TGIF: Friday Meme Fun (July 10, 2009)

This week's Musings Monday question is about library company:

Who, if anyone usually accompanies you to the library? Is it somewhere you go alone? Or is it a regular outing with family or friends? Which do you prefer?

I love my library. The bookshelves are overflowing with books and there's a coziness to it that I cannot find anywhere else. I sometimes will visit my library by myself. I like to browse the shelves, remembering books I have read and craving the books I have yet to. My husband is a frequent fixture there. He comes and goes with or without me, depending. I never mind his company, although sometimes it is nice to have a some time with my books to myself.

I often have other companions too. My library companions are the best I could ask for. They are quiet and do not complain if I linger long over the books. I can settle on the floor or curl up on a couch and they are content going their own way. They like to explore the library too, taking in the sights and smells. Sometimes they may be curious about what I am reading and come see what's caught my attention.

There are those moments, however, when my companions have other ideas. Climbing on books to sit in the window has become a popular past-time. According to at least two of them, books make a good perch all their own. The one who isn't quite so agile sees the stacks of books not yet on the shelves as part of an obstacle course. Unfortunately, he hasn't quite mastered how to clear the jumps as of yet.

I once dreamed of living in a library. Just imagine! Not having to go far to check out a book, no waiting for the doors to open and being kicked out by a certain time, no deadlines and late fees, thousands of books to choose from . . . Doesn't that sound like a slice of heaven? Fortunately, dreams do come true. My house is my library.

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For this week's Tuesday Thingers, Wendi asks

Christine over at Erotic Book Junkies / Romantic Crush Junkies actually gave me the idea for this post a while back. There are so many wonderful resources available to us as bloggers and individuals. Take a look at just a few of the many social networking sites: Facebook, MySpace, Library Thing, GoodReads, Twitter. . . the list can go on and on!

Sometimes it is hard to keep up with everything, and sometimes we all need a place just for us - where we don't have any blogger responsibilities.

Questions: How do you feel about social networking sites? Do you have any you like more than others? Are there any you don't like? Do you have any that you don't associate with your blogs and/or book reviewing? If you could only belong to one of these sites, which one would it be and why?

Pen palling was my first experience with social networking. There is a huge community out there made of people who share an interest in making friends via letters. Pre-computer days, I belonged to a birthday club and several other pen pal related clubs. There were monthly newsletters full of opportunities to meet new people as well as share in the love of the craft.

I eventually was able to connect with other pen pals online, but that was not until much later in my life. I discovered pen pal clubs much like those I belonged to before only these were strictly on the computer. I made friends and found new ways to connect with old ones. It was through these types of groups that I discovered online reading groups. Yahoo and MSN had what seemed to be an endless number of them. To this day I still belong to several Yahoo online reading groups, each of them unique. We talk about books and life. We share resources and make recommendations. We discuss the books that make us think, those we love and as well as those that disappoint us.

It was through those groups and with a big shove from my husband that I discovered blogging. I took to it like a fish in water. Well, not really, but at least enthusiasm-wise. My blog opened my eyes to a slew of other social networking communities out there. I still don't have a handle on them all and doubt I ever will.

I did not join LibraryThing for the social networking aspect initially. I was looking for a place to catalog all the books I own. I researched similar sites right along side LibraryThing and decided that LibraryThing was, in fact, my perfect match. Since joining, I have explored the more social features of the site and taken part in a few of the discussions.

My first attempt with GoodReads was disappointing. I could not see a purpose for it in my already busy online schedule. Last April, I decided to give it a try again. This time I am using the site a little bit differently, logging in the books I read this year. I have not ventured too far into the more social side of GoodReads. I imagine it is a combination a lack of time and being unsure exactly where to begin.

Along with the several online book groups I belong to through Yahoo, I also belong to Book Blogs and Readers Anonymous, Ning sites that are very much a part of the social networking environment. I am still learning my way around both of these communities, but I have to say, I have enjoyed exploring the different nuances of each site. I like the individual and community aspects that they offer.

I do belong to Twitter, and, I confess, I am totally overwhelmed by it. I have heard its praises sung from the treetops, but frankly, much of the appeal is still lost on me. I have had some good conversations on Twitter, gotten closer to a couple of fellow book bloggers, and reconnected with an old friend. I guess that's something.

I have stayed far away from MySpace and FaceBook and have no intention of joining either one. I am quite content with my blog and other social networking sites. I belong to. I mean, I can barely keep up with what I already am involved with!

At this point in time, my online identity is closely tied to books and my blog. I do not talk about my work other than in vague generalities, and I tend to be guarded in what I share about my personal life.

Social networking has provided me with the opportunity to interact and get to know people I may never have come in contact with otherwise. It has opened doors for me that I never thought would be opened to me. But what I value most from it all are the friendships I have made.

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Graphic courtesy of Tonya!
*Click on the image above graphic to get to the Friday Fill-In headquarters, hosted by Janet!*

1. The last thing I ate was a turkey sandwich and pretzels.

2. A little bag of gummy bears for my husband is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, I like to put on my boots, grab my umbrella, and go for a walk, or, better yet, curl up on the couch with a good book.

4. My husband was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are a cure to a bad day.

6. After the week I've had, I am definitely in need of extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating Riley's birthday; tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and sneaking in a little reading time when I can; and Sunday, I want to continue with the celebrating, this time with my husband for our 11th wedding anniversary!

The Birthday Boy

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© Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty 2009. All rights reserved.
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