» Two friends have begun their own projects via blog tools: One, an economics blog which, I have to admit, is pretty confusing for me; & two, a blog about being a trombone player / linguist / anime fan. Even if I don’t always understand what either blog is talking about, it’s always so exciting to read people talking about their bliss.

» Speaking of new blogs, I have one! Actually, I’ve mentioned it a few times in the past, but I’m officially in business & have several posts already: Zen & the Art of Teen Services is about, you guessed it, being a teen librarian! It’s (going to be) chock full of resources, & so far, I’ve been talking a lot about book design. I made a set on Flickr called Well-Designed Books Make Better Lovers; I’m really rather proud of it!

» Has anyone else played Worms World Party? Sooo addicting, & so much fun. We recently *ahem* acquired a copy, & we’ve done little else!

» Children’s author Lesley Blume gave an interview this week on NPR about classic children’s books everyone should read & pass on to the children in their lives. I’m sad to say that I’ve only read one book on the list, but I’m familiar with nearly all them. Nevertheless, it’s inspired me to read at least all of those, & ask my children’s librarians for more suggestions. Be sure to listen to the interview – the bit she reads from The Devil’s Storybook by Natalie Babbitt inspired me to pick it up the same day!

» I’ve been reading YOU: Being Beautiful, by Dr Oz. Don’t panic; the book doesn’t suggest we all starve ourselves & slather botox into all of our pores. The idea behind the book is that the healthier you are, the more beautiful you are – better skin, shinier hair, brighter smile, etc. It goes through everything you can do to improve your health, beyond the usual diet & exercise – tidbits like not using nail polish (harsh chemicals, even if the FDA claims are safe, are still harsh chemicals – would you put them on your bare skin?) & getting RID of your stress (rather than simply finding ways to escape from it), & all sorts of amazing information about how our bodies work. Definitely worth checking out – I’m reading my library’s copy, but when I find it on sale, I’m going to pick it up for personal reference.

» Houston, we have a negative on that orbit trajectory.

» So, I was a music major in college, at The Ohio State University. Most of the music classes are held in Hughes Hall; a rather old building that’s falling apart & has no soundproofing – but is chock full of character. The Columbus Dispatch did a feature on the old Hughes High (as we used to call the School of Music), & included a video slideshow of the sounds of the building. It’s really amazing, & features my former trombone professor – ah, nostalgia. How I miss trombone studio.

» I won’t lie – I’m excited about the Dorian Gray movie. I think it looks incredible, creepy, & amazing, & I’m excited they found a role for cutie Prince Caspian. Personally, I’m way more interested in this than the Alice in Wonderland movie.

» From Zen Habits: Omit Needless Things. So true! So timely! I’ve started putting this into action both in my work & personal lives – I went through so much needless STUFF in my desk drawer, & I can honestly tell you I feel fabulous for it.

» My latest song obession: Good Day by Jewel. The album version is even more fantastic, but do check out the video below! :)

As a blogger, I read a lot of blogs. A friend of mine mentioned that I check out more blogs than anyone else he’d ever met, but I personally found that a bit off. Some are posted over on the right, which usually means I check it daily, but others I only check every once in a while. Here are six of my favorites!!

Pioneer Woman: Many, many people read this blog, for two simple reasons. 1; ranch life is interesting & not something most people have experience with, & 2; it’s very, very pretty. She takes gorgeous photographs & truly invites the reader into her life, & has a great eye for style. She also writes well, which is something many bloggers don’t do.

John Scalzi: Here’s a confession for you: I’ve never read a single book by Mr Scalzi. Someday I might, but I’ve never really cared to read science fiction, a genre of which this Ohio author is one of the biggies. But his mix of personal life, publishing biz, & incredibly intelligent comments on the world in general keep me coming back for me. Very often, he just says what needs to be said – from teen fiction to Michael Jackson to gay marriage. I first found his wildly popular blog thanks to his visit to the creation museum, which is a fabulous collection of posts.

Zen Habits: Leo Babauta, the creator of this fabulous blog, has already reached what I strive for: living a simple, stream-lined life. But unlike so much other advice that isn’t really conducive to living in the 21st century, he bases his advice in reality. I don’t know that I’ll ever attain his level of enlightenment, but it’s a fantastic goal in which to aim.

A Field Journal: I just discovered this fun little blog, home to a crafty designer who also loves bits of the past. The pinks & 18th century aesthetic appeal to that girly-girl inside me, & I eagerly look forward to digging into the archives!

Snailbird: I found Nikki Jeske through LJ several years ago, & I just love what she’s doing at her blog. She’s so honest & open, & her designs always make me smile. She’s unbelievably passionate about everything around her & it just leaks right into you. I look forward to meeting her someday!

Project Rungay: I’m proud to say that I’ve been reading Tom & Lorenzo rip into Project Runway since the very beginning – they began their blog due to a love of Season Three contestant Laura Bennett, who is my favorite designer from that season as well. I just discovered PR during its third season, so it’s no surprise that I found them at the same time. Now, they rip into all things fashion, & I daresay they’re at least partially responsible for my love of fashion.

What about you? What are your favorite blogs? Post ‘em in the comments!! :)

» I love watermelon. & they’re finally in season. I have one in my fridge that I’ve been noshing on; earlier in the week, I picked up a bunch of fruit. Needless to say, I’m rather happy to have nectarines, blueberries, & watermelon at my fingertips.

» via Happy News: Green Day pours some love into what is now an almost quaint idea – creating a concept album.

» Invading the Vintage is a hilarious set over on Flickr: aliens are invading your postcards!

