If I had a rant, it would be the Japanese-American history

I am a current volunteer at our local library. As I was shelving non-fiction, I stumbled on "All they Could Carry," about the internment process. It's a poignant, bitter, and unbelievable. I can't put the right words to it, but the poems, the sketches, and various journals news pieces almost unsettle my sleep.

Now I am listening to a CD on tape--7 CD's--a historical fiction piece about the small town that had the most difficult time adjusting to Japanese nearby. So much pain, so much harsh reality, and only a little positive from a few good men and their families.

It's "Tallgrass" by Sandra Dallas. Listening to a book has its benefits--you can do other menial tasks around the house, listen in the car, rest on the couch or in bed. Most books have a wonderfully talented narrator.

My tour of fiction found a historical fiction novel tied into the same theme. My next book on CD has other ethnicities with the theme that you never really fit in even after 30 years.

Well, consider my lead on some topic of your own. If you liked Wallender on PBS Mystery (Kenneth Branagh), that's a series of great books also. Next is an adolesent version of Sherlock Holmes, which should be fun--still not my best versions. Feels like we are really dumbing down our literature.

JoAnn (JD)

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No substitute

This title is sort of a double entendre. There is no substitute for my new living situation on the coast. I am constantly awed, subdued, and captivated by the ocean and its waves. With multiple accesses up and down the coast, this is truly a blessed area. I find myself more content and happy than I have been in awhile.

The other meaning of substitute is that I was hired yesterday as an official Substitute in Lincoln County. Apparently there are lots of days available, especially for those who can work from primary to high school. We start soon.

Beyond that, I am in a women's study at my church which starts in about an hour. I also got to participate in a ladies' retreat here that was held last weekend from the church we attended in Cottage Grove. That was fun and inspiring as well. The pinball machine was ruled by Grammy--about 90 years old.

I need to go. Please stick with me. I will try to keep me up to date.

JoAnn (JD)