Language is a funny thing. Like anything in life, there are trends. Most of the time we think of this in terms of slang phrases or words that become popular for one reason or another. Like the current “I appreciate you,” first made popular by former President George W. Bush, and resurrected by Ted Lasso’s character in Ted Lasso. Or “Heard,” a direct result of the television show The Bear. But other times, words become ubiquitous and seem to take on a life of their own.

Accountability, in my mind, is one such word. It is not a new word, but on any given day you would be hard-pressed not to find the word in a major headline or news story. This week alone the Attorney General of Virginia, Jay Jones, announced he was creating an “Accountability Unit” to address federal overreach by the Trump Administration, “Alex Pretti’s Family Calls for Accountability Seven Months After His Killing by Federal Agents,” and Meta agreed to a pay up to $17.1 billion dollars in a landmark settlement aimed at holding tech companies accountable for the harm their products have inflicted on children. Accountability was even listed as one of the most important traits for a coach to have in this article in The Athletic.

Share

So why has the word become so prevalent? Back in the summer of 2017, when I was in my doctoral program, I took a course at USC called “Accountability.” The term was not new in academic or political realms. Actually, it rose in popularity in the 1980s after the publication of the 1983 federal report A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. Following the report, accountability became a powerful rhetorical tool and buzzword to demand transparency and reform. The course I took was largely focused on leaders' responsibility to their stakeholders. So why the word accountability?

Since 2017, the word has moved well beyond the academic and political context. If you look up accountability in the Oxford Dictionary frequency table, it is quite interesting to see how there has been a steady uptick since the 1940s. And while an exact word-usage count is impossible to calculate, the data indicate an upward trend. Why the shift? Is it the prevalence of media? #MeToo? Cancel culture?

Last week, I finished reading Dashka Slater’s nonfiction YA book, Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed. The book, per the title, explores the impact of racist social media posts at a Bay Area high school and the local community, raising questions about accountability. Among the many compelling stories of the individuals involved, one statement really stuck with me.

“We have been conditioned that accountability means pain and punishment,” observes Aishatu Yusuf, Impact Justice’s vice president of Innovation Programs. She defines accountability differently—as “an understanding that a harm took place and that you are responsible for a piece of that harm.” (Slater 185)

When I finished the book, I kept thinking about how, in a school setting, the language typically used with students was more centered on responsibility. Things like “Be a responsible citizen,” “You’re responsible for your own actions/homework/etc.,” “Teach responsibility,” “We want to foster responsible students,” “You need to take responsibility for _____.”

And I started thinking — When we ask for accountability, what are we seeking? What is it we really want when we say “_________ must be held accountable.”? Why is this word everywhere?

I can’t help but feel that somewhere along the way, like many words that are overused, the meaning has become muddled. If you asked ten different people, you’re likely to get ten different answers. But somewhere at the heart of it, I think there is a desire to acknowledge harm. And that when you harm someone, you are responsible. But what does being responsible look like? What of intent? Impact? How do you repair the harm done?

Regardless, the word accountable is a great example of how language is a living thing. We breathe life into words every time we use them. But perhaps every now and then it might be wise to hold that breath and think about how we use them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my words and be a part of my writing journey. I hope this brought a little beauty into your day! ✨

What does “accountability” mean to you? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

And for the curious, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, accountable means:

1. Chiefly of persons (in later use also organizations, etc.): liable to be called to account or to answer for responsibilities and conduct; required or expected to justify one’s actions, decisions, etc.; answerable, responsible.

And you can peruse a very lengthy breakdown HERE.

Beige, industrial cinder blocks. Light green painted trim. Cold, grey cement floor. Industrial fluorescent lighting. Roof skylights. Long folding banquet tables covered in white tablecloths. It was not exactly the type of room you walked into and were awed. But that’s exactly what happened repeatedly at the San Francisco Annual Dahlia Show & Competition. As people stepped into the exhibit hall, there would be an audible “Oh, wow!” each and every time. Perhaps it was because the surroundings were so stark in contrast to the blooms standing patiently like little hosts, waiting to greet each attendee with their colorful cheer. But I think it was the undeniable beauty of the dahlias themselves.

Share

This was the Annual Dahlia Show’s 100th year, and the idea of going to a venue called “The Hall of Flowers” to stroll among the finest blooms cultivated by local growers truly seems like a vestige of the past. But the hall was packed with people of all ages and walks of life. People were taking selfies at special photo stations decorated with colorful dahlias. People were strolling with their cameras and phones, snapping pictures of the flowers from every angle. Botanists were giving talks about the history of the dahlia, how to grow dahlias, and what the Dahlia Society of California was all about. Growers were hovering near their flowers to talk with visitors about their blooms. Judges were circulating with clipboards, taking notes, and leaving comments.

There was a palpable friendly energy. Watching people, I honestly thought, “This is crazy incredible! All these people here for flowers!” My husband and I visit the park regularly and definitely make a point of going to the dahlia garden every year. But the energy around this event was on a whole other level. I wondered how this was possible in this day and age. Why were there so many people here? The event is free. So, it definitely shows that people like going to free things. But I really think it was more about the beauty. People are drawn to beautiful things.

