Inspirational Saturday

The weather is sticky and hot, and I sit baking away in my un-airconditioned apartment in Philadelphia. Today, I am posting two stories (submitted by Sally T., San Francisco, CA):

A heartwarming tale about a father's gift to his daughter on her high school graduation:

And Maurice Sendak, in all his glory, in his interview with Fresh Air on May 8, 2012:

And with that, I send refreshing air your way, wherever you are. 

Cheers to a happy Saturday,

Anna 

Buzzfeed does it again.

In a world that continues to struggle with homophobia and anti-gay sentiment, when people still post horrifically closed minded and offensive views on a happy Oreo ad, celebrating pride:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-krafts-gay-pride-oreo-draws-20000-comments-some-flak-20120627,0,490983.story

When a teen lesbian couple was found attacked in Texas, one of them killed, and the other in serious condition in a nearby hospital: 

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-texas-lesbians-shot-20120626,0,5851118.story

Buzzfeed still manages to instill hope: 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/the-most-inspiring-gay-pride-pictures

The world still has a lot of growing to do, but this selection of photos fills my heart with so much warmth and happiness. 

Thank you. 

Cheers,

Anna 

Capturing Philadelphia.

Inspiring for the beautiful articulation of what it's like to be young and living in West Philly. Inspiring also in the beauty it captures of Philadelphia as a city, its imperfections contributing to its authentic character. Also inspiring because it is written by a fabulous writer, who also happens to be a dear friend of mine from Haverford. This piece will likely be one of countless future ones. Please read: http://therumpus.net/2012/06/the-last-city-i-loved-philadephia/

Cheers,
Anna

Thank you, buzz feed...

For more inspiration:  http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

Inspirational Tuesday...

http://www.scribd.com/doc/92082253/Vogue-Up-Front-with-Jessica-Posner-of-Shining-Hope-for-Communities#fullscreen

A story about a young woman who dreamt to create a school for girls in Kenya, that could provide not only a promise of education, but access to improved healthcare, clean water, and a way to "fundamentally change the way people would value girls and women" (p. 4).

Submitted by Lauren, NYC, who has worked at Chapin School in Manhattan, the school mentioned in the article that partners with this project. Very cool!

Happy Father's Day, everyone :)

In honor of this day: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/438/fathers-day-2011

And, a much-delayed inspirational campaign provided by Lauren, NYC: http://vimeo.com/41060431

And, finally a fifth grader with a powerful message: 

Cheers till next time :)