50 SHADES OF GREY

BY E.L. JAMES

TABLE DECORATORS: ROBIN BROBST, TERRIE FRAHM, AND JENNY HIGHUM

Our team of book lovers are so happy to do another table for the Library Foundation and support their expansion. Once again, we are building our table around a book that has been banned in many libraries. We feel that when a book is banned based on someone else's values it narrows all of our own views of life and strips us of exercising our own personal choices. The content of a controversial book can be used to start a discussion and to open our minds. Fifty Shades of Grey will never, in our opinion, be considered a classic. It can even be argued that it is a book that rose to popularity because of peoples prurient curiosity. Our opinion of that argument is "excellent" because curiosity requires us to suspend judgment. When we suspend judgment we open ourselves to empathy and acceptance. Acceptance leads to respecting someone else's values even when they differ from your own. We see books as a powerful tool that introduces us to others experiences, feelings and values.

Table includes:

One night at The Nightingale Motel (based on availability);

$50 Drink gift certificate to Neon Mallard;

Waterford Crystal champagne glasses (2);

Veuve Cliquot Champagne;

Hammered stainless steel champagne bucket;

Lead free crystal vase;

Queen size satin sheets;

Down alternative bed pillows (4);

Down alternative Queen size duvet;

Faux fur throw;

Bamboo foldable bed tray;

Wrought Iron free standing coat rack;

Ladies satin robe;

Silk sleep mask;

Mens cotton robe;

Fifty Shades trilogy of books;

Adventurous couples play things.

DONATED BY THE COMMUNITY:

Custom iron scroll work Queen canopy bed frame (Donated by Terrie and Chuck Frahm);

Sheer curtains for canopy (Donated by Terrie and Chuck Frahm);

Nightstand (Donated by Terrie and Chuck Frahm);

Alley House Grille Gift Certificate - Value $200 (Donated by Joni and Mary Rose, co-owners of Alley House Grille);

Couples massage (Donated by Elly Osmera and Sabra Lopez);

Manicure and pedicure (Donated by Alexa Martinez at Queen Bee Facial Studio);

Queen Bee Facial Studio massage oils (Donated by the Queen herself, Lynne Killey).

Total value - $2250

THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO

BY: CHRISTY LEFTERI

TABLE DECORATOR: BLUE LINDNER AND NICOLE PITCHER

This novel follows the tragic and grief-stricken escape of a beekeeper and his artist wife leaving a violent, war-torn Syria. The bees represent symbiotic relationships, compassion, peace, and a world-in-balance before the war. Bees concentrate the beauty of nature-in-balance into the exquisite nectar called honey. This table celebrates these awesome creatures and our ambition for peace.

Why support the library? It's like a hive at the heart of a community, producing honey for us all. It's a window into understanding the world if we open ourselves to it. Someone once said, if you want to know if a community is healthy, go to the library. The library will tell you everything you need to know. It's time for us to tend to the hive to make sure it can keep producing honey for years to come.

Table includes:
A Copy of The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
4 French Bee Tumblers
4 French Bee Wineglasses
20 Piece Honeybee Dinnerware
4 Bee Embroidered Linen Napkins
4 Golden Bee Brass Napkin Rings
White ceramic Bee Pitcher
4 strands LED Honeybee Fairy Lights
20 piece champagne brass flatware
Honeybee honey pot
Honeybee Cheese Board
Beeswax candles and crystal candlesticks

Golden Milk Chai made and donated by Earthsense Herbals, LLC.

BEE Kind tin wall art

Local Bee Honey produced in backyard hives of South Pagosa

Also included in this table package:

BEE MINDFUL Local therapist Alyssa Dreher is offering 5 counselling sessions for you or anyone you know who might need a little or a lot of extra support.

BEE BALANCED Pagosa Massage and Bodywork + Movement is offering 10 yoga classes at their studio.

BEE RELAXED Marilyn Krings is offering a massage.

BEE STRONG Cindy Houston is offering a month of free Pilates classes at her studio.

BEE OUTSIDE Pagosa Mountain Sports is offering two same day e-bike rentals OR four same day hardtail mountain bike rentals

BEE on the RIVER Pagosa Outside is offering four tube rentals to enjoy on the San Juan River

BEE BRAVE Get your hands into the hive with a guided inspection with amateur beekeepers in downtown Pagosa. Safety gear included.

BEE GENEROUS Jann C Pitcher Real Estate is offering a matching bid to the library for whatever the winning bid is for this table.

Total value:$1,978

We hope you can come bid on our table, but your votes are also very much appreciated!

