Life Recap June 2025

Oh my God there is just so much going on. I am now waiting for my daughter to finish her 4th driving class after dropping my son off at his job. I do a lot of sitting in my car, which means I do a lot of reading, playing phone games, listening to podcasts and thinking. Right now I’m thinking about my blog which has been something that I get to once in a while and not as often as I like.

I’m not even sure that blogs are something that people read anymore and it doesn’t matter because really, I started this for me in the beginning. I would love it if people read it and if they get something out of it, but from the beginning I just was trying to create a story, a timeline that my kids can,  if they choose to look at or read, get to know me after I’m gone.

This is all from losing my mom when I was only 12 and how I longed to really know her, to know who she was, to see what she thought about, what kind of woman she was. I just really NEEDED to know her.  Since that could never happen, I decided my kids would never wonder who I was and started blogging.

As I wait for my daughter to finish her driving test, I am amazed at how fast time has gone. I still see her as a three-year-old,  as a seven-year-old, as a 10-year-old,  as a 15-year-old and now she’s 20 and man time has flown. 

Spending time with my kids is truly my favorite thing to do. Driving my son to his job means I get to talk to him in the car. My daughter sometimes comes sometimes doesn’t depends on what we’re doing but just the fact that she wants to hang out with me still at 20 even if it’s just to drive him to work really makes my heart so happy. 

June has flown by. It’s already June 22. I don’t feel like I’ve done anything exciting this year. I’ve just been working.  Two jobs please pet sitting. I work at a Bus Garage as a one on one bus monitor and I’m still at a preschool that I worked out for 11 years part-time so I spent a lot of time working. I also spend a lot of time driving my kids around.  My son to and from work. I live  1/2 hour away  and then there’s the waiting for him to get relieved. My daughter, I drive to her driving class or we just head out on the weekend because I know that she just needs to get out of the house so we just drive.  Sometimes it’s to a store, sometimes there’s no destination. I still feel like we have to be more mindful and find things to do to  create memories instead of just part of our mundane already boring lives. She’s getting older and I wanna create memories that hold her long after I’m gone.

My husband’s been busy with the garden, which looks beautiful, but I wish he was someone who would prefer to do things not just at home but outside the house. He could go for a walk with us, to the movies or just come out with us when we leave the house. He is someone who is very sad in his way is and very self driven. It’s not a bad thing. It just means we don’t spend as much time with him as we wish we did.

Hopefully in July, I can see some friends that I haven’t seen in way too many years. Life is getting faster and my days are getting shorter. I’ll be 59 in August and I know how fast 59 came and I know I don’t have 59 more years so it’s time to make some mindful changes that hopefully just continue to brighten my life and make me happy. 

Heartstrings and Sweet Words: My Daughter's Touching Take On Our Bond

Today my daughter said the nicest thing to me and I need to leave it here forever.

She was talking about a friend who hangs with someone because this friend needs to leave the house once in a while. Her friend doesn't like spending time with this person and complains but will go to their house or take drives with them. I asked why would she torture herself like that if she doesn't like them and she said "She is bored, has bad Wi-Fi and she doesn't have YOU to talk to."

This is probably the sweetest thing she could have said to me.  I mean I try! I believe we have a great friendship and lots in common but never want to overstep what I feel thinking she just deals with me because we are in the same house. It feels so nice to hear. I didn't make much of it in fact didn't say anything about it but my heart swelled. 

Book Review: The Truth About Butterflies by Nancy Stephan

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Nancy Stephan’s The Truth About Butterflies is a heartfelt memoir chronicling the life and loss of her dear daughter Nicole. As a mother of a daughter I love to the moon and back I found myself ugly crying more than once. Stephan blends medical insight with raw emotion, sharing her journey of resilience, faith, and hope. The butterfly metaphor beautifully captures her transformation through struggle and something her daughter had profoundly mentioned at the age of 6. “This flesh in which we live is nothing more than a cocoon, and only when we step out of it do we truly begin to live.” 

I loved this book for its authenticity and warmth as well as the candid reflections of Nancy’s childhood and learning all about Nicole. 

My heart aches for this mother and daughter and all they endured. 

The Truth About Butterflies is an uplifting read for anyone facing adversity or seeking hope. It’s a testament to the human spirit and the love of a mother. 

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

THE PICKUP starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria 🚚💰🤑

 

In the action-comedy The Pickup, a routine cash pickup takes a wild turn when two mismatched armored truck drivers, Russell (Eddie Murphy) and Travis (Pete Davidson), are ambushed by ruthless criminals led by a savvy mastermind, Zoe (Keke Palmer), with plans that go way beyond the cash cargo. As chaos unfolds around them, the unlikely duo must navigate high-risk danger, clashing personalities, and one very bad day that keeps getting worse.

