This famous quotation has been voiced over the centuries in many forms — from Marcus Aurelius in his Medications, “Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?” to Harper Lee’s Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird “If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”   As Ranjna Das, Director of the BCLS noted in her latest email message, “the library has always been a place to learn and share experiences, and this is more vital now than ever before.”

Your webmaster rememberers a required-reading book from her high school list.  With the passing of its 50th anniversary in 2011, this classic, nonfiction story continues to remain relevant.  I suggest reading Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin.  See this Smithsonian Magazine review for more information.

May we share love, respect, and empathy to all during this challenging time.

Our good friend, Grover Monster from Sesame Street, was recently interviewed as to how he has gained some control of his life and offers tips as to how other children can cope during this quarantine. This National Public Radio article, Just For Kids, Answering Your Kid’s Questions About Coronavirus With Grover From Sesame Street can help guide parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their kids such as how to Keep Busy, Seeing Friends (virtually), and other great ideas.

And for you parents, their Tips for Parents During The Coronavirus Pandemic might offer welcome insights for you, such as forgiving yourself for not being the perfect parent all the time.

Stay safe everyone!

Image thanks to Pixabay

Actually, take a hike.  Virtually.

Whether you’re taking a walk along Bank Avenue or other local, beautiful sights or seek more adventure, Travel and Leisure‘s Virtual Walking Trails Around the World that You Can Experience Right Now has found on YouTube some of the most beautiful hiking trails.  Check out:

• Moraine Lake in Banff Nation Park, Alberta, Canada
• Indian Beach Trail, Oregon 
• Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
• Havasu Falls, Arizona
• Tunnel of Love, Ukraine
• James Irvine Trail in Redwood National Park, California
• Village of Positano, Italy
• Wailea Beach Path,
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park, Washington
• Panorama Trail, Switzerland
• Juan de Fuca Trail in British Columbia, Canada

Sometimes even the best of parents and grandparents might need some guidance as to how to answer a child’s questions about what scares them, for these are scary times, especially for children.

One reliable, clear, and soothing source of guidance can be found in the Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood shows.  In He Helped Us With Our Feelings, you, too can help guide children with serious questions who may not know how to constructively and safely express their fears.  If your child is having such troubles, please seek out your pediatrician or other healthcare professional.