THE BODY BOOK: THE LAW OF HUNGER, THE SCIENCE OF STRENGTH, AND OTHER WAYS TO LOVE YOUR AMAZING BODY

BY: CAMERON DIAZ

TABLE DECORATOR: JOANNE IRONS AND THE RUBY SISSON LIBRARY STAFF

The reason I chose this book was I was drawn to the cover shot of Cameron Diaz, who I love as an actress, and the soft colors of the grey and pink. I thumbed through the book and found it not offensive when it comes to gathering and learning more about taking care of yourself and strengthening your body and mind. I love to learn new things even if takes time, courage and change. I admire women and men who take the time to nourish themselves through different ways of exercise, strength training , massage, yoga, and making time for beauty treatments on a regular basis.

I joined with the Ruby Sisson Library staff to bring this table to life as an experience table
filled with classes, treatments, beauty appointments, and much more. The sensory connections through healing touch of REIKI
to massages, scented candles, and products to haircuts, manicures, facials and so much more, would make even Cameron Diaz want to vote for this experience. Please see the list of donors to make The Body Book be a wonderful experience.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

BY: ROALD DAHL

TABLE DECORATORS: KATIE CLOUDMAN, REBECCA BATTLES, SHERRY SPEARS, AND MARCIE TAYLOR

We are a team of truly passionate library lovers. Three of us are currently serving as Trustees on the Ruby Sisson Library's Board of Trustees. Two of us have been librarians, one of which is retired from a 38 year long career as a Public Library Librarian. Our book choice, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, stems from our love of the whimsical and a fondness for chocolate.

Table includes:
Lorren Home Trends Beaded Stoneware 16 Piece Dinnerware Set, service for 4;

Wayfair Basics Tablecloth, 102" x 60";

20-Piece Flatware Set, service for 4;

Wayfair Basics 10 piece napkin set;

Star Napkin Rings, 6;

Bodily Solid Color Sequin Table Runner;

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY AND OTHER ILLUSTRATED CLSSICES (Barnes and Noble Collectible Editions);

Assorted cellophane wrapped treats and Wonka Bars;

Steampunk Top Hat and bowtie;

Cupcake Stand - Premier /cypcake Holder - Acrylic Cupcake Tower Display with LED Lights;

Brand new in unopened box, Nostalgia Electric Chocolate Fondue Fountain, 32-ounce, 4 Tier Set.

DEATH ON THE NILE

BY: AGATHA CHRISTIE

TABLE DECORATOR: CYNTHIA MITCHELL

Since its humble beginnings in a two-room partition of the old city hall, the Ruby Sisson Library has always strived to become a state-of-the-art facility and continues to do so today. The Library's need for additional room and expansion of services is testimony to its resounding success. I am proud to take part in this endeavor.

Death On The Nile, by Agatha Christie, was among the first mystery and detective stories that I enjoyed many years ago. The twists and turns of fate of a group of privileged travelers is as intriguing today as it was when first published. It begs the question, "Who is the mysterious killer and how did he/she do it?" Only the clever detective Hercule Poirot has the answer!

Table includes:

$200 gift certificate to Meander Riverside Eatery for hungry travelers;

Full set of Villa Della Luna plates, bowls, mugs, and platter for eight;

Kook stemless iridescent champaigne flutes for eight;

Matte gold stainless steel silverware for eight;

Egyptian papyrus paper bookmarks;

Egyptian tablecloth and napkins;

Bronze vase;

Ancient Egyptian figurines;

Book "Death on the Nile and Other Hercule Poirot Mysteries" by Agatha Christie.

THE GREAT GATSBY

BY: F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

TABLE DECORATOR: GINA BOAZ

"He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself." The Great Gatsby

Like Jay Gatsby, I have a great amount of hope in the future, and access to books and knowledge is so important in my opinion, especially for our youth. Being a former school teacher of 22 years, I was very impressed with last year's fundraiser, "The Library Affair". So this year I created my own table; I chose The Great Gatsby for a few reasons: my love of anything vintage, the poetic literature and the characters that Fitzgerald created, and of course, the bling and the bubbly, and the joy that thinking of the 1920's creates in one's mind and spirit.

I created a presentation for the auction that revolves around an art deco cake which will be created by Vanilla Pine Design. The gold and sterling silver dishes rest upon a beautiful table cloth with some fancy decor and fancy accessories for the ladies such as pearl and gold necklaces, vintage earrings, long black gloves and fan, and a vintage purse. Gold rimmed champagne and whiskey glasses are ready for a nice bottle of champagne donated by Mountain Spirits and a bottle of moonshine donated by Silver Dollar Liquor. The Speakeasy in Durango, The Bookcase and the Barber, also donated a $25 gift certificate. And yes, it gets even better! Our amazing local musician, Bob Hemenger, has donated an hour-long private concert!

Thanks so much for your time and consideration in raising money for our local library, and please take a moment if possible to donate!

