ALL THE LINKS!

I promise I'm not trying to internet yell at you. I'm just excited about Fridays (hooray!) and links! The internet is this wonderful Alice-in-Wonderland type hole and I get sucked into it more often than I'd like to admit!

Here are some links to help you along your rabbit hole journey!

I'm not really a cat person (I know, a card-carrying, cardigan-wearing librarian who doesn't like cats?! Outrageous!), but this little feline friend definitely made me smile:

This little guy lets nothing stand in his way--especially not that hair dryer! From the video's description, "This is our five month old cat Oskar. He was born with no formed eyeballs and hence he cannot see at all! His blindness does not hold him back at all -- he can do pretty much everything that our 'normal' cat Klaus can do." #Adorable #SometimesISayHashtagInRealLifeConversationsAndIKnowItIsLame #IEmbraceIt

StoryPeople artwork by Brian Andreas has absolutely captured my heart! There's at least one StoryPeople piece that fits everyone I know.  I first discovered it while in college--Brian Andreas' studio was in Decorah, IA (though he now works out of California) and I remember strolling downtown, turning just off Water Street, and being captivated by the displays.  The vibrant colors and shapes are great, but the truth in the words is what usually connects most with me! I love seeing their Story of the Day on their Facebook page! (P.S. They totally aren't paying me anything to include them in this post--I'm just super-enthusiastic about their work!)

I adore my smart phone. It keeps me from getting lost (most of the time...at least when I pay attention to the directions it gives me; sometimes I say "Oh, this road will be a shortcut." Here's a hint: with me it's never a shortcut). It keeps me connected with the people I love, but how often does it get in the way? 

I'm trying to do a better job of putting my phone away and being present when I'm in social situations, or not-so-social situations, but it can be a challenge (especially for someone like myself who is curious and loves looking up things that randomly pop into my head). How have you kept a balance between technology and living in the present?

This mom and artist discusses sharing and creating art with her four-year-old daughter. The shared sketchbook art is absolutely captivating, and the message is heartwarming too! There's nothing like the imagination of a child to help us remember the wonder of the world!


This song has been stuck in my head basically all summer...and this version: love!

This man reflects on his failed marriage in the caption of his Facebook photo. He says things like "Never stop courting. Never stop dating. NEVER EVER take that woman for granted." and "FALL IN LOVE OVER and OVER and OVER again." While I agree with several of the points he makes, it is also important to remember that both partners have these responsibilities.  What I think he's saying, without coming right out and saying it, is the most important aspects of any relationship come down to respect, communication, honesty, and responsibility. At least that's my take on it--What stands out to you?


Along a similar message, but perhaps even better articulated, is this article, A Daddy’s Letter to His Little Girl (About Her Future Husband).  "Little One, it is not, has never been, and never will be your job to 'keep him interested.' Little One, your only task is to know deeply in your soul—in that unshakable place that isn't rattled by rejection and loss and ego—that you are worthy of interest." How do you (plan to) communicate with your children that they already deserve an amazing partner who loves them for them (without having to turn into twerking Miley)?


Not to beat a dead horse, but I really appreciate Eric Clapp's post, How to Talk With Your Sons About Robin Thicke, because, when it really comes down to it, Miley is young and young people sometimes make bad decisions, but there are some people old enough to have better judgement about ways they act and portray interactions--particularly those involving skewed power dynamics. This, of course is all just my opinion. What do you think about the song (and video for) Blurred Lines and the way women are portrayed?


And, just because it is Friday, here is a spinning seal gif (which I found through Swiss Miss).