tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91736224986435077132017-06-21T22:37:06.105-05:00Me ShelfReviews, Library Life &amp; MoreS. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-45045454678331505682017-05-23T14:00:00.000-05:002017-06-07T10:13:32.587-05:00Two Book Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiHRC12Y1do/VO0ANv6ExqI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/o-Mm-LtPI7g/s1600/Two%2BBook%2BTuesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aiHRC12Y1do/VO0ANv6ExqI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/o-Mm-LtPI7g/s1600/Two%2BBook%2BTuesday.png" width="320" /></span></a></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">It's been rather a long while since my last Two Book Tuesday post. &nbsp;A fact, for which, I am sorry, but I let both work and school distract me from this blog and am now working to remedy that failure. &nbsp;While I haven't been posting, I have continued reading and rediscovering the joy of having a book in my hands, turning the pages and wanting to make notes about each new story. &nbsp;So, let's get this post started!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxG_uLLUpmM/WSEja9CD51I/AAAAAAAACJs/Gs9A38VYM24r9pr_hGtKJYuESijzJmhwACHM/s640/blogger-image-454363300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kxG_uLLUpmM/WSEja9CD51I/AAAAAAAACJs/Gs9A38VYM24r9pr_hGtKJYuESijzJmhwACHM/s200/blogger-image-454363300.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">I am currently reading </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7251711-the-sky-below" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">The Sky Below by Stacy D'Erasmo</a><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">, an interesting piece of literature that follows the life of one Gabriel Collins, who writes obituaries for a "ratty paper in lower Manhattan." &nbsp;Honestly, I can't stand Gabriel. &nbsp;He is exactly as the author has written him, a drug-dealing thief who manipulates those around him for his own gain. &nbsp;However, his life story is a pretty compelling one and, as much as I dislike Gabriel, I can't stop reading.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T9Lmkrhkffg/WSEjxxuG17I/AAAAAAAACJw/b56aqAYxwpo72ddca_pLRLcVzGvClvC8ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1759207706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T9Lmkrhkffg/WSEjxxuG17I/AAAAAAAACJw/b56aqAYxwpo72ddca_pLRLcVzGvClvC8ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1759207706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></a></span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T9Lmkrhkffg/WSEjxxuG17I/AAAAAAAACJw/b56aqAYxwpo72ddca_pLRLcVzGvClvC8ACHM/s640/blogger-image--1759207706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T9Lmkrhkffg/WSEjxxuG17I/AAAAAAAACJw/b56aqAYxwpo72ddca_pLRLcVzGvClvC8ACHM/s200/blogger-image--1759207706.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: xx-small;">As for my second book in this post: </span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29904219-not-your-sidekick" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee</a><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"> is a story I have wanted to read since I came across a review for it in a professional library journal and decided to purchase it for my library's collection. &nbsp;It is a super terrific sounding tale of a girl who is trying to find her way in a world full of superpowers, heroes, and villains. &nbsp;Along the way, she gets the chance to be closer to her crush, Abby, takes a job interning for a supervillain to spite her superhero parents, and discover that maybe she has more power than she originally thought.</span>&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: small;">Seriously, I can NOT wait to start reading this book! &nbsp;It was ridiculously cool to meet the author at the 2017 Romantic Times Book Convention in Atlanta this year and to have her sign my book. &nbsp;I can admit to feeling a little awestruck to meet C.B. Lee, she is super sweet and was giving away the best buttons at her signing table!</span></div></div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-42109965464674978012017-05-12T00:00:00.001-05:002017-05-20T23:54:08.742-05:00Review of Unicorn Tracks<div style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNRaWmXwfwE/WRVBXDXBwNI/AAAAAAAACJY/KcF80ZATK3k82vnQv1cCipn5fdmMbDyewCHM/s640/blogger-image-1373021183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZNRaWmXwfwE/WRVBXDXBwNI/AAAAAAAACJY/KcF80ZATK3k82vnQv1cCipn5fdmMbDyewCHM/s320/blogger-image-1373021183.jpg" width="213"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I really enjoyed this book.&nbsp; It seamlessly combines elements of our world with the fantastical to create a place full of excitement and wonder.</div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both of the main characters are interesting and well rounded. I found myself rooting for Mnemba from the first and was desperate to learn more about her life before becoming a guide for her cousin's business.&nbsp; Kara took a little longer to warm up to, but I enjoyed how independent and curious she was... even with the mermaids, lol.</div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Unicorn Tracks doesn't shy away from the topic of rape or the aftermath of it. &nbsp;While Mnemba's attacker was punished for his crimes against her, she still ended up leaving her home because of the judgement and expectations of those who would claim he was a good man and this was a one-time incident. &nbsp;It was an especially heartwarming moment when her father said that he would kill Mnemba's attacker if ever he were set free.</div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her relationship with Kara was slow going, as they figured out how to work past the trauma of the past, but it was all the sweeter when they were finally able to connect. &nbsp;At the end of the story, Mnemba isn't "over" what happened to her, but she is able to keep moving forward with the support of her lover, friends, and family. &nbsp;&lt;3</div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, or alternate histories.&nbsp; It's a quick read, but a darned good one!</div><br>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-70980440944314976952016-08-31T17:00:00.000-05:002016-08-31T17:00:22.497-05:00Ireland: Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-808Wr56apmw/V4pfFlj1SeI/AAAAAAAABEc/f0qIsf2nAkgU21Wc74rtm9Pq8JiPe3AZwCLcB/s1600/TNCIS%2Bwhole%2Blogo%2Bprocess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-808Wr56apmw/V4pfFlj1SeI/AAAAAAAABEc/f0qIsf2nAkgU21Wc74rtm9Pq8JiPe3AZwCLcB/s640/TNCIS%2Bwhole%2Blogo%2Bprocess.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Sunday, May 15, 2016</span></h2><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Our planned outing with the TnCIS group was today and we headed out early to get to the Newgrange site. &nbsp;(http://www.newgrange.com/)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Older than even the Egyptian pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge, the Irish passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth are some of the most impressive buildings of ancient times. These three sites are located along the River Boyne in an area that is perfect for the agricultural communities that settled there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ancient Irish peoples cremated their dead and placed them in great passage tombs. Unlike today, ancient people did not forget their dead and would commune with them at special times of the year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Newgrange us one such site and has a roof box which allows the mid-winter sun to penetrate into the innermost chambers of the tomb.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the reasons Newgrange and its sister sites are so impressive is that much of the building materials were gathered from far away areas and floated upstream to the building site. Huge stones were dragged up from the river, had incredibly intricate designs carved into them, and were placed in their final resting spot. Many of these stones are still intact and in place today! Perhaps we should take lessons from the ancient people on how to build things that will last through the ages.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLWOG8218vU/V4vTivNA8xI/AAAAAAAABE8/48W18OWfgPouRaxxpZQ7CLvcRWevWsAbACLcB/s1600/Newgrange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLWOG8218vU/V4vTivNA8xI/AAAAAAAABE8/48W18OWfgPouRaxxpZQ7CLvcRWevWsAbACLcB/s200/Newgrange.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg4s0PEduBI/V4vTirMZt6I/AAAAAAAABFA/BQE4YvNzfMMB7yiJIfTan9zgI3AGpLFSQCLcB/s1600/Newgrange%252C_Ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg4s0PEduBI/V4vTirMZt6I/AAAAAAAABFA/BQE4YvNzfMMB7yiJIfTan9zgI3AGpLFSQCLcB/s200/Newgrange%252C_Ireland.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although we cannot ask these ancient Irish people their thoughts, much can be learned from what they left behind. It is highly likely that only respected elders were allowed to enter the innermost chambers, with public rituals held outside the tombs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Feminine symbolism is found in the egg-shaped stones and the passages within the structures while masculine symbols are seen in the various phallic objects and the stone balls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is especially interesting because of the connection that ancient peoples saw between death and rebirth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As an aside to the wealth of history in the area, I found it really cool that the areas around these tombs had once again become agricultural. Farmers keep cows and sheep on the land and crow crops in the same soil of old.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OICaujzydY0/V8H0ga_NmlI/AAAAAAAACDI/AwTDZTXvoHAKaO8PYiTSzOkEP_K1HhBYACLcB/s1600/13220928_10209743660174487_1789037810253527041_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OICaujzydY0/V8H0ga_NmlI/AAAAAAAACDI/AwTDZTXvoHAKaO8PYiTSzOkEP_K1HhBYACLcB/s320/13220928_10209743660174487_1789037810253527041_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the drive from Newgrange to our surprise, the town of Bettystown, a beachfront community, I noticed something... &nbsp;The major roads in Ireland are called "Motorways" instead of "Interstates." Once I'd considered it for a moment, I realize that it makes sense. In the United States we have a system of roadways that connect the states, an interstate system. However, Ireland has counties and would not need an interstate system. Instead, they have a motorway to travel across the country.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I think "Motorway" sounds quite hip, but I am definitely still attached to my "Interstates." I've traveled all my life. &nbsp;:-)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the beach, many of my classmates and I removed our shoes and played in the chilly waters of the sea. Water is the element I most identify with and whenever I get the chance to experience the nature of it, life is good.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9wWedlqDt0/V8H0gScygyI/AAAAAAAACDE/XoTxfXZLRIoYjjGFZFqZmlMsO3XPEpBEQCEw/s1600/13227174_10209743668534696_2753301414003441137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9wWedlqDt0/V8H0gScygyI/AAAAAAAACDE/XoTxfXZLRIoYjjGFZFqZmlMsO3XPEpBEQCEw/s320/13227174_10209743668534696_2753301414003441137_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What?</td></tr></tbody></table>Brianna and I stopped in a small cafe for a snack of french toast and we talked with the waitress about the trip we were on and what we had seen so far. She was quite sweet and said that most tourists passed right by the cafe, but that it was nice to hear we were having fun.</div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-25904081336266027882016-08-29T10:00:00.000-05:002016-08-29T10:00:09.626-05:00Beautiful People #19 | July Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://paperfury.com/beautiful-people-19-july-edition/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EizPI6IRfI8/V1diU-eSIBI/AAAAAAAAA5s/eVhk_ZHKeUg6dl67Z6TtyoPMTMHqFeQKgCKgB/s320/10928109_595959117172101_1450331761_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>Do they want to get married and/or have children? Why or why not?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;At this point in time, Quill does not see himself married with or without children.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ransom, coming from a large family, would like to have a large family of his own. &nbsp;He imagines a house in the country, filled with at least six kids, two dogs, and a variety of fish... Sometimes, he thinks he'd like to run his own farm and get away from city life altogether.<br /><br /><b>What is their weapon of choice? (It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical weapon.)</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill's weapon of choice is words, of course. &nbsp;Ransom prefers not to be in a situation that requires weapons... However, he is trained to use and owns his own firearms.<br /><br /><b>What’s the nicest thing they’ve done for someone else, and why did they do it?</b><br /><br /><br /><b>Have they ever been physically violent with someone, and what instigated it?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A fairly easygoing person, Quill has never found himself in a position where physical violence against someone else.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;A retired veteran, Ransom now works in the cyber-crime unit of a local police station. While in the military, he found himself in situations where physical violence was the only way to insure he and his fellow soldiers lived to see another day.<br /><br /><b>Are they a rule-follower or a rebel?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill is a strict rule-follower, he believes that if there is a rule in place that it must have been created for a reason.