Thanks old sport … and CHEERS!

Gina Boaz

MOM SECRETS: COFFEE-FUELED CONFESSIONS FROM THE MOM TRENCHES

BY: CATHERINE BELLAMY AND NATALIE TELFER

TABLE DECORATOR: JANN PITCHER

When I was a young mother in rural Montana, I would have loved to have "Cat and Nat's" fun and insightful book, a book that celebrates woman's deep and important friendships, often fueled by coffee and humor.

Libraries are so important, starting with our littlest citizens. Wednesdays, after a perfect cup of coffee, my youngest grandaughter and I love attending Storytime at the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library.

Last week, the multi-purpose room was filled with 45 toddlers and their parents. After Storytime, the room was used for Tech Time, then book club, and gaming. How wonderful it will be to have a dedicated children's room in the expanded library!

Our ever-evolving Library is bursting at the seams. With the strategic central location, we have the opportunity to be the flagship of Pagosa Springs. Our goals are lofty. It will take a village and we have a giving one. Please, vote now and vote often! Let's get this expansion done!

Table includes:

Coffee bean grinder;

Aeropress coffee maker;

French press;

Frother;

6 bags of specialty coffees;

6 LeCreuset coffee mugs;

6 Stoneware dessert plates;

6 melamine under plates;

6 linen napkins;

6 coffee spoons;

6 custom coasters;

6 blown water glasses;

1 cotton tablecloth;

3 books;

1 set creamer and sugar dishes;

1 tin coffee canister;

Hot chocolate, chocolate bar, caramels;

1 coffee greeting card;

$60 gift certificate to Pagosa Baking Co.

$50 gift certificate to Higher Grounds Coffee

IN A BLUE ROOM

BY: JIM AVERBECK

TABLE DECORATORS: CINDI GALABOTA, JILL PORTERFIELD, AND CAROL SHEETS

We created a table for The Library Affair because we recognize the true value of the Ruby Sisson Library in Pagosa Springs. The Library is the hub of our small community. The staff are simply amazing and the programs, resources and services are incredible - Now, let's help raise funds to create a state-of-the-art library right in our small community!

We share our love of the night sky with our book, In a Blue Room, by Jim Averbeck. Enjoy a starry evening dinner and s'mores dessert with your very own Solo stove. Discover the night sky with your first telescope. Then, read In A Blue Room to your kids, put them to bed, go outside and look up!

Table includes:

Two books

Celestron firstscope 76 table top telescope

Solo stove Mesa table top fire pit, with fire starters and 20 lbs wood pellets

24 piece melamine dinnerware set for eight - starry pattern

Brushed nickel silverware set for eight

Eight Lumina blue beverage goblets

S'mores tool kit with eight skewers and s'mores makings

Textured linen water resistant tablecloth

Eight orange napkins

Four handcrafted starry sky lollipops

THE JOY OF ART

BY: CAROLYN SCHLAM

WOMEN IN ART; 50 FEARLESS CREATIVES WHO INSPIRED THE WORLD

BY: RACHEL IGNOTOFSKY

TABLE DECORATORS: KIRSTEN LEROUX, SHERRY PHILLIPS, JONIE ROSE, EVELYN TENNYSON AND VICKIE THOMPSON

These books were chosen because of their focus on art. Beautiful, colorful, abstract, realism; art speaks in all languages - attracting people from all walks of life. Public Art provides us the abilities to open up lines of communication within our own housing.

"Women in Art; 50 Creatives Who Inspired the World" book has inspiring profiles and stories, dating back to the 11th century, of women who made a difference in their lives and communities. "The Joy of Art" book provides instruction and allows the reader to understand and enjoy art.

The Pagosa Springs Arts Council is inspired by both of these books; inspired enough to share their love of art within our community.

Table add-on is a card-making class using StampinUp paper crafting products in your home for 6 people. Each person will make three cards each. There will be paper cutting, stamping, die cutting and more to create fun personal cards. These classes typically run two hours long. PSAC will provide all needed supplies and instructions to make the cards. The class will be coordinated and conducted by Kathy Lemons with the winner and set a date in June.

Table includes:

Two books
1 white linen table cloth
Art easels wooden 'bridge'
6 sketch canvases 12x12
6 plates - assorted colors
6 galleria side plates
6 stemless wine colored
6 galleria fabric cloth 'masks'
6 paint pallet holder trays
6 4-piece cutlery sets
6 white cloth napkins
Colored tulle assorted
Colored cardboard splashes assorted
12 clear mini paint buckets
3 large tin paint buckets
6 colored napkin rings
12 assorted artist brushes
6 mini chalk name place setting with mini wooden easels

OLLIE'S SKI TRIP

BY: ELSA BESKOW

TABLE DECORATORS: BREANNA PITCHER AND ROSANNE PITCHER

Ollie's Ski Trip Table is about experiencing the outdoors in a winter setting with sparkling snow and fresh clean cold air. This table brings a complete winter experience with festive activities attached to a place setting for six lucky people to enjoy each other. The snow theme includes two days of skiing and a lesson; a local cold brew for the thirst, healing waters to relax; and a delicious cake to top off Ollie's Ski Trip!

