Last week I got my handbag back. Retrieved from my library by brave team leaders, it contained a number of important things like my driver’s licence and wallet and cellphone. But the thing that made me happiest was the unexpected rediscovery of a ring in one of the pockets. It’s ridiculously huge, shaped like a star, and covered in rainbow diamantes. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile. And I figure that’s a pretty good deal right now.
Like standing in a busy library (even if it’s not my regular one), and watching people hang out and spend time with friends and family, borrow books and music and movies, and have coffee together.
Like hearing librarians say they are finally beginning to enjoy reading again, and discussing their books choices (Barbara Trapido’s Sex and Stravinsky – mostly great but with a less-than-average ending; Rachael King’s Magpie Hall – a great read; F G Cottam’s The Waiting Room – beautifully written ghost story).
Like unpacking boxes of shiny new books and sending them off to people who have been waiting for them.
Like reading on a national news website that the Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book is being re-released.
Like … well, what’s made you happy recently?
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 
The Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book is a truly great book
Isn’t it just, though? And not just for kids – long ago, when I was young and foolish and in love, I made the entire train cake from the cover for my fiance’s 21st birthday, and then carried it through town to Pagoda Court restaurant.
Finding a new facebook page called “Crack’d for Christchurch”:
Help us create a beautiful public mosaic from our own earthquake damaged city
Do you have china, plates, cups, vases and ceramics broken in the Christchurch earthquakes, but still precious to you?
Please save them, and donate to ‘Crack’d’.
We want to create a beautiful public mosaic somewhere in christchurch, a seat or mosaic garden.
Gorgeous idea.
Being able to go to a library 🙂 my usuals are out of action so thank goodness Spreydon is open 🙂
All the autumn colours – taking time to notice the natural beauty.
Spending time with little people who make life so uncomplicated and helping discover the things in life that are special to them 🙂 showing them how to through leaves in autumn, looking at ants, leaves, conkers. hearing them laugth
Helping my 4 11/12 year old daughter write a heartfelt letter to the staff at Ballantynes.
She told them how brave she thought they were being and how glad she was that they didn’t have to go to hospital (we hope!).
She explained that they would have to wait, like her, for her 5th birthday lunch with them and that she would have hugs for all when she visited on their opening.
I was very proud and it made me reflect on how strong, resourceful and empathetic some of our earthquake children have become.
Thankyou Rosie for a moment of pure happiness.
Being at home to enjoy a beautiful autumn day in the garden, hearing the City Care worker mowing the grass outside our house, catching up with friends who have been displaced since the quake, sitting in a sunny spot with the cat purring on my lap… small is beautiful
Going for lots of long walks in autumn sunshine and reading Mrs Fry’s Diary – haven’t laughed so much in ages and it was so good to be able to at least.
Ooh, I’m on the library waiting list for Mrs Fry’s Diary! Good to hear it’s worth the wait, thanks, bluedebz.
Thanks for the reminder! Had been meaning to reserve Mrs F