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WILDFIRES SPREAD ACROSS THE WEST
THE ALARMING PHOTOGRAPHS and videos of the wildfires burning in our western states are jaw-dropping and the stories accompanying them are heart-wrenching. In the summer of 1965 10,000 teen girls gathered in Farragut, Idaho for the Girl Scout Roundup, my sister-in-law and I among them. Besides camping, trading potlatches and attending joyous campfires, we planted trees, thousands of them, tiny evergreen seedlings. Today, 55 years later, are those trees still living, are they threatened? I searched online and discovered that fires are burning in that region. It isn't the first time.OutWest Shop's Book Guides Wendy and Bobbi Jean hand selected four titles about fires in the West. Bobbi Jean, who always reads with a cup of coffee at the ready, suggests you try a bag of Muertos Coffee from a company founded by California firefighters. For each bag sold, they donate back to Individuals in Need, Line of Duty Deaths and Victims of Fire.
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: WHAT HAPPENED TODAY IN THE WEST?
WHAT HAPPENED TODAY IN THE WEST?Puzzled? An Act for the Admission of the State of California into the Union was signed into law by President Millard Fillmore on September 9, 1850. California became our 31st state, and entered as a free state. What's the state's motto? HInt - it means "I found it." EUREKA! I found titles just for you. Explore its rich history and culture in these four books. Explore the history of the landscape, of independent spirited women who came and stayed in California, the quilts that made the journey from distant points or where crafted there, and the crazy American pop culture that beckoned to tourists and residents alike. Consider these titles a part of my "love letter" to a state I called home for over 25 years. ---Book Guide Bobbi Jean
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY
WITH SCHOOL RESUMING during this extraordinary year, let’s remember that learning to read and write takes place under many circumstances and at any age. Literacy is a matter of dignity and human rights according to UNESCO, which established September 8 as INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY more than fifty years ago. To celebrate literacy OutWest Book Guide, Wendy, hand selected four stories with you in mind. Read about two priviledged women who traveled west in 1916 to become teachers in Colorado. Enter the Steamboat School founded by teacher Reverend John Berry Meachum to teach free and enslaved Black students in 1847, Missouri. Meet Mary Walker, who learned to read and write at 114 years old! Is there a teacher who made a difference in your life? Read the tribute to Mr. Falker, the teacher who helped a student learn to read after years of undiagnosed dyslexia.May You Turn Pages Everyday!
Contributed by Book Guide Wendy
HOIST A COLD ONE! IT'S NATIONAL BEER DAY!
HOIST A COLD ONE! IT'S NATIONAL BEER DAY!
"I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and BEER." —Abraham Lincoln
From shirts to books, we've got great suggestions on tap at OutWest Shop for the beer enthusiast.
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: LET'S READ A BOOK!
HOORAY! IT’S READ A BOOK DAY! If you need an excuse to climb into a hammock, flop on the couch, or draw a bath, you’ve got it. I've got a few "top picks" for you to consider. I'm reading CASTE: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS by Isabel Wilkerson right now. Other recommendations are THE LOST AND FOUND BOOK SHOP by Susan Wiggs and from our "For the Writer and Reader List" THIS IS ONE WAY TO DANCE by Sherl Shah. From our "Children's Fiction" list is INDIAN NO MORE winner of the 2020 American Indian Youth Literature Award for Middle Grade Fiction."The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go."
----Children's author and illustrator, Dr. Seuss
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR LIBRARY CARD IS?
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR LIBRARY CARD IS? Mine is in my head! Today, more than ever, our library cards are valuable. During the pandemic, libraries have expanded their online services for all ages - building their digital collections of ebooks, e-audiobooks, and magazines; and providing free streaming of music and movies. Most libraries have online database resources that enable you to take a course, study a language, explore genealogy, and conduct research in a range of fields. SEPTEMBER is LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH. If you don’t have a card, visit your library’s website and see how to get cards for all of your family. I have been using my library more than ever. To prepare for these posts I’ve checked out ebooks and searched the catalog. Lately, I’ve been placing holds and picking them up. Right now I am surrounded by 63 books! Here are a few that celebrate the library.
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER: STAGECOACH WOMEN
WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT BROWSING your favorite store? The mood, music, or aroma? The friendly conversation with staff? In the case of books, the covers that we’re not supposed to judge by beckon us to pick them up, read the flap, and turn the pages. Browsing online isn’t quite the same, but you can create atmosphere - brew a pot of tea or coffee, put on music and log in. That's just what I did the other day while I visited OutWestShop.com’s webpage at bookshop.org. My sister and I were so excited when we created this page, defining our lists and filling them with books. We felt as though we were unpacking boxes and arranging our stock, getting ready for opening day. And we were so excited to share them with you, our readers.
RENDEZVOUS WITH A WRITER - REMEMBERING THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON
HAVE YOU BEEN YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER THIS YEAR?
Although this can be daunting, it also provides an opportunity to explore with our children how today's experiences connect with our history. As we prepare to vote, we can review the hard-won fight for women's suffrage. As we watch protest marches around the country, we can study racial injustice and the continuing battle to secure equal rights for all. Books can help open our minds and hearts.
For example, August 28, 1963 was a watershed day in American history. Here's a trio of books to share with your grade school children.
WHAT WAS THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON?
VOICES OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON
A PLACE TO LAND
