Your vote is important!

Too young for the Presidential election but juuuust right for the

Garden State Teen Book Awards!

Choose your favorite titles in 3 categories, 6-8th grade fiction, High School fiction and Non-fiction

Pick up a ballot in the Young Adult room of the library and give it to Mrs Reasso at the Reference Desk.

Students can also vote online at
http://www.bccls.org/teens/gstba/2009 .

To download and print the ballot, go to:
http://www.njla.org/honorsawards/ .

Please vote for as many titles as you like. The winning author will be invited to speak at an awards luncheon in the spring. Maybe we can even get a teen author talk - depends on who wins - tell us who you would like it to be!

Please put your name and number on the ballot - Some voters will win free books!

Good Luck and thanks for exercising your right to vote.


Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

HP Meadows Project - Green Teens/Film Club

Partnerships - that's what we need for the Green Teens HP Meadows Project to succeed. I'd love to see us accomplish this but we need help and I think we can find it here in Highland Park.

What is our HP Meadows Project?
The HP environmental Commission is working on restoring a wooded area of HP. The area used to be a dump and has been left to fend for itself. It is full of non-native invasive plants and overgrown weeds etc. It is called HP Meadows and is located at the bottom of South 5th Avenue near DPW. You can see they have already cleared some trails and are busy working thru the nice weather to get as far as they can before the cold weather sets in.

Green Teens would like to take on a piece of that restoration project. We have identified a plot of land that we are going to clear of non-native invasive plants and re-plant with natural landscaping that will be attractive and useful to butterflies and other wildlife. It's a great way to make an impact in our own community. Along the way we will learn about project planning, native and non-native plants, soil composition, irrigation and who knows what else - I'll be sure and tell you about it along the way!

It is very much a hands on activity and we are going to need more adults who can supervise off-site activities and bring more kids into the fold.

Think about other youth groups or organizations you know about that might like to work on an environmental project with us - do you know any boy scout troops, girl scouts, 4-H clubs? Groups that might be interested in partnering with us. Perhaps even our own rec dept. Think....I'll start making some calls.

I suggest we work on getting this support and doing our research over the fall/winter and be ready to do hands on work in the spring.

We would like to present our Project Plan to the HP Environmental Commission. Good idea, right? I'll help, I promise.

Let's meet this Monday Oct 20 at 3 pm to discuss our plan of action. Please be there if you are a Green Teen.
-------------------------------------------------------
Film Club

I am also busy working with some other teens on our film festival - making films and trying to get the word out to YOU to make your own film and submit it. Mtg for them Monday night 7 pm
Applications will be on our teen web page or stop by the library and pick one up.

Come to Film Club Mtg ready to break into groups and storyboard and brainstorm ideas. We need to filming by early November. Storyboarding comes first.

Bring cameras and laptops if you have them - the more equipment the more we can accomplish.


Cheers, Michelle

How did that happen?

October already...seriously?

I hope you're in a routine already - I'm not. Yikes. Must work on this. Tomorrow...

A few updates to our activities.

Green Teens - on hold - it's a huge commitment I'm not sure we can take on right now.
I'll keep you posted.

We can do other green activities without the hands on project at the Meadows - for now.

Film Club

Very actively working on promos for our festival to be held on January 11, 2009!
We have made 2 commercials and are working on 2 others! We have lots of new faces and it's very fun. We are learning how to work with cameras and software for editing. We have a few film ideas and always need actors, writers and funny people in general. Look for us on Youtube - "HP Library Teens" and on Local cable Ch 15 HPTV

Book Club

Maximum Ride - The Angel Experiment
Monday, Nov 17 at 7 pm
A fun book - action, light sci-fi and humor! A good read for all. Really. And if you like it, there are 3 more in the series. Pick up a copy at the desk.

Twilight Party!
Dec 8 at 7 pm

Everything Edward and Bella - and Jacob - because I love him the most.What is Bella thinking? Join us for a night of games, chat and fun - and food. We're cookievores, not to worry.


I'll be looking forward to seeing you whenever. ;)

Michelle

Eat Your Wheaties...

We have a lot on our plates. Or maybe you shouldn't eat too many wheaties if we have so much on our plates. I'll let you decide.

