Is Everybody Relaxing?

Hi Girls! I hope you are all enjoying a bit of a break from the school routine and that you have enjoyed some fun family time over the past few days! I am in a bit of a turkey/perogy/chocolate-induced slug-like state myself, but have managed to hit the mall to check out some of the sales. No new shoes to report, though :(.  Most horribly of all, our favorite candy-cane lane tea seems to be sold-out EVERYWHERE!!! I'm hoping that you library tea drinkers have been stocking up.
Anyway, I've been reading some of Quinn's books; namely the Ghostgirl series by Tonya Hurley and I kind of like them.  I'm finding that many of these "supernatural" books actually use the whole afterlife or zombie theme to deal with regular teen issues like bullying, discrimination or that craving for popularity - normal stuff that anybody can relate to.   I think we may have discussed these at book club when I first bought them for Quinn - we'll talk about them again and decide if they are library-worthy.



Now, since you are all on holidays and have a little extra time on your hands, I'm going to post a video that I think is kind of inspiring.  It's a commencement speech that was given to the graduates of Princeton by the founder of Amazon.com. In his speech he asks, "How will you use your gifts? What choices will you make?" Excellent thoughts as we approach a new year!


Looking forward to seeing all of you in 2011!

A new cool website to visit!

In my own internet exploration this weekend I stumbled upon a link to this website, which I absolutely LOVE!  Maybe some of you have already discovered it (I realize that I am frequently several steps behind you in my high heels!)  Anyway, it is part book reviews, part social reader networking, part creative writing forums, and part writing contests - I absolutely adore it.  It's called "figment" - read, write, connect.  Go here to have a look:  figment

Next, Nicole W. just returned our newest Lurlene McDaniel novel, Heart to Heart.  She told me she absolutely could not put it down.  So any of you who enjoy a "heartwrenching" read may want to check this one out;)

Finally, don't forget that Thursday will be Junior Book Club at lunch.  I think we will plan on meeting at 11:40 so that the basketball girls are able to attend too.  Listen for announcements to confirm times.  Senior Book Club will meet Tuesday at 11:40 as usual!

Any Old Magazines Out There?

If any of you are doing a bit of  cleaning and recycling with your Christmas decoratiing, please keep the school in mind.  Mrs. Sander is in need of some fresh decorating-type magazines for her interior design classes to use for their projects.  We often get donations of other types of magazines, but home decor magazines are few and far between!  If you are willing to recycle your collection, please pass them on to us here at Rivier - they will be greatly appreciated by the P.A.A. students who are very frustrated with scouring the same old magazines for pictures!

What's New

Those of you who come to Book Club will have heard me talking about Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments Series, which I really enjoyed reading. I found this video clip on the publisher's website of the author being interviewed by Holly Black (author of Tithe, Ironside, Valiant.) I think the interview shows how well-read the author is and how well she has planned this series. In other words, you don't just sit down and write a book! Anyway, I found it very interesting to watch and you can let me know if you are interested in reading her books!

For an interview with Cassandra Clare by Scott Westerfeld (author of the Uglies series), along with the trailer for the books and links to her blog plus much more, go here Simon and Schuster Publishers.  Be forewarned:  There is intermittent thunder crashing in the background which gets very annoying if you try to watch any videos while actually on this webpage!  Maybe I'm just not tech-savvy enough to figure out how to stop the thunderstorm....

In Response To Miss Campbell's "Cat Duet"

Hi Girls!
Well, a long day today clearing out that huge fruit order but does the library ever smell great! Good job to everyone who pitched in to help and thanks to the residents who helped get everything (almost) back to normal tonight.
Anyone who hasn't checked Miss Campbell's blog should pop over and look at her ADORABLE nieces and then watch the very amusing video of two serious choirboys singing Puccini's "Cat Duet." Actually, her niece Emily kind of looks like she's prepared to sing along, now that I think about it. Anyway, after watching that I just had to look at some related videos and came across this one, which apparently has appeared on the jumbotron in Tampa Bay because the cat is wearing their jersey and thus has gone viral. Also, he IS one cool cat. I think he should be considered for future Rivier dances - or perhaps I could train Frisby and/or Kooler to do something even better!