Table includes:

Settings for six, including napkin rings;

Cake made by Trish

From Riff Raff Brewing-growler, pint glasses, and six pack of San Juan Sender;

Twelve ski tickets from Wolf Creek Ski Area for two days of skiing for six people;

From The Springs Resort-two robes, two mineral bags, two globe frames, six VIP soaking passes, two 60-minute spa treatments, six vitality tonics;

From Doggy DayCare 81147-two grooming packages for 75lb dogs, day care for two, boarding for two, half-day day care for two, grooming for 35lb dog;

From Debbie Tucker-private ski lesson with Debbie;

Fairy lights.

PAGOSA SPRINGS, IMAGES OF AMERICA

BY: KRISTIN BOWEN

TABLE DECORATORS: TONY AND ANNIE DEMILLE

We were so excited to be asked back to do another table for the Library Affair, so this year we are celebrating our little town of Pagosa, basing our table on the book Pagosa Springs, Images of America. Our love for the library and what they contribute to our community led us to create a table celebrating our home with Colorado-made items including custom plates with images of Chimney Rock and Pagosa Peak, glassware and decanters featuring 3-D rocky mountain reliefs inside the glass, a custom-made runner featuring a map of Wolf Creek Ski Area, Sendero Provisions Napkins, serving plates/items from a local favorite, Root House. Beautiful scented candles and finally a Shotski and Colorado created vodka and bourbon. Also, there are a number of gift cards to local spots to further enjoy our incredible town, and a bonus book, Pagosa Springs, A Colorado Bucket List Travel Guide (By a Local). We thank you for your votes ($2 each) as this is a big part of the fundraising goal and an easy way to give to our amazing community's library!

The Book that Inspired our Table, Pagosa Springs, Images of America

6 Custom Made Dinner Plates featuring Pagosa Peak

6 Custom Made Salad Plates featuring Chimney Rock

Custom Made Table Runner featuring the Wolf Creek Ski Area Trail Map

6 Lowball Glasses Featuring Blown Glass Mountain Relief

1 Mountain Relief Decanter

Danish Style Wood Handled Flatware (service for 6)

Colorado Made Sendero Provisions Cloth Napkins

Rustic Wood Shotski (can double as a candle holder)

Pagosa Springs Shot Glasses to accompany Shotski

Marble and Wood Charcuterie Board

Wooden Cocktail Shaker

Rustic Carved Wooden Salad Bowl and Serviceware from Root House

3 Compartment Serving Tray from Root House

1 Bottle of Breckenridge Bourbon

1 Bottle of Telluride Vodka

2 Scented Candles with Abstract Mountain Glaze Print

Bonus Book: Pagosa Springs,A Colorado Bucket List Travel Guide (By a Local)

Local Pagosa Wildflowers

THE QUILT MAKER'S GIFT

BY: JEFF BRUMBEAU

TABLE DECORATORS: JOANNE IRONS AND LYNNE MCCRUDDEN

"...the quiltmaker kept her word and started making a special quilt for the king. With each gift that he gave, she added another piece to his quilt."

Lynne McCrudden and Joanne Irons chose this book because of its special meaning to them both. Joanne's mother left behind this beautiful vintage handstitched quilt which was part of her collection and was a wonderful supporter of her hometown library in Wilton, CT. Dolores, Joanne's mom, was often seen at the Wilton Library fundraisers buying up auction items to support them. So, it is perfect that one of her quilts shows up in Pagosa Springs to support the expansion of the Ruby Sisson Memorial Library.

Lynne McCrudden, heads up the Quilt Ministry at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. Since 2005, the quiltmakers at the church have made and given away over 1236 quilts to those in need of prayer and support all over the world. It was only fitting that Lynne and Joanne joined together to make this table represent the book The Quiltmakers Gift by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken.

Lynne McCrudden and Joanne Irons are supporting the Ruby Sisson Memorial Library expansion because they support the library's vision "Mountains of opportunity to inspire ideas, enrich lives and create community". There are so many diverse activities and learning tools to make it possible to serve all who live, work and visit Pagosa Springs. The expansion is much needed for the Library's growth.

SECOND HAND ROSE

BY: LIN STEPP

TABLE DECORATORS: KIM MOORE AND THE LIBRARY AFFAIR PLANNING COMMITTEE

This book shares a single widowed mother of three with a business to run, debts to pay and life to handle and a shop that she loves. Her life, friends, family and business at Second Hand Rose are intertwined with the hope of love and a life with excitement!!!