Teen Film Festival in January
Next Mtg is Oct 6th at 7 pm - 8:30 pm
What will we do?
Shoot and edit promos for our festival - this way we can all practice together
Promos will go on Youtube and HPTV, cable Channel 15
Work on our group film - Highland Park Zombie...the horror?!
Help other film makers with storyline, shooting, acting
Fundraise - we need software, money for t-shirts, and potentially a camera and laptop?!
Work on flyers, ads etc to promote our event.
Bring a digital camera and/or laptop if you have one. We have some equipment to share.


Green Teens Environmental Project at Meadows Trail
Meet Sunday, Sept 14 meet at 1:45 at the library or at Meadow Trails (bottom of south 5th)
at 2.
We will be selecting our plot of land for our restoration project and go on a guided Bird walk, Free! Don't miss it. Wear long pants and closed toed shoes.
Meet Monday, Sept 15th at 7 pm at the library to begin working on our Project Plan

Teen Advisory Group
Wednesday Oct 1, 4 pm
Help plan activities (fund-raising, community service, teen magazine, book club, chess, game days etc) and suggest books for purchase. Very fun. Always food and a lot of laughs. And, we get stuff done.

Hope to see you there.

Email me if you have any other ideas, suggestions, comments
mreasso@hpplnj.org

I'm baaaaaack!

I missed you all very much and am happy to be back to a job that I love!

I fully expected to be off on another venture, but some unexpected family issues and the lack of other opportunities kept me in the market for a job. So, here I am, and I am happy to see - so are you!

We have a lot of fun programs planned including our film festival, Expresso, and a new activity called "Green Teens". I'd like to find some way to devote different web pages to each of these activities so you can follow the progress of each, including photos, upcoming events and articles written by you(?) about what we have been doing.

Our first event will be a Teen Advisory Group Meeting so we can plan the things that you are most interested in.

Look for more news and emails in the next few weeks.

If you would like to receive weekly emails from me, please send me an email at mreasso@hpplnj.org

Hope to see you in the library!

Michelle

June Already!

Amazing. I've said that a lot in the last 8 weeks.

My dad has been quite ill since mid-April. The 14th to be exact. Anyway, it has been a roller-coaster ride, with some serious dips. My poor dad has a long road to recovery but we have a lot of folks making sure he stays on it. No worries.

So, summer's here! Along with spending days with dad recuperating, I hope to read, spend time at the beach with friends and family and look for a school librarian job for the fall. I may have to take a course or 2 to get certified - waiting on Dept of Ed to let me know what I have to do.

That's it. An update and hopes that you are looking forward to a change in pace (slower) and that you will make the most of it!

Congratulations to all you graduates. On to your next adventure. Very exciting!

Best, Michelle

Thank you

Thanks to all of you who came to the party or stopped by. It was so nice to celebrate with all of you. You failed miserably as individuals on the trivia quiz, but as a group you scored a 100! As it should be...each of you participated with me at the library in a different way. You were my book buddies, writers, readers, cartoonists, knitters, artists, and even film makers! All of you were unique friends. Thank you. It was great fun. To the embarrassment of my children, I really enjoy running into you around town, so keep your eye out for me and say hello! Be good. Michelle

Check out more photos at www.hpplnj.org/teens Click on photo gallery

Improv!

Here's a photo of our small but very talented teen? group.


Unfortunately, I picked a bad night...the play rehearsal was that evening and it was a religious holiday...my mistake. Sometimes these things happen when you plan a date far in advance. However, because you couldn't make it I got to jump in. You would have loved it - I did! Louis Wells, our instructor, was super and teaches at the George Street Playhouse. His GSP classes are listed below.

Teenprov - Improv Intensive… Back by popular demand!
Ages 13-17/ Saturday, April 12, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Improv Workout (Adult)
4 classes, Mondays, April 28, May 5, 12 & 19, 6:45 – 8:45 pm.

Adult One-Day Improv
Saturday, June 7, 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Check out all the classes at GSP at this link ttp://www.georgestplayhouse.org/education/theatre_classes.php

Thank you to the Nj Theatre Alliance and NJ State Library for awarding us these workshops.

