Wednesday, August 9, 2026
Welcome, all. September is finally here, but it still feels like August… and July… and June… and half of May. Here, that’s how long it’s been since we had a break from the ultra-hot days.
Daphne: Yummy Human, are you complaining about the hot weather again? Cut it out. I’m not going to listen to it. You’re interrupting my bath.
Ahem… As I was about to say, the Scoobies are helping with another installment of Dan Antion‘s “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” (CFFC). Dan asked the multi-part question, Where, What, and When do you LISTEN? For our response, the Scoobies and I are going to limit this listening to audiobooks.
Where?
Daphne: Yummy Human listens to audiobooks at the kitchen table when takes her lunch break. She likes to listen while she eats. With audiobooks, she doesn’t have to juggle food and turn pages like with a regular book.
Velma: I like to have a bite while Yummy’s listening too. CHOMP!
But she re-listens to books at night when she’s trying to go to sleep, or back to sleep, or back-back-back to sleep. I know she’s almost finished with book-5 “Gator Bait.” But sometimes during the night she plays book-1, “Louisiana Longshot.”
Ouch, Velma! But you’re right, Scoobies. My C-PTSD makes it difficult for me to watch, read, or listen to new stories, because I have so many triggers. I get a lot of anxiety just trying to start a new story. So I re-enjoy things that are the watching/listening equivalent of comfort food. A couple of my go-to listens during the night are Nathan Lowell’s “The Wizard’s Butler,” and “Stop Panic Attacks” (sleep hypnosis) by Joel Thielke.
What
Daphne: Yummy Human says she likes “cozy” books, but I think some cozies are fantasy and other kinds, not just mysteries. I wish she’d re-listen to book-2 of Nathan Lowell’s fantasy series. I really liked “The Wizard’s Cat.” Or any of “The Cat Who” series by Lilian Jackson Braun.
All of those are worth a re-listen, Scoobies. A lot of experts are saying that having stories read to you builds a stronger vocabulary, improves listening comprehension, and reduces stress. It also helps develop empathy and emotional intelligence.
Mental and Cognitive Growth
- Boosts active listening skills and focus.
- Expands word knowledge beyond everyday speech.
- Strengthens brain areas linked to visual imagery and memory.
- Makes complex plots and ideas easier to understand.
Emotional and Social Well-Being
- Lowers stress and promotes relaxation.
- Builds empathy by showing how characters feel and react.
- Creates a safe space to explore difficult feelings.
- Deepens personal connections and trust between the listener and the reader.
Velma: Okay, Yummy. I’m snuggled down and ready to listen to a story. But you’d better hurry up and start playing it, because I have a yen to chomp your toe.
Thanks for visiting. Friendly comments are welcome. Hugs.
♣ ♣ ♣
Naturally, the obligatory shameless self-promotion must be included.
Brother Love – a Crossroad
Strange things abound in a small 1950s town. It’s a cozy, magic realism story, filled with mystery and music.
Universal Purchase Links
Kindle: relinks.me/B07V25SXFR
Paperback: relinks.me/107952309X
♣ ♣ ♣
This blog is entirely human-written. Furthermore, the author expressly prohibits any entity from using this publication for purposes of training AI technologies to generate text. No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author, or used with permission, or from free sources.
Copyright © 2026 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
Teagan's Books 
I know that chomping feeling all too well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL, with your (beautiful) clowder of cats, I’m sure you do! Velma’s chomps rarely hurt — she’s so funny with it. But I try not to let Daphne see that, because her love bites do hurt. Just when I thought I had gotten her out of it, she’s started trying again… Have a thriving Thursday. Hugs. 🤗
LikeLike
I have one book I’ve bought from Audible, PIRANESI by Susanna Clarke, which I’ve listened to multiple times. I also have a copy of the paperback which I’ve read multiple times. Since I don’t know what your triggers are, I can’t recommend it. It involves kidnapping and gaslighting, but it’s actually glorious and liberating (to my mind). I get most of my audiobooks from Chirp, which is much cheaper than Audible. They even have Freebie Fridays!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Marian. I have not heard of Chirp. Thanks for the info. Have a good rest of the week. Hugs. 🤗
LikeLike
Hi Teagan, I also listen to tons of audiobooks and I also listen to ebooks using Speechify. TC, dear man, bought me both contracts (Audible and Speechify) and they are the best gifts after my Kenwood. I am a good listener and I do attribute it to all my book listening. I rarely relisten though. Mind you, I am relistening to the Hibbit with Michael on our morning University run. Michael listens to books for comfort in the manner you have described. He loves the Hobbit and LotR. Mom also relistens especially while resting. Just like you 💙
LikeLiked by 3 people
The audiobooks I play at night are a way of preventing my brain from getting stuck in PTSD memories, so that I can go to sleep. I choose something I already know, so that I don’t stay awake caught up in the story, but rather get lulled by the voice keeping my mind in a safe place. LOL even though that “safe place” might have a life-sucking magic amulet, or old ladies acting like secret agents!
