The End of the Saga

In case you didn't know, I'm a big Star Wars fan.  I grew up with the original trilogy, I watched the prequel as a young adult, and more recently, I've been watching the sequel trilogy as *ahem* a slightly more mature person.  If you have any interest at all in these movies, you know that the last of the nine movies will open in cinemas next week, just in time for Christmas.

I remember thinking it odd that the original trilogy started with Episode IV and continued through Episode VI.  What about Episodes I-III?  It would take another 16 years until those early episodes would be released in cinemas.  Until the prequel, I assumed Luke Skywalker was the main character of the franchise because he was the good guy, the one you cheered on.  Then it became clear--Anakin Skywalker, a.k.a. Darth Vader, was the center of it all.

It was great to see how, from humble beginnings, Darth Vader became the menace of a galaxy far, far away, but he died at the end of Return of the Jedi.  Peace was restored.  The light side of The Force triumphed over the dark.  What more could be covered in Episodes VII-IX?  Apparently, plenty.  A mere 10 years after the prequel, we saw what happened to Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.  We saw a new threat, the First Order, grow from what was left of the Empire and the Resistance, the new Rebel Alliance, fighting it to make the galaxy peaceful once more.

The newest movie, The Rise of Skywalker, marks the end of a long era.  A very long era--42 years, to be exact.  Many of my generation who grew up with the movies are now seeing the last installment with their kids or even grandkids.  If you ask for my personal opinion, the nine movies George Lucas envisioned may be completed, but I don't see the Star Wars universe being gone forever.  I'm sure more movies will be made (think Rogue One and Solo).

In the meantime, we can watch the newest movie in the cinema and go to the library for Star Wars DVDs and books (you knew I had to plug the library, didn't you?).

Wishing you peace in your galaxy this Holiday Season from the perch.

Holiday Stress Busters

Here we go again.  The holidays are upon us.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner with Christmas on its coattails just 4 short weeks later.  Considering all the planning that goes into cooking, traveling, decorating, gifting, and whatnot, it shouldn't be surprising that so many of us feel frazzled to the point of no return.  And yes, even your normally mild-mannered perch librarian feels a little overwhelmed this time of year (though I try not to show it).

So, how do we survive the holiday season?  How do we keep ourselves from going crazy and maybe even enjoy ourselves a little?  

Here are some holiday stress busters to help you get through the most wonderful time of the year:

• Read.  Come on.  You know I had to put this at the top of the list, didn't you?  Take at least a few minutes each day to read a good book.  It will get your mind off things for a while.
• Sip.  Researchers in the UK have found that the act of brewing and sipping tea is relaxing, lowering your levels of cortisol, a.k.a. the "stress hormone."  And did I mention tea tastes good?
• Laugh.  Watch a funny DVD.  Get together with friends.  Tell a joke.  Dance a goofy dance.  Act dorky.  Whatever you do, have a good laugh.  That will be sure to lower your stress.
• Hug.  Another thing that lowers both cortisol and blood pressure is hugging.  That simple human contact does so much.  Don't have anyone to hug?  Hug yourself.  Seriously.  Don't worry--I won't tell.
• Breathe.  It's basic, but it does the trick.  Just sit down and focus on your breathing.  Breathe in, breathe out.  Your parasympathetic system will be activated and you'll feel better.  Why do you think meditation has become mainstream lately?
• Walk.  A little exercise does the body and the mind good.  You're moving those legs and swinging those arms.  Let those endorphins (the "happy hormones") flood your system.  Soon you'll be thinking: "Stress?  What stress?"

Keep in mind that you don't have to be Superman or Wonder Woman to get through the holidays.  Simplify, prioritize, delegate, and budget.  You don't have to do everything.  Be as kind to yourself as you would be to your best friend.  Self-care is especially important during the holidays.  And if you need some books, DVDs, or CDs to help you take a break, stop by the library--we got plenty of free things to get you relaxing.

