In May...

books, an octopus, and Mary Bennet

Jun 02, 2026

Last week, I was delighted by my writing friend Caroline’s reflection of her month of May (I became invested in her fierce battle with a rabbit!) It was a good reminder to look back occasionally, and reflect on it all. Here is a May recap.

In May…

…the lavender lilacs and bright orange poppy blossoms burst open. The blossoms last only a week, if we’re lucky, and we won’t see them again for another year. But they do come back, because they are perennial plants. This is awe:

In May, I

…turned in my fourth and last MFA packet, completing my first semester of grad school1. Hallelujah! School starts again July 9, with a residency in Minnesota.

…attended AP Lit classes and taught some creative writing - I was terrified and it was FUN.

…read these four books:

WHY YOU SHOULD READ CHILDREN’S BOOK, EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE SO OLD AND WISE by Katherine Rundell: just utterly charming and so spot on.
THE LOST YEAR by Katherine Marsh: INCREDIBLE historical fiction for middle grade and up.
IT’S A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan: I don’t usually read rom-coms. I’m usually drawn to more literary or family drama. Annabel Monaghan was recommended by Kolina Cicero and was just the right amount of love and lightness. I laughed out loud a few times. It’s a little spicy but not too much. It was predictable and still delightful.
BUCKEYE by Patrick Ryan: Truly excellent writing with a sweeping family/love saga; right up my ally.

…Watched Remarkably Bright Creatures2 on Netflix and adored it (SALLY FIELD!) and watched The Other Bennet Sister on Britbox via Amazon Prime (get the free trial…although the whole series isn’t out yet). This series upended everything I believed about Mary Bennet (the most “uneligible” Bennet sister…). Just so good.

…went to one graduation and one reunion. Also fun, especially when a former student from twenty years ago thought my daughter was me (hahaha…teachers never age, did you know that?)

…ran/walked 96.7 miles for a total of 22 hours (thank you, Strava).

…queried a picture book and got a really nice rejection with two suggestions, which I incorporated. This is unusual and so appreciated.

…went to Rebecca Didier’s debut author book release party!

…went to Tamworth, New Hampshire for a CLIF school visit. It was a fantastic experience.

…submitted 20 pages of a manuscript to workshop in July at Hamline University.

…planted 60 tomato plants and then the temperature dropped to 40 degrees and I’m very afraid all of my baby tomatoes are not going to make it :(

…had a sip of Red Bull. Haha. I know, I’m such a dork. But there it was: in a yellow can in our fridge. Full disclosure: it tasted really good!

…finished teaching a 6am Old Testament class to high school students that met Mon-Thurs during the school year. We’re all super ready for a long summer’s nap.

….had two daughters come home from college for the summer.

….had one baby Hal and his mama visit (the house is full again and he’s so cute!)

….ate tofu because the air fryer is magical.

The End. Life was good in May.

And you? How was May?

Amy 💕