From Our Recipe Box to Yours....And a Happy New Year!!!

Here's a yummy dip recipe that the mayor and his wife shared with the library staff this year!! A great addition to your New Year's Eve parties!!...

Cheese Ball Dip


1 8oz pkg. cream cheese


1 pgk Hormel Dried Beef cut into squares


1 TBL. French onion dip or ¼ C. Green onion tops/chives


½ tsp. Worchestire sauce


Mix all ingredients. Additions: Roll in pecans, or add 1 C. shredded cheddar cheese.
 
 
Also, don't forget ...
 
The Library will be closed New Year's Day  and then
 
reopen
Sunday, January 2, 2011,
2-5 p.m.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??...

Welcome to this week's version of What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??!!! This Wednesday, I'm here to talk to you about vampires...What's there to talk about, you ask. Really, any book with a vampire in it is  quite popular right now. As a result, there are a lot of different takes on the whole vampire thing. Each author treats the idea of vampires quite differently. One author will go on the premise that a vampire is "created" by getting bitten. Another author creates vampires as another species. Still another views vampires kind of as a mixture of both being "created" and being born. Still others, always mix vampires and werewolves in their stories, so you kind of have to like both  to read their books. Depending on what you like, will dictate the authors you read because each has their own unique style.

For myself, I always read strong female leads with the vampires being "created" by being bitten. The reason I like these is because it gives the vampires some more human like qualities since they were humans to begin with and it mainstreams them in society which I like. I have a harder time with vampires being another race that lives separate from humans and they only interact once in a while. So, I don't read those. Some of my favorite authors include, of course, the Laurell K. Hamilton, Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Series, the Keri Arthur, Riley Jensen Guardian series, the Patricia Briggs, Mercy Thompson series, and sadly, the Stephenie Meyer Twilight series (Yes, I am one of those).

If you don't mind vampires being another race, you might try Christine Feehan's Dark Series, or J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Both are quite popular reads. If you are interested in the paranormal without so much romance involved, I'd recommend Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

I also was told I should read Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series tonight. And my list gets longer and longer. There are soo many good books out there to read and I'm so far behind, I'll never die!!!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...A fun punch and a Merry Christmas Eve!!

A Holiday Favorite at our house...

Coffee/Ice Cream Punch

6 Cups Water
1/2 Cup chocolate drink mix (such as Nestle's Quick)
1/2 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup instant coffee granules
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream

Boil water, then add chocolate drink mix, sugar and coffee granules. Store in refrigerator at least 4 hours or overnight. (I put the pan in the garage overnight where it was cold since I used a big pan and it was sort of slushy when I went to use it!)
Thirty minutes before serving, pour into punch bowl and add ice cream and smoosh to break up pieces. (Try to be patient.) Can dollop with Cool Whip and shaved chocolate. (Just TRY to have only one cup of th is!) (The last drops taste wonderful added to a cup of coffee!)

Merry Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!!!

The Library will resume regular hours Sunday, December 26, 2-5 p.m. Stop in and see us!!!

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??? Some Holiday Fun!

'Twas the Wednesday Before Christmas...

'Twas the Wednesday before Christmas and all through the library,
not a patron was reading, not even a mouse.
They all are out shopping, grabbing last minute gifts.
Wrapping packages, hoping no one is missed.

The children all are home celebrating,
no more school for 2 weeks!!
While the librarians are checking out movies
all day and all night.

What people are watching,
does bring holiday cheer....
Santa Puppies, The Santa Clause I, II, & III,
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.

The Librarians step in and say
Watch your movies with care
Return them on time
'Cuz Santa Claus won't pay for your fine!!

Now Nora Roberts! Now Laurell Hamilton! Now James Patterson and Stieg Larsson!
On Danielle Steel! On Debbie Macomber! On Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult!
To the circulation desk, to check out your books!!
Now read away, read away, read away all!

But please always remember,
we're here to help you
in any way that we can.
From computers, to books, to research, to movies..
we all too have a listening ear.

So, this 2010 holiday season
the librarians at the Waverly Public Library
wish you happy times and good cheer.
Happy Christmas to all
and to all a good read!

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??...Nonfiction or Fiction?

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday? is here again my reading friends!!! Have you been reading something really great this last week or are you stuck in a reading slump? Tell us all about it! We want to know.

For myself, I mentioned that I was trying to focus on Christmas shopping and the like. And I have been. I spent some time shopping and also spent several hours with my computer and a site called Snapfish. I am sure you've heard of it...There are some great deals to be had if you have the time and inclination. As for me, I make calendars for my family out of the many photos I take all year long. This year I procrastinated a bit too long and have been glued to my laptop trying to finish within standard shipping rates. I am pleased to announce that last night, I decided to just click "buy" and quit agonizing over it!! It is good and people will like it!! Besides, it's the thought that counts, right?

But, not really reading anything has been a struggle for me. I find myself stealing moments here and there to read anything. The newspaper, magazines, labels....I am going stir crazy not having a book at my bedside! So, I grabbed a couple of photography books and one on designing spaces in your home so that I could just read little bits here and there and not get sucked in by an awesome plot, which is what I want to do, but that is another story...I find I read nonfiction in this way anyway. Most of the time, I skim and scan the material just picking out the interesting bits. I am so busy most of the time, my mind doesn't have room for extra trivia, so this works for me.

Anyway, as photography is a hobby of mine and I don't really like my indoor shots all that well, I thought I'd see if I could pick up any tips before the big holiday gets here. We have a couple of new books, The Photographer's Eye, and Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots that I am reading now and am finding quite helpful. I also really enjoy the website http://www.kenrockwell.com/ because he writes in "staceyspeak", not too hard to understand. I think a lot of photography is about practice and I am debating challenging myself to taking at least a picture a day next year as I've read lots about the benefits of this to your creativity, etc.

So, are you a nonfiction or fiction reader? Do you skim like I do, or really dig in? Are you thinking about trying something new in the coming year? Chime in with your thoughts...

It's Saturday....But I thought you'd enjoy this anyway!

Stuffed Bread

One loaf French Bread (the loaf should not be too skinny or too think)
1/2 C. butter, melted (You MUST use butter)
2 tsp. poppy seed
3/4 tsp. Lawry's Seasoning Salt
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. dry minced onion
1 tsp. dry mustard

10 oz. Swiss Cheese, sliced
One 2 1/2 oz. can mushroom stems and pieces
1/2+ pound thinly sliced roast beef
1/2+ pound thinly sliced ham

Cut bread loaf length-wise, cutting clear through. Place bottom half of bread loaf on heavy duty foil and make foil plenty big. Layer meats onto bread. (I put cheese, meat and then more cheese so it stays together better.) Place mushroom pieces (I don't use these), then cheese over meat. Place top bread layer on. (I pricked the top of the bred with a fork a bit so the butter soaks in butter). Bring foil up part way. Bend butter and seasonings. Pour butter mixture over loaf. (The butter will soak in and run down the sides, but the onion and seeds will stay on top.) Wrap up loaf carefully and close foil, but leave a couple tiny air holes. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes; 40 is best. (It is done when the bottom is crispy and the cheese is oozing out of the sides AND it smells SO GOOD!) Slice into 1"-1 1/2" pieces. Leftovers heat up best in foil in the oven.
Note: I have always used these ingredients, but really could use other meats after you get to experimenting. I also used individual serving hoagie buns before and wrapped 2-3 in each foil pack. It is easy also to make up two of these at one time for a larger crowd. I place the foil package on a cookie sheet for easier handling.