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ransom is the rebel of their age-group and was an instigator of many "adventures" during their youth. &nbsp;While he never broke any laws, Ransom is able to see when a rule is not good for a situation and react accordingly.<br /><br /><b>Are they organized or messy?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill is super organized except for when Ransom comes to visit and then all bets are off. &nbsp;Shoes left in the middle of the living room? &nbsp;You bet. &nbsp;Socks hanging from the lamp in the entry way? &nbsp;Yep. &nbsp;Refrigerator all out of whack? &nbsp;Definitely.<br /><br /><b>What makes them feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way?</b><br /><br /><br /><b>What do they eat for breakfast?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;On mornings that he is scheduled to work, Quill has a breakfast of grape nuts cereal, some fruit, and a cup of fresh coffee.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ransom is NOT a morning person. As such, he often just grabs a granola bar to eat on his commute and a cup of coffee when he arrives at the station.<br /><br /><b>Have they ever lost someone close to them? What happened?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill's grandmother died of natural causes when he was eleven years old. They had always been close and he was absolutely devastated by her death.<br /><br /><b>What’s their treat of choice? (Or, if not food, how else do they reward themselves?)</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Both men enjoy being outdoors and, whenever possible, escape from city life to hike through the woods, up a mountain, or just go camping.<br /><br />S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-61936595555530433742016-07-14T12:00:00.000-05:002016-07-14T12:00:24.158-05:00Beautiful People #18 | June Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://paperfury.com/beautiful-people-18/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EizPI6IRfI8/V1diU-eSIBI/AAAAAAAAA5k/VFF1p1araHwK69oGgP5hNnDDOkJyzDdsgCLcB/s320/10928109_595959117172101_1450331761_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><b>What are their first childhood memory?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;One of Quill's most vivid childhood memories is of the day he met Ransom. It was at Ransom's sister's wedding and both young boys were tired (and a little cranky) from being dressed up all day long. Their mothers, who had been friends since college, encouraged the boys to play together for the afternoon.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When he remembers Ransom's first words to him, Quill always as to stifle a laugh... "My sister just got married. I had to dress up all fancy and stupid, but it was nice, I guess. She won't stop smiling. Hey! You wanna get married? We can be married and then you won't have to frown anymore 'cause you'll be happy all the time like my sister."<br /><br /><b>What were their best and worst childhood experiences?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill's best childhood experience was becoming a big brother and his worst was when he broke his arm falling out of a treehouse.<br /><br /><b>What was their childhood home like?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill's parents still live in his childhood home. It is an older, Victorian style house that was cozy when family came to visit, but still had enough space that people weren't stepping all over each other. He enjoys being able to visit the house he grew up in and has many good memories that were made there.<br /><br /><b>What’s something that scared them as child?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When Quill was very little, he was scared that aliens would come and take him away in their spaceship.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;As for Ransom? He always said that he wasn't scared of anything, when he actually was a little afraid of the dark.<br /><br /><b>Who did they look up to most?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill has always been enamored with Amelia Earhart and would love to get his private pilot license and fly his own plane to different locations. Of course, he needs to somehow earn enough money to pay for pilot school AND the payment on a plane, lol.<br /><br /><b>Favorite and least favorite childhood foods? </b><br /><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Quill thinks that pie is the best thing in the entirety of the world and Brussels sprouts are from the devil. When he was little, Quill's favorite pie was apple pie but his tastes have changed as he's grown older and he now prefers strawberry rhubarb pie. His mother tried to feed him Brussels sprouts once and never attempted it again.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Ransom likes his mother's chili the best. It is a recipe that's been in his family for generations and he has grown up eating Mexican food. His Abuela has been known to rant for many minutes on the tastelessness of Americanized Mexican food. While he isn't actually a picky eater, Ransom prefers a lot of meat in his diet and not so many vegetables. He has always taken a bit of convincing to eat anything green or leafy.<br /><br /><b>If they had their childhood again, would they change anything?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The only thing Quill would change about his youth is the year in high school where he was terrified that something was wrong with him, that somehow he was broken and that his brokenness would be found out and he'd be hated for it.<br /><br /><b>What kind of child were they? Curious? Wild? Quiet? Devious?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill was a quiet child, but extremely curious about the world around him. He was always getting caught in places that he wasn't supposed to be because he would let his best friend, Ransom, talk him into exploring the woods near their houses.<br /><br /><b>What was their relationship to their parents and siblings like?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;At first, Quill was jealous of all the attention his little sister was getting from the adults in his life. He had been an only child for seven years and suddenly there was this screaming, red-faced baby taking his parents away from him. It took a few months for Quill to stop feeling jealous and to understand that babies just need a lot of attention and that his parents still loved him. After 'Lizabet grew out of her colicky stage, his parents would spend one-on-one time with Quill to make sure he didn't feel left out.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill loves his parents and appreciates their support of him and his little sister. Even from across the country, he feels safe and loved because he knows that his family is there for him.<br /><b><br /></b><b>What did they want to be when they grew up, and what did they actually become?</b><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up and even though he went to school to become a librarian, he has considered becoming a reserve firefighter and working part-time at a local firehouse.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;When he was little, all Ransom wanted to be when he grew up was a pirate! Sadly, he learned that piracy isn't a legal way to earn one's income and chose instead to go into technology. He now works with a police cyber crime unit.S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-55847976539667756032016-07-03T17:00:00.000-05:002016-07-03T17:00:17.594-05:00Ireland: Day 3<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Saturday, May 14, 2016</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwBwodtU0FQ/V2nG6oLmtJI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/BeKpDgFrwM0mzb5f7PXTzqz2j0EE-0DmACLcB/s1600/main_1381248199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bwBwodtU0FQ/V2nG6oLmtJI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/BeKpDgFrwM0mzb5f7PXTzqz2j0EE-0DmACLcB/s200/main_1381248199.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Our first experience riding the Hop On, Hop Off bus wasn't particularly great. The driver, a Dublin native, rather brusquely stated that he didn't like to hear his riders' speaking. We were told, "Your talking has made me lose my track." which appears to be interchangeable with the Americanism, "You made me lose my place."<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">My instructor commented... "Not very nice! I didn't hear this."</blockquote>I have noticed that the Irish phrasing sounds more solid, almost as if it carries the weight of age. The American way of saying things is often very impudent sounding, often quite brash. We are a young country, after all, and the older I get the more that I am able to recognize this.<br /><br />Knowing the Irish are particularly proud of their breweries, I looked forward to getting a tour of one of the local facilities.<br /><br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPS5EeIGNKs/V2nTbK9DSnI/AAAAAAAABAc/sapkFl08h3wVaewecOWtlI_xCttMzDvXgCLcB/s1600/6859541_300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPS5EeIGNKs/V2nTbK9DSnI/AAAAAAAABAc/sapkFl08h3wVaewecOWtlI_xCttMzDvXgCLcB/s200/6859541_300x300.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://teelingwhiskey.com/" target="_blank">Teeling Distillery</a> is the only working Distillery in Dublin. It is a small, family-owned business that returned to Dublin and became the producer of the first Dublin whiskey to be distilled within the city in over forty years.<br /><br />Peter, a fast-talking, highly knowledgeable young man was our tour guide. He explained how the distillery tried to purchase the original land and when they couldn't, decided to locate in the historic Liberties. The Liberties were located beyond the city walls and residents felt "at liberty" to brew whiskeys and beers without having to pay taxes on what they produced.<br /><br />We learned about the different ingredients and cooking processes that the Teeling Distillery has used for years. From the selection of grains to the three copper vats where the solution is cooked down to become their signature whiskeys, everything at Teelings speaks of quality.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L67K2eU_-c8/V2nYN3b8sWI/AAAAAAAABA0/NZbgDAu_W3wJE2NWqeDLs0fE8qsgQCMcACLcB/s1600/13239138_10209734119695981_2685126285438475633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L67K2eU_-c8/V2nYN3b8sWI/AAAAAAAABA0/NZbgDAu_W3wJE2NWqeDLs0fE8qsgQCMcACLcB/s320/13239138_10209734119695981_2685126285438475633_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter sitting in front of Natalie.</td></tr></tbody></table>Traditions of old and new techniques come together in the three vats named after the Teeling daughters -- Alison, Natalie and Rebecca -- to create a wonderfully smooth small batch whiskey.<br /><br />During the tasting portion of the tour, Peter explained the <b>correct</b>&nbsp;way to drink good Irish Whiskey...<br /><ol><li>Start by swirling it in the cup. The natural oils of a good whiskey will leave a residue called peaks and tears on the glass.</li><li>Second, smell the whiskey, breathing in the different scents.</li><li>Third, take a small sip and swallow, breathing out immediately afterward to allow the alcohol fumes of that first taste to escape.</li><li>After these steps, one may continue drinking, allowing each mouthful to sit on the tongue as the flavors and depths are revealed.</li></ol><div>As the Teeling family says...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLOTuns5Yx0/V2nQGgYMkZI/AAAAAAAABAI/s8Pgh76rWmIH5AVaIuEIdw7yL_O2dE5hgCLcB/s1600/Whiskey%2Bis%2Bfor%2Bwinners.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OLOTuns5Yx0/V2nQGgYMkZI/AAAAAAAABAI/s8Pgh76rWmIH5AVaIuEIdw7yL_O2dE5hgCLcB/s640/Whiskey%2Bis%2Bfor%2Bwinners.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At the Farmer's Market next door, a kind sort of haggling over prices occurred as vendors and their customers decided the worth of vegetables, fruits, meats, and more. The people in attendance were of the community, speaking familiarly with vendors and other customers, reminding me of the small-town grocery store where I grew up. It seems that much of Ireland still has that small-town sense of community. The people truly care about each other and their country.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VX8kpe2lNZ4/V2nMB-JfNqI/AAAAAAAAA_0/oN19gkQzXt8p8Wp17yGzDASZDxk0M1aSwCLcB/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VX8kpe2lNZ4/V2nMB-JfNqI/AAAAAAAAA_0/oN19gkQzXt8p8Wp17yGzDASZDxk0M1aSwCLcB/s400/logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We traveled through Dublin by Hop On, Hop Off bus and hopped off across the River Liffey at the <a href="https://storyoftheirish.ie/" target="_blank">Story of the Irish</a> show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guided through history by an actor portraying an ancient Celtic god, Crannog, we learned of the origins of the Irish people in their own words. Crannog is one of the <i>Tuatha De Dannan</i>, a people of magic who are honor bound to tell the truth, and is the guide who protects you as you travel through history.</div><div><br /></div><div>The original Irish people migrated up the coast of Europe at the end of the last Ice Age. A few of these people crossed the water in skin boats to the island of Ireland, leaving the coast of a Britain still connected to the continent.</div><div><br /></div><div>From that first landing the island was able to escape much of the war and conquering forces of the mainland. The island of Ireland was (and has been) so isolated from the world that the gene pool remained undiluted for thousands of years and a prosperous agricultural community developed. This group of people were technologically advanced and traded with lands as far away as Persia!</div><div><br /></div><div>The most wonderful thing I was able to take away from the show is that there is currently a revival to bring back many of the ancient Irish traditions, the culture, and language.