lines I drew Let you move alone in your pain So many days passed you by Every friend that you didn't call Everything that you learned in life Every vow that you broke, my heart And I could try to connect All the pieces you left Or I'll bury it all And just forget Will I remember the years When your mind was clear How your laughter and mind Were all of you I knew One urn Two degrees framed In the boxes sit Your favorite things The bottles I blamed Are in cutting shards Of plans you maimed Everything that you learned in life Every vow that you broke, my heart And I could try to connect All the pieces you left Or I'll ...

Shhhh! I'm working on something else for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Ricardo Díaz on Unsplash

Time for dates and more Emma-based drama.  Wait, Chloe did tell Emma she's into Brian? I don't remember that, but I think Chloe is probably telling the truth? Chloe is right that Brian could have said no to kissing Emma or even to her straddling him Jamal, you don't seem to enjoy Emma so I'm confused as to how she has a hold on you? Omg Kay is pursuing an MA in some kind of behavioral science...I genuinely hope being on this show is part of her thesis Brian, I mean yeah maybe Emma kissed you to make Jamal jealous, but it also may purely have been because you're hot Jamal, literally what do you want Emma to do? She tried texting you and you ignored her and were mad at her for doing so, so she tries to hit it off with other guys because she's on a literal reality dating show and you get mad? Jamal, yeah Emma kissed Brian, but didn't you and Ericka having an emotionally and physically romantic date and night? Razvan, no offense, but on what authority can you te...

I have gamified watching Survivor with friends. This season, we did a random draw and I (currently) still have my full tribe of Angelica “Jelly” Loblack, Brady Booker, Ori Jean-Charles, and Danny “Kilby” Kilby. I've decided to name my team Holly's Jellicle Beefcakes (and Kilby). But now my friends' fantasy tribes need names! You can see my brainstormed ideas below (with all team members--even those who've left, in the parentheses next to the name): Missing Pants Brigade (An “Thien An” Nguyen, Mike Pinsky, Patt Cannaday, Sharonda Cox) Baseball Medicine Lawyer (An “Thien An” Nguyen, Mike Pinsky, Patt Cannaday, Sharonda Cox) MAPS (An “Thien An” Nguyen, Mike Pinsky, Patt Cannaday, Sharonda Cox) My Little Crisis Farmer Attorney (Alexis Levine, Ana Sani, Kristin Flickinger, Lewis Kelly)* The Balance of Calm and Chaos (Alexis Levine, Ana Sani, Kristin Flickinger, Lewis Kelly) Failed Persian Sisterhood (Alexis Levine, Ana Sani, Kristin Flickinger, Lewis Kelly) Popcorn Liars (A...

Time for reunions and conflicts! Andi, we also have like red light cameras Andi, I DO feel like it should be "our house" at this point Vittorio, you lied Vittorio, this is drastically different than what Jessy was expecting WOW one of the posters in this bedroom says "Be too brave to lie" John, shut up about your sex life So, I am against married couples keeping such things from each other, but, Niles, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE "SURPRISED" BY STUFF LIKE THIS?! I will also add that while going through the visa process, it's probably important that Niles has Matilda's legal address I feel like Ben could have met Zuri in Paris Aw, Ben is cute for putting together that poster Zuri, I will say that in the two years you've been apart, you could've learned a good deal of French Nigel looks like a randomly generated Sims townie I did get nervous that Nigel's hair was going to catch on fire Ally, I am mostly going to be on your side this season (I ...

Shhhh! I'm working on something else for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Ricardo Díaz on Unsplash

Recently, The Chicks gave a concert in Chicago and I (of course) attended. During the performance, some of the songs s truck a chord w ith me, but made me want to alter the lyrics to a few. Anyways, here's "Ashen End" . The last words you said They are still in my head "I love you" You passed away On a bright March Friday Oh, where'd you go? It's alright you will rest now on Knowing it's finally all done and gone Farewell to old pains You'd raise a glass to your ashen end Farewell to old pains Will mine be the same when I come 'round the bend? Remember the days When we'd laugh and we played Oh I didn't know The ache would com e and you'd drink it away Oh, where'd you go? It's not alright I won't sleep tonight Knowing you could have grown on On and on Farewell to old pains You'd raise a glass to your ashen end Farewell to old pains Will mine be the same when I come 'round the bend? You had a bleared time Drinkin...

