Since I have been home, the library has been a saving grace for me. Unsure when I may uproot myself and move again, I didn't want to collect more books for my personal library. Recently in Broward County, there have been talks about consolidating libraries due ot budget cuts. The two libraries closest to my house are on school grounds, so this would be a detriment to the facilities of the schools. Originally, I resumed using library services when I learned that I could borrow DVDs and CDs without paying rental charges.It nearly broke my heart when I walked into the lobby of the library attached to the middle school which I am an alumnae and saw this:

I stood beside a pair of local library regulars and filled out the petition and requisition cards for the County Commission. I am a book lover, a former student, and a supporter of my community. With crime rates increasing among the youth, libraries provide places children can go after school and keep themselves out of trouble. Plenty of tables are available for homework as well as free computers with internet access providing free information. Granted, books are becoming increasingly less expensive with online booksellers and retail stores providing frequent shopper and membership, but the thought of libraries closing just makes me sad. As taxpayers, our money supports these programs, so we should fight to keep resources available to our community.

After mulltiple trips to the libraries by my house, I've been bit by the reading bug. I also credit this to my gal pal, Christy, whom in an effort to be more writerly, keeps a very regimented schedule of tasks and activities to improve herself as a writer.I really look up to her gumption and ability to balance it with a full-time occupation. Though I know I shouldn't compare myself to my peers, especially my friends, but I honestly aspire to be dedicated to my craft like her. So, to tie the library visit to writing, below is my current reading list.

• Blogging for Dummies 2nd Edition by Susannah Gardner
• The Creative Writing MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Student (Revised & Updated) by Tom Kealey
• Problogger: Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Salary by Darren Rowse and Chris Garrett
• How I Write: The Secret Lives of Authors edited by Dan Crowe with Philip Oltermann

While sorting and cleaning out boxes from my pre-Japan days, I found a bunch a books from when I attended UF. Many of them were writing related, so I am excited to dive back into those as well. Many of my books were geared toward theory in relation to writing and electronic mediums, so it reignited my desire to study about electronic spaces and creative writing. It pains me to think that my senior project was lost in a computer crash, however, I think I can re-educate myself and create a far better project.

What non-fiction books have you read lately?

I highly recommend Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher. She's one sassy but classy lady. While watching the Tony Awards, Carrie Fisher presented an award and she announced that her performance of Wishful Drinking was joining the Fall 2009 Season in New York City. I would love to see her live, telling her story in her own colorful words. For our generation, she is an iconic individual.

Event: “Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan”
Location: Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art
Exhibition Dates: March 8-May 17, 2009 (visited March 8, 2009)
Admission: FREE

PR Details: (from Harn Website)
“The Samuel P. Harn Memorial Exhibition Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan celebrates Japanese kimono created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, one of the most dynamic periods in the history of Japan’s national costume. The exhibition of approximately 100 kimono includes formal, semiformal and casual kimono and haori jackets. Many of these garments reflect historical continuity of designs and techniques, while others exhibit a dramatic shift from kimono tradition.

The exhibition begins by focusing on the early 20th century, the final era of the “living” kimono, that is, when the kimono still remained the dress of choice for the majority of people in Japan. It continues through the 1940s, when Western clothes replaced the kimono for everyday wear and the garment assumed a largely formal and ceremonial meaning.

The outstanding kimono featured in the exhibition were drawn from the internationally renowned Montgomery Collection of Lugano, Switzerland. This exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia. Fashioning Kimono is made possible locally by the AEC Trust.”

Review: The exhibition itself was simple and neatly organized. A gal pal of mine is interning at the museum, so she assisted in the assembly of the displays. The kimono selected were in remarkable condition. I was very pleased to see a wide range of vintage kimono, not only in design but textile,  pattern, and era. The literature on the exhibit was nearly organized and provided simple explanations of the garments presented. If I can make it up to Gainesville before the private collection leaves the museum, I would like to review the exhibit again without rushing through.

Lecture: Guest lecturer, Annie M. Van Assche, presented a lecture about kimono based upon her non-fiction book (see below) on the subject. Though the guest raised several interesting historical points, I found her information about current fashion trends in Japan misleading and outdated. I almost felt guilty for whispering with my friend throughout the presentation, but it was either that or walk out entirely. According to the author she last lived in Japan in 1996, so she has not kept up too much with current trends in

kimono, especially with those of women in the 18-34 year range. There is a resurgence of popularity in wearing kimono, and though its not back en vouge, it is not limited purely to the “crazy, goth kids who hangout in Harajuku on Sundays.”

Book Details: Fashioning Kimono: Dress and Modernity in Early Twentieth-Century Japan ($44.10)

Related Events:
March 29, 2009 Lecture (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Melissa Rinne, Assistant Curator of Japanese Art, Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Topic: "Textile Tradition and Innovation: Producing Kimono in Early 20th Century Japan"
Learn about the significant role of the seasons in the structure of kimono. Rinne will explore the details of seasonal kimono, focusing on summer kimono in particular.

May 03, 2009 Gallery Talk (@ 3 p.m.)
Guest: Jason Steuber, Cofrin Curator of Asian Art
Topic: Join Cofrin Curator of Asian Art Jason Steuber as he discusses the kimono on display in Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan

In the spirit of the season, I decided to get my nails done for the first time in months. Two of my colleagues at work went and got theirs done in a similar style yesterday on their day off. I decided it was time to treat myself, just in time for all the photo ops of Christmas, finishing work, and the New Year.

I went to Fasciere Nail Salon in North Aoyama (near Omotesando/Harajuku) in Tokyo. I took their 60 Minute Quick Nail Set. I really lack sense of art design, I left the decisions about the design to the nail artists. I picked the color. I figured green would cover all my holiday bases, and I could get it changed before I return to Florida in January. I'm still learning about nail design, but I really like look and feel of the gel nails. Back in uni, I sometimes got acryllics put on, but I always hated what they always ruined my nails when had them removed. I have rather thin nails that always break when they grow to a decent length, so it's pretty much one of my only options to avoid stubby nails.

Price :: 5,210 yen Gel Nail Course (Natural x Teal Lame) + 1,000 yen (2 pieces of nail art)

Next Appointment :: Monday, January 12, 2009 @ 1:00PM (the day before I return to the US)

Right Hand :: Ribbon on Middle Nail & Left Hand :: Ribbon Art on Thumb nail

Thank you, Ms. Uehara (nailist) and Ms. Yamane (Ribbon Artist)!!