Mind Roll for the Blog Roll

A few books I've been reading since I last had a blast of blog enthusiasm...

No Logo by Naomi Klein
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Muhammad by Karen Armstrong
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

All held my attention as I love a book to do but all for different reasons. The first weaves a wide web that explains part of the pathology of the current "0ccupy" movement. It was timely and helped me better understand that the response we are seeing now reflects 20 years of change in the economy rather then just 2008 recession angst. The second book was a novel beautifully and creatively written for teenagers. Everyone of any age I know who has read it has enjoyed it. Third a non-fiction topic I think is good to understand better and finally philosophy in the mist of narrative. I just discovered it was made into a movie so I might check that out too!

0ld Ice Dreams

Inspired is a feeling I wish I could tap into more often. We were feeling inspired one day last winter and came up with these great ice sculptur-esque creations. I like how the shapes suggest the boats in the background.  This fall, I'm wonder what initiates that feeling of inspiration?

Maybe it is spending time with ideas or in the company of creative people. Sometime that can seem intimidating too though. I'm often inspired by students as they are struggling to acquire a skill, they are experimenting and open to ideas I can sometimes grab hold of...one thing for sure though, is that you have to make time for it and be open to the having fun.

All thanks to the VPL

 Some might wonder how I am able to read and write about as many books as I have in the last few months... as the title says, its all thanks to the Vancouver Public Library (VPL). They are super accessible and every site seems to be a pillar in the community. Not only that but they are doing everything right in terms of displaying new and interesting books so that they actually get read. I can't count the number of times I've gone in to return one or two books and walked away with seven book. Its one of the treasures of my life here in Vancouver. I could live without 'my library' (as I did so long in Calgary) but my life wouldn't be as interesting or as rich. My hope for the world is that every community could have as wonderful of resource from which to draw.

The beautiful downtown branch always amazes me and the website is a connection to great activities and services in the community. Thank you VPL!