Third day home

It is Friday - slow day.  Energy was not completely up to the day before.  That's okay, listen to your body, it is so important especially when healing.

No in person visits set up except for the visiting nurse who came late afternoon.  The visiting Nurse, Diana, lovely young and smart woman.  The bandage stuck to the healing on my wound on my thigh.  With tremendous patience by her, my ouching and assorted noises as we pulled off the bandage and cleaned it up.  We inserted laughter, about her kids, and my slap stick comments.  Thanks Diana.

Now we need to keep the wound open to the air.  Think about it, front of the thigh, mid way up.  Geez, such a challenge to make a fashion statement.  I got stern directions NOT to go to the garden until it heals.  Need to get another roll of plastic wrap !

I did get to visit via phone with my friend and Library director.  I'm a trustee of the library here in town.  Besides updating her on my progress, we got to talk library stuff.

Then it was my cousin Kathy.  We grew up together.  I was often dropped off at her house during the summer and school breaks.  While we are only two months apart in age, we are a whole generation.  Her dad, my uncle Georgie and my grandfather, Papa, were brothers.  My Papa was 2nd oldest of 13 children and her dad was the youngest.  Both Kathy and I only had brother siblings, 4 and 3, respectively.  It was tough for us girls!  I was the maid of honor in her wedding some 40 years ago.  You could call us two peas in a pod - but we never needed to be in the pod to live our wonderful lives and be the best of the best to each other even when the times between visits could to too long.  She reminded me that her grandma on her mother's side had a tumor removed from her face back some fifty years ago.  Back then there was no reconstruction.  I had totally forgotten that until she reminded me.  Her grandma was a great lady - hope I can live up to her standards.  We got each other caught up, my health situation and what's going on with her side of the family.  We laughed and laughed.

Knocks at the door ---  flowers arrived from a client -- they are so lovely.  One of my rules about this sickness, is that I didn't want flowers, just one more thing to take care of.  He's a special client and he and his staff are always great.

Amazon delivery - a smoothie / soup book from Susan M and a pink salt rock lamp & little book on friends are the family we choose from Elena.  These two ladies are just too much.  They have been are ready to jump in to help.  I am so fortunate.

Early this day, I posted on my regular Facebook feed a letter to family & friends that may have not known about this whirlwind of this cancer.  It was so difficult to reach out before.  This technology has allowed me to reach out now.  So many well wishes and prayers and such nice comments.  It will take days to acknowledge all of them.

Thanks again to all that are in my community.

Living My 60th Year - A Pot of Gold

Fun is... when you come out of a long meeting to be able to see a rainbow end on the roof of Lucy Robbins Welles Library.  The pot of gold lies within this very place here in Newington.   Somewhere in the universe, the rainbow said to me that we will be able to continue to create one of the best libraries in the area.  

I've been focusing on the library and its expansion plans.  While a trustee, I'm not on the facility committee, though I would attend the committee meeting as a 'guest' had I know when it met.  One of my pet peeves with this group is lack of communication.  

The Town Council finally got around to formally starting a building committee. The LIBRARY RENOVATIONS/ADDITION PROJECT BUILDING COMMITTEE (LRAPBC) (that's a mouthful) was formed back in April, five of seven members approved in short time, and the last two members approved at in July.  They finally had their first meeting on July 27th.  I was there and taped the meeting.  I'm planning on being their to video tape their meetings.  I did request, to the Director, after the meeting, that the LRAPBC hold their meetings in the meeting rooms that have mic's as the audio was a very, very poor quality. 

I did say I video taped the meeting!  Yeah, I signed out a camera and tripod from NCTV (our community TV station) and will start to do live shoots.  The only way to learn, in some cases, is just to get out there and do it.  It is a very boring shoot.  The room was to small, so I couldn't focus in on the individuals speaking.  I did the Library meeting on Monday night and the Parks & Rec Informational meeting on Wed night.  The P&R went better as they met in a bigger room and allow me to focus on the speakers.   

