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Front Door Surprises

October 1, 2018 Claire Annette Noland 7 Comments

This is my front door.

For some reason, nearly every time I opened it this week, I was greeted by something wonderful.

My son brought this ginormous pumpkin just because he knew I’d like it.

My postal lady delivered the best mail ever from Eva in Spain who I met through the April A to Z Blog Challenge a few years ago. Her letters included the beginnings of a fairy tale based on our town coffeepot water tower with a coffee loving king and a river that flows with coffee!

 

Eva wrote that she hoped this mail would bring a smile to my face – Yes! I can’t stop smiling! Don’t you love receiving real mail? If you do, I suggest you take a visit to Eva’s blog, Mail Adventures.

Four wonderful new books arrived. You can read my review of Rice From Heaven written by Tina Cho and illustrated by Keum Jin Song here. I will soon post about the other three.

Ruth Asawa, A Sculpting Life by Joan Schoettler illustrated by Traci Van Wagoner

 

Born Criminal, Matilda Joslyn Gage, Radical Suffragist by Angelica Shirley Carpenter

 

Hey, Hey, Hay – A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them by Christy Mihaly and Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

And this morning, my friend Gail brought three BOXES of books. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I’m all about bringing books to those with access to them. These are going to be the beginning of a library for the mothers at the shelter for women who are victims of domestic violence. I’ll be starting a children’s library there next so I am on the lookout for books to create a collection.

 

Just thought I’d mention the need for other books –

I am a member of REFORMA de Valle Central, a wonderful group that works alongside other community organizations bringing books and informational resources to Spanish speakers. I’m always needing books in Spanish so if you have any to share, let me know. We have a special need for children’s books and graphic novels in Spanish or bilingual Spanish/English.

 

 

I’m hoping to be able to return to Nicaragua soon to add to the collection for the children of Cocal and Valle de Volcán served by Student’s International. I need books in Spanish for these shelves.

 

And, of course, there’s always room for more books in my Little Free Library.

I wonder what will arrive next?

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: Born Criminal, Hay - A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them by Christy Mihaly, Hey, Matilda Joslyn Gage, Radical Suffragist by Angelica Shirley Carpenter, Rice From Heaven by Tina Cho, Ruth Asawa a Sculpting Life by Joan Schoettler

Previous Post: « Rice From Heaven – The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans
Next Post: Cybils Award Nominations – Baby Monkey, Private Eye »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eva says

    October 1, 2018 at 9:52 am

    I’m glad the letters arrived!
    Now you need to write the fairy tale… 😀

    It’s a pity that I can’t send books from here (it would be to expensive, it makes no sense). You know I’m in love with your Little Free library…

    Reply
  2. Tina Cho says

    October 1, 2018 at 11:46 am

    Love your front door & pumpkin! How cool to be receiving such nice gifts 🙂

    Reply
  3. Trine Grillo says

    October 1, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    A fairy tale based on our town coffeepot water tower with a coffee loving king and a river that flows with coffee!
    Now that is a story I cannot wait to read!!
    Fun post Claire!
    Autumn Blessings to you

    Reply
  4. Joan Schoettler says

    October 1, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    You remain an inspiration regarding the importance of gathering and sharing books for young readers. Thanks for mentioning RUTH ASAWA: A Sculpting Life too. We are so lucky to be a part of the world of children’s literature!

    Reply
  5. Hilary says

    October 1, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Hi Claire – that pumpkin is glorious … while the smiling son – a handsome man. Love the front door. Your books … I quite agree – and I hope many books will come your way … love the post – cheers Hilary

    Reply
  6. Naida says

    October 11, 2018 at 4:20 am

    What a lovely article about the small things becoming big blessings.

    Reply
  7. Lisa says

    October 11, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Your post made my day!

    Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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claireannettenolandbooks

Author | teacher | Field Trip Planner
books that take you places
Raven’s Gift
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Evie’s Field Day
Out and About w George series

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It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day It’s the last day of summer and a great mail day!
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I first opened a lovely letter from my dear pen pal friend, Naida. We met when I was new to town because the mail carrier kept delivering mail to the wrong houses. Naida lived at 1203 Campus and I lived around the corner at 1203 Westwood. We bonded over letters and continue to this day (we do love seeing each other in person often).
I also opened a package containing SUNFLOWER HOUSES by Sharon Lovejoy. Years ago, I visited Sharon’s shop, Heart’s Ease in the beautiful town of Cambria. I took the children there to wander the gardens and be inspired to grow our own. We enjoyed her Fairy Festival and whenever I saw her, I knew she was someone I would love to have as a friend. And now we are which makes me so happy!
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#letters #bookmail #sunflowerhouses #thesummerbook
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It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie It’s always a good day when I’m with Mr. Ernie!
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