ABC Wednesday--H is for...Win Neko Case's muscle car

How cool is that?!

We've seen Neko Case perform several times and she's an amazingly talented musician.   She used to bar tend at The Hideout, back in the day, and she's still not to big n famous to help out a bunch of kids!   That's impressive.
This is my final post about this awesome raffle to Help 826national fund it's free tutoring and writing workshops for kids ages 7-high school.   I don't want to decrease my own chances of winning Neko Case's 67 Cougar, and all the other cool stuff, too much :).  


However, these guys are worth it, so I do want to spread the word and get this great organization as much moolah and recognition as they deserve. 


I've taught workshops for them (for free) and both of my kids have taken numerous great, creative writing classes through 826CHI (also for free).   They have inspired so many kids to love writing and I'd love to see them expand and continue the amazingly cool stuff they do.

Give em' a Holler on the phone if you'd like to Help out.   Then click below for more alphabetical fun from around the world.

ABC Wednesday--G is for...

Going outta business!   I have to admit to a little twinge of schadenfreude about Borders bankruptcy and store closings, since the book big boys did the same thing to all the cool, funky little neighborhood book stores back in the day.   Mostly it's just scary and sad to see that even the big behemoths can't stay afloat these days.   


It's a tough time to be a book store, between the internet undercutting brick and mortar overhead, e-readers, and competition from other mediums.   That's one reason ChiIL Mama is happy to do what we can with book reviews and give aways.   We love to introduce our readers to some of our favorite books for kids and adults.
  
Sure, we have 3 computers, but our family LOVES books.   We have bookshelves in almost every room of our home and there are still piles of beloved books avalanching over in the corners and on furniture.   As much as I do read and write on line, nothing will ever replace the printed word for cuddling up with by a roaring fire, or reading bedtime stories to the kids.





We swung by one doomed Borders to grab a few birthday prezzys, lap desks and of course books.    I asked the cashier if the powers that be had told them anything about a closing date, or if they were just stringing everyone along.  She said, "No.   Stringing us along, but it's all good.   That just gives me more time to job hunt.   And it could be worse.   I could be dying of cancer."   On that somberoptimistic note, I smiled sympathetically and took my 40% off booty home.   Borders, we're sad to see you go.  


Check out more G musings from around the world by clicking below.  Thankfully ABC Wednesday is cool with late entries, as this has been one jam packed week!   We've been posting ABC Wednesday entries for 33 weeks and have become quite fond of this site.   

ABC Wednesday--B is for......

Broken ankle??!!   Fingers crossed this gymnastics injury is just a sprain.   Spent the morning at the pediatrician, mid day at Children's hospital getting x-rays, and now we're heading back to the doc to see if the photos have arrived yet, to be read.   At least we made it 7 months x-ray free.




Ahhhh.......the downside of high impact sports.


Click below for more ABC Wednesday fun from around the world.

ABC Wednesday--A is for......

Z is for zoom lens--my 50mm Canon lens, actually.   It wasn't thousands of dollars, but it gets the job done in low light, no flash, band situations.

I'm going to borrow an idea from another ABC Wednesday player.   A is for "Actually a late Z".   I posted devoutly for 25 weeks worth of letters then cheezed the big rock finish.   I need closure.


Up until yesterday, all of our band interviews have been adult bands with musicians who are parents, bands playing hybrid tours with kids' shows in the day and 21+ shows at night, or bands playing for kids.   


Last night we had the great pleasure of catching three amazing bands full of talented musicians who ARE kids--ranging from 13-16 years old!    These kids are getting gigs and rockin' out.    We'll have features full of exclusive video interviews, live footage, and stills with Purple Apple, The Blisters and When Flying Feels Like Falling posted soon.


There's something comforting about the ending being the beginning, like the Oroboros snake endlessly eating it's tail.   Things are picking waaaaay up with the bands, so I wasn't going to play again right away.   But I've become fond of ABC Wednesday and the fun people I've met and places I've traveled to vicariously.   So, it looks like I'm sucked in again.   So here's to new beginnings.


A is for... 


Amplified


When Flying Feels Like Falling

The Blisters

Accomplished


The Blisters and a friend sitting in













Purple Apple
  


Active

Purple Apple

When Flying Feels Like Falling

Artistic

The Blisters

Purple Apple


Amazing

Purple Apple


Click below to travel through the alphabet and around the world....or link up and play along.