Wishing you a happy and stress-free holiday season from the perch.

Seriously Ghoulish Books

Warning: This post is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.

Here's something just in time for Halloween--anthropodermic books.  What kind of books are these, you ask?  Simply put, they are books bound in human skin.  Yes, you read that right.  Actual human skin.  Now how and why did such a practice ever start?  Well, allow me to explain.

Anthropodermic bibliopegy, as the practice of binding books with human skin is formally called, has been done over centuries.  It was rumored to have started in the Middle Ages, but the first reliable accounts of the practice go back to 17th century Europe.  Anthropodermic books became more common during the Reign of Terror in France when the skin of those executed was used in book binding (ironically, a copy of the Rights of Man was bound in human skin).  In 19th century Great Britain, the skin of hanged criminals was also sometimes used in book binding as an additional punishment (you gotta love those Victorians).

So, how many anthropodermic books are there?  The exact number is unknown, but according to The Anthropodermic Book Project, 50 books have been identified as allegedly anthropodermic and 18 have been confirmed as human.  Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your opinion), our library does not have any anthropodermic books.  If you must see some of these books, however, you can find them at Harvard University, Brown University, and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, among other libraries in the world.

I can't say that I'm a big touchy-feely person, so handling a book bound with human skin wouldn't be up my alley.  I have nothing, though, against leather-bound classics.  On second thought, maybe I'll just play it safe and stick to paperbacks.

With safe Halloween wishes from the perch.

Ever Evolving Libraries

Libraries.  I probably don't have to tell you, but they're places traditionally associated with books, silence, and shushing librarians.  Although books are still the mainstay of libraries, the silence and stereotypical shushing librarians are gone.  Libraries have evolved to become community spaces where people can learn in open environments filled with chatter.

Many librarians today specialize in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), teaching both children and adults things you would have normally learned at one time in a classroom.  Storytimes are made to be fun and informative, educating children on everything from human bodies to celestial bodies.  Libraries are going beyond the promotion of reading and literature.

Additionally, libraries and librarians are dealing with electronic devices and information.  People of all ages with questions about using computers or finding information on the Internet can get help from librarians. There's a reason why the library degree today is called an MLIS as opposed to the older MLS--it's a degree in library and information science.

Libraries have always been gateways to information, but today they are so much more than simply places to get books.  If you want to read a classic, though, that's okay, too.  Just choose whether you want to read that classic in print or electronically.

Actually and virtually yours from the perch.

Re-Visiting Downton Abbey

Since six seasons of Downton Abbey weren't enough for us, we now have Downton Abbey, the movie.  The Crawleys are back with their staff, estate, and ever-evolving intrigues that are oh so proper and British.  There's just something about large castles in quiet pastoral settings and formal dinners waited on by servants in coattails and white gloves.  It's a window into another time and culture in which everyone knew his or her place in a stifling class system.

If you're a fan of the show or the movie and are interested in all things Downton Abbey, there are a number of items that can be checked out from the library for your reading or viewing pleasure:

• The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton  New York's elite in the 1910s live in a world of etiquette and strict social conventions that don't include nonconformist women.
• Downton Abbey, Seasons 1-6 DVD  The original source and best place to start.  Get to know the Crawley family beginning in the 1910s, shortly after the heirs of the estate perish in the sinking of the RMS Titanic.  
• The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy  Three generations of an upper middle class British family are presented from the 1870s to the 1920s.
• Howard's End by E. M. Forster  In the early 1900s, two families dispute over which will inherit a home in the English countryside.
• The Manners of Downton Abbey DVD  Shows the roles and responsibilities of the nobility in contrast to those living a life in service.
• Parade's End DVD  Focuses on a love triangle--an aristocrat, his socialite wife, and a suffragette--in England during the Edwardian era.

So, get out your hats and cravats, sip your tea, and enjoy your journey to the past.  Is there a better way to begin the fall season?

Prim and properly yours from the perch.

Schools Need Librarians!

