“Mei-Wan,
I’ve learned a lot.” Looking up at me, Lily told me how she felt about the
weekly Tea Time sessions and the monthly reading meetings. It’s a message and
feedback I have been waiting for to measure the impact and influence the
programs we have run in the library. Though still at early stages of a trial
and error approach to programs I could think of and have run, the purpose of a
public library and the meaning of a program are always the guidelines and
directions for the librarians and the staff to ponder, designate, propose,
prepare, and run any program, event, or session.
Today’s Tea
Time began with sharing what’s happened in each and every member’s life during
the week. Lily shared a recent shopping experience. In her case, “What’s the
deal?” would replace her long requesting question “How much do I have to spend
during your promotion period to get the gifts listed on your ad?” In the
Native’s eyes, such struggling and debating are non-existent. Yet it’s a daily
battle for the English learners; what would be the right words, terms, or
phrases to express or introduce myself and the ideas in my mind. “What’s the
deal?” It seems like a simple expression to the local yet it would take years
of studying, learning, and reading to be comfortable and good at interpreting
things for the people whose native languages are not English.
After
taking turns sharing life events and experiences, the librarian presented
today’s topic: Nature and its impact on a person’s life. Mei-Wan initiated the
topic talking about things she learned from reading a book about journey of
souls. It’s natural for a soul to learn things from his/her living environment.
For instance, in the book, the author stated that a soul learns density from
rocks, serenity from trees, freedom and beauty from butterflies, and immensity
and power from whales. There was no further explanation in the book why those
items are selected and meant for the indicated values. Yet, it’s a good start
for the talking about life.
Horses are
love of Abby’s. Asked what she has learned from the creature and since when Abby
stated: Since always. Probed why, Abby has her usual “matter of fact” facial
expression to reinforce her point. Charming, Mei-Wan smiled and admired Abby’s
stubbornness and consistency. “Movement” Abby finally pointed out the reasons
why she likes horses the most. The horses move in a fast yet graceful pace.
Their unique shape is pleasing and the coat of theirs can tell plenty about the
condition of their health. Way to go, Abby. Thanks for sharing your love of
life.
“The sea,
the ocean is my favorite” said Ruby. In Ruby’s eyes, the abyss of the salt
waters is a mystery. The color blue, bottomless depth of the ocean represents
life itself: constant changes are the norm of life. From the ocean, the members
talked about weather, gravity, and the phenomenon of Tsunami. The sudden
retreating and receding of the ocean waters and waves is a close call of
warning that a threat of attack of Tsunami is impending and it’s time to go
some place higher seeking shelter and some place safe. Lily mentioned about the
recent hurricane sabotaging the Big Apple city, New York and wondered how the broadcast
systems pick names for the natural disaster forces. “Google” was the answer
from the librarian.
“Rainbow
means prettiness and miracle to me” said Lily when it’s her turn to share.
“Incredible and unpredictable” are words from Abby to amplify Lily’s points.
“Pot of gold, wonderful” is Abby’s terms to describe the beauty of a rainbow
after a showing rain.
Today’s
goodies on the table: crackers, bagels, cheese cake Alpine style, spicy
seaweed, and, of course, hot tea. Serving and chewing the snacks, Ruby showed
us something that touched the librarian’s heart. Please see the attached
picture. Not only did Ruby read the book three times to make sure that she
totally comprehended what the book was about, she also wrote down all the
vocabulary and terms unfamiliar to her. She did her homework and did so
diligently, sincerely, and very seriously. Ruby even showed Abby how the
electronic dictionary works after everyone read her notes. “Interesting!” The
amazement came from Abby who was new to such gadget.
“Wheedle”
is another new word the members, including Mei-Wan learned today. Though the
verb explains the act it still couldn’t match to the hidden behavioral and
unique meaning and manner of the term used in the Chinese society and its
culture background.
We missed
Sherri. She did send two emails to explain her two absences and wanted to tell
the others how much she was missing them and would like to come next session when
the time allows. Thanks Sherri and her email messages.
Look
forward to seeing you all next Wednesday!
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