Holon is a town just south of Tel Aviv and is a great community for families and children with many museums and activities. But even for those without children, there are places to visit and enjoy.
My daughter and I spent time exploring Holon in November. Since she lives in Holon, we were able to walk to some places. But there are parking areas for cars as well as buses that you can take.
Our first stop was to one of the Story Book Parks, specifically, Gan Sipur, the Park of Stories. Holon has several parks designed especially for children that fall under the category of Story Book Park. The one we visited has a large playground, sculptures and activities that focus on seven children’s books. Each of the sections focuses on a different book written by an Israeli author. There is an explanation of each book. Unfortunately, they are only in Hebrew. For this trip, my son-in-law accompanied us and was our official translator.
An added attraction to this park is a wonderful restaurant that is also family friendly, Café Garden Story, Café Gan Sipur, that is situated within the park. Since it was a Friday, and most people are off, it was busy. We had to wait for a while. So we put in our name and then we walked around the park while we waited to get a table. When we got the message, we hurried back to the restaurant on Mota Gur Street 15.
We decided to sit outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. But the inside is fun as well. The Café also caters to children with bookshelves inside and activities for the children to do while they waited for the food. The food was worth waiting for. Out selections were excellent. We had a great time visiting the park and enjoying the atmosphere of the café.
Not far from the Story Park is the Holon Design Museum at Pinchas Ayalon 8. It is a short 1.5 kilometers, or about a five minute walk. My daughter has been wanting to see it, so we decided to add that to our adventures. There are timed tickets to enter the museum, but there was ample space to sit outside as we waited along with several groups of women.
The museum was opened in 2010. The building is quite interesting and was designed by an Israeli architect Ron Arad. When we visited, all of the museum’s display areas were dedicated to the work of Alber Elbaz, an Israeli designer who grew up in Holon. He died from COVID in 2021. This exhibit, Alber Elbaz: The Dream Factory, will be at the museum until February 25, 2023.
To be honest, I am not a follower of high fashion. But I found this exhibit that focused on his life, how he started in design, his time with famous high fashion designers, as well as the tribute pieces designed by others, interesting. I understand the desire to tell the story of a Holon native and his rise to fame in fashion design.
Going through the exhibit took about 90 minutes for us. In certain areas we had to follow a long line of people through a curved hallway display. I enjoyed seeing some of his early designs and the movie showing his work at one fashion show.
I look forward to going back in the future to see other exhibits and to see how the display rooms are used when it is not devoted to one person.
In the past I have visited other spots in Holon. One I have not written about, but loved was Dialogue in the Dark at the Children’s Museum at Peres Park in Holon. It was the most amazing experience I have ever had. The tour is entirely in the pitch black as you tour several spaces, including a marketplace, a street and a port, led by a blind person.
To be honest I was terrified. Because I am so near sighted, I have always been afraid of becoming blind. But our guide was wonderful, and the experience is one I will never forget. If you are ever in Tel Aviv or Holon, this is a must do activity. You need to make reservations in advance and must be over 9 years old to attend.
Living on the Kansas side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, my husband and I do not often venture to the Missouri side. But recently we made the trip to Independence, Missouri, home of the Truman Presidential Library.
Truman statute outside the Courthouse in Independence.
Before heading to the Library, we met a friend on the ‘Square’ in Independence for lunch. But first we walked around the outside of the Court House where Harry S. Truman had served as a judge for many years. We admired his statute which stands in front of the Courthouse.
After lunch we went to the Truman Library. Since it reopened in June 2021, we have been wanting to see the changes. But as COVID ebbed and waned, the museum closed, then reopened, then required timed tickets. Now It is back to normal scheduling.
Truman greets you!The new entrance
The changes are wonderful! First you arrive at a new entrance, which is located on the side of the parking lots, making it much easier to enter. It is so much better than walking up all those stairs and entering right into the room where the wonderful Thomas Hart Benton mural is on display. The new area has room for groups to meet up, bathroom facilities, a lovely gift store and the entrance to a room with a short movie about Truman.
Each exhibit room in the museum has been repurposed and reinvented. There are movies and interactive activities throughout. Some of the movies are in little alcoves, others are in bigger areas. All have a bit of seating and standing room. But you have the choice of how much time you want to take in each area, depending on how many activities you want to do.
This came off one of the bombs before it was dropped.
