(C) Sarah Iddings 2013
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
When You Hold A Book
Most only see the surface; a stack of printed pages, sandwiched between thick paper or some form of hard binding. When I hold a book, I see that too- But that's not the only thing.
I see years of hard work;
A lifetime of dreams.
When one holds a book,
It's more than it seems.
Adventure, romance,
A mystery or two.
Perhaps a life that is vibrant,
Or one bleak and blue.
A writer's imagination
Is spilled out on those pages
Hours of revision,
And writer's block rages.
When one holds a book
It's so much more
Than words printed on pages
And sold in a store.
"When You Hold A Book" (C) Sarah Iddings 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
What's This Librarian Celebrating?
Well, it's official. At 2pm this afternoon, the library closed down and will reopen again on Thursday. Christmas is officially here! As I write this, I am waiting for my brother to finish doing the dishes. Directly after that, my family will launch into our Christmas Eve tradition of opening gifts and driving around town looking at lights whilst sipping hot beverages. A wonderful evening is in the works, I can assure you. Even the dogs are getting excited- I just heard my mother shout at our pug, Daisy, for attempting to get into one of the gift bags (we probably should never have started giving them presents...oh dear).
What do you do for Christmas? If you have any favorite memories or traditions, feel free to drop a comment at the end of this post for me! I love reading what you all have to say.
More importantly than what we do, though, is what exactly ARE we celebrating? Amidst the lights and buzz, do we really remember what started it all, or is this just an annual ritual that we go through?
I sat down and was thinking this year of how symbolic everything is. Naturally, the name Christmas originates because the original intent of this holiday is the celebration of Christ's birth. Then everything else follows:
We spend practically the entire month celebrating and preparing for the day that remembers when God sent his Son to earth in human form. So, my question is, why do we not spend every day preparing for the ultimate Christmas- that day when God will return to earth for His people?
The God of the Bible is the only One who can save you from the ultimate doom (aka, Hell). Bring honor and glory to Him year-round; not just in December! :)
I hope as you celebrate Christmas, that you don't let the real meaning stray from your mind.
Have a wonderful holiday, and thank you for stopping by to read my blog! <3
What do you do for Christmas? If you have any favorite memories or traditions, feel free to drop a comment at the end of this post for me! I love reading what you all have to say.
More importantly than what we do, though, is what exactly ARE we celebrating? Amidst the lights and buzz, do we really remember what started it all, or is this just an annual ritual that we go through?
I sat down and was thinking this year of how symbolic everything is. Naturally, the name Christmas originates because the original intent of this holiday is the celebration of Christ's birth. Then everything else follows:
- Lights, for the brightness of God's glory.
- The star, in remembrance of the star that showed the three wise men where to find the baby Jesus (aka, Christ)
- The gifts, to commemorate the greatest Gift ever given- the gift of Christ's atonement for our sins.
We spend practically the entire month celebrating and preparing for the day that remembers when God sent his Son to earth in human form. So, my question is, why do we not spend every day preparing for the ultimate Christmas- that day when God will return to earth for His people?
The God of the Bible is the only One who can save you from the ultimate doom (aka, Hell). Bring honor and glory to Him year-round; not just in December! :)
I hope as you celebrate Christmas, that you don't let the real meaning stray from your mind.
Have a wonderful holiday, and thank you for stopping by to read my blog! <3
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Book(s) of the Week: Triple Feature!
This time around, I've dug up not one, but THREE books of the week for you! Three different books that will help jumpstart your Christmas creativity (and if you've not gotten ready for Christmas yet, you will NEED that jump start, since it's just a few days away!). These are freshly shelved as of yesterday night, so if you're a local, be sure to pop in and grab one before the library shuts down at 2pm on Christmas eve. Happy Holidays!
Title: American Christmas
Author:
The Christmas season is a time for being with family and friends, for mixing ageless traditions and new ideas. American Christmas
will help you discover fresh ways to entertain with festive menus,
handmade party favors, and colorful decorations. Eight celebratory
occasions?from a New England cookie exchange to a cozy fireside
Christmas Eve supper, or a Wine Country Christmas dinner?showcase the
true Christmas spirit. Detailed plans help you stay organized.
Title: Making Great Gingerbread Houses
Author:
This is part pastry art and part architecture modelling, but making
gingerbread houses is all winter-holiday and Christmas-time fun! These
forty scrumptious-looking projects are perfect for anyone of any age
with an urge to bake & decorate. Complete easy-to-follow
instructions from an experienced pastry chef, illustrated
step-by-photographic-step in full colour.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Great-Gingerbread-Houses-Lighthouses/dp/1579902685/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387781533&sr=1-1&keywords=making+great+gingerbread+houses
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Great-Gingerbread-Houses-Lighthouses/dp/1579902685/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387781533&sr=1-1&keywords=making+great+gingerbread+houses
Title: More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
Author:
Author:
When STC Craft published Joelle Hoverson’s Last-Minute Knitted Gifts
in 2004, the response was overwhelming and today there are nearly
100,000 copies of this classic in print. Six years later, Hoverson is
full of fresh, new ideas for beautiful gifts. So STC proudly presents More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts:
an elegant collection of 30 projects organized according to the time it
takes to complete them, from less than two hours to more than eight.
Among the projects featured are sachets, bracelets, ornaments, mittens,
gloves, hats, sweaters, baby blankets, and throws.
Understanding
that knitters today love to personalize their projects but also need
guidance along the way, Hoverson showcases many of the projects in
several colors and yarn weights, and with optional embellishments and
creative ideas for gift-wrapping.
