Truth in Fiction II None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

She'd said that one of the reasons I was so depressed was that I'd been bottling up my emotions. " You might find it helpful if you shifted from inward repression of your feelings to outward expression," she explained. p.237

"I'm just telling you to be careful of letting other people define who - and what - you are." They were words to live by. Yet like so many things in life, easier said than done. p.238



It seemed like a small offering, when I thought about the big picture perspective that Darren had talked about that day we'd run up to the top of the hill. But then I thought of a different perspective - that of a ten-year-old-girl sitting in a doctor's office, waiting for her mother to get called in. And I remembered how from that point of view, the right magazine or a good book was as large as the world.

We were both silent for a minute. And I wondered for the first time whether "feeling feminine" just meant feeling good in your own skin. p. 250

You can tell something is a true comfort food when you feel better just having ordered it. p. 276



One day I would find my own place. I couldn't run there, though, because it didn't exist yet; I had to build it myself, out of forgiveness, truth, and terrifying gestures of friendship. 305

Truth in Fiction? None of the Above by I.W.Gregorio

Hello All,
Generally my truth in fiction posts highlight all of the wonderful quotes I find in the books I read. Today's posts is a bit different. Today's post will highlight some commonly held "truths" that when repeated to others, particularly young people can cause harm. As many of us know, words can and do hurt.

I am so glad I read this book. I am even more glad that I will be able to hear the author, along with other favorites, at the Public Library Association's We Need Diverse Books Author Luncheon this Spring.

"Pain is weakness leaving the body." page 3
Pain is pain and should not be ignored. The roots of both physical and emotional pain need to be addressed.

"...as Aunt Carla always said, low expectations were the key to a happy life." page 14 emphasis mine
If a person spends their life setting their expectations as to not be disappointed, they may never know the exhilaration of true happiness, the feeling of success after much hard work, or the lessons learned from not reaching a goal.

"It's like you were the keeper of the only diamond in the world, and when you gave it to someone, it disintegrated. You can never get it back...And after that, you can never look at the world in the same way again." page 21

I agree that physical intimacy is sacred, precious and valuable. I believe that we can teach young people to respect and honor their bodies, to make informed decisions about sexual activity, that physical intimacy changes relationships... without making them feel like they have made the worst of all possible mistakes if they have sex under less than ideal circumstances. 

The idea that a young woman choosing to have sex while in high school, before marriage, or at any other time that certain members of society deem too early or inappropriate will alter the way she looks at the world for the rest of her life is just a bit much.

Truth in Fiction Happy by Pharrell Williams

HAPPY!

I love, love, love this book. Anyone who knows me knows that I love the song, so when the book was published I had to get it in my hot little hands, and I am so glad I did. The photographs in this book are amazing. They feature bright, colorful, joyful young people diverse in age, size, and ethnicity. Because I had fun reading this book, I am an official Happy Helper! My duty as a Happy Helper is to pass this book along and spread happiness.

The book itself is simply the lyrics to the song, BUT with the wonderful photographs I mentioned above. At the end of the book, Pharrell writes a letter to readers. In that letter, Pharrell writes several statements that I consider to be truthful. 

Everyone knows how to do something that makes people happy.

I believe it's everyone's responsibility to bring more laughter into the world.

It's pretty obvious every human being on the planet needs to feel happy.

Books That Make Me Want to Scream

Hello, F/friends. Today's post is dedicated to those books that make me want to scream. No, I do not mean horror books. I truly don't understand purposely reading a book so I can be frightened. Nope not me, but for you horror fans I will have a few suggestions for you near the end. 

Now the books that truly make me want to scream are the BabyLit books. According to the website, "BabyLit is a fashionable way to introduce your child to the world of classic literature." If you want more information, you can click here or you can continue to read my mini-rant post. According to me BabyLit is yet another way to ensure that parents of infants and toddlers freak out for no good reason. We have Storytime four times a week at my library for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. I facilitate Storytime and work the Children's Service Desk five days a week. I see the pressure that some parents feel for EVERY decision that they make. Sadly, this pressure includes what they should be reading to their children and what their PRESCHOOL aged children should be reading themselves...enter BabyLit. Sigh.

