Ruby Galvez, RL

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a lost art, even in today’s digital world. Whether you’re taking notes, writing a letter, or just doodling in your journal, legible handwriting is a skill worth mastering. Let’s start with three quick tips to make your writing more readable: 1. Pay Attention to Spacing Spacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of legibility. It’s tempting to let your letters and words run together, but that’s the quickest way to turn your notes into an indecipherable mess. Make a conscious effort to leave some space between each letter and word. This breathing room allows the reader to clearly distinguish one word from the next. Slow down, and you’ll find your spacing naturally improves. 2. Hold the Pen Correctly You might not think much about how you hold your pen, but it plays a big role in your handwriting. Too tight a grip, and your hand tires quickly, causing shaky lines. Too loose, and you’ll struggle to control the pen. Aim for a relaxed but steady grip that le...

Every Halloween, when dusk began to settle over Willowdale, Eleanor Marwick closed the public library with a smile that was as much mischief as it was politeness. By day, Eleanor was the quintessential librarian: quiet, precise, and draped in an earthy cardigan. But as October 31st arrived, she was, for one night, something else entirely. Tonight, as soon as the clock chimed seven, she shed her librarian guise and stepped into her true role: the witch of Willowdale. Her cardigan transformed into a flowing cloak, her sensible shoes became lace-up boots that clicked against the cobblestone paths. A grimoire appeared in her hands, pages filled with spells in looping ink, all waiting to be unleashed. The first stop was Mrs. Haversham’s house. Sweet, gray-haired Mrs. Haversham never missed a due date and handled every book with reverence. Eleanor whispered a soft incantation, and immediately Mrs. Haversham’s garden burst into a spectacle of flowers that would bloom all winter. Mrs. Haversha...

When I was a kid, the word “library” meant one thing: boredom. It conjured up images of stuffy silence, stern librarians, and endless shelves of dusty books that seemed more interested in gathering cobwebs than capturing my imagination. Yet, I’ve since learned that this perception couldn’t be more wrong. The library is not a place where fun goes to die; it’s a playground for the mind. So why do we, as adults, so often pass it off as a dreary destination for last-minute study sessions or research marathons? I can’t help but think we’ve done our children a disservice by failing to frame it as what it really is: a place of adventure, discovery, and, yes, play. Imagine for a moment if the library wasn’t treated like a "last resort" when you've exhausted all other options for entertainment. What if, instead, it was seen as a treasure chest waiting to be opened? Each shelf a new map to a far-off land, every book a ticket to a new world where anything is possible? This shift in ...

I have designed a Story Seeds Journal on Amazon, and you can see it via this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJD1NCC1 What is this journal for? It can serve as a personal idea repository . It serves as a personal vault of story seeds, allowing writers to store and revisit ideas, which can be developed later into full projects. It increases story output . By encouraging the regular recording of new ideas, it can lead to a larger collection of potential stories to work from in the future. It builds writing confidence . Structured guidance helps writers see their ideas grow, building confidence in their ability to generate and develop stories.

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...

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:...

 In my blogs about making money online, I mentioned selling journals and logbooks on Amazon KDP. In some cases, I make journals out of ideas and inspirations I get from my life as a librarian, mother of a young adult, and a restaurateur/party caterer. I may sell the journals myself (selling mined gold) or sell them to people who might want to develop them as their own products on Amazon KDP (selling shovels for others to mine gold with).  If you want to find out more about the latter, here is the link to my Creative Fabrica store:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/designer/ruby-cari-galvez/ref/2135193/ In my brainstorming, I thought of several oddball and common niches that I could develop products around. Here they are... First-Time Homeowner's Planner – Step-by-step guidance and to-do lists for managing house projects, budgeting, and maintenance. Solo Hiking Journal – A log for solo hikers to track routes, wildlife sightings, reflections, and survival tips. Eco-Conscio...

In previous posts, we’ve covered everything from spacing and speed to avoiding flourishes and using lined paper. Now, let’s focus on the final three tips that will take your handwriting to the next level: 8. Use Quality Writing Tools The tools you use can make a significant difference in how your handwriting looks. A cheap pen that skips or smudges can make your letters look messy, no matter how careful you are. Invest in a good pen that feels comfortable in your hand and produces consistent lines. Gel pens, fountain pens, or even a well-made ballpoint pen can make writing smoother and more enjoyable. 9. Sit with Good Posture Believe it or not, your posture affects your handwriting. If you’re hunched over or slouching, you’ll have less control over your pen. Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground and your writing hand resting comfortably on the desk. This will help you maintain better control of your pen strokes and keep your handwriting steady. 10. Warm Up Your Hand Just li...

