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American Girl’s Luciana Vega, and a doll giveaway contest

Yes, I know. This weekend’s really all about The Royal Wedding. A fairy tale, for sure! Did you watch it in real time, like I did? Without a doubt, my Nana of Nottingham would’ve enjoyed all the pageantry and hoopla. And how much did we love that Prince Harry and Meghan Markel intertwined their unique stories into one–symbolic nods to the past, with subtle nudges toward the future.

We’re wishing the very best to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, of course. We wouldn’t dream of intruding on their fairy tale. But if you’ve reached your quota of  tea and petit fours, I’m thinking we might chat about something else. Just for a little while, and then we can reprise it together. You see, I’m eager for you to meet two lovelies from this side of the Pond: American Girl’s Luciana Vega, and my new friend, Payton (who is, coincidentally, celebrating her 9thbirthday today).

Luciana (“Lucy”) skyrocketed to fame only just recently, as American Girl’s 2018 Girl of the Year. Like her American Girl counterparts, she arrived on the scene with an interesting backstory. In brief: She’s an aspiring astronaut of Chilean-American descent who dreams of being the first person to set foot on Mars. When she wins a scholarship to Space Camp, she makes lots of friends. She’s a little shaky in the self-confidence department, but as she explores the unknown, her self-confidence grows. Isn’t that always the way?

Lucy likes to push the boundaries of fashion, as you can see. Straight out of the box, she’s wearing a galaxy-print dress, holographic boots, and an edgy purple streak in her hair. Not included, but still covet worthy, our space traveler owns an entire wardrobe of STEM-inspired outfits and accessories, including a flight suit for intergalactic travel. Sweet, smart, creative, curious… Lucy’s destined to make her mark on this world (and perhaps other galaxies), same as our birthday girl.

Lucky me, I was invited by AG to introduce this newest superstar to you. But when I was hobbled by a foot injury, I decided to loan my Cinderella slippers to Payton.  She’s been my blogging assistant for this project, escorting Lucy around town and then reporting back.

Images say far more than words sometimes….so let’s do a recap of their adventures.

On warm afternoons, they enjoyed lounging by the pool with AG’s boy character doll, Logan. (Payton’s grandmother made Lucy’s swimsuit.)

They also filled JoyJars® for the Jesse Reese Foundation. Over the course of a “Year of Joy,” kids diagnosed with cancer (and their family members) receive these treasure troves. It’s a labor of love, the gift of joy–an ongoing tribute to Jessie Reese, who created the Never Ever Give Up (aka: NEGU®) campaign while she was battlng brain cancer. Volunteers like Payton help keep Jessie’s wish alive.

True to form for two science buffs, they visited the California Science Center. Natch, the Air and Space Exhibits were the star attraction!

No word on whether Payton learned to moon walk, but she returned with lots of fun stories to share.

Maybe Payton will become a space explorer, who knows? Maybe one day, inspired by Luciana Vega, she’ll be the first woman to walk on Mars.

To help encourage that futuristic way of thinking,  American Girl created an entire galaxy of Luciana-themed adventures. They, in turn, were inspired by NASA’s missions to outer space.  Scholastic’s in on the action, now. You’re invited, too!  Space simulations, quizzes, photo challenges, Space Camp, book excerpts, STEM projects and more…you’ll find everything on the American Girl game app and website. Oh, the places we’ll go, when we let loose our imaginations!

And now…drum roll please!–here’s the scoop on our Luciana Vega doll giveaway contest.

One lucky person will win a Luciana Vega doll, provided by Mattel/American Girl. To qualify, you must answer at least one of these questions: 1) What do you like about Luciana Vega? or 2) What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever learned about space travel?

Type your entry into a comment box, below. Be sure your sign-in includes your name and email address, so I’ll know how to reach you. All entries must be submitted by midnight on Wednesday, May 23th, 2018 (Pacific). I’ll post the winning entry on Friday, May 25.  Good lucky, everyone!

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Happy New Year! My word for 2018 is…

I’m exploring the contours of Treasure Island in my hiking boots. With each step, I leave behind another set of footprints. I’m not the only visitor on this last weekend in December: Joggers, beachcombers, surfers, and seabirds….side-by-side and single-file, we write our stories into the sand.

But.

And.

