Quick Update

The house is no longer empty. I picked Naomi and Joanna up from the airport at 11:30 at night. I'm working at 7 this morning. I couldn't stop thinking about Ironwood yesterday. Philip got an earful about Ironwood and other topics on my mind. RuthAnn gets home today. I have my last visit today with my Little Sister for the summer. I take the Praxis 2 in 10 days. I haven't studied for the Praxis 2. I volunteer for the library tomorrow morning and then must by some groceries for our house. Gosh, I'm busy.

An Empty House

I love my parents. I have more respect for my parents than any other people. They live wisely and always have wise counsel.

Yet, I love when they leave.

The house is quiet. There's such a noticeable decibel level difference when they're in the house, and generally our family is considered quieter than most. The house is clean. They're papers aren't laying all around the house. The kitchen stays clean. No coffee or tea cups are sitting on the ground. Shoes aren't left in random spots. They arrive home, and the house gets messier in minutes. I don't feel lazy for sleeping in till nine. Or staying in my bed reading or watching a movie. I can stay up as late as I like or go to bed as early. I love cooking for just the two or three who are around. I love the empty house all to myself.

My parents are traversing the States this summer to visit my older siblings and other relatives, so I'll have more times when it's just the house and I.

A Jane Austen Education: Emma

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm rereading A Jane Austen Education. I decided to reread it this time with a pencil in hand marking great thoughts and adding comments. This is part of my goal to be a more thoughtful reader.

Everyday things matter. They matter greatly. In fact, the everyday matters are what make our life. Not the great big things we normally read and watch about. Not only do the everyday things matter, but every single person matters. Our life is made up of what we consider to be the little, trivial things. Deresiewicz said,

Those small, "trivial," everyday things, the things that happen hour by hour to the people in our lives: what your nephew said, what your friend heard, what your neighbor did. That, she [Jane Austen] was telling us, is what the fabric of our years really consist of. That is what life is really about.

The focus on the little things and showing that the little things and every single person is important is what makes Emma powerful. Deresiewicz discusses that Austen knew exactly what she was doing. Austen gloried in her "little" life, things, and people, and she desired for all of us to see that the "little" life, things, and people are what drive our life. Deresiewics says,

Her genius began with the recognition that such lives as hers were very eventful indeed--that every life is eventful, if only you know how to look at it. She did not think that her existence was quiet or trivial or boring; she thought it was delightful and enthralling, and she wanted us to see that our own are, too. She understood that what fills our days should fill our hearts, and what fills our hearts should fill our novels.

I've always loved Emma. It was the first Austen I read, and I fell in love with the small-town, the characters, the banal talk, Emma growing up, and Knightely. Now, I love it even more, and I can't wait to read it again. Thank you Deresiewicz for opening my eyes to Austen's respect of the "little" lives, things, and people in life, and deepening my love for Emma.

A Delightful Day

I finished rereading the Emma portion from Jane Austen's education. Again, I was blown away, but my thoughts on that are for a later post. Throughout my day, I pondered enjoying the little things in life and the little things in your community.

I did nothing jaw-dropping amazing by people's standards, but I had the most lovely day. I worked from 8 AM to 2 PM at The Grocery Store. I continued building relationships with my coworkers while assisting customers and facing all the candy and soda around me. We were not busy. I ended up bagging most of my groceries because the baggers kept leaving me.

After work, I came home and enjoyed some crackers and cheese. For as long as I remember, I've loved saltine crackers, and I can eat them by the package. I also adore cheese, especially the sharp kind. I discussed my day with my mother, as I impaitently waited for 3 PM.

At 3 PM, I headed to the public library to start my volunteer hours. I loved it; I so want to be a librarian. I searched for books on the computer making sure the library still had them in the system for about an hour and a half. Then I cataloged books for about an hour--making sure they were all the in the correct order on the shelf according to the Dewey Decimal System. I loved working with books I had read as a child; I loved working with ladies who had assisted me in my childhood as I searched for books. I loved it the whole experience, and I can't wait until I can go back and help the youth room more.

I then headed home, and ate dinner with my family. The only problem was that I had to leave right away to pick up my Little Sister, and I couldn't enjoy our family conversation and time. But I got to spend time with my amazing Little Sister, so it evened missing family conversation and time.