My poor little heart broke when I saw this display in my favorite bookstore.

The lesser evil

 My sordid collection

Surprisingly enough, I do have a few horror suggestions (that I have read myself). I try to read one horror novel a year so that I can give at least one suggestion that isn't based on reviews and the wonderful genre work of my librarian colleagues. If you choose to read Scowler, but have the opportunity to listen to it as well, I strongly suggest the audiobook. The Listening Library won the 2014 Odyssey Award for Scowler for good reason. 

Scowler by Daniel Kraus

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

You Know What You Have To Do by Bonnie Shimko

Remember those colleagues that I mentioned? Well, one of them has an awesome blog (two awesome blogs actually). Whenever you are looking for a good horror book, head on over to RA for All: Horror.Now is a good time to look because she just wrapped up her October horror blog-a-thon.

Truth in Fiction: Hector and the Search for Happiness

Many people wanted to make an appointment with Hector, not just because he looked like a real psychiatrist, but because he had a gift all good doctors have and that you simply cant learn at college: he really was interested in people. (p. 1 Emphasis mine) 

Pills are a bit like sweets: not everybody likes the same ones. (p.3)

But, in reality, being unhappy might also teach him something about happiness. (p.31)

The basic mistake that people make is to think that happiness is the goal! (p.38)

Hector said that he understood, but all the same he thought that Eduardo was building his and his family's happiness on other people's misery. (p.64)

But he'd never never talked to Hector about this before, and he didn't really talk about it now, since there's no need to explain everything to a friend who's a psychiatrist (or to a friend who isn't a psychiatrist for that matter). (p.74 emphasis mine)

But, as previously mentioned, knowing and feeling are two different things, and feeling is what counts.(p.87)

Colleagues of mine who defend the second idea tend to think that happiness levels are a bit like blood pressure or weight: they may vary from time to time according to circumstances, but generally they return to the same basic level, which is different in each individual. (p.134)

That could be another lesson: Be very attentive to others. (p.149)

It's a certain way of seeing things. Cultivating your serenity and keeping hold of it whatever happens, even in the face of your own death. (p.156)

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon Closing Survey

Which hour was most daunting for you?
I was sick this year. The entire Read-a-thon proved daunting for me.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord
Eve by William Paul Young
The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve Read-a-thon next year?
No, I don't have any suggestions. Read-a-thon was great as always.

What do you think worked really well in this year's Read-a-thon?
Mini-challenges were fantastic this year.

How many books did you read?
I read one book.

What were the names of the books you read?
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

Which book did you enjoy most?
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

Which did you enjoy least?
Not applicable

If you were a a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year's Cheerleaders?
I was not a Cheerleader.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
I am very likely to participate in the Read-a-thon again. I plan to be a Reader, and I am considering hosting a mini-challenge.

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?
I am reading Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord.

2. How many books have you read so far?
I am reading my first book.

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? I am looking forward to reading Eve by William Paul Young. I LOVED The Shack and I am eager to read Eve.

4.Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? The entire day thus far has been a read-a-thon interruption called WORK. I had to work 8-5 today, so not much reading took place during the first half of the read-a-thon. In order to deal with the situation, I checked in every hour to do a mini-challenge when possible and post to the blog. It actually worked out very well, and I am now thinking of hosting a mini-challenge for April's read-a-thon.

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
I am pleasantly surprised by how much I have enjoyed mini-challenges.

Classics and Comics: Hour 10 Mini-Challenge:

For this challenge pick a classic novel and pair it with a companion graphic novel that is similar or shares themes in some way. 

   

Hour 9 Mini Challenge: Book Scavenger Hunt

Courtesy of Just One More Thing:

Look at the item list below and find a word, phrase or thought IN THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING that fulfills that item.

