Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Good deeds make good days
When you prepare to fall asleep and thank God for another beautiful day, it is wonderful to count among your blessings the opportunities to pay it forward and share, help or witness with others. People need to get off depression pills and get busy doing good. If they were doing something positive instead of waiting for someone to do something for them, they would not have time to be depressed. Plan ahead to keep yourself busy doing good and see how good it makes you feel, even when your nose runs, or your head hearts, and even sometimes when your heart hurts.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Contests and achievement
The joy of competition is for many of us a reason to excel. In any contest there is potential to shine as a star and win, whatever level the competition. Some rise to the occasion, some do not try to give it their best effort and some cheat. That has been true since the first game of horseshoes or the first spelling bee, or even the first rock toss of Bible times.
Years ago when Kentucky adopted the KERA program for elementary and high school curriculum many people circulated an email about the fact that if we were now not announcing good grades and winners of spelling bees so as not to discourage those who did not measure up, that we should quit keeping score at ballgames and let everyone play whether they could "make" the team or not. I was a young mother with three small children at the time and very discouraged by the effects that the implementation of the "new" method of instruction was having on my children's classrooms.
However, I was fortunate in that the dynamics of a family of children, not a single child, but a household of more than two children which creates an innate sense of competition, much as litters in the wild, that has children competing for attention from their elders, time in the bathroom, shotgun seat in the car, etc. Before my children arrived at school they had already developed the I want to succeed attitude and they continued to use it despite the changing encouragement levels in the school system. They remained at the top of their class through three school changes and an ever changing variety of testing formats and grade reporting.
The satisfaction of getting there first, doing it better or even best should be encouraged at a young age. It is hard to encourage when there is an only child with two sets of grandparents and two parents who "help" him/her do everything, see that they are first, let them win to make them feel good etc. Regardless of the income level, as the number of children in a family have gone down, the survival instinct to succeed appears to have diminished as well.
Oddly enough, I said all that to share a contest story that is both humorous and inspiring.
In a recent bookmark contest to honor National Library Week, my library has received from grown men all of those same traits of contestants--- from the earnest desire to succeed, to the I don't care but I am turning something in, to the bottom of the barrel which is cheating when the top prize is a book and a pizza.
In a rectangle on an entry form designed to be one fourth of an 8 1/2 x 11 page, there is space to write one word, one sentence or one phrase that is The Power of Inspiring Words. From outstanding calligraphy, to sloppy handwriting with marked out letters, to inked in letters in relief, the talent pool is amazing. Inspiring words, heartfelt emotions, scripture, buzzwords, and even really cute bookmark type library slogans were entered. And, to top it off, someone wanted to compete with their own self for a prize, by trying to enter twice using someone else's name. It boggles the mind why anyone would want to cheat a contest about Inspiring Words.
As my first supervisor at GRCC told me, remember where you are. The inmates are not here because they routinely make good decisions.
Cheater was caught and two entries disqualified but I am glad I do not have to judge, because of the 62 remaining entries, there are at least 10 first place efforts and one will have to be chosen...There are 3 places and 10 honorable mentions to receive prizes which will help, but the decision on rankings will still be very difficult. There will be a focus on not just how good the words are but the lasting effect promoting the top choice will have on the greatest number of people and how it conveys the goal of the contest. It cannot be just good, the winner will need to be great!
Years ago when Kentucky adopted the KERA program for elementary and high school curriculum many people circulated an email about the fact that if we were now not announcing good grades and winners of spelling bees so as not to discourage those who did not measure up, that we should quit keeping score at ballgames and let everyone play whether they could "make" the team or not. I was a young mother with three small children at the time and very discouraged by the effects that the implementation of the "new" method of instruction was having on my children's classrooms.
However, I was fortunate in that the dynamics of a family of children, not a single child, but a household of more than two children which creates an innate sense of competition, much as litters in the wild, that has children competing for attention from their elders, time in the bathroom, shotgun seat in the car, etc. Before my children arrived at school they had already developed the I want to succeed attitude and they continued to use it despite the changing encouragement levels in the school system. They remained at the top of their class through three school changes and an ever changing variety of testing formats and grade reporting.
The satisfaction of getting there first, doing it better or even best should be encouraged at a young age. It is hard to encourage when there is an only child with two sets of grandparents and two parents who "help" him/her do everything, see that they are first, let them win to make them feel good etc. Regardless of the income level, as the number of children in a family have gone down, the survival instinct to succeed appears to have diminished as well.
Oddly enough, I said all that to share a contest story that is both humorous and inspiring.
In a recent bookmark contest to honor National Library Week, my library has received from grown men all of those same traits of contestants--- from the earnest desire to succeed, to the I don't care but I am turning something in, to the bottom of the barrel which is cheating when the top prize is a book and a pizza.