Note Note: I got this yummy recipe from my mother in law and made it for our library Christmas Party. I substituted turkey for the roast beef and added cooked bacon slices on top. Very Yummy!!

I am a little late putting this up because I did a little Christmas shopping yesterday, but I promised everyone at work I'd get them the recipe!! So enjoy everyone!!

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?? Revisiting...

What's in Your Library Bag this Wednesday? Mine is empty as promised!! Last week I promised myself I wouldn't pick up another book, I'd try to work on some Christmas stuff! And it's been hard. It's not that I don't want to focus on the other stuff, I just really enjoy reading; especially before bed. It seems odd to just go to bed and not read a few pages before I fall asleep. But, if I read a book before bed, I'd read it all the time instead of shopping, crafting, ordering online, etc. I have no willpower when it comes to reading something I like.

I do have another reader's advisory class coming up, though. This one is on what's called Speculative Fiction. This is kind of a wide ranging genre and includes fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction and the like. One of my favorites types of books to read is Urban Fantasy, so I thought I'd revisit an oldie but a goodie and do a little review here.

I've mentioned before about how a patron turned me onto reading series through a suggestion. The suggestion happened to be Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton, the first in the Anital Blake Vampire Hunter series. Now she is the Queen of Urban Fantasy. Urban fantasy's main prerequisite is that it takes place in a city. They are usually in contemporary times with supernatural elements involved. So, Laurell K. Hamilton weaves a fantastical story of vampires, werewolves, and magic all taking place in St. Louis, Missouri.

Anita Blake is a necromancer, she raises zombies for a living; she is the legal vampire executioner for the state; and she is on retainer with the police force for all supernatural crimes, RPIT or the Spook Squad. Appearances are deceiving as Anita is a petite little gal with long black hair. She doesn't appear intimidating in the least. She tends to overcompensate this fact by carrying a big gun, knowing karate, being fit, and having an attitude to boot. It doesn't hurt that she can control the undead and kills vampires for a living, either.

Guilty Pleasures begins with a new vampire petitioning Anita to help figure out some crimes taking place in the vampire community. Anita doesn't like or trust vampires...go figure, but she gets dragged into the crimes one way or another. Jean Claude, a powerful vampire in his own right, takes a liking to Anita and decides to "help" her when she must go in front of Nikolaos, the Master Vampire of the city of St. Louis. See, even vampires have rules. In the end, the crimes get solved through many twists and turns and Anita ends up with new scars, emotional and otherwise and a troubling new "tie" to Jean Claude which is anyone's guess how that will turn out. The crimes are dark and edgy and the tough as nails vampire hunter, Anita Blake, becomes everyone's favorite heroine. By the second, third, and fourth novels, you are just "dying" to find out what will happen  next as Anita delves deeper into the world of the supernatural and the relationships that surround her.

As with most good series, the more you read, the more you want to read. What starts out as a harmless read soon becomes an obsession. So don't pick one up if you a) don't have any free time and b) don't have the stomach for the sex and violence which are an itricate part of who Anita Blake is. But, do pick one up if a)you want a book you just can't seem to put down and b)if it's the darker and edgier the better!!

Anital Blake is one of my all time favorite heroines and I can't wait to see what Laurell K. Hamilton does with her next. Maybe you'll like her too....but, I try it after you finish all of your holiday obligations. I'm just sayin...

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday???

To all of those people who come through my check out line and say, "No, I can't check out any more books! I have to DO something. I have to clean my house and get ready for company," I always say, "That stuff will still be there when you are done with your book!!" But, in reality, they are right. Shhh. Don't tell anyone I said that. I have noticed that I get absolutely nothing done when I have a good book to read! Because, really, I'd much rather be reading!! Some things do have to get done, however, so I am going to try and not take another book home after I finish this one...Even if there is a new one calling my name in my box right now, but...I have Christmas presents to finish, decorating and baking to do, journaling to catch up on, not to mention the boring cleaning stuff that piles up like no tomorrow!!

In the interest of what's in my library bag, though, I am reading a new book. It's called "i'd know you anywhere" by Laura Lippman. I'd never read a book by her before and this one looked interesting, so I thought I'd give it a try. I seem to be doing that a lot lately. And I am happy to say that I haven't been disappointed. More like, disappointed that my favorite authors aren't writing much, but finding new good books to read just the same.

Back to "i'd know you anywhere"...The story kind of has a feel of Jodi Piccoult. Kind of. Each chapter is a different date or a different point of view that all mesh together to tell the same story. It starts out in the life of a middle aged mom who has just moved back to America from a six year stay in London. She receives a letter from a man on death row who had kidnapped and raped her when she was 15. So, we then flip back and forth between the present and the past to learn what happened and what is happening. Throw in some other characters who play parts in the present and past stories and there you have it. It's intriguing to me to try and imagine what it would be like having someone who had committed a crime against you want to talk with you. How would that feel? Would I be able talk with them? So the book intrigues me...I am not finished, but it is leading to a conclusion of something else happened that night other than what we are told in the beginning...so I must keep reading and find out.

Might be something you'd like...Stop in and I'll help you find what you are looking for.

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....Caramel Apples and Holiday Music

My youngest son and I had a stay home day the other day and he asked if we could make caramel apples. I'd never made them before but I said sure, why not. I wondered where he got the idea for caramel apples from, but was game to try. Turns out he read about them in a story at school. He was so excited, opening all of the caramels for our project and then when his brother and sister got home from school, making them up a snack plate, with our caramel apples on them. They may not have been the prettiest apples, but they were yummy and we had fun making them!! They were entertaining to eat, too!! You should try them!

Caramel Apples

1 bag caramels
2 T. water
5 popsicle sticks
5 apples, your choice (my fav are Braeburn)

Prepare a plate covered with wax paper. Butter the paper so the apples won't stick. Wash and dry your apples and insert the popsicle sticks next to the stem. Set aside. Open all of the caramels and add to a pan with 2 T. of water. Heat slowly until all of the caramels are melted. Dip your apples and spoon on where needed until all apples are covered. Place on plate and put in refrigerator for at least an hour. Don't let the apples touch or it will be a mess. Enjoy!!


Holiday Music starts this Sunday at 2:30 p.m. here @ the library. Come in and enjoy the sounds of Ms. Arthur and her piano students as they serenade us with music for the holiday season.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??....

It's Wednesday again!!! Don't you just love Wednesdays? Not only is it half way through the week, but it's the day we get to talk about what we are reading!! At least I do...Isn't it great?

So, what I am reading right now I am not finished with yet, but I am 2/3 through, so I thought I'd talk a little bit about it. It's the new one by Nora Roberts, The Search. Boy, it's a wonder that woman ever sleeps with all the books she has coming out!! And they all have quite different story lines. She's good.

Back to The Search. I came to work the other day and saw this book in my mailbox and thought, "Huh. I don't remember wanting to read this one, but hey, I need a book and here one is!" I took it home and started in. After the first chapter, I thought, "Wierd. I don't usually read books about dogs, but it seems interesting enough." Now, 300 pages later, I can't wait to see how it all pans out. I've only had an hour a day or so to read, so it's taking me longer than normal. I like to call it savoring the story.

Fiona Bristow, lives on a remote island, Orcas, off the coast of Seattle, and runs her own dog obedience school. She owns three dogs of her own and is a part of a Search and Rescue unit. Throughout the story, she is called out on searches with her dogs and you get to see first hand what it's like. Being a puppy owner myself, I am amazed at how well behaved her dogs are! Then again, this is a fictional story...Fiona is actually a 12 year survivor of a kidnapping and attempted murder which is always in the background waiting.