Something hard: "When they were still at the bar and Ying Li was telling Hector about herself (of course now he realised that she hadn't told him everything) she'd told him how much her sisters earned in a month: he'd worked out that it was half the price of the bottle of white wine Edouard had ordered, sparkling next to them in its ice bucket." (p.33)

Something fast: airplane

Something sweet: "Happiness is being with the people you love." (p.48)

Something high: ..."Hector could see magnificent green mountains all around and, down below, the sea dotted with boats. (p.35)

Something funny: "Pills are a bit like sweets: not everybody likes the same ones." (p.3) Funny, but true.

Hour 6 Mini-Challenge: Top Ten List

Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon 

Top 10 Excuses Valid Reasons to Participate  

1. It is fun. We all need to take time to relax.

2. Make a dent in your TBR Pile.

3. Get caught up on your committee reading (Newbery, Printz, Alex, State awards, Mock awards etc.)

4. Meet fellow readers on Twitter

5. Stay in your pajamas all day

6. Automatic readcation

7. Read for charity

8. Have a reading party

9. Inspiration to update neglected blogs

10. Complete fun challenges like this one!

Hour Five Mini Challenge: The Ugly Cover Pitch

The challenge: This challenge comes from Shaina over at Shaina Reads - Pick a book that you felt was a winner of a read but was sorely lacking in the cover art department and try to persuade me that it was the best book ever. What greatness will I discover if I can look past its eyesore of an exterior?

Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero. FANTASTIC! AMAZING! REAL!

What will you discover if you can look past the exterior? You will discover Gabi Hernandez, a 17-year-old-girl who expresses herself in the pages of this diary. You will discover the world of a high school senior, and budding young feminist. You will discover life and all its ups, downs, joys, sorrows, and complexities.

An extra bonus for those of you who have yet to discover "Loose Woman" by Sandra Cisneros, and Zoe Saldana in "Colombiana". Read this book and you will be formally introduced to both.

Readathon Mini Challenge: Cover Escape

The Challenge
Dig through your shelves and share with us a book cover you'd like to escape into.

Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon Introductory Meme

1. What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

Denver, Colorado


2.Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

3.Which snack are you most looking forward to?

Walnuts


4.Tell us a little something about yourself?

Christian Friend (Quaker),  Public Librarian, Labyrinth Walker, Popcorn Enthusiast


5.If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what's one thing you'll do differently today.

The biggest difference about today's read-a-thon will be that I am working. That means no continuous reading for me until hour 14 when I return home from work. Until then, I will read when I can.

NaJoWriMo

I just finished my National Journal Writing Month (NaJoWriMo) entry for today and here I am on what is oftentimes my public journal. I stumbled on NaJoWriMo  4 days ago and was extremely excited because although I have had a journaling habit for decades, I have been censoring myself heavily when it comes to anything of importance (which defeats the purpose of journaling don't you think?) I thought NaJoWriMo would be a way to journal without being alone with my difficult thoughts. I was wrong. 

About 5 minutes after finding the site, I read these words "This month's NaJoWriMo is focused on the theme of "Unleashing Your Creative Mind Through Journal Writing." That is soooooo NOT me. I thought ok, I will just try NaJoWriMo in January. I am not an artist and these prompts will probably involve drawing, painting, or some other task that will leave me feeling inadequate and frustrated. I was wrong.

Although I had told myself that I would not be participating this month, I still went back to the site every day to read a little bit more. On day 4 I saw a prompt that was absolutely, positively sooooooooo me.

Day 4: Create Personal Door Signs. For today's prompt write and/or draw three signs that you would hang on your home door, work door, or even your forehead to let others know what you allow and don't allow in your life.

After completing my day 4 entry I went back to complete Days 1-3. I plan on completing the entire month. 

Positive impacts of NaJoWriMo thus far:
1. I am blogging again.
2.I learned about 750 words and the Day One journaling app.
3. I am using many of my journaling supplies that I had neglected. I hate being wasteful.
4. I am journaling again.

