iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Surprise after the storm. Wondered why a Rose of Sharon flower in veggie garden. A closer look shows an okra flower with creamy yellow petals and deep maroon center. Must have been others bc we've eaten six okra by now. Turns out two plants come from same family as hibiscus. #writersofbluesky

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I read ODESSA by Gabrielle Sher during the Days of Awe and found it meaningful. It took place in early 1900s when Jews in Russian shtetls experienced horrific pogroms. 3 men used prayers & rituals to save a daughter who was killed. In creating a golem, their magical meddling went very wrong.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Tonight’s wonderful discussion of @barbjoss.bsky.social’s newest novel THE PAPER HOUSE with author Marcia Bradley fascinated a packed audience, many in Barbara’s writing courses and writing groups. Her stories inspired everyone to read this 10th novel and write letters to people in their lives.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Thank you for sharing this Chinese Proverb, Avi Wortis, author of A Great Crisis on Substack and many other books. A marvelous analogy! #booklovers #writing #writingcommunity #writer #writingaboutgardening #writersofblueskies

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Great fun to meet one of my West Coast writing/critique partners Lizzie Maxwell in Summit, NJ today! After many months & years of meeting together online, first time inperson. Conversation flew as hours whisked by. So worth driving Labor Day weekend! Hope you enjoyed wedding and seeing family.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Jodie Sadowsky's A SUKKAH FOR BELLA is a sweet nonfiction easy reader. Bella feels left out until she shows her family how to make decorations for Sukkah. Photographs capture marvelous interactions. The Lovevery book serves as a mirror and window into a Jewish family’s preparation and celebration.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The main character in my historical/women's fiction novel was detained at Ellis Island in 1903 after making the perilous journey across the ocean from Eastern Europe to America. After eight days, her hoped-to-be fiance´ met her at the immigration center.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

It's time for 2 occasions to sync. Basil grows full, gigantic, shiny leaves. Red, plump, tomatoes pumped out. Pick enough to give flavorful sauce. Smell when cutting or tearing. Aroma fills kitchen, first floor, upstairs, out windows. Fragrant smells from PM thru AM announcing it's that time again.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

What was seen on driver's window today? Spotted lantern fly held on tight despite 25, 40, 55 m.p.h. "If it's still on window when we get off the exit, we'll stop." When we pulled into a parking lot, thinking about taking a photo. Hitchhiker lost its red glow and turned gray. What amazing suction!!!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Another beautiful picnic day! Lunch? Fresh mozarella and tomato open-faced sandwiches on pumpernickel and raisin bread. Dessert? a juicy peach! All wonderful until THE GNATS came out, and it was time to move on to another spot. #summer #getaway #gnats #writingcommunity #writersofblueskies See less

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

What a discovery to see these metal letters pressed into a concrete sidewalk! They tell part of the story in my adult historical/women's fiction novel with magical realism. The novel follows a young woman whose hand was crushed during a childhood accident at the time of pogroms in Eastern Europe.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Meet Oliver Okra, a veggie face made from veggies grown in my garden. Move them around. Garden art is a way for kids and adults to have fun and eat vegetables. Eat them raw, sauteed, steamed, fried, grilled, or however you like. Please share examples of faces, which you or your children have made.

Meet Oliver Okra, a veggie face made from veggies grown in my garden. Move veggies around to make different faces or designs. Veggies can be bought in the store too. Garden art is a way for kids to have fun and eat vegetables. Eat them raw, sauteed, steamed, fried, grilled, or however you like. Please share any examples of faces or designs that you or your children have made. #vegetables #foodart #writingaboutgardening #writer

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Greatly enjoyed @barbjoss.bsky.social's WWII historical novel THE SECRET ORPHANAGE @bookouture.bsky.social 2025. My heart raced as I worried about abandoned baby, keeping Jewish children safe from approaching Nazis. The librarian, romantic settings, and strong French people intrigued me. Read it!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

To my surprise this okra pod measured five inches, a bit long for most. A scissors and gentle twist eased it off the stem. Appreciate the informative responses people shared. Before I slice, dice, and cook it, I intend on using it in some garden art. Must wait until the heat breaks though!!!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

@selenearkadia.bsky.social, thank you again. I'm thinking of cutting it widthwise. ·