My story began with the generous gift to our library committee of two boxes of the most beautiful china that were kindly donated by a woman who shared her mother's set of dishes and set me off on a mission to find a way to display them with a theme befitting their legacy. I discovered that they are a Limoges China pattern from 1910 that are hand painted with delicate flowers that inspired me to create a table setting befitting a Country French theme.

From the day we received this generous donation, I had only a few days to bring this setting together. I decided to use the many thrift stores in our local community to bring this table to life and build on the theme of Second Hand Rose. The help of our committee and the generosity of our community created this elegant table that has emerged into a beautiful and fresh table setting for 8 that would befit a lovely French garden estate.

Our table has 8 hand painted dinner plates, 8 salad plates, 8 tea cups and saucers and matching tea pot and sugar bowl, 8 cut glass wine/water glasses, set of silver plate silverware for 8, an oriental terrine with an arrangement of silk flowers, a white table cloth with satin design and matching napkins, and a table runner that brings out the design of the green vines that are delicately painted throughout the floral pattern of the dishes.

Generous add-ons to this bright and elegant table are: $100 Gift certificate from Upscale Resale, $100 Gift certificate from Refurnish Pagosa or Pike Furniture, One hour therapeutic massage from All About You Day Spa and a $25 gift certificate from the Rose Restaurant.

Join us in voting for this one of a kind table that brings beauty and life to your entertaining table to share with your friends and family.

THE SECRET GARDEN

BY: FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT

TABLE DECORATORS: CHELSEA HILBRAND, MARK HILBRAND, AND MCKENNA KEYS

Our team selected "The Secret Garden" for a whimsical, garden-inspired tablescape.

McKenna Keys artistically designed the centerpiece to feel like a scene out of "The Secret Garden." She used a variety of silk and dried plants and florals including English ivy, willow branches, and a red robin. An assortment of fresh, soft-colored flowers filled the tabletop vases, and an arrangement of silk spring flowers were arranged in an antique watering can. A vintage Olympia typewriter was used to create the 'Brunch Experience' description, as well as the place settings which included each of the main character's names.

Mark Hilbrand built the centerpiece. For the base of the centerpiece, he cut and beveled a quartzite stone. He drilled a hole in the stone to attach PVC piping, which created the structure for the centerpiece. The piping was then wrapped in burlap. The centerpiece can be broken down into 3 pieces.

Chelsea Hilbrand designed the table with a mix of vintage and modern. The plates, water glasses and flatware are all mid-century. The Stoneware plates are titled "Spring Garden" and have vintage flowers on them. The flatware & amber glassware are etched with flowers. The bee napkin rings, napkins, tea cups, tablecloth, table runner and candle holders are all modern, yet feel as though they belong in "The Secret Garden."

MASK Ranch and Small Batch Events will be sponsoring the "Secret Garden Brunch Experience", that is included with the table. Small Batch Events will be catering a multi-course summer brunch at beautiful MASK Ranch. This brunch includes sweet & savory creations, fresh garden salad, mimosas, coffee, tea & house scones.

The Ruby M. Sisson Library is a focal point to the Pagosa Springs community. It's a
place for everybody; a sacred place to land and a feeling of coming home. Here, elders
and children alike can find solace, connect with resources and others.

"The Secret Garden" is blooming full of life lessons. Our favorite takeaway from this
book is positivity, growth & community.

Table includes:

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett;

(6) Plates: mid-century Stoneware "Spring Garden";

(6) Water Glasses: mid-century, amber-tinted, and embossed with flowers;

(6) Glass Coffee/Tea Cups & Saucers: clear glass & embossed with design;

(6) Salad Forks: mid-century with Japanese flowers;

(6) Dinner Knives: mid-century with Japanese flowers;

(6) Tea/Coffee Spoons: each with a bowl of the spoon is a unique flower;

(1) Sugar & Creamer Set: clear glass & embossed with design;

(1) Table Cloth: farmhouse style with crème & burlap;

(6) Place Mats: round with jut material & braided edge;

(2) Table Runners: 1 burlap table runner & 1 green moss table runner;

(6) Napkins: beige colored boho cheesecloth;

(6) Napkin Rings: gold bee design;

(6) Place-Card Holders: mini wood logs;

(6) Short Votives with Candles: short, round & with etched metallic;

(2) Tall Candle Holders: gold & uniquely twisted shape;

(4) Candle Sticks: dark green with texture;

(6) Hanging Terrarium Votives: clear glass, round votives that dangle;

T-Shaped Centerpiece: quartzite stone base & 3-part PVC pipping with burlap;

An assortment of silk flowers arranged in a vintage watering can;

An assortment of silk vines & branches that are wrapped around the centerpiece;

A mock robin and a mock robin's nest;

(6) clear, green, & gold rimmed vases;

Plants/Garden: 1 Dormant Rose Bush Plant, 6 Seed Packets, 3 seed pots, 1 ivy plant, 1 mini garden shovel, 1 mini garden rake, & 1 pair of gardening gloves.

