The Journeys On the Page writing group members are meeting in person and online. Carving out the second Tuesday of the month for mingles, plans to meet on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the community room are on the calendar. Online members receive a GoToMeeting link via email Monday morning.
Friday night nudges are sent each week to keep motivation styling along like a brand new gel pen. Any and all interesting writers are welcome to join in.
Those wanting to get in on the Friday night nudges can give the library a call to be added to the list. Call 518-872-1246.
Thanks to Journey member Catherine, from Brockport, for suggesting the Friday nudge dub connections.
Parade on Sunday
Look for the Berne Public Library in the Town of Berne vehicle parade on Sunday, Dec. 6. The parade route will be starting at 5 p.m., beginning at Helderberg Bluestone on Route 443 and finishing up at the Berne firehouse.
Trustees meet
A meeting of the Berne Library Board of Trustees is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Moving forward in safe increments is their mission. Call the library if you’d like details of meeting location or online viewing options.
The Books Are Wearing Masks
I am a book
I have a title
Will you read me?
We shall see
Be part of the Books Wearing Masks game at the library. It’s really quite simple.
Check the community room for the decorated box holding 11 books with only their spines in view.
Take a moment to scan the lot. Then, just from the title alone, choose a max of three books that spark your interest enough to possibly read them.
Check off your choices on the selection sheet and drop it in the box.
That’s it. You are now a player in the Books Wearing Masks game at the library. Round two rings in on Jan. 4, 2021.
Get snapping
Speaking of January 2021, the library is calling all photo enthusiasts to get snapping for the Friends Sixth Juried Photo Exhibit. Entries under the following four banners are being sought:
— 2020;
— “All you need is Love”;
— “Food, Glorious Food”; and
— Architecture.
Book talk
The Berne Sunday Book Club has “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes stepping up for discussion on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the Berne Reformed Church during this time.
Welcoming in 2021, their next read, part of the Winter Street series by Elin Hilderbrand, brings on “Winter Storms.” Come along and catch up with the Quinn family of Nantucket Island.
Literacy Tree
Lighting the Library’s Literacy Tree, which many of you helped decorate, will be up for viewing starting Dec. 5 at the Hope and Peace Festival of Trees behind the Knox firehouse. The trees will be standing through Jan. 1, 2021.
Thank you to the Friends of the Library for helping the library community be a part of this event with your steadfast volunteer efforts. You are greatly appreciated for all that you do to help the library. Keep reading moving strong!
— Photo from Sandra L. Kisselback
The Mitten Tree at the Berne Public Library is getting trimmed. Sitting to the left, a Hilltown holiday food-drive box is ready for filling.
Lift one corner of your mouth toward your eyes. Now lift the other corner. Do you feel that? It’s a home-grown blast of fun. Next, slow breath in, long breath out. Give yourself 5 to 10 of those. All while keeping the corners of your mouth lifted toward your eyes.
Now do the above with your eyes gently closed for three more breaths. This little moment of relaxation is brought to you by the caring folks at the Berne Public Library. You can access it anytime you’d like for free, with or without your library card. No app necessary. You should note, if you do this while driving, remember to keep your eyes open.
Nature Journaling
What’s happening with your Nature Journaling? It’s a great time of year to dive in. Look deep into the newly exposed forests, hillsides, and backyard spaces. With fresh snow, get up early to spy wildlife tracks slicing across the meadow.
Listen as squirrels and chipmunks chatter about climbing to great heights and leaping to nearby hemlocks or oaks. Watch the dance of trees swaying in the wind to their own symphony of rhythm.
A great activity for kids and adults. Journal often using words, drawings, pictures, and date stamps. Check out the Empire Pass from the library and explore Thacher Park to add new area experiences to your 2020 Nature Journaling.
TedX
The TedX Berne Public Library program is gathering steam. Community members are signed up to add their voices to the conversation. Feb. 27, 2021 is the designated landing date. Mark your library event calendars now.
The Mitten Tree
Mittens, scarves, and hats continue to fill up the Mitten Tree at the Berne Public Library. Sitting to the left, a Hilltown holiday food-drive box is ready for filling. Thank you for all the generous donations. Want to participate? Call the library: 518-872-1246.