The start of the school year got me thinking about all the people going back to classes--the students, the teachers, and the librarians.  Yes, librarians are an important part of the school staff, too!  And it also got me thinking, with all the budget cuts school districts have made around the country, so many school libraries are without librarians because they have been let go.

School librarians are no less valuable than language arts, social studies, math, or science teachers.  They teach students just like teachers of other subjects.  In addition to teaching students how to use the library, school librarians teach how to conduct research, a skill that's valuable not only in writing papers and creating projects, but also in real life.  This has become even more important in today's age when information abounds but may not always be accurate.  Librarians teach how to evaluate various resources and tell which ones are trustworthy.

Beside teaching and helping students, school librarians also help teachers.  They assist teachers in getting the right materials for specific class lessons, build classroom libraries, and get in touch with community resources, such as local authors.  Librarians and teachers are partners in education, promoting learning and finding ways to motivate all students, even those who may be difficult and reluctant learners.

Librarians turn the library into a safe and welcoming space for students and teachers to study, work on group projects, or simply hang out and read.  As a loner who felt she didn't fit in with different crowds in school, I saw the library as a sanctuary.  It may have been crowded and noisy out in the hall, but the library was peaceful and filled with books that took me away to different places.  And the librarian was always welcoming and ready to help me find whatever I needed.  The library was one place where I felt I fit in.

Never underestimate the importance of school libraries and librarians, especially concerning the development of children.  Let your school district know just how much your school librarian means to you.

Sincerely yours from the perch.

The Library Cast

When most people think of a library, chances are they think of librarians working there.  While that's very true, librarians aren't the only ones.  Like actors who can't make a movie without all those working behind the scenes, librarians can't run a library without all those working in various positions.  Today I'd like to talk about some of the other members of the library cast who may not be as well-known as librarians.

The circulation desk is where everyone goes to check out and return library items.  Depending on the size of the library, it's possible that the person checking out books to you isn't a librarian but rather a paraprofessional known as a circulation clerk or library technician.  This person keeps things moving along, checking items out and in.  The circulation clerk will also be the one to contact you if you have an item on hold or an item that's overdue.

Shelvers or pages are important jobs in the library, but they rarely get the credit they deserve.  Many are part-time employees, and some are even high school students or unpaid volunteers.  These people are responsible for getting items back on the shelves for you to peruse and check out.  They push around carts filled with items, bending low and reaching high to get things back where they belong and keep shelves looking orderly.  Many librarians, including yours truly, began their library careers as shelvers.

Nowadays, information technology (a.k.a. computers) is a big thing, and libraries are fortunate to have an IT expert on staff.  Although librarians are skilled in helping patrons use technology, including e-mail, the Internet, and electronic databases, they need help in maintaining and repairing computers when needed.  That's where an IT expert comes in.

Of course, the library is normally a welcoming and clean place to spend time reading a book, studying, or playing a game of checkers.  If the library is tidy and the bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper, that's because of the cleaning crew ensuring patrons are comfortable and have what they need.  They make the library a place where you want to spend your time.

These are just some of the many members of the library cast who help the library function successfully.  Take a moment the next time you visit your library to realize that beside librarians, there are other people at work who contribute to making your library experience a good one.

With gratitude to the all the library employees from the perch.

The Play's the Thing

For those of you who may not know, before I became your friendly, neighborhood perch librarian, I was a college instructor teaching theatre courses, such as Introduction to Theatre and American Theatre.  I was also involved in college theatre productions, working in various capacities from props and costumes to dramaturgy.

You might be surprised, then, to hear that I was a little nervous when I was asked to help with the library's drama club this summer.  Although I was no stranger to the theatre, working with a group of actors who had not reached their tweens was a new and unfamiliar experience for me.  I was unfazed by Shakespeare, Molière, and Aeschylus, but doing Hansel and Gretel with nine kids ranging in age from 3 to 7 petrified me.

