Archive for » September, 2009 «

Sep
30

I have come to the conclusion that narcissism is tiring business.  Since jumping on the blogging bandwagon I have blogged, commented, and otherwised blabbed about myself more often than I care to admit.  It’s exhausting!  Of course, when Magpie and Muttonfly started, I would interrupt the regularly-scheduled-all-about-me program with ways to give back.  Lately, however, I simply haven’t the money to give; and I imagine you are in much the same boat.

But then I got to thinking…

There are a lot of us out there.  According to Technorati, more than 1.5 million posts are indexed.  Every.  Single.  Day. There are even more readers. We span continents, time zones, social brackets.  We’re people of all ages, all races, all religions.  We’re reporters, encouragers, comedians, grumblers, fashionistas, DIY-ers.

What if we used our powers for good?

What if we, the blogging community, joined forces to give back?  Think about it.  One dollar, all by its little ol’ lonesome, could not even satisfy the need for chocolate.  But one dollar multiplied?  Then we have something to work with.   

Such is my proposal …

Starting tomorrow, the first of each month I will post charity.  It will be similar to my “Living outside ourselves” posts.  I’ll give a bit of background, Charity Navigator rating (if available), and how you can give. I’m asking you to join me.  Give, if you can – and spread the word.  I’m taking down my store, and replacing it with a page dedicated to this project so you’ll be able to direct people to one spot. And a project button is on it’s way (the thrill!  the excitement!  I know.).

Let’s give back.  Let’s make a difference.  Together. 

Sep
29

I’ve been reading Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.  sigh.  Literary greatness at it’s finest my friends.  Oh sure, there are diatribes of historical back story.  But the prose -  oh the prose!  Hugo has this way of describing characters and everyday moments in such a way that the words dance right off the page and come alive.  It’s so beautifully written I find myself reading bits and pieces over and over, soaking up all it’s goodness.  Which, considering the book counts in at 1432 pages, might not be the best of ideas.  But it can’t be helped. 

Take this piece, for instance; speaking of Paris: 

…It is more than great, it is immense.  Why?  Because it dares. 

To dare; progress is at this price. 

All sublime conquests are, more or less, the rewards of daring.

… Deeds of daring dazzle history, and form one of the guiding lights of man.  The dawn dares when it rises.  To strive, to brave all risks, to persist, to persevere, to be faithful to yourself, to grapple hand to hand with destiny, to surprise defeat by the little terror it inspires, at one time to confront unrighteous power, at another to defy intoxicated triumph, to hold fast, to hold hard – such is the example which the nations need …

And so my hope for you, dear readers, is this – that you would dare.  Dare to love … dare to laugh, and dance, and celebrate … dare not only to dream, but pursue your dreams … dare to stand up for the powerless … dare to read an immense work of literature, for you just never know the great heights it might take you!

Sep
28

It’s banned book week, don’t you know.  Pop on over to the American Libary Association’s website and check out the list of classics that have been banned and/or challenged.  I dare say you’ll recognize many a book – including Charlotte’s Web, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and Winnie-the-Pooh - villainous, honey-loving bear that he is.  And yet, not one mention of Robinson Crusoe - a book so boring, it has actually been known to cause ticks, outbursts of profanity, and other nervous disorders.  Why yes, I am still bitter, thanks for asking.

Guess it just goes to show, fault may be found with nearly any book.  Perhaps banning is not-so-good an idea, non?!  Perhaps we should opt for the valuing of great literature and teaching our children to think. I’m just sayin’ …

Sep
25

goodbye_sunflowers

Sep
24

You know how I do so love a good story.  With that in mind it should come as no surprise to learn I absolutely adore this wedding invitation*…    

wedding_invite

Not to mention, it’s multi-tasking at it’s finest.  After all, how many times are a bride and groom asked, “how did you two meet?”  This way, they can simply say, “Read the invite!”  Pure.  Genius. 

*via Blue Orchid Designs