And these flowers were absolutely gorgeous. They were so stunningly beautiful that they seemed fake. One couldn’t help but wonder about the time and care it took to grow them. How many hours of tending? Pruning? Getting the exact right soil chemistry? Watering? Nurturing? There are all kinds of rules, of course, that govern the competition and growing. But still, someone had to do it.

But why? Why would someone spend all that time and energy on one single flower?

John Keats sought beauty in life as a means of nurturing his soul. In his poem, “Ode to a Grecian Urn,” he writes, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” Contemplating his mortality, Keats understood that beauty is what makes life worth living. He understood the ephemeral nature of beauty. But also that as humans, amidst our own impermanence, if we seek to create something beautiful, we can capture something intangible that drives the human soul.

At the Dahlia Show, people were there to admire the blooms, for sure. But I would argue that the awe was inspired by the human growers, by their ability to nurture something into its most beautiful form. What if we all took the kind of care these growers did for the people in our lives? Our communities? Our homes? Our environment? Ourselves? Our work? What if that was how we spent our energy? Cultivating beauty.

Wouldn’t that be something to see?

Thank you for taking the time to read my words and be a part of my writing journey. I hope this brought a little beauty into your day! 🌸

What are some ways you see people cultivating beauty in your life? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

Ok — so this is a wee bit later than my usual posts. I really try to stick to my self-imposed deadlines, but this week’s takeoff was a little rocky. But, as they say — better late than never. It’s a bit ironic that I am late with this blog given the topic.

But earlier this week, as part of my MFA program, I had the opportunity and privilege to attend a lecture by author Tracey Baptiste on cultivating and maintaining a creative practice under pressure. There were so many valuable takeaways, but the whole topic really got me thinking about how we define productivity, set goals, and assign value to the work we do, whatever it may be. And…how much those things are tied to our daily routines and rituals.

Share

One of the most challenging shifts for me, both personally and professionally, was leaving my career as an educator to become a full-time writer. I have written about this transition before and the circuitous journey I took to get where I am today, but Baptiste’s lecture got me thinking about why that was so hard. I had spent my entire life in school. I had a very clear set of routines and rituals that set me up for a “productive” day. For context, if you’re interested, my teacher/admin schedule looked something like this:

Needless to say, weekdays were very scripted both in school and at home. Weekends were chores and all the various family and friend obligations. Sundays were usually grading papers and prepping lessons for the week.

Now, compare that to the shift to writing:

A big fat question mark. I had no idea how to set up my day to be successful as a writer. I had a litany of questions:

What time should I start writing each day?

How much should I produce in a day?

How much time do you spend “writing” versus researching?

How do you know when something is done? Or good enough?

Who am I accountable to?

When does my day end?

Where should I write?

You get the idea — I really didn’t understand all of the facets of being a writer. The learning. The craft. The networking. The business. The tools. The space. So, I dove in to learn. I researched, took classes, joined writing groups, and gradually started to figure out how it worked — kind of. But the routine? The rituals? They were all extremely different. Some people wrote in the morning. Some at night. Some on the computer. Some by hand. Some using Scrivener. Some using Word. Some measured by word count. Some by scenes. Some had critique groups. Some had editors. Some had writing groups.

What I found was that even as I began to understand the practice of writing, I was still struggling to figure out my routines and my practices for building a successful career doing this. Moving from a very scripted daily routine to one that was entirely flexible presented a whole new set of challenges. Luckily, I am not alone in facing this challenge. There are a lot of resources out there for people trying to figure out creative practice, which, in and of itself, is both overwhelming and comforting.

But in Tracey Batiste’s lecture this week, she focused on the part I have found most important —whether you are working in a creative realm or a more formal workspace—the individuality of the journey.

Each of us has our own set of routines, rituals, processes, and motivators that define our paths to feeling productive and satisfied with our work at the end of the day. They are as individual as we are. Here are some practices I have found useful in untangling this challenge for myself:

1. Be honest with yourself about what you want to achieve, big or small.

2. If your goal is big, break it down into realistically achievable parts.

3. Celebrate the little wins — small rewards can go a long way.

4. Know your physical and mental limitations. Taking breaks and shifting your energy is important.

5. Build up your stamina and momentum gradually, but then stick with it.

6. Your space, physically and mentally, matters.

7. When you fail (because we all do), take time to process it and show yourself some grace.

8. Remind yourself regularly what you enjoy about what you’re doing.

9. Avoid negative energy and people who belittle what you’re doing.

10. Take time to refill your well.

These may seem obvious — if that’s the case, “Kudos to you! You’re one smart cookie!” They are by no means an exhaustive list. But I have found these were the things I needed to consider to build the foundation for a meaningful writing practice. I am still a work in progress, but getting there one day, one word at a time.