I promise a future post with something actually about books;)

Ready to change the world?

I'm going to share this talk by a nineteen-year-old young woman that I thought you might enjoy. I found it very interesting and thought some of you might also as you discern your future paths in life. She has already done some great things in her life and gives an inspiring talk about how we can all make positive changes in the world around us.

How to cheer up a snowy day!

My soundtrack today has been Michael Franti and Spearhead's "The Sound of Sunshine."  "I want to go where the summer never ends.. and everything smells like suntan lotion."  He is awesome and I LOVE him.  Go listen here:
Michael Franti and Spearhead

You can play his music in the "now playing" box on the left hand side when you scroll down a little.  He's a peace activist, a yoga dude, a smoothie drinker, and just an all-around great guy.  Very happy music for cataloguing books.  Have a listen and shake it like you got no bones!

My new favorite thing!

Look what a great surprise I received today!!  Brenna H. popped into the library with this AWESOME tape dispenser for me:

So much cooler than my chunky-heeled pink one!  I LOVE the stiletto and the built-in platform; it's very Jessica Simpson.  You do know me well, Brenna!

Lizzie, Lizzie, Lizzie...

I don't know what to say, but life goes on here at Rivier and so does the math, unfortunately!  Mr. Jalbert just sent me the latest installment in Math for November 16.  Chin up!
Lizzie's Math Homework

And to cheer you up, I thought you might appreciate this video.  I know it made me laugh.

Good Morning Lizzie!

I just spoke with Mrs. Trumier and they haven't decided on a due date for the assignment I posted for you yesterday.  However, she did give me a few other reminders for you.  You may have had these emailed to you by Sister Mary already - if so you may ignore this post!
1) Persuasive Essay for History was due November 8th - work on this if you haven't finished already.
2) English - you will have to catch up on readings when you get back.
3) Nomination Speech is due on November 17th - this was assigned before you left. (Nominate the most admirable person you know - can be famous/fictional/someone in your life)
4) Beowulf Composition is due this Friday, November 19th.

Having typed all of this, I'm sure Mrs. Trumier doesn't want you to stress over any of this.  I know I don't.  You are in a situation over which you have no control.  Deep breaths, Lizzie.  Deep breaths.

If You're A Girl, Take the Time To Watch This...

Okay, I'm posting twice tonight. I've been watching a TED talk (which I highly recommend to all of you, by the way) and I must share it with all of you since we ARE a school full of young women. I have been sharing a bit with you about our new book, Half The Sky , and would like to invite you to take 15 minutes to watch one of the authors speak about the plight of women around the world. I guarantee you will learn a few interesting things and she is a very engaging speaker. Trust me on this one:)


If you enjoy this, you can find more talks on a wide variety of topics here:
TED Talks

Cats, Books, and New Shoes!

New shoes and kittens.  I am in heaven.

Nicole has the magic touch.

What a great day!  Kittens in the library, a little chocolate, some new books to catalogue, and a new pair of shoes - what more could a librarian ask for?  Oh, I almost forgot - Bailey made a pot of tea for us this morning too.  It really was a perfect day.
Immersion girls will have a few new titles to look forward to this week, and those of you not in Book Clubs will be seeing a few new titles trickling out onto the shelves over the next little while as the Book Club girls finish up with them and they go into circulation.
Feels like it's going to be a great week, girls!

Trying to learn computer hacking skills.  More like hairball hacking.

And finally, the cat who escaped Mr. C...

More Homework for Lizzie!

Lizzie, I feel awful uploading all of this stuff for you to do, but maybe knowing what you're missing is better than stewing about what's going on in your absence.  Anyway, here is the latest assignment for History.  I'm not sure what the context of this assignment is as Sister Mary just handed me this paper.  I don't see a due date on here and everyone has gone home for the day.  I will add more details to this post tomorrow if I can find anything out from your classmates:)
Lizzie's History Assignment

Math C30 for Lizzie!

Hi Lizzie! Sorry to hear you're stuck in Denver. You should definitely try a sandwich (ha ha.) Anyway, I had major problems uploading Mr. Jalbert's document to his blog, so here it is on mine:
Lizzie's Math Homework

Introducing Our Student Guest Blogger!!