Shhhh! I'm working on something else for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Ricardo Díaz on Unsplash

Like with episode 2 of 90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way , this episode will be a surprise because the previous one ended with a season preview instead of episode preview. Chloe, I thought you didn't want to move slow? Is it a roach or is it just a bug cause you're literally outside? Also, don't you want a man who can take care of bugs for you? Actually Jamal, lots of people have self-control Again, I ask if Rob actually gives a shit if someone he knows hooks up with Emma? Kara! Let Jamal tell Ericka this! "Wait do you have binoculars in your ears?" is an amazing quote, Chloe I love that Malik gives 0 shits that Brittany is bi LOL Razvan is giving Brittany a birthday lap dance FWIW, I do think Malik is hotter than Razvan I am curious to see how Malik responds to the lap dance because he seems a little annoyed (which I do think is fair), but it makes a big difference how much of that annoyance he places on Brittany since they are not in a relationship Hey, seems like Ma...

Shhhh! I'm still working on my second something for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Michelle Gordon on Unsplash

I have gamified watching Survivor  with friends. This season, we did a random draw and I (currently) still have my full tribe of Angelica “Jelly” Loblack, Brady Booker, Ori Jean-Charles, and Danny “Kilby” Kilby. Here are some brainstormed names for my fantasy tribe (let me know your favs!): 7.5 Thumbs Brodies Before Hoe-dies Fear Tribal and Honor the Probst Fiji it Out Holly's Jellicle Beefcakes (and Kilby) Holly's Open Era Four How is Kilby Still Here? The /i/s Jelly and the Bros Out-Jell, Out-Bro, Out-Spur, Out-Fail Permanent Uncertainty Possible Showmance and Failed Bromance Professor Wrestling Trainer Game Whale I Win Again? Whale, Whale, Whale...Who's Still Here? (Prompt by me) Survivor 51 logo, CBS/Paramount Logo source

This episode will be a surprise because the previous one ended with a season preview instead of episode preview. Is Jessy's dress really worth $2k at resale? I'm so sorry, Jessy Who is this woman in Australia? Omg is Nigel a pirate impersonator? As a child, I'd actually be very scared of this man Nigel's superhero costume was TOO revealing for a kid's party Wait, so are these kids Nigel knows or not? Nigel, be honest with me, were your good investment choices having rich parents? I appreciate that Nigel's friend is like, "Hey, friend, you should clean before Andi gets here" Omg what if Andi ends up with Nigel's friend? Zuri has a cool job! Ben is a cutie I will say, Zuri, you should learn French if you're gonna move to France That said, I believe we saw in the season preview that Ben cheats Wait, Ben's friends threw ice at you, Zuri??? Wtf??? I will say that I think less of Ben for him allowing his friends to treat Zuri like that Niles, be ...

It's today! Gotta plan! Snacks Prop keys Guestbook Bingo cards Decks of cards Fun tablecloths Scratch off cards Sets of silly tasks House-shaped notes Big piece of paper and markers Mad Lib version of a home listing Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks Various vessels for submitted ideas/votes Stack of home-based conversation prompts Disposable paper plates, cutlery, and napkins (Prompt by me) Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash

Recently, The Chicks gave a concert in Chicago and I (of course) attended. During the performance, some of the songs struck a chord w ith me, but made me want to alter the lyrics to a few. Anyways, here's "Not Ready to Let Go" . Forgive? Wish I could Forget? You knew I never would They say time heals everything But I'm still waiting You would blackout You left it all all for us to figure out You paid a price Yet we'll keep payin' I'm not ready to let go I'm not ready to move on I'm still mad as hell and I won't be told It's long past time for closure Would you even make it right? Would you know how to if you still could? 'Cause I'm mad as hell, can't bring myself To do what nescient folks think I should Perhaps you'd say "Can't you just leave me be?" You turned my whole world around And I do resent it We make our beds but don't dream like we did It's a sad, sad story when a mother will teach her Daughte...