In a rectangle on an entry form designed to be one fourth of an 8 1/2 x 11 page, there is space to write one word, one sentence or one phrase that is The Power of Inspiring Words. From outstanding calligraphy, to sloppy handwriting with marked out letters, to inked in letters in relief, the talent pool is amazing. Inspiring words, heartfelt emotions, scripture, buzzwords, and even really cute bookmark type library slogans were entered. And, to top it off, someone wanted to compete with their own self for a prize, by trying to enter twice using someone else's name. It boggles the mind why anyone would want to cheat a contest about Inspiring Words.
As my first supervisor at GRCC told me, remember where you are. The inmates are not here because they routinely make good decisions.
Cheater was caught and two entries disqualified but I am glad I do not have to judge, because of the 62 remaining entries, there are at least 10 first place efforts and one will have to be chosen...There are 3 places and 10 honorable mentions to receive prizes which will help, but the decision on rankings will still be very difficult. There will be a focus on not just how good the words are but the lasting effect promoting the top choice will have on the greatest number of people and how it conveys the goal of the contest. It cannot be just good, the winner will need to be great!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thomas Jefferson's Bible
Thomas Jefferson was so enthralled with the life of Jesus Christ that he sifted through the documentation available in his time and composed a "Bible" limited to Jesus.
In a little twist of fate a library patron had requested the book, so I had it come across my desk without even thinking about using it for research, but once again finding proof that our founding fathers were not only Christians but knowledgeable Christians whose basis for religious freedom was not about freedom from religion but freedom to worship God without the tyranny of government to tell them how. Government cannot prevent Christians from being Christians. It is not meant to sanction any other religion either. Simply put - when we elect Christian leaders again, we will have a Christian nation again as it was in the beginning. Vote carefully, not on one issue or for monetary gain, but on the strength of character of the candidate. God please bless America, again!
In a little twist of fate a library patron had requested the book, so I had it come across my desk without even thinking about using it for research, but once again finding proof that our founding fathers were not only Christians but knowledgeable Christians whose basis for religious freedom was not about freedom from religion but freedom to worship God without the tyranny of government to tell them how. Government cannot prevent Christians from being Christians. It is not meant to sanction any other religion either. Simply put - when we elect Christian leaders again, we will have a Christian nation again as it was in the beginning. Vote carefully, not on one issue or for monetary gain, but on the strength of character of the candidate. God please bless America, again!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Spring and time
Daylight savings time sprang forward along with more activities for me to do, so that even at 10 pm at night I am not getting in regular reading or writing time. Time to make an appointment for myself on the calendar.
Tiny steps build but they don't build if they get pushed aside by "stuff". I need to work harder at prioritizing the good stuff, necessary stuff and then just stuff. Hope you are doing that better than I. Have a great weekend.
Tiny steps build but they don't build if they get pushed aside by "stuff". I need to work harder at prioritizing the good stuff, necessary stuff and then just stuff. Hope you are doing that better than I. Have a great weekend.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Writing on the calendar
Son James showed me more on the Facebook calendar that I had not noticed today and Daughter Susan showed me a Calendar app we can all share called Cozi last week.
I need to put my book on the calendar and make appointments for piece by piece deadlines. Sounds like a plan and I do plan to succeed so I know I need a plan. No power yesterday led to shopping and sunshine today led to exercise and flower planting so there is little time left tonight but I am focusing on this little step.
Write here, post a goal and take a tiny step in the right direction. On down the writing road I go.
I need to put my book on the calendar and make appointments for piece by piece deadlines. Sounds like a plan and I do plan to succeed so I know I need a plan. No power yesterday led to shopping and sunshine today led to exercise and flower planting so there is little time left tonight but I am focusing on this little step.
Write here, post a goal and take a tiny step in the right direction. On down the writing road I go.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Listening and hearing are two different things
"I know that you believed that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant" :) is a quote I read on Facebook tonight.
Communication, spoken or written, requires two parts - the giver and the receiver. No matter how it is delivered, the receiver may muddle the reception with their own interpretation and there is no absolute way to prevent miscommunication. The key is to choose the right delivery for the most important audience for the specific message and if at first you do not succeed, try, try again.
Communication, spoken or written, requires two parts - the giver and the receiver. No matter how it is delivered, the receiver may muddle the reception with their own interpretation and there is no absolute way to prevent miscommunication. The key is to choose the right delivery for the most important audience for the specific message and if at first you do not succeed, try, try again.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Reading for writing
Recently read Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros, successful Kentucky author and am currently reading Icing on the Cake by Alison Kent - a True Vows reality romance. Both authors are using current life to create fascinating stories. A little truth and a lot of creation brings joy and food for thought. Reading good writing is good preparation for good writing.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Working on the book
I talked to a publisher this week. Now it is time to get outline on paper and start construction. I have planned and read, and thought and dreamed. Time to do is at hand. The Founding Fathers and I will be good friends for the next few months - Ben Franklin, welcome to my world.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
twittering
I am learning through Twitter's limit of 140 characters to be more precise in my writing. At times in writing for the news column I have to fluff a little to get a usable article. At times I have to trim to make it fit a limit.