Yes. I am journaling again. I have been wrestling with concepts of shame, guilt, (lack of) regret, all of which require me to be deeply honest with myself. I can't deal with these issues while censoring what I write. NaJo WriMo has given me back the freedom to write for my eyes only. More accurately, I should write that I reclaimed journaling and my private writing space.

Friendship, Books, Food, and God

I participate in a Friendly Discussion Group, and this past week one of the members shared that he had a leading to develop new friendships. I asked if he felt that friendships were a gift from God, and more specifically if certain F/friends moved him forward in his spiritual practice. He was rather ambivalent in his responses, but the topic and my questions got me thinking about my friendships and the people I call friend. Fast forward four days and friendship is central to several incidents throughout my day. Friendship and books a central theme of the day. 

4:00pm
I was feeling ill at ease and looking for inspiration. I started reading various blogs and found myself reading an old favorite. Last year at this time my author friend, Rena Gregory, wrote a blog post "A Simple Reflection on Friends." I am the "super ninja librarian" mentioned in that post. While she waxes nostalgic about our mutual love for British television, Miranda Hart, and our unhealthy obsession with Brown Sugar, I often recall our reading Carlos Ruiz Zafon's, The Shadow of the Wind together. It was the first book we read together and that was an experience I will remember forever. That post, that phrase (super ninja librarian), and that friend make me smile. Do you know what else makes me smile? Celery.

5:30pm
My dearest, and most complicated, friendship is with someone I haven't seen in over 7 years, but yesterday I thought about him as I was presented with a plate of celery. Yes, celery made me think of my dearest friend. Of course such thoughts prompted me to send him an email about how a plate of celery made me think of him. I received the following message in response,  "I just finished Lexicon by Max Barry and thought of you. I  was making tuna fish salad and I thought of you. I laugh at that as well. I often wonder what you are eating." To sum up our friendship, celery makes me think of him, tuna fish salad makes him think of me, and we both love Max Barry's Lexicon (I am assuming he loved it because it is SO good.)

7:00pm
Immediately after work, I was set to participate in #2jennsbookclub 

"A Virtual Book Club For Teachers, Librarians or Anyone Who Loves YA Lit!" The book under discussion was Hold Tight, Don't Let Go by Laura Rose Wagner. Much of the love for this book is due to the author's obvious love for Haiti shining through on each page. I have recently developed a friendship with an amazing, strong, funny woman, and her spouse. They happen to be Friends with a capital F and we met at The Gathering. Their daughter is Haitian and the book club discussion made me give my first unsolicited book suggestion to the family. Knowing me and how I show people I care about them, I am certain this suggestion will be one of many for the family.

Present Time

Is friendship a gift from God? Yes, friendship is a gift from God.

And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. 
Ecclesiastes 4: 12 New Revised Standard Version

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. 
John 15: 15 New Revised Standard Version

Do my friendships move me forward in my spiritual practice? Yes.

My friendships impact my spiritual practice in vastly different ways, but they all move me forward. Some friendships are based solely on spiritual practice. I have prayer partners and pen pals. I pray with and for these F/friends. We study the Bible together. We hold each other accountable for the way we live out our faith on a daily basis, but we do not socialize or share our lives in other ways. 

Other friendships are more social, intimate, and personal. These offer more of a challenge for me as a person who doesn't do feelings very well. These friendships push me to be open and vulnerable. That means that the friendships push me to pray, study, listen, and read...

Your turn. Please share in the comments if you have books you share with friends or books that remind you of special friendships.