The waves advance and retreat. Flotsam and jetsam, shell fragments and seaweed… everything gets swept away by the currents. Even the deepest footprints are eventually erased by nature’s Etch-a-Sketch.

At this time last year, for instance I created from my hopes and dreams a sand painting, very similar to this one. A spark of inspiration, not a resolution, inspired by Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise.

RISE—my 2017 Word of the Year—was all about stretching myself in ways I hadn’t yet imagined. What did it mean, in the abstract? Reaching for my highest potential, and lifting my candle against the dark. How did it play out in reality? Long story made short, it’s been a baffling-enlightening-exhausting-exhilarating adventure. Life, with all its ebbs and flows…and lots more wheeeeee! than whoa.

And here I am again, exploring my favorite beach, as yet another year give way to the gravitational pull of time.

2018 lies just ahead: a clean slate on which to write the next chapters of my life. I’ll start tonight by laying claim to my new Word of the Year. There were lots of strong contenders, but when SING popped into my head, my heart beat a little faster. I’ve learned by now to heed those inner stirrings.

I love a good metaphor, don’t you? SING gives rise to lots of interpretations–aside from the obvious, which is very much a work in progress. Speaking of which, oh my goodness! I forgot to mention that I sang onstage with the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir, at B.B. King’s? Yes, that’s me, making a joyful noise at Sunday Gospel Brunch! (More about that NYC adventure soon, but meantime…Can I hear an amen chorus?)

Photo credit: Donna Sullivan

SING. The word itself holds deep-seated significance for me. I can’t lie: It makes my stomach churn just a little, to think about the challenges it represents. But oh, the rewards…!

I’ll draw this year from the wellspring of my innermost reserves, remembering always these encouraging words: “Do everything as far as you can for love and you will see what you are capable of. One can make more progress this way in a year, than in ten by the way of fear.” That St. Mary Euphrasia was a wise woman, don’t you think? I’ll bet she sang solos in her church choir.

Long , deep breaths, Melodye! Plant both feet on solid ground, and lift your voice to the heavens.

This is the year that I sing to my heart’s content, speak with courage, and tell my story true. I can’t yet imagine where all of this might lead me, but I’m already excited about the possibilities!

Conquering cancer, one step at a time

This is the face of a woman who shows the world her best side: friendly, confident, brave. Even when her insides are wracked by nausea. Even when her legs feel Gumby-ish and her ch-ch-ch-cherry-bomb shoes are cushioning the stabby pains of neuropathy. Even when her hair’s gone missing, and her puffy cheeks bear silent witness to the cumulative effects of cancer-fighting pharmaceuticals.

This is the face of my friend Donna–a woman who’s fighting cancer with every fiber of her being, and who challenges every stereotype you might have about that battle. Peek behind her mirrored sunglasses, and you’ll see the fierce look of determination in this warrior woman’s eyes.

Donna’s the pinniped-loving member of my posse. You might remember her from previous blog entries, including the one where she advised Secretary Clinton to “Let yourself be great!”  She’s not one to ask many favors, but she’ll always support your dreams.

This is the point where Donna’s chemo buddy enters the story. Had you already noticed the woman in blue, with the beaming smile and sunny yellow laces?  That’s Marilyn. An inspiring woman in her own right, she’s been waging war against cancer for more than two years now. If you’d asked me beforehand, there’s no way I could’ve predicted what they’d accomplish together in Boston, last Sunday.

The sun was strong and the humidity was almost unbearable. Even worse, both women were feeling the lingering effects of their latest chemo treatments. But Donna agreed to walk a “mere” six miles of a 26.2 mile marathon, alongside Marilyn. She wasn’t entirely sure how (or if) she’d make it, but they’d pledged their mutual support for  The Boston Marathon® Jimmy Fund, and it’s not like either one of them to renege on a promise.

Check out the sweatshirt! When Donna spotted it at the starting line, she just about fell out into a fit of laughter.  Happenstance, or a secret nod from her harbor seal friend, Freckles? Food for thought. For sure, it fueled a few miles’ worth of discussion, as Donna explained to Marilyn the  longstanding joke between the two of us.  (Donna: You need to take a pail of herring to Freckles! Me: No way! It’ll stink up my car! Donna: Then roll down the window…let him smell you coming!“)

Marilyn’s granddaughter, Molly. Posted with her mommy’s permission.