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hearing tales of ancient Irish kings and of the steadfast, enduring soul of the people was truly inspiring.</div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-37299700038797873022016-06-19T17:00:00.000-05:002016-06-19T17:00:08.225-05:00Ireland: Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZxzNZix-f0/V2WwRNpl8CI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/mBMZP2QhTbkX1AF7SvwQjfAZAyKcDVOWQCLcB/s1600/TCD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZxzNZix-f0/V2WwRNpl8CI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/mBMZP2QhTbkX1AF7SvwQjfAZAyKcDVOWQCLcB/s400/TCD.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;">FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016</span></span></b></h2><div><br />Walking to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells didn't afford us the opportunity to hear much of the local language. Conversations became background noise as we entered the college grounds.</div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">Honestly, the only draw I felt to the Book of Kells is the huge undertaking and great accomplishment that it was for the times.</span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">One of the most interesting things about the Book of Kells is that there were a number of different monks who had a hand in its creation. While it was not unusual for scribes and artist to embellish the copies they wrote, the intricacies and dedication to detail shown in the Book of Kells is truly remarkable!</span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih5KIUnhP3I/V2Wr0IB9wpI/AAAAAAAAA64/1vT6oiE2oLoADfK5DIq0GgDxxOuDfjQHACLcB/s1600/KellsFol027v4Evang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih5KIUnhP3I/V2Wr0IB9wpI/AAAAAAAAA64/1vT6oiE2oLoADfK5DIq0GgDxxOuDfjQHACLcB/s320/KellsFol027v4Evang.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The symbols of the Four Evangelists (from Wikipedia)</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Written over a thousand years ago, the Book of Kells is proof of the talented artisans living in Ireland at the time.</div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">Not only does the Book of Kells share the gospel of Christ, it also incorporates imagery and symbology from ancient Celtic beliefs. Throughout the book, Celtic crosses, knot work, and creatures can be seen in vivid, full color detail.</span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">I was impressed most by the use of color in the Book of Kells. From the commonly used yellow ochre to the highly expensive lapis lazuli, pigments were gathered from as far away as Southeast Asia.</span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7JbjWKuaNw/V2W2-D-3oSI/AAAAAAAAA8E/jF2ly-hRf6why89hxjs_6U5OCmQaibHkwCLcB/s1600/Indian_pigments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7JbjWKuaNw/V2W2-D-3oSI/AAAAAAAAA8E/jF2ly-hRf6why89hxjs_6U5OCmQaibHkwCLcB/s320/Indian_pigments.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div>Even today, the artwork contained in the Book of Kells is easily seen and enjoyed in its original, hand-written state. It remains nearly pristine on the vellum pages and can be viewed on a daily basis by visitors to Trinity College.</div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">The Latin in which the Book of Kells, the Book of Darrow, and the Book of Armagh are written is the language used by the Catholic church. What is interesting about this is that, while it is a dead language, Latin is still widely used in Catholic church ceremonies around the world. Not so dead after all, is it?</span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbG94CUOrAs/V2WwTMgEgNI/AAAAAAAAA7g/qGyHolZIOLA508zE6UwEZlmtxEWFxbGfACKgB/s1600/large_ch_120310_087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbG94CUOrAs/V2WwTMgEgNI/AAAAAAAAA7g/qGyHolZIOLA508zE6UwEZlmtxEWFxbGfACKgB/s320/large_ch_120310_087.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Long Room</td></tr></tbody></table><div>Above the exhibition floor is the Long Room. Originally the main chamber of the Old Library, this room now contains over 200,000 of the oldest books in the Trinity College Library collection. These books are shelved on the original shelves and in gallery bookcases. Being able to see materials that are hundreds of years old is a priceless opportunity that I won't soon forget!</div><blockquote class="tr_bq">As an aside, I was allergic to Trinity College. During our entire visit to Ireland, I only had an allergic reaction at the college. Alas, I will never be an archivist if I'm allergic to the materials I am supposed to be working with! &nbsp;:P</blockquote>In addition to the many priceless books at the Trinity College Library, there is also a harp. The oldest surviving harp in Ireland, it is an emblem of the early bardic societies.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAYJV8bvDsI/V2cIC3FRTsI/AAAAAAAAA-s/I_bhCM_L0zYUjchrK7AagNNesNETF9Q2QCLcB/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vAYJV8bvDsI/V2cIC3FRTsI/AAAAAAAAA-s/I_bhCM_L0zYUjchrK7AagNNesNETF9Q2QCLcB/s200/Picture1.png" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></span></a>After a brief communication snafu, Miranda, Bree, Sara, Brianna and I found a coffee shop with WiFi. We spent almost thirty minutes getting to know each other better. Just like the coffee shops back home, students were completing work and friends were meeting to catch up with one another. Some things appear to be universal and coffee shops being a place for the community is one such thing. Yay!<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">My instructor made the following note in my journal. "So glad you did all become friends! --Doug B."</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExThGHjv8gg/V2W6Wg0xIII/AAAAAAAAA8s/3whFUAZVagQv5I9Vcev2SR2uugRAJrKawCLcB/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ExThGHjv8gg/V2W6Wg0xIII/AAAAAAAAA8s/3whFUAZVagQv5I9Vcev2SR2uugRAJrKawCLcB/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><br />Though small, our next stop proved to be quite an interesting little museum. The collection of the Dublin Writers Museum is housed in an 18th century mansion. The building has suffered from water damage and parts of the exhibit had been removed for restoration.<br /><br />Even with the missing pieces, the items remaining in the exhibit and the self-guided audio tour painted a memorable image of the historical significance of Irish writers and literature.<br /><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">We were even able to see Samuel Beckett's infamous telephone! He had special buttons that would block or allow calls only when he desired them and only his close friends new when the accept calls button would be pressed.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T19c1Votjy4/V2XDw9jfQ-I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/6i9ln40V160qev6c5at2Z8Zuig1wdHTeACLcB/s1600/tumblr_nudgnqagPD1qc9bylo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T19c1Votjy4/V2XDw9jfQ-I/AAAAAAAAA9Y/6i9ln40V160qev6c5at2Z8Zuig1wdHTeACLcB/s200/tumblr_nudgnqagPD1qc9bylo1_500.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><br />The reading of an excerpt from Bram Stoker's <i>Dracula</i>&nbsp;had be grinning long after I heard it. The dramatic flare of this most famous vampire story isn't particularly poetic, but it is vivid and imaginative. I would love to read <i>Carmilla</i>&nbsp;by Joseph Sheridan La Fanu. It would be very interesting to compare the two stories that, quite possibly, started the tradition of vampire novelizations.<br /><br />After the tour, I made a point of talking with the security guard. I asked him why he chose the job he now held. I was rewarded by his reply that the opportunity to meet people from all around the world is what makes his job so rewarding. We talked a little about American politics and it was most entertaining to see how his accent became more pronounced as he became more and more passionate about the topic.<br /><br />The Irish do not like Donald Trump in the least.<br /><br />Walking the streets of Dublin on Friday night was a wonder! The city was absolutely buzzing with activity; both locals and tourists enjoying the beautiful weather, taking to the streets with friends and family. I heard so many accents during this first evening in the city; from German and Swedish to Korean and British and, of course, the native Irish lilt.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfzlYWeeMAw/V2b4eAG4HyI/AAAAAAAAA-I/TPFp59GIhyE_6238fb83vhzZulPDfwssQCLcB/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfzlYWeeMAw/V2b4eAG4HyI/AAAAAAAAA-I/TPFp59GIhyE_6238fb83vhzZulPDfwssQCLcB/s200/Picture1.png" width="200" /></span></a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Celeste, Christine, Brianna, and I walked for absolutely AGES trying to find something for dinner! It seemed that every place we stopped was closed and we began to wonder if we should just find a convenience store and grab something from the shelves. When we finally found a restaurant we all liked the sound of, it turned out that they were out of the menu items we wanted. *sigh*</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Finally, we decided on "authentic oriental food" and ate at the Noodle House. Yay, food!</blockquote><br />The girl in the restaurant where we ate dinner spoke with a British accent, calling the bathroom a loo instead of toilet. She was very kind and explained that chicken gougan is sliced chicken breast, breaded and cooked.<br /><br />I am curious to find out if the chicken gougan recipe matches at all with that of a chichen nugget or strip.S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0Dublin, Ireland53.3498053 -6.260309699999993453.0463133 -6.9057566999999933 53.6532973 -5.6148626999999935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-39249144589963511242016-06-17T17:00:00.000-05:002016-06-17T17:00:25.970-05:00Ireland: Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be sharing a series of posts about a recent study abroad trip to Ireland I took with my sister, Brianna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While in Ireland, we were required to keep a daily journal for the World Literature II class&nbsp;that was included in our final grade at the end of the trip... These posts will be all of what I wrote in the journal, additional thoughts (which will be indented), and pictures that weren't shared with family via my Facebook page.</div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016</span></b></h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPHsnKYbUxk/V2NKPVs-rAI/AAAAAAAAA6E/FL8OFo497yAFQX9v-FhRGhAm5IYc4BHtgCLcB/s1600/Memphis_Intl_Airport_Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPHsnKYbUxk/V2NKPVs-rAI/AAAAAAAAA6E/FL8OFo497yAFQX9v-FhRGhAm5IYc4BHtgCLcB/s320/Memphis_Intl_Airport_Logo.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conveniently, we flew out of Memphis International.</td></tr></tbody></table>Meeting at the Memphis International Airport, all seven study abroad students in one place, made this trip suddenly real!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf8maZSKZK4/V2NMYITonqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/6M1_Ip9XSpIac64TAQMBB3MfeCmaDGtQQCLcB/s1600/13230221_10209728034063844_8737122466830691764_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf8maZSKZK4/V2NMYITonqI/AAAAAAAAA6U/6M1_Ip9XSpIac64TAQMBB3MfeCmaDGtQQCLcB/s320/13230221_10209728034063844_8737122466830691764_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snacks aboard our Delta flight. *nom nom nom*</td></tr></tbody></table>I was too tired from my first international flight to notice more than the new accents in the Dublin airport. The first, and most readily noticeable, was the Irish accents and the second was that of the neighboring Brits.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Our final assignment for the World Literature class was to write about the language in Ireland. What were the differences? Nuances that we heard? Accents? Did the Irish use different words for things than Americans? It was quite a broad assignment and it was difficult to get into because of that.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">I had heard Irish accents before traveling to Ireland, so it wasn't really a shock to hear the accent again. In fact, it was really nice to hear the almost musical quality of the lilting language as the locals talked with us.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">One of the most different things I noticed while in Ireland was how nice everyone was. People in Ireland seemed to be genuinely kind and, in every interaction I had with them, they were interested in me as a person and making sure that I enjoyed every part of my trip.</blockquote>That first evening, Brianna and I walked a classmate, Celeste, back to her hotel. Because of a scheduling snafu, our group was split between two different hotels while in Dublin. On the return trip, we stopped at a McDonald's restaurant for Street Passes. I only recently got into playing games on the Nintendo 3DS and (thanks to Corey B.) became addicted to collecting as many street passes as I possibly could... What better place to get exotic street passes than across the pond?<br /><br />I was hoping that the menu (and staff) would say chips instead of fries, but it was not to be. I contented myself to eating a small order of french fries.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Interestingly, McDonald's is one of Ireland's largest employers and they started operating in the country in 1977! This is not something that I think is all that amazing, it's just interesting. I've never been a huge fan of fast food, but it was fascinating to see the different menu items they offered that I've never seen in America...</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li>Fish fingers</li><li>Sugar donut</li><li>Twisty fries</li><li>Chocolate filled donut</li><li>"Toasties" for breakfast</li></ul></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We went to sleep that first night exhausted and excited all at once.