Saturday, January 26, 2008

Railroad Nostalgia


One of the reasons I love working in libraries is that I get to see what other people are reading. Don't ask me to tell you all about the latest novel by a best-selling author, because I never seem to remember to get my name on the waiting list before publication. (I think I'm number 947 on the list to get a copy of Sue Grafton's T is for Trespass.) But I've learned to let other people do the legwork for me, and I come across the most interesting books just by chance.

I picked up a copy of Gary Krist's White Cascade when I noticed its binding was broken. Right in the center of the book, where the photographic pages were inserted, it was coming apart. Since I had the book open, the photos caught my eye, and I had to see what it was about. Turns out, this fiction writer from Maryland stumbled across news accounts of a train disaster in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest in 1910, and he was hooked. There was a tremendous snowfall that winter that ended up blocking the track and stranding a trainload of travelers high in the Cascades. They begged to be moved to a safer spot, but there didn't appear to be anyplace to go. Besides, what were the chances of an avalanche coming down on that particular spot? This was a great read, and the suspense of waiting for the storm to subside gave me chills for many nights.

A couple of weeks after I finished that book, I saw a wonderful collection of photos taken by former Northern Pacific telegrapher and dispatcher Jim Fredrickson. Railroad Shutterbug contains not only photos, but the stories behind them. Looking through the book will make you want to pull out an old map, unless your old Washington geography skills are very sharp.

The dogs don't care much for books, by the way, but they're happy that I'm willing to sit with them and read for a few hours on a cold Saturday.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

If the Dogs Had Been There


An alternate title for this post might be, "East Meets West" or maybe "Whose Work Site Is This Anyway?" Back in December, I had opportunity to go inside the jail where Mark spends much of his time. Oh -- but I went in with a guarantee that I'd be able to leave at the end of the day. And, I was being paid to be there. My library system has a contract to provide services at the Regional Justice Center, and it was a privilege to do a short job-shadow with the women who work there.

If the dogs had been there, they would have had their tails between their legs much of the time. The hallways are wide, Spartan, and loud. Cement block walls and linoleum floors don't make for gentle acoustics. No decoration, no moving parts (except the doors), nothing to soften the experience. On top of that, you can't help but constantly monitor your personal boundaries.

One section of wall had a horizontal metal tube attached to it. It looked like a restroom grab bar, except it was at shoulder height. Next to it was a sign reminding the officers how many inmates should be chained to the bar. There were no windows, except in the library itself. And the view from there? An enclosed parking area -- and blessed sky above. Stark, eh?

If the dogs had been there, Rufus would have tried to run. Away, away, out from that echoing, harsh place. Blackie would have pushed her way into a warm corner, if she could. Staying in the library might have been fine for her, and forget that call of nature.

But in the library, vigilance was not so necessary. Officers were invited to share Christmas goodies and conversation during a break. The library employees efficiently process the inmates' requests, discerning from brief descriptions just what kinds of materials are being sought. In the cafeteria, more conversation flowed, and there was relaxation and even laughter. There are times when all vigilance is required, and there are times when one must loosen up. These are real people with hearts and lives outside of their jobs.

That night, I told Mark I wouldn't have the energy to work in that place every day like he does. "It's not that bad," he argued. No, not bad, just different. Sure, there are boundaries in my community library. And there are people who argue vehemently over 40-cent fines. But I'm used to that. And the dogs could find enough peace that they'd be okay there, most of the time. Except when those 40-cent voices are raised.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Don't Steal My Photos!


I just read a newspaper article about companies using random photographs from the Web in ad campaigns, without permission and without remuneration. Let it be said, if anyone steals this photo of my son (on the furthest starting block), they'll have to pay us BIG MONEY.

This photo of my very own son at the King County Aquatic Center is authentic, unlike the photo illustration the dogs used in their year-end post of family highlights. That really is Jon, in lane two, getting ready to begin one of today's races. It's possible that one of Pete's good friends is also in this photo, but I couldn't tell you where he might be.

What a beautiful facility this is. Waveless pool, big enough to have two complete swim meets happening at the same time, deep and blue and lots of fancy details. It was a great way to cap off the season.