Anyway, I’ve got a list of random tidbits I wanted to write about on the blog and since I’ve already revealed my lack of spunk tonight, I will indulge my laziness with bullet points:

• Andrea Scher and Jen Lemen have just begun the first fall session of their awesome online class, Mondo Beyondo, and there’s still room. I took the class last October, and continue to return to the lessons they wrote and the discoveries I made during the five weeks. I highly recommend Mondo Beyondo for any man or woman craving more space for reflection and courage to dream.
• My friend Courtney’s book cover has been released and it is hella gorgeous. I can’t wait to get my copy of Fall for Anything in December and press my face up against its loveliness. And then, of course, read it. Yay Courts!
• Speaking of books, I just finished the second installment of the Parasol Protectorate Series, Changeless (do not click lest ye be spoiled). My friend Candice gave me her copy of the first book, Soulless, a couple months ago and I finally read it this month. The books are ridiculous fun, and a great combination of science fiction/fantasy, romance, and mystery. They also introduced me to the Steampunk genre, about which I knew next to nothing. The third book, Blameless, comes out tomorrow and Candice and I have a date tomorrow evening to go buy it!
• Kim’s recent post over at What Claudia Wore reminded me of the genius of her blog and made me feel cool for being her friend. Do you like how braggy I am about these cool friends of mine? Yeah? Well I should be because THEY ARE AWESOME.

The next several weeks of my life are going to be very busy. I’ve detailed this to practically everyone I know but since I haven’t written about it on the internet, the circle ain’t complete. The good news is that I’m going to be busy for awesome reasons (three out-of-town weddings in four weeks) and will get to see a lot of people (and places) I love. Yay! The stressful part is that I have a lot to balance at school and work between now and then, and some folks will probably think I’ve dropped off the face of the earth. To those who may search here for answers in the near future: I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, just busy getting my school and celebration on!

And what’s the first stop on the Whirlwind Express? Kansas City! Kansas City here I come! (<— It occurs to me this might not be a song and if it’s not, I am totally pulling a “my mom.”)

Library School
I started grad school earlier this month; I am officially a Masters of Library Science candidate at the University at Buffalo. For the time being, I’ll take classes on a part-time basis and remain at my full time job. This semester I’m taking an “Introduction to Library and Information Sciences” course and a “School Media Center Experience” course. I’m going to be a busy lady and one day, I hope to be a school librarian.

The decision to go back to school for Library Science was several years in the making. I was actually going back and forth between getting an MFA or becoming a teacher. I researched programs, considered timelines, and remained in a holding pattern. Throughout this time, I watched my friend Brynn go through a Library Science masters program and complete her first two years as a school librarian. I’ve always been super interested in her work and the profession librarian community.

When I realized that I could do what she did, it was like someone hit me over the head: duh. Why didn’t I think of this sooner?

So far I’m thrilled with the material, my professors, and being back in school. I’m glad I took time off between undergrad and this Master’s program. I am a totally different student, one much better suited to graduate work.

Sean’s running for office
Yes, that’s right. Sean is running for the New York State Senate’s 58th District seat. I’ll post more information about his campaign in the future, including how you can be helpful, but for now here’s some reads:

Meet Sean Cooney, Candidate for State Senate (video)
Sean Cooney for State Senate
Challengers Line up for Stachowski
Race for 58th State Senate seat shapes up
Council aide seeks Stachowski’s seat; more expected

I’m proud of Sean for taking this challenge on and am excited to get to work on the campaign this summer. I know he will be a progressive leader and advocate for sincere, meaningful reform in the Senate.

Etsy shop opened
And finally, I opened an Etsy Shop: whitney arlene photography.The shop was one of my Mondo Beyondo dreams and I’m really proud that it’s open for operation.

If you’re interested in purchasing any photos you see here on the blog, please feel free to send me a message through Etsy and I can make arrangements.