This was the middle school group - check out all the photos at our teen photo gallery - www.hpplnj.org/teens

Don't forget to check out the video that made it all possible - thanks, Jiali and Rose ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW7T5AiGDNQ


Keep smiling!

Michelle

So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, adieu,

Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu.



Well, it has to be done -
So, we will choose to celebrate all the fun we had while it lasted!


Party - be there if you can.....

Wednesday, March 26th at 3:30 we will get together for some snacks, some laughs, and a few hugs - no tears. If you can't make it Wednesday I will also be here on Sunday the 30th - my real last day. Stop in to say until we meet again?!

I live in town so you're sure to see my walking my dog, riding my bike or in Stop 'N Shop!

And, I'll definitely be stopping back in at the library. I'll make sure and borrow all my books after school.



If I get to it, I'll try and make up a game to play - any suggestions?
Maybe just charades or pictionary - those are my favorites. And, of course, this party will be all about me - and you! I'll bring a book for all of you to sign, how's that? And we'll take lots of photos.


Much love to all of you for being such a wonderful part of my life. It was a joy to work here with all of you. You made me laugh, think, smile and laugh some more! And I ate a lot more cheez doodles than I should have! Shame on you.

Wishing you all the best and I will look forward to hearing from you now and then.
Tell me what you're reading!

See you at the party....

Peace,

Michelle

It's Official

Well, the board decided Monday evening that I will be laid off effective March 31. Thank you all for your kind words and support. If you have to get run out of town it's nice to know you will be missed. Not sure what is next for me, but I'll keep you informed. For sure, we'll have a party before I go! I'll let you know when.

Lucy Paras will be taking over the responsibilities of Teen Librarian. I will be working with her all month to ensure a smooth transition and you will see both of us at all of the March events listed below. She is looking forward to working with all of you. I feel good about leaving you in good hands. However, I feel sad about leaving you at all... :(

Let's make the last month a good one!
I hope you have been reading your Sue Grafton books in prep for next week's discussion!

Monday, March 10th , 7 - 8 pm
Teen Book Club
Any Sue Grafton Mystery, “A” is for Alibi, etc.
We will compare them to other mysteries, old and new. Refreshments served.

Sunday, March 16th, 2 -3 pm
Ready, Set, Improv
Grades 6 – 8
Join us for this introductory improv comedy experience. The class will be fast paced, fun, and a great way to learn how to think on your feet. It is perfect for all skill levels.
Taught by local artist and teacher, Louis Wells, for George Street Playhouse.

Monday, March 17th , 7 - 8 pm
Poetry Workshop
Local poet, Maxine Sussman, will lead us through a creative and productive class.
The poems will be read in April during an open mic night.

Thursday, March 20th, 6 - 8 pm
Teenprov
High School students only
Leave your inhibitions behind and hop on board for improv. This intense class will introduce students to varying styles of improve, ranging from theater games to comedy sports. Taught by local artist and teacher, Louis Wells, for George Street Playhouse.

Tuesday, March 25th, 3 – 4:30 pm
Battle of the Books Competition
6th Grade
Watch 6th graders battle for book-bragging rights! Each team of 6th graders reads 12 – 15 books and gets a chance to impress us with what they know. This is practice for the April competition against TJ Middle School in Edison . Come out and support your favorite booklete!

Thursday, March 27th, 3 – 4:30 pm
Battle of the Books Competition
7th/8th Grade
Watch 7/8th graders battle for book-bragging rights!
Each team reads 12 – 15 books and gets a chance to impress us with what they know.
This is practice for the April competition against TJ Middle School in Edison .
Come out and support your favorite booklete!


Cheers,

Michelle

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

Feel free to sing along....whistle if you can ~

Some things in life are bad
They can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse.
When you're chewing on life's gristle
Don't grumble, give a whistle
And this'll help things turn out for the best...

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...

If life seems jolly rotten
There's something you've forgotten
And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing.
When you're feeling in the dumps
Don't be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.

And...always look on the bright side of life...
Always look on the light side of life...



Words and music by Eric Idle
From Monty Python

Not to worry - I tin whistle.

;-)

New Photo and Upcoming Events

So, can you identify any of the books in my new photo? How about the one I am reading? E-mail me if you have a guess. You could win something.

Upcoming Events!