Link: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/our-books
Friday, December 13, 2013
The Christmassy Post
It's hard to believe it's getting so near to Christmas already! In celebration of this, I am going to make this post a collage of things that have been a part of my Christmas celebration, both this year and bits of the past.
Starting off with this: Blimey Cow totally captured the true spirit of Christmas in this video, and skillfully rhymed the entire production! It's a must see :)
Gram cracker houses for the library's Christmas craft night! This is the first time in 5 years that I didn't make that stack. Have to admit, I missed it!
My brother and I take great holiday photos together ;)
Each year at the library I show everyone how to make these snowflakes!
But, in all of that, the biggest thing to remember is THIS:
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Starting off with this: Blimey Cow totally captured the true spirit of Christmas in this video, and skillfully rhymed the entire production! It's a must see :)
My brother and I have a certain conspiracy theory involving Santa, and a good reason for you to eat lots of cookies this December!
Gram cracker houses for the library's Christmas craft night! This is the first time in 5 years that I didn't make that stack. Have to admit, I missed it!
My family's tree! I love seeing it after dark.
My brother and I take great holiday photos together ;)
Each year at the library I show everyone how to make these snowflakes!
But, in all of that, the biggest thing to remember is THIS:
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Book of The Week: A Nantucket Christmas
I stumbled accross this one when I found it tipped over on the shelf due to a missing bookend. Lovely timing for me to see it! For anyone wanting to daydream over early-American Christmas themes, this is the book! (But to be honest, I've not met anyone that specific about their Christmas daydreams).
This book is full of beautiful photos, craft ideas, and more! It makes me want to travel out to Nantucket someday- and hey, after my boyfriend's family gave me variously sized pieces of luggage, AND I own a car, I guess technically I could. Just need to plan the trip and save the money... Well, anyways, back to the book of the week!
This book is full of beautiful photos, craft ideas, and more! It makes me want to travel out to Nantucket someday- and hey, after my boyfriend's family gave me variously sized pieces of luggage, AND I own a car, I guess technically I could. Just need to plan the trip and save the money... Well, anyways, back to the book of the week!
Title: A Nantucket Christmas
Author: Leslie Linsley
Synopsis:
Author: Leslie Linsley
Synopsis:
People from all over the United States come to Nantucket Island to
celebrate Christmas in the charming Early American setting. Every year,
during the week after Thanksgiving, a select number of houses--most more
than 200 years old--are chosen to be on a house-tour for visiting
tourists and islanders. Leslie Linsley, renowned style and craft
expert, and author of the recently published Leslie Linsleys Decoupage,
is also a resident of Nantucket. In A NANTUCKET CHRISTMAS she offers
ideas for Christmas trees, door decorations, mantels, and much more, all
inspired by the homes of Nantucket. Also included are projects such as
ornaments and stockings as well as festive recipes and inspirations for
table settings and entertaining.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Nantucket-Christmas-Leslie-Linsley/dp/0821228714
Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Nantucket-Christmas-Leslie-Linsley/dp/0821228714
Friday, December 6, 2013
Techno-Takeover
It's crazy how much technology has advanced since I was a little kid. Being able to get on the computer and use the dial-up internet to play a game on the Barbie website used to be a pretty big deal when I was 8, and getting my first email account at age 11 was huge! Writing a few notes and playing little computer games was about the extent of my tech usage at the time.
Fast forward to nowadays: The majority of the kids I've met walk around texting or talking on their phones, and a lot of them also have their own laptops, ipods, and tablets. The young and old alike rely on technology for so much! It's our calendars, our contact, our means of shopping, research, entertainment, business, and so much more.
Sometimes I think people hold technology in too high of a regard. Last week I saw an 8 year old girl in the library with her English tutor, bemoaning the fact that she had to sit there and learn how to read better.
"You know," I told her, "You couldn't do my job if you didn't know how to read."
"Sure I could!" she exclaimed.
"Well," I said, "You'd need to know how to read the names and labels to know where the books go."
"Nah, I wouldn't need to do that. I'd just put them wherever!"
"How would people find them?" I questioned.
"Oh, the computer would just tell them where I put the books at." she confidently replied.
I mentally slammed my face onto the bookshelf. She genuinely believed that the computers could somehow determine where the books were at, rather than the fact that you had to put the books away in a certain pattern so that it matched the data entered into the computer system. Perhaps someday in the future, if all the books were microchipped and had built in GPS cards, that could be possible. I guess each person would have to be handed a GPS unit as they walked through the door so that they could look at the screen and follow the arrow to where their book was. Now there's an interesting concept.
Fast forward to nowadays: The majority of the kids I've met walk around texting or talking on their phones, and a lot of them also have their own laptops, ipods, and tablets. The young and old alike rely on technology for so much! It's our calendars, our contact, our means of shopping, research, entertainment, business, and so much more.
Sometimes I think people hold technology in too high of a regard. Last week I saw an 8 year old girl in the library with her English tutor, bemoaning the fact that she had to sit there and learn how to read better.
"You know," I told her, "You couldn't do my job if you didn't know how to read."
"Sure I could!" she exclaimed.
"Well," I said, "You'd need to know how to read the names and labels to know where the books go."
"Nah, I wouldn't need to do that. I'd just put them wherever!"
"How would people find them?" I questioned.
"Oh, the computer would just tell them where I put the books at." she confidently replied.
