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Getting active this half term
Date 16/02/2010

Now that it’s half term I was wondering what to do with the children, and I remembered that there was something going on in the library. It's all about having fun whilst staying active. So, it was off the sofa and down to the library where I found out everything that was going on and Wow! There is loads to keep the children occupied. Have you heard of Dan Magness - he's the World football freestyler, and is appearing at a lot of libraries this week. For more information have a look at the event details here http://bit.ly/aYoDcq. And, if like me you need a regular reminder of everything that’s happening in libraries, sign up for the free newsletter at http://www.free-library-news.net/.
Get your life back
Date 05/02/2010

I’ve been reading a great book and I think it may actually change my life!

I’ve finally realised that I spend all my time chasing around fitting in too much whilst trying to please too many people and things have got to change. So what to do? A New You http://bit.ly/b5OgKK promises small changes that will make a big difference. So here’s to my new approach to life!

Trouble is, I’m feeling a bit too stressed out to begin the programme now so I’m planning to start by unwinding with Perfect Relaxation http://bit.ly/9JPPDX . Calm and balance, that’s what it’s all about.
Borrow holiday guides free from the library
Date 22/01/2010

Now the days are shorter and darker I find my thoughts veering towards the long hot summer. I started to look at holiday guides in the library for some inspiration. http://bit.ly/5M14hn There are some great holiday guides to help you decide. Take a look at the French Riviera, holiday walks in Normandy or Disneyland Paris. Transport yourself for a moment to Rome or Florence in Italy, or travel further to The U.S or Mexico. There is plenty to help you decide but if like me you haven’t quite made your mind up then borrow a DVD and see where others have travelled. http://bit.ly/4Khx21 When I have picked my holiday destination I might even try to learn the language!
Why don’t you?
Have a great holiday. http://bit.ly/7ZhiO0
Vote for The Fling to be crowned Best One Off Event at Panic Awards 2010
Date 20/01/2010

The Fling emerged after it's pilot year in a blaze of glory in the summer of 2009 and was enjoyed by many of the jolliest, most creative people Chelmsford (and beyond the borders) has to offer.

Even the sunshine joined us to create a party atmosphere at the festival of assorted amusements and we hope that with those sweet memories back at the forefront of your mind you could take just a minute to nominate The Fling for the coveted Best One Off Event Award at the upcoming Panic Awards.

If you do have just a minute, then please send an email to panicawardsnominations@googlemail.com

which states (with firm belief)

"Best one off event - The Fling"

then probably best to follow with some pleasantries...

If you want more info about the awards and other categories which require your valuable nominations then visit:

www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=131408319132&ref=ts

Thank you very much in advance!
Top Ten ways to start the New Year
Date 08/01/2010

Have you made a New Year's resolution yet? Amazingly around seven million people do but how many of us stick to them? Together with Essex Libraries make this the year you keep to yours!
Save money on expensive gym subscriptions by working out at home or put together your own fitness programme. Maybe you'd like to give up smoking or cut down on alcohol after the Christmas festivities? http://bit.ly/5vGSvb
Forget the diet and go for healthy recipes instead that make losing those extra pounds easier! You can exercise and enjoy our beautiful countryside at the same time. Take a look at Visit Essex http://www.visitessex.com/ for a great selection of free cycle and walking routes for you to choose from.
So there really isn't an excuse not to be a healthier you in 2010!
Getting the mood for Christmas
Date 27/12/2009

Just popped into the library and saw that all the Christmas cards are on sale now. Made me start to think about presents – always leave doing that until the last minute, but not this year! Borrowed some great craft books from the library and full of inspiration, headed home to start making some much more personal gifts. Watch this space! http://digbig.com/5barkr
Date 21/12/2009

All I want for Christmas

I’ve been running around ticking things off lists, buying presents and Christmas supplies. Then I realised that I hadn’t written my own Christmas list. How will Santa know what to bring me?

Now Library fish is a creature of modest needs. I’m an avid reader but lack room for book storage. Fishbowls do tend to be a bit tight on space. Therefore books don’t feature highly on my ‘things to buy me’ list. I borrow all kinds of wonderful things from Essex Libraries to fulfil my book related wants and needs.

Library fish does have a few suggestions for Santa. These, you understand, are in addition to global peace and an end to poverty.

Top of the list has to be tickets to the Essex Book Festival in March 2010. There are loads of events running right across Essex. The programme will be available in libraries right after Christmas with the box office opening on 7 January 2010. There are usually so many authors appearing that it’s hard to pick which ones to see. So Santa, do pop along to the festival website http://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/ and see what’s on offer. Then you can write me an IOU for some tickets.

Next up is an uninterrupted hour in a comfy chair with a good book.

Finally chocolate cake is always good as are offers to do the washing up.

A merry Christmas and a happy new year to all from Library fish.
Christmas Stories
Date 11/12/2009

We have some lovely Christmas stories for children – look out for The Night before Christmas, with pictures by Jan Brett – a gorgeously illustrated version of this traditional poem

or The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski a moving story about a grieving woodcarver who finds warmth and happiness when a widow and her little boy ask him to carve a nativity scene for them.

For those who like their Christmas stories up to date try

e-mail:jesus@Bethlehem by Hilary Robinson – imagine Jesus was born today – how would the good news be communicated?

And finally have you ever wondered what happens after Father Christmas has enjoyed all those refreshments left out for him as he flies his way across the world on Christmas Eve? Nicholas Allen’s brand new story Father Christmas Needs a Wee explains all and will no doubt be a great hit with young children.
Art at the Platform
Date 08/12/2009

The talented teenagers of Mistley and Manningtree are displaying their huge visual creations at Essex Record Office. The large collage canvases are called postcards, but it would be a brave postie who lumbered one of these around. ERO's foyer is a rather a bland place when the walls are bare, and the collages make an impact on the white and grey, and use a mixture of materials. You can see them whenever ERO is open, which is most days, and it's totally free.
Spinning glitterballs
Date 25/11/2009

The recent grim weather has meant that the Eight Legs Machine has not been hanging out in Chelmsford's parks quite as much as it normally would. And this has fortunately coincided with the re-opening of some of Chelmsford Museum's refurbished exhibition rooms. The little Leggers adore this museum for its stuffed animals (I don' t think they have worked out how the animals got there yet) and the Friday Fives sessions based on nursery rhymes. However, the local history gallery on music is a new attraction for them. They danced and span to the piped music, and watched the light flicker across the floor from the glitterball. For older visitors, there are some great personal reminiscences to listen to. We will be returning regularly.