richlayers

I decided to read Fahrenheit 451 this week. Not only is it a frequently banned or challenged book, but, well, if you've read it, you know what it's about. Book burning! Yeah!

And... I haven't read it before. That just seems kind of wrong for someone like me. So this week I am working to rectify the situation.

Meanwhile, some of my favorite authors are using their blogs to feature Banned Books week, with many helpful and informational links, and a lot of thoughts on the whole situation from author perspectives.

Jo Knowles, author of Jumping Off Swings and Lessons From a Dead Girl, is running a Haiku contest over at her blog, jbknowles, and giving away a signed first edition copy of one of her books to the winner.

Lisa Schroeder, author of Far From You and Chasing Brooklyn (Now available for pre-order) tells a wonderful anecdote about being a parent and author at her blog, lisa_schroeder.

Laurie Halse Anderson has a great entry full of resources and links.

Neil Gaiman's most recent entry has some good links and commentary about some of his experiences and thoughts on book banning and challenges. (And escaping from the attic, apparently.)

Happy reading!

Important Women's Health Issue:


-Do you have feelings of inadequacy?
-Do you suffer from shyness?
-Do you sometimes wish you were more assertive?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist about Medical Margaritas.

Margaritas are the safe, natural way to feel better and more confident about yourself and your actions. Margaritas can help ease you out of your shyness and let you tell the world that you're ready and willing to do just about anything. You will notice the benefits of Margaritas almost immediately and with a regimen of regular doses you can overcome any obstacles that prevent you from living the life you want to live. Shyness and awkwardness will be a thing of the past and you will discover many talents you never knew you had.

Stop hiding and start living, with Margaritas.

Margaritas may not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Margaritas. However, women who wouldn't mind nursing or becoming pregnant are encouraged to try it.

Side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Incarceration
- Loss of motor control
- Loss of clothing
- Loss of money
- Table dancing
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Dry mouth
- And a desire to sing Karaoke

WARNINGS:
-The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you are whispering when you are not.
-The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to think you can sing.
-The consumption of Margaritas may make you think you can logically converse without spitting.
-The consumption of Margaritas may cause you to tell your friends over and over again that you love them.

Today is the first day of fall.

Two years ago today I had a perfect day.

Two years ago today I discovered that nothing was impossible.

Two years ago today I had a remarkable, wonderful adventure. I made friends in strange new places. I played and learned and laughed and dreamed while wide awake. I lived more in that day than I did for months before or after.

Then life came along and reminded me all about life. About how nothing can be taken for granted, and anything can be taken away. About how much we let ourselves become trapped in a daily existence that has nothing to do with who we are. About how much time is wasted on pointless things, busywork, things that make no difference....

Yesterday I was bogged down in that. I didn't know what today would be like.

Today I feel the winds changing, smell the earth releasing an autumn scent. Today I want to run and write and leave the rest behind.

I won't go. Not today. As much as I would like to wax poetic and bow out, there are still things to do and I will stay here and do them.

Oh well. There's always tomorrow.

Dear me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXOSi39QS58

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lpVaJ1l7ms

Less of a kid song than the last! (Ironically.)

I haven't gotten good mail in a while now. That makes me sad. :( See how sad I am?

Especially since I've been mostly stuck at home for the last month and a half, being sick.

So here's the deal. Send me some mail, and I will send YOU some mail back, of equal or greater awesome.* Don't feel like you have to spend money; I love postcards, letters on notepaper, homemade things. Or if you want to go the route of utter convenience, here is my amazon wishlist:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/PDETL7M33ZJR/

There are items for sale on there used for less that $5! Don't buy the new stuff when used is good and cheap. :)

And if you are so kind and thoughtful as to respond to my request, I will repay the favor with lovely items for your mailbox! Cause everyone loves mail, right?

If you don't have my address and don't want to use the amazon.com wishlist, send me a private message and we'll see what can be arranged.

*"Awesome" is at my discretion but I'm pretty sure I can work it out in a way that is satisfactory to all parties.

I cannot say how much I'm looking forward to this:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYZb947FiXo

I will say that I fell completely into the camp of those who loved The Lovely Bones, although I know there were also many who hated it. I've never spoken with anyone who didn't either love it or hate it -- which I'd say is quite a recommendation if you haven't read it yet.