Welcome September 2025!
We have been waiting for you, weather wise, that is. We had many hot days this summer, and we know it’s not over quite yet.
Back to School
I loved all the “Back to School” photos and news.
Things sure have changed since I was in school.
*Laptops and computers are more the norm with less supplies for school.
*School did not begin until after Labor Day weekend. Many states have moved into yearlong school days.
*The subjects taught are much more advanced, along with learner’s tackling more and more information.
When I asked for helpful hints in preparing for “back to school,” viewers suggested getting into a routine early, before school started. Getting up earlier, planning their days ahead, including clothes, meals, and upcoming school events. We always kept a lunch calendar on our refrigerator, which helped a lot.
What changes have you noticed? What ideas would you suggest for a smooth transition to back to school?
The school year seems to make time pass more quickly, so make sure to enjoy each day! 🙂
Bookish News – Gina Rae Mitchell’s Post
A big thanks to Gina Rae Mitchell for her feature and review for my new book, “Magical Fashion Show Contest.”
Click on the title below to read more. 🙂
Goodreads Challenge 2025
These three books received 5 stars from me.
“Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman – (Adult Book)
Review on Goodreads
“Easy Watercolor Flowers: 45 Beautiful Paintings for Beginners” by Blanca Rosen
Bianca Rosen, the creative mind behind @artbybianca. Learn how to paint gorgeous flowers like playful pansies, wildflowers, garden blooms, or tropical vibes. I had fun reading and following the easy tutorial instructions.
There are easy-to-follow illustrated instructions that break each step down into just 3-6 illustrations. Bianca’s simple, single-bloom technique is perfect for watercolor newbies. I recently recommended this book to a friend who is just starting with watercolor painting.
“Draw in Ten Minutes: Botanicals – Learn how to draw in 50 quick sketches” by Emma Tildesley
I read the paperback version of “Draw in 10 Minutes: Botanicals – Learn how to draw in 50 quick sketches” by Emma Tildesley from our library.
It has very simple instructions that were fun to try out.
New Art Page News
My first artist interview with “In The Art Zone With Artist, Author, and Teacher, Rebecca Lyndsey”
Click on the image below to read more!
If you are an artist and would like to be featured on this family-friendly page, please write me a note, and we can arrange a future interview.
If you look at my website page, you’ll noticed I opened a spot for author interviews. I have a new one to add and I can’t wait for you to meet this special author who writes Middle Grade books.
Welcome Yvetta Doll Franklin!
Click on her image below to read my interview with her.
Now, on to those busy nights when you are in a rush to get out the door to your next sports event. Hopefully, this meal will save you some time. It sure helped us in the 90s, and it’s why I picked it to include in my latest book.
Recipe Out Of My New Book – 1990s Hot Pocket Sandwiches
If you have read my new book, Magical Fashion Show Contest,” you know I have shared three recipes, among other fun activities to do.
Make these up, set on a cookie sheet, add to a ziplock bag, and freeze. Pop them in the oven or microwave. If you like them crispy on the bottom, just add them to a hot pan that’s been sprayed with cooking spray for a few seconds.
1990s Hot Pocket Sandwiches
They are easy to make and cook in just a few short minutes in your pre-heated oven at 400°.
What you will need:
*1 can of ready made pizza dough or biscuits.
*Any type of sauce you like. (Red or white Alfredo sauce.)
*Your choice of cooked leftover meat(s): Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Ham, or Pepperoni.
*Shredded or sliced cheese. Your choice of, Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Provolone cheese.
*Parmesan Cheese for sprinkling on top.
*Olive oil.
How to make:
*Break dough into 8 sections. Flatten dough or biscuit into ½ or ¼ inch circle. (This will depend on the dough you choose.)
*Spread two tablespoons of sauce on your circle of dough, stopping at ¼ inch of the edges.
*Add as much meat as you would like.
*Sprinkle with desired amount of cheese.
*Place one of your flattened pieces of dough on top of the one you made with the meat. Crimp with a fork to seal edges.
