"Dig Into SHELLING" Summer Reading Program: June 19th at 2pm!

I am so excited that one week from today I will be doing my very first children's program at the Seminole Community Library to kick-off Summer Reading!  After such an incredible year of touring libraries and book stores performing for mostly adult library patrons and staff, (where I heard many times that I should think about developing a kids program), I am now happy to present "Dig Into Shelling," a children's program devoted entirely to my other passion - seashells! 

I've talked many times about being a member of the St. Petersburg Shell Club (of which I am now also on the Board of Directors), so shelling seemed an ideal topic to share that would incorporate my knowledge and love for seashells, especially since most kids this summer (when not at the library) are probably at the beach!  And just like my adult programs, this event will include a variety of educational entertainment from reading and audience participation to show and tell, and yes, a very special shell song & dance!  Did I mention I am giving out FREE shells!?!    

I want to encourage any parents in the Tampa Bay area to bring their kids to the Seminole Community Library on Wednesday, June 19th at 2pm to join in on the fun.  Due to the popularity of the summer programs, (and the limited space available), free admission tickets will be distributed one hour prior to showtime at the entrance to the Program Room B.  The library will not be able to accommodate large groups from local day cares, summer camps, etc. due to fire code restrictions.  The Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus is located at 9200 113th Street North, Seminole, FL 33772.  For more information, visit www.spcollege.edu/SCL or call the Youth Services Department at 727-394-6913.

Hope to see you there!!!!

When I am not at the library, I am at the beach
collecting seashells.

A live Florida Fighting Conch Shell.

66th Annual Shell Show

Holding my Blue Shell Award for Photography.

Just over a week ago I was proud to be a part of the 66th Annual St. Petersburg Shell Show as an artistic exhibitor.  I have grown up collecting seashells so when I moved back to St. Petersburg last year, I joined the St. Pete Shell Club in an effort to join an organization with like-minded individuals who shared my passion. Boy, was I blown away by their knowledge of shelling!  Where I always called shells by their common names, these folks referred to them by their scientific names - many of which I couldn't even pronounce!  

In addition to monthly meetings and the occasional field trip, I learned that the club hosts an annual Shell Show where anybody can submit their work.  While I knew that the scientific exhibits were probably out of my skill set, I had been experimenting with broken shells in my purse and headband designs on and off for over five years.  It was only after making a mermaid costume for Halloween that I finally figured out how to incorporate the shells into wearable fashion that didn't resemble cheap tourist trinkets.  Little did I realize that my fellow shell artists would be even more attention to detail in creating shell art that included dyes and tweezers to assemble the tiniest of shells to frames and knits.  It was a lesson that while I have an eye for color and patterns, I still have a long way to go in becoming a shell artist.

Embracing 3rd place for my Shell Fashions!  

Another perk of the Shell Show was volunteering in the kids area and teaching them about the various types of seashells found on our Florida beaches.  It was finally a place where I felt like the expert...well, until a six year-old walked up and showed me a thing or two!  I am constantly amazed by young people and how smart they are.  I encouraged the boy to submit an exhibit next year because I think he could win it!  

Learning a thing or two about sea shells.
Not sure who the teacher is here.

The reason I share this experience with you is that I am learning to embrace some of the activities and hobbies that simply make me happy.  I love taking beach photographs and collecting seashells.  I am sure we have all heard the phrase 'Live your passion' but I don't always think we should make a career or business of it.  I have spent years turning things I have enjoyed doing into businesses and careers before actually knowing the work it would entail.  I am also learning that it is okay not to be number one.  I am a perfectionist by nature so I always strive to do my very best but I have come to learn that there are so many more lessons in coming in second or third, or in not placing at all.  Talent is within each of us but it those who continue to compete without the expectation of ribbons or awards who are the true winners.

Just because you love sea life
doesn't mean you should be a mermaid.