Inspired by a Hallmark movie, Love on the Air, I asked Alexa: "Card Sharp or Card Shark?". She told me both spellings are correct. The words refer to people who are good at cards, by using deception. Card sharp was popular in the 1850's to the late 1800's, first used in games like Poker. Is that where "poker face" originated? Alexa said "yes, and first found in print in 1874 in a book by Henry James." A male Siri voice never answered the characters' flirtatious debate.
I have swum with sharks, the deck was stacked, yet no cards in sight. Lawyers were involved. I lived by the Atlantic Ocean but they were land sharks, the biting type. No blood was drawn. Healed scares remain and strengthened my resolve. The reader knows that.
I watch Hallmark because I like peaceful, conflict resolution. Sharks can bloody the water, but I still venture out into the deep. I watch Hallmark because watching train wrecks for entertainment is not part of my public or private persona. The mystery series are not on my play list.
In 1998, 2004, and 2020 to now, even minor discussions on child assault prevention, school violence, Covid and the current political leaders can lead to attacks, some are as sharp and directed as the dialogue in this movie. I have been told not to talk at times. I know when to hold them, I can read a room. Sometimes the news speaks for me. I am not good at "poker face", right Betty?
The repartee between the main characters in the movie is rapid fire. There is conflict. As usual, I watched it years ago, then tuned in recently. I have it on repeat! The main characters' work selves and real selves differ. The difference exposes hypocrisy. The banter is part of their attraction. It is not the usual Hallmark movie. Fences and wire cutters are figuratively presented. It is a love story, "Ally", the characters eventually say "I am sorry." We may never hear that word uttered after a shark attack. That is when a strong understanding of forgiveness is necessary. The characters in Hallmark movies demonstrate that too.
What can we do when a shark attacks and draws blood? You do not have swim in the ocean to ask.
Even when the card sharks seem to have the deck stacked against you, pray. If prayer is good enough after an attack, why not before? You will be dialoging with the One who sees the bigger picture. Conflict can be solved peacefully. You have to ASK. (I have that on repeat.) No deception with God.
Do you live in a house of cards? Deception can blow it down.
Who helps you survive? Who rescues you? Who restores you?
From the Teacher's Desk with Love,
Marian R. Carlino
October 23, 2026 (late afternoon)