*Brush olive oil over the top of each sandwich.
*Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
*Score or cut an X on each sandwich for steam to escape.
*Bake on a greased pan sheet at 400° for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown.
*Special note: Ovens may vary, so keep an eye on them. Peek inside of the dough for doneness, if needed.
That’s all I have for now. Let us know if you have any comments or questions about this September post.
Please don’t forget to update us on any plans or news you may have. 🙂
Have a wonderful month, and as always,
Happy Reading! 🙂
Rosie
Hi Rosie, I loved reading and learning a bit more about Rebecca. Starting an Artist/Author interview page is a great idea. It’s always interesting to read about other peoples journeys.
The school year starts at the end of January here. Our Summer holidays are at Christmas, but ideas to help get back into the school routine are always handy.
Hi Sandra, I love hearing about your side of the world and how things are different.
Yes, I enjoyed learning more about Rebecca and her art. She is so talented and wears many hats.
Thank you for reading and your kind words.
Happy September! 🙂
Wonderful post, Rosie! Love the new Artist and Author Interview features. The homemade Hot Pocket Sandwiches sound amazing. I will definitely be giving these a go in the next couple of weeks! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Thank you for the feedback and thanks again for visiting with me on how to manage my images on my website. These things are a forever learning curve, right? 🙂
Yes, the new author I met, Yvetta Doll Franklin, is an amazing lady and she loves what she does like I do.
I happened to make pizza this past week with all the same ingredients. I’m going to try to experiment with these even more in the coming months, now that our weather has finally cooled down. I’ll keep you all posted on how it goes.
Thanks always, James.
I feel bad for kids these days with how much is pushed on them in school. Do we really remember what we learned in school? Do tests really measure how much kids know? I don’t think so. It makes learning not fun at all and learning should be fun! I hated reading in school because I HAD to read. Now I like to read because I don’t HAVE to but I WANT to. I’m glad more and more people are moving to homeschooling so kids can actually enjoy learning and enjoy reading! And art doesn’t get cut from homeschooling programs like it does from school programs. I think it’s wonderful that you are showcasing artists! We need more creativity in the world!
Thank you so much, Jessica. 🙂 Yes, I feel the same way about how helpful art is for them and us all.
Reading…I was always forced to read books, which back then, were not a bit entertaining or interesting. Nowadays, they make it so much more enjoyable for students to want to read. I could talk about art and reading all day, ha! Two of my favorite subjects.
Thanks again, and have a wonderful September!
Jessica, I have a love/hate relationship with what I do. I enjoy (not always) working with kids but with the way education has become, it’s ridiculous and I hate being a part of it.
Lots of good advices for young children starting school .
You always read interesting art books . Ha ! This is why I don’t like reading challenges . They’re stressing me out .
I enjoyed reading your author interview and of course you pick my curiosity with your recipe 😀 .
Happy September Rosie 😀 .
Thanks so much, Ariane for your note.
Art books are addicting and full of so much fun information… and they count as reading for my challenge!
I always get a little stressed myself this time of year for the challenges. You’d think I’d have all the time in the world in the summer months, but with all the sports we attend, I find little time. Now, we are into “Fall Sports!” Ha!
That’s what made me think about this recipe to post. I remember our guys lived on those as we rushed out the door to a game. Those and a piece of fruit got us through the evenings.
Happy September, Ariane!
Love that you started a new artist page and featured our friend Rebecca Lyndsey. My favorite quote from your interview: “Of course, not every piece turns out the way I hope. I’ve had my fair share of failed attempts. But that’s one of the things I love about working with canvas: if something doesn’t work, I can simply paint over it and start fresh. It’s a gentle reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, exploration, and giving yourself permission to begin again.”
Thanks so much, Julie. Yes, I loved that quote, too. It sure takes the pressure off and helps one relax and enjoy their projects that much more.
Happy September! 🙂
Julie, that’s what I always tried to get my students to understand when their artwork didn’t turn out how they wanted….it’s not about perfection but more about the process and how it makes you feel.