Little Free Libraries

Wee little libraries such as this one above are being shared across the country as part of a new build-a-small-library-on-your-front-lawn movement. It first started as a way for one Wisconsin man to honor his late mother, who had been a teacher and book lover in life. The basic concept is take a book (it's free!) and leave a book (pay it forward). Now how lovely is that? 

{Photos via here}

"Good luck with your boobs"

This good luck card from Egg Press is pure genius. It's a great way to offer support to a friend who's battling or has battled breast cancer. Or any woman for that matter (Egg Press lists ten occasions in which to give this card: one of them involves a European beach vacation. Hilarious!). 10% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. A fitting way to observe breast cancer awareness month this October, methinks. 

{Image via Egg Press}

Japan

Like the world over, I am deeply shocked and devastated by the recent events in Japan. It's beyond all comprehension. What I am able to understand, though, is this inherent instinct to do something, to give back, to make a difference. If you too are feeling this spirit of generosity and happen to love books, why not make a donation of $25 or more to the American Red Cross via Writers for the Red Cross? Not only does it afford you the opportunity to help a fellow human in need, but you also receive a free book in the process. Win-win, I say. To make a donation, click here.

Earth Day 2010

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. After perusing their website, I'm already feeling inspired to do more to make our planet a healthy and happy place in which to live. For ways to get involved, click here. Happy Earth Day, everyone!

{Image via earthday.org}

Chile aid relief

Another devastating earthquake, another tragic loss of life. And yet, it's also another opportunity to do some good for another human being. Once again, you can donate money to relief efforts for Chile via text message. Click here for more information.

With all these recent earthquakes occurring around the world, I can't help but wonder when the next big one will hit California. I know it sounds morbid, but it's something all Californians should think about and prepare themselves for. It's tragedies like this that make me realize how blessed I am to be healthy and alive. And it's truly a reminder of the brevity and fragility of life.

It takes but a moment....

My heart goes out to the people of Haiti. Catastrophes such as this just boggle my mind. You can help in the relief effort by texting the phrase “Haiti” to the number 90999, which will donate $10 to the Red Cross. That amount will ultimately be charged to your cellphone bill. I just did it and you can, too. Learn more here.