&nbsp;</blockquote>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0Dublin, Ireland53.3498053 -6.260309699999993453.0463133 -6.9057566999999933 53.6532973 -5.6148626999999935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-40514854985988395412016-06-06T12:00:00.000-05:002016-06-06T12:00:06.688-05:00Beautiful People #1 | June Edition<center style="text-align: left;">The Beautiful People meme, created by the Paper Fury blog, is a way for writers to get to know their characters better. &nbsp;When I found this meme, it looked really interesting and (though it took awhile to get started) I decided to start with the first edition.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;">Join me and get to know Quill and the other characters from my 398.2 novels...</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center></center><center><b><a href="http://paperfury.com/"></a><a href="http://paperfury.com/"><img src="http://i1.wp.com/paperfury.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10364566_505459179555429_728271305_a_zps71e906a0.jpg" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></b></center><center><b>June 2015 Edition</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What is their full name and is there a story behind why they got it?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Quinton Caldwell. His nickname is "Quill," which he received from classmates due to the first ad last letters of his name... Qui-ll.</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>How old are they, and when were they born?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Quill is 27-years-old and was born on December 21 during the winter solstice.</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Describe their physical appearance. (Bonus questions: 1. What is their race/ nationality/ ethnicity? 2. Do you have a picture of them? If so, include it!)&nbsp;</b></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><center style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill is happy to claim that he is five feet and eight inches tall, just a little shorter than his best friend Ransom. He has green eyes. If he could ever decide just what he wants to do with it, Quill would get his hair dyed anything other than the mouse brown it is now. He thinks it is boring and one-note in both color and texture.</center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Though they've lived in the United States for the last four generations, Quill's family is of both German and English descent.</center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03481/Ben_Whishaw_at_the_3481704a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03481/Ben_Whishaw_at_the_3481704a.jpg" height="199" width="320" /></a></div><center style="text-align: left;"></center></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Describe your character’s personality first in one word, and then elaborate with a few sentences.&nbsp;</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Quiet. When excited, Quill does tend to speak on the too fast side, but he is normally soft-spoken and is careful to enunciate his words clearly. Quill's favored form of exercise is yoga and running. He wakes early in order to perform sun salutations each day and runs three times a week, weather permitting.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What theme song(s) fit their personality and story arc?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>For the first book in this series,&nbsp;<i>Adventures in Solitude </i>by The New Pornographers fits best with both Quill's personality and the arc of the story.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Which one of the seven deadly sins describes your character?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>If pressed, Quill might admit to being greedy about his books.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>If they were an element (fire, water, earth, air), which one would they be?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>If Quill were an element, he would be air because it is able to move through and around things.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What is their&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;word?&nbsp;</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Quill's favorite word? That is certainly a difficult question, since all words are just a combination of 26 letters (in the English alphabet).</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Who’s one person they really miss?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;His best friend since childhood, Ransom Sanders.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What sights, sounds, and smells remind them of that person?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Being outdoors, in the woods, always reminds Quill of his friend. In their youth, Ransom and Quill often camped in their backyards, spent time in their tree-house, and explored the nearby forest.</center></center>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-44458910687305160942016-06-02T16:14:00.000-05:002016-06-02T19:55:36.335-05:00Beautiful People #17 | May Edition<center style="text-align: left;">The Beautiful People meme, created by Cait at <a href="http://paperfury.com/beautiful-people-17-may-edition/" target="_blank">Paper Fury</a> and Skye at <a href="http://www.furtherupfurtherin.net/" target="_blank">Further Up and Further In</a>, is a way for writers to get to know their characters better. This entry is my first time actually linking to the meme, but be on the lookout as I fill out older questionnaires from the site.</center><br />Join me and get to know Quill and the other characters from my 398.2 novels... <br /><center><b><a href="http://paperfury.com/"></a><a href="http://paperfury.com/"><img src="http://i1.wp.com/paperfury.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10364566_505459179555429_728271305_a_zps71e906a0.jpg" data-recalc-dims="1" /></a></b></center><center><b>May 2016 Edition</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;"><center style="text-align: left;"><b>How often do they smile? Would they smile at a stranger?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill finds himself smiling almost daily at the antics of his owl-friend, Des. He tries to be kind to strangers and hopes that by sharing a smile with someone, he can make their day a little better.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What is the cruelest thing they’ve ever been told? And what was their reaction?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The cruelest thing Quill was ever told was that he was an abomination and that he needed to be cured of his sickness. Even with the support of his friends and family, Quill continues to struggle with the memory of these harsh words. He has never reconciled with the Uncle who said these things.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What is the kindest thing they’ve ever been told? And what was their reaction?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What is one strong memory that has stuck with your character from childhood? Why is it so powerful and lasting?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>The most memorable event of Quill's childhood is his sister, Elizabeth's first birthday. He remembers being confused (and frustrated) that he wasn't allowed to have a piece of cake... even though 'Lizabet was too little to have any. Ransom got some and he was only a <i>little</i>&nbsp;bit older than Quill. It just wasn't fair to a seven-year-old Quill.</center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The reason he remembers this so well, is because it is one of the first times he was allowed to hold his sister without one of his parents helping him.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>What book (a real actual published book!) do you think your character would benefit from reading?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; </b>"The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life" by Noble Smith.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Have they ever been seriously injured? How severely? How did they react?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>No, Quill has never been seriously injured. He was accident prone as most children can be and experienced his own fair share of scrapes and bruises, but hasn't broken anything nor has he needed any surgeries.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Do they like and get along with their neighbors?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</b>Back home, yes, Quill gets along with all of his neighbors. He grew up with many of them, so they are long-time friends of his family.</center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Quill hasn't had the chance to get to know many of his new neighbors in the apartment complex in Montana. Some of them keep odd hours and others seem to party long into the night, so he isn't sure if they will get along when they finally meet.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being easy and 10 being difficult) how easy are they to get along with?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Those who have met him would say that Quill is fairly easy to get a long with. He can be a little withdrawn and quiet until he gets to know someone, but after that first hurdle is passed things&nbsp;</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>If they could travel anywhere in the world, where would they go?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;If he could travel anywhere, Quill would choose to go to Alaska. The landscapes are amazing and both the people and animals that call the area home are resilient. He would love the opportunity to spend time exploring and learning about the culture of the area.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Who was the last person they held hands with?</b></center><center style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Excluding handshakes, the last person Quill held hands with was Ransom.</center></center></center>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-12385209987302901212016-02-28T10:00:00.000-06:002016-02-28T16:19:35.742-06:00Battle of the Brains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7YiIAmNFpU/Vs4ERczEpMI/AAAAAAAAA2g/8j_BWlFcde8/s1600/12669504_1084956828223715_2388600837171033647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7YiIAmNFpU/Vs4ERczEpMI/AAAAAAAAA2g/8j_BWlFcde8/s320/12669504_1084956828223715_2388600837171033647_n.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite things about working in the Youth Services department at the library, are the opportunities outside of our walls and I was excited to be asked to attend the 2016 Battle of the Brains competition at Houston High School in Germantown, Tennessee. &nbsp;Battle of the Brains is a competition where young adults in the community are tasked with creating solutions to existing problems and to help assist in the planning of the future for their community.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This year, students were instructed to use math and science to tackle issues affecting Germantown's future. &nbsp;I saw projects ranging from a station to change out the batteries of electric cars to increase range, car radios that would automatically turn volume levels down, a sort of hover train transit system, and many more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took the chance to write a little more about two of my favorite projects, one of which one First Place!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">"Classroom of the Future"</h3><br />Lucas M. and Alejandro S. are two students who are passionate about learning. &nbsp;These are two young men who are dissatisfied with the current education system and who have spent countless hours pursuing topics discussed in the classroom in their own time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xe9DUfjduUQ/Vs4GYDPpvPI/AAAAAAAAA20/5_xYQjQfjzk/s1600/classroom-1008856_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xe9DUfjduUQ/Vs4GYDPpvPI/AAAAAAAAA20/5_xYQjQfjzk/s320/classroom-1008856_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Their project, <i>Classroom of the Future</i>, is an idea for a school where students can learn life skills, have the opportunity to be hands on with technology and other resources, and (best of all) are encouraged to learn and focus on topics they are passionate about.<br /><br />It is encouraging and inspiring to see that youth in our community are passionate about learning and are concerned about the education system enough to come up with a plan to make it better.<br /><br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">"Sprinkler Sensors"</h3><br />The four students who worked on the solution for over-consumption of water for lawns are resourceful and excited about their project. &nbsp;Their project considered three main areas; a rain level detector, a soil moisture sensor, and grass types working together to conserve water in Germantown.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYKgy2hg8Q/Vs4ER518opI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Eg2GhDuOXo8/s1600/IMG_7032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tdYKgy2hg8Q/Vs4ER518opI/AAAAAAAAA2c/Eg2GhDuOXo8/s200/IMG_7032.JPG" width="200" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqO3nX7_Rw/Vs4ETLiDa6I/AAAAAAAAA2k/EM_Z13Wi46E/s1600/IMG_7035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jOqO3nX7_Rw/Vs4ETLiDa6I/AAAAAAAAA2k/EM_Z13Wi46E/s200/IMG_7035.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The use of Fescue grass, a drought resistant grass that has deep roots and can help prevent erosion is just one part of the project. This grass would appeal to Germantown residents and businesses because it stays green year round.<br /><br />Now, the two most important aspects of this project are the rain level detector which, unlike current models that are tripped by any rainfall, would only be activated when a certain level of rainfall has been reached.