Hey Friends!

Happy Valentine’s Day! What a great week it’s been! I feel loved by family, friends, and I get to love some people in return. This week, I’m showing off a few people I admire and saluting them for the hard work they do. They’re strong, they’re bold, and they sure are Brash!

Let’s jump right in! Most of you who follow my blog have heard me talk about my Brash Sidekick Katy. I nominated Katy for Librarian Wardrobe’s Valentine’s Day Crush contest, and she was selected as one of the winners! Every year, Librarian Wardrobe selects members of the LIS profession to be recognized academically, professionally, personally or even just fashionably and awards them with the title of “crush-worthy”. Katy’s picture and interview are featured on their website with the other winners, take a look and let’s give Katy a big hand for being a crush-worthy librarian!

A big hand for our crush-worthy librarian and Brash Sidekick, Katy!

I also nominated another friend, whom most of you know as The Bookaneer. While she didn’t win, she certainly got her fame in singing at the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire this year. Performing in her singing troupe, she singled me out in the audience and planted a giant smackeroo on my cheek. Thankfully (depending on who you ask), her sister got a great photo of said smackeroo, said below. She suffered through losing her voice and long days at the Faire, but she toughed it out!

The wenches, they just can’t get enough of me. If you look closely, you can see my roommate Caitlin holding my turkey leg. MEAT!

The glasses and pigtails just kill me. I don’t know who that guy is, but that’s a sweet hat.

Ah, what a fun day at the Faire. I saw friends I haven’t seen in years, I made new friends, I drank blueberry mead, ate turkey, stood on a gypsy acrobat, helped a performer set up his flaming machete routine, and had a great time. Ryan, Jess, Anne, Caitlin, Sherman (accept my friend request, already!), Kayla, a different Kayla, Pippin, Tucker…you were all a blast to hang around!

Was this enough for The Bookaneer? NO.

Well done, Crissy! Busy, busy, busy!

BAM! She has also been planning a Valentine’s Day 50’s sock hop dance at her library! It’s her first major project at the library, and I know she was a bit nervous. I’m sure it went over well, along with her “Blind date with a book” program! Yup, wrapping up books and letting people take home a book, blind date style. To top it all off, we’re running in the Rugged Maniac 5K mud race this Saturday! We just don’t know when to stop.

The other person I’d like to salute this week is my friend Laura. Laura has a travel blog detailing her adventures abroad. She’s traveled around the world trying to help people, teaching English, and trying to improve the lives of everyone around her. Laura is currently in China raising funds for her Project FUTURES’ Challenge Ride bike trip, promoting awareness of human trafficking and raising funds for victims of trafficking in Southeast Asia. On February 26th, she will cycle through Vietnam and Cambodia in a 400 km (250 miles) journey through villages and orchards. Donate here if you can, her trip is less than two weeks away!

My friend Laura! Donate to this little lady’s cause and help make a difference!

You don’t need to be a librarian to be brash, all you need is a little courage and determination. Great job Laura! Your altruism brings out the superhero in me.

Last but not least, a shout out to some of my best friends Ashley and Nigel! I had the great pleasure of being at their baby shower over the weekend and had an amazing time. There were baby games, bib decorating contests, lots of silly/nerdy/totally awesome gifts, and cake! We all can’t wait to meet Alistair. 🙂

That’s all I have for this week. I love all these people, they are great friends! This week, I challenge you to find and appreciate those good people in your life. Valentine’s isn’t just for that special someone, it’s for all the special someones in your life. Stay Brash and have a great Valentine’s Day, everyone!

Justin Brasher, Brash Librarian