A-very good
Word of the Month
Virtual holiday celebrations are in full swing for the Word of the Month Club. Members are home, opening boxed kits for December’s gig-a-lig.
Crazy headpieces, word game notepads, smatterings of writing implements, various snacky packs, and some tasty mocktail recipes. You know, for when the time comes to raise the word toast.
Eric’s taking the lead on this one. “Evenin’ y’all! How’s the best darn group of wordies gettin’ on?”
A flurry of raised glasses and clamoring smiles fills the screen.
Eric commented on the bright display of festive headgear: “Looks like the head toppers are a real winner. Thanks for gettin’ in the spirit.”
Roxanne rolled out the gong, waiting for Eric’s signal. With a slight nod from Eric, Roxanne whaled the gong. “Are y’all ready?” Raised glasses told the tale. “Ready Freddie,” quipped Cindy Leigh.
“Raise your glasses to a-very.” Puzzled glances went this way and that. “A-very?”
“You betcha. Be on the lookout for a-very this December. A-very fine array of food. A-very big opportunity for reading. A-very unique sighting each day. And how about a-very wabi-sabi encounter wherever you may be. Let’s hear it for a-very in your very own way.”
“Here’s to a-very!” Glasses jingled all around as folks chuckled a-very long time.30
“The Mitten Tree,” a children’s book written by Candace Christiansen and illustrated by Elaine Greenstein, inspired the Berne Library to put up a Mitten Tree of its own. Donations of handmade or store-bought mittens, hats, and scarves trim the tree; they will be given to the Hilltown Community Resource Center on Dec. 15.
The books are wearing masks. Tributes of greatness deeming the book worthy of your attention are unseen to the prospective reader. Any front cover artwork enticing you inside is blocked from view.
The books are wearing masks, you ask? You betcha! And your only clue is the title. Choose carefully when naming your creative writing endeavors. It could leave you dusty on the shelf or worn with wear from the many visitors stepping into your story.
So how about participating in a “Books Wearing Masks in the Library” game? Just for a little diversion from the usual fare.
Setting the scene:
Two boxes of books arrive at the Berne Public library from the Poulin Project. Books gathered across New York State from independent presses through an initiative by Art Resources Transfer and the New York State Council of the Arts.
For the next three weeks, a pocket display of some of those titles are being corralled for your inspection. Just by title alone, choose the top three books you might find an interest in exploring.
Remember, the books are wearing masks and your sole criteria is the title. Come in, scan the choices, record your three. Round one done.
Donations appreciated
Where did all the flowers come from? Oops, that’s not right. Where did all the donations come from? From viewers like you wanting to participate and maybe make a difference.
Now appearing at the library for a few bits more are boxes. That’s right, boxes. Boxes to collect clothing and food donations for the Hilltowns.
Also in-house is the second annual Mitten Tree project inspired by Candace Christiansen’s 1997 book “The Mitten Tree.” A delightful read, which can be checked out with your library card.
The Friends of the Library group sponsors this endeavor to help send warmth out to the community in the form of handmade and store-purchased mittens, hats, and scarves. Tree branches are quickly filling and there’s lots of room for more.
Thank you for helping to spread the warmth. Donations head over to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center on Dec. 15.
Trim the Literacy Tree
A call from the Friends and the library is sizzling across the ether to pull in your favorite author, book, or special words of inspiration to help decorate its literacy tree. Festive foam cutouts and markers are at the ready. Drop by or call in your faves.
After your choices are captured, cutouts will be added to the tree. The Friends literacy tree will then be displayed behind the Knox Fire Department from Dec. 5 through Jan. 1 as part of the second annual Hope and Peace Festival of Trees.
Hours
Those library hours. They’re posted so you’ll see. First going in, and then going out. But know this, and be sure to spout, you can always call the library if there’s a whisper of a doubt.
Calling the library is encouraged with any questions about hours or other library related queries. It’s 518-872-1246. And be sure to check the library’s Facebook page for virtual story-time Fridays and other informational posts.
Walking in on conversations that have nothing to do with you can be an ice-breaker when you jump right in without being invited — as long as it’s gracefully done with a modicum of respect and appreciation. A show of hands if you’ve ever done such a thing.
“My dream job would be a sports disc jockey announcer on the radio.”
Enter the unrelated party in the discussion. “So when will you be starting?”