I loved the exhibit about the atomic bomb and Japan. The important documents are highlighted and much easier to read and see. I still cannot believe that Vice President Truman knew nothing about the atomic bomb. The letter to President Truman requesting a meeting to discuss a “highly secret matter” to me is chilling. Another chilling moment in this exhibit is the two videos about the actual bombing. Seeing the movie about the aftermath is emotional.
Recognized Israel
For me the exhibit and movie about Truman’s recognition of Israel as a state also was moving. Once again, the relevant letter was highlighted better than in the old version of the library. I also enjoyed watching the movie about this important moment. Although Truman lived in a time when antiSemitism and the Holocaust had decimated the Jewish people, he felt that they deserved a homeland, a safe haven. But the antiSemitism of the world colored his staff as well. Finally, Truman made the decision to recognize Israel despite what some of his staff wanted and due to the intervention of his close Jewish friend. An antiSemitism that is once again rising, I hope we can find leaders like Truman who will push away the words of those who hate, to work for a peaceful world for all.
You can still see the re-creation of Truman’s oval office setting, as well as the office he used when he was retired in Independence. It was intriguing to me that Truman never had a college education. But he was a lover of books and reading. His library is still filled with his books.
A sign outside the office says, “Readers of good books, particularly books of biography and history, are preparing themselves for leadership. Not all readers become leaders, but all leaders much be readers.” A statement that is extremely important as we look to elect good leaders now! Reading and the ability to understand complex issues made Truman a great president.
When you walk over to this office, you also can pay your respects to the graves of Bess and Harry Truman, along with the daughter and son in law, Clifton and Margaret Daniel.
There is much more to see at the Truman Library and special exhibits. When we were there the new exhibit, “Portraits of Courage” with paintings by President George W. Bush, was not yet open. It will be there through December 31, 2022.
I do need to say that Truman was my Dad’s favorite president. When he would come to visit we would do Truman trips: Lamar, Missouri, for Truman’s birthplace and to the Truman home in Independence. I brought my parents to the Truman Library at least two times! Dad would have loved the changes.
Another Day, another article about libraries being forced to remove books. Recently it was Missouri libraries removing 20 books for fear that the librarians would be fined or might go to jail for allowing people to read.
That sickens me. But what sickens me more so is the need for the leaders of the American Library Association to write a letter to the FBI last week due to the increased violence and threats against librarians and libraries. REALLY!!! People are attacking libraries and librarians.
The article by Meghan Mangrum of the Dallas Morning News, says that the association was concerned about library workers receiving personal threats.
My relationships with librarians have always been positive. When my son was in middle school, I volunteered at the school library once a week for a year to restock books. It was the librarian who helped me encourage my son to read. She reminded me that reading any book was better than not reading. And that my son loved manga. “Let him read as many as he wants,” she told me. “He is excited about reading.” She was so right!!
The attacks against books and libraries are additional evidence of how those in our country are so afraid of facts, that they are rebelling against books. When my children were young, I could not wait for the annual summer reading program to sign my children up to read. I added prizes to the reading list. Every five books my children got a treat. Anything to inspire the love of books, reading and libraries.
With adults so afraid to let children read, it makes me think about my history. My parents banned one book when I was in high school. They felt the sexual content (which now would be considered mild) was too much for a high school senior. I was not allowed to read it. Believe me the first book I read when I got to college was that book! My parents even laughed about it. Why ban it?
With the current banning, I was so happy to see that the Brooklyn Public Library opened their online books to young adults throughout the country who want to read banned books! I was so proud of them. When I was in New York in September, visiting my niece who lives in Brooklyn, we added a walk to the Brooklyn Public Library to our plans!!! I wanted to celebrate it!
The Brooklyn Public Library has been around in some form since the mid 1800s. It’s main campus, which I visited is at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway near Prospect Park. But what makes is so wonderful for me, and why I had to visit it, is the National Teen BPL eCard, that allows young adults ages 13-21, to get a free Brooklyn Public Library card which allows them to borrow books for free, including books that have been banned in other states!
To learn more about the efforts to ban books in schools, I would recommend you go to PEN America’s website: http://www.Pen.org. There is much to read about the increase in attempts to ban books in our public schools in the past two years, with many of the books attacked focus on racism, gender issues, history and sexuality.
