Keep Pressing On: Defeating Self-Doubt

Self-doubt and discouragement can slow us down, even stop us altogether. During our talks, Randie would tell me how searching for the right words would be so daunting at times, especially when she was working on her dissertation. But Randie wouldn’t give up. On page 209, a line from a great book my grandson Noah and Amy Popillion had given me a few months ago made me think of my conversations with Randie. “No need to be afraid of yourself when you write.” That’s the quote and encouraging advice from Steve Zeitlin’s book ‘The Poetry of Everyday Life, Storytelling and The Art of Awareness’. Even though I’m an ‘old man’ now, I still enjoy being a student and that’s why I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m still growing and learning. Life can be very challenging. We all get discouraged but please don’t let it stop you from completing your tasks or goals. – Randolph Randy Camp

Books Bringing People Together

Books Bringing People Together… In a world where neighbors rarely say hello to one another anymore it’s amazing sometimes how books can bring people together. It was an unusually warm, sunny day yesterday, and a perfect day for another successful Free Book Saturday Event at Randie’s Free Library. From sunrise to sunset, there were people of all ages and backgrounds who dropped by with all types of interesting stories and conversations. Sharing your used books with your neighbors is such a positive experience. Have a great week Everyone!

Stories That Heal: Powers of Bibliotherapy

STORIES THAT HEAL… I’ve always felt at home when visiting the public library. It’s a place where, regardless of your race, ethnicity, bank account or zip code, no one there ever made me feel as though I didn’t belong there. Ever since I heard ‘The Little Engine That Could’ during story time years ago, I felt the power of books and stories. Over the years I learned how bibliotherapy has helped me get through some very difficult events and rough periods. Whether it’s coping with past military trauma or loss of loved ones, reading books, listening to certain songs, journaling or writing my own stories, bibliotherapy has become a necessary outlet for me. The past year was very therapeutic for me, as I spent months rewriting several drafts of ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’. Although grief and trauma have no expiration date and can linger for years, writing Coreville Park was extremely helpful to me during my ongoing healing process as I was able to channel out some of my pain and old wounds in a creative way. Going to the library, for me, always meant that I could learn something new, which is one of the greatest lessons I’d learned from the teachings of Marcus Garvey. ‘To always be learning and bettering yourself’ is a lesson Marcus Garvey regularly spoke about. In writing Coreville Park a reggae novel I was able to rediscover some of the interesting facts and details of the Rastafarian and reggae culture. Marcus Garvey played such an important role in the foundation of the Rastafarian way of life. Long before there was reggae music there was Marcus Garvey. Here’s another interesting fact about the Rastafarian culture: True Rastas eat only Ital foods (natural foods from the earth). Rastafarians do not eat processed foods or canned food items. Growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I used to dream about places like Australia, Japan and Jamaica, in which I would read about in the many books I’d checked out from the library as a kid. To see my book ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’ sitting on the shelf at any public library is a dream come true. Whatever your dreams and goals are I hope that they are all realized, and please don’t hesitate to take full advantage of your local library to help and assist you along your journey. Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp (Photo taken at Des Moines Central Public Library, January 2024)

Winter Blessings

Winter Blessings…There’s no shortage of goodhearted neighbors. There’s no shortage of books or winter blessings at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY and that’s the way Randie would have it. On this cold January morning, I woke up to find numerous toys, games, and books in and around Randie’s Free Library, donated anonymously by the kindness of neighbors. Without a doubt, Randie’s giving spirit is still spreading. It’s a wonderful way to begin 2024.