La Pájaro: Puts the Bird in Birdie

10-second BlogMe for BlogHer!

Whether or not you're attending the BlogHer conference in Chicago next week, you're invited to participate in "blogme2007." Simply introduce yourself in 10 seconds. You can read about it and find the instructions at BlogHer.

Me:

I love my African Grey parrot, Ramses. My home is always a disaster zone thanks to my two boys, ages 12 and 10. My favorite hobbies are hula-hooping, dancing, singing, and writing. I used to sell Avon until a few months ago, and now I'm writing, eBaying Western junk and books, and preparing to teach middle school-aged kids in the fall.

I love margaritas and getting caught in the rain, and yes. I am into disco. Sorry. I have a major herbal tea obsession. I am half deaf in my left ear and partially deaf in my right ear (I have NEVER mentioned this in my writing until this moment) thanks to a stupid genetic defect and say "What? What? What?" all the time.

Words in a Row: New Writing Lessons with yours truly

BlogHer has asked me to start a weekly How to Write series.  My introduction - including the series schedule through July - is now online:

Words in a Row: Write with Birdie

I'm excited about this project, and hope that some of you sign up for a free account at BlogHer so that you can join the discussion and post your own writing selections "after class." (Men are welcome at BlogHer!)

Two for the price of one!

Two articles by moi:

Nature and Nurture: Tappin' to the Oldies
I blogged that I was taking tap lessons some time ago, but never did tell you what happened and whether I danced in that recital. Now. How much will ya give me to post that sorry video to YouTube?!

Today is Internet Radio Day of Silence
My Grampa taught me to love radio. So turn it off today to honor him!

My son, 12, leaves tomorrow for his Outward Bound experience. I'm in the middle of finishing up what needs to be done - I still need to buy him a disposable camera and get batteries for the flashlight. I am still way behind on email, please please forgive me. I think about each of you, and feel rotten that I've gotten into this flat-lined mess. Please bear with me! Thanks, thanks, thanks, many juicy kisses from me to you!

I'm speaking at BlogHer '07!

I will be on "The Art of Storytelling" panel!

Anyone going?

Bullies offline and online - an ongoing discussion at BlogHer.org

Cyber bullies have been making the news lately. The amazing women at BlogHer.org have begun a series of discussions on civility and decency in blogging and on the internet. I've added my own little story of the time I could have stepped up against bullies... and did not to the ongoing series of articles. Please read and join the discussion!

Interview with an alternative energy expert

I interviewed a Solar Energy professional for my Blogher.org series on Governor Bill Richardson.

Enjoy!

Birdie gets political

I'm starting a new weekly column at BlogHer.org where I will feature interviews and stories from the people of New Mexico about our governor, Bill Richardson, and his presidential campaign.

The people of my beloved state have much to say!

Anyone want to try their hand at the art widget and make a graphic to go with my interviews and stories?

Year of Yes

I wrote an essay for BlogHer.org. I posted it today.

I want you to know why I wrote this, the people in my heart as I plowed aching fingers across cold keyboard, as I tried to explain my 2006 life. Argh! Some things are difficult to say! I want you to know how much I have tried and how many stupid mistakes I've made, how many times I've failed, failed, failed, double dog failed. Yet how I know that the sum of this year = something quite amazing in ways intangible, in ways completely not solid. And even in saying that, I want to say how much I intend to be better, stronger, more centered and able this next year.

I wrote this for Carroll, who held my hand with deep love through too many traumas.

I wrote this for Louise, who made me laugh when I needed it most.

I wrote this for J.K. who has continued to tell me I'm a writer.

I wrote this for Matt, who never let me be anyone but myself.

I wrote this for Rick, who gave me friendship without expectation.

I wrote this for Bonnie, who let me tell her my crazy ideas.

I wrote this for Jack, who sends me the best kind of encouragement when I need it most.

I wrote this for Stever, who has been my dear friend over many years, before Avon, when I was somehow closer to my true path.

I wrote this for Patia, who tells me exactly what she thinks about what I write.

I wrote this for Cindy, who listened to me bitch about the unfairness of life.

I wrote this for Mike Firesmith, who always tells me to keep my pen on the page.

I wrote this for Jonah, who helped me (and he doesn't know it) find my spiritual center and practice of prayer this year.

I wrote this for Jedd and John and Meg and Terri and Barbie and Stephanie and Karen and Christine and Lloyd and Shell and Phil and Didi and everyone, hell, everyone, who has ever been a friend online and in real life.

I love you all.

And I'm so glad for your love and friendship, even in a year fraught with some kind of strange peril, with all my crazy mistakes. Thanks for everything.

New essay at BlogHer

I've posted a new personal essay at BlogHer.org. The topic is menstruation.