Fresh Start

Look up! There is a brand new year coming toward you and it is full of light. A whole year of blank calendar pages (well, almost---I do have my programs scheduled until May) full of possibilites.The beginning of a new year is always exciting for me because I have a fresh start. There have been times when I played the "would of/should of/could of " game to no avail. What is in the past is part of me, there is no need to re-live anything or regret what might have been, I am here because all of those things did happen. I am happy,blessed, and have what I think is the best job in the world. Bringing together children and books could not be any more fufilling. There is immediate gratification and genuine gratitude from library patrons every day. I have the opportunity to watch my library families grow and actually be a part of that family in my small way. Creating memorable experiences in the library is something I dream about every night and work hard at every day.

May this year bring everyone only good things.

I'm a Believer

Almost time to share the bounty that is Christmas. Cookies, presents, wrapping, decorations,music,candles, and midnight Mass. I have so many memories of Christmas and I am pretty sure I can tell you something about each and every one. I am a believer. Always have been and probably always will be, thanks to some very convincing parents and a bit of serendipity.

Every year on Christmas Eve, we took the trip to Grandma's house and did, in fact, go over the river and through the woods. Since I was the first grandchild and had an uncle and had four aunts, it was especially exciting for all of them to have a child in the house for Christmas once again.

It seemed to take such an awfully long time to drive to Grandma's, but my dad made it exciting by helping me spot Rudolph at houses along the way. Sure hoped we could  beat him, but the car seemed so slow. When we arrived at the farm, my aunt Peggy took me to the barn to hear the animals talk, and all the way to the barn told me how this miracle happens. I could hardly believe my ears when I heard what they had to say!

When we arrived back at the house my grandfather poured the adults his homemade elderberry wine. I would have to wait many years to try that wine, but it was so warm and cozy in the kitchen with all of the adults gathered around. All of a sudden we heard hoofbeats on the roof! Then we heard sleigh bells jingling and ho, ho, ho's booming in the night! My heart was pounding and I am sure my eyes were as big as saucers when I heard feet stomping in Grandma's living room. We heard a loud,"Merrrrry Christmas... ho ho ho!", and then .......it was quiet. The adults led me into the living room where the tree was lit with hundreds of colored lights and beautifully wrapped presents nearly filled the room.

That year my aunt Bonita gave me my first pair of figure skates and a Cinderella watch with a blue strap that came in a glass slipper. I felt so happy,so safe, and surrounded by love.Everyone ate cookies, laughed, talked, and played games until it was time to pack up the car and head home in the freezing white night. As we pulled into town there was not even one car parked on Main Street...............but we did see a bearded man in a red suit walking down the street.

May you experience the miracles of the everyday as well as the extraordinary. Merry Christmas!

M4 A Room With a View

CB I Hate Perfume M4 A Room With a View
I just read a post by Cup of Jo about this Room with a View inspired perfume!

Visions of Gingerbread

I remember looking forward to making cookies with my children every year at Christmas time. It was a huge mess but lots of fun. I thought maybe parents would appreciate  making a mess at the library instead of at home.

In years past, at the library, I would have a gingerbread house program for families. This year, we made gingerbread people instead. I read some stories and then everyone made outlines of their children on brown wrapping paper. The children and parents decorated their ginger kids and then we decorated cookies for everyone to take home.

Through the Looking Glass

Sub zero temps allowed Jack Frost to create some beautiful artwork on my window. He is an amazingly inspired artist. Doesn't it look like it could be an underwater scene?

Do Reindeer Really Know How To Fly?

Last night was our annual visit from Santa and his reindeer. The snowy evening added to the festive feeling and provided a good landing for the reindeer. If memory serves me, he brought Dasher and Dancer last night. I had my "fix" of rosey cheeked babies, sweet pudgy smiles, and excited youngsters. Santa and Mrs. Claus were lovely guests, who kindly posed for lots of pictures with families, even though this is their busiest time of year.

I Wish You Peace

May all of the days of this holiday season be beautiful, bright, warm, and filled with peace.

Ho Ho Holidays

Today is the day of the annual holiday decorating blitz. We have a maintainence lady who is a holiday maniac. We have decorations that range from vintage to ....................... ugly, but she has a definate flair for the kitsch. I scaled WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY back at my own home. Just a Charlie Brown tree and some twinkle lights in garland on the armoire. But the library, we'll just let the pictures speak for themselves. Needless to say, the kids think it is wonderful!

