I am sad to say I am no longer living in Little Sweden...some unforeseen circumstances (and one drive in the blizzard) have landed me back in Salina. I still plan on visiting often, and being involved with something in that charming little town.
But the good news is I'm in a house! My very own house! And, eventually, I'll be saving money. Moves are expensive. But things are coming along swimmingly. I live within 2.5 miles of my job, and have already mapped out a bike route for when the weather gets warmer, and looked into the City Go buses, which run right near my house. Transportation like that just takes a little more planning.
(These photos are the built-in hutch where I keep my late Nana's tea set from Germany and wine glasses, of course, and a picture looking into the living room, when things still weren't really unpacked).
Now, I sit at the public library, basking in its remodeled glory. For those of you who haven't been to the Salina Public Library -- this is my advice to you: DO IT. Besides having a stellar children's section downstairs, the parts for the adults are comfortable, clean, and quiet. Sections are clearly labeled with large signs and new pictures on banners, representing areas of interest. There is a vast selection of both books and media, and the study area is conducive to laptops and books alike, with wireless hot spots, plug-ins that pop out of the tables, and some sleek comfy chairs with revolving desk pieces. I couldn't be more impressed, and with no internet at my house, will definitely be visiting often, and enjoying the book selection. The lighting isn't harsh, and nothing smells musky. This could be heaven for me.
As I look around, I see two brunettes (holla) studying flashcards and whispering quietly, muffling laughs about what their children are doing around the library, or funny things other patrons are doing. There's a man with a grocery basket, seemingly doing some shopping amongst the non-fiction. Young and old alike are gathered here, and not only in the DVD section. This is community, side by side. Parallel community. There's not a lot of interaction between patrons, but it feels like we're all doing something together. A library isn't a place you whip in and out of. It's a place where time is spent and knowledge is gained.
I sort of feel like if someone could be inside the internet, this is what it would be like. In the midst of endless information, bopping from place to place. And it might even be faster than dial-up.
(Pardon me while I daydream of myself in a Matrix universe).
I'll go now --I've got my eye on the large banner with pictures of pens and paintbrushes. And unlike the internet -- I get to take something home. Something I can hold and investigate, read and return to. Mine for nearly two months, keeping me company on unnecessary snow days and onederful nights in my new home.