I mentally slammed my face onto the bookshelf. She genuinely believed that the computers could somehow determine where the books were at, rather than the fact that you had to put the books away in a certain pattern so that it matched the data entered into the computer system. Perhaps someday in the future, if all the books were microchipped and had built in GPS cards, that could be possible. I guess each person would have to be handed a GPS unit as they walked through the door so that they could look at the screen and follow the arrow to where their book was. Now there's an interesting concept.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Book of the Week: Tattoo A Banana
I was wandering through a large mall with my brother one day, and saw this book sitting out in a store called Fuego. The title was so bizarre that I couldn't help but notice it and see what it was about. It turns out the book is full of many fun and amusing projects. Whether or not you actually do the things printed betwixt it's pages, you will have fun looking at the ideas it presents!
Author: Phil Hansen
Title: Tattoo A Banana
Synopsis:
Entertaining, clever, witty -- Tattoo a Banana is an innovative approach to creativity by internationally recognized artist Phil Hansen. This fun and captivating guide will have you creating art with anything at hand - like a piece of toast, your own fingerprints, or a stack of marshmallows - showing how to develop everyday creativity with offbeat techniques.
Whether you want to jumpstart, rediscover or further your creative pursuits, this book will help you build your creative muscles by experimenting with the unexpected. Once you tattoo a banana, print on marshmallows, or mold a Mona Lisa sugar cookie, you'll definitely be curious about what else is possible!
Title: Tattoo A Banana
Synopsis:
Entertaining, clever, witty -- Tattoo a Banana is an innovative approach to creativity by internationally recognized artist Phil Hansen. This fun and captivating guide will have you creating art with anything at hand - like a piece of toast, your own fingerprints, or a stack of marshmallows - showing how to develop everyday creativity with offbeat techniques.
Whether you want to jumpstart, rediscover or further your creative pursuits, this book will help you build your creative muscles by experimenting with the unexpected. Once you tattoo a banana, print on marshmallows, or mold a Mona Lisa sugar cookie, you'll definitely be curious about what else is possible!
Link: tattooabanana.com
Friday, November 29, 2013
Some Thanks and Giving.
Ahh, I love this time of year. Thanksgiving is a terrific holiday, both in theory and practice.
This year, it was certainly started off on the correct foot. My brother and I were invited to a friend's church for "Pie and Praise" night the evening prior to the holiday, in which we got to sing a lot of Christian hymns, everyone got to share things from the year that they are grateful for, and following that we enjoyed many different kinds of home baked pie!
It has been one of the few Thanksgiving days where being thankful for stuff has truly been at the forefront of my mind, and it was thanks to that Wednesday evening at the church. Most years the main thoughts I recall have been "Oh, that's a cool parade float!", "When is dinner going to be ready?", "Mm that smells GREAT!", "Will I beat everyone in Upwords this year?", "What's on sale tomorrow?". So, I must say, even though it seems like it should be kind of a given, I highly recommend tuning your mind to keep thinking of things that you're grateful for- and not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. I know that's a little cliche to say, but it's true. You'll find yourself in a better state of mind for it, I promise.
Another way to keep Thanksgiving relaxed, pleasant, and peaceful is to avoid Black Friday shopping until it is actually Black Friday. One of my friends said (and rightly so) that Thanksgiving is becoming "Gray Thursday". C'mon, are those deals seriously worth ruining a perfectly good holiday over? I think not. Just enjoy your day and let the events of the next day stay in that day. Or, if you want to make it a step better, when Black Friday hits, try going to your local thrift store instead. If they are like the ones where I live, the thrift stores run sales too, and the prices on clothes are guaranteed to blow the likes of JC Penny and Macy's out of the water if you are unopposed to previously owned outfits. Not to mention, the lines are practically nonexistent!
I know this advice is a tad late, being that it is nearing midnight on Black Friday of 2013, but hey, this way you know these ideas have been pre-tested. Just bookmark this post and read it again prior to Thanksgiving next year ;)
Anyhow, I hope your past few days have been at least somewhere as good as mine!
A Few Things I Am Thankful For [in no particular order]:
This year, it was certainly started off on the correct foot. My brother and I were invited to a friend's church for "Pie and Praise" night the evening prior to the holiday, in which we got to sing a lot of Christian hymns, everyone got to share things from the year that they are grateful for, and following that we enjoyed many different kinds of home baked pie!
It has been one of the few Thanksgiving days where being thankful for stuff has truly been at the forefront of my mind, and it was thanks to that Wednesday evening at the church. Most years the main thoughts I recall have been "Oh, that's a cool parade float!", "When is dinner going to be ready?", "Mm that smells GREAT!", "Will I beat everyone in Upwords this year?", "What's on sale tomorrow?". So, I must say, even though it seems like it should be kind of a given, I highly recommend tuning your mind to keep thinking of things that you're grateful for- and not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. I know that's a little cliche to say, but it's true. You'll find yourself in a better state of mind for it, I promise.
Another way to keep Thanksgiving relaxed, pleasant, and peaceful is to avoid Black Friday shopping until it is actually Black Friday. One of my friends said (and rightly so) that Thanksgiving is becoming "Gray Thursday". C'mon, are those deals seriously worth ruining a perfectly good holiday over? I think not. Just enjoy your day and let the events of the next day stay in that day. Or, if you want to make it a step better, when Black Friday hits, try going to your local thrift store instead. If they are like the ones where I live, the thrift stores run sales too, and the prices on clothes are guaranteed to blow the likes of JC Penny and Macy's out of the water if you are unopposed to previously owned outfits. Not to mention, the lines are practically nonexistent!
I know this advice is a tad late, being that it is nearing midnight on Black Friday of 2013, but hey, this way you know these ideas have been pre-tested. Just bookmark this post and read it again prior to Thanksgiving next year ;)
Anyhow, I hope your past few days have been at least somewhere as good as mine!