A teacher at my school sent me an email today using the word tsundoku to describe his reading habits. It was a Japanese word I did not know nor heard before. Which for me is unusual as I have had an affinity for Japanese words since my days in graduate school as the roommate to a Japanese exchange student. (See blogs below.)
Of course, I had to look it up. According to the Cambridge Dictionary tsundoku is “the practice of buying alot of books and keeping them in a pile because you intend to read them but have not done so yet; also used to refer to the pile itself.”
WOW. How did the dictionary editors know about my secret? Wait how do the Japanese know what I am doing? I thought it was well hidden. However, although I have those piles, I do eventually get around to reading all of the books piled on shelves and in a queue in my I Pad library. I promise!!!
I will also admit that after getting onto BookBub, my online Tsundoku has increased. Many days I just delete the email from BookBub to avoid adding more books to my online tsundoku collection. I will also admit that sometimes I forget which books I have purchased, till I try to buy them again. Luckily Amazon sends me a note saying, you already own this book. Thankfully they keep track. When I cleaned out my house, I found several books I owned in duplicate and triplicate!
I have a book issue. I thought I had released this when we moved 18 months ago. I gave away thousands of books. Not an exaggeration. I really did. (See blogs below.) I only moved about 1500 books to the new house. I ended up purchasing four new bookcases, because the new house does not have built in bookcases. So I took a deep breathe and told myself that my book buying days needed to end. I made a promise to myself to go more frequently to the library and to stop buying as many books. I could do this!!
But you all know, the libraries were closed for a long time. And my so-called friend told me about BookBub. She actually sent me an email telling me about it. Putting in my face. That sometimes you could even get books for FREE! Yes, you can! And books for $1.99, $2.99, $4.99, and so on. And if you like one of the free books, you can be drawn into a series and then need to pay to find out what happened. Thanks friend!!! You know who you are.
I do need to go to the library and not to Costco, where, when I am grocery shopping, I need to go past the tables filled with books. I inch around snooping at what is there. Sometimes, I take a picture of the book. I don’t buy it then. I think if I come back next week and it is still there, I will get it. But sometimes that does not work, I slowly walk around the store and return to the book table. The book jumps into my cart by itself. I don’t notice till I go to checkout. And there it is still calling my name to join my tsundoku pile.
I have to be honest, now knowing the name of my syndrome, I feel much better. But most of all, I can relate to the many others who share this same compulsion. I always knew I was a bibliophile. My love of books is well known. For goodness sake, I was an English literature major in college. How much more booky can you be, unless of course a librarian. I know them as well. Some of my good friends and even relatives are librarians. I just realized that they live a life surrounded by tsundoku piles. All those books to read piled up around them, calling them. How do they get anything done? I guess I need to ponder that as well.
As I continue my pandemic impacted move, I must admit I finally see a resolution and feel a sense of peace.
Last week my home of 35 years was emptied out. Forget an estate sale: I had it set up with a non-profit that donates the money to a nursing scholarship fund at a local community college. But due to the pandemic, we could not have it. Forget donating the over 1000 books that I did not give away to the local library for its annual book sale. (See blog below.) They were not taking any books at this time due to the pandemic. Forget donating to anyone for anything. I was disappointed and dismayed.
I wanted to have my good friend, who owns a thrift store, and gives some money to a charity we both support, take my stuff. But she was stuck at her second home in Florida. So I could not even do that. My realtor came through. She heard of a gentleman, a veteran, who has a thrift store about an hour from where I live. He takes everything and he donates to four charities. Yes, some redeeming solution to my pile of no longer needed items, that were definitely not junk…along with some junk. He actually took everything, including the trash!!!
I also felt good because three of the charities he gives items and donations to are ones that I also support.
Being there when everything was hauled away was more emotional than I thought it would be. We had already put all that we did not want into two rooms and the garage. Most of the house was already empty. But watching those piles diminish and parts of my life leave the house was at times awful. I did rescue a few items in the last minutes. A book! My tennis rachet, I have not played in 20 years, but my Dad and I used to play together in the summers when I worked for him. I had to keep that.
Our lower level is empty as well.
However, there is one wonderful bright spot: with everything gone from the house, there are no more boxes entering the new house. We are done. Now when a box is emptied, it stays empty. I find that liberating!!!
I was worried about leaving all my wonderful plantings behind. The Japanese maple my son and his girlfriend got my husband for Father’s Day. Plants that reminded me of my Dad, who loved to garden, and all my special plants. But my friend, and gardener, came through and moved many of my favorites to the new house, taking some similar plants from the new house and replanting them at the old. Yes, it made a difference.