Now I need studio time to transfer the files up to the edit machine.  That took a really long time.  Note to self - need to find a better way to transfer the files.  So while I was waiting the transfer, I began to make the graphics for the bottom third.  Our expert, Scott, was there and he was able in a quick few minutes to instruct me what to do, some good points about software we use, and how to work the layers.  Great start.  Unfortunate part, I need to be at the studio to work the editing at this moment.  The studio has limited access at this time.  We shall see how that changes in the near future.  This opportunity to video is like a kid in the candy store to me.  It's only the beginning - maybe some gold dust will fall on me.

The Shelby - I've been working on this blanket for just too long.  Having had the opportunity to visit with Shelby (niece), she was able to try it on for size.  She was so excited.  Ahhh - it needed to be expanded in length.  Maybe one more row or two?  We settled on two more rows.  Over the other weekend, I had almost an entire day to work on the blanket.  

What a joy to work on this blanket especially since Shelby was here.   It's tying in so many of the rows, adding the balance of the squares and really see it take shape.  What was really nice - was working outside and having the sun as my light source.  Looking forward to getting this completed by the end of August!

These two weeks have been filling my pot of gold - helping in my community, learning a new discipline, and seeing my work appreciated.  Cha ching!

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Living My 60th Year -

Snow Snow Snow and then more Snow!  A great week has gone by.  

Last week I took my middle brother and his wife out to dinner.  A prior Christmas present that was to go out to dinner - actually I did this four years in a row. They were suppose to call with a date.... that never happened.  So I told them this year what the date was and when I was picking them up.  

Actually he needed to reschedule from January to February, no fuss.  We met at a cute little place cal Amici in Shelton and had a great dinner at the beginning of yet another snow storm.  One down and three to go!

 My sister-in-law handed me over a large shopping bag with some yarn in it over the holiday as she was frustrated attempting to use the yarn and make a crochet blanket.  She chose a dark purple yarn - same brand as pictured here - and was running into difficulty.  I worked up a sample of a pattern I used for several blankets in a light color and explained how to do the stitch.   It is a simple double crochet in the back loop only and is worked with two strands at the same time with at least a N hook.  Result is that a row is over an inch tall, double strands make it very comfy, and it goes very quickly.  She seemed satisfied and I hope she begins her project soon. 

Then I received a phone call from the Library about the Town requesting to reduce their Zero increase budget by over 3% or $50,000 plus.  So we scrambled, came up with a plan, and we submitted that we close the Library all Sundays - and close on Thursday at 5pm.  That's right - lock up all those resources!!!  Close down additional meeting rooms, study rooms, the free wifi, the books, videos, cd, and other items in the collection, and shut down children and adult programing.   Our Library is the fifth busiest library in Connecticut.  More than 800 people (on average) enter our Library every day it is open.  Our work is cut out for us!  We need to rally the troops  - await to hear the response from the Town Manager - and it is tic toc tic toc.

I leave you with yellow roses that I purchased at the Volunteer Fire Department Valentines sale.  Just lovely  and and extra bunch of white ones - just because.......

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Camp back in CT with Spencer

Spencer beating the computer!

It was a great time in St. Louis, though Camp was unattended back home.  With few days back on the ground, and attempting to see if the local nieces/nephews wanted to get to camp, Spencer came out on top.  His time spot was limited as he was going to begin football practice by mid-month in August.

First of all, his dad got him to me by 8 a.m. on Thursday morning!  Spenc - what a trooper.   We took the day a bit easy only after making sure I noticed that I am now shorter than he was!  Hmmm something happened in the last six month!  He's wearing a size 10-1/2 shoe already.  We kidded each other all weekend long. 

It was an easy day - he helped in the office and made a few bucks!  Let me tell you, he's a great assistant.  Follows directions, was neat, asked great questions, and he was able to complete all the shredding in the office.  We searched the internet about some really great sneakers, got the pass from the Library and did a little bit of grocery shopping.  We also began to design his blanket! 

We went to the New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park with a pass from the Library.  It was so hot outside!  We did see the various animals inside, turtles, furry creatures, fishes, and all type of rodents.  There was one snake there, oh my goodness, it was enormous.   The animals in the outside cages were not showy due to the heat.  We tried to hike around the lake, though the temperatures were soaring.  Instead we headed for home, only after going to the store and finding the exact sneakers he was looking for on-line.  I had him try them on for size and walk around.  Heck I got a bonus, and I found a pair of new sneaks for myself.