Teen Film Festival
Still accepting, but hurry. Festival is on Sunday, Jan 27 at 1 pm
Deadline for submission is January 7th.

Crochet Buddies
Looking for teens and children to get together and crochet. Teens will teach. Make scarves, hats, toys - they know how and can show us! Bring your own yarn if you can. We have hooks. Teens and kids need to register 732 572-2750 Cookies, hot chocolate served.
Wednesdays starting Jan 16th. 3 pm

Game Days
Fridays at 3 pm. Guitar Hero! Monopoly, scrabble, chess and more... check the calendar for dates www.hpplnj.org/teens

Zine
Help do the artwork for our next issue. Also need typists and editors. Tuesdays after school. Jan 8th, 15 and 22nd. 3 - 4:30. Just show up.

Be at something.....

Michelle

An Attitude of Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
~ Albert Schweitzer

We accomplished a lot in 2007. How did that happen? Hmmm, well, we happen to be very lucky that we live in a community full of talented and generous individuals. We are very fortunate that many people in our own community came out to the library to share their time and their skills with us.

So, as we wrap up 2007, let's offer some gratitude to those who have helped to light the flame within us all.


Harriet Gordon taught us how to knit and inspired us with her beautiful creations.

Pria "starheart" Campanelli led us through a spiritual evening of yoga and meditation.

Jack Yang helped us improve our chess skills and we enjoyed challenging him and one another!

Tina Weishaus shared her Global Warming presentation with us. An Inconvenient Truth, indeed.

Maxine Sussman shared her beautiful rock collection and inspired us to write poetry that we published in our teen magazine, Expresso.

Laura Callahan and the Middlesex County Prosecutor's office presented a fascinating program all about crime scene investigation to kick off our summer reading program.

Sergeant Gary Panichella kicked off our book buddies program by reading to us. I heard he is in one of our teen films as well.

Rick Black taught us how to write haiku and showed us how to make our very own haiku
booklets illustrated with handmade stencils.

Pat Huneke, and her therapy dog, Phoenix, came in so our book buddies could read to Phoenix. Phoenix was a very good listener and Pat was terrific for sharing her time and her
story of working with a therapy dog.

Jennifer Williams ran some super programs for us including the very popular Harry Potter party! Welcome back, Jennifer, we missed you.

Leora Wenger shared her talents with us by showing us how to design our own websites using CSS. You can see them if you visit the teen page of our website www.hpplnj.org/teens

Marc Mappen, entertained us with fascinating stories of Weird NJ!

Dara Botvinick and Tim Harrison have been bringing the 6th graders over to foster a love of reading and make sure the kids know that they are most welcome here at the public library. They have also used the art displays here as writing prompts. We'll be sharing some of those stories with you in Expresso. Awesome teachers, HP is lucky to have them both.

Along those same lines, awesomeness included, Nicole Marionni brought her poetry class over to do some research. She also brought the required summer reading books over to the library so we could make sure you all got your copies and so that I could have an opportunity to help you find your optional titles. I hope to see more of you next summer....

Gary Leslie, of HPTV, and Sam Shiffman are helping us make films for our teen film festival. They have been an extremely valuable resource to us and very generous with their time. Check out our commercials on HPTV!

Our library board, our director, Jane Stanley, and all of the staff here are very supportive of all that we do, for that we are very grateful. Jeanne, Fran, Lucy, Val, Lisa, Renee, Udeshi, Maria and all of our part-timers and pages - thank you for all that you do to make the Highland Park Public Library a wonderful place to be!

The Friends of the Library who fund our programs. We couldn't do any of it without them.

Lastly, a big thank you to my favorite sparks - the teens who have worked with me to plan and promote programs, to those who participated and helped make our events successful and well-attended, and to those of you who just visit to do homework or select books - it is always my pleasure to see you. I count you all among my many blessings.

I look forward to a new year full of reading, writing, playing and whatever else we decide to do - with you.

Be happy, healthy, safe and always, always grateful.

Michelle

Project Linus NJ - Monday night Dec 17th at 7 pm

Aaah, it's that time of the year again! The teens at our library love this project. I don't think they will mind if I speak for them by saying that we like it for multiple reasons.

Everyone can participate in the project - no sewing skills required. We love an all-inclusive!