STORIES OF THE BLANCO BASIN ROAD: ROAD TO A THIN PLACE

BY : JAMES R. WHITE, JR.

TABLE DECORATOR: MARY HELEN CAMMACK

Nearly 50 years ago author James R. White, Jr. and his family settled on the banks of the Blanco River, " Los Blancos en el Blanco". Many years before them, Native Americans, French and Spanish explorers, fur trappers, miners, and Hispanic herders traveled deeply rutted trails into the Blanco Basin. Homesteaders soon followed, log cabins were built, wagon roads were cut, logging railroads constructed, ranches carved out. Mile by mile up the Basin Road, rich stories evolved of celebrations, hardships, picnics, parades, bandits, grizzly attacks, marriages, and even murders! Tales of characters who inhabited the Basin include Fred Harman, the creator of "Red Ryder and Little Beaver" comic strip, the physicist Frank Oppenheimer, the musician Dan Fogelberg, movie stars, FBI agents, colorful residents, and our very own legendary Ruby Sisson, whom the library was named after!

A history of the Blanco Basin is represented in our library table... A Pendleton picnic blanket may have been spread on the banks of the Blanco River long ago. Tin plates filled with fresh baked bread, freshly caught cutthroat trout and homegrown delights. Chokecherry wine may have been sipped with a sweet ending of a thick slice of pie, made from the ever present patch of rhubarb. Children played nearby, throwing rocks in the river or pushing their wooden toy trains, just like the logging train that delivered packages and mail to their homesteads and logged out areas which could be developed into pastures.

The table includes:

*Guided Blanco River Fly Fishing trip for two on the private Lindner Ranch, El Rancho Pinoso (value $700)

*Box of 80 hand tied flies by local fishermen Lowell Wiles and Larry Gwaltney

*Field trip with the author, James White, along the Basin Road

*Pagosa Hot Springs Pendleton Blanket- Limited edition

*Wooden toy logging train and cutting board "table" handmade by local architect, Dallas Reynolds

*Catered picnic for 2 on the banks of the Blanco River complete with chokecherry wine, rhubarb pie and a tour of the Morris Brown Halfway House log cabin

*Picnic Settings for 6, including enamel tin plates, cups, utensils, napkins and wine glasses

*2 camp chairs

*South San Juan Wilderness National Geographic Map

*Antique Trappers Basket

TCHAIKOVSKY'S SWAN LAKE

RETOLD BY JI-YEONG LEE

SWAN LAKE

BY LISBETH ZWERGER AND PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY

TABLE DECORATORS: KIRSTEN LEROUX, EVEYLN TENNYSON, AND VICKIE THOMPSON

Being an Art Gallery, Two Old Crows Gallery searched for beautiful, whimsically illustrated books whose story could be enjoyed in the Library by both children and adults. We were also inspired by a set of exquisite and bedazzled Mark Roberts Swans that have been so popular with our customers. Combining these two ideas we found two different book versions of 'Swan Lake' and let the ethereal illustrations and poignant story be inspirations for our table design: using glass, sparkling light fabrics, feathers, diamante and shades of gray to capture the elegant, fairytale quality of the romantic ballet performance.

The table design includes:

1 Gray linen tablecloth

2 pieces of gray sparkle underlay

1 tulle and diamanté table runner

2 Feather centerpieces - Large and Small

5 Acrylic stands - various heights

2 Mark Robert Swans

2 Large gray glass candlesticks

2 diamanté Candle wreaths

6 diamante napkin rings

2 LED 6" candles

1 Silver bookstand

6 square glass place settings - plates, side plates and bowls

6 silver charger plates

6 gray linen napkins

6 pewter swan name place holders

6 pewter swan knife rests

2 copies of Swan Lake book (2 versions)

6 Elixir Fine Crystal Wine Glasses with diamanté design

6 Dainty drinking glasses

3 crystal drop ornaments

Swan silver spoon rest, with 6 teaspoons

6 Six piece cutlery sets

A heart shaped music box playing Swan Lake

2 LED sparking lights

WABI SABI: THE WISDOM IN IMPERFECTION

BY: NOBUO SUZUKI

TABLE DECORATORS: CHARLA ELLIS, GAIL HERSHEY, KATHY KEYES, MARY KURT-MASON, PAULA MILLER, LVONNE WILSON

Artistic women,

Elegant simplicity

Created by hand

CHARLA ELLIS, ceramics artist, created the three ikebana-inspired vases and floral arrangements. The vases were wheel thrown, trimmed, kiln fired, glazed and fired again. The beautiful flower arrangements reflect the strong white, black and red colors of the table.