Speaking of which…I hope something in this reflection rang true for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my words and be a part of my writing journey. I’m truly so grateful and glad you’re along for the ride! ✨

What are some routines and rituals that help you each day? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

Where did summer go??? The months of summer have flown by, and it hardly seems feasible that we are knocking on autumn’s door. July was packed for me personally – World Cup and holidays aside, we celebrated an anniversary, my husband’s birthday, traveled to spend time with family, and I submitted the first round of creative and critical work for my MFA program. Yet, aside from the unusual and everyday life stuff, finding some balance and escape is always important. So, hopefully you’ll find something in this month’s media roundup to provide a little respite in your own busy life. Enjoy!

Share

Adult Fiction

I’m delighted to say this month I found a perfect comforting escape in Ann Patchett’s Whistler. In the past I have enjoyed Ann Patchett, but admittedly her books aren’t always a “go-to” for me. But when this one was recently released, I could not ignore the heaps of praise it was receiving. It wasn’t your typical “buzz,” per se, but more an expression of deep admiration for her craft coming from the likes of people I revere, like George Saunders and Judy Blume. The story is reflective about family, life, and the small, seemingly inconsequential choices we make as individuals that chart our course. Brilliantly crafted, the story’s beauty lies in its compellingly honest characters, subtlety, and tone.

Adult Nonfiction

I don’t always recommend the nonfiction books I read for research and whatnot, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout-out to The Emerson Circle: The Concord Radicals Who Changed the World by Bruce Nichols. Cover aside (I don’t think the cover does the book justice), the book is a compelling examination of the lives of Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, and Bronson and Louisa Alcott and their network. I read the text as research for something I am writing, and was quite pleasantly surprised by how much of a page-turner it ended up being. The narrative is a compelling example of nonfiction storytelling weaving the personal aspects of the individuals’ lives, relationships, and philosophy into historical context. The book illuminates why the Transcendentalists were so influential and enduring, revealing them for the badasses they really were.

For other reviews, past and present, you can always check out my Goodreads account and follow me there.

Middle-Grade Fiction

This month’s #AngiesPeeks is Candace, the Universe, and Everything by Sherri L. Smith. This novel is a wildly imaginative and complex story of three generations of Black girls who are connected through a wormhole in a school locker. The story centers on 13-year-old Candace Wells, who opens her locker on the first day of 8th grade and is astonished when an unusual bird flies out. She then discovers an old notebook from 1988. Pursuing the mystery of the bird and the notebook connects Candace to two previous locker owners: Tracey Auburn (1988) and Loretta Spencer (1948), sparking an unusual friendship and setting the trio on a journey to solve the mystery of the locker, the universe, and everything. The novel is an engrossing journey of self-discovery and friendship centered around deeply compelling characters. It is perfect for young readers who are intellectually curious and love to ponder the bigger questions of life. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

My website features all past and present #AngiesPeeks reviews for young readers HERE. (My website has also recently been refreshed!)

Podcasts

No new podcasts to recommend this month, but I did really enjoy this interview on A Good Hang with Amy Poehler and Ann Lamott. Ann Lamott is such a legend in the world of writing — the interview covers a lot of ground, from her writing to her personal struggles to her faith. And Lamott’s trademark candor and sense of humor make it a very enjoyable and interesting listen.

Music

If you’re looking for a good last days of summer playlist, you might try Lazy Summer Days or Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer Radio.

Streaming

Being busy, we haven’t delved into a new series wholeheartedly recently, but I feel compelled to weigh in on the new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie on Netflix. Growing up, I loved and read all of the books and watched the television show both in prime time and reruns. I know I have a nostalgic attachment and was curious how I would feel about the new adaptation. Two-thirds of the way through, I haven’t quite decided entirely how I feel about the new show. As many reviewers noted, it addresses some of the historical and contextual issues with the books and original series. It is more accurate in its portrayal of the post-Civil War expansion, relationships with the Native populations, and actual financial problems driving the Ingalls family’s (and other settlers’) migration. But, on the flip side, there are inaccuracies in manipulating the girls’ ages, some of the events of the family’s history, and, in my opinion, the sentimental heart of the original show and texts is vacuous. In particular, the relationship between Mary and Laura is much more fraught with sibling rivalry, and the girls seem to behave in a more modern way than the originals. The new series hasn’t yet quite achieved the same balance between modernization and characteristic charm that remakes such as Anne with an E were able to achieve. But it is interesting…

Movies

Like everyone else looking for a blockbuster film this summer, we took in The Odyssey. It is definitely one to be seen on the big screen. I’m not sure that I have any great insights that haven’t already been put out there by the hundreds of opinion pieces written about this film. In a nutshell, though, it is everything you might want in a large-scale epic film and is likely to garner all kinds of accolades come award season. There is fantastic cinematography, a heavy-hitting cast with excellent acting, and a thousand-year-old tale of the human quest for purpose, forgiveness, and persistence/endurance. As far as takes on the classic epic tale, it definitely has a Christopher Nolan spin on it. The English teacher in me had some thoughts. But I believe it honors the text generally well and that one of the things about great enduring epic tales is that there is always room for new interpretations and retellings. It’s definitely worth the price of admission.