 I was all set. Excited, even. I had a brilliant story brewing in my mind—folklore from my province, no less! I could see my protagonists already, larger than life, practically leaping off the page. Then I sat down to write... and nothing happened. That’s when I realized I had developed the dreaded writer’s block. Oh, the irony—so many ideas, yet not a single word seemed to fit. What was my block, you ask? It boiled down to two surprisingly tricky issues: 1. My protagonists were awesome (naturally), but the villains? Well, I had no idea what drove them. What was their purpose, their motivations? I needed more than just "evil for the sake of evil." It felt like staring at an empty abyss, waiting for my villains to give me something to work with. 2. Then there was the big existential question: how much of me should I put into this story? Every time I thought I had a direction, I hesitated. Is this my story or just fiction? How much of "me" was too much? Suddenly, my o...

 As the world moves deeper into the digital age, librarians in the Philippines are faced with unique challenges. From adapting to new technologies to ensuring access to information for all, today’s librarians must address both the opportunities and obstacles that come with modernizing library services. Below, we explore the top concerns that shape the future of librarianship in the country. Digital Preservation: Safeguarding the Future of Knowledge   In a time when books and documents are increasingly digitized, one of the biggest challenges for librarians is understanding how to preserve digital content. Ensuring that valuable materials remain accessible for future generations is more than just converting physical texts into digital formats—it’s about long-term storage, managing file formats that might become obsolete, and guaranteeing data integrity. Information Literacy: Empowering Users in the Digital World   With the explosion of information available onlin...

I've had the pleasure of meeting mang Nanie (Hernando Guanlao) who founded and operates Reading Club 2000 when we were both in a panel during the Philippine International Literary Festival in 2019. Such a remarkable and humble man. From the Reading Club 2000 about page , at Nanie's Reading Club, there is no membership, borrower's card or ID required. One may keep the books or return them. "I encourage sharing with their neighbors when they are done", Nanie explains.  There's no set system, and it has always worked out for this informal library and its users. Located at 1454 Balagtas St., Barangay La Paz, Makati City, Reading Club 2000 offers a unique twist on the traditional library. Just a few kilometers from the bustling financial district of Makati, this community hub, nestled on the corner of Archimedes Street, invites book lovers to explore its treasure trove of thousands of donated books without the usual structure you'd expect from a library.       ...

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...

Unleash the creativity of young minds with our exciting kids' craft ideas, perfect for sparking imagination and bringing fun to any library makerspace event!  Materials: Blank notebooks or journals Magazines, colored paper, and scrap fabric Scissors Glue sticks Markers, pens, and colored pencils Stickers and washi tape Mod Podge and brushes Alphabet stickers or stamps Instructions: Prepare the Journals: Provide each child with a blank notebook or journal. If the covers are plain, they can paint or color them first. Create Collage Materials: Kids can browse through magazines and cut out images, patterns, or words they like. Provide colored paper, scrap fabric, and stickers for additional materials. Design the Cover: Using glue sticks, kids can arrange and attach their chosen images, words, and patterns to the cover of their journals. Encourage layering and overlapping for a true collage effect. Add Personalization: Kids can use alphabet stickers or stamps to add their names or f...

Who'd have thought DIY Nature-Inspired Wind Chimes would belong to libraries? These crafts are perfect for keeping young users occupied, although this would work best if the library is near a garden or has a garden. This makerspace idea is great for library marketing and attracting users. Materials: Twigs or small branches String, yarn, or twine Natural beads, shells, and wooden discs Scissors Hole punch (for wooden discs) Paint and brushes Feathers, leaves, and other natural elements Metal bells or chime tubes (optional) Instructions: Prepare the Base: Gather twigs or small branches that will serve as the top of the wind chime. Kids can paint or decorate them with markers if desired. Create Hanging Elements: Kids can cut lengths of string or twine to create hanging strands. They can thread natural beads, shells, and wooden discs onto the strings. For wooden discs, a hole punch can be used to make holes. Add Natural Elements: Incorporate feathers, leaves, and other natural eleme...