<br /><br />Additionally, a smarter soil moisture sensor would monitor the level of moisture in the soil rather than the mere existence of moisture. &nbsp;These three components were combined to create a feasible plan that could be implemented in the very near future.<br /><br />Congratulations to the winning team; Chae-Yeon P., Sally H., Mr. Kim <span style="font-size: x-small;">(whose first name I did not get, sorry)</span>, and Hameedha K.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD_j2YZR7kU/Vs4ETQkYahI/AAAAAAAAA2o/bHF0j7HYnHI/s1600/IMG_7055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sD_j2YZR7kU/Vs4ETQkYahI/AAAAAAAAA2o/bHF0j7HYnHI/s320/IMG_7055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2016 Winners!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And many congratulations to all of the students that participated in the 2016 Battle of the Brains competition. &nbsp;I was inspired by your passion and dedication and can't wait to see what you create next. &nbsp;The sky is the limit and you are already flying!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KayF7XJ0wxE/VtIN4r42ddI/AAAAAAAAA3U/367JkK1h6sI/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KayF7XJ0wxE/VtIN4r42ddI/AAAAAAAAA3U/367JkK1h6sI/s400/giphy.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-40934624038006506272016-01-22T15:00:00.000-06:002016-01-22T15:00:02.908-06:00Review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqrH5jkAjuo/Vof5DRBL43I/AAAAAAAAAxw/OwgafQO6zn4/s1600/star-wars-force-awakens-official-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqrH5jkAjuo/Vof5DRBL43I/AAAAAAAAAxw/OwgafQO6zn4/s320/star-wars-force-awakens-official-poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />Dazzling. &nbsp;I think that is the word that best describes <i>The Force Awakens</i>. &nbsp;As I walked out of the the theater, I was left with how this newest addition to the Star Wars franchise made me <i><b>feel</b></i>.<br /><br />While I didn't notices specific details like the star fleet stationed in the Hosnian system or that Poe has a custom X-Wing, I was so drawn into the roller coaster of a film that the details didn't matter as much as the story did.<br /><br /><div style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;,&quot;utopia&quot;,&quot;palatino linotype&quot;,&quot;palatino&quot;,serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">Please note that this post will contain spoilers.</span></span></div><div style="color: #222222; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;,&quot;utopia&quot;,&quot;palatino linotype&quot;,&quot;palatino&quot;,serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">If you have not yet seen the film, you may want to skip this post.</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCYIM1dKFo0/Vog05BBDYMI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6Nsf_BrjL5s/s1600/tumblr_inline_nzzsi5THE01rqpcix_540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QCYIM1dKFo0/Vog05BBDYMI/AAAAAAAAAyA/6Nsf_BrjL5s/s400/tumblr_inline_nzzsi5THE01rqpcix_540.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My absolute favorite thing about <i>The Force Awakens</i> is the lead cast. &nbsp;From Guatemalan-born Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) to the London born Daisy Ridley (Rey) and John Boyega (Finn) this cast has diversity from the opening scenes onward.</div><br />Why don't we start with the ladies?&nbsp; There are many women who have strong roles in this film, all of whom have an important part to play in <i>The Force Awakens</i>.<br /><br />From Rey's hopeful optimism that her family will return for her and her grit and drive to remain on a world where she struggles to make a living while she waits; to Leia, who no longer trusts in the Senate to remain in-corrupt and has chosen to take on the role of General, leading her own military force while hoping her estranged husband and son will return to her; to Lupita Nyong'o's Maz, who watches the world go by her and has the ability to recognize a person's character through their eyes; and finally Jessica Henwick's Jess Pava, a pilot in the Resistance who flies under the call sign of Blue Three in the X-Wing squadron led by Poe Dameron.<br /><br />To have a female character be the main focus of her own story and to see how she chooses to be the author of her own tale is wonderful and heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. &nbsp;This is a girl who was abandoned (possibly sold into indentured work) on the desert planet of Jakku, a sad sort of Tattooine-wannabe full of swindlers and those struggling to survive, and who has to learn how to survive on her own.<br /><br />We are first introduced to Rey as she is scavenging parts from the crashed remains of ships leftover from the Battle of Jakku (which isn't mentioned in the film, but is covered in a lead-up novel).&nbsp; There is an innocence in Rey's steadfast belief that her family will come back for her, as she marks each passing day on the walls the destroyed AT-AT Walker that is her home. &nbsp;While she is unquestionably capable of taking care of herself, Rey also has a soft side which is seen when she rescues BB-8 from a scavenger who would have torn it apart, in the flowers and doll inside her home, and the look of sorrow and resignation that she gives the older woman she is sitting with while cleaning her scavenged finds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfTLDuwL-TU/Vog5H89oOrI/AAAAAAAAAyM/upC3d7ra42A/s1600/5-rey-skywalker.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfTLDuwL-TU/Vog5H89oOrI/AAAAAAAAAyM/upC3d7ra42A/s400/5-rey-skywalker.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />Rey is a woman of both physical skill and strong morals who chooses to continue living meal-to-meal rather than give up BB-8. &nbsp;Able to understand binary, Rey knows that BB-8 is looking for his master and that he is a part of the Resistance, so when they meet up with a man wearing his stolen jacket, she and BB-8 team-up to take him down.&nbsp; Left with no choice but to run with BB-8 and the stranger she only just met (and who <b>keeps </b>holding her hand, lol), Rey takes to piloting a starship with ease, fending off Tie Fighters and escaping into the expanse of space.<br /><br />Another of my favorites was General Leia Organa who, like her birth mother, is unable to stand idly by while corrupt politicians are in power. &nbsp;Unlike Padmé, Leia has chosen to lead her own military group and defend the Republic from the First Order. &nbsp;She has been beaten down by life, her husband and brother have left and she no longer knows where her son is, though she continues to pray that he finds the good in himself and returns home to her. &nbsp;Leia has never allowed her losses to be what defines the path of her future, carrying on even when the odds are stacked against her and those she loves are in danger. &nbsp;It was lovely to see how she had aged and the respect that her experience and knowledge have gained her. &nbsp;Leia is the master of her own fate and continues to uphold the Organa family name and honor the parents of her heart, Bail and Breha of Alderaan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP18OmYVdPk/Voxxerc0ZYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/mKLsAuJShjw/s1600/tumblr_inline_nwmsjvro5J1tdo2tp_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yP18OmYVdPk/Voxxerc0ZYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/mKLsAuJShjw/s400/tumblr_inline_nwmsjvro5J1tdo2tp_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next on the list is Poe Dameron, a pilot in the Resistance who can fly anything and who is originally from Yavin 4. &nbsp;Poe has chosen to follow in his mother's footsteps and become a pilot, but when the corruption of the senate becomes too much for him he joins the Resistance. &nbsp;Poe is one of the best pilots in the universe and is one of Leia's most-trusted operatives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I liked about Poe was his goodness. &nbsp;Instead of running with the map fragment, he entrusts it to BB-8 and returns to fight for the villagers, a decision which ultimately leads to his capture and torture by Kylo Ren of the First Order. &nbsp;We don't see much of Poe after he escapes the First Order with FN-2187, who he humanizes by naming Finn, but his presence is felt in Finn's acceptance of his name, carrying his jacket, and both Finn and Rey's delivering BB-8 to the Resistance. &nbsp;His mission is not abandoned, only passed to others to complete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Something I would like to see in later films, is how Poe deals with the torture he endured at the hands of Kylo Ren and the First Order. &nbsp;The person he idolizes may be the only person who can truly understand what it is like to be tortured by a force-user and I would appreciate seeing Leia counseling him as he recovers. &nbsp;It would make his character more accessible to audience members.<br /><br />Moving on from Poe, we go straight to FN-2187 who becomes an instant friend of Poe's when the pilot names him Finn...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNQcCLmj84/VoxxesP9glI/AAAAAAAAAys/VpqW8fDiWsY/s1600/star-wars-slap-pat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppNQcCLmj84/VoxxesP9glI/AAAAAAAAAys/VpqW8fDiWsY/s400/star-wars-slap-pat.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now, Finn is the character that I feel like many audience members can most identify with. &nbsp;Not because he was kidnapped and brainwashed to fight for a cause he doesn't believe in, but because he's trying to find his place in the world.&nbsp; Luckily for Finn, he has two people (and a droid) he can count on to keep an eye on him and to guard his back.<br /><br />Like most of the current Stormtroopers, was stolen from his family at a young age and brainwashed into becoming a perfect soldier for the New Order.&nbsp; However, something didn't quite stick and during his first mission Finn chooses not to join in the slaughter of the villagers on Jakku, instead lowering his blaster rifle and incurring the wrath of his superiors and the possibility of reprogramming.<br /><br />It takes a certain kind of strength to go against everything you've ever known, to turn away from the only family you've ever had, and walk your own path in life.&nbsp; Finn has the potential to be one of the strongest characters in all of the Star Wars films, believing himself to be a coward running from his fears while, in reality, supporting and protecting his friends and those who need his help.<br /><br />There is so much more that I could talk about, lol, but this post is already super long and has all the important bits that I wanted to share. <br /><br /><u>Disliked:</u><br />At times, it felt like I was re-watching the original trilogy, but that isn't really a bad thing when the overall feel of the film was uniquely Star Wars. ;-)<br /><br /><u>In conclusion:</u>&nbsp; <i>The Force Awakens</i> is a wonderful addition to the Star Wars franchise.&nbsp; It is both a spiritual successor of the original trilogy and a true continuation of the story.&nbsp; If you still haven't seen this movie, what are you waiting for?&nbsp; It has aerial battles, awesome characters, and action galore, so go buy a ticket!S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-70736352242584296052016-01-09T22:04:00.000-06:002016-01-09T22:04:42.710-06:00Review of George<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP_SHVkTcrc/VpHRLs6jzJI/AAAAAAAAAzc/kToQAsl2qsM/s1600/24612624.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gP_SHVkTcrc/VpHRLs6jzJI/AAAAAAAAAzc/kToQAsl2qsM/s320/24612624.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />Written by Alex Gino, <i>George</i>&nbsp;is the story of a child who is struggling in a world that doesn't see her for who she is. &nbsp;All they can see is a boy when George knows in every part of her that she is a girl. &nbsp;Early on, we learn that George's greatest wish this school year is to play Charlotte in the fourth grade production of E.B. White's <i>Charlotte's Web</i>. &nbsp;She struggles against a teacher who believes that George's audition is a joke, a classmate who is vicious and cruel, and a mother who doesn't know what to do with a son who says he is a girl.<br /><br />Throughout the story, George finds strength and encouragement in her best friend Kelly. &nbsp;The daughter of a musician, Kelly takes the revelation that George is a girl quite well. &nbsp;She still needs some time to think things through, but is ultimately both accepting and supportive of her friend going so far as to allow George to wear some of her clothes on a trip to the zoo and calling her Melissa, as George has requested.<br /><br />Ultimately, George is able to take on the role of Charlotte, a performance that is surprisingly well-accepted by her peers and most of the school faculty. &nbsp;A blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment is when the Principal quietly lets George know that her door is always open if George should need someone to speak to. &nbsp;Support like that is hard to find in the cis world and is nigh impossible to come across in the trans world.<br /><br />While I could feel my heart breaking from the first moment that George has to hide in the bathroom with her girl magazines and the way she is subtly disgusted with her own body, this story has a happy ending that will leave readers with a sense of hope in the future.<br /><br />One of the things I liked most about this story is that it is told from George's point of view and George never once sees herself as a boy. &nbsp;From the beginning of the book all the way to the last page, George is a girl. &nbsp;Readers immediately understand that this is a girl who just happens to be in the body of a boy and, hopefully, will encourage tolerance and understanding in those who read this story.<br /><br />This is a fairly short book, easy to read through in one sitting, and is perfectly relatable to the audience it was written for... &nbsp;It is of note that&nbsp;<i>George</i>&nbsp;is the first book of its type to be written for middle grade readers.