A Few Things I Am Thankful For [in no particular order]:
- The library always lets its staff have two and a half days off for Thanksgiving.
- The nursing home where I work did not schedule me for Thanksgiving OR Black Friday- I didn't even ask. Just turned out that way. Yay!
- I have an awesome little family that all gets along really well and enjoys each other's company.
- Church. It's easy to take for granted, until you have a job that takes you away from it most Sundays.
- Super amazing friends (and blog readers!).
- The ability to read and write proficiently. Not everyone has it.
- For all of God's blessings to me, and knowing that He is always in control over everything.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Oh The (Times And) Places You'll Go!
"What day?" you ask.
I stare at you, flabbergasted that this could even be something to wonder. "Why, the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who!" I reply with an over exuberant smile, "Surely you must have seen a Facebook post from someone about it!"
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Really, the BBC knows how to work the fans. They've been making posts about their special episode for just about the entire year, slowly building up the excitement for today. One of the coolest things is that The Day of The Doctor is broadcast all over the world at the same time. How cool is that?! Millions of people- different ages, stories, races, countries- all watching the same movie at the same time, and likely with similar levels of excitement. It's a neat thought, especially when you can pop up your internet browser and see all of the posts from ecstatic fans all over the globe.
Oh, and in case you are wondering, The Day of The Doctor completely lives up to it's hype!
Because I know too many people who are waiting to see it until they get caught up in the series, I shall refrain (oh, so difficult!) from posting any spoilers. Rather, I will post up bits of fun Doctor Who fandom goods for what will hopefully be your enjoyment :)
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(art credit to dynneekx @ Deviant Art)
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Google made a really fun logo and flash game for the day! Had such fun with this.
So far I haven't been able to find a link for you to go back and play it once it is removed, but here is a link with some fun animated variants of the Google Doodle:
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/22/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-the-story-behind-the-google-doodle
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(WARNING: Depending on how touchy you are with seeing tidbits of Doctor Who prior to watching the episode, this video may contain SPOILERS. But not many. It also links to other interesting videos. Have fun, if you so choose.)-----------------------------------------------------------
Google made a really fun logo and flash game for the day! Had such fun with this.
So far I haven't been able to find a link for you to go back and play it once it is removed, but here is a link with some fun animated variants of the Google Doodle:
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/nov/22/doctor-who-50th-anniversary-the-story-behind-the-google-doodle
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Okay, I've sufficiently had my nerd moment. If you are not a Doctor Who fan, my deepest apologies. Don't worry, I do not generally go all fan-girl on this blog. A 50 year anniversary, though? That's something special, and special times call for special measures!
Now, you may go on with your life. Or you may go find another means of gaining your Doctor Who fix, depending on what sort of person you are ;)
Now, you may go on with your life. Or you may go find another means of gaining your Doctor Who fix, depending on what sort of person you are ;)
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Book of the Week: The Grimm Legacy
Frequently when shelving the library's newly added books, I like to flip them open and read the cover flaps to find out just what sort of books we have on hand. Upon discovering that this one was about a young library page, it immediately grabbed my attention.
The storyline is unique and fun, with a little romance, action, suspense, and magic. What more could you possibly ask for? Oh, and call me nerdy if you wish, but at the start of each chapter there is a fairy tale item pictured with it's call number for where it would be found in the library; I looked at each call number and was able to identify (by memory!) that the author put the correct Dewey Decimal number on every item. Bravo Polly Shulman, you did your library research well :)
Bottom line: I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Author: Polly Shulman
Title: The Grimm Legacy
Synopsis:
Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library—a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.
When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.
Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary—and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.
Title: The Grimm Legacy
Synopsis:
Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library—a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.
When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.
Polly Shulman has created a contemporary fantasy with a fascinating setting and premise, starring an ordinary girl whose after-school job is far from ordinary—and leads to a world of excitement, romance and magical intrigue.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
And Then There Were Seven: Part 4
I have come to a conclusion: every workplace needs a kitten room.
If you ever feel out of sorts or just not in the mood to smile, it seems near impossible to keep that countenance when surrounded in fuzzy, adorable baby cats (well, unless perhaps you are allergic). Going into the library director's office after work became a favorite pastime of all of the staff and volunteers. Needless to say, I came home later than expected many a time due to happenings such as depicted in the below photographs:
If you ever feel out of sorts or just not in the mood to smile, it seems near impossible to keep that countenance when surrounded in fuzzy, adorable baby cats (well, unless perhaps you are allergic). Going into the library director's office after work became a favorite pastime of all of the staff and volunteers. Needless to say, I came home later than expected many a time due to happenings such as depicted in the below photographs:
Friday, November 15, 2013
Book of the Week: The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians
I stumbled upon this little gem while helping the volunteers shelve children's picture books this week. Being the kind of person that I am, the title immediately caught my eye. It is an adorable story of a little boy growing up going to his local library, starting off as a young child and progressing onward through his adult years. If you could imagine a girl version of this book, it could practically be my life story in a nutshell.
Every day after school Melvin goes to the library. Everything has its place in the library and Melvin likes it that way. And his favorite people--Marge, Betty, and Leola--are always in their places, behind the reference desk.
