Emma Watson is my hero

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Badass

Um, can we take a moment to discuss the fact that Beyonce is a badass?

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Beyonce released a totally secret, unpublicized self titled visual album last week. An album that just so happens to be awesome.

It goes without saying that Beyonce's voice is amazing - so listening to her is a treat in and of itself - but this album is so much more. Her lyrics explore sex, femininity, motherhood, and female stereotypes among other issues. It's even been hailed as a work of modern feminism. The track "Blow" is an incredibly catchy and fun anthem of female sexuality, but it's "Pretty Hurts" that really speaks to me - a discussion on our crippling quest for perfection and the impossible standards of "beauty" imposed on women in our culture. The track "Blue" is a beautiful tribute to her little girl, that I of coursed couldn't help but cry through. Oh, and in addition to 14 stellar tracks, she also created 17 music videos ...

Basically, Beyonce is a badass. "Nuf said.

(see also, and)

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Who Runs The World?

Girls! I love this ad, and this company. It really got me thinking about the products we make for our girls, the way we advertise to them, and the way we speak to them in general. What options are we presenting them with?

Princesses are lovely, but let's face it - it's not really a viable career option for those of us not named Kate Middleton. Yes, we've had three women Secretaries of State, there are many many strong female role models out there, and girls out number boys at many universities, but we still haven't broken that pesky glass celling, and still don't have equal pay for equal work across the board, among a myriad of other issues.  Maybe if we spent a little more time empowering our little ladies, rather than shoving pink (which, don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of) down their throats, these things wouldn't be so far out of reach.

Friday's Finds

I cannot put down this book. It's been a while since I read something that was so affirming, funny and honest. The author, Glennon's raw perspective is both refreshing and relatable. She paints life's struggles and triumphs brightly, and shamelessly. It sounds cheesy, but reading this book has been like meeting up with a dear friend and chatting for hours over coffee. For reals-y. Read it. Thank me later.

Thursday's Tidbit

This past Tuesday something happened that I have been waiting a long time for - we started a meaningful discussion about climate change on the federal level.

I work for an environmental organization, so for us, this was a big deal. We all gathered in our main conference room, and (literally) watched the President's speech with baited breath. You may have your own views on the topic, that's all well and good, but you can't deny the science. This is our only planet, and we are fucking it up, so we need to stop. We need to be guardians of our home, of earth, we need to leave our children (and our children's children) some place habitable. Arguing otherwise is like attending a meting of the Flat Earth Society - ain't no body got time for that! 

The President's speech and Climate Action Plan contained a lot of information. So what are the main take aways? The President established: 

• A goal to reduce US CO2 emissions and make a switch to renewable energy sources 
• A goal (and call to local governments) to prepare for and adapt to the negative effects of climate change
• A goal to lead international efforts to combat this issue globally 

Obviously, it remains to be seen how this will all actually come to fruition, but I for one, am happy that we are at least having this conversation and discussing tangible actions. It's a bit of that hope and change I've been waiting for.  

You can read more, and download the actual plan and fact sheet here. 

PS: If you're feeling inspired, here are some actions you can easily take to green your own life. 

Image: NASA / ISS Expedition 13. 

Thursday's Tidbits

So do you know Koko, the gorilla who can sign? Oh man, I loved Koko and her kitten when I was little. I mean, she loved her kitten, I loved my kitten - we had so much in common! 

Well, it turns out that Koko also loved Mister Rodgers, because it's impossible not to love Mister Rodgers. In 1998, Fred Rodgers went to visit Koko at the Gorila Foundation in Woodside, California, and filmed a series of episodes featuring Koko focused on inclusion titled "You and I Together." (That alone makes me tear up a little.) Koko was already familiar with the show before meeting Mister Rodgers in person, she was a fan of the show. When she first met him, not only did she wrap him up in a huge hug, but she then proceded to do what she'd seen him do on TV for years - she took off his shoes. Amazing. 

Mister Rogers said, "Once you get to know people (or our close primate relatives, gorillas), you find that there is much more to them than what you see when you look at their 'outsides.' It's the heart and not just the eyes that discover what's real about us." That man! 

Image etc via. 

Let's Vote!

I vote because my great great grandmother couldn't.

The 2012 election is SO close. Are you registered? Are you planning to vote? I've actually already voted - I'm a permanent vote by mail-er, so it couldn't be easier. Civic duty: check.

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Hero

Who inspires you? Who are your heros?  

After this post, I started thinking about the incredible women who inspire me, and decided to share a few here, because we should spend more energy celebrating each other. First up, Elizabeth Taylor. 

I obviously never met her, but I've always felt an odd connection. Sure, she wasn't perfect. Maybe she was "too much," maybe she made mistakes - so do we all.

She was a light, on fire, full of passion, and the courage to live a life by her own design. Plus, what a talent. If you havent seen Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf - please do so immediately.  

She inspires me to laugh a bit too loudly, pile on the eyeliner, put on my lipstick, and not give a damn what anyone else might be thinking. 

The gospel of Elizabeth:

"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”

"I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them." 
"I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it."

"I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage."

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