LS and I bought Little Caesars and then enjoyed great ice cream from a local ice cream shop all while enjoying the company of each other. Only one more week before she's gone again for the summer. Probably only one more year together. I'm going to miss her so much. Tonight, she gave me a wonderful bear hug.

Now, I'm sitting at home reflecting on my day before I head to my room where I'll watch more of my shows.  And then I'll fall asleep in my glorious bed.

It truly has been a delightful day. The best part is I know there are many more to come.

The WPL, aka, Our Library

We have the best library. We have the best librarians. We've joked that our library was/is our second-home, but we actually meant that. 

With a family of avid readers and avid movie and show watchers, the library was the place to be and go. One of the things which makes our library fantastic is that we can get books, movies, and shows from forty other libraries in the surrounding areas. So if WPL doesn't have it, we place the book, movie, or show on hold, and one of the other forty libraries will send it to WPL. This is fabulous because we've seen almost all the movies and shows on the shelf we're interested in, and we've read almost all the books from the authors we like. We still get to be patrons of our fabulous library while receiving books, movies, and shows from all over southern WI. 

As the years have progressed, I've mulled over the idea of becoming a librarian probably because of the love I hold for our librarians and our library. The desire has continued to grow these past couple years. Now being a librarian isn't just a dream anymore; it could actually happen. Since I'm at home this summer, I finally had the courage to see if I could volunteer. Michelle, a library lady, said she would love for me to volunteer, and now I'll be going in once or twice a week to keep the summer reading records updated and prep for the weekly craft. I actually get to work at a library! 

Today, I will be heading to our library. It's time to get a new stack of books. It doesn't matter how many books I have at home to read, I always want to get more from the library. I wish you all could have the same love for your library as I do for mine. 

This Past Week's Reading

I actually managed to finish a lot of books in the past couple of weeks.


The Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp by Richard Peck

This was a quick read. I didn't realized I jumped in the middle of a series. However, I didn't feel lost. Blossom, who is gypsy and has the sight, manages to head into the future. There she helps a boy about her age fit into his school better while finding information to help her in her time. I probably won't read all the others, but I know I'll be reading more Richard Peck because I enjoy his writing.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

I managed to finish the first one, but it was a struggle. Mainly because I don't have much interest in them. There are many other books I would prefer to read and at this time I don't want to waste my time on the other books. Maybe I'll read the others at a later time this summer. Right now, I need a break from crazy Bella. Seriously, no one falls in love that quickly and deeply. No one could be so stupid as she is. Edward is much better to deal with than Bella. Did you know both Isabella and Jacob made it on the top 5 baby names ?

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams

I have watched the movie countless times; every time I'm dragged in by the family drama and the amazingness of Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives. Every time I finished the movie, I told myself to read the play. It's been on my summer list for at least two years if not more.

I read it this Sunday afternoon and loved it. I knew the play was going to be different than the movie. The play was raw. It screamed dysfunctionalality. The homosexuality and alcoholism were deeper than expected. It made more sense that there were no true reconciliations in the family. Everyone was fighting for their own desires, wants, and needs.  

My version had two versions of Act 3. The first one was the original way Williams wrote it; you don't see Big Daddy again, and there's really no reconcilation between Maggie and Brick. He'll get her pregnant only because she throws all the alcohol out, and she'll give it to him again when she's pregnant. It's probably a bit more realistic. The second version he wrote when Elia Kazan said Big Daddy needed to be in the picture. There was a little more of reconciliation between Maggie and Brick but not to the extent of what the movie hints at. The second version is the one which premiered on stage and on the stage today.

After reading the play, I can see why people were disappointed by the movie. The movie sugar-coated everything. It makes the characters lovable, and it provides a happy ending. I like happy endings, but some movies and books aren't meant to have them--Count of Monte Critso for example. I also believe Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is another.

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

This took me about an hour to read. It did catch me so I read it to and from buying plants for our gardens. As I read, I stated that I hoped there were not 39 books in this series. There are not; however, there are 11. At this point, I'm not going to continue the whole series. Maybe I'll read them over time. I did some research on the books, and each one is written by a different famous author.

