Well. I’m still not over seeing so much snow fall but Mother Nature knows her business -and who am I to tell her she’s wrong? Maybe this is it though and I can put my boots away now… maybe?
There’s so much going on in the World and it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed, but this week I focused everyday actions I believe will have a positive impact: shopping small to help local businesses, sending my mail-in ballot, reaching out to friends and family with a phone call. I’ve also enjoyed a few other lovely distractions like: making Peanut Butter Bread (with chocolate chips), Some Good News with John Krasinski, and I’m looking forward to watching Capital in the Twenty-First Century on CIFF44 Streams, RRPL’s 2020 Community Partner film!
And this coming week? I still have a pretty tall stack of books I’d like to read but they’ll (still!) be there later, right? So I’m wondering, do you have any suggestions for me? Something to read, to make, to bake, to buy (local please), or the best snack ever? Maybe you want to help me pick one of these Virtual Volunteer opportunities? Let me know!
Wow, week four of this book club already – time seems to drag on and at the same time, go by so fast! I hope that these discussion questions have gotten you thinking about something other than the pandemic! So let’s turn our brains away from what’s going on outside and to that little duplex on Winslow Road:
The novel’s opening begins with the fire and then goes backward in time to trace events leading up to it. Why might Celeste Ng have structured her novel to begin with the ending and the most dramatic event? How does the reverse structure affect your reading of the story?
How does Mrs. Richardson respond to the fire — immediately and then later at night. What does she come to realize about Izzy and her role in her daughter’s behavior. Does she gain your sympathy at the end?
Next Sunday will be our last week posting discussion questions for Little Fires Everywhere. In May, if the shutdown continues, we’ll pick another book to discuss, so keep an eye on this space for updates!
As always, play nice with others and have fun! Feel free to join the discussion or read some of the comments, and make sure to click the tag for ‘Virtual book club’ to look back on previous weeks.
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.
Yesterday, 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.
Valentineby Elizabeth Wetmore takes place in 1976 in Odessa, Texas where oil fields are the economic mainstay of the community. Fourteen-year-old Gloria Ramirez escapes to Mary Rose Whitehead’s home the victim of rape and a horrific beating. Gloria’s attacker, Dale Strickland, finds her at Mary Rose’s house but fortunately police intervene and Gloria is taken away by ambulance.
Dale Strickland is charged with rape and has his day in court. Mary Rose testifies but Gloria does not. Dale is found guilty, fined and placed on probation. Some feel that the sentence does not fit the crime, especially the small group of women that surround and support Gloria. These women and Gloria tell the story from their point of view in alternating chapters.
This debut novel is a “Read with Jenna” Today Show book club choice and was a hard story for me to read. It depicts an obviously unfair system where a young Mexican girl does not get justice and leaves. It is a very well-written, engrossing read, but I warn you, it’s not for the faint of heart.
The collection can be searched just like previously highlighted museums. They offer the ability to sort it by region and time period making the navigation very easy.
The current special exhibition, Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip-Hop Generation, has a devoted page to experience the work virtually. There are publications, essays, videos, a playlist, and a slideshow of images.
One of the small ways I’ve found some joy lately is to overindulge in catchy old jams. Thanks to Hoopla, I’ve been able to load up my phone and take the party anywhere in my house or yard. Check out some artists and albums I’ve had in the rotation:
You’ll need your Clevnet library card information to initially create a Hoopla account. You can sign up for an instant digital Clevnet card here. We have also started staffing the library phone line Monday-Friday 11 am-2pm so give us a call if you have any questions.
What songs have been bringing you joy? Let me know in the comments.
As you may have guessed, I love books. My home library includes a little bit of everything- classics, poetry, science fiction, horror, graphic novels, and a variety of cookbooks that I’ve been gifted or picked up throughout the years. Traditionally, my home library organization mostly consisted of “put the books wherever they fit” and “let’s start stacking books under the coffee table”… but my husband and I recently purchased a new home and I now find myself with more space and shelving than ever before! I have a dedicated cookbook area in my kitchen, plenty of time to try out recipes that have long sat flagged with Post-it notes, and no plans to leave the house (except for groceries) for some time- could there be a more perfect time to experiment in the kitchen?
Today I’m sharing a few cookbooks I’ve been working my way through, along with links to some favorite recipes I have (successfully!) made myself so you can try at home.
Both The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook and the follow-up Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman are fabulous, and Deb writes with such a conversational and encouraging tone, you will feel emboldened to try even her most complicated recipe. She is a home cook from NYC and her tasty comfort food is perfect for the stress we might all be feeling right now. I recommend making her one-pan farro and tomatoes– an easy dish that requires few ingredients and even fewer pots and pans!
I am totally obsessed with Sister Pie bakery. My brother-in-law lives in Detroit and whenever I visit we make sure to schedule a stop at this awesome bakery, snagging pie slices and cookies to take back with us (or consume entirely on the drive back home). I highly recommend making the sweet beet pie or the honey lemon meringue- both are crazy delicious and included in the cookbook!
Liddon’s cookbook is full of healthy vegan recipes and usually utilizes pantry staples and basic ingredients, so you don’t need to go to any specialty stores for ingredients (and nobody wants to go to a basic grocery store now, let alone a specialty store!). Try this quick pantry dal that you can make with basically whatever veggies you have around the house.