As per my nonfiction reading, I have been in a Transcendentalist rabbit hole. Did you know Thoreau was known among his friends as having a great sense of humor—like belly-laugh funny? Or that Louisa May Alcott’s nickname was “Louy”? Or that Emerson loved to tease Thoreau just to get him riled up about things? My poor husband…he bears the brunt of my ramblings, but it does all have a purpose.

Thank you for reading and supporting my writing. I’m so glad you’re here… and if you know someone who might also enjoy my quirky ramblings and recommendations, please share and encourage them to subscribe. ✨

What are you reading? Watching? Listening to? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

I’m ashamed to say, as a kid growing up in the U.S., California, no less, I rarely gave much thought to our neighbors up north. Mexican cuisine and culture were much more ubiquitous where I lived, and there was little about Canada that grabbed my attention beyond the 1988 Calgary Olympics and Niagara Falls. Then I married a Canadian (whose birthday 🥳 is today, by the way), and I suddenly needed to pay attention.

Now I have two children who are Canadian citizens and at least some understanding of Canada’s culture and history. But I fear most of the U.S. only considers Canada in the context of a neighboring nation that has been maligned by the current administration. Who would have ever figured that Canadians, who have a reputation for being so “nice” and “polite,” would actually boycott American goods and travel to the U.S.? The U.S. Travel Association noted that the decline in Canadian visitors to the U.S. generated a net loss of $4.5 billion for the broader U.S. economy. (Forbes 2026)

Share

Obviously, the current administration taking a wrecking ball to the relationship between the neighboring nations is terrible. But there is one silver lining…maybe more Americans will consider visiting Canada. American travel to Canada increased 5% in June, marking the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year increases. (Forbes 2026) Last week, we were among the many Americans who delighted in all Canada has to offer. Granted, we have made many trips to Canada over the years to visit family and friends. But if you haven’t considered going, here are a few reasons you should:

Nature abounds

Four years ago, our family of four took a trip on The Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff to experience the Canadian Rockies. The trip was incredible, but we didn’t feel we had enough time to explore Vancouver and Vancouver Island (specifically Victoria). This summer we decided to return to the West Coast for a week (my husband grew up in the Toronto area, so most of our trips in the past have been there). I’m so glad we did! We expanded our experience, hiking in the woods of Squamish, visiting a spectacular waterfall, taking in wildlife on a wonderful whale-watching excursion, and delighting in The Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens in Victoria. As a nation, there is so much spectacular natural beauty and wildlife to behold, and they want you to experience it.

Goodwill and Good Humor

There is a uniquely Canadian sensibility that lives up to their stereotype of being polite and kind. It’s not to say that there is no racism or any other number of ‘isms’ and problems, but in general, we have found over the years traveling throughout Canada that they are eager for you to have a good time and experience. This most recent visit was no exception. On our first evening, we went to dinner at Pinhalla, a pizzeria and pinball arcade. When the order took longer than expected, they comped our pinball tokens for the night. We had a blast! Another day, after chatting with our water taxi captain/driver, we experienced the Water Taxi Ballet. He told us quite proudly where we could best view the water show, and we assured him we would come and cheer. It was a sight to behold — unconventional fun! (See video below - credit: Robert Gascho) Canadians have a deep history of quirky humor and friendliness, which you are bound to encounter wherever you go.

Must-Tries for First Timers

And if you’ve never been to Canada, you might be asking yourself, “What are the musts?” And, like anything, depending on who you ask and which part of Canada you’re in, you will get different answers. But besides the natural beauty, there are a few things I would say are uniquely Canadian that first-timers should make a point to check out:

1. Experience the First Nations. Canada, like the U.S., has a complex history with its native people and colonialism. But there are many opportunities to learn about those First Nations and celebrate their culture. Seize those opportunities. The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center in Whistler was a particularly memorable experience for us, with storytelling, authentic crafts and singing, and a really well-curated museum.

2. Experience the British and French influences. From haunted ghost lore to high tea to the architecture to everything being written in English and French, there is much history and art from these two colonizers to learn about, experience, and understand.

3. Canadian cuisine has a myriad of influences and varies by region, much like any other nation. But some things are ubiquitous – Maple syrup and candies, Caesars (the unofficial Canadian beverage of choice), poutine, Nanaimo bars, Tim Hortons (a Canadian fast-food donut chain), my husband’s favorite Tiger Tail ice cream, and uniquely Canadian snack foods like ketchup chips, Smarties, and Coffee Crisp. Otherwise, indulge in the region's flavors. The meals are always hearty.

This is just a small taste of what Canada has to offer. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to experience many delightful aspects of Canadian culture and, obviously, have a particular fondness for the people. But if you’ve never considered visiting our northern neighbors, you should. What have you got to lose, eh?

Thank you, as always, for being here and taking a few minutes of your time to read my words. ✨

Feel free to wish my husband Rob a Happy Birthday or share any love for Canada 🇨🇦 in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

There is an episode of Friends, “The One Where Phoebe Runs,” wherein Rachel criticizes Phoebe for running weird. Phoebe defends herself by claiming she is running like a kid because she’s more “free” and that’s “the only way it’s fun.” Recently, I’ve found myself thinking about this episode a lot. In my creative life, I’ve been trying to free up my mind more and reconnect with the “fun” of reading instead of always reading with a purpose. As part of that, I’ve recently changed how I approach my afternoon walks.

