I haven’t been posting this column with regularity recently. To say that work is overwhelming would be an understandment. So, now and then, I take a little break from whatever I can and just relax. But, I’m here today!

I got a second wind this weekend baking cookies with my sister, nephew and their neighbor, Kayla.  I’ll do a second post later of pictures with cookies and baking, sipping and chatting!

Just as much fun in sharing are two new blogs. I’ve considered creating a separate blog to give voice to more personal thoughts, but nah… I don’t think I’ll be opening up that much online. When a separate interest is strong enough, a second blog can be a great thing. Such is the case with both Zetta and Tarie who have doubled their efootprint. Zetta has been blogging at Fledgling: the sky’s the limit and with the upcoming release of Wish After Midnight, she’s devoted an entire blog to updates about tour dates (hopefully!!), signings and readings. Tarie’s Into the Wardrobe is a blog about literature for the young and young at heart.  Her second blog, Asia in the Heart focuses specifically on Asian literature with posts on new releases, author and illustrator interviews, poetry and other news of note about Asian children’s and YA lit. I find her blog to be a valuable resource in keeping me informed about materials that often fly under the radar in the US.

I really enjoyed reading Paper Tigers December focus on Religious Diversity in relation to end of the year celebrations. The way Christmas is celebrated grew out of midwinter celebrations of light, bringing light into the darkest part of the year. And, many other cultures have celebrations to bring in the light. PaperTiger features personal memories, reading lists and artwork.

I’m back this year ringing my virtual bell for the Salvation Army. I’ve got my own little kettle going and hope some of you will donate. I’m currently 125.00 away from my 150.00 goal. While it seems like a long way, several 5.00 donations can get it done! Donations can be targeted to local Army chapters so that people in your community or in places like Toledo, Detroit, Gary or other struggling cities can get much needed love during the holidays. So please, Donate to my kettle!

Something  well worth a read as you begin to formulate New Year’s Resolutions is this piece on what the experts don’t eat. I don’t think we Americans pay nearly enough attention to what we put into our food, and into our bodies.

2010. A decade into the 21st century. As all the Lists of the Decade come out, it will be interesting to see what makes the best books lists, and what doesn’t.  Have a happy week!