A Small Reprieve

Though this blog is far from what I would like it to be, it is what it is.  I have been away from the creative writing for very good reasons.  But I have not stopped writing altogether.  I write in my mind in those precious moments – and I mean moments . . . sometimes mere seconds.  When I think, I write.  Just not on paper.

I have graduated with my BA in English and now am working on my Masters in Library Science.  I am also, home schooling 3 children due to issues that have made my children cry many a night and therefore made me cry.  I am also in my dream job part time—working in a library with the patrons who have become part of my world. 

I have a very, very full and fulfilling life.  I still ache to sit down and write.  But, there must be sacrifices at every point in life.  When I am not at work, I am teaching.  When I am not at work or teaching, I am at school.  Then there are the normal routine things like trying to have a somewhat organized home with somewhat disciplined children.

I am on Christmas Break right now and so are my children.  This has opened up time slot after time slot of deeper reflection and contemplation.  I miss sitting still and quieting my spirit and just listening to the silence.  I have become sane again.  My life has slowed down . . . briefly.  But, it is enough to give me a reprieve and reach within.

This is my Christmas present to myself.  It is the best present I have ever given to myself.  Time.

A Wonderful Life with SJCPL

I’ve been away from this blog page for a long while.  Much has happened.  I found a wonderful job, finally, at St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL).  I am also back in school! 

I am seeking a Masters degree in Library and Information Science.  I have finally found a perfect fit for me. 

So, not only am I a student mom—again—I am also a working mom.  Busy, doesn’t seem to cover the life I lead right now.  But, I love it—especially when the kids are peacefully asleep or the schoolwork is done or both! 

This year at SJCPL we have piggy backed on the Civil War 150^th Commemoration in Indiana and chosen the book Killer Angels by Michael Shaara as our One Book Michiana 2013.  While I admit I haven’t read it, yet, I also admit that I am looking forward to reading it next week after the rush of the spring semester is over. 

I love a good historical novel and this one won the Pulitzer Prize.

Keeping in the theme of the Civil War, author Jennifer Chiaverini will be at SJCPL on the 29^th of April.  She wrote Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker.  This book is about freed slave Elizabeth Keckly.  Read the blog found on SJCPL’s website, titled “The Dressmaker.”  I read that food is involved.  YUM! That is this Monday!  I only wish that I had time to read that book, too.  Maybe I’ll have time while I wait for classes to start this May for summer semester?

Have you ever wanted to experience a true afternoon tea during the 1880’s?  Well you’re in luck!  There is going to be a tea at the historic Tippecanoe Place.  This one requires admission and some money to defray the cost but sounds lovely.  I may invite my mother to pull that one off on May 3^rd.

If you missed our recent activities around the different branches involving some authentic Civil War memorabilia, I am truly sorry.   Some of the students from the neighborhood schools near Western Branch enjoyed learning how to play some of the games popular for the time.  I heard a lot of laughter coming from the room they were in—it was contagious to my heart.

But, if history is not your forte and you would rather read some fantasy literature—we have that combined with Abraham Lincoln in the book titled, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and yes, we have the movie, too (if you would rather not read).

The library isn’t just for those voracious readers anymore.  It’s for anyone who is interested in diversion or education.  There truly is something for everyone, if they give it a chance.  Many of our programs have sub-programs—like One Book Michiana as seen above.  We also . . . have summer reading programs where prizes are involved and awarded to more than one person.  But, there are also programs associated with that through out the summer months!  I look forward to handing out prizes to patrons.  I have a prize in just working at the library!  Come see how wonderful it all is!