Most days, for years now, I go on a walk in the afternoon. When I was teaching, it was a way for me to shake off the day's stress, listen to a podcast, and get some exercise. When I began writing full-time, the purpose remained pretty much the same. Sometimes the walk is errand-oriented. Sometimes I would connect with a friend, and we’d chat. To keep it interesting, I might change routes or venture to the coast or a different park. But the majority of the time, listening to a podcast and exercising were the “goal” of the walk.

But one day recently, I decided I wasn’t really in the mood for a podcast, music, meditation, or an audiobook; I just wanted to literally clear my head. I wanted to just walk. Initially, it was disorienting, but then I relaxed into it. I observed the wildlife in the park. I listened to the leaves in the wind. I observed the people walking like I always had, with a purpose – get your steps in, listen to a podcast, walk the dog. When I got home, my mind felt more relaxed than it had in a while.

So, I decided to do it again the next day. And the next. And the next. And an interesting thing started to happen. I started to lose myself in the walk. I still observed the wildlife, the people — especially the kids, the dogs, the sounds, etc. But I found my mind began to wander and imagine. I remembered long walks I would take as a kid with my friend, Joan, collecting things for our imaginary play. I remembered the walks I would take around our neighborhood, collecting aluminum cans and wondering what it would be like to have a million dollars. I remembered losing myself completely in the stories in my mind, imagining I was alone, hiking through the wilderness.

Then something shifted. I didn’t just “remember” the experiences of being a kid and fantasizing on the walk. I became a kid again on the walk. I became immersed in imagining, writing a story in my mind, lost to the rhythm of my feet moving seemingly on their own. It felt so liberating.

Share

Back at home, reflecting on the experience, I thought of Emerson describing a moment like this in his essay Nature:

Crossing a bare common, in snow puddles, at twilight, under a clouded sky, without having in my thoughts any occurrence of special good fortune, I have enjoyed a perfect exhilaration. I am glad to the brink of fear. In the woods too, a man casts off his years, as the snake his slough, and at what period soever of life, is always a child. In the woods, is perpetual youth.

There was no snow in my park. No twilight. But there was a moment where my mind became free, just like a child’s, and the walk became just “fun” as Pheobe said, or “the perfect exhilaration” as Emerson said.

The realist in me understands that this will not be my experience walking every single day. And there is certainly nothing wrong with walking with a purpose. But I find myself thinking about having and savoring more of these moments. Taking the time, freeing my mind, and simply walking like a kid. I wonder what you might discover if you allow yourself to wander?

I’m off next week to visit our kids in the Pacific Northwest, but I will be back the following week. Thank you, as always, for being here and taking a few minutes of your time to read my words. ✨

What were walks like when you were a kid? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

This week I was part of a conversation about reaching certain goals and the challenges of “getting there.” People were freely sharing their struggles and empathizing with one another. Then, one person declared quite passionately that “they were only reaching for the bottom rung of the ladder because if they got there, the only way they could go was up.” I’ll be honest, I was quite shocked. I’ve never been a reach for the bottom rung type of person, so this perspective really threw me. This person went on to explain that focusing on getting to the top of the ladder was paralyzing for them. So they could only focus on reaching the bottom and then moving forward from there.

Share

I understood not wanting to be paralyzed, but as the day went on, I just couldn’t shake the conversation from my brain. I found myself evaluating my approach to goal-setting. I have always approached setting goals by first identifying what I want and backward planning from there. From my perspective, I wanted to know where I was going. I have always figured if I knew that, then I could break it down step by step and figure out how to get there. I accepted road blocks, changes in direction, and failure as a part of the process, but have never considered not aiming high, or for the top rung of what I want. But was I missing something in approaching goals this way? Is it too prescribed? Too scripted? Too limiting?

On one hand, if you aim for something lower than you are capable of achieving, you potentially protect yourself from the risks and difficult emotions associated with failure. You can celebrate little wins and build confidence with each step. But on the other hand, you may never develop the grit and resilience to achieve that ultimate desire. You may never challenge yourself to reach heights you never knew you could reach. So ultimately, which would be more satisfying?

The more I thought about it, the more I wondered if reaching for “the bottom rung” could be more freeing. For instance, if I decide that my ultimate goal is a top-rung pursuit like being an A-List Movie Star and I backward-plan exactly how to get there, am I limiting myself to one path? What if being a character actor would be more satisfying for me? Or a stage actor? What if by always aiming for “the top rung,” I close myself off to opportunities along the way? But then, on the flip side, if I decide that my goal is a bottom-rung pursuit like getting any acting audition I can, am I limiting myself to what other people want and not necessarily satisfying my own desires? Or worse, not seeing my own potential and worth?