Friday was the big day - we went to the CT Science Museum again.  Of course we saw a 3D movie - The Oceans.  It was really amazing.  So today's plan was to start at the top and work our way down.  This way we should be able to see all the exhibits.  Unfortunately the car race was not there, but the mind relaxation game was.  This game is based on your brain waves.  You put a headband on and it measures your output.  The less of the output (more relaxed) the more the ball moves to your opponent!  Spencer was really good at this the year before and beat me heads down.  This year, we equally won.  Actually one game wasn't going to end until one of us got the giggles.  We agreed that it wasn't as exciting as last year, I guess we can choose something different for next year. 

Spencer shooting the ball with air

We finished up on the early side as I had reservations at the Rock Cats Stadium.  So off we went to the game.  Sad to say the Rock Cats were having a pretty bad season.  As I write this - they are 44/97 OUCH.  They were playing Akron at home.  First inning Akron gets two runs and the balance of the evening is three up and three down for both teams without much excitement until the ninth inning.  Then the excitment began.  Akron - three up and three down.  Now its the Rock Cats turn. They get hits, get a run,  and are on base (possible grand slam) with a chance to win the game.  It wasn't their night.  The fans were very generous in supporting the team.  Just as the last out was called, the announcers drop the lights and we had a fireworks display that would rival any fourth of July show.  It was fantastic.  Lasted some 30 minutes.  What a great day with Spencer.

Saturday was a family picnic.  I was up late the night before and early the next morning getting all the supplies and picnic stuff ready to bring.  The heat subsided, thank goodness!  It was going to be one of the most glorious days of summer.  We get to the park, it was a mess, I'm embarrassed.  Spencer helped with site cleanup. Family began to arrive and we began with our festivities.  I didn't see much of him as he buddied up with his cousins Trenten and Brenan for lots of fun playing bocci, some game in the woods, time at the pool.  He checked in throughout the day and that was good.  Before we knew it it was time to pack it up and take it back to base camp. 

Sunday, a lazy morning, he read the newspaper to me and had a chance to talk with his cousin, Chris in St. Louis.  We considered we could go to a movie.  One of his maternal side cousins had a bit part in an action movie.  I didn't like the trailers so we decided that the animated film would be a better choice.  We were off to see Despicable Me.  Really cute movie, the minions had me laughing,  lots of 'jokes' and who wouldn't just love the story line. 

Wow - time just flew by.  When you have the opportunity to spend time with your nephew - it's a real treat.  We had lunch and then I dropped him off.    His football schedule just arrrived.  I need to coordinate my schedule with his so I could see him play this year.

Spencer - you are a great nephew.  You made camp the best!  Designing your blanket will be very cool.  Now I need to make the pattern and samples and have you approve it.  Next year - we will find a new adventure!  Maybe the Yanks at the Green Monster?  Thanks and love you lots!

Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play

This is great - on the 25th of September - Nick's programing will be shutting down from noon to 3pm.  Yes, the TV will not have any programing available.

Nick began this celebration of a Day of Play to encourage kids and families to get out and play!  Heck, it wouldn't hurt some of us adults to get out and play too.

Check out your library to borrow museum and attraction passes, ask your local parks & rec for activities, check out the website Planet Explore.  At this site, you enter your zip code and find lots of activities in and around where you play.

A great event  you can enjoy on that day is the Waterfall Festival - in the center of Newington from 10am to 5pm.  It is a great event, maybe I'll see you there?

One Unforgettable Big Summer Night

Hartford Public Library's Annual Fundraiser serves you the perfect recipe for One Unforgettable Big Summer Night

All the town was a buzz as hundreds of guests were greeted in black tie dressed ushers at the Connecticut Convention Center. Up to the Ballroom floor with great view of the city below, lovers of libraries, especially Hartford Public Library arrived to celebrate an amazing evening.

We began with some wonderful refreshments, silent auction, and lots of meeting and greeting.  The Hall High Jazz Combo filled the air with lovely music.  All of a sudden there was singing. The Connecticut Family Theater performed in dance and song "Be our Guest" as the doors to the ballroom were opened to where we would have dinner and our program. We were just getting warmed up!

