I did not grow up talking Shakespeare at the dinner table. Everything I learned was at the library, by myself. It was my great equalizer. I feasted with the greatest thinkers. I am enlarged.
From the time I was in elementary school and started attending high school productions in Kalamazoo, I have been a huge fan of musical theatre. Whether it's old favorites like Fiddler on the Roof or a recent Broadway production like Next to Normal, I appreciate having the opportunity to come to the library to check out the soundtracks and musical scores.
I actually started playing keyboards/piano back in early high school. Then I moved on to drums (something I originally picked up on through the videogame Rock Band). But, coming from a family of guitar players (and a home infested with multiple guitars of differing shapes and sizes) it was perhaps unavoidable that I would one-day learn to play (my love affair with multiple rock and blues guitar gods also played an influential role).
I like that the library has frequent musical concerts/shows throughout the year. Music is a big part of my life and it’s awesome that KPL highlights a lot of local talent for the rest of us to enjoy!
Last summer, we went to the Upper Peninsula to do some camping and relaxing. Little did I know we'd find the most amazing hidden gem: Oswald's Bear Ranch. Mr. Oswald has acres and acres of space to house black bears of all ages and sizes. He rescues cubs from all over the United States. I was lucky enough to have one eat Fruit Loops and Puppy Chow out of my hand and kiss my ear!
I began playing at the age of 17. Upon moving to Kalamazoo, I was impressed with the number and quality of courses in the area. The first time I visited the Kalamazoo Public Library was at the Oshtemo Branch Library following a game at the Oshtemo Township Park. I have always thought that the cooperative relationship between the park and the KPL is one of the most unique things about our library system, and I have been watching the recent development project closely.
I decided to try my hand at knitting when my first grandchild was born. My mother crocheted a baby blanket for each of our sons—I wanted to do the same. So far, I've created one blanket and one shawl. Since then, three more grandchildren have joined our family. ;-) While I discovered I really enjoy knitting, I don't have as much time to give to it as I would like. I especially love looking at all the beautiful books the library offers—the colors, styles, patterns—and dreaming about new projects. I recently joined a knitting group at a local shop to set aside time to devote to knitting—making time to do what a dream about!