When something interests Melvin, his librarian friends help him find lots and lots of books on the subject. When he collects creepy bugs in a jar, they help him identify, classify, and catalog the insects. When he is cast as the Enormous Eggplant in the school play, Betty reads aloud from Organic Gardening to help him find his motivation. As the years pass, Melvin can always find the answers to his questions--and a lot of fun--in the library. Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books. Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Who-Raised-Librarians/dp/1561453919
Author: Carla Morris
Every day after school Melvin goes to the library. Everything has its place in the library and Melvin likes it that way. And his favorite people--Marge, Betty, and Leola--are always in their places, behind the reference desk.
When something interests Melvin, his librarian friends help him find lots and lots of books on the subject. When he collects creepy bugs in a jar, they help him identify, classify, and catalog the insects. When he is cast as the Enormous Eggplant in the school play, Betty reads aloud from Organic Gardening to help him find his motivation. As the years pass, Melvin can always find the answers to his questions--and a lot of fun--in the library. Then one day he goes off to college to learn new things and read new books. Will he leave the library and his friends behind forever?
Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Who-Raised-Librarians/dp/1561453919
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Chucking Clocks From Windows
I was once told that a scientist threw his clock out of an upper story window. The reason? He wanted to see time fly.
Har, har. Yes, I know, nothing like starting a blog post off with a lame joke, eh?
While I haven't thrown any clocks lately, I've certainly experienced how time can fly! Things have been rather fast paced and exciting in my world lately, thus contributing to my lack of posts in the past week or two. If you care to know why, you may continue reading. If not, then I implore you to go read one of my other posts- that or perhaps get off your computer entirely. If you're anything like me, I suspect you may be procrastinating on other activities ;)
Exciting thing #1: I got a full-time job!
Alas, said full-time employment is not in the library. In order to obtain the amount of money necessary to sustain life, I recently accepted a full-time housekeeping position at a local nursing home. It's been working out well; similar to being a library page, I get to push a cart around all day, make my own hours (to an extent), meet lots of people, keep things orderly, and in general am appreciated by many people. Of course, the best part about this job is that my hours work out such that I can keep up employment as a Library Page. Hooray!
Exciting thing #2: I got my first car!
I am ecstatic to announce that I am now the proud owner of a black 2004 Honda Element! Upon getting the above stated job, it enabled me to have the money to afford the upkeep of a vehicle. Paid for in full, up front, because I hate debt. While my original thought had been to go for something like a little Toyota Corolla, I discovered this thing on the lot and realized it had the amazing handling of a small car, but has so much more potential for adventure due to it's larger space and collapsible back seats.
Exciting thing #3: Christmas is coming soon!
While I believe firmly that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas and therefore has every right to be celebrated and thought of first, it is an undeniable fact that Christmas will be upon us before we know it, and therefore I have (for once in my life) been trying to get some of my gift shopping done before December. Every year it gets to be two weeks before Christmas and I realize I haven't done anything for anyone. Now that I am working a full time job AND a part time one, I need to make the most of my few days off and get stuff done before the end of December sneaks up on me like it usually does. So far that's all going really well! I have my brother, boyfriend, and two of my best friends shopped for. Now to figure out what to do for my parents...hmm.
Exciting thing #4: I've been introduced to a genre of music I've never heard before!
While less exciting than my other statements, I thought I would let you in on this just in case you would like some fun music to hear. As I write this, I am happily listening to a Pandora station of Caravan Palace. A good friend of mine recently introduced me to this interesting Jazz-Techno combination, and I thank him for it. You have to be in the right mood to hear it, but if you're in one of those moods, you and your tapping toes will enjoy it.
Har, har. Yes, I know, nothing like starting a blog post off with a lame joke, eh?
While I haven't thrown any clocks lately, I've certainly experienced how time can fly! Things have been rather fast paced and exciting in my world lately, thus contributing to my lack of posts in the past week or two. If you care to know why, you may continue reading. If not, then I implore you to go read one of my other posts- that or perhaps get off your computer entirely. If you're anything like me, I suspect you may be procrastinating on other activities ;)
Exciting thing #1: I got a full-time job!
Alas, said full-time employment is not in the library. In order to obtain the amount of money necessary to sustain life, I recently accepted a full-time housekeeping position at a local nursing home. It's been working out well; similar to being a library page, I get to push a cart around all day, make my own hours (to an extent), meet lots of people, keep things orderly, and in general am appreciated by many people. Of course, the best part about this job is that my hours work out such that I can keep up employment as a Library Page. Hooray!
Exciting thing #2: I got my first car!
I am ecstatic to announce that I am now the proud owner of a black 2004 Honda Element! Upon getting the above stated job, it enabled me to have the money to afford the upkeep of a vehicle. Paid for in full, up front, because I hate debt. While my original thought had been to go for something like a little Toyota Corolla, I discovered this thing on the lot and realized it had the amazing handling of a small car, but has so much more potential for adventure due to it's larger space and collapsible back seats.
Exciting thing #3: Christmas is coming soon!
While I believe firmly that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas and therefore has every right to be celebrated and thought of first, it is an undeniable fact that Christmas will be upon us before we know it, and therefore I have (for once in my life) been trying to get some of my gift shopping done before December. Every year it gets to be two weeks before Christmas and I realize I haven't done anything for anyone. Now that I am working a full time job AND a part time one, I need to make the most of my few days off and get stuff done before the end of December sneaks up on me like it usually does. So far that's all going really well! I have my brother, boyfriend, and two of my best friends shopped for. Now to figure out what to do for my parents...hmm.
Exciting thing #4: I've been introduced to a genre of music I've never heard before!
While less exciting than my other statements, I thought I would let you in on this just in case you would like some fun music to hear. As I write this, I am happily listening to a Pandora station of Caravan Palace. A good friend of mine recently introduced me to this interesting Jazz-Techno combination, and I thank him for it. You have to be in the right mood to hear it, but if you're in one of those moods, you and your tapping toes will enjoy it.