Twitter is good exercise for writing. Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body.
Twitter is good exercise for writing. Exercising your brain is just as important as exercising your body.
Listen to readers
One of the joys of being a librarian is sharing books, encouraging people to read. In addition to sharing your own favorites, it is important to listen to your readers and share their excitement over "finds" with other library patrons. Share the joy. Listening to readers just provides another uncataloged resource for you to share.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Questions about the Question
Librarians have been trained and quickly add to training with experience in one of our most valuable tools, the reference interview. What sets librarians apart from keyword searches is the insight gained from eye contact, body language and questions about the question asked. Keywords in a Google search bring more "hits" than anyone has time to tunnel through. The professional librarian is still the key to making the keyword search productive in most cases. Yes, we do have knowledgeable high school and college students who can do it themselves, but the vast majority of the public including administrators of government offices and big business, do not have a clue how to search to limit the responses to clearly what they are asking for.
The way to be future ready as a librarian is to focus on the things we do best that no one else does professionally. And ramp it up to the best we can be.
Reference questions, whether snake identification, finding people information or statistics to support ones view or need, or a variety of other types, are the investigative and fun side of librarianship. Next to shopping for books with someone else's money - it is the best thing we do. We could all stand to study the reference interview more and the subtle body language and voice cues that tell us what level of information the patron really needs not just what they are asking for.
Growing professionally in service to others is the key to librarianship of the future.
The way to be future ready as a librarian is to focus on the things we do best that no one else does professionally. And ramp it up to the best we can be.
Reference questions, whether snake identification, finding people information or statistics to support ones view or need, or a variety of other types, are the investigative and fun side of librarianship. Next to shopping for books with someone else's money - it is the best thing we do. We could all stand to study the reference interview more and the subtle body language and voice cues that tell us what level of information the patron really needs not just what they are asking for.
Growing professionally in service to others is the key to librarianship of the future.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Legends and Heroes
I have been blessed to live in an era where the media, for all its faults has brought us heroes into our living rooms on a daily basis. Yes, the media also supplies lots of junk and trash, but as a librarian I know that the shelves are full and it is I who choose what to take from them.
I still have the power to turn off the power, change the channel or just do something else, which I often do when others in my family watch something I do not want.
Over the years, seeing legendary heroes often, helps cement the knowledge that those who are determined can do much with their lives. Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Michael Landon, Marlo and Danny Thomas, are just some of the heroes I count as extraordinary leaders.
Bob Hope entertained the troops on foreign soil through danger, discomfort and unpopular wars. He helped countless other careers in a tough business and was a humorist who could dig, tease and ridicule, without being hateful. I so wish the modern comedians could have learned from his example.
Jimmy Stewart was a gentleman in Hollywood who could play cowboy or Congressman with equal fervor, who spoke slowly and gently at times but you had no doubt of his strength. He served his country in the Air Force, was a true family man and friend. He worked long past 65 - as most Americans do.
Michael Landon, who I grew up adoring as Little Joe in Bonanza, became the Angel in Highway to Heaven which gave voice to faith at a time our country desperately needed television to have some good choices for family viewing, and he went on to create one of the greatest family shows ever in the Little House on the Prairie series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Michael Landon Jr is another one of his gifts to the world. Any parent would be proud.
Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo have led the unerring fight against Cancer in children for most of my life. My young cousin Mike Yates benefited from St. Jude over 30 years ago and our family all still stands in awe of this wonderful facility. Ideas can have far reaching effects and last generations. I still remember the show Make Room for Daddy, but it is St. Jude that will touch lives forever.
I still have the power to turn off the power, change the channel or just do something else, which I often do when others in my family watch something I do not want.
Over the years, seeing legendary heroes often, helps cement the knowledge that those who are determined can do much with their lives. Bob Hope, Jimmy Stewart, Michael Landon, Marlo and Danny Thomas, are just some of the heroes I count as extraordinary leaders.
Bob Hope entertained the troops on foreign soil through danger, discomfort and unpopular wars. He helped countless other careers in a tough business and was a humorist who could dig, tease and ridicule, without being hateful. I so wish the modern comedians could have learned from his example.
Jimmy Stewart was a gentleman in Hollywood who could play cowboy or Congressman with equal fervor, who spoke slowly and gently at times but you had no doubt of his strength. He served his country in the Air Force, was a true family man and friend. He worked long past 65 - as most Americans do.