Without a stutter of a stop, the conversation continues from the desk to the conversation parachuter.
“You know what they say, right? A dream is only a wisp of smoke in the sky if concrete actions aren’t taken.”
“Well, my dream job is to be a successful writer and become financially independent. I’ve even done some pretend writing for my pretend job.”
“Oh, pretend writing, huh? They have a word for that. Isn’t it called thinking?”
Laughter bounces back and forth and a connection is formed. Even for the briefest of moments.
Libraries are all about connections. Connecting people and communities to books, activities, writing groups, book clubs, entertainment, and programs of all shapes and interests. People connect with people in a myriad of ways.
The Friends Art Wall in the community room connects local artists to a sweet opportunity of displaying their great works for the enjoyment of community members. Each show stays on the wall for a month. It would be a plus to get the show online for a wider audience when the OK is given to go “on with the show”.
Read your dreams
Dream job? Dream retirement? Dream hobby? Dream house? Dream adventures? You betcha!
There are books you can order from the library on all these subjects and more, in person or online. Apps like Hoopla, Overdrive and Libby are all available for ordering material. Check out the library’s web page at www.bernepubliclibrary.org and click on digital resources.
Trim the Mitten Tree
The Mitten Tree is standing tall at the library and filling up with mittens, scarves, and hats. Do you have a talent in the knitting or crochet department?
If interested in donating some of your creations, the tree will continue to be filled until Dec. 15. All items will then go to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center for distribution. Store-bought items are gladly accepted as well.
Back in use
Hear ye, hear ye! Aloha, hey there! Please take note of the library hours now on the shelf: Monday from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to be followed: mask-wearing, distancing parameters, and all that jazz. Thank you for your support. It’s so great to see you all using the library again. Subject to change at any time.
The Journeys On the Page writing group is being trimmed to once a month. Brief snippets of encouragement will be emailed to members each Friday to buoy up your writing pursuits.
Going forward, Journey writers can mark their calendars for second Tuesdays each month at 7 p.m. in the community room with an online option for those who are unable to attend in person.
Interesting writers are always welcome. Join this month’s Journeys On the Page, 7 p.m. on Nov. 10 at the library. Email sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org for the online GoToMeeting link.
Snooping around and what could be seen? Why it’s “I Like To Write Day” being celebrated Nov. 15. Launched in 2002 by John Riddle from Delaware, this could be the start of something funtastic for the writing enthusiasts near and far.
Whether it be creating a list of activities you enjoy, writing a few lines in a new journal, a “hello how ya doin’” letter, or the opening lines of a saucy essay, celebrate “I Like To Write Day” on Nov. 15 with some writing of your own.
Trustees meet
The Berne Library Board of Trustees have this month’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Coming up
The following nuggets of information are provided for your planning pleasure:
— You may now call in to reserve the use of a library computer for one-hour time slots. The following hours of operation are in place as of Monday, Nov, 2: Mondays from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m., Thursdays from 2 -a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
— Help the Friends of the Berne Library decorate two trees this month. First is the Literacy Tree, which will be displayed in Knox as part of the Helderberg Family and Community Organization’s Festival of Trees from Dec. 5 to Jan. 1, 2021. The Friends are asking you to add your favorite author or book to various foam shapes held at the library’s circulation desk. Call in your designation or stop in and put your claims on the shape of your choice.
Tree 2 is the Friend’s Mitten Tree, the living embodiment of the “The Mitten Tree” book by Candace Christiansen. Donations of handmade gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves are the request. Purchased items work also. All your good works will be donated to the Hilltowns Community resource Center on Dec. 15;
— The sixth annual Juried Photo Exhibit is coming up fast. Get out there and capture those shots for the Jan. 30 deadline. Theme categories are: “All You Need Is Love,” “Food, Glorious Food,” 2020, and “Architecture.”
Questions? Call 518-872-1246, visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org, or check the library’s Facebook page for information on happenings. Thank you!
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
The many faces of Halloween are displayed on pumpkins entered in the Berne Library’s carving contest.
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Do Halloween books await readers at the Berne Library? You betcha!
— Photo by Carrie Needham
The Scollan triplets enter their pumpkin in the Berne Library contest.