The Japanese maple moved with us.
Inside the house is beginning to feel more like home as the furniture I kept is rearranged to fit into the new space. At times I am frustrated as things do not fit quite right. My husband’s calm response is always, “We downsized. So things are smaller.” Things like closets and storage. But I am getting the hang of it. And as I put things away, I also find more things to give away. Boxes of craft and school supplies go to the school I work at. Bags of clothing are going to the one thrift store that has a dumpster outside for donations. And lots of Star Trek items to a young couple I know who loves Star Trek.
I have also repurposed items from my old home into my new. My favorite Roman shades, that the realtor took out of my old home, are now hanging in the new one. Rugs I had thought I had no use for here, are now on the hardwood floors. Each little item actually gives me comfort.
Roman shades moved from old house to new!
Our biggest need is more bookshelves. The home we left had many built -in bookshelves. The new home has none. We did bring several with us, but not enough to hold all the books that survived the culling. I still have some room and am still unpacking. But there will be books in boxes for a while.
Empty family room with almost empty bookcases. Some of my books we used to stage.
Due to the social distancing and closures, some of the remodeling that was supposed to be completed before we moved in, is still a work in progress. But I think within a week or so, almost everything will be completed.
On Friday our home goes on the market. I have no idea what will happen, as the pandemic and its economic strangle on the community will probably impact the sale. But who knows? Our home is two blocks from an elementary school, a playground, a park that includes tennis courts, a hockey rink, a soccer field, two softball/baseball fields and a track. It is really one of the best neighborhoods for children. And more than that, every Fourth of July we can just walk to the school and watch the city’s fireworks display.
I look forward to the days of owning one home, and no longer worrying about what will happen next. That has been the major stress of buying and selling a home during this unsettled Covid-19 time. Each day has been a new adventure. Each day a new challenge.
On the other hand, I know I am fortunate. My husband and I are still employed. We are among the lucky ones. My problems pale to those facing eviction, lack of food and no income.
I am looking forward to settling into our new home. But I am also looking forward to settling into a new reality where we no longer shake hands, stay six feet apart, and hope to an economy that bounces back. Wishing everyone good health and economic security.
I already wrote about my plan to help others when the libraries and schools closed. I meant just to help those in my circle of friends find a book to read. But it did not quite work that way. (See blogs below.)
A friend of mine, who has media contacts, told one of them about my plan to give away my books to help others survive the closing of the libraries. A local television station is doing a series about people helping others, “We See You KSHB.”. Next thing I know, I was called and asked to participate.
On Friday morning, March 20, I was interviewed. During the 5 o’clock news, MacKenzie Nelson featured my segment. Within the next 48 hours I had almost 120 requests for books. I was able to help 104 people. Twelve I could not help, mainly because they asked for a specific book that I did not have, and that was all they wanted. Or they wanted books for infants. I have no board books. Several never told me what type of books they wanted.
Bundles of books in my house
Four people wanted large quantities of children’s books. One for a preschool, one for a first grade class, one for the Johnson County Christmas Bureau, and finally for Reach Out and Read KC. I could not help them. But another woman I know, a retired teacher, wanted to give me all her books to give away. I suggested since she had children’s books to be in contact with these four people. And she agreed.
Another woman, who worked at Scholastic, had tons of children’s books but no adult books. She also offered to give me children’s books. Instead I gave her the email addresses for these four people. I hope that these two people are able to help, magnifying the book giving I am doing. She wrote me this, after picking up her books: “Thank you so much for the books! I have to be honest. I have never read anything written by these authors, but they look very intriguing. I’m so excited. Also, thank you for the list of email addresses. I will go through my collection and see what I have to offer them. Stay safe! See you on the other side. Lots of love.”
Actually, I think I have found my calling. When I was in college, we all had to do a vocational test during our first few days. Mine came back definite, become a librarian. I did not do that. I became and English major and then got a master’s in journalism. But I will admit, I have had great joy as I selected over 300 books for strangers.
I was nervous about people coming to my front door to pick up the books. But it worked wonderfully. I bagged and labeled every bundle of books. Most people got between 2 and 6 books. One person usually got 2 or 3, but if I was giving to a family, I usually gave 4-6 books. I went through all the little plastic bags I had in my house. You can see the colors change below!
