Attack of the Local Author

Continuing from the topic of kids in the valley (from the previous post), I am now going to mention moms in the valley by way of Samantha Wilde's new book This Little Mommy Stayed Home. A friend of mine (and hers) took me to the book launch this evening at Odyssey Books in South Hadley. We arrived a little late (thanks my work schedule and my persistent need to eat), but still we were able to hear two or three readings from the book and a bit of humourous commentary to go along with it. And it was laugh-out-loud funny. Now, I haven't actually read the book, so I can't recommend the whole thing, but those few passages I heard -- those I can recommend. And having briefly met the author, I can say that she, too, is quite funny. And nice, quite nice. But definitely funny, and that's important, because it's supposed to be a funny book -- a book about a new mother discovering the joys and terrors of motherhood and learning how to cope with her new life. Pick it up at local bookstores, online, or try a library (if there's an available copy). You can even preview some pages here and listen to a reading here.

I don't go to many book signings or readings or releases, despite being a librarian (or maybe that's the reason). But that one was worth it. Maybe I'll even go to another sometime.

Valley Kid Stuff: Blog

Periodically I find a site/blog that I feel is worth more than just a link on the sidebar. I found this gem this afternoon. Valley Kid Stuff is a local blog with great ideas and activities for kids. Full of pictures and commentary, VKS is good for people new to the area, people who have been here a while, people with kids, and even people without kids! There are also links to posts about upcoming events (including fireworks and summer concert series) and places to visit. It's worth taking a gander -- especially if you have kids and/or need to get out and explore the Valley.

Belchertown Showcase, Take 2

Belchertown CAN and participants of showcase are feeling grateful today -- the weather cooperated for their first annual Belchertown Showcase on Saturday, despite all indications to the contrary.

Yesterday I took the opportunity (twice) to get out to the Belchertown Showcase on the Common (see the previous post). There was a great turnout of vendors and providers, including Mandala Massage (from whom I received a free chair massage), Rippa Chiropractic, PVTRA, Luca's K9 Playhouse (and Shepherd Rescue), Teaching Creatures, the Boy Scout Troop & Cub Scouts, Oak Specialists Inc, Mountain Women Goods, Portraits by Neill, Summersault Soaps, Belchertown Conservation Commission, and so many more -- probably close to 40 (I didn't take paper, so this all from memory and photographs). There was music to listen to, a quiz about Belchertown, contests and raffles, face painting, toys and games, and other entertainment. It was a great place to be.
Here are a few pics from the show:

Vendor Tents

Wagon Rides

Corn Snake (from Teaching Creatures)
Crafted Wares (from Mountain Women Goods)Summersault Soaps Display

Town events like this that bring the community together and show off where we live are part of what I love about this area and part of what makes me glad I moved here. Look forward to next year's Showcase.

(The past week's Sentinel lists out other vendors planning to be in attendance -- I just finally had time to open the paper.)

Showcase Belchertown

Tomorrow (Saturday) on the Common from 10-4: Showcase Belchertown.

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, having passed by the sandwich board on the Common a number of times in the past week, but I haven't taken the opportunity to look up the information until tonight. My apologies. This is what I'm gleaning from a few websites:

Showcase Belchertown is a free event sponsored by Belchertown CAN with the goal to boost the local economy and educate the citizens on services, agencies, and merchants available for them. It will feature local arts, crafts, and foods, restaurants, information, local businesses, and more. It's a family affair and will include pony rides, a sidewalk sale, and the Belchertown Twirlers. Bring the whole family! Rain date: June 21.

This is supposed to be the first annual Showcase Belchertown, and I think it sounds like a great idea. I hope the weather lets it be successful and that it grows in the years to come. Enjoy!

Tasty, Tasty, Mmmm...

Coming this weekend, and starting on Thursday (for a long weekend), is the annual Taste of Amherst. This is not an event I have attended before, still being new to the Valley, but it certainly sounds good. Food, entertainment, people, and fun -- what more could you ask for on the Amherst Town Common in the middle of June? More than 20 restaurants will be represented with tasty vittles to tempt the palate -- and menus to take home. Entertainment in the form of music will include Unit 7, Swing Caravan, Client 9, Rusty Belle, and Wild Wood -- the full music schedule can be found on The River website. And there are fun things for the kids, too! The Kids Carnival will be in full swing with pony rides, face painting, and more. It sounds like a great time -- and four days of fun leave plenty of time for even busy folks to get out and enjoy it.
FOOD! (I love food!)

Eric Carle Birthday Bash

Tomorrow at the Eric Carle Museum there will be a birthday bash (for EC's 80th) and a children's picture book festival. I was at the museum today, enjoying the new Winnie-the-Pooh exhibit, and was able to catch a preview of what tomorrow will bring as the artists and illustrators were setting up their booths -- such beautiful work by very talented artists. It will be a wonderful time with book signings, demonstrations, craft activities, music performances, and a silent auction. All this on top of the beautiful exhibits of Eric Carle, EH Shepard, and Virginia Lee Burton. Don't miss this opportunity!

The Old Sentinal

The following are pictures from the old Belchertown Sentinal Press -- which now resides on the Stone House property. If you take any interest in printing, newspapers, local history, antique machinery, or anything of the like, this building is a treasure.

Wee Baby Crickets

I went out to our deck the other day to sit and read and enjoy the lovely weather. On the back of my chair were these two little creatures, which I assume are wee baby crickets -- or something related. They were no larger than 1/2 inch long.