Thank you to Pete for tagging me on this Passion Quilt meme…
(Post a picture from a source like FlickrCC or Flickr Creative Commons or make/take your own that captures what YOU are most passionate about for kids (for me: Library School Students) to learn about…and give your picture a short title.)

original image, Hexagram Three from the I Ching, located:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Iching-hexagram-03.png

From the Wilhelm-Baynes translation of “the I Ching or the Book of Changes”:
(text from http://theabysmal.wordpress.com/2006/10/25/i-ching-hexagram-3/)

“The name of the hexagram, Chun, really connotes a blade of grass pushing against an obstacle as it sprouts out of the earth – hence the meaning, “difficulty at the beginning.” The hexagram indicates the way in which heaven and earth bring forth individual beings. It is their first meeting, which is beset with difficulties. The lower trigram Chen is the Arousing; its motion is upward and its image is thunder. the upper trigram K’an stands for the Abysmal , the dangerous. its motion is downward and its image is rain. The situation points to teeming, chaotic profusion; thunder and rain fill the air. but the chaos clears up. While the Abysmal sinks, the upward movement clears up. While the Abysmal sinks, the upward movement eventually passes beyond the danger. A thunderstorm brings release from tension, and all things breathe freely again.”

Chaos is a scary thing, beginning something new is a scary thing. Challenging ourselves with new opportunities, new technologies, new knowledge is scary but rewarding, often leading us to new ways of thinking, new approaches to problems, and new strength.

To me this hexagram from the I Ching means lots of things and holds lots of good lessons for those heading out into the Library world:

Perseverance - Don’t be discouraged. Success doesn’t always come quickly, in this rapidly paced world we have to remember that time and fortitude can work in our favor.

Frustration and failure are teaching tools – Not all things can or will work out, but we can take knowledge from everything.

Input/Advising – Too often we can be tempted to work/be alone, especially when our work puts us alone in front of a keyboard. Seeking wisdom and guidance can turn a chaotic path into a clear one.

YOU pick the path – Seek advice and guidance from others but remember it’s your responsibility to chart your path.

Seek Chaos – Consistency and comfort for the sake of consistency and comfort will yield little gain.

So as not to be the cause of chaos (or add chaos and confusion for myself)…I’m going to break the rules and not tag anyone. If however, you feel “inspired” please feel free to self tag.

Steve
p.s. I also picked this image as it’s my one and only tatoo

Steve Garwood

All of us CEBuzzers got tagged for the Passion Quilt meme by Pete, so I’ll take the plunge. (Post a picture from a source like FlickrCC or Flickr Creative Commons or make/take your own that captures what YOU are most passionate about for kids to learn about…and give your picture a short title.)

Original photo: http://flickr.com/photos/sadams/495544926/

Don’t let the tools determine what you build. Tools are wonderful but they are only tools. What you build should spring from your interests and enthusiasms, from the needs of your family, friends, or community. Once your imagination has conceived a project, then decide which tools will help you accomplish it best.

Tools won’t build for you. There isn’t a tool invented yet that will substitute for determination and good planning. You’re the driver. You’re the one who has to exercise quality control and see the process through to completion.

Enjoy the process. The final product may be the goal but don’t forget to immerse in the journey. Feel the satisfaction in the smooth operation of a good tool. Absorb the sensation of forward motion, of working with a good team. Laugh at your mistakes, learn from them and move on.

Keep your tools sharp. There’s nothing so counter-productive as a dull edge. Just make the time to sharpen your chisels, sharpen your mind, sharpen your awareness. Keep your eyes open to new tools that may help you be a better builder, but (cycling back to the first point), don’t let the new tools control your direction.

I tag:

Janie Herman
Marianne Lenox
Rochelle Hartman
Andrea Mercado
Marilyn Mason

Betha Gutsche

Betha Gutsche has been a virtual librarian ever since receiving her MLIS from the University of Washington Information School. Immersed in the online community of WebJunction, she has cultivated community connections through forums, live online events, and writing stories about the library community. She has delved into e-learning design, curriculum development, needs assessment, and all things connected to social learning in the online world. Betha is the editor-in-chief of the Competency Index for the Library Field. She is now the manager of Project Compass, a program working with public libraries to augment their service to communities impacted by tough times. Underneath it all, Betha is an artist and loves to raise awareness of visual literacy and introduce people to the power of image.

Website - Twitter - More Posts