Book time and blossom time

Silent Book Club—This is a new concept that seemed odd. But when the Palmer Library announced this small event, in their long list of monthly offerings, I was intrigued. Having been an active book club member for several decades, the idea of “a silent book club” was a curiosity. It is actually a free and welcoming opportunity to read for one hour, undisturbed and unfettered by children, dogs, or other interruptions. No preregistrations or nominations. No requirements or credentials. You sit in comfortable chairs with your choice of reading material, in good lighting and a quiet room, and you read. Nice snacks but no phones, no chatter, no screens….just focused book time. One hour of pure bliss. Then, the readers close their books and, if they wish, discuss books for a short while. You can share what you’re reading or not. You can ask for recommendations or not. It is a beautiful reading experience. And above all the feeling of gentle, contentment of reading quietly with unknown neighbors in our community is the overall simple joy.

Silent book clubs are not a new thing. If you recall in primary elementary grade school, quiet reading time was a norm. It felt like such a safe break when you were little, to gently read with your school mates and teacher in companionable silence. There was no assignment, no pressure, and no expectations. You just had to be quiet and enjoy the celebration of reading. It happens now for adults, once a month—Third Wednesday at six pm at the temporary Palmer Library.

Best of Palmer—Last week, Palmer showed up and did it right! It was a simple thing but important. A special, young man, Sean, graduated from highschoop and our community gave him unexpected applause and attention. The student was overwhelmed. He was thrilled. It was hard for him to say much more than how great it was! There were so many cupcakes. There were so many motorcycles. There were dogs and children. There were helpers. There were several motorcycle clubs. There were relatives and strangers. There were flowers and candy necklaces and water and streamers and balloons and signage. The loosely affiliated crowd of 50 plus, just wanted to give this student a special acknowledgement. Many people did not know one another. They just kinda all came together. It was not political or faith based. It was neither a mission nor a demonstration. It was just plain kindness. Chris R. was the good guy who organized all the wonderful motorcycle brigade. And we all appreciated it. Palmer is good at this; it seems we should do more of this and less of the fragmenting and divisive stuff.

Hope in the Future—Last week many of the roads received fresh paint striping. Many private parking lots did too. Seeing freshly painted yellow and white lines on the dark asphalt is a very hopeful thing. It makes the future look good. It translates into hope. It’s an odd thing but the same thing is true with freshly laid pavement. It’s smoothness portends good days ahead.

Orchestral lawn mowing—It is a symphony out there. Weed cutters, lawn mowers, yard tractors, whiney cutters are doing their best to take care of the oh so rapid greenery growth. Grass cutting party time.

Flags and Flowers—The Place to Be In Palmer is in the greenhouse and the garden. This is yard-work time and here are the blisters you have been waiting for. Flowers and flags are popping up all over and shrubs are starting to put on their summer outfits. Everywhere you look are blossoms and hanging baskets and flower pots. Bright floral colors and red, white and blue go well together. It would hard to not be happy about this. A few lemonade stands have shown up and garage sale season is still in the growing stage. It’s a very good time to allow and rejoice in color.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff in the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz Column in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group.. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222.