Through her obedience classes, she meets Simon Doyle, owner of Jaws, an incorrigible puppy. They hit it off in an odd sort of way and their relationship keeps you laughing as the story goes on. I am getting to the point in the story where tension is building because the murders have started again 12 years later...just like before. Is Fiona a target again? The man who kidnapped her before is still safely in prison, so who is behind the murders this time? Will the murderer find her on the remote island where she lives? Will she get away again? What will Simon do? How do the dogs play a part? All these questions and more are yet to be answered....But, Nora Roberts weaves a beautiful story that keeps you turning the pages and wanting to read moreand find the answers. I wouldn't want to tell you the ending anyway, so you'll just have to pick up The Search for yourself to find out how it all ends!!! Hopefully I hooked you all just like Nora Roberts did me! Come on in and check it out!! Of course, you'll have to wait until I am finished, but I'll hurry! *smile* Until next time,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
AND HAPPY READING!!!

Librarian Humor

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Bubble Pizza and a new blog.

My son recently had tonsil surgery and the hardest part for him has been not being able to eat his favorite foods. Namely: Pizza!!! So in the interest of not being able to eat crust, I pulled out an old recipe for Bubble Pizza.

Bubble Pizza
2 tubes refrigerator biscuits
15 oz. can pizza sauce
1 lb. hamburger
2 C. cheese, Cheddar
1 C. cheese, Mozzererlla
Onion
Green Pepper
Mushrooms
Pepperoni

Simmer hamburger, onion, and pepper. In a large bow, cut biscuits into quarters and add pizza sauce and mushrooms. Drain hamburger, onion, and pepper and mix with other ingredients. Pour into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Top with Cheddar and Mozzerella cheese and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is muted.

Yum, yum!! Just 3 more days until real pizza!!


I attended my Reader's Advisory class this week and they told us that they are just starting a new blog on reading and that we can all submit occasionally about the books we are reading! You should check it out!!!

http://www.ireadandtalk.blogspot.com






 

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??

Here we are at Wednesday again and I am wondering what's in your library bag today? I would have thought that staying home with my son would have given me ample time to read, but I only managed to re-read an Anita Blake, Vampire Slayer favorite and read a small Christmas story by Karen Kingsbury.

The Karen Kingsbury book was Sarah's Song and it was one of her Red Glove Series. The Red Glove Series is a collection of short Christmas stories that always include a pair of red gloves in the story along with the inspirational message. At the end of the books, Karen lists ideas for Red Glove Projects you can do in your own community. Sarah's Song was a story about love, love lost and love regained, second chances and God's grace if you only believe. Sarah, recounts her life through a series of word ornaments that trigger different memories in her life throughout the 12 days of Christmas. Beth, one of her caregivers at the retirement village, who also is having marriage problems, listens to Sarah's story and her heart is softened through the telling. In the end, Sarah's song, yes it's an actual song, too, transforms her life and Beth's as well and inspires readers to take a second look and give second chances in love. What else really matters?

So, the red glove projects in the back of the book coincide with the story. Karen suggests taking a box of red gloves and caroling at a retirement village. Or just picking a single resident to visit during the holidays and giving him/her a pair of red gloves. There are more ideas of giving for the readers and Karen Kingsbury inspires you to come up with your own and spread the good will.

Her red glove series are a nice short feel good read that inspires more out of us in life. I would recommend this uplifting series to anyone.

What have you been reading??? Let us know.

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....An Apple Tart and a Reminder

Fruit Tart

What you need:

1 single pie crust

3 C. fruit (can use apples, plums, peaches, strawberries, etc.)

1/4 C. sugar

2 T. flour

cinnamon/sugar mixture

3 oz. cream cheese

Put crust in sprayed pie pan. Spread cream cheese in bottom of crust. Cut up fruit; mix with flour and sugar. Put in crust. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 450 degrees for 25 minutes. Enjoy warm.

Just a Reminder that the library will be closed Thursday, November 25, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Normal hours will resume Friday, November 26, 10-5 p.m.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday??

It's Wednesday again my Reading Friends!!! I've had kind of a hectic week. My son had surgery and we're all still catching up around here.So, I thought I'd add to my list of suggested reads. What I mean by that is, good reads that have been suggested to me to read. The list just keeps getting longer and longer!! There are soo many good books out there, I'll never have time to read them all!!

Here goes....

The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson
Tweak by Nicholas Sheff
Beautiful Boy by Nicholas Sheff
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Mysteries by P.J. Tracy and Nevada Barr
Jim Butcher's Dresden Files series
Dexter books by Jeff Lindsay, like the HBO tv series, but much, much better, so I've heard!!


That's all for now. Comment and let me know of any others I should add!! Happy Reading!

Is it the Holiday season already????

I know you’ll think this is crazy, but have you thought about Christmas yet? You know there are only 65 shopping days left until the big holiday. I’m just kidding. Kind of. I have never really been prepared for Christmas ahead of time, except for one thing. I try very hard to have my Christmas cards done by Thanksgiving every year so that I can hand them out at the family gatherings we attend. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t just sign 100 cards; I make them. A couple of years, I did an “I Spy” theme where you had to find certain objects in the picture that signified things we did throughout the year. Another year it was a “Where’s Waldo” theme. Last year, the kids laid themselves out in the shapes of the letters “Merry” for the cover….Since I really try to put a lot of effort into my cards, it usually takes me a while to figure it out and get it created. This is why I end up thinking about the holidays early, not because I’m a good shopper that can get everything on sale early and hide it until Christmas. I am not very good at keeping secrets anyway. *Smile.


This year is different only because I don’t have any good ideas yet. Hopefully, they are coming soon. But, what I have been thinking about is possibly making some Christmas ornaments for gifts this year; another thing that really must be thought about and started early. Maybe I am getting more organized in my old age after all. Nah!!

I have always enjoyed being creative and crafting, ever since I was a little girl. I would spend a week every summer at my grandma’s house doing and making all kinds of things. I learned to needlepoint and cross stitch to make magnets and bookmarks and all kinds of fun things. I loved it. My kids love to craft, too. They are always so proud of the things they bring home that they have made for mom and dad. My husband’s mom is teaching them to sew with a sewing machine now and they are creating all kinds of fun projects with grandma, just like I did.

Since one of my passions is photography, I have been thinking of making an ornament out of photos. I got a book called “Photojojo” (we have this at the library) for Christmas last year that has all kinds of projects for using your photos in creative ways. One of the ideas is a simple Christmas ornament. Not only is it cool, it not too involved as we all know how time just seems to slip away from us when we need it the most.

Because other people love to create and craft as much as we here at the library do, we are offering a series of special DIY (Do It Yourself) nights every month through May of 2011 that showcase a new skill or craft to learn. I am going to be teaching the photo Christmas ornament I found in “Photojojo”in November and Beth is having a Family Fun Night making gingerbread houses in December. Space is limited, so you need to register, but we would love to share a love of creating with you. Call 319-352-1223 or e-mail to waverly@waverly.lib.ia.us soon to reserve your spot. And get thinking about what you want to do this Christmas season. Even if it just seems wrong to think about Christmas right now, sign up and we’ll break you in with an ornament you can gift.


THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET INTO OUR HOLIDAY ORNAMENT CLASS!! CALL RIGHT NOW OR E-MAIL OR FACEBOOK!! BUT DO IT NOW!!!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Parmesan Potatoes and a Preview of good things to come...

In the spirit of having fun with food this Friday, I want to share a yummy side dish that finally got my daughter to eat potatoes.

I give you......