GAIL HERSHEY, ceramics artist, created the red sake cups and decanters. She used black high manganese clay that was kiln fired then painted with a red glaze and etched to reveal some of the black clay underneath. Finally, the red cups and decanters were fired again.

KATHY KEYES, owner of Pagosa Baking Company, created the red on black napkins using fabric printed directly from an artist's designs. She selected the pattern and colors that worked to both coordinate and enhance all of the tableware and placemats and helped stage the table.

MARY KURT-MASON, glass artist, created the fused glass sushi plates and sauce dishes using specialty glass from Bullseye Glass in Santa Fe. After the glass was cut and layered, it was heated to 1,480 degrees then slowly cooled. After 20 hours in the kiln, the glass was placed in molds for another 18 hours of heat work.

PAULA MILLER, abstract painter, is offering a 2.5 hour workshop for up to 6 adults to the winner of our table. The workshop will focus on learning and creating in a non-judgemental space. Paula will lead the group in a variety of abstract techniques in her home art studio. All supplies will be provided.

LVONNE WILSON, owner of Suede Creek, created the black leather placemats adding a reverse appliqué design along one side. She used three separate layers of leather in each mat. The top layer, made of wipeable leather, was cut away to expose colored leather underneath, creating a bamboo design. These two layers were stitched together before a bottom layer was added.

THE MEANING OF WABI SABI:

Wabi teaches rustic simplicity, subdued elegance and the beauty found in imperfections.

Sabi speaks of the beauty and calm in what is mature or aged and the pleasure felt when appreciating the imperfect.

We embraced these ideas of Wabi Sabi while we created this art-filled table as our way to support the Ruby Sisson Memorial Library fundraiser.

Libraries

Rivers of knowledge

Flowing freely to your hands,

Hearts and minds opened

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

BY: DELIA OWENS

TABLE DECORATORS: JEAN BRITTINGHAM AND KIM MOORE

"Marsh is not a swamp. Marsh is a space of light, where grass grows in water, and water flows into the sky. Slow-moving creeks wander, carrying the orb of the sun with them to the sea..."

"Then within the marsh, here and there, true swamp crawls into low-lying bogs, hidden in clammy forests..."

- Prologue from Where the Crawdads Sing

For our table-setting design, we wanted to depict the beauty of the marsh as Kya saw it.

A centerpiece of Kya's home, the swamp, the marsh, and the shore where the marsh meets the sea was created by Jean. It depicts the place where Kya experienced love, abuse, and abandonment. As a child on her own, Kya learned about life from the creatures of the marsh. She not only survived but thrived, found love, and became her own true self. The dock and the boat are included, her only form of transportation. The beach at one end has the quilt where Kya and Tate celebrated her birthday. The beach at the other end has a campfire, representing Kya's time with Chase. Fireflies abound over the marsh and the swamp; an insect Kya knew well.

The tablecloth shows the movement of the water in the marsh. The dishes we chose show the colors of the marsh -the beautiful light teal blue of the water - the brown on the edges - the color of the mud in the sea grasses. The flatware is the golden color of the sun on the water. The napkins have marsh creatures - sea birds, crawdads, fish, crabs, sea grass, and shells. The napkin rings are the beautiful dragonflies. The placemats are made from dried sea grasses.

More fireflies are lighting the teal goblets. Mussel shells, her only source of income, Pecten shells, driftwood, sea glass and small teal limpet shells are scattered on the table, representing the beauty of the marsh. Seabird feathers are included, a symbol of the love between Kya and Tate. Around the goblets hang the necklace Kya made for Chase. It is a Pectin ornatus shell which to Kya initially meant love and ultimately - betrayal. Beneath the centerpiece is a baguette dough bowl that can be used separately to create different centerpieces, adding beauty and versatility. At each place setting is a bookmark with the poem "The Firefly", written by Kya and in the end - read by Tate. The discovery of truth.

Kim and Jean met as Real Estate Brokers with EXIT Realty. They have not only worked together in the real estate business since 2016, but they have also supported each other in various fund raisers for their community. Kim is currently a member of the Library Foundation Board. Jean loves to watercolor paint, likes to take on artistic challenges, and knew the exact book she wanted to portray in the table setting. A perfect team!

Please vote for our table setting! Your donation will help the Ruby Sisson Library expansion!