Monday, November 4, 2013
To Prove It Happened...
The popular Youtube channel, Blimey Cow, will forever make me laugh with their irony.
I noticed a Facebook post the other day from them, stating that they would feature a fan in the introduction to their next Messy Mondays video. Today, the video is released, and the title is "If I Don't Post About It Online, Did It Really Happen?".
I am incredibly excited to say that I am the one who got featured! So, of course, the natural reaction is to post about this fact online to prove it really happened. I can't help but chuckle to myself over their witty planning of this. I also cannot help but to share with you the video of which I speak. Also part of their brilliant plan, I am sure! Good job, Jordan, Josh, and Kelli (aka, the Blimey Cow Team).
I noticed a Facebook post the other day from them, stating that they would feature a fan in the introduction to their next Messy Mondays video. Today, the video is released, and the title is "If I Don't Post About It Online, Did It Really Happen?".
I am incredibly excited to say that I am the one who got featured! So, of course, the natural reaction is to post about this fact online to prove it really happened. I can't help but chuckle to myself over their witty planning of this. I also cannot help but to share with you the video of which I speak. Also part of their brilliant plan, I am sure! Good job, Jordan, Josh, and Kelli (aka, the Blimey Cow Team).
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Merry Belated
Costume & Candy Day
Blah, I'll pass on the dark old pagan roots- but being the sort of person who never passes up an excuse to dress up in something otherwise outlandish, I would still end up categorized as one who joins the festivities of Halloween.
This year must have been quite fun for the librarians: they got to have a pajama day at work (all in the name of costumes, of course). As for me, I was sent out with my coworker, Katherine, to the main street of our little town to hand out library themed goodies to the costumed kiddos, and therefore needed something warmer than my PJ's. This is what I came up with:
This year must have been quite fun for the librarians: they got to have a pajama day at work (all in the name of costumes, of course). As for me, I was sent out with my coworker, Katherine, to the main street of our little town to hand out library themed goodies to the costumed kiddos, and therefore needed something warmer than my PJ's. This is what I came up with:
I never planned to be a specific detective, but by the end of the evening, I was dubbed by popular opinion as Inspector Gadget. I also got Nancy Drew, Columbo, Dragnet, and a couple others which I cannot recall and had never heard of. While we were out on the street, one costume went by that just stole the entire show. I've never before seen an outfit more representative of where I live:
Yes, that's a tumbleweed. a GIANT tumble weed. Photo credit on this one to LB Miller Photography.
Not only were the members of the library team dressed up, but the cats were too! Much to our surprise, Carmen and Mikey seemed quite content to wear their food-themed disguises.
Also, for one last parting picture, I promised earlier in October via my Facebook page to show you what I made using "Easter eggs, a roll of duck tape, paint, and $10". This is the answer to that question:
For those of you who do not immediately recognize the character, I am a Dalek from the popular British sci-fi, Doctor Who.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Book of the Week: United We Spy
I am not one to frequently do that girlie squeal, but I almost could have done it when I saw this book on my cart. Of course, being in a library, I still couldn't bring myself to do it aloud, but I was certainly doing it in my head.
Finally, Ally Carter published the next book in the Gallagher Girls series! I have been reading these books for the last two years, and always find myself ecstatic when the next installment is released. While the second book in the series (Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy) is my favorite, I would recommend the entire lot in a heartbeat.
Finally, Ally Carter published the next book in the Gallagher Girls series! I have been reading these books for the last two years, and always find myself ecstatic when the next installment is released. While the second book in the series (Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy) is my favorite, I would recommend the entire lot in a heartbeat.
Title: United We Spy
Author: Ally Carter
Author: Ally Carter
Synopsis:
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the
heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series,
she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know
why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been
hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle's
elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will
change Cammie-and her country-forever.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Peter Fletcher:
Making the Library a Classic Concert Hall
People think of libraries and they think of books. Sometimes, they will also think of computers and with an excited grin, "Free wifi!"
While yes, these are correct, there is so much more that happens in libraries if you just keep your eyes open for announcements or occasionally pop in to ask "What's up?". Tonight was a prime example of this in my little book-filled corner of town.
Enter: Peter Fletcher.
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Peter is a nationally recognized professional classical guitarist, currently on tour all over the United States. On Friday night, we had the privilege of hosting him in our little spot of eastern Washington. He put on a concert that lasted roughly an hour and a half, and was well worth every minute spent!
The first thing I noticed was how our placement of the seating arrangement ended up juxtaposing Mr. Fletcher in his classy looking suit against a background consisting of our children's area, with brightly colored stars dangling from the ceiling and a fairy tale mural on the back wall. I found it just a tad bit funny. This observation, however, was quickly forgotten amidst a flurry of beautifully played arrangements.
Following the performance, he hung out to sell and sign CDs, as well as talk to all those who attended. Due to some indecisiveness as to which album to purchase, my family and I were among the last to go, so we got to stop and chat a couple of minutes as we payed for our goods. I loved getting to talk to Peter- he seemed as excited to play for us as we were to listen! Despite all of the many performances he has put on in his time, he came across as if he still could hardly believe where he was and what he was doing. It makes me smile when I meet someone with that kind of genuine enthusiasm for what they do (in fact, I am still smiling as I write this whilst listening to his Baroque album).
For those of you who wish to learn more, you may go to his website at http://www.peterfletcher.com
Or, if you would just simply like to hear a sample of his playing, I have included a video below.