It's so close! Gotta plan!  Monikers Count the gators Scratch off game Paper house crafts Find all hidden keys House of cards contest Identify a guest who...bingo Mad Lib version of a home listing This or that about me and my home Best feature for a dream home bracket Random home-based conversation prompts Mafia game that takes place at an HOA meeting Various goofy polls about things I should get for the condo Who wrote what suggestion for a porch/patio goose costume? Give everyone a set of silly tasks to accomplish (first done wins) (Prompt by me) Photo by Maria Kovalets on Unsplash

Time for the second season premiere in this franchise to air in 48 hours! I find it interesting that we're watching Jamal arrive via boat Jamal is into the events coordinator haha Jamal, I'm not sure you mean what you're saying because you said your problem with commitment is you see red flags too fast...the problem is that you then ignore them, like red flags are bad Lol it would've been so funny if Kim was on this season too Ugh, Kara likes a thing in guys I HATE (ordering for me) I do agree with Kara that a guy has to smell good Wow I had completely forgotten about Razvan I gotta say, I do not remember Razvan being "weird" and the few social media clips they showed just demonstrate, to me, that he has a baseline sense of humor (this is not to say that he doesn't have more personality, just that it has not been shown yet) Am I remembering correctly that a good chunk of Brittany's exes were significantly older? I mean I do agree that Kara is very phys...

Shhhh! I'm still working on my second something for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Michelle Gordon on Unsplash

Time for the season premiere!  Jessy, 1) you can learn to make empanadas if you want, 2) I feel like Spain does have empanadas so like (depending on where in Italy you're moving) you may be able to find a Spanish restaurant Not sure we should say we're not sure if Vittorio is "gay or European) Jessy, to be fair to your friends' doubts, it sounds like you've historically had bad taste in men Andi sounds good (a rarity for performers on this show) Andi, the psychic said you would meet your soulmate on beach...not just go on a beach date (like, yes, it was their second date so it was early, but she met him elsewhere) This may shock folks, but I think Andi's parents calling her "Annoying Andi" is not awesome Andi, how is Nigel and you splitting the cost of a timeshare the plan if he hasn't said that he'd do that I think Andi's family has a right to be concerned So, breathe, moan, and purr are all different verbs, y'all Ally is so pretty Th...

Shhhh! I'm working on something else for my Halloween party and I want credit for it! If you're not coming to my party, but want to know the things I'm working on--shoot me a note! If you are coming, you'll just have to wait! (Prompt by me) Photo by Michelle Gordon on Unsplash

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. CPAP? Last night I did my second sleep study. I think my first was in 2021? Not sure. Also, the hospital seemed to not be sure...even though I had it done there. Did I hallucinate it? Or is the medical documentation system overly confusing? I do have a guess between those two... Anyways, as I walked the hospital halls to find the sleep clinic, one of the hospital robots wheeled past me. One, I don't like the robots at all--it was fairly creepy to encounter one in an otherwise empty hallway. Two, why did it look like it was wearing lipstick? Why is it so important for the robot to appear feminine? Also, choosing bright red lipstick for a robot just gave me the ick. Do they want someone to kiss it? I mean, I hope not, but it was weird. Then I reached the clinic. This time, the clinician helping me was a woman (phew). Not that the man I had last time was creepy, it's just so much weirder for a man y...

So, if you don't know, I have a book review blog called Holly Reviews, Bookman! . On Mondays, I (usually) post a review of a frontlist or recent book. On Fridays, I (usually) post a review of a backlist book. On Wednesdays, I have a rotation of four different kinds of posts. The rotation starts with a book series that I think could be a good TV show. Next, I share four books on my to-read list. Then, I write about a book I think could be a good movie. Finally, I select four books that I think have great covers. I'm close to finishing 25 rotations of these four and I'm considering some new themes. Here are 15 brainstormed ideas: Book-related artwork I love Book resources for current events Bookstore reviews Festive books for upcoming holidays Guest reviews (if I can rope friends in haha) If you liked X, try Y Lists of upcoming local literary events Literary mysteries (meaning, mysteries about authors, lost texts, etc.) Profiles/facts about authors I admire Quotes from books ...

Time for part 2 of  the tell all!  Russ, I feel bad for you But, I do appreciate that Rebecca accurately points out that Russ DOES have to keep speaking with Pao as SHE'S HIS SON'S MOTHER Russ, I want you to get therapy I do wonder if Sarper is telling the truth about giving Shekinah $15k I thought that, at some point, we had a statement from Shekinah? Wild that Sarper said the reason Shekinah and Darcey are friends is because they both love surgery LOL Darcey agrees with Sarper about the surgery bond! Sarper, I would argue that you also are known for being in a relationship with Shekinah, so of course you talk about it on stage I do think Sarper was workshopping some material during his "recommitment" Lol Sarper asks for Ross to affirm Sarper is attractive So, yes, Thais was reacting BIG to Shekinah, but that DOES NOT EXCUSE SHEKINAH SAYING SOMETHING XENOPHOBIC SHEKINAH! THAT DIDN'T HELP! Shekinah is selling merch that says "Go back to your country"?!?...