I was lying in bed this morning thinking about what to post on the blog today – I’ve been doing these posts for a couple of weeks now, focusing on making a product and the processes involved. But I wanted to do something different today, about making, but from a different perspective.
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esterday, I was listening to the new podcast by Cheryl Strayed, Sugar Calling and she was interviewing travel writer and memoirist Pico Iyer, and as they were discussing how to participate ‘joyfully in a world full of sorrows’, Pico included a quote from a Benedictine Monk friend of his – “The best cure for anxiety is thinking of others”.
This quote was rolling around in my mind as I was thinking about how I could re-frame the word making. Webster’s defines making as “the act or process of forming, causing, doing, or coming into being”, so why not think about making connections or making a difference in these anxious times?
We at Rocky River Public Library got into this line of work because we want to make a difference, we want to help – with information, education, entertainment, and equity of access. We can’t do everything we used to do, but we’re trying hard to provide similar services and explore new ones. Next week is National Library Week and we want to bring the library to you! Here on the blog, check us out daily for our thoughts about books, movies, TV, podcasts and cultural institutions with links to streaming media and digital books. We’ve shared our crafts, cooking and baking interests and we’ve even got a book discussion going. On our social media, we’re keeping in touch by sharing resources, fun activities, and asking you, our patrons, what you need. Our website can lead you to classes, books, movies, newspapers, business research – you name it, we’ve got it. Call us at 333-7610; if we don’t answer, leave a message and we will get back to you – we really want to help – it’s our business and our calling!
As you think of others, consider the Rocky River Assistance Program and the Cleveland Food Bank. Rocky River restaurants who are doing takeout could use your business, too. And if you go to Heinens or another essential business, make sure you wear your mask to support the workers who are helping us stay fed, clean and healthy. Check on a neighbor or call an old friend, whatever you choose, thinking of others does seem to help to stem the tide of anxiety.
Oh – and here’s an amazing Chocolate Flourless Torte I made at RRPL’s Biblio Bistro class with Annie’s Signature Sweets this week – look for a recording of the class in the coming weeks. Library Reads has a their May list of books out – and Creativebug gives us their Week 4 Crafting at Home suggestions – I don’t have little ones, but making Galaxy Slime looks tempting!
I’d love to hear what you’re making or how you’re making a difference, so comment below. Stay safe and stay home!
~ Dori
Read it or Weep 