While yes, these are correct, there is so much more that happens in libraries if you just keep your eyes open for announcements or occasionally pop in to ask "What's up?". Tonight was a prime example of this in my little book-filled corner of town.
Enter: Peter Fletcher.
Peter is a nationally recognized professional classical guitarist, currently on tour all over the United States. On Friday night, we had the privilege of hosting him in our little spot of eastern Washington. He put on a concert that lasted roughly an hour and a half, and was well worth every minute spent!
The first thing I noticed was how our placement of the seating arrangement ended up juxtaposing Mr. Fletcher in his classy looking suit against a background consisting of our children's area, with brightly colored stars dangling from the ceiling and a fairy tale mural on the back wall. I found it just a tad bit funny. This observation, however, was quickly forgotten amidst a flurry of beautifully played arrangements.
Following the performance, he hung out to sell and sign CDs, as well as talk to all those who attended. Due to some indecisiveness as to which album to purchase, my family and I were among the last to go, so we got to stop and chat a couple of minutes as we payed for our goods. I loved getting to talk to Peter- he seemed as excited to play for us as we were to listen! Despite all of the many performances he has put on in his time, he came across as if he still could hardly believe where he was and what he was doing. It makes me smile when I meet someone with that kind of genuine enthusiasm for what they do (in fact, I am still smiling as I write this whilst listening to his Baroque album).
For those of you who wish to learn more, you may go to his website at http://www.peterfletcher.com
Or, if you would just simply like to hear a sample of his playing, I have included a video below.
Thank you, Mr. Fletcher for thinking of the small town folk! :)
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Book of The Week: My New Teacher and Me!
I was shelving books (as always) and saw the name Yankovic in the stack.
"What?" I thought to myself, doing a double-take, "It can't be..." I checked the cover for the full name. It was: Weird Al Yankovic writes children's literature! I had absolutely no idea.
Flipping through the book, it seems very much like something he should put to music. It is written in rhyme, and is quite comical.
"What?" I thought to myself, doing a double-take, "It can't be..." I checked the cover for the full name. It was: Weird Al Yankovic writes children's literature! I had absolutely no idea.
Flipping through the book, it seems very much like something he should put to music. It is written in rhyme, and is quite comical.
Title: My New Teacher and Me!
Author: Al Yankovic
Synopsis:
"Weird Al" Yankovic's new tale of Billy, the irrepressible star of the New York Times bestselling When I Grow Up,
is an uproarious back-to-school delight. Dazzling wordplay and
sparkling rhyme combine in a unique appreciation of the rewards of
unabashed originality and the special joy of viewing the world gently
askew.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The Care & Keeping of Fire Alarms
Fire alarms are kind of like insurance policies- you buy them and keep them around just in case a horrifying and exceptional circumstance comes that will require the device to be put to use. Up until such a point, your money goes to Wal-Mart and in return, you have a little plastic thing hanging above your door, ready to screech uncontrollably if it catches a whiff of smoke. Frequently the average domestic version of this device comes in the color white, with an unusual pattern on the front that appears somewhat like a demented-looking smile (or at least that's the construction of those in my home). It is a good thing they were never marketed as a decorative product, because they would have been laughed out of the Better Homes & Gardens magazine the moment they sent in a photograph.
When your fire alarm is functioning properly, it merely sits there and stares at you quietly while you sleep. But then, once every year or two, it comes alive. It is odd to say that something can seem more alive when it's energy source is running low, but it's true. Perhaps they operate like babies- sleeping for many hours, but once hunger strikes, it screams for more sustenance.
I do not know why, but it seems to be a near unhindered fact that if your fire alarm is to run out of battery juice and begin it's high-pitched chirping routine, it will ALWAYS try to do so when you would rather be asleep. Recently, mine decided I should feed it at 5:45am. Needless to say, I was too groggy to oblige it and rather, threw it out on to my back porch and shut the door. I awoke several hours later to overhear my breakfast-eating family wondering where the noise was coming from. It wasn't terribly long before they discovered the answer.
If anyone has a good (maybe even interesting?) explanation for this phenomenon, I would love to hear it! Feel free to drop me a line, if you so have the desire :)
I do not know why, but it seems to be a near unhindered fact that if your fire alarm is to run out of battery juice and begin it's high-pitched chirping routine, it will ALWAYS try to do so when you would rather be asleep. Recently, mine decided I should feed it at 5:45am. Needless to say, I was too groggy to oblige it and rather, threw it out on to my back porch and shut the door. I awoke several hours later to overhear my breakfast-eating family wondering where the noise was coming from. It wasn't terribly long before they discovered the answer.
If anyone has a good (maybe even interesting?) explanation for this phenomenon, I would love to hear it! Feel free to drop me a line, if you so have the desire :)
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Book of the Week: American Eden
This book caught my eye for two reasons:
1. The pictures are lovely!
2. The part of the title that says "What our gardens tell us about who we are".
After reading the above subheading on the book, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself and cringe a little. If my garden is supposed to tell about who I am, it's telling the world that I am a slob. Whoever owned this house before my family did had a real thing for rosebushes: we've counted close to 30 of them on our property. While roses are great and all, I can tell you with full authority that one CAN have too many rose bushes! Needless to say, it's a tad difficult to keep up with those, the weeds, the grass, and all the areas of the yard that my family's two dogs tear up.
Oh well, we can always look into these pretty garden books and dream, right?