Dinner was served and keeping in the spirit of all that is an unforgettable night ....... Our dinner was ...

  Menu de Julia Child

Supremes De Volaille A Blanc

Bibb Salad

Tarte au Citron et aux Amandes

"..... bon appetit ....."  Can't you just hear Julia?

Our guest was celebrated author Julie Powell. All of us  had the privilege to get to know a little more about this woman. Author of Julie & Julia she explained that this idea came from a book.   She cooked 365 straight days and 524 recipies from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in one tiny apartment and blogged each day. She was delightful to listen to and she even answer a question from yours truly about the blogging side of the experience.

Of course the night wasn't over. Good friend, Linda Stamm of Winter Associates was the auctioneer and did a superb job in raising additional contributions for this wonderful jewel in the city of Hartford.

What a classy event!  Even our chocolate gifts had HPL imprinted on them.  As happy and great fun as this evening was, we parted knowing that all guests enjoyed themselves and each of us helped contribute to a great library.  My hat is off to all of HPL!  See you soon Mary!

PS - Marian Amodeo was publicly introduced as the new chief public services officer of HPL.  Go Marian!

Budget ! DEBT!!!

Hey all, the Town finally finished the budget - ugh 2.5% increase, rounding out our new year's budget at $97 million!  Mind you it is not a balanced budget.  Town Council will be applying a surplus of $2million to fund the budget.

Ahh you could say - what's the big deal?  It's a few dollars per capita.  In my opinion, I would have taken the surplus, apply it directly to capital improvements that have been delayed or invest the surplus in attracting more business (new tax payers) to town.  To fund a shortfall in the operating budget?  Shame on you Town Council!

At least the Library's budget will stay intact as it was originally submitted.  We will continue to have Saturdays open and Sundays in the fall/winter/spring .  The Lucy Robbins Welles Library will continue to deliver superior materials, programs and assistance to our residents.  I did a quick calcuation, just in the book circulation alone, the Library delivered over $8 million dollars of value to the town in just one year.

Other interesting information that came out from this budget season.  Newington's per capita debt for past construction projects is approximately $643/ person!  The state is averaging $2,139 per capita and the US Government isn't making getting older any easier.  It rings in at $13 Trillion by the time I finish typing this entry.  Per capita debt with a population at about 308 million folks, debt for the Fed's is approximately $42,000!!!  Mind you this is a moving target.  Just think that each new baby arriving today is saddled with just about $50K of debt.

Please pay attention to your government, Call your legislators, visit them at town meetings, let them know that this mounting debt must be controlled and raising taxes to fund poorly planned and unproductive spending is NOT the answer.

2 Cents makes a difference

YES !  Yippie!  Thank Goodness!  and Thanks to all the Friends and supporters that came out to support the Budget Process here in town.  This is how it works.  As pointed out in the local paper, more that 20 people spoke out against the Library cuts, and NOT ONE person spoke for the cuts.

At the special meeting of the Town Council, and unamiously, the Town Council voted to have the $28,722 put back into the budget!

That restoration of money to the Lucy Robbins Welles Library's budget means the library will be open on Saturdays during July & August 2010, and all regularly scheduled Sunday hours 2010-2011 are back in.

I was with clients that evening and finally got to turn on the local station to watch the meeting that was already in progress.  It was meant to be,  just as I switched it on - some two hours into it, the Town Council was adding the $$'s back into the budget.  About two hours later, I hopped into the car and drove down to the meeting at town hall.  Sometime by 11:15pm I was able to get up and thank the Town Council for their thoughtfulness and for recognizing the amazing resource that our Library is to our residents.

So once again - thank you to Everyone!

Library Budget and my 2 Cents!

About a month ago, our town began it's annual budget process.  The Town Manager gives his budget, then a public hearing, then the Town Council gives their budget, and a public hearing - then hocus pocus - we get a budget and a mill rate.

The first public hearing was on March 15, 2010.  The word got out in advance that the Library had to cut their budget by $28,000 and with a bit of give and take ended up with a proposal to close the library during the summer months on weekends and eliminate all Sundays during the year.  That is just wrong!

The Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library went into action.  They met with patrons and residents for the few days before the hearing. On that night - over 50 individuals showed up, 18 spoke onbehalf of the Library. 

To see the public hearing - and your's truly at 14:45 on the time line, go to our public TV Station  -   http://www.nctv.org/ - look here - on the left column click on "OnLine Video" then scroll down to Archives and select the Newington Town Council Public Hearing March 15, 2010.

We may know in a day or two if the $$'s are restored!

The Speech

Wow - what a day! Even with the damp weather we had, over 100 folks attended the FOCL - Friends of the Connecticut Libraries seminar today.

Our first speaker was Timothy Cole, inspirational as he discussed the various generations of individuals that we have. Like the Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers to name the younger bunch. He disucssed the differences that each generation has and how "we" as Friends Groups need to address each (in a general way) when we are looking for new volunteers.

After his talk, we split into two group. I was the speaker for "Things your Treasurer Should Know" and Carl was the speaker for "Used Book Sales in Connecticut 2009". While I didn't get to hear Carl's talk, his handout is remarkable. He had gathered surveys for more than 50 friends groups. The survery cover days of sale, pricing, category breakdown, bag sales, and how books are disposed of at the end of the sale. There were two graphs that gave a profit by # of books, and a profit by the population served. It was the popular of the two talks.

My talk was full, with more than 40 treasurers and board members coming to take part in a full packed disucssion on the treasurer duties, record keeping & reporting, and budget preparation. There was alot of participation with lots of questions and comments. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish all the slides prepared, though those slides were included in their handouts.

Overall - the FOCL puts on a great seminar! Those that were able to attend went away with lots of food for thought. There were another 40 folks on the waiting list and rumor has it, we will be putting on this seminar in the spring!

My next Speech is coming up

Back during the summer I recieve a email from Carl the President of Friends of Connecticut Libraries, FOCL with an inquiry if I would be their guest speaker for a seminar in November. I responded 'of course, anything for the Friends."

In less than two weeks, that date will arrive. The topic will be "What Your Treasurer Should Know". This one is to be from my professional side of my work. So back this past summer I began writting the outline, reading all sorts of books, and before long some six pages of single spaced outline came out. Geez - and I didn't do the exhibits or the content yet.

Carl was checking as I was looking over the outline one evening and exclaimed 'it's only a hour or so, not a three credit college class!".

As this time has drawn near, and in the last week or so, I've had to organize the information and pare it down to what could fit in a hour session, making sure that the attendees will be able to recieve some good content and go back to their Friends group inspired with new tools.

So far, the slides are almost complete, yes a MS Power Point presentation with all sorts of goodies installed! Now it is attempting to streamline the information.

tic toc, tic toc.... I'll keep you posted!

The Greatest Voice We Have

Did you? It still makes me wonder why there is the amount of apathy in the world. Ok - right here in my back yard. I work the polls each year to sign up members of my community for a library card. So over the years, I have seen the ebbs and flows of the number of citizens that come out to vote.

It is only a mayorial election, oh it is only a dog catcher election. I say and so what! For a well run community, whether it be your small town, neighborhood, condo association, non-profit group, the state or the nation, it is your duty and your right to get out and speak with the vote.

If you need some inspiration - here are some quotes that might move you to vote in the very next election you can .....

~ Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. ~ Andrew Lack

~ Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~ The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. ~ John F. Kennedy

~ There can no longer be anyone too poor to vote. ~ Lyndon Baines Johnson

~ Vote early and vote often. ~ Alphonse

~ Voting is a civic sacrament. ~ Theodore Hesburgh

By the way - Christy and I worked the Ruth Chaffee elementary school and signed up 18 folks for library cards in our two hour time slot.

Interesting Reads......

I would not consider myself a big reader until I needed to move a year ago. Geez, I had quite a collection of books. I'd have an even bigger collection if we didn't have libraries to borrow books from.

I have so many favorite people to deal with at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, one of my favorites is Josh. While the libarary system will send an email telling me when a requested book arrives, Josh is often the staff member that gives me a call to let me know it is in. The Personal Touch. Today was just one of those days and beside the news of the book, a few little pleasantries with this young guy gives you such a smile. Thanks, Josh.