Parmesan Potatoes

6 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges (keep dry)

Mix together:
1/4 C. flour
1/4 C. Parmesan
3/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper

Place in plastic ziploc bag. Toss potatoe wedges in mixture. Melt 1 stick of butter on foil covered baking pan(15 x 18 with edges). Add potatoes. Bake half an hour at 350 degrees. Flip potatoes over and bake another half hour at 350 degrees or until nicely browned and crispy. These are especially good when they are nice and brown and crispy. It's hard to eat anything else when these are on the table!

A Preview of good things to come...Starting the first Sunday after Thanksgiving and continuing through the Advent season, we will be having the "Gift of Music" here at the library. Sundays, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. stop in and enjoy live holiday music. One week, our own Jon Wolfe will entertain with his guitar. Another week, is going to be a bassoon ensemble. Plan to come, relax and enjoy with us here at the library this holiday season.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday? Inspirational Fiction at its Best

Remember last week when I told you all I had to read Insipirational Fiction for my next class? Well, I did some research on the Librarian's iread wiki, http://iread.pbworks.com/, which is always highlighted in my classes. Clicking through the tabs of adult fiction and then Inspirational Fiction, I ran across this definition for Inspirational Fiction.

"Inspirational Fiction is fiction that inspires people to become better in some way, to believe in themselves, to find hope/comfort, or proceed on a sprititual quest. These may include books with some with Christian principles/tenets, but are abooks that generally wouldn't fall under the CBA guidelines for Christian Fiction; those can be found on the Christian Fiction page.)"

And this list of possible titles...
The five people you meet in heaven, by Mitch Albom
Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach
Soulmate, by Deepak Chopra
God on a Harley, by Joan Brady
Keeping faith, by Jodi Picoult
Life of Pi, by Yann Martel
Gates of Zion, by Bodie Thoene

Books by:
Beverly Lewis
Deanne Gist
Francine Rivers
Tracie Peterson
Karen Kingsbury
Jan Karon
I think Richard Paul Evans should be added here, too!

And I realized that I have already read a lot of Inspirational Fiction. And that I like it.

Mitch Albom is a definite jewel. The first book that I actually read of his was, Have a little Faith, a non-fiction book about being asked to write a eulogy for his rabbi. After having finished this title, I quickly moved on to reading ALL of his other works. Two titles which could be classified as Inspirational Fiction, are The Five People You Meet in Heaven (now a major motion picture for those of you who don't always take time to read) and For One More Day being as those are actually Fiction. But, I feel that all of his works are definitely inspirational in nature.

In the story of The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Eddie, the main character starts the novel by dying. But, he does not become immediately rewarded with heaven. The novel progresses as we relive moments in Eddie's life where five different people touched him in profound ways. Eddie didn't realize some of them at the time, because the meetings seemed so insignificant, yet they altered the course of his life. Each person has a question to answer about Eddie's life and why he lived and what he lived for. How perhaps, he impacted their lives, which impacted other lives, which impacted yet other lives. This novel in its simplicity, inspires us to take note of the small moments in life and to realize that we are all a part of a  much larger whole; that all of our stories entwine. What we do and say may not seem all that important, but it may matter to someone and in turn, alter the course of their lives.

Inspirational books are books that really make you think about life and to see the more of the good in people and all the things we do. They are definitley feel good stories that hold an important message. Who says fiction isn't important?

Things you notice...

I read on a blog the other day where the author said, “Sometimes I open my mouth and my mother comes out!” Isn’t it funny how true this can be? I have to admit, I don’t always notice, but sometimes it just hits me out of the blue. Like, for example, the other day when Emily got home from school and was telling me about her day. I wanted to stop her and tell her to slow down and breathe she was talking so fast and so much. This reminded me of a car trip with my husband where he said essentially the same thing to me after about a half an hour of driving and talking!!! Funny the things we notice coming out in our kids. My parents will always comment on how Emily slouches at the table when she eats…just like her mother did. Or, it’s funny to see how Emily is always saving tiny pieces of fabric, ribbon or beads. Anything that is pretty, just like her Grandma Lucille. Yesterday, Emily kind of laughed while she was telling me a story about school. Then, she stopped and said, “Oh, I sound just like Mom when I laugh like that, and that’s bad!” Ha, ha.


A funny thing that Carter likes to do is to play tricks on me. Just like his Dad. If either one of them can think of a way to trip me up, they take it!! Like telling me that he has to retake a test or something when he really got an A. Or Al telling me something came up and he won’t be home until late, when he is really out in the driveway. Both Al and Carter also “see outside of the box.” They can look at something, electronic or mechanical and “see” where things should go and how they should work. I, on the other hand, get frustrated on my first try and hand it off to one of them to make it work.

It’s ironic how when Al was a child, he loved Spaghettios so much, his mom got him a matching Spaghettios bowl and spoon to eat them with. And Casey could eat can after can, lunch, dinner, lunch, dinner. He definitely didn’t get that from me!

Another thing that is apparent in our children is their love for loud rock and roll music. Every time Al turns the stereo on they all come running and say, “Louder Dad!.” Emily even went so far as to say that Mom listens to stuff that can put you to sleep!!! Madonna will not put you to sleep thank you very much.

My co-worker, Kathy, notices food habits in her children. Her son Ian hates mayonnaise and pickles, just like his dad. But her daughter, Erin, loves them, just like she does! Erin also loves to go to Kathy’s parents’ farm and spend the day with all the little animals running around. Kathy said the barn and the baby kitties were always where you could find her growing up.

Beth comments that her oldest boy, Russ, from the moment he had the coordination to sleep with his arms crossed behind his head he has. Just like Dad and Grandma do. Her other son, Jedd, is a leg crosser, just like Grandpa.

Sarah’s daughter, Grace has such a tender heart for animals that she was upset after they hit an animal on the road last week. And even I’ve heard the story of Sarah playing with a woodchuck when she was little. Turns out it wasn’t really alive, but I’m not sure she knew that! She can’t seem to keep her son Ethan out of the puddles and dirt piles. All the stories of her husband growing up corroborate that he was like this, too.

Unlike me, Janette had two sisters growing up, one of which has children now, too. She says it’s funny to get together and see their kids together. She’ll be on the floor playing with them and her sister’s daughter will say or do something and Janette does a double take. She has to stop and ask herself, “Now where am I?” Or should I say, “When am I?” because it will be so much like being with her sister as a child that it’s hard to remember that this is her sister’s daughter she is playing with.

Of course, not all of the mannerisms and habits I notice are great. Sometimes I hear them say something or see them do something and think, “I must do that. They must have heard that from me. Oh, I don’t want them to be like that. I need to stop that.” Like, fussing at the dog or complaining about other drivers on the road, for instance. Our children can really be mirrors for us, reflecting some of best and worst qualities along with many of their own.

I love to watch my children grow and change and become more their own person every day. The part of them that is like me makes me proud and at the same time makes me want to do and be better for them. What do you notice passing on through the generations in your families?

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Buffalo Chicken Dip and a DIY update!

Friday Means Food Fun here at the Library so here's your latest recipe
From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts

1 (8 ounce) bottle ranch dressing

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 (12 ounce) bottle hot pepper sauce

1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Throw all together in a crock pot and melt. Dip with tortilla chips or crackers!! Yum!! I use Frank's Red Hot sauce for the hot pepper sauce and cut back on the amount depending on who I am serving it to. Some like it spicy, some do not. Either way, this is an easy and totally yummy dip to eat and share. Enjoy!!

