Saying Goodbye to the Dragons

As I opened the library door today, I felt sad. It was the last time that I would enter the stacks as the Librarian. I felt as if I was saying goodbye to my best friend, but then realized that it was even greater than that. I was saying goodbye to every book, character, page and story that I had been keeper of. I will miss mending pages, covering dust jackets, shelving, sharing and reading those beautiful books. Not only do they keep stories between covers, but also their story that has been created here in the stacks. Each arrived as a mass marketed clean and new book. Then they were catalogued, stamped and delivered into the hands of eager readers, beginning their journey. Some have been soiled from dirty hands, others read so often that the pages have had to be mended and replaced, a few of the unfortunate have found their way into younger siblings hands to be marked on by pen or crayon and a few chewed on by a family pet; each taking on individual qualities and lending themselves to the literacy development of young minds. I have come to love these books for all their imperfections and extended stories. I will miss them and hope that the new "keeper of the books" will take care of them and love them as I have.
I will forever look back on my time as a DES Dragon with pride, gratitude and friendship. Goodbye my Dragon friends and thank you for making every moment that I was part of your community of learners a magical one.

Book Four: Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich

I was so excited to download this iBook from amazon. I have read the whole series and have cheered Stephanie Plum on, but the series is letting me down. Where is the Stephanie Plum that we fell in love with? I loved Stephanie Plum for her vivacious, hold nothing back, Jersey girl attitude. I loved her family and her pet and was wrapped up in her love triangle. I laughed at Grandma Mazur and Lulu, but now they are boring too. I am especially disappointed with the love triangle and actually don't even feel that there is a triangle. Morelli is boring, I would love to see him go all policeman and why is he so trusting of Ranger? It is almost as if he does not care. Where is the Italian, macho Morelli we fell in love with? At this point I am rooting for Ranger.  I really was hoping for some character development in this book, but did not feel it. I am sad to say that I did not enjoy this book and even sadder to say that I can wait for book 21.

I visited the Little Library I put out in the Meadows today. I took the new books I received from the ICfL and a few cookbooks too. I noticed that the cookbooks are usually the first to be taken. I like to think that the kids are cooking with their parents and learning to read directions. What a great summer activity. My hope is that I can get permission from the HOA to put out a permanent Little Free Library in the Meadows.
While I was there I picked up my tonight's read, Just Grace Goes Green by Charise Mericle Harper

Lazy Monday

This has got to be the laziest of Mondays! The only accomplishments I have made are starting both the dishwasher and the the washing machine. Even my creative juices are on pause. Yesterday, I painted, planted, planned and played. Today, I have slept, slothed, snoozed and slumped.

I did finish a sign for my kids 4-H fair booth yesterday. The theme for the local fair is "Made in The USA". I think it turned out well.

4 Summit Bike Challenge - Cascade, Idaho

Wow! Talk about athletes. Today more than 400 athletes showed up to ride in the challenge. It was amazing to talk to them and cheer them on. The 74 mile ride is intense and grueling, but the riders were smiling, joking and overall positive. Riders can choose to ride in an 8 mile family bike ride or to ride a 2 summit ride or 4 summit ride. This year was the fifth year for the ride and there was a practiced organization to the event. The "Head Goat's" truly had it all together. A few memorable quotes. "I can't believe I paid to do this!" "The reason we go up is to enjoy the ride down." "Can I get a fresh set of legs."
Riders, thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you and for you. I was humbled, inspired and motivated. I can't wait to volunteer again next year.

Sheep Washing

I found out this morning that tomorrow is sheep shearing day. My two teenagers both have 4-H lambs. So, after a quick trip to town to buy soap we attacked. Needless to say....I think we got wetter than the animals. The lambs look clean and smell good; it is my kids and I that look dirty and smell like we came from the barn. Now, hopefully they will stay clean for tomorrow.