I sent everyone the following letter after I bundled the books:
“Dear Reader.
I have received over 100 requests for books. So obviously, I am not driving all over town to deliver them. And I am practicing Social distancing as I am over 60. So here is how this will work.
I have selected books for you based on what you asked for. Your books are wrapped in a plastic bag with your name or identifying number on it; however, you identified yourself to me. Please take your bag.
You should come pick them up at my home. And I gave the address.
I am putting them out on my porch now. I will not answer the door as I do not want to have any contact as requested by the doctors.
I do have a security system with a video doorbell. If you want to wave at me, wave at the camera.
I hope you enjoy the books. Stay healthy!”
I was worried that some might take extra books or be upset that they had only a couple. But book lovers are the best people ever. They came, they searched, they found their books and they waved to me on my video door bell. Sometimes, a book lover came as I was putting out books. They waited till after I went back inside to approach my porch.
A few spoke to me through my door. Emily made me so happy. She told me looking for her books through the bundles of books made it more fun. She wanted Star Wars books. I gave her four. She left smiling and hugging her books. I was smiling as well.
Some people left me gifts of cards and art work. One person left me money. I will donate it to disaster relief. I got so many delightful emails. Here are a few:
“I just got home and wanted to let you know first off that I got my books. I didn’t have Sassinak or Death of Sleep, so new additions to my McCaffrey library! … I hope you saw with your ring-cam how happy I was.”
“Thank you so very much. It will probably be early evening when I get out that way. You’re so kind to offer this to people!”
“Sounds like you are doing a good job getting books into the hands of those who need them.”
“It’s a wonderful gift you’re giving away. I wish you all the best, stay safe and healthy. “
“My son was excited about the American revolution book!”
“Thanks and prayers for your safety and health!”
“Omg thank you so much!”
“Thank you for your response and all that you are doing to help and bless others!”
“Wow! You are awesome. Stay safe and healthy. And thank you!”
“I think what you’re doing is so wonderfully generous. You’re right, doing things like this not only makes others feel good, it multiplies back to the giver. Even if you don’t have any books by my favorites, bless you for your kindness and thoughtfulness.”
One woman sent me photos of her husband picking up the books and her with the books along with this note: “I look forward to reading what you picked out for me. I am currently reading “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate”. That put a smile on my face!
I got to watch them on my Ring videos. To see the joy on their faces when they found their bundle of books made me happy. It got my mind off of all the stress the world Is in right now. I could just relax and enjoy their moment. In reality my giving them books was also a gift to me!
One offered to go to the grocery store for me or help me in any way I needed. Which was so nice. But so far my husband and I have been doing fine. And we have stocked our house for this time to stay shut in.
The most amazing request came from one woman. On the news segment it mentioned that I was giving away the books because I am moving. Which is true. We were supposed to move into our new, downsized home in early April. Don’t know what is happening now. I will say that my current home is a book lover’s dream house. I have six giant, built-in bookcases, with deep shelves that can be double booked! Any real book lover would tell you that is most important!
In any case, one woman emailed me after picking up her books:
“Thank you! Got them.
Love your neighborhood. Can you let me know when you want to sell! We have been looking forever….We will hopefully begin our search again in May or June!”
I sent the information to my realtor. But I have been laughing ever since. Wouldn’t it be ironic and special if I sold our house to someone who found it through my book giveaway! That would be so apropos, as book lovers must stick together.
I should add that my husband finds this entire experience unreal. Not the virus, rather the people driving here to get books. But with the libraries closed and the schools closed, and the stress level high, people need to read. That is why I decided it was more important to give my books away than save them for a giant estate sale.
So far 323 books left my home to 106 different people. To be honest I probably have a thousand more. I spent 48 hours choosing, sorting, packing, labeling and emailing. It was worth every second because of the looks of joy on the people’s faces as they got their books.
One man came with his son. He looked at the 30 bundles on my porch. I could hear him say, “This is just amazing.” And it was. For three days, I had a constant flow of book lovers coming to my house. It gave us all a moment of joy in a time of uncertainty, anxiety and a bit of fear.
I love book lovers! It was a joyful, delightful way to spend the weekend.
I already wrote about the libraries closing and my decision to giveaway some of the thousands of books I am not taking to our new, downsized home. But in the few days since I wrote that blog so much more has happened. Yesterday all schools were asked to stay closed until April 6. Then today, the governor ordered that schools shut their doors for the rest of the school year.