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Thanks @selenearkadia.bsky.social. You sound like an expert. I certainly wouldn't want them to taste "woody." ·

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Never grew okra before. Does anyone know how long it should stay on vine or how to tell if it is mature? #okra #garden #writingaboutgardening #WritingCommunity

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Excellent read! Reyna Gentin's novel JESSICA HARMON HAS STEPPED AWAY leads rdr in exploration of relationships and helps you cope with findings. Loved writing, characters, settings, motivation, and external internal dialogue enabling this strong/vulnerable woman pursue next steps. Bravo, Reyna!!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I want to remember today. A day of swimming until leaving is a must. A day of tomato and mozzarella sandwiches until the baguette ends. A day of sharing scoops of raspberry chocolate chip frozen yoghurt. A day when taking off a hat in public feels okay. A day when worries blow out to sea. Today.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Nothing compares to cool, overcast skies. Familiar scenes look nicer. You remember— breathe better. Even packed breakfast is tastier. You walk up and down rocks, staying long enough 'til mosquitoes chomp at legs & arms. You buy rubbing alcohol, get on highway before rains hit, and plan a return.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

Couldn't you just watch ducks forever? Stepping back on land and lining up to return doesn't interest me as much their swimming. Wonder how many historical fiction authors include scenes of ducks in their novels? #writers #writerslife #writingcommunity #ducks #ducklings #pond #historicalfiction

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The best way to encourage others to read is through word of mouth, @bookouture.bsky.social!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Congrats author Rebecca Wolf who spoke in Tulane at @hadassahorg.bsky.social New Orleans' Power & Ethics of Transplant Medicine panel discussion! Author seen here sharing humorous anecdote related to her book ALIVE & BEATING. #writingcommunity #writer #writing Sarah Lawrence College Writing Inst.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Nothing could be more relaxing after swimming & exercising than reading @barbjoss.bsky.social's historical WWII novel The Secret Orphanage. A good read that captures your heart as her books do! Love the dual timeline, superb page turns, and strong people in French village. @bookouture.bsky.social

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

A bunny came to porch & listened. Rushed to hydrangeas, hopped under the car, & returned. Is this the same rabbit who chewed a metal fence & dug another giant hole? Or a squirrel? raccoon? a bear cub? Since the first tomato spotted, I picked it just in case. Used for garden art but too rusty 2 post.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

When a writer friend of mine expressed her sympathies, I shared how I wasn't prepared for the intrusion. How ironic that I was rereading my novel for the sudden attack in the village the night before, not that they're equivalent by any means. My garden has many parallels. Has that happened any of u?

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Savvy smart strong animals dragged away 3 garbage bags, pushed up fence, dug dirt, & ransacked veggies. Headed for deterrents at HD tomorrow. #gardening #gardeningtips #gardeninglife #gardeningforbeginners #writingaboutgardens #writingcommunity #rabbitsingarden #chipmunksplayland #raccoonlife

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

What a wonderful year with the in-person writing group at the Writers' Center at Scarsdale Public Library! Thank you @barbara_josselsohn_author for your amazing sessions, Elizabeth Bermel - library director, & #friendsofscarsdalelibrary. #writingcommunity #writer #writerslife #writing#writerslife

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

What a difference a heavy rain makes! Flowers are gorgeous today. No eggplant or tomato blossoms for garden art this year. Maybe kale or arugula blooms, but we'll see soon. What a difference a few sessions of PT makes with me following it up at gym & pool. The sun has come out for the garden & me.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

My hoses often ejected nozzles despite multiple DIY repair jobs using heavy duty clamp+adhesives. Before visiting hectic big box H.D. for another 100 ft hose & umpteenth spritzer, I made do creatively. This is all before I work on mastering the Art of Replacement as it is called on my To Do List.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Generations of children, parents, and grownup readers and writers lost a legend this past week. Which of Jane Yolen's 400 books have you enjoyed the most and why was it meaningful? @scbwi.bsky.social @heidieys.bsky.social www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Thanks @outbox.cafe. You've got an accurate take on first cucumbers.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Wearing brace when standing or walking for back pain. Reminds me of Jetson's cartoon. Wore it in garden. Couldn't resist poking around & found first cucumber attached to fence. Naturally nozzle fell off hose. Has anyone successful fixed one? #cucumber #GardenHoseNozzle #writingaboutgardens

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

A month ago, Kaye White, a member of Barbara Josselsohn's Scarsdale Library's Writers’ Center, dug up iris rhizomes for me. After a rocky start, they adjusted and are fanning new leaves. Walking by the iris, I think about Kaye & her delightful stories. Have you ever received plants from a gardener?