Zucchini Dreamin

Wow!!! What a beautiful morning. I am glad that I covered the garden last night, because there was a thin layer of frost on the sheets. It was my worry over the garden that had me up before the alarm clock. Here in the mountains the growing season is so short. Last year my zucchini froze on the 4th of July, but this year I am determined to harvest! Zucchini bread, cookies, pancakes and of course the fried and grilled zucchini recipes are waiting....spotless from never being used. This year I will diligently watch the weather report. I will cover them when needed. I will water, weed, and wait for those beautiful green veggies. This is the year that my garden will be "bountiful".

My husband has helped to make my gardening more successful this year. Before moving to our home here on West Mountain we lived in Boise. The weather was perfect and gave me the false sense of a green thumb. I thought that I was a wonderful gardener.....I even referred to myself as a "plant whisperer", but then the move. That green thumb turned into a wilted phalange.  I was depressed and last year I swore off gardening "forever". So, this spring my husband started scrapping wood from work and built me two beautiful raised beds. He then was able to pick up some compost from a local farmer and filled them. I was still stand-offish. Let him plant the garden..good luck!!! But then he twisted my arm. He took me to the local nursery for Mother's Day and he and the kids bought me plants, seeds and tools and now here I am with two raised beds that are producing. We have harvested beets, peppers, carrots, lettuce and herbs this summer, but are still waiting for that elusive first zucchini.

Book 3: What's the Difference Between a Turtle and a Tortoise? By Trisha Speed Shaskan

I picked this up at a recent librarian reading summit. What a great nonfiction picture book that falls right into the CCSS. I can't wait to share it with students this fall. The book is beautifully illustrated by Bandelin-Dacey. Her watercolor paintings are soft, bright and realistic.

This book is appropriate for early elementary and is a great example of a compare and contrast text. The content is informative and includes many nonfiction text features including diagrams, fun facts, glossary, index, and picture captions.

I loved this picture book and actually learned some great facts. I especially fell in love with the pictures. Loved it!

Book 2:  Koko Be Good by Jen Wang

I picked this graphic novel up at a Little Free Library. The first thing that I noticed was the art. Jen Wang is a great artist that is able to capture expressions and story in pictures. I felt slightly let down by the text and the disconnection of dialogue in some areas, but overall....enjoyed the read!

Homeless, motorcycle riding, Koko is always getting herself into disastrous situations. After meeting 20 something Jon, and hearing about how he is going to Peru with his 30 something girlfriend to support her humanitarian activities, Koko decides to BE GOOD. But what is "being good"? Is it volunteering with the elderly, at the hospital, is it sending money to sponsor kids around the world? How do you change yourself and be honest with yourself at the same time?

Koko and Jon may seem like opposites. Jon seems to have it all figured out and what good means, but is it for him? Both characters are struggling to find their way and what they really want in life. That is what draws them together. Maybe they can help each other.

WONDER-ful Book

Book 1: Wonder by RJ Palacio.
I read this book as a read aloud to third graders. It was amazing! Especially when half way through the book a family moved into our neighborhood that had a boy much like the protagonist of this book. The book helped to pave the way and promoted acceptance and empathy.

This book is about Auggie, short for August Pullman. Auggie has been homeschooled up until the fourth grade. He was born with facial deformities and health problems that have required many surgeries. But, now Auggie's parents have decided to send him to regular school.
At the regular school Auggie is met with many troubles, including bullies and just being accepted. Palacio does not only delve into Auggie's personal story, but also in how others feel about him. There is always a second or third side to every story and Palacio shows this well. This book is told through Auggie's voice and also the voices of different people around him. A touching story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging. I can't wait to read more by Palacio.

I'm Back...Actually Just Getting Started.

When I first signed up and created this site I was confident in my ability to keep up on it. My goal was to share my reads, inspire others to read and keep track of my reads. Not what has happened. My poor, sad, forgotten blog has waited for me to return patiently and now that I am here.....what to write. Is it too late to challenge myself to 100 for 2014? Well, I do love a challenge!!!! Is that 100 books read or 100 posts? Let's do BOTH!!!!