242. Good Books, Good Friends, Silent Book Club

Books, Events, Friends 0

I’ve listed all of these things before — perhaps if I put them together, I can make a new listing?

I was feeling a little discouraged after having my water heater replaced. That’s a big thing to deal with “by myself” (not that I was ever really alone), and had an emotional aftermath.

But Silent Book Club was just the thing to take away any residual bad feeling. I’m reading such very good books! And I have such good friends! (We even had two new people today.)

I realized that I have NINETEEN favorite books already this year that I will consider nominating for the Newbery. I only get to nominate seven, beginning in October — but how wonderful that I’ve read that many wonderful books!

225. My Friends

Friends 0

I posted a quote on Sonderquotes tonight that hit the spot.

When I was married, I didn’t feel like I needed my friends as desperately as I do now. After all, I went home to my Best Friend.

I no longer have a Best Friend who lives with me – but I do have a wonderful hodge-podge of wonderful people in my life. Tonight I’m thinking of Silent Book Club and the two friends who came – one a delightful and kind storyteller, and the other a young college student who loves horror stories and drives an hour to join us.

I’ve got friends who build me up in my faith. I’ve got friends in the library world. I’ve got 14 new friends who are going to help choose this year’s Newbery winner with me! I’ve got friends who play board games with me.

And this quotation reminded me that the wonderful variety in my friends enhances my life. Even though I’m not “in a relationship,” even though I’m in my home alone right now – I am so rich in my friendships.

219. My Staff

Friends, Libraries 0

Today I finished booktalking and had lunch with one of my staff members. Later today I wrote up an evaluation of both my staff members.

And that reminded me what AWESOME staff I’m blessed with. Both of them are stellar, self-motivated, always learning and looking for ideas for even better programs and ways to serve kids.

And they are both really nice people to work with, too!

218. Booktalking

Activities, Books, Events, Friends, Libraries 0

Booktalking has gone well this year!

It helped that we did the hardest one first – one hour per grade. (Most are 20-30 minutes per grade.) All the rest seemed like a piece of cake after that!

But it has also helped that I have read so very many good books, since I’m reading for the Newbery Award.

And maybe it helped that I have enough experience, I don’t worry as much about it.

And I really enjoy the two co-workers I do it with.

So it was an enjoyable time of booktalking this year – one day left tomorrow!

205. Friends

Events, Friends 0

Raise your hand if you’re having someone over who doesn’t have family nearby. My dear friend Darlene is doing that for me today – and I’m so thankful! I’ve known Darlene since we were in 3rd grade, so she feels like family. Thanksgiving is a good day to remember that I’m surrounded by people who love me, even when my family is far away.

188. Gateway Community Church Grand Opening

Events, Friends, Spiritual Blessings 0

My church has opened our new building! It’s a community resource center, and we’re having a Grand Opening celebration all weekend long.

I just spent my evening there, and enjoyed good talks with a series of individuals, some of whom I knew, and some of whom I didn’t know at all. And part of the time, I stood on the balcony and stared at the sunset.

God is going to do great things there!

184. Total Solar Eclipse

Events, Friends, Nature 0

Yes, I got to travel to South Carolina and stay with a friend – and I got to see the Total Solar Eclipse today!

Now, I got to see one in 1999 in Germany – but clouds covered the sun a few *seconds* before it went total. That time, we got to see darkness, and we got to see the partial eclipse leading up to totality. But we didn’t actually get to see the moon covering the sun.

This time, I did – and it was incredible! Awe-inspiring and wonderful.

Mind you, there was a cloud right next to the sun just before it went total – and I was SO afraid it would happen again! But no! I really got to see it! The sun’s corona around the moon was amazing.

I’m so thankful I got to see it!