Directed by Tim Story Written by Kevin Burrows & Matt Mider Produced by John Davis, p.g.a., John Fox, p.g.a., Eddie Murphy, p.g.a.,  Tim Story, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, p.g.a. Starring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch, Joe “Roman Reigns” Anoa’i and Keke Palmer   Run Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes | Rating: R | Genre: Action, Comedy

Brute 1976 for Cult Horror Fans

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CINEPHOBIA RELEASING SET TO RELEASE THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE & THE HILLS HAVE EYES HOMAGE BRUTE 1976 THIS SUMMER

June 10, 2025 – Cinephobia Releasing is proud to announce the Summer release of director Marcel Walz’s (That’s A Wrap, Pretty Boy) and writer Joe Knetter’s (George A. Romero’s Twilight of the Dead) latest feature Brute 1976. The film is set to release in select theaters this August, followed closely by a digital, VOD release on August 26.

 

”Brute 1976 is bloody and sexy, with a deranged family so demented they make John Waters’s Pink Flamingos look like a paradigm of family values,” said Cinephobia President Raymond Murray. “Brute 1976 restored my faith in horror that shocks.”

An homage to ‘70s horror cult classics The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes. Brute 1976 takes place in 1976, when Raquel and her girlfriend have car trouble and break down on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. At the same time, a group of people are in the desert for a photoshoot. Soon, they stumble upon an abandoned town where a family of masked psychopaths reside.

 

“I’ve always been a huge fan of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes, both the originals and remakes” said Walz. “Brute 1976 was an amazing experience to shoot: It was hot, it was dirty and it was bloody. I’m sure the audience will feel that on screen.”

 

"We are so excited to have Brute 1976, our modern take on the 70s horror films we love so much, in the hands of Cinephobia for it's North American release”, said Knetter. “We look forward to everyone experiencing the Birdy family in all their gory glory."

 

Brute 1976 stars Adriane McLean (Miracles of Christmas), Sarah French (Blind), Gigi Gustin (The Retaliators), Dazelle Yvette (Garden of Eden) and Adam Bucci (NCIS Los Angeles). From production company Neon Noir, Marcel Walz, Joe Knetter, and Sarah French produced, with Dirk Schürmann and Tobias Schürman serving as Executive Producers. Robert Kern III (Prey, Creepypasta) provided makeup effects, and Marcus Friedlander (The Getback) served as Director of Photography. 

 

About Cinephobia Releasing

Launched by Ray Murray, founder of TLA Releasing and Artsploitation Films, Cinephobia Releasing is dedicated to presenting the most eye-opening genre and LGBTQ+ movies from around the world.

Award-Winning Children’s Author Shares 5 Tips to Help Kids Cope with the Stress of Moving

 

NEW YORK, June 9, 2025 — Children's author and Gold Mom's Choice Award winner Nadine Haruni addresses the topic of relocation in her delightful book, Freeda the Frog Is On the Move (Mascot Books; ISBN 979-8989621705; Original Trade Paperback). In the book, Haruni and illustrator Tina Modugno tackle this complex subject through the story of Freeda and the tadpoles, who must leave their familiar hometown for a new one.

 

During an interview, Haruni can share 5 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope with the Stress of Moving:

 

1.    Communication is Key—Open, honest conversations help ease anxiety. Whether your child is preparing for a big move or heading to sleepaway camp, explain what to expect and why it's happening. Invite them to ask questions, share their feelings, and be part of the planning process. Feeling heard can help them feel more in control. 

2.    Create a Positive Atmosphere—Frame the experience as an adventure. Let kids help pack and choose what to bring to their new room if you're moving. If they go to camp, involve them in picking out supplies or decorating their bunk area with items familiar to them from home. Turning the unknown into something exciting can ease nervousness. 

3.    Maintain a Sense of Routine—Big changes can feel less overwhelming when some parts of life stay the same. Try to maintain consistent routines before and after the move, or on the days leading up to camp. Regular mealtimes, bedtime rituals, or favorite snacks can offer comfort and predictability. 

4.    Familiarize Them with the New Environment—Help kids feel more grounded by exploring their new surroundings together. If possible, visit the new neighborhood before moving. For camp, show them photos or a map of the campgrounds, talk about daily activities, and, if available, attend an open house or orientation session. 

5.    Be Patient and Supportive—Transitions take time, and emotional ups and downs are regular. Whether adjusting to a new home or feeling homesick at camp, give them space to express their feelings. Validate their emotions and let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, sad, or even excited all at once. 

 

Freeda the Frog Is On the Move is the third book in the Freeda the Frog series by Nadine Haruni. After marrying Samson, Freeda invites him and his tadpole to join her two tadpoles on her lily pad. However, fitting five frogs into such a small space proves to be a challenge. They decide to move to a new home, city, and school, which helps them become closer as a family. Haruni hopes this book will help children facing worries about moving or significant life changes see that there is always a silver lining. At the book's end is a coloring sheet and a word find for children to enjoy.