&nbsp; It was an enjoyable read for me, as an adult, and was a great way to read about a child transgender character. &nbsp;The author has written an amazing book that will appeal to reader's of all ages, but one that is also accessible to children and that presents the transgender topic in a way that is easy to understand.S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-40765326932863690602016-01-02T11:00:00.000-06:002016-01-02T11:00:17.212-06:00Review of Baby Penguins Everywhere!<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="13589175" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348336624l/13589175.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>As a fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, I grabbed this book on first glance simply because penguins and then because BABY PENGUINS!!!<br /><br />What starts out as a cute story about a lonely lady penguin finding a magical hat, from which emerges an astonishing number of baby penguins, soon becomes a lesson in self-care. &nbsp;Even in the midst of those we know and love, people (and penguins) sometimes need a moment to themselves... to regroup, to think, or just to catch one's breath.<br /><br />Sometimes, in the struggle to be supportive and make ourselves available for friends and family, we forget all about me-time. &nbsp;It is important to take some time for ourselves, to reflect on our lives and where we are headed, and it is my plan in 2016 to devote at least a morning to spending time with myself.<br /><br />Parents will probably enjoy the moral of the story more than their children, but this book is a great way to let kids know that its okay to need alone time.<br /><br />In the end, Ms. Penguin and her flock of baby penguins are happy as can be spending time with each other as they frolic and play in their frozen home, even while they remember that it's okay to need alone time... That there will always be people (or penguins) there for them when they come back into the craziness of family and friends.<br /><br />A solid book to start the new year of with!S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-44370930531878774742015-12-27T18:00:00.000-06:002015-12-27T18:00:09.271-06:00Top Ten Young Adult Fiction at GCLIs it any surprise that a list of the top ten young adult fiction titles checked out in 2015 contains <i>The Hunger Games </i>trilogy? There are five different dystopian series on this list, one classic, and one John Green novel (of course).<br /><br />Whatever it is, you sure did enjoy these books this year... In fact, many of these titles were checked out OVER 50 TIMES! That is an extraordinary number for any young adult fiction collection. Good job, y'all!<br /><br />Comment and let me know what you thought about these books, the movie adaptations, and anything else that tickles your fancy. &nbsp;:)<br /><ol><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Mockingjay&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=15" target="_blank">Mockingjay</a> by Suzanne Collins<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Mockingjay&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=12" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ou1BuG83ON0/VnrGkcitWxI/AAAAAAAAAwY/ZLslw0hOx2c/s200/mockingjay.jpg" width="131" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Insurgent&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Roth,%20Veronica&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=13" target="_blank">Insurgent</a> by Veronica Roth<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Insurgent&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Roth,%20Veronica&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=13" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALfErl5NpEI/VnrGvKEPx7I/AAAAAAAAAwk/aXJ4wz2m1cU/s200/insurgent.jpg" width="132" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Hunger%20Games&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=17" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> by Suzanne Collins<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Hunger%20Games&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=11" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9S2drbWgDHI/VnrGZwR_iiI/AAAAAAAAAwM/jtGuq4jA9Dw/s200/the%2Bhunger%2Bgames.jpg" width="132" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Catching%20Fire&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=18" target="_blank">Catching Fire</a> by Suzanne Collins<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Catching%20Fire&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Collins,%20Suzanne&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=10" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PNSTzrLfu4Y/VnrGLZFwVfI/AAAAAAAAAwA/HNa-ycDWOnI/s200/catching%2Bfire.jpg" width="133" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Fault%20In%20Our%20Stars&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Green,%20John&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=19" target="_blank">The Fault In Our Stars</a> by John Green<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Fault%20In%20Our%20Stars&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Green,%20John&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=9" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LO31yF7pv9o/VnrF9N1KFxI/AAAAAAAAAv0/uYDOtr9QB90/s200/the%2Bfault%2Bin%2Bour%2Bstars.jpg" width="133" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=To%20Kill%20a%20Mockingbird&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Lee,%20Harper&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=20" target="_blank">To Kill a Mockingbird</a> by Harper Lee<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=To%20Kill%20a%20Mockingbird&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Lee,%20Harper&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5YvPgxdg9k/VnrFs2wywYI/AAAAAAAAAvo/CAUqtZtEadA/s200/to%2Bkill%2Ba%2Bmockingbird.jpg" width="132" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Maze%20Runner&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Dashner,%20James&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=21" target="_blank">The Maze Runner</a> by James Dashner<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=The%20Maze%20Runner&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Dashner,%20James&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=7" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtTwOsYCj_0/VnrFc4BpmVI/AAAAAAAAAvc/1oz3S_sAHi4/s200/maze%2Brunner.jpg" width="134" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Divergent&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Roth,%20Veronica&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=22" target="_blank">Divergent</a> by Veronica Roth<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Divergent&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Roth,%20Veronica&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=6" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lOyfBUdWjg/VnrFOC3dwiI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/4My92YiExLg/s200/divergent.jpg" width="132" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Cinder&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Meyer,%20Marissa&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=23" target="_blank">Cinder</a> by Marissa Meyer<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Cinder&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=Meyer,%20Marissa&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=5" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sYD2xGIM91s/VnrE_oEJxEI/AAAAAAAAAvE/3zzXV8hxqAM/s200/cinder.jpg" width="131" /></a></li><li><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Matched&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=condie,%20allyson&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=24" target="_blank">Matched</a> by Allyson Condie<br /><a href="http://wrlc.librarycatalog.info/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=7.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Advanced&amp;term=Matched&amp;relation=ALL&amp;by=TI&amp;term2=condie,%20allyson&amp;relation2=ALL&amp;by2=AU&amp;bool1=AND&amp;bool4=AND&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ii4fBAoKzA/VnrEOPNDXoI/AAAAAAAAAu4/YllNSS0a7cQ/s200/matched.jpg" width="129" /></a></li></ol>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-38850241835999071692015-12-22T10:00:00.000-06:002016-01-07T10:52:38.793-06:00Review of A Tale of Two Daddies<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NjG4_T_Dvtc/VniCPY1A49I/AAAAAAAAAuk/HE_vTp3jmHY/s320/8675798.jpg" width="240" /></div><br />One of my favorite things about&nbsp;<i><a href="http://amzn.to/1mfdlUi" target="_blank">A Tale of Two Daddies</a></i>&nbsp;were the illustrations... &nbsp;Many of the playground pieces that the children use throughout the story are things that I used when I was a kid and which I remember quite fondly.<br /><br />After watching Credence (you can read my review by clicking <a href="http://smichellehos.blogspot.com/2015/12/review-of-credence.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>), this title&nbsp;felt like the perfect addition. Told through a daughter's voice and explained as only a child can, this story isn't about gay couples, it is about family and this family is a happy one. At the end of the day, what more can a family ask for?<br /><br />The simple way that the little girl explains to her friend what each of her daddies do is both sweet and undeniably real. It was nice to see that both Poppa and Daddy had individual things that they were able to provide to their daughter and then there were things that they were both good at. &nbsp;:)<br /><br />All in all, a cute story about family and friends. This picture book would be a wonderful addition to any library collection.<br /><br /><i>A copy of this title was provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-9296780643375307172015-12-09T20:00:00.000-06:002015-12-09T20:00:00.254-06:00Review of Credence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ON6136PlQ/VkFGBL-qmxI/AAAAAAAAArE/zHfAXpdl4eM/s1600/cover-Credence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1ON6136PlQ/VkFGBL-qmxI/AAAAAAAAArE/zHfAXpdl4eM/s400/cover-Credence.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /><i>Credence</i> is a crowdfunded science-fiction film that just happens to be about a family with two fathers and their struggle to do what is right for their daughter. Two years in the making, <i>Credence</i> breaks through any preconceived notions one might have of an LGBT film and shows just how moving the story of family and sacrifice truly is.<br /><br />"Because we're all just made of stars... shining with what we remember." <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Please note that this post will contain spoilers.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">If you have not yet seen the film, you may want to skip this post.</span> </div><br />The earth is tearing itself to pieces as the remnants of the moon creeps ever closer. While the moon was in just the right position to save earth from being struck by an asteroid, it has been torn to pieces and is slowly moving into the path of earth's orbit. No one knows exactly what will happen when the earth and the moon finally meet, but it is a certainty that the survival of mankind lies not on our home world, but in a desperate attempt to relocate those young enough to survive the journey to a new planet... The children.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn5cmjxC2CI/VkTNnVZH-VI/AAAAAAAAAr8/rRrNNfwVpOw/s1600/tumblr_n906hhf9aO1r4vy5oo9_r1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn5cmjxC2CI/VkTNnVZH-VI/AAAAAAAAAr8/rRrNNfwVpOw/s400/tumblr_n906hhf9aO1r4vy5oo9_r1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(gif credit goes to&nbsp;<a href="http://mixkstyle.tumblr.com/post/92318749642/credence-the-first-sci-fi-to-challenge-lgbt" target="_blank">mixkstyle</a> on tumblr)</td></tr></tbody></table>This is the choice placed before two fathers who must decide if they will let their daughter go, in the hopes that she finds a new life far from earth, or keep her close, knowing that they will die but that they will die together. Their daughter meets the requirements of the highly-desired "Goldilocks group," who are old enough to work on-board the spaceship but are young enough that they will survive the lengthy journey to a new world.<br /><br />These two fathers are just like any other family. They don't always agree on the best way to do things and this leads to some conflict and heartache for the small family, as one father is willing to give everything he has to pay for their daughter's safety and the other only wants for his family to be together, always and forever.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2xpw11hCNg/VkTNncpBw6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/Bu_Ase6w484/s1600/tumblr_n906hhf9aO1r4vy5oo4_r1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2xpw11hCNg/VkTNncpBw6I/AAAAAAAAAsA/Bu_Ase6w484/s400/tumblr_n906hhf9aO1r4vy5oo4_r1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(gif credit goes to&nbsp;<a href="http://mixkstyle.tumblr.com/post/92318749642/credence-the-first-sci-fi-to-challenge-lgbt" target="_blank">mixkstyle</a> on tumblr)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><u>Disliked:</u><br />How short the film was, but really, if you're watching a short film that's what you get. :)<br /><br /><u>In conclusion:</u>&nbsp; This is a unique take on the science-fiction genre and a heart-wrenching example of what it means to love unconditionally. It is my hope that <i>Credence</i> is the first of many QUILTBAG films in the science-fiction genre.S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-48629826246223025912015-11-26T10:00:00.000-06:002015-11-26T10:00:04.493-06:00I Don't Work Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6oYIsQAb3M/VlSTL8F9ucI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nkLDR_NTAdg/s1600/belle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6oYIsQAb3M/VlSTL8F9ucI/AAAAAAAAAtU/nkLDR_NTAdg/s1600/belle.gif" /></a></div><br /><br />For the first time in years, I arrived at the library ready to start my work week only to discover that I wasn't scheduled.