Songs in one small room: Some backstory: In 2002 I lived in the Czech Republic, and when I was there, I saw a musician called Iva Bittova play twice. Both times I was blown away by how amazing she was-  she is a gifted artist- and neither time did I especially like her. I never felt exactly like I got her. Well, that would be partly because she sings in Czech and I don't understand more than the odd word and how to order my favourites food in a restaurant! Partly because she's very weird.

On Friday night, Iva Bittova played in Melbourne, and I was a little bit speechless. It was very wow. In so many ways. For one thing, much of the crowd was Czech, and while I don't understand many words, it was nice to hear some familiar sounds wash around me. For another thing, I texted a friend in the Czech Republic to tell her I was at the gig and she called me back, and I was so glad that some of the people who meant so much to me six years ago are still in my life. Thirdly, Iva herself was mind blowing in her performance.

It was a lovely time to reflect on how many things in my life make me happy.

Other songs in another small room. During work on Friday, I went to a storytelling workshop where I, along with other library staff from my library and others, got to learn some songs and stories for storytimes. I have to say, there is a lot to like about my job. I am getting better at reading picture books aloud, but suddenly I realise there's no magic ingredient for storytelling without a book, it's just a matter of learning a few stories, and telling them.