Put Solar On It!

I just joined an exciting, growing global chorus calling on world leaders to lead the way towards a clean energy economy. It’s called Put Solar On It, and I just signed the call to get my world leader to install solar panels on his rooftop by 10/10/10, and, hopefully, pass clean energy policies that make it possible for everyone in the world to enjoy a clean energy future. It's our chance to shine! 

So click on the link, TudyGirls and TudyGuys, sign in, and get your world leader to Put Solar On It!

Real or Reel?

Why is it that every country has stories about fairies and other magical creatures?  Is it because we want to believe in magic or is it because magic is real and within us all?  Whatever your take on the question, TudyGirls, you just have to admit that fairy stories are fun to read!  And when you have a collection of them in one book then it's "more the merrier"!  Which is why The Faery Reel, an anthology of Tales from the Twilight Realm, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling is a must summer read!  These stories will keep you mesmerized, coming as they do from some of the best (and my fave!) fantasy writers - Holly Black, Neil Gaiman, Gregory Maguire - to name just a few!  And do please read the Preface and Introduction by the editors.  May feel a little like school and homework but it's good to learn about why the faerie realm continues to fascinate us in this age of Youtube and Google!  Goes to show that you can't keep a good genie bottled up even if you tried!

Historical Style

"In matters of style, swim with the current: In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
Thomas Jefferson, Third U.S. President
April 13, 1743 - July 4, 1826

This Fourth of July, I'm celebrating history and identity the best way I know - with a collection of historical paper dolls! I totally love paper dolls (obviously!)! We all know they're an easy way to jumpstart you passion for fashion! After all, what's a haute couture designer sketch but a really skinny paper doll (LOL!)! But paper dolls can help teach kids about culture, society and even history! After all, playing dress up gets kids interested and if you throw in a few cultural and historical notes, studying becomes a lot more fun! And many paper doll artists really do a lot of research to make their paper dolls accurate - it's like a museum on paper! What a doll!

So here's to history and celebration! And here's to the little paper doll that could!