Donna followed through on her promise, and then some! She walked the entire 26.2-mile route with Marilyn–one foot in front of the other, from Hopkinton School to Fenway Park, to the top of Heartbreak Hill and around the corner, until (“Don’t ask me to tell you our time”) they finally crossed the finish line at Copley Square.

This is the medal they placed around her neck last Sunday–a token of achievement for having accomplished something very few people manage, even when they’re healthy. It symbolizes the whole of her life: refusing to run from her diagnosis, but electing, instead, to move forward every day with a healthy sense of humor, generosity, and positive intentions.

Author Brené Brown once said, “You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability.” My friend Donna lives this quote every day, and this is her race to win.

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One Wish

If we were sharing a quiet dinner in a neighborhood restaurant, I’d lean forward at some point, speaking in a lowered voice so our conversation didn’t carry. “Are you as scared as I am?” I’d ask.

You might rest your hand on mine, a reassuring gesture.  But if you’re someone with a penchant for upheaval, you might brush aside my concerns with a dismissive wave. “We needed someone to shake things up!” you’d say, and even though we might disagree about that underlying premise, we’d find a way to navigate our differences. As friends do. And at the end of the night, we’d hug it out, energized as always by a shared commitment to the greater good.

But virtual meet-ups are different, aren’t they? We can’t read facial expressions. We can’t hear the subtle changes in pitch and tone, and we miss the subtle pauses. We can’t meet each other’s eyes, and we can’t translate what we don’t see.

I’m going to trust you, though, to push past those limitations. As friends do. I’m not expecting you to compromise your own views, but at this virtual dinner, please allow me this moment of grace.

You’d probably notice my furrowed brow, were we to sit across the table from one another. “What’s on your mind,” you might reasonably ask, and while I’d probably start by talking about seals and such, I’d eventually wade into rougher waters.

What’s on my mind? Lemme tell you… I’m deeply concerned about the direction our country is headed. I am mourning the fact that we’ve lost our way, and I’m frightened about the cold, dark place in which we’ve found ourselves this weekend. I hear the drumbeats of war, drawing ever closer. White supremacists roam our streets unmasked–emboldened by a president who refuses to condemn their actions and instead offers a statement against “violence on all sides.” Politicians refuse to step into the breach, and religious leaders are strangely silent. I’m as scared as I’ve ever been, and oh, how I wish Hillary Clinton had shattered that highest, hardest glass ceiling!

This isn’t a fresh concern, mind you. I’ve been troubled by this presidency since Day One.

I worked for the Hillary Clinton campaign for a reason. She represents my deepest hopes and highest ideals. Plus, she’s smart and sassy, and better-equipped, by far.  Not without her faults, but who is? She’s as imperfectly perfect as they come. Like many Americans, I was elated about her winning the popular vote, but when she ultimately lost the electoral college to a huckster, that elation quickly turned to despair.

No surprise, when I read the prompt for Susanne Conway’s photography challenge, those  emotions bubbled to the surface again.

One Wish.

God forgive me for not thinking of my grandkids first, but this is the first image that came to mind.

My friend and I spent countless hours supporting the Hillary Clinton campaign. How exciting, to be on location for this event! We were joined by countless Americans, gathered around their television sets (or and hunched over their electronic devices), fully expecting that we’d be celebrating a big win. But there was a deep rumbling that night, and a shaking. Our dreams were crushed by the weight of unseen forces.

We walked back to the hotel together in silence, blanketed by wooly clouds that offered little in the way of comfort. I zipped my coat against the cold, wrapped my scarf a little tighter. An outsized rat skittered across the sidewalk, baring needle-sharp teeth as it defended its right to the trash bags heaped at the curb. The Empire State Building–alternating floors glowing blue and red before the polls closed—was awash in angry red.

That was then, and this is now. I’m not dwelling on that night, but I’m mindful of its significance. I’d be hard-pressed to explain how much our country has shifted, folded in on itself, and slid backward. And tonight…well, I’m glad tonight for the warmth and glow of your friendship, because my typically optimistic outlook is a bit faded around the edges.

Everything looks brighter in the morning–that’s what my Nana always said. But if we were to linger over coffee tonight, we’d probably explore this at some length. We’d laugh; we’d cry. I’d give you side-eye and you’d tell me to hush. We’d eventually fall into a comfortable silence, but not before I asked you to share your One Wish with me. As friends do. Then we’d ask the waiter to bring us a gooey, guilt-free slice of cake. With extra forks, please, and glow-in-the-dark candles.