Our next DIY night, Tuesday November 9th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.,  will feature homemade photo ornaments. Bring your own 4x6 or 5x7 horizontal photograph to create this beautiful ornament. Registration is required so reserve your spot today. Call, 319-352-1223, e-mail, waverly@waverly.lib.ia.us, or facebook us!! We're looking forward to crafting with you!

What's in your library bag Wednesday???

Wednesdays come so quickly it seems. Some weeks I can read a book a week, and others not so much. I did finish a book this last week, but it was a re-read so you've heard about my romance fantasy love already. But, I do have some thoughts on books that I'd like to share with you today.

Inspirational Fiction. Do you read any? I have never really been a big fan. It just seems so "not real" to me. Ha, that's funny isn't it?? I read about vampires and werewolves and I'm saying that inspirational fiction seems not real. What I've come to realize is that all of us fiction readers have our own fantasy that we like to read. After all, it's all fiction and not true, right? So, some people want to read books that almost always have happy endings and the characters are never in any danger. They may even like a Bible quote or two thrown in every now and then. And that's okay. That's what they like. It's their "fantasy" so to speak. Whereas, mine usually involves romance and fantastical characters like vampires.  That's my "fantasy."

In an effort, however, to broaden my horizons and reading tastes I am taking some reader's advisory classes through the State Library of Iowa. The next one is on Inspirational Fiction. I am at a total loss. I need to pick a book and read it so that I can review it here on the blog before the middle of November. Since this has never really been my reading taste,  I don't know where to begin to choose an author or a book. I'm looking for any suggestions you might have and why you liked it. Please leave me a comment and tell me who I should read or what book I should try. I am hoping to enjoy dabbling in Inspirational Fiction.

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...A Friday Kid Recipe and an Invitation!

No Bake Cookies

3 C. rolled oats
4 T. cocoa

Mix these ingredients together in a separate dish.

Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute:

2 C. white sugar
1/2 C. milk
1 stick butter

Mix together with dry ingredients and drop by tablespoonfuls onto wax paper. Cool and Enjoy!


Invitation!

Come One, Come All to our annual Family Halloween Party!! Creatures of the Night!!
Saturday, October 30, 2-3 p.m.
Halloween stories, crafts and treats!
Costumes welcome and encouraged!!

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?

Here we are... it's Wednesday again and I am wondering what's in your library bag today? Are you reading something great that you can't wait to share with the rest of us? Or are you reading an old favorite? Maybe you aren't really reading anything at all...

I noticed today as I was checking some books out for a fellow paranormal romance reader that she was reading a series I dearly love and I thought that she had read them already, too. So, I asked her about it. Her response was, "Yeah, I've read those, but I am re-reading them right now because they are so good." I used to think this was such a funny thing to do. After all, with all of those authors out there writing all of those books, who has time to Re-Read anything? But, I've come to learn that there is a certain allure to curling up with a book you know is going to be good. You can be having a very stressful day and when you finally get to sit down and relax a little, (it might be 10 p.m. before you get this chance, but you take it whenever you can get it) it feels good to read familiar characters and a favorite story line. As I've been told by other re-readers, you usually catch something that you missed the first time around. Funny lines the protagonist says, making her more sarcastic than you remembered, for example.

This really makes sense because with my obsessiveness in reading a series from start to finish, I am usually so excited that I sit down and read a book cover to cover, barely taking a breath. When I do this, I am sure that I miss things, which only makes the books that much better when I take the time to read them again. And isn't it a real compliment to the author that you loved the book so much the first time that you are willing to re-read it?

To re-read or not to re-read, that is the question.

Pumpkin Creme Pies and a reminder!

Pumpkin Creme Pies (from http://www.tastykitchen.com/)


FOR CREME PIES:


1 cup Brown Sugar

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Vegetable Oil

1 can Pumpkin (15 Oz.)

2 whole Eggs

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

3 cups All-purpose Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Soda

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon

1 teaspoon Ground Ginger

½ teaspoons Salt

½ teaspoons Ground Nutmeg

¼ teaspoons Ground Cloves

_____

FOR FILLING:

1 package Cream Cheese Softened (8 Oz.)

1 stick Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature

1 package Powdered Sugar (16 Oz.)

3 drops Vanilla Extract

2 dashes Cinnamon

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.


Pumpkin Creme Pies: Beat together brown sugar, sugar, oil and pumpkin. Add eggs one at time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Cut 3 inch squares of parchment paper, about 24. Using a pastry bag with a round tip, or a big zip top plastic bag with one corner snipped, squeeze out concentric circles of batter, starting from the middle and working outward until the circles are about 2 inches in diameter. (Note that the squares allow the baker to move the square while keeping the bag in the same spot. Just squeeze for easy circle making!)
Transfer each square to a baking sheet. Bake for 11 minutes, or until firm, and cool on a rack.

Cream Cheese Filling: Beat together cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Frost flat side of half the pies and top with another piece.

Enjoy right away, or chill overnight. These keep very nicely in the fridge for at least a few days.


I found this recipe on a blog with the link to Tasty Kitchen one day and since I LOVE pumpkin I knew I just had to try them!Yummy yummy! I made mine a little big and not as pretty, but the taste....MMMM....mmmm...mmmm!

DON'T FORGET: If you missed our first Cake Balls class, we are offering a sequel! Tuesday, November 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. here at the library!!! Join Janette and learn how to create the most yummy treat and decorate it beautifully, just in time for the holidays. Your candy making will never be the same. There is a limit, though, so call and reserve your spot today!!! You can e-mail or facebook us too and we'll see that your name is added to the list!! 319-352-1223 or waverly@waverly.lib.ia.us Don't Delay!
This class is sponsored by Friends of the Waverly Public Library.

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??

What's in Your library bag today? Me, I'm kinda in between books right now. I have a selection of paperbacks under my dresser for just such an occassion, so presently I am reading The Hellion and the Highlander by Lynsay Sands. It's your typical Scotland warrior English lass romance with the lady being very opinionated and strong willed. I think I must be somewhat this way because I can really relate to the women in these types of stories.

The historical romance genre seems to be making a comeback of sorts and it's always been a favorite of mine, so I was intrigued when I saw this one by Lynsay Sands. She is a popular paranormal romance author and I wanted to see what her historical romance would be like. So far, so good. But, I am a sucker for a strong Scottish Laird who loves his women smart and opinionated. Some other favorite historical romance authors of mine include Julie Garwood (her older stuff - he newer stuff tends to be more mystery/romance, good, but not the same), Jude Devereaux (she actually has written one of my all time favs, but I'll talk about that one another time) and Johanna Lindsey to name a few.

There are lots of historical romance out there. My favorites tend to always involve Scotland with real manly men and women who don't just always do what they are bid. Then again, no matter what genre I am reading, I like strong women characters and manly men. Huh.

What do you like about the books you are reading? Are they graphic mysteries? Maybe they are a totally new world that you like to imagine yourself being in...Maybe you aren't sure what you like and would like to explore that sometime.

Stop in and see me. I'd love to talk about it with you!!!

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....Chicken Tortilla Soup and a Few Pans!

Here's one for the winter months to come!!! It's one of my favorites!


Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic,
minced 1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 cups half-and-half
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup fresh salsa
1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn
6 boneless, chicken breast halves - cooked, skinned
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 (1.27 ounce) packet dry fajita seasoning
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
16 ounces tortilla chips
8 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

In a large pot over medium heat, saute the garlic and onion in the butter or margarine for 5 minutes. Add flour and stir well, cooking for 1 minute more. Add the broth and half-and-half. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.