That is unbelievable and truly an unexpected event.
I work at a school. A small, private school for students who do not do well in a traditional setting. This order to close school leaves us all gobstruck and flabbergasted. But with all the schools and libraries closed, books are not only an important release from stress, but also an important learning tool. Where will the children get books to read if the libraries, schools and stores are closed? So I believe my decision to share books is more important than ever.
The requests are coming in. Mystery, romance, funny novels, memoirs, thrillers, fantasy, children’s books for all ages. But I find myself not just saying yes and just handing them a book, I find myself searching through my books to find something that fits the person who requested a book.
Books to give away on my front porch.
I give each person between two and five books. If I have a series, I give them all the books I own in that series. I also offer options to some people, as I have several books I think they might like. I let each person make the final decision. No feelings hurt. But so far, everyone seems to like the books they took from my front porch.
My pandemic mitzvah (good deed) decision is bringing me joy! I think I am, or should have been, a librarian. Trying to match books to people elicits a smile in my brain. A little click occurs and I think, ‘Eureka, perfect fit!’
Eight people have requested books so far. I hope that many more do so. I would be glad to give everyone I know a bit of joy through the gift of a book. But I can only help out those who live within my community.
I think getting the books make them happy as well. I leave them in bags on my front porch. People come by and take the bag labeled for them. Since we are keeping socially distant, I don’t go outside to greet them. But a couple have knocked on the door and given me a smile and a wave and a thank you through the glass.
Some friends who have not requested books have noted what a great idea this is. And a kindness. Kindness goes two ways. People need books. It brings them relief from stress and escape from situations. I get joy by finding good homes for my books. It is so nice to know that another reader will open the pages and be transferred from the somewhat harsh reality of a Coronavirus pandemic, into someone’s words and imagination.
But books are not my only pandemic mitzvot. I am calling house bound people. I am sending notes to the people I usually visit in an elder care facility. I am trying to be upbeat and positive. Sometimes I fail at that, but I am trying. And most of all, I am trying to take care of my husband and myself. We are continuing our exercise, we are eating healthy and I hope we are maintaining our spirits.
I think that by doing something positive I can take a bit of stress out of my life and the lives of those around me. So remember, even if you cannot see your friends, you can call. Even if you cannot go to movies or libraries or concerts, there are many ways to listen to music or read. Take a walk outside. Call someone at home to brighten their day. Doing a mitzvah during the pandemic is my choice to keep optimistic.
Along with the move is the need to downsize. Which for us means getting rid of books! We have hundreds, no thousands of books that we are not taking to the new home. Over our almost 40 years of marriage, my husband and I have collected an extensive library on many topics! I plan to sell some and donate others. But now another plan has come to mind. I can be a giveaway library!
Yesterday the libraries closed in my community due to the coronavirus. They will be closed for two weeks. What can a book girl do, but offer her friends and neighbors books to read. The idea came to me when I read another friend’s post about the library. I wrote on her wall: I have a ton of books I am giving away in the move. If anyone needs something to read. Tell me what you like. I am sure I have something you can read!
But then I thought I really need to put something on my Facebook wall so that all my friends could see. Yesterday I posted the following on Facebook:
“So with the Library closed, I have an offer. I have hundreds of books I am not taking to my new home. Tell me a topic or a genre you like. I am sure I have a book to give you to get through this enforced peaceful existence. 🙂 PM me. Of course only KC area people. Sorry. I have children’s books as well!”
The pictures below show my still filled bookcases in my family room and bedroom. At one time most of these shelves were double stacked. We also have more books on a downstairs bookshelf. OF course this does not include the almost 50 boxes of books that have been packed and taken to our new home. Those are the ones we are keeping. But every decision to discard a book came with an emotional quiver. It is difficult to say goodbye to books. Perhaps giving them to someone on edge due to the virus, will make the parting easier and more carthodic.
Books to give away in my family room.Books to give away in my bedroom.
My husband and I are doing our best to make sure our now unneeded items find good homes and help others. So sharing books seems to be ideal! But other items are making their way into the reuse, recycle life!
I packed up five boxes of Lego to donate to the Giving Brick, which recycles Lego back into building sets. The fixtures and fans we had removed from our new home are now at ReStore which is run by Habitat for Humanity. We have more items to go to them. We are waiting to combine as much as we can in one trip over to the store. Right now, we have a shoe holder, five air vent covers and am waiting for the old towel racks to come down in the bathroom.
