Liankacreations

  Meet my handmade gnome friend! ✨ Dressed in cozy burgundy with sparkly details and a snowy white beard, he’s ready to spread a little holiday cheer (and maybe guard the yarn stash 🧶😉). I had so much fun putting this little guy together—the striped hat, fluffy beard, and all the cozy details make him such a charming decoration. Would you welcome a gnome like this into your home? 🎄❤️

Another crafty Wednesday at the New Bedford Public Library Wilks Branch! This month’s project, Folded Book Vases , a super creative way to upcycle old books into stunning floral displays. It was so cool to see everyone get in touch with their artistic side and also give new life to books that might have otherwise been discarded. As always, the participants surprised me and themselves with their creativity. We've all agreed to meet again next month for our next crafty adventure.

  Check out this cozy, colorful crochet book stand—perfect for propping up your favorite read, tablet, or even a sketchpad! Soft yet sturdy, it's a unique blend of function and charm. Made with love (and lots of yarn ), it's ideal for hands-free reading anywhere. Whether you're curling up with a good book or following a recipe in the kitchen, this stand's got your back!

  Although it is common here to think that autumn begins on Autumn Equinox (which falls on September 22 this year), in Russia — at least in Tomsk — I have always considered September 1 to be the real start of autumn. That’s the day all students return to school. The weather is noticeably cooler, rainier, and re-fresher (is there such a word?). My sister's grandson started first grade this year. In Russia, children start school at the age of seven. The region has seen a decline in the number of schoolchildren due to the demographic situation. I suppose young people are in no hurry to have children. Times have changed, along with lifestyles. Some regional news caught my eye as well.  China recently announced a trial 30-day visa-free regime for Russian citizens, starting September 15. I wonder what currency Russian tourists will need to carry with them in China. Another article from the ria tomsk news talks about exporting Siberian goods.   Siberia is well known as a su...

  If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “Where are you from?” — well, I could probably buy a nice little shelf of new books for the library. But time changed, and I changed with it. Before, I would’ve answered right away. Now, I’m more cautious — sometimes even a bit playful — and ask back, “Why?”. Recently, a gentleman on the phone told me that his question (about the accent) was a compliment. “Oh, well… I’m from Russia,” I said. But in my head I thought, Come on, dude, from what planet are you? I’ve been living in the New Bedford area for almost 12 years. I’ve been working at the library for nearly 10 years. And you’ve never heard of the Russian librarian? (Well, technically I am not a real librarian, just a library assistant, but a good one). Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of Russians here. All are good people with families, friends, and jobs. But somehow it feels like I’m the one who’s most “publicly present.”  Working at the library, I meet so many pe...

  Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there." — Unknown Many years ago in Russia, people did not go to psychologists or therapists. Women met in the kitchens, and men -  in garages. It was there, among friends, that they could share their grief, find support, and maybe receive advice. Who chooses our friends? The universe, circumstances, fate?  Maybe it’s all of them together? There were three women who were close friends. They were similar in age, married, each had children, and lived in the same neighborhood. They took their kids to the same playground, and on rainy days, they gathered in someone's kitchen. Though alike in many ways, they had different views on life, hobbies, and interests. Ira got divorce around the time Olga had her third child. Lena was quick to suggest Ira look for a husband abroad, Germany for example. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, many Russian Germans moved to Germany, marrying  a German w...