The Velvet Chamber

Since we were all little girls, we've been told the same fairy tales over and over. The one thing that stays the same from one story to the next is that the boy always gets the girl. The girl is always in need of being rescued, and there is always an evil woman behind the scenes creating problems for the hero. And over the centuries, these tales have been told and retold. But what are the origins of these stories, and is it possible that they were created by men to keep their women in line?

At a site I've been reading for some time now, the fairy tale is taking on a whole new image. The site is called The Velvet Chamber and it's dedicated to showing the female's side of life. Not the cowering princess waiting for her prince to come and save her, but the princess who's tired of living in a tower and takes matters into her own hands. The stories in this site show that the woman portrayed as being an evil step-mother is actually a tormented woman who's taking control of her own life.

This site gives women a chance to view the literary world through new eyes. Women from history, characters from many of the classics, and tales that come down from time forgotten. This can all be found within the posts and pages of The Velvet Chamber. I highly recommend reading the story "I am Snow White" by site admin LA Slugocki. It's a new spin on an old tale and one that actually makes some sort of sense. But more than that, it's a hell of a story. It's hard to find parts 5 and 6, but just go to the May 2010 archives and you'll find the title in the list.

I've never considered myself a feminist, but I'm not the kind of woman who expects a man to do all the "manly" work while I spend my time puttering around the house. I can shoot a gun, I love archery, and I've never been one to mince my words. That's why I totally dig this site and think that any woman who's tired of hearing that the only way to happily ever after is after the man wins needs to visit this site.

A Bit O Sunshine

I'd like to introduce you all to your very own Bit O' Sunshine. Okay, it's really the dream-span of a wonderful woman by the name of Ruthi Cox, but she really does put the shine in sunshine. Ruthi runs a site called A Bit O Sunshine, but that's really just the beginning. She's created an entire world around this bright idea and is expanding all the time.

I had the pleasure of first meeting Ruthi over at Gather.com where she runs a poetry group by the aforementioned name. Then, as I was out looking for some trouble to get into, I found her again on a site called SideTick. And once again, there was that sunny little smile looking out at the world.

Well, earlier this evening, I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Gather as a writer and author. And there in the background was that bright little friend of mine. I knew she had quite an empire going on around the Internet, but as I began digging, I found more than even I could imagine.

Here's all the different places I've found my little redheaded friend:

1.) A Bit O Sunshine--
This is where Ruthi girl does most of her basic blogging, from what I can tell. Here she posts her latest picture poems, which are absolutely gorgeous. She gives tidbits of news items and even puts up a little personal stuff here and there.

2.) Abitosunshine Love and Writing--
This is where Ruthi posts all her poetry. This woman is in my top ten coolest people list for one reason, and one reason only. She digs rhyming poetry. And in my world, that makes her a goddess. LOL

3.) Ruthi Reads--
This is a cool site where Miss Ruthi reads and reviews books. Many of her books are from authors who are looking to get their latest titles noticed. The best part about this site is that she tells it like it is. All her reviews are honest and she states right up front that she takes no moneys from the reviews she gives. However, she's not above receiving a signed copy of your latest title.

4.) Abitosunshine Hosting and Designs--
I have to admit that this one took me by surprise. This is Ruthi's very own hosting and designing company. Not only is she a talented poetess, she can help you put together a website, make it all pretty, and host it for you. She also has other options for things she can do to add a bit o sunshine to your day and your world.

5.) Abitosunshine CafePress--
And what great Internet empire would be complete with a gift shop on the ground floor? Yep, you guessed it. Miss Ruthi has an entire line of sunny items in her CafePress shop. From totes to greeting cards to wall plaques. Now that's the way to spread the sunshine around.

I have to admit that I'm in awe of my little writing friend. She's not only fond of rhyming poetry, she's taking to new heights and taking over the world. And the best part is that she's invited everyone to come along for the ride. So come kids, let's all go get ourselves A Bit O Sunshine.

(I was not paid to do this review. In fact, Ruthi Cox has no idea that this post is being done and won't have until it's posted and I send her an email that says so).

Friday Follow Parties All Over

Well, I went and found another Friday Follow group. But this time I found it on a site all its own. That's right boys and girls, I'd like to introduce you to Friday-Follow.com. How cool is that. A whole site dedicated to helping mommy bloggers (and daddys too), and anyone else who wants to play along (and play nice), find other like-minded sites.

I really enjoyed being part of the original Friday Follow, and I loved the follow me thing from Trendy Treehouse. The problem was that the code that TT uses to show off all the other cool bloggers out there really messed with my site and I had to take it down. I did leave her link though, she deserves that much. I felt bad because of the other, but I had to do what was best for my site.

But, that's not to say you can't go check out her Friday Follow as well. Who knows, you might find that her code doesn't do a thing to your site and you can meet all kinds of cool people.

So, why do the Friday Follow you might ask??? Easy! It's to help you find bloggers and sites that match with your life skills, and will get you seen as well. Though this is a great way for crafters/sellers/giveaway dealers to network, it's also a great way to get your other talents seen too. For example, I'm a writer. This is a great way for me to get my writing seen by the masses, but I don't really push it on the mommy blogger crowd. I don't know why, I just don't. I'm kinda silly that way.

Anyway, if you've got a product you'd like to get seen, check out some of the sites associated with the many Friday Follow parties. There are more than one out there, so check them all out. Bridge over at The Groschen Goblins has a whole bunch of buttons that lead to several Friday Follow parties. Run over there and check them out. You might end up with more followers than you could ever imagine.

One rule of thumb I'd like to put out there, if you do get in on any of these follow me parties and people come along and follow you, follow them back. It's not required but it's just good manners. And besides, you can't expect them to hang out at your site if you're not willing to hang out at theirs. :)

Okay kids, that's it for today. Have fun with the parties and as they'll be saying for the rest of the day, Happy Friday!!!!!!!