The Smell of Fall

This past weekend I noticed a new yet familiar and comforting smell on the wind, one that occurs every year.  It’s the smell of leaves and crisp air, and it can only mean one thing:  fall is just around the corner.

The beginning of fall constitutes a few things.  For one, football season begins, and many of us spend Sunday rooting for our favorite team (go Steelers!).  We slowly exchange our short-sleeved shirts and sundresses for warmer attire.  We begin to think about pumpkins and butternut squash.  We wait for shorter days and longer nights.  For many of us, the fall season marks a transition between summer and winter.

As we anticipate (or dread) this transition, we can celebrate the season.  Here are some books and websites for fun fall thoughts.

Websites

The Miracle of Fall

A project of the University of Illinois Extension, this site aggregates fall festivals, fall foliage webcams, and much more.

The Foliage Network

Twice a week, from September through November, you can visit the network and get updated information on leaf color changes nationwide.

Cookbooks

Fall is an excellent time to work on cooking skills!  Here are some cookbooks that incoroporate seasonal foods.

Autumn: From the Heart of the Home, Susan Branch.

Fall, Family and Friends, Gooseberry Patch.

Fall Notebook, Carolyne Roehm.

In Celebration of Autumn, Helen Thompson.

Adult Fiction

If fiction is your thing, here are some novels set in autumn that deal with life issues, love, and family.

Autumn Leaves, Victor McGlothin.

Cloud Nine, Luanne Rice.

Grace in Autumn, Lori Copeland.

The Lay of the Land, Richard Ford.

Speak of the Devil, Richard Hawke.

Children’s Books

Who doesn’t love children’s books?  Here are some items useful for teaching children all about the season.

Are You Ready For Fall?, Sheila Anderson.

By the Light of the Harvest Moon, Harriet Ziefert.

Leaf Trouble, Jonathan Emmett.

Now It’s Fall!, Jeanie Lee.

For fall fun outside the library, don’t forget about Fort Ligonier Days, The Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, The Three Rivers Film Festival, and RADical Days. These are just some of the many events that occur during the special three months known as fall.

–Melissa H.

Healthy is as Healthy Does

Webster’s Dictionary defines “health” as “the condition of being sound in body, mind and spirit.” Other definitions include “being free from physical pain and disease” and “the general condition of the body.” Therefore, good health includes not just one but many facets of positive living.

We all know health is important. But in our multitasking society, life pulls us in many different directions. Work, family and friends become intertwined and business can take over our lives. It is difficult to find the right balance. As a patron of the Library, we have some opportunities to assist ourselves in the right direction.

Currently, I am obsessed with exercise videos. Without spending a dime, they provide a way to incorporate daily workouts at home. Exercise produces endorphins that benefit body, mind and spirit. Here are a few that have maintained my interest (and yes, they are available in our local libraries).

Leslie Sansone’s Walk At Home-Five Day Slim Down– In our catalog, type “Sansone, Leslie” under “Author” and 72 titles appear. This is one of my favorites, with something for everyone. Choose to walk a mile a day or complete the entire video in one session. During each mile, you’ll focus on a particular body part, such as arms, legs, or tummy. Includes easy breakfast ideas as well. Request a copy as soon as possible!

Leslie Sansone’s Walk Slim: Fast Firming!– Another favorite. Strengthen arms as you walk. Plus, see progress with a mile marker on screen. Its fun, and unlike the gym, the video can be turned on at your convenience.

Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred– If you desire a more intense workout with a strict trainer, Ms. Michael is your choice. Known for her tough regimen on the TV program Biggest Loser, she can make anyone cry. If I need motivation, I put this video in for a full body workout. Of course it is not for everyone and on some days (gasp!), I cannot finish without taking breaks.

We all know that exercise plays a role in good health but eating well is just as important. Here are some titles for further thought:

Nutrition for Dummies by Carol Ann Rinzler- The book begins with a simple definition of nutrition and lists everything you might want to know about vitamins and minerals. It also includes basic diet plans.

Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinnygirl and Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Dieting by Bethenny Frankel with Eve Adamson- Offers tips on how to eat anything and stay thin. The authors have a simple solution: watch portions and eat in moderation. Although this saying is as old as the eleventh stack itself, interesting analogies drive the point home.

Eat Your Way to Happiness: 10 Diet Secrets to Improve Your Mood, Curb Your Cravings, Keep the Pounds Off by Elizabeth Somer- A handy dandy, self-explanatory tool for those who want to feel they are not on a diet.

As you can see, the Library offers many resources for exercise and diet education and inspiration. They remind us that we can continue our search for good health despite life’s temptations. I must end this for now because I have an appointment with my personal trainers, via video, in five minutes.

 -Melissa H.