Exciting news today girls! Most of you will know Tristen from having seen her around the school over the last few years, and if you have read any of the comments under my posts you will have enjoyed some of her great book reviews also. So, I, in my GREAT wisdom (ha ha) have decided to hand over the blog to her every now and then to let her review some of the books she has read. So, here in her very first blog post, is TRISTEN (fanfare follows...)

In the story “The Blue Girl” by Charles de Lint, it is not only a story of new beginnings but also the start of magical happenings. Imogene Heap, the new girl at Redding High discovers that while she tries to leave her past behind she is also beginning to enter a completely new world of imaginary friends, ghosts, and fairies.
Charles de Lint is able to paint a new world of magic never seen before, with characters that will surely stay with you, and a new take on fairytales that will leave you craving more.
My reason for my intense love for this book is his play on words, and the description he gives for everything through various character's perspective. He is able to stretch this story from our personal history with bedtime stories to the reality of life we all experience.
I give this wonderful piece of literature a complete 5/5 stars.

Mrs. C speaking again with a big thanks to Tristen for a great review of a book which I am personally looking forward to reading. Charles de Lint is also a Canadian author, which I love, as well as winner of the World Fantasy Award. Definitely worth checking out - get the library humour? I have put a senior label on it, though, so it is for grades ten and up.

A touching little story...with shoes, too!

A good friend just sent me an email which included this little story.  I think it sort of ties into our "walking in the word" theme this year so I would like to share it with you girls.  The best I can find is "Author Unknown," so I can't credit anyone in particular for writing this:
An eye witness account from New York City , on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy,
about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said,
"My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks
for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed
his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him
a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, "No
doubt, you will be more comfortable now."
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears
in his eyes, asked her,
"Are you God's wife?"

So my hope is that all of you, our Rivier girls, are becoming just like the woman in this story.  See how shoes are important in so many ways ? :)

Girl Power!

In light of some of the issues we've discussed in book club lately, and from what I've been hearing about Amnesty's discussions also, I thought this video might be of interest to some of you. Any of you who have read I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced or Sold will understand the reality of these girls' lives.

I'm also cataloguing a new book - Book Club girls already know about it - which discusses several different women's issues around the globe. Here's the cover:
If you can't read the subtitle, it's "Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide."   Let me know if you're interested in it.  Definitely more of a senior-level read, though.

Mamma Mia!

Okay, I am really going to miss coming along with all of you on the Mamma Mia road trip, but it IS Charlie's birthday and I just don't think it's right for a kid to come home to an empty house on his birthday. (Sigh.) So I've been sitting here watching a few old Abba videos and just had to post the original Mamma Mia song vid. Nothing says "I'm a super-hot pop star" like capri length white bib overalls, don't you think? I do like his shoes though.

It's going to be an Abba week in the library girls!

OHMMM....

Good Morning Girls!
For those of you poor souls who get stuck in study with me day after day,  you know we have been talking quite a bit lately about how to combat that horrible feeling of being overwhelmed by schoolwork, activities, jobs, and all of the other demands in life.  My good friend emailed me a link to a Zen blog a long time ago, and I thought that one of his posts might have a few pertinent tips for young women too.   I know some of you are also struggling with discerning what path to take after Grade 12 is over - think of his advice in that light also.  His post is called Zen Habits: 52 tips for happiness and productivity.
Just a little something to think about.  Have fun at the pep rally and rock those glow sticks!

Something kind of fun!

Well, maybe only if you're a librarian...
There's this site where you can browse through old catalogues, which I find kind of fun and interesting - but then I am kind of old, and also a librarian. Anyway, take a look at the Canadian Museum of Civilization display "Before e-commerce" to have a look at some old Eaton's catalogues and the like.  I also thought this might be useful when you do some of your assignments - I'm not sure which ones, but we will use this website at some point - I can feel it!
On to books - The Bard Academy Series is rocking my world!  Thanks to H.T. from Senior Book Club for letting me totally steal her summer reading list and order her picks for the library.   So this series is set at a boarding school (da da DAH) for bad kids (uh oh) and the teachers are a little strange - but you have to read the books to find out why.  Not one, but two pretty hunky guys, plus the required nerdy friend and crazy roommate - add a spooky twist and these books have it all!  Then there's also a little tweak that's going to have you wanting to read or re-read the classics.  Perfection.