Add the soup, salsa, corn, chicken, cumin, fajita seasoning and 2 tablespoons cilantro. Stir and continue to heat for 15 minutes. Crumble tortilla chips into individual bowls, add 1/2 ounce shredded cheese to each bowl and ladle in soup. Top each bowl with more crumbled chips, remaining 1/2 ounce cheese and remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro, and serve.


Speaking of recipes and food....did you know that the library now has cake pans for check out? We have over 50 different cake pans/candy molds that are available for your every party need. There is a colorful three ring binder at the circulation desk with pictures of the pans available. The check out period is 3 weeks. So, the next birthday party you are throwing...stop in and see if we have a pan that fits your needs!! Check Us Out!!!

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??

     So, what's in your library bag this fine Wednesday in October? One thing in my bag is my IPod Touch. I went for a run today and listened to some of my favorite music: Van Zant and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now typically I am either a country listener or I am also an 80s girl. I did start listening to music and really enjoying it in the 80s after all. I'd never even heard of the group Van Zant before I met my husband, Al. He has introduced me to all kinds of great music, including Southern Rock which is how I am going to classify Van Zant and it is my new fav. I listen to at least one of their songs every time I run. One of my favorites is "Goes Down Easy".
  As you probably know, there are all kinds of things you can have on an IPod Touch. I have games/apps for my kids to play, videos for them to watch, podcasts about running and podcasts about love. I have several folders of pictures I've taken. Kind of like a walking photo album.. I haven't actually tried to listen to a book on my Touch yet, but I am going to. Soon. What do you do with your media player? Do you only listen to music? Do you collect apps? (There's an app for that!!) Is it in your bag today like mine??


Speaking of music, part of the inspiration for the title of this blog was the song "Turn the Page." But, we here at the library are in disagreement as to which version is the best...Let's cast a vote. Do you like Bob Seger's version of Turn the Page...



or do you like Metallica's version?

From Our Recipe Box To Yours....Catch a Man Dip and More.

Speaking of recipes, have you ever stopped in and used our Cookbook section here at the library? It's located in the 641.5 section of the non-fiction stacks over by the Teen Area and it is chock full of great books! We have everything from cookbooks based on the Jan Karon Mitford Series, to Amish cooking and canning, to all the super stars from the Food Network. We have books dedicated to cooking while you are camping, to cookies, to after school snacks to wild game. Want to throw a party? We've got books full of party recipes. Want to bake a new kind of cake? We've got that, too. Maybe you are just bored with the same old same old. We've got something of interest for you, too. Make a quick stop after work, pick out a book and start creating!!!

To get you started, here's a recipe from our recipe box to yours!!

Catch a Man Dip

1 - 12 oz. pkg. of shredded Cheddar cheese
1 C. of sliced almonds
1 - 4 oz. bag of real crumbled bacon
4 green onions, chopped
2 C. Helmann's Mayonnaise

Mix, chill and serve!!
Goes great with Keebler's sticks, but any cracker you love is a good compliment.

I know it's Thursday but.....

Here's the latest edition of... What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??!!!!

After last week's review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I finished the book and came into the library to get Catching Fire, which is number 2, by Suzanne Collins in the series and guess what???!!! Yep, you guessed it. My luck. It was checked out and I had to put a hold on it!!! GRRRRRR! I think I'll just put a hold on the third one, Mockingjay, now....Because, I am about 10 pages in and just know I can't put it down and I'll  have to read the third one, too!!

     In the meantime, I am signed up for an online Reader's Advisory class about mysteries, so I thought I'd grab a mystery to read so I could be prepared to write a review for this upcoming class. With this in mind, you  must remember that I usually only read mysteries that have some romance in them, too. I grabbed the new book by Linda Howard, Veil of Night.
     I first got started reading Linda Howard when I became a librarian and everyone here at the Waverly Library said, have you read Open Season by Linda Howard?? Oh, you have to read it. It's about a librarian!! Loved that book by the way. Linda Howard writes strong and funny female protagonists that never quite seem to fit their stereotype. Veil of Night is no different. Jaclyn Wilde is a wedding planner who owns her own business, Premier, along with her mother. In the middle of one of the most hectic weeks ever, 6 weddings back to back, Jaclyn has to appear in court for a speeding ticket she forgot to pay.  In her hurry to get back to the office, Jaclyn runs into handsome Detective Eric Wilder. Literally. She apologizes and heads off to her meeting with Carrie Edwards, Bridezilla. It goes so badly she decides to stop for a drink after work and runs into Eric Wilder again. Figuratively. It's his in, anyway, and they hit it off and Jaclyn spontaneously allows him to come home with her.
     The next day there is another meeting with Bridezilla and things go sooo badly that one vendor quits and Carrie ends up slapping Jaclyn. By the end of the day, however, Carrie is killed and Jaclyn is suspect #1 as she was the last person to be with her and has probable cause because there was a "fight." Guess who the detective on the case is?? Yep. Eric Wilder. One night stand Eric Wilder. The story continues on with the now 5 weddings and a murder investigation simultaneously. It leaves you guessing until pretty close to the end who the murderer is, while at the same time, develops the relationship between Jaclyn and Eric.
     Veil of Night is definitely a romance/mystery. At times, I wonder if it could be classified as mystery at all. The romance aspect seems to take the front seat pretty often. Since I really like romance, this is okay with me. One thing I didn't expect, though, was how funny the main character would be.
     I was soaking some achy muscles in the tub the other day....of course reading my book. I told you I take them everywhere...And I couldn't help but laugh out loud there were parts that were soo funny. My four year old had to come in and check on me I was laughing so hard.
     So, if you are in the mood for a light and fun mystery romance that is at times quite hilarious, Linda Howard's Veil of Night is one you should definitely check out.
    

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Cake Ball Fun and a few suggestions!

Today I wanted to share a recipe with you all. The idea came to me as I was reading a newsletter I had received from a doctor's office. On their sidebar they had included a recipe to try. I thought, hmmm, there are all those mysteries out there that include recipes within the story... I can do that for my readers on the blog! Just like a book! Our very own Janette recently led a cake ball class here at the library. It was such a hit we will probably offer another one later this fall. Aha! The perfect recipe to share! One from our recipe box to yours....

Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)

1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)

1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)

wax paper


1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.

2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)

3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)

4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)

5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.

6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)

I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.

Try them! They're lots of fun to make and even more fun to eat!!!!

**The idea for cake balls comes from Bakerella, an online cooking website, http://bakerella.com Go there for more designs, recipes and ideas! There is even a new book on cake balls, that you can check out here at the library, "Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats" by Bakerella.

Now on to the suggestions....
If you like mysteries, but you don't want all the gore and violence, Cozy Mysteries, are the way to go. A Cozy Mystery is kind of like the game Clue, "Colonel Mustard was found in the library with the wrench." Some popular Cozy Mysteries also include recipes. Diane Mott Davidson has a big series and also Joanne Fluke. In the Joanne Fluke stories, main character Hannah Swensen owns a bakery and solves murders in her small town in Minnesota. These light and fun mysteries are sure to delight. The moutwatering recipes will win you over too.

So, if you are looking for something new to try.....Check out our Cake Balls or try a Joanne Fluke cooking mystery today.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday??...

     So what's in your library bag this Wednesday? 

