Ah, the end of the first week of school for many human kiddos...and the end of a busy work week for me. I hope that the new school year is fun and productive for all the  students, and their wonderful teachers! Without our teachers (who sacrifice a lot) we'd be a lot worse off with a society that's much farther behind. Teachers are the ones that inspire us to go out and do great things. My teacher, Mr. McPhrogg, encouraged me to be a writer, even though Land of Lily Pad had never had an author before. He told me to go for my dream and that the first frog author might as well be me! So began my writing career, but it wouldn't have happened if a teacher didn't inspire and encourage me. So here's a great big thank you to all our teachers. 
I don't have much to say, today, but I am going to leave you with this fabulous quote: "A teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom, but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind."...Khalil Gibran
See you all Monday!(Learn something wonderful this weekend.)

I think it's safe to say that everyone enjoys being surrounded by beauty. Whether it's art, or nature, or reading something inspiring...beauty makes us feel good. Beauty makes the world a nicer place to be and lifts us up out of the ordinary and the hum-drum. Beauty is something that everyone can experience...rich or poor, black or white (or green), young or old. What's great is that beauty is different to each us. Like the old adage, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." It's the same for beauty. It truly is in the eyes of the beholder. I had a thought this morning that I would like to share with you: If we see the (inner) beauty in everyone we meet, we will never find ourselves in an unpleasant place. And doesn't that sound lovely? So the next time you're on the bus, stuck in traffice, or just waiting patiently at an airport, look around and see the beauty of every person you gaze at; maybe it'll be the way they interact with their kids, or the way they carry themselves with pride and dignity. Maybe it'll be their choice of reading material..or just the demeanor on their face. Whatever it is, just notice and admire it.  You will be amazed at how much nicer these situations become.

The Dharma Frog recently said, "Kissing the frog to get a prince, is a waste of a perfectly good frog." And I couldn't agree more, but I asked him what was the deeper message here. He explained it something like this; be thankful for what you have and don't wish it was something more. This is sound advice. So how does this all relate to writing my books, you ask... Good question. I could wish to be a J.K. Rowling or a Kermit the Frog, with all their fame and fortune. And, I must admit, there are days when I kinda do wish I had all that. But, realistically, I am Irwin. I write fun and educational books for kids, and although I'll probably never be hugely successful, win prizes for my writing, or get my own TV show, I am happy with the work that I produce. And that's good enough for me.

"Happiness held is the seed. Happiness shared is the flower." An unknown, but wise human said that. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be kind and generous to others, after you receive some good news? It's true for everyone. When we are happy, we automatically want to spread that happiness. Rarely will you ever find someone who wants to keep that feeling a big, deep, dark secret. Why is that? I think it's because happiness is something that needs, instictively, to be spread. It's contagious and we just can't help wanting to spread that happiness to others. And that's a good thing. Writing is one of the things that makes me happy...or hoppy, in frog-speak. I write the books and I hope to share that joy and knowledge when others when they read them! It's that simple. Every author has their own reason for writing but, to my way of thinking, writing is a joy...and a gift...that the every author should want to share with his audience. If writing isn't joyful, why do it? I hope you'll read something uplifting today and, perhaps, share those words...or the inspiration behind them...with someone you care about. Or maybe share them with a total stranger, making their day a little happier and more meaningful, too. The world needs more joy and it starts with you!

Technically, fall is still a month away but the froglets are getting ready for school, everyone seems a little busier and, it seems, a bit more concerned with getting back to work...things that usually mean fall is here. I'm working more these days, too, and spending less time hanging out with friends and family at the swamp. But that doesn't mean that the fun has to stop altogether; it just means that life will now have a more even balance between work and play. 
I'm having some difficulties with my illustrator and, apparently, he doesn't want to work although he has accepted some money for the job....for the second time! Live and learn. What can I say...I like to believe in humans. Once burned, ouch that's hot; but twice burned, I haven't learned my lesson. I am hopeful that my next artist has a little more work ethic. Enjoy your Monday, everyone, and don't forget to save a little time for play!

Today's frog is the Argentine Horned Frog aka, Ornate Horned Frog. I think they're pretty awesome-looking. They love to eat...all kinds of things; actually, anything that'll fit into their enormous mouth. Because of this, they have been nicknamed the Pacman Toad. They range from 4 to 5 1/2 inches in length and can even be as wide as they are long! These brightly-colored beauties can be found in the grasslands of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. I'm glad that I don't have to share the bugs in my swamp with this guy...I'd probably be a lot thinner than I am now, that's for sure!
I wish you all a super-fun weekend.

Each Thursday, I try to write about something that will give you a thought, or idea, to ponder. Today, I am going to write a little about traveling. Most of you know that I love to travel and have written a couple of books about my adventures. Travel, for me, is much more than just siteseeing. That's fun, for sure, but I most like learning about the people, history, and customs of the places that I visit. Learning about new countries is exciting...even if I've never visited them. For example, I am learning a lot these days about Finland. Yep,Finland. It's not a country that most humans give much thought to, but it's a pretty remarkable place. Did you know that Finland ranks number 2 on the world's Greater Good list? That means that the Finnish people have loads of humanity, as well as compassion for the planet.  Way to go, Finland! And Finland's moor frogs are on the "least threatened" list, probably because the Finnish people take care of their land and water. I think international travel should be mandatory. The more you see of the world, the more you realize that we are more alike than we are different. Travel unites us. I will close with this thought, "You develop a sympathy for all human beings when you travel a lot."...Shakuntata Devi.

Life is good, even when it isn't. To truly appreciate this, all one has to do is think about the alternative. I'm grateful for the little things in my life and, as I get a older, I realize that those little things aren't really so little: the vastness of the sky, the twinkling of the stars, and the coolness of the water in my small swamp. I'm a pretty lucky frog. I have the ability to write and to communicate with humans...and those are no small gifts. And they're one's I don't take lightly. That is why I try to put something positive into everything I write and into everything I post. There is enough negativity out there without my adding to it. So, today, I ask that try being grateful for the small, and the big things, in your life. You'll be a happier, calmer person, and that happiness and calmness will spread without us even trying.
(My swamp) "Gratitude turns what we hacve into enough." ...author unknown

For those of you who are big fans of old movie westerns, this tidbit of information might interest you. John Wayne is quoted as saying, "I've loved reading all my life."
Who knew? I sure didn't. Which brings me to today's blog subject: Reading to kids.
According to the good folks at RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) infants of just a month months "can look at pictures on the pages of a book, listen to your voice, and point to objects on the page." Human kids are so amazing! They go on to say, "Reading books aloud to children, stimulates their imagination and expands their view of the world." With so many greats books out there, written by wonderful authors (like me!) there are books on every subject, for every age, and for every level of reading. So why not pick up a book today and read to your child. They'll be happy you did...and so will YOU!
Now, it's time for me to get hoppin' and continue work on my latest book. I know you and your chidren will love it!