Lies is not the last book!!!

Well, I am sooo disappointed. Now I know how Tristen feels because I am apparently tied into a series that may or may not go on into infinity. I absolutely MUST know what happens to the characters in the Gone series but it is not a trilogy: it is a series of who knows how many books. (I suppose I should do a little research and find out.) I still highly recommend these books - all of you are much younger than me - you have more time to stick it out with these characters.
For those of you wondering exactly what's so exciting about these books, take a look at this trailer from HarperTeen Books:

Librarians Can Rock! Sort of...

Hi Girls! So I'm just enjoying my day off, surfing the net and what do I stumble across but a group of librarians who have adapted "Poker Face" to incorporate their library information. Now I, of course, would have jazzed up the wardrobe a little, but still very cool. Way to go University of Washington librarians!

I am reading the last book in the Gone series and as I told some of you yesterday OMG!!! I cannot believe what is transpiring in this book! But then the title is Lies, so can I believe what I am reading? I just don't know! I don't think I'm going to get anything accomplished today until I just sit down and finish the darn thing. All of you have a great weekend.
P.S. Check Mr. C's blog for an announcement about his new homework help group.

We're living on the edge!

I am just so intrigued by the whole idea of banned and challenged books so I'm going to continue with the same theme today.  I've been on the American Library Association website and I am very surprised at some of the titles which have been challenged in various schools and libraries throughout the United States.  This means that for some reason or another, somebody has attempted to have that book removed from the library shelves.  I'm posting a link to the website, and if you scroll to the bottom of the page you can snoop by year to see which books were on the hotlist.  Just a few that surprised me (and that we have been reading) are Unwind, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, The Kiterunner,  Kaffir Boy, My Sister's Keeper  - I could go on and on.  Many of these are highly acclaimed books.  You'll have to take a look and see why the people were opposed to their presence in the schools/libraries.  Interesting issues to think about!  See you tomorrow.  Junior Bookclub at 12:00.  Maybe 12:02 - depends on what's in my lunch :)

American Library Association Banned Books Week

How do YOU feel about banned books?

Author Ellen Hopkins has written a powerful statement for banned books week (she has a new book for those of you who enjoy her writing. The title is Fallout.) As we have discussed at book club and over the counter, the language in her books is realistic, but a bit too much for the Rivier Library, so as much as I like her writing you'll have to continue to get her books from the Cuelenaere Library. However, I do think she makes a valuable contribution to YA literature.
Here she is speaking out against the banning of books:

Go Guardians!

I had the great pleasure of watching our senior girls play volleyball yesterday and wow,  just wow!  Not only did they win the gold at this weekend's tournament, but they got me thinking about a few things.  As you may have noticed, I tend to think too much.  As I watched the games, I noticed how supportive our girls were of one another; how they gathered together constantly for little pep talks during play to encourage one another.  It wasn't about talking strategy - it was about lifting their teammates up after a minor error or if they'd lost a point.  It truly showed the difference between being on a team and BEING a team.  Way to go girls.  You make us really proud to say, "Yeah, I know those girls.  That's my team."

Whether or not you win those games you are representing Rivier SO well and I just want to say a big thank  you!  Now let's all try to get out and cheer them on!

Found a shirt as crazy as the ones you made!

Taking a break from reading...

Hi girls!
Just taking a break from reading "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," as recommended to me by Tristen last week, and thoroughly enjoying it. It has me thinking about how we all sometimes feel we don't fit in, which for some reason had me thinking of Lady Gaga (probably because I'm always fascinated by her shoes.) Anyway, there is a person who goes out of her way NOT to fit in and it obviously works for her. Then I thought of the couple of times I've watched her on "Ellen" and she is not as weird as you'd think - really respects her Mom and Dad and just likes hanging out with them and seems to live a kind of low-key life in reality.
So I googled a little and found a couple of quotes from her like these:

"Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no trouble, noise, or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."
— Lady Gaga