Z Yang’s “Summer Staycation,” and an American Girl doll giveaway contest

Spoiler alert: I’ve posted an amazing prize giveaway contest at the bottom of this entry. Enjoy! Enter! Share the link with your friends and family!

Suzie “Z” Yang is American Girl’s newest character doll– a Korean-American beauty from Seattle. She has warm brown eyes that open and close, sleek brown hair, and a beauty mark on her left cheek. Her outfit’s camera-ready.

©American Girl. Used with permission.

Z’s a visual storyteller–a photographer who enjoys videography and blogging. In her companion book (THE REAL Z, by Jen Calonita), she learns how to use her creative voice in new ways:

Explore the world from different vantage points.

Do you, but don’t be afraid to try new things.

Snap selfies, but also look for the magic beyond your front door.

A short while back, Instagram user @5HensandaCockatiel (aka Sydney) put the spotlight on Z in her hometown of Seattle. That inspired me to create a video of my own.

What was I thinking??? Mastering new software, combining images with audio, creating a story board, and blending several images into one …fun stuff!! See also: huge challenge! But I took to heart the advice offered to Z by her biggest fan. “Trying new things allows the filmmaking magic to happen,” Z’s mother said.

I had a support crew, same as Z.

Collaborative image, ©Donna Sullivan & Melodye Shore

They encouraged me to experiment…proving that yes, you can teach an older puppy new tricks! Sneak peek–I used iFake Text Message for this:

I’m not a pro, but I had fun with this project and hope you enjoy watching it!

And now…drum roll please! Thanks to Mattel’s generosity, I’m hosting a Z doll giveaway contest! To qualify, please post a comment to this entry, answering one of two questions:

1) What do you like best about Z Yang?

or

2) What’s the coolest picture you’ve ever created with your camera?

All entries must be submitted by midnight on Thursday, July 13 (Pacific). I’ll post the winning entry on Friday, July 14th, so be sure your sign-in includes an easy way to reach you. Good luck, everyone!

VAMPIRINA BALLERINA: Book Review and A Giveaway Contest

Gather ’round the bonfire, boys and girls! I’m dying to share with you a book I’ve just discovered! I just know you’ll love “Vampirina at the Beach,” the picture book that’s making a splash with picture book readers of all ages.

No surprise to their fans, Countess Anne Marie Pace and Mistress of the Night LeUyen Pham have teamed up for another monstrously good story about our favorite ballerina. You might remember that Vampirina made her book debut in VAMPIRINA BALLERINA and then returned to the page in VAMPIRINA HOSTS A SLEEPOVER. In her second encore, she demo-pliés to the beach for a nighttime frolic with an even larger cast of not-so-scary monsters.

As a tide pool lover, and pinniped fan, I love that she interacts with sea creatures in their natural habitats. She also spikes a beach volleyball, builds sand castles, and snorkels with a whole new cast of characters–navigating a whole new set of circumstances with aplomb.  Make sure the lifeguard can see you, she’s told, and wear sunblock to ward off the full moon’s reflection.

Vampirina takes center stage in this book, of course, as only a vampire ballerina can. But when she meets a “normal” kid about her age, he seems reluctant at first to join the fun. Little by little, he loses his shyness, and while they’re hanging ten…surprise! He sprouts pointy teeth and a bushy tail. Turns out, her new friend’s a werewolf, so he fits right in.

LeUyen Pham’s illustrations are remarkably creative, in that they reveal the wonders of the ocean in a charming new way. I appreciated also that she depicts monsters of all shapes and personalities, without ever venturing into the scary-creepy. Another fun surprise: A lovely spread unfolds like curtains in the middle of the book, revealing the hula dance contestants in all their glory.

I give this book five out of five sea stars! The story dances off the page, inspiring readers of all ages to celebrate their uniqueness and to use their talents to the fullest. I only review books that speak to my heart and/or strike my fancy, and VAMPIRINA AT THE BEACH did both.

The publisher (Disney-Hyperion) provided me a copy for review, and…they’re offering two additional copies for a prize giveaway contest! Also, one lucky winner will receive some Vampirina Swag,  thanks to the Countess, so that’s three prize winners altogether.  Hope you’ll encourage your friends to enter, too, because as Vampirina herself learns, “Whether or not you come out on top, finishing with grace is what makes you a real winner.”

