Hello Everyone! Happy 2024!
It has been awhile since my last post, but I know no one is counting (I hope), and this is a grace filled space… because it is my space. ❤️
Recently I read this book, “This is NOT My Story”, by Ryan Uytdewilligen:
And I thought…hmm…is this my 2023 summary??? 😯
Yes and also no.
2023 was a year of a major accomplishment (First Time Homebuyer 🏡), new city explorations, and lots of movies. It was also a year of trying again and again, some loneliness, and feeling a bit lost. 😕
Hence the book connection. I “tried on” so many things in 2023 that “Nope” almost became my 2024 word. (Ha!)
But “trying on” is one of the ways to find yourself and your story. Just like this engaging picture book by Ryan Uytdewilligen and illustrated by David Huyck.
And what a great message and discussion for kids and the classroom! 📚👏🏽
As a HUGE teacher bonus, you also get to explore the genres, making this book also a reference book! 🎉
Another WIN are all the story starters for writing time! 📝
And the ending leaves you wondering and wonder is magic! 🥰
So I will add all my 2023 “try ons” in the win category and celebrate the learning in the journey.
Happy Reading!
–Kalynda
It is my birthday this week and I have many day trips planned. Yesterday’s day trip took me to Blackfoot, Idaho–home to the Potato Museum, beautiful murals, and one of the happiest librarians I have ever met!
Located in downtown Blackfoot, the library has been providing books to the area since 1915. Their new home was dedicated in August 1988 near its historic start.
Immediately, I was drawn in by the library’s:
Upon entering the children’s section I was greeted with warmth by the library director. I complimented the arrangement and display of the library as a whole, especially the children’s section, and she beamed! This made my heart so happy! She clearly loved what she does and had that bubbly/excited disposition of someone who was brimming with ideas driven by passion.
When I commented on her love of her job, she shared that she started in high school and hasn’t left–she has always loved it! Wow! That’s amazing, and it is no wonder–what a fun job! Definitely one on my list!
Walking through the library, I spotted additional–“Oh, that’s clever” areas:
My most favorite “Oh that’s clever” finds was the “Night at the Library” Surveillance Footage.
The library director shared that this was when the children were able to bring in their favorite stuffed animal for a night at the library. Then…the surveillance footage was able to catch the stuffed animals as they read, played, and got into a bit of trouble.
How Fun!
What a gem this public library is to the town of Blackfoot, Idaho, thanks to their librarians and their supportive community.
I walked away so inspired and lifted by not only the ideas shared, but also by the empowering energy of a person loving what they do and sharing that joy with the community.
May all of us find that path for ourselves!
Happy Inspiration!
-Kalynda