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Another Run Around The Sun

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Another Run Around The Sun by Ben Taylor
Format: Digital Music
Who it’s for: Teens, Adults

If summer has you ready to unwind with peaceful melodies, Ben Taylor’s Another Run Around The Sun is one you’ll want to check out. His soothing vocals and acoustic guitar require little of listeners but if one wishes to pay more attention, Taylor’s lyrics are pure poetry.

From the song, Digest:

Now times change & the game plays on
And the truth remains but the rules have all gone wrong
Life rises, now here we are
Still looking for the place where we belong

No worries – the songs aren’t all wistful.

From the song, You Must’ve Fallen

And through the absence of light I can hear you enchant in the night so
It’s perfectly clear that I got nothing to lose and nothing to fear and
I got nothing to do except want to want be near

If you’re still on the fence, let me add one more thing to consider. Ben Taylor, while an extraordinary singer/songwriter in his own right, is the son of music royalty, Carly Simon and James Taylor. You will undoubtedly recognize the similarity of his voice with his father’s. If you are a fan of either parent (or both) you’ll enjoy Ben Taylor’s music. Find it on hoopla digital

Wabi-Sabi Sewing

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Wabi-Sabi Sewing: 20 sewing patterns for perfectly imperfect projects by Karen Lewis
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Adults

This book will appeal to makers drawn to the slow-stitch movement, improvisational quilting, and anyone who appreciates a laid back, cozy decorating style. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese tradition embracing imperfection. The author borrows from this concept encouraging readers to use fabrics already on hand and not to worry so much about matching or coordinating. Lewis offers 20 scrappy projects in varying degrees of difficulty with lovely photos. She even includes inspiration for mending clothing, to give worn favorites new life and character. If you’re itching for a reason to pick up needle and thread Wabi-Sabi Sewing probably has a project for you.
Find it in the catalog

Traditionally Fermented Foods

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Traditionally Fermented Foods by Shannon Stonger
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Adults

Kvass, kombucha, yogurt, sourdough, kefir . . . Fermented foods have been on my radar for a while but this book, with its inviting cover featuring Taco Kraut, has persuaded me to jump on the fermentation bandwagon. Stonger describes the fermentation process and includes best practices, with troubleshooting tips for beginners, before launching into a wealth of tasty recipes in 5 categories: Vegetables, Grains, Dairy, Beverages and Condiments.

My first ferment from the book is Summer Squash Cortido, simply made from zucchini, yellow squash, carrot, garlic, salt, oregano and red pepper flakes. The veggies are grated to create a colorful relish which I’m patiently waiting to sample in about a week. Maybe I’ll serve it with the Sourdough Biscuits Sans Baking Powder or Soda, found on page 92. And I could wash them down with a Carrot-Clementine Kvass, from page 191.

Whether you’re an experienced fermenter or a newbie (like me) I would venture to say this book provides inspiration for us all. Shannon Stonger has won me over to another way of preserving! Find it in the catalog.

Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner

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Francis Scott Key’s Star-Spangled Banner by Monica Kulling/Richard Walz
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Looking for a good book to help your young reader understand why we sing the Star-Spangled Banner? The story behind our national anthem is a suspenseful one worth knowing and sharing, especially as our most patriotic holiday approaches. In this Early Reader, author Monica Kulling delivers just enough detail about the relationships among England, France and the United States in the early 1800’s, inviting readers on an exciting historical adventure. I’ll even admit that it served as a simplified refresher for me! I knew that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner when he witnessed a battle aboard a ship, but was a little fuzzy on the events that landed him on the ship in the first place. It’s crystal clear now, thanks to Kulling’s storytelling. I also appreciated the way Mr. Key’s strengths and weaknesses were conveyed, creating a relatable character for young readers. It’s a pleasing read that won’t disappoint!
Find it in the catalog.