» Science has officially discovered aromatherapy. *shakes head*

» The sun is out, let’s go exploring!

» DIY Headboard ideas – easy & cheap!

» Jonas Peterson does amazing wedding photography. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like it! Plus, how gorgeous is Sweden? I’ve often said that if I had to leave the US, I’d head there.

» Speaking of photography, Foto Decadent over @ LiveJournal has a fabulous post of Lorenzo Agius’ photography, starting with everyone’s favorite silly photo of Ewan McGregor & Jude Law.

“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” Oprah Winfrey

» The importance of consistency, as illustrated through logo design. It’s been making the rounds lately, but it’s rather poignant (even if it is, as some have said, not entirely accurate).

» What do you get when you combine Joss Whedon’s Serenity with Muppets? Why, Seremuppety, of course! Someone spent a lot of time creating this bit of hilarity!

» Newsweek has a rather interesting article about Gen Yers lovin’ the Polaroid – I can honestly say I’m very sad I’ll never have a box of Polaroids laying about. I had wanted one for awhile, & when I finally found one – they announced they were stopping production on the film. Such is life, I suppose.

» The world record for most balloons set off at one time was broken in France – it makes for a really spectacular video.

With all the signs up for back to school, it’s easy to believe that summer is just about over – but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Here in the Midwest, August often brings some of our hottest weather, & won’t end until we finally hit October. Summer always brings to mind running around the countryside with the windows rolled down, amazing sing-a-long music blasting from the radio. My mom kept me fed on a steady diet of oldies from the 50s & 60s growing up, & I think I’ll always pair that music with summer.

Entertainment Weekly has a countdown of the 100 Greatest Summer Songs, so I pulled some from there, tossed in some of my personal favorites, & made a playlist to get you through the last hot days of summer. Enjoy!

At the beginning of June, I posted a big list of 100 (mostly) free things you could do this summer. It’s winding down somewhat, & I’m curious: did anyone out there do any of these things? Did they inspire you to have a fabulous summer? These are some of the highlights of my life the past few weeks:

» Had a fabulous dinner with an out-of-town friend (we met halfway)
» Took several amazing bike rides
» Spent the ‘Fourth playing tennis & badminton with family
» Re-started my photography hobby
» Started doing something I never thought I would: reading non-fiction!
» Re-learned to play Magic: The Gathering
» Learned to prepare & eat several new vegetables
» Went on several roadtrips just to enjoy the scenery
» Began making multicolored bead necklaces
» Celebrated a 30th Wedding Anniversary with good company & good food

Summer greatness to come includes the county fair, spending Labor Day weekend playing board games, & continuing all the things I’ve started. I’ve loved this summer so far, & there’s still more to come! What have you been up to? What’s to come for you? Share with the group! :)

» Classic GIF returned: check out the amazing ball machine! Try to follow one of the balls as it tossed around – it’s really so unbeliveably cool.

» Cake Wrecks – a hilarious blog chock full of cake disasters. Too bad icing tubes don’t come with spell check!

» You should be following John Green on Twitter. He’s the amazing author of Looking for Alaska (& other fabulous teen books), & is an all-around fantastic person. :)

» He followed me home; can I keep him?

» What would Dumbledore do? is a rather fabulous collection of thoughts in honor of everyone’s favorite headmaster.

» Where does the money go? Personally, I’m shocked that the average American still spends money on tobacco products, & rather appalled that it’s twice what they spend on reading materials.

It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of someone elses life with perfection. from the Bhagavad Gita

» I discovered the Redwall series in sixth grade & read what was available over & over again. They’re chock full of these amazing (& sometimes silly) songs – which they’ve recorded & are now available on CD!! I cannot wait to hear them!

» Body + Soul is always chock full of fabulous things: all those yummy melons are ripe & ready, so they’ve put together a slideshow of melon recipes, and they’ve also put together a collection of ideas of how to turn your day at the beach into a day at the spa. How fun!

» If you didn’t watch that wedding entrance that I twittered about last week, you’ve got to watch it now. It’s so sweet & fun, & guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

» Leo Babauto wrote an article entitled Simplicity Redefined. I know that I, in this time of unknowns, am prone to trying to force the future, so this was an especially great article for me.

» Cidercupcakes posted the first round of the Home Team Matches; see if you can actually choose between Zoe Washburne & Elizabeth Swann; CJ Cregg & Temperance Brennen; Alanna of Tortall & Barbara Gordon. There are some hardcore choices – some break my little heart into pieces to think about!!

» Making chocolate chip pancakes – then eating them with lots of butter.

» The importance of vitamin D – educate yourself!

» Bubbles! Especially gigantic ones that explode in a fit of glee.

» Color photographs taken in 1909. How insane is that?!

» Antiques Roadshow has had their first $1 million find. Wish it’d been something I had!!

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” » Dr. Seuss

» itty bitty kitties. S’all I’m saying.

» Four easy & yummy (& healthy!) salad dressings to make yourself!

» Remember to breathe @ Zen Habits. (I totally did the desktop thing)

» the sun doesn’t shine as bright when you’re not around.

» Miscellanous fantastic things: Switching to soy milk, giant plates of fresh veggies, random pseudo-tennis without nets, “working” all day making plushies (for a program, I swear!), ice water, Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser, introducing someone you love to Hoops and Yoyo, Kiki’s Delivery Service, lots of new people checking out the blog (HI!!), spring weather in July. I ♥ this summer!!

» So – what’s been fantastic in your life this week? Share with the group! :)