This is a mystery where two orphans are on a hut for a great treasure. But they have no money. And they're competing against some interesting relatives. This book takes them to Paris, and I'm assuming each book will take them to another part of the world. It included a good amount of historical fact which is great. Lots of secrets and characters who aren't quite what they seem like on the surface.

Go and read a book.

My School Day

Today, in the 5th grade classroom, we watched this video SEVEN times. I decided to share it with you all. By the fifth time, the boys were popping up and down out of their seats following the Harvard men in the video. They have a field-trip next Thursday, rumor has it, they want to make their own rendition of this video. Enjoy.

My Tuesday

I'm doing my Junior Practicum (observing a 5th grade classroom) this week and some of next. I was at school till 3, voted, ate dinner, napped, and then off to work from 5-9. Then came home to finish journaling about my observations. Now I'm off to bed because I go back to school again tomorrow. I'm enjoying 5th graders, but I'm exhausted. But all I'm doing is sitting. Weird.

"Books Are Invisible Communities"

I heard that statement on NPR some Wednesday in the past nine months. This may have been the show about Little Libraries (which I still need to research; they intrigue me). However, the interviewee said, "Books are invisible communities," and I agreed with her on the spot. As I've pondered this statement, I realize how much is said with those four words.

1. Community addresses the relationship you build with the characters, the setting, the story, etc. Personally, I think I love books so much because of the communities, and the relationships I build with the characters in them. Perhaps that's the reason I adore rereading books--I get to visit them again, reread the development, and gain a better understanding of a character as I catch something new about them on my fifth reading of the book. I love series because you get to revisit the community, yet expand your understanding and knowledge of the community.

When I talk about favorite books, I'm talking about friends of mine. They all became friends at different stages of my life, and they all hold a special spot in my life and heart. I get super excited when I think about books I've read which have become part of my invisible community. I can talk about them as if they're friends because I've built a relationship with them, and I've made a connection to each and everyone of the communities.

2. Invisible addresses the imagination aspect. I believe deeply in developing imaginations which develops creativity. When you read, you imagine the settings, the houses, the people, the fights, the conversations, plus much more. You're not referring back to the movies and that directors imaginations lived out; you're making your own with the information provided by the author.

There's also an aspect of being able to run to your invisible community when your real community isn't going so well. I have nursed many a wound by visiting an invisible community. The downside: you may not learn to deal with real life situations; you may learn to run and hide and never attack the problem. Sometimes, the best thing is for you to leave and forget the problems for a while.

3. Community also addresses the multicultural aspect. I've visited and learned about many communities around the world which I never knew about. It's not just communities around the world; it's also communities in my own country. A part of me feels like I have a connection with different cultures because of the books I've read.

Here are some of my "Invisible Communities" from childhood, adolescence, and the beginning of adulthood:

Junior Year

On the 24th of April 2012, I completed my junior year of college, and I've decided to reflect on these past nine months.

1. I changed churches this past August. Instead of attending church with my family, I now drive thirty minutes away to a small church where I worship and minister. I love my church. I love the people. I love the small atmosphere. I love eating lunch with my church family. I love hearing the prayer requests and praying as a body of believers on Wednesday night. I do enjoy working with my three-five year-olds as long as long as I can leave after an hour and a half. I love my college group and how they challenge me to live out my beliefs and to follow Christ with everything. I love the relationships I've been able to build with my church family. I love my church.

2. Two of my closest friends began serious relationships. Which means, I sat and listened to MANY relationship conversations. I don't mind the relationship conversations, I'm a romantic to the core, so I love discussing relationships. When Laura was first interested in her boyfriend, I couldn't stop smiling for a couple of days, and when they started dating, I was positively ecstatic. I may have been more excited than she was when she told me. I have an analytical mind also, so I enjoy finding solutions for problems. Plus, I like listening to people (and talking to them); you learn so much about people when you listen.

3. I got to see RuthAnn after a year-and-a-half. When I saw her in the airport, I started crying and ran to meet her (I dropped my purse and everything). Then I kept wanting to touch her to make sure she was real. I never want to go that long again without seeing her or having The Four together. I should be realistic though.