 Traditional artists often face several challenges when trying to earn money online. While the internet provides vast opportunities for showcasing and selling art, there are specific barriers that can prevent traditional artists from achieving financial success in the digital space:  1. Digital Skill Gap    - Lack of Technical Skills: Traditional artists may lack the technical skills needed to navigate online platforms, set up digital shops, or market themselves effectively online.     - Learning Curve: The transition from traditional methods to digital tools and platforms can be daunting, requiring time and effort to learn. 2. Marketing and Self-Promotion    - Limited Marketing Knowledge: Successful online selling requires effective marketing strategies. Many traditional artists may not be familiar with digital marketing techniques like social media promotion, SEO, email marketing, and paid advertising.    - Reluctance to Self-Prom...

Earning online has been the most fascinating aspect of internet culture for me, and I have found many avenues for this interest, the most recent and lucrative of which is Creative Fabrica . Sign up with my affiliate link if you're interested:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/ref/2135193/ Tips to Maximize Earnings Online Understand Your Audience : Cater to a niche market or specific audience to stand out. If your past projects and ideas suggest you have a good sense of what your audience might find valuable, keep doing it. How do you know? If you get a lot of likes and comments, it means people (your potential customers) are interactive and interested. Offer Value : Ensure your products provide significant value or solve a problem. High-quality content tends to attract more buyers and word-of-mouth referrals. Offering value is a crucial principle for success in any business, especially when selling products online. To "offer value" means to create products that meet a spec...

If you barely have enough time to go online, you'll want a side hustle that's low-maintenance, flexible, and doesn't require constant attention. Here are a few options: Print-on-Demand Store : Create simple designs for t-shirts, mugs, or notebooks. You can use platforms like Redbubble or Teespring, where they handle printing, shipping, and customer service. Your main task is to create and upload designs, which can be done in short bursts of time. Selling Digital Products : If you have expertise in a particular area, you can create digital products like eBooks, templates, or printables. These can be sold on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or my favorite platform, Creative Fabrica. After the initial creation, the products can generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort.               Here's my online store on Creative Fabrica if you need an  example (this is also an affiliate link):  https://www.creativefabrica.com/designer/ruby-cari...

 If you love the meditative escape that adult coloring books provide, the “Enchanted Library” collection is like stepping into a world where magic and literature entwine. This set of 200 unique coloring pages invites you to explore whimsical libraries filled with secrets, ancient books, and mystical creatures, all waiting for your personal touch. Volume 2 of the “Enchanted Library” series is designed with adult colorists in mind, offering a captivating blend of intricate details and imaginative themes. Each page is like a gateway to a magical library, where every corner reveals a new story. You’ll find yourself drawn into scenes of towering bookshelves, glowing lanterns, and hidden nooks that spark curiosity and wonder. The illustrations are rich with fantasy elements—imagine books that float, glowing orbs, and mythical beings like dragons and pixies, all set against a backdrop of gothic and medieval-inspired architecture. These pages offer the perfect canvas for you to experiment ...

Library crafts are a fun way to keep users engaged, especially the young ones. This works for the library because children will remember the place as somewhere to have fun and learn art and not a place where a librarian is always shushing them and telling them not to make a mess! Materials: Cardboard or thick foam board Craft knife or scissors Colored paper and cardstock Butterfly and flower templates or pre-cut shapes Glue sticks Double-sided tape Markers, glitter, and stickers Small faux flowers, fabric butterflies, or other embellishments Paint and brushes (optional) Instructions: Create the Base Letters: Pre-cut large 3D letters from cardboard or foam board. Alternatively, have kids trace and cut out their own letters with supervision. Decorate with Paint: Let kids paint the letters in their favorite colors, and allow them to dry. Cut Out Butterflies and Flowers: Kids can use templates to trace and cut out butterflies and flowers from colored paper or cardstock. Alternatively, p...

 As someone who prides herself on meticulous travel planning, my four-day reconnaissance mission to Singapore was nothing short of enlightening. The goal? Master the MRT system and pinpoint the best hawker centers, all to ensure that my visit wouldn't involve hemorrhaging money on taxis.  Spoiler: taxis in Singapore are the real budget busters . A ride to a nearby area would cost around 12 dollars, which was equivalent to three meals in a hawker's center or one fancy meal in a sit-down restaurant.  Intimidated by the MRT System in Singapore The MRT map initially looked like a rainbow spaghetti dish—a chaotic tangle of lines that seemed impossible to decipher. North-South Line, East-West Line, Circle Line... the names alone were daunting. But my perspective changed as soon as I realized how EASY it was to move around the entire city using this system. It's not lauded as one of the best MRT systems in the world for nothing.  I'll break down the steps I used to use MRT ...