 

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 About the Author

Nadine Haruni is the award-winning author of The Hat Diaries fantasy adventure series and the Freeda the Frog children's books. The Hat Diaries: Discover the Portal is the second book in The Hat Diaries trilogy, following the success of The Hat Diaries: The Secret Life of Ryan Rigbee. The Hat Diaries trilogy is written for teens and adults, expanding readers' imaginations as they enter Ryan's secret world. The Freeda the Frog series focuses on acceptance for every type of family and comforts children as they experience real-life situations. Haruni frequently does author events, radio and TV interviews, and podcasts. She is also a practicing attorney, certified yoga instructor, and the proud mother of a blended family of five children. 

Must Read Book Review: Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage

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Woah just finished Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage. It is a chilling, psychological thriller that hooked me from the very first page and never let go. I loved it!!! 

For a debut novel it certainly delivered  a twisted, unsettling story of a family  dealing with mental health issues of their non verbal child while dealing with their own past childhood drama and maternal instinct. If you’re a fan of dark, character-driven stories that keep you guessing, this book is an absolute must-read.

The story centers on the seemingly perfect couple Suzette and Alex Jensen, who are dealing with their non verbal seven-year-old daughter, Hanna. The chapters alternate between Suzette, a mother battling both her health and her growing fear of her own child, and little Hanna, who posses some frightening thoughts and isn’t afraid to bring them to life. The characters are the heart of this book, and Stage crafts them with such depth and nuance that I felt invested in their struggles immediately. 

Suzette’s vulnerability and desperation to be a “good mother” are palpable, while Hanna’s cunning and eerie intelligence make her one of the most memorable child antagonists I’ve read. Alex, caught between love for his daughter and loyalty to his wife, adds another layer of tension that kept me glued to the pages.

What I loved most was how Stage pulls you into the story right away. The opening scene sets a tone of unease that only intensifies, blending domestic drama with psychological horror in a way that feels both fresh and deeply unsettling. Beautifully paced, with interesting writing that had me back and forth on who my real protagonist was.

Baby Teeth is a book that will linger and had me questioning who was really the evil one. Was it Hanna and her alter personality, perhaps it was Suzette who is dealing with her own childhood trauma.  

 It’s creepy, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down. I loved every second of it and can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone who enjoys a dark, character-driven thriller that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable.

I loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A gripping, twisted debut that will keep you on edge from start to finish. Zoje Stage is a talent to watch!

DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF HIT SERIES ‘PHINEAS AND FERB’ #PhineasAndFerb

 

 

 

DISNEY BRANDED TELEVISION CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF HIT SERIES
‘PHINEAS AND FERB’

 Host Zach Kornfeld (“The Try Guys”) Introduced Rock Band The Linda Lindas for a Music-Filled Premiere Joined by Co-Creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh

 Cast Ashley Tisdale, Vincent Martella, Caroline Rhea, Alyson Stoner, and More Attended the Star-Studded Event

 

VIDEOS (Soundbites and Footage) and PHOTOS: LINK HERE

Today, Disney Branded Television hosted the world premiere event for the upcoming season of “Phineas and Ferb” at nya studios EAST in Hollywood, California. Marking its grand return after 10 years, “The Try Guys” Zach Kornfeld welcomed The Linda Lindas and the cast and crew through a headbanging performance and exclusive screening ahead of the returning new season of  “Phineas and Ferb” premiering June 5 on Disney Channel, next day on Disney+.

Guests were treated to the ultimate music-filled festival to kick off 104 days of summer vacation, which included performances by The Linda Lindas, show co-creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, Ashley Tisdale (Candace), Vincent Martella (Phineas), and more, along with fun photo opps, a giant Whack-A-Pest game, special themed snacks, character meet-and-greets, and more.

Also in attendance were cast Alyson Stoner (Isabella Garcia-Shapiro), Caroline Rhea (Linda Flynn-Fletcher), David Errigo Jr  (Ferb Fletcher), and Dee Bradley Baker (Perry the Platypus).

Disney Channel icons from past and present celebrated the premiere, including Janice LeAnn Brown, Aryan Simhadri, Jake Thomas, Cody Linley, Shawn Ashmore, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Brian Stepanek, Diamond White, Diedrich Bader, Phill Lewis, and more.

ABOUT “PHINEAS AND FERB” SEASON 5

• Series Synopsis: The new season of “Phineas and Ferb” follows the inventive stepbrothers as they tackle another 104 days of summer. Candace is more determined than ever to finally bust her little brothers while their pet platypus, Perry, continues to lead a double life as the suave Agent P, whose sole mission is to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz from taking over the Tri-State Area.

• Premiere Info: The highly-anticipated return of “Phineas and Ferb” premieres June 5 on Disney Channel and next day on Disney+.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Instagram: @PhineasAndFerb | @DisneyTVA | @DisneyChannel | @DisneyPlus

TikTok: @PhineasAndFerb | @DisneyTVA | @DisneyChannel

YouTube: @DisneyChannel

X: @DisneyPlus

Hashtag: #DisneyPlus, #PhineasAndFerb