End of Event Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? I can't choose a single hour that was most difficult, but the hour I nodded off in the tub reading my book and dropped it was not the easiest.
2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?A few high interest books that I think could keep a Reader engaged next Read-a-thon are  Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, Saga, the entire series by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples, An Untamed State by Roxane Gay...
3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?I have no suggestions for improvement. It was great as always. Thank you for adding the readalong component. I like the idea of a common read, but The Yellow Wallpaper was creepy as expletive. 
4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I really liked the readalong. I had to take an extensive break from reading and so I felt less of the read-a-thon vibe, but when I read The Yellow Wallpaper and went to Twitter I felt a part of my Dewey reading community again. 
5. How many books did you read? I read 1 graphic novel, 1 short story, and 1.5 books. I will finish the second book after the read-a-thon is officially over, but count the pages for my donation to charity.
6. What were the names of the books you read? Saga by Brian K Vaughan (Writer) and Fiona Staples (Artist), Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina, The Yellow Wallpaper, and I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (incomplete)
7. Which book did you enjoy most? I enjoyed Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina the most.
8. Which did you enjoy least? N/A
9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? I was not a cheerleader, but my Cheerleaders were caps lock AWESOME. Thank you #TeamMrPopper 
10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? I am highly likely to participate in the Read-a-thon again. I will be a Reader next time and I am thinking about hosting a challenge.

Mini - Challenge: Shelfie

Dewey's Read-a-Thon: Mid-Event Survey

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now?
I am reading the Michael L. Printz Award winner,  I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

2. How many books have you read so far?
I have read 2 books so far. 

Saga, Volume. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan (Writer) and Fiona Staples (Artist)

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I am most looking forward to Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley.

4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
I have had only one interruption, but it was an 8 hour interruption celebrating my sister's upcoming nuptials. After everyone was settled and socializing, I went in the house and read for about 45 minutes before resuming my role of Maid of Honor.

5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
I am surprised that I only read at the bridal shower for about an hour. 

Mini-Challenge Classic Words of Wisdom

My first mini-challenge of the day is brought to you by A Literary Odyssey. 

"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." 

These words come to you from Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Literary critics will talk to you about the theme of marriage and how every marriage requires many elements to be successful. However, this quote is a reminder to me that just as we are unique as individuals, we are also unique as family units. My family is not your family, so I need not look to your family for answers to my family's happiness.

Dewey's Read-a-Thon April 2015

 It is time for Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon. 

Introductory Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
Denver, CO, USA

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? I have three books that I am really looking forward to reading. I will just list them in alphabetical order by author: 

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

I am also really looking forward to the Dewey Read-a-Thon Readalong. I have never read The Yellow Wallpaper, so this should be fun.

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
My sister is getting married in June and today happens to be her bridal shower. During this extended reading break, I look forward to snacking on carrot cake cupcakes and fruit infused water.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I am a former classroom teacher and am now a public librarian. I read for business and for pleasure. I have an affinity for both children's and young adult literature, cozy mysteries and African-American authors. 

 5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?  This is my sixth read-a-thon. There are quite a few things different about today's read-a-thon: I am reading books assigned for a course I am taking. I will need to take breaks between books to write annotations for each book. I will be missing at least 8 hours of the read-a-thon because I will be celebrating with my sister. 

Rest in peace, Mr. Larry

Mr. Larry passed away on February 23, 2015. He started volunteering at Pauline Robinson Branch Library when it opened in 1996, and started volunteering for Denver Public Library in 1995. He just recently slowed down at the end of 2014. Mr. Larry was particularly committed to educating our youth. Over the years, he helped many students, young and old, with their math homework, and performed many other duties around the library. He became the face of Pauline Robinson Branch Library, within the library and in the community. He will be missed.

We celebrated Mr. Larry's life today. Several of his family members, local and out-of-towners, stopped by the library to tour the branch and see where he spent his time.

At the conclusion of Mr. Larry's funeral service, the family played "At Last" by Etta James. This classic, which is a standard at many weddings, was a pleasant surprise, and brought a smile to many attending the service. Rest in peace, Mr. Larry. You will be missed. 

Grand Opening in Pictures

The Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library is Officially Open!!!

Grupo Tlaloc: Blessing Ceremony and Dance

Storytime Corner

"Make A Happy Sound" in our music studio

Coffee, Tea, Snacks...

Library vs. Lieberry

"There weren't even any windows, just blocks of concrete stacked on top of one another to form walls... It was a library, not a lieberry."