Robbie, your posts mentioning Audible are what got me curious and then involved in their service. I enjoy it very much, so thank you. 😍. They’re having another 2 for 1 sale, and I just added another Agatha Raisin book to my cart. Hugs. 🤗
LikeLike
I’m glad I helped you find Audible. I just love audio books. My mom used audio books to relax the same way you do. She suffers from anxiety. I’m glad this works for you. That is a great thing 🤗💓
LikeLiked by 1 person
Teagan, you are lucky you can do something and an audio book… even if you listen twice. I have tried audio books, but they don’t work. I just focus on whatever else I’m doing. They become a sort bg music.
Yes… the biting of the foot works for me. I can hardly wait until Mischa begins foot biting.
I noticed Agatha Christie in your mix. Love her stories. There’s nothing like a good mystery to knock me out, and nothing does it faster than putting on an old B&W Perry Mason.
Thanks for the neat post! HUGS
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks, Resa — it was fun to post on a new topic. I had forgotten your fondness for Perry Mason. 🙂 Yes, I’ve re-read/listened to several Agatha Christie books in the few years that I’ve had Audible. (Of course I have to buy the subscription, but it includes a huge library… although those books don’t always stay free, they rotate them.) They usually have several of hers in the “free” library, and I’ve used my monthly “credits” (that also come with the subscription) to buy a few of hers too. “Cards on the Table” was a nice surprise — a Christie book that I had never read. I was interested because the big review authority powers that be (whomever they are) say it is not as good as her other books. Frankly, I liked it a lot. It had more… “thriller” elements added to the mystery than she usually writes, and I guess the demigods of reviews didn’t like that… Anyhow, thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs and purrs to you and Mischa.
LikeLike
I always have a favorite murder mystery ready for when I can’t sleep. It is just like comfort food. (K)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Kerfe. Isn’t it though! I keep thinking that it’s funny how murder and such things can be comfort and even sleep-inducing when they’re in the right kind of book. 😀 But it’s true. Hercule Poirot is mac & cheese. Agatha Raisin is mashed potatoes. Big hugs.
LikeLike
I see several Agatha Christie books on your “comfort rereading list.” I’ve done the same thing with Agatha Christie novels. Also Raymond Chandler (I love Raymond Chandler!)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Liz. Yes, Audible has several Christie books in the library that comes with the subscription — meaning I don’t have to spend the monthly accrued credit to get them (although sometimes I do if what I want isn’t free). I’ve actually found a couple of hers on Audible that I had not read — a double treat. You know… I’ve never read Raymond Chandler. I should remedy that. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Raymond Chandler is one of my favorite prose stylists.
LikeLike
I have re-read several books that I’ve really enjoyed too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You know? If I enjoyed something once, why shouldn’t I repeat that enjoyment? 😀 Have a splendid rest of the week, Deborah. Hugs.
LikeLike
I love re-reading books I’ve enjoyed, Velma and Daphne are so cute.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Re-reading is like a safe haven to me, Fraggle. And there’s the added bonus of re-enjoying the book again. 😀 Many thanks for joining us. Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely and comforting post, Teagan. I really enjoyed Daphne and Velma’s contributions! There’s something special about returning to familiar stories they can feel like old friends when we need a little comfort. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful perspective on listening and the joy of audiobooks. Hugs to you and the Scoobies! 📚🐾❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Mirhan. I’m happy you enjoyed this. Yes, a story (book, audio, or TV show) that I already know is like a safe place for me to visit. Somewhere that I don’t have to be anxious that something bad will happen. Thanks for joining Daphne, Velma, and me. Hugs and purrs.
LikeLike
Re-reading (listening) is a great way to handle stress, Teagan. Having the Scoobies handy to help must be soothing too. Not sure about the bites though. I once hear of a guy who hurt his leg so he shot himself with a nail gun. “Took my mind of the leg pain,” was his reason. Maybe a Scoobie toe bite is in the same category. Hoping you have a lovely balance of the week.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! I have experienced one pain taking my mind off another pain, John. Although I didn’t do it deliberately, and happily no nail gun was involved. 😅 Yes, the Scoobies are my flashlights in the dark forest of life. Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Teagan, I agree with you about audiobooks. They allow us to enter a narrative in a different way. I still love turning the pages of a book, and I enjoy my Kindle, but when I want to become completely immersed in a story, audiobooks are often the best choice for me. There is something about being read to that I find deeply calming. The voice, the pacing, the rhythm of the words. All of it creates a sense of tranquillity. Perhaps they are not for everyone, but for me, audiobooks have become another wonderful way of reading. And I LOVE re-reading my favourite books. Sending many hugs on speedy wings to you and the Scoobies!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Rebecca. Yes, “The voice, the pacing, the rhythm of the words” is all-important for me to fully enjoy an audiobook. The wrong narrator can completely ruin it for me. I actually used an Audible “credit” for one that I still think I’d like the story, but the narrator just wasn’t working for me. If I have some purpose beyond losing myself, then the narrator doesn’t matter. The same for nonfiction — narrator not so important for me then.
