Hi Gaia Gang! I’ve been delinquent in getting the next mission up because Mother Nature has not been cooperative with my video plans!  I shot some yesterday, but it was VERY windy and it made the audio kinda cruddy.  It’s more than me in my backyard, so I really do want you to see it.  Here is my question:

Do you,  a) want me to post the windy video and get this mission going? b) wait another day for better weather? c) skip the video this week and just give you the mission in writing?

 Let me know what you think!

Lee is doing multiple events in Chicago.  Help spread the word!

-Saturday Aug. 9th:  Lee will be in the gift shop at the famous Shedd Aquarium from Noon until 4pm!

-Sunday Aug. 10th: If you love trees, come meet Lee at the beautiful Morton Arboretum: Time TBA

-Monday Aug. 11th: Chicago Public Library-Budlong Woods Branch will host an evening with Lee.  Come here her speak and possible be on of 30 people to win a free, signed book!

Although direct action with “Gaia-powers” makes for fun fiction, in the real world we have to employ different powers to make a difference.  And you, my friends, have the power to make a difference! Blogger, “Treehugger,” requested a “doing mission” vs. an “observing mission.”  She’s smart, we can love Gaia all we want, but unless we DO something to help her…

View the video above and then use the links below to make your voice heard in Washington D.C.  The Mission Log offers a bit of guidance and a sample letter. 

• START HERE: Defenders of Wildlife have a nice letter-writing overview.  Scroll down for the links to find the name and address of your Congressman/woman, Senator and the President of the United States.
• World Wildlife Fund: U.S. laws can reach around the globe!
• National Resources Defense Council: They lobby Congress to protect the earth, air and water.  See how many issues they are working on. Maybe one of them is your issue!
• Sierra Club: Like NRDC, they talk to Congress about laws that you may care about.  There is a great list.  Also, if you join, (I’m a member) you get a nice backpack and a great magazine!
• Oceana: They are fans of Gaia Girls Way of Water and do a lot of work to protect the oceans.
• Humane Society of the United States: HSUS seeks to help and protect those with no voice.
• Rainforest Action Network-Kids: Click Kid’s Action, and then play some games when your done!

Grist Magazine recommends 15 green beach reads and Gaia Girls Way of Water is one of them!   Lee was tickled to find her book directly below “The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw,” by Bruce Barcott–she is currently reading it!

I went to hang laundry and was inspired to send you on a Gaia Mission involving spiders! Their webs are incredible creations. A web is made of silk that is strong, yet flexible. Mankind has yet to create a fiber as strong (in relation to its weight) as a spider’s web! Please don’t touch the spiders or their webs; just observe and record.Be sure to download the Mission Log for your directions. Click the word, “More” below to watch the video of my mission-inspiring trip to the clothesline! (more…)

Lee and her veggie-oil powered VW Beetle will be at the South Wedge Farmer’s Market THIS Thursday afternoon! If you’re in the area, spread the word!

Gaia Breathes! I know this because I’m writing book 3! Watch the video and be sure to download the Mission Log for directions and your chart. There is an advanced version of this mission. It is much more complicated, but if you would like to try it, download the Advanced Mission Log. (They both print 2 blank pages. Sorry about that; but you could use the extra pages to draw the things you find!)

 Congrats to “hawaiiangaiagirl!” She is the Gaia Girl of the week! Last week it was “Juliet!” If you are not receiving the emails, scroll down to the Introduction to Summer of Gaia and you will see a sign up box for the email.

Hi Gaia-folk!  I’m travelling at the moment (in Massachusetts) and will not be putting up Mission #3 until mid-day, Sunday.

That means, you can still post your results for Mission #2 all day Saturday!  Check your email and/or the blog around 4pm on Sunday for Mission #3!  Can’t wait to read ‘em all - Lee

Explore the soundscape! You may want a partner for this mission; Lee explains in the video above. There are a lot of ways to describe sound. For example: “chiki bee bee bee” (chicadee) Do your best-there’s no such things as the ‘correct spelling!’ It is important that YOU remember the sound when you read the words and are able to recognize it again.Be sure to download and print the Mission Log pages for this week. Oh, and right after Lee mentions the sound of her dog, watch the background, you can see her boxer, Peanut, plunk down in the grass for a nap!

I like what I’m reading so far!  For those of you new to blogging: first you must be signed up on this blog. When you log in, click “View site” at the very top. Under the post called “Mission #1″ click the word “Comments” below  and scroll down.  Your very first post will say, “Awaiting moderation“  I have to approve your very first post. After that, you can post all you want on any part of the Gaia Girls Blog!  I know it tough to wait to see your words go up on the site, but we do this to keep any bullies and rude folk from spoiling our fun!

The Mission Log you printed out is for your use.  It will help you remember what you saw.  You’ve got until Saturday morning to get your post in!  I will be reading them all Saturday afternoon. Sunday, I will put up the next mission and name the first Gaia Girl or Gaia Guy of the week!