Flying Monkeys, eghads!



The flying monkeys still freak me out to this day!

Sock Monkey Maddness!

Sock Monkey Obsession

I think it all started about 3 years ago when I had to make a reciprocal storytime time kit for SRC (summer reading club). I wanted to create a kit based on a colleagues very fun & popular, Monkey Around with Curious George kit.  It was created by Carol Snowden who was a long time librarian at the Whitehall branch.  A few months after she died due to ovarian cancer, we were required to update summer reading club kits.  I wanted to continue Carol's kit in her honor.  To my horror when I opened the blue kit out popped Sock Monkeys!!!  Since about age 2, I have had a real disgust for these homemade toys.  It is hard to explain why I disliked them so profoundly ... for some reason their appearance creeped me out and made me feel a mixture of embarrassment (for its sheer homeliness) and disgust. Something about them just repulsed me mixed with, "what the hell am I going to do with this thing?!"   I recall a color Brownie camera photo of me dragging a home made sock monkey around the Christmas tree when I was two.  I seem to have vague memories of other exposure to them throughout my childhood.  When Jordan was born  we received a thoughtful homemade baby gift,  a well made sock monkey from a dear friend's mother and I reacted with horror.  I had a strong maternal instinct not expose my newborn to such a thing!!  I recall disposing of the monkey quickly although it was NOT doomed to a trashcan; I am not sure were or how I banished him.  I felt guilty about it then and feel even worse today. The poor dear elderly woman crafted this toy so thoughtfully and I cast it out of my life instantly.  So when I encountered a blue storybin full of the little buggers, I pushed my natural instincts aside and embraced them into my office and now they have taken over my life!!!!!!  No wonder, I was leery of them all those years ago!  Those meddlesome, menacing monkeys!!!  Guess I will have to turn my little dog loose on them, ha!

My Greatest Inspiration

One of my many inspirations!

• Of course this picture of Jordan is several years old but it is hard to get pictures of my bashful 15 year old these days.  He looks different but still the same sweet soul who continues to inspire me daily.  Children are amazing (for so many reasons) and of course mine are TOTALLY amazing!! wink LOL but heck it's true!
• Both of my children are continual reminders that teachers come in different shapes, sizes and ages.  They have taught me to redefine my narrow definition of teacher and shown me the way to many amazing personal insights.  Without them, I shutter to think what kind of person I would be!  Because of this and so much more they inspire me to meet my resolutions to improve as mother and ultimately as a person. 

Revised NEW Year Resolution list 2012



One of My  Main Motivations to Keep My 2012 Resolutions

Aaah a Work In Progress ...
- be on time ... No more lateness
- less clutter NO hoarding and fewer piles
- fewer books; leave them at the library
- wake up earlier
- less gluten
- less sugar
- less yelling
- less swearing
- more laughter
- more joy
- continue keeping in touch; regularly
- don't take things tooo personally
- increase creativity
- keep last years resolution alive; increased spontaneity
- walk the dogs more; at least regularly
- count to ten before yelling at my beautiful/wonderful children
After all, who wants to hear their mother yelling unless its an emergency?!

Pete the Cat

In an earlier post I mentioned a creative work related idea regarding the picture book character, Pete the Cat. Thought it might help to see a visual of this goofy looking blue cat. Follow the blue hyper link to check out this cat.
Pete the Cat

Is kind of amazing this goofy looking cat became a hit!  Librarians, kids and teachers really like the song that makes the book work and the character more endearing.  The stuffed Pete the Cat that you can actually buy is even better than the picture book illustrations.  If you are really curious or just really bored search u tube for Pete the Cat.  Aaah, the joys of being a children's librarian in a wonderful library! :) I live the life!!!!  Now, if I could only banish working weekends.  LOL

Back to my old self ....

The germ is banished as of Sunday and i have energy and feel like myself again and not a sick slug! Whew, thankfully it only lasted 7 days.

Well today at work I used my creativity to the max! Today is the first full week my boss is in australia for a month and amazingly my creative juices kicked into high gear! I came up with some ideas for rearranging things (chairs, tables, shelving and fiction). I started thinking about these areas long ago based on keen observation of usage patterns, customer comments. So it is not entirely willie nillie and I know Michael gives me the freedom to implement some changes with his full support so on Saturday I felt empowered and enegerized to do what I do best bring all staff into the discussion get their ideas and weave them into mine and viola, magic. It was a joy to see all staff get a twinkle in their eyes and get juiced about talking about the ideas .... Made me realize how complacent we have become under such a wonderful boss ... He does so much that it is easy to relax and enjoy the ride. Now staff are eager to think, vocalize and implement change. It is cool to see in action. Admidtley it is not fun working this all the time (it has a reverse effect after awhile and folks burn out). Been there done that! It is all a delicate balance and being aware of that and so much more is a rare ability. I am just delighted I had the chance to experience it all again ....

Planning for Valentine's Day 2012

Nora and Erin Decorating Heart Sugar Cookies

Thinking about Valentine's Day and how I would like to celebrate.  Last year Erin and I threw a Valentine Party where our guests  could decorate heart sugar cookies and make Valentine's for friends and family.  Everyone had their own labled Valentine bag and we each created and placed a special Valentine for each guest.  It was a wonderful way to show how much we appreciate our good friends and loved ones and spend time with folks we truly enjoy but don't have much time to spend throughout the year.  I am thinking we will do the same and work on some packages for those we love far away.  I love sending creative Valentine goodies to my family and friends.  Brings me great joy!  Last year Melanie brought her most yummy sugar cookies and made the ice upon arrival and the girls (Nora and Erin) got to decorate till their hearts content.

Sarah and Melanie Making Valentines!

  

Hate Colds!

Erin Ice Skating with Dad @ the Dublin Chiller!!!!

Man oh man, head colds are a major bummer!  Thankfully I am off work today (Friday) and I was able to sleep lots.  Love to see the snow on the ground and the sun out and no additional snow falling.  So pretty to see.