5.2 Seconds

I don't know the history of this house, but I admire its design, architecture and red roof. (ok yeah I like the color red). Was it abandoned? I don't know. This house overlooked the MS river in Natchez. Suddenly, all these thoughts drowned every sound and picture around me. Though I had company with me, I felt all alone for 5.2 seconds. Immediately, I pictured myself sitting on the porch and enjoying the sun set over the MS river. People are always reminding me to stop and enjoy the moment. I am not a moment person; I don't think I have ever been. Sometimes, I need to be reminded to stop my world; I find myself to be most happy when I can remember to put my life on pause. Lately, it seems like all I do is go, go, and go. When I think about it, I really dislike a patterned and predictable life, which is what my life has become for now. I should really start looking up, down, around and every other place, and maybe I can enjoy life for more than 5.2 seconds.

Accomplished

I had the most wonderful feeling of accomplishment. I was in Natchez, Missisippi, for a Mississippi Library Assocation conference. I really liked this town; it's so quaint. Anyway, I feel accomplished because I feel I am where I need to be (career-wise). On Wednesday afternoon, I was honored with the Virgia Brocks-Shedd scholarship, which is sponsored by the Black Caucus Round Table. The featured speaker was the former superintendent of schools for the Jackson Public School District and the coolest thing about her speech was that it mirrored the topic of my essay. It is so nice to be able to see other librarian colleagues and to also meet some new ones. I inserted a picture; I'm the one on the far left.

I'll definitely have more postings later...

Toot....Toot....Toot

Ok so I'm sure this incident happens to all children's librarians. The story time theme was about boats and then I asked the question. Can anybody toot in here? Of course the parents are laughing and I start laughing because I just realized what I asked a room of 3-year-old children. Of course the kids say 'Yeah I can toot, Miss Mara' with the biggest grins on their faces. Oh what a fun day! (as always)

I didn't want to lose the red beret. I do think camo suits me. Thanks Biker Librarian!!! I have my zag bag in the background. I do like that it coordinates well with my outfit.

Oh say can you teach...

I teach a basic Microsoft Excel class. It meets monthly. Near the end of class, I always ask the students if they have any questions. Of course, there are either lots of questions or just total silence because they just realized I was not really speaking English...(lol)...


So today I got one of the most interesting offers. I never dreamed in my life that I would be offered 2nd lieutenant rank in the national guard, but it was offered to me. Of course, I laughed because I know they want me for my brain power, especially in Microsoft Excel. I do not consider myself an expert but I know enough to teach it and explain it to beginners. My brain was probably at its peak earlier this morning. Anyway it was a sincere offer...but really?...me?...hahahehe...I belong on the frontlines of library world not the military world...(chuckle once more)

My heart melted a little today...

because one of the cutest and most handsome toddlers just said my name

If you'll just humor for a moment...This particular toddler has been attending my lapsit program since January...He has grown so quickly from being the most shy child to one of the more out-going of the bunch.

Anyway, just last week I was trying to teach him how to say my name and this week he said it!!! I couldn't believe my ears. I do not have my own children but almost every child who attends any story time I facilitate and who walks through my community's library doors has my attention for a least an hour. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly children grow, especially the little guys and gals. If one truly ponders the magnitude of this event....how important names are to people...

I believe myself to be my worst critic, but one thing I have learned is the importance of a name. Names are important. Names are how we identify ourselves (mostly). I believe in human goodness and that one act of kindness will work wonders on anyone, especially knowing a name.

So I guess my PSA for today's libraries is to learn one person's name and make an impression for a lifetime.

For Biker Librarians Alike...

Ok so while I was in Las Vegas, we were at the Hard Rock Cafe and I just couldn't resist hopping on this Harley. My leather chaps were at the cleaners, so I had to settle for khaki shorts and this brown top.