Saturday, May 30, 2015

Super Readers (and Super Shoppers)

The summer reading programme started at the library today. We're already super readers so we didn't sign up, leaving more prizes of pizza and video games for the kids who need it. I know some children need motivation, and if bribing them to read over summer works, then I'm all for it.
For once, I wasn't the most outrageously dressed at the library, as the staff were dressed as super-heroes. You know me, I adore capes. And librarians. This Super-Readers photo board was set up in the spot where I typically take my outfit photos. I took that as a sign they've designated this an official photo-location. As there were throngs of young people milling about, I skipped the er...hand gestures.
Look, they even set out a library step-stool for my photo shoot. Swanson branch is a full service library, that's for certain.

I have to admit, it is a wonderful sight to see the library filled with children. We picked up a schedule of summer programmes and it is filled with fun activities for young people. Puppet shows, craft projects, sewing, paper plane constructions, science experiments, magic shows-and more. Our mayor seems hell-bent on shuttering libraries, and cutting the budgets of those that remain-obviously I think that is a mistake. There's something for everyone there from children to the over-60 reading club (though I would appreciate not being asked if I'd like to join because I behave as though I'm 90). I really do wish the mayor would pop her head inside now and then to see just how important our libraries are to the community. Omaha has one of the best library systems of any city I've lived in, and every effort should be made to preserve it. We want to be a, "World Class City", but you don't achieve that by getting rid of the things that make a city worth living in. We have a real gem in our library system, I just hope that is understood before it is too late. 
I'll get off my soapbox now (for now), and we can talk about this wild print on my skirt. Neat, eh? I bought two similarly made skirts at Goodwill, though I can't tell if they are home-sewn, or just fast fashion. The sewing isn't perfect, but for .99 cents, I can live with it, and build an outfit around it. You'll note I'm still wearing a poloneck and jacket because it is freezing here. I went for sheer black tights, which I haven't worn since the 80's when they were last in fashion. I'm undecided. 
 Outfit Particulars:

Poloneck-Gordman's
Skirt-Goodwill
Tights-K Mart
Shoes-Goodwill
Jacket-Filene's (upstairs) 90's
Small silver Sara Coventry bracelet-Hand-Me-Ups
Large Mexican silver bracelet-Goodwill
Earrings-K Mart
Afghan necklace-The Mexican Shop, Evanston, Illinois 80's
Fragrance-Bal a Versailles
Patent 50's handbag-Salvation Army, Lincoln, Nebraska

 The necklace came with metal disks hanging from the bottom that made quite a lot of noise. Once I removed them, the piece became more wearable. I had the same problem with a similar lapis necklace. I can't believe I let them sit in a box all these years when all I needed to do was remove some charms. Duh! And double duh!

Mr. ETB dragged me to New Life Thrift today. They have a great selection of books and movies, and he was in the mood to look about. I always strike gold there, and today was no exception. They were having a .99 cent sale on blazers and jackets, so I went a bit overboard with it. Waistcoats were buy one get one, and I'm pleased to say I did well in that department as well. I have a tonne of laundry to get done this weekend, but it is worth it. It got to the point where I had to walk away from vintage Pendelton kilts and suits for a dollar because I already have more than I will ever wear. Sure, I could sell them, but I already have quite a supply. At some point, you have to know when to walk away. It wasn't easy I'll say that.

My, "fast fashion" internet skirts arrived today, and I must say they look terribly cheap compared to what I can purchase for a practically nothing at the thrifts. Some places do a better job of the internet retail better than others. I've had great luck with ASOS, and there haven't been any quality issues. This time, I used Chicwish, and there will be a review soon, but I'll just say, it wasn't that inexpensive that there should be threads hanging, uneven hem stitching, and a zipper that I'm not sure will survive the first wear. I'm rather disappointed, but hardly surprised

.
Why, that's enough to give me a headache. Say, do you know what's good for a headache? Neither do I...but I'll bet the reference librarian does! They know everything-and if they don't, they know where to look it up. Why not stop by your library and find out? 

Go show your librarians some love this weekend-they really are superheroes.

5 comments:

Beth Waltz said...

Ginger tea and lavender oil in any wax medium are good for headaches. Get thee to the local herbalist.

The greens of the brocade jacket and the wonderfully wildly patterned skirt blend beautifully! Can't think what would look better with those 'sensible librarian' shoes than sheer black tights, and the Afghan pendant is the right weight to balance shoes, boxy bag and dark top.

Fie on the mayor! Here in the cornfields we also place a higher priority on balls -- basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, bowling balls, tennis balls, dogs' balls -- than books. Just drive by any high school and survey the athletic fields, natatorium and gym, then attempt to figure out which 4 windows belong to the library. We are not famous for the quality of our schools, and our brightest kids are abandoning their Hoosier hometowns for places where their abilities are recognized and valued.

Joanna said...

Fabulous outfit! I really admire your dedication in instilling a love of reading to your son. This such a strong foundation to give him in the world of video games.

Curtise said...

Love these colours and the now-silent necklace.
Libraries are under threat here in the UK, their services are being cut right back and some are closing. Such a shame. xxx

Goody said...

@Beth Waltz
Sports. Oh man, if they just put the money into teachers that they put into coaches.

@Joanna
I'm not sure I can take credit for Danny's love of reading, but keeping him away from telly for the first seven years or so helped.

@Curtise
I suppose a place where people might learn something would be threatening to the powers that be.

Mim said...

Augh, just thinking about libraries makes me sad - as Curtise says, they're being closed down left, right and centre here in the UK. (I live in the county town and we've just had a brand-new one built, but that's exceptional.) I was a voracious reader as a kid and we were flat broke; getting books from the Library each week was my lifeline. I get so angry thinking about all the people who can't afford books being deprived like that. You and Danny are right to treasure your library.