"As a performer I’m outrageous and wild, but as a person I have a very strong moral code. To this day I feel guilt about what I put my parents through when I was younger. I’ll call my mother out of the blue and say, ‘Mom, I’m so sorry about what I did.’ They’re very proud of me today, but I wouldn’t have their pride if I hadn’t listened to them and told them I was sorry. It’s as important to acknowledge your mistakes as it is to get credit for your victories."
-Lady Gaga

She also uses some un-ladylike language on occasion, but I do find her to be a very surprising and interesting person, particularly for a Sunday night internet browse. I'm going to try posting an interview from the Ellen show, and then I'm going to try to finish this really great book which ties in a little with what Lady Gaga is talking about in this clip.

See you tomorrow everyone!

A Volvo is a Car...

And that's all we're going to say on the matter.  Right, Thursday 4th period study girls?  We had a strange day in the library today.  Some of us, in fact, were left totally flabbergasted as evidenced in this photo...

Sometimes you just need your purple blankie.  And a good book of course.  Which leads me to the point of my post, which is to let you know there are lots of great books coming in to the library right now.  If the "new book" shelf looks a little bare it may just be that there's been a lot of people signing stuff out so check with me if you're looking for a certain book so I can put your name on the waiting list.  A few more titles available for checkout this week:



Smile pretty for pictures tomorrow - try to be upright (unlike my model above) - and have a great weekend!

Dipstick Visits the Library

Those of you fortunate enough to have spent a study period in the library this afternoon will have enjoyed some cuddles from Michelle's very lucky little kitten pictured here:

Dipstick went to great lengths to get to school today, so was exhausted by this afternoon - as you can see from this photo.  His determination to get to school at great risk to his own health and safety should serve as an example to all of you (Hailey.)  His presence in the library was certainly a treat for all of us aside from one unfortunate incident, of which we will not speak:)

Something To Think About

This video was linked to one of the blogs I follow and I found it very interesting. I am a big fan of "Teach Paperless" which promotes lots of exciting new innovations in schools so I would like to hear what you girls think of the following piece:


Now don't you feel lucky some of you are even getting to use facebook for your school projects? Yes, you do have a really cool principal.

Happy Tuesday!

Hi to all of you lounging around on your day off. I am going cross-eyed from cataloguing so decided to take a quick break to post a video of one of my favourite authors, Louis Sachar. I just processed his new book "The Cardturner" and can't wait to read it! If you have never read "Holes" READ IT IMMEDIATELY! It is the best book for all ages - I promise you will enjoy it. Anyway, he is the nicest guy and gives some great tips about writing for all of you aspiring writers out there:

Crazy Awesome Boots

Just found this little video about a really cool blue-haired shoemaker. So which one of you is going to grow up to be an awesome shoe designer who always fondly remembers their old school librarian? And sends her each season's new shoes to test out, of course!

Enjoy Your Day Off!

Have a restful Tuesday off everyone! Just wanted to let you know a few new books are in. Tristen is the first to preview "I Am Number Four," and she let me know that there are a few trailers out for the book and movie as well, so here we go:



I'll be spending my Tuesday cataloguing furiously to prepare all of these great books for you. Of course I'll miss you. Sure I will;)

Looking Forward to a Great Year!

Now that we've had a couple of weeks to settle in, I thought I'd post a bit of what's coming up in the next little while.  Sorry for the silence the last week - but I had cake on the brain as I prepared for the dessert auction.  Now that it's over for another year I have cleared my head to think about our library again!
Both Senior and Junior Book Clubs started up last week, Seniors will meet on Tuesdays at 11:40 and Juniors on Thursdays at 12:00.  I'm still thinking about how we're going to fit Green Club in there, so Junior Book Club may be sharing that Thursday lunch hour.
Some books just ordered and on their way:




As usual, there should be a little something for everyone - no matter what your interests are.  Lots more books coming in gradually throughout the year and as you know I am always open to your suggestions too!  Also keep your eyes open for Sr. Zelie's book orders and if you just can't afford the books you want, check with me to see if we can get them for the school (or there's a good chance we might already have them!)

Finally, here's a cute little video I came across - very short and amusing.