"A lieberry has windows with light coming through them. A lieberry is as cozy as a garden. The ideas it inspires are seeds that grow up to be flowers. " 
Page 97

Mental Illness in the Black Community

Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm EST is set aside for the Black Girl Nerd Podcast. I listen to the live podcast, chat with other listeners, and post comments and questions to twitter  #BGNPodcast Topics range from interracial dating to Doctor Who to discussions featuring celebrity panelists such as Taimak.  Tonight the discussion topic was Mental Illness in the Black Community and the discussion was rich, empowering, deep, light-hearted, funny, and life affirming. 

I listen to the BGNPodcasts because I self-identify as African-American, female, and nerd (of the book nerd variety) As a book nerd, the more I listened to the podcast, and the more I participated in the Twitter discussion, the more I felt compelled to share some resources related to the topic. 

   

 

 

openpathcollective.org
http://www.medicare.gov/coverage/outpatient-mental-health-care.html
depressioncomix.com
betterhelp.com
depressedwhileblack.tumblr

Truth in Fiction: Love is the Drug by Alaya Dawn Johnson

"Everything is a drug, Coffee taught her that. Some are legal and some are illegal, some your brain makes on its own, and some your doctor dispenses in orange bottles, but it's all brain chemistry in the end." 

Marella talking to Bird p. 153

"There's nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, you know. What's the point of being brave if it destroys you?" p.169

"There can be no success without a clearly defined goal." p. 171

"There's no more painful rejection than that of the person who knows you best." p. 225

"Scientists learn about the world. It takes governments to use that knowledge for good or bad ends." p. 331

Truth in Fiction: Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

"Living a lie is painful and doesn't do anyone any good. I had to be true to myself, because either way God would know if I was lying." 

Tia Bertha, page 282

Resolve to Rock 2015

Storytime Underground asked the Youth Services Providers across internetland to share their professional goals for 2015. I am resolved to rock in 2015, and here are my professional goals.

1. Create connections, community, and writings that have a positive impact on the world and those with whom I share this beautiful planet. I am in the unique and wonderful position of opening a brand new library branch, with a brand new building, and a brand new collection this year. My new library community deserves the absolute best, as does every community.

2. Read review journals, blogs, and professional literature. The queue of blog posts that I need to read is ridiculous; add to that the fact that I have stacks of journals at work and at home. I need to make time to read more of these publications and to do so in a timely manner. I need to keep up with my professional reading.

3. Learn Spanish AND maintain my French language skills. My new library community consists of a large number of Spanish speakers. I have to at least make an effort to learn Spanish, so that I can serve the community to the best of my abilities. While I am learning Spanish, I do not want to lose my French. I rarely use French here, but I do when I travel. And I just love the language.

4. Attend an awesome library conference. I am already scheduled to present at the Colorado Teen Literature Conference which is always awesome, but I am super excited about the possibility of attending my first NCAAL.

5. Schedule my blog posts. There have been several occasions when I thought I had published a post, but nope I look and the post is still in my Drafts. Of course by the time I think to look , I am writing a new blog post, and oftentimes the previous post is dated and/or no longer relevant for whatever reason.There is really no reason for that to happen when I know how to schedule.

Fresh Beginnings

Along with being a public librarian, I am also co-clerk of my Meeting's Library Committee. During our January meeting, committee members share stories that represent  “new beginnings” to each of us. History has shown us that we learn even more about each other with this pleasurable custom. Each year I tend to share a piece by Howard Thurman and this year was no different. Meditations of the Heart is my favorite (at this particular moment) work by Howard Thurman. "This is a New Year" and "I want to be Better " spoke to me in fresh ways and I will carry these meditations with me throughout 2015.  

Do you have any bookish traditions that you share with your library staff, family, or friends? Do you have favorite, books, passages, scriptures that are especially meaningful at certain times in your life? If so please share in the comments. Below is my favorite post-holiday reminder from Howard Thurman. Enjoy.

"The Work of Christmas" by Howard Thurman

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.