     I have The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in my bag right now. This is a young adult selection that was recommended to me first by a high school gal and then by a coworker. I have to admit that I wasn't very excited about this title. When it was first suggested to me about a year or so ago, I quickly checked it out and began reading. I don't think I even made it 50 pages and I got kinda bored. It didn't seem to really be my thing, you know, an all powerful controlling government making people send their children into The Hunger Games where it is a battle unto the death. What?? No romance? No way! So, the book sat in my bag until its due date and then I returned it, not really thinking much about it again.
     I fell back into my romance routine and devoured several paranormal romance moving it to the top of my favorites list. My coworker, Janette, who is a big YA reader, suggested Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, as a book with young romace and wolves, two of my favorites. From beginning to end, I couldn't get enough of this book and I finished it and its sequel, Linger, in record time. Definitely good reads, by the way.
    Reading like I won't survive without it, has its ups and downs. Occassionally, as a result, I am left without any ideas on what to read next and am desperate to find something before I head home.On one such day, my coworker, Janette said, "You really need to read The Hunger Games. I think you will like it." I said, "Oh, okay," but I thought, "I tried that once and didn't really care for it." But, since I was without anything to read and I had really liked the book she suggested previously, I decided to give it another go.
     I started reading and thought, "Hmmm. I remember reading this before and it didn't really appeal." It took me until page 62 and then I was hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next. I take the book into the bathroom, the kitchen, by my bed, to work for my lunch breaks....Any minute I ge a chance to read is a bonus.
     I don't know about you, but I usually don't finish a book that I don't like. There are too many good books out there to waste my time finishing what I'm not interested in. Don't get me wrong. I used to finish every book I started because that was what you were supposed to do right? Now I only read what I like and rarely give a book a second chance because I didn't like it the first time, why would I want to read it now.
     But, as is so often the case, I was wrong. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is becoming an addiction now the second time around. Lucky for me there are two more in the series.
    
I love it when a book is so compelling that you can't put it down, don't you?

What's in your Library Bag Wednesday??? A Review....

It's Wednesday again already and this is when I usually ask you, "What's in your library bag?" But, since I know most of you are busy and might not be reading a new book every Wednesday, I thought I'd include some thoughts on one of my favorite books of all time. A review of sorts...

The book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and it is in the historical romance genre. At first glance, Diana Gabaldon's books can be kind of intimidating because they are usually upwords of over 600 pages, but let me just tell you they are well worth the read. Outlander, the first book in her aptly named "Outlander series", starts out in Scotland in 1945 after WWII and ends up in the Scotland of 1743. Claire Beauchamp Randall is a former British combat nurse and is on holiday with her husband Frank in Scotland. They hope to get reacquainted after the long war and are sightseeing and such. A strange thing happens when Claire, on a plant finding expedition, touches a boulder in an ancient stone circle near their rooms. She is thrown back in time more than 200 years to the Scotland of 1743. It is here that she meets Jaimie Fraser and must try and remember her history lessons from childhood to navigate this new time she finds herself in while also trying to figure out how to get back to the Scotland of 1945. Ms. Gabaldon goes into great detail on the history of Scotland both in 1945 and in 1743, which makes the story very real and believable. As Claire finds her way, she also finds a love to last through all time. Jaimie and Claire are meant to be together and they overcome all sorts of obstacles to make it work. To me, this book is the perfect romance, a love that withstands everything, even, literally, the test of time. Since, fantasy is also a favorite of mine, I especially like the fantastic idea of time travel that Diana Gabaldon weaves into her story. This is a book I can read again and again, like visiting an old friend.
     I recently recommended this series to one of our library patrons and she said she couldn't put it down. She'd often come up to me and say, "I read every second I can, even stealing moments after I drop my daughter off at soccer practice. My husband thinks it's the same big book taking all of my time, but I've read three now and can't wait to start the fourth. I just love Jaimie and Claire!" What more could you ask for in a book??

If these books sound interesting or if you'd like to try something else, come in and see me at the library and we'll talk...

Noise in the Library

A relative of mine said to me the other day, "When did libraries get so noisy?"
"OOooh I said. Don't ask that too loudly. That really shows how long it's been since you've been in a library."

In fact, we do occassionally have a patron come up and ask when libraries got so noisy, but not very often.

    Part of the noise level, I think is the age. Building styles and people styles have changed a lot in the last decade or so. People have become more laid back. And our library, for example, is very open and inviting with tall ceilings. The tall ceilings tend to lend themselves to noise being carried throughout the library. When I answer the phone in the back, my laugh can often be heard up front and vice verse. When a parent brings their child in for storytime and they are crying because they don't want to leave, we can all hear it.
    So, on the one hand, it is a comfortable place to be and bring your family, feeling kind of like home. On the other hand, some people prefer the quiet. In an attempt to make all kinds happy, our library does have special study rooms and a room with computers where the door can be closed for those patrons that don't like the noise. And because sound does carry easily, we will say something if things are getting too loud.
   
     That said, a funny thing happened the other day. A patron fell asleep in the back on our couch. Said patron proceeded to snore through the next hour or so. Since our library is so open, it could be heard throughout the library. I wondered what I should do...wake them up, or let them be? As nobody complained, I let them be. Eventually, we did need to wake the patron up, but it's kind of a funny dilemma, no?

We strive to be a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome....

What are your thoughts?

What's in your Library Bag Wednesday???

So, I see it's Wednesday again already and I am wondering what's in your library bag this week? I finished the book I was reading and with the long weekend of camping I just did, I haven't really picked up another book yet. I am reading three magazines though...

If you know me at all, you'll realize I am never without reading material of some sort. Going without reading something would be like breaking my right arm and I am right handed. You get the picture.

Anyway, back to what I am presently reading. Side Note #2: Another hobby of mine is taking pictures. I am not an expert by any means, but I love to practice and learn. That leads me to the latest issues of Digital Photography and Popular Photography which are in my library bag to read right now. The other magazine I am reading happens to be Our Iowa which has lots of great photos taken right here in Iowa to look at and get ideas from. Plus, there are all kinds of  tips on fun little spots to take mini vacations to that are not usually too far from us here in Waverly.

I was, however, recently tracked down, here at the library and told that I MUST read Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati next OR ELSE!!! It seems that I suggested this series of books to someone and they loved them soo much that I need to experience them, too!! I guess Sara Donati just moved to the top of my list!

What are you reading or who's on your list this Wednesday, September 8, 2010?

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday????

So it's Wednesday, and I am wondering what's in your library bag? What are you reading right now?

I am reading "Bet Me" by Jennifer Cruisie. It's a light and funny modern day romance with a strong female protagonist. It's a little out of character for me as I have been stuck in fantasy mode lately, but I like it. I am usually up for a good romance.

I don't typically read more than one book at a time because I am usually so in to the one I am reading that I take it everywhere with me just in case I might have a moment to read.

But, I do have several titles on a list to add to my library bag soon...
Needful Things by Stephen King
This is not the story you think it is.... by Laura Munson
Into the Wilderness  by Sara Donati
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruisie
Faking It by Jennifer Cruisie

So what is in your library bag right now? I love to dig in it with you and see what you are reading...

Old Favorites

Reading to a child is the best way to inspire them to read and  it is a great way for you to spend time together. I have many fond memories of being read to when I was younger. A lot of my childhood memories are built on books my mom and dad and I read and loved; books that built the foundation of my reading today; books that I, in turn, love sharing with my own children.

I, like a lot of children, grew up on Dr. Seuss. His rhyming, crazy style with made up creatures and words is definitely a favoriite of mine. Fox in Socks is such a challenge to read but so fun to "nail" when reading with your children or out loud to a class. And The Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham....the list goes on. A coworker of mine reads Happy Birthday to You! every time her or her husband or children has a birthday. What a great tradition to have!

Another favorite of mine was Ferdinand the Bull. Do any of you remember the kindly bull who just wanted to sit and smell the flowers? I am sure many of you have other favorites in mind that are just sitting there waiting to be remembered. Lovely times when you sat in someone's lap and shared a story together...I remember the stories at bedtime, snuggling in before I fell asleep. This love of sharing a good story conitnues for me today.