For 8 weeks, there was a lot of trial and error with acting warm-ups and drama games.  We learned to be flexible, however, letting the kids develop their own version of the classic story.  The play was turned into Hanna and Gretel when a boy declined the role of Hansel and a girl wanted to play it.  There was a Deer, a Dog, a Unicorn, and even a Super Dinosaur that came to Hanna and Gretel's aid.  In a twist of fate, the Witch wanted Hanna and Gretel as guests for dinner, not as dinner.  It may sound cliché, but it really was rewarding to see how the kids progressed.

What I started with trepidation and the potential for failure turned into a successful and positive experience.  Despite their young ages, the kids came through, proving that they could follow directions and do more than what was expected of them.  I learned not only what theatrical exercises worked with very young actors, but also how to be comfortable and actually enjoy doing theatre with kids.  The kids must have enjoyed it as well since half of them asked if the library was going to do the drama club during the school year.

I suppose the lesson to be learned here is to be open to things outside of your comfort zone, because you can learn and have fun with something new.

Theatrically yours from the perch.

The Moon--50 Years Later

We got a big day in history coming up.  This Saturday, June 20, marks the 50th anniversary of when a human being set foot on the moon for the first time.  Neil Armstrong became the first person to step on the moon followed by Buzz Aldrin.

Many people today can't imagine a world that doesn't include space travel, the International Space Station, and satellites doing everything from sending pictures to Google Maps to beaming your television broadcasts.  The moon was far and mysterious, something that impacted ocean tides and supposedly caused lunacy (note how the words lunacy, lunatic, and lunar all have the prefix luna, which means "moon").  Astronomers studied it and writers fantasized about it throughout the centuries.

For those of us who want to celebrate the golden anniversary of Apollo 11, there are a number of books and movies about the moon landing and the space program:

• Apollo 11 (DVD)  Original color footage of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon and the moon landing are put together.
• Apollo 13 (DVD)  The "successful failure" of the Apollo 13 mission in which three astronauts didn't land on the moon as planned but came safely back home.
• Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys by Michael Collins  An Apollo 11 astronaut shares his experiences from his first flight to the moon landing.
• The Dish (DVD)  The little known but true story of how scientists used one of the world's largest radio telescope dishes in Australia to transmit a live video feed of the first moon landing to the world.
• Eight Days Gone by Linda McReynolds  A book educating children (and adults) on the Apollo 11 mission and the history of NASA's mission to the moon.
• First Man (DVD)  Focuses on the professional and personal challenges of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
• Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly  Tells the story of four African-American female mathematicians who contributed to some of the greatest moments of NASA's space program.
• Mission to the Moon by Alan Dyer  A children's book addressing the Apollo 11 moon landing as well as other moon missions that followed.
• Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca  Presents the story of the Apollo 11 mission from Earth all the way to the moon.

Take one (or several) small steps to the library, but one giant leap into the history of space exploration.  Come in and check out a book or DVD that will put your head in the clouds.

With out of this world wishes from the perch.

The Benefits of (Summer) Reading

The Summer Reading Program is going full steam at our library as well as at other libraries across the country.  Kids, teens, and adults are taking part by reading books for pleasure, logging in their hours spent reading, and collecting prizes for logs completed.

It's great that program participants are given tangible rewards for their time spent reading, but there are more rewards that go beyond travel mugs and splat balls.  Allow me to elaborate on the benefits of reading at any age:

• Improves reading skills.  The more you do something, the better you get. Reading is something to practice just like any other activity.
• Improves writing skills.  A good writer is also a good reader.  Books demonstrate how language is used.
• Increases the desire to read.  When you eat a potato chip, you know you can't eat just one.  The same goes for books.
• Improves self-esteem.  Reading builds vocabulary and knowledge.  It's a good feeling when you're able to express yourself well and talk about things you know.
• Improves memory.  When you read a book, one event in a story often leads to the next. Reading exercises your mind and helps you remember earlier things.
• Improves concentration.  You just have to know what happens next in the story, don't you?  Reading will help you focus and concentrate better.
• Reduces stress.  Need to relax?  Reading allows you to forget your troubles and focus on something else for a while.
• Promotes curiosity and learning.  Reading exposes you to different things that will make you want to learn and understand more.
• Improves empathy.  Connecting with fictional characters helps us connect with real people in our lives.
• Provides entertainment.  Books and the stories they tell are fun!  They take us to different places when we have nowhere to go.
• Creates a lifelong interest in reading.  When you start reading and make it an enjoyable activity, it becomes a good habit.

