Newness

I've always been very PC when it comes to what I put out onto the internet. And that has led me to one strongly held belief: I am bland--at least on the internet. Personality lobotomy.

Well today I am joining the two halves of my brain back together. No more well buttoned-up, toned down Gretchen. To follow a wise sage's advice it's time to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.

Yes, I just quoted Mrs. Frizzle, because she is awesome and I would take her class any day of the week.

I'll still probably go on being my happy charming self, but things are going to be different, because well I'm tired of not saying my opinion from fear of backlash. It's always said that you have to be careful what you say, so as not to insult a future employer.

To this I say: if you can't take a valid critique get out of this industry. Get out of the arts in general. Art will be critiqued and not everyone will like the shiny objects I create.

This change happens to coincide with a new project I'm doing with my friend Hannah over at (wineandmarble.com) She's awesome and I am very lucky to have met her. It's been through her blog that I've noticed, I've been too safe.

Too guarded.

I have opinions darn it. And a point of view and this point of view and these opinions are going to be aired starting today. I'm not going to stay quiet anymore because I am afraid that someone someday might be offended by what I write or how I think.

You don't have to agree with me. In fact, let's discuss. Let's engage. Let's wrestle with ideas that scare and frighten us. To quote another wise woman: You're not even required to like it. You are required to consider it.

Mona Lisa Smile--everyone check it out. Fantastic movie.

I'm going to start ripping open some subjects that I think the YA community should start looking at. I'll be looking at subjects, I'm looking at. Things that interest me. Things that give me passion.  Things that make me irate. Things that make me feel, because at the end of the day art that doesn't move you in some way has failed.

Welcome to the new La-LA Land, people. It'll probably be a bumpy ride and there will most definitely be some touchy subjects and posts that will be *trigger warned* in the future.  

There'll be feminism and discussions about disability, writing, vlogging, and job hunting. Also probably a healthy dose of me talking about my travels around and out of La-LA Land. Fashion and television. And of course fairytales--for which I have a passion.

Opinions start today. Hope to see you around the blogosphere. If you want, check me out over at: The YA Wallpaper. I'll be vlogging there once a week starting April 14 about YA and feminism, but I'll tell you more about that later. (but go ahead, click through, subscribe and watch us tackle books head on.)