Setting Everything Aside

 

 

 

                                                  Setting Everything Aside

It’s possible to just let the pen punish the paper so to speak.

Let the pen have its way - the paper is merely a surface.

Let my joy and flitting mind have its way - the keyboard is merely

an instrument.

Time to allow the “what ifs” to emerge into…….

 

What if I am so successful with this book mobile that

another one becomes driven by another one and

another as many books are given to children who

might never have their own books to read, to turn

pages, to delve into the fantasy that only

one mind can devour from one book.

 

As with the starfish thrown back into the sea,

“You can’t possibly save all the starfish.”

“But I can save that one!”

Just one more child with a book as a starfish finding itself

in the ocean of joyous reading.

 

                *      *      *     *     *

 

Welcome to the Banned Book Nook, aahhh yes!

Welcome to a corner in the vintage book mobile, closet rod removed,

where one can browse the shelves of banned books,

children’s picture books, adult novels, poetry, graphic novels

and more….banned from children and you having access to

decide for yourself what you desire to read, yes?

 

Parents, decide what books your children should read, not what

other children should read.

Allow the access to be free, the wisdom to be gained by reading

what may be offensive to others, may not be to you, yes?

 

My Little Free Library is free for all children, free in its accessibility,

free in its boundless opportunity to give all who enter the

option: choose one book, one message, an escape into

words, pictures, diagrams, sketches, photos, silly stuff

pages of colors with no words

                                 pages of words with no colors

                  pages of people with many colors

                                                     pages of people with colorful words..

 

So different are we that I wonder about the starfish that did get picked up,

tossed to the sea to live and not perish on the sands. I wonder about

the book that will get picked up, tossed into a child’s mind to stretch his

imagination, knowing, of course, that the child will not perish but is given

one more chance to grow intellectually, emotionally and with wisdom

imparted from the pages.              

 

"Are there any questions?"

08/28/2022

(Response written to Margaret Atwood's last line of her novel, The Handmaid's Tale, which is "Are there any questions?"

 

 

From Idaho to Texas

The trek to Texas from Idaho with my new-to-me 1975 Chevy truck and 1968 vintage travel trailer is nearing departure. The trailer wheels are being repainted and new tires put on as I write this. The trailer will be my bookmobile, my Little Free Library on wheels. The exterior will be white/yellow to match the truck and have decals of dots and jamajoan’s bookmobile, free books for all children.

The Little Free Library gave their consent to my idea so I shall register with them and use their app to post my location. I hope to attend festivals, farmer’s markets, parades and small town celebrations throughout the year. https://littlefreelibrary.com

“Where to find the books?” you ask. I will scour thrift stores, garage sales and hopefully the word will spread that jamajoan’s bookmobile will gladly receive your children’s books. 

How could this possibly fail? What could possible go wrong? 

The truck may need maintenance; we have a backup truck to use.

My challenge? How do I keep track of who gets what and how often can the same child visit and receive a free book? I am not concerned. There will always be folks wanting to trade books too, don’t you think?

And what could be more delightful than a child frequenting the “library” seeking literacy.

Nature Cures

 

Spending the summer in a state park can be quite invigorating. For the first time ever, I have spent time (and money on bird feeders) sitting and watching the pine siskins, chickadees and hummers. I am aware that just sitting is not my default. However, I am learning to sit and watch, maybe have coffee, not always necessary.

I don’t have to be on my phone or iPad.

I don’t have to be reading a book.

I don’t have to be holding a camera.

I don’t even have to be journaling.

I can just be!

And as I spend these moments in observation and reflection I am discovering a peace in existing, also a piece of existence. It is ok to sit and sift thoughts. 

Not particularly earth shaking philosophies, but definitely a way to simmer and store the best part of life’s joys without always doing and processing. 

Yes, this summer 2022 has been looking inside while outside with fluttering wings, shivering limbs and clouds of glory over all.

It just requires a lawn chair and a willingness to be! 

Jill Badonsky, author of “The Muse Is In” says that meditation is to “ quiet the incessant chatter of the mind, relax the body, and tap into a flow of inspiration, intuition, and imagination” (p. 57).  That all sounds like a big order of tapping. However, the mind is capable of taking one on unsuspecting journeys when stilled and only prompted by nature’s gifts. 

It’s free for the taking!

♥️ Joan

Junior Ranger Program

 The above photo captures part of the Jr. Ranger room, Farragut State Park, Athol, Idaho.

I am spending 3+ months volunteering in this room. Dave and Ava are back at the trailer in our lovely site on Volunteer Row Rd. Actually, today Dave is rewiring the new-to-me vintage trailer, preparing it for our trek Labor Day weekend back to Texas.

The program has been established for four years and is very well done. Activities such as water coloring, sensory bins (sand), touch and feel feathers and bird nests, deer bones to hold and explore……oh, so much for children of all ages. The bat corner is getting a small table on which the kids will be able to put together a bat skeleton, complete with intestines and lungs. This was one of my requests. Other suggestions have been honored, but not all!

My responsibilities include directing the children and parents through the self-guided “This or That” multiple choice worksheet on mini-clipboards, answer questions and check out backpacks loaded with activities and fishing rods/tackle boxes. These items can be borrowed for 24 hours to folks camped in the park and neighbors in the community. 

Since I have my hotspot on my phone which connects with an iPad, I keep myself entertained between visitors. As I contemplate this blog there are nine adults and teenagers in the room.  The boys are answering the clip board questions. I will give them a badge and patch if they complete the circuit.

They were such pleasant young men. The joy in meeting and greeting our future generation is rewarding. Yes, they completed all requirements  to earn a badge.

The interactions between parents and children is also interesting to observe. This is definitely a family room!

Before I sign off, excuse me as I pour some water in a tiny paper cup. The cutest five-year-old is water coloring as mom instructs, “Dip the brush into the water, then the paint. He is smiling as Dad sits down beside him. Little Boy says, “I need more juice,” (meaning water on the brush).  Big Sister is stamping her activity book documenting activities experienced here at Farragut. Now the two-year old is water coloring too, per Dad’s instructions.

All will receive a badge. I reward ALL participants that work at their levels of competency.

(to be continued)