1. The pictures are lovely!
2. The part of the title that says "What our gardens tell us about who we are".
After reading the above subheading on the book, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself and cringe a little. If my garden is supposed to tell about who I am, it's telling the world that I am a slob. Whoever owned this house before my family did had a real thing for rosebushes: we've counted close to 30 of them on our property. While roses are great and all, I can tell you with full authority that one CAN have too many rose bushes! Needless to say, it's a tad difficult to keep up with those, the weeds, the grass, and all the areas of the yard that my family's two dogs tear up.
Oh well, we can always look into these pretty garden books and dream, right?
Author: Wade Graham
Title: American Eden: From Monticello to Central Park to Our Own Back Yards
Synopsis:
Garden designer and historian Wade Graham offers a unique vision of the
story of America in this riveting exploration of the nation’s gardens
and the visionaries behind them, from Thomas Thomas Jefferson’s
Monticello to Michelle Obama’s vegetable garden, Fredrick Law Olmsted’s
expansive Central Park to Martha Stewart’s how-to landscaping guides. In
the tradition of Mark Kurlansky, Simon Schama, and Michael Pollan,
Graham delivers a sweeping social history that examines our nation’s
history from an overlooked vantage point, illuminating anew the living
drama of American self-creation. Thursday, October 17, 2013
Oh, Connections!
All I can say is that "one never knows who they might meet while on library business".
Yesterday I ended up on one of my favorite assignments: going around town asking businesses if they would put up posters for upcoming library-sponsored events.
I enjoy this for a number of reasons (in no particular order):
This time while I was on my little mission, not only did I unexpectedly run into a good friend of mine from my high school days, but I also ended up meeting someone with an interesting claim to fame.
I met Kelly Clarkson's lead guitarist's grandma.
Yep, by far, one of the most interesting and random connections ever. When the lady working in the antique shop saw that this month's poster was advertising a free Peter Fletcher classical guitar concert (which for any of you locals who might see this, is Friday Oct. 25 at 7pm in the main Ctown library), she became suddenly reminded of her grandson.
"Hey, you know that one singer, Kelly Clarkson?" she asks.
"Oh, yeah! Of course." I reply.
"My grandson is her lead guitarist."
That made me pause. Coming from anyone at my other job (which is housekeeping in a nursing home), I would probably assume the person is delusional. Not so, this time around. Seconds later, I got to hear all about her adventures in attending one of Kelly's shows with her granddaughters from their free front row seats, complete with back stage passes because they were "with the band".
I heard about how at one point during a show, he changed the guitar melody on the spot. Afterwords, he was told "Go in to the office; Kelly wants to talk to you." At this point, the man thought he'd had it. He walks in, feeling insanely nervous, and is then told "I LOVED what you did! Here is a $5,000 bonus", as she hands him a check, "Would you like to co-write some songs with me?"
So, now I have an indirect claim to fame, haha. Again I say it, "one never knows who they might meet while on library business!"
Yesterday I ended up on one of my favorite assignments: going around town asking businesses if they would put up posters for upcoming library-sponsored events.
I enjoy this for a number of reasons (in no particular order):
- Being out getting fresh air is always nice.
- Part of the task involves driving around blasting music in my car.
- People are generally very friendly.
- I am always get to bring fliers to either a local bakery or coffee shop, so I get to pick up treats to have with me on the road.
- One of the stops is an antique shop; sometimes they have skeleton keys to buy while I'm in!
- You sometimes see interesting stuff.
- You sometimes meet interesting people.
This time while I was on my little mission, not only did I unexpectedly run into a good friend of mine from my high school days, but I also ended up meeting someone with an interesting claim to fame.
I met Kelly Clarkson's lead guitarist's grandma.
Yep, by far, one of the most interesting and random connections ever. When the lady working in the antique shop saw that this month's poster was advertising a free Peter Fletcher classical guitar concert (which for any of you locals who might see this, is Friday Oct. 25 at 7pm in the main Ctown library), she became suddenly reminded of her grandson.
"Hey, you know that one singer, Kelly Clarkson?" she asks.
"Oh, yeah! Of course." I reply.
"My grandson is her lead guitarist."
That made me pause. Coming from anyone at my other job (which is housekeeping in a nursing home), I would probably assume the person is delusional. Not so, this time around. Seconds later, I got to hear all about her adventures in attending one of Kelly's shows with her granddaughters from their free front row seats, complete with back stage passes because they were "with the band".
I heard about how at one point during a show, he changed the guitar melody on the spot. Afterwords, he was told "Go in to the office; Kelly wants to talk to you." At this point, the man thought he'd had it. He walks in, feeling insanely nervous, and is then told "I LOVED what you did! Here is a $5,000 bonus", as she hands him a check, "Would you like to co-write some songs with me?"
So, now I have an indirect claim to fame, haha. Again I say it, "one never knows who they might meet while on library business!"
Monday, October 14, 2013
And Then There Were Seven: Part 3
"So, kittens, you say?"
I can tell you're excited by the prospect of seeing weekly kitten photos. You've got that twinkle in your eye! So, of course, I will oblige you. Yes, that means weekly kitten photos for all, from our charming little kitty crew.
I can tell you're excited by the prospect of seeing weekly kitten photos. You've got that twinkle in your eye! So, of course, I will oblige you. Yes, that means weekly kitten photos for all, from our charming little kitty crew.
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Click here to read Part 2
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Let me tell you, it doesn't take long for kittens to grow up! Before we knew it, that feline family all had their eyes open and were beginning to shuffle around their plastic bin-bed. Slowly, yes, but they were getting increasingly better at dragging themselves around. Some of them even attempted to climb the walls of their clear confinement.
Well, at least Arnold gave it a shot. Others, like Lor [below], opted to take a nap instead.
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