Library Tribute from Garrison Keillor

Garrison Keillor writes a love letter to public libraries in "The Liberating Silence of the Library."

(If the article doesn't appear right away on the screen, go to the 90-day archive and click on 6/26/2007.)

"The library is the temple of freedom. Growing up, we kids were aware of how much of our lives was a performance for adults. In school, at church, in Scouts, adults were watching, cueing you, coaching, encouraging, commenting, but in the library, you didn't have to perform for the librarian. She simply presided over an orderly world in which you had the freedom of your own imagination. The silence was not repressive but liberating: to allow your imagination to play, uninhibited by others. "

Chopin, Mozart, and Caulk....

Hello all,

Enough fan mail has arrived calling for my return that I've decided to break Michelle's string of rants so as to share a post of my own.

Things here on the surface of the Sun are going well. I'm certain I'm the last one in the family to adjust to the Florida summer weather. Heck, Bandit stays outside longer than I do and he's got 3 inches of fur, black fur at that. Course, my devotion to keeping the albino complexion in vogue keeps me from bronzing up like Michelle does. I'm convinced that if I spent as much time in the sun as Michelle does I would simply catch on fire.

As a result of my desire to find productive things to do - indoors - we recently made the decision to acquire a new noise maker. After years of looking (and saving) I finally convinced myself to purchase a piano. A digital piano at that. Little did I realize that the next Yamaha I would buy would be one with keys and chords instead of wheels and a motor. As for any buyer's remorse, it's the furthest thing from my mind. I'm convinced the money was well spent and my free time from here on out will never be the same. The instrument is sophisticated enough to not only teach one how to play but can connect to the internet wirelessly and has a super cool karaoke function. You should hear Michelle belt out a tune or two... It's so rewarding to see her live her faith out loud by following God's command to make a joyful noise. Sadly the animals don't share my appreciation. Bandit does like to howl along though.

Hopefully you're all doing well too. Please know that you always have an open invite to visit. Just remember to bring a song on your next visit. Hope to see you soon...

Until next time.
Jas

'Twas the Night Before the Fourth....

...the neighbors were shooting off bottle rockets and the cat was snug under the bed, eyes as large as saucers...

Fireworks are legal in Florida (as well as concealed weapons, but that's another story) so no longer do we have to cross the border to MO or IN to procure a little pyrotechnics!

Update on assorted stuff:

For those of you who are curious how Bandit deals with the brutal heat and humidity, here's the answer: he blows his coat (sheds) and then regrows it twice as fluffy and soft. Yeah, we don't get it either. However, never fear, because the little guy wanders out to the pool deck and flops down in the direct sun for 20-minute naps. (The theory is, he's working on his tan, although we can't see it under the massive fur.)

Work is speeding right along. I'm still getting adjusted to the corporate life, although the transition has smoothed out somewhat. I have half-formed ideas bouncing around in my head regarding writing an article about making the career switch from public libraries to corporate. Just need a few isolated hours to get it onto the hard drive.

The new motorcycle has been an absolute blast for both Jason and me. I'm planning to get a "Ride 2 Live" tattoo this weekend to celebrate the new biker lifestyle. (Just kidding, Mom. Keep breathing.)

We've made some very good friends through work and church. That's the toughest part about moving and getting resettled. People always talk about chemistry in dating relationships, but it's also true for friendships. Some fizzle out pretty quickly, and some naturally click. We're getting to that clicking stage.

And finally, I'm back to volunteering. I lead a Month of Community Service event through work; the team of very dedicated volunteers performed assorted projects for the local homeless shelter/food bank, Metropolitan Ministries. We stuffed hundreds of pencil cases for a school supply drive, packed food boxes for families and helped out in the thrift store. And last Wednesday I went with church friends to the Hope Lodge, which provides housing for patients and families who are enduring cancer treatments. It was tough to see the difficulties the families were facing, but we all had a moment of joy with free hot dogs and sparklers. It really doesn't take much.

So, Happy 4th to you all! Enjoy your freedom and find a soldier to thank.

Love,

Michelle