Ch-ch-ch-Changes

I mentioned that during testing I made plans for some changes to the library.  That very Friday afternoon I was able to start implementing some of those changes---and then I worked on things a bit more as my library space was in use for a meeting the following week.

I'm thrilled that my principal was on board and helped get the district painters out SO quickly to paint the wall behind the circ desk "dragon gold" as well as painting over the what-had-been-hideous-but-now-looks-amazing galvanized steel piping on the back wall that holds extra electrical stuff.  I can't tell you what a difference these little touches have already made!

Sometimes its the little things, folks.  We can rearrange a cozy reading area to make it even better and suddenly the entire world (or library, as it were) opens up with new possibilities.

For me, my mind is buzzing with a renewed energy and excitement.  I'm finishing up this school year, yes...but already really in the head space for planning for next year.

David Bowie is a master, but perhaps the fabulous Nina Simone said it best...



I'll post pics of my "new" library soon!

Mrs. S

The Times They ARE a Changin'!

After getting incredibly inspired last night by the TL Virtual Cafe:

The Connected Concierge In Your School (& Classroom!) April 8th, 8pm EST with Tiffany Whitehead (aka The Mighty Little Librarian) and Nick Provenzano (aka The Nerdy Teacher). The age of toiling away alone in the classroom is long gone. There is a hero in your midst that can help you now. This suave savior is a master of media, a talented techie, and a connected colleague. The teacher librarian should be the "go to" resource in every building. This chat is going to focus on how these amazing people can be integrated into a teacher's lesson planner.

I feel like my MOJO is completely BACK, people!  I have been a blog-readin', idea-thinkin', revved up library gal today.  Reading Jennifer LaGuarde's blog, The Adventures of Library Girl I came across a billion ideas I'd like to *ahem* steal, and this awesome slideshare page is one of them.  It was just TOO good not to share it with everyone.

Mrs. S

Librarians Are Ready from Jennifer LaGarde

Spring has sprung...

and it has been fabulous thus far.  Even on the days that are still chilly or rainy (or that lovely combo of both!)  spring is STILL in the air and it just feels renewing.

My gorgeous girls on Easter Sunday.  Aren't they lovely?  Yes, I'm a proud mama! :)
























This week we Texas educators have been giving the STAAR test.  While I'm not in love with all the standardized testing, the bright side is I have been able to test in my library for the past two days.  The beauty  is that proctoring a STAAR test gives a person a ton of extremely quiet "think" time.  Since I was allowed to test in my library, I had a chance to really focus on looking at things through new eyes and contemplate possible changes, shifts, and upgrades.  I have a new TO-DO list and am seriously excited to start implementing some of the changes tomorrow!

I hope that spring will be a time of renewal for you, too---that you will remember in the chaos of the day to breathe deeply and smile often.

Read on, Gentle Readers; Read on...
Mrs. S

Oh happy day!

Isn't this an absolutely lovely old postcard photo?  I just adore it---utterly fabulous! Found it on Pinterest (of course!) and just had to share.

Spring is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more thrilled.  Who doesn't feel renewed in the springtime air, right?

Last Friday I had the opportunity to gather with some amazing librarians in the East Texas area.  What a wonderful day we had discussing the future of school libraries---thinking outside the box, looking at unlimited possibilities and also hearing about some really cool "best practices" in our library world.  This was JUST the thing I have been longing for, so it was especially gratifying to be around others doing the same thing. 

Of course, we spoke in the context of imagining NO limitations (budget, time, etc.).  To me, this is the library world version of a avant-garde fashion show.  Once you free your mind to think TOTALLY outside the box, we can pick out the parts that are practical to begin now--while still dreaming of what our future will hold. 

I feel more energized than ever---I believe my mojo is officially back!  I hope all of you are feeling that, as well.


and to once again share the quote from my Womens History Month lesson (so applicable here, too)...

Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.

Mae Jemison, astronaut

Read on, gentle readers; read on!

Mrs. S

Womens History Month

So excited to teach some women's history month lessons!  Here are a few items I'll be using with my middle school classes.

Never limit yourself because of others' limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.

Mae Jemison, astronaut


Suffrage:the right of voting











and here's the link to an archived post & video on Madame CJ Walker

and last but not least, here's the link to an awesome Womens History Timeline from Biography.com

hello old friend, glad to see you again

 I will live in a place of gratitude for ALL that IS.

NaNoWriMo Approaches

We are officially halfway through October and November is fast approaching.  What does that mean?  It's time to get ready for NaNoWriMo!

And guess what?  This year is my year for winning!  I feel it.  True, I've participated before but never been a winner crossing that 50,000 word line.  Until now...

The process is always valuable because it gets me writing.  Whether it is crap or not I'm writing.  And that's progress, my friend, because real life is all too real with a hubby and two girls---ages 10 and 3. Let's just say  I don't ever have to look far to find an excuse NOT to write. 

I really admire (envy?) "real" writers that started their novel writing lives while still working a full time job as well as being parents.  I'm honestly not sure how they do it---but more power to 'em!  Cheers to you if you fall in this category, and may I join your ranks soon!

Let's Write!
Mrs. S