We have bags upon bags of clothes and linens to give to National Council of Jewish Women for a fund raiser. They collect these used items and give them to a store called Savors, who then pays them by the pound for the items. An easy way to earn money. I think I have seven bags already with more to go.
I have already donated 300 books to my synagogue’s library. And about 10 more to the Jewish Federation to take on a mission to Bulgaria and Romania that I was supposed to be on. That trip was cancelled for now, but I hope they can bring the books later, even though I probably will not be able to go.
My offer got immediate responses! Some of my Facebook buddies took me up on my offer. My first taker came about 15 minutes after I posted. She wanted a funny novel.
Another came back with telling me I made a kind offer, and she knew of an organization that takes books for seniors. Well that is good for me as well. She had put me in contact with Phoenix Family. Not sure if it will work out as most senior centers are closed to visitors and probably don’t want books. But there is the future.
A third person with two young boys wanted a puzzle. She knows us. We have tons of jigsaw puzzles. But most were packed up. I did have Springbok 2000 piece that needed a new home. It was picked up early this morning from my front door.
One of our puzzles finds a new home.
Two others requested novels of different genres. Those I had as well. So two other books sit on my on my front stoop for pick up.
It might not be much, but perhaps my books can bring a bit of joy to those feeling isolated and alone. I have many more to share. In fact the photos I put up do not show the bookcase filled with children’s books. Oy being a bookaholic is exhausting when you have to move.
Let me know if you live in the KC Metro and are interested!
It has been a wacky five weeks in my life, which has left me without the energy to write. But finally, I think I can articulate my mixed-up emotions. We are moving. Leaving the only house we ever owned. Leaving the house that we brought both our children home to. Leaving the neighborhood we have lived in for 35 years.
And it is my fault!
I told my husband several years ago that we needed a smaller home. We needed to be living on one level. That he needed to stop mowing the lawn, raking leaves and shoveling snow. It was part of my wise aging plan, we would chose! Last summer he acquiesced. In August I started the search for a reverse 1 1/2 story that had some maintenance free accommodations. At the end of a January I found the house.
Bringing my husband to see it when he was not feeling well might not have been fair as he lay on the floor of the empty great room and told me if I love it get it. But I took him at his word. Also he knew I had seen a multitude of homes before getting that feeling of home I felt in this one.
The house became ours on March 2. Before that was inspections, arrangements for buying, and me coming down with the flu even though I had the flu shot this year as always. The flu for me is always horrific! And this was the same. Five days of fever was followed by an unhappy asthma attack. I have basically been feeling ill for over three weeks. But a second round of steroids seems to have finally moved me forward from my malaise.
But all this has been happening as I started packing for the move while I, along with my husband and children began sorting through the shrines of this home and discarding pieces of the past. My son comes when he is not working to clean out his room and his stored items in the basement. He and his girlfriend are also searching to buy a home. They will take some of the furniture and items that are not moving to our new home.
What my current house looks like
My daughter, who lives overseas with her husband, surprised us on her birthday showing us her ticket home. She arrived two days later for 8 days of intensive sorting. She and I went through our immense library of books, taking just 40-45 boxes and leaving the rest behind.
My children and I went through the house with different color tape as we chose art work. I had first choice, but then they chose what they liked. My heart swelled as the amicably made their selections. I thought how happy I was to do this with them while I was alive and could see what they liked and how well they got along. That is a parents joy. And after cleaning out my parents’ homes after they died, I was determined to make it easier for my children!
At the same time, we were finding paint samples, running to plumbing stores and remodeling companies as we planned the updates in the new home. And I was still dealing with my asthma. I think I was in a state of suspended reality the entire time. She also packed up her entire room, while also ridding it of the residue of her 34 years. She came with three empty suitcases that flew back across the Atlantic and Mediterranean filled with pieces of her life. When she left, I felt a bit bereft, but thankful she came.
But finally this morning I woke up after sleeping an entire seven hours feeling like I could really breathe! Our new house has a swarm of workers busily updating. Yesterday nine people were painting, hammering, removing, and updating. And with the painters painting away, new hardwood floors are being installed, the electrician fixing all the issues, the plumber ready to come, the alarm company updating, the tree service and roofer and gardener all set up, I can relax. All I have left to do is to keep packing and sorting. I honestly cannot have an outside company pack. Downsizing means things have got to GO!
