Romance for Dummies (Yeah, YOU, pal!)

Pop quiz, gentlemen: what's the most important day in February? If you said Super Bowl Sunday, then listen up, because you really need my help. The most important day in February is the 14th, Valentine's Day. Now you may whine and claim it's all hype to sell cards and candy, but that's not an argument you can win. Just man up and make some plans. "It's more romantic to be spontaneous" you say. Maybe if you're George Clooney and you can jet to some romantic hideaway, but you and I are not in that league, and planning ahead is the only game for us. So...what's for dinner (you did realize you are cooking, right?) If you're confident in the kitchen, try The Best Places to Kiss Cookbook. Otherwise, keep it simple. Try How to Cook Without a Book. Roast a chicken; it's really easy and the whole house will smell delicious. Next, background music. If you don't have a clue, try Getz/Gilberto or Songs for Swingin' Lovers.

Well, that's a start. You're on your own from here. Relax and have a good time. You can thank me later.

Library Auction Coming Up!

Our Friends group has been very busy planning a fund-raising auction in March for the Library, and when they first discussed the idea, March seemed a long way off. Now it's less than 10 weeks away -- yikes! Circle the date on your calendar: Saturday March 20, 2010 at 5PM. Dinner, a live auction, many silent auction items, with our Master of Ceremonies, ol' Skeeter Daddle himself, Jack Archibald -- how you you even think of missing it?
Stop by the library or the Camano Island Library Friends website for more information!

Meet Bunny Crumpacker!

Yeah, I know that sounds like a children's book character, but she's actually the author of several cookbooks, including her latest "How to Slice an Onion". I like to think of myself as a good cook (even though I'm really not) and I enjoyed her book immensely, not just for the recipes, but for the advice, humor and just plain good writing that makes up this collection. Like spending the afternoon with a wise friend who really knows how to cook.

It's all a matter of perspective...

In the last week, I've spent way too much money at places I don't usually frequent: the tire store and the dentist. Had to get a set of new tires (at the tire store, of course) and a crown and work done on some fillings (I'll let you guess). What I found amusing about both visits (well, as amused as you can be when somebody has a drill in your mouth -- yes, at the dentist!) -- is that in both places, the world seemed to revolve around either tires or teeth. Now, don't get me wrong, they're both very important, but I really don't think about either all that much, so the idea that they could figure so prominently in a world view was intriguing to me.

Here at the Library, I spend a lot of time thinking about books. What's new, what will happen to books in the future, will everbody be reading online instead of 'in print' -- you might say I get a little obsessed. My visits to the tire store and the dentist made me realize that maybe I was losing perspective on the Big Picture.

So my hope for you in this holiday season is that you get a chance to take a deep breath, step back, and think about what's really important to you. And if you need help, I'm sure I can find a book for you!

Local authors coming in December

Please join us Friday December 11 at 3 PM for local authors Heidi M. Thomas and Mary E. Trimble, both of whom have recently published novels with a Western theme.
Heidi M. Thomas' novel "Cowgirl Dreams" is based on her grandmother who rode steers in Montana rodeos during the 1920s. The book is suitable for both adult and young adult readers. Thomas writes, edits and teaches writing classes in Mount Vernon.
Award-winning Camano Island author Mary E. Trimble is the author of two books, "Rosemount" and "McClellan's Bluff". Her soon to be released romantic suspense novel "Tenderfoot" intertwines modern day ranching, a developing love story, and the events of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens.
This promises to be a fun afternoon. Copies of the books will be available for purchase.

"Good Food" film in Stanwood

Join director Melissa Young as she introduces the film "Good Food", an intimate look at the farmers, ranchers, and businesses that are creating a more sustainable food system in the Pacific Northwest. The film will be shown at 7PM at the Stanwood High School Performing Arts Center, and Melissa will be on hand to answer your questions.

"Plenty" of Events Too

Here's a look at our "Plenty" calendar:

Tuesday September 22, at 7PM, Snow Goose Bookstore hosts a book discussion group.

Join us Thursday, October 8 "Together We Eat" 7 PM at the Floyd Norgaard Center in Stanwood as we feature a panel discussion of local farmers and foodies.

Saturday October 10, it's time for pumpkin painting at the Williams Pioneer Pumpkin Patch from 1-3 pm.

Wednesday October 14, the Stanwood Library reading group meets at Merrill Gardens at 6PM.

The film "Good Food" will be shown at the Stanwood High School Performing Arts Center at 7PM on Monday October 26. Join us as filmakers Mark Dworkin and Melissa Young present their film and answer your questions.