The rules are simple: Leave a comment about the book, or make mention of these rescued harbor seal pups, who are being nurtured back to health at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach.  All entries must be posted by May 17.

And the winners are…

Vampirina Ballerina swag: Shannon P.

VAMPIRINA AT THE BEACH:  Laura L. and Anna M. 

Once you’ve provided your mailing address, we’ll send your prizes right out!

Wheeeee, wasn’t that fun??

The Pirate Tower at Victoria Beach

Ahoy, me hearties!  Gather ‘round, and I’ll tell ye about my jolly adventures at Victoria Beach, and a fantastical place we locals call Pirate Tower…

I traveled on foot with a merry band of tide pool docents, in search of sea stars and other ocean treasures. We met at Goff Island (near the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California) and headed north. Not a strenuous hike, by any means, and what about that view???

When we reached the north end of Victoria Beach, we ventured into a small cove. Sugarloaf Point–magical name, don’t you think?

Like a turret on a storybook castle, a 60-foot-tall concrete structure rises from the rocky shoreline, tilted ever so slightly toward the affluent neighborhood on the bluffs.

Weather-worn roof shingles. Rusted metal grates. Tiny portals and a spiral staircase, battered by sea spray and never-ending tides. There’s an oversized entrance, too—bolted and padlocked, of course. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was inhabited by giants!

At the base of the tower sits a circular concrete pool, large enough for…well, lots of people. Word has it that this unusual swimming pool fills alternately with sand and seawater, depending on the tides.

Fix your sites on the ocean beyond, and you can almost picture a swaggering buccaneer staring back at you.

If you’re not into pirates, maybe this scene brings to mind a favorite fairy tale. If you tilt your head just so, and maybe squint just a little, you might see Rapunzel at at one those rectangular windows, blonde tresses flowing, as her handsome prince clambers over the rocks to rescue her.

Alas, reality is somewhat less romantic. Built in 1926, Le Tour (as it was affectionately called back then) afforded its owners a private access between the beach and their cliff-top residence.

French Provincial Revival. That’s what the textbooks call this architectural style. Enchanting. That’s what I call it. Admire for a minute the gabled roofline, the slate roof and stained glass windows. I think the original owner (Senator William E. Brown) built for himself a gingerbread house!

At some point in the early 1940s, Sen. Brown sold the property to Harold Kendrick. He was, shall we say, a bit of an eccentric. It’s possible the retired naval officer spent too much time at sea, because he fancied himself a modern-day pirate. Dressed as a seafaring plunderer, Howard (aka The Question Man) strolled the boardwalk, distributing nickels and dimes to children who answered correctly his arithmetic, vocabulary, science, geography and history challenges. According to local folklore, he’d also tuck coins into the nooks and crannies of his tower. Neighborhood kids loved to scour the facade for hidden treasures—finders, keepers, as they say!

Time passed. The house and tower changed hands, many times over. One of its most recent owners was Bette Midler, star of the 1988 film Beaches. Some of the most memorable scenes were filmed at one of Crystal Cove State Park’s historic cottages, just a few miles away. The Divine Miss M took it upon herself to return the house to its original glory, but the tower shows its age. Even so, it holds a special place in our hearts–a battered but unbowed sentinel, bearing witness to the past.

But our story doesn’t end there. We came for the tide pools, at the far reaches of the jutting shoreline. But Old Man Winter had eroded the sandy beach, leaving behind a rocky terrain for us to explore. So we did. Then we traversed the algae covered rocks, waded through chest-high sea water, and ventured out to the very end of this island.

At least some of us did. I’m not a strong swimmer, so I hung back and made pictures.

Like miniature treasure chests, the tide pools were filled with wondrous things: sea stars and anemones, mussels and more. My friend Gretchen discovered these sea stars–so lovely of her to share!

And that’s where this adventure ends… this chapter, but not the whole story. I’ll visit again s00n, and who knows? Maybe I’ll have my sea legs by then.

 

If you plan to visit: The tower’s accessible at low tide only, but that’s okay, because that’s also the best time to explore the tide pools. (Check the NOAA tide tables here, and find directions here.) Please note that this is a Marine Protected Area. Loosely translated, that means you should tread lightly. Enjoy but don’t disturb any creatures you find, and leave everything in its natural habitat. Take home memories, but leave the seashells behind.