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Using a scissors to cut off fresh green bean was eye opener. Always matched ends on cutting board, cut with knife, turned the beans to remove other end. Of course only used method with less than ten beans at a time, never a five-pound box like restaurants use. What method do you use?

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Told a story to the rabbit on my front lawn about a rabbit in a garden that we all know. This rabbit listened, looking a little bigger. She finally gave up with the last load of dirt and the wire prongs of tomato cages pushed into the ground. I expect her to return with littles. #writer #garden

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Congratulations @marthakidlitauthor.bsky.social for your excellent virtual Shop Talk this June for #NESCBWI about Sydney Taylor Book Awards! You're an amazing resource for writers!

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Total upheaval! Filled-in holes now excavation site. Aggressive rascals widened warren creating new entrances. More interested in claiming territory than eating pea pod dangling directly over opening. Recall those innocent front yard rabbits acting oblivious to backyard behavior? They knew. #garden

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Rabbits are outside at 6:00 AM on front lawn. Can you see them on opposite sides of maple tree? Are critters the same diggers in the tunnel? Adding soil and rocks to holes inside the fence doesn't phase them. Who gives up first? #gardening #garden #writingcommunity #writerslife #rabbit #rabbitlife

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Wonderful launch of Daria Sommers' historical novel SAWADIKA AMERICAN GIRL interviewed by Marcia Bradley author of THE HOME FOR WAYWARD GIRLS & Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute Instructor today at Scarsdale Library! Vine Leaves Press #historicalfiction #PublishedAuthor #writers_community

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

1 hole became 2 w/ deep tunnels. Culprit saw fairyland eating a few pea and tomato leaves. Filled holes as temporary fix. When nozzle flew off hose & chipmunk stared me down, I knew this was a start. Sure enough my laptop wouldn't save—showed message Learn/Repair. Thnx computer support for fixing.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Lettuce wraps today! Lettuces like cool temps. So many fast growing leaves! My fault for grabbing 2 packs of seedlings instead of 1. Wrapping up things is apropos since I'm filling out forms to send adult historical novel to publisher. #writingcommunity #writing #gardening #garden #writerslife

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

I didn't need a spiralizer but always wanted to create my own spirals. Williams Sonoma's $25 birthday present gave me an opportunity. Ended up paying $12.50 + $5 for mall parking. Tried the OXO tonight with a leftover squash that I twisted by hand & sauteed for dinner. Yum! Thnx WS for the coupon.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

In David M Rubenstein's C-span interview, Ann Patchett @parnassusbooks.bsky.social says best way to sell a book is to have someone who's reading the book say to a friend, "OMG! You have got to read this." So share the books you love! Thnx Gillian Katz for sharing. www.facebook.com/share/r/1Ltz...

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Working on acknowledgements for adult historical novel. Not room to thank everyone. Page revised over and over. Much easier to look at last night's photos & check out cabbages. Grew so much since 3 wk seedlings, planted, and subjected to a quick pick. Scrumptious! Maybe I'll get inspiration outside.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Took first steps on SubStack. Posts will comprise hours spent as writer - gardening, cooking, reading, research, writing, nature, exploring, and delving into new rabbit holes, Hope you’ll find my free posts relatable. Please reach out with kind comments. Looking forward to growing more readers.

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Never imagined I'd be the recipient of a generous gift of lilac shoots, clumps of iris rhizomes, & raspberry canes. A member of Barbara Josselsohn's writing group at the Scarsdale Library dug them up for me to transplant into my garden. Thank you dearly, Kaye White. Plants are currently adjusting .

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Judy Abelove Shemtob @judyabeloveshemtob.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

So great reconnecting with author classmates Diana Sussman (THE NEIGHBORS' SECRET) and Lori Miller Kase (THE ACCIDENT) from Christine Pakkala's class Writing Books for Kids at Westport Writers' Workshop at #NESCBWI Conference in Stamford this weekend!

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