Michael Landon, who I grew up adoring as Little Joe in Bonanza, became the Angel in Highway to Heaven which gave voice to faith at a time our country desperately needed television to have some good choices for family viewing, and he went on to create one of the greatest family shows ever in the Little House on the Prairie series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Michael Landon Jr is another one of his gifts to the world. Any parent would be proud.
Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo have led the unerring fight against Cancer in children for most of my life. My young cousin Mike Yates benefited from St. Jude over 30 years ago and our family all still stands in awe of this wonderful facility. Ideas can have far reaching effects and last generations. I still remember the show Make Room for Daddy, but it is St. Jude that will touch lives forever.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Selection and keywords
Preparing to write a book requires planning of key words for advertising, chapters, outline. Choosing the right key words is paramount to getting the message across to the reading public clearly.
We are what we choose to be. We are what we choose to do.
We are what we choose to be. We are what we choose to do.
Ben Franklin, my hero
Since the writings of Ben Franklin are a cornerstone of the material I hope to bring together for a book, I will often quote him on this blog as a collection of important points and as a reminder of his contributions to the character of our country. Ben inspired many to give time and effort to public service. He followed the Puritan teachings of Cotton Mather and he recognized God and Jesus, not in a Baptist, Methodist or other denominational way, but in the spirit of the new American, worshipping God as the divine power, Jesus as the Savior and one of a new generation literate enough to read and discern history on his own.
For much of the world, prior to this time, literacy was not widespread so the organized church taught and directed rituals and forms of worship rather than individuals seeking Jesus through Bible study themselves.
Franklin was in addition to being a printer and a writer, the instigator of lending libraries in America. He is indeed my hero.
Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his thirteen virtues as:
For much of the world, prior to this time, literacy was not widespread so the organized church taught and directed rituals and forms of worship rather than individuals seeking Jesus through Bible study themselves.
Franklin was in addition to being a printer and a writer, the instigator of lending libraries in America. He is indeed my hero.
Franklin sought to cultivate his character by a plan of thirteen virtues, which he developed at age 20 (in 1726) and continued to practice in some form for the rest of his life. His autobiography lists his thirteen virtues as:
- "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
- "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
- "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
- "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
- "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
- "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
- "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
- "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
- "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
- "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
- "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
- "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
- "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Planning ahead
Planning for writing, planning the work day, planning a trip all require the focus on the goal or end result desired. Time to make some outlines - road maps for each activity. Steps today include registration for Philadelphia SLA housing, writing on the blog and emailing folks helping with planning the trip.
Writing on this blog is also one of the ways I focus on reminding myself of the mission - research, tell and write about Ben and the other founding fathers and Our Father who art in Heaven. God Bless America again, please!
Writing on this blog is also one of the ways I focus on reminding myself of the mission - research, tell and write about Ben and the other founding fathers and Our Father who art in Heaven. God Bless America again, please!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Working on writing work
Working on work reminds me of a children's book we added to the HCMPL collection back in the early 70's. I can eat an elephant - one bite at a time.
Book writing is like that - one step at a time. In among all the other things I do, I just need to set goal of a step a week and then step it up and raise the goal, once I hit rhythm and I can move this project along.
I am making my 3 miles on the bike most days, and more than every other day. This will be one more good habit to get going. Good habits bring comfort.
Book writing is like that - one step at a time. In among all the other things I do, I just need to set goal of a step a week and then step it up and raise the goal, once I hit rhythm and I can move this project along.
I am making my 3 miles on the bike most days, and more than every other day. This will be one more good habit to get going. Good habits bring comfort.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Time to write the big one
Sunday School lesson yesterday, 1776 DVD and a long drive in the car got me thinking about long term goals and doing something important for God and my country. Talked to my best friend Mary Lou Wurth tonight about writing the book I always wanted to write. I guess every librarian has a goal to be in the card catalog sometime, even if now it is only software on the world wide web. Wrote the purpose on two pages of Word document tonight. Talked 6 min and then 3 min into the recorder on the iPhone. Now I am publishing intent on the web. Writing is like dieting, with friends to encourage and a public commitment you are much more likely to follow through to the end.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Personal positives
This year I have added Library Up as a blog for professional focus on work in the library. The focus will also be on the positive - but through the work of the library.
This blog will focus on doing all the good you can all the time you can and at least one good deed every day!
I firmly believe we can all change the world - for the better, by just doing better ourselves a little bit every day. The ripple in the pond effect that makes smiles contagious, will spread the joy and the light, like a candle in a dark room, will brighten the night for a long distance.
Turn your light on!
This blog will focus on doing all the good you can all the time you can and at least one good deed every day!
I firmly believe we can all change the world - for the better, by just doing better ourselves a little bit every day. The ripple in the pond effect that makes smiles contagious, will spread the joy and the light, like a candle in a dark room, will brighten the night for a long distance.
Turn your light on!
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