What did April wear?

Do you know the answer to that question? Tomorrow is the first day of April and we all know what that means. You'd be a fool if you didn't. To get ready for this annual day of mirth come to the library and start laughing. In different sections, fiction and non, you will find many opportunities to make merry. Oh, she work a New Jersey.

Tai Chi Week 3 (I didn't really mean it was torture)

I was amazed how quiet the room was this past Monday during Tai Chi. We were concentrating and stretching and touching our toes that I thought I heard a pin drop! And I don't have to write down the exercised because our fearless leader Liz said that she will bring copies next week. At work this morning I demonstrated the one where you place your hand behind your head and the other hand goes behind your back, then turn your head and then turn you torso and look down. I was impressed that I could do it again. I am looking forward to next Monday.

What A Day!

And I mean today. When I went for my walk it was nice but now, at 10am, as I am about to open the library, it is just beautiful. No clouds, crisp and clear. Which makes me think about gardening. I know the soil is still to wet, and just a few bulbs are popping here and there, but I can envision what is to come. And in my garden it will probably be many weeds and wild things.
I got to the library early to 'pull' a few gardening books and put them on a cart by non-fiction books. The gardening section is numbered 635 and we have over 150 volumes on the subject. There will be something for me and something for you. We also will be having a gardening program at the end of April, brought to you by Friends of the Library. Check out the events page at the library website for more information.

TAI CHI Week 2 or Knees loose elbows bent shoulders down

Well, congratulations to all of us how made it through Week 2 of Tai Chi. Each week adds new exercises to our repertoire. Today we learned the 5 Posts: 1. Where we hold the beach ball, with our palms tilted towards you. 2. Now we reject the ball, with fingers pointed to each other and away from you. 3. Okay, on to 'praying' mantis with our fingers flat on the pulpit. 4. with back of hands together and fingers down (can you feel this in your back?) and 5. with hands by lower hip, palms pressing down.
We are building on getting stronger with each group of exercises. I wish I had started this before the snow last weekend so that I would have been better equipped to shovel the walk!
Thanks to Liz, our leader, for putting us on this new and exciting track and for ever reminding us: knees loose elbows bent shoulders down. I just love it.
If I am forgetting anything, please let me know. See you all on Monday. Nancy

Travel plans

Why does it seem that when you make your travel plans you have to include time spent in the airport? You are adding that 'extra time' because it seems that airplanes are never on time. Yesterday my daughter was flying from Tampa to Newark and the flight was delayed 4 hours. She waited at the gate, boarded the plane, went out to the runway, turned around, went back to the gate, got off the plane, got back on the plane, and finally took off.
Had she first, checked our our new travel section across from the circulation desk, she would have seen a plethora of books and dvd's that would have interested her. From Frommer to Rough Guides to Globe Trekker, there would have been information about what to do in the airport while waiting; or she could have planned where she would like to travel to next. Even armchair travellers will find something in our collection. Come take a look. And, as always, when you do, don't forget to say hello to me at the Circulation desk.

TAI CHI at the Library

Today was the first of 10 Tai Chi classes that we will be hosting at the library. The Fanwood Room was full of women and man who were willing to open their minds and stretch their muscles in a new and exciting way. I was not the best at the Chinese walk: keep knees bent, feet on the floor and heels on the ground. Step front, turn out foot to side, and then move on. This is what we are going to practice in Shoprite!
We also did 4 longevity exercises. 1. Open: arms straight out in front, palm down, move to side palm up. 2. Scooping: left arm behind on kidney, right arm out hand in scoop, and we are facing the scoop. Move arm like a water wheel, eyes following hand, with bent knees, circular over heard. If our legs are a little apart it is easier to been down lower when scooping the water. Repeat with other side. 3. Down and Up: with bent knees and soft fists, put one arm forward to throat level, and up and out down and in movement with the body.4. Holding baby: left had holds baby and right had holds feet. Show baby to the left (twist body) when turned keep stranger away from baby with lower arm, bring baby back to center and hug body with both arms, and work other side. 5. Feet together: feet together, not touching just not too far apart, hands out to center hands out to side, with a soft fist do fifth back thus ( not up and down).
Remember to roll your fingers while watching Television.
Is there any thing that I have forgotten? Let me know. Otherwise I am sorry for all who didn't come today or who is on the waiting list for Tai Chi. I can't wait for next Monday. Nancy

Books to Movies

Doesn't it always seem that the book was better than the movie adaptation? Today I was looking for a movie to go to on Saturday night and so many come from books. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a favorite book, and it is opening this weekend. Notes on a Scandal is based on the wonderful book by Zoe Heller, What Was She Thinking. Bridge to Terabithia is just what the advertising says: the beloved novel comes to life! My plan is to see Zodiac. I haven't read this book but, yes, it started as a book, too.
I will be at the circulation desk tomorrow (Saturday). If you have any Books to Movies favorites come and tell me!

How I spent last Sunday morning

Last Sunday was a holiday for me and therefore it was a reason to indulge in my favorite hobby--baking. Actually it is one of my three favorite hobbies (and I am sure I will mention these hobbies over and over in this blog!) : reading, knitting, and baking. I also love going to the theater and to the movies, listening to indie bands, walking on the beach and sunsets but that is besides the point.
The recipe I made came from a book written by Maida Heatter. I discovered her baking books when I was newly married and couldn't afford to buy the desserts that I wanted to eat. Her recipes are always complete, nothing left out, and always delicious. Even though these books are years old they are classics in baking, and perfect for anyone who wants to 'perfect' their baking. Other bakers who follow in Maida's footsteps are Dorie Greenspan, Beatrice Ojakangas and Marcy Goldman. When checking the catalog we have many baking books. located in the non-fiction section at 641.8, for you to look through, get ideas, and get baking!

CELTIC CONCERT at FML

To keep that Saint Patrick's Day spirit going don't miss this SPECIAL CELTIC CONCERT featuring Pamela Wyn Shannon (guitar & vocals) & Lisa Gutkin (fiddle). It's Wednesday, March 28th - 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the library

This spirited blend of Traditional and Original Pastoral Folk Music (selections include music from Ireland and the British Isles * Songs in Gaelic and more) promises to be Great FUN for the whole family!!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see and hear these two compelling performers. For more information Call The Library at (908) 322-6400

Must Read!

Here's one of my new favorite books that you really should read. It will make you think about what you eat in a whole new way. It's The omnivore's dilemma : a natural history of four meals by Michael Pollan.
Take a look -- you won't be disappointed.

What are you doing this weekend?

The weather report for Fanwood this weekend is not the best so this might be the time you came to the library to check out our DVD collection. We are always adding titles of old and new films, and we charge $1.00 per dvd for one week (with a limit of 4 dvds and if overdue, charge $1 per day) When I checked the shelves this afternoon we still had in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' with Brad Pitt, the complete first season of 'Deadwood", and, one of my favorites, 'The Triplets of Belleville'. The Triplets is an animated feature with a grandmother, a faithful dog, and a Tour de France cyclist named Champion. Part mystery part jazz and a whole lot of fun. 'Flushed Away' and 'Marie Antoinette' are due back today and should be on the shelves when returned. We can't take 'holds' on dvds so come in to the library to pick up a favorite.
Is there a dvd that you would like the library to have in our collection? Leave a comment and we will take it under consideration. And the film 'For Your Consideration' will be back tomorrow too!

New at the Library

What's new? This blog for one thing. Check back often for updates, reading suggestions, musings and more from the staff at your library.