I'm sure there are more benefits of reading than the ones I've listed.  What do you consider to be the greatest reward from reading?  Share it with us!

Ever bookishly yours from the perch.

Time for Dad (and Others)

Alright, I know I'm a little late for Father's Day this year.  I'm sure you're disappointed that I didn't write a post about the latest tie trends, or even better yet, what your dad can do with all those novelty ties gifted to him over the years.

I don't know about your father, but mine along with my father-in-law have everything, so it's difficult to buy gifts for them.  They don't need anything and they don't want anything, but how could I not get them something for Father's Day?  So, I racked my brain and came up with...munchies!  I don't know which guy doesn't like munchies (my husband is a notorious munchie muncher; munchies in the house don't stand a chance), and in the end, dad and dad-in-law got different varieties of nuts from Trader Joe's.

There was another thing, however, that I and my husband gave to our dads this past Father's Day--time.  As my father doesn't live nearby, we called and spoke with him on speaker, making sure he knew he was remembered and loved.  We listened to what he wanted to tell us.  Since my father-in-law lives within driving distance, we took him out for lunch and had a pleasant afternoon with him.

Munchies and (maybe) ties are all very well, but it's quality time spent with dad and others dear to us that make the best gifts.  Giving of yourself makes all the difference in the world.  Years from now, your father may not remember what you gave him on a particular Father's Day, but he's sure to remember the great time he spent with you on his special day.

Sending out love and good vibes to you from the perch.

Here's to Your (Summer) Health

Summer is a great time of year.  It's a time to be outdoors hiking, swimming, bike riding, camping, playing games, and being active.  It's also a time to be cautious and mindful of your health, something I was reminded of recently when my husband needed to be rushed to the ER.

Here are some important tips to follow in keeping safe and healthy during the hot summer months:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.  When it's really hot outside, be sure to drink plenty of water, even when you don't feel too thirsty.  Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are no laughing matter.
• Use sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.  Sunburns and skin cancer are nothing to joke about.  Slop on that sunscreen and slap on that hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
  
• Use insect repellent.  Mosquito bites are itchy and uncomfortable, and stings from bees or wasps can be dangerous.  Spray on the repellent and keep away from buzzing airborne things.
  
• Check for ticks.  There is currently no cure for lyme disease, which is serious and causes a whole array of health issues.  When going outdoors in tick-inhabited areas, tuck long pants into socks and do a body check for the pests as soon as you get home, pulling out any ticks from skin and seeking medical care.
• Food safety.  Everyone loves a summer barbecue or picnic, but no one wants to get food poisoning.  Don't keep salads and sandwiches with mayonnaise out too long, and be sure to cook meats thoroughly.
• Swim safety.  Even if you're an experienced swimmer, it's always a good idea to have a swim buddy, and it helps to swim where lifeguards are present.

So, get outside and enjoy the weather!  Have plenty of fun this summer, but don't let safety take a vacation with you.

With warm summer wishes from the perch.

Thank You to Our Military Members and Their Families

Memorial Day is just around the corner, our unofficial start to the summer.  It's the day we have barbecues, play games, go to the lake, and have fun times with our loved ones.  Being a library on a U.S. Air Force base that serves you, our patrons who are in the military and your families as well as veterans, we realize that Memorial Day means so much more.

