BOOKS- 1 BOOK READ

 

It took me awhile to read this book. I had not been reading but it became the firs to the summer lot.

A future fantasy war based in Ontario. A wonderful read by John Jantunen.

Usually I try to read 10 books over the summer. Well I read three.

This book was the most memorable. So maybe a new goal for Fall.

#books#readingbooksoverthesummer#mason'sjar#johnjantunen#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

5 REASONS THIS SENIOR WILL NOT GIVE UP HER BOOKS

Do you love to hear be a minimalist? Declutter! Get rid of things! And get rid of all your books! Hum!

1. I love books. I love reading both fiction and non-fiction. Always have a book in both categories on the go. In University I wanted to have a home library of my own. So the den with a wall of shelves was created. There is an emotional comfort to have favourite books or reference books and even dictionaries to peruse. Sitting at a computer to find the meaning of a word just does not cut it all the time. Yes I know there are E-books but hard to hold in one's hands or at the beach or on a plane.

2. Genealogy has many different books. So another two shelves of genealogy references are handy to the family history binders. Okay to go to a library but one's own reference material is always quicker and at one's fingertips. Oh the atlas and history books that go with this topic!

3. Crafts have many different theme and ideas and yes books. Then a few binders with ideas downloaded from the Internet complement those ideas. Holding on to patterns for knitting, crocheting or sewing is important too. Many modern ideas just use old patterns and ideas.

4. The love of art! So books bought on trips or to art galleries are wonderful reminders of travel. Looking through those books periodically let's me enjoy the artist's creations again and again.

5. Like a garden, books can be weeded to find a new home. Donations of pocketbooks to charity sales. The genealogy library nearby has acquired a few of my books that did not contain any family history information for me. So not being overrun with books is important too. But keeping books from my children's childhoods are handy for this new generation to enjoy.

Having books are a way to support our intelligence.To keep the brain active. So will this Senior ever be without books? Nope. How about you? Do you love your books?
#books#seniorlovesherbooks#generaloybooks#historybooks#craftbooks#artbooks#loveofbooks#donationsofbooks#homelibrary#library

AND THE GILLER PRIZE WINNER IS....

The Canadian book writers, the publishers and the reading public. Being on the shortlist is huge for all the authors. As a  Canadian reader, I have bought the short wait list books for the last several years. Honestly I try to read them all throughout the year. Sometimes they become my summer reading. Buying and promoting Canadian books one purchase at a time is good for the authors and the country.
Oh yeah, the winner this year is Michael Redhill- Bellevue Square. Try to check it out and the other books.
#gillerprize#mindsofwinter#intransit#IamaTruck#shortlist#reading#Canadian#Bellevuesquare#sonofatrickster#publishers

JULY-THE FIRST REAL SUMMER MONTH

With the longer days and warmer weather, summer is here. Kids to day and sleepover camps have begun! Summer goals are simple. Take in as many fun summer ventures and activities. For me some local ones- Jazz in the Plaza starts tonight. A short walk to the local theatre for music. Rain or shine. If wet, it moves indoors. Reading books is still a luxury. Finished my first one- Girl on the Train. Nice fast, quick easy read. The garden- able to cut the grass but all the gardens are a jungle. Goal to work methodically around the edges and eventually get to the middle of the beds. Or I could wait until Fall and just cut everything back. No horticultural awards for me! Not sure about vacation time yet with the new system starting at work next week. Everyone is a little apprehensive! With all the recent crisises in my life, I want to take the summer slowly. So how will your July be? Some adventures, staycations or home projects? Whatever, here's to July!!

And to the variety of daisies abounding in the gardens and on the roadways. Such a beautiful natural flower.

CANADIAN LITERATURE-THE GILLER PRIZE

Each  author who has been shortlisted for this important literary event is awarded a monetary prize as well as recognition. There are other contests for poetry, non-fiction and historical fiction during the year. Buying and reading some of the books featured supports Canadian Literature. Of course, E-books and trips to the library can expand  reading of our authors. Belonging to a book club can be fun too!  For now, I try to purchase the Giller shortlist books and some from other events.
The books and authors for this year are:

THE GIRL WHO WAS SATURDAY NIGHT- by Heather O'Neil

TELL- by Frances Itani

ALL MY PUNY SORROWS-by Mirian Toews

US CONDUCTORS- by Sean Michaels

THE BETRAYERS- by David Bezmozgis

THE EVER AFTER PF ASJWOM RA0- by Padma Viswanathan

Did you want to know what the books are containing? Why not look them up on line or go to a bookstore and check them out?
Today, November 10, 2014 the awards will be announced on Canadian TV- CBC I think, used to be another channel. Perhaps you could make it a habit to buy a copy of the winner each year to help support our authors.
 If you know a local author, try to support the efforts. A love of books and literature lasts a lifetime, regardless of how it is read. Reading is necessary for every generation even with all the gadgets used in modern times.
So if you have a favourite book award program, check out the books! Talk about them. Encourage others to read them.
I will be honest, I do not read every book I have ever purchased. They are on my shelves and available to be read when able. So a shortlist book from another year may be on my summer reading list or taken on a trip. Since some of the books over the years has been a collection of short stories, easy read on a long trip. Books do not become stale.
As for non-fiction award programs, there are some interesting and thought provoking books available
too. For example, with the commemoration of the start of World War One there is a new influx of books on Canada's military history.
The Toronto Star books has many books on a variety of themes. I purchased some history books about  Canadian food to use in Adolph's blog.
Of course, books are on my grandchildren's Christmas lists. This Nana has already bought their choices. With online shopping, it is so easy to find all the desired titles. With online catalogues of libraries simplifies a trip to take out a book.  I still prefer to go to a bookstore and browse but with the option of shopping from my computer, makes life easier.
So literature from home or international teaches us so much. If we want the modern generation to have a love of reading, be seen reading. My parents always had books in the home and were readers. My coffee table has coffee table books but they are directed at my grandchildren. One book- a day in the life of the world featuring pictures from May 15, 2012 is a favourite of my granddaughter. There is also a book about animals written at a child's level. I even put an Art book too so they will see some art and begin to get an appreciation.. Read to your children.
So what are you reading? Why? How does it interest you? Literature helps us understand the psyche of a nation and a people. What would I find on your bookshelf? What books have you taken from the Library lately? Reading is good. I am glad that people read my blog. Gives me encouragement to keep on writing.

NANA SAYS BOOKS ARE STILL GREAT FOR CHILDREN

With the invention of the printing press, the masses had access to books. For children even in this technological age with computer interactive games, the book is still a wonderful treasure not only for a child but youth and adults. I know there are e-books that many people love. Talking books can be great on long road trips. Sitting with a book and reading to a young child is still a beloved way to connect to the written word as well as have an emotional moment together. Going to the library and selecting some books can be a social activity. With events for young children, it can be a warm engaging place to be. On my grandchildren's Christmas lists there are several book suggestions. My granddaughter loves to make her own books with some paper, folding and stapling-she creates a subject and has her own content. Bedtime comes with story time for young children. Often, older children are left reading before they fall asleep. Many adults, of course, read a page or two before dozing off to sleep! Big books, little books, picture books, dictionaries, thesaurus and even the atlas are a must for any home. Encouraging children to look up a word in a dictionary is still a way to enrich one's language skills. Donating books to day cares, libraries or communities needing books is a way to wean one's shelves of read books. Children can carry the books in their arms or read on a long car trip. So with all the other tools used in our modern age, keep books front and center. Be a role model to children in your lives. Seeing, touching and reading books regularly becomes part of a family's life. Adults have book clubs. So perhaps a family book discussion could be something to include in a daily activity. On those drives to those copious lessons that are so time consuming, being interested in what your child is reading may be fodder for a conversation. Of course for the bored parent waiting for those lessons to finish, it may be an opportunity to read your own book! Any thoughts?

THE BEST BOOK ON GRIEF

I wrote in a previous post about C.S. Lewis who wrote A Grief Observed. It is one of the best books on grieving that I have read and used in my practice. Recently I bought a bunch to give to significant people in my life who unfortunately are in the midst of grief. His beautiful little book begins- " No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid." His book is his personal experience of grieving and missing his wife. It is usually quoted in all the modern texts on grief and loss. Reading a book will not resolve all your issues of grief. However, in the middle of the night when you really do not want to talk about how you feel, reading and processing another's thoughts who had the painful journey can bring solace! Knowing we are lonely but not alone in our bereavement journey as others before us have travelled the road let's us know it is okay to feel the pain in the depths of our souls! Lewis was known for The Narnia Chronicles but he was also a theologian with a deep faith. Grief makes us question many parts of our life and our place in the cosmos. He questioned and questioned. Does it let us also question? You bet. There are usually no definitive answers but the questioning and seeking answers can become the journey. Have you read this beautiful little book? It is available I am sure at your local library. I hope the people in my life will find it useful.

NANA SAYS KEEP CHILD'S PLAY SIMPLE

Each generation of parents wants their children to be brighter than the one previously and larger than life. Are computer skills at two years old really necessary? Exposing children to books, crafts, creative opportunities are the fodder for learning. Toys with bells and whistles are good too but not the only things to be available.While playing in the snow with one of my grandsons recently, I followed his lead. He likes to dig and play with his roller- his wheelbarrow. It is his machine. He was transporting the snow from one place to another. We were engaging in imaginative play. The tools- shovel, plastic wheelbarrow and snow. We were labelling, counting and using the materials at hand. Hum! Skills that could help with a lifetime? Later he wanted to play with a ball of my wool. He took it around the house- made tunnels and walls. Even Nana was on her knees crawling under his tunnel in play! Simple play. There is always the old joke- the child likes the box a toy comes in better than the toy itself. By talking with childen- language development; grammar; math- how many cookies on your plate?; science- look at the squirrel eating-where do you think he lives or observing the night sky watching the changing of the moon;  listening to music and reading from favourite books- are skills readily available to any parent rich or poor. Playing with children allows the opportunity to develop a relationship as well a teaching moment. All those little moments really are important! What simple play activities do you do? How do you engage with the children in your life? Do you have other suggestions for simple play? Following each child's interest and lead can enrich the experience.