The world is riddled with clichés about achievement – “Reach for the stars,” “The sky’s the limit,” “One step at a time,” “You are enough,” etc. There is an entire industry and marketing machine built around what success looks like, telling us all how we can live our best lives. It capitalizes on two things: One, everyone’s desire to lead a happy, fulfilling life where they feel valued. And two, people’s insecurities about being able to do that, given they are “competing” with everyone else.

In the end, I was grateful for the conversation and the opportunity to reflect on what goal setting looks like. I was thankful for the different perspective because it allowed me to consider what I was doing and whether or not it was working for me. Ultimately, we all have to choose our own paths to leading a fulfilling, purposeful life. Individually, we must sit with success and failure and what that feels like. So, whether you reach for the bottom rung or the top rung, I think it may all depend on what those choices mean to you. For me, I’m going to keep reaching for the top rung. Not because it’s the best way, but because it is the best for me. It is what I find most interesting, most motivating, most fulfilling. And isn’t that really what success is all about?

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time and for reading my words. ✨

What are your thoughts on reaching for the bottom or top rung of the ladder? There is no right or wrong answer – I am just genuinely curious. I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

Oh my – July! World Cup. Canada Day. Independence Day 250. Bastille Day. Independence Day in Argentina and South Sudan. Heat Domes. Lots going on. Whether you’re traveling or trying to beat the heat at home, I hope this month’s recommendations offer a little respite — something new to consider, something to escape with, something to try. Enjoy!

Share

Adult Fiction

Sadly, the only Adult Fiction book I read this month, I actually hated. It is really rare for me to dislike a book so much. I read this book because it’s being talked about everywhere right now, but I found it contrived and a slog to finish. So we won’t dwell on that.

Instead…I’m going to recommend a brilliant YA non-fiction book, The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater. The book, which came out in 2017, is just as relevant now as it was then. It tells the true story of how two teens’ paths cross for minutes on the 57 bus ride home from school in Oakland, CA, and one reckless act leaves one burned and hospitalized and the other charged with two hate crimes. The story behind this fateful bus ride is brilliantly told, revealing the multifaceted nature of any single moment in the human experience. It is a profound lesson in empathy, the complexity of being a teenager, and the danger of a single story. It is a riveting page-turner, even if you know the news story behind the story.

For other reviews, past and present, you can always check out my Goodreads account and follow me there.

Middle-Grade Fiction

This month’s #AngiesPeeks is Alone in the Woods by Rebecca Behrens. This is a perfect summer book for young readers. The novel is the story of two longtime best friends, Alex and Jocelyn, in the midst of a friendship breakup, who become stranded in the woods. The girls have a huge fight before embarking on their families’ annual vacation to the Wisconsin Northwoods. When they are separated from their families during a rafting trip, Alex and Jocelyn are forced to work together to survive despite their friendship issues. Told from both girls’ perspectives, the story explores the challenges of evolving friendships and pairs the concept with a woodsy survival story. The tension between the girls is very relatable and real, and the “trapped in the woods” aspect is engaging and easy to imagine. All in all, a fun summer adventure novel. Recommended for ages 8-12.

My website features all past and present #AngiesPeeks reviews for young readers HERE. (My website has also recently been refreshed!)

Podcasts

This month, I have been deep into thinking about the art of storytelling. So, The Moth has been at the top of my podcast list. And they’ve dialed into the July energy with episodes on soccer and American Dreams.

Music

If you haven’t been able to get enough World Cup energy, the playlist is a fun way to tap into that. You might want to check it out!

Streaming

The final season of The Bear does not disappoint! It takes a page from The Pitt’s playbook, centering the entire season, with the exception of the very last episode, on one day. A lot of times, series finales can be disappointing, but there was something very satisfying in how this series took its final bow. As usual, the emotions run high, but there is also a great deal of humor woven through the season. There was a nice balance between resolved and unresolved issues that have been central to the storytelling since season one. The hardest part about the ending was letting these characters go.

Movies

Sorry to disappoint you, but I have not watched a single movie this month! Between my MFA Residency and a broken television for a couple of weeks, it just didn’t happen. Guess I’ll need to fix that in July!

Like the rest of the world, I’ve doubled down on the World Cup. It has been a joy to watch the world celebrate the crazy, wild ride of the games. We were lucky enough to score tickets to the Paraguay vs. Australia game, and just experiencing the energy of it all was fantastic. Here’s a small video clip from that day:

Thank you for reading and supporting my writing. I’m so glad you’re here… and if you know someone who might also enjoy my quirky ramblings and recommendations, please share and encourage them to subscribe. ✨

What are you reading? Watching? Listening to? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

A week ago, I wrapped up the first residency of my MFA program and have been in “processing mode” ever since. There were a myriad of inspiring readings, lectures, conversations, and challenges packed into a tight schedule of 8 AM to 8 PM programming for a full week. It was a test of endurance and commitment, as any new endeavor is. But it is a conversation over the very first lunch of the residency that I have found myself returning to repeatedly as I have reflected on the experience.

“So what does your ‘Ask Me’ say?” the kind stranger across from me asked.

I looked at her, clueless.