So today I thought I'd begin a book club - a chance to share some Interesting Reads right here with my friends. Don't worry I won't get out the accounting and tax manuals, though I will promise you it will be from the non-fiction arena, fun, though provoking, and hopefully leave you with a smile.


So to begin this - Mike Wallace's book - 50 years from today. It was published in 2008 and are interviews of 60 of the World's Greatest Minds. I hope over the next few weeks to give you a sampling of some of the thoughts and insights.

Introduction - It is rather short, even for Mike Wallace. Though he has us sit back and think of what life will be like around the year 2058. (My 17 year old niece will be 67, I could be 103 years old! ). He sets the stage to hear from some learned folks about "medical and technological miracles", about exploration to space and right here on our own planet, education, and the environment to name a few.

So keep tuned for my review of this book. I've read a bit of it all ready and am quite excited about the discussions and thoughts of the future.


"The future will be shaped by what we do in the present. We just have to decide what kind of future we want - and create it." How true is this statement - every day we can make a choice.

Great Service

Pronto Printer of Newington - I must take my hat off to this company. They are a local print shop, you can check
out their services with a simple click. I firmly know that your success depends on those individuals/companies that are in your circle. If you need something printed - you need to hire them!

When I began working on membership for the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library I needed to set up supplies - I needed a printer just for our organization. One that thought we were a good customer. I needed #10 windows, #10 regular, #9 return envelopes. Then the membership broshure and getting the logo just right. I've needed paper cut down, I needed a copy made on very large paper. Every time I asked, they were able to supply an answer. Even if they didn't print it, they would make the arrangements.

When we began, it was easy for my office to mail merge the data and send it to print. That was okay when it was 600 members. Now we have expanded our membership the mailing is over 1100 today. The files become much larger with print and graphics and to print 1100 letters(2 pages both sides) in my office would run at least 4 hours and hopefully without any jams etc. These guys have this gigantic laser printer and they were able to print the job in 40 minutes! They have lots of other great machines that make a mailing no work at all. We worked out a price and they even added a service to fold, stuff and seal the envelopes. Oh my goodness - they completed the entire job in 26 hours.

If you need a printer - these are the guys!

It's Membership Renewal Time

Yes it is, it is that time of year to kick off the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library fall membership drive.

While we take membership throughout the year, it is the fall when the major push to have members renew. This year's letter speaks to the savings patrons have been able to enjoy because the Friends purchase 27 Museum and Attraction Passes for lending purposes. With respect to a great tradition of the Friends, it is sponsoring the Summer Reading Program. This past summer, more that 2000 adults, teens and children took part and read thousands of books.

The Friends are an amazing and vibrant group of people - over 900 members strong. Many of them are active in the committees that enable the Friends to meet its mission to support the Library with materials, programs, and events.

We are such a great group. Thank you to each member - YOU make our Library the best.

Banned Books Week

...." A community without a Library is a community without a soul"... by Patty Foley

Beginning September 26th through October 4th is Banned Books Week. Yes Banned Books - it is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association; American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the American Library Association; American Society of Journalists and Authors; Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores. It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Now you can look at any of these supporters and understand the importance of having books. There are so many freedoms we have that are wrapped up in the ability to be able to read books. We gain information, explore thoughts, and express ideas. Yet when we talk of banned books - that leaves us with not knowing and actually, in my opinion, in a more vunerable position as a society. I understand why some groups challenge books, as it is their point of view. I respect that. We do know that your point of view may not be shared with others, and that's okay. It is about having intellectual freedom.

The following is a selection of classic books that have been challenged or banned. To see the list, click here - These are some of my favorite stories ... The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger; Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis; The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett; of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck; Charlotte's Web by EB White; and to round out a short list - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. If you would like to read why these and others were challenged or banned - click here.

Other authors.... F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, Kurt Vonnegut, JRR Tolkien, Norman Mailer - many of these authors appears more than once on the list.

In celebration of this week - here are two videos that speak to the point.



This one's message is quite clear - it's what we don't see/read that is what we should be afraid of.

Email - how much time do you spend?