There's a place in Balaoan La Union where tourists flock to glide through winding lagoons and go to Immuki Island. This is not just another picturesque destination in La Union; it carries a name and lore that piques curiosity and invites a deeper exploration of its unique charm. Funny Island and Lagoon Names and Their Evolution The origin of its name is very cool. The name "Immuki" originates from the Ilocano word "uki," which refers to the female genitalia. This association comes from the island's main lagoon, which, to many, resembles this part of the anatomy. The shape of this lagoon has been the subject of fascination and amusement, earning the island its distinctive name. Immuki literally means "it assumed the shape of a vagina." The playful and imaginative minds of the island’s admirers didn't stop with the main lagoon. Over time, and through generations of word-of-mouth storytelling, the other lagoons on the island also received names in...

I am a native of San Fernando and am very familiar with Macho Temple, yet I'm as confused as most tourists when it comes to the image of the holy lady enshrined there. Yes, it's a CHINESE temple, but... Many Taoist and Catholic devotees have accepted without question that mama deity Ma-Cho and our Lady of Caysasay are the same person. As the Chinese deity, she sacrificed her life while trying to save seafarers endangered by rough seas. She died at the young age of 28. However, she is also recognized as a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary by the Catholic church. All these baffling thoughts converge and don't really require any clarification as tourists and locals simply enjoy the seabreeze that permeates the hill where this lady's temple is located. Ma-Cho Temple, the first Taoist temple in the Philippines and one of the largest outside of China. Perched on a hill in downtown San Fernando, it offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, making it an ideal h...

One of the best places to self-publish and earn royalties is Amazon KDP! But what if you're not a writer? I've found that book designing is as good as being an author if you're after selling a book or workbooks for profit. Here's one of the books I made that can be sold on KDP (done-for-you by me):  E-scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook It's available at my store on Creative Fabrica . If this link does  not work, copy and paste the following to your browser:  https://www.creativefabrica.com/product/e-scooter-tracking-and-maintenance-kdp/ref/2135193/ Why an Electric Scooter Commute Tracker and Maintenance Logbook would Sell Well on KDP In today's eco-conscious world, electric scooters have become a popular choice for daily commutes. As more people adopt this efficient and green mode of transportation, the need for a reliable way to maintain and monitor their scooters has grown.            1.     Comprehensive Tr...

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to  Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Language often holds the key to understanding a culture's values and way of life. In Ilokano, one of the major languages spoken in the Philippines, the word "makawaras" stands out. It translates to "can feed many," encapsulating a significant aspect of Ilokano culture: the importance of community, sharing, and abundance.      The Essence of Makawaras In Ilokano communities, food is more than sustenance; it is a symbol of hospitality, unity, and generosity. "Makawaras" is a term that reflects the communal spirit prevalent among the Ilokano people. It suggests not just the ability to feed many mouths, but also a willingness to share one's resources, however limited they might be. This concept is deeply rooted in the traditional practices of Ilokano families, who often prioritize communal well-being over individual wealth.      A Cultural Practice The idea of "makawaras" is often observed during fiestas, family gatherings, and community cele...

After soaking up the sun, waves, and culture in La Union, it’s time to head back to Manila. Back to real life, as they say. If you’re wondering how to make the return journey as smooth as possible, taking a bus is your best bet. Here’s a simple guide to get you back home without a hitch. Choose Your Bus Company Several bus companies operate routes from La Union to Manila, offering a variety of schedules and comfort levels. Partas Transportation Co. : Known for its extensive network and reliable service. Viron Bus Lines : Offers a comfortable ride with good schedules. Dominion Bus Lines : Provides multiple trips daily, making it a convenient option. My preference? Partas. There are buses coming in from other areas in Northern Luzon every hour, but during rush hours (Sunday night when everyone wants to get back to the city in time for the Monday workday), all the buses are packed with people. The buses that travel from La Union usually have the most number of passengers and arriving 30 m...