&nbsp; It was my day off!&nbsp; I'd completely forgotten that, with the Thanksgiving holiday this week, I was not scheduled to work on Monday.<br /><br />As mentioned, this is the first time in YEARS that I came to work on my day off!&nbsp; And I think I know why...<br /><br />While working in a Youth Services department has never been a dream of mine, having the opportunity to work face-to-face with the public, be a major part of the collection development, and create programming for the community <b>has</b> been an interesting challenge.<br /><br />I enjoy the work I am doing and the people I work with.&nbsp; My co-workers are supportive and kind, always willing to lend a hand when needed or make a coffee run when the caffeine starts petering out.&nbsp; :)<br /><br />So, with Thanksgiving right around the corner I would like to say, "Thank you" to the Youth Services department of the Germantown Community Library.&nbsp; Thank you for welcoming me, allowing me the opportunity to try new things, and for supporting me throughout all the changes we've faced over the last year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIRvdpGEdrM/VlSTqutJ6WI/AAAAAAAAAtg/vpuJrDpIZeE/s1600/thanks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RIRvdpGEdrM/VlSTqutJ6WI/AAAAAAAAAtg/vpuJrDpIZeE/s1600/thanks.gif" /></a></div><br />Y'all are wonderful and I'll never be able to put into words how grateful I am for you!S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-1308357255955751272015-11-16T10:00:00.000-06:002015-11-24T10:15:05.152-06:00#TheShelfieHop Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyDkHK482aE/Vkp5JUjTOxI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/lCZDykGzbfs/s1600/ShelfieHop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cyDkHK482aE/Vkp5JUjTOxI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/lCZDykGzbfs/s400/ShelfieHop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I am super excited to participate in #TheShelfieHop with so many book bloggers that I've followed and adored from afar!&nbsp; Thank you, <a href="http://bookiemoji.com/" target="_blank">Bookiemoji</a> and <a href="http://www.myfriendsarefiction.com/" target="_blank">MyFriendsAreFiction</a>, for hosting this challenge.<br /><br />I considered doing something completely crazy and re-organizing my book collection(s) by color, but the mere thought of all that disorganization made my librarian-heart panic. Instead, I'll share with you some shelfies of my personal book collection and hope that you can't see the dust.&nbsp; :)<br /><br />First, are my main three book shelves which contain my childhood favorites, young adult titles, graphic novels, science fiction, and more!!!&nbsp; As you can see, these shelves are also home to many of my nick-knacks and Precious Moments snow globe collection.&nbsp; The messy shelf on the bottom, left corner is my catch-all shelf and currently holds books that I need to find a home for, my book mark collection (in the green box), and video game guidebooks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hos8WBz7agk/VlJTA9RVYhI/AAAAAAAAAso/8YBECtPvMpA/s640/100_3059.JPG" width="640" />&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, is the small shelf of graphic novels that I couldn't bare to part with when I cleaned out my book shelves a year or two ago.&nbsp; These are some of my absolute series and if you haven't read them, you should see if your library can get a copy for you!&nbsp; Personally, I would suggest starting with Meru Puri and then reading either Baby &amp; Me or DNAngel next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYugpvoRIBU/VlJTUyL5QuI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GAsSXfMpme0/s1600/100_3070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYugpvoRIBU/VlJTUyL5QuI/AAAAAAAAAs4/GAsSXfMpme0/s320/100_3070.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />I have two other book shelves, but they are terribly disorganized and I was too embarrassed to show them, lol.&nbsp; And, of course, there are the books on my bedside table, but my #bedsideshelfies will be posted to my Instagram, so I didn't include a picture of it here.<br /><br />Here are all of the wonderful participants in #TheShelfieHop!&nbsp; You should check them out, too.&nbsp; Thank you for stopping by!&nbsp; Hope you've enjoyed my bookshelves and rambling.&nbsp; :)<br /><br /><div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-771c6076-3a43-e3e9-d54b-6987592b963c" style="line-height: 1.3800000000000001; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="http://bookiemoji.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bookiemoji</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.myfriendsarefiction.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">My Friends Are Fiction</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://booklalaland.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Between Fantasy and Reality</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.literaryhedonist.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Literary Hedonist</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://booksandladders.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Books and Ladders</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://bellsiebooks.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bellsiebooks</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.letstakeashelfie.ca/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's Take A Shelfie</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://thebookkeepersapprentice.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Bookkeeper's Apprentice</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://pili-inlovewithhandmade.blogspot.com.es/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">In Love With Handmade</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://exlibriskate.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Ex Libris</span><span style="background-color: transparent; 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color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">A Tree Grows in Bookland</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://bookcatpin.blogspot.ca/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">BookCatPin</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://pleasefeedthebookworm.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Please Feed the Bookworm</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.perksofbeingabooknerd.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Perks of Being a Book Nerd</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; 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color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Fox's Hideaway</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://bookishnessandtea.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">bookishnessandtea</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://rattlethepages.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Rattle The Pages</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://beautyandthebookshelf.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Beauty and the Bookshelf</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://shelfie.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Shelfie</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.bookishbevil.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bookish Bevil</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://spinesandcovers.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Spines &amp; Covers</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://qualityfangirls.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Quality Fangirls</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://ohanareads.blogspot.ca/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Ohana Reads</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://bookishunicorn.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Bookish Unicorn</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.miainnarnia.blogspot.co.uk/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Mia in Narnia</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.victoriajaynesbooks.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">ADDLEPATES AND BOOK NERDS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://somethinglikelydia.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">somethinglikelydia</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.therewerebooksinvolved.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">There were books involved...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://literaryetc.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Literary, etc</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.bookaddictsguide.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Book Addict's Guide</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://mythoughtsliterally.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">My Thoughts...Literally!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.booksandswoons.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Books and Swoons</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://thepsychoticnerd.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Psychotic Nerd</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://thenovelhermit.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">The Novel Hermit</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://www.readsleeprepeat.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Read.Sleep.Repeat.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://gillianeberry.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Writer of Wrongs</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span></a><a href="http://onlytruemagic.wordpress.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot;; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">Only True Magic</span></a></div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-75654237924550024552015-11-11T09:30:00.000-06:002015-12-03T20:50:20.070-06:00Sticky Note Review of Raptor Red<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Weyzd8SH9g/VkFEXY2k93I/AAAAAAAAAq4/gFBwPPDtNxU/s1600/IMG_5818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Weyzd8SH9g/VkFEXY2k93I/AAAAAAAAAq4/gFBwPPDtNxU/s640/IMG_5818.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/117710.Raptor_Red" target="_blank"><i>Raptor Red</i></a> by Robert T. Bakker is best described as biographical fiction.&nbsp; It is the story of a young Utahraptor as she tries to find her place in a world without her mate, struggles to survive the dangers of a prehistoric North America, and find a new mate to start a family with.<br /><br />My sticky note review for this is simply: Biographical fiction... of a RAPTOR! &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-65503064362424389442015-10-10T10:00:00.000-05:002015-10-10T10:00:04.277-05:00Panic At the Children's Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ol1KVEEla2I/Ve40tzUGc0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/DMtcMEIUcHs/s1600/jacksparrow.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ol1KVEEla2I/Ve40tzUGc0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/DMtcMEIUcHs/s1600/jacksparrow.gif" /></a></div><br />After more than ten years at the Germantown Community Library, I made the craziest leap of my career and accepted a position as a Youth Services Library Associate.&nbsp; Yeah, it was a surprise to me too, since I'd promised myself that I would never cross the maroon carpet into the Children's Department.<br /><br />For the most part, working in the Children's Department has been a pretty good fit; there were the normal bumps and grumbles as staff tried to accommodate a new person into an already cohesive team, I've had more than my fair share of freaking out while trying to catch up on everything I'm not familiar with, and it's been stressful in entirely new ways to be working with young people day in and day out.<br /><br />Here are just a few of the crazy days that I've had since joining the "Collective." &nbsp;(points to anyone who recognizes that reference)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Avx7-vdXoE/VhgPSC9ljvI/AAAAAAAAAow/siYU1IHrImI/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Avx7-vdXoE/VhgPSC9ljvI/AAAAAAAAAow/siYU1IHrImI/s1600/ls.jpg" /></a></div><br />One afternoon, I was the only staff person working at the Youth Services desk and I am embarrassed to admit that I panicked a little when six children all wanted to play with a different LEGO set (and then wanted to trade it for a different set moments later) and another handful of kids were asking for scissors, tape, and coloring pages.&nbsp; While I couldn't find the kid-safe scissors, we took Mom a pair of adult-scissors and found her to be happily surprised that her little girl "still needed her for something."&nbsp; I never did find the coloring pages with the "house on it" for another little girl.<br /><br />Overall, it was the most stressful hour and a half I've had so far as a Youth Services Library Associate, but it was also one of the most fun (in the strangest of ways).&nbsp; I was able to provide most of my patrons / customers with what they were looking for or something similar, the Teen Volunteer assigned to work the Summer Reading Desk was an invaluable source of support, and ultimately I found a home for all of the LEGO pieces that had lost their sets.