Little Free Library

About a month and a half ago I heard about something called LittleFreeLibrary.org - It's one of the coolest things ever. Little Free Library's are popping up all around the world. My official registration number is 7500. The organizations' goal is to have more libraries than Carnegie. Now that's a big goal (and at the rate Little Free Library's are popping up, they'll reach that goal!
I'm working on my little library and it's become far larger of a project than I could have imagined. Not only did I increase the size of my little library (generally they are about one foot by one foot) but I had this cleaver idea to make a mini library diorama in the top part of it. I've always loved diorama's and this one beats any shoe box craft I ever made. I'm not real keen on using power saws, not because I am without skill, but because a good work area for wood working at my home is non-existent.
I don't like having projects hanging over my head for long and this one is going on a month, so I'm a bit frustrated, but I'll get there. Thanks to my dear friends the diorama part is finished....now phase 2 starts- getting the sections completed for the books. My little library will have both a children's section and a grown-up's section. Below are pictures of my project so far. When it's finished, I plan to have a little block party to invite friends and neighbors. I'll keep you posted!

This is the corner of the front yard I reconfigured for the Little Library.

Of course I had to add a sign to let neighbors and passers by know what I am up to.

I got this little chicken coop on Craigslist for $20.

It's multiple openings will make great sections for kids and grown-ups.

This is the start of my diorama. I started by painting little books on the shelves.

More painted books.

The little diorama before it went into the little library roof top.

A peek through the little hole to see the diorama.

We closed off one of the three doors - this will be the
back side of the little library.

You know you haven't written a Blog in a while when......

I went blank for a minute when I went to login. What? How could this be? Truly, it's been THAT long since I've written a Blog! So long, that, I almost forgot what my username was. This makes me sad.

My excuse is not without good reason though....

It all started back at the end of May when I headed down to Northern California to help my sister. Actually it was a bit more than help, I actually had signed on to be gaurdian of my 8 year old niece for the month when my sister was attending a special project. I had rented a truck to drive down to Chico where the weather is HOT even in May. 108 degrees to be exact. Okay, well, that wasn't that hot every day, but you get the picture. My sister left a few days after my arrival and the plan was for me to stay with my niece until her school was out then head back to Washington. Negatives of the trip: A/C went out in the rental truck. Radiator died in the rental truck and I spent an entire day in the shop baby sitting the shop manager who was more concerned with weekend ahead than about the fact I was in a strange town in a rental car. Got it fixed, finally (and yes, the rental company paid for it. and No, they couldn't just swap out vehicles, because it was a little local company) Positives of the trip: Reconnecting with family I hadn't seen in a long time. and Swimming in my sisters lovely pool while I was there.
I get back to Washington on the 11th of June- rushing to get back to film another episode of my show 'Port Orchard Living'. Once home, I was told by the Production Company that their schedule had changed and that we couldn't film during the week anymore and that the next couple weekends weren't good either. That put a wrench in my upcoming series plan. Okay, plan B. Now working (volunteer) with BKAT (Bremerton Kitsap Access Television) on a show called 'Cruising Kitsap'- Stardom may be in my future yet. (although I am still a bit sad about the current demise of the 'Port Orchard Living' show). My niece and I did lots and I mean LOTS of cool stuff while she was here. I could even say I may possibly be the best tour guide in the world (but perhaps that's pushing it...)
My sister finished her project and came to Washington for a week (again, tour guide- yes, I rocked it!). My niece and sister both left Monday. Today is my 3rd full day without a child around. It's really quiet in my world. I filmed with the new show the day after they left and yesterday I did some errands and yard work. Today I'm meeting with a friend about a volunteer project idea I have and possibly meeting with a new client also.
I never understood the term 'empty nest' until now- and I only had a kid for a little over a month.....