In these cold, and potentially snowy days of winter, we’re often stuck inside. I love to curl up with a good book or movie, a cup of hot tea and one of my cats in my lap. I imagine many of you do as well. But sometimes we need a bit more stimulation, something to give the brain a bit of a workout. In the days prior to COVID-19 we could come to the library for lots of interactive programming, including escape rooms. Right now, to stay safe, we’re hunkering down at home a bit more and so we’re bringing our escape room to you!
Our winter Crafternoon-To-Go kits could be a perfect Valentine’s gift (yay, a holiday!) for you or for someone else. Although there are lots of activities on the internet showing how to make these with resin, we have made it easy for you with pre-made pendants. All you have to do is decorate. In your kit, we have provided some decorating possibilities, such as paper flowers, glitter, and inspirational words. But don’t let us hold you back — anything that will fit will work: a picture of a loved one, a pressed flower or a favorite word. Also provided in the kit are instructions, paper backings, glue and a necklace cord. You just need a pair of scissors. Continue reading “Crafternoon-To-Go: Resin Pendant Kits”
I love crafting. There’s something magical about taking a random assortment of items and turning it in to something new and exciting. And it doesn’t really matter if it’s any good because, gosh darn it, you made it! It’s yours! It’s a little expression of you, made from string or paper or sticks and some glue. Getting together the necessary materials, however, especially in current times, can be daunting. Maybe you’re in quarantine. Maybe it’s really cold out. Maybe you just don’t want to leave the house. Whatever the reason, your crafting projects can’t happen because you don’t have the correct materials, right? Wrong! I’m here to help you out. You can craft awesome, creative things just using what you have at home. Don’t believe me? Well, read on fellow crafter — have I got the books for you! Continue reading “Winter Crafting”
Here is a by-no-means-comprehensive list of things that I have no intention of doing this year: going keto, doing crossfit, reading “War and Peace,” giving up social media. If you have already lapsed with New Year’s resolution, the problem may not be with you. Many typical resolutions are so dry and joyless. The secret to a good resolution is to pick something that will improve your life and that you will actually enjoy doing. Here are some that may spark a bit more joy than, say, dieting or giving up coffee. Continue reading “(Better) New Year’s Resolutions”
Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Welcome back to the next installment of Virtual Travel with UNESCO! It can be fun to explore new places — even without leaving the comfort of your own home. Previously, we talked about the UNESCO organization and their list of World Heritage sites. Part I focused on the sites closest to Mid-Missouri and a few more in the central and eastern United States. If you have not had the chance to read the first part of this series, UNESCO is a worldwide organization that promotes cultural diversity, safeguarding natural resources, and protecting culturally meaningful sites around the globe. UNESCO has over a thousand sites that are protected by the organization and considered valuable cultural and natural resources. Today, I will be highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites in the west and southwestern United States. To see the entire list of natural and cultural World Heritage Sites check out World Heritage Sites: A Complete Guide to 1,031 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Let’s explore! Continue reading “Virtual Travels With UNESCO – The American West and Southwest”
I will spare you the “with the new normal … ” spiel. Holidays feeling lonely, while new to some, has long been a familiar feeling to many. Pre-pandemic, many people were too far away from family to travel, had toxic families who were damaging to their mental health or simply did not have any family with whom they could gather. You may be spending the holidays alone this year, or with significantly fewer people than you are used to. I can’t promise you merry and bright, but it doesn’t have to be bad. Continue reading “Making Holidays Less Lonely”
During the winter months I love to heat up some hot cocoa and get creative. Even though this year is different than any other year, I’m still busting out my mug and my paints. You can paint along with me at www.dbrl.org/yeti-painting and create a winter wonderland painting that features an adorable tiny yeti. Continue reading “Winter Guided Painting: Mini Yeti”
The time just changed and ,although it did make that one Sunday feel so much longer, the skies are dark now when I leave work. If you are like me and get the “darkness doldrums” finding something to keep busy with helps. I usually do this by thinking of the holidays and gifts or decorations to make. Continue reading “Crafternoon to Go: Bubble Print Gift Tags”
This is the third and final blog post in the homeschooling and distance learning series I’ve been doing over the last couple of months. This post will focus on community resources for people looking for more information and help with homeschooling and distance learning. I’ll also be including some odds and ends that I have come across since starting this series of blog posts. Continue reading “Homeschooling and Distance Learning Resources: Community Resources and More!”
“I am thankful that I am an oak, and that though I may be wind-broken or uprooted, hewn or sawn, at least I cannot, under any circumstances, be squashed.”
– from the short story “The Direction of the Road” by Ursula K. Le Guin
A month ago, despite political polarization and an isolating global pandemic, our community united in well-wishes for the McBaine Burr Oak, colloquially known as “Big Tree.” It was struck by lightning during a formidable morning thunderstorm and damaged to lengths only next springtime can reveal. Now seems an especially good time to meditate on its resilience and let ourselves feel awe in its presence. Continue reading “Resilient Trees”
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