4. My youngest brother, Philip, joined me at college. I enjoyed going to school together. It was interesting watching him act like a freshman throughout the year but especially on choir tour.

5. I sat under an amazing teacher--Dr. Lincoln. My favorite education college professor. It's fantastic to finally have a teacher who demands excellence (I'm a high-achiever), who pushes you to be, give, and do your best, who has recent elementary experience on top of collegiate experience, and who uses all of her class time. I'm excited and nervous because I have three classes with her in the fall.

6. I had my last class ever with Mrs. Hershberger! She's retiring. I heard some interesting stories and great one-liners. I guess I learned some from her too, but mainly we heard stories and one-liners.

7. I had a Bible study with four freshman girls. Not to toot my own horn, but I really wasn't a freshman when  I was a freshman. I've always acted more mature than my age. My eyes were opened this year. I never knew the emotional break-downs freshman girls have. I also didn't realize how disorganized they can be (disorganization can apply to many people). They were sweet, and I truly enjoyed getting to know them. I can't wait to see where some of them will be in eight years, and how the Lord is planning on using each of them.

8. I went to the Gala, and was completely underwhelmed. I was given a pretty rose though. I guess I also traveled down the highway at 60 miles an hour in a limo-bus with the door open. In February. In Wisconsin. I froze. Then I had the privilege of writing a report of the incident. I highly doubt that limo driver still has a job at that company.    

9. I spent a week in Illinois with forty other college students. Choir tour was wonderful. I enjoyed the lunch at Wendy's where we laughed for an hour straight. I enjoyed listening and talking to all the freshman. I loved having time to read again. I loved singing the same songs again and again. Yes, sometimes your mind turns off, but when you focus on the words, the parts, the melody it's marvelous. This Marriage and Shenandoah were fabulous to sing. And How Firm a Foundation always brought tears to my eyes and a new resolve in my soul,

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to His foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

Every time I would say "no never forsake" I reaffirmed my resolve not to forsake my Lord no matter the circumstances. 

10. I wrote more and more on scraps of paper than I've ever done before. It's like I keep a journal on college-ruled notebook paper now. Like a journal, it's interesting rereading what I wrote and what was going through my mind at that time.

It's been good to reflect on my junior year. I'm excited it's done; I'm ready to head into my final year of college, and complete this part of my life.  

"Sunshine"

Sunshine, by Robin McKinley, was the first book I finished this summer. Yes, I call this summer now because I'm done with another year of college.

I've always enjoyed McKinley's books--Beauty, Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword, and Chalice. I was planning on reading Pegasus which I didn't have time to start over spring break. However, Pegasus wasn't at the library, so I picked up Sunshine instead.


Sunshine is about a baker named Sunshine who is captured by vampires. Sunshine remembers powers her Grandma taught her many years ago, and manages to escape bringing along a fellow captive who happens to be a vampire. And so progresses the story. Sunshine must battle the darkness with her light while struggling to come to terms about having a vampire as a friend and ally.

McKinley spins a story in a unique way, weaving thoughts, dreams, memories, and that moment happenings in an interesting way. However, I thought McKinley didn't answer enough of the questions she raised. She didn't answer the difference between Con (Sunshine's ally) and Bo (the enemy vampire). She didn't answer why Sunshine's mom left her dad. She didn't explain the Wars or the disappearance of Sunshine's relatives. I know McKinley doesn't feel the need to resolve every question raised, but she resolved so few in this story.

I love how McKinley makes me want to have her heroines skills. Sunshine is a fabulous baker, so I want to be a fabulous baker. Mirasol in Chalice is a miraculous beekeeper/herb healer, so I want to be a miraculous beekeeper/herb healer. Harry in The Blue Sword becomes a legendary swords and horsewoman, so I want to be a legendary swords and horsewoman. Beauty in Beauty is talented at gardening, so I want to be talented at gardening. She paints their skills in such a way that I feel like I could achieve them and makes me want to achieve their level of skill.

Overall, Sunshine was an okay read but not worth a reread.

  

Frankie and I

I bought a car. His name is Frank Sinatra, but I call him Frankie.

A Golden Oldie for a Golden Oldie 

Together, we're going places.