Waning, waxing, gibbous, full. Moon-related descriptions of that celestial wonder in the skies. October’s Blue Moon, the second full moon in October, appears this Halloween. Ooooh. Aaaaah. Delicious.
Blue moons normally surface once every two or three years. But some rule-breakers periodically show up. Like 2018 having two Blue Moons.
After Saturday, August 2023 is the next slated Blue Moon occurrence. Use this year's Blue Moon to launch new traditions. With 168 items at the Berne Library having moon in the title, how about celebrating now and future Blue Moons with a moon of a good read? Here are a few titles:
— “Moon Music” by Faye Kellerman;
— “The Jasmine Moon Murder” by Laura Childs;
— “The Almost Moon” by Alice Sebold;
— “And If the Moon Could Talk” by Kate Banks; and
— “Beneath the Ghost Moon” by Jane Yolen.
“You betcha”
Flipping the calendar page for the Word of the Month Club’s November winner, the hexagonal meeting sphere was buzzing with excitement. Roxanne graciously waited before striking the gong. It was time.
“Welcome to our new meeting place. Hope you like the wordy wall coverings.” Everyone lifted their glasses in approval.
“After October’s month of wabi-sabi enchantment, let’s kick up our heels for ‘you betcha.’ Do you want pumpkin pie for dessert?”
Smiles erupted with a quick “You betcha.”
“Do you want to listen to the morning dew?”
“You betcha” came back loud and clear.
“Shall we make a toast to a healthy November?”
“You betcha” rang out with glasses raised high and faces grinning, ear to ear.
“OK, then. Grab a ‘you betcha’ mindset and spin some new experiences this month.”
“You betcha, Roxanne!”
“Halloween Is Drawing Near”
By SLS
On the shelf and in the mist
Spider goblins twirl and twist.
Halloween is drawing near
So be safe out there this year.
Look for witches, ghosts and ghouls,
Walk like zombies,
Hop like Roos,
Don your favorite purple wig,
Add a mustache and some twigs.
Flying in with capes all round,
Marvel’s heroes are in town.
Halloween is drawing near,
Time to go and fetch your gear.
So, dress up and strut your stuff,
Share your weave.
It’s all for fun
With fangs and masks and toothy grins,
Library characters are all in.
Jollification
Sashay over to the library on Friday, Oct. 30, or Saturday, Oct. 31, during open hours to show off your Halloween ensemble. Check out the pumpkins from the pumpkin-carving event and get your picture taken for the jollification wall. Library hours are Monday through Friday, from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New hours
Be on the lookout for new library hours hitting the pavement soon. Starting Nov. 2, previously established hours take the reins as follows:
Monday from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also, the use of library computers is being made available by appointment. Call the library at 518-872-1246 for a maximum one-hour slot.
Pumpkin carvers, get ready to unveil your masterpieces at the much-talked-about Carved Pumpkin Contest 2020. Be at the Berne Library on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. to let your pumpkin-carving power shine. Your pumpkins can be maskless but human mask-wearing is a requirement.
Awards and judging takes place at 1:30 p.m. with prizes of $50, $25, and $10. Another fine caveat of the event includes giving an entry prize to participants 10 years old and younger.
What’s in a name?
The shortest book title in the Berne library collection is “It” by Stephen King. Longer titles from the stacks include “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and “The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” by Jamie Ford.
The average book title has two to three words. Picking just the right combo could make your literary piece stand above the crowd.
The Guiness Book of Records reports the longest book title has 3,777 words and was achieved by Vityala Yethindra in March of 2019. It starts out with “The Historical Development of the Heart ….” Seriously? How can you fit even a tenth of 3,777 words on the spine of a book? Probably the first 10 pages are used just for the title, right?
A Journeys On the Page writers group exercise introduced on the 13th was playing with boo- title suggestions for the next mingle. Come up with five titles to share while filling the well with ideas for possible future projects.
“The Castle Wall Is Leaking”
“It’s Time to Check the Fruit Baskets”
“We’re Gonna Need A Lot of Band-Aids”
“You Thought You Knew Me? Yeah, Rrrrriiiiight!”
Journeys On the Page writers gather 7 p.m. on Oct. 27, at the library. Interested characters are welcome to join. Write on people.