One more thing. Okay, maybe two. Hiking shoes will serve you better than flip-flops, especially on those slippery rocks. And watch for wave surges–as per usual, I got soaked when I snapped these pictures.

It’s a Boy! American Girl’s newest doll, Logan Everett, and the true meaning of courage

There’s a first time for everything, they say. First steps, first words, first day of school, the first time you wish upon a star, or see a whale spouting water from its blowhole. It wasn’t my topmost priority, but I added that last item to my bucket list when Dana Point’s annual Festival of Whales rolled around again last week and (drumroll, please) American Girl debuted their first-ever boy doll!

Meet Logan Everett, a drummer from Nashville, Tennessee. He shares the stage with Tenney Grant, an aspiring country singer who rocks a banjo and guitar. Logan’s “play loud” T-shirt helps telegraph his strong personality. Good for Logan, taking his place in the spotlight! A star turn by American Girl, don’t you think? More on that later, plus a book giveaway contest!

I applaud American Girl for reaching beyond the tried-and-true, expanding their 31-year-old brand to include boy dolls and all that implies. And I got to thinking: If they could muster up that kind of courage, so could I! I’d turn doubt on its ear, twist one of my own fears toward the positive. Hey, I’d even announce my plans on social media. You know, for accountability’s sake.

I picked my knees-knocking, stomach-churning fear of drowning in the deep, blue sea. It comes of a near-death experience in my childhood, but hey,  I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m willing to face my fears head-on and say, “You aren’t the boss of me!” That’s what I was thinking, anyway, when I booked myself on Capt. Dave’s Dolphin and Whale-watching Safari. Logan would join me, of course. Go big, or go home, am I right?

No surprise, I was the last one to board. After scoping out all the potential danger zones, I eventually settled myself onto a cushy bench inside the catamaran, where I was less likely to be tossed overboard. Thisclose to the life preserver, I might add. Which, by the way, has never been used. But there’s always a first time, am I right?

Now, I’m not a back-row person by nature, so it wasn’t long before I was craning my neck to see what was happening on deck. I wanted to among the first to see a whale’s fluke, and to hear the sea lions bark! So I took some long, deep breaths, grabbed my camera, and inched myself toward the bow of the Manute’a.

As Brene Brown says in The Gifts of Imperfection, “It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging.”

Relax, I told myself. And oh hey, isn’t that sea spray refreshing!

I came prepared with ginger drops and Dramamine.  I white-knuckled the handrail, more times than I’d like to admit. And when I leaned forward to take these snapshots, I imagined myself tumbling headlong into Davy Jones’ Locker. But! I took the plunge anyway, and wheeee, was it ever worth it!

It’s a courageous thing, too, that American Girl introduced a boy doll in a traditionally girl-oriented market.  Tangible proof of their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. They’ve been stepping in that direction for a while now, creating dolls from different ethnic backgrounds as well as dolls with special challenges. In fact, their 2017 Girl of the Year Doll, Gabriela McBride, is a black girl from Philly who stutters, loves poetry and dance. But Logan Elliot is the face of something entirely new.  Another first. He’ll be cherished by children who see themselves reflected in his personality and physical make-up, and he’ll also find a home with kids who are brave enough to stretch their boundaries a bit.

Smart marketing? No question. But let’s not overthink this. American Girl is leading with their hearts—the very definition of courage. And by extension, they’re inviting us to share the rewards. That’s how it works, isn’t it? When we move beyond any self-imposed limitations, we connect with everything beautiful, pure, and true in the world. We come away with bigger dreams. We tell better stories. Oh, and if you’re especially lucky on a given day, you’ll carry home one of Mrs. Capt. Dave’s triple-fudge brownies. So yummy, you’ll wanna give another go.

 *BOOK GIVEAWAY CONTEST: Share with us your thoughts about Logan by midnight on March 16th, and you’ll be automatically entered to win one set of books (TENNEY and TENNEY IN THE KEY OF FRIENDSHIP). American Girl is donating the prize to the winner, who will be announced on St. Patrick’s Day.  Luck o’ the Irish to you!