I adore the narrator of “The Cat Who” books. Also, Stephen Fry could read the phone book and I’d be happy. I actually stumbled upon his narration of the first Harry Potter book on YouTube this week.
Penelope Keith who narrated most of the “Agatha Raisin” books absolutely makes that character for me.
Tom Taylorson, who is the voice for The Wizard’s Butler series has a wonderful soothing voice that I love. Anyhow, thanks for joining us. I appreciate your conversation. Hugs and purrs from the Scoobies and me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Despite having a TBR pile the size of Everest, I understand the desire to reread something I enjoyed. I need to think more about listening in times when I can’t easily read. I’m glad the Scoobies are there to help you figure this all out.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So am I, Dan. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Thanks for reading and commenting. Hugs and purrs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve never gotten into audiobooks because Hubs is a big time chat box. But I have had the pleasure of a bite from an orange cat!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha! Velma’s “chomps” rarely hurt, and she’s adorable. Daphne’s, on the other hand do… So it’s taken a lot of patient discussion. I used to never use audiobooks, but as my vision has gotten worse, I’ve come to enjoy them. Hugs and purrs. 🤗. 😽😽
LikeLiked by 1 person
Garfield’s chomps are always painful, so I have to beware! I have listened to an audiobook when I was driving on my own, but now that we have only one car and I rarely head out on my own, another opportunity down the drain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand your comfort in revisiting prior listening material, especially when trying to take care in what content you engage with. In the last couple of years, I have gotten into various podcasts on movies, shows, and sports while I am on my PC. At times, some of them are so good I will revisit them for another listen after the fact. I have not ventured much into audio books, but I am sure if I did I would enjoy them now that I am totally conditioned to have audio surrounding me most of the day. I also have been watching old TV series like The X-Files, Monk, and Psych from time to time at night…they are familiar and relaxing…while also entertaining. Sounds like Daphne already has some books in your queue lol. Hugs to you and the Scoobies, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Bruce. Yes, I have “comfort TV” series too. I watch them so much that eventually I have to put them away for quite a while. Psych and Monk are among them, The Mentalist, Poirot… I had to find fresh stuff to wear out, LOL. Lately it’s Castle and the Agatha Raisin TV series (which is vastly different from the books). Sadly, a lot of shows, books, and music that I used to love are now too triggering, and I have an amount of grief about that, but it is what it is. I used to be hugely good with silence (I actually needed it), but not as much now. That carousel of non-stop PTSD memories gets in the way.
Anyhow, before investing in an Audible subscription (although I love mine), I you might try a few audiobooks on YouTube — they have a lot of complete audiobooks. For example, here’s a link to the 11 hour audio of Terry Goodkind’s “Wizard’s First Rule” (The Seeker).
Wizard’s First Rule #1 by Terry Goodkind | The War Between Good and Evil Begins | AudioBook
Thanks for joining us. Hugs and purrs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Scoobies are the best helpers, Teagan. Sophie and Chloe are helping me with the packing. They check out all the boxes before I add the contents. Seriously, I have worn these cats out for over a week now. I’m almost done packing. We’re still waiting to hear when the closing dates are. The holiday threw a wrench into the workings. Have a lovely week. 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Colleen. I didn’t know you were moving. Will you still be Colorado? Yes, cats are terrific at packing! 😸 The Scoobies haven’t experienced that, so they are a little jealous. Good luck with the closing. Hugs and purrs. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to see the Scoobies helping out with your post! I also re-read books that have become favorites over the years. And thank goodness for my Kindle so I can see what I’m reading better than the little print in books. I’ve listened to a few being read, too. Happy Wednesday! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Barbara. I’m the same way about my Kindle — it’s so much easier to read on it. Hugs and purrs. 🤗 😻😽
LikeLiked by 2 people
A lovely post with Daphne and Velma’s invaluable assistance, of course. I try to listen to audiobooks (or book-to-text versions of books) while I do chores or keepfit, but it depends on my mother’s schedule and how much me-time I have. I am aware of your difficulties with new books (I know you’re not alone with triggers and subject-matters), and I think your strategy of relistening to audiobooks you have already read is very good. Thanks for all the information about the benefits of listening to stories. I keep reading news about children having poor understanding of what they read, and I am sure listening to stories and reading with their parents would be very helpful. Have a lovely week, dear Teagan. Big hugs and love to the Scoobies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi, Olga. I’m delighted that you could join us. I hope you are well. Hugs and purrs back to you. 🤗 😻😽
LikeLiked by 1 person