It is now amazing how much email shows up in your inbox. Ten years ago - that's 1999 - where were you? Were you getting this much stuff? Email was "invented" by a DOD guy in 1971. I remember using an email in grad school in 1988 with students in Korea. It was pretty cool. While it was in through the EDU "net", it was kinda cool to get a message around the world and back in about ten minutes!

Email is a great tool, though we can spend too much time, therefore waisting valuable time that could be spent doing anything else. It represents some one else's agenda, what they want from you.

According to a study by Radicati - (August 2008) there is about 1.3 billion email users (approximately 1 out of every 5 people on the planet has email)- there is nearly 183 billion pieces of email sent each day. No wonder some of us get an unnecessary about of email. Continuing with the same study - about 70% of emails are spam or viruses.

I've been using different methods to conquer my landslide of email. I have filters that put incoming mail into folders, check it about 2 - 3's per day. If something comes in that I need to know about sooner, I'm sure the sender will find me using some other technology. Over the last month or so, I had some real trouble with email, it wouldn't download, or would download three times - ugh! After some trials, it is now fixed. I did learn to delete more mail when I had to deal with my server, I did have to get "done" quicker, my email tools were stripped down while using the server than my own MS Outlook is set for. Let me tell you that having a empty email inbox, even if only for a few hours, is a great stress reducer.

Great book that I just read - Julie Morgenstern's "Never Check Email in the Morning" points out that your first hour should be saved for your most critial important task in the day. By checking email 1st thing - you get in a reactive mode. Why not get into a proactive mode first. Check out her interview! You may pick up a hint or two! and Good Luck to you and thank you Julie!

You don't need to relocate Seattle to get the rain

If you are reading this and reside in CT, you know what I am talking about. We have a Flood Potential for today and the weekend! Happy 4th! The folks in Seattle are not getting the rain ? Seems we have done a flip/flop.

Did someone do something to Mother Nature lately? The amount of rain is just amazing - I mean like every day! The CT River is only this high in the spring with the snow melt. One of the reservoirs is at record height for this time of year. In CT we only expect to recieve about on average from 32 to 64 inches a year. We got some 8 inches last Friday and my 'ducky' measureing device outside needs to be emptied every day!

Heck I'm not all by myself on this one. Our elected officials have issued a report Rev 3/16/09 regarding what we will have to do to not only protect property, but to deal with the consequences with wastewater treatment; dams, flood plains, the roads, ----- Go Get 'em DEP!

Any way - my plants are not growing, the tomatoe plant is getting yellow and the herbs are not flourshing. Though my association must be saving $$s as the lawn is only mowed once every two weeks.

So I bring out my own Sunshine - go to the Library - stop by and pick up a Museum and Attraction pass and give yourself a stay-at-home-vacation! There is so much to do and you may just surprise yourself.

Anyway Happy 4th!

Made the press!

With my move this past summer, my edition of our state wide newsletter was lost in the shuffle. Through a good friend, Marian Amodeo, Director of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, I received a copy yesterday.

The Summer 2008 Edition of FOCL Point - page 8 and 9 is a brief description from the awards ceremony, a couple of paragraphs on my award and a picture. It was a great time, first to be recognized for the service to our own Friends group and second to enjoy and give thanks to the other Friends that make libraries in Connecticut such a special place and lastly was that so many family and friends were able to be with me that day.

Average - That's not for me!

Most times I've several books going at the same time. Generally they may be of the same topic so I get a virtual discussion going with the various authors.

This time, I'm reading one author, Seth Godin's books. I've been following his blog - great writer both in books and the blog. Thanks to the Lucy Robbins Welles Library and CT's InterLibrary Loan program - as I've been able to assemble about 5 of his books so far.

One of his books - "the dip" - a little book that teaches you when to quit (and when to stick) is quite good. If you are in one of those situations when both ends are pulling at you and you don't know what / where / when to do or go, then this little charm is great.

One passage, I think, sums it up, Seth says (pg 44) " The next time you catch yourself being average when you feel like quitting, realize that you have only two good choices: Quit or be exceptional. Average is for losers."

If you are looking for a few helpful hints and strategies to get you through your "dip", then pick up a copy of the book - I guarantee you'll get a million dollar tip out of it.