Pre work great room Carpeting gone. Floor going in. You can see the new color off to the left!
However, I have to admit one more event probably eased my anxiety. I was supposed to go on a mission to Europe with a group. I did not fear getting ill, but the timing was so bad with the move less than a month away. And I would be gone a week as the remodeling continues. I woke up at 4 am each morning uneasy. Going through all that still needed to be done at home, while at the same time trying to get my work completed at my job. High anxiety on top of excitement. On top of trying to breathe. But yesterday the trip was postponed due to the Corona virus. It actually is a relief!
I am thankful for my friends and family who have pitched in to help! Our realtor, who has been in our lives for over 25 years, has gone beyond her role to help me in the remodeling. My walking artist buddy has Helped me chose colors. My son’s girlfriend, with her great mind for detail, was with me during the inspections. Offers of help to pack. Allowing me to put some of our extra trash in their garbage cans for pickup. Looking through things as I try to decide what to keep. And being there. My husband and I are blessed with family and friends.
Some give away stories. My daughter and I found a box of remnants from my son’s bar mitzvah. Kelly green visors with the word celebrate imprinted. We first thought trash. But then I thought friend. My walking buddy teaches catechism at her granddaughters’ school. Would they like 100 Kelly green visors for St Patrick’s Day. They are donated and at the school ready. And our 100 extra Kippur from our children’s b’nai mitzvot and friends’ life cycle events are at our synagogue in the kippa box where they are being used for services. Other items are also finding new homes. Sleeping bags we no longer use are going to the homeless through a friend’s church ministry. A Halloween ceramic plate is going to a friend who loves that holiday. And my daughter’s 25 year old Barbie camper is going to a friend so her two granddaughters can play with it. I love seeing our cherished items get a second life!
But most of all, for me, I am happy that I finally had the energy to write.
I love parties. But I honestly was not planning on doing anything to commemorate my 65th birthday. It was enough that I made it to Medicare age. The emotion of realizing I was now officially a senior bothered me a bit. Although I am not afraid of getting old. It is more of a disbelief that I am older than I feel I am in my heart.
Nomi Eve and me.
The idea for my party started with a book, Henna House, written by Nomi Eve. I loved the book. Although people seem to know the stories of the Ashkenazi Jewish diaspora and the horrific times in Europe with the Shoah, many do not realize that there is a large population of Mizrachi (Jews from Arab countries) Jewish residents in Israel now. They were cast out of their countries when Israel was created, but even before suffered from anti-Semitic laws.
In Henna House, Nomi Eve discusses the world of the Yemenite Jews focusing on one girl as she grows and her family. I loved it so much, I offered to chair a committee to bring Nomi to Kansas City for a book event. Since, I have been helping with the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City’s book events for well over 20 years, I hoped that they would agree to this event.
It was approved. On a side note, Nomi Eve was supposed to be in Kansas City on a tour for her first book, The Family Orchard. I was on that committee as well. In the last minute, she was unable to make that book event. She told me, when we met in December, that she felt she owed Kansas City and had to come. I am glad she did!
Nomi Eve had an henna art done while she was here.
For this event, we decided that having a henna demonstration for those who attended would be a great experience for all and enhance the book event. An henna artist, Jason from Henna Being, (See website below) came to provide a demonstration. He was fantastic.
A thought took seed in my mind! Why not a henna party for my birthday. Henna is often put on for happy occasions like a wedding or an engagement. Others put on henna when they are pregnant to bless their babies. To me, a 65th birthday seemed to me to be an important celebration that deserved to be blessed by a henna artist.
My henna hamsa.
The artist, Jason, was glad to come to my party. I think he had as good as a time as my eight friends, my son and his girlfriend. Over the course of three hours, we all had henna designs. Each one different than the other, based on the desire of each of us.
For me, I needed a hamsa. I collect them and wished one on my arm. (See blog about Hamsa’s below.)
Our henna art.
I thank Nomi Eve for her wonderful book. I thank Jill and the JCC for supporting this book event. I thank Jason for coming to my henna party with his excellent talent. Finally I am glad that my friends and family got into the spirit of the henna event. I feel as if I have started my 65 year with a wonderful celebration of blessing and luck with my Crazy Henna Birthday Celebration.
zicharonot 