&nbsp; :-P<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlzRlQ9NxXY/VhgOAlGHszI/AAAAAAAAAog/r-u4DDZ4gpo/s1600/IMG_5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hlzRlQ9NxXY/VhgOAlGHszI/AAAAAAAAAog/r-u4DDZ4gpo/s320/IMG_5365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Another encounter involved a young boy (maybe two or three) who was slamming a sign down again and again on the LEGO table. &nbsp;We had just recently had one of those sign holders break and shatter into extremely sharp pieces that I cut my finger on and I didn't want him to get hurt either... so, I walked over and nicely asked him to be careful with the sign so it wouldn't break. &nbsp;Mom made some comment that I took as exasperated humor and to which I responded with a smile and comment about the previously broken sign.<br /><br />Barely twenty minutes later, I heard someone bouncing on top of the firetruck behind me (serious safety hazard, that) and turned to find the same boy. &nbsp;He was an exceptionally well behaved kid, I promise, but I've seen kids go head first over the edge of the firetruck and am paranoid about it happening again... but with more serious consequences than the last time.<br /><br />So, I went over to talk to him, asking him to "make sure to sit down or kneel if he was on top of the fire truck" and heard Mom make a nasty comment about how this was the Children's area and kids should be allowed to do kid things.&nbsp; I was shocked by how angry she sounded and let her know that I was only looking out for her son's safety, as I'd seen other children take tumbles off the fire truck.<br /><br />Without looking at me, she said, "I don't know why you're so mean.&nbsp; Where did the nice librarian go?&nbsp; You should leave and have her come back."<br /><br />I don't think that I've ever had someone say something so harsh to me before and even now, recounting the event a month later, I feel hurt by her response.&nbsp; Truly, I don't think that she was really angry with me but that she had had a long, frustrating day and I was an easy target.&nbsp; I hope that she and her son continue to use our library in the future and that we are able to move past that first encounter and have a productive library-patron relationship.<br /><br />AND today is Star Wars Reads Day, which is the first really big event that I have planned (and executed) and I'm really nervous about it.&nbsp; Here's hoping it is a resounding success! <br /><br />There have been ups and downs, really nice people and not so nice people, busy days and slow days, and I have learned so many new things!&nbsp; I am excited to see where this new position takes me and what cool things I get to do in the future... I may write about my current job duties, for they are varied and awesome!S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-78346366634613343162015-08-22T10:00:00.000-05:002015-08-22T10:00:05.518-05:00What Do You Want To Read?I have quite a few posts partially written and want to give YOU the chance to decide what I post next. Below is a poll with some of my work-in-progress posts and their associated tags in parenthesis, so click on the ones you like and I'll get to typing. ;)<br /><br /><div id="qp_all393050" style="width: 100%;"><style>#qp_main393050 .qp_btna:hover input {background: transparent linear-gradient(to bottom, rgb(255, 215, 169) 0%, rgb(255, 209, 157) 50%, rgb(255, 200, 137) 51%, rgb(255, 240, 223) 100%) repeat scroll 0% 0%!important}</style><br /><div id="qp_main393050" results="0" rnd="1" style="background: linear-gradient(rgb(117, 122, 129) 0%, rgb(91, 95, 103) 10%, rgb(69, 72, 77) 23%, rgb(0, 0, 0) 100%) repeat scroll 0% 0%, rgb(102, 102, 102) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-radius: 6px; border: 1px solid rgb(150, 150, 150); color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 10px;"><div style="background: transparent linear-gradient(to bottom, rgb(255, 255, 255) 0%, rgb(229, 229, 229) 100%) repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-radius: 6px; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="padding: 10px;">Which Post Do You Want To Read Next?</div></div><form action="//www.poll-maker.com/results393050x6973401E-15" id="qp_form393050" method="post" style="display: inline; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><div style="border-radius: 6px;"><input name="qp_d393050" type="hidden" value="42237.5720370374-42237.5720658633" /><br /><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="1" />RE: Favorite Commercials of 2015 (meesh responds, television)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="2" />RE: It Can Wait (meesh responds, technology, television, texting)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="3" />RE: Electric Vehicles for Everyone, Not Just the Elite (meesh responds, technology)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="4" />RE: Why we need negative book reviews (meesh responds, books, review)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="5" />RE: Millennial Lowdown (meesh responds)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="6" />Five Fictional Women (fandom, feminism, inspiration, women)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="7" />Panic At the Children's Desk (library life)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="8" />Review of The Clone Wars (fandom, feminism, inspiration, review, television)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="9" />Review of Cinderella (movies, review)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="10" />Girls in gaming... or something (gaming, video games)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="11" />Millenials &amp; Pacific Rim (fandom, meta, movies)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="12" />Conference Round Up: TLA 2015 (after action report, conference, library life)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="13" />Leadership Lies (advice, leadership, library life)</span></div><div class="qp_a" onclick="var c=this.getElementsByTagName('INPUT')[0]; if((!event.target?event.srcElement:event.target).tagName!='INPUT'){c.checked=(c.type=='radio'?true:!c.checked)};var i=this.parentNode.parentNode.parentNode.getElementsByTagName('INPUT');for(var k=0;k!=i.length-1;k++){i[k].parentNode.parentNode.setAttribute('sel',i[k].checked?1:0)}" style="clear: both; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><span style="cursor: inherit; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><input name="qp_v393050" style="float: left; height: 18px; margin-left: -25px; margin-top: -2px; padding: 0px; width: 18px;" type="checkbox" value="14" />Review of Welcome to Night Vale (podcast, review)</span></div></div><div style="clear: both; margin-right: -5px; padding-top: 5px;"><a class="qp_btna" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9173622498643507713#" style="text-decoration: none;"><input btype="v" name="qp_b393050" style="background: transparent linear-gradient(to bottom, rgb(226, 226, 226) 0%, rgb(219, 219, 219) 50%, rgb(209, 209, 209) 51%, rgb(254, 254, 254) 100%) repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 30px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; min-width: 80px;" type="submit" value="Vote" /></a><a class="qp_btna" href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9173622498643507713#" style="text-decoration: none;"><input btype="r" name="qp_b393050" style="background: transparent linear-gradient(to bottom, rgb(226, 226, 226) 0%, rgb(219, 219, 219) 50%, rgb(209, 209, 209) 51%, rgb(254, 254, 254) 100%) repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-radius: 10px; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; height: 30px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; min-width: 80px;" type="submit" value="Results" /></a></div><a href="http://www.poll-maker.com/" id="qp_a393050" style="color: black; float: right; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none;">Poll Maker</a></form><div style="display: none;"><div id="qp_rp393050" style="font-size: 11px; height: 1.5em; line-height: 1.5em; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; right: 5px; text-align: right; width: 5ex;"></div><div id="qp_rv393050" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: white; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; padding-right: 3px; text-align: right; width: 0%;"></div><div id="qp_rb393050" style="color: white; display: block; font-size: 12px;"></div><div id="qp_rva393050" style="background: rgb(0, 111, 185) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-color: rgb(0, 111, 185);"></div><div id="qp_rvb393050" style="background: rgb(22, 52, 99) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-color: rgb(22, 52, 99);"></div><div id="qp_rvc393050" style="background: rgb(91, 207, 252) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-color: rgb(20, 129, 171);"></div></div></div></div><script language="javascript" src="//scripts.poll-maker.com/3012/scpolls.js"></script>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-13435955818842745262015-08-21T10:00:00.000-05:002015-08-21T16:47:24.255-05:00Yaks From Yakyakistan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbTTM7sbJKg/VdZ8IqYY5wI/AAAAAAAAAhc/zSmvSbn0RNQ/s1600/0BJwM9q_nyI.market_maxres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FbTTM7sbJKg/VdZ8IqYY5wI/AAAAAAAAAhc/zSmvSbn0RNQ/s400/0BJwM9q_nyI.market_maxres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the drive home after picking up dinner on Thursday night, my sister updated me on all things My Little Pony... including a strange bit of information about the Yaks from Yakyakistan.<br /><br />You can listen to that discussion here:<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/220181045%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-HsKdE&amp;color=ff5500&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-81106001555491363892015-08-18T10:30:00.000-05:002017-05-18T22:20:25.339-05:00Two Book Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMC7phYLh1w/Vc96_Uoo-nI/AAAAAAAAAe0/NsZaCNmjSIc/s1600/Two%2BBook%2BTuesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMC7phYLh1w/Vc96_Uoo-nI/AAAAAAAAAe0/NsZaCNmjSIc/s320/Two%2BBook%2BTuesday.png" width="320"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a number of upcoming releases that I am super excited to read, but seeing as I've called it "Two Book Tuesday," I will limit myself to just two books from entirely different collections... all the while wondering just what titles you are looking forward to this Autumn?</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woUQY15xM4M/Vc97BkrvWwI/AAAAAAAAAfA/My1uxOBgCXE/s1600/Lizard%2BRadio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-woUQY15xM4M/Vc97BkrvWwI/AAAAAAAAAfA/My1uxOBgCXE/s320/Lizard%2BRadio.jpg" width="210"></a>The first title is <span id="goog_30868215"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><i>Lizard Radio<span id="goog_30868216"></span></i></a> and it is a young adult science fiction novel written by Pat Schmatz. What I noticed first about this title is the cover and if the novel is half as good as the cover then this should prove to be quite an interesting read.<br><br>Having just finished reading <a href="http://reads.lib.overdrive.com/F58BD8ED-2BFA-43BE-BC4A-B1612CC4A3AB/10/50/en/ContentDetails.htm?id=4A056C98-E907-4118-B305-49C458CBCB07" target="_blank"><i>Static</i> by L.A. Witt</a>, I was surprised to see another title with a main character who does not fit the mainstream image of a single-gendered person. Kivali, the fifteen-year-old protagonist of <i>Lizard Radio</i> has grown up in a gender-rigid world that doesn't accept her status as a "bender." Abandoned as a baby, she doesn't know where she came from or what she is, but she does have a special gift... Kivali is able to enter a trance-like state to harness the "knowings" inside her. Just what are these "knowings" and how do they help Kivali in this coming-of-age story? Well, I guess we will have to read this book and find out!<br><br><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhZld3AoUeE/Vc98Jfq-OZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/frqu32kQkN0/s1600/Day%2Bthe%2BCrayons%2BCame%2BHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nhZld3AoUeE/Vc98Jfq-OZI/AAAAAAAAAfY/frqu32kQkN0/s320/Day%2Bthe%2BCrayons%2BCame%2BHome.jpg" width="320"></a><br>The second book that I am excited to see is a picture book written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (who may be a new favorite illustrator of mine). <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23310161-the-day-the-crayons-came-home" target="_blank"><i>The Day the Crayons Came Home</i></a> is a companion to the insanely popular <i>The Day the Crayons Quit!</i> and is sure to be just as popular with children and parents as the first book.<br><br>In this beautifully illustrated picture book, Duncan is about to take on the task of rescuing crayons from beneath sofa cushions and inside of socks. This is a story about finding friends in the unlikeliest of places, surviving the tough times in life, and coming home (to the crayon box).</div>S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9173622498643507713.post-48090164601312193332015-08-17T21:00:00.000-05:002015-08-17T21:00:00.031-05:00#AtMyBookstore campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/atmybookstore-where-bloggers-visit-bookstores/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QOmMdsOiilQ/VdKJ1a4qP0I/AAAAAAAAAgc/5ZMexooZmlw/s1600/atmybookstore.png" /></a></div><br />What is the #AtMyBookstore campaign? &nbsp;Boy, am I glad you asked!<br /><br />The challenge runs from August 17 - 31 and is an effort by bloggers to raise awareness about local book stores and the fact that people still love to visit (and continue to use) these physical locations. &nbsp;It is part shelfie challenge as well, with participants encouraged to take a selfie/shelfie of themselves at book stores they visit and with titles they purchase from those stores.<br /><br />I will be participating in this challenge and already know of three book stores that I'm going to visit. &nbsp;Follow me on Instagram @s_michellehos to see my shelfies for the #AtMyBookstore challenge!S. Hostetterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237634911843360667noreply@blogger.com0
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