Solon Library Poster Heads Ramblin’ Gift Ideas

I'm old-fashioned, so I love surprises that arrive in the mail. When a long mailing tube without a return address appeared on my desk, I was intrigued and impressed. Inside, was a beautiful 22-by-28-inch poster that's an artistic creation by two past subjects of this column.

What a great way, I thought, to kick off my 17th annual unusual gift ideas column.

This time of year, as you might be caught between Black Friday bedlam and perusing Christmas lists, "Of Time and Place" could make an ideal gift for antique lovers, art aficionados and those who can be hard to please. Plus, all proceeds go to the Friends of the Solon Public Library for books, materials and educational programs.

This colorful poster was put together by longtime Mount Vernon photographer Bob Campagna with photographs of 18 elaborate windows decorated in the library by Toni Russo of Solon. Bob, whom I've known for a couple of decades, and Toni, whom I met and wrote about last year, are both extremely talented and it shows.

Toni's window themes have ranged from Harry Potter to Flanders Field, incorporating "timeless treasures" in a unique way. For instance, last year, her window paired old decorations from Armstrong's Department Store in Cedar Rapids with fall poems by Carl Sandburg and Emily Dickinson. It included old books and illustrations from the 1910 book, "A Year with the Fairies," to illustrate the change from fall to winter.

The posters sell for $10 each or $25 if you'd like it in a black acrylic frame. To order, email SolonLibrFriends@aol.com or call Sue at 624-2632.

Speaking of windows, as I've window shopped this year - in stores and online - I'm amazed at the plethora of technical gadgets, from sophisticated games and remote-controlled cars with "spy" cameras to more cellphone accessories than you can carry.

How about a pair of gloves that keep your hands warm while allowing your index finger and thumb to manipulate the touch screen on your smartphone or electronic tablet? I've seen them many places for $20 and up.

Not happy with soda in a can? For a hundred bucks you can buy the Genesis Home Soda Maker to produce your own sparkling water or flavored soda.

You've no doubt heard about the Sleep Number bed that's air-adjustable. Now, at those exclusive stores, you can buy an adjustable pillow that works in a similar fashion.

My favorite unusual gifts catalog, Hammacher Schlemmer offers such gifts as a fingerprint recognizing espresso machine ($3,200) and an amazing 13-inch tall robot ($2,400). Another great place is Sharper Image where you can become a real spy with a pen camera ($150) and an infrared camera ($180) to take pictures in absolute darkness. Kids would love it, to catch Santa in the act.

Too crazy?

OK, as long as I'm making gift-buying suggestions, I'll plug my book, "Ramblin': Reflections of Hidden Iowa." It's a hard cover coffee-table-style book with more than 100 columns (and photographs) commemorating the upcoming 30th anniversary of my first Ramblin' with Rasdal column.

"Ramblin': Reflections of Hidden Iowa" sells for $34.95 at The Gazette offices (Cedar Rapids and Iowa City), Barnes & Noble in Cedar Rapids (I'll be there signing books from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17) and other Eastern Iowa sites including Grandma's Corner Closet in Kalona where I'll be signing books from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

You also can purchase the book online at thegazette.com and scroll down to the "Ramblin' Book" icon near the bottom. While you're on The Gazette website, check out my blog, Ramblin' With Rasdal, which has returned. Its icon is about a third of the way down the page.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Comments: (319) 398-8323; dave.rasdal@sourcemedia.net