Fun fact- Gerard grew up right here in Northeast Ohio! She lives in Colorado now but there are definite Midwest influences in many of her recipes, and she particularly adores broccoli cheddar soup recipes inspired by her childhood love of Panera Bread. Her crinkle top brownies are my absolute favorite brownie recipe, but be warned you may be tempted to eat the whole pan. Exercise extreme caution.
Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero
This was one of the first cookbooks I ever purchased (I own the original edition but the 10th anniversary edition has new recipes and updates!) and it is still one of my favorites. With extensive recipes for every occasion and meal, these vegan recipes are so delicious and flavorful you don’t need to be vegan to appreciate them. Time consuming and oh so delicious, I highly recommend making her eggplant moussaka with pine nut cream. It has been my go-to recipe for potlucks and parties for years, but also a great family dish for home because it will provide delicious vegan leftovers for days!
Don’t forget you can access an amazing array of cookbooks to browse as well through our digital library! And most of the cookbooks highlighted above include a recipe link to the author’s blogs, which are full of hundreds of more delicious recipes. Another great place for recipe discovery online is from the New York Times Cooking site, who are currently allowing free access to many more recipes than usual for non-subscribers.
What fun and exciting dishes or baked goods have you whipped up at home these past couple weeks? What do you have planned for April cooking? I’m hoping to try out some more Sister Pie recipes!
If you’re looking for a bittersweet romance tinted with the painful truth of reality then Madonna in a Fur Coatis your book. I read it with my daughter and to say the least, both of us would not stop analyzing the little details embedded into this marvelous book.
The book follows Raif Efendi, a shy translator living in the midst of Ankara, Turkey, who is a very mysterious man. He speaks only when spoken to and shies away from interacting with anyone but his translating letters.
The book takes us back to Raif’s youth and guides us through how he leaves home to learn a trade in Berlin, Germany, but discovers something much more of value, a beautiful half-Jewish woman who transforms his life forever. Caught between his desire for freedom and his yearning to belong, he struggles to hold on to the new life he has found with the women he loves.
Emotionally powerful and intensely heartwarming, Madonna In a Fur Coat is an unforgettable novel about new beginnings, love, and the unfathomable nature of the human soul. This book will embrace your heart unlike any other. Definitely a book to try out and think about weeks after you’ve finished it.
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
“When you can’t find someone to follow, you have to find a way to lead by example.” Bad Feminist by Roxanne Gay
“One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes.” The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
“Hoping for the best, prepared for the worst, and unsurprised by anything in between.” I Know Why A Caged Bird Sings by Toni Morrison
“And, now that you don’t have to be perfect you can be good.” East of Eden by John Steinback
“Not all those who wander are lost.” The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
“‘What day is it?’ asked Winnie the Pooh. ‘It’s today’, squeaked Piglet. ‘My favorite day’, said Pooh.” The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
“Beware; I am fearless, and therefore powerful.” Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A is for Anxiety. Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. If you are new to this whole anxiety thing, welcome to the club. For me, my anxiety tends to manifest as hypochondria. You guys, stay away from WebMd! I am doing myself a favor these days and staying away from self-diagnosis. But my brain still needs an outlet, which brings me to my house being newly haunted. A sudden haunting would explain my cat’s sudden amping up of his nightly living room parkour routine. He usually has bursts of weird energy and runs up and down the stairs. That’s normal. What isn’t normal is him hurling himself around the house. And that weird side hop thing? What’s that all about? Apparently it’s about looking big and threatening-for the new ghost in the house, hmmm? He’s also doing a lot more sitting around and just staring. When I shared this news with a friend, she kindly reminded me that cats are weirdos and pointed out that poor Frank might also be stressed right now. Just kidding. She laughed at me and said her cat does the same thing all the time and said I absolutely do not have a haunted house. Also, maybe I have been watching too much Supernatural. Again, just kidding. Who ever heard of too much Supernatural?
Look at him! Crazy eyes, snaggle-tooth. Clearly he is being tormented by the newly arrived ghost in my house.
So anxiety may distort your thinking sometimes. If this is happening to you, maybe don’t believe everything your brain is telling you right now. Run it by a friend. Remember, I’m not a medical professional, just someone with personal experience with anxiety sharing those experiences on a blog! So my house is *probably* not newly haunted, but I once lived in a house that was haunted BY a cat, so explain that. That’s a story for another day. This is getting wordy as it is. On to bingeing!
B is for Bingeing. I have paused my binge of Skulduggery Pleasant to revisit another old friend, Jacky Faber, aka Bloody Jack. If you are interested in hilarious history fiction starring a girl disguised as a boy, AND you like audiobooks, do yourself a favor and listen to these books! On the television front, I have been bingeing VEEP, on HBO. It’s one of the shows available for free right now. This show is delivering the humor I need right now and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is brilliant.
Finally, C is for Connecting. One of my favorite ways to stay connected to friends right now is through memes. In keeping with the cat theme of this post, here are a couple that I have shared with friends this week. I think they pretty much sum up this whole situation.
Everyone is familiar with the Mister Rogers quote about looking for the helpers. It’s reassuring and there are so many helpers right now. I also recommend looking for the animals. Follow dogs and goats and zoos on social media. Make the first things you see on your feeds something cute and silly. Hang in there everyone!
esterday, I was listening to the new podcast by 
Oh – and here’s an amazing Chocolate Flourless Torte I made at 
Read it or Weep 