We get a chance to socialize (and eat) while we are working

The finished blankets are absolutely adorable!

And the best part....
The blankets go to children in need


For more information on the project and to see how you can get involved visit www.blankiedepo.org

See more photos at our photo gallery www.hpplnj.org/teens





Michelle

What I've Read Lately....How about you?

Some of these titles are new and some were just new to me...

Beastly by Alex Flinn
Loved this modern day re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. It takes place in NYC. The chat room bits are my favorite. Check it out - literally!

Castle Corona by Sharon Creech
A comical fairy tale with some quirky characters. Nice artwork as well!

Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
Loved reading about this time period. It is set in the 1940's and is about about Dewey (not of the decimal system) who lives with her father in Los Alomos, New Mexico. Officially, Los Alomos does not even exist, although it is buzzing with scientists and mathematicians from all over the world who are working on "the gadget". Can you guess what that might be? A glimpse into what the world was like before the invention of "the gadget".

Echo by Kate Morgentoth
Justin's life has unraveled since the death of his brother. On the anniversary of his brother's death things start to really fall apart. He seems to be reliving the same day over and over again. Each time it is slightly different - what's real and what isn't? Just like you are, Justin is trying to figure that out.

Flight by Sherman Alexie
Just "Call me Zits", says the main character. He has inherited his mom's green eyes and his dad's acne, which neither of them are around to see. He has been in and out of foster care since the age of 10. See where this is going? Yes, not good. He goes on a shooting spree and finds himself travelling back in time, inhabiting various people's bodies whose lives will help to shed some light on his own.
It's a bit violent, so not for everyone, but if you do read it, stop by to chat with me about it.

Just started The Golden Compass by Pullman. Gotta read it before the movie comes out!

Your Halloween Treat - New Books!

It's true...the only thing better than being able to order books is to open the box
and get them ready for you! So stop by to see what came in...

Here a few titles to whet your appetite:

Click One novel by 10 authors
Stories within a story, written as separate chapters by ten juvenile authors including Linda Sue Park, Eoin Colfer, and Tim Wynne-Jones, reveal the adventurous life and legacy of George "Gee" Keane, a photojournalist and world traveler.

Does my Head Look Big in This? by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Despite her parents' gentle warnings that she may be ostracized, Amal decides it's time to be true to herself and her faith and to wear her head scarf, or hijab, full-time. Can she handle the taunting? Could you? Think about that as you read about what Amal has to deal with. You will love her for her humor, intelligence and her courage!

Leap of Faith by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Forced to attend a Catholic middle school because of her conduct, Abigail discovers a talent for theater and develops a true religious faith.

Sure Fire by Jack Higgins
A popular author of best-selling adult novels, Jack Higgins has written a thriller for teens. I'm currently enjoying this one! The plot: Resentful of having to go and live with their estranged father after the death of their mother, fifteen-year-old twins, Rich and Jade, soon find they have more complicated problems when their father is kidnapped and their attempts to rescue him involve them in a dangerous international plot to control the world's oil.

M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman
For those of you who are very busy, but want to enjoy a quick read, I bring you a collection of short stories by Neil Gaiman. As he says in his forward, "Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and still be back in time for dinner". How can you not love a man who says stuff like that?!

On that note...I'm off to another world. Dinner is 10 minutes so it's Neil Gaiman for me tonight ;)

Hope to see you in the stacks.

Michelle

I am thankful for laughter.....

"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose."
~ Woody Allen


Celebrate laughter during Teen Read Week, Oct 14 - 20th

This year's theme is Laugh Out Loud @Your Library

Miss Fran and I will be at Autumn in the Park, Thursday night with a Laugh Out Loud Trivia Game. Please stop by and play - you could win a free doughnut from Dunkin! We will be outside of Saiff Drugs.

Also, vote for your favorite teen read at the American Library Associations website
Teens Top Ten - see the nominated titles and vote for your favorite!

http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm

Last year's top ten:

1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
2. Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
3. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
4. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
5. Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
6. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
7. Poison by Chris Wooding
8. Captain Hook: The Adventures of a Notorious Youth by J.V. Hart
9. If I Have a Wicked Stepmother, Where’s My Prince? by Melissa Kantor
10. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

And, mark your calendars - Oct 29th at 7 pm we'll have film making workshop!

