From Page to Screen

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Whether or not you watch the Academy Awards ceremony this Sunday night, if you're like me, you will spend part of your weekend curled up with a good book. And if you'd like to merge those two activities, follow the link below for a list of the books behind this year's Oscar-nominated movies.

I've personally read and would recommend Room by Emma Donoghue. The narrator's perspective is unique and incredibly well-done. It's an extremely emotional story, so be sure to have tissues nearby. If you've read any of these books and would like to chime in with your thoughts, feel free to post a comment.

Whatever your weekend might hold, I hope it's a good one!

Nine Oscar 2016 nominations that are based on books

Make a Friend Day

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Today, February 11, is Make a Friend Day!

For inspiration, I propose this greatly varied selection of literary friendships:

The 10 Best Friendships in Literature

You might also look to the animal kingdom for inspiration. Remember that friends come in all shapes and sizes and can have hidden depths. You might have more in common with a new acquaintance than you first realize.

15 Unusual Animal Friendships That Will Melt Your Heart

And if you really hit it off with a new acquaintance, or want to celebrate the long-time connection between you and your best buddy, you can try your hand at an old-school friendship bracelet:

15 "Summer Camp Style" Friendship Bracelets You Can Make Right Now

Seeking Clarity

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Are you seeking clarity in your mind or in your physical surroundings? Then check out these articles.

I've had Marie Kondo's book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up recommended to me before. Now, the organizing guru has a new book, titled Spark Joy. Per this short write-up in New Statesman, Kondo's self-help method is one that "seeks to change our relationship with our possessions in a way that neither diminishes their importance, nor excuses piles of meaningless clutter." That definitely sounds like something I could use in my life! Kondo's books are held by Daniel Boone Regional Library. And the article, which appeared in the January 22 issue, can be read online or in Ellis's current periodicals section.

Though I don't have a background in science, almost every issue of the magazine New Scientist has a headline that catches my eye. The cover of the January 30 issue asks, "Who Do You Think You Are? Why we can't see our inner selves clearly." An intriguing topic, for sure! The article is by Emma Young, a science and health journalist, whose most recent book is Sane: How I shaped my mind, improved my mental strength and found calm. To summarize the article: the problem of self-evaluation is a bit of a paradox — humans are bad at assessing our own qualities and skills (such as intelligence, friendliness, or athleticism), but one reason for this is that we know our inner workings too well and can therefore be more critical of ourselves than an outsider would be. You can read the full article in print in Ellis, or you can read it online through EBSCOhost following its 30-day embargo.

Chinese New Year

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Happy Chinese New Year! Here are some crafts and recipes to help you celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Monkey.

1) Chinese Papercuts — I love the example in the image above, but you might want to start with a simpler design.

2) 10 Year of the Monkey Craft Projects — This list is meant for kids, but the coloring page and origami would be fun at any age!

3) Knit Washcloths — Try the "Chinese Waves" stitch pattern. I don't know why it's called that, but it looks easy and scrubby.

4) Celebrate with Traditional Food — Read this interesting article about traditional Lunar New Year celebrations and the foods that are part of them. Then, try your hand at making Buddha's Delight, sticky rice cakes, or other delicacies.

 

 

Happening This Weekend: February 5-7

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First Friday in the North Village Arts District
Friday, February 5
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Live music and art gallery shopping. More info: http://artlandishgallery.com

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6, 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 7, 2:00 PM
Macklanburg Playhouse
Cost: $7 – $14

Stephens College students perform Shakespeare’s beloved woodland comedy. More info: http://www.stephens.edu/services/box-office/upcoming-performances/

First Friday Contra Dance
Friday, February 5
7:30 PM (Introductory lesson at 7:00)
Ballroom Academy of Columbia
Cost: $5 – $8 (Kids are FREE)

Mid-Missouri Traditional Dancers host a night of community dancing with music by 32 Bartenders for all experience levels. Bring soft-soled or leather-soled shoes. More info: http://mmtdcolumbia.org

Columbia Winter Farmers Market
Each week on Saturday through March 12
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Parkade Center
Cost: FREE

The Columbia Farmers Market moves indoors for the winter so that you'll be able to continue shopping with your local farmers. A wide selection of produce, meats, cheese, baked & canned goods, artisan crafts and more can be found! More info: http://columbiafarmersmarket.org/

Roller Derby: Brass Knuckle Betties vs Astronaughties
Saturday, February 6
6:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30)
Fr. Tolton Catholic High School
Cost: $5 – $10 (Kids are FREE)

Join the CoMo Derby Dames as the Brass Knuckle Betties take on the Astronaughties in the battle for home turf bragging rights in the first game of the season! More info: http://comoderbydames.org

LUNAFEST
Saturday, February 6
4:00 PM
Windsor Auditorium
Cost: $20 – $25

Join Central Missouri Community Action in a celebration of short films created by women, for women and about women. All proceeds from the event, which will include a raffle and wine tasting, will benefit Community Action and the Breast Cancer Fund. More info: http://lunafest.org

Columbia's Largest Indoor Garage Sale
Sunday, February 7
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Holiday Inn Executive Center
Cost: $4 (Kids are FREE)

More info: http://www.holidaycolumbia.com/columbia-missouri-indoor-garage-sale