“On your nametag,” she clarified.

Sure enough, in fine print at the bottom of my nametag was a statement. (Lesson - always read the fine print) “Ask me about baking the Millennium Falcon,” I read. Now, I have no recollection of sharing this random bit of information. So immediately, my mind is reviewing all of the various forms, questionnaires, and essays in my application, trying to place when I would have revealed this. I got nothing.

But she waited along with my other two dining companions for me to tell the story. It was obviously an icebreaker technique; each of us had a question on our name tags. So, I shared my story, which, to my surprise, they found interesting. Then each of them shared their ‘Ask Me’ stories. Also interesting. And the technique worked; we all started chatting about different things, some related to the anecdotes we shared and some not.

Share

But the question, “Ask me about baking the Millennium Falcon,” kept resurfacing in my mind over the course of the week. There was a lot of discussion in the various lectures about harvesting stories from your experiences and why that was important for connecting with readers. The balance between writing fiction and crafting authentic emotion on the page became a recurring theme of the week. Obviously, somewhere along the way, I was asked to provide some piece of trivia about myself that no one would know, and I responded with this random bit about baking the Millennium Falcon. But we all have nuggets of randomness within us. Why was this the bit I chose to share? Why was it interesting?

The more I thought about it, the more I felt that questions like this one are at the center of connecting people. Why? They help us identify something unique about a person and peel back the layers to reveal something deeper. At this point, you’re probably wondering, “What is the story about baking the Millennium Falcon?” Here it is:

When my daughter was turning one year old, I had a vision of her birthday cake being shaped like a “1.” I went to a local bakery and asked if they could do that. And they wholeheartedly said, “Of course.” I gave them one of the invitations to her party as a reference, ordered the cake, and didn’t give it a second thought. The day of the party, when I picked up the cake, I was heartbroken. It looked horrible. It was covered in crumbs and looked like something a young child had made rather than something an experienced baker had made. But I had no other cake, had a houseful of people, and no time. So I did my best to cover up the flaws with some random flowers and choke down my disappointment.

But I vowed I would never have a bad birthday cake for my child again.

Unfortunately, I did. Two years later, when it came time for my youngest’s first birthday, history somewhat repeated itself. This time, I was hesitant to order a cake, but I found myself with no choice. My mother had been in the hospital for over a month, and as I was juggling life, I found I had no time to bake a cake. My mother was determined to be released in time for her grandchild’s first birthday, and, sensing my stress, my sister-in-law kindly volunteered to get me a cake. Once again, I gave her an invitation to give to the baker for reference. She knew of a place that specialized in making amazing-looking cakes for parties. She had never tried them, but how bad could it be? Well, the cake looked amazing, but tasted like cardboard.

Again, I vowed never to have a bad birthday cake again.

And that’s when the affliction of “if you want something done right, do it yourself” took over. I registered for a class through the Rec Department and learned how to decorate cakes. Things started with simple, charming designs. But the more I baked, the more excited the kids got, and the more fun I had. Eventually, it became a thing for them to imagine their cakes. I found it all so fulfilling and rewarding. No matter how long it took me or how heavy my workload was, I lost myself in the art and joy of baking the cake.

Over the years, there were cakes shaped like a train, a slumber party, a rainbow, the cover of Twilight, the Temple of Doom, and, of course, the Millennium Falcon.

So why is this interesting? The story is less about the cake-baking than about what it reveals about me. It shows the love I have for my children and my desire for them to have happy memories and experiences. But it also illustrates how I had to learn, as a parent, that you can’t make the world perfect for your kids; there will be disappointments. It reveals that I am determined, a perfectionist, and a learner. But also, that joy is important to me, and that when life throws you curveballs, I believe you have to try to create the world you want – even with the little things, like cake.

Now, whether or not my dining companions thought of any of that, I’ll never know. But they related to something authentic in my story. When I think about a week centered on the art of telling stories, sometimes when we unearth these little gems, they connect us in ways we could never have known. And isn’t that what storytelling is all about? Connection. That’s the real icing on the cake.

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time and for reading my words.

What is your ‘Ask Me About’? I’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments!

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

In case you missed these:

Share

This is my 100th blog post. It comes at an interesting juncture for me, as I officially begin my MFA in Writing for Young Readers today. If you had told me five years ago that I would be living back in San Francisco, writing full-time, and going to grad school for the third time, I would have laughed and said, “Yeah, right.” But here I am.

So, while many writers may not consider a 100th blog post worth noting — I do. Just the fact that I can now call myself a writer has been a huge hurdle. When I think about the personal journey to get here, to this moment, I recognize how much my perspective has shifted over these last five years.

Share

When I began my career in education, I could only envision myself being a teacher. I stepped into my first classroom at the age of twenty-one, and was all too aware that I was a mere 3-5 years older than my students. But growing up, all my heroes, both in fiction and in life, were teachers. So I dedicated myself fully to being the absolute best educator I could be. It was a hard career with plenty of ups and downs, but I was in it for the long haul. I was energized by the continual learning and interaction with my students.