Minecraft
Hellllloooo Minecrafter fans. A virtual Minecraft event beams out to your GoToMeeting device on Monday, Oct. 26, at 6:30 p.m. Contact the library at 518-872-1246 for the virtual link. Halloween is in the air.
Seeking project patrons
The Berne Public Library and the Friends group are looking to team up with community members on some projects. All have woven earmarks of approval from previous showings.
First up is taking “The Mitten Tree” story by Candace Christiansen and bringing it to life in the library. The Friends are asking for help to decorate the tree with handmade gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves. Purchased items work also. Donations from this drive will go to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center on Dec. 15.
Next is the Helderberg Family and Community Organization’s second annual Festival of Trees. The Library and Friends sponsor a Literacy Tree for this event. Stop by the library or call in your favorite author or book title. Your favorites will be added to foam shapes that decorate the tree. Thank you for your support.
Leaves were playing games in the parking lot. Rolling around, swooshing past each other, swirling in an arc, and dashing over to the side lawn, flanking the out road of the library. A soft sliver of floating delights. There’s always a hint of wabi-sabi around when you take time to notice.
Moments later, action intensified as nature unleashed a storm that plastered those fun-loving leaves to the macadam, knocked out the power, and drove the library’s Wi-Fi far far away. A swift mover changing the landscape above, around and somewhere beyond the rainbow. Repair crews fixed the Wi-Fi, power is back on, and life keeps stepping along.
Just like Wi-Fi’s return from the storm, the library staff keeps things moving during the present hours of operation. Returning library material inside to the isolation box plus check-outs and quick perusing of the shelves by visitors is live and in-person.
In case you missed the memo, new temporary hours are Monday through Friday, from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come inside and find a prize.
USS Slater
Besides the books, magazines, DVDs, and music CDs, there are a few museum passes you can check out from the library. The USS Slater 2020 Family Pass allows two adults and two children to board the World War II destroyer — a memorable experience for youths and adults. This naval museum ship is the last one of its kind afloat in America. The Slater returned to its Albany location on Aug. 25 after six weeks of major restoration. Look them up at ussslater.org to see their operating hours of Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as pictures, history, and safety guidelines adhered to.
Two other popular passes available include the Empire Pass which gives you vehicle entry access into most New York State Parks and the State Department of Environmental Conservation facilities across the state.
When you take out the MiSci Museum card, two adults and four children under 18 will score a 50-percent discount on admission.
“Family Bubble Show”
Get ready to be entertained at the outdoor “Family Bubble Show” event being presented by the Berne Public Library. Jeff Boyer, the Bubble Guy, is gearing up to appear Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. on the library lawn with many bubbles in tow.
Everyone from youngsters to adults are invited to delight in the wowness of bubbles weaving across the open lawn. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for sitting during this big bubble of a show and remember to sport your masks. Distance parameters will be in place.
Storytime
Please tune into Facebook live storytime every Friday at 3 p.m. Join Miss Kathy on her next adventure as she shares a book or two for you to enjoy.
Pumpkin Carving contest
Before you go, slap a reminder on your library events calendar to bring your carved pumpkin creation to the Pumpkin Carving contest on Saturday October 24 starting at 1 p.m. outside the library.
Minecraft
Also coming up is a virtual Minecraft Players meet-up happening Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. The Minecraft scene sports a Halloween Special for those interested in joining. Contact the library at 518-872-1246 for the online link.
Fall for fun and fun for all. So, what’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word October? Trees popping out their fall colors? Apples ripening? Pumpkin-harvesting for promising carving artists or pumpkin-pie makers from uninhibited kitchen magicians? The month with two full moons?
How about story walks in the Berne and Knox town parks?
October is like a season all its own. That pleasant slip between crisp autumn days and, “Hey, where are the insulated undergarments?”
Each October day offers opportunities to do a little wabi-sabi outdoor appreciation — like the story walks mentioned above, where you can enjoy two new tales recently launched.
In the Berne Town Park, you can peruse “Pumpkin Day!” by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. Walk along with Pumpkin Day’s rabbit family Trudy, Jack, Mom, and Dad as they celebrate pumpkins at the local pumpkin patch.
Over in Knox, the park features “The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward. A rhyming tale from roots to trunk, with leaves plus branches and varying creatures in the bunch. Take a day to experience a reading walk in the parks.