Here’s a sneak-peek of Logan’s first storyline, from TENNEY IN THE KEY OF FRIENDSHIP:

Thanks to her bandmate, a drummer named Logan Everett, Tenney learns the importance of collaboration and compromise. When she’s paired with Logan for a major performance, she faces the challenge of letting others add to her creative voice without sacrificing her sound.

And oh hey! I found two great interviews with the author, Kellen Hertz, here and here.

Finding Wonders

This is the one, true book, my father said. Close your eyes and bow your head. “Children should be seen and not heard,” he told me. “Do as I say, and stop asking questions!”

That wasn’t the case for the budding scientists in FINDING WONDERS, whose names you may not recognize, but whose accomplishments are renowned. From Jeannine Atkins, the critically acclaimed author of BORROWED NAMES and other favorites, comes this gem of a book. I’m overdue in sharing its brilliance.

In this historical novel-in-verse, Jeannine introduces three young girls, all of whom were born into religious families, same as I was. We share a wide-eyed curiosity about the world, but –lucky girls! — they were raised by indulgent fathers who encouraged them to challenge traditional thinking, because “Discoveries are made / by those willing to say, Once we were wrong, / and ask question after question.”

Here’s a quick blurb from the publisher, whose opinions I wholeheartedly share:

FINDING WONDERS is gorgeously written novel in verse about three girls in three different time periods who grew up to become groundbreaking scientists.

Maria Merian was sure that caterpillars were not wicked things born from mud, as most people of her time believed. Through careful observation she discovered the truth about metamorphosis and documented her findings in gorgeous paintings of the life cycles of insects.

More than a century later, Mary Anning helped her father collect stone sea creatures from the cliffs in southwest England. To him they were merely a source of income, but to Mary they held a stronger fascination. Intrepid and patient, she eventually discovered fossils that would change people’s vision of the past.

Across the ocean, Maria Mitchell helped her mapmaker father in the whaling village of Nantucket. At night they explored the starry sky through his telescope. Maria longed to discover a new comet—and after years of studying the night sky, she finally did.

Told in vibrant, evocative poems, this stunning novel celebrates the joy of discovery and finding wonder in the world around us.

And how gorgeous is this cover?

So many passages to savor, I was hard-pressed to choose a favorite! Take, for example, this excerpt about Mary Anning, whose imagination carries her further than fancy shoes ever could.

She looks towards the sea’s horizon,

which reminds her of the limits of sight.

Another country lies beyond, or so she’s been told.

Some things must be believed without seeing.

And other truths, barely imagined, found.

 

I also bookmarked this piece about Maria Merian, because it suggests a positive future for girls like me: girls who didn’t always believe what we were told, and who didn’t always do what we were asked.

What She Is Told

Women don’t cross the ocean,
at least not unless marries to merchants or missionaries.
No one has sailed to another continent
just to look at and draw small animals and plants.
Some travel to claim land for kinds, find treasure like gold,
or collect bark, berries, and pods to spice cakes.
But no one has sailed from sheer curiosity about the world.

Voyagers are in danger of shipwrecks, hurricanes,
sea monsters, or fires from lanterns tipped by high waves.
Those who survive under sails may die of peculiar fevers
in the New World. They might be eaten by jaguars.
Maria is told, You’re too old. You can’t go alone.
But nothing will stop her now.

–Jeannine Atkins, all rights reserved

Written primarily for younger audiences, FINDING WONDERS is a wonderful addition to any classroom library, for teachers and students alike.  But it’ll be equally at home in the hands of women like me–you, too? –who eventually laid claim to their own voices, and wear those stories like a badge of honor.

 

August was…a happy blur

A special little boy, looking for all the world like Christopher Robin, dashes through the park in a summer rainstorm

Funny, the way summer seems to pass more quickly, the older we get. Hours, days, weeks…they slip right past us, in the blink of an eye. And then, whoosh! We’re rushing headlong into autumn.

Feels like we just started the #AugustBreak2015 photography challenge, but here we are, at the end of the month. I confess to blurring past a few scrapbook pages. Life intervened, so I flipped to the next page and moved forward. But I’d sign up again, in a New York second! So much fun, to transform the daily prompts into photographs, and to stretch my storytelling capabilities in new directions.

I appreciated your suggestions and encouragement, and most of all, that you shared your summertime memories with me, too. See you in September!

If you want to scroll through the entire collection of photographs in my #AugustBreak2015 scrapbook, click here. The last prompt of the month, represented above, is August was…