Here’s my second installment of my new recurring blog post about “Things Worth Sharing.”
This month I’ve included what I’m watching, learning, and enjoying lately—from a new documentary and Mahjong lessons to beautiful blooms. I hope you find these finds of interest.
Reader feedback
I appreciate everyone’s feedback from my initial “Things Worth Sharing.”
Reader F shared advice about how to navigate the Libby library app. Here are her tips: “I’m also reading The Calamity Club and loving it. I’m actually listening via Libby. Some libraries allow you to change the loan period from 2 weeks to 3 weeks, so check that out if it’s an option for you.”
Reader S suggested that I include suggestions from readers. If you would like to share something that you enjoy and you think other boomer women would like to know about – please leave a comment or email me and I’ll be happy to share and of course credit you with your find — or perhaps interview you about your experience.
What I’m watching right now
I just watched a preview of the film This Ordinary Thing, which was nominated for the Cinema for Peace Dove for Documentary of the Year at the 2026 Cinema for Peace Awards in Berlin.
This Ordinary Thing tells the story of non-Jews who helped save Jewish people across Europe during The Holocaust. “The film combines never-before-seen archival footage with the testimonies of over forty different people who, operating independently and at great risk to themselves and their families, saved thousands of Jewish strangers from almost certain death.
“This Ordinary Thing” tells the story of ordinary people who saved Jewish people during The Holocaust
I found the film to be very emotional. As the producers say, “It is a reminder of “the goodness that can rise in a sea of evil when everyday people help others who are “different” from them.”
Notably, none of the people featured in the film thought of themselves as heroes. And yet the film, with immense contemporary resonance, causes each of us to ask ourselves “What would I have done?”
In the film, some of the world’s great actors narrate excerpts translated from the original transcripts. The cast includes Helen Mirren, F. Murray Abraham, Carrie Coon, Jeremy Irons, Ellen Burstyn, and Stephen Fry.
The film is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Learning mahjong
After many months of searching for a beginner class on mahjong (to constant soldout classes), I finally began American mahjong lessons earlier this month. I was excited when two members of my 55+ community offered to teach newbies.
I ordered the large 2026 mahjong card (for better viewing with aging eyes) from The National Mah Jongg League and kicked off my lessons in early June. Overall I like the game. It works my brain — although it’s challenging to remember the rules from the Charleston passes, to selecting a particular run, and then knowing which tiles to throw out and which to keep for mahjong.
@themahjongteacher provides mahjong tips to help newbie players
Unfortunately my mom’s vintage mahjong set is missing key tiles. So I just ordered an inexpensive one from Amazon to practice on. I’ve also been reading The Little Book of MAHJONG which explains how to play, score, and win. In addition, I started following @themahjongteacher on Instagram. She offers helpful tips.
Do you play mahjong? What do you like about the game? Do you play online? If so where do you play online? Any tips to share, send them along!
Little delights that bring joy
I love flowers and even though I have a brown thumb I enjoy planting flowers in my flower pots during the spring and summer months. My flower pots sit outside my office window and bring me joy every day.
That may be why when the nice publicist from Hachette Books sent the new Beautiful Blooms Wrapping Paper Book to me I knew I wanted to share it with my readers.
“Beautiful Blooms Wrapping Paper Book” is from the social team from Flower Press Studio
The book was created by Rachel Parri and Keith Kralik from @FlowerPressStudio. It includes a curated collection of stunning wrapping paper sheets featuring original pressed flower designs. Along with 25 matching gift tags and stickers, this wrapping paper book is brimming with gorgeous florals.
It truly is such a beautiful book that I don’t want to pull the wrapping paper out to wrap presents. In fact, I’ve been thinking about using the sheets to cover boxes, use as mattes for framing photos or possibly frame some of the wrapping papers to hang in my office.
The book is available from Hachette Book Group.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, check out Flower Press Studio’s website too. Rachel and Keith sell other items like phone cases and puzzles and also teach courses on how to press flowers.
Speaking of wrapping paper, that about wraps up my “Things Worth Sharing” for now.
Best wishes for a Happy July 4th!
Judi
