I must apologize for the long hiatus.  I had to buckle down and finish graduate school.  The good news is I am officially finished!  I must say I am excited by the prospect of a full-time permanent job and a paycheque!

People often ask me why I decided to become a librarian.  I started library school because I like doing research and digging for information.  After two years of library school, I still like digging and doing research but my motivation has shifted slightly.  The thing I love most about my job is going to work and making a difference in people’s lives.  I helped this woman fix up her resume last week and she came in yesterday morning to tell me that after two long months of searching she finally got a couple of interviews!  She was so happy that she was nearly in tears.  It is nice to go home after work and feel good about what you do!  In honour of my transition from student to professional librarian here are handmade goods inspired by librarians!

Bernice by yoborobo

Hey Bernice you can be a librarian and a roller derby queen.  I have heard of at least two roller derby librarians!  Check out a real roller derby librarian:  http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/08/31/roller.derby.librarian/index.html

The Librarian by twenteventeen

Even my husband who is not a librarian likes this one!  I think anyone would look cool is this borrowing slip t-shirt.

lusty librarian earings by rhymeswithmagic

I have to support my own kind and I know this seller must be a librarian.  Like me they are excited by “Books! Literacy! Reading! Education! Intellectual Freedom!”

Last night I had my siblings and in-laws over for dinner and to decorate our tree.  One person was missing, my mom.  I wished she could have been part of our little party but she was stuck at home in the C-Spot.  Although my mom was not there, the evening went off without a hitch and I am looking forward to Christmas. 

A bit of an aside but this year EBN’s family and my family are combining for one big Christmas.  We are calling it “Christmas 2009: Worlds Colliding”.

Want to share the love with a special mom in your family?  Check out these family necklaces from etsy.  These necklaces would make a unique and sentimental one-of-a-kind handmade gift for any mom! 

Name Tag Necklace by elenagrace

Name Tag Necklace by elenagrace

Triple Nested Disc Necklace by Expressitjewelry

Triple Nested Disc Necklace by Expressitjewelry

Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Personalized Keepsake Pendant Bar Necklace by MetalPressions

Custom Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Personalized Keepsake Pendant Bar Necklace by MetalPressions

Family Tree Necklace by KathrynRiechert

Family Tree Necklace by KathrynRiechert

Today is World AIDS Day.  This is a day about remembering and commemorating those who have lost their battle with AIDS as well as those who continue to live with HIV and AIDS.  It is also about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting stereotypes, misconceptions and prejudice associated with this disease.  My post today highlights artists, artisans and crafters who have created works of art in the spirit of World AIDS Day and are donating all or a significant portion of their revenues to AIDS related charities.

Babies raising awareness Onesie by CandyStickLane
The artist’s listing reads “Babies raising awareness. Let your little one sport this unique onesie loud and proud! $5 from the sale of each of these onesies will be donated to Elton John’s Aids Foundation; which helps people living with HIV/AIDS.”

Babies raising awareness Onesie by CandyStickLane

Red Ribbons and Swedish Hearts by TanteLeah
It takes many hours of work and a lot of dedication to hand make a quilt.  The amount of work put into this quilt shows the dedication of the artist to the cause.  According to the artist’s sale page, “This is my Red Ribbon Quilt, and half of its sale price will be donated in your name to Care Resource, an AIDS service and research organization serving thousands of people in South Florida. You will receive documentation for the tax deduction. I will ship this for free.”

Red Ribbons and Swedish Hearts by TanteLeah

Pearls for Girls by mufi
All proceeds for this beautiful bracelet go to charity.  The artist’s web post notes “Through Pearls for Girls, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bracelet will be donated to Help Lesotho, to educate teen girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Lesotho, Africa.”

Pearls for Girls by mufi

Lady in Red Ring by JoBead
All proceeds go to Wellspring International.  Within the listing the artist notes, “With this purchase you could help provide foster care for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa.”

Lady in Red Ring by JoBead

Although I have entered my late 20s Santa continues to bring me a stocking full of treats every year and I continue to rely on my stocking for staples like new gym socks and underwear. While the stocking mostly helps replenish the staples mentioned above, it is always great to get a few little things that you genuinely love! Hey Santa, are you looking for handmade inexpensive and unique stocking stuffers? Here are a few etsy finds you may want to keep in mind…

Mittens by dadaya
I must admit these are on the pricey side for a stocking stuffer but I could not resist! They are so adorable!  I love the embroidery details and the little bit of lace around the cuff.  They really are something unique and original.  Maybe a bit of a splurge for a stocking but still amazing!

Mittens by dadya

DRINK wine charms by basilthecat
I think these are a great idea for any adult wine lovers who are still lucky enough to get stockings.  In addition to being an excellent stocking stuffer, these would be a great treat for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party host. 

DRINK charms by basilthecat

 Cranberry Fig Whipped Sugar Scrub by freshandclean
Made in Toronto, Canada, the cranberry and fig scent is perfect for the holiday season.  They also have other great scents like cinnamon buns and a bubble gum lip balm that would fit perfectly into a stocking. 

Cranberry & Fig Whipped Foaming Sugar Scrub by Fresh & Clean

 Lotus Panties by OnTheInside
I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way but I count on getting basics like undies and stocks at this time of year.  EBN thinks this family tradition is a little strange and I don’t think he likes getting underwear from his mother-in-law.  OnTheInside has a great selection of patterns and styles for bottoms and several matching cute and comfy bras.

Lotus Panties by OnTheInside

Swimming Lime Green Studs by RadicalGlass
These little earnings are made of glass and are a brilliant green colour.  Perfect for girls of all ages! I could see my grandma and my 12 year old cousin both wearing these delightful earrings.

Swimming Lime Green Studs by RadicalGlass