NANA SAYS ENJOY THOSE SCHOOL BREAKS AT CHRISTMAS

Now that the excitement of Christmas is over and the children do not go back to school for two weeks, it can be a good time to regroup as a family. Many parents also have reduced work hours and a chance to do activities with their children. It does not mean running around and shopping. Quiet ones like playing with the new toys for the little ones or having your older children teach you about your new gadgets. My Sonya is helping me with my new RIM Playbook! Close to my home there is a good hill by the library. When there is enough snow, old and young are toboganning or using a sled! Old fashioned fun. Little backyard skating rinks help the little ones practice their skating skills or even using a patch of ice found in parks would do. For the skiers and snowboarders, a chance to go to the slopes! Playing in the snow making snowmen or snow angels is also simple! A midwinter cleanup! Filtering through unused toys or items replacing with the newly acquired things. A drive to your major city, looking at the lights before the New Year when they all come down. Crafts, cookie making, a new recipe, or just watching movies together or even going out to a movie make for fun family moments. I remember enjoying the time at Christmas as a child. The break from school gave opportunities to lounge in my new jammies, read any new books and just play. As a teenager, spending time with friends and maybe a sleepover! Listening to music and dancing in my room! When my children were little, just enjoying the days off work to be with them! It can be a time of renewel before we face the rest of the winter. It is also a chance to establish some new winter routines to help enjoy a season most of us just tolerate. Children embrace snow and the joys it brings! Perhaps we can learn from them! What are some activities you do in winter? Are you enjoying the break with your children or grandchildren? Tell me your favourite winter tale!

NANA SAYS SHARE THE LOAD IN THIS BUSY FESTIVE SEASON

The Christmas season brings so much pressure and stress to take in as much as possible. Shopping, parties, gift wrapping, house decorating and even several parades. Dragging children-young and old around malls shopping can be reduced by leaving them at home with the other spouse or using people- like Nanas in your life. Leave them with a friend so you can reciprocate and babysit the other children to give that parent a chance to shop. Baking groups-if you still bake- make several dozens of one kind of cookies or squares and the group does the same sharing with you. These modern times bring so much online shopping. So after putting the little ones to bed, go to the computer and shop. Even this Nana has used the new way at least 3 times this season. Being on email newsletters and flyers bring the deals to your home. Not interested just delete. Decide what is really important- so planning and more planning. Most young parents I know already have those Christmas pictures done for Christmas cards! So not procrastinating really helps!
Many places have gift wrapping services for a fee and often to a charity! Advise the stressed person in your life to take advantage of this service! Back to children- create magical moments by having a home with things to touch, seasonal books to read and a creative corner. Gingerbread house kits are a fun project to do together. My house includes my big touchable items. The little breakable ones are not displayed so the house can be enjoyed by my grandchildren. Besides there is less dusting! Share the load! Family dinner and parties can be the pot luck fun! In some cultures, there has to be one superhero trying to cook for 40! Advise the person times have changed and everyone can bring a dish! Nothing worse than the huffing and puffing of the stressed cook! So make your own list of how to share the load! If the load is just too heavy then decide what is really important and put the rest aside! What are your strategies for this wonderful, festive season? Do you have a Nana in your life? Or even a grandpa or a papa to help? If not come on by and I'll help you out!

BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS

In my university days one of the goals was to have a home library. My current home has a den with one wall with shelves of books. As most of us know, books grow almost like weeds. Constantly adding and outgrowing the space. I have books in many rooms of my house. My craft room has craft, knitting, card making, drawing books. My computer room has books on local history and genealogy and of course, my faithful dictionary and thesaurus. No I do not depend on Spell and Grammar check on my computer. Beside my bed are books I want to read- always a fiction and a general interest book. The kitchen has a variety of cookbooks. I have started to purge my books. Recently some psychology and books from a university history course went to a charity. Over the years I have given away some pocket books. Books are like nature- never a vacuum- give away two and three come into the house. Under the TV in the family room are the books for the grandchildren- some new and some from my children's childhood. We can sit in front of the computer to read but there is nothing more inviting than to take a book anywhere and read. Picture books, colouring books, pocketbooks, hardcover books, and the list could go on. Do you love the joy of reading? Do you read to your children or grandchildren? Are there books you have read more than once? How many rooms of your house contain books?