Check Out My New Creative Fabrica Store Banner

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new banner on Creative Fabrica! If you’ve never heard of Creative Fabrica, it’s time to introduce you to this teeming and thriving community of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and crafters. Whether you’re a creator looking for inspiration or someone who loves to support independent artists, Creative Fabrica is the place to be.

What is Creative Fabrica?

Creative Fabrica is an online marketplace where creators like me can share and sell digital designs, fonts, crafts, and more. But it's not just a store—it's a hub for collaboration, learning, and growing your creative skills. Imagine a place where you can find everything from SVG cut files to crochet patterns to teaching tools. The best part? The community is always buzzing with activity, full of creators sharing their work and buyers looking for unique designs to bring their projects to life.

Why I Love Creative Fabrica

One of the reasons I love being part of Creative Fabrica is that it's so much more than a platform for selling art. It’s a supportive, diverse space where creativity thrives. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom resources, a crafter hunting for your next project, or an entrepreneur seeking custom fonts, Creative Fabrica has something for everyone. And, as a seller, it allows me to connect directly with people who share a passion for art and design.

What You’ll Find in My Store

In my Creative Fabrica store, you’ll find a range of high-quality, ready-to-use designs that are perfect for your personal and professional projects whether you're an online entrepreneur or a librarian-teacher like me. Whether you need unique designs for digital products, crafts, or educational resources, I’ve got something for you.

Head over to my CF store by clicking the banner and see for yourself the treasure trove of creative possibilities!

Happy creating!

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate. It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic.

Five Most Tedious Tasks Every Librarian Knows Too Well

Ah, the life of a librarian! While many might imagine it's all about leisurely reading behind a desk and shushing noisy visitors, the reality is far from it. Being a librarian involves a slew of behind-the-scenes tasks that can be quite tedious but are essential to keeping the library running smoothly. Today, let's shine a light on the five most tedious tasks every librarian faces, celebrating the unsung heroes of the quiet aisles. 1. Cataloging and Classification Imagine trying to organize a giant, never-ending jigsaw puzzle where pieces keep changing shapes. That's cataloging and classification for you. Each book, magazine, and digital resource must be meticulously categorized by subject, author, title, and a myriad of other criteria. It's a task that requires precision and attention to detail, ensuring that visitors can find exactly what they're looking for among thousands of items. 2. Shelving and Re-shelving Shelving might seem straightforwar...

Let us Teach Kids How to Become Lifelong Learners

Lifelong learning is a journey that shapes who we are and who we become. It’s not just about formal education; it’s about embracing curiosity, the desire to grow, and the drive to understand the world better. For children, this journey begins with reading. Teaching kids to read isn’t just about helping them understand words on a page—it’s about unlocking a lifetime of possibilities. The Foundation of Learning Reading is the key to all learning. When a child learns to read, they don’t just grasp language—they unlock the ability to explore any subject, from science to history to art. It’s a tool that helps them understand complex ideas, fuels their imagination, and gives them the confidence to tackle challenges. Reading is the doorway to knowledge, and by teaching kids to read, we give them the tools to explore the world with curiosity and independence. Reading Builds Confidence As kids become better readers, they gain confidence...

Asian Fruit Salad with Dressing

Because I miss travelling to Bangkok and Vietnam where I once tasted the best mangoes and dragon fruits, here's a food post for you! Asian fruit salad is known for its vibrant colors, refreshing tastes, and mix of exotic fruits, often dressed with a citrusy or spicy sauces to enhance the flavors. Here's a simple recipe for an Asian-inspired fruit salad that you can easily prepare at home: Asian Fruit Salad Recipe Ingredients: - 1 cup of diced mango - 1 cup of diced papaya - 1 cup of pineapple chunks - 1 cup of lychees, peeled and pitted (can use fresh or canned) - 1 cup of dragon fruit, cubed - 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds - Mint leaves for garnish Dressing: - Juice of 1 lime - 1 tablespoon of honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon of grated ginger - A pinch of salt - Optional: a sprinkle of chili flakes or a teaspoon of finely chopped mint for an extra kick Instructions: 1. Prepare the Fruits: Peel and cut all the fruits into bite-sized pieces. If you're using canned l...

What is Special About a Coming-of-age Novel?

A coming-of-age novel has distinct traits that set it apart from other genres, primarily through its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Here’s what makes it unique: 1. Focus on Character Development - Core Theme: The central theme of a coming-of-age novel is personal transformation. The protagonist, usually a young person, matures through experiences, gaining insight into themselves and the world. - Compared to Other Genres: While many genres focus on external conflicts (e.g., fantasy battles or mystery puzzles), the coming-of-age novel centers on internal conflicts—struggles with identity, morality, and self-understanding. 2. Transition from Youth to Adulthood - Rite of Passage:...

I Mistakenly Thought Lisbeth Salander was a Coming-of-age Heroine

Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo can be seen as a heroine, but she’s not a traditional coming-of-age character. Instead, she embodies elements of personal evolution and self-discovery, though in a much darker and unconventional context. Here’s why she fits, and why she doesn’t, into the coming-of-age mold. Why She Fits: 1. Self-Discovery and Growth : Like a coming-of-age protagonist, Lisbeth grapples with understanding her own identity and place in the world. Her journey involves reclaiming control over her life and confronting the traumas of her past, similar to how coming-of-age stories often depict a young person learning about themselves. 2. Emotional Evolution : Lisbeth starts off as a loner, distrustful of nearly everyone, but over time, we see her form complex relationships, particularly with Mikael Blomkvist. Though not sentimental or soft, she gradu...

My Introduction to One Piece Season 1: The Humorour Storytelling is What Really Got Me

[Warning: Post may contain spoilers] As a newcomer to the world of "One Piece," I must admit, the hype surrounding this anime had always intrigued me, and I finally decided to dive in and see what all the fuss was about. Season 1 of "One Piece" has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and it's easy to see why it's captured the hearts of so many fans around the globe. From the very first episode, "One Piece" throws you into a vibrant, peculiar world of pirates and treasures. We're introduced to Monkey D. Luffy, an irrepressibly cheerful and somewhat naive young pirate with a dream: to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. But there's a twist - Luffy is no ordinary pirate. After eating a Devil Fruit, he gains the ability to stretch his body like rubber, at the cost of never being able to swim again. This quirky blend of humor and fantasy hooked me right from the start. As the season progresses, Luffy's...

A Librarian's Take on "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston: What I Liked and Disliked

The Allure of the Narrative Casey McQuiston's "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" is a compelling read that delves into the complexities of young love, identity, and the pursuit of self-discovery. The narrative is imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional depth that captures the reader's attention from the get-go. McQuiston's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a standout in the young adult romance genre. One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its nuanced portrayal of characters. Shara Wheeler is not just another love interest; she's a multi-dimensional character with her own dreams, fears, and complexities. This adds a layer of realism to the story, making it relatable to a broad spectrum of readers. The Challenges: A Double-Edged Sword However, the book is not without its challenges. The pacing can be a bit uneven, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. This can be particularly taxing for readers who prefer a more streamlined ...

Ruby Galvez, RL

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