Also, submit any short stories, poetry, book reviews, games etc. to me via expresso@hpplnj.org

Expresso may come out before Christmas - and we may sell copies- thoughts?

E-mail me, mreasso@hpplnj.org

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!

September 29 - October 6 is official Banned Books Week!

What is a banned book? It's a book that has been removed from a public or school library or classroom because someone or some organization believes that the content is inappropriate.

The message that Banned Books week hopes to get out is that
Free People Read Freely.
That's not to say that all books are appropriate for all people, just that you (or your parents) should have the freedom to choose for yourself what is appropriate.

Banned Books week is about protecting your freedom of choice.

Please take a few moments to reflect on that message and to also consider the quote by Voltaire at the top of my blog.

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."

For more information check out ALA's website www.ala.org/bbooks
Take a look at some of the most challenged books in recent years. Do they offend you? Why or why not? Why might someone else be offended?

Talk about it tonight at your dinner table.

Peace.

Whew...Summer Wrap-up and what's next? Film Fest

We did it! Along with lots of other events - we read almost 500 hours this summer - and that's not counting those of you who didn't share. Congratulations, I'm proud of all of you! Even those of you who read secretly...
We also some fun with Monday night activities; the murder mystery (remember the tape outline of the dead you-know-who?!), The Birds (still creepy after all these years!), altered books, Sherlock Holmes, game night, Crime Scene Investigation, and Karaoke (appreantly more fun for those of singing than those in the audience. You know how I know? You asked us to please stop! It was fun while it lasted...)

Book Buddies was a HUGE success with an average of 50 of you reading together each Thursday afternoon. That's awesome! The little buddies adored you and they read and chatted with you about a LOT of books. You should very proud of your work. I am. I know some of you have run into your book buddies around town - did you do the secret handshake?! Okay, okay...we'll re-think that idea for next year ;)

As far as our other events, I have to admit my favorite event was the haiku book-making workshop with Rick Black. I don't know what was more fun, the nature walk, the writing, or the stenciling. If you haven't stopped by to see our handmade books, please do. You are sure to be impressed and will want to make your own.

A close second was the webmaster workshop led by Leora Wenger. The web pages that were created will be linked to our teen page shortly. It was so nice to see it all come together for those of you who were new to HTML! Again, proud of all your work. Good job. We hope to have Leora back to run some other tech workshops for you. Let me know what you'd be interested in learning.

DEAR time was a bit of a bust - what? it's not cool to come hang out at the library and read?! I should have known better. Anyway, I had a couple of afternoons of quiet reading with a few of you. What's not to like about that?

On the other hand, Chess was a success! We met some new players and will be having tournaments throughout the year. Thank you to Jack Yang for running the summer program and congratulations to our winners

Look for photos of all of these events in our NEW photo gallery. Get it to it from the Teen home page.

Upcoming projects include a Teen Film Festival. We'll be showing films made by you. Can you do that? I'm impressed and would love to see your work. So, share your talents with us...get used to showing your work and get some valuable feedback from an audience who supports you! Want to get involved in planning and promoting the event? First assignment - tell your friends. Second assignment - start writing your scripts. E-mail me at mreasso@hpplnj.org if you want to get more involved than that. From our teen web page click on the Film Festival logo to get entry forms and guidelines.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather! Hope to see you soon.

Michelle

Haiku - for you

writing a haiku
in the library's back room --
purple mint flowers

~ Rick Black

This is the haiku that Rick wrote about our workshop. Nice, n'est-ce pas?
Like he told us, haiku is just 3 short lines and may conjure up a time and a place. What a nice way to keep a memory!
I am haiku-ing (probably not a real word) everything! Remember, this is my favorite part, it does not need to have certain number of syllables per line!

Here are some websites Rick thought we might enjoy. Check them out and continue to write - it's really fun! Please share any you write that you especially love and we will print them in Expresso.

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/articles/haiku.htm
http://spice.stanford.edu/digests/Japan/haiku.html
http://haikuguy.com/issa/abouthaiku.html
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/poetryclass/Haiku.html

Enjoy the last days of summer vacation...and stop by for your summer reading books if you haven't already!


Michelle