What are your favorites from childhood? Was it a certain author or type of a book that you loved? Maybe it was just something unique about a particular story that sticks in your mind. Then again, maybe you remember the quiet times you had with your mom or dad or someone else important in your life and that is what is memorable about the stories you read. Perhaps you have forgotten about childhood stories and I have triggered some memories for you...Whatever your reading memories leave me a comment and share them with me...

School Days article in Waverly Insider

It’s August again and the first day of school is upon us. Buying school supplies and gearing up for school always causes me to think about myself and my own first days of school. When I try to conjure up the feelings I had or remember certain years, I come up empty. I am sure that I was nervous sometimes and excited sometimes. I know that I was always ready for school to start. Being an only child whose parents lived in the country, I was definitely ready to get back to school and be with my friends when August rolled around.


For me now, as a mom, the first day of school holds a lot more significance. I have a feeling I will remember more of my children’s first days, than my own. It’s such a bittersweet day for me. Letting go of all the lazy fun times we had in summer…Watching as they get older and start new things….Knowing that they need me less and less each year…Yet, happy to see them growing and becoming more themselves each year. It’s kind of an ending, but at the same time a beginning.

I now have a Middle Schooler, a third grader and as Casey puts it, a New schooler. I can’t believe that all of my babies are going to school! The night before the first day of school, my son, Carter, said he had “belly beans,” a mixture of excitement, happiness, nervousness and uncertainty all bouncing around in his stomach. Emily, my middle schooler, was wondering how she was going to find all of her classes and where to go when she first got there. Casey, my preschooler/new schooler, didn’t start school on the same day, but we had an appointment to go and meet his new teacher. He was excited and wondering what his teacher and room would be like. As a mom, I worry about them having friends, getting along with their teachers, doing well, etc. I just worry. That’s what moms do, right?

The first day, my kids were all up and at ‘em by 7:00 a.m., a small miracle in our house. By 7:15 a.m. Carter was dressed and had his backpack slung over his shoulders lying on the couch yawning and saying, “I don’t want to wait for school to start!” We went outside and took our traditional first day of school pictures, getting several of the overloaded backpacks and excited smiles. Then it was off to the lines at school! We were 10 minutes early! I wonder how long this will last?? I give it about a week…

When they got home from school, Emily said, “Oh Mom, school is so awesome!” and Carter told me he had a fun day, and Casey can’t wait to go himself. I was so relieved that they had such a great first day and hope that it can continue throughout the year. Each year has new challenges and hopes. Ten years ago, I couldn’t imagine what these ages would be like; I know that college will be a whole other ball game in this life of mine.

To Read Series or Not to Read Series?

So, everyone out there who is a fan of reading series raise your hand. Probably quite a few of you raised your hand. Series seem to be what authors are writing and what people are reading these days.

Up until, the last year or so, I've always avoided reading series. Every time I would pick one up, it seemed that I would get in line reading behind someone who was an infinitely slower reader than I was or would just not bring the books back in a timely manner. I know that I could have gone out and bought the books, but being the library user that I am, I always opted to wait. Then, the frustration would set in as the days ticked by with no book. By the time my turn came up, I inevitably had already started reading another book.

But, a year ago, or so, a patron here at the library and I got to talking and he recommend a series of books to me with vampires, werewolves, and romance in them. What more could a girl want? This patron even went so far as to bring me in his copies of the first few books so that I could get started reading right away. The rest as they say, is history. I ended up loving those books and literally devoured all 16+ books of the series in record time. I did have to wait a few times for someone who managed to get ahead of me reading the series, but the books were always worth the wait.

To me, if I really enjoy a book, I feel like I get to know the characters, almost as if they are people. So, when the book is finished, I am always left wanting to see/read what happens next in their lives. I would imagine that authors might feel the same way, and so they write another installment for all of us devoted readers.

Yep, I admit it. I am officially a convert. I love reading series.

Don't get me wrong, I do still hate to be behind a slower reader than I am, but the story usually always makes up for it.

How about you? Are you a series reader or not?? And why?

Leave me a comment and let's talk about it...

Turn the Page on your favorite book....

One of my favorite things to do here at the library is to talk with people about the books they are reading. I know, I’m a librarian right? Seriously. I love to read and it is so much fun for me to listen to people get really excited about what they are reading. It is, in turn, very satisfying to me to turn someone on to a new author and hear how much they really enjoyed reading it. I find that I also get some great reading ideas from our readers in the process. It’s especially fun to talk about a book you both loved and compare parts of the story and find new favorites together to share.


My reading tastes have changed some throughout the years, but there have been constants. Two such constants are that I typically enjoy a story more if there is some element of romance involved and also an element of fantasy, like vampires, werewolves, fairies or time travel. Historical romance, western romance, mystery romance, fantasy romance, etc…I do branch out to some non-fiction, like biographies, but I tend to skim those books more. I think, it has to do with the fact that it kind of feels like I am back in college, so I just catch the highlights.

Currently, my favorite genres are urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Urban fantasy’s main characteristic is that it takes place in an urban setting; a town or city. They normally occur in modern times, but can happen in historical times or even futuristic times, so long as it is in a city and not the country. Very often, urban fantasies also include something of the supernatural, thereby combining my favorite elements. Some really awesome authors and their books include Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series; also her Merry Gentry fairy series, Keri Arthur’s Riley Jensen series, Charlaine Harris’ Southern Vampire series a.k.a. True Blood, Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series and Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series to name a few of my favorites.

Right now, I am in the middle of the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. The main character is a girl. (I also like novels where the protagonist is a strong, stand on your own two feet, woman). She is also a mechanic and a walker which means she can turn into a coyote at will. She has vampire and fae friends and enemies and she is dating the local Alpha werewolf. There is always a mystery to solve, someone she cares about to save and magic thrown in for good measure. They are fast paced, exhilarating, and a little bit scary, but in a good way. I have discovered that if I read scary in the context of things that are not real, like vampires, werewolves and people who can change into a coyote, it doesn’t keep me up at night worrying over the story and real life consequences. However, if I read something like say, James Patterson, who writes graphic murder mysteries that could happen in real life, I have to stay up until it is finished or I hear things go bump in the night and stay awake all night anyway.

But, once I start reading a Patricia Briggs’ novel, I don’t want to put it down. I have to tell myself at midnight that 6 a.m. comes quite soon. Other times, I know I won’t be able to read, but I bring the book along just so it is with me. I am obsessive about a good story like that.

Another fantastical element that I have loved in my reading is time travel. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series is about a lady, Claire Beauchamp, who “falls” through standing stones in 20th century Scotland into 18th century Scotland and meets her love of all time, Jaime Fraser. Throughout the series, Jamie and Claire go on many adventures trying to change the course of history, while at the same time cementing and testing their love for each other. A lot of history is thrown in along with the romance and time travel. Jaime and Claire are old friends that I revisit often as their love story is one of the best.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? Stop in here at the library and let’s talk about it. Perhaps we’ll both discover something new.

What are we doing now?

This blog is an endeavor in reaching out to our readers in more ways...

It is meant to be a way to touch base....
a way to keep us all on the same page....whether it is about what we are reading or what we've been doing...
I'll ask questions and hopefully you'll offer opinions.
I'll keep you up to date on what I've been reading and doing and through that I hope you'll find something you enjoy.

We'll be a reading community as we read through the days...one page at a time....

So let's get going and turn the page and start reading!!!