Then, I hit an unexpected crossroads. I was working as an administrator with a new doctorate in organizational change and leadership when COVID hit. It was the perfect storm. I found myself literally hating my job, navigating unsavory political dynamics in and out of the classroom, and questioning my sense of purpose. Some might call it a midlife crisis, and maybe it was. But all I knew was that I needed to change directions.

At the same moment, my husband and I sold our home of the past 16 years and rented an apartment to figure out what was next. We both knew it was time for something new, but we weren’t sure what that looked like. Together we stepped back to try and figure things out. Where did we want to live? How could he keep his career moving forward while I figured out what to do with mine?

I was too young to retire, but for the first time in my life I had no idea what I wanted to do. I wasn’t alone. I knew plenty of people changing direction. So I joined them and leaned into what I did know. I started writing academically. I did contract work educating teachers in tech use. I volunteered. I attempted a start-up, and failed. But none of these was quite right.

After many long walks on the beach, travel to potential new places to live, and heartfelt discussions, my husband and I agreed we wanted to move back to San Francisco. We wanted to immerse ourselves in city life, downsize our living space, and travel. It was a step forward, but didn’t solve my career quandary.

So we moved. And in that process of letting go of a deep professional network, I was forced to really commit to something I had been secretly harboring in my heart for quite a while — writing.

In my transition period, I volunteered for an organization called Poetic Justice, co-facilitating poetry classes for incarcerated women. When we were conducting a unit on children’s literature and sharing what we had written, the participants told me, “You should be writing for kids.”

Something clicked. I had never allowed myself to really consider writing creatively, let alone for children. It seemed too impossible. But those women saw something in my writing that could benefit kids, and I am forever grateful to them.

Now it was time to figure out how to be a writer. I knew nothing. The next four years became a circuitous journey of reading, taking classes, attending workshops, going to conferences — basically self-educating myself in a new career. This Substack has been a significant part of that journey. It began as an experiment somewhere along the way of trying to find my voice as a writer, but has evolved into a space where I can reflect and connect.

100 is a lot of essays. For me, it feels like a significant milestone along my path as a writer. So cheers to 100! Thanks for accompanying me on the journey, and wish me luck as I formally embark on Career #2.

Thank you for taking a few minutes of your time to read my words. ✨

As always, I welcome your insights and encourage you to join the conversation in the comments.

ⓒ Angie Gascho 2026. All rights reserved.

A few of my favorites:

Share

Twelve months ago, when the San Francisco Symphony released the upcoming 2026 schedule of events, my husband and I perused the calendar to select three or four performances to attend. Intent on expanding our cultural horizons and taking advantage of the diverse experiences our city offers, we were ecstatic to find that Yo-Yo Ma was on the schedule. They…

Read more

Hello Readers, Friends, Supporters!

Summer is definitely in the air. In San Francisco, that brings fog while the rest of the world heats up. Nevertheless, the desire for some summer reading, travel, or other adventures definitely amps up. Next week, I’ll be diving into some more summer-related topics. But, as you prepare for your vacation or staycation i…

Read more

A few weeks ago, my husband went to a conference and came back all fired up and energized. Connecting with people and learning had sparked several new approaches to his work, and he was eager to jump in and apply them. The mantra at the center of the conference was “Reject Average.” He even came home with a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase. The funny …

Read more

Bouquets of flowers for moms and grads. Caps flying in the air in jubilation. Diplomas dispersed. Mugs of appreciation for teachers and nurses. Rings and vows exchanged. Moving vans on the go. Flags unfurled in memorial. There is a restless energy to May that is unique. For years, I have fondly referred to it as “Mayhem” because it always feels like the…

Read more

It is an unspoken assumption that if you are an English teacher, you harbor a secret desire to write a book. A Mr. Holland’s Opus, stuffed away in a drawer, a secret file on your computer, that will emulate the literary greats you teach. But the imagined manuscript only makes r…

Read more

Hello Readers, Friends, Supporters!

I can’t believe a month has passed since I wrote a list of recommendations. I don’t know if it has been the same for all of you, but 2026 has been flying by at warp speed in our home. I have been particularly busy editing and revising my middle-grade novel. I have shifted directions a number of times, but finally feel …

Read more

It’s that day of the year again – Independent Bookstore Day! Bibliophiles everyw…

Read more

There is no more persistent question in humankind than “What is the meaning of life?” Life is full of curiosities inspiring wonder. What is that? How does that work? Why is it here? Why am I here? What is my purpose? But at the heart of all these questions lies a deeper, more persistent nagging – What’s the point of it all?

Share

As we get out of bed in the mo…

Read more

On March 19, 2026, the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford released the results of its annual World Happiness Report. For the fifth consecutive year, Afghanistan ranked last among the 147 countr…

Read more

Hello Readers, Friends, Supporters!

I’m so glad you’re here. I saw a bit online this week where people in Annapolis, Maryland, were burning their socks to mark the change of season. Who knew this was a thing? They enjoy an oyster roast, burn their winter socks, and take in the coastal view. While temperatures are definitely much milder here, budding and …

Read more