THE WILDERNESS WARRIOR, THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND THE CRUSADE FOR AMERICA

BY: DOUGLAS BRINKLEY

TABLE DECORATORS: MARIANNE DEVOOGHT AND LISA SCOTT

Celebrate eating outdoors with family or friends, with this outdoor dining table, in Teddy Roosevelt style, with a fire pit, whiskey in high-ball glasses with a large ice cube, cigars, roasting skewers, s'mores fixin's and dice game.

High-end melamine dishware, for a party of 8, emote the woodsy national park feeling and include serving pieces for a family-style meal from the Backyard Fire Cookbook. After eating by candlelight from the lantern centerpiece, retreat to the stainless-steel Solo Stove Bonfire to sit by a fire, use the extendable roasting skewers, cooler, insulated beverage carrier, blanket and relax and toast Theodore Roosevelt, our "naturalist president", who set aside more than 230 million acres of wild America as national forests and parks. This epic biography examines Teddy's achievements from 1901-1909 and made conservation a universal endeavor.

Table add on: Personal Chef Diana Scott will prepare and serve a seasonal meal with fresh, organic ingredients for 6 guests in your home at a date of your choosing. Diana has training in culinary arts and has completed 2 years of employment as chef cooking staff at the highly acclaimed Mountain Standard restaurant in Vail.

Place Setting for eight features:

Book: The Wilderness Warrior, Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America;

Upscale Dinner for 6, in your home, by Personal Chef Diana Scott;

Solo Stove Bonfire;

Bottle Irish Whiskey: Jameson;

Bottle Bourbon Whiskey: Yellowstone Select;

Bottle Bourbon Whiskey: Old Elk Distillery;

Cuba Classic Cigars;

Rubbermaid cooler;

Foundry Select Woodlands - melamine dishes set with wood-grain pattern for 8: Dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, tumbler;

Wine goblets - 8, acrylic;

Rocks glasses with buffalo and topo map print - 8, glass;

Cambridge flatware, branch pattern - 5 pieces, 8 settings;

Denim tablecloth with pom-pom edge - 60x104;

Cotton white napkins - 18x18 - 12;

Salad bowl and Platter by Tommy Bahama - melamine;

Pitcher - acrylic;

Handcrafted wooden salad tongs;

2 Wooden trays - 13x16" rectangle and 13" round;

Large wooden lantern with LED pillar candle;

Coasters: National Parks - 8;

Ice tray for large single cubes;

Roasting skewers, extend 32" with storage bag - 8;

S'mores fixins' > marshmallow, chocolate, graham crackers;

Matches in container;

Firestory dice game;

Insulated beverage bottle tote;

Woodsy plaid blanket;

Misc greenery, floral, feathers;

Book: Whiskey Cocktails;

Book: Backyard FIRE Cookbook.

THE JOHN WAYNE CODE: WIT, WISDOM AND TIMELESS ADVICE

BY: MICHAEL TURBACK

TABLE DECORATORS: CRISTI DOZIER AND TERRI GROSH

Why we chose this book:
The John Wayne Code paints a colorful picture of a beloved American Icon in the way only a book can do. For those who may not be familiar with John Wayne's early life, or his undying dedication to his career, or his compassion for fellow friends and neighbors, or his deep love for country and family, or his favorite pastimes including chess, bridge, poker and grilling out - this book brings it all to life in a simple 30-minute read making it a customer favorite at Root House.

Why we support the Ruby M. SIsson Memorial Library:
When our children were young, and our family first began visiting Pagosa Springs, mornings at the library became a special activity for us - combing through the shelves and selecting stacks of books to check out and take home. We spent countless hours together in the library and at home reading wonderful books that engaged us in learning, ignited our imaginations, and transported us to foreign places. The Ruby M. SIsson Memorial Library holds many great memories for our family, and our hope is that through future expansion and growth of the library, many more of our Pagosa neighbors will be touched by this special place.

The estimated retail value of this table is $1,500

Here's a list of all the items included:
Book: The John Wayne Code
Enamelware Dining Set Speckled Charcoal with Patina Rim includes:
8 Dinner Plates, 8 Bowls, 8 Mugs
8 Forks
8 Spoons
8 Knives
12" Cast Iron Skillet
8" Cast Iron Skillet
Large 11:24 Round Wooden Serving Board
Medium Wood Serving Bowl
Large Wooden Rectangle Serving Board
Large Round Wooden Serving Board
Copper French Press Coffeepot
Root House Adventure Coffee Trio with Wooden Coffee Scoop
Grilling Apron and
Pair of Fire Gloves
2 Chargeable Lanterns
Wooden Chess Set
Wooden Poker Set
2 Sets of Playing Cards in Wooden Box
Vintage Style Metal Cooler
Red Plaid Cotton Tablecloth
Set of 8 Bandanas for Napkins
Large Leather Guest Book to record special memories
Rustic Book Stand