Writing Group
Looks like another gathering for the “Journeys On the Page” writing group is coming up on the 13th. An auspicious day for sharing story threads from real life or imagination creations. With daily writing practice encouraged, the tales go marching along. The group meets every other Tuesday.
Be it one sentence a day, journaling snippets of 5 to 15 minutes or an earnest three page free style flow as suggested by writer Julian Cameron in her “Artist’s Way” series of books. The key is in the practicing. “Journeys On the Page”, 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Berne Library. What stories do you have percolating?
Bubble Guy
How about bubbles? When you think of October do you think of bubbles? The library is sponsoring Jeff Boyer, Bubble Guy at the Berne Public Library. Please bring a blanket to sit on the lawn with. See you and your family on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. All NYS guidelines for Covid-19 will be followed. Questions? Call the library 518-872-1246.
Storytime
Virtual storytime continues every Friday at 3 p.m.(ish) with a brand new theme brought to you each week. Look for it on Facebook live.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
About those pumpkins. Be sure to get your pumpkins ready for carving to be part of the pumpkin carving contest on Oct.r 24 at the library starting at 1 p.m. Organizers ask that you slice off the bottom of your pumpkin rather than the top. Prizes of $50, $25 and $10 will be given to the three top voted pumpkin designs. Children under 10 also receive an entry prize. On your mark, get set, carve. Your carved pumpkins will grace the inner sanctum of the library for one week. Take a peek at the display during the new temporary hours of Monday to Friday 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a..m. to 2 p.m.
They decided to go international. After experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony with Roxanne, Eric, and Sasha, Cindy presented her idea. It bubbled to the surface after several months of exploration, readings, and a final immersion encountering less-than-perfect peace, spots of tranquility, and fluidity of movement in the moment: Wabi-sabi (wobby sobby), loosely translated: “You are magnificent, flaws and all. Imperfection is a beautiful thing.”
Now, meeting with the other members of the Word of the Month Club, Roxanne raised a mallet and struck their newly arrived purplish silver gong. As people shifted in their seats, Roxanne motioned Cindy Leigh up front to do the honors.
Raising her cup to the group, Cindy waited for them to settle. “Wabi-sabi, everyone. Give all those imperfections a big hug as you try on a Japanese wabi-sabi lifestyle this month. Relish your uniqueness and little quirks.
“Move through your day while remembering to notice uncomplicated wows right there in front of you just as they are. Celebrate, appreciate, and accept your less-than-perfect you and all you may encounter on the journey.
“Here’s to actively embracing wabi-sabi this October. Cheers, everyone.”
Glasses were raised with an enthusiastic, “Wabi-sabi!”
Carving pumpkins
With wabi-sabi in mind, start thinking about participating in the Berne Library’s 2020 Carved Pumpkin event. Slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, transport your carved creation to the library at 1 p.m. Judging and awards happening at 1:30.
Look for further information in future write-ups. Questions? Call 518-872-1246 or check www.bernepubliclibrary.org for other details.
Book club
The Berne Sunday Book Club meets Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. to examine their latest read, “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris. Morris hails from New Zealand. She first learned of Lale Zokolov’s Holocaust story when introduced to Zokolov in 2003.
Friends meet
Friends of the Berne Library will be living it up on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. when they gather for a meeting at the red brick Lutheran Church. Discussions of future fundraisers are on deck.
The 6th annual Juried Photography exhibit for January 2021 is in the queue. Chosen themes include: 2020; “All You Need Is Love”; “Food, Glorious Food”; and Architecture. Alot of room for wabi-sabi here.
Trustees meet
Berne Library Trustees are scheduled to meet 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 8. Masks, hand sanitizer, distancing parameters are in place and ready for action.
Wabi-sabi
Would you like to learn more about wabi-sabi? Order books from the library and begin your wabi-sabi adventure. Books like “Wabi Sabi: The Art of Everyday Life” by Diane Durston, “Wabi Sabi: Timeless Wisdom for a Stress-Free Life” by Agneta Nyholm Winqvist, and Mark Reibstein’s children’s book “Wabi Sabi” about a cat named Wabi Sabi.
Remember at day’s end, you may easily climb into your own wabi-sabi story.