We don't have to tell you that Memorial Day is about sacrifice because you know all about it.  Many of you are stationed away from your home and friends.  You are in a part of the country or a part of the world that is unfamiliar.  You are learning to adapt, doing the best you can to make that place your home away from home.

We don't have to tell you that some of you sacrifice everyday home life.  Some of you are deployed and are temporarily separated from your spouses and children.  During the time you are away, you are missing holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, first steps, school concerts, and a number of other milestones that can never be repeated.  You are doing the best you can to stay in touch through phone calls, e-mails, and Skype, to feel that you're together even when you're not.

We don't have to tell you that some of you have sacrificed your physical and mental health.  Some of you have gone to war zones in other parts of the world and returned without a limb or with a traumatic brain injury.  Some of you have returned from those war zones physically fine, but mentally you have returned as a different person, unable to forget the things that no one should have to witness or experience.

We don't have to tell you that some of you have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Some of you have not come home.  Some of you have a spouse, a child, a sibling, a parent, a friend who you will never see again.  There is an emptiness that will never be filled, a pain that will never go away.

What we do have to tell you is that we are grateful for the sacrifices you make to keep us and your country safe.  We are grateful that you protect our freedom so we can enjoy our way of life.  It's because of you and the sacrifices you and your families make that we can have those barbecues, play those games, go to the lake, and have those fun times with our loved ones.  We honor you, we thank you, and we appreciate all that you do.

Respectfully and humbly yours from the perch.

Cards Say It from the Heart

Remember when you were a kid and made your mom a Mother's Day card in your art class?  You put all your love, paint, and glitter into making that special card from the heart.  And your mom was overjoyed not because you were a budding artist, but because you cared enough to take the time and put in the effort making her a card that was unlike any in the whole world.

Store-bought cards are wonderful and it's great to choose the one that expresses what you want to say to your mom.  However, there's just something about handmade cards.  Talk to my mother-in-law: she loves it that her adult son (my brother-in-law) still draws her Mother's Day cards (and he never forgets to include his age on them).

Whether you're a kid or an adult, why not get those creative juices flowing and make your mom a card this year?  (Including your age on it is optional.)  There are all kinds of things you can do to decorate a card--draw, use colored tape, paste tissue paper, sew string hearts, finger paint...the possibilities are endless.  If you're still unsure of what to do, find some inspiration at websites like Cute DIY Projects, diy joy, or Red Tricycle.

Remember, Mother's Day is not about the perfect card or the perfect gift.  It's about spending time with your mom and letting her know she's special.  Whatever you do for your mom, have a wonderful Mother's Day!

With best wishes from the perch.

April Showers Bring People Indoors

Are you tired of this rainy weather?  If you're like me, the gloomy skies and rain beating against the windows are probably wearing you down by now.  I know that April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but for now they're bringing people inside.

What can we do indoors (other than reading books and watching movies) to keep us from going stir crazy?  Here are some ideas:

• Light some candles.  Create a cozy mood in your home with the soft glow of a flickering candle.  Burn a scented candle or incense for some soothing aromatherapy.
• Make a nice warm drink.  If it's cold and wet outside, warm yourself from within. Make coffee, tea, hot chocolate...whatever puts a smile on your face.
• Play your favorite music.  Don't they say music calms the savage beast?  Listen to some of your favorite tunes!
• Cook something in the slow cooker.  Not in the mood for cooking?  Try a "dump" recipe, like a soup or stew, for your slow cooker.  Dump everything in the slow cooker and have a homey meal later.
• Take a long bath or shower.  There's just something about hot water, whether you're soaking in it or having it run down your skin.  It relaxes your body and clears your mind.
• Make time for a nap.  Experts say that a 10-30 minute power nap can improve our mood and make us feel refreshed. Give it a try.
• Do a hobby.  Into knitting, drawing, woodworking, or some other hobby?  Rainy days are great for doing them.
• Exercise.  A few jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, or walking in place is all it takes to get the endorphins ( a.k.a. the happy hormones) going.  Get off the couch and start moving around!
• Cleaning.  They call it spring cleaning for a reason.  Say goodbye to winter and say hello to a fresh new spring!