Storytime Breaks

I am on a much needed, and well deserved, break from storytime. We have shared many wonderful weeks since September and I am TIRED. The families are great, performing is fun, but I AM TIRED. We all need a rest between sessions to relax, refresh, and recharge. In the past, I never adhered to that snippet of wisdom passed down to me from much wiser librarians. Breaks help us provide fresh storytimes that bring joy to everyone, including our storytime selves. It also gives one the opportunity to catch up on all the other things (all the "stuff" that was SUPPOSED to be put away but never actually WAS put away), preparing props, stories, and crafts for next session, and finishing my year end projects.

This is also a time for me to create some new props.Kim Faurot taught me about props, their use, making lasting things that can be used over and over, and the general care and feeding of quality props for storytime. Her wisdom and skill is much appreciated. She made me a Pumpkin Mouse House that I will share with you today. The children love it! The original Mouse House and poem are in Kim's book "Books in Bloom".

Do I actually think I can accomplish all this in a month? Yipes!

New Moon Rising

Friday the 13th was the evening of our party to celebrate the upcoming movie "New Moon" based on the Stephenie Meyer book by the same title. Since it  was all girls in attendance, we decorated for Bella's 18th birthday party just like Alice, using all pink. We played a fun version of trivia using teams and chairs(if you are interested in the how-to just email me) that was a hit.They really know their Twilight Trivia.

Trains, Planes, Automobiles, and Heavy Equipment

We had so much fun with a toddler storytime full of things that go! The toddlers were thrilled to see giant trucks pop out of a book I read. They loved pretending to be an airplane flying high and singing our airplane song. The MOST fun was the craft------------using paint and little cars and trucks to make tracks all over giant sheets of white paper! Zooooooooooooooooom!

Say Cheese!

Wisconsin libraries were supposed to take photos yesterday and post them on Flickr. It will be fun to see lots of different libraries on that particular Monday. We had some happy customers, lovely staff, cute kids, and precious books, that appeared in my photos.

What's Going on Outside the Library

Today is a very drippy day, but the leaves make a pretty carpet on our lawn. The flu has taken over the town and everything seems quiet (except for sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing). We had Halloween storytimes this week and tommorrow is trick or treating at the downtown business's. Hopefully everyone will be ready to don their costumes and enjoy the day.

Room With a View

I attended the Wisconsin Library Association Conference in Appleton last week. There are so many inspiring and creative librarians out there! Norma and I had a room with a lovely view, even though the weather was drippy and gray.

You may not have experienced the unpredictable weather in the Midwest................well, here it is! October 12th in Wisconsin....hmmmmm, aren't there supposed to be colorful leaves?

What Happens at the Library During the Night.....?

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

The sleepover guests were put to bed by their owners and we sang them a lullaby and kissed them goodnight.

Everything was peaceful…………..until……………………the five little monkeys started jumping on the bed!

You all know what happens when five little monkeys jump on the bed-----that’s right! Someone fell off and bumped their head.

Georgia took care of the bump on the head with a bandage and a lollipop.

The fun continued, the animals settled down, and a few started playing games, including a serious game of chess.

Others did puzzles,looked at DVD's, and then we played with toys and climbed the bridge.

Everyone wanted to surf the internet.

We decided to read a couple of bedtime stories and then Rosetta wanted to draw a picture for everyone.

It was time to settle down before bed, so Georgia suggested roasting some marshmallows and singing some campfire songs.

Then Georgia tucked everyone in (even the monkeys were tired!) and we all said goodnight.

Thank you for a fun evening : )

Check out more pictures on the Friday Memorial Library Facebook page.

Flower, vegetable, or mineral?

My friend gave me some beautiful vegetables from her garden this fall. Peppers are some of my faves, especially the red ones! This one just looks like a jewel. I ate it fresh but love roasted vegs,too.

If the Shoe Fits.......

As I sat at my desk this morning I heard an odd squeaking sound....nnnnnnnnnip.......nippp...nnnnippp....what could it be? There it goes again! Then I saw the smiling face of a brand new "walker" in pink shoes. Her mother was trying to encourage walking by using some new shoes that make a squeaking sound when you walk! How cute is that? I want me some squeaky shoes, in pink, please.

Really Cool Chicks

These really cool chicks followed me home from my trip to Bayfield.The bright colors and funny little faces just make me smile every time I look at them.

Today's Miracle

I did a bug and butterfly storytime a couple of weeks ago and my friend brought two monarch caterpillars for us to watch. We have all been watching and waiting and today while I was taking a picture.....................voila! Right before my eyes! The children will be very excited for our butterfly release.

Falling for Fall

The colors today were other worldly! This is a beautiful time of year in Wisconsin and the light is extraordinary. Different parts of the country (and world) seem to have light that varies from rosy to gray to golden (our light) to luminous.

Cupcake Beauties

Last night we held an American Girl Party at our library. It was a colonial theme and the refreshments looked so pretty.......especially THE CUPCAKES! What is it about cupcakes? They always look so cute and friendly.