I'm sure there are other things to do when the weather is rainy.  If you don't feel like staying home, there are always museums to explore and (surprise!) the library to visit.  Do you have a rainy day activity you enjoy doing?  Share with us!

Wishing you warm, sunny days ahead from the perch.

Unplug and Connect

Other sci-fi nerds like myself may be familiar with Seth McFarlane's The Orville.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Star Trek-inspired comedy, it deals with a spaceship crew traveling across the universe to seek and make peaceful contact with other civilizations.  Despite the future setting and entertaining storylines, it's often a thinly veiled commentary on present-day society.

Take for instance a recent episode in which a time capsule from the year 2015 is opened.  Among the objects found within is a cell phone, and through it, one of the characters gets to know its long-deceased owner.  Not only does he learn everything about the woman to whom the phone belonged, he also falls in love and has more of a relationship with her than with a living person.

I think it's sad that our electronic devices and social media outlets connect us with so many people while simultaneously distancing us like never before.  Our face-to-face encounters are becoming fewer and more difficult to actualize.  Although keeping in touch electronically is de rigueur, we must not forget the importance of in-person contact.

I know I'm biased as a perch librarian, but libraries play a big part in creating and encouraging people to physically come together and interact with each other sans electronics.  Programs--for instance, storytimes for kids, escape rooms for teens, and crafting groups for adults--promote socializing in person.  If you're tired of dealing with others remotely through screens, come to the library where there's always people right in front of you.  Come unplug for a spell.

Ever yours live from the perch.

The Luck (and Movies) of the Irish

St. Patrick's Day, that lucky day of the Irish, is upon us.  Perhaps you're going to wear something green, attend a parade, or grab a pint at the pub. Not into all the noise and revelry?  Is a quiet celebration at home more your style?  Then maybe an Irish movie is the ticket for you.  If that's the case, allow me to share some of my favorites to help you get in the spirit of the holiday:

• Angela's Ashes  Based on the memoir by Frank McCourt, it tells of the author's impoverished Catholic childhood in Limerick.  Great for a good cry. 
• Brooklyn  A young woman moves from Ireland to Brooklyn, New York for a better life in the 1950s.  A nice coming-to-America story.
• Circle of Friends  There's laughter, tears, and everything else when a group of friends come of age in 1950s Ireland. 
• Leap Year  An American woman follows an Irish tradition of proposing to her boyfriend on leap day, but it doesn't go according to plan.
  
• Michael Collins  Starring Liam Neeson and Julia Roberts, this historical movie focuses on the revolutionary leader who helped bring about Ireland's independence from Britain.
• The Quiet Man  It may not be the most politically correct movie by today's standards, but it's still a charming one with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

I realize my list only scratches the tip of the iceberg and that there are many other movies with Irish themes and characters worth watching.  Do you have a favorite Irish movie?  Share it with us!

Wishing you many Irish blessings from the perch.

Adieu, February

February, An Acrostic Poem

Full of snow, snow, and snow.
Everybody hates the mess and cold.
Blue skies with sun are only a dream.
Really feeling sluggish and
Under the weather.
Are we ever going to see spring?
Ready to say goodbye and good riddance to
Your 28 long days of gloom.

Super Bowl Sunday for Non-Fans

I'm about to write something blasphemous to many Americans--I do not enjoy or watch football.  Even though I went to a Big Ten school (Penn State) and my friends painstakingly tried to explain the game to me, it was all to no avail.  Football, in my opinion, makes no sense at all.  The way I see it, players run, clobber, stop, repeat, trying to get a ball over a touchdown line.  It lacks the speed of soccer and the sense of baseball.  I have difficulty not only in understanding the game, but in understanding why so many people are goo-goo ga-ga for it.

Perhaps there are others out there like me?  People who aren't planning on watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, who don't know which teams are playing, and who don't care which team will win?  I know we're probably in the minority, but we're out there--we do exist!

So, what is the minority, the non-fans, doing while the rest of the country is glued to the television and devouring all those hot wings, pizza, chips, beer, and other fat-loaded, gut-busting, gastronomic concoctions?  Speaking for yours truly here, I view Super Bowl Sunday as the best day to go shopping.  I hate traffic and crowds, so the streets will be nearly empty and the mall will be quiet.  Eateries will be peaceful, unless you go to any with big screen televisions.  The cinema will have all those prime seats available; you won't have to worry about the guy chomping popcorn loudly in front of you or that annoying couple behind you commenting on all the action.  Of course, Starbucks or any other bakery cafe will be a great place to do my all-time favorite activity of reading.

Super Bowl Sunday is therefore a win-win situation for everybody.  The fans can relish a day of sport and bacchanalian delights at home, while the non-fans can relish peace and quiet around their town.  Whether you're a fan or a non-fan, enjoy your Sunday and be safe.

Wishing you a happy weekend from the perch.

Lazy Days--More Productive Than You Think!

How are you doing with those New Year's resolutions?  Are you being good and keeping up with them?  Or have you put them aside and are experiencing the post-holiday, pre-Groundhog Day, mid-winter seasonal slump?

Up to this point, I've been good with keeping one of my resolutions (a monthly massage to work out all the kinks in my head, neck, and shoulders from computer work), but I'm starting to fall into that hibernation stage that happens sometime during the winter.  I find myself wanting to stay inside my warm house cuddled up on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn and a movie. And if I'm not doing that, I'm in bed propped up on a bunch of pillows and catching up with the stack of books on my nightstand that I haven't touched since before Thanksgiving.

If you're like me, you might be feeling guilty about not getting out more and being productive, but you really shouldn't feel this way because doing nothing is really something.  What's that, you say?  You heard right--just as it's important for us to exercise and be active, it's equally important for us to take a break and relax.  Getting extra sleep and rest rebuilds both our bodies and our minds.  Physically, we strengthen our immune system, relax our muscles, relieve any tension, reduce stress, and lower our risk of heart disease.  Mentally, we sharpen our minds, improve our concentration, and increase our alertness, not to mention that doing low-key and fun things help rebuild our spirit.

So, take a break and do some self-care!  Have a lazy day watching TV, calling a friend, taking a nap, or doing whatever else strikes your fancy guilt-free.  That seemingly unproductive time will make you more productive when you need to be.

Wishing you a great lazy day from the perch.

Evolution of the Resolution

Greetings!  We got through the holidays and are now officially in the second week of the New Year!  Along with making holiday bills, you've probably made a few resolutions.  Of course, there are the standard ones: lose weight, exercise, stop smoking, save more, spend less, get a new hobby, etc.  Then there are the not-so-standard ones: skydive, swim with sharks, volcano surf, or eat fugu (personally, I think I'd take my chance with the sharks than with the fugu).

How did we ever get started with the business of resolutions and why is it so hard to keep the resolutions we make?

We can blame the ancient Babylonians for getting everyone on the resolution bandwagon.  They made promises when crops were planted (around mid-March) to remain loyal to the king, pay debts, and return anything they borrowed.  Later on, Christians thought about their past mistakes and made resolutions to be better in the coming year.  Nowadays, we make resolutions to improve ourselves, but it's so darn hard to keep them.

If we make resolutions that are difficult to accomplish or achieve by ourselves, we probably won't keep them.  When you make a resolution, make one that's reasonable.  If you want to knit a sweater but have never knitted before, start off with something simpler, like a scarf.  Having moral support from others also helps.  For instance, if you plan to diet or exercise, do it with another person or a group of people.

Happy New Year and good luck with those resolutions!  And should you have trouble keeping them, don't beat yourself over the head--tomorrow's a new day and technically the start of another new year.

Wishing you good resolution vibes from the perch.